Yikes it has been an incredibly long time since I updated anything. So so sorry, been working on some new things and life got in the way too. Thank you all for the reviews and messages, love you all and hopefully quicker updates in the future.

Chapter 27

School being finished for the year gave us all plenty of free time, soon Alice and Jasper left for their trip to visit the Denali's. Emmett, who had already been forgiven left for his African safari as he liked to call it, he promised to say hello to some old friends of Carlisle along the way. Carlisle ever the work bee was off to a medical conference when it became time for us to leave for Houston. I'd be a liar if I'd say that I hadn't been dreading it all, part of me was afraid I'd be unable to control myself and would just kill them with my bare hands or claws. Both Rose and I had spent a lot of time on the rez hanging out with the pack and I accompanied her every time she went hunting, determined to keep the two parts of me balanced. So we were packed and ready to go Monday morning, Rose and I loaded the car while Esme locked down the house, this included letting down steel shutters to prevent break-ins.

In typical Cullen fashion no expenses were spared and we soon were in the Seattle airport in the business class lounge where I was stuffing my face ahead of the flight. When we got to the gate though Esme got very tense as we were about to board, her eyes black with hunger. We quickly made some excuse up for not boarding. It took both Rose and I to get her back to the terminal without anyone noticing anything. Once we got her in a bathroom Rose went to make arrangements for a new flight and retrieve our luggage while I stayed behind to keep Esme from getting out and others from getting in.

"Mom?" I called for Esme who was still on edge with pitch black eyes.

Being away from the plane and in the confines in the bathroom seemed to bring her out of it, she started to relax a little and ceased her attempts to get past me. I kept calling her mom and saw some gold coming back into her eyes. When I saw the opportunity I pulled her into a hug.

"It's ok mom, it's ok." I told her as she started dry sobbing.

She started sobbing that she was sorry.

"You have nothing to be sorry for mom, you didn't hurt anybody." I comforted her and kept holding her until she calmed down. "Thank you mom." I finally said.

"Why are you thanking me? Don't you realize what I nearly did?" Esme asked clearly confused.

"I know what nearly happened, I'm thanking you for letting us get you out of there without any trouble. While I don't have the thirst of a full vampire I do understand how difficult that was. Do you want to talk about it? Do you know who it was?" I asked.

"The flight attendant near the door, she's my singer, now I know how hard it was for Edward with Sarah." She sighed.

"You're strong too mom and I'm sure Edward is fine wherever he is." I said even though I had no love for Edward but the last thing needed right now was to rub salt in that wound.

A little later Rose came back and helped to further calm down Esme, we left the airport and went to Esme's car, Rose had chartered a private plane at a different airport. Halfway there Rose told me to stop at the side of the road and she took Esme with her for a quick hunt. I stayed behind in the car in case somebody would stop and try to steal it or anything. I was listening to some Iron Maiden when my phone rang.

"Hello Carlisle." I said when I picked up.

"Thank you, thank you for stopping her, she wouldn't have forgiven herself if something had happened in that setting. Rosalie's text was fairly short, can you tell me what happened?" He asked.

"No need to thank me, mom did most of the work, it seems that one of the flight attendants is Esme's singer. We got her back into the terminal under the excuse that she wasn't feeling well, once it was safe and arrangements were made we left, Rose is taking her for a quick hunt while we are headed to a private airport. Actually they are coming out of the woods, you should talk to her." I said and handed my phone to Esme when she got in the car.

I got the car back on the road with Rose giving directions, a short while later we arrived at the private airport where a private jet was waiting for us. Esme was almost back to her normal self, especially after having talked to Carlisle. I could understand, there was no one who brought me more comfort than Rose, in a similar situation only her could have brought me back to normal. A few hours later than originally intended we landed in Houston, a rental Mercedes waiting for us in the hanger, a little trick to stay out the sunlight, though I dreaded what was ahead part of me did love being back in H-town. I drove us over to our hotel, once again no cost had been spared, this was by far the fanciest most luxurious hotel in the city and had a convenient shaded entrance. Our luggage was taken up to two connecting suites. Room service was delivered shortly after since it was already past dinner time, after eating Esme excused herself to her own suite to call Carlisle. Not really up for anything else after the eventful day, Rose and I spent the evening watching La Casa De Papel.

