Summary:

...certainly not as 'uneventful' as I expected.

I expected peace and quiet for a small town like Forks.

Okay. I spoke too soon on that one considering that the whole town already knew about me way before I even set foot in the area.

I can only sigh as I adjust to my new life.

"I need to graduate," I tell myself.

I harbor a secret I honestly don't even believe in all too well. But, I'm left with no choice but to follow the voice in my head. I'm more inclined to believe I'm going crazy but I can't deny the changes anymore. At least I get to finally spend time with Charlie.

Hopefully, I graduate high school with no problems.

...I hope I haven't spoken too soon on that one either.

So…

I'm finally here.

Washington that is.

I just arrived at the airport in Port Angeles and now waiting for Charlie to come pick me up.

I grabbed my suitcase and walked to the exit. I say 'suitcase' because most of my clothes weren't really fit for the weather in my soon to be home so I boxed them up and gave them away to charity. I can always buy new clothes anyways. As for my other belongings, I've already sent them in advance. Hopefully, nothing broke.

"You don't have to go, you know?" Renee said.

"I know," I replied. "But I want to."

Renee sighed. She approached me and gave me a hug.

"I'm gonna miss you."

"I'll miss you too, mom."

"You can call me anytime. Okay?"

"Okay."

"You will call," she said with a stern voice. And then she whipped out a phone from her back pocket.

My eyes widened.

"Thank you," I said as I accepted the gift. "I'll make sure to call."

"You better."

A honk caught my attention. I looked in its direction and saw Charlie getting out of his cruiser. He was wearing his badge on his jacket.

That's right. He's the chief now.

I walked towards his car, waving back when he waved at me.

"Hey, Charlie," I greeted.

"Hey, kiddo. How was the flight?"

"Fine. A bit of turbulence along the way but it was fine overall."

"That's good."

We then kinda stood there awkwardly.

We haven't really seen each other in a long time. We talk over the phone sometimes, always on my birthday and the holidays. When I was younger, I would come to visit over the summer but then that became less frequent in recent years. I felt really guilty about it.

But now I can make up for it now that I'm here.

"Here let me help you with your suitcase," he offered.

I could handle it but I didn't want to seem rude by declining his offer right off the bat, so I handed my suitcase over to him.

"Thanks."

The drive to Forks was over an hour. It was straight up awkward and silent at best. I appreciate Charlie trying to initiate conversation but his attempts would end moments later. I admit I'm not the best conversationalist. Added to that, I was a bit sleepy. I didn't get enough sleep the day before because I procrastinated with my packing and spent time playing with my new phone until early this morning. I couldn't get any sleep from my short flight either because the baby a few seats away from me wouldn't stop crying and then the kid behind me kept kicking my seat. Needless to say, I almost bit his head off. And I mean that in the literal sense.

"Sorry, Charlie. I'm kinda tired."

"You do look like it," he replied. "But we've already reached the house so I need you to get up."

I groggily got out of the car and proceeded to get my luggage from the trunk.

"I can carry that for you," he offered again.

"It's okay. I can handle it," I persisted this time.

"If you're sure," he said reluctantly.

"No worries. I'm not as weak as I look," I said at the same time pulling my suitcase out with ease.

He seemed surprised and impressed.

"Been working out lately?"

"Uh...," I began. "My P.E. teacher back in Phoenix wouldn't let me sit it out and forced me to participate." I shrugged.

"Oh. Well it never hurts to be a bit more active."

I nodded.

As I was led up to my room, my brows furrowed in confusion. There was a door I don't remember being there. It looked pretty new.

"I wanted to surprise you," Charlie said. "Your mom told me you were into art recently so I thought I'd give you a separate space for that. Or you could just make it into a second room? We could get rid of the wall if you want?"

I nodded as I opened the door to what used to be a guest room. It was bare and Charlie was half done painting primer over the walls. What used to be the door to this 'guest room' was also gone and sealed off so it could only be accessed through my room. I very much appreciated the privacy and space.

"It's fine like this. With the walls in between, it will keep the smell away from going into my room."

"I thought so too so I took the liberty of installing ventilation fans in both rooms," he said. "Or you could just open the windows if you don't mind the cold."

"This...I-Thanks, Charlie," I said, beaming at him. "Is it really okay for me to have all this space?"

"I rarely have guests over and we still have one more spare room so it's not a problem. Just thought you'd need a bigger room anyways since your room alone may be a bit small for a growing teenager," he continued to explain as he looked up the entirety of my height.

I smiled at him.

"Thanks, Charlie," I said and gave him a hug. "I really appreciate this. And for making me stay here."

I smirked when I felt him stiffen then awkwardly patted my back. I'm not much of a hugger myself but thought this moment called for it.

"Sure thing, kiddo. There's no need to thank me. This is your home too," Charlie replied. "If you want, wanna go to the hardware store and pick up some paint for your walls? I wasn't sure what color you wanted so I waited until you came so you can choose yourself. I'll stay and finish painting the primer for you."

