Nine Lives

by KorKor11

It's the 1920s when Rosalie Hale meets Bella Swan. Two girls from two affluent families that couldn't be any more different. When societal norms drive them apart, they're convinced they'll never see each other again. Decades pass and Rosalie tries to forget and move on, but how can she when she runs into the ghost of her past at Forks University? Rosalie/Bella. Rosella.

1. Chapter 1

"Oh! Sorry!"

She ignored the extended hand and got to her feet. "You very well should be!" She brushed her dress off, displeased by the smudge of dirt that remained. "What do you think you're doing?" She snapped, putting her hands on her hips and glaring up at the girl. "Running around like some careless boy…" she narrowed her eyes. "Oh. It's you, Isabella."

The brunette frowned. "It's Bella." She crossed her arms over her chest. "I was running around because that's what you do at a park, princess. You run."

The blonde glared at her. "It's Rosalie." Grey eyes rolled to the sky, and she tilted her head back to sigh in exasperation, making Rosalie fume. "You're not an animal, Isabella. You're a lady and you should behave as such."

Rosalie eyed her wardrobe distastefully. Bella was wearing a white shirt underneath ripped, faded blue overalls. There were grass stains on the knees and the denim was faded from being worn so often. Her wavy brown hair was filled with twigs and leaves, frizzing slightly from the heat, and Rosalie had to resist the urge to look for a comb.

As if she could find one in a park. But the girl's hair was bothersome. It needed to be combed.

How did your servants let you leave the house looking like that?

Bella scowled at her. "We're thirteen-"

"And our fathers are prominent bankers, or have you forgotten that?" Rosalie scoffed. "We're supposed to maintain our decorum for their sake." She wrinkled her nose at the girl's bare feet. "Honestly, how do you hope to marry when all of Rochester knows what a wild child you are?"

Isabella Swan came from money but she certainly didn't act like it. Too busy climbing trees and wrestling with boys after school hours. And in school, she was no better. Picking apart her uniform and heckling Rosalie every chance she got.

Bella rolled her eyes. "We're at a park." She said, as though it was a proper rebuttal. "Why are you here anyway? We both know you hate fun."

How did you miss everything I just said?

She sighed, refraining from snapping at the girl again. "It's a public park, Isabella." She pursed her lips before saying, "And...my father thought it would be good for us to...become well acquainted."

Despite Rosalie's protest, despite warning her father that Isabella Swan was nothing but trouble, he still insisted that she should try.

Should Rosalie and Bella become friends, then her father would gain an opportunity to become closer with Charles Swan.

"He's quiet...I don't know if he has a friend in this world." Her father said. "No one wants to be alone. I would like to try to be his friend."

Because her father was kind like that.

"You said Isabella doesn't fit in at school. She has no friends. I bet she gets lonely. I bet she would love it if the two of you, at the very least, became well acquainted."

The brunette laughed at this. "I'd rather be well acquainted with an alligator." She turned her back to her. "Sorry, princess, I can't get better acquainted with you today or any other day. I happen to like myself."

"Remember, Rosalie. People tend to forget themselves, and when they do, it's up to us to remind them that no one denies a Hale."

Rosalie stomped her foot and an annoyed noise escaped her. "Isabella Swan, you are so infuriating!"

Bella cocked her head to the side, looking back at her with a sharp smile. "Back at you, princess." She turned away from her, hand shooting up in the air and waving at someone in the distance. "Lahote! Uley! Over here!"

A boy with light brown skin and short black hair waved back at her. Another boy stood with him, he was slightly taller and had long black hair. He looked more serious, casting a wary glance at Rosalie as he made his way towards Bella.

Rosalie knew them. Everyone in Rochester knew them. But she couldn't, for the life of her, remember their names.

Bella's brothers cut through the crowd with ease, taller than most of the people there. They were somewhat intimidating due to their large stature. Not to mention their high status, despite their skin color.

Bella turned and gave her a wink. "See you around, princess."

This won't do. Not at all.

Her father had put far too much faith in Rosalie for her to give up so easily.

I am a Hale. No one denies a Hale.

Bella was about to run off when Rosalie grabbed her wrist. "Wait, you ruffian." The girl stopped in her tracks, looking at her hand with wide eyes. "You can't just leave. We weren't finished speaking."

This made the brunette scowl at her. "You can boss everyone else around, but not me." She shook her hand off. "My dad's richer than yours. Or did you forget that?"

Rosalie scoffed at her, "No one denies a Hale." Bella's eyes burned with anger but Rosalie wasn't the least bit fazed. "And since you're richer than me, then perhaps I should be calling you princess."

"You could...if you want more dirt all over that pretty dress of yours."

Her eyes narrowed. "You wouldn't dare."

Bella crossed her arms over her chest. "Try me-"

Her brothers arrived and one of them slung an arm around Bella's shoulders. It was the taller one, the one that looked just as annoyed by Rosalie's presence as Bella did.

"Are you coming? Or should we leave you with your new best friend?" His voice was deeper than the other boy's, but not by much.

Bella was the youngest in her family. Rosalie didn't know much about her siblings, no one did.

Charles Swan had five Indians in his home. It was...strange to say the least. Or, that's what her mother told her.

Rosalie could only remember one name, Ephraim Black, but only because his name greatly stuck out to her.

There weren't too many brown or black people on this side of town. And the ones she had seen were more often than not workers or laborers.

One rumor had it that Charles was family friends with the childrens' parents. Some said the Indians saved his life, and in turn, he cared for their children.

Others said that Charles had run away from home as a teenager, wanting to live amongst the Indians, and when he was brought back he wasn't able to let go of his fixation with them. Which led to him taking the five of them into his home.

Then, the most popular rumor was of the many love affairs Charles must have had. Five Indian children, all calling him father, but all having different last names and bearing different facial features.

Except for the sisters, who were no doubt blood-related.

The six of them had lived in Rochester for years.

And when Bella, Charles's daughter, seemingly appeared out of nowhere three years ago, it had caused a scandal.

Charles had never talked about her until she arrived. And no one had ever seen Bella before.

"Probably had her locked in a basement."

"I heard he kidnapped her."

"No way. That's clearly his kid. Question is, where was she at? And where's her mom?"

Another question no one knew the answer to.

"I saw her once. Swear I did. Bella was with her, and when they went inside that house, her mother never came out."

Again, more speculation.

"Because of his infidelity, his wife left him."

That's what her friend Bethany had told her. But her other friend Janice believed that Mrs. Swan was already dead.

"I bet those Indians did it. Bella's so wild, I bet she helped."

White fathers of mulattos and any other mixed-race children weren't supposed to claim their children. It was an unspoken rule that they were to be hidden away. The wives weren't supposed to find out that their husbands were with colored women.

But, if the Indian children did belong to Charles, then he had not followed those rules.

The five were all treated well from the looks of it. Going to social gatherings with Charles and Bella and always dressed in the finest attire. The Swan children wouldn't speak to others unless Charles was with them, and usually, all six of his children kept to themselves.

Anywhere they went, they wore the Swan crest somewhere on their person. A gold lion with a red wolf at its side. Bella's crest was a bracelet. Her three brothers each wore a necklace of their family crest.

It was a strange symbol, to say the least, but it was memorable. And all of Rochester knew that if they saw this crest, they were to leave Bella and her siblings alone. They weren't just any children, they belonged to Charles Swan.

It had caused problems in the past.

Problems that had led to the mysterious deaths of Jack and Kenneth Davenport.

At least, that's what the girls had said at school.

The most popular rumor was that the Clearwater sisters had attempted to seduce the Davenport brothers. Which started the entire altercation.

All the details were lost in gossip.

No one had seen what happened. All the rumors were based on speculation.

But what everyone could agree on was that Bella, her sisters, and the Davenport brothers got into a disagreement.

When Rosalie asked her parents about the situation, when she had asked about Bella's ear, she was only scolded for asking such a rude question.

Apparently, it was a private matter, just as everything surrounding the Swan family was. But this incident, in particular, was touchy to Charles.

After the altercation, the brothers had turned up dead.

And after a short-lived investigation, the police deemed the case unsolvable.

No one went near any of the children after that.

Charles Swan was one of the most powerful men in the city. It wouldn't take much for him to ruin someone's life. And if those from the lower class disappeared, then no one would bat an eye.

"One cannot bother the children of such a powerful man and expect no consequences." Her father had told her. "Indian or not, Charles claims them, and those foolish Davenport brothers should have known better."

Bella made a noise of disgust, garnering Rosalie's attention. "Shut up, Uley. She's not my friend." Bella muttered, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning into his side. "Let's go."

The other boy, Lahote, raised a brow. "Why the rush? We have to wait for Lucy and Chilali anyway."

"What about Black?"

Lahote rolled his eyes. "Ephraim is with our father. He's too grown and mature to run around with us anymore."

Bella snorted. "Knock it off. He's just busy." She looked around the park with a furrowed brow. "Wish those two would hurry up." The anticipation in her voice wasn't lost on Rosalie.

What are you so excited about?

"They're always late," Uley complained.

"Must be a Clearwater thing."

Bella cocked an eyebrow at him. "Don't let them hear you say that."

Lahote rolled his eyes before turning to Rosalie. "You're Rosalie Hale, right?" He flashed her a smile and stuck out his hand. "I'm Gene Lahote, and that's Levi Uley. It's nice to meet you."

Rosalie shook his hand, not wanting to be impolite. "It's nice to meet you both." She then extended her hand to Levi. He just stared at it until she withdrew, and Gene frowned at him.

"Don't be rude."

"I'm not." He gave Rosalie a nod. "Nice to meet you."

He wasn't rude by any means, though she still felt a little miffed by him ignoring her polite gesture.

"I'm here!" A girl ran up to them, looking a little younger than the boys but not by much. "Chilali isn't feeling too good so she's staying at home." The girl was a little shorter than Bella, with long black hair and deep brown eyes.

She wore her family crest on her finger, a large silver ring with the signature gold lion, and a red wolf. Her skin was a shade darker than the boy's, and her cheery smile instantly dropped when she saw Rosalie.

"Late," Gene muttered, yelping at the solid punch delivered to his shoulder.

"Do you always have to say something?"

"Don't show up late and I won't say anything!" The two began squabbling, and Levi watched on in amusement.

But Bella was staring at her. "Why don't you go...do whatever it is a Hale does at noon? Host one of your stupid tea parties, or whatever." A cocky smirk adorned her lips. "You wouldn't be able to keep up with us anyway."

Her tea parties were at 10 am sharp. Not noon.

Rosalie clenched her jaw. "I could easily keep up with the likes of you."

"No way, princess. Just get out of here." Bella waved her off, only to be stopped by Gene.

"C'mon, Bells. We gave you a chance."

Lucy frowned. "And who are they going to blame when the little white girl scrapes her knee?"

Levi smirked. "You, probably. You're the most aggressive one here-"

"That's Gene."

"Have you seen Bella?"

"Fuck you."

Rosalie was beginning to think this was a mistake. She didn't know any of them very well, and she didn't know where they were going.

Bella's infuriating smirk made a reappearance. "Second thoughts, Hale?"

"I'm not scared, Swan. I can keep up just fine." The loud bells of the trolly clang from down the street, and the four began moving towards it.

Bella grinned at her. "Okay, princess. Show me how well you can keep up." The Swan siblings took off running, making Rosalie's eyes widen when she saw how fast they were.

She held the bottom of her dress, jogging to catch up as the four made it to the moving trolley. Her shoes had heels, preventing her from running in a full sprint.

The first thing she noticed was just how fast Bella was. She outran her siblings with ease, grinning wildly as she chased down the trolly, ignoring the stares of the Rochester residents as she sprinted ahead.

She made it to the trolly first, and in one impressive leap, she hopped onto the back, sticking out his hand and catching Gene's. She hauled the other boy on, and the two grabbed Lucy and Levi to help them up.

The trolly wasn't moving too fast, but it was beginning to pick up the pace.

"C'mon! Take off your shoes!" Levi hollered.

She was about to tell him no because her shoes were new and her mother would be furious. Not to mention the stares she was getting were a bit overwhelming.

I look like a fool.

The thought made her face burn in embarrassment. A Hale wasn't supposed to act in such a way. It was unladylike, it was mortifying.

What would my parents say?

But then she saw Bella's knowing smirk.

With gritted teeth she kicked her shoes off, running faster until she was within arm's reach.

