A/N: Thank you for reading and reviewing. There will most likely be one more chapter after this one.
Bella wakes up in the morning and sits up in her bed. Looking around, everything seems the same, as if what happened the night before was a dream.
"Morning", Tanya says, sitting up beside her.
"Morning."
"How are you feeling?"
"Better. Sort of."
Bella glances at the clock on her nightstand. 8:00 a.m.
"I'm going to stop by the hospital and see Henry before picking up Leona. See if he's awake."
"Yes, about that…", Tanya says.
"What is it?", Bella asks.
"Irina called last night. She wanted to talk about Henry and Maddox."
"Did it not work?"
"He didn't do it yet. There are certain aspects Maddox didn't mention that Irina wanted you to know."
"Okay. Like what?"
"I don't focus much on everyone's gift, given I don't really have one. Apparently, Maddox is not as skilled as he's tried to let on. There is a chance that he could mess up and Henry wouldn't remember you."
"Is that the worst case?"
"No. He might not remember anything."
Bella is quiet, debating on if Maddox erasing Henry's memory is a good idea at this point. Why didn't Maddox tell me?
"Do you still want to go through with it?"
"What exactly is Maddox's plan? He has to have a plan, right?", Bella rushes out.
He wouldn't just go in without a plan. He cares about Henry too much.
"The plan is to erase Henry's memory from when he walked off to go to the bathroom forward. Then replace it with a memory of him enjoying camping for the rest of the night."
"And his arm?"
"Maddox mentioned that when his sister climbed and fell from a tree as a kid, she had a similar break to Henry's. Kate told the doctor Henry fell and that's how he hurt his arm. Maddox will put in a memory of Henry climbing a tree that night."
"Henry doesn't climb trees."
"Henry will think it happened, regardless of past behavior."
"So he'll think the camping trip was just cut short?"
"Exactly. Do you want him to dislike camping? I'm sure Maddox can invoke an emotion in the memory if you want him to dislike it. Irina says when he does it well, it's pretty much perfect."
"No. Henry was having fun before…"
Bella gets out of the bed and walks over to the desk. She pauses, remembering her phone was crushed by Alex.
"My phone…"
"Garrett picked up a new one for you and brought it", Tanya says.
Tanya walks over to the door and reaches into a small bag on the handle. She pulls out a cell phone box.
"Thanks", Bella says, taking the box from Tanya. "If Maddox does not use his power on Henry and he remembers, then what?"
"We can always make something up. Make it seem like a dream, but I don't know."
"Would he have to become a vampire? He would know your secret."
"He wouldn't know about us. Just the others and we can pass them off as crazy. It's risky, but we can. I don't want to rush you, but it is better to do it before he wakes up."
"I'm surprised he slept through the night."
"He didn't. Kate said he work up briefly, but was so tired, he went right back to sleep. He was not up long enough to say anything. I know this is a hard decision."
"No. He will have nightmares for who knows how long. Tell Maddox to do it."
Tanya nods before typing a message in her phone.
"Why didn't Maddox tell me everything? I mean, he offered it to me."
"From what I've learned about Maddox, he's a good guy, but has a habit of embellishing and generally trying to make things seem better than they are. To make the other person feel better. Feel safe. Though based on Irina's tone, she voiced her concern to Maddox when he offered to erase the Cullens for you."
"I hope it works", Bella says, grabbing a towel for the shower.
"Me too. You should eat before you go as well", Tanya says with a small smile.
"I don't really have the appetite, but I'll try."
Bella stands in the hallway outside of Henry's room. Maddox leaves the room and smiles at her.
"Bella", he says, greeting her.
Bella does not smile back, instead frowning.
"Why didn't you tell me everything? What could happen to Henry?", Bella says.
"I'm going to find Irina and give you two a minute", Tanya says, walking away.
"I should have heard it from you. Not Irina", Bella says.
"You're right", Maddox responds simply.
"You made it sound like it would be easy. Don't lie to me again."
"I didn't lie, Bella", Maddox defends.
"Don't-don't hide things. Tell me the truth. We're going to be family. I need to able to trust you."
