I got home, unwinding the scarf from my neck.
"Hey how was it?" Charlie asked from the living room.
"Great," I smiled going in to join him. "Just tiring."
"She liked the song?"
"Loved it," I grinned. "She signed on right away and we spent the day going over things." I sighed. "Luckily, she found a recording studio in Seattle to start the single right away. She even asked me to stop by and check her out."
Charlie let out some noise of a congrats.
"Hey dad?" I asked treading in deep water. "Yea?" he replied in a gruff voice.
"Would it be bad if I said I wanted to further my career?"
"Further how?" he wondered with his eyes still glued to the TV.
"I was just thinking of traveling again."
"Bella," Charlie warned. I bit my lip. Somehow I knew his response. "It was just a thought dad."
"Well if you are going to act on it, then you better run it with Sam."
"Right," I sighed. Sam probably wasn't going to be too open-minded on me traveling again.
"Nobody is saying you cant Bells, its just going to be…rough again. You don't want that again do you?" Charlie asked.
"No," I sighed. We had just got over the Collin and Brady thing; we didn't need my drama to add on.
Waiting for some uplifting words from my dad, I found I wasn't going to get any. Getting up from the couch, I kissed Charlie goodnight and trudged upstairs. I actually really wanted to start traveling again. I had fun with it. It was…adventurous. Nothing like when I was with Renee and Phil. This was a while new experience- an encounter of my own.
Laying on my bed, I pulled up my computer and skyped the Cullens. Alice immediately came on screen and Emmett blurred behind her. I told them all about my day and what Mandy Moore was like. I gushed about what she said to me and just the whole experience.
"Bella, that's awesome!" Alice said happily.
"Bella bean is growing up," Emmett boomed. I laughed as Rose rolled her eyes.
"You want to travel again don't you?" Edward asked looking at me.
"Hey, I thought you couldn't read my mind," I teased. They laughed and we got more serious.
"Yea, I guess I do. What Mandy said really had me thinking you know? This is my dream job. I literally have everything I want. But…I don't know. I guess it would be easier if I were in a popular place like Miami or San Fran, but who am I to be so demanding and controlling? My job is still working out here. Its not like im not happy."
"But you could be happier," Jasper commented. I rolled my eyes thinking to myself how I said those exact same words in my head.
We talked a little longer before I checked the clock and saw Sam would be off patrol soon. "Ill talk to you guys soon. Love you!" I smiled at them while waving into the camera. They said their goodbyes and I closed my laptop.
As I headed to the bathroom with my things, I quickly changed and got ready for bed. After brushing my teeth and combing my hair, I shuffled back into my room.
"Hey, perfect timing," I smiled at my half naked boyfriend.
"I'm guessing your day was good," he said as I went over to hug him. I tossed my toiletries bag to the side and nodded. "It was really good," I smiled.
He kissed my lips softly.
"Picnic still at your house tomorrow?" I questioned with a moan as he kissed my neck.
"Mmhmm," he grumbled out as he continued his actions. Hitting the bed with the back of my knees, I fell onto the soft mattress and withered under Sam.
As we cuddled together, I shook my head with a laugh. We just did the dirty with my dad downstairs. How risky was that?
"What are you thinking?" he asked running a hand through my hair. I told him my silly thoughts, which he just blushed at and kissed my lips.
"What time should I be at your place tomorrow?" I asked.
"Maybe around 11?" he said cuddling into my chest.
"Okay," I sighed, as we got comfy.
"I love you," I whispered.
"Love you too baby," he said as we fell asleep in each other's arms.
Sam was gone when I got up. With a note on my pillow, he was already at his house and on his share of patrols.
I rolled out of bed prepared to take a shower. When I was out and dressed, I went down stairs. Charlie was out on his fishing trip this weekend so I would be sleeping over at Sam's. Grabbing some breakfast, I took my time around the house. I packed an overnight bag for Sam's, made some food for the picnic, and then laid on my bed thinking of my new song as my food needed to cook.
My mind seemed lost in the wind as I spent almost 45 minutes trying to think of anything to write down. It was like my free spirit to write was gone. Sighing, I threw down my pencil. I knew why. My thoughts have been clouded with my ideas of travel ever since I got home. The more I thought about it the more I really wanted to go. I didn't want to settle my life yet. There was still so much out there. And my career could provide it. Pete had said it many times over and over but I didn't even consider his words.
The oven beeped and called me back downstairs. I thought of what it would be like to leave home again. As much as traveling sounded like the greatest opportunity of a lifetime, so did spending my life with Sam. We had been dating for a little over 3 years now, and with our 4 years age difference, he was ready to settle down.
"Bells, I'm 26…you're 22, when do you think there is a better age to settle down?"
"When I'm older," I always said. "22 is still young Sam. And even I don't feel that young, I am. We have time. Why get married and strap ourselves down right away?"
