I'd like to start off by saying how sorry I am for the late update. I've had a lot of computer problems the past month, not to mentions I got sick the first week of winter break while I was trying to write it up. But excuses pretty much mean nothing to me, because either way the chapter is still late. Kinda disappointed in myself really, since I've already had a super long update wait when I'm only on chapter four. And I also apologize for any mistakes in grammar and what not.

This is definitely one of those chapters. The ones that, no matter how much time you spend on it, you really don't like how it sounds. I hope you guys aren't too disappointed with it. I might re-edit it sometime later, so opinions on this one will be really appreciated!

Chapter | Aberrations and Revelations | Four

Okay this was pointless, I thought to myself, scanning the bookshelves of Forks Memorial Library. Of course this small town wouldn't have books on my situation. Or anything similar for that matter. I didn't really expect it too; I just didn't want to go back to Charlie's. I knew I would start feeling depressed again if I did.

Looking at the clock, I let out a deep sigh. It was five-fifteen now and Charlie was bound to be home soon. I suppose I'll just have to rely on the internet for now, and try to hold myself back from busting the screen of the old computer because of how long it takes to load. At least until I can go somewhere with a better stocked library, that is. Maybe I can convince Charlie to let me drive to Seattle this weekend. There's bound to be something in a city as big as that.

Deciding it was time to get going, I slammed the leather-bound book I was currently skimming through shut. Dust flew out into my face, causing me to sneeze loudly. Not very many people must read in this section, I assumed, scrunching up my nose. I shoved the book back onto the poorly categorized shelf with a little more force than necessary and left the building.

On my way back to Charlie's I deliberately took the road Grams's house was on. Her green Grand Prix was gone, same as yesterday. I knew she must have left sometime in the past two days. There's no way she'd still be in Forks while I was laying somewhere in a hospital bed.

By the time I got back Charlie's police cruiser was parked in the driveway. He was on the phone when I stepped inside the house. I made my way past him and towards the stairs, intent on starting my homework, before he stopped me.

"Bella?"

I turned around. "Yeah?"

"Your mom's on the phone. She wants to talk to you."

I blinked, having not expected that. I was getting used to Bella only having a father around I completely forgot she had a mother.

Charlie was mildly frazzled as he pulled the phone away from his ears. "She isn't too happy right now," he said, handing me the phone apologetically.

Reluctantly, I took it. "Um, hi?"

"Bella!" a voice shrieked.

Cringing, I replied, "Yeah?"

"Bella, why haven't you messaged me back? I've been waiting all day for a reply! Is everything okay? Did you get settled in alright? Are you liking it there? How are you?" she let out in a breathless flurry.

A little overwhelmed, I pulled the phone away and sent pleading eyes to Charlie. He shook his head with a slightly frightened "don't look at me" face and ran into the living room. I sighed.

"I'm fine, everything is good. Don't worry," I said, the words feeling foreign to my mouth. I wasn't used to reassuring people, especially to my own mother.

I heard an exhaling sound from the receiver and hoped the woman had calmed down. "Why haven't you been checking your e-mail, Bella?" E-mail? I barely used my own e-mail. It never occurred to me Bella might have one. I mean, I couldn't use it either way, not without knowing the username and password.

"Oh, uh, I'm sorry. I guess it just slipped my mind."

"Mhmm," she sounded out disbelievingly. I suppose it was unusually for Bella to not be on top of stuff like this. Luckily, she let it slide and moved on. "How is everything going then, sweetie?"

I took a second to think about what to tell her. "Things are going good. I got settled in alright. Schools alright, too. I've made a few... friends."

"Meet any cute guys?" she joked.

I thought about it, realizing there was no one that specifically caught my interest. Other than the Cullen's, but they were in another category entirely. "A few, but no one really hit it off for me," I told her.

There was silence on the other line for a long moment. "Oh. Oh! You were actually being serious, weren't you?"

"Um, yes?" I said, confused by her reply. Did Bella not talk guys with her mom? I thought most teenage girls did? I moved on quickly, realizing I probably shouldn't have answered her question. "How have you been doing?"

"Everything is great!" she said excitedly, not catching on to the sudden change of subject. "I just finished packing all our stuff for Florida." Florida? Why was she going there? Did it have something to do with why Bella came to stay with her father? Before I could contemplate it further, Renee spoke up again. "Which reminds me, do you know what I did with my pink blouse? I can't seem to find it anywhere."

I furrowed my brow in confusion, wondering why she would expect her daughter to know where her shirt is when they are miles apart. "I have no idea."

"Really? Well, that's too bad. It's one of my best blouses."

We chatted for a few more minutes, well, she chatted, before some guy named Phil called her away from the phone for something. I assumed he was a boyfriend, maybe her husband now. I told her goodbye, sounding a little too relieved to get off the phone, but she didn't seem to notice.

