Hey, here's chapter 12. I know I said that it would take me a while to update but I decided to rebel against homework this weekend, so I managed to finish another chapter of this story.

I'm also letting you know that this chapter may seem a little different from just reading the last chapter, so I'm sorry if it wasn't up to your standards or anything.

Reviews please and enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, it belongs to Stephenie Meyer.

Chapter 12
Heartfelt Conversations

The moment I was out of sight, I ran full force. They would easily catch up to me so I had to disappear quickly.

The rain was lighting up quickly, meaning they would find my scent even quicker. For now, I was safe but not for long.

I scanned my surrounding area, and I spotted a park just a couple of blocks away so I sprinted over towards it. I leapt into the trees, hiding myself among the leaves.

The trees hid me for just a while, long enough for me to gather my thoughts on what to do. First things first, I strapped my blades back onto my legs, and thankfully, I had some good luck when I spotted a long white sash hanging from the branch of my tree, probably someone's scarf that blew away with the wind.

I snatched it from the branch and wrapped it around my torso, trying to stop the bleeding. I've already lost so much; I would need to get back to my apartment to make it.

The basement would be good, the Cullen's haven't been there yet and I can hide there until the wound at least stops bleeding.

A red spot began to appear through the scarf, I would have to hurry. If I recall, my apartment is only a few blocks away, so I jumped down lightly from the tree, my instincts still here, but I was slowly regaining control of myself.

I ran and ran and ran until the familiar shape of my building appeared in my vision. I didn't stop as I ran through the doors, through the lobby until I came to a worn down, red door that read 'DO NOT ENTER' in front of it.

There was no door knob or anything, but a simple key hole for decoration.

I whispered my full name out, "Isabella Marie Swan," and touched my hand onto the center of it.

The door clicked and started moving upwards. I quickly slid into the room until I heard my name being called.

"Oh shit," I muttered, "Hurry up, close, close, close!"

I saw Edward and Emmett come around the corner and the door, thankfully just closed.

"BELLA!" Edward shouted and I could hear him pounding on the door.

The pounding became louder and louder and I assume that it was Emmett who started helping. I sighed with relief; they won't be able to get it, my mom made sure of it.

I staggered into the dark room, "Lights on," I muttered and the room was illuminated. It still looked the same as it always had, although the plants were dead and I think so were the koi, because of lack of feeding.

I stumbled towards one of the cabinets with the large Red Cross on it and I opened it to see all sorts of medical supplies.

I grabbed a towel, a pair of scissors, a water bottle, and some gauze. I cut off my shirt, no way, now that I can feel the pain, would I be able to lift off my shirt so I just cut it up each side, leaving me in my black bra.

I opened the bottle and soaked the towel with the water and rubbed it on my bleeding side. The blood was making me nauseous without the rain washing away the smell.

I slowly breathed out of my mouth but I could still inhale the scent, it was horrible.

"BELLA OPEN THIS DOOR! PLEASE!" I heard Edward pleaded through the door, making my heart break, but I couldn't give in, not for their sake. I would give my life for them if I had to, then I paused my movements. Wow, how did I turn out to be this vampire hater to having an actual vampire family? I really have changed a lot.

I quickly finished up cleaning up all the blood that had spread around all over my body, and then I cleaned up the wound, although it still bled.

I finished it all up by wrapping the gauze around my huge cut; it went from just underneath the side of my breast down to the last rib.

I staggered to my feet, gathering the bloodied up towel and washing it with bleach, cleaning up the floor and throwing it away in the garbage pail.

The pounding became more incessant and louder, along with more series of voices calling my name. It seemed like all the Cullen's were outside the door.

I glanced at the clock, it was midnight but it didn't feel like it. I might have to stay an extra day here; Charlie won't mind if I miss one day of school, I'll give him a call tomorrow.

"BELLA OPEN UP!" Edward shouted, I walked unsteadily over to the door, swaying in my movements while keeping a hand pressed down on my wound to stop the blood, I grabbed a towel to wrap around my shoulder on the stand beside the weapons.

I leaned back against the door, feeling the vibrations from all the hammering.

"I can't come out," I said softly, and I knew with their super hearing, they could hear me because they hitting stopped.

"Bella!" I heard Alice exclaimed, "Please can you open the door,"

"I'm not leaving. I'm staying here one more day," I told them.

"We'll stay here too!" Emmett exclaimed.

"You can't. Charlie will know and he'll get suspicious. You have to go, please,"

"I am not leaving you Bella!" Edward shouted, "Bella, please. I need to see you,"

Tears were streaming down my face, "I'm sorry," I whispered before I left the door to head towards the mat area. With all my strength, I rolled it up so there was more padding and I laid on top of it, wrapping the towel tightly around my torso.

I was a monster, I just killed someone, how could they still want to be with me?

The thumping started up again and before I closed my eyes, I whispered out to them "I'm sorry," and fell asleep.

"Bella, Bella dear, wake up," I heard a voice call out to me.

I opened my eyes to see my mom in front of me, "Mom?" I asked, groggily sitting up, "Wh-what's going on?"

