All characters, setting rightfully belong to Stephanie Meyer. This is disclamation for the story ahead of time.
Chapter 2: Fallen Tree and Rising Friend
It felt like torture was my punishment from life as news of my father's cancer had struck me. He had lung cancer from the excessive smoking he does almost everyday. My father always had a wonderful bond with me since as long as I could remember. Since we faced the horrid accident of my mother, the bond had faded but there was still a slight trace of it. He never really smoked before the accident but ever since it did occur, he'd take more and more cigarettes daily. She died in a car accident when heading home from work. She was driving through Russell Road in Forks, Washington. She worked in Forks as a librarian in Dreamy Read's and was in a rush to get home because she wanted to tell us some good news about work. Right after she departed from work, she gave us a phone call and I picked up. She was in a hurry to come home from great excitement and we were excited to find out what it is.
Unfortunately, few minutes after Mom made that phone call, a silver car next to hers swerved and eventually crashed into her car. The back vehicle was a bread factory truck which joined the collision of the silver and blue car, creating great damage. My mother had left us in a painful death followed by the driver in the silver car 3 years ago. Dad and I had tried to recover ever since but the pain always lingered as memories of her are always triggered. Triggered like a freaking gun.
Forgetting my mother wasn't the main objective we aimed for but trying to move on while recalling the memory of my mother makes us smile was the objective. That objective was never achieved. We made this goal like a job or long-time goal. So the new objective was just being able to continue on with our jobs and schoolwork normally. Surprisingly that didn't go so well.
Dad was having trouble breathing for a few days and I was deeply concerned. Sometimes, he'd say his throat would hurt when he'd swallow food. However, Dad would always gruffly reassure me saying he was fine saying it was just a slight cough. Right now, I am waiting outside of his hospital room where he is being given numerous treatments as the "slight cough" got worse. The cancer became terminal.
Slow tears cascaded down my cheeks as the apple of my cheeks reddened. I was deeply hoping my dad would be alright. Dad had always told me that if something ever happened to him, I'd be with my lovely Gran Marie who's always cared for me. We reserved a grave spot for father which was next to mothers in Forks Cemetery since the accident.
I was waiting outside my father's room in the hospital. I slept there for two days straight and my back was killing me right now. The extensive help my father was receiving for his conditions had stopped and I was waiting for a response. My leg was shaking; I was biting my nails, biting my lips, and staring off in space. The signs of serious nervous and anxiety from me.
Dad has never been the same since the accident. He barely talked to anyone and barely Gran unless she visited. He was the kind of person who wasn't so great at sharing his feelings. He'd just stay there and listened. But recently, listening was part of his deal either.
Dr. Maclore walked out of the room and headed towards me. My eyes shut close and fingers crossed in desperation of good news. When Dr. Maclore finally was right in front of me, I opened my eyes.
"Hello Bella. I see you are waiting in for news about your father." No really! What made it so obvious?
"Um…yes doctor, I am. Actually for two days. So…what's the news?" I asked anxiously. I knew I had my hopeful face on. I just wanted more time with my dad even though he was going to leave me eventually.
Dr. Maclore knitted his eyebrows together as he seemed to be thinking about what to say next. I looked at him with a raised eyebrow somewhat suspicious about his stalling.
"We kept giving him more attention as his lungs kept getting worse at every passing moment." Dr. Maclore said. I was becoming impatient with every passing second because I just wanted to know at what state my dad was.
"The best doctors were here trying to prevent the spread and growth of the large cell carcinomas in his lung as much as they could." I gave him the look telling him to stop fooling around and tell me the state my father is in. "The doctors were extremely worried about his state. He tried our best and had one of the best doctors to help him out. But the cancer advanced too much."
"I'm so sorry Bella. Your dad had past away at 11:43pm." he whispered.
I stared into space choked up. Maybe I shouldn't have been so impatient about the news of my father.
My mouth would open and shut but…nothing came out. My head was gruesomely beginning to spin as the news of my father's death hit me harder.
I felt like a bat was swinging and swinging at me while waiting for the baseball to come...but it eventually didn't. I couldn't even think straight.
The loudest noise I heard was my heartbeat.
