Ch 3 Muggy Starts
I stared at myself in the mirror, feeling the heat from the outside seep through and warm up my room. I combed my now long hair and sighed. A new change.
"Bella!" Renee called. I knew that meant I was late and she was hurrying me.
"Coming, mom," I answered back, walking towards my window. My mom was laughing as her boyfriend, Phil, hugged her from behind, whispering into her ear. After we left Forks, Renee had immediately placed me into high school as a sophomore here in Phoenix. I talked to her many times while we were here that I wanted to go visit Forks, that I missed everyone but every time she would try to lightly brush it off and change the subject. Finally when I was sixteen she had talked to me about what really happened in Forks.
She told me that she did love my father and he loved her but they weren't seeing eye to eye anymore. She told me they rushed into marriage and they had to grow up very quickly, not being able to enjoy their kid years. When I asked her if I was the one at fault for knocking on the door at the wrong moment in their lives, she got offended and immediately dismissed that idea. She said although I wasn't planned I was the best gift and decision she'd made in her life.
"Having you Bella was the best part of my life. My marriage with your father might've not worked out not because of lack of love but because lack of timing. When you're older you'll understand that sometimes love isn't enough, it isn't the time to be enough. You have to live and get older to see what's true and what you want. I didn't want to leave you with Charlie because I couldn't stand the thought of being away from you, I was always the one who made decisions for you, I was scared if I left you with Charlie to make his own decisions for you for once it wouldn't be nice. What kind of mother would I be?"
That night, I told her I understood and I didn't hold any grudge against her but that I wanted to go back to Charlie. When she finally agreed to let me go, she found out that Charlie had gone into a deep depression since our departure and had become an alcoholic and was now recently getting better. Renee refused to put me in that environment and didn't allow me to go.
She dated very scarcely which I was grateful for, not being able to handle a parade of men walking into my house—I'd find that disturbing actually. When one day we went to a baseball game Renee won tickets for, she'd spilt soda all over the guy sitting next to us—Phil. She apologized so many times and like in the movies it was a love story. I was happy that she found love and it was with a great guy like Phil, I liked him. He treated my mom like a princess.
I took one last look at my room and headed down stairs with a duffle bag in my hands. I went outside and placed it in the car. "Ready to go, Bella?" Phil asked, smiling half-heartedly. I nodded.
Due to certain things in my life—I told Renee I needed to get away from Phoenix. I was finally able to convince her that Charlie was better and that I wanted to spend the summer with him before I had to go to college—since I hadn't seen him since I was fourteen. Charlie was ecstatic and sounded like he was counting down the days.
We drove off to the airport where Phil and Renee stayed with me until I had to go inside the terminal. Renee got all hazy-eyed, covering her mouth with her hand. She cradled my face in between her hands and smiled.
"I love you, Bella. Be safe and behave with Charlie. Have fun, sweetheart. Call me when you get there."
"I will, mom. I love you too. I'm going to miss you." She kissed my forehead and smiled.
"I'll miss you too, baby."
Phil came up to me and nuggied my head as I laughed. "See you later, buddy."
"See ya, Phil."
My mom opened her mouth as if to say something, stopping for half a second. "Mom, please remember. Zip it. No one can know." She nodded sternly, sadness and guilt passing through her eyes and I felt bad, reminding her.
"I know, Bella. I know. I'm sorr—" I put up a hand and smiled.
"It's okay mom, I know. It happened and it doesn't matter. I'm going away and that's what's important. A new life—a fresh one." I repeated her words she spoke to me when we left Forks many years ago and she nodded.
"Now boarding passengers for the flight for Forks, Washington," The loudspeakers boomed and I knew I had to leave. I gave a kiss to my mom and boarded the plane, leaving behind the horrible memories of this place.
I sat down in the plane and closed my eyes. Throughout the years I kept some type of contact with Alice. Sophomore year she had told me about a new guy she'd met but she didn't get into too much detail, after that school got in the way and we barely spoke. Maybe I should've contacted her, I thought. No, she's probably in her college city dream getting ready to dorm. Alice always wanted to move away and this was the summer after senior year, she would definitely not be in Forks anymore, so why bother? I was soon unconscious before the plane took off, feeling the slight sway of it.
