Learning To Fall, Twilight (tylko EN pow. 100,000 słów)
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Storyid: 4206493
FanFiction.net
Name: Learning To Fall
Author: Starfire Star
Chapter 1 to 22
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Chapter: 1
Full Summary: Bella moves in with her father, Charlie, in the small town of Forks, WA, the summer before starting University. Little did she know her father had turned their house into boarding for other students! There she meets shopaholic, fun-loving Alice, quiet, studious Jasper, beautiful, sophisticated Rosalie, and athletic, funny Emmett. But meeting the coy, charming Edward turns reserved Bella’s life upside down, including doing something she never thought she’d do—fall in love again.
Disclaimer: I pity the fool that thinks I own anything!
This is my first Twilight fic. I’m excited at the same time, a little nervous. This is also my comeback into the world of fanfiction; I’ve been on hiatus for quite some time, but I will be continuing with my other, unfinished projects. Enjoy!
Learning To Fall
A Twilight Fanfic by Starfire Star
Chapter One: Different Yet The Same
My eyes fluttered open to reveal the last sun I’d thought I’d see for two months. Today was the day I’d be moving in with my father, Charlie Swan, for the summer. Although I’d much rather be spending it here in sunny Phoenix, Arizona, my mother, Renee, had strongly encouraged it after I hadn’t seen him in almost a year and a half.
“Isabella Marie Swan,” Renee had told me, hands on her hips. “There is nothing wrong with spending some quality time with your father, especially considering how you haven’t seen him in so long. And you’ll be going off to UCLA in a few months! You won’t be seeing me or him until the holidays.”
“Mom,” I told her calmly as I put down the book I was reading. “I see your point. But wouldn’t a month with Dad suffice?” I was surprised. My mom, telling me what to do, which is something she hardly did. I was usually the one making the decisions for her.
“Bella,” Renee sighed, “I can just imagine how lonely and sad your father is feeling. Just do it, for the both of us, please? I promise you’ll have no regrets.”
I managed an equally exasperated sigh. “Okay, but you know I’ll always have regrets.” A thick hint of sadness edged my voice. My mother looked at me, and I knew she could tell what was on my mind. She knew part of it, but the other part was something I knew I could never tell her, despite us sharing everything.
“This will be good for you, honey,” she said, smoothing my hair. “Who knows? Maybe it’ll help you get past this… phase.”
I surrendered one last time, shrugging and picking up my book. “Maybe.”
Now I got out of my bed, and picked up the brush on my nightstand. I ran it through my hair as I glanced at the suitcases positioned neatly side-by-side across my wall. A lump appeared in my throat, realizing that this was the last time I’d be in my bedroom until Thanksgiving or Christmas (if I was going to be spending those holidays here).
Renee and I had gone shopping for all my dorm essentials the week before. She would send everything else I needed to my dorm room so that they’d be there before I arrived.
In a matter of hours, I would be arriving at Charlie’s doorstep, trying to avoid awkward conversation and praying that he wouldn’t ask me why I hadn’t visited in such a long time. And in a matter of months, I would be alone in bright, sunny Los Angeles, the complete opposite to how I would be feeling.
I sighed, wondering why I had even chosen going there in the first place. Sure, I had taken a liking to living in California as a child, but it was so far away from everyone I loved…
I sat back down on my bed, my arms limp on either side of me, desperately trying to convince myself not to cry. I heard my mother knock on my door. “Rise and shine, sweetheart,” she said softly. “Time to get up. We have to leave in a bit for brunch, and make sure you have everything.”
“Okay,” I called back in a weak voice. I straightened up. I would be strong, for Renee’s sake and my own. I put on a pair of jeans and a red shirt, grabbing the coat that I rarely used, and picked up two of my suitcases to bring downstairs.
Mom passed me on the way up the stairs, ready to grab the other suitcases. Downstairs, I leaned against a wall, taking a look around the house I’d called home for many years now.
Renee set the cases down and looked at me, eyes warm. “I guess this is the part where I cry, huh?” She forced a smile, knowing that if she started to cry, I would. “No, no Mom,” I shook my head. “We still got brunch, remember?”
Mom smiled. “Right. I wish that Phil was here to see you off.”
