Title: Misplaced Trust
Author: Bella Katelyn
Rating: M
Summary: When Edward left after Bella's birthday party, her world fell apart. Little did she know just how much her life would change. Whilst grieving for her lost love, she's also betrayed by her best friend Jacob Black. Follow me through this story as Bella experiences loss, peace and finally acceptance when reunited with her Edward.
Disclaimer: Twilight and its characters belong to author Stephanie Meyer, and are brought to the fandom by Summit Entertainment. I'm just borrowing the characters for my own enjoyment and hopefully yours. With that said I hope you enjoy this story as much as I'm going to enjoy writing it.
Chapter Twenty One
Epilogue
BPOV
Once everything we needed was packed into my Volvo and Alice & Rosalie strapped Eddie into his baby seat, it was time to say goodbye to the town I now called home. So much had happened over the last year and a half, I still found it hard to believe how far we'd come. Forks had given me everything, despite the bumps along the way I wouldn't change anything because if I did, I wouldn't have met Edward and like he said to me once living in a world where he didn't exist is simply not a world I want to be in. We'd been on the road for a few hours when I started to feel the tears well up in my eyes, I didn't even know why I was crying. I was brought out of my thoughts by Edward's hand touching my thigh.
"Everything's going to be alright, love. I promise."
"I know, I'm just thinking. We've come a long way in such a short space of time."
"Yes we have. But despite the bad stuff I wouldn't change any of it. It's made us stronger."
"Eddie is my light throughout the darkness. Finally I feel like I can breathe again."
"You did a good thing, going to see Billy."
"It's not his fault why should he miss out on watching his grandson grow up."
"He shouldn't."
"It's surreal leaving Forks, knowing that we aren't coming back."
"We'll be back, it just won't be to stay for a while. After all Charlie and Billy won't let us stay away for long."
"Mm, that's true."
"Are you tired?"
"Mm hm."
"Pull over and I'll drive."
"Alright."
Pulling onto the side of the road, I unclipped my seatbelt, moving around the front of the car to the passenger side, smiling as Edward scooted over to the drivers' seat, any chance to drive, although I couldn't deny that the tiredness was creeping up on me and the last thing we needed was another accident to happen. Of course Carlisle Alice and Emmett stopped behind us, curious as to what was going on, just as I'd buckled myself in again I heard my cell ring, knowing it would be Alice.
"What's going on?"
"I'm tired, so Edward is taking over the driving so I can sleep."
"Oh. Well I guess that means we'll get there quicker."
"Alice I can't help that we need to stop every so often, not only am I human, I'm pregnant and need to nurse Eddie. Right now he's asleep but I won't let him suffer."
"Alright, alright I was only saying."
"Goodbye Alice/"
"Bye Bella. And tell Edward if he even tries to do what he's thinking there'll be hell to pay."
Flipping the cell closed, I sighed closing my eyes, I loved my sister but sometimes she could be a right royal pain in the behind, turning slightly I relaxed completely suddenly realising just how tired I really was. Before long I felt sleep begin to overtake me, allowing myself to sleep deeply for the first time since Jacob's arrest. I could vaguely hear Edward humming my lullaby as Edward hummed it gently soothing me as he helped me sleep. Only one day and twenty three hours to go and we would finally reach our new home.
APOV
I knew the minute Carlisle told us we needed to move this would be the hardest for Bella, after all not only was she leaving her father behind, she was leaving the town she had found her mate, I could tell just by looking at him Edward's thoughts mirrored hers. Despite everything that had happened in this small town their love overrode all of it. Once Bella had fallen asleep, Edward sped up slightly, although I could tell that he was still going slower than he would if he'd been in the car on his own, after all he had his own family now. Pushing my cell into my back pocket I sighed heavily as we passed the 'Welcome To Forks" sign. Bella and Edward weren't the only ones who would miss this small little town. I knew the entire family would, but we would be back, Bella would not lose contact with Charlie or Billy, although why she needed to stay in contact with Billy for I'll never know.
"Darlin' you can't blame Billy for Jacob's actions."
"I just don't see why she needs to make promises to him. After what his son did."
"He's Eddie's grandfather, if Bella wants Billy in their lives then we support them. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, yes. I promise I'll keep my opinions to myself."
"Good."
"Can we stop off somewhere to shop?"
"You just went shopping. The longer stay on the road the quicker we'll get there and we need to stop every so often for Bella."
"Fine."
We'd only been on the road twenty minutes and already we'd passed through Port Angeles and were entering Seattle. If everything went as it was now, excluding the small pit-stops for Bella to eat and nurse Eddie, we should arrive in New Hampshire with time to spare. Pulling out my IPad, I reserved a restaurant for today, knowing Bella would likely be hungry within a few hours, and I could see her waking up just as we got to Canada which by my estimations should be a few hours. Carlisle and Esme were already ahead of us, having decided to get the houses set up for our arrival. Rosalie and Emmett were behind Jazzy and I, in Emmett's Jeep, much to Rose's distaste. Thankfully she wasn't as pissed off as she usually is when we need to move. Maybe the arrival of Eddie had softened her up.