When I woke up the next morning I truly dreaded the day ahead, it would be the first day of the court case and it was considered to be good that I was present even though there was nothing I had to officially do but let the jury see me. We showered together and got dressed for court. Rose had definitely gone all out with long sleeves and put on a heavy coat of make up. When we knocked on the connecting door a surprise visitor opened. It turned out Carlisle had joined us during the night, Esme was of course much more important to him than a medical conference. He pulled me into a hug and thanked me again, it was a little strange at first but my instincts knew he wasn't a danger. The four of us went down to the restaurant for breakfast, though the other three did taste their food they carefully past most of it to me considering my enormous appetite that had won the battle against the pit of dread in my stomach. Carlisle had our rental retrieved by the valet, while waiting for it in the covered entrance I noticed both him and Esme wore long clothes, had some makeup on and both had hats large enough to keep the sun off their faces. It made me snort a laugh causing them to look at me, just as the valet parked the Mercedes in front of us.

"You have your tricks huh?" I asked once we were in the car causing all of them to chuckle.

"We told you, they are just annoying long term and people do start to notice after a while. It's difficult enough to blend in as is." Rose said.

"I know, but it's nice you guys are doing this for me. Thank you." I replied.

We arrived at the downtown courthouse an hour before the trial was going to start, Carlisle parked in a space that would remain shaded throughout the day and we went to the back entrance which was shaded in the morning. They are truly cunning creatures my vampire family and even removed some of their makeup as soon as we were inside to appear more natural. The prosecutor and lead investigator were waiting for me to go over a few more things, it was mainly informative. Soon we made our way into court sitting down all together in gallery going through the motions as the judge entered and all that. Every time Veronica dared to turn and look at me she was met by a death glare from both Rose and fierce Mother-protector Esme. Throughout the day's proceeding several jurors did seem to notice that Veronica looked at me. It was hard sitting there, seeing her and those two monsters. My inner wolf wanted to tear them all apart, but I knew they deserved much worse than that, they deserved long painful agony. Rose held my hand the entire time, having her close helped with the shaking and staying somewhat calm. When court recessed for lunch Esme had already arranged a delivery of sandwiches so that we didn't have to leave, just find a quiet spot to sit. Soon though we were back in the gallery. Finally a little after five in the afternoon court recessed for the day and we left, through the front this time as that part was now shaded after they reapplied makeup, I definitely was starting to understand as to why exactly they considered it annoying. The best part was finally being able to light a cigarette after what felt like a very long day, I cherished the thought of the whole thing being over soon.

Once back in the hotel Rose held me for a little while before we got cleaned up and dressed into clothes that were much more casual. It was also the first time Rose mentioned something I had started noticing myself, some of my older tattoos were fading a little, as if I had them for much longer.

"Rose would you mind if I had them touched up and perhaps get a new one?" I hesitantly asked.

"They are what make you, you. If you want tattoos don't hold back, just please don't have anything tattooed on your beautiful face." The vampire goddess said after blurring to my side and then gave me a kiss.

There was a knock on the connecting door, we both said come in. Esme came into our suite asking me what I wanted for dinner.

"Actually if you wouldn't mind there's a place I really want to go to in the neighborhood where I grew up. Best tacos in Houston, I swear. And the owner is kind of like an aunt to me, I was really good friends with her son during my troubled youth." I said.

"Sure sweetheart we can go, but what do you mean with was?" Esme asked.

"Well he got killed in a drive by a few years ago, he went somewhere he wasn't supposed to be, totally different neighborhood though. We'll be fine I promise as long as we don't overstay our welcome. I won't win any popularity contest over there, but Teresa will be happy to see me I promise." I tried to assure her.

We left the hotel, given I was much more familiar with the city I drove, the view soon started to change from the more modern downtown area to art deco buildings. I parked the car in the shade and got out. We walked to a part of the street where there was a recess and a lot of activity with a large trailer parked in front of it with a bunch of people waiting in line. Rose, Esme and Carlisle took their place in line and certainly were confused when I kept walking to the trailer to stop near the door.

