It was particularly hard to write this chapter because during the process of writing it, I lost my great-grandfather. While some may think it isn't immediate or close, he was like my father instead while growing up because my biological father (and that's a strong word for it) was definitely not one. I was also his caretaker, along with a few others. He was 94, was very proud he had all of his teeth still, served in World War II including landing on Normandy Beach on D-Day and fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, and was quite the character! My mom has also been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and is in and out of the hospital. Sorry about the long wait, but it's been hectic. Information about Quileute burial traditions used in this story is from twitwitterlapush. wordpress .com. Thank you for your understanding and patience!
*Godric*Godric*Godric*Godric*Godric*Godric*
Eric had called one of his… employees, for lack of a better word, to have them look into whether Renee or Phil had ever planned for any of this. This was last night, and we were to hear back any minute. Bella was still asleep, exhausted from last night. While we were figuring out the arrangements, we were also wondering about what time to have it. Eric's phone vibrated, and he answered the call.
"What did you find?" was his greeting.
His voice stirred Bella from her rest. Her eyes opened to have reddened around the deep brown color of chocolate eyes. They were a little puffy, and she looked miserable, but still happy. A small smile graced her lips and I couldn't help but to give them a kiss, which she welcomed. I held my finger to my lips, so she would know not to be loud because of Eric on the phone.
"Thank you," was Eric's goodbye and he hung up the phone.
"I guess the need to be quiet was unnecessary," I quipped. Bella chuckled at this. I looked to Eric. "What did they find?"
Bella turned to Eric as he answered. "While Renee proves incompetent and incapable of planning anything, Phil took the necessary precautions and got life insurance policies for both of them, the sole beneficiary being Bella."
"Phil did that?" spoke her small voice. A tear came to her eye; I could feel she was surprised and touched.
Eric nodded. "He did."
"How much will we need to supplement the insurance?" I asked him, though Bella grimaced. "What's wrong, Bella?"
We both looked to our fragile mate, wondering why she grimaced.
"The idea of either of you having to deal with-"
I cut her off. "Don't worry about that. The only thing you need to worry about is keeping yourself healthy right now, along with mourning the lives of your mother and stepfather, and that of your father's friend if you wish. Doing this is nothing to us; it isn't the first time we've planned a funeral in semi-modern times. This is for you; we wouldn't change our minds, or even hesitate, if neither of them had prepared. Okay?"
She nodded as she cried. She cuddled up to both of us. "Thank you." Her emotions were so happy and sad, along with a very large amount of being grateful. We both gave her kisses, showing her our love.
Eric then answered the question. "We don't have to supplement any of it. Phil made sure that Bella would be well taken care of if something happened to them."
"How well taken care of?" I asked curiously.
He paused, looking at Bella, expecting her to go into shock I imagined. "Four million dollars each."
I felt Bella go into shock at hearing the number. I was a little surprised myself. It was nice to know if we hadn't found Bella yet, she would be better taken care of.
"You said that number each? As in double that amount?" Bella asked with a slightly higher voice than normal, breathless as well.
"Yes, that is what I meant. You don't have to worry about us paying for anything involving either funeral." He knew this would make her feel a little better, and he was right.
She relaxed some at that. "Is it okay if I go back to sleep for now?" she asked tiredly.
We both smiled. "Of course, but first, you need to drink a little something."
She nodded and Eric helped her sit up while I got the drink from the bedside table. After she drank enough, I put the drink back as she lied down. She fell asleep quickly, still exhausted. Eric and I continued to make some of the arrangements on our phones since Bella was still sleeping and curled into both of us.
*Bella*Bella*Bella*Bella*Bella*Bella*
I was sitting on the couch, eating the fruits and veggies Eric and Godric put by me, when the door opened. It had finally become night then. I heard the clicking of high heels, along with two other sets of shoes. I heard two male voices talking, both of which were familiar to me. It was Carmanos. The other was with Pam, and I was surprised he was here. The clicking came into the living room and walked in front of me. The moment I saw Pam, I rushed into her arms. She hugged me back, tightly holding me but being careful of the breakable bones. I had a tight hold on her, clinging to her, surprisingly feeling the need to be near her. I started crying again and she started rubbing her hand up and down my back comfortingly. I heard Eric and Godric come in with Carmanos and Colin. They all stopped talking and stared at us. After a few minutes, I was calmer. She had carried me to the couch and I was in her lap, clinging to her still. After I calmed down, and I felt the need for my mates more, Godric lifted me and then put me in his lap. I curled up and just leaned against his sculpted yet shirt-covered chest.
