Corruption of Destruction

Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. The Twilight Saga and all characters involved are the property of Stephenie Meyer. If you want a larger disclaimer, refer back to the first chapter.

A/N: Beta'd by LucyLu74, pre-reader duskri123.

This is where I take over the reins folks, it's just me VSPS as far as writing. Keep in mind I'm not as eloquent as Kriss, our styles may be a lot different, but it'll get the message across. Enjoy.

Chapter Four

Dejando el nido

Leaving the nest

Bella POV

After the graduation ceremonies Charlie, Billy and Jake took me to a small party that had been put together on the reservation. It was a very nice, simple affair. They had put up a tent on the beach with bonfires set up along the coast. There were piles of gifts on the table. I was truly humbled in their presence. They welcomed me with open arms when the Cullens left. They had their own secrets, but the information I held about the Cullens was insider information they could not gather on their own. I truly had a perspective that most humans could not have, unless they were dead. The reservation was abuzz when the news made it to them that the Cullens were leaving town. They celebrated their departure and would have thrown them a parade on their way out if it had hastened their exit.

Charlie approached me cautiously as I stood near a bonfire looking out into the ocean.

"Hey there, it's a nice party, huh Bells?"

I turned to look at him fully and gave him a big hug. "Yes it is dad. Thank you for everything."

Charlie looked down, embarrassed by the direct approach. "I just wanted to give you something that I thought you could use while you're away at college." He reached into his pocket and handed me an envelope. I started to open it and cut my finger just enough to cause a droplet of blood to form on my finger. As I stood and stared at the blood, thoughts of the Cullens and their leaving ran quickly through my mind.

They will not break me.

I put the finger in my mouth to remove the blood and then finished opening the envelope. As I pulled out the picture of a small red convertible car, Charlie explained. "Well it's not the truck. But since you'll be down there where there is lots of sun, I figured you could use some kind of fun mode of transportation. I've been told that it runs solid, a little on the aged side, but it's reliable and I paid for parking for a year. It should only be about a block away from your dorm."

I could feel the tears welling in my eyes. "Thank you Charlie. I love it."

"They said they would store it until you get there. I'm so proud of you kiddo. I love you."

As the emotions got the better of each of us, I could see a tear slide down Charlie's cheek as mine poured down. We didn't need to acknowledge that this was going to hurt when I left. We knew that our relationship was going to change, we only had a few months where I was still the kiddo and he was the daddy.

"It's been a long day dad, can we go home?" Too choked up for words he nodded his head in confirmation and turned to get the car.

We loaded up my gifts, said our goodbyes and thank you's and headed back home. I awoke to Charlie helping me out of his cruiser and him directing me to get into bed as I stumbled up the stairs.

xxxXXXxxx

I awoke in the early hours of the morning. The beginnings of daylight seeping in through my window and bringing a new start to the day.

Graduate. I am a high school graduate. I am a college freshman. My life starts now.

I quickly went through my morning ritual of getting myself ready. Jumping into the shower, I started humming a tune that gave me the happy vibes that filled my heart with joy. I couldn't help but smile as I thought of all the things I was ready to start in Texas. After finishing my morning ritual I went down stairs to start breakfast. I started the coffee and pulled out the ingredients for both Charlie and I. As I scrambled eggs and fried bacon I looked over to the kitchen table where Charlie had stacked my gifts from the party. There were several boxes that were all marked from Jake with smiley faces on them. I walked over to them and inspected them while breakfast was cooking.

Charlie came down the stairs and poured himself a large cup of coffee and looked at the gifts, "We're all going to miss you."

"Aw dad, let's not start out this new day sad. It's a good day."

"Ok ok," he smiled. "Whatcha got cooking over there?"

I laid out our breakfast and we both ate quickly, my happiness for the day seemingly rubbing off on Charlie as well.

He helped me open my gifts and record all the items so that I could send out my thank you cards later. Jake had inventively wrapped nine different boxes from him and Billy separately for items like, new accessories for my computer and pictures of the beach, along with a bikini, which I will probably never wear. It had happy faces all over it.

