Long time no see or write. The end of my 2017 was rough. That's my only excuse, but here's more of Bella's POV.

Chapter 16

Bella

Jacob worried for nothing. He didn't miss a beat. Bella was shocked how quickly he got back into his studies. Once they set up the laptop and organized his student account, he was off and running. He breezed through several Algebra II lessons. Then told Bella to take a break from cooking that sandwiches were fine. He wanted to eat and work without stopping.

"Not one sandwich, I assume?"

"Since when have you watched me eat one?" He cocked one eyebrow at her; it was a look that always produced a smile on her lips. "No, I always need a few. Brain food, Bells."

Bella laughed and told him one sandwich tray coming up.

She busied herself in the kitchen while Jacob continued his work at the table. Occasionally, she'd pat his back and tell him how great he was doing. They weren't expecting Seth or Leah back, but as soon as Bella sat down with her grilled cheese, there was a knock at the door.

"Leah knocking? That's odd."

Jacob said with a mouthful, "Not Leah, it's Rach."

"What? Oh, my goodness. What do I do?"

"For starters, answer the door."

"You knew she was coming and didn't tell me? I could have straightened up."

"No, I didn't, but she made a general statement about coming sometime and you said that would be fine. Forget straightening up. You keep things way tidier than her."

Bella straightened her clothes and combed through her hair. She didn't know why she was so nervous. The family dinner hadn't been bad. She actually made it worse than it was. One more deep breath was all she needed and then Bella opened the door. "Rachel, what a nice surprise."

"Hey, guys. Sorry. I texted but Jake didn't respond. I didn't mean to barge in."

"It's fine. We were just eating, but Jacob's buried in his studies."

"Wow, so I heard. That's a big deal, bro."

"Not that big of a deal; it's Bella's idea, but I'm kinda liking the challenge."

"Good for you. Keep it up. Maybe a few of the other guys will follow your lead."

"I'm not their leader, so that's entirely up to them. Sam never seemed to care if any of us quit."

"Yikes, still in denial, I see. Even though you're not their official leader, it might be nice to mention the option to Quil and Embry. I'm glad Paul at least got his GED. I notice Seth is sticking to his schooling."

"Seth is not about to quit school. None of the others are my concern. They're big boys and can make their own choices. Why are you here again?"

Bella gave him one of her own looks, a disapproving one he knew well. He could be so rude sometimes. This was not the old Jake. She wasn't sure if the wolf caused his short fuse or his experiences with her made him easily irritable. Something was going on with him. Certain mentions of the pack triggered his anger. She wished he'd open about it because that's what he always encouraged her to do with her issues and it was helping.

"Please, excuse him. He's only had one sandwich and he has done one too many equations this past hour."

"Forget him. I'm here for you. Remember what you said about not regaining all your physical strength and endurance?"

"Yeah, Jacob keeps asking me to take a walk. I want to be able to keep up not tire out, so he has to carry me back."

Jake was focused on his screen, but added he would be happy to carry her anywhere.

Bella did a little light cleaning and cooked meals, but Rachel was right, she didn't have much energy for anything else.

"Well, I made these for you. I think they might help."

Rachel handed Bella a stack of papers. "What's all this?"

"I printed the hand-outs our therapists give to the patients. These include exercises for every muscle group, just simple movements and you don't need any special equipment. I can get you some resistance bands if you want more of a challenge."

"Wow, thanks, Rachel. This is so thoughtful. I'll definitely give them a try." Bella didn't have much memory of the night Jacob fled the Cullen's with her. She purposely tried to block out that time, but one thing she was certain was Rachel hated her that night. She honestly hadn't done anything to deserve this change of heart, but she was happy for the chance at a new friendship. She had taken friends for granted her entire life. That sucked. A lot of people tried to be her friend when she moved to Forks, but Bella only saw Edward. When her eyes opened to see is true nature, something else happened. She could finally see the world around her. That was one of the things that scared her so much at first. She felt too much now, but Jacob was helping with that.

