As always, all things Twilight belong to Stephanie Meyer
The drive to Seattle was mostly uneventful. Much of the drive was spent listening to Charlie and Jacob exert their protective natures, informing me of my requirement to call home weekly, avoid frat guys and that if I wanted beads during Mardi Gras; Charlie would send me a whole case but that under no uncertain terms was I to take the traditional route in obtaining the coveted beads. I couldn't help but laugh at their macho postering. I'm sure if they could have their way I would have absolutely no fun while away at college. I'd considered it a huge battle won when Charlie had finally relented when I'd voice wanting an apartment off campus rather than living in a cramped dorm. The double shock came when not only had he given in to my request without to big an argument but offered to pay for it for so that I could focus on my studies rather than having to juggle both work and school. I'd applied for and been awarded scholarships that would cover my tuition. Amazingly the one thing that hadn't suffered during my dark senior year were my grades and I'd managed to graduate at the top of my class. I'd saved enough money working at Newton's Outfitting to cover any additional expenses so money wasn't going to be a huge concern.
Jacob carried my luggage into the airport while Charlie walked beside me, a stoic look on his face hiding his true feelings. I did not regret making this decision to leave, it was the best thing for me but I couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt at how much Charlie seemed to be struggling with my decision. Jacob was another one taking my leaving with more than a grain of difficulty only he made no attempt to hide it. My Jacob, always so straight forward with his feelings. If he was feeling it, you knew it. I was going to miss him as much if not more than I'd miss Charlie. Jake was my sun. His light had kept me from being completely swallowed by the darkness that first year, and from slipping back into it while I fought my way out of utter despair. I knew he felt more for me than I did for him. I love Jacob, just not the way he wants me to. A part of me recognized that I could stay and build a life with my shape shifter, a life full of contentment. But was it enough to just be content? The answer for me was a resounding no. I'd felt the curl your toes, take your breath away, the earth moves when he looks at you kind of love and if I was being completely truthful with myself I wanted to feel that way again. Not right now, I still had some healing to do, but eventually. I knew, and deep down I think even Jacob knew, that would never be us.
With my baggage checked the time for goodbyes was getting closer and closer. Jacob held my small hand is his large warm hand almost as if he was afraid to let go.
"I will be back Jake. You know, holidays and stuff. I'll call often, I promise." I assured the large boy that looked more and more like a man every day
He shuffled his feet, looking down while he mumbled " I know Bella but things just aren't going to be the same with you gone."
"I need this Jake and I need you to be ok with it." our eyes met and I could see the tears in my eyes reflected in his.
"I know and I will be." his large muscular arms wrapped me in his embrace, his lips softly kissing the top of my head. "Goodbye, my Bella." he whispered before letting me go
I turned to Charlie " Guess this is it huh?"
Charlie and I had always had a hard time showing our affection for each other however it had improved greatly over the past couple of years. It probably had something to do with the number of times he'd held me after I'd woken up screaming and begging Edward not to leave me.
"You remember everything I told you Bells, stay safe, call often." Charlie was in full on dad mode, it was endearing.
"You got it Chief." I winked at him, trying to lighten the mood.
As the call for my flight came over the loud speakers Charlie wrapped an arm around me and gave me a quick kiss to my forehead
"Bye Bells, I love you baby." his voice was hoarse with unshed tears.
Leaving was definitely bittersweet. The hope I'd been feeling most of the day to be starting this new chapter in my life was tinged with sadness as I said my goodbyes to Charlie and Jacob.
Squaring my shoulders and with a deep breath for courage I walked away from my anchor and my sun. Just before walking through the gate I turned and raised my hand in a small wave. Completely out of character for me I blew them a quick kiss, needing to see them both laugh one more time. They did not disappoint.
Everything moved much faster than I expected upon landing in New Orleans. I took a taxi to the small furnished apartment I'd managed to find. It was close enough to the University that I could walk, having to leave my beloved truck back in Forks. There is no way she'd have survived the trip, not to mention the month it would have taken me to get here at her top speed of just under 60mph. I'd really lucked out in that Charlie had friends here who knew people who knew people and I was able to secure the apartment without having to be here. Deposits and contracts had been taken care of long distance and the keys had been couriered to me in Forks.
I was a little nervous when the taxi pulled up, having never seen my new home. The building was old, but well cared for. If my memory served me correctly there were six apartments, occupied exclusively by students of the University. This was one part of the move Charlie showed some excitement over, hoping I'd be able to make some new friends. The driver helped me to carry my two large suitcases into the building, once again thankful I'd been able to procure a ground floor apartment.
"Welcome home Bella." I said aloud to myself as I closed the door to my new home behind me.
Small…….definitely not a lot of space. There was the bedroom, painted a pastel yellow, the new bed the owners assured me would be there taking up most of the space. A window with modern horizontal blinds a small closet and the door leading to the bathroom rounded out the room. It would do, not like I would be using it for much more than sleeping anyway. I huffed aloud at the continued thought that I was doomed to be a virgin forever. Not that I was willing to give it up to just anyone, if that was the case I'd have long ago given in to Jacob's advances. As hopeful as I was about this fresh start, I couldn't help but let some of the old insecurities come to the surface. That I would never again find the kind of love I'd had with Edward,or thought I'd had with him.
