Disclaimer- I own nothing! I'm just playing dollhouse.

AN-

To all those people who have Favourite and Followed, THANKYOU!

To all those people who reviewed, you are the best kind of readers a writer can ask for, the response to this has been outside of my wildest hoped. You guys are literally the best.

I know I haven't updated in a VERY long time but life happens. I will try to make sure it doesn't happen again. Just know I wont abandon this fic.

I have not trashed Renee's character for no reason. There is a purpose! All I can say is Renees past has a heavy hand in Gemmas rape and Bellas role in the whole thing.

Do not worry. Bella will not be helping the boys at every turn. She still isn't 100% sure on what these guys are capable of. At the same time however she will help them out in certian cases. My Bella isn't a person who does things by the books all the time.

To all those new readers, I hope you enjoy! please review. It helps get my juices flowing.

I do NOT have a Beta, all mistakes are mine, but please be gentle, I do check my work through but sometimes they slip by me. Just keep that in mind.

~Sparks94

The last few weeks had been hectic for Bella. She felt like she hadn't stayed still for longer than a few seconds.

Renee was still in her coma. Apparently the drug she had taken and overdosed on had caused significant neurological damage. Meaning IF she ever woke up, they didn't know what state she would be in. The doctors were still running tests to see if they could determine the drug, but they kept telling her it was like nothing they had ever come across before.

On top of that Renees health insurance was running down, and with no idea of when she was waking up, Bella needed to get a job to pay for it. After weeks of searching, a ray of luck shone down upon her.

The local police department was running down on men and resources. Making them desperate. Desperate enough to offer Bella a sort of internship into the police field. Bella was sure that Charlie being the chief of police of his own little town had helped sweeten the pot.

So Bella found herself shadowing Unser or David most of her time, while they taught her the ropes. She held no real power yet, but with a year or two she would be an officer and then she could climb her way up the career ladder. Maybe even be sheriff one day. She could picture Charlies proud smile. It gave her something to focus on. Something good to work towards. Especially seen as right now all she did was stand back and watch, do some training with guns, Tasers, hand to hand combat with hale and do what felt like all the paper work.

Hale was a good guy but he was very much by the books. Sometimes it rubbed Bella the wrong way. He also worked her until her toenails and eyelashes were sore in their training sessions. However, she soon forgot that every morning when he brought her a large cup of black coffee.

The pay was good. It was enough to let her pay for the mortgage, Renees hospital care, groceries and gas. It even left her a little bit every month for a tiny bit of self indulgence.

When she wasn't at the office she was at the garage, helping Gemma behind the bar and office. When she wasn't there she was standing vigil over her prone mother. Only after all that did she sleep. It was a tough lot, but Bella waded her way through it. She was used to looking after herself, she was in her element.

However, she didn't have much time for Tigs or any of the guys from the garage. She didn't mean to seem allusive, but her schedule was tighter locked than a nuns knees.

Bella jumped out of the shower and towel dried off. Her hair was still slightly damp but Bella ignored it. Putting on some ripped jeans and a white tank top, Bella unlocked the door and slipped down the stairs of the club house. She had the morning off but had to be at the police department by one, after lunch break.

No matter how many times she had tried to tell Gemma she had a job now, could pay the bills and buy food, the woman would hear none of it. Saying there was no way that she was letting Bella stay in an empty house all by herself. As bossy as the demand was, it was equally heart warming. No one really cared about her that way before. It was...Nice.

Slipping and sliding slightly on the kitchen floor, Bella stumbled to the coffee maker, filling up a large mug. The pot must of just been made as the heat of the drink scorched her tongue a little, but Bella gulped it all the same. God forbid if there was any sort of Coffee shortage. She would be done for.

Relaxing now that she had her coffee, Bella turned around and lent on the counter, cup firmly clasped in front of her. Gemma was in the exact same pose in front of her and Bella smiled. Maybe they were spending to much time with each other.

"Alright sweetheart?"

Bella sipped at her drink and nodded.

"Yeah I'm good. What are you lot up too today?"

Gemma took a last sip of her drink before dropping the mug off into the sink.

"WE are going to the fair today. Yes, I mean you as well Bella. You've been all over the place lately and it wont hurt you to unwind and let your hair down for a little bit. What with looking after your mother and that mystery job of yours. We can head to the hospital afterwards if you want. You can check up on your mom and I can have a visit with Abel."

