*So my understanding of Te Reo Māori, is basic at best. Children in schools probably know more than me, but I understand some basics and some phrases so they will make appearances throughout.

I am Māori so mistakes that I make, I accept whole heartedly, because this fic as well as some pretty awesome people I know have helped me with my understanding.

*N.B Maori vowel, as mentioned are the same as Japanese. So A, E, I, O, U becomes Ah-Eh-EE-Or-Oo

Bella POV

I never thought I'd be leaving the U.S soil in my lifetime. I dreamed I'd one day pluck up the courage to leave, but dreams and goals are two different things. Only one of which is achievable by definition.

Sure I was currently on the window seat, next to a mouth breather and his child wife but there are worse things in life I'm sure.

I guess seeing as I'll be stuck on this plane for a while, you're probably wondering how I wound up here…? Well, blame Jacob Mother-fucking Black. I didn't catching him fucking my Mom, anyone's mom for that matter. He did cheat on me though. I found him and Shelly Cope, in bed together, her porn star "More…please…harder…right..there." moans echoing a staccato chorus as I entered his home. Nothing quite like catching your fiancé balls deep in a woman old enough to be your mother.

Though really, the saddest part of all this, is how little his betrayal hurt. We'd planned a life together, booked a venue and even had the customary "If we spend Thanks Giving with my Mom, we can spend Christmas with our Dads" talks. I don't really know why though, we'd fizzled long before he jumped cock first back the sea of fishies. It was clear we weren't going anywhere anymore. Our work days grew longer, our time spent together more sparse, and the sex between the two of us could have been counted on one hand over the past year.

The worst part of all, was that despite the very obvious fission between the two of us, he wouldn't just call it quits. I'd been calling a spade a spade for a while, and he'd yet to stop and accept it.

We'd been living like roommates for almost a year, two people who were supposedly in love and yet we were like ships passing in the night. I think he was so hung up on his teenaged promise to my father that he'd take care of me, and treat me right he couldn't really see that my happiness was tied to my freedom.

I had no intention of telling Charlie, that I found Jacob in bed with another woman. It wouldn't accomplish anything unless I planned on bailing my father out of jail.

I suppose that was the first of many omissions.

Unless Seth, my step-brother lets Charlie know while he's away on his honeymoon with Sue, my step-mom, he was probably going to find out about my departure long after he can do anything about it.

If he'd even could the tiniest breeze that hinted that I could be shipping out, and leaving the continental U.S, he'd have done everything within his power to stop me.

In the two days they'd been gone I'd packed up all of my belongings worth keeping and stored them in Charlie's attic—of which he was unaware—and the rest I gave to goodwill or let my landlord keep if he wanted. He didn't but his wife was taken by the idea, it's not like the studio apartment held too much furniture, but Didi was a sucker for thrift and jumped at the chance.

I digress, I guess, I decided I needed to get out. I needed to find myself. At twenty-six I'd lived my whole life by the book. I graduated high school early, went to college, graduated—went to teachers college and graduated— decided to go for my Masters in English Literature and then I lucked out landing a job teaching AP English and Literature classes at a private academy. I stuck it out for three years and…well, I wanted to know if there was more.

The fact I had 'skills' made getting my visa easier, much, much, easier. I was also young, healthy and apparently New Zealand needed teachers.

I didn't have any intention of going right back into teaching, not that I saw myself landing a job at first try anyway. I wanted time to explore the country, meet new people, have some new experiences, and above all else, find myself.

I'd been one part of the 'Bella & Jake' package, I didn't know what it meant to just be Bella, and there was no time like the present to find out.

I hadn't intended for the first chapter in the 'Finding Bella' story to include Mouth breathers, and child brides, yet here I was, stuck beside a mouth breather on an eighteen hour flight. I thought he'd been bad awake, he was worse once he'd fallen asleep.

I worried someone would have to administer CPR a few times, when he'd inhale and seemingly choke on his tongue.

I may have been first aid trained, but there was no way I was putting my mouth anywhere near his. Ever.

I was happy I at least had full charge on my iPad and more than enough books to tide me over until I eventually passed out cross-eyed. If only my nerves would let up.