"Don't do this Bella!" and the pep talks started again.
I explored the rest of my new home, truth be told that really took only minutes. The living room contained a couch flanked by two end tables, a coffee table and a square wooden stand that held the television. The color scheme was neutral, mostly browns and off whites. The living room led into a miniscule kitchen, nothing spectacular…..one sink, fridge, small stove all in the same neutral colors as the living room.
The architecture of the entire apartment was in the style of old New Orleans so although small, the space held a certain amount of charm. Nodding I took one more sweeping look around, certain that I would be comfortable here.
Pulling out the new cell phone Charlie had gotten me as an early birthday present I saw that I had two missed calls, already knowing it would be Charlie and Jake. It was already approaching midnight, I was exhausted. I mentally checked off my to do list for tomorrow…….unpack, groceries, hit the campus book store, then spend the remainder of the day exploring some of this historic city that was my new home.
Deciding it was in the best interest of Charlie and Jakes sanity I gave them both a call, ensuring them I was safe and sound in my new home promising to call again once I was settled.
Dead on my feet I grabbed the comforter and pillows neatly stacked at the end of the bed and headed back to the couch.
"Tomorrow." I mumbled sleepily as I curled up on the small couch, slipping quite quickly into a deep sleep
My first few weeks in New Orleans flew by exceedingly fast. There were some moments of homesickness but between settling in, starting classes and actually making a couple of friends I found that I was adjusting quite well to my new life.
McKenna was my neighbor across the hall, she was majoring in Law, had just turned 21 and was my complete opposite. Where I was quiet and reserved McKenna was boisterous and outgoing. Tall and thin with short curly blonde hair, her personality matched her appearance, in one word - flamboyant. It was impossible not to like her and we'd become fast friends. Although completely different in appearance from Alice, her love for life and easy going nature reminded me so much of her. As much as I reminded myself I was moving on and letting go I still missed the dark haired pixie with a vengeance, more so since her letter. McKenna had reminded me how much I'd missed having a close girl friend. As much as I adored Jacob, there were some things we could just NOT discuss.
"Bella! Get your dancing shoes, we're going out!" McKenna burst through the door of my apartment after a quick knock.
"I-I h-have a lot of homework Kenna" the excuse stumbled out of my mouth.
"As do I, but it's Friday! Besides, you've been here almost a month and I've seen you do nothing but hit the books. Come on Bella, this is college, we're supposed to let loose every now and then." McKenna put on her best pout.
"It's one of those days….." I started, then stopped. Today was my 20th birthday. My mantra had become, you're letting go, you're moving on but when faced with this day I couldn't help but allow some of the darkness to hover back over me.
"Ok, ok, it's my birthday, not always the luckiest day of the year for me and well combined with it being Friday the 13th I just don't know if I should chance fate." I rushed out before McKenna could interrupt me, noticing the gleam she got in her eye the minute she'd heard the word birthday.
"Isabella!" she'd used my full name, I felt like I was being scolded by my mother. "You cannot sit at home and mope on your birthday! I won't allow it!" I was almost expecting her to stomp her foot and send me to my room.
"Kenna, please." Did I just whine?
"Bella get your ass in there and put on some party clothes, sex up that hair and then I'm taking you out! Go! Now!" She pointed at my bedroom door, this woman was going to make an amazing lawyer.
"Before I agree to this, where are We going?" I motioned between the two of us with my hand.
"There is this club, don't look at me like that we can get in. I sort of have an in with the bouncer that works the door." the smirk on her face told me all the information I needed to know about what that "in" might be.
"What the hell, what have I got to lose?" I threw up my hands in defeat while walking into my room.
Within minutes I was sticking my head out the door "Kenna….. Help." I blew out a puff of breath in exasperation. I had a feeling I was about to experience another round of Bella Barbie at the hands of my new friend.
A half hour later I hardly recognized myself. McKenna had thrown my hair back in a messy ponytail, letting stray curls frame my face. She'd lined my eyes in smoky charcoal liner and finished with a couple of strokes of mascara. Finally she'd gone digging in my closet, pulling out a pair of dark blue skinny jeans coupled with a pink tunic sweater that Rene had sent me last Christmas that hugged my curves in all the right places. She tossed me a pair of black ballerina flats then announced we were ready to go.
"Damn Bella, you might give me a run for my money in the hook-up department tonight." McKenna eyed me up and down.
"Ha." I snorted " No fear there Kenna, I have no intention of hooking up with anyone." I chewed on my lower lip, the urge to hook up with some random guy definitely not high on my list of things I wanted to experience in college.
"Uh huh" McKenna nodded as she grabbed my hand and we were out the door.
I gave myself a silent pep talk, the cheerleader living in my head reminding me that I wanted to start living life and having fun again. I however, couldn't help but wonder if I was diving into the deep end rather than wading into the kiddie pool to get my feet wet first.