I felt so grateful for the wonderful people in my life that had come to my party to celebrate with me and for the gifts.

I stood up and cleared the dishes from breakfast and Charlie went into the living room and came back with two manila envelopes.

"These came for you yesterday." And he handed them to me.

The first envelope had a return address from Renee. She had fallen a few weeks before graduation and didn't want to try and fly with a broken leg. I opened it up to find a wallet full of gift cards. "Wow, there must be 10 gift cards for stores in here." I commented. Charlie looked over my shoulder to see the stack.

"Well it looks like you can get those new clothes you were wanting now." He sipped his coffee and smiled.

I set down the wallet and looked at the other envelope. It was smaller and well worn. The post mark came from Forks, odd. I opened it carefully to find a small black pouch. There was a small note on the back of a business card from an antique dealer from Seattle.

Live, love, drink and be happy.

Congratulations

I didn't recognize the beautiful handwriting. But I knew; only vampires had handwriting that perfect. One of the Cullens just had to send me something to remind me that they were still around.

Family. Leaving. Left behind. Whatever. Not going to break me.

As I opened the pouch a leather string with a silver charm slid out. The amulet was unusual. It had initials of D.G with the letter x below framed in a box. On the back there was an inscription "Sabine Pass, Sept 8th 1863" and then under it in very small letters was the word "Whitlock." I stared at the historical relic. I could feel the age in the amulet.

"Someone bought you an antique?" Charlie questioned.

"Evidently, it's an odd piece. I'll have to look it up later." I commented quickly. I knew it was from Jasper because of the name Whitlock, but I couldn't figure out why he would send me something so odd.

"The card wasn't signed?" Charlie asked.

"No and it was postmarked Forks. It must be from my history teacher. He knew how hard it was for me to get an A in his class." I quickly responded. Charlie seemed to buy it and dropped the subject.

I put the item back in the envelope to look at later.

xxxXXXxxx

As the summer continued on, I spent a lot of time with Ang. We tried to pack in as much fun as we could. This was likely our last summer together in Forks. I hoped that I could go see her in California or she would come to Texas next year. I'm not sure I want to come back to Forks. The farther away from Forks I can stay, the better.

My thoughts often returned to the Cullens, wondering how they were doing, but mostly wondering why Jasper would have sent me something so odd. Ang and I had planned a trip to Seattle in the next couple of weeks. I decided I would stop by the antique dealer and ask them about this item, as it had surely piqued my curiosity.

Tonight we were going to a party being held at the reservation. Jake had invited us out for their summer bonfire, the adults were out of town for a meeting and the reservation was going to be designated as party city for the night.

When we pulled up, there were several people who already gotten started. Paul and Embry ran up to meet us at the truck.

"Hey there hot stuff," Paul slurred, "the party is here!" He smiled big and then sat down on the ground looking happier than I can remember.

"He started a little early. Sorry ladies." Embry leaned down to help Paul up from where he sat. Pulling the bottle out of his hand he shoved it into mine. "Here take this. He needs to take a break before he passes out."

I looked down at the bottle. Jack Daniels: Old Time, Old No. 7 Brand, Quality Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey… Whiskey. I opened up the bottle and took a sniff and couldn't help the gag reflex that occurred when I choked on the smell. My eyes watered and I looked up at Embry and Paul who were laughing at me.

"That's a man's whiskey there little girl." Paul baited me. "Come sit with me, I'll show you how it's done."

I followed them down to the beach where Embry helped Paul over to a log where he waved me over to him.

"Give me that bottle, let's do a shot."

I just had to laugh, Paul was never the friendly sort and he was just one big happy drunk and I couldn't help but be drawn into his circle of joy. I handed him the bottle and he pulled a shot glass out of his pocket. I eyed it warily as he poured the amber liquid into the glass. He handed it to me and pulled another out of his pocket and poured himself one.

"To new beginnings and bright futures." He smiled.

"To leaving the past behind and starting over." I replied.