I sent Mom a small smile of my own. “No, it’s alright; Phil and I have an understanding.” I didn’t mind my Mom’s husband, and how he wasn’t always home. I sometimes even preferred it that way, just my mom and I, like old times. But I didn’t dare say anything.
We set off to our favourite diner. I ordered the chocolate pancakes, and my mom ordered some hash browns and bacon and eggs. We ate and laughed and pretended that nothing would change. We left the comforting feeling of the diner and set off for the airport, my passport tucked in the purse my mom had given me for my last birthday, along with some money.
We arrived at the airport, hours to spare. Renee and I became restless, walking and talking around the airport, visiting some the stores there and laughing. Once in awhile I would catch my mom looking at me sadly, and I wondered if she sometimes felt upset that she was my best friend. Or maybe my leaving was heavy on her mind.
I had never had too many friends in Phoenix. I had a small circle but none of them really close. The thoughts of the little time I had spent with them replayed in my head. I cringed as knowing that these thoughts would take me elsewhere, to the past that one memory engraved in my head, which hurt so badly. I tried to block my mind and tune it all out.
“Bella,” my mom said, her eyes serious, smiling at me as we sat on some chairs. “Whatever happens, just be yourself, alright? This will be a fresh start for you.” I nodded as I stared at my hands, fidgeting with the purse strap.
“What about you Mom? Don’t feel lonely, alright?” I told her. She stared back at me, confusion in her eyes, but I knew she knew fully well what I meant. When Phil was there, it was great. But when he wasn’t, Renee’s actions felt slightly forced, as if she couldn’t go on without him. Now that she had all the time in the world to spend with him, I hoped Phil would make more time to spend with her.
“Flight 47 to Seattle, Washington now boarding,” a voice on the speakers could be heard, despite the bustle of passengers.
I glanced at my mom, tears in my eyes. After a tearful hug and promises of phone calls and emails, I strode toward the gate, gave the flight attendant my passport and ticket, and tried my best not to look back and start bawling. I did look back, however, putting on a brave face as Renee anxiously waved at me. I waved back and boarded the plane.
I sat next to a balding, middle-aged man. I looked out the window as I watched us fly above the clouds. I closed my eyes, giving a few thoughts to my mother, my friends who were more like acquaintances… and… him. I couldn’t bear to think of him, but I couldn’t help it. The pain sunk in, and I closed my eyes, trying to leave everything behind.
I was ready to start fresh in Forks. I knew my Mom felt hurt after all I’d been through, but I wasn’t going to let Charlie feel worried and upset for me like she did. It was so hard to let it all go, but I convinced myself I was ready. Maybe spending some time with Charlie wouldn’t be so bad.
-
I arrived at the Seattle airport, taking out my cell phone and dialing Charlie’s. He picked up, his voice heavy with frustration and anxiety. “Hello?”
“Dad!” I said, trying to sound a bit enthusiastic, but concerned about the tone of his voice. “I just arrived in Seattle. Is everything alright?”
“That’s great, Bells. Listen, I’m sorry, but we’ve got a situation over here. It’s nothing too big, but we’re looking into it.”
“What?” I asked, confused. “What happened?”
“Well, there was a fire at one of the houses. Arson is suspected. We’re in the process of questioning a few people right now.”
“Oh,” I said, not surprised. I knew that in the small town of Forks, the crime activity wasn’t exactly a big issue. Nor were the crimes extreme. Arson was one of the few crimes I’d heard were quite big there. I paused, wondering if I should say something or he would. I cleared my throat.
“So should I take a taxi?” I asked, trying not to make him feel too guilty.
“That would be great, hun,” was the response I got from distracted Charlie. “I’m sorry I can’t pick you up, really. Will you be alright?”
“Sure, Dad,” I said as I glanced outside at crowds of people and there luggage. “But… uh…” I bit my lip. I knew that in a moment, after saying what I planned to say, Charlie would send someone, and I would have to give in to waiting for someone from Forks to pick me up. “I don’t think Seattle taxis go all the way to Forks.”
“Bella, just pay the driver extra,” Charlie said, and I could tell he was thinking of whether or not the plan would work, as well. “Please tell me you have extra money.”