"Bella, would you like anything with you? A bottle of water, perhaps? Some snacks to eat?" Dr. Maclore asked nervously. I heard him faintly as my heartbeat eclipsed his voice. In fact, everything to be heard was being eclipsed by my heartbeat.
"I'd l-like you to l-leave me a-alone. T-that is what I'd like." I replied angrily. I didn't mean to be so rude but the emotions were just controlling everything. Right now, I was confused whether to be furious or upset. I didn't know what to feel.
"Alright, Bella. Your grandmother Marie needs to be given a call and contacted which was requested by your father before passing away." said Dr Maclore. He hesitated at the last part and I didn't blame him.
"Okay but I need a few more minutes." I breathed out. He glanced at me and understood quite fully. As he disappeared around the corner of the hallway, I gazed at the ceiling.
My life was just taking a turn! My mom died in a stupid car accident thanks to the car next to hers. My father died from lung cancer due to excessive smoking from depression over my mother's death. Now the only one left was me in the family. I wish whatever was to come from this curse would hit already. Before I knew it, I felt my eyes water and my body shake into an uncontrollable sob.
My mom died in a car crash. My dad died of lung cancer. What a beautiful fairytale for me, right? I already said that but why not again? It's going to hit me again and again.
Usually as a little kid, you'd only be aware of those happily ever after stories like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, or even Little Mermaid. All of this was just coming so quickly and it felt like it was just yesterday I was in a normal family.
So this is where things had gone horribly wrong for me. Everyone had come to see how I was doing, the funeral of my loving Dad passed, I'm officially an orphan, and now, Gran Marie who I love dearly had me move into her house somewhere in a rainy place called Forks, Washington.
People would keep asking me why I wasn't so sad at the funeral. By that, they meant why I wasn't crying. I didn't reply to them at all. Gran Marie just kept me away from them. The real reason was that I cried my heart out in the hospital.
Gran couldn't be there for her son because of the raining cats and dogs. I lived in Piedmont, Washington before which wasn't really far with a distance of about 30 minutes. I left my friends at my previous school.
It didn't really matter at all. I would just listen to them and give small talk. We'd have a few conversation or so about trending topics or homework but they and I weren't two peas in a pod. They gave me their number and deep sorrows but I knew it was just a polite thing they did. Only one of them wasn't there to say goodbye but I doubted it made much of a difference.
The moving van had only one box of my stuff after the extensive unpacking I did left which consisted of my baseball items. Goodness, I played baseball a lot but stopped once mom died. I shuffled through to get the box and messily hassled my way towards Gran's house. I doubted this box had any use. Might as well throw it out.
The door was open and immediately led towards the living room. To the living room connected the dining room and the kitchen. The house was average and simple but I loved it. Big huge fancy houses always made me feel self-conscious.
"Bella, dear. Would you like any help? I made you some of your favorite brownies." Gran softly asked. She was tender to me at the moment because she knew me so well and I am still at a melancholy mood. But I hid those things well.
"Uh...sure Gran." I said hesitantly. I loved my Gran and was somewhat glad Charlie put it in his death wish for me to live with her. It was somewhat because I'd still prefer my parents.
I headed up the stairs to my room. It was a really nice shade of green which is surprising. I actually loved that color but people would strangely use neon green or light green. I was opposite from usual people.
I settled some items on my desktop in front of the computer. My whole room was basically finished packing but only a few things were out of order. I had a large closet from my preference; Queen sized bed which was fine by me, average dresser, small table lamp, and a big window to let me see everything outside. I was content with my room by the sight of it. I just threw the box of baseball stuff in the back of my closet.
Gran was there in the kitchen with the brownies and waiting for me to come. I took a deep breath and headed towards her. I needed to stay cheerful in front of Gran and couldn't put my guard down.
"Hey Gran. Mmm the brownies smell delicious. Did you put in almonds?"
"Why, yes Bella. Why wouldn't I? Do you doubt my baking skills?" Gran loved to mock me sometimes.
I couldn't help but chuckled quietly. "No Gran, I do not doubt your baking skills. I'm just making sure."
"Well, wonderful! Now dig in. The warmth of the tasty brownie will eventually cool. I am going to go upstairs and finish my drawing. Why don't you go off and walk around afterward?"
