Twilight Fan Fiction / Twilight Fan Fiction ❯ An Ugly Fact Of Life ❯ Chapter 1

I waited silently by the airport doors, watching the rain pour down. It had been thirty minutes since my flight from Phoenix had landed down in Forks. Of course Charlie was late, he would probably say something important had came up at the station but I knew it was more likely that the football game dragged on a little longer then he'd expected. I shifted my weight from one side to the other, feeling more then a little uncomfortable standing in the cold damp weather; my heavy luggage in one hand and my umbrella in the other.

My decision to move from the hot weather of phoenix to the mostly unpredictable weather of Forks was a quick one. I'd told Renée one evening on a persistent whim that I wanted to get out of Phoenix, that I needed a change in my life and that I had to do it now. She was shocked to say the least but she seemed to notice the necessity in my voice and didn't press on about the reasons.

She didn't press for reasons, which I was thankful for. But she did try with all her might to make me stay. Her outward, more physical attempts only lasted the first few days after I had told her, but they were full of a mother's desperate love, almost suffocatingly so. She suggested we go on a road trip for the summer holiday instead, that a change in scenery for a smaller amount of time would be sufficient. I only shook my head, telling her it definitely wouldn't be enough. The truth was I never wanted to see Phoenix again.

About two week later when I showed no signs of letting up and started cutting classes she gave into my persistence and called Charlie setting up the plans with him and relaying the little details she knew about my sudden urgency to move. All the while I could tell she was silently hoping he would deny my company, but of course he happily agreed and she reluctantly went out to buy my one way ticket to Forks.

For the next week I held on to that ticket like it was my lifeline and watched sympathetically as Renée moped miserably around the house. I packed my stuff up and tried to ignore her looming aura. I loved her to death but this was something I would not change my mind about. Besides I wasn't too worried about leaving her, she had Phil to watch over her.

I heard a honk to my left and looked up to see Charlie's cruiser, lights flashing in the dark and window wipers fighting desperately to keep up with the pounding rain. I smiled lightly, tugging my things towards the car.

A small bag resting unsteadily at the top of my towering luggage wobbled off when one of the wheels hit a bump. I reluctantly bent down to pick it up, instinctively letting go of the rest of my luggage in order to keep my umbrella up. I regretted my decision as soon as I made it as I watched the rest of my things now completely unbalanced topple over. I threw my umbrella to the wind trying desperately to catch what I could. Charlie got out of his car, looking sad or perhaps disappointed that his daughter was still just as clumsy as he remembered. He swiftly picked up the bags closest to him and reassured me that they would dry in no time.

When we finally settled down, my belongings safely in the car, seatbelts buckled up and the heater blaring Charlie maneuvered his way easily out of the busy parking lot. The cars in front of him pulling over or slowing to allow him a pass when they spotted the police cruiser.

We sat silently, happy to see each other but unsure of how to express it. I knew I could have stayed silent the whole time, if it meant skipping the awkward “long time no sees.” but Charlie could only handle the quiet for so long. He spoke in his gruff policeman voice ready to be reacquainted. “You're looking well Bella, more and more like your mother everyday.” I smiled at his attempt to compliment me and offered in return that he'd been taking care of himself just as well.

We chatted lightly about work and school the rest of the way, until we got into town. We were both shocked into silence when a red BMW zoomed passed us dangerously, followed by a yellow Porsche struggling to keep the pace as it towed a moving trailer behind it. I was stunned to see such expensive cars in a town like Forks and wondered for a moment if there was a movie being shot somewhere near by. Charlie seemed to notice my bewilderment and answered my silent question just as a silver Volvo drove by us much slower, almost in slow motion. “Those are the Cullen's, it's a shame you missed them. A great bunch really, though they mostly kept to themselves.”

My mind only half registered Charlie's words as my eyes locked with the pale faced boy in the car. His eyes were a golden pool of honey and I was instantly entranced, I felt myself drowning in the hot gooey liquid for a fraction of a second and then he was gone. I gulped in a large amount of air trying to catch my breath, blinking away the peculiar moment of tension. Tears welled in my eyes for reasons unexplainable. I watched the glossy cars leave Forks, and felt my chest constrict, I clutched at it and then breathed out heavily as I felt my stomach flutter and my body become a whole lot lighter.