"Okay. But I-"

He grinned at me.

"I have one more surprise for you," he said.

"Another surprise? I don't remember it being my birthday?" I said.

"Just a welcoming present, Bells."

He brought me over to the side of the house where a tarp was covering something - which by the looks of it - a truck.

"She's all yours," he told me as she pulled the tarp off.

It revealed an old 1950s Chevrolet pickup truck in all its rusty glory. It was covered with so much rust all over you could barely tell the original color. To others it might not be much, but to me, it's my first car so that's pretty fucking amazing on its own than having no car at all.

My jaw dropped and looked at him.

"Are you serious?"

"Of course," he said. Then he paused. "You have a license, right? I can't have you driving this without one. I'm the chief after all."

"No worries. I got one a couple months back."

He looked relieved. He then proceeded to hand me the keys.

"I know it might be old, but it runs almost like brand new...I think," he told me. "Remember Jacob Black?"

I thought about it for a moment.

"Jacob? The boy I used to make mud pies with as a kid?" I asked.

"Yeah that one. He's actually the one who fixed up the engine. For free, might I add. By the way, I invited him and his father over for dinner, if you don't mind."

"That's fine. I can say my thanks in person then."

As I climbed into my "new" truck, I turned to him once again.

"Want me to do some grocery shopping too?"

He scratched his beard thoughtfully.

"Well, I can't really cook so I've pretty much lived off of diner take outs and TV dinners," he laughed.

I laughed too.

"Was that what you were planning to serve the Blacks for dinner?"

"It's not the first time," he shrugged. "The diner makes really good food so I thought I'd get take out there."

"I'm not an expert, but I can cook simple stuff," I told him. "I could fix us up something for dinner instead."

"Well, it's alright with me as long as you do the cooking. Here."

He opened his wallet and gave me some bills. My eyes widened at the amount.

"For your paints and the groceries. Might as well shop for some clothes and things you need for school too while you're at it," he said.

He must have seen how hesitant I was to take the money.

"Just take the money, Bells. I have a lot to make up for," he said while rubbing his neck sheepishly.

I understand where he's coming from. I know very well he's a good man and means well so I never resented him growing up. The times I came to visit as a kid, he was always sure to do his best and took good care of me.

Not letting the old man hanging, I grabbed the bills and thanked him.

As I started the car, I listened as the engine roared to life. I slightly winced at the sound due to my recently developing enhanced hearing.

I missed the scenery during the drive here since I fell asleep. Compared to Phoenix, the weather here is damp and cold. I was used to the Arizona heat, even though I never really went out that much. But since I'll be living here from now on, I'll have to get used to the weather. Starting now, I could already appreciate the cool breeze and the greenery outside.

Just then, a voice suddenly started speaking in my head.

[This is great. A lot of woods would benefit you well.]

I think so too if what you're saying is true.

[Still doubting me, lass?]

Just how old are you? You've been calling me 'lass' ever since.

[Hahahaha. You won't believe me even if I told you.]

The drive to town went relatively silent except for the ramblings going on in my head. It took me a while as I drove around and asked some strangers for directions. I was thankful they were all nice enough and patiently gave me directions.

I first made a quick stop at the hardware store to pick up the paints I needed. I picked baby blue for my bedroom and beige for my soon-to-be art room. I also grabbed a can of paint thinner, paint brushes, and rollers.

Suddenly, my nose picked up a sweet scent. Very sweet.

[Hmmm? Such a familiar scent…]

As I turned around, I found myself inches away from crashing into someone. My immediate reaction was to take a step back. However, in my rush, I tripped on my feet. I braced myself for the fall.

God I'm gonna embarrass myself.

However, I felt a hand hold onto my upper arm. With the stranger's strong grip, it prevented me from toppling backwards and I managed to quickly steady myself. I looked up and smiled sheepishly at the stranger.

I turned rigid when I was met by a pair of golden eyes.

Holy- Are those contacts?

[They are not. She's a vampire. Although, this is the first time I've seen one with such eye color.]

What?! A vampire?! Isn't she dangerous?!

[Calm down, lass. I don't sense any predatory behavior.]

You sure? 'Cause she's glaring at me like she wants to kill me.

[Hahahaha. If she did, she would have done so already.]

I doubted his words but she did help me.

As I took in the rest of the appearance of the vampire, I found myself amazed and starstruck.

This beautiful creature before me is a vampire. An actual dead ass vampire.

She was pale. Paler than me even and that's saying something.

I guess Hollywood got that one right.

She had very striking features. Lustrous blonde hair framed her gorgeous face and fell on her shoulders in soft waves. She had perfectly arched brows, lips painted with dark red lipstick, and a sharp nose that perfectly accentuated her features. She was taller by a few inches and looked to be older than me by maybe about 2-3 years?

