Here is the new chapter! Sorry it has taken so long. Really, I am (I have decided that for future stories, I will not post them until they are completely finished, as it is not fair to all you readers to have to wait for these scarce updates. I have begun writing a couple of Harry Potter stories, so if they interest you, keep an eye out for them in the future. Most likely the first one to be done will be a HP/DM fluff piece. The HP books and world of magic are after all and forever will be my first love).

Anyway, the plot is starting to fall in place for this story and I hope everything works out. I haven't planned out everything, but it's coming along.

Happy New Year!


Chapter 9

Bella POV

The week following my re-established friendship with Emmett, Rose, and Jasper went by quick. It was spent talking about the past and feeling each other out. It was pleasant to find a new rhythm with the three vampires that had once been such a big part of my life before the family's sudden departure. However, it also made me realize how much I also didn't really know them and how much Edward had monopolized my time. I don't really know how the fuck I didn't really see it at the time, but I guess it's better to have finally figured it out. After school let out, I would spend time hanging out with the Cullens before I would leave for the night to go make dinner for Charlie and study for finals. Finals were next week. I wasn't nervous since I knew I was well prepared for them, but that didn't mean I was dreading them any less. Jasper had offered to help me study and quiz me over the weekend, which I was thankful for the support. Emmett and Rose both said that they would help if I needed it, but were glad that Jasper had offered. They had both said that they would do it to help me, but were happy to be spared as they dreaded the material. I had waved off their concerns because I knew how boring and repetitive the material must be for them after all their years as high school students.

Although a very small part of me was dreading the end of finals. It would free up a lot of my time and with that came the danger of thinking of what had happened in Italy. I constantly reminded myself not to think about it and not to give a single fuck to the dickhead vampire that had rejected me. A part of me was hurt and insulted at such a notion, but for whatever reason I couldn't stop the rush of blood in my veins at the thought of the blond-haired vampire king. I wanted to beat my head into a wall every single time I though of him. It was weak to do so and pointless. He had made his feelings quite clear.

On the few afternoons that I spent hanging out with Emmett, Rose, and Jasper at their house, it was relatively drama free except for when Esme made an appearance. There was never any big confrontations, but she would glare and make snide comments whenever the moment struck her fancy. Carlisle was always very apologetic and promised to speak with her, but despite his efforts, Esme remained a spiteful bitch. She constantly moaned about her poor babies being tortured by the Volturi and how I had got off easy. I bit my tongue and rolled my eyes, not wanting to start something with her. How I had ever thought she was a kind, maternal figure, I do not know. Carlisle, on the other hand, was just as sweet, welcoming, and considerate as always. When I had finally told him about how Edward had broken up with me, he had been very apologetic on Edward's behalf, without excusing Edward's actions. More like Carlisle was apologizing because he was truly sorry to hear of Edward's actions and knew that he would never apologize for his wrong doings. Carlisle relaxed and opened up around me, which was nice to see, if not strange and odd at first. He definitely was the head of the coven, the father figure to the public, but he was also carefree and fun-loving when surrounded by his loved ones. It was surprising to see how much he changed, but at the same time didn't, when he was relaxed and around his family. It didn't take long to notice that he was not this way when Esme was around. As soon as she entered the room, he would tense up the slightest bit, the contented look in his eyes would falter, and his smile would not quite light up as much. Privately, I spoke with Emmett, Rose, and Jasper about this and we all agreed that Esme was no good for Carlisle's long-term happiness and something needed to be done about their relationship. This, of course, always led to Jasper and Alice's relationship, which Jasper had to deal with Emmett's constant ribbing. However, finally, Jasper did say he would consider their advice to end things with Alice and thanked them for their support. He did say that he was getting fed up with her antics and was tired of her constantly trying to control his life. It was a start!

Today was Friday and tonight I was going to tell Charlie about becoming friends again with the Cullens before we go down to Billy and Jakes for a dinner and movie night. I was nervous as to how Charlie would react to the news, but hopeful that since I was only befriending select Cullens, that that might ease the blow. As soon as I got home from school I had begun cleaning up around the house, needing to keep busy and not wanting to study as tomorrow would be spent studying with Jasper.

I checked the time on the kitchen clock before calling up the stairs. "Are you ready?"

"Just about Bells," Charlie called back. Charlie came out of his bedroom a moment later and we gathered up our jackets and the car keys before heading out the door.

Once we were on the rode and heading down to La Push, I turned to Charlie. "Dad, there is something I wanted to tell you."