“Sure,” I said, confused. Oh, dear. I prayed to God that this would work; I would hate to get into a taxi, and in my embarrassment, have to remove my suitcases after being turned down. “I’ll see you soon.”
I glanced at the long line of passengers trying to hail down taxis. I knew I’d be in for a long wait. This wasn’t exactly how I pictured the start to a brilliant summer.
-
Finally getting into a taxi, I settled myself in and waited for the driver to come back around after throwing my suitcases into the truck. He glanced at me. “Where to, miss?”
“Forks, Washington,” I said, trying to muster the firmest voice I cold manage. I didn’t dare say it as a question. I knew I’d be thrown out of there faster than I could get a plane ticket back to Phoenix.
The driver furrowed his eyebrow. “Miss, that’s a bit too far for me.” I handed him a pile of twenties. “Is that enough?” I asked. “Sure,” he said, safely stowing away the money and pulling away from the curb.
I stared out the window as the sky darkened before me, watching the sun disappear beyond the highway roads. The city lights of Seattle disappeared behind me, as forest began appearing more prominent. I shuddered. It made the town seem a whole lot darker than it was.
-
As the house came into view, my eyes widened. The house was brightly lit on the inside, but it wasn’t as familiar as I thought it would be. No… I glanced at it, squinting. There were renovations made… it seemed as though a there was a bigger porch. The house overall was bigger. The light was on there, so that I could see clearly. But something about the house seemed different…
I wondered how Charlie could be so careless as to leave all the lights on in the house. Something had to be up. Something was strange.
The taxi pulled into the driveway, and I could hear loud, pumping music. I listened in horror as laughter and talking hummed through the walls of the house, meshing with the music. What was going on? I ran a hand through my brown hair as a butterflies fluttered in my stomach.
I held my coat in my hand, the weather in Forks unusually warm as the taxi driver proceeded to take my bags out of the trunk. I offered to help, reaching for the bags, but stopped as soon as I accidentally hit one of his hands with the edge of a handle.
Had Charlie planned some big surprise party for me? I couldn’t tell if there were balloons or any hint of festivity as the porch was now dark, someone had turned out the light. Wait, did I even have the right address? Yes, this had to be it; I could recognize the large, beautiful oak tree behind the house, where my swing used to hang. How embarrassing it would be to walk into a house full of people but not know a single person’s name.
There were a few cars, all of which I didn’t recognize. They weren’t of high class, or however you classify cars. They were everyday ones, as if driven by parents.
I stared at the house awhile longer as the driver set down the suitcases on the porch, and looked at me. He raised a brow. “Seems like one hell of a party going on here,” he winked. “Have fun, miss.”
My cheeks turned red and I nodded. Thank God my face wasn’t visible in the dark of the night. Even the taxi driver could recognize that people were partying it up at the Swan Residence. I could recognize slow, R&B music from the house, and an occasional hoot and holler. I took my first step up the porch. Wait, was that step there?
I’m a clumsy person, so to my great surprise I managed up the new, stone-covered porch and fumbled in my purse for my old keys. Gratefully, I found them, and stuck the hardly-used key into the keyhole. The music pumped dangerously in time with my heart. What the hell? My key didn’t seem to work properly. Had Charlie changed the locks? As far as I was concerned, he didn’t need to. Frantic and frustrated, I shoved that key in there, trying to turn the knob. The knob merely wiggled back and forth. I put both hands on the knob now, desperately hoping that it would turn.
Through the door, I heard a bright, female voice call, “Edward, can you get that!? It must be the pizza delivery boy, poor thing, I sent him back with an order for more pizza! Do you have the money!?”
To my horror, the door flung open, and I fell through.
Into the arms of a gorgeous, green-eyed, bronze-haired boy.
Just my luck.
-
Reviews would be appreciated. Thanks for reading! –hands readers skittles-
By the way, I’ve been thinking of changing my penname. Should I?
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Chapter: 2
Disclaimer: I pity the fool that thinks I own anything!
I write most of my chapters ahead of time, just so that I’m not scrambling to release something for you guys. I’m kind of slow at writing; I can’t just sit and write a whole chapter in one sitting.
AU means Alternate Universe, in case you were wondering. (:
Special thank you to emoTWiLiGHT and twilightcrazy123321 for being my first reviewers! This chapter is dedicated to you!