"Because I can't see my self doing anything other than that. I want to be with you- more than just your boyfriend. I want us to have a real future, making it come true in the best way possible."
Every time I would sigh. His words were so sweet and caring, I just couldn't bring myself to get married so early. I knew the second that we would get married he would start pushing for kids, and that I was for sure not ready to have.
Pushing away the thoughts, I pulled out the cakes and pies from the oven and prepared them for the picnic. It was a quarter to 11. I had to leave soon. Putting them in boxes, I carried them out to the car and grabbed my things.
My thoughts needed to stay at the house. Sam and the rest of the Pack could read me like a book and I didn't want them to see traces of unhappiness. Well...maybe not unhappiness, but indecisiveness. I didn't want them to worry about my thoughts just yet. They were probably not even going to happen.
Starting the engine, I took off to go see my boyfriend and all of our family members.
It was nice to have everyone around again. Even though we just had dinner together, it was good to see the imprints and the guys happy. Letty, along with many other adults were here.
"Bella!" Jake cheered.
"Hey Guys," I smiled as Collin and Brady came to help me carry in the desserts. With a kiss on the cheek to both of them, I had them carry the food to the table.
"How have you guys been?" I asked them.
"Good," Brady smiled. I looked to Collin. "Better," he said in agreement. I smiled at the two. It was progress.
I said hello to Sue, Leah, and Seth, and then made my way over to the boys.
"Hi Jake," I laughed as he picked me up with a hug. It reminded me of Emmett when he did that. I smiled to Sarah giving her a nice hello too, and then went over to Embry.
"Hey you," I smiled. He was playing cards with Quil, Claire (who was sitting on Quil's lap), Paul, and Kim.
"Who's winning?" I asked pulling up a chair by Paul. He showed me his hand in rummy. I nodded and kissed his cheek. "So far, Kim." he answered. I looked at her surprised, which she just giggled to.
"My family and I used to play every Friday evening when we did a game night," she informed me. I nodded still impressed by her skills. Quil was whispering little things in Claire's ear, which had her giggling and pointing to their hand. It was cute.
Jared and Sam came over a while later. Saying hello to my 'brother', I felt Sam bend down and give me a kiss on the cheek.
"Hey," I said glancing up at him.
"Having fun?" he asked as he stood behind me. I nodded as Jared sat down with Kim in his lap.
"Want anything?" Sam asked me.
"No, im good," I smiled as he walked away. I don't know if he could tell I was off. My thoughts spooked me today and made me feel a bit uncomfortable around him. Was he going to bring up our future again? Was he going to push getting married and starting a family?
Shaking away the thoughts, I enjoyed the company I sat around. We ate a little while later, which gave me some time to talk with Letty. She was a lot better these days. Ever since Paul and I brought her home from the rehab center, she seemed like her 'old self' Paul claimed. She was always kind- keeping an eye out for Paul as she enjoyed the things around her. Of course, everyone still kept watch on her to make sure she wouldn't slip up, but I think she was appreciative of that.
"How's life Letty?" I asked her as we ate.
"Great Bella. Its good to be back to my normal self."
"Good," I smiled with genuinity. I thought of her as my mom, as I did with Esme. Only this time, she was a mom figure to me in the werewolf world.
"How are you? How are things in the music business?" she asked kindly. My heart sank a bit but I quickly covered it up before I let the feelings seep into Sam. Covering myself up with a quick smile, I told her about everything- my meeting with Mandy Moore and how she wanted me at her recording studio. I added the small details of Embry helping me out on the song and everything in between. She seemed really happy for me. Everyone at the table was beyond excited to hear the great news and it made me feel a bit calmer. I left out the parts about the artist's advice to me; no one around here was going to want to know about that.
After the barbeque was over, I talked with Leah and Cole. Cole was her boyfriend. She didn't imprint on him, but they were casually dating. Leah claimed she didn't believe in the imprinting thing like everyone else. She thought that it was just a trick of the mind and even though she was happy for me, she wouldn't fall for that.
My girl's intuition knew that even though she claimed she didn't believe it, a part of her deep down inside wanted it to be real. Everyone wanted that fairytale ending- even the boys did. And from a girl's point of view, I think she was worried that it would never happen to her.
Anyways, Cole was a sweet guy. He treated Leah with a lot of respect and love. They seemed fit for each other, especially without an imprint.
"Isabelly!" Claire came running over to me with a smile.
"Hey girly," I laughed as I picked her running body up. She was the only one who could call me that. For some reason she really like my full name. She thought it was 'princess sounding'. So she made up her own little nickname for me, which I loved.
"Quil is trying to play tickle monster with me," she giggled. A grin spread across my face. She was too cute for words, and the way she looked up to Quil had my heart melt. He was really good with her.