A living room was clear, and I heard a couple of yells. I ran out chasing the girl's yelp to see if I could help. When I was there I saw a girl crying, she was balled up, with her knees against her forehead, sobbing. I walked over quietly and touched her shoulder lightly making her flinch, but otherwise she remained unmoving.
"Why are you crying?" I asked but the girl just kept on crying louder. "Why are you crying?" Her head snapped up and I stumbled backwards as I stared at a version of me—the girl—with her tears running down her face.
"Because I couldn't save myself."
I woke up gasping for air and I turned to see the passenger next to me was leaning away and looking at me as if I needed help. I shook my head, trying to remove any horrible dreams that made way into my mind. My dreams were usually a little more than what actually happened but I think it's what could've happened that my dreams represent. The hostess came with a cup of water—handing it to me and I thanked her, grabbing it with a shaky hand.
Come on, relax, you're okay. You're safe now. I was able to get my nerves under control and settled down, awake for the rest of the drive.
I was walking slowly out of the terminal, into the airport looking for Charlie, but then I realized I don't really know what he looks like. I hadn't seen him in five years—hopefully he didn't change. My eyes scanned the area and they finally landed on a tall man. It was Charlie. It had to be it looked just like him. His physical features were almost the same, maybe a little wider. His brown eyes seemed to be holding hope, the only thing different was he now had a mustache. He was wearing a grey shirt with a flannel on top and a pair of rugged jeans. He smiled brightly when he noticed me and I felt emotions flooding in my stomach.
I dropped my bag and raced over to him, throwing my arms around him. "Dad," I breathed.
"Bells," His voice sounded deeper too. "How are you, kiddo?"
"I'm all right dad, how are you?" He smiled and like when I was younger, he mussed my hair.
"I'm a lot better. I'm happy you're here."
I took in a deep breath, smiling a genuine smile. "So am I." He grabbed my suitcases in his hands and led the way out.
"Let's go," I followed him out and welcomed the slight mug and humid air into my hair and skin. Is it weird to say this feels great? I feel happy and free?
We were on our way back home and my happiness seemed to be growing. "You've grown up, Bells." He commented, his eyes on the road and I blushed slightly at his comment.
"Thanks, dad."
It was quiet for a few more moments before he spoke again. "I have a surprise for you."
My eyebrow furrowed. "A surprise?" He nodded. "What is it?" He laughed and I couldn't help but smile at my father.
"If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise."
I shrugged. "I'm not a big fan of them, anyways."
He traced his mustache with his thumb. "I have a feeling you'll like this one." He didn't say much after that and I knew he wasn't going to spill, so I didn't press it.
He made a right turn and the house that I hadn't seen in a while appeared in my vision now. It was exactly the way we left it; it was white and simple with a cute little green door. I jumped out of the car, rushing to help Charlie but he was already opening the door of the house with the suitcases. He gestured me over.
"Come on!" I walked in feeling at ease; I looked to the right and imagined a little version of myself running through the living room, giggling with Charlie chasing after me while Renee laughed by the stairway. Then I recalled the first day of high school experience and I sighed. Such a long time ago. "This is it," He sounded a little embarrassed as he showed me the house. "I didn't know how to decorate it, I don't have a woman's mind…" he trailed off and I placed my hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry dad, it's fine. I'll help you change it if you'd like." He smiled in agreement.
"That'd be nice, Bells." I looked around and saw nothing like a gift or box he'd give to me as a surprise. My eyebrows scrunched together.
"Where's the surprise, dad?" I asked, walking around my old room. He rubbed the back of his neck before looking at his watch and giving one stern nod.
"It should be here in about ten seconds."
My head cocked to the side. "Be here?"
And just like he said there was a knock on the door. He led me downstairs giving me a small smile before opening the door. My jaw dropped as I gaped at the beautiful person that stared at me. She ran into my house and jumped on me, wrapping her little arms and legs around my waist.
"Bella!" She screamed into my ear, making me flinch, but I immediately hugged her tightly getting ready to cry of happiness. She unwrapped herself bouncing in place up and down, with a face splitting, award winning smile.
"Alice!" I squealed clapping my own hands. Charlie chuckled and excused himself into the kitchen.