We clinked our glasses together and I watched as he threw the whiskey into the back of his throat and swallowed it down. Attempting to perform the same act, I poured the whiskey into the back of my throat and it immediately felt as if it was on fire. As I swallowed, it felt like it wanted to escape from my throat and as it hit my stomach my nose burned and my eyes watered. I coughed and hacked and kept myself from vomiting, but barely.

"What in the fuck did Jasper want me to have a shot of whiskey for? That tastes like shit!" I coughed and spat.

I rose to get something else to drink, anything to get that awful taste out of my mouth and Embry was there waiting with a cup of beer. "Here drink this." I drank it happily feeling the cool liquid that I could barely taste pour down my throat and soothe the assaulted skin of my esophagus.

"Who did you just say?"

"What?" I looked at him to find out exactly what he was asking.

"You just said a name, Jasper. Who is that?" He looked at me concerned.

"Um, uh, yeah. Jasper, he was one of the Cullens." I said on a whisper. All of the boys from the reservation looked over to me as serious as the day is long. I hunched my shoulders. "Sorry, it was just something he asked me to do for him when he said goodbye."

"What was that?" Paul spit out.

"That I have a shot of whiskey." I took another sip of my beer. "And I'm not really sure why, because that shit is nasty."

Paul smiled again and filled up the shot glass that I had deposited next to him after that sad display of gracelessness. "Try again," He said handing me the glass.

"Um no, that shit is nasty." I retorted.

"We need to talk, and you need more alcohol in your system. So drink." He raised his eyebrows. "It's better if you chase it." He shoved the shot glass in my hand and held up his own. "Down the hatch Swan, it's time we talked."

Paul and I eventually finished off the bottle. So half a bottle of Jack Daniels and six beers later we were sitting on the beach, staring out at the ocean, clinging onto each other.

"Rebecca left me." He said matter of factly.

"Ha! I not only ran off my boyfriend, but the whole Cullen family. Top that." I retorted.

"I didn't like them anyway." Paul snorted.

"Yeah, the whole wolf vampire mortal enemy thing, I get it." I said off handedly.

Paul jumped and looked at me with eyes wide. "You know about that?"

"Yes stupid. I've known about that for a long time."

"And yet you was still with him?" He asked me, while looking at me like I had lost my mind.

"I'm obviously stupid when I'm in love."

"So did you?" He wagged his eyebrows.

"Ugh, no! Not mister prim and proper."

"Why not?" He looked confused again.

Not good enough. Not pretty enough. Not perfect enough. They won't beat me.

"I guess I just wasn't what he wanted." I got a little choked up.

"Aw Swan, don't be like that. He was just stupid. Given the chance…" he looked up at me apprehensively "I would."

"Really?" I asked, now suddenly curious.

"Yes. Definitely!" He answered quickly.

I turned to look at him seriously. "You do know that I'm a virgin right?"

That caused him to choke on his beer. "No fucking way?" He was searching my face for something and then whispered. "Really?"

"Really." I sneaked a peek up to his face.

He reached out and ran his thumb across my bottom lip and I could see the hesitation in his eyes. I quickly darted my tongue out to touch his thumb. The beer was salty on his fingers. He leaned forward, close to me, looking down to my lips and then back to my eyes, as if asking for permission.

I leaned forward and kissed him, slow at first. Slow, sloppy kisses. His hands went to the back of my head and fisted into my hair as he deepened the kiss. His tongue fought mine as I reached up and fisted my hands in his hair, trying to pull him closer to me. We continued to kiss like that, growing in intensity as I slid over on his lap, straddling him and I could feel his arousal against me. His hands traveled lower to my breast, he went under my shirt and squeezed my nipple.

The sensation of feeling forbidden and slightly painful caused my nether region to become impossibly hotter and wet. I started to grind against him as we continued to kiss and nip. If I could have pushed on his erection harder I would have and it felt so good. He broke the kiss and continued to kiss and nip down my neck as he pulled me closer.

"Get a room!" Someone shouted from the other side of the beach.