"Oh Bella, I'm so sorry," she suddenly said as she leaned down to pull me in a hug.

"Mom, what's going on? What happened?"

"I'm sorry Bella, I got you all into this. If it wasn't for me, you would have a normal life, living like a regular teenage girl," she cried.

I hugged her back, "No mom, it's alright. I'm fine, I mean love knowing all of this, the skills, the methods, everything. It's great. And just think mom, if I didn't know about vampires, I wouldn't have met Edward," I explained to her.

Mom leaned back to give me a smile, her cheeks tear-stained but she looked happy nonetheless, "You are right honey, you found love," she told me.

I smiled and took in my surroundings. I was still in the gym, just like I had been before I fell asleep, although it day and nothing looks like it changed. The peaceful sound of the water falling was relaxing and it just looked like how it used to be.

I looked back at mom, "Mom?"

"Yes dear?"

"W-will you come back often? I mean talk to me like this,"

She smiled sadly at me, "Oh honey, not forever. There will be times when I'm not there, but now you have someone to care for you. Just know that I love you for always honey, and even though you might not see me, I am there,"

She gave me a kiss on my forehead, "Bella, I have something to tell you,"

"What is it mom?" I asked.

"I want to say how proud I am of you,"

"For what?" I asked, very confused.

"You are the rightful owner of the blades! You tapped into the power when the flames appeared. I just want to say that I'm very proud of you and that no one deserves this power more than you. Bella you are a wonderful, loving person and I know you won't use this power for vain,"

"So I'm the rightful owner?" I asked surprised, and mom nodded.

I smiled, "Wow, I can't believe it. But what is it exactly? I mean I know there's the fire thing but is there more to it?"

"You already know how the blade protects you, puts up the barrier to protect your mind and your body. It blocked off the scent of you blood during that fight, and that's just the default thing, I guess you would say, that the blade can do. With the fire, it's just one of the many things it can do.

"Bella, these blades are to protect and defend you and all those you love. You can unlock so many things behind these blades for the good and justice of those who deserve it Bella, and I know you won't let me down on this," she explained, giving me a kiss on my forehead.

"Mom?" I asked again, my voice quiet and soft.

"Honey what is it?"

"Am I a monster?" I asked, trying not to look at her when I said this question.

There was a pause before she spoke up, "Bella look at me," she stated firmly and I reluctantly tilted my head up to glance at her.

Her eyes were soft and gentle, "No, Bella, no of course not. What you did was something for self-preservation, for survival. I know how you feel about killing, but I assure you Bella, dear, you are not a monster alright?"

I smiled faintly and nodded, "Bella, you must wake up soon, but I have to tell you, be prepared, be safe and most of all be happy,"

"I will mom; I will be all of those things,"

She smiled widely at me, "I love you Bella, no matter what, and I'm pretty sure Edward loves you too,"

I blushed, "MOM!"

She chuckled lightly, a sound I haven't heard in a long while, "I love you Bella,"

"I love you too mom,"

My eyes snapped open and I felt a faint smile on my face. I sat up, yawned and stretched but winced when I felt the pain from my wound on my side.

I glanced at the clock, it was quarter to six. I wasn't so sure about staying another day, after that dream with my mom, I felt a lot better about myself.

Right now though, I felt a little weak right now, probably from the blood loss and lack of energy. I didn't hear any pounding from the door so I hope they would be upstairs. Before I would go up, I would need to shower and change.

Since my shirt was all cut up, I had to suffice with the towel while I went up, but first I decided on a shower. In our gym, mom had just what we needed in here, and that included a bathroom. We had food but I'm pretty sure it all expired by now so I would have to drop by a waffle house or something later on.

The shower was very relaxing and I felt all the grime and dirt wash off, along with the dried blood around my wound. It was getting a lot better, a scar would be there for a while, but at least it wasn't bleeding anymore although the cut wasn't completely sealed up so I would need gauze wrapped around so it wouldn't get infected.

I changed back into my jeans and bra, and applied new and cleaned gauze around my abdomen before I wrapped the towel tightly around me.

I paused at the doorway and looked back at the gym my mom had built. So many pictures and memories, I would need to quickly change out of these clothes and come back, probably bringing Edward and everyone else down here.

We had a lot more packing to do, I suppose I might stay one more day, and probably the Cullen's if they wanted to. Looks like we won't be going back at the time Alice said, then I laughed inwardly, I bet she probably didn't see the events last night happen either.

I stumbled to the door, still feeling a little weak and sore from the fight and the wound in my side, even if it isn't bleeding anymore.

I made it to the door, panting a bit heavily, before I placed my hand in the center and muttered, "Isabella Marie Swan." The door opened again to reveal Edward, Emmett and Jasper standing there, staring straight at me with worry in their eyes.

"BELLA!" Edward exclaimed, rushing up to me to embrace me in his hug.

I was frozen for a moment, not expecting them to be standing there. "Bella?" I heard Edward ask, concern in his tone.

I regained my senses and hugged Edward as closed to me as possible, whispering his name.