Bella jolted slightly as she remembered that she had never told them that she was a trainee police officer. She could of sworn she had said something, but Gemma was right. She had been all over the place lately. Bella opened her mouth to tell her when something bumped into her side and nearly sent her coffee flying.

"I am so sorry! Hey, I've seen you around before. I'm half sack... well that's my nickname because I got one of my nuts blown off in Iraq. Here, I can go get you another coffee if you want?"

Bella looked up and spotted the guy she had seen awhile ago. The one carrying the boxes. He had that puppy aura around him that just made you want to adopt him or squeeze his cheeks like a grandmother would do. Bella wiped away the few drops of coffee that had fallen onto her hand, opening her mouth to answer only to once again be cut off. It was getting highly annoying.

"Back off Prospect."

Glancing behind her, towards the kitchen door, she clocked Jax's massive stature. Half sack nodded before he scuttled out of the kitchen and back into the bar, muttering a 'yeah, of course'.

"That was rude."

Jax shrugged his shoulders as he walking towards the coffee maker. Pouring himself a cup and handing the pot back to Bella so she could re-fill hers. Bella wondered how he knew she needed at least two cups before she was anywhere near functional. She brushed the thought away and turned back to Gemma, who was watching the exchange too closely for comfort. The last thing Bella needed was Gemma to realise she had the hots for her married son. Yeah, that was one way to fuck up their budding friendship alright.

"Doesn't some one need to man the bar? I mean, come on Gemma, a carnie? I hate clowns."

The brunette smiled sweetly at her before leaving the kitchen, pausing at the door way.

"Nope, there's no way out of it. Hurry up though, we leave in ten. I'll meet you two in the car park."

Then Gemma was gone. Leaving no room for arguments. Well, if anyone had the balls to argue with Gemma. Bella huffed and chugged down the last of her coffee. Heading towards the sink, she took Jax's empty cup and proceeded to wash up. Instead of leaving like she thought he would, he lent back on the kitchen counter, folding his arms over his chest.

"Clowns, really Bella?"

Bella chuckled lightly as she wiped her hands off on the dish towel. She shot Jax with a look of 'are you serius'

"It wasn't me who was adamant that you help get a teeny tiny spider out of my room last week was it?"

Bella walked out into the bar as Jax followed, smiling.

"Spiders are poisonous Bella. They're a totally different league to clowns."

The two walked out into the sun and Bella squinted a little at the brightness of it. It was typical Charming weather. She loved it. Luckily her pupils soon adapted. Bella spotted Gemma waiting for her by the car.

"You hitching a ride with Gemma or you gonna ride with me?"

Bella smiled at the offer, but she would have to reluctantly decline. The poor guys wife was trying to kick an addiction and his new-born son was in intensive care. The last thing he needed was her hanging around like some kind of leach. The less time she spent with Jax, the better for both involved.

"Nah, I'm gonna go with Gemma. I'll see you there."

Jax nodded and bounded off to his motorcycle. Making it to the car Bella slipped in and buckled up.

"Why didn't you get a ride with Jax?"

Bella glanced to Gemma and fiddled with the bottom of her shirt. Gemma started the car and they pulled out of the car park, the guys zooming past them on their bikes.

"Jax doesn't need me hanging around like a parasite when his son and wife are in hospital. Plus i don't think Wendy would appreciate it."

Bella said as she rolled down the window. Letting the wind blow dry her hair for her. A booming laugh made her jump slightly.

"Wendy has no say. Her and Jax have been divorced for over a year and not been together for at least eight months. The last thing you could be is a parasite Bella."

Bella sat on a stool at the bar. Gemma sat opposite her as the two made idle chit chat. They had left the front door open to hopefully bring in some cool breeze. Tigs had joined them halfway through, reaching over the bar and steeling a beer.

The Carnie had been fun. More fun than what Bella had had in a while. She had met some more members. One monstrously huge guy called Opie and one that seemed like he was on permanent speed called juice. The one she had gotten on most with was a guy called Chibs. An Irish man with dirty humour? No one could not love the guy.

The sound of a raised voice made Bella lean back and look out the door. A man with a Mercedes was frantically talking to Clayton. Even looking haggard, he looked like he didn't belong here. Bella leant forward and turned towards Tigs.

"What's going on?"

Tigs finished off his gulp of beer before answering.