Hearing the nervous edge to my voice, Charlie quickly turns his eyes away from the road to glance at me before returning his focus to the front. "What's up, Bells?" he asks, and I can tell he is trying to stay relaxed for both our sakes; however, I noticed his grip tighten ever so slightly on the wheel, fearing what I am going to say, no doubt.

"It's nothing to worry about, but I just wanted to keep you in the loop after everything that has happened," I add, hoping to ease the tension.

"Shoot, Bella."

"OK. Well . . . you see, I, um, I have reestablished a relationship with some of the Cullens. Only some of them. I will not be getting back together with Edward and Alice has proved herself to not be trustworthy. In fact if I never saw those two again, I would be happy. Emmett, Jasper, and Rosalie are really nice though. I wasn't as close to them before, but I could see myself becoming really good friends with them in the future. We have talked about what has happened and smoothed things over."

I stopped my rambling and waited for Charlie to respond. During my little speech, the only signs that he heard me were when his grip on the wheel tightened further and his nostrils flared a bit.

When the silence in the car stretched, I decided to prompt Charlie. "Dad, say something."

"What do you want me to say, Bella? That I am thrilled with this development? That I am happy you are in contact again with the family that emotionally destroyed you?" Charlie pushes an angered exhale though his nose.

"I don't know. I promise not to become that shell of a girl again. I'm not going to make that mistake again, but at the same time I am not going to blame the whole family for the mistakes of Edward and Alice. There was a misunderstanding amongst the Cullen's after Edward broke up with me. He told them that I was the one to initiate the break-up and that I didn't want to see any of them ever again. That explains why they left without saying goodbye when Dr. Cullen got that job offer."

Charlie sighed. "All right, Bells. If this is what you want, then OK. I'm not thrilled, but if you promise not to let them tear you down like last time, then I guess that is all I can hope for. You're my baby girl. I know your all grown up now, but you will always be my baby and I love you."

I smiled at Charlie's words. It was apparent that he was uncomfortable saying such emotional things, but felt the need to voice them despite that. "I know, Dad. I love you, too."

"All right." We both focused our attention back on the dive. The rest of the trip down to the Black's was relatively quite, but there was a peace to it. A weight lifted off my shoulders at finally being open about my budding friendship with the Cullen's.

A few minutes later, we were pulling into the Black's driveway and Jake was out the front door before we could even turn off the engine on the cruiser. Charlie and I both chuckled at Jake's eager behavior.

"Hey Bella. Hey Charlie." Jake waved.

"Hi Jake." I waved back.

"Jake, how's it going big guy? How's the old man?"

"It's going good. He's a pain, but alive." Jake joked.

"Good, good. I'll see you kids inside. Don't take too long. We need to decide what we want to order for dinner."

"All right, Dad."

"Sure, sure."

"How's it been, Jake?" I asked as we made our way to the porch and sat down on the bench.

"It's been good. Looking forward to the end of school and summer break. How's everything with you? Have you gone pet shopping yet?" Jake asked with a laugh.

I smiled. "No, not yet. You know I need to go pet shopping with you so you can do the butt sniff meet and greet. I have to make sure you get along after all." I joke back.

"Hey! You know I don't actually do that." Jake pokes me in the ribs.

"Sure, sure." I laugh. "But on a more serious note, you should know that I have reestablished my friendship with four of the Cullens. Well, more like three of them, and the coven leader."

Jake's eyes narrow. "Are you sure that is wise after everything?"

"I know Jake, but after talking things out with them, it is obvious that they did not take part in the actions of Edward and Alice. I actually think you would really like them, in not for the whole mortal enemy thing."

"Let us not get carried away here. That will never happen."

"Just saying." I shrugged my shoulders. "I'm obviously meant to be involved, at least to some degree, in the supernatural world. Four vampire allies that can aid in protecting me isn't a bad thing. They are my friends. They are not my life. I am sure I will love them in time, but no matter that, you will always be my best friend and family."

"You're my best friend, too." Jake leaned back on the bench and stretched some of his joints, contemplating everything. "All right, but I'm not thrilled. Although, I guess having some of them as friends is slightly better than you becoming one of them."

"Jaaaake . . ." I whine.

"I know. I know. You could someday be one. Just . . . It's going to take me a while to accept that."

I reach over and pat his hand. "I know. At least the likelihood of that is low, right?"

Jake hummed his approval. "OK. Enough of this boring stuff. I am hungry and need to feed the beast." Jake pats his stomach.

