Keep Moving Forward

DISCLAIMER - ALL CHARACTERS BELONG TO STEPHANIE MEYERS. STORYLINE BELONGS TO ME.

Saturday night I spend rearranging the furniture into the middle of the room so that I could repaint the walls in the next couple of days after school or maybe I would wait until the weekend as I had no other plans. Charlie agreed when I mentioned that it still looked like a little girls room and that as long as I did not go overboard I could do anything I wanted. Right now my ideal bedroom was a calming ocean scene on each wall with glow in the dark stars and moons on the ceiling. I am still trying to get him to agreed to renovate the room so that I can add a skylight but if not the glow in the dark decals will work just as well.

I could not wait to go shopping tomorrow for the new furniture, school clothes and my new car. As I am setting the alarm I get that feeling back of someone watching me so I glance out the window looking directly into the woods. Just as I am about to close the curtains I swear I see a face and I scream just a little dropping the alarm clock and gripping the windowsill in terror.

I hear Charlie running up the stairs calling me as I jerk the curtains closed and lean up against the wall trembling in fright. I jump a little as Charlie bursts through the door rushing to me and gripping my shoulders tightly asking me if everything is alright.

I assure him that I'm fine chalking my little fright fest up to left over grief and anxiety for school on Monday instead of telling him the truth.

"Really Dad, I'm alright, I'm probably just tired and since we have a big day ahead of us we should both get to bed. The woods just spooked me that all."

Charlie releases my shoulders to hug me to him before letting go real quick because he's not one to show emotions but I know he does love me in his own fatherly way. After I assure him again he leaves closing the door behind him as my knees give way and I crumble to the floor trembling because I DID NOT want to truly believe that I saw what I think I did. A pale face with golden hued eyes whose mouth was covered in blood.

Taking some deep breathes I whisper, "Goddess give me strength and bless me in these coming days. Blessed Be." I glance once more at the curtain covered window before picking up the clock to finish setting it.

Standing up I grab my toiletry bag and night clothes then head to the bathroom to take a quick shower. After returning to my room I bolt my window and climb into bed trying to decide what kind of car I wanted to pick up tomorrow. But as I drift to sleep all I see are golden eyes and blood.

I Don't Care what you think

As long as it's about me

The best of us can find happiness

In misery

Oh, take a chance, let your body get a tolerance,

I'm not a chance, but a heat wave in your pants

Pull a breath like another cigarette,

Palms up, I'm trading 'em (trading 'em)

Rolling over I reach out to turn down the volume on my alarm clock before stretching out completely then getting up to get dressed. Looking through the closet of what I had brought with me reminded me that I only had clothes suitable for Florida weather and nothing for Washington weather. Or maybe I should say Forks, WA to be exact. Remembering the days of my summer weeks reminded me that it was constantly overcast here and that I would need to get some proper clothing.

I was hesitate to walk over to the window and open the curtains remembering what happened the last time I looked out the window. Especially from what I remembered from my training, I just honestly never thought I would come across one before especially here in Forks. I laugh softly to myself before seriously wondering if Charlie knew about those cultures. Maybe they don't make themselves known here in Forks or maybe he's just been lucky enough to not have run into any of them. I would have to keep my eyes open just to make sure he does not run into any of them. Maybe also cast a charm around the property to keep them at bay.

Deciding that I should not be scared of something I already knew about I stalked over to the window jerking the curtains apart sharply in case anyone was around, no matter who or what they were, I would make sure that they knew I did not scare easily. Seeing the sun out I decided on a pair of skinny jeans with a red baby doll tank top and my boots. Might as well be comfortable while I am doing all this shopping.

Picking up the list I made last night before I went to bed I also jot down a full length mirror to go along with the minimal make-up I was going to get. I needed a better mirror than the one in the room. As I put the final touches on my make-up I smell burning toast coming from downstairs, mumbling a soft "SHIT!" I rush downstairs to see Charlie consumed in a cloud of smoke trying to open the window so the alarm does not go off.

Grabbing a magazine I open the front door and fan out the smoke as I call to Charlie, "Dad open the back door and so we can get the cross breeze going." Before I start giggling at my dad burning toast, how do you burn toast? Once we got the smoke cleared I offer to buy us breakfast at a place of his choice. Guess what he picked, The Diner of course, his favorite eating establishment. I should have known.

On the way over we were both in our own comfortable silences, each gathering our thoughts for the meal to come. I had no idea what Charlie was thinking but as he pulled up he asked me, "So Bells, what kind of car did you decide on?"

