Disclaimer: All recognizable characters are the property of SM.

/!\ Some parts of the story aren't suitable for a young public. I'm responsible for what I write, not for what you read. Let's not focus on the original timeline of the books. I'm not gonna put a specific date.

Beta-reader is cerealgoblin

"The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love, and to be greater than our suffering."

Ben Okri

Chapter 2

As Bella walked into the kitchen, her thoughts about their happy past were still running in her mind. The sweet smell of homemade pancakes welcomed her warmly, that was unexpected. Charlie wasn't the type of man to wake up early to make breakfast. She found her father, leaning over the skillet, a proud smile on his face.

Immediately, she rushed to hug him tightly. She needed it. He cautiously returned her hug, his eyes moist. Charlie and Bella weren't the affectionate type. They were similar on this point however, this was a genuine and needed hug.

The pancakes were slightly burnt, but Bella couldn't help but smile, appreciating her father's effort and attention. He was wonderful.

"They're not exactly masterpieces," Charlie said with a laugh, "but I swear they're edible!"

They sat down at the table, and a comfortable silence settled between them as they began to eat. Charlie had made some Vanilla tea, a remarkable attention, it was her favorite. The plates were from her favorite color, purple.

Charlie had made a lot of effort in these small details. The sound of forks clinking echoed in the quiet kitchen, a welcome pause from Bella's tumultuous thoughts. Being with Charlie was truly good. No pity, sadness, or compassion from him, only unconditional love.

As she was about to drink her tea, somebody drove up outside of their house and honked their horn, drawing their attention and kinded ruined this perfect atmosphere. Charlie immediately got up to go to the entrance of the house. He stepped outside. Bella, feeling uneasy, instinctively followed and hid herself behind her father, not wanting to be seen.

Billy Black and his son Jacob were on the porch. Bella hadn't see Billy in almost 4 years and she immediately noticed that Billy was in a wheelchair. She was intrigued but tried not to look at him to not to appear disrespectful, it wasn't that easy.

At the same time, Jacob was staring at Bella, his eyes wide with admiration, which made her even more nervous. He was no longer the little boy who followed her everywhere. He had the appearance of a man, the same kind of man, now capable of hurting her. She could feel his gaze on her, and that attention was unsettling.

The strangest thing was that when she looked at him, a song immediately came to mind, as if it corresponded to him — "Animals" by Maroon 5. Could it be a warning ? She wasn't sure, it was strange.

"Bella!" Charlie called out with a smile. "Come say hello!"

Bella remained firmly behind her father, avoiding Jacob's gaze. He noticed that she was uncomfortable and right away, he tried to hide his attraction by looking away slightly. Her heart was beating immensely fast like a warning.

"Do you remember them ? This is Billy Black, and his son, Jacob," Charlie said, smiling. "They live on the reservation."

Billy greeted Bella with a warm smile, while Jacob, though fascinated, made an effort not to make her feel awkward. He knew what happened to her in Phoenix and the struggles that she faced continuously. He gave her a discreet sign, accompanied by a gentle smile so as not to add to her anxiety.

He stepped back immediately, creating a respectful distance so that she would be in a more comfortable space. Immediately, Bella's heart began to regain a normal rhythm. She took a deep breath and started to relax. It was becoming more and more frustrating. Even though she did not want to see a psychiatrist, seeing a doctor to get treatment for her constant anxiety attacks could help her.

Jacob tried to not look directly at her. He gave a slight wave, attempting to soften his smile to ease the atmosphere.

Noticing the slight discomfort of his daughter, Charlie decided to change the subject. "Bella, I have a surprise for you," he said, a mischievous grin on his face. "I found you a car. A Ford Ranger. Brand new!"

Bella's eyes lit up with excitement. Although Bella got her driver's license six months ago, living fifteen minutes away from her high school, her mother did not deem it necessary to buy her a car. The bus passed by regularly, and since Renée was often at home, if her daughter needed a driver, she quickly volunteered.

A bright smile spread across her face as she nodded enthusiastically. That was the greatest gift ever. She threw her arms around her father to thank him, her heart overflowing with gratitude, without saying a word.