"Oh no! Well we better run," I said sweetly. I jogged with her in my arms as Quil came chasing after us around the yard.
"Faster Isabelly! Hurry!" She squealed with happiness. I set her down, taking my hand in hers and we ran. She was fast for her little body. I actually had to jog a bit faster to keep up the speed she wanted. Eventually Quil caught her, picking her up in his arms and tossing her in the air. Her laughter seemed contagious as I smiled at the pair. Her curly sandy blond hair flowed through the air.
"How are you Bella?" A voice asked me, cutting my thoughts with a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see Sue looking at me sweetly.
"Hey Sue, im good. Really good. How about you?"
She smiled at me. "I'm okay. Taking it one day at a time. You're father has been a huge help."
I held back a grin. Of course Charlie has. He had been with her every step of the way-watching her grieve, comforting her, making her laugh. I was waiting for the day they would finally call themselves a couple.
"I'm glad. He seems to really like you."
Her blush was obvious. I kept my comments to myself as I brought up a bunch of random things. Sam joined us soon after that. He attacked me from behind letting out his laughter.
"Hey you," I smiled holding him in a backwards embrace.
He gave me a kiss before turning his attention to Sue. The three of us talked about the night. It turned out great. Even if the older men weren't here with us.
"Isabelly!" Claire shouted running to my legs. I let out an 'oomph' and bent down slightly.
"What are you doing Claire Bear?" I asked.
"Quil said I had to go home," she pouted. I let out a laugh, alongside Sue and Sam.
"He did, did he?" I asked. She nodded and wrapped her arms around my legs tighter. "I don't want to go. I'm not tired yet and if I go home I will have to go to bed."
"Well what if Quil tucks you in?" I bargained as Quil walked to us shaking his head. She lessened her death grip on me for a second before shaking her head and hugging me tight.
"No Quil! I don't want to go," Claire cried as he got near. Quil's face was full of anguish. He didn't like seeing her upset, especially since she was so young.
"Tell him Isabelly," she commanded looking up at me. I let out a laugh. She was character, this one.
"What time does she have to be home?" I asked Quil while rubbing Claire's back.
"About now," he said. "I'm already 5 minutes late. Her mom is sure to kill me."
I gave him a sympathetic look. Glancing at anyone else for help Sue gave me a lost look. She didn't have any clue what to do.
"Claire, how about you lessen the death grip just a bit?" I joked. She shook her little head and moved so she had one of Sam and my leg.
He let out a laugh and ruffled her hair.
"I'm not going Quily."
"But then you cant come back next time Claire," he said sadly. She frowned. Sam gave me a kiss on my temple as he stared at the cute little girl.
"Claire, you want to come back next time don't you?" Sue asked nicely.
"Yea," she whined.
"Then you got to go home. We will see you before you know it," Sue said nicely. Claire gave her a look and then shook her head. Quil went to go grab her again but she started crying. All of our hearts clenched a bit. Nobody liked to hear her cry, especially Quil.
"How about, you and me have a play date?" I said grabbing Claire from our legs. She looked up at me with wide eyes. "Now?" she asked with tears in her eyes.
I laughed and shook my head. "No, not now, but we can do it this weekend. We can spend all day together."
"But I want to have a date now," she whined.
"Well you have to get some sleep," I prodded. "If we are going to be hanging out with each other, I plan to wear you out," I said jokingly. She smiled a bit. "So you have to get lots of rest."
She looked down at me playing with my necklace I got from Renee a few years ago, and then glanced over at Quil.
"What about him?" she questioned turning back to me. I looked at Quil who just looked surprised I could calm her down. Usually when she cried, she went full blast on the water works.
"Hmm," I turned to look at Sue and Sam. Both of them had a look of adoration on their face. My stomach flip-flopped a bit. I hope Sam wasn't getting any ideas.
I leaned forward to whisper a secret in her ear. "We can have the guys cook for us."
She looked at me wide eyed. Usually it was the women who cooked. Even though Sam knew how and was pretty good at it, he usually left it to me, which I didn't mind.
I gave her a nod at the look of disbelief on her face.
"I don't know if he can cook Isabelly," Claire said to me as she stuck her thumb out over to Quil. I let out a laugh. "Well then, we may have to supervise."
She nodded and played with my necklace again.
"We have a deal?" I asked.
Her face scrunched but nodded nonetheless. Letting her down she gave me one last hug to my legs, kissed Sue and Sam on the cheek, and then had Quil pick her up and take her home.
"Well done Bella," Sue complimented. I laughed and blushed all together.
"Thanks," I huffed out as Sam held me tighter against him. "I just dread the day I have to make my part of the deal come true."
We all laughed together knowing it was going to be a very long day when the time came to have my play date with Claire Bear.