Bella looked surprised, and Rosalie was even more surprised when she was the one who reached her hand out to her.

Rosalie grabbed it, squeaking in shock when the girl was able to lift her to the trolly. She grabbed the railing, breathing raggedly now that she was able to rest.

Sweat beaded down her forehead and her feet stung from slapping the concrete. She was beginning to think this was indeed a mistake.

But then Bella smiled at her.

Not her obnoxious smirk, but a genuine smile. "Nice job, princess."

…

They jumped off the trolly near the outskirts of town, where a man named Dan had been waiting for them. They clambered onto his wagon, and he smiled at the children before he urged his horse forward.

"Dan, Dan the wagon man." Levi hummed.

He greeted them cheerily, eyeing Rosalie curiously but not questioning her appearance.

"She's a Hale," Lucy called up to him. "Better behave yourself."

Dan eyed her again, this time a bit more worriedly before he faced forward. "I'm always well behaved." The wagon made loud, rickety noises as the wheels took them down a woodsy trail.

Thick trees helped to obscure the sun. A few deer were seen, and birds were chirping happily at each other as they flitted about the forest.

Rosalie sat next to Bella, only because she knew her, and even then she didn't sit close.

Lucy was between Bella's legs, laying her head in her lap and stretching her legs across the bed of the wagon. She rested her feet against Levi's leg and yawned, closing her eyes for a moment as Bella played with her hair.

The boys sat across from them, with Gene laying his head on Levi's shoulder, and Levi partially resting his head on Gene's.

Rosalie wondered if all siblings were as close as they were. They weren't even related, but they acted as though they were.

For a moment Rosalie was envious of what they had. But she couldn't place why.

Perhaps it was the intimacy. But she didn't allow herself to dwell on the thought for much longer.

I'm Rosalie Hale. What do I have to be envious about?

All she could hear were the rickety squeaks of the wagon wheels, paired with the sounds of horse hooves trotting along the forest road. It was soothing, almost enough to lull her into a nap like it had Gene.

But she still didn't know where they were going. And she still felt uneasy about being goaded into coming on this trip.

"Where are we going?" Rosalie asked, breaking the silence and making Gene stir in his sleep. Brown eyes fluttered open for a moment before they closed again.

Stormy grey eyes looked at her. "To a friend's house."

"When will we be home?"

Levi chuckled, "Late." He trapped strands of long, black hair between his fingers, and he began braiding it to pass the time.

His answer worried her. "Will there be a telephone there? My mother will be worried if I'm out too late."

Lucy sighed loudly, clearly annoyed by her questions. "No telephone in the swamp." She hesitated before saying, "But Dan here will let your mother know that you're safe."

Their driver nodded, turning to glance at Rosalie. "No worries, Miss Hale. I'll tell them that you're staying at Bella's."

Rosalie nodded, relaxing slightly. "Thank you."

Though, she still worried about the scolding she'd get for losing her shoes.

Bella raised a brow. "You're not worried we'll kill you or something?" She asked offhandedly, earning her a look from Levi.

"Stop trying to scare her."

Rosalie glared at the brunette. "I'm not scared." Though, now she was. Just a little bit. "My parents know I'm with you, Isabella Swan. So if you try anything-"

The girl rolled her eyes. "I was just kidding, princess."

"Isabella! My name is Rosalie." She snapped. "Rosalie Lillian Hale."

Bella snorted. "And my name is Bella."

"Your parents named you Isabella, and that is what I will call you."

"I call you princess, and that is what I will continue to call you."

Her face reddened in anger and she nearly shrieked in frustration. "You're so annoying!"

Bella glared at her. "You're one to talk!"

"Ugh, assholes," Gene muttered, groggily opening his eyes to look in between the two of them. "I was trying to sleep."

Rosalie stared at him with wide eyes. "Excuse me?" She had never been spoken to like that. Not by anyone. Not even by Bella. "How dare-"

Levi's grunt of annoyance garnered her attention. "None of that. You said you could keep up."

"He called me an...ugh! I can't even say such profanities!" The first and only time she had repeated a curse word she had heard, had gotten her a mouthful of soap.

Lucy started giggling, "Asshole? We all have one." All four of them began laughing, much to Rosalie's disbelief.

"That is...that is improper and unladylike!" How they could laugh at such offenses was beyond her.

Bella grinned at her. "Well, we wouldn't want to be improper, now would we?" The mockery wasn't lost on her, and Rosalie had some very unladylike thoughts of shoving Bella out of the wagon. "Don't worry, when we're with you, we'll be on our most properest behavior."

"That's not even a word."

"It is because I said it." Bella tilted her chin up, giving a snooty laugh. "And I'm the properest of them all."

Rosalie scoffed and looked away from her. "You're the dumbest of them all. I didn't come on this trip to be mocked."

Lucy tilted her head back so she could look at the blonde. "Why did you come?" She didn't sound hostile, only curious, and this gave Rosalie pause.

Because Isabella said I couldn't keep up.

But to confess that that ruffian had anything to do with her decision would be humiliating. Bella would never let her live that down.

"I was...curious." Rosalie finally said.

"Getting bored living in that stuffy mansion?" Bella asked, though not unkindly. "I did."

The truth was that no, she wasn't bored living in her stuffy mansion with her pretty jewelry and her pretty dresses. She didn't see how Bella could tire of the wealth she had. Sometimes, she even envied the girl for being richer than she was.

But Isabella has never cared about it.

"You really are the dumbest of them all," Rosalie muttered, turning her gaze to look out of the wagon. "So many people would love to have your life, but you don't even care."

A quiet, condescending laugh escaped the brunette. "Oh, and I'm assuming you're one of those people?"

Levi groaned loudly before Rosalie could snap back at her. "Enough fighting." The wagon stopped. "Finally." He jumped out first. "Thanks, Dan!"

Bella pulled waded up bills out of her overall pocket, handing them to Dan with a chipper smile. "Some extra for going to Mrs. Hale. Thanks."

He gave her a wink. "Anything for you, Miss Swan." He pocketed the money. "And anything for a bit more money."

They all exited, thanking Dan, who gave them a wave in response as he turned his wagon around.

By now it was late afternoon, and Rosalie looked around the swamp in confusion.

They were in the middle of nowhere. Surrounded by green water, repulsive insects, and…

She blinked as something slithered by her.

"SNAKE!" She latched onto Bella, who stumbled forward, grunting in surprise. "What kind of Hell have you taken me to!"

Hell wasn't a bad word. It was a place. That's what her mother told her, though, it was still unladylike to talk about the home of the devil out of the religious context.

But she knew her mother, and if she were here, Rosalie thinks that she would say a few curse words herself.

Bella wrapped her arms around the blonde, planting her feet to keep them both from falling as Rosalie gripped the straps of her overalls tightly.

Lucy and Gene were snickering, while Levi and Bella looked at her in bemusement.

"You said you could keep up-"

"I can!" Rosalie snapped, shifting slightly so she was at Bella's back. "But I am not walking! Hale's do not walk in swamps!" She jumped onto her back, so very thankful that Bella held her up.

She didn't so much as grunt at the added weight. Nor did she struggle to keep Rosalie up.

"Honestly, I didn't think you would make it this far." Bella mused, shaking her head before taking the lead with Levi. "I'm only doing this for you once. Next time, you have to walk like the rest of us."

Rosalie scowled, clinging to her shoulders and keeping her head low as they left the path. "Who says I'll be accompanying you next time?"

Lucy looked at her. "Oh, trust me. You will."

The walk was a short one, thankfully.

Rosalie would have felt silly being on Bella's back, had it not been for the fact that she was barefoot and there were snakes and strange large turtles with sharp-looking mouths that she had never seen before.

Alligator snapping turtles. That's what Lucy had called them. And it was a terrifying sight to behold.

Everything looked hostile, and she had to stop herself from shrieking when she saw orange eyes emerge from the swamp, watching the five of them as they passed.

Finally, they reached a small wooden house. It looked poorly constructed, shabby, and worn as though it had been there for years. There was white powder on the front door, and strange symbols were carved or painted onto the house.

One was a large boat with strange writing on it and an anchor that dangled off the ship.

Another was, what resembled to be, a very tall figure with long arms that stood within tall grass.

And the last was one Rosalie couldn't at all decipher. A big cross that had many other markings within it.

Rosalie stared at the symbols in confusion, unknowing if she should feel fear upon seeing them.

Leading to the house were rickety, unsteady looking stairs. The house was held up by large wooden beams, keeping it from sinking into the murky water below.

Next to the house stood a large willow, bowing humbly beneath the rays of the sun. Tied to the branches were empty glass jars and bottles that still had their caps on.

Rosalie had done a good job of holding her tongue so far. Or, at least, she thought she did.

But when a strange, dark eyed, medium sized cat leaped in front of them is when she did scream. She wrapped her arms around Bella's neck, trying to pull her away from the threat.

The brunette gagged, stumbling backward and Rosalie shrieked again when the large cat snarled and bared its teeth.

"Rosalie, stop!" Lucy grabbed her arm, garnering her attention. "It's okay!" Bella managed to unlock her arms from around her throat, and Levi reached out, taking Rosalie's other arm and guiding her away from the brunette.

"Okay?! Do you see this thing! It's going to kill us!"

However, when Rosalie was away from Bella, the large cat relaxed. Giving the blonde a reproachful look before going to Bella, head lowered slightly and eyes roving her body.

It was a grayish-brown color with black streaks and spots that dotted its body. The tail was stumped, and the ears had tall, black tufts of fur on the top of them. It was a pretty animal. Terrifying, but beautiful.

The girl laughed, one hand massaging her throat and the other reaching out to the dark-tipped ears. "I'm okay, see?" Rosalie watched with wide eyes as the cat leaned into Bella's palm, its eyes closed and a quiet huff escaped it as she scratched behind its ears. "That's a girl."

Levi and Lucy let her arms go. "I wouldn't get closer." Levi cautioned. "She likes Bella. She tolerates the rest of us." Rosalie looked at him in disbelief. "We don't know why. She came up to Bella one day and now…" he shrugged. "That's her bobcat."

Bella glanced back at them. "Bob doesn't like being crowded." Grey eyes met blue ones. "Want to pet her?"

Bob the bobcat? Is she crazy?

Rosalie scoffed and shook her head. "She'll eat me...and Bob is a boy's name."

"There are no rules in the wild!" Bella declared before rolling her eyes. "And bobcats don't eat people...usually." She looked back down at the large cat. "Can Rosie pet you?"

Her and those insufferable nicknames!

Amber-colored eyes looked Rosalie over for a moment. "You let Gene pet you, and Lucy and Levi-"

"Sometimes," Gene muttered, scratching the back of his head. "Only when she's in a good mood."

Lucy huffed out a laugh. "That's how all cats are." She looked at Rosalie. "Our father has three. They love him and Bella, but they're very choosy when it comes to the rest of us." She gestured at the bobcat. "But...should pet Bob. Not everyone gets to say they've pet a bobcat before."

Levi gave Rosalie a knowing smile. "You could be the first Hale in history to do it."

Hm...I never thought about it like that-

Without warning Bella reached out, snatching Rosalie's hand and yanking her forward. "Ouch! Let go of me you-" the feel of soft fur beneath the palm of her hand gave her pause.

Bella's hand was still atop her own, warm and calloused. The girl blinked, grey eyes meeting blue as they looked at each other.

Her cheeks turned red and she quickly withdrew her hand, as though she had been burned.

Gene, Levi, and Lucy began to snicker. Bella whirled on them, unable to shut them up with her glare, and only serving to make them laugh even harder.

"Assholes!"

Rosalie hastily looked away from her, not liking the warmth that crept to her own cheeks. Surely it was just out of embarrassment. Holding hands with another girl was hardly appropriate.

Bob made a quiet noise, rubbing her head against Rosalie's palm impatiently.

"Oh!" She began gently scratching behind her ears, just as Bella had. Bright eyes closed and a quiet huff escaped the large cat.

She couldn't believe this was happening.

Sometimes her father would go on hunting trips with his friends, usually returning with bucks, or alligators, and once a bear. She had once heard him complaining about how elusive the large cats were. Always hiding, never caught in the open, even when he laid traps.

But this cat was out in the open, beautiful and gentle. She wondered if he would shoot it. She wondered how he could bring himself to do so.