"Qué tiene que hacer una chica para conseguir algo de comer por aquí?!" I shouted.

The door to the trailer flew open and a Mexican American lady came storming out and lifted me off the ground despite her small statue causing me to giggle.

"Oh Isabella I thought I would never see you again. How have you been? Why are you back? Please tell me it's only because of the court case." She started rattling after setting me down.

"I'm better and yes it's because of the court case, even though I didn't take your advice to heart when I was forced to leave. There's some people I'd like you to meet." I told her as I walked with her to the others who were still waiting in line. "Teresa I'd like you to meet Rosalie, my other half. And Carlisle and Esme my parents." I said. "They adopted me a while ago." I added after noticing Teresa was getting somewhat confused.

"Why did you adopt Isabella?" Teresa immediately demanded of Esme and Carlisle.

"Relax Teresa, they are really good and amazing people and they have helped me through a lot of things since I left." I said to her. "Guys this is Teresa, she was a close friend of my grandmother and is basically like an aunt to me. She's also incredibly protective of me as you might have guessed. And finally she's the best cook in all of Houston." I introduced the fiery little Latina woman to Rose, Esme and Carlisle.

After shortly meeting them she went back to the trailer to give instructions to the staff then led us into her house, and set the table for us, something Esme felt guilty for since we were cutting the line.

"No no, Esmeralda, Isabella is family, family doesn't wait in line here and you are her family now, as long as you treat her well you will never have to wait in line here." Teresa replied already having found a Spanish version of Esme's name. "Now, will you have the usual Isabella?" she asked and I nodded. She then took the orders of Rosa, Esmeralda and Carlos.

Fortunately I had pre warned them that Teresa was aware of my large appetite and that they didn't need to order anything extra for me. The three of them got a couple of taco's each. Soon Teresa came back, putting a pot of beans on the table and a large stack of tortillas, followed by seven taco's for me and three for everybody else. My mouth had already been salivating when she put the pot of frijoles de la olla down in front of me, so simple, but hers were so good. Rose wanted to taste one of her tacos as Teresa sat down at the head of the table since she had decided to have dinner with us, I immediately grabbed her arm and shook my head. The only other person that seemed to get it was Carlisle who already had his hands together. He asked Teresa if he could say grace, whatever his intentions were it improved her opinion of him immediately.

I was quiet for the most part, too focused on stuffing my face with the delicious tacos and beans with plenty of tortillas. Teresa fired plenty of questions at Carlisle and especially Esme, though it took Esme little time and effort to completely win her over. As I finished my last taco I realized that she had been right all along, she didn't know at the time what had happened to me but she was right, Houston was a bad place for me it would always serve as a reminder and my future lied elsewhere, especially now. The time had come to get the few things I had left behind and soon leave the city behind for good. Since Carlisle and Esme were still in serious conversation with Teresa I opened a connection with Rose.

"Are you okay?" Rose asked as soon as she realized we were connected.

"Yeah, I'm ok. Just realized I need to do a few things before we go home. She told me to get away from here and never come back and I just realized how right she was." I thought and was pulled into a sideways hug by Rose followed by a kiss on the cheek.

There was a minor discussion between Esme and Teresa when everybody was finished eating regarding payment. Teresa wouldn't have it, saying again that I was family. I asked everybody if they could give me a few minutes as we were about to leave. They said they'd wait for me at the car.

"I knew you would land on your feet if you left this place Isabella. I'm glad you found her." Teresa said when they were gone.

"Esme is great, she's the best mom in the world." I replied with a smile.

"She is and I know she'll always take care of you, but I was talking about the one that loves you even more, Rosa. I'm glad you found her, you deserve your happiness too, just don't take it for granted, every relationship requires work even between two people that love each other that much." Teresa replied causing me to chuckle.

"You still see everything don't you?" I asked with a smirk and she just nodded. "Teresa, you were right the last time I was here. I realize that now. You know why I'm back in the city but I'm here now to say goodbye, I will leave in a couple of days and won't be coming back. I'm going to miss you." I said with tears in my eyes.