Billy and Jacob exchanged a knowing glance, amused by Bella's reaction. Jacob, respecting her space, stepped back slightly, admiring her beauty while allowing his father and Charlie to discuss the car.

The meeting was marked by a silent tension, a fragile connection waiting to develop, but for now, Bella remained behind her father, her emotions expressed only through gestures and glances.

—

The next morning, after her now traditional breakfast with Charlie, Bella stepped in her bedroom and started to prepare her bag for school. Yes, tomorrow, she will be the new girl in school. A whole month after the start of the new school year. Great, Bella sighed.

On Saturday afternoon, her father and she had gone to the doctor's to get her prescription that was supposed to make her life easier. Bella had to vaguely explain what had happened to her, and it had been torture. In the end, an anxiolytic had been prescribed to her.

Bella zipped up her black backpack and set it by the door, staring at it for a moment longer than necessary. She felt a twinge of dread at the thought, but she pushed it aside. At least she'd have the prescription to keep the worst of her anxiety at bay. Sighing again, Bella ran a hand through her long, wavy hair, which seemed more unruly than usual.

A soft knock on the door made her turn. Charlie peeked his head in, his expression unreadable, as usual.

"Hey, Bells," he began, voice rough but gentle. "Was thinkin'... maybe we could head down to La Push. Walk along the beach a bit. What do you say?"

Bella blinked, surprised by the suggestion. It wasn't like her father to suggest outings like this. His usual way of showing concern was more subtle—fixing things around the house, making sure there was food in the fridge. But there was something almost hopeful in the way he asked, and Bella found herself nodding, even though words didn't quite make it out of her throat.

Charlie seemed to understand. "Alright," he said, his voice a little softer. "Might want to grab a jacket—it's cool out there today."

—

The drive to La Push was quiet, but Bella was used to the comfortable silence that hung between her and Charlie. He wasn't one for small talk, and she appreciated that more than he probably knew. She stared out the window as they wound through the narrow, tree-lined roads, the evergreens standing tall and imposing against the overcast sky.

When they arrived, the beach was just as she remembered—wide, empty, and peaceful. The air smelled like salt and damp wood, and the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore felt like it was pulling something deep inside of her. Without a word, she stepped out of the car and started walking toward the sand.

Charlie followed, his boots crunching softly behind her. He kept his distance, giving her space, but she could feel the quiet presence of his concern. Bella's eyes wandered over the beach, her mind drifting to memories of this place when she was younger—running barefoot along the shore, collecting rocks and shells with her mom.

She hesitated for a moment, then bent down, slipping off her shoes. The cool sand pressed against her bare feet, and she dug her toes into it, grounding herself in the sensation. Her body relaxed, a small sigh escaping her lips, and she continued walking until she was a few steps from the edge of the water.

Charlie stopped behind her, close enough to watch, but he didn't say anything. Bella glanced back at him briefly, her eyes soft, a quiet acknowledgment passing between them. He gave her a small nod, then sat down on a piece of driftwood, letting her do her own thing.

Bella hesitated before joining him, sitting cross-legged beside him, the tips of her toes still digging into the damp earth. For a few moments, neither of them spoke. There was no need to. The sound of the waves crashing softly against the shore filled the silence, and Bella felt her thoughts drift away with them.

"You used to love coming here when you were little," Charlie said after a while. His voice was rough, but there was a hint of nostalgia in it. "You and your mom… before things changed."

Bella didn't look at him, but she nodded. "I remember."

They sat in silence again, the breeze cool but not cold. Bella pulled her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them as she watched the water. There was something hypnotic about the way the waves moved, a rhythm that soothed the anxious flutter in her chest.

The waves were mesmerizing, and Bella found herself drawn to the way the light danced on the water's surface. The sounds of the beach—the crashing waves, the distant cries of seagulls—pulled her into a strange, almost dreamlike calm. Her mind quieted, her breathing slowed, and before she knew it, she had dropped down to the sand, sitting cross-legged and staring out at the horizon.

She felt... better here. More herself, or at least more like she could breathe again.

