AN: I wanted to say thank you to those of you that left kind words for me after last chapter. That was very nice of you. And happy new year everyone!

-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-

Deadly Affection – Reimagined

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of it's characters. I just make them do what I want.

Chapter 4: Changing Scenery

Bella PoV

The window wasn't open when I woke up. Looking at my phone I could see it was just before seven in the morning. My body ached as I moved to get out of bed. It wasn't as bad as it had been the last two days, but I could still feel it. I kicked away the pieces of shredded clothing from yesterday and grabbed some underwear.

I couldn't actually get the bra strap to fit around my chest when I tried to put it on. That was weird. I remember this one being a bit tight the last few times I had used it, but try as I might, I could not get the damn thing to fit. Come to thing of it, my panties were digging into my hips as well. Walking over to my mirror I looked myself over.

''No... freaking way!'' I whispered to myself, as I flexed my biceps, gasping at the noticable increase in muscle mass. It had a tiny crest to it that I had never had before, near where my arm connected to my elbow. It wasn't that big, but it was way more than the usual flat line I had lived with for years. Looking around at other parts of my body, I noticed that my stomach was a little more flat than usual, and when I tensed, I could see the faint outline of my abs.

It was fascinating. The more I looked, the more differences I found. Even my fingers looked bigger, so I grabbed a pair of thin brown leather gloves from my desk and put them on. Flexing my hands, they felt almost a size too small.

I put the gloves back and pulled out an old sports bra that had streched out a bit too much, and found that it was now a perfect fit again. Getting a broom from the cleaning closet, I set about gathering all the shreds of cloth in my room. The plastic handle felt flimsy as I worked, bending as I went.

I noticed small pieces of metal near beneath the bench next to the window. They felt brittle in my hands, one of the larger pieces breaking in two when I tried to bend it. Their surfaces where pock-marked and rough, looking almost as if they had melted, and then I realized what they were. The metal wires of the bra I had worn yesterday. It seems even metal wasn't safe from my 'second skin'. Good to know.

I briefly wondered what caused the two different states I had seen myself in. There was no 'second skin' when I freaked out in the principals office, thank god. That could have ended in a disaster, not to mention I'd have ended up naked infront of Nina and my mom. It didn't happen when I had talked to Dustin either. He only knew about the eyes, and the strength. Wonder what he would have thought if I had blazed up and ended up naked infront of him. A bitter laugh escaped me as I sweeped everything together.

Tossing the evidence in the bin, I tied it up and placed it next to the door. Now onto next part. Packing. Being as quiet as I could, I went up into the attic and got a nice black traveling bag. Setting it down on the bed, I went looking for comfy, warm clothes. The problem was that out of the few pieces I did have, a lot of them had been a snug fit before. Which posed a danger for my wallet in the future, more so than I had first imagined when I considered moving to Forks. Gotta ask my mom if she could help me with that one later.

By the time I was done picking out what was actually big and warm enough that I had, only about one fifth of the bag was used. So I started rummaging through the less warm stack for anything that still fit and added that to the pile. I growled in frustration as I looked upon the pathetic stock I had scrounged up. There was barely four complete outfits, though I had a few extra sweaters.

I packed up my laptop that I had gotten from Phil near the beginning of the school year. An MSI gaming series sleek black bulk of a thing. It wasn't all that impressive, but it was good for editing and getting school work done. It even ran a few games Audrey had gotten me into.

Stuffing it in the bag as well, I went over to my closet. Atleast I had a few thick jackets for those rare occasions it actually got somewhat cold. They would have to do for now. Stacking two of them on top of the computer, I sat down and considered what else I would need.

A pair of black boots that reached halfway up my shin tucked into the corner. The brown leather gloves. Thick woolen socks. The beige scarf I loved. Bag of toiletries. A few odds and ends I figured I would miss, like my potted cactus. A couple of books I felt like re-reading in the future.

In the end the bag was only a little over half-full. I strapped everything secure, apart from the small blue toilet bag, which I would need right about now.

Starting the shower, I turned up the heat, figuring it would help my aching muscles. And as I washed, I got a good sense of just how much muscles I had built up. They were taut, defined. It felt really weird. The heat and some light massaging of my own worked most of the kinks out in good time.

