Hi everyone, welcome to the first chapter of Jar of Secrets.

Warning: You are warned for any grammar/spelling mistakes. English is my third language and I do not have a Beta right now.

All my stories will have a HEA (what can I say, I am a sucker for those). In the case of violence, I will warn you at the beginning of the chapter.

P.s. I have never been to Chicago, so every place is a part of my imagination

I will try to update every week if real life doesn't get in the way. Have fun!

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Esme POV

''Bella?'', I asked knocking on her door. No sound. I opened her door and walk into her room.

The sight makes me sigh in irritation. All her stuff is thrown throughout her room and the suitcases are lying empty on her bed. I take a deep breath and walk out of her room.

''Isn't she in her room?'' asks Mrs Wilson, our dear neighbour, when I walk back alone into the kitchen.

''No, she isn't. She is going to give me grey hairs before I even reach thirty-five.''

''Come now Esme, you know she is just upset about the move. Give her time, she'll come around.'' Said Mrs Wilson, as if she didn't know how stubborn my daughter was. I know the move will be difficult for her, but it is not like I have a choice. I would do everything to stay in our humble town far away from everything and everyone. But, after nearly 16 years of working as a seamstress isn't enough anymore. We could barely make ends and now I have to think about money for Bella's college as well. When Renee called me with the news that she arranged a scholarship for Bella at one of the prestigious high schools in Chicago, I could not turn it away. Graduating from Meyer high school would open so many doors. If I only could make Bella accept it too… sigh.

''Come now dear, everything will be okay.'' Said Mrs Wilson hearing my sign.

''I know Mrs. Wilson. But she is so stubborn that she just can't see that I want the best for her.''

''She is sixteen, my dear. At the moment, she doesn't see anything else but leaving the only home she knows.''

''I am going to look for her. Her stuff isn't still packed, and we only have three hours before we have to leave to make it to our flight.''

''Don't worry Esme, you look for your crazy girl and the other ladies and I will take care of her stuff.''

''Thank you, Mrs Wilson,'' I said giving her a Mona-Lisa smile and a hug. The old lady had been one of my dearest companions in this town. Always there with a hug and a warm meal after a hard day.

I left quickly and started walking towards our backyard. From there, I walked the thoroughly used path towards the small lake. After a good ten minutes, I came to stop at the lake. From here, I could see my beautiful daughter sitting in the tree not far away from the lake. This was her space. If Bella wasn't around town or at home, then she was sitting on the thick branches with a book or her beloved iPod.

What the-, I thought when I felt a stone near my feet.

''Don't come near, mom'' while getting ready to throw another stone with her handmade sling.

''Bella! You do not throw stones at your mom.''

''I didn't throw at you mom; I threw it in front of you.'' She said while raising an eyebrow.

''Smart butt. Now come on, you played around enough. Our flight leaves in a few hours.''

''I am not coming mom, I told you that.''

''Bella.''

''Mom.''

''Really Bella. Let's say you stayed. What then? You are too young to live on your own.''

''Mrs. Bell already agreed to watch over me.'' Of course, she did, the old hag. Always trying to find ways to make my life more difficult. In her eyes, I was already doomed since I got pregnant out of wedlock.

''You know as well as me that she only said that to irritate me.''

''That doesn't matter. How can you expect me to leave everything behind?''

''Sweetie I know how hard this is for you, but we have talked about this. This is for your future. Aunt Renee arranged a scholarship for you at a great school. She even found my work at one of her friend's work. It will be good for us.'' I said tiringly.

''I am not coming.''

God, why did she have to be so stubborn? I rubbed my forehead where I felt a slight headache. ''Well, I am tired. We have talked about this for weeks now. I am going and you can do whatever you want. The choice is yours.'' I turned around and walked the way back home.

Bella POV

Mom? I thought while I was watching her leave. What the? Did she really just leave me here?

''You are too stubborn for your own good''

I jumped when I 'heard' my dad. For as long as I can remember, I have been talking to my dad in my daydreams. Some write into their journals, some talk to friends and I talk to my imaginary father.

''I don't want to leave here. This is home.''

''Chicago could be your home too if you give it a chance.''

It wasn't that easy. Forks have always been my home. My sanctuary. Here, everyone knew everyone and was there for each other. When mom got pregnant with me at the age of seventeen, her family threw her out. Coincidentally she ended up in Forks and never left. Since I can remember, the town folk was always there looking out for mom and me. And now, the thought of leaving the only home I know …

''You are just scared sweetie and that is okay. But, don't forget you always have your mom. She only has the best interest for you.''