I closed my eyes trying to recapture my composure and saw the boy staring back at me boldly. His image was already burned so deeply in my memory. I analyzed his expression and then quickly opened my eyes, it was troubling. When he had driven by I thought instantly that he looked so hopeful and strong, but now as he stared back at me longer I could see the real emotion hidden in his eyes, regret, and despair. I found myself wanting to know why this person I had never even seen before was so lost. But before I could ponder the reasons Charlie was interrupting my thoughts, letting me know one of his good friends would be coming over for dinner tonight with his son. And then I was letting him know how good that sounded, though all I really wanted to do was go to my room and sleep. That is, if I still had one.

When we got to the house Charlie helped me bring my things into the old room I once used when I was younger. He asked if I needed any help unpacking, though I knew he was hoping I'd say no. I declined stating that it was just a matter of stuffing and hanging things in the drawers and closets. He willingly gave in, ducking out to head for the comforts of his couch and television.

I'd barely had anytime to put away my first bag of clothing before I could hear Charlie downstairs welcoming in the guests. “Bella's just upstairs unpacking her things.” He told them, and then his voice was closer and intended for my ears. “Bella they're here.” I gave myself a quick once over in the mirror hoping I didn't look as tired as I felt and headed down the stairs careful not to trip. Before I could even reach the bottom Charlie was introducing me to them. “Bella, you remember Billy don't you? And Jacob?” I smiled, at them nicely and then Billy, the man who sat in the wheelchair beside the boy who I assumed was Jacob was shaking my hand warmly. “Oh come on Charlie that was a long time ago of course she doesn't.”

Charlie rumbled a low laugh and then guided Billy, Chinese take-out in his lap to the living room flicking on the TV and leaving me standing alone with the grinning Jacob. I shifted a little wondering what to do with myself, but Jacob didn't seem at all embarrassed. He reached out his hand and stated the obvious. “I'm Jacob.” I took his hand thankfully, feeling my self-consciousness disintegrate. “Bella” I responded. “Good to see you again Bella.” He offered, though I wondered if he actually remembered me because I hadn't the slightest memory of him.

His hands motioned to the living room “Shall we?” he asked. I shook my head, finding my exit route. “Actually I've already eaten tonight. On the plane, you go on without me.” He raised an eyebrow looking displeased. “Where are you going then?” I heard Charlie's laughter and peeked into the living room to make sure it was directed at the TV. “Upstairs. You guys came a lot earlier then I expected. I've barely even started my unpacking.” He frowned at my answer. “Oh.” And then a smile crossed his face. “Well how about I help you?” I didn't like that idea at all, being alone in my room with someone who I had basically just met.

“You should eat.” I pointed out blandly. Jacob laughed at that. “Hey if it means I have to spend another awkward evening with those two alone.” He pointed to the living room accentuating his point. “Then I'd rather skip a meal.” I felt a twinge of guilt in my stomach, how many times had Billy dragged poor Jacob over to Charlie's house for a boring night of football and takeout. I half smiled at him, my sympathy overriding my better judgment. “I guess I could use a supervisor.” He grinned and hopped up the stairs and I followed reluctantly.

“Have you even worn this before?” Jacob asked holding up a short silky dress, tags still attached. I blushed ripping the ruby colored garment from his hands. “It's a gift from my mom, she thinks if she buys enough I'll wear one eventually.” Jacob snorted mockingly. “Yea I could tell you weren't the dressy kind of girl.” I frowned at him, unsure what he was implying. “No I'm not, and I thought we agreed you weren't going to touch anything.” Jacob scratched his head bashfully. “Yea, well it was right beside me.”

I sighed reaching for the last suitcase. “It figures that my first friend here is two years younger then me and located all the way across town.” I folded a shirt and placed it neatly in the open drawer. Jacob was so quiet I thought he'd left. I looked up to make sure I wasn't talking to myself and he stared back at me deeply, a hurt expression pasted on his face. “Two years isn't very much Bella.” His voice was so serious that I felt like I'd said something a lot more insulting then I had. “I know that.” I answered apologetically.

He was silent, I reached for another shirt folding it less neatly and then plopping it into another drawer. “I know!” Jacob exclaimed. I jumped at his sudden liveliness and stared at him expectantly. “We'll play a game!” he beamed. “If you're trying to prove your age Jacob I'm not sure a game is the way to do it.” I answered sarcastically. He ignored my retort. “It's not really a game. It's more of a survey.” I raised an eyebrow. “A point system.” He stated more basically. “Every time one of us does something more mature then a typical person our age would do we get a year added to our age.” He examined my reaction before adding. “And if we do something immature we'll have to minus a year.” I shook my head at the silliness of it. “And what's the point of the game?” I asked. “To prove to you that I'm a whole lot older then you are, at least in maturity.” Jacob grinned slyly and I couldn't help but feel the contagiousness of his smile. “Fine I'll play along.”