We stopped for a minute, catching our breath. Looking at each other, I smiled and started to stand on shaky legs. Reaching out my hand I helped him up, as we started to walk up the beach to his house. I knew where he lived, but I had never been inside. He stopped walking and pulled on my hand effectively turning me around.

"Swan, are you sure about this?" He was looking at me sheepishly. Seeking permission.

"I'm sure Paul. Let's go"

Please don't reject me. Want me. If only for tonight.

I turned and he caught up to me, passing me, dragging me along the way. We ran up the steps to his house and straight down the hall to what I am assuming is his bedroom. He pulled the top cover back and then sat down on the bed, reaching forward, pulling me closer and putting his face in my chest.

"If at any time you want to stop, you need to tell me. I don't want to hurt you Bella, but I'm not sure if the first time is ever good for a girl."

I steeled my determination. "Try?" I said. "Please?"

"Yeah, I will."

He looked at me and his eyes grew dark. He was drunk as was I, but it didn't matter. We kissed and groped and trailed our tongues over each other's bodies. The heat in the room was enough to peel the paint off the wall and when he trailed his tongue to the apex of my thighs and dipped into me I almost came undone. His tongue parted my lips and delved into me, he growled and I could feel the sensations and tingling run into my veins. I fought it, trying to hold onto the sensations as he slid a finger into my pussy. My muscles tightened and I held on tighter. I could feel my mouth salivate as he started to move his fingers in me. He was licking and sucking on my clit and I could feel wave after wave of euphoric sensation hit me, and I held onto it like a tidal wave.

"Let go Bella, let it happen. Cum for me." Paul commanded from his position at my mound.

I leaned back and relaxed the muscles that were holding onto the sensations as my orgasm ripped through my stomach. I screamed out incoherent thoughts and nonsense until words could no longer be said. Paul pulled back and I could hear the condom wrapper open and I opened my eyes to see him rolling it on his cock.

He looked at me with a cocky grin and then became serious. "Are you sure?" he said as he hovered above me. I shook my head yes and he gently nudged into my opening, slick from my orgasm and his spit. He took a few short strokes until he reached my barrier. He leaned down and kissed me, I could taste myself on his tongue and as he moaned he thrust forward and tore through.

I yelped slightly and he stilled. "Keep going," I said breathlessly and he started to thrust. The pain that was associated with breaking my hymen had nothing on the glorious feeling of being filled and the friction that could be felt as his grunting became louder and faster.

I could feel my walls stretching and it wasn't a bad feeling and it didn't hurt, but the sensations that I felt earlier I could not reach. I moved with him, increasing his friction as he finally yelled out his release and collapsed on top of me.

He rolled off of me laying on his back, throwing his arm over his eyes. We both laid back like that, catching out breaths. An uncomfortable silence fell and reached down for his sheets. "Can I stay here until I'm not drunk anymore?" I asked softly.

"Yeah," He said softly. He rolled onto his side and looked down at me with a serious expression across his face. "No regrets, right?"

I couldn't help but laugh. "It's a little late for that now, isn't it?" He looked offended and I reached up and put my hand on his cheek. "No, no regrets. Still friends?"

I could see the relief spread across his face and a big smile. "Yes, friends. Friends with benefits."

We laid there with one another until we fell asleep. When I woke the next morning, he was still asleep, snoring loudly. I stood up feeling my head swim and my thighs ache along with other parts of my unmentionables that felt like they were on fire. Dressing quickly I hurried out to my truck and went home.

I sent him a quick text once I reached home.

Thanks for being such a great friend, ttys.

I had to smile in spite of myself.

xxxXXXxxx

Ang and I finally made that trip to Seattle. She had went to go look at a jewelry store and I stopped at the antique dealer. As I walked in, the dealer smiled as I showed him the card that was given to me. I pulled out the amulet and asked him of its origins.

"Yes," the man stuttered, "A gentleman came in here months ago asking for an appraisal of this very piece. He said he was going to give it as a gift." He nervously turned around and pulled out a folder in a cabinet below the display cases. "In here is everything I believe you will need concerning this piece." He handed me the folder and then turned away, looking back to me with a small shudder and walked down the aisle to the register.

