In The Stars (Twilight Saga)

Chapter 2: The Start

We arrived home...well, I arrived home as dad dropped me off first in front of my new small but beautiful home before he parked next door in his driveway as he went to the trunk of his cruiser and began to unload our suitcases. I lugged my suitcase across the lawn, the wheels bumping over the familiar cracks in the concrete. Dad's house loomed next door, its windows glowing warmly as dusk began to settle. It was a strange feeling, this new independence, having my own place right beside the home I grew up in. But it was a good kind of strange, like starting a new book that you just know is going to be great.

I dropped my suitcase inside my new front door and didn't even bother to unpack. Instead, I headed straight back to Dad's. Bella was there, and I figured she might need some help settling in. As I climbed the stairs to her room, I couldn't help but notice how little had changed. The walls were still the same soft shade of yellow, the carpet still held the faintest scent of lavender, and the only real difference was the new purple bed sheets and the blinds that fluttered gently in the evening breeze.

Dad was just leaving her room, his face soft with a kind of sad happiness that made my heart twist a little. Bella's voice followed him out, "Thanks, Charlie. It's perfect."

I caught him in a hug before he could go downstairs. "It really is beautiful, Dad," I said, and I meant it.

He patted my back and left, and I turned to Bella, who was sitting on the edge of her bed, looking a little lost in the sea of suitcases.

"Your room looks amazing, Bella," I told her, and her smile was like a sunrise. "Need some help unpacking?"

She nodded, and together we started to unpack not just her things, but also the memories and the moments that made up our lives. It was a simple task, but it felt like the beginning of something new, something exciting. And as I helped her fold and sort and arrange, I realized that this was what family was all about. Being there for each other, through new beginnings and old memories alike.

I stepped out of Dad's house, the evening air cool against my skin. I glanced back, seeing Dad and Bella framed in the doorway, their figures silhouetted by the warm light spilling from inside. Turning away, I made the short walk to my new home, the one that was just a stone's throw from where I'd always been.

As I entered, I nearly tripped over the suitcases I'd left in the hallway. "Watch it," I chided myself, steadying my balance. I took a deep breath and looked around. The walls were a pristine white pearl, the space open and inviting. It was all so new, so untouched, and it was mine.

The kitchen gleamed with stainless steel and the latest gadgets, while the dining and living areas were a testament to modern design, spacious and well-appointed. I could easily picture hosting game nights or having friends over for dinner.

But what really caught my attention was the way the natural light danced through the windows, illuminating every corner and casting a warm, comforting glow. It made the place feel alive, vibrant. I could feel a smile tugging at my lips as I thought about all the potential this place held.

"This is it," I said to the empty room. "This is home."

And with that, I began the process of unpacking, not just my belongings, but also my dreams for the future. It was the first page of a new chapter, and I was eager to fill it with stories worth telling as I headed to my bedroom to take a small nap in my nice and comfy bed...I was moments away from diving into bed when a car horn blared outside, jolting me upright. Curious, I stepped outside and there they were: Uncle Billy and Jacob. Uncle Billy greeted me with his usual wide grin, while Jacob... well, he was practically a different person. Taller, broader, and with a new air of confidence about him.

"Jacob, is that really you?" I asked, astonished. "You're towering over me now!"

He chuckled, a deep sound that seemed too mature for his age. "Yeah, it's me. Surprise, right?"

Uncle Billy's laughter joined his son's, filling the quiet street. "Told you he's had quite the growth spurt."

We chatted for a few minutes, catching up and sharing a few laughs. It was good to have family and friends so close, even if they did occasionally startle me out of my almost-sleep. The afternoon sun cast a lazy glow over the neighborhood as I nearly tripped over my suitcases, again. "Note to self: Never leave empty suitcases out in the open unless I want to become a tripping hazard," I joked to myself.

Outside, Uncle Billy honked his horn like he was announcing his arrival to the whole town. I stepped out to see him and Jacob, who had apparently hit a growth spurt so big, he could have his own weather system.

"Whoa, Jacob, you're huge! What are they feeding you?" I exclaimed.

Jacob just shrugged, a sheepish grin on his face. "Just the usual... plus whatever I can find."

Uncle Billy laughed, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "He's eating us out of house and home!"

Just then, Dad and Bella stepped out, and Dad couldn't help but share his excitement. "Guess who's back in town!" he bellowed to anyone who'd listen.

Bella cringed a little, but Uncle Billy was quick to tease. "Yeah, we know, you've told us a hundred times already!"

Dad pretended to be hurt, clutching his heart. "But it's a big deal!"

That's when the impromptu play fight broke out. Dad and Uncle Billy, squaring off in the street, were a sight to behold. Dad dodged a playful swipe, nearly toppling over, while Uncle Billy maneuvered his wheelchair like a pro.

"Take it easy, you two! We don't need any broken hips!" I called out, half laughing, half concerned.

Meanwhile, Jacob, Bella, and I shared childhood stories, including the infamous mud pie incident.

"Remember when you actually ate one?" I teased Jacob.

He groaned. "How could I forget? You never let me live it down!"

Bella giggled, watching Dad and Uncle Billy's antics. "Looks like they're the ones who need supervision, not us."

And just like that, the afternoon was filled with laughter, playful jabs, and the kind of warmth that only comes from being surrounded by family. The playful scuffle between Dad and Uncle Billy came to a halt as Dad turned to Bella with a knowing look. "Like the surprise?" he asked, a grin spreading across his face.

Bella's confusion was clear until Dad pointed over her shoulder. She spun around and her eyes landed on the big, orange truck sitting proudly in the driveway. "Oh my God, Charlie! I love it," she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine surprise and joy.

Jacob stood tall, his chest puffed out with pride. "Gave that engine a complete makeover," he boasted, sliding into the passenger seat with a flourish. "Let me show you how she purrs."

I couldn't help but smile at their exchange. "You did good, Dad," I said, giving him a pat on the back.

He just winked at me. "Got something for you too," he said, nodding towards my house.

I followed his gaze and there it was-a sleek black BMW parked in my driveway. "For your valedictorian and honors from Harvard," he said, his eyes twinkling with pride.

I threw my arms around Dad and Uncle Billy, overwhelmed by the gesture. "Thank you!" I managed to say before dashing over to my new car. I ran my hand along the smooth metal, my heart racing with excitement. This was more than a car; it was a symbol of new adventures waiting to happen, right here in Forks.