The Chase

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. This fanfiction is for entertainment purposes only. I also do not own the novel, A Long Fatal Love Chase, by Louisa May Alcott that inspired me to write this story.

Author' Note: I wanted to thank you all for the reviews of last chapter. Your reviews mean so much to me and I read every single one! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wanted to show you how much I appreciated all those reviews, so this chapter is much longer than any of my other chapters are! I hope you love it. I hope that you are happy with what this chapter entails. This chapter is about Bella trying to start over. I hope you like it. Do you think Edward will make an appearance? We shall have to see…

Chapter 10 – Seeking Independence

The air was balmy as she ran as fast as she could through the woods and finally reached the highway. She was grateful for the spring weather because if it had been wintery cold it would have hindered her travels. She knew she had to hurry and find a bus stop and get to the train station as soon as possible. She didn't want Jake to catch up to her before she left. She had said goodbye to Jake and doubted if she would ever see him again. She knew it would be best for Jake if she never saw him again. She knew she could never give him what he wanted.

She boarded the first train she could and realized it was headed to California. She had never been to California before, but she knew it was a large state she could get lost in. She knew she would have to secure work. Bella wasn't afraid of hard work, but she was afraid of living without Edward. She knew it would take her a long time to get over Edward. He wasn't good for her and she knew she had made the right decision to leave even if it destroyed her to do it. She knew, with a shattered heart, that he would move on and have a good life. She had not been a good choice for him; it was her fault he became mad with jealousy and killed a guy. She couldn't allow Edward to destroy himself either. It was better this way…for everyone…except herself.

She would be on the train for days. Bella kept to herself on the train and didn't really chat with anyone. She had no desire to make new friends…not yet. She knew that she would have to find a way to communicate with her father at some point. She just couldn't do it for a while because Edward would definitely be monitoring her father's mail somehow if he still wanted her. She had to put all that behind her and start over. California would be her fresh start.

Three days later, the train pulled into the train station. Bella eagerly gathered her small bag and departed the train. She smiled as she looked at all the people hustling around. Everyone seemed to have somewhere to go and somewhere to go in a hurry. She sighed as she stepped off the train platform and walked off the train. She knew it was time for her to begin again and she couldn't wait. She would do whatever she had to do to start over. She had no one but herself to depend on and she knew she could do it.

Bella was slightly disheartened. California had been difficult at best. What she had seen was beautiful, but the job opportunities were not promising for a young woman. She was grateful to have met a friend though. Angela Webber and her family had taken her in when she had nowhere else to go. Angela and Bella had met two days after Bella had arrived in California. Bella was out looking for work at a local restaurant and Angela happened to be there with her fiancé, Ben. She offered Bella a room at the home she shared with her parents and Bella accepted. She met Angela's parents and they treated her like family. Bella told them she would help out around the house to earn her keep and then when she got a job she would pay rent. Mrs. Webber didn't seem to mind about the rent and Mr. Webber told her it was unnecessary.

Angela's father was an incredible man. Mr. Webber was a minister and Bella spent a great deal of time with him. She liked Pastor Webber and she confided in him. She told him everything. She told him about thinking she and Edward were married and then finding out he was already married. She told him about how she felt cheap and dirty. She told him that she still loved Edward in spite of this; how she fled to Jake for safety, but had to leave because Edward found her and because Jake wanted to marry her. Pastor Webber listened to her pour her heart out before placing his hand on top of hers to talk with her.

"My child, you are not to blame for Edward's sins. You are innocent, my child. You did not stay with him once you found out he had lied to you. You did not stay with Jake when he wanted more than you did. You left. You are a very brave young woman. I admire you."

Bella couldn't believe all Pastor Webber had said to her. Tears filled her eyes and clogged her throat as she reached over to hug him. "Thank you so much, Pastor Webber. It means so much to me to hear you say that."

He smiled at her and then Mrs. Webber came into the room and wrapped her in a warm hug. "Bella, you are welcome to stay with us as long as you like. Angela has always wanted a sister and now she has one."

Angela grinned from the doorway and walked into the room. "Yes, I do." She said her eyes shining with happy tears. Bella ran up to her and threw her arms around her friend. Angela and Bella were the same age and it was not difficult to imagine them sisters. They both had dark brown hair and piercing brown eyes.

Bella finally felt some of the stress lift from her shoulders. She was happy and content here. She would make this her home.

