A/N: I know I'm a terrible person for leaving it for a few days but I am in the middle of when all of my uni assignments are due! Sorry xo

I don't know why my subconscious had dredged up the wretchedness of hope within me, but I discovered it there, lying dormant until I made my way off the plane. It made itself known to be when I felt an overwhelming wave of utter disappointment at seeing Charlie waiting for me at the gate. I knew I should be grateful that he was here to meet me, and that I should feel happy that he missed me and cared about me, but I couldn't stop the feeling of sadness from sweeping over me when I realized that Edward wasn't here, even though I knew that he wouldn't be here; not by a long shot. So here I stood, feeling like a schmuck for not being grateful for the presence of my father. I put a smile on my face as soon as I was through brooding over my ungratefulness and crashing hope.

"Hey Kid! I've missed having you around the house. How was Arizona?" Charlie greeted me enthusiastically and I had to smile at the encouragement it gave me.

"Hey Dad, I missed you too. Arizona was amazing, very warm," I smiled and he chuckled before hugging me.

"Let's get you home," he suggested and I nodded, not liking the way the cold hit my skin as we walked out of the door and into the open parking lot.

The drive was quiet and it gave me time to think. I knew I had to get on with my life but I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to talk to Edward. I'd deduced that it was the rather large part of me pining for him that had dredged up the feeling but the other, infinitely smaller part of me wasn't so sure. When we arrived home, Charlie helped me carry my things up the stairs and into my room. Thanks to Alice, I now had an entire extra bag full of clothes and that didn't even include the things she made me leave in the wardrobe in my room at her house for my next visit.

"She took you shopping I take it," Charlie jested and I nodded and blushed.

"She's lethal" I responded and we both laughed quietly. As much as it was often awkward to show emotion between my dad and me, we could always enjoy each other company and have a laugh together. I'm sure that is exactly what my mum would have wanted for us, I just wished she could join in the laughter.

"How'd you go?" Charlie abruptly asked me.

"How did I go with what?" I asked him, confusion spiking every word.

"Wearing singlets and shorts and stuff, you know, with your burns" he explained and I immediately understood.

"It was okay. The first few days were hard but I think I got over feeling self-conscious around Alice, Jasper, Emmett and Rosalie" I shrugged and he seemed pleased with my answer.

"I'm glad. Maybe you could feel that way about everyone?" He asked with a hopeful tone and I became sad.

"I don't think I will ever be okay, Dad" I whispered, sadly. He noticed the change in my emotions and immediately came over to hug me, apologizing profusely for suggesting it.

"I really am sorry" he whispered and I sniffled.

"It's okay, when life gives you lemons right?" I said and his eyes grew sad.

"Lemonade doesn't always get made, Bells".

"I know, but I have to make it somehow" I said determinedly.

"I know you will" he smiled quickly and then left the room, leaving me with my thoughts.

I began to unpack all of my things and put them in their respective draws. I opted to call Alice as a form of distraction and she answered on the first ring.

"Bella, I can't believe you didn't call as soon as you landed, I've been worried sick" she fussed and I had to laugh at her. She really was such a light to have in my life.

"Hey Alice" I laughed and I heard her grumble on the other end of the line.

"So you're safe?" She asked and I laughed again.

"Yes Alice, I'm in my room" I said soothingly and I heard her let out a sigh of relief.

"That's good. How was the flight?" She asked and I rolled my eyes knowing full well she didn't care about the flight.

"It was boring" I mumbled and she giggled.

"You should have stayed here then" she chuckled now and I grimaced.

"I know, but I just wanted to call and say hey and that I'm home but now I have to go and unpack" I said and she huffed before saying goodbye in her chime of a voice.

I knew I couldn't talk to her for much longer today because my entire being seemed to be amuck with all of the emotions that my Arizona friends had inspired me to forget while I was there. The dejection, the rejection, the hopelessness, the utter yearning; not just for him but for them also.

Once I had finished unpacking and putting my clothes away I slid my duffle bag under my bed and flopped down on it. The day had been so long that I felt like I needed an afternoon nap to make it through to dinner time. I closed my eyes and begged for unconsciousness and soon my prayers were answered and I slipped into a blissful sleep for of sunshine, beaches and the hope of not being the fifth wheel.

I awoke to a different light. The light was much darker than it was when I had closed my eyes and when I looked at the clock I blanched when I saw that my short nap had turned into a four hour sleep. I rushed downstairs and started to pull things out of the cupboard to make dinner and before long I heard Charlie's car pull up in the driveway although I hadn't even registered that he wasn't in the house. His heavy feet clobbered on the porch and then he was inside.

"Oh hey, Sleepy head" he teased and I playfully glared at him.

"I'm just making a start on dinner" I said.

"No need Kid, I went and got pizza. You were fast asleep so I figured you'd be too tired to make anything and I couldn't be bothered so I thought pizza was the only option" he chuckled and then placed the box on the table.

"Oh, thanks" I said, blushing.

We sat down to eat once I had packed everything away and then Charlie dropped his pizza.

"I forgot to tell you," he mumbled, finishing of the bite he'd taken.

"Forgot to tell me what?" I asked, amused at his rush to tell me what was bothering him. He finally finished off the bite he'd been working on.

"Edward called".

A/N: So, he called. Hmmm…