There was a conversation going on around me, but I didn't hear what was said.
*Godric*Godric*Godric*Godric*Godric*Godric*
Eric had asked Pam to come over to help with Bella while we made arrangements and coordinated what would happen with Bella and the funerals. We were hoping one of them, at least, had a better idea than we did about her protection during the day. Thankfully, Carmanos did. Apparently he could walk in the sun, a result of having the maker he did.
I listened to my grandmaker dial the number of his maker, who didn't like to be named. I wasn't entirely fond of the idea of not being around Bella during the funeral but it was safer to have the funeral during the day with someone to protect her that we could trust, not to mention less suspicious than if it was during the night. I now knew I could trust my grandmaker, and Carmanos trusts his maker with everything. I heard a lightly accented voice come over the phone.
"Hello, Carmanos."
"Hello, Ben. I know it is an unusual request, but my grandprogeny Godric and his progeny Eric have met their mate. Her mother just died, along with her stepfather, in Florida, and her dad's best friend in Washington. Is there any chance you could come with me to protect her during the day and the funerals?" he asked quickly.
There was a pause on the other line. "Is their mate human?"
"Yes," came my response. I kissed Bella's head quickly.
After another pause, "You remember my mate is only six years old vampire wise, correct?"
Carmanos looked at me. I looked to Eric and we had a short and silent conversation and agreed. I said, "If it helps, we can watch over his mate in exchange for him watching over our mate."
'Ben' thought about that. "Very well, I'll do it. When do I need to be there?"
"What's the soonest you can come?" Carmanos asked.
There was a brief pause before he answered, "I can be there by morning."
"Thank you; I'll see you then," Carmanos answered.
After their goodbyes, they hung up and started preparing Carmanos and Bella's bags to go to Florida and Washington. Pam had gotten Bella two black dresses for the funerals, one shorter and thinner for the warmer weather and the other thicker and longer with a jacket for the rainy and cold weather Forks was infamous for. She also had a black hat that would keep her warmer and drier and black gloves to keep her fingers and hands warm. She had a few pairs of shorts and t shirts so they could enjoy the weather Florida had to offer after the dismal atmosphere of Forks. For Forks, she had jeans, long shirts and a heavy purple jacket. Rain boots too, with fuzzy lining inside. Pam, of course, decided to put high heels in the bag for her to wear. Thankfully, she decided to put flats in too.
Carmanos didn't feel the cold above negative eight Fahrenheit. He thought it was weird that it was at the number eight, but he knew it was. It only felt chilly to him then; it took until negative forty Fahrenheit to be cold to him. He got appropriate clothes for the funeral and wearing out and stuck them in a bag.
All we had to do now was wait for 'Ben' to get here. We also made preparations for having a young vampire around. We didn't have to do much because we had already done a lot of it since we didn't know when we would turn Bella and wanted to be prepared just in case.
We also gave Bella money to take with so she wouldn't need to ask anyone for anything. We also arranged for Bella's mother and stepfather's house to be cleaned out and brought here so we could go through everything with her. Bella would be the one to direct them where to put what in the boxes, and everything being done with her and Carmanos' supervision just in case. We weren't taking any chances of something being taken or stolen that meant anything whether monetary or sentimental value.
The next thing to do was have Bella eat something. A large salad was made, ranch dressing on top, and put on the counter where Bella had started eating a lot of the time. She sat down and started eating quickly. While she was eating, we made the ingredients for spaghetti and meatballs before mixing them together. We were happy she ate this because it was the first time she ate this much since she found out her mother died. She ate it all happily, thanking us and saying how good it was, especially from vampires who don't eat. She read Wuthering Heights again while we were waiting once she finished. During the night, Pamela and Colin left, eager to be alone. It was hours before we heard the knock we were waiting for, specifically, four in the morning. We were thankful he came before the sun rose.