At some point though, the exhaustion of packing up house and home in a mad rush to get out of dodge got to me, mouth breather be damned, I fell sleep with my head pressed against the window.

My sleep was void of dreams.

"Wah?" I asked unintelligibly as I felt something small, gently jostingly.

"We're descending shortly, Miss, if you'd like to return your seat to its upright position and stow your tray table, and all electronic devices should be switched off." Her voice was gentle, and helped clear the fog from my sleep addled brain.

I noted oddly that she continued down the craft, before returning to wake up the couple next to me with not-so-gentle movements either.

Mouth breather no longer sounded like he was a breath away from death.

Walking through Auckland international airport was something I couldn't quite describe. There were no words. Sure, it was an airport but there was something oddly mythological about it. I'd never been through an international airport before except for LAX where I departed from, but Auckland was something else.

Everywhere I looked there was New Zealand, or was it Maori culture leaping at you. It was on the walls, the floor, hanging over my head. There were massive carved arches that would have been scary were it not for the welcome signs that hung proudly.

Kia Ora apparently means hello, or welcome? Something along those lines.
I felt overwhelmed and that didn't ease any once I was through security, because now it was official, I was in New Zealand and I was too scared to check my cell to see if my absence was noticed.

I headed in the direction that I assumed was the right one, though in all honesty it was hard to say for sure. It was overwhelming the number of different accents and languages I could hear around me and I didn't really know how to take them all.

I didn't have to wait too long for my luggage, which was probably due to the fact that I'd just made check-in, so it was practically first off. With the one suitcase I had wheeling behind me in one hand and my too full worn leather messenger bag thrown over my other shoulder, I headed toward the exit in the hopes that it wouldn't take too long for me to find a cab.

Hopping in the driver's accent struck me first, it was kind of like an odd mix between an Australian and an English accent.

"Hows'it?"

"Huh." I started a little bit. What did that mean?

"Sorry, um how are you? Where would you like to go?"

I rushed out a quick fine, but then didn't know what else to say. Where the hell was I headed?

"Ugh, I guess—do you know any affordable accommodation?" I asked flustered. Why had I not thought this through?

"We talkin' student hostel? Motel? Couch surfing? Hotel?" He offered, still not having started his meter.

"Couch surfing—no, um. A hostel?" Even to my own ears that sounded like a question.

"You don't sound too sure about that." The taxi driver noted, before pulling out. "Well, why don't you tell me what your plans are here in New Zealand, and then it'll help me know where to take you."

That sounded reasonable, but how did I know he wasn't going to drive every side street and back alley? I guess I didn't.

"I just moved here." I said slowly. "I wanted some new scenery, I guess."

The cabby actually laughed at me.

"Ya shittin' me, right?" What?

"I'm sorry?"

"All good Bub, Don't worry 'bout it. Look, I know where to take you. My brother's, ex-wife's, sister left him a little Motel when she shot through and bought it on a whim. Well, he gave it to our younger sister to run/manage so she doesn't go off willy-nilly now that she's finished uni and is taking a gap year—after the fact. Anyway there's nothing on at the moment so it's got heaps of vacancies. I'll take you there, they'll give you a discount. Won't be a cheap fair though, but I'll give you a flat rate $35."

I didn't even know if he was even doing me a favor, but I accepted the fare and let him take me wherever. This guy seemed nice, so why not?

Plus, I didn't understand half of what he was telling me. Shot through what? Willy-nilly?

"Any way what makes a young girl like you pick up and leave the Americas, to come to little ole' New Zealand?" This guy had some crazy charisma or something, because even though he was a big guy—muscly too—he was so jovial. "You do realise you're in the wrong city if you wanted to see Hobbiton? That's what most people come to see."

I couldn't get too good a look from behind him, but he seemed nice-ish looking. I could tell he had dimples, I noticed them a lot in the rear view mirror, and blue eyes too. His hair was dark, black even, and curly. I could see a tattoo too, it looked like the Maori carvings I noticed, but inked into his skin.

I didn't know too much of the culture, but I knew it wasn't every day you saw an inked up cabby not being forced to wear long sleeves.

"Bub?" Mr Cab driver said breaking my reverie.

"Huh?" He shook he head a little before telling me not to worry.

