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As Bella and I left the house, Mom pulled us each into a hug before whispering into my ear, "I hope you'll be happy Holly, you're getting what you always wanted. Just try not to think back on me too harshly,"
I pulled back and studied her, before giving what I'd hoped to be a small encouraging smile. "Mom, I've never hated you. You've certainly driven me up and off the Walls more times than I can count but I've always loved you. We're just different people and we want different things. Is that so bad?"
She shook her head, wiping a tear or sweat from the heat out of her eye.
"No, it's not. I love that my little girl has become such a strong independent thinker. I just wasn't expecting the fire she had to be aimed at me," Mom chuckled, then sighed. "And I guess I did move a little fast with Phil. I was just so happy, that I thought we could all be one happy family. It was never my intention to replace Charlie-"
I held my hand up, silencing her. "Please just stop right there, I don't want to hear anything that you don't mean. You knew what you were doing. You pushed both of us (him and me) into an awkward position. Being forced into a relationship with someone is not fun. Hopefully, with time and less pressure. I can come to see him as a Friend, but that's it."
Renee nodded, as she appeared to be choking back tears. Looking now at her husband, helping Bella load the bags. I'm guessing that Phil never told her, his side of the story either.
"Mom," I said, successfully recapturing her attention.
"What Honey?"
"The Past is in the Past. I'm not going to hold on to my anger and hurt anymore. I'm just going to learn from it. This is a new beginning for all of us and I hope that you'll be happy too,"
"Oh Honey," she said embracing me once more before Phil's voice cut in, telling us to hurry up, otherwise we were going to miss the plane. Renee and broke apart before heading towards the car where Bella was already seated in the backseat to the passenger side with the window rolled down.
"No AC Bella? You're nuts," I said, getting in on the other side. Goodbye Desert…Hello North American Rainforest…!
...
I was practically bouncing in my seat when the plane landed. I was here, I was Home!
My sister chuckled as we made our way to the baggage carrousel, "Calm down Holly. Yes, we're finally here. Though I must admit, I haven't seen you this excited in a long time"
"Well this is a reason for me celebrate." I bit my lip as my thoughts changed back to what really was on my mind, saying. "Bella, this is the last time I'm going to ask: Could you please give Dad a chance while you're here?"
My sister had a confused look on her face. "Of-of Course. Why would you even ask that? It was my idea to come here, remember?"
I have my reasons, I thought to her in my head before replying. "Bella, if Renee ever wants to put down "roots" again? I don't plan on living with her. My place is here, but I will visit. Do you understand? I want some real stability"
Her look was now surprised, "You think that I'm going to drag you back to Mom if I become dissatisfied with living in Forks?"
"There's a reason the saying is "Like Mother, like Daughter" I just want my bases covered. Don't make a decision on "our" behalf without discussing it with me first. Promise?" I asked, grabbing my bag and putting it down, holding my hand out to shake. Bella shifted her carry on to the other shoulder and met her hand with mine in the middle.
"Have I ever broken a Promise or a Vow to you?"
I shook my head "No,"
"Good," she smiled, "And I'm not about to start now. You can count on me Holly,"
I hope so, I thought as we headed towards the exit for Drop offs and Arrivals where Dad was waiting, in his Police Cruiser.
"Dad!" I hollered excitedly as he got out. I ran up and gave him a great big hug, making his face slightly blush.
"Holly," he greeted, rubbing my back with his hand while looking over my shoulder. "Hi Bells," I could tell by his tone that he was happy she was finally here.
"Hi dad," she said, moving from her previous frozen position towards us. I stepped back, leaning against the car and let them greet each other. It was a little awkward, as those two hadn't been around or talked to each other very much. But it was a good start! Just keep my fingers crossed that everything will work out.
I loaded my things in the trunk and quickly got in the car, in the backseat no less as Bella added her things and got in the front as the Chief came around to the driver's side.
"Hey Holly, what'cha in for?" she teased, looking at me through the bars and glass that separated the front and back.
"How about stealing my donut at work?" Dad suggested as he got in and put it in drive.
"Oh, come on. That's not fair Dad! I always leave you the last one!" I complained, playing along.
"That's true," he winked through the rearview mirror, "I forgive you. Your sentence will be up as soon as we get home"
"You shouldn't be eating too much of that stuff anyway," said Bella.
"The Doctor told me; I should limit the sugary desserts. Not eliminate it all together. I can allow myself a special treat once a week" I pointed out.
Charlie chuckled, "You're starting to sound like Billy, Holly"
I smiled, "How is the old Billy goat anyway?" Remembering my old nickname for him from when I was little. Everyone had laughed back then and dad even took to calling him that when they would tease each other for a while.
