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Bella Pov

I wish I could regret the move from the big city of Seattle to shabby Forks. Moving from an upstanding college in Seattle to Forks's 1990's decorated community college. From working in a local coffee shop to a bar favored by travelers and bikers.

The move to Forks didn't just allow me to make ends meet but, Forks brought local Police Sheriff, Charlie Swan… my father along too.

The last time I saw my dad was when I was 8 years old. Clinging to his leg in some terminal in Seattle airport, begging him not to let me go with Renee. But alas, the judges had decided as a young girl I needed my mum.

A mum whom suffered from bipolar. A mum who was on top of the world one minute and down in the dumps the next. A mum who'd fall in love as easily as breathing with the wrong man. A mum who left me in a hotel in Chicago when I was 16 with $50 to make it through the night.

A hotel which luckily led me to Edward but, still a hotel.

So when I stepped my first foot into Forks just under 4 months ago, I was bombarded with well-wishes otherwise known as nosy people who wanted to know my story.

Because there had to be a story right? A 20 year old girl with a baby moving to Forks? Scandalous.

One trip to the grocery story, one look at my credit card, one word Swan; meant that night at 9pm, Police Chief Charlie Swan was knocking on my door.

Flashback

Who knocks on a person's door at 9pm? I don't care if their friendly new neighbors, I have baby that needs sleep.

But what greeted me behind that door was no friendly neighbor but, more of a ghost.

"Isa…abella. Bella. Oh my god. Bells, my baby. What? Bells". And ironically I found myself in the vice grip hold of another man whom had to leave my live.

A man who for the first time ever, shred tears onto my neck.

But more than anything a man who had always been number one man in my life.

A man who fought to keep me.

A man who I couldn't track down.

A man who I wouldn't allow to let me go again.

"Daddy."

"My god Isabella. How did you get here? How did you find me? What are you doing here?" Charlie rushed out all at once.

And at that point, Hope Cullen drama queen number 2 after Edward chose that moment to make herself known, with a beautiful wail.

Yep. Charlie crocked an eyebrow and his mustache twitched. The detective in him was on high alert.

"Bella…."

"Dad…."

And that's how the story minus anything about Edward unfolded to Charlie.

"Bella, come live with me. Save yourself some money. I have plenty of room. I'm never in. Sure the place could do with updating. But hey, do what you want. You're old room is still fine, the same in fact."

"Daaaaad. I'm okay, I'm doing fine." I whispered. I didn't want to just barrage into Charlie's life. A life that was obviously treating him fine.

So instead we made agreement. Monday Wednesday and Sundays nights were daughter and granddaughter nights; with the secound Saturday of each month also belonging to Charlie.

Present day

So that how at 8am I found myself having breakfast at Charlie's arguing about my current dismissal financial situation.

"I spoke to Mrs. Lily at the diner the other day." Charlie stated.

"Mmmm…"

"Seems she's worried about you."

I sighed I was not in the mood. I had no sleep after yesterday's shift and yeah I was worried too Charlie.

"Mmmm…"

"Bella. You paid you rent late again? Marco tells me you're late to shifts and you look like death half the time?"

"Mmmm…." I don't know what he wants me to say. I just continue staring at Hope as she innocently sleeps. I swear she is a vampire.

"You dare say 'Mmmm…' one more time. How bad is it? How long has it been bad?"

"Dad its fine. So I'm struggling abit and I'm bit tired. It's okay. I'll survive, it's what us Swans do right?" I laugh trying to calm his worries.

Oh no. I shouldn't of laughed. This is bad. Shit, I could never bullshit Charlie.

"Oh Bells, that bad? Darling, move in with me. I know what you're going to say but I respected your wishes for a few months but, you don't need to struggle or work yourself to ill health. Move in, free rent. Free babysitting too eh? Hopes loves her time with Pappy. Do it for Hope if for anything?"

Low blow using Hope, Christ Charlie most be desperate, is it really that bad?

So I've only been having two meals a day.

So Hope and I have to bathe together.

So I couldn't afford to use the bus sometimes, but exercise is good.

So I've had to start taking vitamins and iron to keep going.

Shit. SHIT. When did it get so bad?

So on the 12th of July 2013 I admitted defeat and moved back into my childhood home.