Hanging the phone up, I thought about asking Charlie if I could drive to Seattle this weekend, but decided I'd wait to do it tomorrow. Instead I made my way upstairs, intent on doing my homework and getting some sleep.

The rest of the week went by in a blur. I'd wake up early, sit through my boring classes, and drive back to Charlie's where I would irritably wait for the computer to load so I could research. Then, after finding absolutely nothing, I would grudgingly do homework and small-talk with Charlie until dinner, were we'd usually order out or eat frozen meals. I'd finally go to bed, all the while hoping I don't have any more nightmares.

Repeat.

I was happy to finally see Friday. Homework got old very fast and I counted myself lucky I didn't get stuck with any for the weekend, not even in Mr. Varner's class. Homework, however, wasn't the worst thing to happen in the past week.

Jessica and Lauren seemed to have teamed up and declared me an enemy. Though it was more Lauren who seemed to be picking on me, constantly trying to insult me in any discrete way she could. I can understand why Jessica would do it, but I was still confused by Lauren. I'm pretty sure I didn't do anything to her.

It didn't matter to me; I can handle snide pretty-girls. What really left me upset happened Wednesday in Sketching. I hoped due to the previous day I made a new friend out of Alice or at the very least someone decent to talk to, but I was proved wrong. Alice made it clear she didn't want to be my friend. Even though she used the typical 'I don't feel good and just want to work by myself' excuse and even though she did look extremely guilty when telling me, I was disappointed, because she didn't talk to me again for the rest of the week.

And maybe it was a little irrational, but I had the sneaking suspicion it was because of Edward. I forgot about him frequently, because he hadn't been in school the entire week, but by Biology I was reminded again due to the empty seat next to me. I contemplated he really was sick, but after Alice refusing to talk to me and after receiving glares from Rosalie and long calculating looks from Jasper at lunch and in the parking lot, I came to believe the bronze-haired Cullen must really have something against me, and can't stand going to school every day to see my face. And that he even went as far as pitting his family against me as well. Why else would they all stare at me every day, seeming to be waiting for me to do something?

It's silly, I know. Completely ridiculous. I mean, really, how many more people are going to hate me without even knowing me first?

The only comfort I have is that it can't really be me they hate, but Bella instead. Then again, that isn't exactly a good thing...

Sighing, I pulled in the driveway and parked the truck, feeling as though I've had enough drama to last me a lifetime. At least Friday is almost over.

The phone rang while I was doing homework upstairs. I didn't feel comfortable answering it, but Charlie wasn't home yet and it might be important. Pushing my text book to the side, I got up and raced to the kitchen before the ringing stopped.

I was both relieved and annoyed to find it was Renee. Relieved because it wasn't someone calling I didn't know of yet, but was supposed to. Annoyed because I didn't want Renee to make a habit of calling me every night. Unlike Charlie, she actually knows Bella. I didn't want her to start getting suspicious. Not that she would ever be able to guess I took over her daughter's body or anything...

Charlie walked in through the front door a minute into the call. He gave me a smile and wave that I returned and silently made his way into the living room.

I focused my attention back on Renee when she spoke up again, explaining that she had wanted to talk to me once more since she wouldn't be able to call, or email, me on the drive to Florida unless it was from a payphone. I considered myself mildly lucky.

Hanging up the phone, I realized if I wanted to go to Seattle tomorrow, I would really have to talk to Charlie about it tonight and stop holding the conversation off.

In the six days I've been stuck here, not once have I entered the living room, only ever taking a peak from the kitchen.

The pictures on the small fireplace caught my interest first. There was a wedding picture of Charlie and a woman I could only assume to be Renee. I wondered briefly why he still kept it up if they're divorced now. They looked so happy, especially in the picture of them holding Bella in what had to be the hospital after she was born. What could have torn them apart? I guess it must have happened a long time ago, considering the only other pictures of Bella were school photos.

My eyes moved to Charlie sitting on a recliner, watching the recap of a basketball game. I felt a tug at my heart, my situation once again starting to feel even realer. Seeing those photos and knowing Bella and Charlie have a past only continued to make me feel guilty. Even more so with Charlie, who most likely has been living a very lonely life up to this point. And here I am, getting in the way of these two people's lives, ruining whatever chance they could have in getting to know each other and be a family.

I pondered how many nights Charlie comes home to an empty house, knowing he has a daughter out there, a family. Knowing he doesn't have to be alone, but he is, because they are so far apart and because they never truly got to know one another. And the gap only continues to grow bigger, so when the chance to see each other finally comes around it's awkward and uncomfortable to be with each other. The loneliness only continues to increase...