Abruptly, the door to the strange house burst open. Rosalie jumped back in surprise, and Bob whirled around, standing in front of her with her hackles raised as she looked at the person who stepped through the door.

Or, more like, the person who danced through the door.

A small, petite black girl beamed broadly at them as she hopped down the stairs. And Bob relaxed at the sight of her.

She had hazel-colored eyes and short, curly black hair that went a little past her ears. Her skin was a dark brown, almost glowing against the contrast of her bright yellow sundress.

She looked to be around their age, but her prominent cheekbones and narrow face made Rosalie second guess herself. The girl didn't have the rounded face of a girl her and Bella's age. She looked a bit more mature.

Her beauty was different from what Rosalie was used to seeing. But it was there and she almost envied it.

The girl skipped down the steps with all the grace of a dancer, fluttering her fingers at Rosalie, patting Bob, and bypassing them both to throw herself at Bella.

"Bella! I missed ya!" Her southern accent wasn't lost on Rosalie.

Bella laughed, lifting the shorter girl off her feet and twirling her around. "I missed you too!" Her voice was warm and welcoming, unlike how she addressed Rosalie or any of the other girls in their school. "I thought you'd get taller in Mississippi." Bella teased, placing her back on the ground, but not removing her arms from around her waist.

The girl gasped in offense, but her smile never left her lips. "I take it back, I didn't miss you." She got on her tiptoes, pressing a kiss to her cheek. Bella's face reddened instantly and she laughed. "I did miss how easy it is to make you blush."

Rosalie averted her gaze, uncomfortable with their proximity and the almost flirtatious nature of their greeting.

Bob made a quiet noise, passing Rosalie to rub against the new girl, and then she disappeared into the swamp.

"Bye, Bob!" The girl waved before turning to Bella. "Awe, look at how red your face is." She cooed, pinching her cheek and making the taller girl swat her hand away.

"Whatever," Bella muttered, releasing her and watching as she greeted the others with affectionate hugs.

Both Gene and Levi picked her up in large hugs, making her laugh and squirm. "Mary Alice!" Gene boomed. "It's been too long!"

Mary Alice grinned. "Don't I know it." He set her down and she went to Lucy next, embracing her tightly and making the girl grumble in mock annoyance before begrudgingly hugging her back. "I'm back for the summer." She pulled away from Lucy and put her hands on her hips. "You know how rowdy them white folks get when it's nice out." That's when she turned to Rosalie, a teasing smile on her lips. "You're not one of them rowdy white folk, are ya?"

Rosalie frowned at her in confusion. "I'm most certainly not rowdy."

"But you are white." Bella pointed out, making her raise a bemused brow.

"So are you."

To her surprise, Bella laughed and nodded. "Yeah."

Mary Alice gave Bella a scowl before stepping closer to Rosalie. "I'm sorry, Bella don't have the manners she was born with." She stuck her hand out to her. "I'm Mary Alice Brandon. But you can just call me Mary Alice."

Rosalie hesitated before she tentatively took her hand in hers. "Nice to meet you. I'm Rosalie Hale."

Hazel-colored eyes widened and she turned to Bella. "You got Rosalie Hale runnin' around with a bunch of colored folk?" She laughed and released her hand, but Rosalie didn't miss the strained smile that Mary Alice wore. "Her daddy's gonna throw a fit."

Bella glanced at Rosalie, a silent warning in now dark grey eyes. "Her father doesn't have to know."

All eyes were on her.

She glared at Bella. "Does your father know you come out here?"

Bella snorted and crossed her arms over her chest. "Course he does. He loves Mary Alice."

This information wasn't all that surprising to her, given that he had taken five Indian children into his home.

"Then why can't my father know?" Rosalie challenged.

Grey eyes darkened. "You know damn well why!"

But she didn't. She didn't know why.

Her father didn't hate black people. Her nanny had been black. Their driver was black. Even a few of their maids were black. Andrea was black, and he loved her. If he hated black people, surely he wouldn't hire them to work in their household.

And yet, everyone was looking at her with uncertainty. The air was filled with tension and discomfort and Rosalie felt her anger bubble to the surface.

"Stop cursing at me, you ingrate! It's rude!"

"I'm not cursing at you! But I can start!" She snapped, trembling slightly as she glowered at Rosalie.

Rosalie had been mad before. Many times. But never had she been so mad that she began shaking.

Bella gave off a strange feeling, as though danger lurked beneath the surface, ready to explode at any moment.

But Rosalie didn't back down. She would not be intimidated by some ruffian.

Levi reached out, grabbing Bella's arm and yanking her backward. "Cool it, Swan." He ordered, placing his hands on her shoulders and gripping them tightly. "Go take a walk if you can't calm down. But we don't need you losing your temper." His voice lowered, softened, and he gently cupped the back of her neck and stared into her eyes. "Do you understand me?"

She noticed Gene and Lucy exchange knowing looks. They both seemed jittery, muscles tensed as though they'd have to help restrain the girl.

Bella glared at him. "Who cares if I yell at her-"

"I do. There's no reason for it." It was then that his hand slid to her hair, pushing it aside and grazing her damaged ear. "We don't need any more attention drawn to us. And hurting a Hale would do just that."

The brunette stopped shaking, but her hands curled into fists. "I wasn't going to hurt her. I would never do that." The conviction in her voice surprised her, and Levi seemed just as taken aback.

"I was just making sure-"

"I wouldn't do that." Bella sounded angry again. "I wouldn't, okay?"

Gene stepped forward. "We know-"

Bella stepped away from Levi and turned to Rosalie. "You know I wouldn't hurt you, right, princess?" Her voice was quieter now. Unsure and somewhat timid.

Rosalie watched as grey eyes lightened, and as her hands uncurled and hung limp at her sides. Her change in demeanor was confusing. Startling. But she preferred this over the Bella that looked close to exploding.

She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. "As if you could."

This made the girl relax, and a small smile played on her lips. "What, you know how to fight?"

"Do you?"

Lucy groaned in annoyance, grabbing Bella's hand and pulling her towards the shoddy-looking stairs. "Can we argue this later? I want to see Aya."

Gene perked up. "Ooh!" He looked at Mary Alice. "Please tell me your aunt made some flapjacks."

Aya...Mary Alice's aunt.

This made Rosalie further drop her guard. Another adult would be present, and she made them food. No one would be hurt because they would be well supervised.

This trip was only to see their friend, nothing more.

A relieved sigh escaped her. So far she hadn't been eaten by anything in the swamp, now all she had to do was survive being in that, most likely, filthy house.

I am never coming back here.

The long ride paired with the strange things and animals in the swamp had only served to unnerve her. Not to mention, her dress was so dirty she could hardly stand it. And her feet were caked in dried mud and the very sight of them nearly made her cry.

Her skin itched from insect bites. The humidity was ruining her hair. The sweat was making her dress cling to her in a way that was uncomfortable. And no amount of perfume could cover the swamp stench that clung to her.

She didn't feel like a lady.

She felt like a...ruffian.

Her parents would throw a fit when she returned home.

Mary Alice interlaced her fingers with Rosalie, who jumped in surprise at the contact. "Course she did!" She glanced at Rosalie, and bright brown eyes gleamed with amusement. "Oh, none of that! You and I, we good friends." With her free hand, she tapped her temple, and then Rosalie's. "Sisters."

"What!" Mary Alice dragged her behind Lucy and Bella, leading her up the stairs as she tried to comprehend what she had just been told. "You must be mistaken. I've never met you before today and...we can't possibly be sisters."

Lucy turned to laugh at her. "You two could be twins!"

"I thought so too." Gene snickered as he and Levi walked up the steps behind them.

Rosalie pursued her lips. "I have no siblings, Mary Alice. And we look nothing alike. How could we possibly be sisters…" her eyes widened once they entered the house.

It was nothing like her mansion.

Besides a worn-looking, orange couch, there appeared to be no other comfortable furniture. A small hearth faced the couch, and it appeared a fire had just been recently started.

All along the walls were paintings and various bird feathers. Colorful fish scales were scattered between the feathers and paintings. And more of the same symbols that were etched onto the exterior of the house, were drawn on in white powder.

Small, multi-colored rugs were scattered around the wood floors. Colored various shades of red, purple, blue, and yellow.

In the back of the house was a short hallway that led to two closed doors on opposite sides of each other. She briefly wondered what she would see if she were to venture there.

Hidden things? Bedrooms? A bathroom? Or more of the same?

A short, round black table was in the kitchen. Rugs were placed at different spots at the table, and a few plates and silverware were set into place.

The counters of the kitchen were aligned with jars filled with strange items. Some were filled with roots, others flower petals, and a few had what looked to be bones inside them, and many jars were filled with an assortment of different colored powders.

At the end of the counter was a rusted, wooden stove, and there stood a woman cooking on a skillet. She had pushed some of the jars over to put a plate down, and she was stacking many flapjacks atop one another, as though she were about to feed an army.

This house was nothing like her mansion.

It was chaotic. Disorganized. Overwhelming.

Everything was too packed together. It felt suffocating, especially with seven people crammed inside.

The woman turned around, and Rosalie felt herself stand at attention when light brown eyes stared at her.

She was short, only a little taller than Mary Alice. Her hair went past her shoulders, neatly twisted into thick black braids that Rosalie had never seen before.

The woman wasn't as petite as the girl was, bearing slightly broader shoulders and a more muscular build. She was beautiful as well, with smooth black skin and soft facial features. She and Mary Alice had the same eyes and the same smile, and Rosalie was certain she could be her mother, had she not already known they were at her aunt's house.

"Who'd ya bring to me now?" Her voice was warm and inviting. It made Rosalie relax ever so slightly. "Another child that needs more meat on her bones." She shook her head. "Do they ever feed you little white babies?"

Bella released Lucy's hand, nearly running to embrace the woman. "Nope." Her laugh was breathless, and her eyes shined with mirth as the woman hugged her back.

A loud laugh escaped her and she planted a kiss on her head. "Oh, hush. I know your daddy feeds you plenty. He can't help that food don't stick to ya right." She pulled away, patting Bella's stomach. "Still a twig, even with my cooking!"

Bella looked happier than Rosalie had ever seen her. "I'm trying!"

"It's going into your legs, not your stomach." She looked up at her with a large smile. "You're a weed if I've ever seen one." She gestured at the others. "Just like these youngins! Get over here and give your Aya a hug!"

Without hesitation, Gene, Levi, and Lucy rushed Aya, embracing her in a tight hug that made her laugh, and Bella jumped back in to give her a good squeeze.

"Oh, get off me, now. I'm too old!"

Aya didn't look as old as Rosalie's mother, a bit younger, actually.

The four released her, grinning as she swatted playfully at them. "Damn giants." She muttered before her brow furrowed. "Where my other babies at?"

Levi spoke up, "Ephraim is with our father, and Chilali doesn't feel good." He swept his bangs out of his eyes, giving Aya a slight bow of his head. "I'll make sure they come with us next week."

Aya smiled up at him, patting his cheek and making a small smile appear on his lips. "Thank you, Levi." She retracted her hand and shook her head. "I oughta beat that no good father of yours. He knew I'd be back today and he ain't even come visit."

Rosalie's eyes widened, reeling at hearing how crass Aya was in regards to Charles. Not to mention the new information that came with Aya's scolding.

Charles Swan comes here? To the swamp? Just to see Aya and Mary Alice?

Gene laughed. "He wanted to, but he's-"

"A busy man." She rolled her eyes. "Don't I know it. You tell him he better get his pale behind over here 'fore I go and pay him a visit. And to stop holding my baby hostage. I miss my little Ephraim." She muttered before stepping aside. "Now, ya'll get to eating 'fore this food gets cold." She gave Rosalie a pointed look, as if telling her to step forward.

But Rosalie was nervous and unsure of what to do.

The four siblings began talking loudly and rambunctiously as they grabbed plates from the table. Seeing Aya had reignited their excitement, and soon the boys began shoving each other to get to the flapjacks first.

However, Bella and Lucy held back, plates in hand as they watched Aya.

"You boys got manners?" Aya scowled at them. "We got a guest and the two of you are actin' like heathens!"

They both stopped, but not before Gene gave her a cheeky smile. "Well, we are heathens-"

"Don't get smart with me, Gene Lahote," Aya warned, though a smile tugged at her lips. "Just 'cause Charles ain't put a switch to that butt don't mean I won't."

Gene paled, ignoring Levi's snicker as he straightened his posture. "Sorry, Aya."

