Bella POV

I was trying to run, but I kept tripping over tree roots. I had no idea how long it would take for Nathan to realize I was missing.

Flashback

"I'll be back later, Bella," my abusive stepfather sneered. "Be a good girl and stay here until I get back." I merely nodded. When the door swung shut, I went to the kitchen and filled a knapsack with several water bottles, granola bars, apples, and bread. Not the best meal, but it would have to do until I got to Charlie's. I didn't want to endanger him, and I certainly didn't want to go to Forks, the rainiest place in the US, but it was that or stay here until Nathan stumbled in drunk and start beating the crap out of me. I shivered. Forks it was. I despise Forks, and Nathan knew it. It would be the last place he'd look for me.

I looked down at the fading bruises on my arms and slung the bag over my shoulder. I had my keys in my pocket, so I walked to my car and climbed in. I turned the key and backed out of the driveway. I drove as fast as I dared without crashing.

Unfortunately, I was stupid enough not to check the gas gauge. As I passed the Oregon border into Washington, the car shuddered to a stop.

"Crap!" I groaned when I glanced at the needle on Empty. I grabbed my bag and stumbled to the edge of the trees. I groaned again as I walked deeper into the trees, away from the road.

End Flashback

I know it had been at least three days since I ran away. I had the feeling I was going in circles on many occasions. I just hoped Nathan was at his friend's house, out cold. He could be gone for a few hours or a few days. I hoped this time it would be the latter. All I had left were three bottles of water and a half a loaf of bread. I had eaten all of the granola bars by the end of the second day, and a few of the apples had gone bad- I had to toss them. I rarely slept, for fear of being mauled by a bear. That'd be just my luck.

I noticed the rain increase, as did my hopes. It only rained this much around Forks. I couldn't be sure, but I think I made it.

My foot tripped over a root. My bag went flying- into a river! Great! I gave up trying to grab it after a minute and I followed the river upstream. After several hours, I thought I saw something through the trees. I ran forward and, sure enough, I saw a house- rectangular, faded white, three stories… it was beautiful. I took a couple of steps forward, hoping someone was home and could help me. I was almost to the edge of the river when the exhaustion caught up with me, and I collapsed.