As I dried up, I got out the scale and stepped up on it. I had gained a few kilograms since the last time I weighed myself. On a whim, I tip-toed out into the hall and got a measuring tape from the closet and measured my height. One meter sixtyfour. It had been a long time since I checked my height, since I didn't want to remind myself of just how short I was. But I could have sworn I remember being only one sixtytwo. I couldn't remember exactly when the last time was, so it could be that I had grown naturally since then. Then again, I couldn't rule it out. I would have to keep an eye on it.

Stashing the measuring tape in the small bag, I started brushing my teeth. Remembering the reflection I had seen the other night while looking at myself in the mirrior made me think. Could I go through the rest of the day without an incident that caused my eyes to flare up again? I gathered it was probably an emotional trigger to it, like anger. Or fear. I got scared when the principal had told me I almost killed Justin. And I was scared of what Dustin would do when I came up to me near the swings last night.

But when the whole 'second skin' thing happened that was sadness, followed by anger. Or it was just the anger. Atleast it hadn't happened when I had been crying any other times last night.

Spitting, rinsing and putting the toothbrush into the small bag, I got dressed. Placing it in the travel bag and zipping it up, I grabbed it and the trashbag in my room and went downstairs, placing the bag near the door. Coming back in after throwing away the trashbag, I went into the kitchen.

As a small test, I tried to focus on something that made me a little angry, like the fact that Justin had called Audrey a dyke. The now almost familiar chill down my spine came to me quickly so I tried to contain it. Didn't want to ruin another set of clothes. Feeling it out for a few moments I felt like I was getting the hang of it. I looked up towards moms bedroom, a part of me suddenly fearing I would see something I shouldn't. That wasn't the case thankfully.

Phil was still sleeping like a baby from the looks of it. Mom was awake however, sitting on the side of the bed holding her hands infront of her. I couldn't make out if she was just looking at her ring, or if she was just wringing them.

I took a deep breath, willing the power coursing through me away again. After a second exhale I could no longer feel the heat around me. Atleast I can stop easily enough when I'm calm.

''Mom! Phil! Do you guys want any breakfast?'' I called out loud enough to be heard from upstairs. After a few seconds of silence, I didn't know if mom was going to answer at all. Perhaps she was occupied, thinking about something. She usually drowns the world out when she does that.

A full minute of no response, I figured I'd given it a try, and didn't bother waiting any longer. I was still really hungry from yesterday. Taking my time, I ate two or three times more than I used to eat for breakfast, easy. It has to be a side effect of whatever is going on with me, that's for sure.

After I cleaned up and put everything back in the fridge, I got my wallet and went out to my bike. I needed some dark shades, stat. The ride to the gas station near my house took me almost ten minutes, but it was well worth it when I found a pair of rectangular black shades with sidecovers. It did sting a little in the price department, but it would be invaluable in stopping people from sneaking a peek at my eyes if I ever raged out.

-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-

As we drove to the school, all three of us, mom didn't stop pestering me with questions. How would you survive the cold, how would I make new friends and so on and so forth. I had heard it all over and over again since they came down for breakfast.

It was just past noon as we parked the car, with all three of us getting out and walking to the principals office. There were some documents me and my 'guardians' had to sign for the paperwork to be done. I wondered how they would have enforced this if mom didn't have Phil. Would they have to send it by mail to my dad to sign? Seemed a little archaic. Why we couldn't have just signed it electronically, I did not know.

Nina has talked to the school in Forks before we got there, but they weren't even sure if I would be able to start next monday. Which meant we didn't even know if I actually needed to get on the flight later today. That had been another one of moms questions going on repeat. But I needed to go. If only to have more time to figure this out, without as many people around.

We all signed the dotted lines, hugs and handshakes were exchanged, and then we were off again. This time we went to the mall, finding some actual winter clothing. A dark blue parka, snow boots and some thick gloves. She even handed me a couple hundred dollars to take with me, to 'use as you see fit' as she explained it. I had whined that it was way too much, but she flat out refused to hear it.

The hours flew past, and before I knew it, we were putting my bag in the car, and were off to the airport. With baggage checked in, and my ticket and passport safe in my backpack, I turned to mom.

''This is it huh?'' I was a little nervous, but also excited. My mom's face were switching between crying and smiling too fast for me to keep track, as she grabbed me and hugged me tightly.

''You don't have to do this. We can still leave, and wait until after the weekend.'' She was breaking apart in my arms, shaking like a leaf.

