CrashIntoMe: Chapter4

The morning broke warm and bright totally fitting for the mood Bella had. She peaked through the wooden slats of the blinds that covered her window to see a beautiful spring day beginning to dawn. Suddenly the world looked different to her. For the first time in months the dark haze that encircled her head had magically lifted. It was as if the ideas filling her mind regarding her psychology paper had rejuvenated her weary soul.

She dressed quickly anxious to get to school and discuss her ideas with Ms. Roberts. It was a long shot and she knew it but still hoped that her teacher could see her way clear to giving her and Rosalie some time away from class to get those personal takes from some of the kids as Hampton House.

"Morning dad, Maria," Bella said breezing past them.

"I see your mood has improved," Charlie remarked. "You seemed to be a bit distressed last night. You and Riley have an argument or something?"

Her father's words were like a flash of lighting that instantly brought a summer storm to her mood. He had known for a while now that she and Riley were no longer a couple. He had just chosen to artfully ignore things he didn't want to see. Charlie had been doing that for so long now Bella couldn't even remember a time when she and he had had a truthful conversation.

"Not Riley, Rosalie. If you hadn't noticed she was supposed to come over last night and when she didn't show I was a little upset."

"Well I'm glad to hear that it didn't have anything to do with Riley. He's such a nice young man. Not to mention he comes from an excellent family. Don't you think so Maria?"

Maria looked from her boss to his daughter. She so didn't enjoy when Mr. Swan elicited her opinion since most times she wasn't allowed to have one unless of course he wanted her to like at this very instance. "The Biers are highly respected." Was all Maria said in an attempt to be politically correct.

"How many times do I have to tell you Riley and I aren't dating anymore? It just wasn't working out." Bella opted for the simple version to their break-up. She expected the more complicated version would be more than her father could handle, if he believed it at all.

"That's a shame, Bells. He's exactly the kind of young man I would like to see my only daughter dating. Like Maria said, he comes from an outstanding family, Harvard bound, most certainly plenty of job opportunities after college. Take my advice you can't find a man better than Riley Biers. Might I suggest you find a way to make it work?"

Inwardly Bella laughed, if he only knew the boy behind the façade. "I'm going to take the car to school today, probably for the next couple of days.

"Can't I interest you in a newer car?" he questioned.

"Nope, "she stated firmly. "I like mom's old car. Besides most of the time I walk anywhere I need to do."

"But….."

"I'm fine really."

Renee Swan's black Saab was the one and only thing that Bella had left that belonged to her mom. After her mother's death, it was if her father wanted to forget he even had a wife. Charlie Swan cleared away her clothes, pictures, anything that was even remotely connected to Renee. It was Bella who had begged him to let her hold on to the car even though she was years from driving. After many arguments and torrents of tears on Bella's part he relented and allowed her to keep it. Since then though he had tried to no avail to persuade Bella into getting a new one yet she wouldn't hear of it.

"Bye Maria," Bella said grabbing her lunch and heading out the door before her father could say anything more.

Much to Bella's amazement, Rosalie was exactly where she had asked her to be. "Now look who's late," Rose teased tapping the face of her watch. "Hey what's with the car? You never drive and why didn't you come and pick me up?" Rosalie fired a rapid succession of questions.

"One at a time please," Bella laughed. "I brought the care because I intend on using it to go check out that place I told you about last night."

"The one in Port Angeles?" Rosalie cocked one brow.

"Yes. I was actually hoping that during class Ms. Roberts might excuse us so that we could go check the place out." Bella was so caught up in her own idea that she completely missed the horrified look on Rose's face. "I really hope she will agree to the idea."

"I'm not."

"Why?"

"I certainly don't want to spend any time at that place. I can't figure out why you are so jazzed about it."

"It's great material for our paper. We could really use the personal side of things I am sure we can get there."

"You can get it without me."

"Rose," Bella said frustration filling her.

"Whatever, that old battle axe of a teacher isn't going to let us out of her class. So there's nothing to worry about really," Rosalie quipped knowing she had Bella over a barrel.

"Rose, she's a good teacher," Bella countered. "What's your problem?"

