Today is the day Bella comes to live with Uncle Charlie. He just left to pick her up, but not before my dad, Zander, gave him a pep talk. “Charlie, don’t think about the past. See this as a chance to reconnect with Bella. Build that father-daughter relationship you’ve always wanted,” Dad said, placing a reassuring hand on Charlie’s shoulder.

Charlie nodded, though the worry lines on his face didn't completely ease. “Yeah, you’re right, Zander. It’s just... she’s grown so distant. I don’t want to mess this up.”

“You won’t,” Dad reassured him. “You’re a good father. Just show her that you care. Be patient.”

“Thanks for the support. I appreciate it, really,” Uncle Charlie replied, trying to muster a confident smile.

Dad and I stayed behind, keeping each other entertained while we waited for Uncle Charlie to come back with Bella. We played cards, joked around, and shared stories about old times. The waiting felt long, and the anticipation was almost too much to bear. Dad tried to distract me by telling me about a fishing trip he and Uncle Charlie took when they were young, but I could tell he was just as anxious as I was.

I looked at Dad as he shuffled the deck of cards. “Do you think Bella will like her room?” I asked, my voice barely hiding my worry.

Dad gave me a reassuring smile. “I think she’ll love it. You and Charlie did a great job.”

“I just hope she feels at home,” I murmured, looking out the window.

After about an hour, we heard a car on the driveway’s gravel. Dad and I stood up and headed outside. My heart pounded with a mix of excitement and nervousness. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Bella. She looks just like I remembered, but not so tiny anymore. Her pale complexion, long straight dark brown hair, and large chocolate brown eyes made her look almost delicate. She stood there, awkward and unsure, holding a small cactus plant in her hand.

Uncle Charlie, glowing with happiness, guided her towards us. “Bella, I don’t know if you remember, but this is your cousin Carina, and standing next to her is your Uncle Zander,” he said, his voice full of pride and hope.

Bella nodded almost imperceptibly in acknowledgment before walking past us. My heart sank a little, but I tried to stay optimistic. She was here, and this was a chance for her and Uncle Charlie to bond. “Hi, Bella,” I said, trying to sound cheerful. “It’s been a while.”

“Yeah, it has,” Bella murmured, not making eye contact.

Uncle Charlie cleared his throat, trying to ease the tension. “Why don’t we go inside? I’ve got your room all set up, Bella. Carina and I worked hard on it. I hope you like it.”

Bella gave a small nod and followed Uncle Charlie into the house. I exchanged a look with Dad, who gave me an encouraging smile. “It’s a start,” he whispered.

Inside, Uncle Charlie showed Bella her room. “What do you think?” he asked, trying to sound casual but failing to hide his eagerness.

Bella looked around, her expression unreadable. “It’s nice,” she said quietly.

“I’m glad you like it,” Uncle Charlie said, his smile widening. “If there’s anything you want to change or add, just let me know.”

“Thanks,” Bella replied, sitting down on the bed and setting the cactus on the nightstand.

Uncle Charlie seemed relieved and turned to me and Dad. “Thank you both for being here. It means a lot.”

“Of course, Charlie. We’re family,” Dad said, clapping him on the back.

I nodded in agreement. “We’re here for you, Uncle Charlie. And for you too, Bella,” I added, hoping to reach her.

Bella glanced up briefly and then looked away. Bella and I were never close. In fact, we barely tolerate each other. But despite everything, I try to be kind and respectful towards her. I know this is a big change for her, and I want to help make it easier. For Uncle Charlie’s sake, and hers, I would do my best to help bridge the gap between us.

Uncle Charlie's eyes glistened with gratitude. “Thanks, Carina. That means a lot.”

I smiled at him, trying to convey the support and love I felt for him. “We’re all in this together, right?”

“Right,” Dad chimed in. “We’ll take it one day at a time.”

As we stood there, taking in the room we had worked so hard on, I felt a surge of determination. This was just the beginning, and I was committed to seeing it through. For Bella, for Uncle Charlie, and for the family we all were trying to hold together.

*Bella's POV*

Coming to live with my dad in Forks is the last thing I wanted. I’ve never been close to him, despite his efforts. He tries, but it always feels so forced. I hate Forks, just like my mother does. The constant rain, the small-town vibe—everything about it feels suffocating. And now, I have to see my cousin Carina again. I’ve never liked her. She’s always been so perfect, so successful. She graduated high school early and started her own well-known business. It’s hard not to feel jealous of her accomplishments.

As I follow my dad and Carina into the house, I feel a mix of resentment and unease. “Hi, Bella,” Carina says, trying to sound cheerful. “It’s been a while.”

“Yeah, it has,” I murmur, not making eye contact. I can feel her trying to connect, but I’m not ready for that. I just want to get through this.

My dad shows me my room, clearly trying to impress me. “What do you think?” he asks, his voice full of hope.

“It’s nice,” I say quietly, not wanting to hurt his feelings.

“If there’s anything you want to change or add, just let me know,” he offers.

“Thanks,” I reply, sitting down on the bed and setting my cactus on the nightstand. The room is fine, but it’s not home. I feel like a stranger in my own life.

As Carina and Uncle Zander talk to my dad, I glance up briefly and then look away. Carina and I were never close. We barely tolerate each other. But I can see she’s trying to be kind and respectful. I just don’t know if I’m ready to meet her halfway.

My dad’s eyes glisten with gratitude as he talks to Carina. “Thanks, Carina. That means a lot.”

I know he wants this to work, and part of me does too. But it’s hard. It’s all so hard. Living with my dad feels like a last resort, something I have to endure rather than embrace. I’ve always felt like I’m different, like I don’t belong anywhere, and coming here doesn’t change that.

Seeing Carina again stirs up all sorts of emotions. Jealousy is a bitter pill to swallow. She’s accomplished so much, and everyone seems to adore her. Meanwhile, I’ve just been getting by, feeling invisible and inadequate. It’s hard not to compare myself to her and come up short. I resent her success, her seemingly perfect life. It makes me feel small and insignificant.

Part of me wants to lash out, to make her see that I’m struggling. But another part of me knows that’s not fair. Carina is trying, and I should give her credit for that. It’s not her fault that I feel this way. Still, it’s tough to let go of the envy and anger.

In Forks, everything feels heavy and oppressive. The rain, the grey skies, and the overwhelming silence make me miss the warmth and sun of Phoenix even more. I hate Forks. It’s a place where dreams seem to die. But I told my mom and her new husband Phil that I’d be fine so they could enjoy their honeymoon without worrying about me. It’s not like I had much of a choice.

Forks feels like a prison, and now I'm trapped here with Carina, the perfect cousin who reminds me of everything I'm not. She’s kind, beautiful, successful, and adored by everyone. It’s hard not to see her and feel nothing but jealousy and hatred. I hate how her life seems so effortless, how she always manages to come out on top.

I look at my dad’s hopeful eyes and try to push these feelings down. He’s trying so hard, and I want to give him a chance. But every time I see Carina, it’s like a mirror reflecting all my insecurities. She’s accomplished so much, and here I am, feeling lost and alone.

It’s not fair to take it out on her, and deep down, I know that. But the bitterness lingers, and it’s hard to let go of the anger. As I sit in my new room, I wonder if this fresh start will be what we need. For my dad’s sake, and maybe for mine, I hope it is. Time will tell if we can bridge the gap between us and become a real family. For now, all I can do is take it one day at a time and try to keep an open mind. Maybe, just maybe, things will get better.