He ignored his schoolwork again. "Hey, sis. Sorry about before. That's extra cool of you to help Bells. I'll make sure she works her butt off. I'm taking her on that walk before it gets too cold or else she's doing it in the snow."

"Good deal, but let her work at her own pace. I should go. Paul offered to take me out tonight, so I need to get home, change and make sure Dad has something to eat."

Bella walked Rachel to the door. She was taken by surprise when she turned around and gave her a hug. Bella stiffened from the contact, but took a few deep breaths and felt her body gradually relax.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to overwhelm you."

"No, it's okay. I have plenty of things to work on and giving friends hugs is one of them. Thanks, again. Have a fun date. Tell Paul hello from me. I'm sure that will be good for a laugh."

Bella felt her lips as she leaned against the closed cabin door. She enjoyed these moments when she felt normal and forgot all the bad things. Jacob kept his eyes trained on the laptop, but he was paying attention and he was also smiling. She took a few steps toward the kitchen table. Her sandwich was barely touched. She preferred hot, melty cheese, but before she could start the microwave to reheat it, there was a noise at the door again. Maybe Rachel forgot something.

The sequence of events happened almost in an instant. Jacob screamed, "Wait!"

But it was too late. Bella was in the doorway, standing face-to-face with her father and every bit of progress she made of the past few days fled her soul and into the wind that rushed inside and all around them.

"Bells, wake up. Can you hear me?"

She heard the voices but couldn't answer.

"What the hell have you done to her? Bells, it's me, Dad. She needs a doctor. I'm calling 911."

"No, Charlie, don't. Please, just back up and give her some air."

They were arguing. Jacob and her father. It wasn't a dream. It was real. He found her. He would know everything or maybe he did already. She wasn't ready. Bella kept saying it over and over, "I'm not ready."

The first thing out of her mouth was a muffled cry. Then Jacob told Charlie not to touch her.

"You better start explaining yourself, young man."

"I will or Bells will. You have to give her time to come around."

Minutes went by and they never stopped arguing. She had to speak. Her father was blaming Jacob. Nothing could be further from the truth. Finally, her eyes opened, but she struggled to find her voice. "Stop. Jacob saved me. He didn't do this, Dad. You know him better than that."

"I sure as hell thought I did, but he's been lying for months, has you hidden away in the woods like a prisoner. What am I supposed to think? I've been at my wits end. I didn't know how you disappeared off the face of the earth. I saw Rachel at the hospital today. I caught her in a lie. Billy told me she was sick with something contagious when I asked to visit a couple nights ago. She looked extra healthy to me this afternoon, so I followed her. And look where she led me."

Bella started to cry. Jacob offered to help her up, but she vigorously shook her head. She pushed off the sofa and sat up on her own, so she could face her father. "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry."

"Don't cry, kiddo. Just tell me. What happened to you? You look so thin and pale. Have you seen a doctor? I really think you should get checked out. I could call Sue."

"Sue's been here many times. I…"

"What? You can't be serious. She and I… well, I guess I don't know anyone as good as I thought I did." Charlie pointed his finger at Jake. "You! Bells said you didn't do this to her, but you kept her from me. You're the reason everyone's been lying to me. What in the fuck is going on Jacob Black? The truth. I want the goddamn truth right now or I swear I'll have you arrested."

Bella had never heard her father erupt like that. She was the only one that could tame the situation, "Dad. Stop. Jacob only lies to you because that's what I tell him to do."

"That doesn't make any sense, Bells. Why would you do that?"

"Because I never wanted you to see me like this. I'm so ashamed." Bella took a few deep breaths and paused. This was it, her confession to the man that only wanted what was best for her in life and loved her unconditionally. He saw her in a way that no one else did. She was his little girl. "Because I did this. That's who you should blame, not Jake or Billy or his family. Blame me. I'm a terrible daughter and an even worse human being."

