Hello! This is my first story. No idea what I am doing so reviews are welcomed.

Much love. -Ash 3

*Characters belong to Stephanie Meyers*

I watched as the raindrops raced each other down the windshield. Another foster home. Lost in the whirlwind of my thoughts. I wanted nothing more than a home to call my own. A family that would support and care for my wellbeing. But I had stopped hoping for that long ago. I stared out into the new unfamiliar green world thinking back to a time I thought a different future for myself…

"Isabella! Be careful! You'll hurt yourself running like that." My mother scolded me with soft and concerned eyes.

"Sorry mommy!," I giggled, "It fun to run! The dragon is comin!" Suddenly, I was snatched by my middle and hugged tightly to her chest and peppered with kisses wherever she could reach. "Mommy!," I squealed.

"I need to find a prince to protect my Princess from this dragon." My mother chuckled as she shook her head. "Go and wash up for supper. It'll be ready in just a few minutes."

"Yes, mommy!" I said as I ran up the steps laughing my happiness radiating off me in waves.

Suddenly, my memory turned to darker places in my memory...

I watch from the door and she kneeling at the toilet. She's been tired a lot lately and now she's getting sick.

"Mommy, you sick?" I asked in a small voice.

My mother turns in surprise. "Yes, sweetie, I'm fine. Just a little bug. Why don't you go watch TV or play with some toys?"

I shake my head in stubborn determination. "I'm 5, mommy. I helps you if you're sick."

"Did you hear me, Isabella?" asks my social worker, Maggie.

I shake my head, trying to clear the memory and grief. "Sorry, Maggie I'm a little out of it." I whispered. I didn't mean to disappoint her. I'm thankful she's here and not the "she-devil" social worker that was being "relocated."

Maggie sighs, "I understand that this is going to be a challenge, but Isabella you have to give this home a chance." I hear the worry in her tone. I know she's right. I have to ensure I don't get into trouble at this home or school. Head down. Mind your own business, Swan.

"I promise, Maggie. I'm going to graduate here." I said with clear determination in my voice.

"I know. You're a good kid, Isabella. Look, we've made it to your new home." She stated.

I grimaced and turned to look back out the window. The house was larger than I expected, but I suppose since it houses "foster care rejects" it would need to be a decent side. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised to wind up in a group home after everything, but I can still be bitter about it.

I sigh as I gathered my duffle bag that held all my possessions in it tightly. The thought of losing my last possessions became my independent concern. Reminding myself I promised Maggie I'd behave, I made my face go blank with no emotion as I met the ward. My new prison sentence had begun.

The woman before was not what I expected. She had brown hair that touched her shoulders and was gazing at me with piercing gray eyes. She was medium height and had this aura of professionalism. Reminded me of my shrink, Dr. Jones, back home. Great, I have an in-home shrink. I know from Maggie through, she a lawyer and her husband a detective in the next town over, Port Angeles. It surprised me they took in foster kids. I have dreaded that introduction.

"Hello. Isabella. It is nice to finally meet you. I'm Rachel." She held her hand out for me to shake it.

"It's nice to meet you too," I replied. Awkwardly taking her hand in my own.

After a few pleasantries exchanged between Maggie and Rachel. I watched as my closet thing to a friend backed out of the driveway and left me. Alone. The lump in my throat appeared. I swallowed thickly. I can make it through the day.

"Come on. I'll show you to your room." Rachel spoke behind me.

I nodded. Grabbing my bag and following her up the stairs. I studied the house as I walked through it. I have to admit this house is the most homie out of the majority of the ones I've stayed in. She had pictures on the wall of herself and people I would assume to be her family. My stomach filled with anxious butterflies as I noticed the wedding picture on the wall. Somehow in all my nerves, I had allowed myself to forget about my anxiety that there was a husband.

Rachel knocked on a door with a sign that read, "Sarah's room." A young girl with dark, straight black hair down to her chin opened the door. She studied me with curious, but cold eyes. Rachel introduced us. "Sarah this is, Isabella. Isabella this is Sarah. She has been here for about three months. She attends Forks High with you, but she's a Sophomore"

On the inside, I raise my eyebrows. Most kids in group homes run away after one month. Part of me hoped that this meant this home wasn't too bad.

"Hey." Sarah said. Her tone was closed off and not friendly. Great, she watch her want to make my life a living hell. My mind filled with dread. Maybe she just needs to get laid. I joked to myself. I gave her a polite hello in return, so Rachel doesn't think I am a bitch.

