Hey guys,
wanted to let you know that this is the last update for this week.
I'm going to visit my awesome German/American friend until Sunday, so I won't be able to update. Maybe I'll be able to after I get home on Sunday, I'll try my best.

One more IMPORTANT thing: I know Shivra told me in her review (thanks you again btw) that the entire story showed up bold? It doesn't when I open it so please tell me if it still does that, ok? In case it does: I'm so sorry, I have no idea why it does that because I certainly have not done that on purpose.

Chapter 3

'Why did you move here?' I asked, trying to make polite small talk on our way back to the parking lot.

"That's an easy one. My parents wanted to move to a smaller city and because we're all into outdoor activities we decided to come here." She clapped her hands excitedly like there was anything good about living here.

'You do realize Forks is like the rainiest place in the entire United States of America!?'

"Well yeah, but it's still great for hiking and stuff"

What could you respond to that, really? I had almost hated the weather, it made life dull.

I kept on walking until we reached the parking lot. I saw Alice's family stand next to an expensive looking car and I quickly decided that it was time for me to go. 'I'm going to go now. See you later.'
"Ok, till tomorrow!" She hugged me enthusiastically before letting me go my own way.

I walked past the other students which were just getting into their cars. I, of course, just kept on walking down the street. I never had and won't have a car in the near future since Charlie doesn't like spending a penny on me.

When finally, after about fifteen minutes, I got home, I quickly started to clean the house, ridding the living room of beer bottles and the few cigarette buds Charlie had left last night. It would only cause more trouble to leave the mess. Like I am the one to drink them in the first place. But there were a lot of things to be mindful of when being around Charlie. Don't talk back, don't talk at all unless asked (which is kind of what gets me in trouble, really), don't talk to outsiders, have dinner ready on time, have everything cleaned, wash clothes, … let's just stop here, I think you get my point.

Though I try to get around all these… problems, it's not always that easy. He doesn't just get mad about simple things like that, I mean… I could avoid these, but there's always something that bothers him. Either I left the door open, or I closed the door, either the meat was too raw or it was already chewy (though I could swear it was just the same). The weather makes him angry, his job makes him angry, my sheer presence makes him go wild.

I quickly put his meal together, roasted chicken breast and cheese sauce as he had requested, and made my way up the stairs. I had homework to do but I decided to spare it for tonight, after dinner, to keep me distracted. Instead I went back to reading Wuthering Heights, one of the only books in my possession. As I said before, Charlie doesn't like spending money on me so these were the books I had saved from the trash. They were my Mom's. I'd read all of these books for the millionth time by now, I bet I wouldn't even have to read them anymore, I could recite them verbatim. I love the classics and it didn't really bother me all that much to read them over and over again.

I didn't get far until the door downstairs signaled Charlie's arrival. I quickly went down the stairs and into the kitchen to take the chicken out of the oven, placing it carefully on the table and setting a beer down beside it. Charlie came in, grumbling under his breath and sitting down heavily on the kitchen chair.
"How 'bout you wish me a good evening?" He asked harshly before taking a bite of his food.

I signed it, refusing to talk to him. He knew I would do that, still he jumped up and straightened before me. "Girl, you better do what I say, hear me? Wish me a good evening, now!" I stood, staring at his heavily moving chest, inhaling the stench of his breath as he breathed down me. He grabbed my throat and pushed me back into the counter, making me yelp a little. "I said: talk!" He growled, pressing down on my throat, taking away my air to breath.

And what did I do? Nothing. I just stood there, staring at his hateful eyes and steadying myself on the counter. I knew I wasn't strong enough to push him away and I also knew he would stop… eventually. Struggling only made it worse, I knew –though my fingers were itching to pry his hands from my skin.

"You're worthless!" He shouted as he pushed me into the counter once again before letting go. I coughed heavily as he finally released my throat, struggling for much needed air as I clung to the counter to keep from falling. "Go to your room!"

And with that I was dismissed for the night.