She pulled me into a hug and we stood there like that for a couple of minutes.

"Oh little one, it will be alright, you have no need for me anymore. I'm happy you finally have the life you always deserved and I can see you have found happiness." She said when she finally released me and walked to her semi industrial kitchen pulling out a notebook which she handed to me. "Here give this to Esmeralda, It's all my recipes and those of your grandmother. She will teach you how to cook them if you ask her. The time has come for you to leave, there's only so much time they'll give you once they found out you're here." She said.

I knew that there was no point in arguing with her about it, so instead I took my time to say goodbye and get another hug in before ripping off the bandage and leaving, walking away from the neighborhood I had grown up in, where my grandmother had lived her entire life, where I had loved and lost, made friends and enemies. As I walked back to the car I saw plenty of eyes on me, eyes that were saying, you're allowed to visit the old lady out of respect, but don't come back for another visit. Since they were already waiting in the car I quickly slid in the driver's seat, started the engine and got out of there. I assured everybody that I was fine and explained how it had basically been a farewell visit, something they could understand due to our nature, at some point certain ties just have to be cut. When we got back to the hotel I handed Esme the recipe book, something she handled as if she had just been given a rare treasure, which in many ways it was. Rose and I curled up on our couch and continued watching La casa de papel, this time joined by Carlisle and Esme. When it was starting to get dark I told them I'd like to go retrieve a few things from my old house. Something that worried them so I agreed to have Rose tag along to keep me out of too many problems.

I drove over to the fancy neighborhood where Veronica lives parking just outside it since it was a gated community, since it was dark by now we got to one of the unlit areas and easily scaled the wall. Leading the way I blurred to my old house, I asked Rose to wait nearby in a dark spot for me to get back assuring her I'd be in and out to get a few things that were still hidden in my old room. I opened a connection so she'd know when things got difficult for me. Using a nearby tree I jumped for one of the window sills of my old bedroom, using my old trick opened the window that surprisingly still had a broken latch with ease. I jumped in and immediately felt the pain starting to come, after taking a moment to keep myself together I took off my back pack and started getting to work. After folding over the carpet in the center of my old room, I opened a loose floorboard and retrieved the items stashed away there, yes I like to stash things under loose floorboards, sue me. I opened the small box I retrieved, grateful to see my grandmother's engagement ring still being there. After putting everything away I placed back the floorboard and got up to leave. When I was about to grab the carpet the light was turned on, momentarily startling me.

"I knew you'd be back sooner or later you bitch! And I promise I'll make you regret everything you did." Veronica yelled while holding a large kitchen knife.

There was nothing I could do about it, my wolf took over immediately with a vengeance, recognizing the woman that had been responsible for so much pain. In less than a second I had shifted, changing the vengeful look on Veronica's face as I now approached her as a massive black wolf towering over her growling viciously. Veronica crumbled in pieces in front of me, falling on the floor begging for her life, cutting herself on the knife that had fallen tip down and was stuck in the floor. My wolf wasn't going to give her an inch of mercy until a blonde blur got between us punching Veronica, knocking her out. My wolf immediately recognized her as my imprint Rosalie. Just her presence started bringing me back a little.

"Bella, don't do it, she deserves much worse than this let her go to prison first at least." Rosalie pleaded while holding my large wolfs head between her hands, rubbing my cheeks to keep me focused on her and calm me down.

It took some time but she managed to get me calm enough to shift back. She handed me a set of clothes, it seemed I had been so stuck in my head that I hadn't noticed till now that Rose had come fully prepared.

"I'm sorry, how do we fix this?" I asked her after getting dressed.

"Don't be sorry, I'll patch her up and put her in her bed, start cleaning up here ok?" Rose said giving me a kiss.

I got to work collecting the scraps of clothes while Rose dealt with Veronica, I put the carpet back in it's place it covered most of the marks my claws had made. While waiting for Rose two people came through the window, since it were very recognizable smells I knew it was Esme and Carlisle, they came with building supplies and Carlisle had his medical bag with him. Esme looked pretty stern though while Carlisle walked out of the room.