"Oh my gosh, Bella, I can't believe it. You're here! You're really here!" She shouted, screaming in happiness. "I've missed you more than anything, Bella." She moved me to arms-length and eyed me up and down as I blushed slightly. "Jesus Christ, you've gotten gorgeous. You look great. I'm loving the highlights." She winked and I laughed.
"You look amazing, Al." Alice had definitely grown up. She was maybe an inch or two taller from when I last saw her. She was still quite fair and thin but she'd filled out, she was proportionate with her body frame, but it was enough to catch a guy's attention. Most of all I noticed that her beautiful long black hair was gone! It was now cropped very short, in a pixie like fashion that framed her face. A hairstyle like that was very difficult to pull off but somehow she'd managed to pull it off and make it look amazing for a nineteen year old girl. "I'm liking the new do." I winked, mimicking her and she threw her head back and laughed.
"I got tired of the long locks, they're such a hassle." She ran her fingers through her short locks. "You have to come home to see Esme and Carlisle."
I smiled at the fond memory of the blonde doctor and caramel haired architect couple that were very much in love. Like my parents. I pushed those thoughts away, not allowing them to invade my mind.
"I would love to, I've missed them. How are they?"
"They're good, still being parents, you know. How's Renee?" I looked up at the stairs to make sure Charlie wasn't nearby.
"She's good, she has a boyfriend." Her eyes widened in surprise.
"Really?" I nodded.
"Yep, his name's Phil." My eyes flashed back to the stairs and I saw my dad appear at the top. "I'll tell you later." She understood what I meant and nodded before skipping over to Charlie.
"Hey, Charlie," She sang and he rolled his eyes, laughing.
"Oh no, what happened Alice?" She batted her eyes and rocked on the balls of her feet, pouting, giving him the 'Alice puppy dog face.'
"Well, I've missed Bella a lot a lot. And I was wondering if she could come over later on." Charlie's eyebrows rose.
"You have to ask your parents first." She laughed.
"I already did! They'd love to see Bella." Charlie 'harrumphed' thinking to himself.
"Can she go tomorrow?" Alice's smile faltered a little. "I haven't seen her in so long. I wanna take her out for dinner. She must be tired and hungry and I don't know how to cook." He looked down shyly muttering the last bit and I smiled.
Alice sighed but nodded. "All right, all right, Charlie. But can I please take her tomorrow all day?"
He laughed. "Sure thing."
She beamed and turned to look at me. "You, up at nine am. I'll be here at ten to pick you up." I laughed and kissed her head.
"Yeah yeah, bossy fairy, run along." She whined and complained, stomping her way out. When I turned back around Charlie had my sweatert in his hands for me to put on.
"I wasn't joking, Bells. Let's go eat, it's on me." He joked and we made our way to his favorite restaurant. I ordered a burger while Charlie ordered steak with mashed potatoes—apparently his favorite dish. Take note, so I can make this for him.
"So how was life in Phoenix, Bells?" He asked, sticking a fork full of mashed potatoes in his mouth. I physically froze and I knew he noticed because he stopped chewing and stared at me. I cleared my throat, throwing a French fry in my mouth.
"Good." Vague is good. The less he knows the better.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, just…tired I guess." He gave me a suspicious look before he resumed eating. "Crap, I forgot to call mom." I groaned. Knowing her, she's probably freaking out.
Charlie took out his cell phone and handed it to me. "Call her, she's probably freaking out."
I gave him a sad smile. "Thanks." I called her and she answered before the first ring even finished ringing. I picture her waiting around the table staring at her phone, waiting for it to ring while she bites the skin on her thumb.
"Isabella Marie Swan, do you know what time it is?" She answered making me sigh.
"Yes, mom. Sorry, Alice surprised me at dad's house and I got caught up. I'm calling now, I'm all right. I arrived fine and I'm okay at dads. How are you and Phil?" I saw Charlie wince slightly and I bit my tongue for forgetting he wasn't used to hearing conversations like this.
"I'm glad Bella. And we're fine; we were just worried, waiting for your phone call." I heard Phil's voice in the background.
"Hey, bud!" I laughed.
"Hey," I answered back trying to be considerate for my father.
