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What are the Odds

Chapter Nine

Part One

A fiery heat cocooned Bella and began to radiate it's warmth through her cold body, like a burst dam, rushing and surging through her veins until it had warmed every part of her. While she slept peacefully, Bella snuggled further into the warm embrace, and safe haven wrapped around her.

Bella felt the sun's scorching heat warming her skin, while she sat on her and Jake's special log, staring out to sea. It was beautiful and peaceful here, and she sighed happily. It had been ages since she had felt this warm or this peaceful.

"Ah there you are child."

As a shadow fell over her, Bella looked up to see who had spoken. An elderly lady, whom Bella had never seen before stood over her, blocking out the sun.

"Sorry?" Bella asked perplexed, "I think you have me confused with someone else", smiling timidly at the old lady, Bella tried to express the right amount of reassurance with regret.

"Nonsense Isabella Marie Swan", the old lady gave a soft chuckle, as she looked directly at Bella. Bella blanched, "How- who are you and how do you know my name?" Eyes as wide as saucers, as Bella looked around her, scared now, only to find the beach was deserted except for herself and the old lady. She knew the woman wasn't a vampire, besides the missing red eyes, she was on First beach, which wouldn't necessarily keep her safe, she did know the pack would have been here by now, so Bella breathed a sigh of relief, as the old lady spoke again, as if reading her mind, "You are perfectly safe Isabella, but in answer to your assumption, I know exactly who I was seeking, and it is you. We don't make such errors, I can assure you."

"We?" Bella frowned, her eyes flickering behind the lady, seeing no one she quickly scanned the beach again, only to see it was still deserted. Bella focused her attention on the strange old lady, taking her in properly for the first time, now she was sure she wasn't a vampire, or an immediate threat. Her grey hair was sprinkled with white and arranged in an immaculate bun, which was sat at the base of her head. She was wearing a dress that seemed to be from a different era, it looked like something one of her grandmothers' mothers or grandmothers may have worn. It looked late 19th century, but Bella wasn't sure. Although it did look like it could be from one of her costume dramas she liked to watch. The dress swept along the ground, and covered every inch of her, from the collar around her neck down to her feet with only her hands showing, but even those were covered with lace gloves. It was a pale yellow, with a white lace collar around her neck that flowed down into a square with frills. She had pale skin much like Bella's except it was weathered and creased with age. She had deep hazel eyes, framed with long lashes, and crinkles at the side, as she smiled at Bella's searching gaze.

The older lady watched Bella studying her, and after a few moments she perched on something in front of Bella, her skirt billowing out around her. Puzzled Bella tried to see what she had sat on because there had been nothing there a moment ago, but her skirt fanned around covering her makeshift seat.

"Yes we, Isabella. I'm not alone." Again Bella looked around confused, as the old lady laughed softly. "You can't see us Isabella. Only when you need us, will we seek you. Like now. You need me so I am here."

Bella's eyebrows furrowed together, she was completely mystified. She had no idea who this lady was, or what she meant. All she knew was she kept referring to her by her given name.

"Bella. Please call me Bella. I don't like Isabella. It's too… formal." The old lady smiled indulgently at her, "I don't understand what I need you for? I'm fine, happy".

"I always felt that way too." She smiled fondly, as Bella gasped.

"Your name is Isabella? I'm ugh… sorry. I meant no disrespect."

The old lady laughed, the loudest Bella had so far heard from her. Even speaking she was softly spoken, and with the waves behind her, Bella was surprised she could hear her as clearly as she did.

"Child, please. I was never fond of my name myself, but in my time, it wasn't the done thing to shorten our given names. It was a sign of dis-respect. Only my husband would shorten it, and only when we were alone. How I loved it when my Jack would call me… well would you listen to me child, rambling on". Bella smiled at the lady, her first genuine smile since she had met the stranger.

"Well talking of manners, where are mine. Silly me, I haven't even introduced myself to you properly. Excuse me. I am Isabel, so no not Isabella but close enough. Isabel Amy Swan, please to finally make your acquaintance, Bella."

Bella gasped audibly, her face paling as tremors shook her petite frame, alarmingly the older lady.

"Bella, it is perfectly alright, you are safe I can assure you."