"Thanks Gran. I guess I will. You go finish your drawing" I said with a grin. Gran has always drawn beautiful landscapes and people (including me) literally lived them. Every time I looked at it, it seems like I'm looking at a window that was just beginning to open up to me. I do paint myself and mother always said I got my skills from Gran. We'd walk around Fork Woodlands and I'd help her paint. It's beautiful and ….I don't know how to say it…..Enchanting.
I am never as good as Gran but painting has always been my hobby. It's just these days when I was cooped up with dad, I lost time with painting.
I ate like 3 brownies and then took two brownies with me as I snatched my iPod before walking outside. I set it as shuffle. I sighed as the need to cry washed over me. I hid it so well when Gran was around. My emotions can be well kept hidden when I'm around others but I can't fake emotions like acting. If I was always depressing and sinister, Gran would begin to feel the same way and I couldn't let that happen. Also, I'd be given more attention with people suggesting that I need a therapist or psychologist but I didn't need it. All I gota do was cope.
The song Leave Out All The Rest by Linkin Park came on which was just my luck. I looked up at the sky noticing its gray clouds drifting away following one after another. Was it weird I was mesmerized by them? It was gray and dismal. I wonder If I'll able to get used to Forks after all.
I quietly sang along with the song, feeling a quite strange need to.
I dreamed I was missing
You were so scared
But no one would listen
Cause no one else cared
After my dreaming
I woke with this fear
What am I leaving
When I'm done here
So if you're asking me
I want you to know
When my time comes
Forget the wrong that I've done
Help me leave behind some
Reasons to be missed
And don't resent me
And when you're feeling empty
Keep me in your memory
Leave out all the rest
Leave out all the rest
Don't be afraid
I've taken my beating
I've shed but I made
I'm strong on the surface
Not all the way through
I've never been perfect
But neither have you
So if you're asking me
I want you to know
When my time comes
Forget the wrong that I've done
Help me leave behind some
Reasons to be missed
Don't resent me
And when you're feeling empty
Keep me in your memory
Leave out all the rest
Leave out all the rest
Forgetting
All the hurt inside
You've learned to hide so well
Pretending
Someone else can come and save me from myself
I can't be who you are
When my time comes
Forget the wrong that I've done
Help me leave behind some
Reasons to be missed
Don't resent me
And when you're feeling empty
Keep me in your memory
Leave out all the rest
Leave out all the rest
Forgetting
All the hurt inside
You've learned to hide so well
Pretending
Someone else can come and save me from myself
I can't be who you are
I can't be who you are
I wasn't so positive why a song like this came on but I needed some music to listen to. I kept walking not really aware of my surroundings when I saw the very same woods across the street Gran had driven me to in my past experiences. It's been like 6 years ago when I was ten when I came here and painted. It was a wonderful memory that's etched in my mind with my mom. She tried her best to paint but it was a laughable moment in her attempt. There was a little pathway and a large map near the entrance. They even had a portable map to take with us. The name of the forest was "Forks Woodlands".
I remember the way to the special painting spot Gran had usually taken me to. I took the portable map in one hand and descended down the path further into the forest.
I was walking as myself with other songs I absentmindedly listened to when I stopped dead in my tracks.
I stared at it as it brought back memories of the past which put me in disbelief. Tears were beginning to approach my eyes as I scanned the object.
It was a simple fallen tree that was making me cry but something salient was left upon the tree that was strong enough to put me on the brink of an emotional pull. It was the carving of Gram's, Mom's, Dad's, and my initials with a small memo below saying "Always Together and Never Separated". I skimmed it over with the tip of my fingers. Flinched a little from its cold damp ridges.
Its deep brown contrasted with my pale skin. I flinched as the memory of this moment I remembered being beautiful and touching was recalled. I never thought about it at all. Thought it was stupid afterwards…but maybe it wasn't.
I was only about 11 years old with Mom, Dad, and Gran when we were walking around the woods. Mom, Dad, and Gran found an open area and were settling in to arrange our picnic. I, on the other hand, was in another la la land scanning the landscape and imagining myself as an explorer. Without even noticing, I began to walk towards a fallen tree that caught my eye.