Two weeks later, she had a job as well. Mrs. Newton, one of Pastor Webber's parishioners, offered her a job at their farm. She was to help Mrs. Newton in the kitchen with the baking and also help with the sewing and the laundry. In addition, she was responsible for feeding the horses and also feeding the chickens and gathering their eggs. Mrs. Newton was pleasantly surprised at Bella's hard work and dedication. Bella worked from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. The Newtons lived only two miles from the Webbers. Bella would have walked, but Mrs. Newton insisted that her son could pick her up and take her home.

Mike Newton was a nice young man. He had sandy blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. He was very handsome and very shy. After Bella had worked at his home for a week, he opened up a little bit and they became friends. Four weeks later, they were close friends. Suddenly, Mike was done with his chores earlier than usual to help Bella hang laundry on the clothes line. He helped her feed the horse and gather eggs from the chickens. He started hanging around the kitchen when she was cooking and they became real friends.

Bella was hanging clothes on the line one day, when Mike surprised her by coming up behind her.

"Boo!" He yelled and she screamed before turning around and giving him a shove, laughing good-naturedly and he pretended to fall backwards, overwhelmed by her strength.

"Mike, when are you going to grow up?" Bella teased and he grinned at her.

"Maybe someday. For now, I am enjoying my youth. You should try it sometime, Bella." He teased.

Bella smiled, but then turned her attention back to the laundry. She had told Mike about Edward. He had been a good friend to her and had listened to what she had to say. He was two years older than she was. He was 21, and Bella was set to turn 19 tomorrow. She had tried to keep her birthday quiet, but of course Pastor Webber put it in the bulletin with the other birthdays and Mike insisted that they celebrate her birthday. She had refused him at first, but he told her that there was no pressure. They would just go out and have a good time as friends. He told her she deserved to be happy, and she had relented at Angela's demand that they all go out together and have a good time.

"I guess I was born an adult." She joked, but Mike didn't let it go. They had become good friends over the past few months and he knew she was unhappy. He wanted her to be happy. She deserved so much more than this life; in his eyes, she deserved the world.

He stepped in front of her and pulled the sheet from her hands and hung it on the line himself. With a look of determination he turned back around to face Bella.

"Listen, Bella. I know you are struggling to get over Edward. I know that, but how are you supposed to get over him and move on if you don't allow yourself a single moment of happiness?"

Bella shrugged and looked down at her feet. She knew he was right. "I've been busy working." She said before looking up at Mike.

Mike rolled his eyes and grabbed her hand to pull her towards the barn. "My parents adore you. You work way too hard and they insisted that I help you have some fun."

Mike led Bella to the barn and she was surprised to see her favorite horse, Fate, saddled up and ready to ride.

She turned to Mike in bewilderment and he had a huge smile on his face. "Today you learn to ride, Bella."

Bella couldn't help the excitement that coursed through her entire being. "Really?" She nearly squealed.

He nodded happy with her enthusiasm. Mike carefully instructed her on how to mount the horse. He showed her how to guide the horse by the reigns. He taught her how to stop the horse. Next, he climbed up into the saddle and settled Bella in front of him. Bella was uncomfortable with the closeness at first before she relaxed. It was nice to be close to someone again even if she craved a different set of arms.

"Now, I am going to show you how to gallop. I didn't want you to do it alone the first time. I want you to be comfortable with the horse."

Bella nodded and carefully listened to all Mike said and then watched his actions as he lead Fate into a gallop and then into an all-out run. Bella was ecstatic. Her heart raced at how fast they were going. She was thrilled with the speed and with the sensation that she could leave everything behind and throw herself into riding. She laughed out loud in glee when Mike jumped a small fence. He laughed behind her and she felt the rumble of his laughter from his chest against her back as his arm tightened around her protectively.

It seemed like only minutes later they were trotting back to the barn, but Bella saw that the sun was setting. They had been riding over an hour together. Mike got off the horse first and then helped her down, putting his hands on each side of her waist to help her down. His hands lingered on her waist before he dropped them shyly.

Bella was overcome by her feelings. Riding Fate had made her immensely happy. "Thank you so much, Mike, for today." She truly appreciated his friendship.

Mike's smile got even wider. "I am glad you got to let go and be free for a little while. You can ride Fate any time you want to ride. I will show you how to saddle her up tomorrow afternoon."

Bella smiled back and felt genuine happiness. "You are a good friend."