"Bells. Stop. Don't start that talk again. You know that's not the truth. It was all Cullen. Tell him the whole truth. Charlie, Edward Cullen did this to Bells and I found her barely alive the night I offered to snoop for you. That's the truth and I wanted to tell you hundreds of times, but you have no idea how fragile Bells was. The way you're seeing Bella tonight is 1000% better than the way she used to look. I was waiting for her to feel strong enough and then I would have come to get you. I swear."

Charlie's hands formed tight fists and he pushed them into his own face. Bella heard a grumble deep inside his chest. No one said anything for a long minute. He broke the silence when he looked full on his daughter's face. "Where is he? Don't even think about protecting him again."

"I won't. I'm not. He's gone, Dad."

"Well, I've got the law on my side. I'll sure as hell find him. I don't care how much money that family has, I'll put that skinny bastard under the jail. Did he lock you up because of his obsession? I knew he wasn't normal. It wasn't a normal teen romance. Goddamnit, I knew and I let it go."

Bella imagined he'd find a way to blame himself. "Everyone knew but me. I wouldn't listen to reason. You don't need to do anything and please don't blame yourself. I can't handle that guilt."

"I need to protect you and that's what I intend to do, but first let's get you to a proper doctor."

Jacob interrupted. "You can't, Charlie. Bella's on the mend and we have some things she still needs to do, but Sue and Old Quil are going to help. No doctors."

"Sue? I trust her, but she has limitations. Old Quil? Have you lost it, boy? He's a good man, but he's old as shit and half the time isn't in his right mind. He's most coherent on the moonshine, so what could he possibly do for Bells?"

"It's a long story."

Jacob looked to Bella. She didn't know where to start so she nodded. Maybe Jake should start. "Bella's right. Cullen is gone and anyone that was a party to hurting her is gone. I took care of it. She's safe now. The only thing you need to worry about is Bella getting stronger and finally realizing her worth to all of us. She needs space though. Don't push her. I've discovered that the hard way."

"Okay. Of course, I want that, but…" Her father paused. He was a man of few words and was searching for the right ones. "Bella, hear me now if nothing else I say make sense to right now. You are precious to me, worth more than my limited vocabulary can describe. Don't ever doubt how your mother and I love you. Renee. Oh my God, I have to call her. She has been frantic even if she blindly believed the Cullens were perfect."

Bella whispered to herself. "Mom." She would never understand; she had high hopes about Edward like Charlie said, often called him perfect.

"Back to you, boy. What do you mean by took care of it? Words like that are vague and I deal in facts. Why don't you explain exactly how you took care of Edward?"

Jacob's eyes told more than his words. Charlie started shaking his head. Jacob shrugged his shoulders, "I had to protect Bells and he needed to pay for what he did."

"You wouldn't."

"Charlie, there's shit you don't understand."

"I understand plenty. You hated him, loved Bells with your whole heart. Dammit! This is bad. No, I misunderstood. Not you. You're a kid. I know you sure as shit don't look like a kid, but I've known you since you were a baby and you're a good kid. Say it again, tell me it's not as bad as you're insinuating. I agree there should be punishments, but… well, there's a process. I believe in it and I'm sworn to uphold the law in all circumstances."

"He's dead, Charlie."

"Except now. Shit. Stop talking."

"So are others. I'm not sorry for it and I'm not a kid, but hopefully, you can still believe deep down I'm good. And I'll always love Bells with my whole heart. She is my top priority, so I did what I had to do."

"Jesus Christ, son. Shhh, don't say things like that out loud." Bella's dad looked all around like he was nervous someone might hear Jacob's murder confession. He had no idea it wasn't exactly a natural death. The Cullens didn't even have a natural life. These were some of the things Bella always dreaded coming clean about. She honestly didn't want to hear this story again and without a word from her, Jacob knew.

"Charlie, come outside with me. I'll tell you everything, but Bells needs a break. She was just about to eat. Why don't you make a pot of coffee, honey? It's going to be a long night."

"We can't chat about a bombshell like that over coffee. You're in a shitload of trouble. I've got to call Billy and warn him. We need to get our stories straight."