I looked down to the folder and casually flipped through the contents, not really looking at it, just skimming through it. There were pages with Jasper's name on them and certificates of authenticity. I closed the folder to look at later.

I caught up with Ang who was walking with Ben, followed by Embry. "Look who I found?" She said happily. I knew they were trying to spend as much time as possible together this summer too.

We chatted and then Ang and Ben went on their way to lunch, leaving me and Embry. "Can we go somewhere to talk?" He asked pensively.

"Sure." I said with curiosity.

As we left the mall, I texted Ang to make sure she and Ben were riding home together and to let them know that Embry was with me. We started on the long ride home to Forks while Embry grilled me about vampires and wolves. Wanting to know exactly what I knew, but asking in his sweet boyish way. I gave him all the information that I could about the Cullens. Everything from the contents of their home, to the stories they told me about their hunting habits. How they moved from town to town keeping up pretenses and describing the vampires that were not like them. He told me about how he recently phased and how meeting a non-Cullen vampire was a disturbing experience.

"Yeah, he was a human drinker for sure. Bright red eyes, and he hissed at us like a cat. At that point our instincts just kicked in and we tore him to pieces. I'm glad now that I knew what the Cullens were when they were here. I think I would have been under the wrong kind of impression had I not met the crazy vampire we killed."

The conversation went back and forth, between vampires and wolves. And as uncomfortable as it made me to discuss the Cullens, Embry made me feel ok to be part of that world. Like I belonged and that I was worthy of the knowledge that we shared.

He had gladly skipped over the topic of Paul, as that was too personal, but making sure I knew that Rebecca was back in town. Keeping the conversation light, I dropped him off at his house and went home to get ready for my move.

I had downloaded one of those cheesy "Learn how to speak Spanish" programs from iTunes and had to laugh at some of the stupid phrases it continued to have me repeat.

I'm hungry – Tengo hambre

I'm thirsty – Tango sed

I want more – Quiero mas

I don't want it – No lo quiero

Please – Por favor

Thank you – Gracias

I'm feeling like a genius for taking the Spanish class that was offered in Phoenix. I took two years and even though this was really basic right now, I was remembering the basics quickly. I went out and found the next two levels knowing that if I wanted to shop any place, I needed to know enough Spanish to get around.

Listening to the program in the background, I surfed the internet about El Paso. It was right on the border of Texas and Mexico, literally a border town. The crime rate was pretty average and better on campus than in the town. It was my chance to go out on my own and be my own person, no way was I gonna show fear.

They will not beat me.

I picked up the last couple of items that I would be taking with me and stuffed them in my suitcase and checked the boxes I had taped for Charlie to ship to me later on this week. I wanted to have as much of Forks as I could with me, even if I wanted to run away and never come back; I still needed to take some with me.

Closing my eyes and taking a deep breath, I carried my suitcase downstairs and sat it by the front door. I checked the contents of the freezer to make sure I had left enough meals for Charlie to eat for close to a month before he would succumb to going to the diner endlessly. Everything screamed final and never coming back. This was what I wanted right? To get away from Forks, to get away from bad memories, to start anew and to figure out who I was going to be.

They will not beat me.

I could hear Charlie finishing getting ready upstairs so I stepped outside onto the deck and looked at the path that was in the back yard. I could hear a wolf howl in the background and knew it was one of the rez boys. I would miss them. I learned so much about myself from them. My talks with Embry to know my mind, to figure out what I really wanted. My time with Paul, learning my body and learning his. Even if we weren't in love, we had a fondness for each other and we had a lot of fun learning how to give each other pleasure. My time with Jake was a roller coaster of emotions. One day we would fight, the next day we would be best friends and then we would act like children on the last. We hadn't fought in the last two weeks and that was a good thing, it was a good day to leave Forks.

"Ready Bells?" I heard Charlie say from the door.

"Yep, it's time."