"You are so fat." I laugh.

Taking on a girly voice, Jake says, "As if. I am the hottest piece of ass around."

"Ass is right." I smirk.

"Hey kids. Come inside so we can order some food." Bill says as he rolls out onto the porch.

"Don't need to tell me twice!" Jake jumps up and runs into the house.

I stare at Billy. He's always been like an uncle to me and we never really discussed the Cullen situation.

"Everything all right, Bella?" Bill asks in a concerned voice.

"Yeah. Actually, I wanted to talk to you for a moment, but it can wait."

"No, go ahead. You know Jake and your dad. It always takes them a while to settle on something." Bill shuts the front door behind him and comes closer.

"Well, I know you know about my past relationship with the Cullen's and my dating one of them. I also know that you were not a fan of that because of what they are and what your tribe is. I just wanted to clear the air a bit."

"Bella, you know I love you. I have known you your whole life. I may not have agreed with your decisions, but I only want what is the best for you and for you to be safe. I also do not want to see my best friend, your father, lose you." Billy says seriously.

I look down at my clasped hands before seeking his eyes again. "I know. I was selfish and I made mistakes. I, hopefully, will not make such mistakes again in the future. However, you and Jake have been like a second family to me and I don't want to alienate you any more. You should know that I have become friends with select Cullens after discussing things with them." I hold up my hand when I see that Billy wants to say something. "Also, as much as you do not like my involvement in their world, I am clearly meant to be a part of it. I have found a mate. A vampire mate. Have no fear. I have no plans of becoming a vampire. My mate rejected me. I do not know what the future holds for me, but clearly there will be no escaping the supernatural world. Half of the Cullen coven will continue to be my friends, but I will not be dating any of them."

"Bella, you need to be absolutely sure of this. Nothing good comes from being associated with such creatures. They are dangerous. You are putting yourself at risk."

"So are werewolves, but Jake hasn't hurt me yet."

"You were hurt under the Cullen's watch before."

"Yes, I know. I just find it hard to turn my back on my friends because of what they are. I just wanted to let you know because you are family and should anything terrible happen to me, you can look after Charlie. But hopefully that never happens."

"I hope so. Just be careful, Bella." Billy's voice waivers.

"I will."

"OK, let's head in and forget about all this for now."

I hold in a laugh. Jake really was like his dad in ways he didn't even know. They both didn't like talking about hard things for very long. "Thanks, Billy."

I followed Billy inside and we both stopped short when we saw Charlie and Jake hastily looking over the various take-out menus.

"How have your two not made a decision yet?" I asked.

Billy laughed as he wheeled further into the room. "They both think with their stomachs and Jake is an animal when it comes to food." Billy winks.

"Ha ha Dad. Very funny." Jake deadpans.

"It all just looks good. What do you feel like, Kiddo?" Charlie gestures to the various menus.

"I kinda feel like pizza. How about we order a couple and I can make a salad and some garlic cheese bread while we wait for it to be delivered. Sound good?" I offer.

"Sounds good, Bells. Now what to order." Jake and Charlie both turn back to the pizza menu to pick the different types of pizza.

I roll my eyes and head towards the kitchen. I call out over my shoulder remembering what has happened in the past with their style of ordering. "Just make sure to pick a selection. Not every pizza should be the meat lovers pizza!"

"Sure, sure, Bells." Jake calls back.

"I mean it. If that's all you guys get then you will be eating vegetarian dishes for a week!"

"Well, we definitely don't want that to happen!" Billy adds, while looking at the movie selection.

I smile to myself as I start gathering the ingredients for the salad and garlic cheese bread. Best make sure the salad is done first otherwise those three won't touch it. I chuckle to myself as I start chopping the salad components.


I opened the front door smiling. "Hey Jasper! Come on in. Thanks for coming." I stepped back and held the door open.

"Hi Bella. Thanks." He walked in, took off his jacket, and tossed it over the back of a chair.

"How's everything? What is everyone else up to today?" I asked as I grabbed my books and other study materials out of my backpack and moved into the kitchen.

"Everything is good. Carlisle is working and Esme is out shopping for who knows what. Emmett and Rose are making use of the house being empty, if you know what I mean," Jasper said following me into the kitchen and sitting down across from me.

"They really never quit, do they?" I ask, snorting in amusement.

"No, they do not." Jasper chuckles.

"All right, well shall we get this over with?" I groaned, pointing at all the study materials.