"This is another weird dream isn't it? I must be dreaming right?" Bella asked and Isabel nodded.

"This is the only method we have to communicate with you Bella-"

"You said we again, who are you? Who are the people you keep referring to? Why? What's going on?"

"Isabella. Calm yourself", the older lady reprimanded her, in the tone used to chastise a young child, acting recklessly.

"I will explain everything to you, but you must open your mind to the possibility things are not always being what they seem. Do you understand?" Bella nodded. She vaguely remembered being told this before in a different time, in a different place.

"Sarah has already told you that hasn't she? You need to remember everything that you are told in these dreams Bella. It is absolutely vital. Not just for you but for many reasons I can't tell you at this moment, but eventually everything will become clear. You see as Sarah-"

"Sarah Black? It was Sarah!" Bella exclaimed. "Oh my goodness! How did I-"

"You were very young Bella and your mind has the ability to block out things it doesn't want to remember or deal with. It protects itself, as a preservation skill."

"Is that why Edward can't hear me or Jake didn't imprint on me? Or am I not meant to be his soul mate?"

"Child, it is not my calling to explain how or why your mind works the way it does. But your mind is an amazing gift you have. Sarah told you, you have supernatural gifts of your own, and you do- but you will have them explained to you by another seeker, one who can help you tap into them. But I do know I am allowed to tell you that your subconscious works on a much deeper level than the normal human's mind, and it will protect you from anything it deems a risk to you. However there are some things it can't protect you from. Love is the most powerful. This is why you reacted to Edward's leaving as you did, but also why Jacob was able to help you begin to heal, so to speak. You have no outward or inner influence over your mind where love is concerned- however your mind is protecting you from yourself. This is why I am here Bella. To make you heed an important warning; you need to listen to your heart Bella, when it comes to love, don't let your mind protect you, don't over think, you must let yourself feel. Follow your feelings, what you truly feel, that is how you make decisions where the heart is concerned. Trust yourself to make the right decisions, and you will. Now as for Edward's mind trickery; it would take something incredibly powerful to get through your shield, only positive, good things can break it down. Only something as strong and pure as love can get through. One day I am sure you will be able to control it, should you wish, with the right help. But your shield is also the reason we have to use your subconscious to communicate with you now. As for imprinting, I was under the illusion you didn't want some mystical wolfy magic manipulating you?"

Bella felt her face flush as the older woman's piecing gaze penetrated hers. "Now Bella I will visit you again as will your other seekers, or guides, I guess would be a better term for you to call them; when we have to give you something to contemplate or an important message, but for now my dear, great, great grand-daughter it is time for me to go. But remember follow your heart, and don't over think just do what feels right. You will have to make a choice very soon, and you will know deep down inside what the right choice is, but the last thing I have to tell you is make the choice with just you in mind. Take care, my sweet Bella."

Bella blinked and the older lady was gone and she was sat on the beach again, alone. Bella looked up to the sky trying to make sense of everything the old lady had told her, no her great, great grandmother had told her but as she looked up at the clear blue sky it suddenly grew darker until it had darken to a navy black. The stars which had been only moments go sparkled like glitter, were quickly swallowed up by the sea of midnight black as Bella's subconscious lapsed back into the un-consciousness of sleep.

I woke with a start, blinked a few times, like I had been electrocuted. I felt the bed dip as a weight behind shot of the bed, and was surprise to see Jake crouching.

His eyes were raked over my body before flickering rapidly around the room, he gave a sniff and his tensed body began to relax as his wolf must have assessed there was no threat. Jake's eyes sort out mine, which must have been wide in surprise to find him in my room but also realising he had been asleep behind me.

"Bells? You okay? What happened?" his voice still husky and deep from sleep.

I giggled as I looked at his confused expression and his wild hair which was poking up in all directions.

As if realising why I was laughing, he stood to his full height and run his hands through his hair trying to pat it down, before wiping the sleep from his eyes, his cheeks looked a little darker than normal as his hand rubbed the back of his neck, his nervous trait. He looked at me, now he was out of his protection bode, and laughed heartily. Blushing; a deep crimson, my own hands rushed to tame the mass of wild hair framing my head. I hadn't plaited it after my shower. Then the night before came crashing back to me, like a punch to my inside.