“Ok then, but that's minus a year Bella. People your age don't play games.” I glared at him but decided he was more or less right and accepted the penalty. “Alright so I'm sixteen, its still a year older then you.” He laughed leaning back on my bed and disappearing from my sight. I folded another shirt and pondered out loud. “What am I going to do here with you all the way in La Push?” Jacob answered more directly then I had expected, as if the distance had never occurred to him. “It's only a car drive away.”

I turned around and leaned my body on the bed so I could see him. “You make it sound a whole lot easier then it is.” He sat up, a calm expression on his face. “It is easy Bella.” He leaned in closer and for an instant I saw the image of an adult talking to a child. “Look, I helped you supervise today right? Well it just so happens I'm looking for a supervisor of my own. Its simple part time work really, and all you'd have to do is come check on my progress every few days.” I pouted at his mockery. But saw the excuse for what it was, a reason to see each other again. “What exactly am I supervising?” I asked suspiciously. He winked playfully at me. “Come see for yourself…This weekend?”

I opened my mouth to answer but stopped when a warm voice called from downstairs. “Hey Jake, you ready to go or are you two going to need more time?” I blushed at what Billy was implying; of course it was weird for the two of us to be alone in my room I had thought that from the moment I agreed to his assistance. “No were finished.” Jacob yelled back. “I'll be right there.” I glared at him for choosing words that could easily be misunderstood and he just smiled at me. “Oh come on Bella, he's just joking around.” “And you're playing along!” I whined. Jacob ruffled my hair, and walked to the door patting the wooden frame casually. “I'll see you Saturday.”

He was gone before I could even consider what plans I might have for Saturday. And that was probably his strategy. I slipped over to my window and waited to see him roll Billy out to their truck. They buckled in and I leaned back, falling onto my bed. I listened to the deep roar of the engine and felt myself unwillingly lulled to sleep.

I slept through most of the next day and woke up in the late afternoon when a bright ginger light simmered over my eyelids. The unfamiliar surroundings of my new room shocked me at first I stood up instantly, my thoughts in panic mode. My tired limbs protested the lack of warning and I lowered lightly onto my bed remembering that I had moved. Before I could calm down I was on my feet again, holding my alarm clock in disbelief at the time. Two PM, I had missed my first day of school. I'd slept right through my chance to avoid unnecessary attention.

Tomorrow I would have to stumble from each class racing against the bell to find the next room. I'd have to stand in front of the class waiting for the teacher to sign my transfer slip, pretending not to notice the curious glances my classmates would shoot me as they realized there was a new face in their town.

When I had finally gotten a hold of my composure I ran myself a hot bath and picked out some comfy clothes. I had slept most of the day away so I decided I would just take things easy, go to the store and buy what I had to for a proper dinner tonight.

By the time Charlie came home the little bit of sun we had earlier that day was already hidden deeply behind the mountains and my roast chicken which had finished cooking only a few minutes earlier was waiting patiently in the oven to be served. Charlie smelled the room appreciatively and took a seat at the table without me having to ask.

After I had passed him his large plate of food I sat down and stared acutely in his direction. He chewed the meat loudly and looked up at me uneasily. “What's wrong Bells?” “You didn't wake me up.” I said obviously. He popped a potato in his mouth and asked through a stuffed mouth. “When? this morning?” I stared at him incredulously. “Of course this morning, I ended up missing school! Didn't you wonder why I wasn't awake before you left?” He shrugged not at all bothered about me missing school. “Figured you were tired.” And then he looked up from his food, he really looked up, and he finally seemed to realize how flustered I was over the topic. “Come on Bella, its just one day. No ones expecting you to rush into a new life here. I just want you to take things slow and relax a little.”

I looked down at my food, my cheeks burning. I suddenly felt ashamed. I knew no one expected me to rush, especially not Charlie. But I did. I expected myself to be comfortable here, to be in tune with the people of Forks. As soon as the plane scraped the cement landing I expected it. I wanted my new life to start as soon as it could because I wasn't patient enough to wait for my old life's wounds to heal. Not if time moved so slowly.