"Now Miss Bella, are you trying to say you wish to be out of my company sooner rather than later?" Jasper jokes in his full southern accent.

I scoff and punch his shoulder lightly. "Of course not. I just don't relish all this studying. I just want finals to be done with."

"Yes, I quite know the feeling."

"Very true. How many times have you graduated from high school now?"

"More than I want to count," Jasper muttered with a wince. "Now shall we start?" Jasper asked, sitting up straighter in his seat.

"Shoot." I leaned back in my chair, waiting the first question

"During WWII, who was the fascist dictator of Italy?"

"Mussolini."

"Correct."

Jasper continued to quiz me vigorously and once a subject was covered, we would move on to the next one. It was a couple hours later that I had to call the end of the study session.

"Enough, enough. Have mercy on my mere human brain. I cannot take anymore!" I giggled.

"Puny human. I shall show pity this one time, but do not expect such leniency in the future." Jasper snapped the book he was currently holding shut and stacked it on top of all the others.

"Thank heavens. My head fucking hurts. I think it my combust from all this studying. If I manage to retain all the info, I am sure there is no possible way I can fail any of my finals," I groan, resting the side of my head down on the table.

"You will blow them out of the water, Bella. I have no doubt."

I started a little when I felt cold fingertips rubbing my exposed temple in circles. After a moment, I relaxed into the touch. "That feels nice," I mumbled.

"Hmmm. Spoiled." Jasper flicks my ear with a fingertip and I snap upright. "Hey! That hurt."

"Aw, poor baby." Jasper smirks.

I rub my ear to soothe the minor pain and glare at him. "Dick." I stand to get a drink and a snack feeling quite thirst and hungry after all the studying.

"So now that we have ensured your success as a high school student. What does the future hold for you after graduation?" Jasper asks casually.

"I don't really know. I'll go to JC for a couple of years and then transfer to a four year." I shrug my shoulders as I poor a glass of lemonade.

"Didn't you always plan on going straight to a university after high school"

I purse my lips at Jasper's confused expression. "Well, originally that was then plan. Things just didn't work out." I take a quick sip of my drink, hoping he doesn't continue with this line of questioning. It's not something I am terribly fond or proud of.

"What happened? You have the grades. I don't understand."

"Ummm, well. Remember how I said I was a wreck after Edward dumped me?" I decided to lead him to the answer.

It takes a moment for Jasper to process what I have said, but soon enough his jaw drops in disbelief. "No," he gasps.

"Yeah . . . I didn't really snap out of my depression until after applications were due. It's fine though. I probably couldn't have afforded a four year anyway. Besides, it will give me more time with Charlie." I actually didn't mind that fact. I hadn't been living in Forks that long after all and when you consider how many years I had lived away from Charlie, it was kind of nice knowing I got to spend more time. It was more the fact that I had allowed Edward to derail me so much that upset me.

"Oh Bella. I'm so sorry."

"Thanks. I'm OK. It's a sore subject, but honestly, it's fine."

"It doesn't define you. Often times society looks down on people who go to JC rather than a university right out of high school, but what is important is that you are working towards a degree. Not many are lucky enough to even have that or graduate from high school. I am sorry though for the part my family played in your life and how it negatively affected you." Jasper grasped my hand that was resting on the table.

I turned my hand over and squeezed his. "It's not your fault, but thank you. You're a good friend and I am glad that I am beginning to see that. Despite everything, I am glad to have you, Emmett, Rose, and even Carlisle as friends. I wouldn't change that."

After a few moments where we were both lost in our thoughts, I stood up and pointed to the living room. "Want to go watch a movie or play video games?" I asked, hoping to lighten to heavy mood.

Jasper's eyes light up. "You have video games?"

"Well, technically they are Charlie's, but I play with him every now and then. I'm not very good at the shooting games, but I usually can hold my own at racing games."

"I'm down to play if you are."

"Mario Kart?"

"Definitely. It will be nice to play against someone who doesn't cheat." Jasper sits down on the couch and grabbed the controller I was holding out to him.

"Who cheats?" I ask, pulling out the game.

"Emmett. Who else?"

I snort. "Why am I not surprised."

"I have to watch him like a hawk."

"Hmm. Well, you better not take up any of his tricks while playing me. You already have the vampire advantage. If you cheat, I will make you eat human food." I threaten.

Jasper frowns at such an idea. "Ugh! You're evil!"

"You have no idea." I smirk.


Hoped you like it. Things should get more interesting soon as the plot unfolds. Let me know what you think and thanks in advance!