Carmanos went to answer the door. We could hear his maker's voice from here. It was accented with indications he was from Europe, or simply stayed there so long, just like Pamela's had gone slightly southern. His voice wasn't deep, but in between, kind of like an alto. They greeted each other, happy to see each other again. His maker's mate had a very high soprano voice, almost like bells. You could hear the nervousness in her voice, likely from being away from her mate and maker soon.
The footsteps carried in, one in high heels. Eric and I were on either side of Bella, slightly in front of her, just in case since the girl was such a young vampire. 'Ben' was around six feet and one inch, had medium brown hair that was short and swept to the front, and sapphire blue eyes. He was wearing a green button up shirt that was a thicker fabric and was in the style of military, a black jacket, dark blue jeans, and black sneakers. She had light blonde hair that went to the top of her back, it was a bit curly and up in a ponytail, and had sapphire blue eyes, highlighted in a purple smoky eye and purple eye liner. She had on a long sleeved purple shirt that sparkled and was sticking out from under a dark purple jacket. She was wearing dark blue jeans as well, along with purple sparkly high heels that I'm sure Pam would kill for.
Once they were far enough in, introductions were given. We all stood. Carmanos introduced him as Ben and her as Nicole. He then introduced myself, Eric, and Bella, in that order.
"So this is the girl we'll protect, correct?" Ben asked.
"Yes," I answered.
He nodded in confirmation. He said something to Carmanos in a language none but the two of them, and it looked like partially his young mate understood. Carmanos then disappeared outside and came back within a minute or so with four bags and a pocket book, all of which were purple. We could already tell that it is her favorite color. We could relate as it was Bella's favorite as well. Eric led them to the room she would be staying in, Ben and Carmanos carrying the bags. We sat on the couch to wait for them to return, giving each other hugs and kisses for temporary goodbyes.
"I know you'd rather have us there, Bella, but it's safer for you if it's during the day. It's also less suspicious so nobody tries to hurt you. If anyone does, you'll have protection." I told her this to soothe her, hopefully.
"It's okay. I understand. I'd rather have you safe too." She smiled a little.
We smiled at her and each kissed her.
*Ben*Ben*Ben*Ben*Ben*Ben*
I sat my mate's bags down at the end of the bed, Carmanos placing the ones he carried down beside them. I thanked him and let him know he could go and make sure he had everything ready to go since we would need to leave by sunrise. After he left the room, I leaned over and kissed Nicole lingeringly. I could feel the surge of happiness from that one kiss, and it helped calm her nerves. I picked her up, my right hand holding her up by her bottom, my left around her back. Her legs wrapped around me and she kissed me passionately. While it was a very familiar thing for us, and I loved doing so, she knew it wasn't the time. I nearly wanted to laugh when I saw the puppy eyes and pout she gave me as she tried to convince me to take her on the bed. Still holding her in the same spot, yet more tightly with my left hand that was around her back, I used my right hand to give her bottom a firm smack in warning. From the strength of it, she winced a little and a small 'ow' came out. She stopped using the puppy eyes, but the pout still remained slightly. A raise of my eyebrow made it disappear entirely. I knew her bottom was tingly, which was enough to make her stop the attempt at seduction.
"I know you want to, but we can't right now. When I come back, we can go to a hotel nearby so we don't have to wait any longer and have at it. I promise. Okay?"
"Okay," she sighed.
I smiled, which made her smile. I gave her a strong but short kiss. With two sharp pats to her bottom, I said, "That's my girl!"
She winced but kissed me back when I gave her another kiss.
"I know you want to come with, and no offense, but I'm not sure you're ready to be in a confined space with a human for that long. I know the thirst you're going through, and it's not easy, but it'll get better. I promise." I had felt worse thirst at her age, and was glad she didn't have it as bad.
"It's okay. I get it." A small tear came to her eye.
I sat down on the bed after moving her legs so she was sitting on my lap. "I know you want to be with me, but it's safer if you are here."
"I know." She smiled sadly. I kissed her one more time, hard and long. "I'll be back within a week, maybe before then. Okay?"
She nodded. "Okay."
"Good," I said. "I know you're nervous about staying here without me for any length of time, even a day, but it'll happen sometimes. The first few times will be the hardest." When I said that, I reached over to one of her bags and pulled something out. She smiled largely. "That's why you have this to help make you feel better, right?" I smiled at her.
She nodded and smiled. "Right! Thank you!" she said to me.