We stood like that in silence for a few moments, drinking in the presence of each other, until we were interrupted by a small cough. I looked up to see Emmett and Jasper smiling widely.

"Bella, are you alright?" Edward asked, looking into my eyes.

I nodded and Edward smiled. He bent down to lift my legs up, and wrap his arm around me, just underneath my shoulders to pick me up. He cradled me in his arms, and normally I would have protested but I was perfectly comfortable where I was.

"Close your eyes," he told me, I obeyed and in two seconds, I was being lain down on my bed.

In the background I could hear Alice and Rosalie shouting.

"But we want to see Bella!" Alice complained.

"YEAH!"

"Calm down Alice," Jasper comforted, "Edward wants some time alone with her, he won't be long," then it was silent.

I sat up, and Edward turned to look at me, "I just need to change first,"

He nodded and I got up to rummage around my closet. I settled on some white comfy, rose printed pajama pants along with a baggy, red t-shirt.

I walked back to my bed and laid down, although I winced when I felt a throbbing sensation on my side.

"What's wrong Bella?" Edward asked, coming to sit beside me. He lifted up my shirt slightly where I had placed my hand on top of.

He frowned when he saw the bandages. "It's nothing Edward," I said, pulling down my shirt, "It's was a cut I got when I was fighting Alexandra. It's a lot better now,"

"But it still hurts you. I should've protected you Bella, I was weak. I don't deserve to have you if I can't even save you when you need it,"

Edward leaned back on the backboard of my bed and I laid on top of him. "No Edward, it was my fault. I'm just glad I still have you with me after witnessing what I had just done,"

I could feel Edward's frown again, and he lifted my hands to kiss my knuckles.

"Edward?"

"Yes Bella?"

"W-will you…" I stammered, feeling a little nervous about what I was going to ask, "What is it Bella?"

"W-will you always be here…with me?" I asked timidly, keeping my gaze attentively on him.

Edward's eyes turned black and my heart felt like it was about to break. He didn't want to be with me, how could I have thought that?

"How can you want to be with me Bella? I'm a monster," Edward said, turning his face away from me to hide his shame.

I frowned and grabbed his face in my hands to have him look at me, "Edward, listen to me, you are not a monster!" I stated, thinking back on the conversation with my mother.

His eyebrows scrunched together, "Yes I am Bella, why won't you understand that! I drink blood, I'm a soulless, horrible fiend!" he shouted, disgusted at himself.

Tears were poking at my eyes, not because of his yelling but at what he was saying.

He noticed the tears and his eyes softened, "Bella, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell, I –,"

"No Edward, you are not horrible! You are not a monster!" I yelled, some of the tears escaping.

"Bella –," Edward tried to say but I cut him off, my voice going softer as I lowered one of my hands to grab his hand to lift up to my cheek. He used the hand I placed on his cheek to wipe away the tears and he lifted his other hand to place on top of the hand that I left on his face.

"Edward just listen. You are not a monster and you do have a soul. Please don't interrupt, I want you to hear this first," I told him as his mouth was about to open to retort, but closed after my statement.

"Edward, a soul is something based off of your feelings. You can't say you don't have a soul if you feel just anything; anger, happiness, sadness, love. You feel all of that, especially love that you have for your family. Your soul isn't damned if you still feels all of these emotions Edward. I mean Carlisle, Esme, Alice, Jasper, Emmett and Rosalie, they are your family, and they love you so much and you do too for them. If you feel this way, you can't have lost your soul,"

Edward smiled lovingly at this statement and moved my hand from his cheek to kiss my knuckles, causing me in turn to smile at him.

"As for the monster part, I hate it when you say that about yourself, I mean I've called myself that but someone told me differently.

"Edward, a monster is defined by their actions, someone who is inhuman and wicked. You call yourself a fiend because you believe that by drinking blood you're horrible, but you're not. You drink it to survive, you kill to survive and Edward you listen, everyone on the earth kills to survive. I mean humans slaughter cattle or livestock to eat right? By drinking blood Edward, you make no difference then who humans are.

"A monster is someone like Steven, who kills because they find joy out of other's pain and suffering, or because they are just plain sick. Steven and his coven killed my mother because they enjoyed her screams, they wanted to see her whither in pain," I cringed as I spoke this but I kept my voice strong.

"You are not a monster Edward, and you definitely have a soul. I never want to hear you say that because it's wrong Edward, it's just wrong and you are the complete and total opposite of it. You are so kind, loving, caring and gentle, and you're always there for me," I told him.

Edward looked thoughtful for a moment before he smiled down at me, "Bella, I love you. And I will be with you always" he said and I gasped. This was the first time he actually told me and my smile grew larger, "I love you Edward," I replied to him.

He eyes were clouded by love, love for me, and he swooped down to catch my lips in a passionate and tender kiss.

So to explain my situation again:

Sorry if I don't update in a while because of all the midterms coming up. I'm also attempting to work on my other story, Quintessence, so I'm sorry if it's a while before I update the next chapter.

I hope you enjoyed it.
Sincerly, SapphireTwilightSky