And I'm in the way. Because even though I'm polite, even though I'll eat dinner with him and say good morning and good night, I'm not his daughter. He can't ever really know his daughter while I'm in the way.

Tears started to cloud my eyes. Charlie turned around then, finally realizing I've been standing in the archway. Blinking rapidly, I threw him a smile, hoping he didn't catch me about to cry.

"Who was that?" he asked.

"Re- uh, Mom," I answered.

"What did she want?"

"Oh, she just wasn't done ranting at me from last time," I said, turning my smile into a grin.

He chuckled a little before going silent.

"So," I dragged out. "I was wondering if, tomorrow, I could drive to Seattle. I've been looking to buy some new clothes and nothing in town really caught my interest, but I'm sure I'll find something if I go there."

Charlie rubbed the back of neck, looking unsure of himself. "I'd love to let you go, Bells. I'm just not sure your truck would be the best way of getting there. It doesn't have good gas-mile and if you get stuck somewhere you don't have a phone to call for help," he explained. "I have work all weekend, so I won't be able to take you myself either."

At my dejected look, he added; "If you got a friend to take you, I'd feel a lot better about you going."

Friends, yeah right. Angela didn't have a car and no way was I asking Mike.

I wanted to argue, but seeing the expression on Charlie's face stopped me. He really cared if something happened to his daughter. I couldn't just start a fight with him, he wasn't like my mother. She would only tell me no just for the sake of being mean.

I nodded, although disappointed. Looks like I won't be leaving this weekend...

The moment slowly started to get awkward, me just standing there and Charlie moving his gaze every which way. He didn't turn back to the TV though, so I could tell he wanted to keep talking. Despite how nice our little chats have been, I know I should walk away. All I had to do was tell him I had homework and he would understand.

But looking at Charlie and knowing how lonely he must be, it made me realize how lonely I've been. And not just since I've been suck in Bella's body, but for the past few years. I have been so alone, and the feeling has only continued to grow being stuck here like this.

I suppose that was why I sat down on the love-seat, making myself comfortable and why I began a new conversation, starting with the basketball game and moving on as the night went by.

I don't think I have ever felt as restless as I had been over the weekend.

My time was mainly spent on the old piece of crap computer, agitatedly tapping my fingers as I waited practically hours for the screen to load. The searches usually amounted to nothing. It didn't help I had to get off once and awhile for a few hours, just in case someone was trying to call the house. I really did hate dial-up.

I had a sneaking suspicion Charlie was worried about me being locked up in my room on the computer for so long. I knew he felt bad about accepting work hours on the weekend and refusing to let me go to Seattle. It seemed as though I had to constantly reassure him I was okay with it. He still made it clear he didn't like leaving me home alone, probably assuming I really was going to ask a friend to drive me to Seattle like he suggested.

I did seriously contemplate asking Angela, hoping that maybe her mom or dad could give us a ride. Due to Edward's continuous absence, the past week I had taken to grouping up with Angela and her partner during Biology class. It definitely gave us the chance to talk more, but I still felt uncomfortable asking since we've only known each other for a few days. Maybe I would try next week.

By Saturday evening I had almost broken down.

If I couldn't go to Seattle, then I would I just go to Port Angeles instead. Charlie couldn't disagree on the alternative, especially since it was only an hour drive as opposed to three.

After looking up the bookstores in Port Angeles though, I reconsidered. There were only two actually bookstores and one of them was more of a gift shop than anything. In case an emergency happened, I really didn't want to waste the extra money Bella saved up and whatever Charlie gave me, only to turn up empty handed with a wasted tank of gas.

I suppose I really would have to wait to go to Seattle. It was the most reliable choice. Until then, I'll just have to ask Charlie if I can order a few texts I found on Amazon.

Either way, I couldn't stand sitting in the house any longer.

I hopped off the bed, pocketing the truck keys and Bella's wallet, and raced downstairs to put my coat on. I might as well go see if there was anything to do in town before I die of boredom.

I took a left off of Fern Hill, and started making my way down South Forks Avenue. After a few short minutes I came across Forks Shopping Center, deciding I'd try and find some entertainment there. Parking the truck, I stepped out and walked towards the Thriftway, the local grocery store.

Briefly, I reminisced on the times I went grocery shopping with Grams. She used to always let me sit in the cart as she pushed it down the aisle, something my mother would never allow. I smiled fondly at the memory, wishing for simpler moments like that again.

After walking down every aisle, I made my way back to the front. A rack of magazines and miscellaneous books stood before one of the checkout stands. I skimmed my eyes over the selection, noticing a row of small floral bound books. I picked one up, curious as to why there was no title, only to find they were blank.

Remembering I still needed a sketchbook for class, I decided to buy it, knowing this was the closest I would get in a town like Forks.