"thirteen year old got raped at the carnie last night. My bet is Oswald isn't happy with the way the police are handling it and is counting on help from Samcro."

Bella furrowed her brows. She had kind of clocked on to the 'club' not just being a simple motorcycle enthusiast gathering. But vigilante justice? is that what Tigs was leading to? Bella shook the thought away. This Oswald guy was most likely trying to get people to look for the guy. Citizen arrest and all that. The more people who looked for him, the more likely he would be to get caught.

"What will Samcro do once they get a hold of this guy? If they can get him before the Police?"

Tigs seemed to edge away from her question. Thankfully Gemma was there. You could always count on that woman telling you how it was, even if the facts hurt.

"They're gonna do what should be done Bella. Think of how many rapist and paedophiles slip through the cracks in the law? Oswald may have money but even he knows that isn't gonna help lock this guy up, what with his daughter refusing to speak. Even if the police did grab this guy, what will he get? three years max? that aint right."

A loud cough brought Gemma and Bellas attention to Tigs. He gave Gemma a look that Bella couldn't quite decipher. Gemma scoffed at him before carrying on.

"The girls got Balls Tigs. She isn't going to run for the hills. Bottom line Bella, is their going to rough him up a little before citizen arrest. That's all. Their big guys, they aint going to be hurt and locals are more likely to talk to them then the cops."

Bella tapped her fingers on the bar as she thought. Gemma was right. She had seen how upset and... detached Charlie would get when a case that he knew was soundproof got thrown out in court. However, what she was thinking of doing, if ever traced back to her, would cost her job and she would be the one in court with jail time hanging over head.

Bella scoffed at herself. That meant nothing to the little girl in the hospital. This would be with her for the rest of her life. She didn't have a choice, but Bella did. She made up her mind. If worse came to worse, she could tell Hale she was gathering information for him.

"Let me borrow your phone Gemma? I left mine upstairs."

The brunette lady quizzically handed over her phone, swopping confused glances with Tigs. Bella typed in the number for the police department. After a few buzz's Jerry picked up.

"Hey, its Swan... That carnie last night, check the permit to see what city they last set up in, and patch me through to that police office?...Yeah...Cheers Jerry... yeah, see you when I come in later."

Tigs and Gemma looked even more befuddled at what she was doing, before it clicked that she still hadn't told them what her job was. Bella held her hand up to signal just a sec. She would explain once she got what she wanted. After what felt like eternity the other end of the phone finally picked up.

"Hello... Yes this is trainee officer Swan... The permit for the vehicles at the carnie has some issues with it... Yeah, you know how the god damned DMV is like, pain in the ass...hahaa, look there's been some conduct issues with the carnie people... nah nothing big, petty stuff really but they cant validate the permit until the background checks have been cleared... No, no need to go to the Sheriff, if you just fax me down the documents to my office I can do the grunt work... Really, its fine, they should of been faxed down before but they must have gotten lost... You will?... Thanks you're a star... Remember to my office... The numbers ***********... Thanks again, bye!"

Bella let out a shaky huff. The guy on the other side was going to get his Sheriff involved. Luckily, Bella talked him out of it. How was she going to explain about made up petty crimes and a fake permit for the grounds they staying on. It was a close cut but the guy didn't seem all too bright.

Bella handed back Gemmas phone, straightened up and stood from her stool.

"I can get you the criminal records for the Carnies. The records only state about the last four cities they were in, but its something to get you guys started. This guy has obviously pulled something like this before. Best you clear the Carnies before going after people in town. Its the best I can do."

All Bella was met with was blank stares. Gemma was the first to recover.

"How did you manage to even get that? That's the cops area of things."

Bella let out a laugh.

"My job. I'm a Trainee police officer. Well, I'll be an Officer in about a years time. I could have sworn I told you guys, haven't you seen me leave this place in my police uniform?"

Bella realised too late that they most probably hadn't have seen her in her uniform. Normally she was running late, ending up changing and showering in the department itself. Well, now they knew at least.

The beer Tigs was drinking went spraying all over the place as he choked. Gemma wacked him on the back to help him breathe. Laughter bubbled up his throat and his eyes crinkled in amusement.

"Gemma, my daughters a fucking police officer! The irony! Haa, that's hilarious. The littlest ranger!"