"Isabella Marie Cullen I hope you had a really good reason for coming back here. I never should have allowed it." She said, clearly not amused.

I grabbed my still intact back pack and showed her the ring and the pictures from my childhood including my baby pictures causing her to sigh and pull me in a hug after I had put them away again.

"Isabella you should have just waited till the case was over, thankfully it ended well." She said, not fully done chiding me but having recognized the importance of the items.

"That's what family is for mom, to make sure things end well." I replied causing me to feel the love glowing from Esme.

"I'd be jealous if it was anyone else." Rose said as she came back in the room and stood next to us.

We just responded by pulling her into the hug. Carlisle soon came back, saying Veronica would be fine in the morning, a shame but probably for the best. We finished cleaning up, I had to admit aside from Veronica telling people a unbelievable story there would be absolutely no proof whatsoever that I had been there, let alone that I had shifted there. Once out of the fancy neighborhood we went straight back to the hotel and I went to bed after sending a text to an old friend.

The next day was the big one, for me at least. Testifying meant telling what happened to me in front of so many people. Rose was by my side the entire time I was getting ready. Alice had gotten me a knee length black dress with a grey jacket to go over it, an outfit I could have used all the times I was the defendant in court, then again I would have been too stubborn back then to actually wear it. At everybody's insistence I ate breakfast then we went over to the court for my final witness prep. During the witness prep they reminded me that the judge had strictly forbidden any mention of my past misdeeds, having found it could unfairly bias the jury against my testimony. By ten AM I got called in and was promptly sworn in. I opened a link with Rose for moral support, she would be feeling my pain anyway. The prosecutor gently walked me through the entire thing, giving me a break when needed, I choked up several times but Rose's support got me through it. I was done a little after noon, though mentally I wasn't in the mood for food the rumble my stomach had made and the fact there was still the cross examination to go. I went outside with Rose during the recess feeling jaded and sat down on the court steps to have a smoke.

"I'm proud of you." Rose said as she pulled me into a side hug.

"Thank you for being here for me." I replied while melting into her side.

"Always." She replied and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

Once my cigarette was finished we went back inside where Esme was already waiting with a pizza. Pizza, well pizza does work to bring my appetite back. So after lunch, another smoke and a couple of hugs later I was back on the witness stand. Connected to Rose sharing thoughts until one of the defense lawyers came over to grill me. The prosecutor was quick to object and prevented him from going too far. It proceeded like that for the remainder of the day until finally it was over. I was asked to stay in town a little longer in case there still was need for me. A sense of relief washed over me as we were driving back to the hotel, it finally felt like I could start a new chapter. Once in our suite I collapsed on the couch exhausted, I felt a pair of cold yet warm arms pulling me into a hug, straight away I knew it was Esme. She probably was waiting for me to break down, but I guess I was too jaded for that. Since it was impossible to have a private session here due to the lack of sound proofing, or at least vampire proof sound proofing, I simply opened a connection to Carlisle and went through my day and everything with him. Had to hand it to the good vampire doctor, there was some horrible stuff in there but he constantly remained professional and didn't abuse the connection. When Esme asked if I wanted some privacy to have a private conversation with Carlisle I had to chuckle.

"She's been having a session since we got back Es – mom." Rose said to the confused Esme.

Being called mom by Rosalie made her radiate love again, it was nearly overwhelming.

"You sure you don't have a gift?" I asked her when I was finished with Carlisle.

"Maybe not in the traditional vampire sense. Did you open a connection with Carlisle?" Esme asked.

"It's not the first time, it's very private and convenient." I replied.

"As long as you keep taking it serious sweetheart." Esme said making me hum in response. "Bella have you ever considered a hobby? You only ever seem to participate in other peoples hobbies. There must be some things you want to do?" Esme asked.

Admittingly there was one thing above all I had always wanted to learn, but I didn't want to hurt Esme. So I tried to circumvent it, but she wasn't buying it, not even when I mentioned that I didn't want to hurt her feelings, something that caught Carlisle's attention as he entered the room.

