Author's Note:

Disclaimer: I own none of these characters, and they are the intellectual property of Stephanie Meyers. Also, I do not condone her appropriation of the Quillayute or Quileute tribe. Please, consider researching their initiative to move to higher ground due to their current reservation being in a critical tsunami zone at mthg .org*. You can also learn more about the tribe at their website here at quileutenation .org*.

In my story, I will attempt to address their characters and culture with respect and reverence. However, I am always open to hearing about more appropriate ways to represent indigenous nations and people of color.

Additionally, I am seeking a Beta Reader, so please send me a PM if you are interested.

Also, please keep in mind this is my first attempt at writing a story. I welcome constructive criticism and feedback but, please try to be kind. Thank You!

Lastly! The beautiful artwork for the story was created by the incredibly talented little-lynx .tumblr. com *, definitely go check her out, and a HUGE thank you to her for letting me post my story with her art!

*All links need the spaces taken out to work

P.S. Thank you to those who favorited and commented! I know I have kept you all waiting for far too long. I just got very busy finishing my Masters degree and getting married. I hope you all continue to enjoy this story 3

I firmly believed there were two different types of silences- the comfortable silence of shared companionship which hung softly in the air and wrapped around you like a warm blanket and the crippling silence the kind filled with a harsh and thick air that makes it hard to breathe and pricks you whenever you try to breathe. With Dad silence always felt warm and safe it was a refreshing change from the strangling and malevolent silence I left behind in Phoenix. Before I knew it we were about to pull into the parking lot at Lucy's, one thing I loved about Forks was even though the world seemed to change at a breakneck pace, Forks stayed the same. Lucy's was just like I left it when I was young, it was a cottage turned into a dinner it still maintained beautiful window boxes full of tulips and a classic arched trellis entrance covered by ivy but what made it truly special was the beautiful handprinted mural that decorated the front depicting the beauty of the forest and First Beach. It was vibrant due to Lucy's constant repainting; it was the one building in all of Forks that never faded.

Most people wouldn't give this place a second look but the food was incredible. Special homemade pies everyday, family style eating that made strangers into new best friends, and of course Lucy- cook and hostess extraordinaire who cared for every customer like they were a precious family member, who never forgot a face, and always had a genuine smile for anyone. She was the true heart and soul that made Lucy's so very special. I was jolted out of my reminiscing when the car jerked into the parking spot and stopped. I glanced at Dad to see him looking in his review mirror mussing his hair and discreetly popping a breath mint in his mouth. I stifled a chuckle, Dad had a thing for Lucy and I couldn't blame him. Lucy was kind, smart, reliable, and an incredible chef basically Lucy was the anti-Renee. Dad cut the engine, flashing me a smile before hopping out of the car, "Come on, kiddo, if you don't hurry, there might not be any pie left!" At the mention of pie, I felt a gurgle, and I basically leaped out of the car (almost tripping as per usual). Dad chuckled at my display; shaking his head, I stuck my tongue out at him in retaliation and said, "Can't a girl just be excited about pie in peace!"

We walked down the front path towards the door as I reached for the door, I anticipated the chimes that would welcome us inside. Lucy always said they helped cleanse the energy of those coming and leaving. Lord knows my energy could use some of that. As I took a step inside, I was blinded by a flash and a cacophony screaming, "SURPRISE!" I blinked and attempted to shake off my disorientation. The diner was decorated to the nines with colorful balloons and streamers hung everywhere but what caught my eye was the "WELCOME HOME BELLA" banner. Suddenly I was nearly blown over by an enormous hug. I didn't have to see who it was to know it was Jacob. He smelled, as he always did, of motor oil, dirt, and something distinctly spicy. If Amortentia was real, it would probably smell precisely like him to me.

I smiled and squeezed him back as I heard a familiar voice saying, "Now Jake, don't hog Bella! We all missed her." He pulled away, and I was almost gobsmacked by how he had changed. The once tall and lanky boy I knew had been replaced by a toned and almost regal-looking man. However, his eyes, pools of melted golden brown, were still the same warm and bright eyes that I knew.

He rubbed his neck sheepishly before replying, "Sorry Leah" although I had a feeling he wasn't that sorry. I turned from Jake toward my best friend and basically my sister. She stood a few feet away with perfect posture with her arms crossed in front of her giving Jake the biggest eye roll in history. Personally, I always thought she looked like a goddess, her whole body almost seemed to glow a deep russet, and her long inky black hair seemed to always blow perfectly in the wind. She was always most at home in the forest and with animals, I couldn't help but view her as the human incarnation of Artemis, even in her current ripped blue jeans and green V-neck t-shirt. I stepped away from Jake and instantly wrapped my arms around her; Leah always made me feel calm and safe. It was probably because she was always effortlessly herself and confident. When I was with her, I stood taller; it was proximity-based confidence. Suddenly, she squeezed me close and leaned in to whisper, "Are you okay?"