''I know dad, I know.'' I closed my eyes and leaned my back against the tree. I don't know how long I sat there, but when I opened my eyes the sky had darkened. My eyes fell on my necklace. It was my sixth birthday present from my mom. It was a pendant with an anchor design on it. I opened it and looked at the pictures. On the right was my mom and on the left my dad in his uniform. He was a navy. He was coming back from his tour when his ship had an accident. When there was no news about him, he was announced that he was 'lost at sea'. My mom was only three months pregnant with me.

I looked back at my dad's picture.

Don't leave your mother alone. I could feel him say. I looked at the darkened sky again. And in a second I had made my decision. I put my stuff quickly back into my bag. My book, iPod, sling, binoculars and my blue hoodie.

I made quickly my way down and started running to the road. I knew that if I ran fast, I would make it to the bus which would take us to the airport. I don't know how long I ran before I saw the lights of the bus. I ran faster. Just when the bus was about to move, I jumped in. I saw a few curious faces looking my way. I quickly made my way down the narrow path. I saw my mom sitting next to window hiding a smile. With a huff, I sat next to her and looked straight ahead.

For a few minutes, neither of us talked.

''So, you came.'' said mom knowingly. I looked at the ceiling and then down again.

''Good thing that I know you well and still packed your things.''

I took a deep breath and laid my head on her shoulder. ''Well I share your DNA; it would be a shame if you didn't know. After all, I take my stubbornness after you.''

''Ouch'' I said jokingly when I felt a light tap on my forehead.

''Smart butt.'' I felt her kiss my temple.

''I love you mom'' and I closed my eyes. In a few hours, I would be in Chicago. Far away from home.

_J.O.S._

''Bella. Bella wake up. Bella.'' I felt a hand on my shoulder.

''Bella.''

Opened my eyes and saw my mom looking at me. It seemed that I fell asleep during the ride from the airport to Renee's house.

''Come on sweetie,'' she said after paying the driver. I got out of the car and stared at the three-story house that was standing in front of me. It was white with dark blue shutters. There was a small front porch with a two-person porch swing. Before we could take a step towards the house, the front door opened. With a squeal, Renee ran towards us and pulled mom in a tight hug.

''I can't believe it. You are here!'' was Renee able to say between her squeals. My mom chuckled, ''I can't believe it too, but yes here I am.''

Renee let her go and took a few steps back, ''Oh let me look at you. I swear you got even more beautiful than the last time I saw you.'' ''Oh, stop it Renee'' said mom swatting her hand at her with a smile. Renee let a chuckle and turned towards me. ''Oh my, is this Isabella? My my, you have grown into a beautiful young woman. The last time I saw you was when you were still in diapers.'' I blushed. ''Come give aunt Renee a hug.'' And before I knew it, I was pulled into a hug. ''Nice to meet you aunt Renee'' I said after she let me go.

Aunt Renee was my mom's oldest and dearest friend. They knew each other since preschool and went through everything together. After mom was disowned, she stayed with aunt Renee for a few days before she moved away. They stayed all these years in contact and aunt Renee had visited us when I was two.

''Oh gosh, forgive me. Please, come inside'' said aunt Renee and we walked through the front door. Directly to my right was a comfortable looking living room. The staircase was just on its left. To the left was the kitchen and then the dining room. She pulled us to the living room. From what I could tell, the whole first floor was decorated in whites, greys and blues. ''The backyard is through that door'' aunt Renee pointed to the door that was on the back wall of the living room. ''It's small, but enough.'' ''It looks great Renee'' said mom looking around.

''Come on, let me show you your rooms.'' We took the staircase and walked down the hall.

''The room on the right is mine. I have my own bathroom. Esme yours is the room on the left. The bathroom is next door. The room across my bedroom is my study. Bella your room is upstairs. I thought that you would enjoy having your privacy. Come, let me show you.''

I followed her up to the third floor. First thing I saw was a small open library next to the stairs. There was a huge empty shelf against the wall. In front of it was a comfortable looking brown lounge chair. A soft lamp was placed next to the chair. On its left was a door leading up to the bedroom. I opened the door and was shocked by what I saw. The walls were painted in a dark grey colour. Just on the right side was a queen-sized bed with violet covers. Next to it was a white bedside table with a Turkish lamp.

''Your mom told me that you love them'' said aunt Renee when she noticed me staring at it. On the next wall was a glass door that led to a small balcony. Across my bed was a white dresser with a mirror. Next to it was a door, probably the closet. On the left side of the room was a desk with a soft lavender chair. There was a blue couch behind it, right underneath the window. Both the glass door and the window had lacy grey curtains.

''That door leads to a small bathroom. All yours'' aunt Renee pointed to a door that was between the desk and couch. ''Really?'' I was excited. I never had a privet bathroom before.