Charlie remained nearby, and after a while, and before she could stop herself, she moved closer to him, leaning back against his legs. The weight of her head rested on his knee, her eyes fluttering closed. She hadn't realized how tired she was until that moment, the heaviness pulling her deeper into the quiet lull of the ocean. She didn't need to speak to feel the connection with her father. His quiet, protective presence was enough.

—

When Bella opened her eyes, the sky had darkened, and the air was colder. She blinked, momentarily confused, before she realized she had fallen asleep on her father's lap. The world felt softer, quieter, and she turned her head slightly to look up at him. Charlie's gaze was still on the water, but when he noticed she was awake, he glanced down.

"Didn't want to wake you," he said in his usual gruff tone, but there was a faint trace of warmth in his voice.

Bella pushed herself up slowly, rubbing her eyes. The peacefulness of the beach still clung to her, and though she didn't speak, she gave him a small nod of thanks. Her eyes met his, and for a moment, no words were needed.

He cleared his throat awkwardly. "We should probably head back before it rains."

Bella stretched, feeling the stiffness in her legs from sitting for so long. She glanced out at the water one more time, the gentle waves still calling to her in some strange way, but she knew it was time to go. Reluctantly, she stood, brushing the sand off her clothes, and slipped her shoes back on.

Charlie was already on his feet, waiting for her. He didn't say much as they walked back to the car, but the silence wasn't uncomfortable. It felt right. Bella liked that about him—the way he didn't push, didn't pry. He just... was there, steady and strong.

As they drove home, the soft hum of the car's engine filled the space between them. Bella leaned her head against the window, watching the trees blur by. Tomorrow would come, and with it, all the uncertainties of being the new girl at school. But for now, she let herself sink into the stillness, the quiet bond she shared with her father.

When they pulled into the driveway, Charlie glanced at her, his brow furrowing slightly. "You feel okay about school tomorrow?"

Bella hesitated for a moment, then nodded. Her eyes met his, and there was something in her gaze—something unspoken, but understood. She didn't need to say anything. Charlie had always been good at reading between the lines.

He nodded back, a subtle acknowledgment. "Alright," he said quietly. "Let me know if you need anything."

With that, they both stepped out of the car and headed inside, the warmth of the house welcoming them back. Bella glanced around the familiar space, feeling a bit more grounded than she had this morning. Tomorrow would be hard, but right now, she had this—this quiet moment, the peace of the beach still lingering in her chest.

For tonight, that was enough.

—

Bella stepped into the parking lot of Forks High School, her heart pounding in her chest. The air was crisp, carrying the smell of damp earth and pine, typical of Forks. Cars were lined up in neat rows, and groups of students clustered together, chatting and laughing, their voices mingling with the distant hum of engines.

Although there was an underlying excitement in the air—something about the bustle of a new school day—Bella felt completely disconnected from it all, like a stranger dropped into someone else's life.

She adjusted the strap of her bag, her fingers fidgeting against the worn leather, and forced herself to take a deep breath. Her eyes flickered over the groups of students, noticing how some of them turned their heads in her direction. It wasn't overt staring, but more of a series of subtle glances, the kind of curiosity that lingered just long enough to make her skin crawl.

They whispered to one another, their eyes briefly meeting hers before they looked away with quiet smiles or raised brows. There was no mockery, no outright judgment, but there was something else—an unsettling sort of admiration that she couldn't quite place.

She tightened her grip on her bag and dropped her gaze to the ground, suddenly hyper aware of how her every movement seemed to be observed. Was it because she was new? Or was it something else? Bella shook the thought away. Maybe it was nothing.

As she neared the entrance to the school, the imposing red brick building looming above her, her heart began to race faster. She could feel the weight of uncertainty settling in her chest. What if this had been a mistake? What if she couldn't fit in here any more than she had in Phoenix? Bella pushed the thought aside and focused on the immediate task: getting her schedule, finding her classes, and surviving the day. That was all she had to do.

