DISCLAIMER: I do not own Twilight. Stephenie Meyer does. Summit owns the rights to the movies. I do not make any profit on this, if I did...I wouldn't be working at a pharmacy...dealing with the oh so lovely public. Thanks.
First, I'd like to thank all those who took the time to click on my story. I've been wanting to write this story for a long time now, and I've just been too chicken. The beginning does drag just a bit, but it's necessary. I promise, by the end of the 4th chapter and so on, it will be a lot more entertaining. Please leave a review if you read. It's always nice to know what people think. If you have any ideas for future chapters, or suggestions about my story overall, please let me know! I'm always eager to please my readers! Constructive criticism is welcomed, because I'll never develop as a writer, if I don't get feed back! Thanks again!
Just a quick summary: Carlisle tried changing Esme, but her heart gave out. Now living in forks again, Edward meets Bella as usual, but it's not only Edward who finds his mate. Carlisle is imprinted on, by Collin Littlesea's older sister; Danielle Littlesea. The imprint not only gives hope to Leah, but allows Edward to realize he does have a Soul. The story will shift between book verse and movie verse. Depends on whichever I preferred. Slightly AU, but mostly follows the Twilight timeline. Starts off towards the end of New Moon. :)
Chapter 1: Seattle to La Push
"Radio stations really should play a wider variety of music. Seriously. I swear if I hear this song one more time today-" A young woman trailed on, as she aggressively reached over, changing the radio station. She shoved strands of her long black hair from her russet colored face as she placed both hands back on the steering wheel.
"Really, Rachel? Modern Country? I thought you said it really wasn't country anymore?"
Rachel Black looked at the other woman sitting in the passenger seat, her coloring nearly identical to Rachel's.
"Have I said that?"
"You did. Profusely I must had," The other girl informed, as she skimmed through a magazine.
Rachel laughed softly, shaking her head. "Alright then, what do you want to listen to, Dani?"
Dani, short for Danielle, only gave her cousin a shrug.
Rachel rolled her eyes and smacked her lips, "Silence sounds good then, yeah?"
Dani smirked, flicking off the radio at Rachel's request. Instead of enjoying the sound of the radio, they welcomed the gentle sound of light rain hitting the roof of Rachel's silver Honda.
"I can't wait to get home, Collin hasn't stopped calling me. Poor kid, you swear he was a little puppy."
Rachel laughed as she gave Dani a knowing look, "Yes— well, Jacob was quite like that when he was Collin's age, but now that he's grown and into girls… well, you know."
Dani grinned, "Say no more. I would say I can't wait for Collin's attention to be elsewhere, but I think I might miss the little twerp worshiping me."
Rachel nodded, her grin transitioning into a small frown. It was as if Dani felt the mood change, Rachel's mood. Rachel and Rebecca were twins, but sometimes Dani felt she was their triplet, despite the fact that she was a year younger than them.
She reached over and grabbed her cousin's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
Rachel sometimes felt bad leaving Jacob behind. She just wanted to get out of La Push after their mom died. Even Rebecca up and left, getting married and moving to Hawaii.
Rachel just missed her mom. And La Push was painful.
So Rachel decided to flee to Seattle, receiving a scholarship to Washington State University. Dani joined her there soon after. It was so comforting having Dani with her— Dani and Rachel were always so close growing up, and with Rebecca in Hawaii, Dani's company was much needed.
Dani was aroused from their silent moment by the sound of her phone buzzing. She shuffled through her bag, searching for the small device. It was only a text from A.J.—Dani bit her bottom lip, dreading it's content. She flipped the phone open to only read, in all caps— HOW DARE YOU LEAVE WITHOUT ASKING ME. WHEN WILL YOU BE BACK? YOU BETTER COME BACK.
Dani wasn't surprised. A.J. was possessive and controlling and the only way she was even able to leave with Rachel for the return home, was because A.J. was working and Dani left him a note under his apartment door; Otherwise, he wouldn't have let Dani leave.
"A.J.?" Rachel asked, glancing at Dani's phone.
Dani snorted, letting out what she hoped wasn't an uneasy laugh, "Yeah, he just wanted to wish me a safe trip. He just got off of work." She lied. And a little too easily. Lying to Rachel about A.J.'s possessiveness was hard, but it was becoming a bad habit; a bad habit that she was terrified to break.
Dani didn't quite understand the power A.J. had over her. Perhaps it was because she was so in love with him…at least she was. When Dani first met him: he was kind, sweet and surprisingly selfless. He was always so loving and attentive— undoubtedly charming and attractive. So much that Dani fell quite easily for him. After they were engaged, A.J. started showing a different side of himself; he became insanely jealous of every guy she'd talk to. He would try to control the things she ate, or the clothes she'd wear. He'd scold her like a child, for things she had no control over.
He was demanding. Especially about things like sex. Dani didn't want to have sex before marriage. It was just one of those rules that Dani always felt so strongly about. A.J. seemed to have no problem with it at first; but after their engagement, he was always pressuring her, but she refused to give in. Dani eventually attempted to break up with him, but that is when the physical abuse started. He slapped her, or more appropriately— he smacked her so hard, that she fell.