Gasping for breath I remembered Edward leaving, my arms curled around my frame as I struggled to breathe.

"Bells breathe. Bella, breathe. Bells please breathe for me", Jake's words uncurled the invisible hands wrapped around my throat and I could sunk in a rasping breathe.

"It's okay Bells, look at me."

"Edward…" his name made the hands wrap around my neck again, as my own wrapped tighter around me, as Jake tried to bite back a growl, which only made it to rumble from his chest.

"Charlie…"

"La P-"

"Bells, please", Jake's hands were tugging on my own as he crouched down in front of me, "Listen to me please Bells. Look at me, Bella". He sat on the bed, and as my hands loosed around my torso, he grabbed them and wrapped his own around them, clutching them tightly, his heat warming them.

"I know Bells, I know what happened Seth heard, he phased to get me", I looked mortified at Jake, embarrassed Seth had heard everything, meaning that so had the pack. Jake misreading my mortification, replied "He is fine, Bella. He was long gone before I got here. As much as I wanted to-", he took a deep breathe to relax himself, "I was more concerned with you, then arguing with him". I breathed out relieved, I knew how protective Jake and Edward both were and how jealous they both were, the last thing I wanted to do was be the reason that either got hurt or the treaty was broken.

I remembered how Edward leaving had broken me all over again. It had felt like an age that I had stood crying and calling out his name as loudly as I could without waking Charlie. I had heard a howl in the distance as a tall shadow had emerged from the trees, wiping the tears from my eyes quickly so I could see clearly, only to see it was Seth. He had jumped into the room and stayed with me, as I sobbed that the past was going to repeat itself all over again. I had wept and whispered to Seth I had messed up again, I was hurting everyone again, as he, despite his own short life experience tried in vain to comfort me. I remembered feeling he was wrong, he was the wrong one, when he had swept me off my feet just like Jake did, wrapped me in my comforter as I continued to sob against him, until he had had enough and tried to leave, but the action had made me cling to him tighter. I had thought that I managed to push everyone away eventually. I was well practised in the truth that eventually everyone you care about leaves you, at some point- whether by choice or by death. But as I thought this, I felt Jake's arms wrap around me and his soothing words and him singing me to sleep.

"You came."

It was a statement not a question, I should have known he would. Jake wrapped his arms around me, and my heart sank. This boy was far too good for me.

"Of course. Bella you know I will always come when you need me, I should have been here, I knew it-"

I shook my head, "No it would have made it worse" and began sobbing as I realised Edward had left me again.

"He didn't leave Bella. Do you really think he would? Why do you let him treat you like this Bella?" Anger rose inside me.

"Jake, you always think the worst of him but this- THIS was all on me!" I yelled before realising Charlie may still be asleep.

Jake was trembling slightly, and his breathing was laboured, after a moment, he stilled and his breathing became more normal.

"Charlie left earlier, he woke me up" Jake coughed as he looked embarrassed.

"He what? He saw you? In my bed? With me? Oh my- what does he think? How? How did you not hear him?"

Jake looked down sheepishly, "it was a long night Bells, I was out for the count and he was so quiet." He looked up, his eyes pleading, "I'm sorry. He knows it wasn't any funny business. He asked if you was okay, didn't even bat an eyelid I was here. I think he heard you crying Bells, and must think you rang me" he shrugged.

I didn't know what to make of that, when I remembered Jake had said Edward hadn't left.

"He hasn't left? How do you know? Are you sure?" Jake's face contorted into the stoic face of Sam and the other wolves who had gained the control to mask their true feelings or whenever the Cullens were mentioned in a way they didn't agree too.

"Yes he went hunting with the other two, the big one and the mood changer."

"How do you know?"

His face relaxed somewhat, as he looked at me, "The Pixie and Blondie came to check on you. The Pixie had seen you upset before Seth came back." I could tell from his expression he was telling me the truth. "She said the other two had calmed him down and he would be over this morning to apologise".

"He doesn't need to apologise", Jake's jaw smashed together with a loud growl.

"When? I need to get ready, I need to- oh god he will wonder why you're here. I need a shower, I need-"

"Bells calm down. Let's get breakfast and a coffee, you can get a shower and I need to check with the others okay?" I nodded and allowed him to pull me downstairs.