I wondered if that was normal here, calling people Bub? I mean the only time I ever really heard the term, and not in reference to a child was in X-men, but I really didn't think the sentiment was the same here.

I hoped I wouldn't offend, but I actually really wanted to know.

"Um…Mr driver—," before I could finish my question, he started laughing as if I'd said something hilarious. I'm talking full belly laughing, steering wheel slapping, whipping tears laughing. The car never strayed once from the middle of the lane, fortunately enough. I won't lie, the whole driving on the right hand side of the road was a little scary

"Emmett, my name. It's Emmett, or Em." I nodded my head, he'd recovered from his laughing fit and sounded a lot more normal, accent aside.

"Okay, Emmett, why do you call me Bub?"

He shrugged his shoulders, more exaggeratedly than I'd guess was normal, probably so I could see the act.

"Dunno, it's something I grew up with I guess. I mean, I have an Uncle, who always calls people 'Sis' and 'Bro', or 'Cuz' and 'Bub', I guess I picked it up—or 'Boy' or 'Girl' I almost forgot about those ones. Sorry, if you don't like it, it's a habit I guess. My cousin's the same. I guess its like when you're on a Marae right and so you don't get a hiding, you refer to everyone as Aunty and Uncle, to be respectful you know?"

Hiding from? Ma-what? How many Aunties and Uncles does this guy have?

"Oh shit, you probably have no idea what a Marae is? Or a hiding?" Emmett was looking at me through the rear view mirror and I shook my head.

I was shocked to see him give me a pretty big grin, dimples showing in full force.
"Well, get comfortable I'mma give you a brief intro to Maori culture. I don't know a lot, I'm hopeless with a lot of it if I'm being honest, but I'll share what I know. 'Kay?"

I don't think he was actually asking me a question, because he immediately started his spiel.

A Marae is like a sacred house, or so he described it. Apparently when people pass away, or if there are christenings and things all of the extended family get together in support. He said there's normally a couple of areas, sometimes they're separate buildings. There's the Wharenui, which is like a massive hall and that's where everyone sleeps and then there's the Wharekai, which is the dinning hall and the kitchen. There's toilets and stuff too at most of them, and the Urupa, or cemetery is normally close-ish by.

Oh, and apparently in Māori, or Te Reo, they have a different vowel system to English. It's the same as Japanese, and there are different sounds too. 'WH' for instance, doesn't have the silent 'H', instead you'd pronounce it like an 'F' sound. There are other examples too, but for the sake of Emmett's explanation he thought it best I knew that. He hated how often people butchered names and the like due to mispronunciations.

I doubted I'd remember a lot of that, but it was fascinating!

A hiding is kind of like a beating, but that makes it sound extreme.

He even told me about Tangi's which are funerals, only they're not as straight forward as I'm used to. Family and friends all spend a time with the deceased, who in most cases have an open casket and they sleep in the Wharenui with them. It sounded kind of creepy, but then Emmett explained the significance and how the spirit remains with the body until it's buried and this way everyone can say their goodbye's, and then it became kind of morbidly beautiful.

I made to offer my condolences, but Emmett waved them off. He told me his Koro was happier now that he was with his Māmā.

For a big guy, Emmett spoke like a real softy. It was really fascinating to watch, and in complete contrast to the way I'd been brought up. Charlie wasn't a big guy, but he's what you'd associate with being a 'manly' guy. He's very taciturn, and much too stoic sometimes, which can make him come across as cold. I think its just the way my grandfather raised him though, to be very no-fuss, to the point, and not overly emotional.

"Hey Emmett?" I asked, after letting everything Emmett had told me settle for a bit.

He didn't turn to look at me, but I watched as his eyes met mine in the rear view mirror, and took that as my sign to speak.

"Where are you—?"

Before I could finish my question though, it was cut off when I heard his phone ring. He'd had it in cradle attached to the dash. I couldn't see who was calling, but Emmett looked really tense, worried even.

"Keep quiet please, Bub, I gotta take this or she'll have my balls." I nodded my head, and watched him take a steadying breath before answering the phone. It was only then I even realized he had a headset in his right ear.

"Hey Baby, what's up?" he said to whomever he was on the phone with.

