A/N: Another short One-shot, but not a HEA :(

It's funny how the little things in life, cause the most problems. You would think that having a Crazy, Blood Thirsty, Vampire after me, would be sending me off the deep end or even the Angry, Vengeful, Immature Wolf-Pack wishing me dead. But no neither of them are my biggest nor at present insurmountable problem.

That honour goes to my Over-Protective, Angst-Ridden boyfriend and lately overbearing to boot. It's his inability to talk to me, tell me the plain, unvarnished facts. That's all I want, to be included in the talks and discussions, like a grown-up and not patted on the head like a five-year-old and sent off to bed out of the way or dazzled into compliance, so he can decide what's best for me.

It's my life god damn it. So that's why I presently am throwing all my stuff back in a bag, preparing to leave the Cullen's house for home. Tomorrow is graduation and in preparation yesterday for the big party Alice decided we had to have tomorrow night, again without my input, I realised a lot of my clothes were missing from my room at Charlie's. An unknown vampire had been in my house while I'd been at school for the last day and taken them.

Something had just clicked in my head, that this and the other strange events of late were actually connected and all in my mind firmly to be laid at Victoria's door, she being the Crazy aforementioned Vampire. Who would need my clothes other than for scent, scent for who, the newborn's in Seattle maybe, leap forward in my head and hey presto, a new-born army out for revenge, created by the Redheaded lunatic Victoria, simple?

Alice said could be, Jasper thought definitely and Edward actually patted me on the head and suggested I leave the thinking to the vampires. I was so stunned by his arrogance and ignorance, I just walked away. Obviously, I wasn't projecting any emotion at all in my stunned state, because Jasper didn't even look up as I left the room although I did see Esme and Rose out of the corner of my eye and they did not look very pleased by the way he had treated me.

At the moment they were waiting on Carlisle and Emmett getting back from hunting, so they could have a family meeting to discuss it all, without me as usual, apparently not family after all. So as not to alert them all too soon, I went out via the rooftop deck and down the outside stairway. Not having my truck with me I picked up the keys for the Ducati as I entered the garage; let's see how he likes that, not much I'll guess.

I was seething by now and was both surprised and confused by neither Alice nor Jasper trying to stop me. But maybe they thought Edward deserved this, for once. I pushed the bike down the driveway before getting on and starting her up. In my anger I found calm and self-assurance, so had no problem handling her as I sped off home. I felt free for once and totally in control of my own destiny.

As I pulled up outside Charlie's, he was there and looked taken aback for a second before he started to open his mouth.

"Don't say one word Charlie or I climb right back on and keep driving forever!"

That was all I had to say to stop him dead in his tracks. He cocked his head to the side, looked me in the eye and just nodded. That's all it took for him to see I could and would be controlling my own life from now on, so how the hell was Edward so blind. When I got to my room I closed the window, locked it and pulled the drapes across. I know this wouldn't stop a vampire, but it was symbolic at least to me.

The house phone was ringing and I heard Charlie shout for me.

"Not interested dad, say I'm in the bath, No I'm washing my hair"

I called back laughing, after all, that was universally known to mean, thanks but no thanks and I knew he would hear me. Not long after came the knock at the front door, but I know my dad; he would not let anyone in.

"She's busy Edward, what did you do this time? You'd think someone who thinks they're so damn smart would learn from his mistakes. I obviously was crediting you with more brains than you actually have. What nothing to say? Well, goodnight then" He said and then I heard the door close,

And I waited for the tap on the window, which I ignored at first. Then I turned on some loud music to make my feelings known. I know he was probably out there all night but I just didn't give a damn and that did surprise me a little. I spent the time going over our whole relationship and I was disgusted with myself, how had I let him take over everything, I didn't even put up a fight really, god I was pathetic, Was being the operative word.

As I went to get dressed for the graduation ceremony the next morning, I found a large box in my cupboard, Alice of course. There was nothing wrong or over the top about the outfit, it was just more, tighter, classier and perfect for the new me. When I got down the stair Charlie smiled and gave me a hug. When I glanced out of the window the bike was still there, so I thought why not make an entrance that would get tongues wagging.

So after breakfast, I did my hair and put on some make-up, not too much, but noticeable. As I pulled into the school car park it was busy, everyone milling about. So lots of heads turned as I parked and pulled off the helmet, the rumble of murmurs was almost tangible. All of the Cullens were there and they broke into applause, well except for him, he sat in his Volvo looking like someone had kicked his puppy.

I smiled at them, took a bow and tossed the keys to Jasper thanking him for the loan.

"No problem Darlin' " He called back as he caught them with ease.

My other schoolmates rushed forward, trying to work out what was going on and get the gossip, not going to happen. I took Angela's arm and we walked into the school.

"Is everything okay Bella?" She asked and I told her yeah, but that I thought it was time to grow up and stand on my own two feet for a change. I couldn't resist a little dig when I said,

"After all, I'll be nineteen in a couple of months, we can't stay seventeen forever, Angie".

That's when it hit me; I'd mentally not physically outgrown him. I was always so worried about looking older I forgot that I would change mentally as well. That's what this was all about, he had been trying to control me so I wouldn't be able to outgrow him in my dependency and need for protection, the poor defenceless little woman, but he had pushed me away instead.

He had forced my independent streak to the surface and ruined his own plans. I wonder if he had ever really loved me like I had once whole-heartedly loved him. But he had shattered my faith in him with the mind games and leaving me behind so easily, that it had allowed doubt to creep in and wake me up to reality.

I knew this wasn't over yet but I was prepared and once the new-borns were dealt with I also knew they would be leaving once again. I hope this time Alice would stay in touch, the odd e-mail, maybe a flying visit during college, that would be good and eventually I would lose contact as I got on with living my own life, however long or short it was.