A Leaf In a Storm

Chapter 12

[Bella]

The following week had felt like hell. I had been in the hospital every day and each day my pain meds decreased. To my pleasure, Carlisle finally decided I could be released, but I had to be watched at home. Luckily, Alice had volunteered to look after me while Charlie worked. He trusted her and knew that she would make sure I stayed safe; so he agreed. Charlie had went to get the car and turn in my paper work, as I finished gathering my things. There was a slight knock on the door and I turned to see who my visitor was.

"Bella.." Rachel murmured. I stared at the woman before me. Staring at her, so many memories came rushing back. I did love Rachel. A part of me would always love her. She had been my first true love and no one will ever change that. I wasn't having second thoughts about my relationship with Alice though. I sat on the bed and motioned for Rachel to sit in front of me. She did so without any arguement.

"Accepting you and Alice will be quite difficult. But as long as I have you in my life, I will try my hardest to make it work. I told you I would fight for you, but fighting for you will just seperate us... I love you Isabella Swan. I had my chance to make it work and I ruined it. I hate it but I've decided that it is time for me to be the bigger person. I want you to know that I will never fully give up on the tiniest shred of hope that someday we may end up together. However, I will stop trying to make you love me.." Rachel's voice cracked at the end as a tear slipped down her face. Gently I got off the bed and made my way over to her. I wiped away the tear and forced her eyes to meet mine.

"I do love you. Don't ever think I don't. I haven't been too fond of how you have been acting recently though. That's not you Rachel. This girl pouring her heart out to me and willing to put her own happiness aside for me, that's the you I love. I would like for you to apologize to Alice as well. She treats me amazingly... I'm not meaning to rub it in your face, but I really don't want to lose her. I want you and I to restart and be able to maintain a friendship, but I'd rather my girlfriend not think you were trying to steal me away all the time, Rach." Our eyes met and she nodded her head.

"I already apologized to her, Bella. I went to her first and told her how sorry I was. Almost losing you made me truly realize that I want you as at least a friend in my life. Alice did forgive me. She said you and I could have a friendship if it was what you wanted. That all she wanted was you to be happy." I couldn't help but smile. Alice really was a perfect girlfriend. Just then Charlie chose to enter the room. Rachel said her goodbyes and exited.

"Hey Bells.." My dad grumbled once we were in the cruiser and on our way home.

"Yeah, dad?" I replied curiously to his unusual tone.

"I just... I want to say sorry.." He trailed off fiddling with the steering wheel.

"Sorry for what?" I mumbled, placing a hand on his shoulder. "What's wrong dad?"

"I'm sorry I haven't really been there for you. You've just been growing up so fast and I don't really know how to show my feelings.. I've never been good at it. I want to start with Alice... She's a great gal and I can tell she loves you. I just don't want you hurt. I know when I found out about you and her, I didn't show much emotion but I really am happy for you babygirl.." My eyes were watering with my dad's speech but instead of interupting I let him continue. "When Jacob called me and told me you were in the accident, I felt like my world had completely went dark.. I deal with accidents every day but no amout of training would ever prepare me for the day that I seen my own daughter lying lifeless on the ground.." Tears were steadily streaming down his face and one of his hands was gripping mine as the other was still controlling our driving. "Since the day you were born, you have been my everything. I don't know what I would do without you Bells..I love you more than anything"

"Oh dad," I sighed out crying myself. "I love you too. And I'm so honored to call you my father. You really are the greatest. I know how you are about showing emotion and it's okay. I understand.." By this time we were at the house and he pulled me into his arms, watching my broken arm of course.

"Don't think I'm going to start being so sentimental all the time." He grumbled kissing my forehead.

I laughed into his shoulder and smiled. "Alright, dad."

We eventually got everything settled into my room and Charlie went downstairs to watch a game, leaving me upstairs to lay down and get some rest. I changed into a baggy t-shirt and climbed into bed waiting for my beautiful girlfriend to show up. There was a knock at my window and I looked expectantly to see Alice, but strangely Rosalie was at my window. A smile grew on my face though. It had been awhile since I'd actually spent some quality time with the blonde. I motioned for her to come in and moments later she was sitting next to me on the bed.

"Sorry I'm not the vampire you were expecting but on the contarary, I am better looking." Rosalie mumbled causing me to laugh.

"I've missed you, even though your a bitch." She just smiled and rolled her eyes.

"Don't tell anyone, but I've missed you too." She flashed me one of those rare Rosalie smiles and I couldn't help but smile in return.

"You know.. I have come to think of you as family Bella. But Alice is also my family and if you hurt her, there will be problems." Rosalie warned taking on the protective big sister role.

"Rose.. You honestly have nothing to worry about. I've fallen head over heels for your sister. It scares me actually. I've only felt this way once and it ended in heartbreak.. It may seem super soon. But I love Alice. With all my heart." I stated confidently.

"Speaking of the devil, I can hear her running here so i'll leave you now." Rosalie said standing. She flashed me another smile and then she dashed out my window. I waited and waited for Alice to come in but instead Charlie walked into my room.

"Just wanted to say night Bells. Alice should be here in the morning to look after you but if you end up needing anything, then just call."

"Okay, night. Sweet dreams." After I heard his door shut then finally my pixie made her appearance. Her slim arms found their way around my waist and she placed a kiss on my neck. The icy contact felt amazing and caused a shiver down my spine.

"How are you feeling, love? I've missed you." She whispered into my ear. I cuddled into her arms and sighed.

"I feel better now and I've missed you too. Where have you been all day?" I questioned intertwining our hands.

"I knew there were a few people wanting some bonding time with you so I went ahead and went hunting with Nerine and Japser. " She murmured.

"Well I may seem clingy after saying this, but I hate going that long without seeing you.." I trailed off knowing I sounded silly. She laughed that melodic laugh I loved so much and shook her head.

"You're not clingy. I hate going without seeing you as well. It drives me crazy." I loved hearing that coming from my girlfriend. I started to reply, but instead I yawned signifying that it was time for me to get some sleep. Alice giggled and actually slid under the covers with me. She pulled me into her and her hand froze when she came in contact with my bare thigh. I could feel her breath hitch and I giggled.

"Do I need to put some shorts on?" I asked.

I could feel her spiky hair run across my back as she should her head. She gently caressed my hip and then pulled my shirt down as long as it'd go. Then she found my hand and brought our fingers together.

"Ali?" I questioned sleepily.

"Yes babe?" She asked concerned because she had no idea what I was about to say. I had first planned on saying goodnight but suddenly I changed my mind and said what my heart felt.

"I'm pretty sure I'm in love with you.."

About time I get another chapter up! I know it's been forever. Hope you enjoy it though. I'll update when I can. Thank you to all that have stayed with this story.