Stepping into the warm, brightly lit office, Bella immediately noticed the contrast to the gloomy weather outside. The space was decorated with framed photos of smiling students—past graduates, probably—beaming with youthful optimism. She stood for a moment, absorbing the scene, before the secretary behind the desk caught her eye.

The woman, with short, greying hair and a warm, welcoming smile, looked up from her computer as soon as Bella entered. Her friendly expression shifted slightly, an odd glint of admiration flashing in her eyes that made Bella's stomach tighten.

"Hello! You must be new here," the secretary said, her voice upbeat and inviting. She leaned on the counter, her gaze warm but curious.

"Um, yes. I'm Bella Swan," Bella replied quietly, her nerves getting the better of her as she fidgeted with the strap of her bag.

"Bella Swan," the secretary repeated, smiling wider.

"Welcome to Forks High! I'm Mrs. Green. Let me get your schedule and everything you'll need for the day." She turned to grab a few papers from the desk behind her.

"Here's your class schedule," she said, sliding a piece of paper toward Bella.

"And a map of the school, just in case you need it. Oh, and your locker combination is here." She handed over the items, her eyes lingering on Bella with an odd, almost motherly kindness.

"Thanks," Bella murmured, her fingers brushing the papers as she accepted them, feeling oddly self-conscious under the woman's watchful gaze.

"You know, your father—Charlie—he's a great guy," Mrs. Green continued, her tone softening as she leaned in conspiratorially.

"We all know him around here. If you need anything, don't hesitate to come to me, alright? You'll be just fine."

Bella, taken aback by the attention, managed a small nod. Her cheeks flushed slightly, not from embarrassment but from the sheer awkwardness of the exchange.

"I will. Thank you," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Just as Bella began to turn, the school bell rang, its shrill sound reverberating through the hallways. The noise jolted her out of her thoughts, and she felt her heart leap in her chest. It was time.

With her papers clutched tightly in her hand, she made a quick exit from the office, her nerves buzzing in anticipation. The hallway was now filled with students rushing to their classes, lockers slamming shut, and footsteps echoing against the tiled floors.

Bella stood for a moment at the edge of the crowd, watching the sea of faces pass her by, feeling both completely visible and entirely invisible at once.

Taking a deep breath, she braced herself for the day ahead. The first day of school always felt like jumping into cold water—jarring, disorienting, and a little bit terrifying. But as Bella walked toward her first class, she reminded herself that she had been through worse. She could handle this.

—

As Bella stepped into her math class, she made a beeline for a seat at the back of the room, hoping to remain unnoticed. Almost immediately, a girl with curly hair and an infectious smile sat down next to her, full of energy that Bella wasn't prepared for.

"Hi! I'm Jessica Stanley," she introduced herself, her voice bubbly and enthusiastic. "You're new here, aren't you?"

Bella's heart raced, her fingers gripping the strap of her bag a little tighter. She gave a small nod before softly replying, "Hello, I'm Bella Swan."

Her voice was melodic and gentle, and to her surprise, it echoed across the room, catching everyone's attention. Conversations abruptly died down, and an odd silence fell over the class as all eyes seemed to lock onto her.

"Wow, she has an incredible voice," a girl at the front murmured to her friend, while a boy from the back chimed in with a hushed whisper, "Look at her eyes. They're... hypnotizing."

A cold wave of panic washed over Bella as she remembered that she had forgotten to put in her contact lenses that morning. Her deep, almost ethereal eyes now stood out far more than she intended.

The way the students stared made her feel exposed, like an uninvited spectacle. After that brief introduction, her throat tightened, and she couldn't bring herself to say more. Words felt trapped inside her, and so she opted to nod or shake her head in response to Jessica's rapid-fire questions.

Jessica, oblivious to Bella's internal turmoil, carried on with her lively chatter. "You're going to love Forks High School! Everyone here is super friendly," she said with a bright smile. "Have you met anyone yet?"

Bella shook her head silently, trying to focus on Jessica and not the stares that were still glued to her. She could almost feel the whispered conversations intensifying around her, the curious glances growing more frequent.

"She's really pretty," one boy whispered to his neighbor, who gave a silent nod of agreement.