Giggling as I got out the car I told him with a straight face, "I wanted to get the Lotus because it's so fast," and I left him sputtering at the car while I rushed inside.

As I am waiting to be seated he comes in looking crimson then calms down as I turn around giggling and pointing to him saying, "Gotcha!" But before he can comment a waitress comes up to seat us. As I am browsing the menu Charlie pulls in down and says, "I just got you back Bells, don't give me a heart attack over a car, please?"

I pause and really look at him to see my comments really tore him up and it's only then I realize what I have said and the context in which he took them. Reaching across the table I grab both his hands and squeeze them telling him the truth of the matter.

"Dad, I had already decided after the accident that I would not get a sports car because that is the kind of car that killed Mom and Phil. I mean the motorcycle is bad enough but it's a constant reminder that life comes at you fast and you must remember to be prepared for it or you will get run over. It's also a reminder of my life with them, but now I want a reminder of my life with you so I have settled on a Ford Mustang GT 500 or a BMW M1 Homage Concept."

Taking another breath to calm himself down he says very emotionally, "Thanks Bells," before cheerily saying, "We should have brought Jacob since he knows all about cars."

"Dad, do you mean mud pie Jacob?" I ask putting the menu down because I already knew what I wanted.

Chuckling softly to himself he shakes his head and picks up the menu saying, "Yes Bella, mud pie Jacob but don't let him hear you say that he might take offense."

I laugh in delight saying, "I wanted this to be a father and daughter outing that we could bond over and Jacob will see the car when we drive it over this afternoon before dinner." He gets real quiet with this look of wonder and love on his face but before he can say anything the waitress comes to take our order.

We talk some more about the renovations we are going to do on the house and I ask him about an alarm for the house as well. We discuss everything under the sun from school tomorrow to the idea of painting the rest of the house when the renovations start to even buying up more land around the house to build an indoor swimming pool, maybe. But the best idea yet was that he agreed to the skylight in my room. I am so fucking happy about that and the best part is there will be stairs leading up to the roof so that I can sit out there and stargaze.

I compromised with Charlie telling him if he stargazed with me once I would go fishing with him some time, convincing him that it would allow us more father daughter bonding time. I think that made him very happy, he was wiping tears from his eyes claiming he got something in them. Again he is interrupted by the waitress bringing our food so I give him some time to pull himself together and concentrate on eating so we can get our day started.

We finished our breakfast and were on our way to to Seattle to finally get me a car. I turned the radio on and started singing to the oldies station laughing as my Dad started singing along with me. The miles flew by and we were laughing hysterically by the time we pulled to the curb next to the third dealership. The first two did not have any cars that spoke to me so we continued looking knowing that I wanted a car before we headed back to Forks.

Sitting in the car I hesitate to get out because I knew now would be the time to talk to him about an errand that I wanted to run today and even though I would still probably get it eventually I wanted to be able to have his blessing and presence there when I did go.

Charlie notices my mood and asks, "Bella, is everything okay?"

I take a deep breath before shifting around to face him and calmly say, "Dad, I want to get a tattoo in remembrance of Mom. I know you might think that I'm too young, but Mom and I were planning on going to get one the day after her accident. With everything else that has been going on I pushed it to the back of my mind because it hurt to much to think about it. I don't want to get it without your knowledge, I just wanted you to know before I get it today. I don't want out time together to start off with lies and deceit. This would be the only one I get for a couple of year but it's big and it will remind me to never forget no matter what is happening in my life."

Charlie takes a couple of deep breaths before answering, "Well, Bella I'm not real happy about this, but I'm glad you told me and I also realize that you are old enough. I am also glad that you understand that we should start our time together as truthfully as possible and I hope we will continue to be honest with one another no matter what the issues or situations are. So I won't stop you if you want to get one. I take it you already know what you want, do you have a picture?"

I pull out a picture from my back pocket and show it to him as I explain what it symbolizes, "I wanted to get something that would remind me of Mom's beauty so I decided on a lotus flower floating in blue flaming water with fire coming out the top and a Buddhist symbol for tranquility above it and the Kanji symbol for pain above that wrapped in vines with Mom's name in the blue flames at the bottom. The Buddhist symbol is to remind me that even though Mom was always into everything for her it represented tranquility. The Kanji symbol is to show the amount of pain I went through when Mom passed but also that I am coming to terms with her death so that I can keep moving forward with my life. I know that's what Mom would have wanted and not me depressed and grieving for her the rest of my life. Mom lived life to the fullest and the least I can do is the same."