I didn't hear the other side of the conversation, but it was loud. A sharp and clearly pissed off feminine voice cut through the phone, only just too quiet to make out what she was saying.

"I was just doing one more check, Rosie, so I thought I'd take it for a drive."

Again the response he got was loud, but unintelligible.

"The airport."

This time I think I heard a 'What the Fuck' and 'Cut off', but I couldn't be certain.

"I'm on my way now, Rosie. But ugh, I have a fare."

Rosie was not happy when she heard that, and I could see the fear written on Emmett's face.

"I was going to take her to Alice's."

"Okay—Babe—Rosalie, I'll come back. Yes. I'm sorry. Never again. I know. I'll deal with it. Can you call Alice? Thank you. Yeah. Love you, Babe."

There was a heavy silence in the air when he hung up, and I wasn't sure if I should remain silent or ask him if everything was okay.

"I'm sorry." Emmett eventually said, meeting my eyes in the rear view mirror. "That was my wife. She told me tell you, and this is a direct quote 'I'm sorry my husband is a child. He's not a taxi driver, he's a mechanic and a fucking idiot. I hope he hasn't caused too much trouble. I'll make sure you get to Alice's when you arrive back at the shop.' So yeah, she's sorry, and I am too. I thought it would be fun." He sounded like a scalded little boy, and it was in such contrast to his size and appearance I couldn't help but laugh.

I laughed so hard I was crying and holding my belly, and Emmett kind of just watched me. Every now and then he'd look back at the road, but shortly after he'd be looking at me again.

"I'm fine." I told him, when he was looking more worried. "Fuck that hurts." I kind of cry-sighed. "Sorry, give me a second."

It took me a good couple of minutes, but once I was settled and acting like a normal person, I spoke.

"So you're in trouble, huh?" he nodded.

"Deep trouble?" Another head nod.

"She's going to kill me. Fuck. I knew I should have listened to the piss ant when she told me Rose was going to know. But she just had that weird shifty thing goin' on with her eyes, which really means she wants me to do it, because there's more to it than pissing off my wife. Fuck, I'm such a dumb fuck. Maybe Alice will get her wish and Rose is gonna make me Alice's fucking sister. Ugh, fuck. Maybe I should call Edward and tell him to hide all of the blades, grinders, welders—fuck he'd need to put the whole shop on lockdown. Oh shit, too late we're like two minutes away—."

He wasn't going to stop, and I wasn't sure if he was breathing. I quickly reached over and grabbed his shoulder.

"Whoa, whoa. Slow down Emmett before you pass out. No harm no foul, right? I mean, I don't really care. You've just given me my first Maori culture lesson, right? And it's been fun. It does explain why you never turned on the meter though."

Emmett looked at me a little incredulously, before shaking his head.

"How can you not be pissed that I tried to play cab driver in a borrowed cab? I also have no idea how that thing works."

I shrugged, normally I would have been. Bella of old would have been terrified at the very concept, but I wasn't hurt. They're still going to make sure I get to Alice's, other than being lied to, actually come to think about it, Emmett never told me he was a cab driver. I just assumed he was when I hopped in the car.

"I don't know why, Emmett, but I'm not. It's fine." I answered. "I moved here for an adventure, and you know what?"

"What?"

I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face. "You've certainly helped me start it off right."

Emmett laughed loudly again, before sighing. As I looked out of the windows I noticed we clearly in a city now. We passed shops, a tiny shopping mall, KFC, McDonald's, something called Pita Pit and a lot of cafes before Emmett slowed up and pulled the cab into what reminded me of a gas station, but was clearly a Mechanic.

It was massive. When I say it reminded me of a gas station, I mean that's what it looked like it may have been once. It had petrol pumps I'm sure, or that's what they looked like and a massive cover over everything. In all actuality it probably wasn't, but if I had to tell how big the shop was I'd say you could have at least fit 20 cars in their workshop area and there were four massive roller doors that were open.

Emmett pulled into entrance the one nearest to the shop. Inside I'd guess and say you could have fit maybe six SUV's lengthwise, and still have room to move. I'd been to a few mechanics in my lifetime, but none of them had a shop that looked like this. There were all kinds of cars in here too. High end, lower end, end of the line, and taxis.