It was nearly ten, the time Jake had said Alice Edward would be here. Jake had left to check in with Sam he said he would see me at Emily's- if I still wanted to stay, I had rushed to reassure him I did, more than anything, how could I not. Remembering the look in his eyes, as he said it, had made me want to crumble under the weight of his stare. His eyes had looked empty, like he had already accepted defeat, a look I had never seen Jacob wear before. He was as stubborn as I was, and was always vowing he would fight for me, for me to see sense about becoming a vampire, but it was like the last twelve hours and consoling me over Edward leaving again, had finally put his fighting spirit out for good.

I hadn't lied to Jake. There was nothing I wanted more than to spend a week in La Push with everyone but especially Jake, Charlie and Billy. I selfishly wanted the chance to experience what my life could have been like before magic and supernatural beings came into my life. However I also wanted the memories, those last few moments to cherish being human with my human family before I became immortal. I wanted to have memories of those who had fought so hard for me, to protect me and keep me safe, and to try and keep me human, to save me from myself even, but to give them happy memories of me, before those that knew my choice all hated me and those that couldn't know mourned my human life being over.

I felt a lump rise in my throat at the thought of Charlie and Jacob, Billy, Embry and Quil, of Sam and Emily, Kim and Jared and little Seth, of my mother and Phil, Sue, Angela, Ben, and even Mike and Jessica. The truth was I wanted this time more than anything, but not more than Edward. I couldn't live without him again I knew I couldn't even try. Last night had proved that, when he had left but the hole in my chest hadn't ripped open, maybe because Jake had held me together so tightly like always, it hadn't had the chance to me apart again.

There was a tapping on the door, which pulled me from my thoughts, as I run to get the door, but in my hurry I tripped over the rug and fell with a loud bang onto the wooden flooring. I had barely hit the floor before I was being picked up.

"Bella are you okay? I wish you wouldn't try to run you know you always fall! Don't worry my love you soon won't have to worry about your clumsiness," Edward chuckled as he placed me on the sofa. I was so relieved to see him, and mortified to have fallen over in his presence yet again, I ignored my teenage hormones, which wanted to retort a snappy reply. I also ignored the thump my heart gave when he mentioned being changed, simply because I was confused what it was for- to being a vampire finally who was graceful and worthy of someone as divine as Edward or because it was another reminded I didn't have very long left as a clumsy human girl. As much as my own clumsiness annoyed me, it was something I had inherited from Charlie, and as my time as his daughter slowly drained away the more I wanted to cling to the things I had always known. I knew it was only my fear of the unknown, but sometimes when I was with the pack, and imprints even though they were all graceful and perfect like the Cullens, they were also real. No that's not what I meant, the Cullens were real too, the pack was just more human, no that's not right either, more like me- I couldn't fathom out what it was but somehow the pack had always made me feel like I almost belonged like I was or could be one of them just as I was. Jake was always saying I didn't have to change for him, it was one of his biggest argue points about me changing. That he loved me as I was, and I knew Edward loved me and wanted me to stay human too, but last night I had finally understood what Jake had been trying to tell me for as long as he had been a wolf, but especially since Edward had come back. With the Cullens, as much as they tried to make me feel like family well all of them except Rosalie, I still didn't feel good enough, I knew while I was still human, I would never be good enough, in my own mind to be one of them. I wasn't pretty enough, or strong enough, graceful enough or perfect enough. I was also a very weak link in their family; I needed to be able to take care of myself and the only way that could happen, would be to become just like them in every way possible. To be a real Cullen I had to be a vampire. It was the only way I was sure of to be with Edward and to make sure he never left again.

"Bella what are you thinking? You know I hate not knowing." Edward's dulcet tone lured me back to the present. Secretly I was glad he couldn't read my mind, whatever it was that blocked him and the other Vampires with special gifts out of my head- I was eternally grateful for.

"Sorry Edward I was just thinking if I'm not graceful in my next life, I may ask for a full refund", I lied smoothly. This was a first! Edward chuckled.

"You won't need one, but who knows with you. If there was ever a vampire who wasn't graceful once they were turned, it would be you."

My face flushed at his comment, making him take a long breath, I knew he was taking in the smell of my blood as it rushed to my cheeks, accustoming himself to the smell again after being away for so long. I looked up to check the colour of his eyes but they were a deep topaz, so he must have been hunting with Jasper and Emmett.

