~ Chapter 1 ~

I never thought I’d return to this small and boring town called Forks. That must be the reason why I haven’t seen Charlie for a long time; he hates when I call him like that. Like I could call him ‘dad’. Phil has been more of a father to me than he has. But it’s not that I could blame my real dad for that – mom walked out on him, not the other way around. To this day I don’t know why she did it. She always clamps up when I even try to ask something about it.

So now that I’m back I see that there isn’t much changed. Let me check on the weather. Yep, it’s still cloudy and rainy. Surprise, surprise… Living here would be quite a change from the sunny and warm Arizona but I guess I just have to get use to the new conditions. I will adapt. I have to…

***

Charlie had picked me up from the airport some time ago and hadn’t said much more than “Hey” and “You look good”. This kind of behaviour is just like him, so I didn’t even try to make small talk as we drove. Soon we reached his house, or rather – our home.

The house hadn’t changed much – still white outside with blue window frames. When we got inside I noticed that the interior was quite the same as well. Well, he has got a new widescreen T.V. I guess that’s a change. Also, that big white fridge and some more new technical gadgets.

While I was seeking what was new and what was old Charlie had already taken my bags into my room. He hadn’t moved my room or touched my stuff. Even my dollies were still sitting on the shelf. He did add some things though – a lamp and much bigger bed.

“Bella, you need anything else?” he asked from the doorway.

“No, I’m cool,” I replied simply while I plopped down on my bed. ‘It’s comfy!’

He nodded to my answer and went downstairs. I didn’t see him at all that day since I was busy with unpacking. It took me 4 hours, but I did it. When I finished it was dark outside but nevertheless, I wanted to go for a walk. The whole house was completely dark and I was so surprised when I made to first floor without falling down considering my extreme clumsiness.