She chuckled and patted his cheek. "I remember when I first met you." She rolled her eyes fondly. "Even as a child, you stubborn as can be. You and your sister."

Bella's face reddened slightly and she scowled at Lucy for laughing at her. "Fuc-"

"Better not curse in my damn house."

Bella instantly shut her mouth, and a quiet laugh escaped Rosalie. This garnered Aya's attention, and she walked over to her and Mary Alice.

"I'm Aya Brandon." She extended her hand to her. "Forgive my rowdy children. I taught 'em better but they always act a fool when I've been gone."

Rosalie took her hand in hers. "...your children?" She nearly yelped when Aya pulled her in for a warm hug. Something her own mother hardly did.

When the older woman pulled away she was smiling warmly at her.

"I helped Charles raise 'em. They just as much mine as they are his."

Oh, like how Andrea helped my mother raise me.

Aya continued, "I'd bring my Mary Alice over to their house, watch all of 'em. They grew up together." Her face soured. "Then Mary Alice's mama asked for her back-"

Mary Alice grimaced. "Aunty-"

"You being in Mississippi ain't right. That ain't our home no more." Aya huffed. "Your mama forgot our ways. And your daddy…" she made a displeased noise. "Well, I won't ruin our day talkin' bout him." She ushered Rosalie to the stove. "You eat up now, ya hear? Before my children take all the food." Rosalie watched with wide eyes as a plate was set in her hand and two large flapjacks were placed on top. "Go getcha a seat over there, get comfortable. Eat up real good now. We got work to do."

Work?

Rosalie stood awkwardly at the small table. "Excuse me, Mrs. Aya, there doesn't seem to be any chairs-"

"Mrs. Aya? You brought me a polite one. You just call me Aya, baby. Ain't no need for all that." Aya eyed the other children, shaking her head fondly as they grabbed many flapjacks and flocked over to the table. All but Mary Alice, who took one and went to Rosalie.

She set her plate down at one of the free spots, taking Rosalie's free hand and guiding her to sit on one of the rugs at the table.

She expects us to eat on the floor.

Rosalie's brow furrowed, hesitantly placing her plate on the table and picking up her fork. Mary Alice followed suit. The food smelled good, better than what their cook usually prepared at home.

Aya came around with another skillet filled with warmed syrup. She drizzled some on everyone's flapjacks, humming quietly as she did so before she stopped in front of Rosalie.

Aya's eyebrows raised. "I'm sorry, baby. What was it you said your name was?"

Rosalie was about to speak when Mary Alice cut in. "You never heard her name 'cause you talk too much." She teased, taking Rosalie's hand in hers again. "This is Rosalie."

She shot her a quizzical look. Mary Alice hadn't introduced her by her full name. Rosalie noticed the stiffness in the girl's smile, the same nervous look that the children of Charles now bore.

Are they hiding something?

She was proud to be a Hale.

And she made that known, "Rosalie Hale."

This made Aya falter, blinking in surprise before she slowly put some syrup on Rosalie's flapjacks. "Now, ain't this something." She spoke quietly, almost timidly. "To have a Hale in my house...what brings you here, Miss Hale?"

Rosalie felt dread begin to rise to the surface.

Everyone knew her family, and Aya was no exception. However, her last name usually impressed those that heard it, or it evoked slight intimidation, and oftentimes envy.

But Aya didn't look impressed, or intimidated, or envious.

She looked scared.

"Your daddy know you here, girl?"

All eyes were on Rosalie, who, to her embarrassment, felt tears prick her eyes. Aya didn't sound welcoming anymore. She sounded reserved. Scared, even.

Rosalie didn't know why that bothered her, but it did.

"N-No." She stammered, swallowing thickly as Aya continued to stare at her.

Gene sighed, garnering the older woman's attention. "Sorry, Aya. I said she should tag along and…" he winced. "I didn't think about-"

"Ain't no need to apologize for being kind, Gene." She murmured, giving Rosalie a curious once over.

What's wrong with a Hale being here?

Mary Alice held her hand a little tighter. "She won't tell her daddy-"

"Quit your worrying, girl." Aya chastised, turning to put the skillet back on the stove. "Only God punishes children for the sins of the father." She looked at Rosalie, eyes softening as she sat on the other side of Mary Alice. "Do I look like God to you?" The blonde shook her head, blinking away her tears when Aya smiled gently at her. "Eat ya food, Miss Hale. Before it gets cold."

Sins of the father? Surely she must be mistaken.

Rosalie did as she was told, keeping her head low and cutting her flapjacks into pieces.

My father is a kind man. He always has been.

Mary Alice did the same, dainty eating her food, sitting with the poise and elegance that Rosalie wished she currently had.

Bella, Gene, Levi, and Lucy, however, were stuffing their faces. Their plates were stacked with multiple flapjacks, and they devoured them as though they had never eaten food before. At least Lucy attempted to use her fork. Bella, Gene, and Levi hadn't even touched their utensils, getting sticky syrup all over their hands as they crammed flapjacks into their mouths.

It was repulsive.

And while the flapjacks were delicious, Rosalie couldn't stop thinking about Aya's reaction to her being here. It ruined her appetite, and she could only stomach half of her food.

The conversations went on as normal, and Aya didn't treat her any differently, much to her relief.

But Rosalie wondered what caused such a reaction. What about her family name made Aya, and Mary Alice, look so nervous upon their initial meeting?

Sins of the father...

Mary Alice leaned towards her aunt, garnering Rosalie's attention. "Did you know that Rosalie and I are sisters?"

Rosalie watched Aya closely, waiting for her to berate her niece for saying such odd things. Instead, Aya hummed and looked at her curiously.

"So Bella and Rosalie are to be your sisters?" Rosalie looked at Bella in alarm, but the brunette was staring intently at Mary Alice. "That's what Papa Legba told you?"

She nodded. "It's...difficult to see. Foggy. But I see it."

Rosalie released her hand. "What are you talking about? Who is Papa Legba? What can you see?"

Mary Alice looked at her. "Papa Legba is the gatekeeper to the Vilokan." When Rosalie stared at her blankly she laughed. "The spirit world." She pulled up her sleeve, revealing a white mark on her forearm. It was one of the symbols that were on the outside of the house.

A cross with more markings inside the spaces between the lines.

Aya smiled proudly at her niece, pulling her own shirt to the side to reveal the same white mark on her shoulder. "We bear the marks of Papa Legba. Born with it." She let her shirt fall back into place. "It runs through our bloodline, all the way back to our ancestors in Haiti."

Rosalie glanced at the other kids, all of whom were paying attention but not looking the least bit confused or surprised by their claims.

"Papa Legba blessed me with being able to speak to the spirits." Aya continued, "He blessed Mary Alice to be able to see through the veil of the present, and into the future." Rosalie could only stare at them in disbelief, and Aya chuckled. "You ain't gotta believe us." She stood to her feet. "The Catholics got them saints, and we got our spirits."

Bella looked excited, jumping to her feet as well. "Aya says Gran Bwa has taken an interest in us." She gestured at herself, Gene, Levi, and Lucy. "He's the master of the wilds. And because of him, we're able to come here safely each week."

Gene grinned and slung an arm around her shoulders. "We are one with the wild!" He tilted his head back and howled loudly, and a laughing Levi joined in along with Lucy.

Bella merely covered her ears, laughing along with Mary Alice and Aya.

None of this makes sense. It's nonsense. It has to be.

But her thoughts strayed to the bobcat. And how, despite the short walk, no swamp creature had gone near them.

She didn't know what to think. But she knew it would be impolite to question Aya in her own home.

Aya began to walk to the front door, and all the children gathered behind her. Rosalie hesitated before following.

It was getting dark, and Aya made her way to the weeping willow, collecting the bottles and jars that hung from the bowed branches.

The other kids began helping, and Rosalie stretched on her tiptoes to reach up and help as well.

Once a few were placed on the ground Aya turned to them. "Fireflies." Rosalie frowned in confusion. "Ya'll stay with your partner if you wanna avoid being gator meat." She gave Bella a look. "Gran Bwa or not, you gotta stick with your partner." She looked at all the children for a moment before nodding slowly. "Lucy and Levi."

Levi grinned and Lucy sighed in mock annoyance. The two grabbed armfuls of beer bottles and raced deep into the swamp.

"Gene and Mary Alice." Gene moved to the girl's side, high-fiving her with a cheery smile. Mary Alice looked just as excited, rushing forward to help him gather a few jars.

"Bella and-"

"I can go by myself." Bella insisted, shooting a look at Rosalie. "You should keep the princess with you-"

"Hush now, girl!" Aya snapped, putting her hands on her hips. "You ain't got the sense you was born with if you think you can talk to me like that." Bella winced.

"Sorry."

"You gonna be sorry when I put my hand to your backside," Aya grumbled. "You stay with Ms. Hale and you keep her safe, ya hear?"

Bella nodded, still looking unhappy with Aya's decision. "Yes ma'am."

She retrieved a few jars, giving Rosalie a reproachful look as she did so before returning to her side. There were five in total, and when Rosalie reached out to assist her Bella moved away.

"Don't worry your pretty little head about it, princess." She muttered, turning on her heel and walking away from the house.

Rosalie jogged to catch up with her, ignoring the mud that squelched beneath her bare feet. Or, at least, she was trying to.

"So, you think I'm pretty?" She asked, walking in step with Bella, who glared at her with red cheeks.

"I didn't say that."

"You said-"

"I know what I said! I just…" she scoffed and shook her head. "Whatever, princess. Just keep up, like you said you would."

Rosalie smiled to herself, but it quickly vanished when the trail became nearly too dark to see.

And there are snakes out here. And alligator snapping turtles. And alligators. And bobcats. And it's dark and how are we supposed to find our way home? What if we get lost and-

"Rosalie!" The jars clattered to the ground and wiry arms wrapped around her. "Hey, are you alright?"

She was so warm. Without thinking she sighed and nestled closer to the source of the heat. There was a cool wind blowing and this was just what she needed to rid herself of her goosebumps.

"Rosalie?"

Rosalie blinked, looking up to see Bella holding her tight. Her face was obscured by shadows, but she could hear the worry in her voice. "We can go back. We don't have to collect fireflies, the others will have plenty-"

"You called me by my name."

"...well...you fainted."

"I have to faint to get you to call me by my name?"

Bella smirked. "Yep." Her smirk quickly vanished, replaced with worry as she looked her over. "Are you thirsty? Do you feel sick? Do you know what made you faint?"

Why do you care?

Bella hadn't been very welcoming on this trip, not that Rosalie had given her any reason to be. They both had been quarreling most of the time, so to see the girl's concern was surprising.

Rosalie rolled her eyes before she looked around, curling deeper into Bella's arms. "It's just...there are no streetlights out here."

Bella was silent for a moment before a loud, high-pitched laugh escaped her. "You almost fainted because there are no streetlights?" Rosalie scowled at her, about to pull away when Bella gave her a gentle squeeze. "We don't need all that. Not out here."

"I can hardly see a thing!"

"Really? I can see just fine." Bella murmured, sounding confused for a moment before shaking her head. "It's a full moon tonight. And when it comes out, we'll be able to see everything."

This calmed her down slightly. "Well...well what about the animals out here? What if we're eaten!"

"Didn't you hear Aya? Gran Bwa will keep us safe." She wanted to argue with her but Bella's confidence was reassuring. "Besides, I won't let anything hurt you."

Rosalie scoffed at her. "What can you do?"

Bella slowly pulled away, and Rosalie had to stop herself from following the warmth that went with her.

"I'm not as strong as my siblings...but I'm fast." She picked up the fallen jars, handing two to Rosalie before taking her free hand in hers. "Real fast. Almost fast enough to dodge a bullet." She boasted.

They began walking again, and Rosalie looked at her with wide eyes. "Is...is that what happened to your ear?" The top of it was missing, and no one knew the full story as to why.

The grip on her hand tightened ever so slightly. "The Davenport brothers were messing with my sisters. They were talking about doing things...bad things to them. Kept calling them terrible names too. My sisters ignored them, they told me to ignore them, but I couldn't." She hissed. "One of them grabbed Chilali and I...I don't know, I passed out or something. Lucy told me I had attacked one of the brothers, and the other brought a gun out and shot at me. She said if I hadn't moved as fast as I did, the bullet would have gone through my skull."