''What, and send all my clothes up to live with dad without me?'' I joked, hoping it would calm her nerves. She just grabbed onto me tighter.

''I don't want you to leave.'' I could tell by her voice that she was about to cry. I put my hands on her shoulders and pushed her off of me. It was easier than I thought it would be, given her deathgrip.

''Mom. Seriously. Look at me.'' Renèe calmed down slightly, her shivering stopped for just a second. ''I'm going to be fine. This will be great for all of us.'' I motioned to all three of us. ''Give it a few days, and you will hardly even miss me.'' I didn't say it in a mean way, although I knew she would construe it that way. I saw it as an admirable trait, the way she lived in so in the moment.

''Call me, like, every day. And dress warm. And be careful about your clumsiness. And be nice to your father...-'' She cried into my shoulder, and I embraced her one last time. She continued to mumble stuff I should remember or things to be careful about for a while longer, until Phil pulled her off of me.

''Take care of her Phil. I'm counting on you.'' I whispered to him over moms crying into his shoulder now. He grabbed Renèe tighter, being the only thing keeping her knees from buckling.

''Sure thing Bella. You stay safe up there. Try not to piss off any more kids, would ya?'' A smile crinkled his face as he waved. I was going to miss Phil. The blithe disposition he brought to everyone around him.

The walk through the security screening and towards my gate was filled with music, blasting from my earbuds. I garnered a lot of looks as I strolled through the shops and cafés. I couldn't tell if it was because of the shades or something else, but I found it a little unnerving.

Before long it was time to board the plane. The line didn't take too long, and to my elation I found that Phil had actually booked a window seat for me. I would have to thank him again later. A guy sat down next to me. He was quite young from the looks of it, but he seemed familiar.

He actually reminded me a bit of dad, from the short glances I stole at him. He had dark hair and a mustache that could use some grooming. I wonder if dad had grown his back since the last time I saw him. He had claimed the Arizona heat had killed it or something.

The plane jostled me awake as we landed. I hadn't even noticed I was falling asleep, but hey. The slow procession of people leaving the plane gave me plenty of time to send my dad a text and tell him I had just landed. And one to my mom that I had landed safely.

I was the last one off, as the cabin crew started going around collecting trash. My bag had made a full lap on the conveyor belt before I picked it up. It had filled up a bit after the shopping trip earlier, so I was thankful it had wheels.

Charlie wasn't hard to pick out of a crowd, being the only police officer standing in the main lobby. The dark mustache and short hair that I was used to seeing on him was all there. He waved me over with a smile, his head tilting to the side.

''Hey dad!'' I said as I walked over to him, going in for a hug. He looked at me a little funny, before straightening up and hugging me back.

''Hey Bella.'' His voice was gruff, as usual. After letting me go, he looked me up and down a few times. ''Did you get taller or something? You look a little different.'' His tone wasn't accusatory, which was the only thing keeping me from outright panicking. It was probably easier for him to see the difference since it had been a long time since we met.

''I'm not sure, but I think so. Maybe I hit another growth spurt. I wouldn't complain about a few extra centimeters.'' I lied smoothly. It could even be sort of an explanation for Charlie if I was infact getting taller. Or bulkier.

He nodded thoughtfully. ''Well then, let's get to it shall we?'' He replies, snatching the bag out of my hands and starting towards the exit. The cruiser was in the parking lot not too far from the entrance, but even in the dark, and with shades on, I could find it easily. It was the only car with the light array on top after all.

I went ahead of him and opened the trunk, before Charlie hoisted my bag in there with a huff.

''We're going to have to get some food if you're hungry. I completely forgot to get groceries.'' Charlie stated as he slammed the trunk shut. ''Maybe we could stop by the diner?'' I laughed at his tardiness, and his cheeks grew red.

''It's past eleven dad. I think I'm just gonna hit the bed when we get home.'' It was strange, calling Forks home again. But it would help set my dad at ease. I could even see a smile lifting his mustache.

''Well then I guess I'll fix some grub first thing tomorrow.'' Charlie said as he opened the door. I felt a pang of guilt at how happy dad seemed. It really had been too long since I had been there for a visit.

''So how are you holding up?'' Dad asks nonchalantly as he starts up the car. The questions catches me off guard.

''What do you mean?'' I respond confused. He glances at me as he pulls out of the parking lot.

