Bella's Point of View
I never would have thought something like this would be possible. Rene and Charlie together – well maybe together wasn't the best word. They were occupying the same space. Phil was here as well; being his usual relaxed and joyous self.
I thought Charlie and Phil's meeting would have been somewhat awkward, but I should have known the two would naturally get along. They both had a love for baseball – they were both pretty laid back. It was Rene that seemed the most uncomfortable, every time Charlie and Phil began chatting, she got tense and wouldn't let her eyes off them.
This idea had originally been Rene's. Since I would be moving to Forks at the start of the new school year Rene decided that we would she and Phil would take a trip to Forks to spend one last weekend with me. Of course, Phil wanted to make it a camping trip. So here we were – hidden amongst this green, leafy prison. It was so drastically different then Arizona. I couldn't believe I had agreed to moving here. It wasn't for my own benefits – but I would do this for Rene. She wouldn't have to stay at home with me anymore, she could travel with Phil.
But this camping trip was the perfect way for me to test the waters. I could prepare myself for life with Charlie. I haven't had much communication with him – at least since last summer. Charlie and I was a lot alike. We both were a bit shy and awkward at the best of times. But things were going well so far.
"So, where exactly are we?" I asked as I took a seat by the fire. Phil had constructed a sufficient bonfire with some of the fallen limbs around the campsite. It was a bit crude – but the warmth of the flames was comforting against the cold fall breeze.
Charlie took a swig from his coffee mug before letting his eyes rest on me. "We are on the Hoh river trail. It's open year-round for hiking, camping and fishing. I usually set up camp in this spot in the summer time. Lots of good fishing upstream."
I had no interest in fishing. I knew it was something that Charlie and Phil both seemed to enjoy – Rene and I had mutual disinterest. Either way, I knew that we would probably get pulled into a fishing outing.
"I was hoping to get some fishing in today – now that we have the camp set up." Phil said sliding into the conversation to my relief.
"I brought all the fishing supplies – so whenever you all are ready, we can take the boat out." Charlie said with a timid grin.
"There is no way you two are getting me out in that tiny boat. Bella and I will stay back and get dinner prepared," Rene said waving her hand easily. "Isn't that right Bella?"
Charlie and Phil looked in my direction with mirrored expressions. It appeared the both of them had wanted me to go with them. But there was no way I could handle the awkwardness of fishing with my father and my mother's new husband. It was too much.
"Yeah, it would be for the best. I'm sure I would just get in the way." I nodded – pulling my jacket around me a little closer. I wasn't quite used to the cooler climates here in Forks. It was just one more thing I detested about this place.
I couldn't wait until this camping trip was over – yes, the end of the trip would me that my life in Forks would begin – but it also meant that I would get out of this cold, wet forest.
"Are you sure?" Phil asked with a raised brow.
"Yeah of course, go on ahead and have fun. Maybe if you two catch some fish – I could cook that for dinner, if you want."
This seemed to please the both of them – they both began gathering their supplies, chuckling and chit-chatting as they did. By the time they both were out of sight Rene let out a loud exhale.
"It's just so strange seeing those two get along so well. For some reason I thought they would have ended up hating each other. They are so different." Rene said shaking her head slowly.
I took a second to examine my mother's face – not seeing very many similar features to me. It's true – I looked more like Charlie unfortunately. And worse yet I didn't even share her personality – she was so spontaneous and lively. While I was more down to Earth and stable. I was almost like a perfect copy of Charlie – it was a shame that I didn't know him as well as I'd like. I'm sure we would really get along well together. That's one good thing about my move here to Forks. I would get to know my father a bit better. After all – we have never really lived together.
"I'm glad they are getting along. It makes this whole camping thing easier." I said pulling my legs up to my chest. I was trying to get comfortable, but I couldn't seem to manage.
"Yeah, your right, to be honest I thought I was lost my mind when I came up with this idea." Rene said with a slight grin. "I promised myself that I'd never return to Forks... and here I am again."
"Why did you want to come here? I would have been perfectly fine coming here myself without involving you and Phil."
"Well - I know it sounds strange but I've just been feeling a pull... It's like Forks have been calling out to me. It's hard to explain. But now that I'm here it's starting to make sense. I needed this. To be surrounded in nature. The fresh air. It clears my mind." She said letting her head fall back. Her eyes closed and a look of peace came to her expression.
I didn't want to bother her – I've never seen her like this. She was always in such a hurry, life never slowed down for her. But in this moment, she seems to be frozen in time. I quietly made my way to my own tent. I brought a couple books to read – a few of my favorites. It's been a long time since I've sat down with a good book.