Wiping the tears from my cheeks with one hand I feel Charlie squeeze my other hand and I look up to see tears rolling silently down his cheeks. I reach out and hug him smiling when he whispers in my ear, "You're so grown up, I've missed so much these couple of years. It's almost like I don't have to raise you since you have done it all yourself."

Pulling away I laugh softly replying, "Mom always told me that I was born full grown and just kept getting older from there. But that does not mean that I don't need your fatherly advice anymore, I will always need you Dad."

Charlie laughs replying, "Thank Bella, she told you that, huh? Well, she was right. Now let's go get your car."

Getting out of the car we head into the dealership to look at more cars. As Charlie is talking to the salesman I look around at all the cars wandering between rows looking for the car that speaks to me. Just as I am about to turn around and head back to Charlie, who's walking towards me with the salesman, I see her sitting in the back of the showroom. In a daze I walk towards her and the sun shines off of her shiny blood red hood and she sparkles at me.

I smile as I come to stand in front of the BMW for a moment before running the fingers of my right hand gently across the logo on the hood. Smiling wider as I imaging pulling into the school driving this beauty and not caring what the other students think. I Don't Care by Fall Out Boy reverberating through my head as I mentally remind myself to make sure there is an iPod docking station installed later, but glad that I have the CD.

As I walk around to the drivers side of the car I open the door and look in to check out the inside, before checking out the sticker on the window which states it comes loaded with a Stereo Bluetooth and CD Player, power windows, locks and mirrors, leather seats, and surprisingly good mileage. It also has the option of getting tinted windows for the doors and back window and I could get that along with the addition of the iPod connection and of course a wicked alarm system.

"Dad," I called closing the door and wandering back to the hood then jumping a little when he replies gently, "Yes, Bella" behind me. I turn slightly grinning widely at him and nodding my head with my fingers tracing the logo again.

Charlie looks at the car for a moment then at me and back at the car again whistling gently before finally looking at me asking, "Are you sure, Bella? That's a lot of car."

Placing my palm flat over the logo I reply, "I'm sure and I'm ready for this" as I look him straight in the eyes.

Charlie looks at me for a moment searching my eyes for something before squeezing my hand and telling the salesman, "She'll take this one." I also tell the salesman about the other additions that I want and that we'll be back to pick it up later.

After paying for the car and taking care of all the logistics we head back out to the rental car when I reach out and hug Charlie saying, "Thanks Dad. This means a lot that you trust me with this kind of car. I'm going to have to get you something to show my love and appreciation."

Charlie pulls away blushing from having shown so much emotion saying, "No Bells, that's okay. Today is about you and getting you ready for school, now how about we get you settled in first and then we can worry about me later."

Next we stopped at the tattoo parlor to get my tatt done before Charlie changes his mind. I think he was extremely touched that I asked him to sit with me and hold my other hand while I endured a couple hours of pain. We joked the entire time talking about the past and how we were going to make the future a great adventure for the both of us.

After the tattoo we headed to the furniture store which was a quick trip since I already knew what I wanted and had ordered it online before dinner last night. I just wanted to see what the items looked like in person. The 4 poster bed was gorgeous to say the least, along with a down mattress, a dresser, a computer desk and chair, a full length mirror, curtains and a new rocking chair to replace the old one.

As we were leaving the furniture store the dealership called and told me my car was ready so we headed to pick it up and return the rental then headed to our last stop at the mall. Once there we split up since Charlie said he had an errand to run and I was kind of glad because that gave me a chance to pick up some clothes without him hovering and complaining about what I choose. I stocked up on clothes from all of my favorite stores Hot Topic, Gap, Macy's – my favorite perfume Chanel No. 5 was there, Claire's Boutique, Bath and Body Works, Victoria's Secret for some frilly night clothes, Sunglass Hut for a couple pairs of shades, American Girl, Abercrombie & Fitch and of course DSW for some boots I've had my eyes on.

I also stopped at the Apple Store to pick up some docking stations and the Glass Chess Board I found at another store. By the time I made it to the Food Court where I told Charlie I would meet him I was famished and tired and ready to head home. I was hoping the chess board would keep him busy so he would spend even less time hovering when and if I ever made friends and had them come over. After getting myself a sandwich, water and chips from Subway I found an empty table big enough to place all my bags under, I think I might have actually went overboard but I knew Charlie would not be upset.