"You saw Alice?" My mom asked surprised.
"Yeah,"
"I thought she was dorming?"
I shrugged. "I thought so too, I'm hanging out with her tomorrow."
"Okay, good. Tell her I said hello and wish her luck with college. And goodnight, honey."
"Goodnight, mom." I shut the small phone and passed it back to Charlie, who was staring at his food like it was the most interesting thing in the world.
"Your mom loves Phil?" He blurted and I squirmed in my seat, uncomfortable with the sudden topic. This wasn't a typical conversation starter and definitely not one a father and daughter should be having. "Sorry, didn't mean to ask that."
"It's okay, but I'd rather not answer and save you the pain." He nodded, glumly as he kept eating. Awkward much?
I changed into my pajamas and sat in my bed. Hopefully I can sleep now. I laid back and shut my eyes. I woke up the next morning feeling fine, I had no nightmares the night before which immediately had me in a good mood. I skipped off into the bathroom to freshen myself up getting ready for Alice. One thing about Alice is when she says she'll be here at a certain time—best believe she's going to be here at that time.
I looked over and saw the clock say nine fifteen. Well I still have forty-five minutes, might as well make breakfast. I noticed Charlie was still sleeping so I decided to surprise him by whipping up some eggs and bacon for him. About fifteen minutes later, I heard his heavy steps come down into the kitchen as he yawned, loudly.
"Mm," he sniffed appreciating the smells. "It smells delicious, Bells. What is it?" I placed the plate in his place and invited him over.
"Breakfast." He cracked a huge smile and I knew he really appreciated this. He dug in before his butt even touched the seat.
"Wow," He said with a full mouth. "This is absolutely delicious. You're a good cook."
"Thanks," I set some toast for myself and ate beside him. He tried the bacon but ended up burning his tongue.
"Ah, shit." He cursed, fanning his tongue causing me to laugh loudly, passing him a glass of water. He chugged it down with a few tears at the corners of his eyes when there was a knock on the door. I walked over to open it laughing the entire time. Alice stood there with a confused smile on her face and I invited her in.
"What's going on?"
"Dad burned his mouth."
"I didn't know it was so hot, sheesh." He countered back.
"It just came off the pan, what did you expect!" I laughed and he grumbled lowly.
"Let's go, chick." Alice snapped. "Go get your bag and we're out. I'll be waiting outside."
I nodded and raced, going upstairs.
Edward's POV
Emmett's house was definitely the one place where we did nothing and enjoyed it. Emmett was a good friend I'd met the end of sophomore year and actually stayed friends with until now. He was a big muscular man that would probably terrify you and most likely destroy you in a fight. He had dark brown curly hair with brown eyes and a goofy ass smile. He could be the most intimidating person in the world but honestly he was a big plush toy with feelings and a heart of gold.
He was lying down on the floor, pressing buttons on his game controller while I versed him from the couch when his phone rang. He cursed and patted the floor until he found the phone, sliding the answer button. He placed it to his ear, never once moving his attention from the game.
"Hello?" He buzzed. "Oh hey, Alice!" He said excited and I rolled my eyes. Emmett and Alice had become such good friends once they finally met each other. I was scared to introduce them to each other in fear that they might start a fling or relationship or something like that. I didn't want that, no way in hell—but when they did meet they ended up abusing each other like the best of friends.
"Why doesn't she call me?" I complained and I heard Emmett chuckle.
"She said because she doesn't like you very much." I yet again rolled my eyes.
"Tell me something new," I muttered and Emmett snickered.
"Uh huh," He said incoherently as he inched closer to the tv. "Yup, we'll buy that when we go. Mhm, no problem. Vanilla? Okay. Bye." He let the phone fall off his ear and went back to playing.
"What'd she want?"
"Uhm…" He trailed off. "She wants us to get an ice cream cake for some friend she has over."
"Why us?"
"She said she had no time and we're going that way anyways."
"I guess we're going to have to do that soon, we're leaving in a hour."
"Uh huh,"
"Be careful with the cake!" Emmett warned as we made our way into my parents' driveway. I threw him a glare and he shut up. He'd been yelling at me about this damn cake all the way here—I was going to hit him with the damn cake. This person better be pretty fucking special for Alice for her to let me tolerate Emmett for a whole half an hour.