Mike's smile faltered slightly before he stepped forward and pushed a few stray hairs back behind her ear and out of her eyes. It was an affectionate gesture that left Bella confused.

"Someday, Bella, when you are ready…I…I want to be more than just your friend."

He must have sensed her rising panic because he continued.

"I will wait as long as is necessary, Bella. I just…I know we could be good together in the future. We are already best friends. That friendship could turn into something more for you, right?"

He didn't wait for a response. He leaned in and kissed her on the forehead.

"Ben and I will pick you and Angela up tomorrow night for your birthday celebration. My mom has given you the day off. We will pick you both up at 5:00. When you are ready to go home I will drive you."

He smiled and then walked away slowly back up toward the house alone giving Bella a few minutes alone with her thoughts. Confusion and panic were fighting for dominance in her heart. She had become very close to Mike, but she wasn't sure it could lead anywhere. Although she didn't let herself think about it, she knew her heart was still very much Edward's. She wasn't sure she would ever love anyone like she loved him. She could almost feel his presence near the barn and that scared her. Would he always be in her heart? Would he always haunt her? And the scarier thought for Bella was that she never wanted to let him go…her heart belonged to him and she had no plan to change that.

It was quiet on the ride home. Mike was respectfully silent sensing correctly that Bella needed time to contemplate what he said.

When they arrived at the Webbers he hurried around and opened her door as he always did and then grabbed Bella's hand gently.

"Bella, I know that I freaked you out. I know that it is too much for you right now, and that is okay. I just wanted you to know. I didn't want any secrets between us and I don't expect you to feel anything for me. I just…I just wanted you to know that you have options and I would very much like to be one of them."

Bella is overcome again by his speech and she leans in and kisses his cheek. "Thank you, Mike. You are so understanding, decent, and kind. I will think about what you said." She tells him honestly.

He smiles and waits until she lets herself into the house before getting into his truck and driving away.

Bella is sitting at the dining room table staring off into space when Pastor Webber joins her.

"What are you still doing up, kiddo?" He asks.

Bella sighs and then tells him all about what happened with Mike today. Pastor Webber gives her a knowing smile.

"You knew?" Bella asks in bewilderment.

"Sweetheart, it is not difficult to decipher that boy's feelings for you. He has had his eye on you since he first saw you. He is a nice boy."

Bella smiled but then looked down. "I don't think I can feel what I still feel for Edward with anyone else…Mike deserves someone who can love him with her whole heart. I am not that person. I am still in love with Edward even though I know it is wrong." She whispers.

Pastor Webber pulls her into a comforting hug. "Did you know that I was in love with someone else the day I married Angela's mom?"

Bella looks at him startled and shakes her head no. He smiles before continuing.

"I was. I was in love with someone my parents didn't approve of. My parents insisted I marry Mary and I did because at that time children had no choice at all in the matter. I came to realize that I wasn't in love before…it was more of an obsession. I wanted her because I shouldn't want her. I married Mary and we became friends. We bonded over our mutual hatred for our parents for forcing us into a marriage we didn't want." He chuckled before continuing. "Then one winter, I got really sick and she took care of me. She was by my side every moment and I realized that I loved her and she loved me." He pauses and smiles at Bella. "Angela was born a year later. Sometimes we don't understand God's plan for us, but then it becomes apparent that it was the right plan. Maybe that is what God has in store for you with Mike…who knows?"

Bella considers everything he says before speaking. "You make a good point, but my situation is a little different than yours. I know, even though he wronged me, that I am in love with Edward. I could never have married a man I didn't love. So, how could I marry Mike when I still love another man?"

Bella is taken aback when Pastor Webber laughs. "Sweetheart, you don't have to go out and get married tomorrow. I know you are going out with Mike, Angela, and Ben tomorrow. Just open your heart up to him and see if it changes anything for you. Maybe you care more for him than you think. It is your birthday tomorrow, you should enjoy it. Mary and I will be going out of town tomorrow. It is our weekend to work at the homeless shelter, but I promise when we get back the four of us will go out to dinner as a family to celebrate."

