Author's Note:
Disclaimer: I own none of these characters, and they are the intellectual property of Stephanie Meyers. Also, I do not condone her appropriation of the Quillayute or Quileute tribe. Please, consider researching their initiative to move to higher ground due to their current reservation being in a critical tsunami zone at mthg .org*. You can also learn more about the tribe at their website here at quileutenation .org*.
In my story, I will attempt to address their characters and culture with respect and reverence. However, I am always open to hearing about more appropriate ways to represent indigenous nations and people of color.
Additionally, I am seeking a Beta Reader, so please send me a PM if you are interested.
Also, please keep in mind this is my first attempt at writing a story. I welcome constructive criticism and feedback but, please try to be kind. Thank You!
Lastly! The beautiful artwork for the story was created by the incredibly talented little-lynx .tumblr. com *, definitely go check her out, and a HUGE thank you to her for letting me post my story with her art!
*All links need the spaces taken out to work
I walked through the door and into the house. Somehow, everything was just as I had remembered it. The first floor was an open floor plan with the family room with worn leather sofas and recliners to the right and the dining room to the left, and the stairs smack dab in the middle. However, by the cluster of mail and the haphazardly organized gun equipment, I doubt Dad had been using it for eating while I was gone. I figured Dad was already upstairs, so I hurried to meet him. I took the stairs two at a time, managing to only almost trip twice. As I got to the second-floor landing, I was surprised by how new and foreign it was. Apparently, Dad had done some renovating while I was away,
"Bella!" A voice yelled from the first door on the right.
"Right here, Dad!" I called back.
His head popped out of the door, and a light blush colored his cheeks, "Oh, I thought you were still downstairs. Sorry."
I shook off his apology and went to meet him, "It's okay. It seems you did some remodeling while I was away. You know you should have told me, then Jake and I could have filmed for our home renovation show," I joked.
He slightly winced in reply, "Oh yeah, too bad. However, Jake is actually really incredible when it comes to fixing things up now. Billy, him, and I renovated this floor about two years ago. You know, when I bought this home, it was meant to be a fixer-upper. A place your mother and I could mold into our perfect home, but she never saw it that way." His face darkened slightly. "
Well, I think it's wonderful. Now, where is my room?" I hoped showing me around would help take his mind of the past.
His face brightened, "Right in here, kiddo!" He waved to through the open door. I peered inside and gasped. Dad had built my dream room, an enormous window with a day bed inlaid- the perfect place to snuggle up with a book. In the middle of the room was a queen-sized canopy bed covered in a fluffy white duvet and an almost obnoxious amount of pillows and fuzzy blankets, I could easily picture feel myself drifting off to sleep. Although lately, sleep and I hand't really been friends. Then there were the built-in bookshelves just waiting for the books I had promised Renee would be shipped-the ones that were never coming. Next to the bookshelves was a door, I opened it to find that it was a medium sized walk-in closet with empty hangers just waiting for me to decorate them with my clothes, all five of my shirts, my three pairs of jean, and exactly one winter jacket that I had been able to shove into my duffel.
"Don't forget to check out your new bathroom" I whipped around to see Dad smiling, I could tell he was happy that I liked my room.
"My own bathroom?" I couldn't hide my surprise last time I was here we shared a Jack-and-Jill bathroom. Dad gestured to a door on the other of the bed, I slid past him and around the bed quickly pulling open the new door. Revealing a simple vanity with a toilet next to it and on the opposite side a shower/bath combo.
"It's perfect Dad, all of this is really perfect" I couldn't help tearing up.
"Well I just want you to feel at home here, sweetie. I know it's not as fancy as your Mom's but, I just want you to be happy here." He replied sheepishly. I turned around and hugged him tight, he squeezed me back before letting go.
"Now are you hungry?" Dad asked. Before I could reply my stomach chimed in with an eager grumble. Dad laughed, "I'll take that as a yes, what do you say we have dinner at Lucy's Diner?" My eyes lit up at the idea of Lucy's- it was the diner Dad and I frequented every summer I came here, they had hands down the best home cooked food and even better pies.
"Lucy's?!" I couldn't help my excitement.
Dad chuckled, "Well, it isn't every day that my favorite daughter moves back home, we need to celebrate!"
I rolled my eyes, "Dad, I am your only daughter."
He grinned replying, "And my favorite. Now we better head out before your stomach starts barking at me!" I laughed following him out of the room and down the stairs. Then through the family room/dining room and out the door. I paused outside waiting for Dad to lock-up the house and unlock the car. I heard a faint *beep* alerting me to the car getting unlocked, I walked down the driveway to the car, tugging the passenger's side door open. I sat down in the seat and peered through the windshield to see what was taking Dad so long. He was still on the porch except now he seemed to be talking on the phone. My spirits fell, it was probably work calling him in. That was the downside to being the Chief of police for a small town they always seemed to need you. I had been hoping we could spend some quality time together while I got settled, but it seemed like yet again the universe wanted to screw with me. The call must have ended because Dad slid his phone back into his pocket and started heading to the car. I plastered a smile on my face, I didn't want him to feel bad for leaving me although I know he still would.
He opened the door, "Sorry about that a call just came in from work-"
I interrupted, "It's okay Dad, I understand. You can just drop me off at Lucy's and then I can walk home." He looked at me like I had grown another head.
"Of course not! I told them that I would handle it in the morning. Besides, it's not like anything crazy happens in Forks. They can wait while I spend some time with you, kiddo." His quick yet simple reply warmed my heart and put me at ease.
I joked, "But what about Fluffy, how will he get down from that tree?"
He rolled his eyes at me, "That's what firefighters are for Bella, that's what firefighters are for." With that we buckled up and reversed out of the driveway and headed to Lucy's.
Thank you for reading and please leave a review! I read all of them and your feedback motivates me and helps me improve. Also, I know the formatting is different this chapter. I am trying out different formats, please let me know if you have a preference towards one.