Through the Mirror

Twilight - Two

The view out the police cruiser feels completely unreal. I think of pinching myself but decide not to cause a bruise on Bella's pale skin. The experience can't be compared to watching the movie. I hope to have a different relationship with Charlie. I don't know how long I'll be in this strange dream life but I want to make the most of it. Even going as far as correcting things that I think could have gone better. "Your hair's longer."

"Thanks. I was hoping to grow it out. Your hair changed from last time." I can't stop from making slight hand movements as I speak.

"Just got it cut at the barber." Maybe that wasn't the route to take. It really is difficult to fill an awkward silence. I was hoping it would be easier to find topics to talk about. "How's your mom?

"She's doing good." The conversation falls again and I can't think of what to bring up. We pass the welcome sign and I eagerly look at the town. Pulling up to the house I get out slowly taking in the old two-story house. 

Carrying in the bags I smile at the inside of the house. Inspecting the adorable cards that Bella made for Charlie and young pictures of Bella each school picture from elementary to the current school year. One even in a ballet outfit. Seeing the picture of Charlie with Billy Black taken while they were fishing. Then a photo of young Charlie and Renée at a beach. They look so happy together. Charlie clears his throat. "I put Grandpa's old desk in your room. And I cleared some shelves in the bathroom."

I think it is ridiculous to complain about us having the one bathroom when only having one bathroom is a common thing. "Thank you. I was wondering how to not clutter up the area and didn't want to intrude by just moving all your things around to fit in the bathroom."  

"I'll just put these up in your room."

"I could take them up." Charlie picks them up and start taking them upstairs. "Thank you, dad." I follow him up and inspect the room. There are sweet little things from when Bella was a kid. I start to unpack and look through what Bella packed for the Forks weather. At hearing the honk I make my way outside without checking.

Jacob looks so young for everything that is going to happen over the next few years. Part of me wants to pinch his baby cheeks. "Bella, you remember Billy Black."

Billy's eyes sparkle with amusement. "Glad you're finally here. Charlie hasn't shut up about it since you told him you were coming." 

"Keep exaggerating, I'll wheel you down the hill."

"Right after I ram you in the ankles." Billy rolls toward Charlie who moves around him. 

Jacob looks embarrassed enough for the both of us. "I'm Jacob. We made mud pies together when were little kids." 

So cute. "Yeah. There is a small memory of that somewhere in my mind." I laugh and am glad to hear him join in. I gesture toward Charlie and Billy. I make sure not to sound annoyed but amused. "Are they always like this?"

"It's getting worse with age." He lets out a laugh at the thought of the two older men.

Charlie pats the hood of the truck. Can't wait to try to drive that massive thing. "So what do you think of your homecoming gift?"

I gawk and jump easily adding with enthusiasm. "No way. The truck is for me?"

"Just bought it off Billy, here." I wrap Charlie in hug and stare at the truck.

"I rebuilt the engine and-" Jacob sounds so proud but I can't help but interject.

"It's perfect!" I smile widely toward everyone and clammer to get into the truck. Jacob hands over the keys as I settle behind the wheel.

"Okay, so you gotta double pump the clutch when you shift, but-"

"Maybe I can give you a ride to school."

"I go to school on the reservation."

In my eagerness I forgot about that. "Too bad. Would've been nice to know at least one person." A panic sets in when I realize I will be going into that high school alone. What if me being Bella changes Edward's ability? I have no idea how to explain this when or if I am confronted by the Cullens. I have a feeling that somehow they will be able to tell I know more than I should. I start the truck and wonder how tomorrow will go.