Maddox pauses, his golden eyes staring into Bella's. Bella knows Maddox is aware that she's not angry, just disappointed. Maddox is one the closest connections to humanity she has found in a vampire. In addition to Carmen and Esme. Both have a love of family and appreciation for others.
"I'm sorry Bella", Maddox says.
Bella nods and then looks at the door to Henry's room.
"Did you do it?", Bella asks.
"Yes."
"Did it work?"
"He is still asleep, but I'm sure it worked."
"I don't think I can handle this if it does not", Bella says, opening the door.
Henry is sleeping and the nurse is checking on him. Bella smiles at the nurse and then sits down next to the bed.
Tanya, Irina, and Maddox enter the room and walk over to Bella.
"Have you thought about what you will tell Leona?", Tanya asks.
"Sort of. I know I can't tell her the truth. Figured I'll go off of what Maddox made Henry think happened."
"Will she be mad?", Irina asks.
"I don't think so. Leona is pretty relaxed about things. But nothing this serious has happened before. I've been extra careful with Henry. Tried to keep him safe."
"You have Bella. You've done an excellent job", Tanya says.
Bella checks the time on her phone. 9:30 a.m..
"I'll relax here for a little while and watch TV or something. Then I'll go pick up Leona from the airport."
Bella pulls up to the curb outside the airport doors. Leona should have her bag by now, if she has one. She sends Leona a text as a reminder she is outside. Her phone buzzes with a message.
Charlie: Hey Bells, checking in on you. How is everything?
Oh Charlie, if only you knew. Bella starts to type back, but then deletes the words. She jerks up hearing a knock on her passenger window. She looks up to see Leona grinning ear to ear and waving as if she hasn't seen Bella in forever. Her dark blonde hair reaches a few inches past her shoulders and her blue eyes match the cardigan peeking under her winter coat. It has been so long, Bella forgot how tall she was, but even now, at 25 years old, she looks just like Henry. No one could doubt he is her son.
The joy Bella feels in a returned smile melts to confusion. Next to Leona, standing shyly, is Jacob? Bella unlocks the door and pops the trunk seeing Jacob holding what she assumes is his and Leona's small suitcases. Bella gets out of the car to greet Leona while Jacob opens the trunk.
"Bella!", Leona says.
Her voice rings like wind chimes in Bella's ears as Leona hugs her tightly. She radiates positivity and familiarity as if she's only been gone for a few days rather than months.
"Welcome home", Bella says.
She glances at Jacob who closes the trunk and smiles.
"Hey Bella. Perfect timing", Jacob says.
"You two know each other?", Leona asks, watching Bella hug Jacob.
"Yeah. Jacob is my friend from Forks."
"Oh that Jacob", Leona says with a bit of laughter and recognition on her face.
"What do you mean that Jacob? What have you said about me Bella?"
"Many things", Leona teases.
"So, how did you two meet?", Bella asks.
"My bag had a hole in it that I had tried to patch up before I got on the plane—"
"And the patch up job was horrible!", Jacob cuts in, chuckling.
"It was! I admit that. Anyway, I had some loose items in my bag poking out, some even falling through, and he chased after to tell me."
"Her stuff was everywhere Bella. She can't pack at all."
"Hey! I manage just fine most times", Leona says, elbowing Jacob.
"Then she told me her ride was here, so I offered to help carry her bag out."
"With my luck today, I couldn't resist a gentleman's hand", Leona says, earning a blush from Jacob.
Leona's eyes are still focused on Bella, but Jacob's are not. They are looking at Leona. A look of complete admiration and affection that Bella came to recognize after spending time with the others at La Push. Cars honk behind them and they hurry into the car. Bella pulls away from the curb while they put their seatbelts on.
"So, the weather is clearing up nicely. Pretty soon it will be summer", Leona says.
"Yep", Bella says.
She can barely focus on what Leona is saying. She glances at Jacob in the rearview mirror. He is completely engrossed in Leona's words, but it is hard to tell if Leona recognizes it. Similar to Henry, she is friendly to pretty much everyone. If it is what Bella thinks, she will have to bring it up to Jacob later.
"Is Henry at school or did you let him take off?", Leona asks.
Bella catches the word Henry, but that's it. She glances at Leona and then back at the road.
"What did you say?"
"I asked where Henry is. Is he at school or with Fin?"