My hand reached out to feel the rough, ridged surface that was a darkish brown reminding me of chocolate. I settled one foot on top of the log and then the other. I balanced myself upon the log careful not to drop myself on the hard, earthly ground.
I took a sniff of the air and it was this pine fresh-rain smell that I couldn't get enough of. I was at the messy, rambling root part of the tree that was somewhat attached to the ground. I headed towards the forest green leaves part of the tree where a few went to orange-brownish color.
I figured that it was recent that tree toppled over and most likely caused by a windy thunderstorm. I hopped off the log and started on a path that was nearby the tree.
I kicked around some pebbles that were placed in the middle of the path where the sound of water caught my ear. I looked up eagerly and saw a loud stream like I thought.
I hurried towards the stream and placed my hand into the cold water. It was a chilling feeling but felt soothing against my small hands.
I sighed and examined some of the fishes that can be seen through the water. It was thoroughly breath-taking. I got up and eventually went back to planet earth. I looked around worried looking for the path again. I couldn't find it!
I started to quickly walk around like a mad man and searching for the path I walked through. MY head was spinnin. I took one random path but it just ended up in a dead-end.
I felt like I was in a maze.
Tears began to cascade down my cheeks without me noticing. Finally I yelled for dad, mom, or whoever. I didn't care at the time what I called but I just needed to find them again.
"Dad! Mom! Gran! Where are you? Hello? Can anybody hear me?" I shouted out frantically.
All of a sudden, I felt a nudge that startled me. My eyes met a pair of green eyes first. My eyes widened as I got a good look at the stranger.
He was about my age most likely and had crazy hair but a beautiful color. It was reddish and brown, maybe like the color of bronze. Hmm…yes he had bronze hair like I never seen. He wore light blue plaid shorts and a dark red T-shirt. I stared at his beauty. I never really had a crush but I guess I now had my first.
"Are you lost? You seem to have tears in your eyes." said the bronze-haired boy. I -the idiot- gaped at him with big eyes.
"Uh..uh um….y-yeah I'm l-lost. C-can y-you help me f-find my way b-back?" I stuttered. I gave myself a mind-slap for my genius way of speaking.
He chuckled. "You sure didn't stutter when shouting for your parents." I felt my cheeks blush cherry red. "Don't worry. I guess I would have done the same thing if I were lost" said the Bronze-haired boy.
"Yeah ha-ha" I sniffled. "Anyways the l-last place I -remembered to be near was a f-fallen tree. It was still a bit g-green so it m-m-must not have fell much l-l-long ago"
"Oh yeah! I remember that tree. It's right this way." said the bronze-haired green-eyed boy confidently. I gave him a slight smile showing him that he can lead the way. He did this crooked type of grin back at me and started to walk towards a closed path while I followed him like a lonely dog.
Of course this was the path! I was so dumb-minded enough not to realize the pebbly path. We walked for three minutes until the sight of the fallen tree reached my eyes and my family that now seemed to realize my absence was now frantically looking around. The bronze-haired boy led me to the tree and also caught the sight of my family.
"This must be your family. Hm…a bit late to realize your disappearance right?" he chuckled. I nervously laughed and replied with a quite yes.
"Well, here is your stop. My name is Edward by the way." He stuck out his hand to reach mine. I hesitated at first but then let my hand drift of to his. I gave him a firm grip but the feeling I got when touching his hand was strange.
I caught his eyes and smiled. "Thank you so much, Edward. My name is Bella. Sorry, for being such a stutter-butt. Really thank you for your help. I have no idea what I would do without your help." I quickly said followed by a huge outtake of my breath.
He did the same darn chuckle and looked at me again. "No problem. I hope we meet again sometime…Bella. I was actually having a hike with my parents and they settled in for some type of break. I come here a lot."
"Oh, well it's nice to meet you too Edward. I hope we meet again. I got to go. My dad looks like he's about to lose his head. Bye Edward."I was walking backwards as I talked to him.
"Yeah, you too. Bye." said the bronze-haired boy and off he went.