Despite feeling out of place, Jessica's boundless energy made it a little easier for Bella to settle into her seat. However, it was hard to ignore the icy stare coming from a girl sitting in the front. Bella didn't know her name, but the girl's disapproving glare felt almost tangible. And then there was the boy sitting next to Bella, staring at her with wide eyes, as if mesmerized. It only added to the growing discomfort that tightened around her like a net.

"Don't worry about them," Jessica said quietly, leaning in. She had noticed Bella's unease. "They're just curious because you're new and surprisingly stunning. It'll pass, I promise. You'll see."

Bella managed a small, grateful smile, though her eyes remained downcast. The whispers didn't die down, instead continuing to swirl around her like a persistent breeze.

"Where is she from?"

"She's stunning, isn't she?" The comments blended into a murmur that seemed inescapable.

As the teacher entered and the lesson began, Bella tried to focus, though her mind still buzzed with the sensation of all those eyes on her. The classroom, which should have been an anonymous refuge, instead felt like a stage where she was the main act, whether she wanted to be or not.

Midway through the class, Jessica leaned over again, her curiosity clearly not yet satisfied. She opened her notebook and scribbled a quick note, sliding it discreetly over to Bella.

Show me your schedule! Let's compare!

Bella hesitated for a second before pulling out her own schedule and handing it over. As Jessica's eyes lit up, Bella could feel the weight of anxiety lift, if only just a little.

Wow, so we have math and gym together! Jessica wrote, her enthusiasm evident in the exclamation marks that dotted the page.

She then gestured toward a girl sitting a few rows ahead with curly brown hair.

That's Angela Webber. You'll love her! She's super nice. You have history and English with her.

Bella nodded slightly, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. She followed Jessica's gaze to Angela, who seemed immersed in her work, her face calm and kind. Bella hoped that Jessica was right—that Angela might be another friendly face in this sea of strangers.

Jessica scribbled more.

The boy next to the blonde? That's Mike Newton. He's cool, but the blonde? That's Lauren Mallory. She's… well, you'll see.

Bella's eyes shifted to Mike, who indeed seemed friendly enough, with a casual smile and a laid-back posture. But when she glanced at Lauren, her unease deepened. Lauren's hostile, cold expression spoke volumes. It wasn't just curiosity with her—it was something sharper, something that made Bella's skin prickle.

I'm not sure if anyone in this class has Spanish and Biology with you, Jessica wrote, checking her own schedule.

Bella, still feeling overwhelmed, took out her pen and carefully wrote back.

Thank you. You're really kind to help me. I appreciate it.

Jessica, examining Bella's note, paused for a moment, her eyes widening.

Your handwriting is so pretty! she added, her surprise evident.

Bella looked down at the delicate script she had written. It was different from what she remembered—more elegant, almost refined. The realization brought another wave of discomfort, a reminder that more was changing about her than she could understand. She forced a smile, masking the sudden surge of anxiety rising inside her.

Thanks, she quickly wrote back.

Sensing Bella's unease, Jessica smiled reassuringly and wrote one last note.

Do you want to eat lunch with me and my friends? Just so you know, Lauren will be at our table.

Bella hesitated. Lauren's icy demeanor lingered in her mind, but the alternative—eating alone—felt worse. After a brief pause, she nodded and wrote. :

Okay.

The bell rang, signaling the end of class, and Bella exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. The first class was over, but the rest of the day stretched out ahead of her like an uncharted map. She gathered her things, her heart racing as the students around her began to rise and chatter once more.

Jessica, ever cheerful, turned to her with a grin.

"See you at lunch?"

Bella nodded again, grateful for the small bit of light Jessica seemed to offer in this overwhelming sea of newness. But even as she followed the flow of students out into the hall, that strange tension stayed with her—an unsettling reminder that something was shifting within her, something beyond her control.

Hello, I would like to thanks all's the readers. It's my first fanfiction and you're all so enthusiastic, thats make me so happy! The second chapter is shorter than the previous one. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.

A big thanks for my beta-reader and a lots of love for my number 1 fan, she's will recognize herself.