"What are you thinking about Darlin'?"
"The way everything seems to be calmer this time around. Remember when we moved to Forks from Alaska."
"Mm, I didn't think Rose would ever calm down."
"Do you think it's Bella and Eddie who've changed her temperament?"
"I believe so. She's calmed down a lot in the last year. That reminds me, Bella's 19th is coming up, are we doing anything special for it?"
"I'm not sure. I think that should be left up to Edward this time."
"Your turning down throwing a party?"
"Look what happened the last time I did Jazz. I'm not forcing her into anything."
"I think she would like dinner with Edward and then time with us later."
"I think you're right there."
Flipping the lid of my IPad over I shoved it back into my Louis Vuitton bag next to my makeup and hair supplies. Not to mention the mobile wardrobe I'd packed for Bella. I foresaw her getting hot along the way. As we passed through Seattle heading toward Canada I rested my head against the window looking at the passing scenery. Over the years I'd called a few places home, but nowhere felt like home as much as Forks did, Bella didn't just complete Edward's existence, She was my best friend, the only friend I could tell anything to. Maybe doing things Bella's way would make up for leaving her behind the ;last time we'd left Forks behind us. Only time would tell.
EPOV
I'd been completely focused on travelling at a reasonable speed, I nearly missed the passing thought which just went through Alice's mind, my heart broke as I finally realised why Alice had been so focused on buying Bella all those clothes, my baby sister had felt everything was her fault because she'd talked Bella into the party which led to us leaving last Autumn, Pinching the bridge of my nose I grabbed my cell making sure it was on hands-free before finding Alice's number sending her a text. Once and for all I was going to make sure Alice stopped blaming herself. Otherwise she would constantly be unhappy.
"Alice, on no terms is what happened last September your fault. Bella doesn't blame you, neither do I."
"But if I hadn't forced her into the party at the house, she wouldn't have received that paper cut and Jazzy wouldn't have been overwhelmed by her blood."
"Do you think Bella would be happy to know you still blame yourself for what happened a year ago. A lot has changed, we're stronger now than we've ever been. We have a family."
"I just don't see why we have to keep Billy in our lives."
"It's Bella's choice and I stand by her. She's right it's not Billy's fault his son is an animal. For Bella's sake you have to let this go."
"Fine but it's for Bella and you, not those stinky mutts."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Oh and Alice, thank you for allowing me to celebrate Bella's birthday the way she wants to. Dinner with me and then family time sounds perfect."
"You're welcome."
Speeding up slightly I looked over at Bella smiling as I saw she was still sleeping, I knew Alice had already reserved a table at a restaurant when we arrived in Canada, another thing I'd have to thank my sister for. While we were there, I had no doubt Bella would want to nurse Eddie. So far as Alice had predicted we arrived at the Canadian border in record time. After showing our passports as identification we drove through to Vancouver. Ten minutes later we were pulling up at the restaurant Alice had booked for Bella's dinner, as predicted the minute I stopped the car my beautiful wife opened those chocolate brown eyes I love so much.
"Where are we?"
"We're in Vancouver, are you hungry?"
"Mm hm."
"Alice reversed a table for us, and they have a place you can go to nurse Eddie if he needs it."
"There's bottles in the bag I'm not comfortable breast feeding in public."
"As long as you're comfortable, love."
"Thank you."
Sliding out of the drivers' side I shut my door lightly walking around the passenger side, opening Bella's door holding out my hand to help Bella out of the car. Once she was safely out of the car, I grabbed Eddie's changing bag pulling it over my shoulder before proceeding to the back seat scooping Eddie into my arms holding him close to my chest, wrapping my free arm around Bella's waist as we all walked into the restaurant together, the hostess thankfully didn't pay any attention to me, it seemed our little boy was making it clear I was off the market, Emmett and Jasper on the other hand were being stared at by every female in the room.
"Table for six in the name of Cullen."
"Right this way sir? Can I get you anything for the baby?"
"Do you warm bottles up?"
"Yes we do."
"Once we get seated we have a bottle that needs warming."
"We'll get right on that."
"Alice can you get that sorted out please?"
"Of course."
Once we were seated Alice pulled the bottle of breast milk out of the changing bag taking it to the hostess, I could tell that if it hadn't been for us having Eddie with us, she would have been a lot harsher on "Lyssa." Rocking Eddie in my arms I smiled as Bella looked at the menu, unfortunately for us with everyone staring at us, we would all have to order something even if we kept the leftovers for Bella during the remainder of the journey. Just as Bella had decided on what she wanted, Alice returned with the warmed breast milk handing it to me. The waitress wasn't far behind ready to take our order
"Here you go Edward; it's at the right temperature."
"Thank you Ali."
"Any time big brother."
"Can I take your order?"
"Mm hmm, I'd like the chicken fajita please."
"Alright, any what drinks would you like?"
"Coke please."
"And what can I get the rest of you?"