"He's good, despite being in a wheelchair now. In fact, you might even see him later, we've got a surprise for you and Bells."
"A surprise Dad" Bella groaned, not big on gifts or attention. "You'll like this one" he tried to assure her as we left Seattle…
...
I spent most of the drive looking out the window as the scenery changed.
That's one of the things I loved about Western Washington, there was always different things to look at. No matter what season you're in, Spring Summer, Fall or Winter. And yes, it does get cold enough to snow here but that's where the warm coziness of Family and Friends during the holidays comes in.
Granted, when I did visit, Charlie and I were the only two Swans around. (Most of our extended family had either died or moved far away) But our surrogate La Push family more than made up for it. I have to admit that seeing Leah Clearwater's boyfriend, Sam Uley scarf down a huge turkey leg, massive 2nd and 3rd helpings of all the favorites and still have room for pie was astounding. I didn't know boys could eat that much! Good thing Sue made extra.
My thoughts were filled with the happy times as we pulled in to the driveway. Yes! I couldn't help the smile on my face as I got out and stared up at the house.
My sister remained expressionless as she retrieved the bags, setting mine on the ground beside me which I picked up and brought inside once Charlie got the door open. "Welcome Home," he said awkwardly as we stood in the living room.
"Thanks Dad," said Bella.
"Now there is a…something we need to talk about." Dad cleared his throat, "I only have the one guest- let's just say "Bedroom" upstairs and there only one bed, I didn't exactly have time to get another. So, are you girls good with sharing or…?"
"I can sleep down here on the couch Dad," I offered, surprising Bella. "No, Holly that's-"
"Bella, you've just moved here and I want you to be as comfortable as you can. Besides, Dad and I both know how good that couch is, having fallen asleep on it many times. Isn't that right Chief?"
"It is a good one," he agreed, watching the two of us.
"Are you sure?" My sister looked at me still, uncertain.
"Positive, the only things I might ask for is a dresser drawer or two to stash my personals and a section of the closet to hang my clothes up, Deal?"
My offer seemed to make her feel better as her expression and tone finally relaxed. "Deal," she sighed. "Now come on upstairs and pick out what you want," she finished, starting to lead the way.
Dad looked at me astonished, "How did you do that?"
My sister had a guilt complex about being given stuff from years of living with Renee. "The trick is simply to barter with her. She won't put up much of a fuss if there is something she feels she can give back. Like for example: having her cook your favorite meal. She likes cooking anyway, it's become like second nature to her"
"Holly? Are you coming?" asked Bella at the top of the staircase. "I'd better go," I winked at him as I grabbed my bag and headed on up.
We had just finished unpacking and putting stuff away when there were large engine rumbles in the driveway. I looked out the window and smirked, "Billy and Jacob Black are here," Curious, Bella followed me downstairs.
"Billy!" I greeted excitedly as I opened the front door and saw him talking to Charlie. The middle-aged Native turned his head in my direction giving me a big smile as he held his arms open from his sitting position as I leaned down and hugged him, not letting go as he faced Dad.
"Would you just looky here, one of my favorite nieces and fishing partners has returned home. And about time too! Soon the fish are going to be biting and we could use your killer instincts. Maybe we can beat your dad's record again?"
"That was pure luck," Charlie mock grumbled at us.
"Do you believe that Holly?" Billy smirked at me. "I don't know?" I teased in sing along voice before spotting my surrogate brother. "Jake!"
"Holly," he greeted as we hugged each other. "It's good to have you back so soon. It's been what? Three? Four months since Thanksgiving?"
"Yeah, something like that" I said as I then took notice of Bella standing on the doorstep, watch all of us interact. But before I could say anything. Charlie cleared his throat and took charge, reintroducing her to Billy and Jacob.
Then came the surprise: He had bought and was giving us, (mainly her) Billy's old 1950's? early 60's Chevy truck, so we would have another way to get to and from school then the cruiser.
We would both be starting Fork High very soon. Her as a Junior and me a Freshmen. Considering I had just started High school, I hoped I wouldn't be too far behind.
I wasn't a genius in science like Bella was. My talents lied elsewhere, like Reading or Art and the only sport I was really coordinated in was "Swimming." Stiff on land, while graceful in the water.
Maybe that was Bella's problem too? Only instead of stiff, she was clumsy. I personally don't care; I love her anyway.
I could see her and Jake in the cab of the truck as he went over the basics. From the way he's looking at her, I can definitely see him developing a little crush. My sister of course is oblivious or she's choosing not to notice.
Stuck in the Friend zone, but I guess that better than nothing. And Bella could use all the true friends she can get…