"Edward I am so sorry for last night, I really-"

"Hush Bella, you don't have to apologise-"

"What do you want Alice?" his tone and behaviour changing so abruptly I was taken by surprise.

Alice came dancing into the room with Jasper behind her, "We came to see our sister Edward that is allowed, and I'm sure Bella is just as happy to see us aren't you Bella?"

I glanced between the two siblings, who I had rarely seen bicker much less Edward speak to in a less than friendly manner, had it been Rose she would have understood.

I nodded to her, as I attempted to swing my legs of the settee, and sit up properly, but Edward had me pinned to the couch, unaware, as he and Alice seemed to be having a silent conversation and a wave of calm washed over me. Looking up at Jasper, who winked at me and nodded, to my silent question.

"I came to help you pack for your stay in La Push Bella" Alice trilled clapping. I snorted a laugh, only Alice could be this thrilled at the idea of packing for any trip even if it was to a reservation full of her immortal enemies.

"That won't be necessary Alice, but thank you. You can go now. I will bring Bella to the house later." Alice's eyes glazed over as she looked into the future, Edward focused on her vision, while I felt bewildered, had something happened between Jake leaving and Edward arriving.

"Nope- I still can't see Bella for long periods so she is still going", Alice sang, smiling, "Come on Bella let's see what you will need".

"Honestly Alice-"

"Is that true Bella? You still intend to stay down on that god forsaken infested reservation?"

My mouth fell open in surprise at the venom in his tone.

"Edward" Alice warned, as she stepped forward. Edward's piercing gaze was focused solely on me, making me feel uncomfortable and his grip had tightened.

"Edward you're hurting her and scaring her", Jasper spoke stepping forward to put a hand on Edward's shoulder who violently shook it off before he appeared on the other side of the room. I rubbed my wrist, as Edward angrily paced. Alice came and sat next to me, as Jasper rested the offending hand on my shoulder, sending calming, settling waves through me.

"Jasper stop it, she doesn't need calming. Bella are you seriously still considering going even after last night?"

"I- I-", floundering because I had no idea what I was doing, I didn't want to go with Edward so against it. Suddenly Edward's head snapped up as I heard a car pull up outside it wasn't midday so I knew it wasn't Sam and I wasn't expecting anyone else. I heard another car pull up, outside and I recognised this one, as Edward's manner and behaviour quickly changed and with a blur he was sat on the other side of me, grasping both my hands in his cold, strong grip. I hear Charlie get out of the charger and call hello to Carlisle then muffled chatter as I looked up to Edward in question but he was too busy reading their thoughts I looked at Alice who smiled at me, and asked if I was excited about my stay in La Push, Edward growled quietly beside me, but she ignored him. It almost felt like she was trying to provoke him.

The two older men, came through the door, as Carlisle explained he had just finished a work related call in the car while the children had already came in to see me, before they went on an overnight camping trip, and I went to La Push. I looked up at Edward I knew that was a lie at east for Jasper and Edward they had already clearly hunted, Alice's eyes were still topaz so she didn't need to hunt, and as Carlisle and Charlie joined them, I saw Carlisle's eyes were golden topaz. If I didn't know better I would say they had all hunted at some point the night before.

"Alright Bells, you okay today?" confused I nodded, and smiled at him, the last time he had seen me, had been in La Push, and we had all been laughing and smiling.

"I see you two have made up then?" Charlie nodded to Edward and me.

"Of course Charlie, it was nothing more than a miscommunication, you know how easy it is to have misunderstandings over the telephone", he gave Charlie one of his dazzling smiles, who looked slightly lost for a second, before he shook his head. Carlisle and Alice were both glaring at Edward crossly. I had no idea what had happened over night but I had never seen Edward's adopted family cross with him, but something had clearly happened because the three present Cullens, were clearly displeased with him, as if feeling the tension in the room Charlie coughed nervously, just as a wave of calm settled over me, and everyone else in the room.

"Well I think I left some important notes here, not that I remember bringing them home- must be my old age", Charlie laughed nervously at his own joke.