"About that…Henry wanted to go camping yesterday. Just the two of us."
Leona's face drops in disappointment, but she shakes her head a little as if pushing the feeling away.
"Tha-that's okay. Did he have fun?"
"He did, but he uh…he got a little too adventurous. Climbed a tree. Then he fell and broke his arm. He's in the hospital right now, but I believe we can check out today. It was an accident. He did not need surgery. Just a cast."
Leona's happy mood flattens completely to one of concern. Jacob is the same.
"So are we going to the hospital now?", Leona asks.
"Yes. I'm sorry Leona. I should have—"
"I know you Bella. It was an accident", Leona says.
"He's probably awake right now and can't wait to see his mom. Probably bored out of his mind", Jacob says, trying to bring some hope into the conversation.
"Actually, Tanya and her family are there. They'll talk to him."
"Tanya? Who's that?", Leona asks.
"My girlfriend. It's a new relationship", Bella rushes out. "But Henry's met her. He likes her. And—"
"You don't have to explain your choice of lovers to me Bella. I know you wouldn't just have anyone around Henry. This Tanya must be pretty special", Leona says.
"She is", Bella says.
Leona used to encourage Bella to date more. Get over Edward. Though she didn't push her too much. Probably because she didn't want Bella to say that dating is hard to do when you are balancing school, work, and taking care of someone else's kid. It would have stung her like crazy.
"I've met Tanya. She's alright", Jacob jokes.
Bella scoffs and rolls her eyes.
"Jacob's just upset because he wasn't my first choice. Again", Bella states.
"I don't care if I'm your tenth choice. Hundredth choice even. I'm over you Bella", Jacob says.
His voice is serious and he glances at Leona to see how she reacts. Leona already knows about Jacob's previous interest in Bella. Bella can't tell if Leona is attracted to Jacob. If she is, she wouldn't be opposed to dating him since him and Bella didn't actually get together.
"Okay you two, back to your corners", Leona says, eyes eager as if she is watching a boxing match.
Bella focuses on the road for the rest of the drive. When she does try to tune in, Jacob and Leona are talking away. They didn't even have the radio on.
"I want to get him something from the gift shop. Think they have anything he'd like?", Leona asks as they walk into the hospital.
Bella can tell immediately that Leona is nervous. She has not talked that much to Henry this year and voicemails are not the same. And while Bella has shared pictures of class projects and videos, it is not a replacement for actual contact.
"I'm sure whatever you pick will be great. Henry's an awesome kid with a lot of interests", Jacobs says.
Leona smiles in appreciation. They pick a few random items from the gift shop and take the elevator to Henry's room. Bella walks inside first. Henry is already sat up in the bed. He turns his head from Maddox to look at Bella.
"Bella!", Henry says, smiling.
"Hey! Look who it is Henry!", Bella says, walking over to him.
Leona walks into the room, a giant smile on her face, an immense amount of love in her eyes. Henry stares at her.
"What are you doing here?", Henry asks.
His tone hints at a small amount of anger. He obviously remembers her and knew she was coming. Maybe part of him hoped she would not have. Leona's smile falls and turns to a look of understanding. While Henry's change over his mother surprised Bella, Leona seems prepared for it. Leona steps closer to the bed and sits in a chair, placing the gift shop bag on the side table.
"Henry I love you. I'm your mom."
"Maybe you shouldn't be", Henry whispers, turning away from her.
"Henry!", Bella exclaims, shocked.
"No, it's okay. Can you give us a moment?", Leona asks.
"Of course", Maddox says.
Part of Bella wants to stay, wants to help somehow. But she knows this is something Leona has to handle on her own. Maddox, Bella, and Jacob step into the hallway.
"Let's get further away. If we stand here, I'll want to know what she's saying to him", Bella says.
They walk further away from the room, Bella trying not to ask Maddox what Leona is saying.
"So that's Leona huh? Henry looks just like her", Maddox says.
"He does", Bella says.
"She seems friendlier than I thought she would be. I mean you said good things about her, but I guess I pictured someone different. Maybe not the kind of personality I expected for someone who abandoned her kid", Maddox states.
"She didn't abandon him! She was always going to come back. Right Bella?", Jacob defends.