Rosalie's mouth fell open. Of all the rumors she had heard, none of them had quite gotten it right.

"That sounds...really scary."

Bella shrugged, looking away from her. "I only remember how bloody it was. Couldn't feel the pain. And the next morning those two fuckers were dead." She spat on the ground. "Good riddance." They were both silent.

Rosalie bit her lip before clearing her throat, "Well, I suppose you are pretty fast." Bella looked at her. "But, if it had been me, I wouldn't have even been touched by that bullet."

A surprised laugh escaped her. "Oh yeah, princess? You think you're faster than me? Let me shoot a gun at you and see how well you dodge the bullet."

Rosalie couldn't suppress her smile. Competition was Bella's language. It distracted her, made her more fun to talk to. It made her easier to talk to.

"Better than you, I'm sure."

"Yeah, right."

The two continued their banter, hands intertwined and jars clanking gently against each other as they walked down the trail.

The moon rose, full and bright, just as Bella promised. And with its soft glow came a feeling of peace. She wasn't fearful of what lurked in the swamp, not when light cast through the thick three limbs overhead, and not when Bella remained at her side.

For a moment Rosalie felt fearless.

"Your hand is sweaty."

"So is yours!"

Rosalie rolled her eyes. "I didn't say mine wasn't. I was just commenting on yours."

"You're so stupid."

Before Rosalie could retort, Bella abruptly pulled her to the side. She pushed past some bushes, ignoring Rosalie's calls to wait as she continued dragging her forward.

"Almost there!" Bella declared, turning back to flash a smile at her. "Just wait until you see it!"

They came to the bank of a large pond, pushing past the final tree branches.

"See what-" her eyes widened and her jaw dropped.

What looked to be hundreds of fireflies were lazily flying around the murky water. They looked like stars, twinkling and illuminating their surroundings as they slowly passed by. There was a tree that bent over the water, covered in dark green vines and purple flowers that sprouted from them.

Crickets chirped quietly, and frogs rested on the lily pads, giving the occasional croak as they watched the fireflies go by.

It was peaceful here. It wasn't scary like the rest of the swamp.

"Now, look up."

Above them was a large hole in the forestry, exposing the dark sky and the billions of stars that surrounded the moon.

Rosalie had never seen so many stars in her life. They were usually blotted out by the streetlights, and even then, she was home in bed long before the lights went out. It felt like she was in a different world.

"This is my favorite spot. I come here when I want to disappear."

She looked at her in confusion. "You want to disappear?"

"Sometimes." Bella gave her hand a gentle pull. "Come on, princess. We have fireflies to catch."

They're only pretty to look at. Why would I want to touch them?

Rosalie blinked, wrinkling her nose at the thought of catching fireflies. "I'm not touching those things. They're pretty but...no. That's disgusting-"

Bella scowled at her. "Whatever! I'll just do it. Fucking scardey cat." She snatched the jars from her, opening them and proceeding to chase after fireflies.

"I am not-"

"Then come catch one, princess. Unless you'd rather have your butler do it for you." Bella sneered, jumping impressively high and snatching a firefly out of the air.

She clenched her jaw. "You said it earlier, you're richer than me. So-"

"I don't act like a princess." She retorted, slipping the firefly into one of the jars before putting the lid on top. "I'm wild! I belong here!" She grinned, reaching out and catching another firefly. "Princesses don't belong here-"

"Just because I refuse to act like a wild ruffian doesn't mean I can't...ugh!" Rosalie huffed, focusing on the first firefly she saw and grabbing at it with both hands. She caught it, screaming immediately when the feel of insect legs skittered along her palm. "Ew! EW! Open a jar! Open a jar, Bella!"

Bella laughed, loud and rambunctious as she flashed Rosalie a chaotic smile. "As you command, your highness." She slowly picked up a jar, smiling widely as Rosalie screeched at her again.

"Bella Swan! Open the jar!"

Another laugh escaped the girl. "I am, I am!" She opened it, grey eyes bright with amusement as Rosalie all but threw the bug inside it.

"Filthy things!" Rosalie wiped her hands down her dress. "Ugh! I can't believe you goaded me into doing that, you are just so…" she trailed off when she saw Bella's gentle smile.

Grey eyes burned with affection, and Rosalie felt her cheeks redden. "You...you called me by my name."

"Yes, well...it was an accident."

"A happy accident."

"I wouldn't call it that."

Bella laughed, turning her attention back towards the fireflies. "I'll finish this real fast. Then we can go home."

Home?

Rosalie watched as Bella darted after the insects, secretly impressed by her speed and agility as she jumped and twisted in the air to catch a few.

She always landed on her feet, never stumbling, and never missing a firefly.

True to her word, she finished collecting the fireflies rather quickly. Rosalie thought they were going to return to Aya's, but, instead, the ruffian scaled the tree that hung over the murky pond below.

"Isabella-"

"Princess, come here."

"I don't climb trees."

Bella rolled her eyes, going to the edge and leaning over to reach her hand out. "I'll pull you up. Just...come here."

Rosalie hesitated, wanting to say no, but also wanting to follow Bella. The girl had, surprisingly, taken good care of her on this perilous journey of theirs.

"Come on." Bella flashed her a sharp smile. "I won't let you fall."

"...promise?"

The brunette's demeanor changed, and grey eyes softened as they gazed down at her. "I promise." Rosalie felt her cheeks burn and she had to look away from her.

Just nerves. Isabella is truly unpredictable. And I've been holding her hand a lot, which is...not appropriate.

Still, she accepted her hand and suppressed her yelp as Bella lifted her with ease to sit next to her.

She said she isn't as strong as her siblings...how strong are they if she's able to lift me so easily?

The tree limb bounced at the added weight and Rosalie squeaked, latching onto Bella's arm instinctively. There came that high-pitched, loud laugh that made her scowl and blush.

"It's not funny."

"Shhh, princess. Just look."

From their perch, they were able to overlook the pond. Fireflies still puttered about, but from this angle, Rosalie was able to make out a few fish swimming lazily in the pond. And when she looked up she couldn't help but smile at the stars above.

"This...this is nice." She looked at Bella. "Thank you."

Grey eyes widened and Bella's face turned red. "Uh...you're welcome." It was then that Rosalie realized how close they were. Their noses could almost touch, and she nearly pulled away when she realized she'd have no support if she released Bella's arm.

If I fall in I would never hear the end of it.

Her eyes fell on Bella's ear.

"Can I…" she reached her hand out, quickly withdrawing when Bella flinched away from her.

Grey eyes hardened and she clenched her jaw. "You want to touch it? Why? So you can run around and tell your friends?" She growled, making Rosalie stare at her with wide eyes. "Rosalie Lillian Hale got close enough to touch Isabella Swan's fucked up ear. She even knows the full story!" She snarked. "Because no one denies a Hale, right?"

Rosalie shrank away from her, eyes filling with tears. "No...I'm sorry, Bella. I was just curious."

"Isn't everyone?" Bella scoffed, turning away from her and staring down at the pond. "I'm constantly reminded of how this ear won't help my marriage prospects. Like I give a shit." She laughed, but nothing was funny. "Being wild can be overlooked but...everyone reminds me of how much of a freak I look with this ear."

This was different. It was strange.

None of her friends were this...emotional. All they ever talked about was boys and school and the gossip they heard from their parents or classmates.

Rosalie's mother had warned her about being vulnerable.

"Any ugly tears you have to shed are to be saved for your mother." She had told her. "Mothers have seen every aspect of us, and it is them we should continue to confide in. Because they will always accept the messiness in us, even when others can't."

Nothing good could come from others knowing her weaknesses. Not even her future husband. She was to remain in control of her emotions, and it was something she was still learning.

Bella doesn't have a mother. She doesn't know this lesson.

Rosalie watched as grey eyes filled with tears. An angry curse escaped the girl as she rubbed her eyes.

She's not emotional, she's...vulnerable. She's messy.

Carefully, Rosalie reached out and placed a hand on her arm.

Sometimes I'm scared to go to my mother.

Bella looked at her with sad, dull grey eyes.

I don't like disappointing her. I don't want her to see all of my mess.

Rosalie swallowed thickly, tentatively placing her hand on Bella's fist.

You don't have a mother.

Slowly, her fist unfurled.

But if you show me your mess, I'll try my hardest to accept you.

Bella interlaced their fingers, and Rosalie instantly felt herself relax.

Only if you can accept how messy I am.

"I don't think your ear makes you look like a freak," Rosalie murmured. "I think it makes you look brave."

Bella looked at her with wide eyes, and she sniffled before wiping the tears off her cheek with the back of her free hand. "You're...you're weird, princess." She muttered, turning to stare out at the swamp. "But...thank you."

…

They returned to Aya's house, arms full of fireflies and eyes full of stars. Rosalie nearly tripped, several times, trying to see past the thick branches so she could catch a glimpse of the stars again.

Bella, of course, made fun of her each time, but not with her usually biting mockery. Her taunts were light-hearted. They left Rosalie smiling, and Bella was grinning at the jabs the blonde returned.

The others were already back, and Aya waved them over.

"There ya'll are! Come on now, we gotta get these up."

The children helped her tie the jars and bottles to the tree, standing back when it was finished, and Rosalie couldn't help but look at the tree in amazement.

"Firefly tree," Lucy murmured, giving Rosalie a gentle nudge. "A tradition we have whenever Mary Alice and Aya come home for the summer." Brown eyes softened as they gazed at the fireflies. "It's...it's nice."

Rosalie didn't know why, but she felt tears prick her eyes, and she blinked them away quickly. "It is nice." She agreed quietly, jumping in surprise when Levi came up to her other side.

"I'm impressed, Hale. I wasn't sure you could keep up." He gave her a nod. "But you did."

She cracked a smile before tilting her head up. "Of course I did. Hale's don't fall behind."

Aya chuckled, standing back to look at the tree with a fond smile. "No, they certainly don't."

A loud squeal from Mary Alice drew their attention, and they turned to see a laughing Bella giving chase. Gene swooped in, catching Bella by her waist and hauling her into the air.

"Run, Mary Alice!" He crowed, laughing as Bella twisted in his arms and managed to slip free. "She's like a fish!"

Mary Alice grinned back at Bella, who was giving chase once again. "A dumb 'ole fish-" she squealed as Bella pounced on her, taking them both to the ground.

Aya watched them fondly before turning to Rosalie. "So, Miss Hale, you thinkin' of coming back here?" Mary Alice and Bella both stopped their wrestling, looking up to stare at Rosalie.

I lost a pair of shoes in order to catch the trolley. My feet are disgusting. My skin is disgusting. My dress is ruined. I have itchy bug bites and I smell terrible. I was almost eaten by a snake, a bobcat, and an alligator turtle. Aya believes in weird spirits. Mary Alice says she has visions. Gene, Levi, Lucy, and Bella are so rambunctious and annoying that they drive me crazy. I fainted because I was so panicked about being out here-

"If you'll have me," Rosalie murmured, matching Aya's soft smile with her own. "I...I had fun. Thank you."

They all spent what felt like hours beneath the firefly tree, having idle conversation and staring up at the sliver of stars they could see through the tree branches.

When Aya stood up, they released the fireflies, watching them disappear back into the swamp with wide eyes and small smiles. Aya sent the siblings on their way with some "calming" tea, as she called it. A whole case of it.

"I would give some to you, Miss Hale-"

"Rosalie." She corrected, making Aya smile.

"Rosalie." She nodded. "But that tea got some special properties. Made for the children of Gran Bwa." She gestured at the siblings, who waited a little ways away, talking amongst themselves as Rosalie spoke with Aya. "And if you don't mind, Rosalie, I got somethin' to ask of you."

The girl looked at her curiously. "Yes?"

"I ain't want you to get in trouble with your daddy. But I gotta ask you to keep this between us." Aya murmured, looking nervous as she spoke. "Don't know how he'd feel if you was out here."

Rosalie nodded slowly before her brow furrowed. "Aya...what did my father do to make you scared?"

Sadness flashed in brown eyes, and the woman gave her a gentle smile. "Oh, nothin' you gotta worry bout, sweet girl. You just get on now. Me and Mary Alice will see ya'll next week, alright?" Rosalie opened her mouth to argue but Aya shook her head. "When you older, we can talk. But not now."

She surprised Rosalie by leaning down and pressing a sweet kiss to her forehead. It was comforting, gentle, and it reminded Rosalie of her mother, and of her housekeeper, Andrea.