''I mean. How are you feeling about this whole deal? About having to move here.'' For once I am stumped as to what Charlie is getting at. Is he genuinly curious? Or does he think I resent having to come here? He has never been one to second guess himself.

''Kind of frustrated with myself I guess. For being so stupid that I got kicked out because of one hormone-driven asshat.'' He grinds his teeth at that one, but I still can't tell why. ''And I'm happy. Happy that I had the alternative of coming here.'' I say it mostly to reassure him, incase he was actually doubting my willingness to come here. It strikes me that that was actually the case, when his neck pops with how fast his head turns to me.

''What?'' Now it's him that's confused. I politely point back to the road, as a gentle reminder. We're alone on the narrow road, but still. Never hurts to be vigilant.

''I have missed the dense forest, and the colors. Even the rain.'' I continue, trying to come up with good things I remember about Forks. ''The city was getting a little hectic for me. I have felt like I've needed some space for a while now. I guess I'm kinda like my dad that way.'' That all-out smile of his breaks out across his face. The one I have loved seeing on him since I can remember.

''Is that so.'' His voice is hoarse, and he clears his throat a few times before he continues. ''That's really good to hear Bells.'' He blinks his eyes rapidly, and I look out the window to avoid any awkwardness. There's a small layer of snow clinging to the tops of the trees and the ground as we pass. That's one thing I don't really miss.

''So have you heard anything from the school yet about when I can start?'' I say to change the subject. I can hear him shuffle in his seat, clearing his throat one more time.

''They were going to call me again tomorrow to confirm it, but the secretary didn't think you could start before the middle of next week at best.'' The tension that had been in the air was almost immediately gone.

''The middle of the week? Are you serious? I actually thought I had to start on a monday.'' I almost want to kick myself for rushing to leave Phoenix now. Though if I hadn't left as soon, Renèe would have been a mess until I left anyway, so maybe it was better this way.

''You weren't the only one. When I asked the woman on the phone about it, she said it was a new practice they had started. Something about it being easier because of electronic regitrering or something.'' Dad explained, sounding just as confused as I had been. ''I could probably get it pushed to the next monday if you wish. Give you some time to get your bearings?'' His voice was really tender. Dad-mode Charlie was behind the wheels.

''Thanks. But I don't want to fall any further behind in school than I need to. I'd just get more homework to catch up on when I started again anyway.'' I would have atleast four or five days to get set up anyway. Should be more than enough. Enough for some time to try to start to figure out my powers as well.

Charlie guffawed, causing me to turn to him again. ''You're my daughter alright.'' His eyes shone with mirth. I could feel my throat constrict, and I turned back to stare into the forest. I really had missed my dad more than I realized. It made me sad, considering how much worse it must have been for him. Living alone, he didn't have anyone to alleviate that issue, apart from the few weeks every summer when we would meet up. It made me feel even more like shit for making him come to me.

We fell into an easy silence for the rest of the drive, instead choosing to listen to the radio. He had it set to some rock station I wasn't familiar with, but I was content listening to old classics with the current company. A pensive mood came over me as I considered what my dad had gone through all these years. He had never been with anyone in all the years after mom left him as far as I knew. Maybe he had been hiding it from me, but I felt confident my father would have told me if there was someone he was serious about.

I knew he had some good really good friends he was close with, like Harry and Billy down at the rez. Him and Harry used to go fishing a lot from what I could remember. And I remember playing with Rebecca and Rachel a lot, Billy's kids. It seems they had somehow managed to keep my dad sane, even with the work he did.

I felt relatively safe that I wouldn't rage out on anything with how calm I felt, so I chose to take off my glasses. It wasn't like the copious amounts of trees we passed was a new thing, but it still felt a lot different than the desert that I had lived in for so many years. I tried peering into the forest as we sped along the road, but it was way to dark to spot anything but snow and shadows.

All too quickly I could recognize the street we were on, and two minutes later we parked in the driveway of my dads house. My new home.

The sting of the cold air hit me as I stepped out of the car. An involuntary shiver rippled through me. The smack of the trunk being closed alerted me that dad had gotten my bag. I followed him up to the front door, feeling a little apprehensive.

''I don't really think anythings changed since you were last here.'' Charlie sounded a little embarrased as he admitted it. It was a good thing that it hadn't in my opinion, I needed the reminders to keep from going insane. To stay grounded.