I turned and nearly stumbled. I scolded myself before heading towards my family. Mom and Dad had this worried face on while Gran was actually calm. Dad saw me and his face turned into relief.
I ran into mom and dad giving them a hard-grip hug. They were surprised to see me but hugged me back too.
"Geez Bella. Where were you? We were looking around for you." said Mom.
I wasn't sure why but tears began to appear in my eyes. "I'm so sorry Mom. I was just walking and then realized that I got lost by the time I was in the middle of nowhere." I blubbered while sobbing.
"Relax, Bella. We are all here." said Dad. "You know we'd never leave you. What is with this abrupt outburst?"
"It is just that when I got lost, I became so worried believing I might not find you because you'd forget about me." I croaked.
"Bella, of course that's not true. We would look for you with a search party for as long it would take. Days, weeks, months, and even years." said Gran. "You know what. I have an idea. Let's engrave our names into this little or shall I say big log right there. It will be on this special tree for as long as we remember no matter how old, small, big, ruined, or shredded it is or gets."
"I guess that's a great idea. Can I engrave it?"I asked hopefully towards Gran.
"Of course. Here is the pocketknife I have with me" replied Gran. I engraved the initials into the log and the four of us joined our hands as we gazed at it. It was a wonderful night that day which was one of the reasons I loved these woods.
I came out of my dream faze and looked around. The area didn't really change much since the memory occurred. I went back into the entrance of the Woods and looked around. Few people seemed familiar but I didn't know fully. I crossed the street and headed back home. I didn't really notice some of the houses when I was walking to the woods.
I stopped in my tracks and saw there was another way towards Gran's house but it was longer. Not as many people went through this way but I went using that direction anyway. It was more peaceful which I appreciated. I put on the song "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol. Seemed like a soothing song for me at the moment and I love the slow pace.
We'll do it all
Everything
On our own
We don't need
Anything
Or anyone
If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?
I don't quite know
How to say
How I feel
Those three words
Are said too much
They're not enough
If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?
Forget what we're told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden that's bursting into life
Let's waste time
Chasing cars
Around our heads
I need your grace
To remind me
To find my own
If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?
Forget what we're told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden that's bursting into life
All that I am
All that I ever was
Is here in your perfect eyes, they're all I can see
I don't know where
Confused about how as well
Just know that these things will never change for us at all
If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?
As I was walking, I saw a big house and it was beautiful. Not many houses were around but this one just about grabbed my eyes. It had big windows which were kind of tinted. The driveway was big which led to a garage. The garage was connected to the house but at a lower elevation. There were stairs that led to the door and at the side of the steps; there was a cute little stream. The color of the house was dark brown with black framed windows. The house seemed cozy especially with the colors.
From the house emerged two people. One was a short girl with jet black spiky hair and sky blue eyes. Her face was like a pixie's which was cute. The other person was a tall lean handsome boy with blond hair. His eyes were also blue but kind of a regular hue. He was grinning but always looking at the girl with adornment who was talking. That was interesting but most obvious they were together. The girl was perky which was amusing. The two people saw me and started whispering in each others' ears. I looked away blushing and started off onwards in my direction.
"Wait!" said a high voice behind me. I closed my eyes and wishing the "Wait!" wasn't towards me. I turned around and it was the pixie and happy-faced delusional dude. The pixie came skipping towards me while the boy just came gazing at the pixie.
"Hello! You are new here aren't you?" asked the perky pixie.
"Hey" I replied with a timid smile. "Yeah, I am new here. I live about 6 blocks from here."
"Awesome! What's your name? Mine is Alice Cullen. Oh and this here is my boyfriend, Jasper." I was kind of astonished at Alice's abrupt confidence but, it gave me the hint that she was an amiable person.
"Hey, Alice and Jasper. My name is I-Isabella. You can call me Bella." I said awkwardly.
"Well it's nice to meet you, Bella. It's really easy to figure out who's new in this tiny town. You go to school?" Alice asked perkily. Wait…is perkily even a word?
"Yeah, I am going to Forks High. I'll be a junior." I said quietly.
"Oh my goodness! Me, too! We both can hang out together." said Alice. "Unless you don't want to. Then it's okay. I really don't want you to feel awkward." She was practically jumping up and down.