She took the stuffed bear from me and cuddled it. She then gave me a really big hug and even bigger kiss.
"Okay, behave for Godric and Eric." She blushed. "You also need to remember what I told you about brushing your teeth and mouthwash!"
She blushed more deeply and replied 'yes, sir' quietly.
"Good! Okay, you start unpacking what you need to and I need to go out there and talk to them."
With that, I gave her one last kiss and walked into the living room where Godric, Eric, Bella, and Carmanos were.
*Bella*Bella*Bella*Bella*Bella*Bella*
The vampire named Ben sat down beside Carmanos after he came out from the bedroom his mate is staying in.
"When do we need to be in Washington and Florida?"
"Washington by an hour before sunset and Florida in two days. We wanted to give Bella a day to see her father again," Godric explained.
I smiled and gave him a quick kiss. "Thank you," I said softly.
He smiled back and said, "You're welcome."
I repeated the same process with Eric.
"Is there anything I should know about where we're going?"
Godric and Eric replied, "I don't think so."
I bit my lip, hesitating, and they all noticed.
"Yes, Bella?" Ben asked.
"The funeral for my dad's friend will be held on the local reservation. The Quileutes turn into very large wolves, but not limited to the full moon. They know vampires are coming, but you should know just in case because some of them have tempers." Like Paul…
"You managed to make friends with wolves?" Ben asked surprised.
"They're shape-shifters; I knew them before they started turning. My dad is friends with the elders of the reservation, having grown up with a few of them. I know, but he doesn't. They also helped keep me safe. Sometimes there are Cold Ones in the area. Some are friendly, some not so much." I frowned, thoughts of Edward filling my mind.
"Cold Ones?" he asked. I nodded. "Do you know if there are any there now?"
"Not since the last time I talked to my friend; that was yesterday."
He nodded. "Okay."
Godric started to speak now. "May we ask you a few questions?"
Ben replied, "Sure."
"How old are you?" Godric wondered.
"I'm over 5500 years old."
I sat there in shock. That was twice as much as Godric plus Eric's age and then some!
"Do you know anything about us?" Eric asked.
"Carmanos has kept me informed of everything; I know quite a lot," he replied.
"Is there anything we need to know about Nicole?" Godric questioned.
"She needs to eat human food, and drinks too. She can go into the sunlight. She's a bit nervous about staying here, but we've never been apart before. She should be okay after the first day or so, I hope. At times she can be a bit… child-like, but she was turned at sixteen because she was dying and was emotionally, physically, mentally, and sexually abused while she was growing up. She jumped at the idea of leaving. She had even considered suicide. It's been hard getting her to live again; she had given up. There may be a few difficulties with that if a trigger sets it off, like seeing something like that on the television, or hearing about it. As odd as it may sound, lotion is one of the triggers," he relayed to the ones who would be taking care of his fragile-minded mate.
Godric nodded. "Very well." He thought for a moment. "I went through some similar things before and after I was turned. If you'd like, I can try to help her through that."
I looked at Godric stunned. He noticed and smiled while holding my hand. "It's okay, Bella. It's nothing to worry yourself about."
Ben nodded and started to answer. "I would appreciate it very much if you could help her. Thank you."
Godric nodded. "You're welcome."
It wasn't much longer before Carmanos said goodbye and carried his and my bags out to the car, Ben following. Eric and Godric gave me kisses and hugs, saying to call if I needed anything from them here, or had any questions. I did have one before I left.
"Do you guys think that when I get back we can talk?" I asked hesitantly.
"About what, may I ask?" Godric wondered.
I bit my lip, hesitating. I'm quite sure they could guess based on my expression.
Godric's lips twitched in amusement. "Odd timing to ask about that with your mother and stepfather's funerals in a few days."
"That's not true; it makes perfect sense," I defended.
"How long have you been thinking about this?" Eric questioned.
"A few weeks," came my response, making them smile.
They both kissed me passionately, leaving certain feelings unsatisfied because it couldn't continue, yet at the same time satisfying it simply from the contact.
"We'll do more than just talk about it, Bella," Godric promised.
I smiled and hugged them both tightly, kissing them too. I thanked them profusely.