The blonde couldn't help but smile up at her, giving a shy wave as she went to Bella's side.

Grey eyes glanced at her, and a teasing smile appeared on her lips. "Hey, princess. Took you long enough." Rosalie rolled her eyes. "So, do I need to carry you again, or can you walk?"

Rosalie huffed and reached out, taking Bella's hand in hers, making the girl straighten up in surprise. "I can walk just fine, you dolt." She gave her hand a tug. "Let's go."

A quiet chuckle escaped Gene as they began walking to Dan's wagon. "Looks like we have another ruffian in our group."

"I am not a ruffian." She scoffed, interlacing her fingers with Bella's, and standing a little taller as they traversed the swamp. "I just...run around with ruffians."

...

"I...I can't go home like this." Rosalie whined, looking down at her muddied dress, and the thin layer of dirt that caked her legs. "My parents will be so upset and-"

"Hey." She turned to Bella, who gave her an annoyed look. "Just say you fell in a mud puddle, dummy."

"I am not a dummy, you dolt!" Rosalie snapped. "Just because you're used to being filthy doesn't mean I am!" Bella and her siblings were just as dirty and disheveled as she was, possibly even more so. "And my parents aren't as idiotic as you are. They'll know I'm lying."

Levi leaned back, head resting against the side of the wagon. "Dan, you told her mother that Rosalie is staying with us, right?"

"Sure did."

"Thank you." He closed his eyes, as though all her problems had been solved.

Lucy made an exasperated noise before turning to Rosalie. "What this idiot means is that you can clean up at our house, and you can wear some of Bella's clothes while yours are being washed."

Bella glared at her. "Why can't she wear your clothes?"

"You're the youngest, so I volunteered you."

"You're only a year older!"

"Still older." Lucy boasted, resting against Gene's side and laying her head on his shoulder. "And Rosalie is your friend. Don't be rude."

Bella glanced at Rosalie, who smirked at her. "Is that true? We're friends now?"

"I don't like you, princess."

Gene chuckled, "Don't listen to her. She may act all tough, but she's really a big softie."

"Shut up, you ass!"

Levi smiled smugly, eyes still closed as he said, "It's a relief that she finally has a friend."

"I have two friends." Bella all but hissed, crossing her arms over her chest. "Mary Alice and Vera."

"Mary Alice is family. And you've never invited Vera to visit Aya's with us." Lucy pointed out, making Bella look at her in disbelief.

"I never invited Rosalie, either! That was Gene-"

"You're welcome." Gene cut in, grinning broadly at her. "I know you're glad that she came with us. Don't even bother denying it. You two had fun." He looked at Rosalie. "Right?"

Rosalie wrinkled her nose. "Quite frankly, I was having a horrible time at first. Nature is truly revolting…" she trailed off, thoughts drifting to the fireflies, the purple flowers that wound around the tree at the pond, the sleek and soft fur of Bob the bobcat, and the millions of stars that were dotted across the night sky. "But...it can be really beautiful too."

Bella was staring at her, but her expression was shrouded by the night, and the bright moon was obscured by the thick tree branches overhead.

"...yeah, it can be." She finally said, leaning back in the wagon and resting her arms behind her head.

A wave of exhaustion washed over her, and a quiet yawn slipped past her lips.

"Past your bedtime, princess?"

Rosalie blinked blearily at her and nodded. "Yes." She shifted in her spot, leaning over to rest her head on Bella's stomach.

"H-Hey-"

"Hush. I'm tired." Rosalie muttered, closing her eyes and falling asleep to the chirps of crickets, and the rickety noises of the wagon wheels.

…

The Swan mansion wasn't much bigger than Rosalie's, but with all the people that lived there, it didn't feel nearly as spacious as her own.

The red walls had a few paintings of Indian tribes and wild animals. There were a few weapons that adorned the walls. Weapons Rosalie didn't know the names of, but she surmised that they were used by the Indians.

It was like no other home she had been in, but after having seen Aya's chaotic cabin, she wasn't all that surprised.

Five Indians lived in this house, it only made sense that Charles would have a lot of their decor.

One painting that caught her attention was of…

"Aya and Mary Alice?"

The two were standing in a field of sunflowers. They were holding hands, and in their free hands, they each held a sunflower. The girls were smiling widely at each other, looking beautiful in their orange sundresses and white heels.

It was a lovely painting, one that Rosalie continued to stare at as the Swan siblings filed into the house.

Bella moved past her, pausing to say, "I'll...go get my father. Just, don't move, please." She nodded at Rosalie's feet. "You're filthy."

"So are you, you pest."

"Whatever. I just don't want to have to clean up more than I already do." Bella muttered, turning away from her and darting up the large, ivory staircase.

Clean up?

Rosalie shook her head before looking back at the picture. The colors were so vibrant, everything in the painting popped in a pleasant mesh of bright colors.

Aya and Mary Alice looked so happy. Rosalie wondered if she had ever smiled as brightly as they did. She wondered if she had ever experienced a happiness as intensely as they did.

Lucy stopped next to her, a towel in hand and a fond smile on her lips as she gazed up at the painting. "Like it?"

"It's lovely."

"My father said it took them forever to paint this. Aya and Mary Alice kept moving and laughing." An amused huff escaped her. "The artist nearly quit, saying that my father should have hired a photographer instead." Rosalie felt a smile appear on her lips. "Well, my father already has hundreds of photos of all of us. Many were taken in this field. But he really wanted a painting."

Before she could respond a loud voice came from the kitchen, "Eph, it's not that big of a deal-"

"Not a big deal?" A deeper voice demanded. "It's a huge deal, Levi. What were you thinking?"

"It wasn't his fault, it was mine!" Gene protested. "Don't be mad at him-"

"Levi is supposed to take care of you when I'm not there." The boy all but growled. "He's supposed to make sure the rest of you don't do anything this stupid when I'm gone."

A new voice spoke up. "They're kids, Ephraim. She's a kid. Calm down."

"Really, Chilali?" He retorted. "Would you have let her join them? A Hale?"

"No, but-"

"Exactly!" He snapped. "And then you brought her here, Levi? How irresponsible can you be?"

Rosalie began to curl in on herself.

More people that detest my family.

But she didn't know why.

Sins of the father.

She didn't know what that meant, she only knew that she wanted to go home.

"I-I'm sorry Eph I didn't think-"

"No! You didn't!" Ephraim stormed out of the kitchen, dark eyes finding Rosalie and making her go rigid.

Ephraim was massive. Taller than even Gene and Levi, and packing more muscle than them. His hair was in a short, black braid that went down his back, and he looked far older than a sixteen year old boy.

He looked to be in his twenties, despite his voice not being deep enough to sound like a grown man's. His face was wide, with strong features and a thin scar that ran down his chin.

Ephraim Black was terrifying. And he was coming right towards her.

"Eph! Stop it!" A girl, Chilali, quickly followed him from the kitchen, with Gene and Levi in tow.

She was beautiful with short black hair that went a little past her chin and light brown eyes. She was a little taller than Levi, with strong arms and a rounded face. She certainly looked nicer than Ephraim but she also had a sternness to her that was reminiscent of Levi.

Ephraim paid her no mind, zeroing in on Rosalie and stopping right in front of her. "You shouldn't be here."

Lucy scowled up at him. "She hasn't done anything-"

"She is a Hale, Lucy!" He snapped, not taking his eyes off Rosalie, who couldn't stop the tears from flowing down her cheeks. "She belongs to one of the most prominent families in Rochester, and now, she's been seen running around with our family." He directed his glare at Lucy. "She's been seen running around with two brown boys. How do you think that makes us look? How do you think her father will react when the gossip reaches him?"

Chilali grabbed his shoulder and yanked him back. "Stop yelling! You're scaring her!" She hissed. "Our father will handle it-"

"How can he handle it if the whole town turns against him? This isn't some random white girl, and even if it was, we would still be in trouble!" He began trembling, now in Chilali's face. "Not only did our siblings bring home a white girl, they brought home Rosalie fucking Hale!" He bellowed, whirling on Levi and Gene. "Did you two even think about Aya and Mary Alice? How could you bring her there!"

All Rosalie wanted to do was go home. She didn't feel strong like a Hale. She felt weak. She felt scared and guilty and she hated that she was now crying. Her vulnerability was humiliating, but she was far too scared of Ephriam to think much of it.

They won't let him hurt me, right? No. They wouldn't let him.

But she wasn't so sure.

Gene scowled up at him. "We were just having fun-"

"Fun?" Ephraim hissed, turning to glare at Rosalie. "Is that true? Are you going to run home to your father and tell him about all the fun you had with the colored kids?"

"I-I..." she was frozen.

"Well!"

"Stop it, Eph!" Chilali's annoyed look morphed into one of exasperation. "Shit." She swiftly stepped aside, grabbing Rosalie's arm abruptly and pulling her back.

Suddenly a vase came flying, slamming into the side of Ephriam's head and making him stagger in surprise. The vase shattered, and the ceramic pieces fell to the ground with a loud crash.

Rosalie jumped in surprise and Chilali released her arm, looking beyond annoyed as she crossed her arms over her chest.

The blonde hastily wiped away her tears and looked towards where the vase came from.

Bella was standing on the stairwell, glaring murderously at Ephriam. "Leave her alone!"

Ephriam glared back. "Bella, stay out of this-"

"Fuck you!"

"That's enough!"

"Stop yelling at everyone!" Bella snarled, body trembling as she gripped the banister so tightly her knuckles turned white. "Rosalie didn't do anything wrong!"

Chilali looked at her sister. "Bella, calm down-"

"Tell him to calm down! He's the one being a fucking asshole!" The banister cracked beneath the pressure of Bella's strength, startling Rosalie and making Chilali curse under her breath.

She took a step forward, staring up at Bella the entire time. "Hey, you're scaring Rosalie." This made Bella falter. "Let's drink some of that tea, okay?" Chilali looked at Ephriam. "Go get some of that tea, Black. But drink it somewhere else." He opened his mouth to argue before she stepped forward, clenching her jaw and curling her hands into fists. "Go, before I make you."

Ephraim bared his teeth at her but said no more. He turned on his heel, stalking out of the room and into the kitchen.

Gene growled under his breath at the sound of slamming cabinets and running water. "Ass."

Levi sighed, "He's not. He was right...I should have been more careful-"

"He's not right, he's just a fucking-"

"Bella." Chilali moved so she was standing in front of her, cupping her face in her hands and staring into her eyes. "He's gone. And you need to calm down." She murmured. "For Rosalie's sake."

The brunette nodded slowly, releasing a breath before pulling away from her sister. "Anything for the princess." She replied sarcastically before looking at Rosalie. "Hey...are you alright?"

Rosalie sniffled, rubbing her eyes before nodding. "I'm...I'm fine."

Chilali turned to her siblings. "Lucy, take Bella to get some tea once Eph leaves. Gene, draw a bath for Rosalie. And Levi, when you feel up to it, go advocate for yourself. Ephraim was right to worry, but he shouldn't have talked to you like that."

Levi looked at her helplessly. "But he's Ephraim Black. He's older and-"

"You're Levi Uley. Your bloodline is strong." Chilali said, "And I don't give a damn what his last name is. It's up to us to keep his massive head out of his ass."

Lucy nodded before giving her brother a thumbs up. "You can do it!"

Gene patted his shoulder. "Want back up?"

Levi brushed his bangs out of his eyes, brow furrowed in thought before he shook his head. "No. I can do this." He straightened his posture and gave Gene and Chilali an appreciative smile. "Thanks." He then reached out to Rosalie, putting a hand on her shoulder and giving her a reassuring look. "Don't worry about Eph. I'll talk to him." He then shot a smirk at Bella. "And my ferocious baby sister will take care of you."

Rosalie couldn't help but smile, peeking a glance at the brunette, who was glaring at her brother with red cheeks. "Shut up." Levi laughed, giving her a wink before he left the foyer in search of Ephriam.

Gene disappeared upstairs while Lucy went and took Bella's hand in hers. "Come on, you little terror. Let's go drink some tea." She tugged her towards the kitchen. "You got a good arm. That was a nice throw!"

Bella glanced at Rosalie before the two went into the kitchen. "I should have thrown it harder."

The impact of the vase had looked painful, Rosalie thinks if Bella had thrown it any harder then Ephriam would have collapsed.