"Oh Bells, Sam rang and said he was collecting you at eleven," everyone looked up at the clock, "he said something come up so he needs to get you an hour early. Emily is making her special Hot Pot tonight, so you make sure those massive lads save me some okay?" Charlie smiled down at me with more affection then I was worth before brushing the hairs of his moustache down.

"Right well, I'll get those notes".

"Charlie I saw some official looking papers in the kitchen earlier", Alice chimed.

"Oh thanks Alice, I wondered where I had put them, least I've not lost em hey!" He walked through collected them before calling out from the front door, "bye kiddo, see you later, bye Carlisle, Alice, er boys, have fun on your camping trip", with a slam of the door he was gone.

"What is-"I went to ask but Edward pushed his finger against my lips, Charlie hasn't left yet, thee four vampires all suddenly became scarily statue like. It was Carlisle who spoke, in a voice so quiet, only someone with supernatural hearing or someone sat in front of him, like I was could hear him.

"Sam has arrived; he has another wolf with him".

"Seth" Edward answered him. "There's more behind the house but I don't know who as they are singing, out of time, it's making it hard to distinguish separate thoughts".

I looked at the clock it was exactly eleven o'clock he was very prompt, almost like everyone being here had been planned while Charlie was here, but there was no one who could plan that except Alice, but she couldn't see the wolves, or anything around them. Alice stood and dashed with supernatural speed out of the room, as Charlie opened the door and strolled back in followed by Sam and Seth.

"Bella, Sam is here to get you. Seth is here to help with all your bags apparently", Charlie laughed knowing I hated packing and would pack the bare minimum.

"I've not-" I began to say as Alice danced down the stairs carrying to my holdall, school rucksack and another rucksack.

"Not taking much at all Bella! I told you to let me help you pack! Is this seriously all you are taking for a whole week?"

Everyone but Edward and I laughed at Alice's perfected dismayed look. Edward looked like he was seething and struggling to hide it, and I was absolutely lost at what the hell was going on. For a start the wolves and vampires were doing a grand job of acting normal even polite around each other, and Alice seemed hell bent on making sure I went to La Push which was surreal on its own. But the biggest thing bothering me was the Cullens' obvious tension amongst themselves.

I heard Carlisle make a comment about how unlike Alice I was, and how she liked to take everything including the kitchen sink for an overnight camping trip, in an obvious attempt to lighten the atmosphere, and as everyone laughed again, it seemed to have worked.

I squeezed Edward's hand trying to reassure him and make him feel better, he looked down at me, his eyes seemed to have glaze over them before they suddenly flickered back to his normal ones so quickly, had I blinked I would have missed it. But I had seen it and it had startled me enough, that I subconsciously pulled away from him. Edward smiled down at me, with the most beautiful dazzling smile, and I felt myself relax and be drawn back to him.

"Charlie, Bella was just saying she would like to come on our camping trip with us, weren't you Bella?" I heard a voice that sounded just like Edward's but from a long way away, but my mind felt funny, groggy even.

Edward stiffened beside me, as everyone else looked at me.

"Bella we talked about this last night, I'm confused."

Carlisle stepped in quickly, "Edward I don't think that is a good idea, at least not this weekend. Charlie has made plans", Charlie nodded stiffly.

"Yes well they can be easily changed." Edward replied with a tone that barely concealed his anger.

"Well Edward, as Bella's father", Charlie's tone matched Edward's and he emphasised heavily on that fact he was my father, "and I have asked, my good friends, who are pretty much family to me, to watch out for Bella while I have to work this week. As I'm sure you're aware and that is why my daughter was crying herself to sleep over the argument you had with her over it. Am I right?"

Edward stood, I panicked what was about to happen. Sam and Carlisle both stepped forward as well, "I understand that Charlie, but Bella is over eighteen she is allowed to do as she wants. Right, Bella?"

"Edward!" Carlisle chastised his first son, as Sam and Seth tried to remain calm.

"Edward!" I was surprised at Edward's general behaviour, normally it was me, being the moody teenager with Charlie, and he the peace-keeping adult.

"Son, I suggest you remember whose house you are currently in. Carlisle, I'm sorry but I don't wish for Bella to go on your family trip and at this moment in time I am strongly wondering whether your son is a good influence on my daughter's life, if this is how he carries on!"