Rachel stopped in front of a simple looking door and turned to me. "This is your bedroom. The bathroom is there just across the hall. You and Sarah will be sharing. Go ahead and get unpacked. Rest if you wish. When my husband gets home we will have supper and discuss the rules for the house. "

"Okay. Thank you." I replied in a quiet voice.

My room was actually nice and simple. White walls surrounded a full-sized bed with a pretty purple comforter. A small desk and dresser sat against a wall. The closet was bare minus hangers for me to unpack my things. This was already so much better than the last place I stayed. I shuddered at the memory.

Sadly, my things were quite bare. A few pairs of overworn jeans and a handful of shirts. I took about 5 minutes fixing my clothes. I placed my photo album and my mother's sweater in the top drawer of the dresser. Praying they'll be safe there.

The moment my head hit the bed, all I knew was darkness.

I wake to someone saying my name. I jumped startled. Not recognizing my new surroundings.

"Isabella. I'm sorry I startled you. Dinner will be ready in 5 minutes. Clean up and come downstairs please." I took me a moment to place that it was Rachel talking.

I rubbed my hand on my face. "okay." I said groggily.

I watched down the stairs mentally preparing myself for what was about to be discussed at the table. However, my anxiety grew as the endless possibilities went through my mind. When I entered the room, a nice aroma of garlic and tomato sauce filled my nose. Holy shit, they actually cook here. I thought in wonder. Holy shit. Family dinners. I thought in horror.

I could hear soft voices coming from the kitchen. As I rounded the corner a man came into view of leaning against the kitchen cabinets. His head turned toward me as he heard me enter and he gave me a polite small from where he was. I appreciated the distance, sometimes men don't give a shit about your file, your past and do what they want.

Rachel smiled and stated, "Isabella, this is my husband, Charlie."

Hello, Isabella. It's nice to meet you." Charlie stated, he had a firm, but friendly voice. Charlie seemed to be in his 40s. He had chocolate brown eyes and hair that had a bit of curl to it. His mustache was an interesting look, but he made it work since I knew he was a cop.

"Why don't we talk after we eat," Rachel suggested. Taking the pot from the stove and sitting it on the table across the room. I nodded and followed. Hoping they didn't try too hard with the small talk. Sarah came into the room in that moment and dropped into a chair. "Hey, Charlie." She stated in an even tone.

"Hey, kiddo."Charlie stated. Small talk continued between the three of them for the majority of the meal. I noticed quickly that Charlie was a man of few words, though when he did speak, he was quite sure of his words. Rachel tried to get me to participate by asking me what kind of food I like and did not like. She wanted to know if I needed anything for school and told me we'd go into Port Angeles to pick up what I needed the next day.

I was surprised by this. Tessa, the she-devil, never took me to buy a single thing during my stay with them. She pocketed my check and spent it on alcohol and drugs. Rachel seemed genuine about wanting me to make this place home. I felt a small spark of hope in my chest.

Sarah excused herself from the table shortly after. I wanted to go with her, but I knew I had to stay to discuss these rules I sure they were quite proud of.

"Alright, let's keep this short and simple. No drugs. No alcohol. If you are found with either, Maggie will be called and you will be out." He locked eyes with me waiting to see if I understood. I stared back with wide eyes but nodded quickly to ensure he knew I understood. "Curfew is 9:30 on school nights and 10 on weekends. This can be flexible if you join and team or club that would require you to be out later for some reason. We will monitor your grades and if changes need to be made we will." He continued to study me as he listed the rules. I nodded along when appropriate. Too overwhelmed to speak.

He turned to Rachel and asked, "Anything else you can think of?" Rachel shrugged, "No, I think that's about everything. Isabella, do you have any questions or comments. Are you asking something of you that you would like to discuss?"
I blinked surprised by her question, wondering if he was a trick. But they both had honest eyes looking at me, so I decided to rest being honest. "I'm a bit overwhelmed, but your rules are not outrageous in any way."

Rachel beamed at me for my answer and Charlie nodded. "Wonderful, if something comes to mind please just ask. We have you enrolled at Forks High School and you will start Monday. I'll probably wake you around 9 so we can go shopping tomorrow." She stated in delight.

I nodded, "Thank you, that sounds great. Is it okay if I go ahead and go to bed?"

"Oh of course! I am sure you are tired from traveling today. We will see you tomorrow, Isabella."

I walked back to my room in a daze. This place was already so different from Tessa's. Can I trust them? I wondered, with a little fear settling beside the hope in my heart. They could be totally different people after I do something wrong. Or if I disappoint them in some way. I need to be careful. I decided. I would remain cautious.

I would just hope they were truely as kind as they seemed.