𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝑱𝒂𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝑯𝒂𝒍𝒆

Chapter 3: Tense Encounters

Theo cautiously emerged from his new room, the weight of uncertainty heavy upon his shoulders. He found Charlie standing in the hallway, a warm smile on his face, but there was an edge of concern in his eyes.

"Morning, Theo," Charlie greeted him, his voice tinged with fatherly concern. "Nervous about your first day at Forks High School?"

Theo nodded, trying to mask his apprehension with a forced smile. "A little," he admitted, his gaze drifting to the ground.

Charlie clapped him on the back in a reassuring gesture. "Don't worry, kid. You'll do just fine. Just be yourself."

Before Theo could respond, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway, and he turned to see Bella approaching, her expression guarded and her posture tense.

"Morning, Bella," Charlie greeted his daughter with a warm smile. "This is your cousin, Theo. He'll be starting school with you tomorrow."

Bella's eyes flickered briefly towards Theo before she plastered on a fake smile. "Nice to meet you, Theo," she said curtly, her tone betraying her true feelings.

Theo felt a pang of unease at Bella's cold demeanor, but he tried to push aside his misgivings and focus on making a good impression.

As they made their way downstairs, Charlie began to talk about the Cullens, a family that had recently moved to Forks. He mentioned Bella's boyfriend, Edward, in passing, but Theo couldn't help but notice the subtle tension that lingered in the air whenever the topic was broached.

Bella's attitude towards Theo grew increasingly hostile as they talked, her words laced with thinly veiled contempt. But she made sure to keep up the facade of politeness whenever Charlie was around, masking her true feelings with practiced ease.

Despite Bella's hostility, Theo couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity about her and the mysterious Cullens. There was something about them that intrigued him, a sense of otherness that he couldn't quite put into words.

As they finished breakfast and prepared to head out for the day, Theo couldn't shake the feeling that tensions were simmering just beneath the surface, waiting to boil over at any moment. And as he stepped outside into the cool morning air, he couldn't help but wonder what secrets Forks held—and what role he would play in uncovering them