''I leave you to it then'' said aunt Renee and walked back to the door. She stopped when I called for her ''Yes sweetie?'' ''Thank you. The room looks amazing'' I said, giving her light hug. ''Oh, darling, I just want you to feel at home here.'' I gave her a small smile and said goodnight.

Once I was alone in my room, I walked over to the balcony. I opened the door and felt a light breeze on my face. It was a warm night; despite that it was March. I leaned against the railing and looked at the street below. When I first had arrived, I was too overwhelmed to take any notice about the surroundings, but now when I could focus on it, I saw that we were in a some-what privet neighbourhood. The houses were big and standing far from each other. Through the trees that were in front of 'our' house, I could see manscaped front yards and privet garages. I took a deep breath and looked at the sky. It was cloudy. If I were back home, I could have seen the stars. But here, nothing.

''Bella?'' I turned around to see my mom standing in the doorway. ''I have your things sweetie'' she said pulling my stuff into my new room. She stood in the middle and looked around. ''This is a nice room'' she said after a while. ''I think so too'' I said softly while taking a seat on the bed.

''I know this is all new sweetie, but you will like it here. I promise.'' I felt her kiss my temple. She stood up and walked to the door. ''Now, get some sleep, tomorrow will be a long day.''

''Will do mom, night.'' ''Night sweetie.'' And she closed the door behind her. I laid on my back and closed my eyes. Now, I could feel how tired I truly was. All the travelling took a toll on me. With a sigh, I stood up and went through my stuff. Once I found my toiletries, I walked to my bathroom. The bathroom had light grey tiles and a walk-in shower. The cabinets were painted blue. There were spots of lavender through the bathroom. It had a cosy feel about it.

I took a quick shower and made my way out. I dressed in my PJ's and jumped in bed. I knew that I had to unpack and organize my things, but like always, sleep won out. I would do everything tomorrow, I thought as I closed my eyes.

Esme POV

''I've made some tea'' said Renee when I came back downstairs after giving Bella her stuff. I took the mug and sat down next to her on the couch. ''Thank you.''

''I still can't believe that you are finally here Es. I've missed you so much.'' She grabbed my left hand. ''I know Rea, trust me when I say that I can't believe it too. When I left here years ago, I had promised myself to never set a step in this city ever again. But here we are, after seventeen years, I am back where I once was.'' I took a sip from tea.

''Don't think like that Es, you are not the same seventeen-year girl that you were once. Now you are a strong, independent woman with a daughter.'' ''strong, independent woman? Renee if you haven't noticed, I am here because I didn't have a job anymore. I couldn't pay the rent or make ends meet. God, if you hadn't arranged that scholarship for Bella, I don't even think that I could have sent her to college.''

''You worry too much Es, yes you had some difficulties, but you can't overlook the fact that you have raised a wonderful young woman on your own when you were barely just a child yourself. You are too hard on yourself Es.''

I closed my eyes and leaned back on the couch. Sometimes I felt twice my age. Anyone looking from the outside will think that it is easy to raise a child as a single parent. But, when you look closer you will see how hard it actually is, especially when you are a high school dropout. You work from early hours till late nights at endless jobs so you will have an income. Before I found work as a seamstress, I made barely enough to cover rent and other essentials. Sometimes we had to do without electricity so we could have food on the table. After the job, it got easier, but even then, there were times that I couldn't make ends meet.

''Esme, you worry too much. Everything will be okay.''

''Moving here doesn't solve all my problems, Rea. Yes, you found me a job with better hours and pay and have arranged a scholarship for Bella, but I still have to find a new home fo-''

''What do you mean a new home?'' asked Renee, placing her cup of tea on the table. ''Renee we can't impose on you. You-''

''Says who?'' interrupted Renee again. ''Well, I do. You have your own life. We can't just smooch of you.''

''Esme, I think it's time for you to go to bed as well. I think sleeplessness makes you a bit ridiculous.''

''Renee y-''

''No no, I am going to act like I didn't hear what you have said. This is your home now, so don't even think about looking for a new place. Now, I am going to bed. Goodnight.'' And with that, she stood up and walked up to the stairs.

What the heck happened. Shaking my head, I stood up and placed our used mugs in the dishwasher. I turned the lights off and went to my new room. When I laid my head down, sleep took immediately over.

_J.O.S._

Bella POV

Following morning, I woke up with the sun shining into my face. I rolled over and stretched out like a cat. I've had slept like a baby. I went quickly through my morning routine and then dressed casually before I went downstairs. My mom and aunt Renee were already sitting at the table drinking from their mugs. I took my breakfast and went into the living room. There, I ate in silence and made a mental list of the things that I had to take care of. Unpacking, organizing and buying some stuff for my room and new school were my priorities.