Emmett pulled to a stop, quickly popping the trunk and helping me get my things out, before he lead me into the shop, gesturing for me to enter a head of him as he slid the door open. The glass must have been tempered because you could barely hear any of the racket coming from the shop floor.

"Welcome to Mechanix how can I—oh shit, Em, she's bloody ropeable mate. You've gone and fucked up something chronic." The guy at the counter started greeting me, before he saw Emmett.

"Bro, my sister has been plotting with your mum 'bout how dead you are. You're fucked! Well and truly. I'm talking dead-dead and that's even from Esme. Hundy says you're one the couch, Bro." The guy behind the counter looked on the verge of wetting himself as he mocked Emmett, while he just reminded me of a simmering pot.

I wondered how much of this kids ridicule he'd take before he retaliated.

Unsure what to say or do I just watched the guy at reception make a fool of himself, at least that's how it came across to me. The guy looked young though, early twenties I guessed, with maybe chin length sandy blonde hair with messy curls. I think his eyes were blue, and his skin was tanned, from the sun. Kind of like Emmett, now that I think about it. He too had a tattoo on his arm, it was the same style as Emmett's, being Maori, but it wasn't the same. There must have been some kind of significance though. I wished I'd remembered to ask Emmett about his tattoo.

"Jasper, what the fu—heck are you laughing about?" Another man asked, minding his manners when he noticed me.

Jasper hadn't made the same concession, but either way I wasn't fussed.

The new guy was probably closer to his late twenties. Tanned too. He didn't have a tattoo that I could see, and I found myself oddly disappointed. He also had really strange hair, it was kind of red, but not, and kind of brown but not with hints of blonde I'm guessing were from the sun.

Jasper, who I guess was the person behind the counter, was trying to force himself to be composed. It took a solid minute or so but in the end he got there.

He quickly cleared his throat, before acknowledging the new comer. "Sorry, Bro. Couldn't help myself."

"Be that as it may, try and be a tad more professional, we can't have you scaring off business. 'sides, don't you think Emmett's going to hear enough about this for the rest of his life, let's not exhaust ourselves with it now." Just when I thought he was going to speak up for Emmett.

"Oh shit, sorry, we're being rude." Newcomer blanched in realization. "I'm Edward." He held his hand out to me and I reached out in return, thinking it was to shake hands but instead he closed the distance between us and kissed my cheek, before stepping back and releasing my hand.

They way he did that, made it so commonplace, and yet I had no idea how to respond. So I just stood there, staring at him, my eyes a mile wide and soon to be meeting the floor.

"Edward, meet Bub. She's just moved here from America—ugh, she's the fare I was telling Rose about." Emmett finally found his voice, and Edward's eyebrows shot up almost to his hairline.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't being forward. That's just how I know to say hello, you arrived with Emmett, I just assumed you were friends." I waved my hand at his apologies.

It was fine. He didn't grope me or anything, it was a kiss…on the cheek.

In an effort to try and take the edge off I said. "Well you know what they say about assumptions."

There was silence before all three guys barked out a laugh.

"B, I like you." Edward said with a smile, and I nodded in thanks.

"Hold on, you called her Bub." Jasper said, looking slightly appalled. "You don't even know her name!"

I turned around to Emmett and watched him blush as he rubbed the back of his neck, looking at me desperately for help.

"I never told him." I shrugged, trying to act like it was normal not to tell someone your name.

"Ah, and there's the accent." Jasper added, and I was wondering if he was making fun of me or not. I didn't say anything about their accents, but I suppose they're the ones speaking normally in this situation.

Edward smiled along with Jasper, and I guess Emmett was somewhat used to it by now.

"Anyway guys, I'm gonna make me a cuppa while I wait for Alice, you want?" They both nodded, and Edward looked at me. "B?"

"Please." I smiled, noticing he still hadn't asked for my name. Then again I kind of like the nickname thing. I wonder if it'll stick.

"Milk and sugar?"

I nodded and held up two fingers. He smiled before disappearing around the corner towards their kitchen I guess.

"So, tell me 'bout yourself, Bub?" Jasper drawled, making me notice his accent wasn't quite the same as Emmett's. There was an exaggeration of his 'r' that I originally thought might have been mocking towards me, but I was beginning to think that was the way he spoke.