Chilali took Rosalie's hand in hers, making the blonde jump in surprise. "Don't worry, Miss Hale, I promise I won't scalp you."

Her eyes widened. "N-No I don't think you'll-"

"I'm just teasing." She laughed, gently leading her up the stairs. "I'll get you some new clothes and show you where you'll be sleeping."

Rosalie was quiet for a moment, unease roiling in her stomach. "My father...he's a kind man. He won't be upset." Chilali looked back at her. "He actually wants me to be friends with Isabella."

"Bella." Chilali corrected. "She hates her full name."

They stopped at a room, and Chilali released her hand when they entered. "Why? It's lovely."

"Doesn't really matter why she hates it." Chilali pointed out. "She hates it. That's enough of a reason to never call her that."

I don't like when she calls me princess, but she does it anyway.

However, Rosalie had no room to argue with Bella's, undoubtedly protective, older sister. "Alright. Bella it is."

"She'll appreciate that." She murmured, turning on the light.

The room was large with a red, queen-sized bed in the corner. The bed had large, wooden beams sticking out from the posts, and Rosalie could make out another mattress on top of it.

A black bookshelf sat next to the bed, filled with thick books that Rosalie was itching to look at.

The walls were painted gold, and in the middle of the room hung a large, red rope that was attached to a hook on the ceiling.

"Bella has trouble sleeping," Chilali said, handing a red nightgown to Rosalie. "Wakes up at odd hours and struggles going back to sleep. The rope is so she can tire herself out...she loves climbing."

Rosalie fought back a smile. "I've noticed."

This earned her a chuckle. "She insisted on having things to climb in her room. And it deters her from coming and waking the rest of us up at the early hours of the morning." Chilali led her out of the bedroom towards the bathroom. "She likes you, you know." Rosalie felt her cheeks burn red. "She hasn't yelled at anyone like that since…" she quieted and Rosalie grimaced.

"The Davenports?"

Chilali stopped in her tracks, turning to look at Rosalie with intense, dark eyes. "She told you about that?"

She nodded, shrinking slightly under her scrutiny. "I'm sorry that happened."

The older girl was quiet for a moment before saying, "Ephraim shouldn't have yelled at you...but you need to understand something." She murmured. "My family is very private for a reason. And it's important that you respect that."

"Why would you want to keep that quiet?" Rosalie asked. "What the Davenports did was terrible. They were going to hurt you. If you told people what really happened-"

"Do you think the truth matters to these people?" Chilali challenged. "I know you mean well, but you're just a kid. You don't understand how they treat brown women."

She stared up at her. "Why wouldn't they want the truth? Why does it matter if you're brown? You're still a woman, and those men tried to hurt you." It was genuine curiosity that led her to continue asking questions, and thankfully, Chilali seemed to realize that.

The older girl sighed and shook her head. "All these people are the same, Rosalie. They gossip in order to appear more interesting. Whether they know the truth or not, they twist the story so that they can entertain. That's all they care about." A wry smile appeared on her lips. "You think these people want to hear about white men going out of their way to hurt brown women? It goes against everything they've told themselves. White good. Brown and black bad." She snorted. "We could tell them the truth, and they wouldn't believe us. And even if they did, they wouldn't care."

The blonde looked at her in disbelief. She knew that Indians and black people weren't viewed in a favorable light, but she hadn't known just how bad it was. She still didn't.

"I'm sorry."

"So am I." Chilali sounded angry, but not at her. "Wealth can't hide skin color. Why do you think our father is so private?" She murmured. "Rich or not, we're still Indians. Our status makes people...resentful. Mean. And he doesn't want us around people that treat us poorly." She looked at Rosalie. "We stay quiet because rumors and speculations are not enough to run us out of town. But if you say anything to anyone that could be very bad for us."

Her curiosity got the better of her. "Me specifically?"

Chilali was running out of patience if her scowl was anything to go by. "Yes, you specifically." She groused. "People saw you with my family. You're one of the only people that has been inside our home. Your words hold weight, especially because you're a Hale." Chilali calmed herself upon seeing Rosalie's nervous look. "Rosalie, people will twist any truths you give them and they'll use it as a basis to stand against us. And that's something we cannot afford. Do you understand me?"

She looked at her with wide eyes. "I won't say anything. I promise."

Rosalie hadn't understood fully what Chilali was saying, but it had all sounded important. It didn't make sense that people could be so cruel, but she had heard the vicious things people said about the Swan family, and she knew Chilali only spoke the truth.

The older girl gave her a once over before nodding slowly. "Thank you." She then gave her a small smile. "Gene said you had fun at Aya's. He said you and Bella got along really well." She paused before saying, "Her temper can be concerning but she would never do anything to hurt you."

Rosalie already knew that. Bella had shown her that she was someone worthy of trust, even if she was one of the most infuriating people she had ever met. Despite her taunting, she had only ever taken care of Rosalie.

It wasn't Bella that had scared her, it was Ephraim.

Rosalie was quiet for a moment before asking, "How strong is Isabella-"

"Bella."

"Bella." She quickly corrected herself. "She said she isn't as strong as the rest of you. But earlier when she grabbed the banister it-"

"It's old and already broken. We haven't gotten around to fixing it yet." Chilali chuckled. "Bella's a twig. Do you really think she's that strong?"

She was able to lift and carry me without issue.

But the certainty in which the older girl spoke was enough to make Rosalie doubt herself. "I...I suppose you're right."

"I always am." She boasted. "It comes with being the oldest-"

"Chilali." The voice of Charles Swan made both girls straighten in surprise, turning to see Charles walking up the stairsteps. He looked tired. "Your sister told me what happened."

"Which one?"

"Lucy. Bella drank her tea and is cleaning herself up."

Chilali nodded slowly, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth before speaking. "I'm sorry, father. I tried to calm Eph-"

He raised his hand and she quieted. "You have nothing to apologize for. You did a good job. Thank you." She smiled at that, and Rosalie remained silent as she observed the man.

Charles Swan was a tall, thin man who was sharply dressed in a gold-colored suit and black tie. His dark brown hair was slicked back. He had a thin mustache, but other than that he was clean-shaven. His suit had a red outline of the Swan crest on his breast pocket.

On his ring finger was a dark, wooden ring with strange markings etched into it. She couldn't quite make out what the markings were, and when he shifted his hands to be folded behind his back was when she looked up at him.

Light brown eyes observed Rosalie for a moment, and she lifted her chin slightly as she addressed him. "Hello, Mr. Swan. I'm-"

"I know." He stuck out his hand to her. "Please, call me Charles." She tentatively shook his hand, trying not to let her weariness show. "I'm sorry for my son's aggression. I'll be having a talk with him to ensure this never happens again." He released her hand, and Rosalie couldn't suppress her grimace.

"It's alright, Mr. Swan-"

"Charles."

"Charles." She amended, wondering why he was so insistent on dropping the formalities. "I really didn't mean to cause so much trouble."

He chuckled at that, folding his hands behind his back once again. "You're a child, Rosalie. The only thing troubling is Ephraim and Bella's outburst." Charles pursed his lips. "I'm sorry they frightened you."

Chilali winced, "Father, Eph shouldn't have acted the way he did...but he was only trying to protect us-"

"By contradicting himself?" Charles asked, raising a bemused brow. "If Rosalie were to return home and tell her father that an older, Indian boy yelled at her, how do you think he would respond?"

"Negatively."

"Precisely."

Rosalie shifted awkwardly. "I won't tell. I promise."

This earned her a sigh from the man. "I don't want you to feel like you have to keep secrets. I don't want you to be frightened into silence." He gave her a comforting smile. "It would give us peace of mind if you could keep what you've learned to yourself. But if you're not comfortable withholding this information from your parents, then we understand."

Rosalie hesitated, thinking of everyone's reaction to her family name before she shook her head. "It's alright." She glanced at Chilali. "I understand that your family is private. And I will respect that."

"That's very generous of you, Rosalie. Thank you." He stepped aside. "My daughter will lead you to the restroom, then you can stay in Bella's room for the night."

"Oh, I couldn't-"

"Bella doesn't mind. She has two beds, after all." His brow furrowed. "However, if you'd be more comfortable in the guest room we can arrange that instead."

That meant being alone in a new house with an angry Epharim lurking around.

Rosalie quickly shook her head. "I can stay with Bella. Thank you."

Bella made her feel brave. She made her feel safe.

He smiled. "Of course. And I'll have her walk you home in the morning after breakfast."

Walk?

Chilali noticed her bewildered expression and laughed. "You're only a couple of houses away."

"I know!" Rosalie snapped, cheeks going red at the sound of Charles's amused chuckle. She didn't even walk to school, despite how close it was.

"Alright, alright." Chilali grinned at her. "Let's get you cleaned up, kid. You're filthy." Her ears burned with embarrassment, but she bid Charles a goodnight before sulkily following Chilali to the restroom.

…

After her bath, she felt like a whole new person. Clean and fresh smelling, just as she should always be, and when she slipped on Bella's nightgown she nearly cried in relief. It was so nice to be out of those muddy and sweaty clothes. She wasn't sure she could stand ruining another dress.

She handed her clothes off to Gene, who ran off to wash them, when she began to wonder where their servants were at.

Rosalie didn't dwell on the thought long, suppressing a groan at how sore her calves and feet felt. On stiff legs she made her way to Bella's room, quietly opening the door and peering into the dark room.

She didn't see Bella on the bottom bed, meaning she had to be asleep on the top mattress. Rosalie fought back her displeased sigh. She wanted to at least see Bella before going to sleep. Just so that she knew she was there.

And so I can thank her for defending me.

She closed the door behind her, wobbling to the bottom bed and collapsing onto it with a huff. It was much darker now, but moonlight spilled through the slight openings of the drapes, providing a bluish glow.

A yawn escaped her, and her body ached in exertion as she stretched and nestled into the fluffy pillows.

Just as she was about to close her eyes she heard movement from above her.

"Hey, princess." She squeaked in surprise, flinching when Bella appeared from the top bunk.

She was upside down, shirt riding up and hair dangling as she looked at Rosalie. She let her arms dangle, and Rosalie could just make out the amused smile on her lips.

"Bella!" She whispered, furious with her antics. "You startled me!"

A quiet laugh escaped the girl. "Sorrryyyyy." She didn't sound very sorry. "You called me by my name again."

Rosalie huffed, laying back on the pillows and glaring up at her. "I'm aware."

"How come?" Before Rosalie could respond, Bella cursed and disappeared. "Hold on, I'm coming down." Rosalie watched with wide eyes as a dark silhouette threw itself from the top bed, grabbing the black rope and sliding down with ease.

"Be careful! You could hurt yourself!" Rosalie hissed, scowling when Bella laughed and jumped onto the bed next to her.

"Aw, you're worried about little 'ole me?" Bella laid next to her, propping herself up with a few pillows before putting her hands behind her head. "Careful, princess. I'm starting to think that you like me."

Rosalie scoffed at her and rolled her eyes. "Well...you're tolerable...for a ruffian."

"Don't make me blush." Before she could retort Bella gave her a nudge. "So, what changed your mind about my name?"

"Chilali said you didn't like it. So I stopped."

She noticed Bella stiffen before a scoff escaped her. "Chilali…"

"May I ask why you don't like your full name?"

"No, you may not, dummy."

Rosalie glared at her before turning away and laying on her side. "You're so rude. I was trying to be nice and I'm trying to get to know you and-"

"Why bother?" Bella snapped. "Once you go home tomorrow, nothing's going to change."

"How can you say that!" Rosalie rolled over to face her, making Bella's eyes widen in surprise. "We...we caught fireflies and I met your family and Aya and Mary Alice and Bob and...why would nothing change?" Bella didn't speak, and Rosalie looked away from her. "You...threw a vase at your brother because he was yelling at me. You're so rude and obnoxious and irritable but...you've been a really good friend to me. Thank you."

Bella was silent for what felt like hours until she finally reached out and took Rosalie's hand in hers.

"You're so weird, princess." She muttered, interlacing her fingers and staring up at the mattress above. "And sometimes...you're even nice." She sighed, holding Rosalie's hand a little tighter. "Like what you said about my ear...that was really nice and...we can be friends. If you want."

Rosalie felt heat creep to her cheeks as she tore her eyes away from Bella, choosing instead to stare up at the mattress as well. "Do you want that?"

"...yeah."

"...me too."

---

Every Monday they visited Aya and Mary Alice in the swamp.