As quietly as I could manage, I pinched the zipper of my tent and slowly slid it downwards. The opening of the tent glided open – causing a damp, unpleasant odor to hit me. I ignored it as I crawled inside and took a look around this concealed space that was considered mine for the next two days.
There was a battery-operated lantern in the corner – it was old and musty; just like this tent. A large duffel bag laid on the opposite side of the lantern, it was brand new and held a few new outfits that Rene had picked up for me. All the clothes were long sleeved and heavy, which was very different then the kind of clothes I was used to wearing. There was no doubt that Rene was just preparing me for life in this cold town.
I couldn't help my crinkle my nose at the sight of the rain coat slung carelessly over the duffel bag. Charlie had mentioned that it was supposed to rain today – something I was dreading.
In the center of the tent was a thick sleeping bag, which thankfully Charlie had washed before bringing it along. It had a few rips in it, I could tell it was a bit old, but as long as it kept me warm, I couldn't complain.
At the doorway of the tent, I kicked my boots off – they had already gotten a little muddy. Instead, I decided to roll myself up into the sleeping bag and dig through my bag for something to read.
It took no time at all to find my old paperback book, Wuthering Heights. It was a true classic. I've probably read it from cover-to-cover hundreds of times. It never got old.
Once I had gotten comfortable, I began reading and getting lost deeper and deeper with each flip of the page. I could hear the sounds of the fire crackling from outside the tent. I could smell the smoke and burning wood. Rene was right- this was peaceful.
I could feel my body relaxing, my muscles were growing looser – it almost felt like I was melting down into weightless air. I didn't realize that I was falling asleep until I could no longer focus on the black print in front of me. Everything began to fade away into nothingness.
I was woken up by horrible screams of agony and pain. Instantly I felt my body fly up into a seated position – so fast I was dizzy by the suddenness. My heart was racing, the feeling was so intense that the pain from it took my breath away. I was panting as I dashed forward – to the opening of my tent. I peered out, and the moment my eyes scanned the campsite I felt a scream burst through my lips. I hadn't even known had the ability to scream that loud.
Blood was everywhere; which would have been enough to make me faint – but with the ravenous eyes of a beast watching me, I couldn't rip my eyes away. I was frozen in a state of pure shock.
Just a few feet away a large black bear had a hold of Phil by his neck. The massive creature had him pinned to the ground – and fiercely bit down on Phils neck and ripped large chunks of flesh from him. Blood spewed profusely from the puncture site. Phil's eyes were wipe, his mouth was hanging open but no sounds came out. Just the screams coming from Rene and Charlie – who were standing frozen, in front of my tent.
"Charlie - do something, please! Save him!" Rene sobbed.
Charlie looked at her and then looked to me with fear and worry on his expression. He was the police chief here at Forks. Normally he would have his gun, but he had decided to leave that behind for this trip – it was Rene's pleas that made him do so.
"He is gone Rene, we need to focus here, or none of us is making it out of here alive." Charlie said calmly. His tone didn't match the expression on his face.
"No, we can't leave him behind." Rene pleaded, there was a look of desperation on her face. And before either one of us could respond Rene went sprinting forward with a baseball bat.
"No!" Charlie and I both yelled at the same time. We both knew what the outcome was going to be. I took a few steps forward but Charlie put his arm out – holding me back.
Rene ran right up to the black bear and started an assault of blows against the bears head and body. The pitiful attempt only seemed to anger the bear. It paused from feasting on Phil and rose to meet Rene. His mighty arm whipped out towards her – making contact with her chest. I could see the shredding of Rene's top, along with blood spilling down her exposed flesh. She wailed in pain as the force of the bears hit knocked her down to the ground.
"Run mom!" I called out to her – ignoring the tears sliding heavily down my cheeks. My throat was completely raw from my screaming. There was a burning pain in my chest and I felt as though I was about to vomit.
Rene looked up at me, making eye contact. I've never seen her look so afraid. Her face was completely pale – even as the bear took a large bite into the back of her head and began dragging her away. Her screams were shrill – the sound vibrated through my head. It was a sound I was never going to forget.
"Bella, no matter what happens – we need to get to the truck. We need to get as far away from here as possible." Charlie said as he turned to me with tears sliding down his face as well. I've never seen my father cry. It was just something I couldn't wrap my head around. He was always so strong. So, in this moment, seeing him falling apart, I was beyond terrified.
I couldn't even find words to express what I was feeling in this moment. I could still see Rene from where we stood. The bear had piled her right on top of Phil – she was moving but just barely. I saw her hands reaching out to us. But as the bear ripped further into her head, I saw pieces of brain matter begin getting pulled out from her skull. She didn't scream – her mouth opened; like Phil's, but she was silent. Her movements went to a complete stop, blood was rolling down from her wound as fast and forceful as a river. I had to turn my head away from the sight.
