These characters belong to Stephenie Meyer. I could definitely never dream up a world were vampires sparkle and werewolves have terribly long hair.

This, like all things written by me, are completely un-beta'd. All mistakes are mine.

I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 3:

The best part about Charlie, he doesn't hover.

He left me to sort through my measly belongings and put away the clothes I brought in the tiny walk-in closet that was once mine. There was no difference in the condition of the room since I left it. Papers lay on the ground from the fit I had thrown when Charlie had begged me to stay.

"I'm twenty-four, Charlie!" I screamed, slamming my hands down on the desk forcefully. Papers went flying around the room as my fathers eyes went wide. His begging increased in desperation, but I've heard this argument too many times before. I didn't want to hear any of it, I was done arguing. I love Jacob so much more than this man could seem to fathom. "Just because your marriage was a failure doesn't ensure that mine will end in the same sticky fate. Maybe if you weren't such a washout, mom would never have left you!' I had screamed at him, calling him so many awful names. 'I need to get out of Forks. You can't stop me." I shoved past him, making my grand exist as I slammed the front door.

The papers on the floor were a reminder of what I had tried so desperately to forget. I picked them up carefully, placing them in the desk drawer. I couldn't continue to look at them, although they couldn't just remain on the floor. I looked at the room, taking in the light blue walls and golden curtains. The pictures taped to the walls of various adventures and friends I'd made in high school. The bedspread was plain, dark blue, yet it looked so inviting. After the twenty-four hours that I've endured, I decided a deserved to call it a night at this ridiculously early time. My body sagged in agreement.

I lifted the blanket up as I slid between it and the sheet. No more than a few mere minutes after my head touched the pillow, I felt unconsciousness take me under, and I took my break from the harsh world. If only for a few hours.

ooooooooooooooooooooo-oooooooooo-ooooooooooooooo

Laughter was the first sound I heard as my body became more alert and aware of my surroundings. The sound was almost foreign to my ears, It had been too long since I've heard the joyous sound of happiness. I briefly wondered how long I'd been sleeping, but then pushed those thoughts away. It really didn't matter anyway, whatever time was wasted is time I can't get back no matter how it was spent. I almost laughed at my logic, deciding that I could also view my time with Jacob in the same way.

The smell of spaghetti seeped into my room and within minutes, my stomach was growling uncontrollably. I really don't remember when the last time I ate was, but I was still too nervous about going down and seeing the guests in Charlies' house. Forks is a small town, the moment one person knows that I'm back, everyone will be made aware of the fact.

Too soon, my stomach won the war that I was waging within myself. I changed into a pair of jeans and a cotton t-shirt so that I would at least look presentable.

As I descended the steps, my whole body went rigid. I recognized the hushed whispers in the kitchen and, more importantly, who those voices belonged to. I was again rethinking the decision of going downstairs, realizing the stakes have just gotten much higher.

Unfortunately, I delayed too long.

"Bells?" Charlie called from the kitchen. "Is that you, sweetie? You must be starving, come down and eat with us."

Us. The word became the focus point in my mind. Come down and eat with us. I took a deep breath, hoping this small action could help calm me. It didn't work.

God, I hope Charlie keeps his wine cabinet fully stocked.

"Bella?" It was a new voice; one I hadn't heard in almost two years. "You mean B-Bella, your daughter?" Her voice was nervous, although the pain that laced her words was also recognizable. I felt my chest tighten in it's own pain, having to remind myself that I was the cause of this.

I gave up everything for Jacob.

Including Alice.

My steps were short, but deliberate. I needed to see if our friendship was mendable. I needed to see just how bad I messed everything up with my careless decisions.

"You have a daughter?" It was a voice I didn't recognize, which made me pause yet again. It belonged to a man, though his voice was like honey. So sweet, so delectable.

"Yes, I do," Charlies voice was nervous. I was kinda offended that he'd never mentioned me to this stranger before, though I immediately dismissed these thoughts. What would he have said? That he was proud of me? The way I handled things when I left, I would have tried to forget about me, too.

Hell, I am me and I wish I could forget.

I've delayed too long again, so I decided to rip off the bandaid instead of playing with it. This was going to be a painful experience, regardless.

Her shock was evident on her face, but so was his appreciation. Two people stood in the room beside Charlie, Alice holding a pot of boiled pasta and the other man just staring with his mouth slack. It was obvious that he found me attractive, but I ignored him. I was done with men. Period. Instead, I stared at my former best friend, hoping that my face conveyed my regret and how very sorry I was for throwing away our friendship. It came second to my 'worst mistake ever' list; second to the way I acted to Charlie the day I left Forks behind. I would never be able to forgive myself for the way I acted back then. It was inexcusable.

Our eyes locked as we both sized each other up, trying to gauge the others reaction to this unexpected reunion. I wanted to ask what she was doing here, cooking dinner for my father for, but I decided that it no longer was my business since I left them all behind.

"Bella," she said. Her voice was like music and I missed the way it sounded. I missed our friendship so very much. "What an um... pleasant surprise." Her eyes flickered to Charlie. I knew her well enough to know that this surprise was not at all pleasant for her, which made me feel like shit. I kept having to remind myself that I was the one who forced us into this strange situation. I let out a deep breath, needing the mere seconds to focus my thoughts.

"Alice," I looked into her eyes and found her having a similar reaction to her name coming from my mouth as when mine came out of hers. "I never thought I'd see you again. You look great." That was a lie. Like Charlie, she had lost weight. Too much weight. She had always had a nice, slender frame, but now it almost seemed like her skin was stretching around her bone, without any meat there to cover her. I was afraid to touch her, afraid she'd break.

I was lying to myself though, I was afraid to touch her because I was afraid she'd disappear as soon as my touch made contact. Or even worse, she'd flinch away from it.

The only person in the room who seemed like they were in good health was Edward. His eyes were shinning brightly, a smirk was planted firmly on his face. He had a beautifully structured build with arms that hinted at many hours in the gym. I was almost positive that if I were to lift his shirt, I'd find at least a six pack lurking underneath. I looked away from his teasing glare and refocused on my former best friend. "Um, how have you been?" I asked, hoping to break the silence that was threatening to suffocate me.

Again, her eyes flickered to Charlie before she gave her response. I was curious about this interaction between the two of them, but I would keep my mouth closed for the time being. "Oh, you know," she said, failing miserably at her attempt to sound casual. "Hanging in there." I nodded my agreement.

"I know the feeling," I agreed. Dark humor replaced the grief and nervousness that clouded her features, thought it only lasted a few moments before she composed herself.

"I'm sure you do, Bella," her voice was taunting, calling me out for my years of fraud and lack of good judgement. I should be mad at her assumption that I don't understand the true definition of hardship, but I still felt numb due to the recent events in my life.

Instead, I grimaced. Her mouth lifted up in a winning smirk as she returned her attention to dinner. I chanced a glance at Edward and immediately wished I hadn't. He was staring at me, questions written clearly on his beautiful face. I couldn't stay here, not right now. I couldn't face Alices' accusing glares, or Edwards curious stares. I needed to get out of the house.

Fight or flight instinct took over as I grabbed my keys off the table and left without another word.

It was what I was good at, anyways. Leaving. I should have never come back.

Poor Bella. Do you think she deserves the way Alice is treating her?

And what's up with Alice & Charlie?

Sweet, beautiful, ignorant Edward. I wonder where he came from.

Reviews would make my LIFE, guys. (: I hope you enjoyed reading.

Until next time,

xxxx Stephanie