Bella scowled at the laughing two. Honestly, how was it even funny. Snatching the beer from Tigs hand, she downed the last of it before chucking it in the bin. She needed a drink to handle these guys.

"Can I borrow you're car Gemma? I'll be twenty mins max. Just need to pop over and grab the files before some one else does."

Gemma nodded and fished into her front pocket for her keys, chucking them at her. Bella caught them and headed out the door.

Bella couldn't help but smile as Gemma and Tigs kept laughing behind her.

Not many people were milling around the PD when she arrived. Glancing upwards she sent a quick thanks to the heavens. The faster she got in and out with those files the better. walking as fast as she could to her small office, without looking suspicious, she nearly made it. Turning the door handle, she jumped when a hand clamped down on her shoulder.

whirling around she nervously chuckled at Hales smiling face.

"you're not due in today, or for the rest of the week. Everything alright?"

Straightening out she brushed on her most innocent look, while hopefully not putting it on to thick.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just making sure those Jefferson case files are finished. You know how pedantic Judge McCoy gets over the paperwork. Look, I don't mean to be rude, but I'm needed back at home and well, this is my free time so I'll speak to you later."

David gave her a smile and a nod, turning around and heading back from where he came from. Breathing out a sigh of relief, she went to go into her office only to be stopped yet again by David.

"Look I was thinking, if you feel like it, if you want to head out and get a cup of coffee and dinner one of these nights after work? As colleagues. Or even friends. You know as a date? Not that I am asking you on a date. I mean, it could be if you want it to be-..."

Bella cut him off before he could keep rambling on. She was running late and right now she would agree to give him the moon if it shortened the time she was here, and the likely hood of Unser catching her. She didn't think he would believe the whole Jefferson lie.

"Yeah, sure. Sounds great. Look I really have to hurry up. I'll catch up with you next week."

Bella had to smile back at the blinding smile David sent her. He was a good guy and a better friend.

Now that she was alone, she slipped into her office and scurried to the fax machine. Collecting the papers, she hurried over to her desk, skimming through the files that lay neatly on top. Smith, Scott, Fulmer, Comptons... Jefferson, bingo! Snatching the case file from its resting place, she opened up the desks draw and emptied the papers inside before putting the Carnie records in the folder.

She couldn't play this too carefully. If she ran into David again and he saw her without the Jefferson case he would question her. It couldn't come to that. Physically shaking herself and fiddling with her tank top, she put the file under her arm and left her office.

She smiled at a few of the other officers as she left. Even talking to George for a few minutes before making a dash for the exit and the imaginary safety of Gemmas car.

When she finally slid into the driving seat, she let out a puff of air as she flopped back onto the seat. Acting has never been her strong suit. Shaking off the adrenalin, she turned the ignition key, pulled out of the car park and set off down the road.

Clayton, Bobbie, Piney, Tigs and Gemma were all surrounding the bar when she had arrived. Walking over she chucked Gemma her keys back and slapped the file down in front of Clayton. He in turn picked it up and flicked through the papers. Confusion clearly written on his features.

"What the hell is this?"

Tigs moved over to give her a seat and Bella plonked herself down. Smiling her thanks to him. Now that she had gotten the files and handed them over, she felt like she was in deeper than what she signed up for. Like there was more to this than giving a helping hand to the people she had grown to care about in a short amount of time. She quickly pushed it away. This...Paedophile deserved a good beating and prison time. If this was how it had to go, than Bella was willing to get her hands dirty.

"Its the Carnies criminal records. You should start searching for that rapist with them. There hasn't been a single reported rape in Charming for six years. I know because I checked. These guys show up and a thirteen year old ends up in the hospital? That isn't a coincidence. The way this was carried out, I put my money on this guy doing it before. Maybe not rape but assault? sure."

Clayton closed the file and handed it to Bobbie, who sat on his left. He downed the murky amber liquid in his glasses and turned to face her. Up close he was even bigger built than she had gave him credit for. If he wasn't smiling at her she might have pissed herself.

"How did teeny tiny Bella get a hold of this?"

The mental dialogue of his height disappeared and Bella puffed her chest out at the height reference. She wanted to reach over and smack him upside the head. She swore to herself she could look just as badass if she had a bike and a cigar the size of her wrist propped in her mouth.

She was busted out of her little indignant anger by Tigs wrapping an arm around her shoulder and playfully jostling her.

"Haven't you heard? My Bella is a police officer. Well she will be in a years time."