"Between this stupid paper and all the demands of the drama production my nerves are shot!"

Bella suppressed a giggle that was forming in the back of her throat. To hear Rosalie talk one would think she had the weight of the world on her shoulders and not just the life of a mere high school junior.

"What's so funny?" she spat catching sight of Bella's grin.

"Nothing. So do you want to hear about Hampton House or not?"

"If you must."

"It's mainly a volunteer organization. It's been set up in Port Angeles to help the local youth. They deal with addicts, alcoholics and battered kids on daily basis. They keep records of all the cases that have gone through there. I figured maybe they would let us look at them. I think we could get some really good stuff for our paper. I was even hoping we could talk to some of the kids that are there while we are."

"Are you kidding me?"

"I'll do it myself then. If you find it too intense."

"Be my guest."

"Rosalie," Bella started but stopped short. Fighting with Rose was like fighting with her father. In some ways their personalities were one in the same. "So are you going with me or not?"

"Are you giving me a choice?"

"You know what Rose, do whatever you want. I don't really care anymore. I just know that I have to do this." The conviction in Bella's voice mirrored the same tone she had heard in her mother and father's frequent arguments.

"Let's just wait and see what Roberts thinks of your brilliant idea and then we'll talk."

"Well if she won't allow us to go during class time we will just have to do it on our own time.

Rosalie rolled her eyes and stomped her feet in true temper tantrum form. "I will not give up any more of what little free time I have left for this crazy idea of yours. Am I making myself clear?"

"Crystal!" Bella bit her tongue before she started round two of a fight she most certainly wasn't about to win.

Bella knocked lightly on the door frame leading to the psychology room to find Ms. Roberts sitting at her desk. "May I come in?" she asked.

"Certainly Bella. What can I do for you?"

Quickly Bella relayed the idea she had for the paper and discussed the Hampton House and the possibility of taking time during class to explore what the center had to offer.

"I've heard of this place," Ms. Roberts said looking over the brochure Bella handed her. "It has a good reputation. You certainly would get some relevant information there."

"So does that mean we can go there?" Bella held her breath.

"If this was any other student then you, I would say no without a moment's hesitation, but…."

"Yes?" Bella waited.

"I know how much psychology and the area of social work interests you. And actually some real life experiences might be just what you need. It certainly would give some validity to your subject matter. More so than anything you could find at the library. You and Rosalie are excused from class today and tomorrow."

"That's great! Thank you so much!" Bella rushed forward hugging the middle aged woman before even realizing she was doing it. "I'm…I'm sorry," she stammered.

"Not a thing to be sorry about," Ms. Roberts said smiling brightly. "I need to prepare for class now."

Bella listened as the number she dialed rang through to a human voice. "Yes can I help you?" The voice asked.

"I would like to speak to the individual in charge of your case files," Bella answered.

"That would be Carlisle Cullen, but he's out of the office at the moment. I am the Assistant Director, Victoria, maybe I can help you. May I ask why it is you are inquiring about our case files?" Victoria was sure that it wasn't near time for their state review.

Bella proceeded to explain about her psychology paper, the topic and her interest in getting some real life experiences if at all possible. She was pleased to find out that the Assistant Director was receptive to the idea.

"When were you thinking of coming in?" she asked.

"Well I was hoping this afternoon and possibly tomorrow if that would be agreeable with your schedule. I just today received permission from my instructor to do this research outside of class. I apologize for the short notice."

"Today and tomorrow shouldn't be a problem. When you arrive just ask for me at the front desk."

"Thank you very much. I look forward to seeing you this afternoon," Bella said snapping her cell phone shut. At the very moment she caught Rosalie as she was headed towards their psychology room. "Rose," she called out. "Forget class today and go grab your jacket."

"What for?"

"Ms. Roberts gave the okay for us to do that research we talked about this morning."

"Damn!" Rose said under her breath. She never once fully expected Roberts to give the okay. "I'll be there in a minute."

"Hey where are you running off to?" Royce asked as he gently reached for her arm as she skated passed him.

"To do research for this damn paper," Rosalie said totally appalled by the idea of where they were going.