"It's okay. I'd like to I guess. I don't really know much people here." I said with a tugging smile.
"Great. I can show you around right now if you want. Ooh, maybe even take you shopping! Oh, I love shopping!" exclaimed Alice. My eyes widened in despair. I truly despised shopping. Who would love an hourly activity of walking around until you were weary all because you will spend money on worthless items?
"NO!" I began. I cleared my throat. " I mean no thanks. I don't really like shopping. Not that I don't want you to show me around. I'd love for you to volunteer but I am a bit tired today because I just finished placing my belongings into my room. We can go around tomorrow but let's not go shopping" I babbled.
Jasper finally looked at me holding in a laugh. Alice looked surprised. Great, I must have made them think I'm a yeller.
Jasper chuckled and said "Guess we aren't the only one to dislike shopping!"
"What do you mean by 'we'?" I asked puzzled.
"Our friends at school are always being pestered by this little pixie here in persuasion to go shopping." I thought I was the only one that thought of her as a pixie. "Now you, who we just met, also finds shopping a nuisance."
"Oh well that's interesting. How many friends do you have?" was my brilliant curious reply.I must've sounded snoopy. As if curious about a job while I was in an interview.
"Well we have about 5 friends main friends. We usually hang out with them. They are Rosalie, Emmett, Angela, Ben, and Jessica. Although Jessica can be annoying sometimes. I guess Edward can also be our friend but it's just that he's just quiet and kept to himself most of the times. It's like a crew."Jasper was nonchalant about it.
Alice sighed. "Hm, I guess people aren't able to connect with shopping and its importance on our lives just like I do."
"Oh really, honey?" Jasper asked Alice. "How is shopping such a major effect on our lives?"
"We get stuff we like or need like clothing. If we couldn't shop, then we couldn't have anything. We couldn't have entertainment, food, and clothing. What? Want to stroll down the street wearing nothing but your birthday suit. Let it all hang out? Well I think not. Especially boys." She shook her head. "Freaking disgusting especially with some of the boys in our school."
Jasper and I looked at each other and before we started laughing. I couldn't blame Jasper for loving Alice now. I figured in the last 5 minutes that she is adorable and when subjects like those come out of her mouth, you can't help but burst out laughing.
"Ha-ha" Alice mimicked. "Well it's true. Would you really enjoy that?"
Jasper and I continued laughing. "No, I guess not. Anyways, what time is it?" I asked as my laughing had faded.
Jasper looked picked up his arm and pulled up his sleeve. He looked at his watch with a confused look.
"Uh…my watch says 2 am. Either my watch is messed up, the sun stays up for a long time these days, or I am currently wearing invisible sunglasses."
Alice chuckled. "It's alright Jasper, I have a watch. It's 5 pm."
"Oh well, thanks. It was nice meeting you two. I should head home." I quickly said and turned to head home.
"Wait! Can you tell me where you live and your phone number?" Alice asked loudly. I turned around to see Alice with a pout.
"Oh, sorry I forgot. Can I see your phone for a minute?" I asked Alice. Alice quickly slipped out her phone from her pocket. I saved my number in her phone with my name. I also gave Alice my phone that who in a swift saved her number too.
We returned each others phone and checked to see if the phone numbers were saved.
"Do you know Marie Swan? Or maybe referred to as Gran Marie?" I asked Alice. Immediately her eyes brightened up.
"Of course I do! She is an angel. I visited her every once in a while." exclaimed Alice.
"Yeah, well she is my Grandmother. I live with her. So you can visit her house to meet me." I replied lamely.
"Great, guess I will see you there. Oh um…I was suppose to hang with one or two of my friends. Do you mind me letting them come with us." said Alice.
"No, its okay. It might be more fun with more people around. See you tomorrow." I said before turning away and walking towards the direction of my home. I really wondered why Alice was so eager to know me so well. I was so bored and barely talked to anyone since the tragic accidents of my parents but for some strange reason, I felt quite content and happy when I was around Alice. I guess she has similar superpowers as Gran with rubbing off emotions. I quietly walked to the front of my house and entered through the front door. Gran was nowhere to be seen so I figured she was still in her room painting. I imagined what it would be like if mom and dad was still here.