Charlie nudged me slightly. "Come on Bells. Let's start towards the car. Slowly." He said weakly. He took my hand when I didn't answer and began to guide me towards the truck.
My heart was throbbing in my chest as I took each step. I could hear the ripping and snapping of skin and bones. The smell of blood was thick in the air.
The truck was ten feet away from camp. But it felt like it would take an eternity to get there. Charlie and I kept glancing back at the carnage. I had a lump in my throat. All I could do was let Charlie pull me along. My vision was blurry from all the crying – I was in no condition to be any help. I was barely holding onto hope that we would make it alive.
It felt like time was slowing down around us. There was a small glimmer of hope as we reached the tailgate of the truck, but that was abruptly squashed as a second bear came stomping towards us.
Charlie acted quickly; he threw me behind him as the bear charged in our direction. "Run Bells!" he hollered. The bear went straight for Charlie's neck – tearing into him easily, like a knife gliding through butter. The bear pinned Charlie to the ground and unlike the other bear it tore into him with wild thrashing and terrible growls. The bear was shredding Charlie to pieces right before my eyes. I felt a warm mist spray against my legs. I didn't need to look down to know it was the blood of my father.
I was overcome by emotion – not to flee, but to fight. These monsters have orphaned me in a matter of an hour. The emotional pain was overwhelming. I could barely function. I just stood there motionless, unsure of what to do. My mind was telling me to save myself, get in the truck and get the hell out of here. But where would I go? I have no home to go back to. Maybe I wasn't meant to make it out of these woods. Maybe I'm supposed to die here with the only family I had.
I didn't want to see what the bear was doing to Charlie – I couldn't handle anymore carnage. But I had to keep my sights on the bear – who knows when it will come for me next.
Even if I did get inside the truck, Charlie had the keys to it. I would be stranded. But maybe I could be safe inside of it. I squeezed my eyes shut and began shuffling my feet – inching myself slowly towards the driver's side door.
I kept peaking back towards the bear – my stomach churned each time I did. Charlie's face was completely unrecognizable. Pieces of his face was shredded – his arms appeared broken; judging by how they were contorted behind what was left of his body. I couldn't see if he was still breathing. I heard a gurgling nose coming from him. But I wasn't brave enough to look at his eyes.
I was able to reach the door of the truck and with trembling hands I opened the door with a squeak. The noise caught the attention of both of the bears. I saw them move their massive heads in my direction.
Were they both going to charge at me at the same time. Everything fell silent. All I could hear was my own heart pounding in my chest – something like a frantic beat of a drum. But I could also hear the chewing and snapping of the bones that came from the feasting bears.
I had to move. I had to do something. Come on. Move. Before it's too late.
My own inner thoughts were a tangled-up mess of panic, but I was able to push myself to move. I flung myself in the truck and slammed the door shut behind me. I breathed heavily for a moment, letting my eyes shut. I rested my head in my hands and wept as silently as I could manage. The stress of this situation had taken its toll. It was all sinking in now that I was past the shock. My stomach heaved, I leaned over the seat to spew the contents of my stomach to the floor of the truck.
I laid over the center console between the driver's seat and passenger seat; letting my head hang down low, just in case I would puke again. Every time I closed my eyes I could see Rene, Phil and Charlie's mangled bodies. I could see the blood.
My body was trembling so hard that I found myself getting dizzy. I wasn't brave enough to look back out towards the bears. At this moment I felt that I was safe. But I couldn't be sure. I knew nothing about wildlife. I didn't know what a bear was capable of. I was used to living in a large city, wild animals didn't attack people on the streets. I didn't have any idea what to do next.
If the bears could manage breaking into this truck; which a part of me believes that is a very real possibility... I would be done for. I didn't have the keys. The only thing I can do right now is wait. Maybe they would get their fill and leave me alone.
I waited – for what felt like an eternity. I didn't watch the bears, I pretended they didn't exist. I pretended that I was back home in Arizona. I imagined the sun overhead – warming me up. A memory stirred up inside my mind of my mother and I, sitting at the edge of a pool. I recalled with clarity – my mother's laugh as we talked about trivial things, boys, school – anything and everything. Phil was there too, in the background bringing us ice tea. I wish that I could return to that moment. It felt like I was living in a nightmare.
Charlie was another story. I didn't have many memories with him. Most of the time spent with him was half-hearted and full of awkwardness. But after searching my mind there was one particular moment with Charlie that I treasured. It was one of my birthdays. Charlie had flown in to celebrate with me. We decided on going out to one of my favorite restaurants in the area. Charlie had presented me with a gift that he had personally hand-crafted. It was a jewelry box, carved into the shape of a heart and had my name etched in cursive on the top. It was so heart-warming. He had spent all the time making me something, it had brought tears to my eyes.