"Well the library is this way and you don't need your jacket."

"Bella has this crazy idea to do research at some center…house hell I don't know but it's off campus."

"You mean I won't be seeing you in class? You're leaving the building? I have to spend the entire psychology class without you?" Royce gave her his biggest puppy dog face and instantly Rose's icy mood melted.

"I promise to be back in time for lunch," she cooed. "I'll meet up with you then. I promise."

"I guess that will have to do."

Royce appeared genuinely upset by the fact that he wasn't going to get to spend the period with her. So far their relationship was going better than Rosalie had hoped for. She and Royce hit it off instantly. She practically floated down the hallway to meet Bella. Immediately Bella took notice that her friend's stern scowl had been replaced by a silly grin.

"What's with you all of the sudden?"

"Love…..Bella, it's called love," she gushed.

"What?" Bella countered in a stunned tone. "You have barely even dated Royce and suddenly you think you are in love with him? And you think I'm the crazy one?"

Why Bella was even questioning her friend was beyond all comprehension. Rosalie Hale fell in and out of love so fast most of those around her needed a score card to keep up her. It was obvious that Rose had fallen hard for Royce King. It was Bella's hope she would drop him in the same manner, yet there was a nagging suspicion in the back of her brain telling her this time was different and that thought terrified her. Royce and Riley had been friends longer than her and Rosalie which only served to heighten the facts to Bella that Royce wasn't all that different from his friend.

"You ARE crazy!" Rosa laughed. "Besides Royce King," she beamed, "is something special."

"Yeah he's something special alright," Bella retorted.

She had her own thoughts as to Royce King's sudden interest in Rosalie. Too bad none of those thoughts were good. The one that stood out front and center was that Riley had put him up to it; giving him every opportunity to be close to her again. It didn't matter if she and Rosalie didn't always see eye to eye on many things; they came as a package deal and Riley knew that. Bella was certain it was his intention to exploit that fact.

"You don't think it's possible he could just be using you so that Riley can get to me? I mean seriously we are always together just like they are. It makes sense that Riley thinks the fastest way to me is through you."

"Well us, you and me always being together….well we can surely remedy that!" Rosalie's voice was ice cold. Bella was sure she had just crossed that imaginary line of no return. "You are one self involved bitch aren't you?" Rosalie's eyes blazed with fury. "Do you think the world revolves around you and your love life? Which I might add you don't even have at the moment! I can't believe that you would even dare to suggest that Royce is using me! If you are too blind to see what a good thing you had in Riley Biers well honey that's your problem! Don't dray me and what's happening with Royce into your twisted life!"

Bella's grip on the steering wheel was so tight her knuckles were now a ghostly white. Rosalie was calling her self absorbed? Was she kidding? When was the last time she looked in the mirror? Rosalie Hale was the picture of self absorbed. "Rose," Bella gathered what little self control she still possessed, "You don't understand…"

"Oh yes I do. I understand perfectly. You're just jealous!"

"JEALOUS!" Bella's voice bounced off the car's interior. "You just don't get it do you? I am trying to tell you things aren't always what they seem. I know you think I am an idiot for dumping Riley, but I have my reasons. I'm just worried that you're getting into a situation that you might not know how to get out of. Rose, we've been friends forever. I am just looking out for you."

"I am quite capable of taking care of myself thank you!" Rosalie spat back.

"I wasn't trying to imply that you couldn't. I just want you to be cautious. Like I said things aren't always what they appear to be on the surface."

Rosalie had turned her head and began watching the scenery as it passed by the window. Bella knew that the subject was now closed according to her friend and in all seriousness she was fighting a losing battle.

As the passed over into Port Angeles, Rose's question pulled Bella back to reality. "How did you even find this place?"

"There was a brochure I found."

"What the hell are you doing with a brochure from dive in Port Angeles?

Rosalie's blue blood nature was coming through her tone in spades. "It looked like an interesting place that we could use for our paper that's all."

"If you like associating with undesirables." The hairs on the back of Bella's neck stood on end. "They make me nervous. Who really knows what they are capable of," Rose said as though she was in fear of her life.