Jacob's need to defend Leona isn't surprising. What is though, is that he is already shaking from it. Maddox stops and looks at Jacob, unafraid.
"Of course she was going to come back. I can see Maddox's point though. This is nothing to fight over", Bella says.
"What are we fighting over?", Tanya asks, walking over with Irina.
"Maddox accused Leona of abandoning Henry", Jacob says.
"And Jacob's trying to pick a fight. The facts are she has been in and out of his life. She dumped him on Bella. I call that abandonment. But she's back now, so you can relax", Maddox says, clearly trying to disarm Jacob.
"What's wrong with you Jacob? Are shifters always this testy?", Irina asks, stepping closer to Maddox.
Jacob takes a few deep breaths and manages to settle down, eyes shifting back and forth between the three vampires.
"I think he's just sticking up for her. Like I did when you first brought Leona up", Bella says, looking at Tanya.
"I see. But as Maddox said, Leona is back. Is she with Henry now?", Tanya asks.
"Yeah. He wasn't exactly happy to see her. We're giving her some privacy", Bella says.
"I have to handle some personal matters. I'll see you all back at the house", Irina says.
Irina kisses Maddox on the cheek and then looks cautiously at Jacob before passing him.
"I need to talk to Jacob alone for a minute. We'll meet you guys back at the room", Bella says.
"Okay", Tanya says, observing Jacob carefully.
Tanya and Maddox head back toward Henry's room. Bella faces Jacob.
"Why don't we go get a snack from the cafeteria? Leona's probably a little hungry too", Bella suggests.
"Okay", Jacob says, finally relaxed.
"So what did you want to talk about?", Jacob asks, as they stand in the checkout line with a few snacks.
After Bella pays, they start walking back toward the elevator. Bella pushes the up button and stares at Jacob.
"Did you imprint on Leona?"
Jacob's mouth is wide open in shock, but he manages to settle himself.
"Yes."
Their meet was like something out of a cheesy romantic comedy. Bella's mind is swirling with thoughts. She knows Jacob and Leona might actually be good together, but Jacob is a shifter. He will age with Leona, but he will tell her about him and the others at La Push. Which means Henry will know about shifters and the cold ones. This brought on both astounding happiness and immense pain for Bella. She wanted Henry to have a normal life. Both of them to have a normal life. And she now knew they wouldn't. Or maybe Henry would never know unless Jacob and Leona have a child. Maybe Jacob would never have to tell Henry.
"What are you thinking Bella?", Jacob asks as the elevator doors open.
They step into the elevator and push Henry's floor, Bella crinkling the bag with the snacks in her hand.
"I don't know", Bella says, not looking at him.
"I think Henry's a great kid. I'll take care of both of them."
"I know that. I just…wonder if what we did was for nothing."
"What are you talking about?"
"Remember James and Victoria?"
"Yes. We kept Victoria out of La Push. Why?", Jacob asks, hesitant.
"She attacked while Henry and I were camping. She's dead now, but she's the reason his arm is broken."
"Jesus Bella!"
"Don't worry. Maddox erased the memory. Replaced it. I just wonder if it was really worth it given you might tell him about yourself and the cold ones one day."
The elevator doors open and they step out. Jacob stops before they get too far down the hallway.
"I don't know if I will tell him about me. But Maddox did the right thing. You did the right thing. Stories about vampires are very different than actually being hurt by one."
"And if you do tell him? What will you say about Tanya and her family? About me?", Bella asks.
Jacob pauses, staring into Bella's eyes for what feels like an eternity.
"I'll tell him that just like humans, all vampires are different. I don't know what I will say about you. We'll face that when we have to. If we have to. I haven't even asked Leona on a date", Jacob says, trying to remove tension.
Bella chuckles, a smile finally on her face.
"You're right. I'm happy for you."
They hug and then continue toward Henry's room. When they get there, Tanya and Maddox are waiting outside.
"We wanted to wait until you got back. She does not know us", Tanya says.
"Did it sound like they worked it out?", Bella asks.
"Seems so. I didn't hear any arguing when we got here", Tanya says.
"I'm sorry Maddox", Jacob interrupts. "Just because I imprinted does not mean I should have lashed out on you. I can tell you care about Henry."