"We'll have the ceasor salad please."
"And to drink?"
"Cokes."
"I'll be right back with your orders."
"Thank you."
As the waitress left, everyone but Bella grimaced at the thought of having to eat anything, knowing fair well exactly what would happen the second the food had been swallowed, I only hoped Bella would eat quickly. I was brought out of my thoughts by a high pitched squeal. Looking down at Eddie I smiled, picking the bottle up again putting it gently to his lips as he suckled greedily. I could see Bella looking at us from a distance. The crease between her eyes was evident.
"What's wrong, love?"
"Seeing you feeding Eddie, it makes me realise how much you're missing out. Maybe it's time I started to pump milk."
"Only if you're ready, love."
"I am. And my breasts are starting to get more and tenderer."
"Dude can we talk about something else."
"Emmett shut it; this is the most natural thing in the world."
"But still…"
"Emmett if you don't shut up, you'll be on the couch for a month."
"Fine."
BPOV
Watching Edward feeding Eddie made me realise just how much Edward was missing out on when I was nursing, ever since I'd found out I was pregnant again, my breasts had been extremely painful, finally making the decision to pump milk instead of nurse continuously was a relief even though I knew I'd miss the bonding process, this way at least Edward would be able to bond with his son. Resting my head against my arm, I couldn't take my eyes away from my husband I completely missed the fact that our food had arrived. I was brought out of my thoughts by Rosalie tugging on my arm.
"Earth to Bella, your foods arrived."
"Huh? Sorry."
"Don't be. After we've eaten we'll be heading straight to New Hampshire."
"Not much longer to go huh."
"Nope. Are you excited?"
"Excited, nervous. But mostly excited."
"You'll love college."
"I know I will."
Turning away from Edward, I picked up my fork, digging into my food, not realising how hungry I actually was, I'd eaten half of my meal by the time my vampire family had started to make food disappear off their places, I could tell some food had passed their lips as all were paler than they usually were and for vampires that was saying something. Once I'd finished eating I pulled Edward's plate away from him digging into the ceasor salad, humming in appreciation. From the corner of the booth I could hear Emmett laughing under his breath, to save my family from feeling too sick I called the hostess over, smiling at her friendly appearance.
"What could I help you with?"
"We need the check and a few empty containers to put the left-over food in. We've had our fill for now but we still have a long journey ahead of us."
"Of course I'll just get those for you."
"Thank you."
As soon as the hostess and most of the servers had their backs turned, my vampire family excused themselves, I knew exactly where they were going, I wished that I could have kept them from eating, but this restaurant was bigger than any of the ones we'd been to previously. Scooping Eddie into my arms I watched as Edward dashed into the bathroom, feeling completely guilty for their suffering. Looking down at Eddie, I moved him to my shoulder rubbing his back gently as I burped him. The hostess came over a few minutes later dumping the leftovers into the plastic containers before handing me the check, looking at it; I pulled out my black card handing it over. By the time she left Edward and my siblings were coming back to the booth.
"Ready to go?"
"Mm."
"I'm sorry you had to endure that."
"We'd do it all over again for you."
"I know you would. Do you need me to drive?"
"No I'm alright now."
Standing slowly I held Eddie close to my heart as we left the restaurant heading back to our perspective cars, after securing Eddie back into his baby seat I slid into the passenger side buckling myself in. Resting my head back against the headrest I felt my eyes get heavy again closely followed by Edward humming my lullaby. I was so exhausted I didn't even feel the car speed up. Taking a deep breath I fell into a deep sleep, the next time I woke up we'd be at our new home.
EPOV
Once we'd left the restaurant parking lot and Bella and Eddie were fast asleep I put my food down suddenly eager to get to New Hampshire to start our new life together as a family. It would be the first time we were living on our own, however Esme and Carlisle understood that Bella and I were still in the beginning stages of our mating bond. As day turned into night we were made the journey in record time, before we knew it we were entering New Hampshire. Taking an unnecessary deep breath, I looked toward my sleeping wife, reluctant to wake her, however I knew she needed her sleep. An hour later we were pulling into our new home, just as I drove through into the garage I felt Bella stir next to me.
"Where are we?"
"We're home."
"Already?"
"We sped up after you fell asleep."
"Now why doesn't that surprise me? Has Eddie been changed?"
"Rosalie changed him about a minute ago; we stopped at a service station."
"Oh alright."
"Would you like to see the house?"
"Mm."
Turning off the engine I slid out of the car walking around the car to the passenger side helping Bella from the car. Once I was sure she was safely on her feet, I closed the passenger side door, opening the back door scooping our son into my arms, Emmett and Jasper were already unloading our bags, deciding to let their wives have their own way back at the main house. Bella's excitement was contagious as she practically ran inside, for the first time not tripping over her own feet. Walking into the house, I walked the short distance toward our bedroom, smiling as Bella was already unpacking our clothes. Watching from the doorway I suddenly saw the vision Alice had shown me three years ago. My Happily Ever After.
The End (for now) Sequel Being Started ASAP