"They aren't all like that. A lot of it's due to the environment they grew up in." Bella's voice overflowed with sympathy. As one point she could even hear her mother's own voice echoing in her words.

"I would think with what happened to your mom you would be a little gun shy of this sort of stuff." Rosalie didn't eve stop to think of the irony of her words.

Bella took a deep breath before gaining the strength to continue. "Rose, I have to believe that my mom knew what she was doing. I know that she didn't deserve to die but I can't spend the rest of my life throwing blame around like my dad. She loved her job and she was great at it. I hate that she had to die," Bella sighed heavily, "but I am still proud to say that she was my mom."

For a first time in a long time Rosalie was silent. It was as if Bella had rendered her mute with a long overdue point. "I'm sorry I forgot how close the two of you were. I didn't mean to be so insensitive."

It was now Bella's turn to be stunned into silence. She took a minute to pinch herself. She had to be dreaming, Rosalie Hale had just apologized ~ something she never did.

The remainder of the drive to Port Angeles was a quiet one. Bella knew that even though Rose had apologized, she would never really understand where Bella was truly coming from. She was starting to wonder if she would be fighting this uphill battle forever. It had been the same way for her mom too, but all Bella could think of was how much better Renee handled this constant roller coaster ride. She navigated her way through the endless arguments with her husband, the countless stares when they attended charity functions on both sides of the tracks and the general lack of compassion she felt everywhere she turned. Bella only hoped she would handle her destined future with half as much grace as Renee had.

"We're here," Bella announced as she parked the car.

"Dismal place isn't it?" Rosalie commented.

"Can I say something before we go in?" Bella began, "I don't want this to be the start of another fight but try to remember that we are here to gather information on these people. I highly doubt that they'll appreciate our talking down their efforts." Bella did her best to be as diplomatic as possible.

Rosalie mulled over the words before speaking, "You're right. We shouldn't put down those less fortunate than us." Bella let out a heavy sigh. Rose's flip attitude regarding life had returned full force.

"May I help you with something?" the young pixie of a girl asked from behind the desk. She could tell by the way these two girls were dressed that they wouldn't be in need of any services the center had to offer.

"Yes, I'm Bella Swan. I called earlier and spoke with Victoria about doing some research."

"She's not in right now."

"Oh, is there someone else I can talk to then?"

"Mr. Cullen is in his office. I'm sure he can help you. His office is at the end of the hall."

"Thanks, ah I didn't catch your name."

"Mary Alice….but I like just Alice."

"Thanks Alice," Bella smiled softly.

"Did you check out her outfit?" Rosalie whispered.

Bella threw her hands up in the air as if to admit defeat. There was no hope of ever reforming her friend. She would always be exactly what she was, a self centered, stuck up rich girl. Bella's only hope was that they could get through the next two days without a scene.

A voice from inside answered Bella's knock, "Yes, come in."

Bella opened the door with a squeak, "Mr. Cullen?"

"Yes?" he said eyeing her quizzically. Bella began relating the telephone conversation she had had with Victoria. "I do recall Victoria mentioning this to me. I think everything sounds perfectly fine to me. Just remember that we ask that you not use any of the names you find in the files.

"Certainly. I completely understand. Can we get started?"

"Sure, Alice will be able to show you to our files in the back room."

"Thank you again Mr. Cullen."

"Carlisle, please."

"Thank you, Carlisle," she said with a smile.

Bella was so absorbed in the atmosphere at Hampton House that she walked square into one of the most handsome guys she had ever seen. His hair was the color of bronze and he had piercing green eyes. "Excuse me," she said quietly as he pushes his way past her without so much as an 'I'm sorry'. Yet Bella couldn't stop herself from turning and watching him as he headed off in the opposite direction wrench in hand.

"Bella, you with us?"

"Huh? Yeah what were you saying?" For the first time in months Bella felt her once still blood coursing through her veins.

"These three filling cabinets have all our case histories in them. The most recent ones are in the first two drawers."

"Thanks, Alice," Bella offered as her mind was still fixated on the handsome face dancing in her memory.