I gasped, how could she know? I thought I was doing so good. My throat tightened and all I could do was nod. I knew she wasn't convinced as she pulled away with a concerned look that definitely meant that this conversation wasn't over. I couldn't help the pleading look I sent back as if trying to beg her to drop it.

She didn't look convinced but she backed away when she heard a strong voice call, "Now there you are daughter." I turned and looked to see Billy Black standing tall with a small smile on his face. He looked almost exactly as I remembered him regal, and elegant with a kind yet commanding aura that let everyone around him know that he was a leader. The chief of the tribe, he always seemed so strong and wise which is why I never quite understood why he thought of me as a suitable daughter. But I couldn't help the smile that came to my face as I replied, "Billy, it is so good to see you." I hugged him as he chuckled, "It is good to have you home daughter." I pulled back and could see the genuine love in his eyes, it made me tear up. It had been so long since I had felt anything close to love, in Phoenix it was always a competition of who was the prettiest, wealthiest, and who was the most popular- it was a game I was constantly losing much to Renee's despair. I just never measured up to any of her ideals and she made it known that I was a disappointment in every regard and that was before everything else happened.

But now wasn't the time to dwell on that, pushing everything down I tried to enjoy the moment. "It is good to be home" I replied as a genuine smile came to my face. I looked around the restaurant before returning to face Billy, "Where is Sarah? Is she okay?" I couldn't help the concern that bled into my voice. Billy and Sarah were always attached at the hip unless he had to work or had various tribal duties to fulfill. His face tightened at the question, "She is just feeling a little under the weather at the moment. She felt terrible that she couldn't be here, you know how much she loves you." Something wasn't right, Sarah was always incredibly healthy - she was constantly on Dad about his unhealthy habits and eating too much takeaway. "Maybe I could come and visit sometime? I would be more than happy to bring some casseroles over." I couldn't help saying before I realized that I had unintentionally invited myself over "But, I can just drop them at the door. I do not want to interrupt Sarah's resting or anything" Billy held a hand up to stop me and smiled, "That would be lovely Bella. Sarah really misses you and I know we are all getting really sick of take-out but Lucy has also been taking very good care of us."

I struggled not to frown in response, if Lucy was helping out that meant that Sarah had been sick for a while. I definitely needed to find out more later. I responded, "Of course, I have really missed her too. I will make sure to swing by once I have unpacked everything? Also, I need to take inventory of Dad's kitchen… Or lack of." My last comment earned a deep laugh from Billy, I couldn't help but feel happy to have brought him some joy when he seemed so stressed. He took a deep breath collecting himself before replying, "Well, I don't want to keep you after all I know there are many adoring fans who have missed their Bells." I blushed at the reference which caused him to briefly chuckle before throwing me a wink and walking off presumably to find Dad. It definitely felt weird being the center of attention, I took a brief moment to survey the room. It seemed like everyone was here - Quil, Embry, Leah & Sam, Seth, the Clearwaters, old Quil, Jacob, Billy, Paul, and Lucy. Unfortunately, this meant I hadn't even greeted half of my guests and I already felt exhausted. Whether it was from the long flight, Leah's concerned looks, news that Sarah was sick, or everything from Phoenix I didn't know. What I did know was that the walls suddenly felt too close and there wasn't enough air in my lungs.

I gasped for air backing into the nearest wall for support before I was suddenly being guided outside by a strong and warm hand. Before I knew it we were outside, someone was talking to me but they were too far away for me to hear.

My head was swimming, I felt nauseous, why couldn't I breathe?

What was happening?

I dropped to the floor as my head fell between my knees.

Someone was rubbing my back, I tried to push them away.

I didn't want anyone touching me.

They tried to hold me still, they were talking again - I wanted to understand but it was so hard with the lack of air and the touching.

I pushed them again only to topple over,

I was crying.

I couldn't see.

I couldn't breathe.

Why was this happening?

That was my last thought before everything turned black and fell into emptiness.

Poor Bella just experienced her first panic attack. I wonder who was trying to help her? What will happen to her surprise party? I guess we will find out next chapter *evil author chuckle* Make sure to like, leave a review, favorite etc. to help feed the muse.