The Better Swan (J. Black)

Who am I?

I walked through the door hesitantly and was immediately met with Charlie. "Where the hell have you been?! I get a phone call from work to find out that you had an accident and waited for hours on end for you to come home. Do you have any idea how worried I was?" I couldn't stop the anger from engulfing me.

"Well dad, maybe I was too busy contemplating the fact that I'm adopted." Tears filled my eyes as realization flooded his.

"You found out." He concluded. I scoffed. "That's all you have to say. Why didn't you tell me?! Why didn't I find out that my own parents were murdered? Why did I have to find out from this complete stranger that I don't even know?!" The tears finally fell and with that, my trust also fell onto the wooden floor.

"Elle. I didn't want you to find out this way-" I interrupted him, "No. You didn't want me to find out at all. Did you actually think that we would remain this picture perfect family? That I would stay in the dark for the rest of my life? No, Charlie. I get that you didn't want to hurt me, but you still should've told me! I am old enough to know the truth."

I walked up the stairs to my room. I couldn't face him. I bet Bella even knew. I broke down as soon as I closed the door. Everything that I grew up knowing is a lie. I stayed there and cried until it was almost midnight. Bella didn't even check up on me. I can't stay here. Not now.

I started packing a bag. I will come back, this is just temporary. Maybe I could stay with Jacob or Rosalie. I just need to get out of this house full of lies.

I left a note on my bed for Charlie.

Dear Charlie,

I get it. You didn't want me to get hurt. But I did. I feel betrayed, but I'll get over it. I just need time. Time away from home. Don't bother coming to get me, because I will come back. Right now I just need space. I'll be home soon. Tell Bella I love her.

-Elle

I put my bag over my shoulder and opened my window. I looked back at my room and sighed. I'll be grounded for life after this, I just know it. I climbed out my window and jumped down. I landed on my feet, which I am very surprised about.

Hm, should I go to Jacob's? It might be weird, but he's my best friend. Nothing is weird between us.

I quickly started trekking to the Black household. If there's anybody I can trust, it's Jacob and Billy.

I knocked on the door and was greeted with a shirtless Jacob. I took in his body before meeting his tired eyes.

"Ari, what are you-" He saw my teary eyes, my tear stained face, and my duffel bag and immediately became concerned.

"Are you okay? What happened?" He pulled me into his half naked embrace and more tears started to fall.

"C-can I stay here for a few days? I-I don't think I can stay at my home right now." He pulled away and looked back inside before turning back to me and nodded.

"Of course, come in." He lead me back into his bedroom and we sat down on his bed.

"Ari, what happened?" Wow, he hasn't used that nickname in years. I looked away from him and sniffled. "I just found out that I'm adopted and Charlie wasn't the one who told me. It was Dr. Cullen." I look back at him and see sympathy and shock.

"Ari, I'm so sorry. I'm sure dad will be okay with you staying here." I nod and lay my head on his shoulder and he puts his arm around me. I close my eyes and I instantly feel better.