My phone vibrated indicating I received a text.
Come over tomorrow?
Tanya
I grinned but decided that I wasn't sure if I wanted to see her yet.
Maybe
Edward
Emmett nudged me with his elbow and pointed to the phone. "Tanya?" I nodded and his eyebrow arched. "You got her wrapped around your finger, man."
I shrugged. What can I do?
"Let's go find out who this person is." I said, opening the door.
"Hopefully it's not her boyfriend."
I groaned. "I'll kill that little girl if it is."
When we rounded the corner Esme, Carlisle and Alice were all facing us talking to a girl animatedly. I stopped and stared at the girl from behind. She was average height, slim, but with a nice asset to her from the back, her hair was long and layered. She looked hot as hell from the back and I tried to recall meeting this girl but I don't recall Alice introducing her to me. Emmett was caught staring too, before Alice cleared her throat. Esme looked up at me and smiled.
"Edward, dear, come in." I walked over to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek and a hug to my father as did Emmett.
"Are you going to introduce us, Alice?" I emphasized the word 'introduce' hoping she'd understand the message. Alice shook her head smiling before the girl turned around and smiled.
"Isabella Swan, nice to meet your acquaintance," Her eyes glinted with humor and my eyes must've popped out of my head. "But I like Bella." Bella? As in Bella from four years ago? Bella, Alice's friend—Charlie Swan's daughter? The girl who cried not wanting to leave, that Bella? I eyed her up and down taking her fully in. She certainly got a little taller, her body filled out perfectly with the right amount of curves. Her once short hair was now long with very subtle highlights and layers. Her eyebrows were perfectly done and arched and her once translucent skin now had a light tint of color to it. Her face lost some of its babyness to it and now was well structured. Her warm chocolate eyes were emphasized by the mascara she had on and laughed along with her.
If Bella was once the girl you wouldn't look once at, now she was the girl couldn't look away from. Definitely an eye catcher. Emmett whistled.
"Damn girl!" He laughed. "Not gonna lie, you're a total hottie." She laughed lightly, thanking him. "So you're Bella," He teased, leaning his elbows against the counter.
"How'd you know?" He chuckled.
"Al here talked about you restlessly for years! I was wondering if I'd ever get to meet you."
"Bella, this is Emmett, he's a really good friend of Edward's and like part of the family." Carlisle introduced them and she shook his gigantic hand.
"Nice to meet you, Emmett."
"Nice to finally meet you as well, Bella!" Alice eyed the cake and snatched it from my hands.
"Oh goodie, you got it! And it's still cold, you guys are the best." She hopped up and kissed both our cheeks. She opened it, cutting a piece for everyone to eat while my eyes were still glued to Bella. I couldn't get over her transformation from when I last saw her. "Gawking isn't polite, Edward."
I pursed my lips but started to dig into the cake Alice served in front of me. "Did you recently arrive, Bella?" I asked, in an attempt to start a conversation.
She nodded, drinking some water. "Yes, I arrived yesterday. Alice surprised me and told me she'd come pick me up today." She smiled at Alice. One thing I wasn't sure about is why she would be here now? She left four years ago and never came back until now—obviously.
"What made you come here? Are you visiting?" She lowered her eyes to the cake in front of her, speaking to it.
"No, I'm here to stay with Charlie for the summer before I have to go away for college." That's right, Bella was Alice's age—she'd just start college this year.
Emmett's attention was obviously captivated. "Charlie's your dad?"
"Yep," She smiled, showing her affection for her father.
"What college are you going to?"
"Seattle University." Alice suddenly squealed, wrapping her tiny arms around Bella's neck causing a woosh of air to leave her body in surprise.
"You're going to be with all of us!" Bella managed to maneuver her way out of Alice's grasp and put a hand on her shoulder.
"I thought you were dorming away?" I chuckled.
"She was," Alice stuck her tongue out. "She didn't want to leave mom and dad or her boyfriend." I sang, teasingly.
Bella's POV
Alice was blushing scarlet red, fuming with Edward. "Shut up!" She huffed. "But yeah I wanted to be able to be a little closer to mom and dad." I remembered Edward was a year older than us, if he goes to the Seattle University, what is he doing here? I'm surprised he's not over there now.
