Rating: M for implied abuse.
Genre: Supernatural/ Hurt, Comfort
Pairing: Bella
Disclaimer (for fanfiction): All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Summary: Nothing is as expected.
Prompt: Father
Word-Count: 664
A/N: Something a little different, as per brief.
I was seventeen when I went to live with my father. My mom and her husband had just died and I was still a minor.
I didn't miss her. I know I shouldn't say that but it's the truth. We had an understanding – as long as I don't get in trouble, I could do whatever I wanted. She didn't want to be a parent. I'd been a rebound baby and my sperm donor, well, he only insisted on a custody plan to upset her.
He shouldn't have bothered.
Nothing would ever upset Renee. In fact, my annual trips gave her the excuse to go all out and act like the trendy adult she was. Or dreamt she was.
Whatever.
XxX
It was a rare sunny afternoon and my homework was done for the week. I lay, soaking up the rays, when I felt a pair of eyes caress my flesh. I looked up but no-one was there.
The eyes followed me into the night and my dreams. Sometimes I thought they were grey, or blue. Once they were even green. But as I went to take a closer look, they vanished.
Some mornings, I woke to find my window half open and my skin, icy cold. On those days Edward Cullen often sought me out and at first I was able to resist him.
He appeared often and his presence was heralded by Charlie's praise.
"They're good kids. Their father is a fine man. If only everyone could see that."
So there were people that did not worship the Cullens?
XxX
Billy Black was well aware of Charlie's views but not so Bella's. He charged his son Jake to watch over her, along with the newly phased wolves.
There was initial resistance, which was overcome by time spent watching the girl. They all agreed, she was not enamoured by the Cullens, it was the other way around.
The fascination reached a dangerous point one night in September, where a distraught father, called his friends to report his daughter missing.
The wolves were soon on the trail that led them to the city's boundaries. It was there they found her, her pale skin translucent, her eyes vague and her body weak.
Jake gathered her in his arms and brought her to La Push, his brothers were left to scout for the vermin.
XxX
Charlie couldn't believe that the Cullens would behave in this way. Outraged by his friend's blindness, Billy ordered him away, vowing to offer Bella sanctuary.
He was broken-hearted to see her in such a state and her recovery became his new focus. Jake also took it on himself to bring her back to life and in time, his efforts proved worthwhile.
They became the best of friends, then lovers.
But despite Jake's warm-hearted nature and endearing ways, he could not reach her. Her distant heart took his reasons for cancelled dates at face value. On the surface, she was the strong and independent girl he loved but he wanted more than she could give and when he met his imprint, the loss of his first love only emphasised that he was meant for other things.
XxX
When Jake imprinted, Bella moved out of the Black family home. It was better that way. She moved into the flat above the Rez store, owned by the Atera's. Charlie did his best to intervene but the Pack would not allow him to hurt her ever again.
They remained close and often dropped by to see her. They found in her a trusted companion and a non-judgemental confidante.
When Jake imprinted, they had feared that she would leave them and persuaded the one pack member she was closest to, to persuade her to stay.
Out of them all, he'd been the most volatile and vocal of his distrust. But all that had passed and he cared for her, more than he had for anyone in his life.
The only problem was could she care for him?