''I got some new stuff for your room though.'' He said as he trudged up the stairs with the bag in tow. I felt a little guilty, letting him haul that thing everywhere. It wasn't exactly light anymore, after the shopping trip I had been on.

Making sure I was braced for impact if he lost the bag, I followed up after him. There were no such accident fortunately. He stepped inside my room and put the bag by the bed before he stood a little to the side, giving me a good view. It was a little spartan. I guess he had hid away all my old toys. The walls were still lime green, which I would have to do something about. The bedsheets were new, being pink with purple flower patterns. The curtains were a matching set.

''I got some help from the sales lady to pick out the new stuff. You like purple, right?'' He blushed and sounded embarrased again. I could only smile at his concern over the matter.

''It's perfect dad, thanks.'' I responded kindly, stepping into the room and sitting down on the bed.

''Okay then. I'll be downstairs if you need anything.'' He replied, ducking out of my room in a hurry.

I sighed as I laid down on the bad, having kicked off my shoes. There were no cracks in the roof here, only a flat white surface. I didn't know if I should feel happy I had a window on the second floor again. It would cause me to leave evidence of my nightly outings, unless I could keep a habit of going out for a while before bed. If that was even the reason I hadn't gone out the night before.

Pulling the phone out of my pocket, I look at the time. It was already eleven fifty pm, and from what I remembered, we were one hour behind Phoenix here, so it would be one in the morning. Mom had called over an hour ago, probably while I was asleep on the plane. She was probably freaking out, if she hadn't fallen asleep yet.

'I'm in Forks now, safe and sound. We just got home, still gotta unpack. Will call you tomorrow.' I texted Renèe. I hoped she hadn't stayed up worrying, but when it came to mom I wouldn't put it past her.

'Hey A. I've gotten to Forks in one piece somehow, despite the snow here. It's late, so I'll call you tomorrow. Ps- Snow sucks!' I shot a text to Audrey as well, musing as to what would be her reaction. Probably laugh at my misery. Yeah, definitely.

With a huff, I hauled my ass back out of the bed. I put all my jackets and winter stuff in the closet, before placing the rest of my clothes in the dresser. A quick trip to the toilet with my toiletry reminded me of something that could become an issue. One bathroom. Oh joy. As I was already there, I decided to brush my teeth at the same time.

I leaned the bag up against the desk in my room. I could find a new home for it in the morning.

''Goodnight dad!'' I called out into the hallway, hearing a mumbled response come back from downstairs.

-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-

The dim light peering through my window greeted me as I opened my eyes. The first few seconds of confusion caused me to jump out of bed in surprise at the new surroundings. The cold tingle down my spine of my powers activating reminded me why I was here in this cold little room. I looked to the window in suspense, but was pleasantly surprised that it was closed. I was in the buff in the cold room, but none of my clothes were missing. I couldn't feel the gnawing hunger I had felt in the morning the last few days either.

Somehow I didn't go out in the middle of the night, even though I didn't drain anything yesterday. Getting dressed quickly, I moved downstairs to find that the house was empty. The clock on the wall read eight fifteen, so Charlie should be at work by now. I found a note on the fridge that he had left.

'Didn't want to disturb you, so I let you sleep in. I stocked the fridge for us, you can take anything you'd like. Apart from my beer. I'll try to be back home before five pm, but if you need anything just give me a call. -Dad'

The winking smileyface after the mention of his beer got a chuckle ouf of me. He had indeed stocked the fridge almost to the brim with all manners of food. I even found a pack of the local butchery's pastrami that I loved, and I would be amiss to not sample it again.

I sat down and ate at the small table in the kitchen, having found the utensils I needed from memory. I groaned in pleasure as the taste hit my tongue. I was drawn back into old memories as I ate, remembering the summers I had visited. The fishing trips dad and Harry had dragged me along for, despite my complaints. How I bemoaned the constant rain as we sat in the small fishing boat.

It made me feel melancholic, longing for a time when things were so much simpler. I didn't want to dwell on it, but the thought lingered in the back of my mind.

-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-

AN: So I figured this would be a good place to end the chapter, before it got way too long again. Bella has finally gotten to Forks, but it will be a chapter or two before she starts school. Future chapters will not be as regular now as work is starting back up, so the monthly schedule will resume after this one.