I never did use this box for its intended purpose – I wasn't the type of girl that bothered with jewelry. But I always kept it on my nightstand. I kept most of my photos inside of it.
I could feel myself beginning to calm down – it helped thinking back to easier times. But I knew that I had focus. I was in a very rough situation here; I still didn't know if I could make it out of here alive.
With some courage I slowly turned to look the driver's side window. To my intense surprise I locked eyes with one of the bears. It was peering inside the truck. I hadn't even noticed that I let out a yelp – until the bear responded to the sudden noise.
One strike and the bear's massive arm went through the glass of the window. I moved my arms up to cover my face; just in time to feel the shards of glass hit against my skin. I could feel blood rolling down my arms – the pain was an after-thought.
I screamed out in agony as I felt a sharp bite on my shoulder. The beast's jaw was clenched tightly in place – I could feel my skin getting pulled away from the bone. He had a hold on me and he wasn't letting me go any time soon. The bear began to pull now – easily pulling me out through the broken window. I was terrified and in so much pain I felt myself losing consciousness.
Right before everything turned black, I saw someone running out from the trees. I had thought for a moment that it was Charlie – but my vision was blurry. I knew it couldn't have been him. But I couldn't imagine who would be crazy enough to run towards an angry bear.
I tried forcing myself to stay awake – I wanted to warn this insane person that I couldn't be saved. They needed to get out of here, before they would be next.
"G-g-get out of here, quick!" I called out – but as the bear that had a hold of me began to forcefully bite and pull at my skin; the pain and fear knocked me out completely.
The next time I woke – I was being carried. There were two large arms holding me to a very cold chest. The speed that we were moving was startling. I almost thought that we weren't running at all – it felt like we were flying. But I could hear the rustling of the trees around us and branches getting snapped under foot. Someone was running, with me in their arms.
It felt like my arm was broken and perhaps a few ribs, but what was bothering me the most; was the burning pain eating at the base of my neck. The pain was bewildering – I couldn't find words to describe it. But I'd rather die than spend another second feeling this pure agony.
I sobbed loudly as my body trembled. I couldn't stand it – I attempted to leap from the stranger's arms. At this speed – it might end my suffering if I fall.
But the arms tightened around me. "It's going to be okay, just hold on." The voice as so gentle – but I could hear the strain. He sounded like he was in just as much pain as I was.
I couldn't even find my voice to reply to him.
Did this kind man get hurt – trying to save my life. I couldn't even fully comprehend the idea of that. All I could focus on was the buildup of burning pain. It was chewing through me, stretching from my neck – now down my arm. It was spreading like a wildfire. I wasn't sure how much more of this I could take.
Suddenly we came to an abrupt stop – I still couldn't move; not even to look and see where we were. It was taking all the strength I had to remain quiet. I wanted to scream.
"Emmett, what has happened?" Another man spoke. "Quickly, get her inside." He sounded extremely concerned. Like a pensive father, speaking to his son.
"It was a bear attack. She is the only survivor." The man spoke; who still was holding me closely.
His words made me flinch – reality had returned in full force. I was completely alone. My family was gone. Dead. Why was I the one to live?
"Let's get her somewhere comfortable." The soft-spoken man replied.
"I-I bit her... I don't know if I was too late... I don't know what I was thinking... I just... acted."
"You wanted to save her, there is no shame in that Emmett. What's done is done. Let's just be here for her. She is going to need our support."
These two men sounded very compassionate. But I didn't understand what they were talking about. The man who had saved me – he mentioned that he bit me. What the hell?
I couldn't finish my line of thoughts – the pain was spreading again. I could feel it biting into my thighs. It felt like my body was slowly burning. I had the urge to smother the flames with me hands. But I couldn't move.
"P-please..." I was able to spit out.
"Everything is going to be alright, try to preserve your strength, these next few days are going to be... challenging."
With just a bit of a shift I turned to look at the man standing in front of me. He was good-looking, mature and held a kind smile on his face. His honey blonde hair and strange topaz eyes held a serene gleam. It put me at ease slightly.
I then looked over to the man holding me. At the sight of him my breath caught. He was huge – muscular and heart-breakingly handsome. His eyes were similar to the other man's, however his eyes were a little darker. It was more of a copper-ash.
He looked down at me with panic and guilt-stricken expressions. He didn't let me go for a second.
I felt a breath of hope when I looked in his direction. I felt safe. I felt like I might not be completely alone in this world. Even though I was surrounded in pain and darkness, this man was giving me something to hold onto.
Let me know what you all thing of this so far.
