I understand that Bella was heartbroken, anyone would be after the loss of someone they loved. It took me a good ten or so years to come to terms with the fact that I would never be there to raise Victoria. Bella was in a semi-comatose state for a total of four months, all throughout Christmas into the new year. During that time, I met with the Wolves, consisting of Sam Uley, Jared Cameron and Paul Lahote. It was clear that they did not like me, but thanks to the Elders of the Quileute tribe, the leader of which was one Billy Black himself.
We came to an understanding. I would not be attacked by the Wolves, and they would be allowed to freely roam the town if it was only me living in Forks. I was only allowed on their land with express permission from the Elders, and permission was conditional. I wasn't allowed to bite or feed on a Human, understandable, and I could only hunt in the forest around Forks. I wasn't being driven out of town.
It was a breakfast one morning when everything came to a head. Charlie slammed his fist on the table. I sighed. This was going to be bad. "That's it, Bella!" Charlie declared, "I'm sending you home." Bella slowly looked up from her cereal, it had gone soggy.
"I am home." Bella muttered, confused.
"I'm sending you Renée. To Jacksonville." It took a second for the news to sink in.
"What did I do?"
"You don't do anything. That's the problem. You never do anything!"
"You want me to get into trouble?"
"Trouble will be better than this...this moping around all the time!"
"I'm not moping around."
"Wrong wording, Dad." I said, looking at him before turning back to Bella. "You're not yourself, Bella. You're…lifeless, going around like a dead girl walking."
"I'm sorry."
"We don't want you to apologise." Charlie said gruffly.
"Then tell me what you want me to do."
"Bella...honey, you're not the first person to go through this kind of thing you know."
"I know that."
"Listen, honey, we think that...that maybe you need some help."
"Help?" Charlie paused, as if looking for what to say.
"When your mother left, and took you with her, well...that was a really bad time for me."
"I know, Dad."
"But I handled it." Charlie said. "Honey, you're not handling it. I waited, hoped it would get better. I think we know it's not getting better."
"I'm fine." Bella insisted.
"Bella, you're not." I said. "Losing people is hard. Maybe you should go see a professional about this."
"You want me to see a shrink?"
"Look, if it stops you from…not living anymore, then yes. They'll help you."
"And maybe it won't help one bit." Bella snapped/
"It's beyond us, Bella." Charlie said. "Maybe your mother."
"Look, I'll go out tonight, if you want. I'll call Jess or Angela."
"That's not what I want. I don't think I can live through seeing you try harder I've never seen anyone trying so hard. It hurts to watch."
"I don't understand, Dad. First, you're mad because I'm not doing anything and then you say you don't want me to go out!"
"We just want you to be happy." I insisted. "Well, not…I mean, happy is a stretch right now, but at least not miserable. If you get out of Forks, get away for a bit-"
"I'm not leaving." Bella stated.
"Why not?" Charlie demanded.
"It's my last semester of school, it would screw everything up."
"You're a good student, you'll figure it out."
"I don't want to crowd Mum and Phill."
"You're mother's been dying to have you back."
"Florida is hot." Charlie's first slammed on the table again, and I sighed yet again.
"We both know that's not what's really going on here Bella, it's not good for you." Charlie sucked in a deep breath, suppressing his anger. "It's been months. No calls, no letters, no contact. You can't keep waiting for him." Bella sent him the harshest glare I've ever seen her give.
"I'm not waiting for anything. I don't expect anything." Bella replied in a flat voice.
"Bella-" Dad started. Bella then stood.
"I have to get to school." Bella took her bowl and dumped it in the sink without bothering to wash it out. "I'll make plans with Jessica!" Bella called behind her as she grabbed her schoolbag, not paying attention to us. "Maybe I won't be home for dinner. We'll go to Port Angeles and watch a movie." And with that, Bella was out the door. I heard the truck door close, start and then drive off, leaving me sitting at the kitchen table. I sighed, pressing my hands into my eyes.
"That went well." I muttered.
"I'll drop you off at school." Charlie said.
"No, no, it's fine." I sighed, sitting back in my chair. "I'll miss today, my GPA won't suffer, plus there's stuff around the house I have to do."
"Alright then." Charlie said with a nod. He gathered his things and headed out.
TIMESKIP
Bella didn't acknowledge me when she came home that afternoon and headed out within an hour. That night, I was sitting in the lounge room, hanging out with Charlie as we waited for Bella. I was worried. As much as I would want to head out to look for her, I wouldn't betray her trust like that. Charlie was pacing the length of the hall waiting and finally paused when a car door closed. He crossed his arms, balled his fists and stared at the front door. The front door opened and closed. "Hey, Dad." Bella said absentmindedly. I watched as Bella tried to slip by Charlie, but he caught her arm.
"Where have you been?" Charlie demanded.
"I went to a movie in Port Angeles with Jessica. Like I told you this morning."
"Humph."
"Is that okay?"
"Yeah, that's fine. Did you have fun?"
"Sure. We watched zombies eat people. It was great."
"'Night, Dad." Charlie let go of her arm and she hurried up the stairs.
"She didn't tell me that she was heading out." I told Charlie when he came into the lounge room.
"She didn't?" Charlie asked me.
"Nah, just came and left within a couple minutes." Charlie sighed.
"Look, I'll see to getting you your own car, something to get you to and from school."
"It's fine, Dad." I assured. "I'll just…wake up early, walk or take the bus."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I'm a big girl." I stood, grabbing the book I was reading and approached him. "See you in the morning." I kissed Charlie on the cheek and headed upstairs.