"Alright I've always wanted to learn how to play the guitar." I finally admitted.

The look on Esme's face told us she realized a lot of things.

"Is this why nobody has been playing any music around the house?" She asked, looking at Carlisle and Rose.

"We didn't want to remind you of him." Rose said quietly.

Esme got off the couch and pulled Rose into a hug.

"Oh Rose, I would love to hear you play the piano again, you're just as good. And Bella if you want to learn to play the guitar We'll get you a nice spanish guitar tomorrow." She said after letting go of Rose.

"Uhm not really the type I want." I said scratching my head.

"Well what kind do you want sweetheart?" she asked.

"An electric one, I wanna rock!" I said a little more enthusiastically once convinced Esme really didn't mind.

"Ok twisted sister, we'll get you an electric one then, first thing tomorrow." She said.

"I was going to get a new tattoo and have some of my old ones touched up tomorrow. So you know twisted sister?" I said while scratching my head, having never cleared it with Esme.

"Of course I do, I may be old but I keep with the times. What tattoo are you getting sweetheart?" she asked.

"I want it to be a surprise. You're not angry?"

"No I already knew and besides Rose is right, it makes you, you. I only have the same request as she does, don't get a tattoo on your face." She said.

Given everything was settled, we broke into pairs, Carlisle took Esme on a date and I took Rose on a dinner date since I still had to eat. We went to a high end steak house where I had a very large steak along with several sides, after we were done dining the sun had set and Rose and I went for a walk.

"I'll miss the city life. All this hustle and bustle." I admitted.

"We can always live on our own for a few years when we leave Forks." Rose said.

"Do we have to leave right away?" I asked thinking of the Tribe.

"No but at some point several years from now we'll have to move on. I know it's difficult leaving everybody and everything behind, but you won't be alone and I'll miss them too." Rose said caringly.

I knew of course she was right, Rose would never get older and nobody in the family would. None of us knew for sure but it was very likely I'd never age, even if I gave up shifting, all that would remain then is the vampire side of me. In time though the pack would give up shifting and start to age again, you can't blame them especially those with human imprints. Who would want to watch their loved one grow old and die while you remain young, I shuddered at the thought of being a shriveled up old lady while Rose remained the same.

"Hey, I promise we can stay for quite some time." Rose said squeezing my hand.

"It's ok, at least they are tied into the supernatural world in a way where I can stay in touch." I said.

"Bella you're not su- huh, that wouldn't apply to your situation. You're right you can stay in touch and we can arrange for them to visit." Rose replied ending with a grin.

"What would I do without you?" I asked pulling her close to me.

"You'll never have to find out." She said before giving me a kiss on the cheek.

A walk and a few admirers later we were back in the hotel, we had wanted to say goodnight to Esme and Carlisle but they weren't back yet. Instead we chose to go to bed and watch some tv there, though it was mainly for some background noise. It was one of those days that I really needed to be held and comforted while falling asleep. Part of me felt guilty though, it seemed I always leaned on Rose and it was rarely the other way around.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Rose asked having noticed I was getting stuck in my head instead of falling asleep.

"I'm not that cheap." I deadpanned earning a sigh from Rose.

"Whats on your mind?" Rose asked.

"Are you happy with being mated to me?" I asked.

"Of course I am, why would you ask that?" Rosalie replied, sounding shocked.

"Am I not a burden to you? You give so much and I feel like I don't give enough in return." I admitted.

"Don't be silly Bella, you're never going to be a burden and you give much more than you think. What brought this on?" Rose said sounding upset.

"I don't know, sometimes I feel like you deserve more." I replied.

"Remember what I told you after we had our first date?" Rose asked.

"That I'm your mate and there will never be somebody else." I said with a goofy smile on my face.

"Exactly so stop worrying about it you silly wolf, I love you." Rose said.

"I love you too." I replied.

Hope you all enjoyed the update, work on the next one has already started and I've figured out a path towards the end.

Ps: you can join me on discord, femslash server. discord . gg / GExXupQQcJ (remove spaces)