Would I be happy or would I be sad? If I got them back, I'd be thankful. This was something that I was dreading to find out but I miss them so much. I took another brownie from the kitchen as I settled in. The TV seemed to be begging to be used since the remote was lying there lifelessly on the couch so I grabbed it.
I flipped through the channels looking for something enjoyable to watch. Harry Potter was showing which I did love but saw the movie. Grey's Anatomy was a show with thousands of episodes. Smallville was a show based on an important changing protagonist I think. Is he a superhero or something?
It was Sunday so the good stuff were barely on.
I saw Supernatural in CW11. Show seemed enjoyable so I selected it. Saw a few episodes of it and knew it was about two brothers that hunted supernatural beings and ghost. I found it intriguing with its action and humor. Dean was my favorite brother. The episode I was watching was "Changing Channels".
I watched the show which was hilarious but also serious. Lots of comic relief I guess. I glanced at the clock and saw it was 8pm already. I decided it was time for dinner so I went to call Gran. I walked up the stairs and headed past my room. I walked up to Gran's door and knocked.
"Come in, dear" said Gran. I opened the door and saw Gran painting a beautiful picture of a girl. I looked closely and notice that it looked like me. I gasped.
"Wow Gran. That's beautiful. The colors are blending as they contrast. Is that me?" I asked astonished.
"Yes Bella. I thought why not paint a picture of you. It's still a bit incomplete. There are details I need to put in. Here, take this photo of you. I used it for the painting." said Gran as she handed me a picture of me laughing with Gran the last time I visited her. We were all at Gran's home and Gran, Dad, and I was baking a chocolate cake. Dad set the time wrong and eventually blew up the cake in the oven. Everyone was laughing, so mom thought it was a perfect moment for a picture.
I smiled at the joyful memory and put it on Gran's bedside table. I felt my hands shaking a bit.
"Come on. Let's go eat. Sorry lost track of time while painting" Gran said gleefully as she gestured me to follow her.
We went down the stairs and towards the kitchen. Behind Gran, I was just scrunching up my face from nearly crying. I felt so freaking pained.
Gran took out a big bowl of pasta from the fridge and set it on the table. The pasta looked delicious with its mixture of vegetable that consisted of pepper, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, and corn. There was a delicious aroma coming from the pasta. I took out two small bowls from the cupboard and placed them on the table. I fetched two forks and poured the pasta into the bowls before placing them into the microwave. When the pasta was done, I took it out of the microwave and placed it on the table. Gran and I dug in and it was delicious.
After we were done eating, both of us headed towards the living room and sat on the couch. We turned on the TV and watched the news. It got a bit boring so Gran and I began talking.
"So how was your walk, sweetheart?" asked Gran.
"Oh it was fine I guess. Went to the Woodlands and I was surprisingly familiar with its routes and eventually headed home but the longer way."
"Oh well that must have been really nice"
"Yeah," I nodded. "I met this girl named Alice Cullen as well."
"Oh, yes. She visited here a year ago and would sometimes come around for some art lessons. She knew I taught some classes. She's fond of shopping and clothing."
"Oh yeah, I am very well aware of that Gran." I said with a chuckle.
"Yes well, I only met her with our previous encounters and her mother once in the supermarket with Alice. They certainly are an interesting family."
I smiled. "Maybe. I don't know. What makes them special?" Gran just looked at me and gave me a weary look. "They just are Bella."
"Anyways….I heard there was going to be Matilda on ABC Family channel? You know, Matilda by Roald Dahl. You loved that book when you were 7 years old." Gran said cheerfully.
"I sometimes wished I was her. So intelligent that I can control and move things with my mind" I sighed. I wasn't the very least interested in watching that movie. Not at the moment.
"Would you like to watch it Bella?" asked Gran while she flipped the channel to Matilda.
I closed my eyes and breathed in deeply. "I'll go get the popcorn" I went to prepare the popcorn ready and when I returned, I saw that the first few minutes already passed of the movie. I guess I didn't mind.