"Bella!" Alice came running toward me, throwing her arms around me before I had a chance to stop her. Of course she hugged me close, pressing her arms on the sore spots from last night. I groaned quietly and pushed her arms from me. "Oh." She said, obviously surprised while I rubbed the small of my back. "I'm so sorry, did I hurt you?"

'No, it's ok. I just hurt myself last night. Not your fault.'

"Oh, well I'm still sorry!" Alice said just as Jasper joined us by the entrance.

"Hey Bella. Ready to start our biology project?" Jasper teased, putting his arm around Alice's shoulders. They were pretty cute together I had to admit.

'I guess.' I smiled a little. 'It's actually quite easy, I've looked it over yesterday night.' I signed nonchalantly. 'Gonna go now, I'll see you later.'

I started to like them and… that wasn't good. Sure, I'd love to have friends after being a loner for such a long time. But how could I have friends while still living here? I didn't want anyone to find out about Charlie. Not because I didn't want to get out of this situation but because they might get in trouble, after all, he's the chief of police.

On top of that, where was I supposed to go? I wasn't of legal age yet so… where in the world was I supposed to stay? I'd be in foster care and that was something I didn't necessarily want to go through. So, it was safer for me to keep them somewhat distant.

"Look who's there! If it isn't the weirdo itself." Oh no, I thought to myself as I recognized the taunting voice. Lauren Mallory, as always. She and Jessica were the worst. Nasal bitches. I walked a little faster instinctively.

"Oh, what did you do this time? Try to hang yourself? You're such an attention seeker!" She laughed and I realized that my scarf must not cover the bruises on my neck entirely.

Shit.

I pushed past them quickly and went to the bathroom to adjust it. She was so stupid! Did she even have a brain? It couldn't be any bigger than a mouse's. Who would say such things? God, she makes me sick.

I tied the scarf more tightly around my neck before taking a deep breath and leaving the restroom for my first block.

"Bella, sit with us!" Alice exclaimed decidedly and practically dragged me over to their table. Why was everyone bossing me around? "Bella," she said while pushing me down on a free seat. "may I introduce, these are Emmett and Rosalie. And you know Edward, Jasper and me, of course." She smiled and sat down in the spare seat next to me. I gave Emmett and Rosalie a small wave, as always not saying a word. "Oh, and they all know some sign language. Well, maybe not Emmett." She added and I heard her stifle a giggle.

"Hey! Of course I know sign language! Not a lot, but still." He pouted which made me smile a little because he was just… huge but his face was like a little boy's.

'Nice to meet you.' I signed. Rosalie, the beautiful blonde, didn't really react, not giving me any indication on whether she hated me or not. And I sure didn't need another enemy.

"So, Bella." Alice said, again sounding excited. By now I learned to be afraid of her excitement. "Jasper, Edward and I thought that you should come over sometime this week. You know, for the project!?"

Oh, I thought. Well… how do I tell them that it's not such a good idea for me to not come home after school? Then again… I might be able to leave sometime at the weekend without him noticing. Charlie usually passes out around 2 or 3 and doesn't wake until late evening. But if he should wake during that time I'd be in trouble.

I noticed Alice waiting for my answer and realized how weird I must look chewing on my lip and not answering her simple question.

Well, only one way to find out.

'I don't think I'll be able to on school nights, but how about the weekend?'
"Sure," Alice smiled widely. "whenever it suits you!"
'How about Saturday? Around three-thirty?'

"Great! I'm gonna pick you up."
'You don't have to' I disagreed quickly. But seriously, I had no crappy idea where they lived and Alice smiled as if she knew just what I was thinking.

"You're welcome." She winked at me and pushed her tray full of food toward me.
'I'm not hungry, thank you, Alice.' Suddenly my stomach growled loudly as I stared at all the food. Great. They all laughed at me, making my cheeks turn a bright red.

"Come on now, can't fool the Cullens. Eat." Jasper said while pulling Alice closer to his side.

'Thanks.' I signed.

After I missed dinner last night my stomach was eager to get filled.

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