"Well I suppose to start off, my name's, Bella. Bella Swan. I've moved here from Seattle, Washington. That's ugh, Pacific Northwest. I have a Masters in English Literature and my teaching certification. My Mom thinks she's a gypsy because she likes the idea that she's nomadic and her husband, Phil—my step-dad humors her. My Dad's the chief of Police in a small town in Washington, he and his wife Sue, my step-mom are on their baby-moon, she's the dispatcher for the station. They'll be back uh, in two—three days I think?"

I just finished my little spiel when the sliding door opened behind us and something small and feminine wrapped their arms around my waist. Whoever this person was she smelt wonderful. I couldn't recognize the scent, but it was lovely and floral with just a hint of musk to break the sweetness.

When I was finally let go, I turned around to meet my stranger. I was right when I said she was small, if I had to guess she was maybe five foot even, maybe.

"Hi?" I offered, though even I could hear the question in my voice.
"Hello, I'm Alice. It's awesome to meet you, aye? I've heard great things—great things. I imagine you're going to make our lives most interesting which is great. It was starting to get boring. Emmett said something to Rose about you staying at mine, which is sweet as. We're pretty slow at the moment, so you're getting in just in time. We have heaps of availabilities, you can practically have any room you like. I'll even let you choose. Aren't you cooking in that? It's what almost 30 degrees outside, a little over even. You may want to change—,"

I don't know what possessed me to cover her mouth, but the speed of her talking had me holding my breath and on the verge of passing out. Did she even breathe?

"I'm sorry, but you need to slow down, please? My name is Bella. It's nice to meet you too. If I remove my hand would you be able to speak a little bit slower, I really think I'm starting to feel that flight."

Alice nodded her head and I removed my hand, apologizing again quickly, but she just shook it off with a wave of her hand.

"Sorry, I just was so excited to meet you Bella. You see you're about to turn our whole world on its axis and I'm looking forward to it."

I won't lie, her statement confused me, she didn't seem to care though as she quickly kissed my cheek before she walked behind the counter to greet Jasper. She gave him what looked like a chaste kiss, but then as they seemed to gaze into each others eyes, I felt like I was watching a private moment so I looked toward Emmett.

Looking back at Emmett, I could see a great similarity between he and Alice. They both had dark hair and blue eyes, and were quite tanned as well for what I assumed were fair skinned people.

I knew they were related, Emmett had mentioned that when he was driving the borrowed Taxi, which I guess also meant I'd met Edward too. The brother with the ex-wife and the deed to a motel he lets his sister run.

Soon after, Edward came out from I assumed the staff kitchen area somehow juggling four cups. When he handed me mine, I thanked him, but looking at it the colour was off and it most definitely didn't smell like coffee. I didn't want to be rude, and ask him what this was, so I just took a sip.

"What blend is this?" I asked, noting it had absolutely no hint of coffee in it at all. It was gorgeous though. There something that was kind of citrusy and floral.

"Lady Grey, its all Rose drinks so…" he trailed off with a shrug. When I took another sip, that's when I noticed the drawstring, and I blushed. I didn't even realize I'd been drinking tea, then again, I don't think I'd ever had milk tea before, only herbal teas.

Shit, I just assumed he was offering coffee. Maybe they don't do that here, maybe they were out? I wasn't complaining, I liked this tea. I suppose in a way, you could even say I'm exploring.

I must have smiled at my own logic, because Edward seemed to be looking at me with a raised eyebrow. I just shrugged though. Maybe I'd tell him later, like when I was less tired and didn't feel like passing out. Jesus I was tired and light headed.

"Edward, catch her." I heard Alice say, just as I felt the room starting to tilt. I think someone took my cup from me. Not sure though, my stomach seemed to have knotted itself, and then everything went black.

I'm pretty sure someone yelled Emmett's name though.

Maybe...

It's my first time back to FF in years, so I'd love to hear your feedback. This whole fic is complete, but posting will hopefully happen every 2 weeks so that I can work through chapter breaks which I didn't consider when I was writing it. I hope you like my Kiwiward/Maoriward.