"What college do you go to?" I asked him.
"For now I go to one of the community colleges around here, I want to wait until Alice goes to college so we could all go together."
"Aw, that's really sweet." He threw me a devilish grin and it made me smile back. Edward was literally gorgeous now. He was even taller now but wasn't as lanky anymore; he was a bit more toned out. His once slicked back hair now fell over his forehead in a mess and his voice had become softer but deeper. His eyes were still a brilliant green and he had a winning smile.
"Well we have to go," Emmett stretched his arms widely as he yawned. "We'll probably be back tomorrow." He gave Esme a kiss on the cheek and Carlisle a hug before walking out with Edward next to him
"See you, Bella." They waved as they shut the door. Alice put the dishes in the sink and grabbed my hand, pulling upstairs. She opened the door, revealing her huge bedroom. It was large and with different colors, illuminating the room. She had many pictures up and notebooks were scattered all over the room floor. I sat down on her bed and saw a picture of her and the back of a blonde kids head. I'm guessing that's the boyfriend.
She flung her shoes and hopped on the bed getting comfortable. "So Bella how was Phoenix? What'd you do there? How long did it take for you to accommodate?" This little girl just kept spitting questions out one after another.
I put up a hand in humor, cutting her off before she continued. "Whoa, whoa girl—slow down. One thing at a time." She zipped her lips. "It took me a couple of months to accommodate there or at least get used to it." I shrugged but started talking again when I saw her mouth open to say something. "I didn't do much, just went to school and then hung out with Renee."
"What about going out with friends?" I physically flinched and it definitely did not go by her. She eyed me closely, guarding my expression.
"I didn't have any friends really." I decided being truthful was the least Alice deserved. She covered her mouth with her hand, obviously surprised—I don't know why, she seemed so surprised, she knew from firsthand accounts that I was painfully shy.
She let out a breath. "What do you mean?" She asked.
"I was the new-comer in school and I never really became part of any 'clique' you can say. I lived a home and studious life."
"Typical, Bella."
Her momentarily gloominess was soon dismissed by her new questions. I answered them all—about Phil, about my high lights, about my grades and school and about my house. We were laughing and joking around when she asked the last question she'd saved.
"Any boyfriends, Bells?" I flinched and all laughter ceased. I didn't say anything; I just stared straight ahead, blinking. "Bella?" She asked, moving to sit on her knees, concern crossing her face.
"No." I shook my head but Alice knew I wasn't being honest.
"Bella what's wrong?" She asked, searching my face for any hidden answers.
"Nothing."
"Don't lie," She argued. "Why'd you get all serious when I asked you about boyfriends?"
I shook my head, trying to hold onto my sanity. "Did something happen?" She started to panic and I had to change the direction of the conversation and calm her down before she went into paranoia.
"Alice, I talked a lot about myself, tell me about your life." I suggested, trying to distract her, but she wasn't having it.
"No, you're hiding something." She placed her hand on top of mine as her intense green gaze held mine. "I'm your best friend, you can tell me anything." She whispered and I knew she was right. Even though I hadn't seen Alice in a while, I knew she was still the same girl I said goodbye to many years ago, I knew I could vent to her everything I had inside since the moment I'd moved and she would listen—absorbing everything I said to her. She was the girl I could count on for anything, no matter what. She was right.
I opened my mouth to start speaking, but something crossed my mind, halting my decision. Panic overtook me and I shook my head. No, I can't, not now at least—it's too early.
"Can we talk about this some other time?" She sighed but nodded.
"I'm here," She repeated and I nodded. I know, I thought. I looked over to see it was late, Charlie would want me home.
"I think I have to go home, Charlie's probably wondering what time I'll come back." I muttered.
"Can you come tomorrow? I want you to meet someone."
Esme and Carlisle are going to get sick of seeing me—I joked in my head, but it felt nice to know that I was always welcomed here and that things hadn't changed. It'd be great to hang around a friend for a while—especially since we're going to the same college together.
I smiled widely. "Sure thing,"
"I'll pick you up around noon." I nodded and we made our way downstairs, driving back to my house.