As I stepped back outside into the light drizzle of rain, my gaze instantly connected with the espresso sign on the building over. It had a fairly quaint look with all the hanging plants and the flowers nestled in the surrounding brick fence. Multicolored newspaper dispensers aligned the building underneath the tall single window. A bright neon open sign was hung up in the right corner, giving enough incentive for me to walk directly to the entrance.

I haven't had coffee in a week. Charlie liked his coffee black, so I'd usually skip drinking it every morning before school.

A girl in my gym class, Jennifer, stood behind the counter wearing a green apron. She was friends with Lauren, but luckily wasn't as cruel. She was more of a stuck up type of person, not so much in a bad way but in an overachiever kind of way instead.

I assumed as much due to the fact I don't believe I made a good impression on her my first day, because she glared at me every time I missed the ball and made our team lose a point. I think my only saving grace was that I showed improvement throughout the week. Now she plays on Mike and I's team almost every game, which gave me the chance to notice she's slightly awkward and has a playful sense of humor, despite her competitive streak.

Our eyes met and she seemed to perk up from her bored stance.

"Bella! Hey! What are you doing here?"

I blink at her. "Getting coffee?"

A look of realization flashed across her expression. Her palm abruptly connected with her forehead. "Duh, I knew that. Obviously. Sorry, I guess what I meant to say was that I'm just not used to seeing new costumers. But then I remembered you're new to Forks so of course I wouldn't be used to seeing you here…" she trailed off, probably thinking it would be a good idea to stop blabbering.

I smiled, amused by her behavior. "That's fine, I think I understand."

She let out a laugh. "Yeah. Uh, anyway, what can I get you?"

I ordered a mocha latte with extra whipped cream on top. She nodded and went to work making it. I leaned against the counter, tapping my fingers along with the dripping rain until she finished.

"Here you go. That will be to two-seventy."

I handed over the cash. "You wouldn't happen to have a pencil I could have, would you?"

"Yeah, I do. What do you need it for?" she asked, confused.

"Thought I'd draw for a while."

Still appearing confused, Jennifer leaned back and grabbed one of the pencils sticking out of a plastic cup on the counter.

"Thanks."

Sitting down at a table by the window, I inhaled the sweet aroma of chocolate, enjoying the warmth the drink gave me as it settled in my stomach after taking a quick sip. I licked the excess whipped cream off my lips while opening the floral book to the first page, intent on drawing my first picture in it. I glanced around me, looking for an interesting subject, before choosing the basket plant hanging outside the window.

The rest of my afternoon was spent in the espresso shop, drawing everything I could see. When I got hungry awhile later I bought a delicious looking pastry and bottled water. It felt good getting out of the house to take a break from thinking, peaceful even, despite the different people that kept coming and going.

A small group of friends crowded into the building, talking rambunctiously. Distracted from my drawing, I looked up at the clock on the wall. Sighing, I realized my day out of the house was coming to an end. It was getting late. Charlie must be at home, attempting- and probably failing- to cook dinner.

I looked back down at my paper, taking in the dark, narrowed eyes staring back at me. I trailed my gaze down along the high cheekbones, defined jawline, and prominent chin. I added a few more wisps of hair upon further scrutiny, and stepped back to contemplate anymore changes.

My eyes widened in shock after recognizing the face. I hadn't even noticed I had drawn a specific person. The picture appeared to be an almost exact replica of the expression Edward Cullen wore that day in Biology. I wasn't sure about the shape of his nose or lips, due to my hazy memory, but I knew absolutely the sketch did not give him justice, despite the similarities. There was no doubt in my mind beauty like his could never be completely captured.

My hand lowered back down to sketch in darker shadows around his eyes and cheekbones when I suddenly caught on to what I was doing. I was drawing a picture of a guy I only met once, one that for reasons unknown, absolutely loathed me. I still could not fathom the reason for such hateful vengeance directed at me when I barely even spoke a word to him.

I remembered the brief fear I had felt, and all the hate I had directed back at Edward that day bottled up inside me again. I lifted my left hand, about to strike down at the angular, scornful face, but stopped myself as the tip of my pencil reached the paper. Instead, I slammed the book shut, garnering a few questioning looks from the other costumers, and stuffed it in my jacket.

"Finally leaving?" Jennifer asked playfully.

I nodded. With a wave goodbye, I left the espresso shop and drove back to Charlie's for dinner.

Well that's it. It's a lot short than I like to write. I suppose this mainly turned into a filler chapter. I originally planned to have Scar see Edward again, but decided that not only have I held this off long enough, but that I really didn't want to add that scene into this chapter due to how badly I feel I wrote it. I guess I learned my lesson; don't write while your sick.

So yeah, next chapter the Cullen's show up again and Scar has her second meeting with Edward. How do you guys think that will turn out? Good, bad? Give me your opinions please!