“I guess you're right. I just don't want it to seem like the only reason I came here was to take some kind of vacation.” I lied, deciding it was better to leave the subject where it was. After all, I was the one who hadn't set the alarm clock in the first place. “Hey, no one thinks that Bella. You just go at your own pace, no questions asked.” I smiled, agreeing with his terms and watched as he ate his heap of food looking proud with his accomplishment, as though he had just solved a bunch of issues at once.

I excused myself from the table early, announcing that I should clear any obstacles that would slow my morning preparations and have me show up to school late. Charlie stopped me at the door, waving his fork and swallowing one of his final bites. “Leave a little time for me in the morning will you? I've got a surprise.” I frowned inwardly. “Sounds good dad, I'll set my alarm clock a little earlier then.” I turned around before the displeasure could show on my face. It wasn't that I was ungrateful that he had gotten me something for no particular reason at all, just that I didn't really want anything.
And I hated feeling obligated.

I got upstairs rather quickly and finished the tedious necessities just as fast, selecting a clean outfit for the next day and laying it out lightly on the drawer beside my newly set alarm clock and heavily crammed school bag. I stood around a while, mentally checking off my list of to-dos sure that the only reason I could have finished so early was because I'd missed something. Finally I decided I was just wasting time and headed to the bathroom to wash up.

I came back to my room a few minutes later, shouting a quick goodnight down the stairs before shutting the door and switching my light off. I wiggled into my bed lazily and lied there for a while watching images soar through my half awake mind, Jacob's memorable smile, Charlie's giant kitchen, the towns small supermarket, and the eyes, the smoldering gold eyes. I sat up; a little shocked at how vivid the memory was, even now. I'd forgotten about him, which was to be expected of a stranger I'd barely even glanced at. But now that he'd popped into my head again, his image was as clear as ice. I could remember every single feature of his face. I lied back down and sighed, his image was just as lucid if not more with my eyes closed. His image stayed with me as I drifted out of consciousness, his eyes silently aching as he monitored my sleep.

I didn't actually remember falling asleep, but I knew that at some point last night I had been dreaming. My alarm clock had gone off a few minutes ago but I didn't try to get up, I sat quietly pondering my dream. The boy was no longer in his car, he was in the room with me. Watching silently as I slept, brushing my hair softly with his fingers and humming a soft lullaby. I could almost feel the cool texture of his skin rub lightly against my cheek. I jumped suddenly at the sound of Charlie banging on my door. “Your surprise is waiting for you Bells!” he said cheerfully through the thick barrier of wood. I rubbed my eyes and got up leaving the thoughts of the nameless boy behind me.

When I finally came down the stairs awake and ready for whatever a new day of school would bring, I spotted Charlie waiting eagerly at the door; already bundled up in his winter clothes and holding two giant mugs in both hands. I gratefully accepted one of the mugs and sipped at it curiously. Luke warm coffee, apparently he had been waiting for more then a while. I smiled up at him and he frowned impatiently, gesturing to my coat and boots. “Well c'mon Bella the surprise is just a few steps away.”

I hurriedly stepped into my insulated boots, zipping up my jacket and then accidently buttoning it wrong. I considered redoing it but decided the steady tap of Charlie's foot meant he couldn't wait much longer, which was fine with me I would only be stalling my own precious time if I dealt with the tiresome details of fashion.

I threw on some gloves and reached for the door. Charlie slipped out into the cold as soon as there was a crack large enough for him to get through. He obviously didn't want me reaching the surprise before he did. By the time I had locked the door Charlie was down the stairs standing beside an old Ford truck. I raised an eyebrow and followed him down the stairs.

“What's this?” I asked, patting the truck inquiringly. Charlie smiled shyly and patted the truck as well. “It's yours Bells. I know it aint much but.” I stopped him wide eyed and smiling; I hopped into the driver's seat and placed my hands on the wheel to get the feeling. I smiled vibrantly at Charlie who was standing awkwardly outside the car waiting for me to say something. “This is perfect Charlie, is it really mine?” I asked. He smiled brightly at my reaction and reached into his pocket roughly, pulling out a worn down key attached to a shiny gold chain. “S'all yours Bella!”

he watched as I took the key and switched it from one hand to the other, trying to take in the reality of his gift. “Now then.” he added a little sternly. “You better get going, unless you plan to be late for school?” I glanced at the time and gasped. I hadn't even realized how long the whole surprise had taken. I thanked Charlie once again and then shoved the old key forcefully into the ignition smiling at the loud roar of the engine as I zoomed off into the streets.