Catching myself staring for too long, I coughed.

"Umm thank you for saving me from embarrassment," I spoke, hoping she wouldn't notice the nervousness in my voice.

She loudly sighed through her nose as her frown deepened.

"Clumsy human," she muttered in a very low voice no human ears could possibly pick up.

[The vampire lass speaks the truth hahahaha.]

Shut up.

If not for my more sensitive hearing, I never would have heard it. I watched as she quickly walked to the side to avoid me and walked to the next aisle. As she did, my nose got a whiff of her sweet smell.

I wonder what perfume she uses.

[Nah. They all smell like that. Sometimes it's too much it used to make my nose all itchy.]

I could still faintly smell her as I walked towards the cash register.

It was sweet but I also found her scent oddly pleasing and comforting.

[Hehehehe. Interesting.]

What?

[Nothing.]

I quickly paid for my paints and walked out of the store. My next stop was to a small department store. I grabbed a jacket I could wear just about anywhere, some socks, sweaters, and school supplies such as notebooks and pens. I placed my new purchases in the backseat.

My final stop was at the grocery store.

[Oh. Buy a lot of those treats you call "OAR-YOS", lass. I really liked them.]

It's 'Oreos'.

As per request, I dumped three bags of the double-stuffed kind of Oreos into my cart. As I went through the aisles, I slowly filled up my cart to the brim.

This would probably last us for a month.

[Make that two weeks. You're gonna feel hungry more often.]

Shit. I better shoulder my half of the groceries then or Charlie might just go bankrupt.

[Or you could just go hunt. Plenty of animals in the woods.]

No way. I prefer my meat cooked thank you very much.

[Oh don't be picky, lass.]

Ugh. I get what you're saying but only if it's my last resort.

[Hahahaha. That's the spirit!]

As I was pushing my cart through the aisle, once again, I smelled something sweet.

Don't tell me…

However, the smell was a bit different.

Curious, I walked towards the scent. I caught a woman having trouble reaching for a box of flour. Compared to the blonde girl from earlier, this vampire was older but not so much. She appeared beautiful as well but with long brunette hair and a shorter stature. She had softer features which made her look very friendly and approachable compared to the one earlier.

[Oh. She also has the same eyes. I wonder if they are related?]

Maybe. But, shouldn't we be worried? That's two vampires in one day. What if there's more?

[Hmmm. You're right, lass. It could be dangerous for you. But…]

What is it?

[I'll tell you later. For now, this one doesn't seem to harbor any bloodlust to her surroundings so it seems we're okay.]

I hope you're right.

As if I didn't value my life, I found myself casually approaching her, reaching for the box of flour and handing it to her. She looked pleasantly surprised and beamed at me.

"Well that's quite helpful of you, dear. Thank you very much," she said in a cheery voice.

"You're welcome. I couldn't just stay and watch you struggle," I replied.

Suddenly, another more familiar sweet scent filled my nose once again.

I snapped my head in her direction.

"Esme, I got the eggs-"

She stopped in her tracks as she noticed me. She looked surprised and then, as if she saw something unpleasant, she frowned at me.

"Have you met?" the woman before me asked.

"Uhh we bumped into each other in the hardware store earlier. She also saved me," I said with a chuckle. "I'm a little clumsy and I tripped on myself. I would have fallen on my butt if it wasn't for her."

"Oh my. That's certainly nice of my daughter," she said.

My eyes widened.

Her daughter?!

She looked so young but then it struck me that this woman was a vampire. I can't be deceived by their looks.

"Ah. Where are my manners. My name is Esme. Esme Cullen," she introduced herself.

"I'm Bella. Bella Swan," I greeted back.

"Oh! As I thought, you're Chief Swan's daughter. I've heard you were coming to Forks," she said gleefully.

My brows shot up.

"Your father was very excited and mentioned it to my husband."

I nodded. My gaze then fell to the blonde who was now standing behind Esme. I thought she'd introduce herself next but she just simply crossed her arms while she watched us, stone faced.

"And this is Rosalie, one of my beautiful children," Esme introduced her daughter, pulling the blonde beside her and giving her a side hug. "I assume you'll be going to Forks High School? You'll meet her other siblings sooner or later. They all go there."

"Uhh that's nice to know I guess," I said.

I have a hunch- no I'm pretty sure they're all vampires too. Why are there so many vampires in such a small town?

[Interesting.]

That's all you can say?!

"Well it was lovely to meet you, Mrs. Cullen."

"Just call me Esme, dear," she kindly told me.

"Esme then," I said and returning her smile, though probably coming off a bit awkward. "It was nice meeting you too, Rosalie."

As expected, she didn't say anything back and just stared, well more liked glowered at me.

I waved goodbye and turned my cart around towards the nearest cash register.

[Little lass, seems like things are going to become interesting! Hahahahaha.]

Ugh. For you maybe!