"I do, but let's not discuss it anymore", Maddox says.
"Glad that's settled. Shall we?", Tanya asks.
Bella nods and knocks before opening the door. Leona is squeezed in the bed with Henry. They both smile at her.
"We're moving, Bella!", Henry says, cuddled up to Leona.
"Moving?", Bella says.
"Yeah. We're moving to Georgia", Leona says.
"Somewhere warm…and sunny", Jacob mumbles, glancing at Bella.
"I got a job. Henry will finish out the school year here since it is almost over. Then we'll move. Fresh start, you know?"
"Congratulations. Fresh starts can really help", Tanya says.
Leona looks at Tanya and Maddox, most likely wondering who they are. She probably wanted to ask when she first saw Maddox with Henry, but pushed it aside.
"Leona, this is Tanya and Maddox."
"Ah! You're Tanya", Leona says. "Nice to meet you. I hope my son hasn't been too much trouble in you and Bella's relationship."
"Not at all", Tanya says.
"Tanya's great, Mom!", Henry says.
"And you're…Maddox?", Leona asks.
"Yes. Nice to meet you", Maddox says.
"Maddox is my sister's boyfriend."
"You've got a great kid", Maddox says.
"I know", Leona says.
A knock sounds at the door and Kate walks inside, something behind her back.
"Hey! Hope I'm not interrupting anything", Kate says.
"No. We were just meeting Leona, Henry's mom. Leona, this is my sister Kate", Tanya says.
"Wow Bella, you were right. Tanya's family is there for Henry. I appreciate it. I know Bella's had to rough it alone with Fin. I'm glad to be back", Leona says.
Kate walks closer to the bed, focused on Henry.
"How are you feeling Henry?", Kate asks.
"A lot better. They think I can go home today", Henry responds.
"That's great. I got you something", Kate says.
She pulls a comic book from behind her back, its blue and gold cover and bold print shining under the room lights.
"Check it out! I got you the new The Vampire Nights", Kate says.
"Oh wow! Vampire Nights! Isn't that awesome Henry?", Leona says.
Henry's positive mood downs a bit as he glances at the comic book.
"I don't really want to read those anymore."
"Why not, honey? They're one of your favorites", Leona asks.
Henry turns his head away slightly, eyes distant. Confusion coats his face as if he can't place why he feels this way.
"…I don't know. I just don't want to", he says softly.
"Okay, well…we'll hold onto it in case he changes his mind. Thank you", Leona says, taking the comic book from Kate.
"Of course", Kate responds, eyes shifting toward Maddox.
"Did it not work?", Tanya whispers.
It's loud enough for Bella to hear, but not Leona. Bella turns her head toward Maddox, questioning.
"It worked. I'm sure of it. Checked multiple times. Might just be residuals of emotion. Like it created an instinct to avoid vampires. Obviously not too much though. He still likes us", Maddox responds in a whisper.
"Hey buddy! Did you check out the cool stuff your mom brought you?", Jacob asks, joining the conversation.
"Yeah! It's pretty nice stuff for a gift shop", Henry says, smile returning.
"I brought you a real present. It's in my suitcase", Leona says, as if Henry jabbed her with the comment.
Tanya, Bella, and Maddox sit down on the small sofa. Jacob sits on the arm edge while Kate continues to stand by the bed.
"So Bella told me you went camping", Leona says.
Henry glances at her awkwardly.
"We did. I'm sorry we went without you", Henry says.
"It's okay. I get it. Maybe we can go camping next year. No tree climbing of course. That's against the rules", Leona says, kissing Henry on the forehead.
"Exactly. And there's a lot more stuff you can do outside than climb trees", Jacob says.
"Are you mad we went without you Jacob?"
"Nah! Bella needed a practice run on her camping skills. I did not need to see her failure", Jacob says.
"She was pretty bad. I set up everything", Henry says, laughing.
"Hey! I offered", Bella defends.
They all laugh, even Tanya.
"Let's not talk about camping anymore. I feel like the jokes will just get worse. How about I get a marker and we sign your cast?", Bella says.
"Okay!", Henry says.
Bella steps outside the room and walks toward the nurse's station to ask for a marker. A lot has happened, but at least Henry is okay. They are all okay.