It was 11am and our new room was already set up apart from personal items. Charlie had the 'boys' on the job. The boys were supplied by Charlies longest friend Billy, hand picked from La Push to pack up my stuff from apartment, under the direction of Sue. Ah, Sue Clearwater, widower of Harry Clearwater for 5 years and secret girlfriend of Charlie but, I didn't know this. Nope.

So I had an hour to unpack some of Hope's and my personal stuff as Sue Clearwater prepared a celebration lunch for all that helped. It's crazy seeing all your life packed neatly up into 4 boxes.

Hope lay happily on the bed trying to catch her own feet so the first task was to hide the Rolex. Or sell it.

The watch had to be worth at least $20,000 more likely $40,000. The things I could do for Hope with $20,000 but, at the same time it didn't feel like it belonged to me anymore. It belong to Hope. Therefore the Rolex was now stuffed in a box under the 7th floorboard to the left.

Hope suddenly gurgled as if agreeing with my decision.

"You might need the money on day, hmmmm honey. You planning on traveling around Europe? Or to buy your first car? Because I swear you're never going to struggle to survive baby. Never."

Amongst my ramblings there was a knock at the door. Shit. Spinning on my heal I was greeted by one of the La Push children. Daisy I think her name was.

"Mummy saided you need to com and eat foodies with us." She giggled and I giggled back. I imagined Hope that age, dressed like a princess and stumbling over her worlds.

And so I found myself sat outside at 12:30pm precisely eating a damn good salad with a 13 year old Seth Clearwater staring at my boob as I fed Hope.

"You know the baby, do they not just like normal milk." Seth tried to whisper.

"Yes and some babies have normal milk but some think this way is healthier."

"Does it make them less fat? Cause I was a fat baby mum said so."

I quirk an eyebrow. Habit from Charlie. This kid was hilarious, in a cute way.

"Nope. It's just what babies do."

"Mum gave me normal milk. I better not end up fat again."

I couldn't hold it this, time I chuckled. Attracting the attention of people passing through the kitchen.

And then there was suddenly a throat clearing behind me.

Cannot be Charlie. He freaks out at the view of my boob.

"Leave the lady alone Seth, get going. I think your mum wants your help dishing out ice-cream."

Ah I knew that voice. Jacob Black.

Childhood best friend.

Sue's current favorite person to talk about to me. He's a really nice man you know.

"Is ice-cream made out of milk, Bella?" Seth whispers. Ignoring Jacob.

"Yeah. But it's ice-cream so it doesn't count." I say as Seth runs off and Jacob takes a seat.

He's checked out my boobs too. Does no-one breastfeed down La Push. Jeez.

"Charlie's glad you've moved in. Ecstatic even." He states.

"Mmmm…"

"Also tells me you need a break, we've having a bonfire down La Push this Monday. Come to it. Loads are going, should be fun. I'll pick you up?"

Bloody Sue. This has Sue written all over it. In the last 4 months I've gotten to know this people too well and I also know Jacob won't take no for answer.

So as people start leave and head home. I arrange for Jacob to pick me up on Monday at 7pm. Sharp.

11pm was way passed my bedtime so as I retired to bed Charlie reminds me of why he's the greatest dad I could ask for.

"Bells, hold up."

I pause in the entrance to the living room where Charlie is currently catching up on football.

"I know you didn't want to move in with your old man. You're as stubborn as me but I think you know it's the best thing to do too."

"Yeah dad. I just didn't want to be weak and give up without trying."

"Darling you could never be weak. Look at you working, studying and being an A+ mum to Hope. You're the farthest thing from weak. You've doing a better job than me or your mum did. I'm proud of you. So proud. Also, I have some news for you. I was talking to some people today, and it seems the high school needs a new secretary, the jobs yours if you want it. I mean you've just finished a year studying child development. They think you'd be great. You could quit your job at Macros and spend the summer with Hope before the job begins."

I didn't know what to say. I mean what could I say apart from thanks.

"Dad thanks. You know I love you right?"

Not one for getting soppy. Charlie spoke the words, I hadn't heard from my mum ever, "I love you too, kiddo."

And as I plodded on upstairs, I felt like there was hope after all.

Side note - Is there any Jacob Black fans out there?

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