A hearty laugh burst out of Clayton. As well as a raspy , what Bella has dubbed as Claytons catchphrase, 'I'll be damned'

Bobbie was the first to recover from the shock.

"Are you sure she's your daughter Tigs?"

Bella didn't miss a beat. And neither did Tigs, as they spoke the same words at exactly the same time.

"Shut the fuck up Bobbie."

Bobbie chuckled as he raised his hands in surrender. One hand still wrapped around his beer bottle and the other holding his cigarette.

"I take it back. You could pass for twins."

Bella joined in with the groups laughter. This is why she loved this place. Even around the Cullens she had never felt more at home. More relaxed and... centred within herself.

A loud ringing disrupted the playful atmosphere and Gemma reached under the bar, Pulling out her phone and Answering. After a few seconds she spoke.

"Yeah she's here. Bella its the hospital, apparently they couldn't reach your phone."

Gingerly taking the phone, She listened intently to what they had to say before hanging up. Jumping up from her seat, she handed back Gemmas phone.

"I have to shoot. My moms woke up and she's been asking for me."

She made for the door but was stopped by Gemma calling her name.

"I'll come with you. You need a ride anyway."

Gemma shuffled into her Jacket as she walked around the bar. Bella was already by the entrance door. Jittery as hell. She couldn't fix herself onto one emotion. Bouncing from anger, to happy, to scared and back all over again. Tigs stopped Gemma Before she made it to Bella.

"You look after her alright. I know how Renee can get."

Bella was confused. Renee was at the hospital. She had the best people looking after her. What could Gemma or Herself do?

"Bella will be fine. I'll make sure of it."

Oh. That was new. Someone cared about how she was handling something. It was like it didn't compute in her mind. If she wasn't as frazzled as she was right now, she would give the big guy a hug. Or something equally as sappy and Disney movie worthy.

Gemma made it to Bella and the two walked out the door. Bella still couldn't settle on one emotion. This wasn't going to be a great visit with her mother. She could tell.

Bella was paused outside her mothers hospital room. Slowly she edged the door open and stepped into the white room. The smell of bleach stung her nose. She zeroed in on Renee straight away. She was sat up in bed. Fresh faced and broad smile firmly in place. Finally, Bella locked onto one emotion. Pure unadulterated rage. It sang through her and made her see red. Here she sat, bright eyed and bushy tailed, acting like she had just come back from a holiday. Renee would most probably act that way too. Brushing everything under the rug like always. Not this time. Bella wouldn't let her.

"Bella, I'm so happy to see you. They say I can leave in a few days. Three max. Isn't that fantastic. I was thinking we could move to Texas, or somewhere sunny. You know I don't suit pale... What is she doing here? Get out."

Bella glanced behind her and spotted Gemma. Queen Bee mask perfectly in place. Bella knew better. Gemma felt more than most people, but she hid it well. Pretended nothing affected her or nothing could get past her armour. Bella saw through it. Gemma was just as pissed as she was. She could see Gemmas anger dancing in her eyes.

"She's here with me and she's staying with me. End of. Really mom? that's what you have to say. We're moving?"

Renee scoffed at her and Bellas ire grew tenfold. Her clenched fists were shaking and she had the urge to punch something repeatedly.

"Don't be so dramatic Isabella. I had a bad moment of judgement. Its done with now. I don't know why you're angry. I can hardly see a scratch on you're head so you mustn't have hit it hard. And Yes, of course we're moving. I'm not happy here. Stop thinking about yourself for once. I didn't teach you to be selfish."

Everything went numb for a second. Then fire blazed to life in her. Scorching everything in its path. Storming up to the bed, she grabbed the bottom of the metallic bed frame. Bracing herself against it in hopes of grounding herself. Knuckles white to stop herself from doing something drastic.

"Bad judgement? Don't know why I'm angry? Moving? Me being selfish?"

Renee snorted and pulled herself up the bed so she was sitting more upright.

"Bella-"

Bella cut her off my punching the Bed frame. The shock on Renees face made her cheeks flame red. Bella had never been so angry before.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP! I AM NOT FINISHED! bullshit. Everything out your mouth is complete bullshit. I'm a trainee cop now. It means I have access to certain records. Bad judgement my ass. You have a record a mile long in Charming for drug abuse and distribution. God dammit, you've been in jail for racism and propaganda! You've even been linked to Neo Nazi gangs!"