"Charlie I can-"

"Dad! You can't stop me from seeing Edward and if you do, I'll move out. Edward is right I'm eighteen, I'm legally an adult. I'm sure Carlisle and Esme would happily put me up if it came to it".

"Bella!" Charlie roared.

"Charlie, wait please. Bella, you know we will be more than happy to take you in, we already think of you as family but not today, not like this. This isn't the way to go about it. Neither of you are thinking straight."

"Then I'll move out on my own then," I retorted hurt, that Carlisle would turn me away, Edward grabbed my hand, "no love we're in this together, where you go I go".

"Edward, Bella please see sense", Alice chided.

Sam stepped forward, and Edward pulled me slightly behind me. Sam's face looked beyond angry at the gesture, "Bella, look at your father. If you have changed your mind about wanting to stay at ours this week, that is fine, but please don't hurt Charlie over a silly row."

"This hasn't anything to do with you, Uley." Edward snapped, I wondered why the atmosphere in the room was so tense, when I realised Jasper was no longer here.

"Bella", Seth spoke quietly, unlike everyone else. "Sam is right, this isn't what you want, don't act recklessly, or fall out with Charlie none, of us know what the future holds, don't waste the time you have with your dad bickering." Seth coded message hit home. I didn't have long left with Charlie the last thing I wanted was to row with him or move out under a cloud.

"Sorry Dad, everyone I don't know what came over me, us. Of course I don't want to move out dad, I just hate being told what I can and can't do." I stepped from behind Edward, and went to give my dad an awkward hug. As I looked up I saw Jasper had slipped back inside, and wondered where he had gone. Charlie patted me on the back, "Bells, I don't want to fight, and Seth is right and wise beyond his years, like his old man. I need to go walk me to the car please." I nodded.

Carlisle spoke "Guys why don't we go out back give Bella and Charlie some privacy, and get some much needed fresh air". Everyone nodded, except Edward.

"I'll wait for you here Love." I nodded and walked out with my dad, as the others headed out the back.

We walked quietly to his cruiser, "Dad-"

"Bells, wait, let me say something. I know I've never been the best dad, I could or should have been, but you are and will always mean the world to me. I know I'm not good at all this emotional stuff. I don't always do or say the right thing, but I try. What I am trying to say is I don't want you to leave, Bella. I don't think I could handle losing you all over again. I know I never told you this before but it haunted me that I never fought harder for you back then, but I have always done what I thought was best for you. Then and now. I know you are eighteen and you can do what you like, but I would feel a lot better if you stayed with Sam and Emily, especially since it would be rude to cancel so late in the day and Emily was so keen to have you, and you seemed so happy at the idea. I hate the idea of you alone in this house on your own, or with the Cullens, no disrespect to Carlisle and Esme. I would sleep better, knowing you're not sleeping with a teenage boy-"

"Cha-Dad!"

"Yes I know that Carlisle or Esme wouldn't allow that, but your old dad worries. I'm too young to be a grandpa, just yet."

I was mortified, that dad still thought me and Edward were sleeping together.

"Yes I know, I know! He is old fashioned. I still worry. You will understand when you have children of your own" he chuckled. I felt the air knocked out of me.

"Bella, I'm worried about you, I know you rowed with him last night, I heard you crying last night and I know your scared one day he will leave you. It hardly makes me warm to him when I know you were so distressed that you rang Jake to come over. I don't approve nor do I want a repeat of it but I'm glad you had him. I know you both fell asleep, and you're just friends, but Bella he is good for you, spend some time with him and your other friends this week please".

I nodded.

"What are you going to do Bells?"

"I'll stay in La Push, Dad. You have enough on your plate with work, without worrying about me as well. Plus at least I can make sure you're eating properly and sleeping okay if you stay at Billy's too."

"Bells that wasn't the deal. Billy won't-"

"Dad you know full well, Billy won't mind, and you can stay in the twins' room. Plus this way we can see each other as much as possible", I smiled up at him. He smiled back at me, "Fine I'll ring Billy later. Okay kiddo, I'll see you later for dinner". He pecked me on the forehead, and climbed into the cruiser. While I watched him pull out I felt a presence behind me, and as cowardly as it was because I knew it must be Edward, I stayed focused on my father but as he waved happily at us, I glanced behind me, surprised to find Alice.