The Little's Swan {Complete + Edited}

A Month Later

The leaves have turned red and orange. Bella sits in a rocking chair by the window. Her face empty. Athena sits on the floor in front of her, colouring in her colouring book.

October- Costumed kids appear in the yard, trick or treating. Athena is among them holding Charlies hand as she goes around getting candy.

November- Neighbours bring Charlie and Athena a Turkey... they glance up at Bella's window in concern.

December- Charlie drags a Christmas tree towards the house, worry has taken a toll on him. Athena plays in the snow.

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Present Day

Bella exits the house to find Charlie out by the street, stuffing trash into the bins. He is talking with the neighbour who also attends to his trash. Bella sees Athena running around the lawn playing with her toys.

"Its about time you got rid of those, Bob. Seen one too many bikers smeared on the highway."

Bob chuckles. "Save the lecture, Chief. Soon as the garbage truck hauls them off, you and my wife can rest easy. Oh, hey, whats the word on that bear problem? Folks are saying they're huge."

"That's just, talk-" Charlie gets distracted as Bella walks to her truck, head down. Athena stops playing and sees her Mum, she frowns. Bob sees her.

"How you doing there, Bella?"

She doesn't respond, in her own world. Bob gives Charlie an understanding shrug, he looks to Athena in sympathy before heading off.

As Bella opens her truck, it suddenly slammed shut by Charlie.

"That's it."

Bella looks up to him, still no emotion on her face. "That's what?"

"You're going to Jacksonville to live with your mother."

Bella goes wide eyed. "What? Why?"

Charlie sighs tiredly, Athena walks up and grabs Charlies leg, he puts a hand on her head. "I just - don't know what to do anymore. You don't act like someone left you, more like someone died." Bella looks away.

"I'm not leaving Forks."

"Bells, the bastards not coming back." She nods. "It's not normal, this behaviour. And frankly, it's scaring the hell outta me, your mother and Athena." Charlie looks to her softly and talks more gently. "Go to Jacksonville, Baby. Make some new friends."

Bella looks to Charlie, confused. "What about Athena?" Charlie looks down at his granddaughter before looking back to Bella. "Your mother and I thought it best if she stayed here with me."

Bella shakes her head. "You can't take Athena away from me."

"Oh yes I can, especially when you aren't taking care of her like a mother would." Bella looks away before changing the subject. "But I like my old friends." Charlie sighs.