"Are you doing okay love?" Edward asked Bella as he watched her hands tighten on the wheel of her truck again
"Mhmmm" Bella said then sighed, "No I'm nervous, I mean I'm kind of excited to see Jacob again. I know him and Carlisle have to meet about the treaty after and officially amend it but I've missed my friend." Once Bella had decided that she wanted to go her mother's wedding she had also decided she wanted to see her old friend.
Edward smiled at her; he had held her hand as she called Jacob to see if while they were back in Forks she could see him again. She was nervous that he wouldn't let her come see him due to the treaty the Cullen's had told her about, and the fact that she as now his natural enemy. But Jacob surprised her, he hadn't cared she was a vampire he still wanted to see his friend. He promised her that he had 'the Doctor' would amend the treaty so they could continue to be friends. The Cullens had agreed that they wouldn't permanently live in Forks again knowing their presence caused the wolves to shift, but Jacob had been Bella's best friend and they wanted to be able to visit without worry. And Bella had tearfully admitted she wanted to make sure her father's grave was taken care of.
The family had gathered around her, reassuring her that of course it was okay, they had also decided that they would go with her to Forks. None of them could stand the idea of leaving the young vampire be. The family was setting up the Forks house while Bella went to see Jacob.
Bella parked the truck and as she unbuckled her seat belt smiling as Edward helped her out of the truck, knowing she didn't need it. Before she knew it she was to face to face with Jacob.
"Jacob!" She cheered hugging him tightly, smiling as he hugged her back "I missed you" She sniffled a little feeling her eyes pool in venom.
"You to Bella, listen I want to apologize"
Bella pulled away as she bit her lip, "About what?"
Jacob sighed, "For what happened the day you became a vampire, I could have done more, after it happened. I just told you to run and I left you alone for all those years."
"Jake, you did the best you could. You had just become a wolf, it was shocking to find out all the legends are real. And you saved me."
He shrugged, "I could have done more, Bella and we both know that. How long were you alone?"
"Um 10 years and than I met Edward's family and they took me in" Bella smiled gesturing to Edward
Edward smiled and shook his hand, "I can't thank you enough for saving my mate's life. This existence means everything because I have her."
Jacob chuckled, "Yeah I get the sentiment most of our pack has mates to. Actually Bella I think you know Leah's, it's uh Angela Weber"
"Oh my gosh! Angela! We used to date in high school, we kept in touch a little bit right after but uh yeah. It sorted faded out, we ended it after Charlie passed but she's such a sweetheart. Oh! She's so good for Leah. I hope we get to see them!" Bella bounced on her toes lightly as Jacob and Edward chuckled at her antics.
"Edward can you braid my hair, my hands are shaking?" Edward smiled gently as he quickly and gently braided her hair
"Love it's going to be okay, it's your mom"
Bella shrugged, "She also hasn't contacted me in the past 10 years and just sent me an invitation to her wedding with no warning. She's really not much of a mom"
Edward nodded hugging her to him, "That's true but after her wedding, if you never want to see her again you don't have to. We're your family now."
"Mmmm, okay let me just get my face on" Edward gave her a confused look as she started painting some wrinkles and spots on her face.
"What are you doing?" Edward asked curiosity peaking his tone
"Well I know I won't really look 30, but the makeup helps me stay in one place for longer or look a little more normal."
"Oh my god we're idiots!" Edward proclaimed, "We've never thought of that."
Bella smiled, "Its okay babe we both know I'm the brains of this operation. Come on love let me do you, I don't want to look like a creeping 30 year olddating some 17 years old"
"Bella!" René squealed as she threw her arms around her daughter, "Oh honey it's been too long!"
Bella gave her a tight smile, "Hi mom. Mom this is Edward, my boyfriend"
"Oh! Bella he's so handsome! But I thought you were a lesbian? I can't recall you ever dating a boy."
Bella rolled her eyes, "Mom I dated Jess in elementary school before she realized she was in love with Mike, and then I just dated Angela. I never said I didn't want to date a boy, but there weren't a log of great options. Plus I made that whole power point explaining I was bi, did you even listen to it?"
"Well he sure is handsome!"
"Mom"
"It's okay Bella I'm flattered, it's nice to meet you René" Edward spoke shaking her hand
"Oh you make such a lovely couple! Bella there's something different about you." Rene spoke
Bella stiffened, "It's been 10 years Mom of course I look different"
"Mmmm, that's not it. Your eyes I think?" Rene was looking at her closely and it made Bella uncomfortable
Bella huffed, "I had to get contacts, so I thought it'd be fun to get colored ones."
"Oh! That is fun! And Edward too!" Edward nodded
"So Mom tell me about Phil, you're excited for tomorrow?" Bella interrupted trying to side-track her mom
"Oh Phil's great Bella! He's really great, he's a little younger and he set up all the bills to be electronic so I don't have to worry about them! Remember when you lived with me and you did all them? You were such a sweet kid"
Bella smiled tightly, "Yeah Dad worked so much he didn't have the time, and I knew if I didn't do them they wouldn't get done."
Rene sighed, "Bella it wasn't like that, you enjoyed doing them!"
Bella rolled her eyes, "Yes mom as a 10 year I wanted to do the cooking, cleaning and book-keeping while you were off on whatever adventure."
Rene turned to Edward, "She was just such a responsible child. I was so lucky to have her!"
Edward kissed Bella's head, "Well we love having her as part of our family too, I have some siblings. We're all adopted but she makes a great addition."
"That's lovely Edward, do you think I'll get to meet your parents?"
Edward shrugged, "Possibly it depends on their plans"
Edward and Bella continued to chat with Rene about her wedding plans, and what she wanted after. Her and Phil were going to move to Arizona together, they had been living in a small apartment in Forks for a while. It had felt weird to live in the same house as her and Charlie had lived in. Bella agreed quickly to take it on and be the houses owner. She couldn't imagine it remaining empty. Edward was intrigued by Rene's mind she definitely new something was off about both himself and her daughter, but had no understanding of Bella's emotional pain. She really thought Bella had wanted to do all the housework and take care of things. It wasn't long before they Rene said goodbye to them telling them she'd see them tomorrow at the wedding.
Bella was exhausted as she slumped against Edward, "I'm glad that's over."
"Are you sure you want to own the house love?" Edward asked softly
Bella nodded "I want to give it to Jacob. His dad was my Dad's best friend, and it only feels right to keep in the family. Maybe he'll give it to someone in the pack or use it as a base. I'm not sure but it feels weird knowing its empty. It shouldn't be. "
Edward nodded, "Are you okay?"
Bella shook her head "No, I didn't realize how much it would hurt seeing her. She's just so dense. And she doesn't understand me at all"
Edward hugged her closer as they got out of the car, "I know love. But it's okay we get you and we love you. Alice thought it would be fun to have a sleepover in the living room with the siblings. Emmett already brought down mattresses, and Rose got your favorite quilt. Jasper's picking out movies and video games we can all play."
Bella smiled up at him, "We know tomorrow's going to be hard so we wanted to make tonight fun."
Bella beamed as she opened the door seeing her chosen family ready for a night of fun, "Thank you" She laughed as she was embraced by all of them.