Ear Candy: Let Go (Frou Frou Cover) – Boys Like Girls
Courage, Robert – Meg & Dia
Learning To Fall
A Twilight fanfic by Starfire Star
Chapter Two: Hello, Stranger
“I-I…” I stuttered, my face hot and bright red, I was sure, as I froze in position on top of this absolutely gorgeous, breath-taking male. This was more embarrassing than the dance recital I had to perform in several years back…. when I was turned down by one of the cutest guys at school in front of the entire student body… when I wore that pumpkin costume for Halloween when I was seven…
His green eyes locked with mine as he gave me a crooked smirk and tilted his head. “You’re not the Pizza Delivery Boy.” Nothing remotely coherent left my mouth. All I could do was gawk and whisper, “crap, crap, crap!” to myself without making any effort to move, for reasons I didn’t know myself.
A warm, friendly smile reached his face. Having the breath knocked out of me, I closed my eyes, trying to count to ten and resurface. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to get off this carpet. We’ve had about 50 visitors and it’s not exactly the ideal piece of furniture I’d like to lay on.”
“Oh!” I gasped, suddenly able to find my voice. I quickly got up, smoothed my hair and began apologizing. “I’m so, so sorry.” Sorry I acted like a complete dork in front of a guy who was a complete stranger. I bit my lip, hoping and at the same time not hoping that he would walk away, and I wouldn’t have the chance to embarrass myself further.
No such luck. He merely brushed off his long-sleeved off-white shirt and flashed me that same crooked grin, this time with teeth as he shut the door behind me. “No harm done.” I couldn’t avoid his gaze any longer as he continued to stare at me without moving. I stood frozen in my own position, and finally looked at him. With another tilt of his head, he asked “Do I know you?”
“I doubt it,” I mumbled at this guy’s perfect features. He could be a model. “Hmm,” was all he said. He seemed to notice a girl staring at us, clearly thinking that I was a klutz, judging by the look on her face. I forgot that we were in a room full of people I didn’t know. My cheeks burned, hotter this time.
A display of delayed reaction occurred when a short girl with a sleek black haircut ran from around the corner. She had small, delicate features. “Edward, what the hell happened?” She demanded in her high, soprano voice. Her eyes widened as they darted from him, to me. “That… that’s not the Delivery Boy…” she repeated Edward’s words. A wide grin spread on her face as she lunged forward, hand outstretched.
“Hi, I’m Alice Brandon,” she exclaimed, shaking my hand. “I don’t believe we’ve met!” I dumbly nodded and opened my mouth to speak, but no sound came out.
I was reminded of the boy, whose name I now knew was Edward, as he coughed. “Alice, you’re scaring her.” Alice stuck her tongue out at him. Edward flashed a grin in my direction and said, “Sorry, she has social problems.” Alice gave him a disapproving look.
“I do not!” she protested. “Anyway! Hi, I’m Alice!” She turned back to Edward. “Edward, you didn’t tell me you have a new girlfriend,” she frowned at him.
“I’m not his girlfriend,” I found my voice, my eyes widening at the thought. He was incredibly way out of my league, I almost snorted. Alice looked at me confusedly. “I know pretty much everyone in this town… but not you. So who are you, then?” Edward stared at me intently as well, awaiting my answer.
“I’m… Bella Swan,” I told them, trying not to look like a total ice queen by giving them the biggest smile I could muster, which was still small, considering how horribly embarrassed I still was.
Their eyes grew as wide as saucers as they glanced at each other, and back to me. “You’re Charlie Swan’s kid…” one of Alice’s hands flew to her mouth. “Oh my God, all this time I thought he was talking about a boy…” The other hand immediately pointed an accusing finger at Edward. “The party was his idea, I swear!” Edward glared at her.
I furrowed my eyebrow in confusion. Then I realized what she had meant. “I’m not here to bust your party and rat you out on my dad,” I told them, surprised. “I came here because I… I thought that… uh, I live here, do I not?” I asked, flustered. I hated embarrassing myself, and I’d done it so many times in this night alone.
Edward looked as confused as I did, but Alice merely sighed and shook her head. “Uh oh. I guess Charlie didn’t tell you.” She shrugged. “I guess we will. But for now, you look like you could u...
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