"Warn him? Why? You'd turn me in?"

"Hell no. But some way, somehow, this will come out. It always does. There's no such thing as the perfect crime. What did you mean by others? Please tell me you didn't slaughter a whole family?"

"No, just those that hurt Bells."

"Then I'm sure the survivors will pursue this. People don't disappear into thin air and no one reports it."

"They won't."

"You can't be sure. Bells, tell me anything that could help Jacob. We'll use the self-defense plea."

"Dad. I never wanted you to know this, but Edward changed on our honeymoon or maybe he was his true self with me, finally. He was horrible… a monster. He wasn't just trying to keep me secluded for himself. He, uh… well, I asked him to leave me alone on our wedding night, and he didn't. He did the opposite. That was only the start. He hurt me. I should've died. I wanted to die. I willed myself to die, but Jake discovered me, and he refused to give up even when I had, but it wasn't enough to be rescued. Edward would come back for me. Jacob and the guys had no choice. It wasn't self-defense. It was survival."

He didn't butt in this time. Charlie let his daughter speak. She didn't say the word, but he knew what she meant by hurt. He had been in law enforcement long enough, and Bella watched his heart break in a million pieces. A father never wanted to imagine such a thing happening to his child.

"Fuck. I can't, no, not my Bells." He cried. Charlie cried and she cried because her dad never cried, but tonight he was crying openly in front of her. "Bells, do you mean?" He couldn't say the word either. "He was your husband. That's what he wanted, right because he was so honorable? He promised. I was there at the wedding. He promised in front of God and everybody to love you. Why would he? I couldn't stand him, but I never thought he…" His voice trailed off. She knew what he meant. No one at that wedding could imagine what would happen later.

"Charlie, please. Let's step outside now."

Her dad allowed Jacob to lead him out the door. He mouthed to her, "it's going to be okay," but she wasn't sure. As soon as Bella was alone, her emotions overtook her. She ran to bathroom to heave the small contents of her stomach. When she contained herself, she washed her face and rinsed out her mouth. Jake would tell him everything. Vampires, werewolves, the way she begged to change, Charlie would know all of it. Those truths made Bella ashamed. Her stomach knotted while she prepared the coffee strong like her dad liked it. The grilled cheese was ice cold and she'd only taken one bite. She almost threw it in the trash, but skipping meals when she was upset only made her worse, previously. Jacob would worry. He'd know she didn't eat, so Bella popped the sandwich into the microwave and prayed she could hold it down.

Jacob and Charlie didn't come inside for almost forty-five minutes, but the moment of truth finally arrived. She was prepared for more questions, disappointment, perhaps disgust for inviting the supernatural into their home.

Instead, her father walked to her and fell to his knees. His hands hovered over her lap where she was inadvertently wringing her fingers. "Jake says you don't liked to be touched."

"Not too much, no."

"So, everything he said is the truth and not the first step toward an insanity plea?"

"You know it's the truth. Jacob doesn't lie."

"Yeah, I guess you're right. I've been blind and these vows of secrecy didn't help. Billy should have warned me." Billy gave them some vague warnings, but he left it up to her to do the right thing and she never did. Bella should have been smarter, but all the second-guessing didn't help much now. "I wish I could've been there to watch him pay. Jacob was right. I didn't know the whole story."

"And now you do? I'm sorry, Dad."

"No, no you don't. Don't say you're sorry. I saw some hikers over the past couple of years. I couldn't imagine what creature did that to a human being. Now I get it. They're predators. You were a victim and victims should never apologize, but thank God he didn't succeed taking you from us, Bells. You hear me? You're still here and we love you. You're a survivor. You won over evil. I'm damn proud of you, kid. And you're going to get better. We'll put the past in the past. I'm going to do whatever you need me to do to help."

She didn't know if he was overestimating her abilities, but Bella believed him in that moment. She looked at Jacob and she watched her father through teary eyes and hope filled her once again.

~Thanks for reading.

I missed you guys. Here's to a great 2018 and lots of updates. The next chapter is underway.