Bella nods and seriously considers what he said and then feels love well up in her heart that he considers her a daughter. "Thanks." She says before giving him a kiss on the cheek and heading upstairs to bed. She lies in bed a long time contemplating what Pastor Webber said. She knows he is right and that she should move on. Edward is gone from her life and he isn't coming back for her. She has been here for nearly three months now and Edward has not come for her. Maybe he moved on as well. Maybe he never loved her. Maybe he hadn't even gotten divorced and decided to try to make it work with his wife. All of these maybes kept Bella awake most of the night tossing and turning. In the morning, she came to the realization that Edward had obviously moved on and maybe it was time for her to do the same.

It had taken Edward months, but he had finally found her. She had run all the way to California. Jasper had received a letter from a distance acquaintance of his in California. The letter told them that Bella was living with a minister, his wife, and their 19 year old daughter. Edward was concerned about Bella's feelings for him. Were they still there? Did she still love him? Edward had not slept well since they had been separated. He had traveled to various states looking for her. He had called in favors all over the country. He knew Bella would not have traveled to another country. She had not taken enough money with her for that. Jake had told him she only took what little money he had given her to buy her clothes. Edward had been deeply worried about her and he swore that if anyone had harmed her in any way that they would die for it.

When Edward got the letter from Jasper, he was beyond relieved to know that she was alive and well. He was in Washington himself and he planned to leave immediately for California. Bella's birthday was four days away and he wanted to be with her on that day. He wanted to begin his plan to win her back.

Arriving in California, Edward located the Webbers home. He decided to wait and reveal himself to Bella on her birthday. It was only one day away and he wanted to surprise her. He hoped she would welcome him back into her life, but he was unsure.

That day, Edward followed Bella when she got into a truck with a young blonde man. The man opened the door for her, she got in and he closed the door securely behind her. Edward's blood boiled and he felt his entire being shaking as he followed them. Was Bella involved with someone else? He didn't get a chance to contemplate it before they arrived at a farm and Edward had to pull over to the side of the road opposite of the farm to avoid being seen. Feeling like a stalker, he walked through the fields to get close to the house. The young blonde man was tending to the cows and Bella was nowhere to be found.

Edward waited for a little while and then he saw his Bella. She was smiling and laughing with an older woman as they gathered eggs from the chicken coop together. Edward realized that she must work here and his rage is somewhat quieted for the moment. After gathering eggs, Bella grabs a basket full of clothing and walks over to the washboard and scrubs it clean. Edward has a difficult time watching Bella do this work. His Bella shouldn't have to lift a finger. She should be treated like a queen. He would make it up to her. He would make her happy.

He watched Bella walk over to the clothing line and then he watched the blonde man sneak up behind her and scare her out of her mind. She shoved him back and laughed. The laugh made Edward happy, but also devastated. She had a life here. A life without him.

He watched as the man took a sheet from Bella and hung it for her before he grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the barn. Edward fought to remain calm. He knew that if he killed this man that Bella would never come with him. He had to be smart about this. He had to win her heart. So, he watched as Bella learned to ride a horse. He watched the blonde man ogle what was his! He fought the desire to murder him when the man leaned in and kissed her forehead after some kind of serious conversation that left Bella looking lost and confused.

Edward yearned to hold her and came very close to the barn in order to comfort her, but stopped himself in time. He wanted time alone with Bella. He didn't want to confront her here with this other guy so close by. He didn't want to frighten her off. He wanted to prove to her that he would do anything for her. These thoughts alone kept him from strangling the life out of the guy when Bella leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. At least they weren't seriously involved or anything Edward told himself as he watched the man leave the Webbers home.

Tomorrow he would reveal himself to Bella once again and he would do anything to win her trust once again. He would stop at nothing to make Bella his once again. No one would stand in their way. Tomorrow, their future together could really begin.

I would love to know what you all thought of this chapter. Bella is not in too much trouble yet, but she will be soon. What did you think of this chapter? What do you think of Mike? Edward? I know some of you will be upset by this chapter, but Bella really thinks that Edward has given up on her. She is also struggling with herself because she is in love with a man who lied to her and hurt her in the most painful way possible. He is going to have to go to great lengths to win her heart again. Do you think she will agree to date Mike? Or will Edward swoop in? Will Bella run away again if she finds out that Edward has found her? Or will she face her feelings for him head on? I would love to hear your thoughts on this very LONG chapter. I promise there will be Edward and Bella together in the next chapter. He will make himself known to her and there will be all kinds of drama. I have already written the first half of it, so if I get lots of interest (reviews) it may motivate me to finish it and post it in the next couple of days or so.

Thanks again and please review!

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