Chapter 3
I survived the plane ride with hourly bathroom breaks that lasted twenty minutes and many tearful encouragements to myself in that small mirror. I could do it, I did it - I was emotionally exhausted. I had waited huddled into an uncomfortable plastic chair waiting for my father. He had been late - he'd probably forgotten, because really Forks was too small to have any serious criminal troubles other than a wild animal attack.
But he looked different when he did show up, he looked older, wiser and more depressed then I last remembered. My mother had really broken his heart for her own selfish reasons. We hugged, greeted each other shyly - that was 15 minutes ago. It was awkward between us, the growing silence that was only filled in with our breathing and the gentle rumbling of the cruiser. I could tell he was uncomfortable, his eyes kept darting towards my stomach. I bet he was wondering who the father was, what happened. Maybe I could tell him? Would he believe me, or act like Renee? Could I take that chance?
"So..." I guess we'll see.
"I'm pregnant." I was tired and I didn't wanted to dance around the subject.
"Yes, Bells, I can see that." he gave an awkward chuckle. I grinned. He was so awkward, it was adorable - seriously, I bet he had girls falling at his feet, now if only he would ask one out. I'd rather think about his relationship prospects and happiness, then concentrate on my own. It was just easier. I smoothed a hand across my stomach.
"Do you know what it is?" he said. I shook my head.
"Whose the father?" I cast my gaze out the window and away from him. I didn't want to think about him - I could feel the shiver of fear crawling its way up my spine, at the simple image. If I continue thinking about, I think about that night, I'd think about everything he did to me - I didn't want to think.
"Can we not talk about it?" I whispered. He was quite a moment and I could feel the heat of his gaze. I could see the clogs in his head already turning.
"Okay." He hummed a little lullaby, one he used to sing to me when I visited as a child. I smiled. I had always made me feel safe and several thousand miles away, with my father for the first time in months I felt safe.
"So, I registered you at Forks High, you start on Monday." I swallowed thickly at the thought of school. I hadn't gone to school in months - claimed it on my pregnancy as an excuse not to go. But it wasn't really, I could have if I could handle it. But no one knew, I wasn't ready to talk - no one knew the real reason for me not going.
"Okay." I said yes. I had a few days to talk myself into handling it, I just hope that teenagers grew some respect and common sense. I didn't want people close. But the uncomfortable feeling that brewed in my stomach told me otherwise.