As I'm sitting back, relaxing and eating I again feel like I'm being watched by that same presence, it only takes a moment for me to realize that it's the same pull as yesterday while I was in my room. As I reach for my water I turn slightly to the right to gaze into a pair of golden bronze eyes across the length of the food court. He's standing in front of one of the stores that I had just came out of before entering the food court. I think how odd as I take in his appearance slowly letting my eyes rove over his tight black shirt, blue jeans and boots before shifting my gaze back to his face.

I notice right away how pale his skin is and the slight purple bruising under his eyes when my gaze locks with his once again. I smirk, scrunch up my face and hiss at him before taking a gulp of my water thinking if he thought to intimidate me he choose the wrong girl. As I put the water down, I notice his eyes darken and his face swarms first with shock then anger as 4 more walk up to him and a gorgeous blond guy with slightly curly hair puts a restraining hand on his arm.

He tries to shake him off as the blond guy looks in my direction and my gaze locks with his when I feel this spark ignite in my chest spreading throughout the rest of my body. Before I can think anything of it the taller guy that looks like a Mixed Martial Arts contestant slings a restraining arm around his shoulders as all of them look towards me. I smile wickedly tilting my head in acknowledgement and toasting them with my water bottle just as Charlie walks up to the table. I roll my eyes at them before ignoring them completely to give him my full attention.

"So Dad what did you pick up that was such a big secret?" I ask before finishing up my sandwich and crumpling up the trash to throw away on the way out.

I laugh throwing my head back in joy as he blushes and coughs then reaches down to pick up the bag and put it on the table between us all without saying anything. As I reached for the bag he digs into his food watching me silently as I open the bag and pull out a brad new red Mac laptop, also inside the bag was a laptop cover with a dragon across the front and a wifi card to install on the laptop until the Internet was installed at the house.

I don't realize that there are tears leaking out of the corners of my eyes until Charlie reaches up and wipes them away. Laughing as he gruffly says, "No more tears, Bells. I just thought you might need one for school work and stuff for when I'm not around." This moment right now is what made me extremely happy that I picked up the chess board for him and I know he's going to love it.

"Thanks Dad, this really means a lot to me. Everything that you've done for me means a great deal and I'm happy that I made the decision to come here," I reply as we ready ourselves to go home.

After piling everything into the trunk I toss the keys to him and say, "Let's stop by Billy and Jacob's to show them the car." He grins widely as he slips behind the wheel.

We pull up to Billy and Jacob's house on the reservation and sit in the car for just a few minutes as he appreciates the power and strength of the car as Jacob comes out and stares at the car with his mouth hanging wide open. Laughing at the expression on his face I step out of the car and find myself immediately enveloped in a bear hug crunch.

Gasping for breath I whisper, "Jacob.....can't...breathe." Jacob laughs and releases me to step back and stare at the car again asking "Is this a rental car Charlie?"

"Um...no...Jacob. This is my new car. Hmm, I take it you like the choice I made?" I ask softly smirking as his face goes blank and a look of pure envy races across it.

"This....um.....your......uh.....car, Bella?" Jacob stammers as Billy wheels himself to the door and whistles at the car as Charlie walks up and converses with him grinning widely in fatherly pride while looking over at me and Jacob.

I pat Jacob on the back and say, "Yep" popping the p, "all mine. Maybe if you're nice to me I might let you drive it sometime." I laugh as he turns to me before jumping up and down in excitement.

We spend another hour there only being able to leave once I promise and swear to Jacob that I would come back next weekend to give him the opportunity to look over the engine more thoroughly and let him drive the car.

By the time we got home and emptied out the car I had completely forgotten about the chess board set I bought for Charlie. I was so tired I just dumped the bags in the corner near the window, jerked the curtains closed, set my alarm, stripped and climbed into bed. As I am turning over to my right side to get comfortable I am reminded by the slight sting of the tattoo to medicate it before flipping back to my other side.

I was so tired I did not even get back up to acknowledge the sixth sense of someone watching me as I drift off to sleep with the song Somewhere I Belong by Linkin Park bouncing around in my head.

A/N –

I will try to get a picture up of what her tattoo looks like up eventually. I have put up a picture of the car she purchased as well as a picture of her motorcycle. Also uploaded a picture of her laptop with the cover, her new phone and the chess board she purchases as thanks for Charlie.

Hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

I think this will be a long story, bear with me the first three chapters are about her getting settled. I've been doing a lot of rewriting trying to incorporate new ideas and pushing others around. By the end of chapter 3 things should be picking up because she meets the Cullens tomorrow and she's excited because she did not tell Charlie she was taking her motorcycle to school for the first day. Ha Ha

Reviews make me happy and give me inspiration for more chapters.