With Eric making sure I had a drink and snacks, and Godric making sure I had my vitamins and Tylenol just in case, it was time to leave. I made my way out the door, not turning back for fear of crying so much leaving. I left with a happy feeling though, knowing that I would get my happily ever after eventually. It was just a matter of when that left a question. Ben and Carmanos let me sit in the passenger seat in the front; Ben was driving and Carmanos was in the back. I was admittedly nervous about travelling without Godric and Eric to do this, but I was close enough friends with Carmanos that I was at ease more than I would be if it was only Ben.
"Which part of Washington are we going to?" Ben asked.
"A small town named Forks; it's on the coast, not far from Canada. The funeral will be in La Push, which is only about fifteen minutes away from it. My dad is the Chief of Police of Forks, Charlie Swan," I answered.
He nodded. We sat there in silence for a bit. I guess Carmanos noticed I was a bit nervous because he started talking.
"Do you know how the funeral will be, Bella?"
I thought for a minute, biting my lip. "He was an elder, but I don't know if they'll have a traditional funeral or a modern one."
"What is a traditional funeral?" Ben asked.
"They put the body on a canoe and let it go out to sea, or bury the body above the ground in logs or canoes and destroy all memories of the person who died. I know it won't be the second one, but I don't know about the canoe part."
Ben nodded. "Makes sense; it's popular in a lot of Native American cultures near the ocean."
Just then, my phone rang. "That's odd; it's going on three in the morning in Forks. Why is Jake calling me?" I pressed the answer button. "Hello?"
"Bells, listen closely. Don't come to Harry's funeral. You have to stay away." His voice was panicked.
"Jake, what are you talking about?"
This had gained the attention of both Carmanos and Ben, and Ben had pulled over so he could listen intently.
"They're back; the Cullens. They have a few friends with them. One is Edward's fiancée, the others are her friends. Two have blonde hair, two have dark hair; it's three hot chicks, another chick, and a dude. Three of them speak in Russian sometimes."
I sighed, relaxing. "Jake, calm down. The people with him are their cousins from Denali. They're vegetarians too. They won't hurt me."
There was silence for a minute before Jake said "Oh…"
"Have they said or done anything that indicates they're going to hurt me?" I wondered.
"Well, the penny-colored haired jerk has plans to hurt you if he sees you again. He wants to hurt Charlie too; we just don't know how to tell him."
I stopped breathing for a minute. "Do the rest want to hurt us?"
There was only silence before a wolf howled and a fight broke out over the phone. I heard Jake swearing and moving before he started talking, all the while growling and thuds could be heard.
"Don't worry, Bells. Paul just got mad because Jared said something about his favorite football team."
I sighed in relief. "Jake, you never answered. Do the rest of the Cullens or Denalis want to hurt me or Charlie?"
"The model, muscle dude, the one in pain, the pixie, the Doc, and his wife all want you to be safe; Charlie too. Four of the Denalis want you safe. The only ones who want to hurt you are Edward and his fiancée," he answered.
I was happy that they didn't want to hurt me or Charlie.
"Don't worry about Edward, Bella; we won't let him or his girlfriend hurt you or Charlie," Carmanos told me.
I smiled gratefully. "Thank you."
"Who's that talking, Bells?" Jake wondered.
"Do you remember me saying Godric had met his maker's maker?"
"Yeah, Carmen or Caramel or something."
I started laughing at Jake's choices, Carmanos too, but Ben looked at the phone like he was offended.
"Well, it was Carmanos. He and…" I turned to Ben. "What should I say about you?"
He thought for a moment. "Just say I'm his maker; nothing more."
I nodded. "Okay; thanks." He nodded. "He and his maker are going to be the ones protecting me while I'm there."
I heard silence for a minute. "If Godric is over 2000, and Carmen Dos is like 500 years older, then how old is his maker?"
I looked to Ben, who took the phone. "Not your concern, Wolf Boy."
He handed it back to me, and I looked at him surprised. "Jake, you still there?"
"Was that him?" he asked.
"Yes, it was."
"How does he know about the wolf part, Bella?" he asked me accusatorily.
I bit my lip. He doesn't know I let that part slip.
"How about we talk about that when I get to Forks, Jake? We have a plane to catch."
He sighed. "Fine, but do hope I get to tell Sam the explanation before he calls anyone else Wolf anything."
I smiled. "Okay. See you later, Jake."
"See you later, Bells."
With that, we hung up, and Ben started driving again.