Bella took a deep breath but it just made the rage burn hotter. Renee was just blinking at her. As if she had spoken Mexican or in tongues.

"I'm pissed because yet again I'm the one picking up the pieces. Your failed marriage to Charlie, failed relationship to Phil, hell your failed relationships to every other poor fucker you've had in your claws. You're not even sorry. Oh no, its the world that should be sorry to you isn't it. Poor Renee, always the victim. Well guess what. Charlie, Phil, those other guys? they were lucky. They got to do what I never could. Walk away from the mess that is you."

Bella pushed off from the bed. Trying to reign in the million and one words she wanted to shout at her mother. pinching the bridge of her nose, she shook her head before squarely looking Renee in the eye.

"I'm not moving. For once I feel like I'm home. You are not taking that away from me. You took everything else. A chance to know my real father, a stable place to grow up in, MY CHILDHOOD. As for me being selfish?"

Bella let out a loud humourless laugh. She felt like she was a ball that had been pushed down a hill. No stopping until everything she had ever locked up deep inside her was out for the world to see. Baring insecurities and old wounds she never wanted to see the light of day.

"I was the one who cooked, did the laundry and housework since I can remember. I was the one who ran five paper rounds and worked at the local shop, so I could barely buy us enough food, because you were too unique and spiritual to get a proper job. I WAS EIGHT AND I WAS PULLING MY OWN AND YOUR WEIGHT. I was paying for mine and your car by sixteen. Do I need to carry on?"

Renee had gotten over her shock and decided to poke Bella some more.

"I AM YOUR MOTHER. YOU ARE MENT TO HELP OUT. WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!"

Bella froze. For the first time, she could see Renee clearly.

"My mother? Do you even know what that means? How many Christmas's have you spent with me? How many birthdays or holidays? When was the last time you gave me a hug or said I love you? You want to know? you've been there three times. One Christmas. Two birthdays. The last time you said I love you was when I was seven. Late september, Just before you left with that guy. You walked out the door and shouted it over you shoulder while giggling. You were gone a month that time. I thought you had died. I was scared and alone in a state we had only just moved in and you abandoned me for a cheap hook-up with some man you can't even remember the name of. That wasn't the only time. You kept doing it. Until it was odd when you were around."

Bella edged forward until she was right by Renee. Staring down at her.

"You're not my mother. You never have been. I never had one. You're dead to me. I paid off the mortgage that you hadn't even started on. I changed it to my name. So when you do get out, because I wont be here, Go to MY house and get your things. I'll leave them outside in bin bags. I don't give a shit where or what you do. Leave if you want. Or stay. Just keep the fuck out of my way."

Bella turned around but stopped. Reaching into her back pocket she plucked out a spare twenty. She dropped the crumpled note onto Renees lap.

"Oh, and the next time you want to get fucking high, its on me. Good luck"

Bella whirled back around and stormed out of the room. Ignoring Renees cries of 'I'm sorry' and moments later 'You can't do this'.

Once she heard the door shut, she broke. Crying like she had never cried before. Sobbing out everything she had said, everything from the past, everything that could have been. Sobbing because she meant every single word and she had never realised how alone she had always felt.

She jumped slightly as she felt arms encase her. She didn't have to look up to know it was Gemma. The older woman rubbed soothing circles on her back. Bella furiously swiped at the tears. Feeling angry at her own weakness.

"Oh, sweetheart. You don't need her. She isn't worth anything, let alone your tears. I knew she was trouble since I first saw her. Come on, I got something that will get you smiling again."

Gemma opened the door and let Bella through. The room was small and dimly lit. In the middle of the room stood a see-through box. Housing something entirely too precious. Jax stood over the box but glanced up when he heard the door open.

"Sorry, Your mom sort of dragged me here, I can leave you two to it."

Jax smiled at her and waved her over towards him.

"Don't be stupid. Get over here and say hello."

Bella walked over slowly. A foot away she was stopped by Jax's hands on her shoulder.

"Have you been crying?"

Bella fought down the urge to scrub at her eyes and chuckled at him. Hoping to play the whole thing off. Now and here was not a time to bring up her shattered family.

"Now it's your turn not to be stupid. Its the bleach, makes my eyes sting."

Walking the least few steps she cautiously placed her hand on the box and peered down inside.