After finishing my breakfast, I brushed my teeth and made my way to my suitcases. I don't know how long I was busy, but when I was done unpacking everything, it was already past one in the afternoon. I knew that I had a good few hours to get the stuff that I needed. I quickly dressed in a black leather A-line skirt with a soft black V-neck sweater. After a glance at the sky, I put on some black leggings with black ankle boots. I combed my long wavy hair in a high ponytail. I wasn't a much fan of make-up, only a bit of mascara and lip gloss and I was done. I quickly grabbed my favourite scarf. It was a little dark blue satin scarf with white, black and yellow designs on it. I tied it around my neck and got my small grey backpack from my closet. After grabbing my leather jacket, I was ready to go. My mom looked up when I entered the living room. ''Are you going somewhere?'' ''Yeah, I thought I could get some things before school starts on Monday.''

''Oh, that is a wonderful idea'' said aunt Renee while my mom didn't look convinced. ''I don't know honey, you are new to this city and going alone to-''

''Oh, Es, I am sure Bella will take care of herself. You have your driver license, right?''

''Yes, I do,'' I answered.

''Great, then you can take my car. It is only a fifteen-minute drive to the city.''

''Really'' I was excited. I had my license but hadn't used it much since we sold our car shortly after I got it.

''Sure honey, the key is in the bowl by the door.'' I kissed my mom goodbye and made my way to the door. ''Just keep your phone on you and be home before it gets dark'' I heard mom say before I could close the door behind me.

I opened the car door and got in. I googled the address and put it in the navigation. Long-life Google I thought as I made my way to the mall.

Like, aunt Renee said, after fifteen minutes, I had arrived. I parked the car in one of the empty spaces in the parking lot and made my way inside. I saw Rituals and decided to start there. I needed some new shower products and the Rituals was the best place to get them. Especially their Hammam line was to die for. I paid for my purchases and left to look for some candles. Ever since I was young, I had a secret addiction to candles and decoration lights. I don't know what it was about them, but the soft light and the smell could relax me like no other. After buying a different kind of candles and string lights, I made my way to a stationary shop to buy a few notebooks and pens that I would need for school. The only thing that was left was a few flower beds to decorate the balcony. After asking around, I found a flower shop. I went immediately to my favourite flower, the peonies. I bought one in blue and one in soft pink colour.

Just when I had decided to go back to the car, I saw a cute outdoor chair with a side glass table on sale in one of the stores. The chair was made of black metal with a white cushion. It would look great on my balcony, I thought. After checking the price, I decided to buy it. Thank God, I had saved enough money from my babysitting jobs around town.

One of the staff members was kind enough to help me bring the chair and table to my car. I put the rest of my purchases in the car too. Looking at the time, I saw that I had a few more hours before it would get dark. I decided to explore the city. I started walking around with no destination in mind. I don't know how many turns I took, but before I knew it, I came to a stop at the harbour. Along the harbour were a few stores; a coffee shop, tattoo parlour, bookstore, herbs store and a few empty buildings and a few food places. I went into the bookstore and looked around. Like always, I forget the real world, once I was surrounded by books. Before I knew it, it was Twilight. My favourite time of the day. I quickly paid for my purchases and left the store. Promising myself to come back.

After buying myself a chai latte from the coffee shop, I started to walk back towards the city. I was just about to turn around the corner when I heard a screeching sound. Stunned I took a step back to see a matt black car a few millimetres away from me. I could feel the blood pumping in my veins. My hand went to my throat.

''Are you out of your fucking mind! Don't you look where you are going? I could have crushed you.'' I heard a voice shouting at me. Startled, I looked up and saw the greenest eyes I had ever seen. I was tong-tied.

''Hé, I'm talking to you,'' he said snapping his fingers right into my face.

I saw red. Whatever the fuck I was feeling a second ago, disappeared and turned into anger quickly. How dare he!

''That is rich, seeing that you are the one that turned a blind corner with that kind of speed!'' I could see his anger grow. Well, I was angry too, beyond pissed actually. Who did he think he was?

''Oh, I'm sorry Princess, next time I will ask for your permission when I'm about to turn a corner. Hmm?'' His voice dripping with sarcasm.

''You should if this is the way you ride.'' I could hear him muttering angrily to himself as he ran his hand through his hair.

''You are lucky that I am in a rush, otherwise I would have made you regret the day you were born. So, just thank your lucky stars and ME, that I managed to stop on time before you became a pretzel.'' He managed to say through his anger.

Was this guy for real? I thought incredulously.

Okay then…

''You know you are right. I should thank my lucky stars that you were able to stop in time. Please, let me make it up to you'' and with that, I poured my chai latte on his head.

''Thank you.''

Satisfied, I turned and walked away.

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A/N:

This was my first chapter. I hope you enjoyed it!

Don't forget to share your thoughts with me

Lots of love and hugs, MoonShinee