I plopped down onto the other side of the sofa next to Gran. We both locked our eyes on the TV screen and Gran mainly had the popcorn
By the time the movie finished, I was kind of dozed off..actually I dozed off around the beginning of the movie. Gran was still awake. I felt a nudge that brought me back to the real world. I found myself facing Gran who was smiling.
"Come on honey, seems like you are very tired. School starts within a week and a half so you need to get to the habit of sleeping early and waking up early."
I smiled at Gran. I really didn't want to go to school but me, of course to the logic I need to.
"Sure thing, Gran. I'll go to bed." I replied with a yawn.
I walked upstairs to my room and fetched a towel followed by a tank top and sweats. I headed towards my bathroom, took a quick shower, and brushed my teeth. I felt dirty cause I didn't take the chance to take a shower this morning, As I was brushing my teeth, I noticed that my cheekbones were more distinct. I was losing weight of course. I was changing,
I felt my hormones act up and a sort of dampness developed in my eyes. Then a single tear fell.
I gripped onto the sink with my life as I started shaking. I kept myself from sobbing. I spitted out the last trace of toothpaste in my mouth and rinsed it. I looked at myself again and I wasn't the girl I was 4 years ago. Heck, I wasn't the girl I was few months ago.
I was just weird Bella now. I pulled my bottom lip into my mouth as I bit it hard. I realized that I can't mope around and be the complete opposite of what's thought to be social. I had to be normal now. This was another chance. I took deep breaths reminding myself that everything was possible.
Lots of kids lose their parents. They deal with it. I gripped onto the sink tighter. Alice was friendly with me and I can be her good friend. Just reluctantly go with the flow. Just relax. I had Gran whom I loved no more than my parents.
I gazed at myself in the mirror and saw remainders of my mom and dad. That just broke the goddamn line.
I started to sob, shake, go out of control. . I leaned back on the wall and slid down until my butt hit the cold hard tiles. My face turned warm as the hot salty tears were continuously pouring. I tried to keep myself from making any noise but couldn't help it. My lips were trembling to let out the screaming and yells I've been keeping in for so long.
I let out a soft strangled noise. I was being strangled by my misfortune.
I recalled the story the Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. It was 3 orphans with a great fortune but dead parents. After their parents died, their life turned to hell. They were being chased by the villain who was greedy for their fortune. Killing every caretaker that could have been a possible bright side for them, But heck, I felt like my life was much more complicated than theirs.
I had to wallow in my mother's death for years while I knew for months my dad had cancer. I was dying in torturous time. Time was strangling me. The ropes gripped on tighter every second.
I may be sounding selfish and I know. But I still remember now and 4 years ago being distinctly different. I tucked my face in to my legs. Letting out muffled screams as I nearly bit my leg off.
I didn't want to move. I wasn't completely content where I was. I belonged where I was. On the cold hard tiles
I could've just "sighed before going to my room and guess I needed to eat more." But no, my emotions were two overpowering.
I walked out of the bathroom and into my bedroom. I sat on my bed as I looked out the window seeing drops of rain pelting against the window pane. I counted in my head the number of beats I heard which began to sound like a rhythm.
My eye caught the last leaf hanging on to that branch. It reminded me of the story "The Last Leaf" by O'Henry. A sad story to even begin with. When I read it, I felt sad and happy, both at the same time. But anger overpowering it.
It was about a young girl who was willing to die if the last leaf of the dead vine drops. Her friend goes to an elderly artist for help who gruffly refuses. He was too content with think about his latest masterpiece with his inability to paint. The friend was hopeless and didn't know what to do. However the elderly artist makes a sacrifice to save her life eventually. It was so lifelike that the girl eventually realizes what she was doing was ridiculous. Eventually the girl finds out that on the window was a painting made by the elderly artist. He placed it on her window and caught pneumonia and died while doing so.
Why did the man have to die from pneumonia?
At this moment, I felt like my life was reflected onto that little story. A stupid story which I loved with its meaning but hated right now.
I closed my eyes and leaned back on my bed. I pulled the comforter around me tightly.
I fell asleep as the last tear fell out of my eyes for the night.
A/N: So..uh what do you think? Review please. Bella in this story is very like my personality which I used so I can connect more to the story. Visit my profile to see pics of the house, forest, and some characters.
~Naz