Abel was a small little thing and it made her heart squeeze painfully for a second. He was also the most adorable thing she had ever seen.

"Look how cute he is! He's going to be fighting the ladies of with a baseball bat. Aren't you little guy?"

Jax chuckled at her statement. Stepping close to her and Abel. Arms brushing together.

"Of course he is. He's a Teller."

Jax wrapped an arm around her, lazily drawing it up and down repeatedly as Bella spoke gibberish and cooed at the infant. A bright Flash made them both snap up to find Gemma, standing there with her phone in front of her face, taking a photo. She pulled the phone down and gave them a smile.

"What? It was a nice photo! It will go well in my scrapbooks."

A man appeared at the front window to the room. Peering through the glass and into the room. It Oswald. Jax pulled away from Abel and Bella slightly, nodding at the man.

"Keep an eye on little man, will you Bella?"

Bella nodded at Jax. He smiled down at Abel one last time, kissed Bellas forehead, Gemmas cheek and left the room, Pulling Oswald with him. Bella glanced around the room and found a chair, walking over she dragged it towards Abels incubator and settled in.

"Can you pass me one of those books Gemma? I think the little guy wants a story."

Gemma grinned, reached behind her for a book and handed it over. Gemma then settled in her very own chair. Bella cleared her throat as she flicked open the book.

"Once upon a time..."

Bella sat at the bar, late that night. Everyone had gone of to their homes, or were upstairs doing their own thing. Bella had tried to go to sleep but it would not come to her no matter how much she begged. Today had been a tough day and she really just wanted it to be over already.

Dropping her glass of water, she tiredly rubbed at her eyes. A noise beside her made her jump a good foot in the air, before laughing and swotting at a smiling Jax.

"Do you get off on scaring people?"

Jax's grin grew even more, making his dimples more pronounced.

"Only you. What are you still doing up anyway?"

Bella huffed slightly, picking her glass back up and swirling the water around.

"Can't sleep."

Jax went to reach for her glass, before cringing slightly when he flexed his knuckles. Dropping her water back down once more, Bella reached for his hand and brought it closer. His knuckles were scraped and bloody. The types of wounds someone would get from a good fight. She could see little smears of dirt across the cuts. Placing his hand on the bar, she hopped up and made her way across the counter. Bending down to pick up the first aid kit Gemma kept there. Making her way back she plopped back into her seat and cracked the box, Pulling out alcohol wipes and bandages. She set to work on his knuckles.

"I hope the guy looks ten times worse."

Bella smiled as she joked. Jax hissed slightly when she swiped a rather nasty graze with the wipe before he to smiled. Finishing wrapping one hand, she held out her hand for the other. Jax gave it to her, idly rubbing his thumb back and forth over her wrists pulse point. It was highly distracting. In no time Bella was able to finish up with the other hand and put a stop to the nerve tingling rubbing. Packing the equipment away back into the box she was stopped by Jax pushing a strand of loose hair behind her ear. It sent little sparks through her cheek.

"Come on princess insomnia, we're going to watch a film."

He gave her no time to argue or agree as he bent down so his shoulder was level with her stomach. Wrapping a large arm around her waist, he heaved up and lifted her onto his shoulder. Bella laughed as she smacked him on the back.

"Put me down you caveman. I was going to come. Jax, put me down!"

Jax laughed loudly as he made his way up the stairs and down the corridor. Halfway down the hallway he swotted her on the butt to get her to stop wiggling. It only made her try and break free even more. Wiggling down his back, she leant down and bit him on his jean clad ass.

One of his legs gave slightly and his laughter grew in volume.

"Shit Bella, don't do that! I nearly dropped you."

Bella laughed as they came to her room.

"That was the point Jax. I told you to put me down."

Entering her room, he dropped her onto the bed, making her bounce slightly. Jax helped himself as he wondered around her room and flicked on her T.V and DVD. Bella settled into bed, making sure to leave a pillow and enough room for Jax.

Jax turned around and held up two DVDs.

"Aliens or Predator?"

Curling up under the covers, she rose an eyebrow at him.

"Aliens of course. A woman who straps a flamethrower to a rifle trumps anything and everything."

Jax nodded as he slipped the DVD in. He then crawled into bed and scouted Bella closer. Arm wrapped around her waist. The two snuggled deeper under the blankets and lost themselves in a few hours of bloody violence.