Chapter 10:

A/N: let me just say I love my fans! I love your questions and concerns. So just so no one is confused let me make the timeline clear.

This story in general takes place 1 month AFTER Bella returned from Italy. Bella was sick before she left for Italy, but it got worse once she came back. She stayed in Italy for two weeks. Why? We don't know yet. The volturi's kept her for only their reasons. The two weeks of missed schoolwork pertain to Bella being in Italy which she was still trying to make up. Also, because Sam was so angry at Bella for disappearing. He and the pack (by Sam's orders.) Stayed away from Bella for that whole month. Not because Sam was trying to be mean, but he needed to get himself under control before he approached her. That's why when Bella goes to visit Harry's clear waters favorite spot, she apologizes to him because she missed the funeral when she was gone for the two weeks.

SOOO, Bella left to save Mr. glitter sparkle at the end of October. During the month of November is when the pack knows she's back, but they don't talk to her until December. They all needed time to cool down. Paul met Bella on the side of the road in December. Which is where our chapters are starting from.

By the way Victoria is dead. The wolves killed her when they found her mauling Bella. And as regards to Bella acting like a thirteen-year-old while Paul is kissing her, think about it this way. Edward was always trying to control himself around her that he limited their physical touch to light kisses. He never once stuck his tongue in her mouth. So, for Paul, to touch her with no restraint was stunning for Bella and let's not forget, Edward was her first romantic partner. Also, about Jacob. So, Jacob needs a reality check for sure. However, that hasn't happened yet, because Jacob is chiefs' black's son. The future alpha and tribe leader. No one wants to have the conversation, that says "hey you're not ready for those positions and you need to suck it up." So, it's going to be a minute before Someone pulls Jacob's head out of his own arse.

So, I think that about covers it. On with the story

…

Before she knew it, Bella was back in English lit with an empty chair next to her. For the first time in over a year, her dreams didn't have her screaming in the night nor did they have her lacking sleep. For once, she dreamt peacefully. Her dreams had been filled with grey wolves and white foxes.

Wolves she could understand but white foxes? She had no clue what that meant. Her mind often wandered to Paul and the kiss he laid on her the other day.

While she enjoyed it, she was kind of confused. What did Paul kissing her mean? and he had called her precious. So, why was she precious to him?

It didn't make sense. He didn't know her and there wasn't anything special about her. She was ordinary? Right?

You really need to look in the mirror, her thoughts screamed.

The Bell rang and Bella packed up her stuff. Ready for the day to be over with.

"Miss swan. I need to see you." Mr. Berty called.

"yes sir?"

Mr. Berty waited for the classroom to empty before he spoke again.

"have a seat miss swan. were just waiting on Mr. mark and Mrs. slater. She's the new guidance counselor, have you met her yet?"

"um no sir and isn't Mr. mark the art teacher? I'm not in trouble, am I?"

"oh, heavens no, miss swan. would you mind if I call you Bella for right now? I believe this conversation is more of a personal matter then it is an academic one."

"um sure?" Bella replied nervously.

"don't be nervous Bella, I promise you this is nothing bad."

Five minutes later, Bella was sitting in front of three staff members, all of them smiling at her.

"So, Bella, I am sure you're wondering why, we asked you to stay after class." Mr. Berty began.

Bella nodded.

"well, some of the staff have noticed what a tough year it's been for you. With …well-being blunt, with the Cullen's leaving, we understand how close you were to them, your depression, and that horrible animal attack. We understand and empathize that this had been an incredibly challenging time for you. Recently, we've noticed that your normal 4.0 has gone down. Which is understandable one again. however, want you to live up to your full potential. With that said, I will let Mrs. Slater take over from here."

Mr. Berty nodded and a woman with blonde hair and dark eyes looked towards her and smiled.

"Hi, Isabella. My name is Darci Slater. You can call me Mrs. Darci, or Mrs. slater. I don't care either way. Now, I am here to provide you with Emotional and therapeutic support. Your teachers believe it would be nice for you to talk to someone and I'm here to help you with a rare opportunity that you have been selected for."

"um…. opportunity?" Bella questioned.

"yes." Mr. marks spoke as he brushed his black hair out of the way. "I talked with your other teachers and they agree with me about this idea. We noticed that you excel in literature and the fine arts. Because of how advanced you are We thought it be nice to recommend you to the advanced artist program up in Seattle."

"wait...advanced artist?"

"yes indeed. Bella your artwork is one of the best in my class. I think this program would benefit you greatly. You have no idea the talent you have. you could really make a career out of it." Mr. mark complimented

"I never really thought about it..." Bella responded not knowing how to take the compliments.

When she was with Edward all her decisions had been made for her. Everything down to the kind of underwear she wore. Alice made sure of it. But now, now she was free. Free to chose what she wanted for her life. But what if the Cullen's came back? What if the volturi's decided to pursue her? Would she be forced to give up on her normal life? Bella internally shook her head. No, she would just have to roll with the punches.

"um...ok but how much will it cost?"

"The school covers the cost as long as you keep your grades up Monday thru Wednesday you would attend regular classes here meanwhile Thursday and Friday you will attend hands on classes in Seattle. We wanted you to take the paperwork home and discuss it with your father. If he agrees and you want to do it, then you can start week."

