Chapter 6

The car ride home was filled with a tense silence for the most part. It wasn't until we were around the corner from my house that Rosalie finally turned her attention to me instead of glaring at the road. She pulled onto the pavement and turned to face me.

"Um, this isn't my street," I say softly, finding the atmosphere extremely intimidating.

Rosalie gives me a small smile that seems extremely forced, "I know, I can't take you any closer because the wol- I mean the Quileutes are at your house."

I frown at her, "The who?"

"Billy Black and someone else." She says through gritted teeth, "They aren't particularly fond of me or my family and they will know it's me if they see my car."

"Oh," I nod in understanding, "that's fine I can walk from here."

"We can always just stay here and hope that they leave soon. I know you don't want to have to talk to them." She suggests, a small smirk crossing her face.

I very nearly accepted her offer, but think better of it, "As much as I'd like to avoid them, I'm sure my dad is expecting me home soon, and they could be there for ages." I smile apologetically and lean over to give her a goodbye hug, fully aware of my heart rate speeding up at the contact, and I'm sure she hears it too as she lets out a soft giggle.

"I'll wait here until you're inside," she reassures me as I get out of the car and I turn and grin at her as she softly says, "Goodnight, April."

"Goodnight," I reply, "do you even sleep?"

She chuckles, "You got me there. No, I don't."

I reply by sending her a pitiful smile and shut the car door. I take slow paces towards my house and pray that Billy and his plus one miraculously leave before I make it to my drive. Of course, with my luck, that doesn't happen and I walk inside to be greeted by the smell of beer and, for some reason, wet dog. Charlie looks up from his spot on the sofa at my entrance and smiles.

"Hey, dad." I greet him with a warm smile, turning towards the stairs in an attempt to make a quick escape.

"April, come here a second." Charlie requests and I let out a sigh, plastering on a fake smile before turning and entering the living room. "This is Harry Clearwater, a friend of mine."

"Hello," I say quietly to the man who, unsurprisingly, is looking at me in a similar fashion to how Billy always looks at me. It takes a lot of restraint for me to not question them both on their rude staring habits.

"Hello, young lady," Harry greets me stiffly, "I've heard a lot about you." He says, his eyes and tone seem to be hinting something at me as if he expects me to know what he's talking about.

I narrow my eyes at him slightly before regaining composure with a smile, "Well it was nice meeting you but I'm quite tired and need some food."

"Did you have a good time at the Cullen's, April?" Charlie asks, and I try not to roll my eyes at his attempt to stall me. I don't fail to notice how Billy and Harry tense at the mention of the Cullens, and now their usual stares have turned into glares and I must say I prefer it this way. At least now I'm not confused as to what they are thinking when they look at me.

I look at my dad and smile sweetly, "I did, they're all really nice." Billy huffs at my response, and I send a small glare at him.

Charlie seems entirely unaware of this small interaction and says, "Good, I'm glad you've made some friends."

"Just be careful, April," Billy suddenly interjects, "Don't want you getting mixed up with the wrong crowd."

I look at him questioningly, "No disrespect, but what business is it of yours who I hang around with?"

"I know the Cullens, and I know that there are far more suitable people for you to get acquainted with in this town." He states.

I let out a short laugh, and feel my body heat up in anger, "Well thanks, but I think I'll take my chances with them. So far they are the only tolerable people I've met here. Now if you'll excuse me..." I say, speed walking into the kitchen before my temper gets the better of me. My body immediately cools down and I even out my breathing which was on the brink of becoming very fast-paced and heavy. I yank open the fridge and pull out some cheese before making myself a sandwich. After a moment of eating at the table, I hear Billy state that he and Harry are ready to head off and I let out a sigh of relief.

After seeing them off, Charlie enters the kitchen and takes a seat across from me, "I understand that you like the Cullens, but please try to be less standoff-ish next time. He didn't mean anything by it."

I look at him incredulously, "Of course he meant something by it, dad. He implied that the Cullens aren't good people, which they are. I get that he's your friend, but that doesn't mean he gets to butt his nose into my business. I barely know him and so far he hasn't given me a reason to want to get to know him. Goodnight, dad." I say, placing my plate in the sink and leaving to go to bed.

After changing and washing up, I flop extremely ungracefully onto my bed, completely exhausted from the number of emotions I've had to feel throughout the day. After laying there for a few minutes, I feel my consciousness start to slip, and just as I'm about to fall into sweet slumber I hear a knock on my door.

I sigh heavily and lift myself into a sitting position, "Come in."

My bedroom door opens slowly as if whoever it is doesn't want to disturb me, despite the fact that they already have. "Sorry, I just wanted to check you were alright," Bella says as she pops her head around the door.

"Why wouldn't I be alright?" I question, already knowing her answer.

"I was just worried about you being with the Cullens alone, that's all."

I groan at her pathetic reply, "Well, as you can see, they returned me home in one piece."

She sighs, "Listen, I-"

"What is your problem with them?" I demand, "You barely know them, in fact, you barely know anyone in this town since we literally just got here and don't think I haven't seen you staring at Edward during lunch."

She stands somewhat speechless at my sudden outburst, "I-I have not been staring at anyone." Is all she says before turning and leaving my room. I roll my eyes at her attitude and, once again, flop back onto my bed and let sleep take over.