He then threatened her, and her cousin. Telling her that she belonged to him, that she was not allowed to leave him, and that they would be married.
Dani didn't even want to think about the other terrible things that A.J. has done to her since then. Dani was almost ashamed of the power he had over her. She felt like a coward. But then again, it was quite brave of her to leave without telling him in person, it was brave of her to slip that note under his door and then get in that car with Rachel and flee to La Push. She didn't plan on going back— she was running away from A.J... from her abuser.
She knew Rachel planned on returning to college, but Dani was going to get a job in Forks and stay home with her parents and Collin. She couldn't return to Seattle— not while A.J. was there; however, a small part of her was afraid A.J. would hurt Rachel, and because of that very reason, she knew she eventually had to tell Rachel the truth.
After a bathroom stop and a late night diner at I-hop, the two girls finally made it back to La Push.
Rachel pulled into Dani's house, the car lights shining brightly against the windows. Both girls got out the car and started gathering Dani's bags, but before they could even make it to the porch, Collin came parading out the house and clobbered Dani.
Dani dropped her bag, hugging her little brother tightly and ruffling his hair affectionately.
"Dani! Do you know how happy I am that you are back. All I have is Brady now!"
"I hope you mean that as a compliment?" Brady spoke up form the porch. He was standing awkwardly by the door, as if he followed Collin out, but then suddenly got really shy.
Collin just scoffed, turning back to his big sister, "How long will you be staying?"
Dani let out a shrug— hesitantly looking back at Rachel, but her glance was fleeting; for fear of Rachel realizing her intentions of not going back. She then glanced back at Collin, answering him with a broad smile, "I'm not sure yet, kiddo."
Rachel just smiled obliviously, helping Dani bring all her things inside, before briefly visiting with her Aunt Connie and Uncle Kevin Littlesea. After a few cups of tea, and a few shared college stories, Rachel decided it was time for her to get home.
Dani walked Rachel out, giving her a giant hug. It would be strange not having Rachel around—they shared a dorm back in Seattle, so she was use to Rachel's constant presence at night. "Goodnight, Rach." She said, pulling away form her cousin.
Rachel smiled, "Goodnight, Dani. See you tomorrow, maybe."
"Of course," she bid her a goodnight one last time before going inside.
Connie gave her Daughter another big hug, having already given a few the moment she walked in. "Oh baby, it's so good having you home," Her mother confessed. Dani smiled softly, enjoying the gentle warmth of her mother. After all she's been through with A.J., it was nice to feel like a little kid again, safe in your parents' arms.
Her dad gave her a quick kiss to her forehead before helping her bring the rest of her bags to her bedroom. "You packed a lot," He pointed out, noticing his daughter brought most of her belongings home.
"Um. Yes," She admitted awkwardly, chewing her bottom lip— which was a habit she fiercely needed to break.
"Aren't you going back to Seattle soon?"
Dani shrugged, letting her shoulders slump in defeat, "Probably not, Dad."
Kevin raised a brow, growing highly suspicious. Dani was made for school; she was smart and loved to learn, so why was she suddenly not interested?
"Would you prefer a different school? As much as your mother and I love having you so close by… if it would make you happy-" But he wasn't able to finish. "It's not that, I just need a small break. College is more overwhelming than I thought."
Her dad nodded, convinced. "Well, it can be, yes. Okay, you know your mother and I are always happy to have you home. If you need a break, then take it." Dani wasn't surprised about her dad's reaction. Some kids parents would freak out if they told them they were dropping out of college— but like Billy Black, her parents loved having their children at home, no matter how old they were. Her parents one time told her: As long as she got a job, she didn't have to go to college, and she could just stay home forever.
Dani of course wasn't having any of that. She enjoyed the independent freedom of leaving home and being on her own. At least that is what she thought she enjoyed. Lately, she craved home more than anything. But Dani had her mind made up the moment she got in that car. She would take her parents up on there previous offer; at least for now, until she made up her mind about school. She just couldn't return to Seattle. Not with A.J.
"I'll go job searching tomorrow. I think I want to stay home for a while."
Kevin's lips widened into a broad smile, "Well good! I'm glad. You can even use your mother's car," He grinned mischievously— glancing back at his wife, who was standing in the doorway.
Connie shook her head, but was amused none the less, "Of course."
Dani grinned, bouncing from heel to toe with excitement, "Great! I'll start searching tomorrow."
"You should get some sleep then," Her father gave her a hug, kissing the top of her head before placing his hand gently on his wife's arm, steering her out the room and closing Dani's door.
Dani watched them leave, feeling a wave of peace wash over her. She was home. She was safe. For now. She plopped back on her bad, stretching her arms out above her and staring at her ceiling. She snuggled deeper into her mattress, missing the familiarity and the softness.
She would tell Rachel tomorrow that she wasn't going to return with her. She'd maybe even possibly tell her about A.J. Although, that may prove to be difficult.