"next week? Why so soon?"

"it's a prestigious program, spots are limited. The couple who created this program were advert art lovers and wanted things done as quick as possible. So, take it home, think about it and remember Isabella. You are not alone. you should come see me next week and well talk." Mrs. slater encouraged.

With that said, Bella moved on with her day.

But deep down there was excitement in her heart.

….

Charlie swan P.O.V:

Charlie swan had never wanted to punch anyone more then he wanted to punch the teenager in front of him.

Paul Lahote. He had thrown that kid into the back of his cruiser ever since the kid moved to Washington.

And the bastard had the gull to sit in the interrogation room, His feet on the table, shades on and a creepy smile on his face.

"What do you think chief swan?" Tommy wild feather, the tribal sheriff asked

"Well, Billy wants to press charges for assault, but the question is will it stick? Especially this time around. From my past experiences with him. The longest he's stayed in a cell is a week."

"yeah, that's my fear too. But because it happened on tribal land, we might be able to make him stay in the cell for even longer. He attacks the chief's son unprovoked and caused almost permanent damage. I mean did you see the X-rays Charlie. The kid's back is broken and so is his whole right side. It's crazy. This kid is a monster."

"yeah, I saw them tommy. I'm going to go check back on Billy and the then call it a night. Call me if anything changes."

Tommy waved him off and Charlie sent one last glare to the strange teenager smiling back at him.

With a shake of his head, he headed to the Billy's.

…

The atmosphere was tense as Charlie walked into Black's house. Billy was sitting at the kitchen table looking exhausted.

"how's it going old man?" He asked as he took a seat

"Well, Jacob's Finally asleep. The morphine kicked in good. I don't know what to do Charlie. That Paul is a complete menace. Darkness and violence just follow him wherever he goes. I'm going to have to ask the council to intervene. If this keeps up, we might have to banned him from the reservation."

"Can you do that?"

"If his behavior keeps up like this, I'm afraid so."

The two went silent before Charlie broke the silence.

"How about I order us some pizza chief?"

"yeah, that sounds good. How's Bella? I heard she cut her hair." Billy asked

"She's doing alright. I'm not going to lie Billy. I feel like this the calm before the storm. Like somethings going to come around the corner and shatter what sanity that girl has left. Hey, why don't I call her up and we can all have dinner together? I'm sure seeing her would brighten up your day?"

"yeah, chief that sounds great." Billy smiled wearily. "but did anybody tell Bella what happened to Jacob?"

Charlie sighed.

"No, and frankly I don't know how. I guess, I should just tell her over the phone when I call her. Anything I should or shouldn't say?"

"Just inform her that he had been attacked but that he's pulling through."

"we'll do chief."

…

Charlie smiled as his eighteen-year-old fussed over them.

"Pizza? Really you two! It's not healthy for you at your age! And dad, would you please put the beer away. There's juice in the fridge. And why would you two order Pizza when there's freshly made lasagna in the fridge. Man, I swear, you two are going to kill me."

Charlie chuckled as Bella proceeded to put a lasagna in the oven and buttered multiple pieces of garlic bread.

"we will keep you alive long enough kiddo, how was school?" he asked.

Bella fidgeted, as she cut four pieces of lasagna, set one in the fridge, and brought the rest to the table.

"Well, a few of my teachers came together and brought up a new opportunity for me. Its two days out of the week…um, in Seattle. It's an art program."

Charlie's eyebrows went up.

An art program, in Seattle. I didn't even think Bella was good at art. She seems to be more into books.

"An art program in Seattle? That's little far. Will it interrupt your studies?" he asked

"well, it covers the two days' worth of classes I miss and the school pays for it."

Charlie's eyes softened as he looked at his little girl. She had been through so much and yet had put him through hell, But the look in her eye said that she was eager and excited to try out whatever this program was.

It's been so long since I've seen her this excited about anything and it is for school.

"well, Bella if you want to do it. I support you kiddo. But if those Grades start to slip, I'm pulling you out, got it."

"yes sir."

With that said, Charlie nodded and returned to his conversation with Billy.

….

The next day, Charlie found himself elbow deep in paperwork and his had was starting to cramp.

"Chief swan you have visitor." His intercom buzzed.

"send them back." He said Grateful for the distraction.

A few seconds later, his office door swung open to reveal Joy altera.

"joy?" he questioned

"Charlie. We need to talk…"

"not now." He responded gruffly.

"Now, that's enough Charlie. Bella's eighteen now, we can talk without Renee holding things over our head."

Charlie sighed as he motioned the women in.

"Alright, what is it?"

"oh, come on now Big brother, is that anyway to talk to your favorite little sister?"

Charlie cracked a smile.

"you're my only sister, women…. now what do you want?"

"It's time Char. Bella is old enough now to know the truth..."

"Darn it joy. That girl has gone through enough, now you want me to dump some family secret on her?!"

"Well, I- "

Joy was cut off when Charlie's phone rang.

"Swan?"

"Charlie it's Tommy, Paul's Attorney just walked through the door."

"darn, I'll be right down."

Charlie was quick to hang up the phone.

"Joy, we will talk about this later. Meet me at the lodge sometime tonight. I have to go."

End of Charlie's pov