I took a deep breath to calm myself.
Here I was in Forks.
The ride from the airport to Charlie's house was simple enough. We didn't talk much. At least, that was one thing I was looking forward to while living with him: the lack of small talk.
I also met his girlfriend. Her name is Charity, and she is nice enough. They have been dating for a year or so now. She doesn't live here with Charlie. But I'm glad that he at least has somebody. Though, she sort of looked like my mom. And that just made me sad. Did Charlie ever get over her?
Truth be told, I don't think anybody who knows her can get over meeting her. She has one of those personalities where you are just drawn to the person. She is incredibly childish, though. Maybe that is just part of her charm. Though, I could be biased.
Thinking about my mom made me more melancholic than I already was.
She needs to live her life without the burden of constantly worrying about me.
I have been telling myself that since the second that mom told me about how Phil had to travel for the next year. I didn't want her to stay behind for me. And what option did that leave me apart from forcing myself to come live in Forks?
No matter. There was no point in thinking about things that can't be changed.
I looked at my luggage. Charlie and Charity have given me some space for me to freshen up and set things in order.
Tomorrow is the first day of high school in Forks. According to Charlie, there are not even four hundred students in the entire high school. So, I'm not that worried about tomorrow.
It is the first time that I'm going to be away from the sun since I learned its importance. There are obviously other things that I'll miss. So, my plan is to take everything one day at a time.
I have an entire year to look forward to anyway.
My thoughts were in almost the same direction throughout the evening while I freshened up and got my things settled. Eventually, Charlie came up to the room.
"Um, Bella?"
"Yes, Dad?" I was not allowed to call him Charlie to his face
"Would it be okay with you if you, me, and Charity all had dinner together?"
"Sure. I'll be right down."
I wasn't particularly looking forward to this. But what else could I say to him?
Anyway, since I will be staying here for the foreseeable future, I might just as well get this over with.
I went downstairs and took my seat at the table in the kitchen. Charlie or Charity had already sat down a place for me.
"Hi, Bella. We didn't get a chance to talk earlier. I'm Charity. I think your father might have mentioned me to you because I have heard a great deal about you" She had a very calming voice. Her manner almost immediately put me at ease. And this was surprising because that has never happened before.
"Hi, Charity. Nice to meet you. I have heard a lot about you too" I hadn't except her name and the fact that she works in the ER at the local hospital. Charlie wasn't exactly talkative.
"I actually would have been there to pick you up with your father. But something came up in the ER, so I was held there. I hope you like dinner."
Carrying a conversation with her was easy. And she was an amazing cook. Throughout the entire evening, all she wanted to do was talk about me. She has also helped my dad set up a few things in my room. I was glad about that. I didn't really know if Charlie had a good taste when it came to décor. Though, if he had set things up the way he selected the truck for me, then I still would have been just as happy.
After dinner, Charity left as she had some things to do at her home. I also took that cue to go up to my room. I was exhausted. But Charlie called me before I could make my escape.
"Um, Bella?"
"Yeah?"
"Are you comfortable?" His concern immediately touched me.
"Yeah, Dad"
He was the police chief who was not comfortable with any social situation. He and I were more similar. If it wasn't for Forks and the weather here, living with him would have been very comfortable.
"Let me know if you need anything, okay?"
"Sure, Dad. I'm going to head up now. It was a long day."
"Sure thing."
I was all prepared for a good night's sleep. It was raining outside. But I was so tired that I probably wouldn't even be bothered by it tonight.
After brushing and everything, I noticed this little sleeping fox hanging from the headboard of the bed. It was probably wood. The second I touched it, I felt as if I was lighter than air. It was as if my mind was rushing out of my body. In a matter of a second, I felt this extreme sense of lethargy come over me. Weirdly, nothing felt wrong. It was like I was having the strangest dream ever. And I had no cause to worry.