Rosalie was still adjusting to the absurd amount of running around they did. Her feet were beginning to develop blisters and sometimes it hurt to walk.

And the swamp was still a terrifying place full of nasty insects and snakes and those alligator turtles.

"Rose, are you almost ready?" Her mother's voice called out to her.

Tonight the Swans were hosting a benefit of some sort. Something about orphans...Rosalie hadn't been paying attention.

"Almost. Andrea is helping me with my dress." She responded, not looking away from herself in the mirror.

Not a hair was out of place.

She wore a flowy, red dress that was embroidered with a small gold rose on the skirt. She wore gold flats, unable to squeeze her aching feet into heels. Even then their housekeeper had to wrap her feet in order to keep the blisters from rubbing too uncomfortably in her shoes.

Rosalie wore her hair down, and Andrea had helped her curl it at the ends. She stood perfectly still as her housekeeper adjusted her gold headband.

Few took better care of her than her mother and Andrea. Between the two of them, there was no one else she trusted to help her with her outfits and her hair.

"Well now, Miss Rosalie, don't you look beautiful!" Andrea gushed, helping her with the buttons of her dress. "Oh, I remember when you had just turned five. So eager to walk around in your mama's heels that you went and found a pair and put them on your feet." She chuckled at that, dark brown eyes gleaming with fondness. "You're growing up too fast for me. You gotta slow down."

Rosalie smiled at her in the mirror. Andrea was much like a second mother to her. With her father at work all the time, her mother needed help around the house and she needed help raising an infant.

Whenever Rosalie thought of her family, Andrea was always there, right alongside them.

"If I don't grow up, how am I supposed to find a husband?"

Andrea gave her a wry smile. "Don't go wishing your childhood away, baby." She smoothed the back of her dress down before she moved to her side, light brown hands taking Rosalie's in hers and giving them a gentle squeeze. "You and Miss Bella. You two running around without a care in the world. These times aren't gonna last forever...you're gonna miss them when they're gone. And somedays, you'll find yourself wishing you could turn back the clock." She gave her a sad smile. "You don't know the good days have passed until they're nothing but memories you hold onto."

"Won't there be other good days?"

Andrea chuckled. "Course there will be. But that's the tricky thing. We don't always see how happy we are. We focus on our problems and our worries, no matter how big or how small we think they are." Her eyes became unfocused. "It's only looking back that you realize...that, that is what happiness felt like."

Rosalie frowned, mulling her words over carefully. She didn't quite understand what Andrea was saying, she couldn't fully grasp the meaning, but she tried. "So...I should be happy now? Even though I'm a child?"

Her maid laughed and nodded. "Yes. There's so much to be happy about at your age. Especially living the way you do." She gave her a wink and Rosalie couldn't help but smile.

"Do you miss when you were a child?"

Sometimes her mother confessed that she did. Lillian and Andrea had grown up in New Orleans. Andrea's mother had worked for Lillian's father, she was a live-in maid.

Lillian and Andrea grew up together. They were best friends, and when Lillian married Robert, Andrea was all she brought with her from New Orleans.

"All the time. I miss your mother's tea parties. I miss running around the Bayou with my friends." Her smile grew, and she patted the top of Rosalie's hand. "It was like our own little...fairytale." A laugh escaped her and she stepped back, picking up Rosalie's coat from her bed. "My friends and I didn't have much in this world, but we sure had fun."

Running around swamps...before I went with Bella, I would have thought Andrea was crazy.

"Reminiscing?" Lillian Hale stepped into the room, smiling fondly at the two of them. "I don't know how you find those nasty swamps any fun."

Lillian Hale was the most beautiful woman in the world. Of that, Rosalie was certain.

She had honey blonde hair and dark blue eyes. She was thin, like those models in the magazines. And her smiles were so bright Rosalie could swear she was looking at the sun.

She wore a light blue dress and she had curled her hair for the occasion. She wore her pearl necklace and her gold earrings. Her heels were white, giving her a few inches despite her already tall form.

Lillian Hale, as always, was breathtaking. And Rosalie hoped and prayed that she grew up to look just like her.

Andrea lit up at the sight of Lillian. "Course a city girl like you would turn your nose up to a swamp. You never came with us when we invited you." Her smile grew. "But there's magic in those swamps, Lilly. I've seen it."

Lilly?

She had never heard anyone call her mother that.

Lillian moved towards them, sitting on Rosalie's bed and looking up at Andrea expectantly. "Magic? What kind?"

Do you believe in Gran Bwa and Papa Legba?

Rosalie looked at their housekeeper curiously. She wasn't sure if she believed in the spirits that Aya talked about.

Andrea helped Rosalie with her coat, grinning all the while. "The beautiful kind. One day, I'll show you."

A quiet laugh escaped her. "You think I'll follow you into the swamps?" She stood to her feet, moving to Rosalie and adjusting her hair. "That's no place for a lady."

"Well now, I must not be much of a lady."

"You're as much a lady as Rosalie and I are. A very lovely one as well." Lillian smiled at Rosalie. "Isn't that right?"

Andrea was beautiful. Smooth brown skin, long black curls pinned back to stay out of her face, and pretty brown eyes with flecks of gold in them. Her lips were full, and her face was rounded, giving her a youthful appearance.

"Right." Rosalie agreed, smiling when Andrea gave her a pat on the cheek.

"You both are too kind."

The sound of dress shoes striking the wood floors made Andrea back away. The smile on her mother's face fell and was replaced with a look of indifference.

"There are my girls." Her father walked into the room, adjusting his tie as he gave them all a smile. "Rosalie. You beautiful lovely."

She looked him over for a moment, light brown hair was combed and gelled to stay neatly in place. He had shaved for the occasion, ridding himself of the stubble that had grown. He wore a red suit jacket that showed off his broad shoulders and a bright red tie that contrasted well with his black vest and shoes.

"Thank you. You look very nice." She said truthfully.

He smiled at her before looking at his wife. "And your mother, well, I think she's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." He gave Rosalie a wink. "Do you think the ravishing Lillian Hale would want to be seen on my arm?"

Her mother laughed, light and airy. "No, Robert." Her smile fell, though the playful look in her eye remained. "I'd much rather be escorted by...anyone else." She looked at Andrea. "Would you like to escort me to Charles Swan's benefit?"

Rosalie smiled up at her. She liked the attitude her mother would often get. She was strong, she was intimidating, and Rosalie wanted to be just like her when she grew up.

The perfect mother. The perfect wife.

Andrea smiled shyly, bowing her head and averting her gaze. "I would love to, Mrs. Hale, but I think you'd look far more fetching on Mr. Hale's arm."

Robert chuckled, raking his eyes Andrea over before his smile grew. "You're too modest, Andrea." His gaze lingered, and Rosalie noticed the way Lillian's jaw clenched.

Her mother stepped slightly in front of Andrea, turning her head to address her. "Why don't you head home for the night? Give your girls our best." Their housekeeper nodded, quietly bidding them farewell before slipping out of the room.

Robert frowned at her. "Oh, I was kidding, honey. You think I'd with someone like that-"

"Go change your tie. Red isn't your color." Lillian turned her back to him, adjusting Rosalie's dress and keeping her eyes lowered. "It's a man's world, but red is a woman's color."

The insinuation wasn't lost on Rosalie, whose eyes widened before she quickly lowered them.

He glared at his wife for a moment, "We'll discuss this later." He stalked out of the room, closing the door behind him with a slam.

Her mother sighed, tension leaking from her body as she turned Rosalie around to face her. "You look gorgeous..." she reached behind her, pulling out red lipstick and taking off the lid. "Now, hold still." She applied a light coat, smiling as she put the lipstick away. "Yes, red is very much a woman's color. It's very much your color."

Rosalie rubbed her lips together, still taken aback by the friction between her parents. "Why are you mad at father?"

Lillian's smile fell, and she shook her head. "It's nothing-"

"I'm not a little girl anymore. You can tell me-"

"Rosalie Hale." Her mother said sharply, making her bite her tongue. "You're not little, not anymore." She conceded. "But you're still a child."

Bella's family lets her curse. They let her run around the swamp. They talk to her like an adult.

"I'll never stop being a child if you keep treating me like one!" Her mother's eyes widened, and Rosalie nearly slapped a hand over her mouth when she realized she had yelled. "Oh, I'm sorry I-"

"No. You're right." Lillian reached out and cupped her face in her hands. "It would be a disservice to let you grow up naive about the world." Dark blue eyes searched her light ones. "We have...much to talk about. But we can't be late for the benefit." She stroked her cheeks with her thumbs. "However, I will give you one piece of advice, if you wish to hear it."

Rosalie swallowed thickly, nodding her head slightly. "Y-Yes please."

"Don't stutter as though you have something to fear." Lillian hummed, giving her a small smile. "A girl of your stature and your beauty should always be confident. Do you understand?"

She tilted her chin up as best she could, "I understand."

"That's my Rose." Lillian kissed her forehead before pulling away. "No one can talk down to you or make you feel afraid unless you let them." She buttoned Rosalie's coat. "You are beautiful, intelligent, and sharp." She murmured before taking her hand in hers. "And people will hate you for it. They will say things to make you feel like you are less. They will say things to hurt you." Her mother guided her towards the door. "If you show them an ounce of doubt, an ounce of fear, then they will prey upon you like the pathetic scavengers they are." They stepped into the hall. "But truly, they are all beneath you. And do you know why?"

Rosalie looked at her with admiration, smiling as she said, "Because I'm a Hale."

"Exactly. You are Rosalie Hale and no one shines as bright as you do."

...

The benefit was surprisingly large, and when the Hales stepped in, the first thing Rosalie noticed was that all the paintings and weapons were stripped from the wall. They were replaced with photos and paintings of landscapes. Many were of the forest, others were of the jungle or the Savannah. In each landscape there were animals.

Wolves, lions, tigers, bobcats, and a few large cats she didn't recognize.

Aya and Mary Alice's painting had been taken down and replaced with a painting of a swamp.

The painting made her mother smile.

They had arrived at the Swans on time, but many people had already arrived. For the first time, Rosalie saw servants in their house. They were bustling around, carrying food and drink platters to the gaggle of well-dressed occupants. Soft music played in the background, and Rosalie stood on her tiptoes, looking for Bella.

"Looking for your new friend?" Her father asked, flashing her a smile as he took off his coat and handed it to one of the servants. "Why don't you introduce us?"

Before she could say anything a man's voice called out to her. "Rosalie, it's lovely to see you again." The crowd parted for Charles, and he strode forward with purposeful steps and a friendly smile.

He wore an all gold suit with black dress shoes. A large, gold watch adorned his wrist, and he still wore that odd wooden ring with carvings on his ring finger.

Rosalie smiled back at him. "Hello, Charles. Thank you for inviting us."

Her father frowned down at her. "That's no way to address him-"

Charles put his hand up to silence her father. "Your daughter has been nothing but polite. I insisted that she call me by my first name." He then looked at her mother. "I don't believe we've officially met. I'm Charles, it's nice to meet you." He stuck his hand out for her, and she smiled before accepting it.

"Lillian. The pleasure's all mine."

He smiled before looking at her father. His smile fell. "Robert." He gave him a handshake, but he didn't seem as warm and welcoming anymore.

Sins of the father.

Rosalie couldn't help but eye her father. He was a kind man, what had he done to upset Aya and the Swan family?

Robert gave him a nod as he released his hand. "Charles, it's nice to finally see the inside of your lovely home." The man didn't say anything else, and Robert cleared his throat. "You look nice. Like you're made out of money."

Charles gave him an easy smile, but it didn't look friendly. "I am." Her father laughed, loud and clear, but Charles didn't look amused. "That wasn't meant to be a joke, but I'm glad you're easily amused." Lillian looked embarrassed, and before Robert could speak, Charles turned to Rosalie. "My children are near the kitchen. By the food table."

Rosalie thanked him and stepped away. "Actually, Charles, if you don't mind, I would like to speak to you about something in private." Her father's voice gave her pause, and she slipped behind the dining room partition, pretending to be busy with her shoes as she listened to their conversation.

"This isn't private enough for you?" Charles asked. "It's just the three of us."

"My wife doesn't need to concern herself with these matters."

"She doesn't need to, but does she want to?" He addressed Lillian. "Would you like to stay for this conversation?"

Her mother sounded surprised, "Well...I suppose it depends on the nature of this discussion."

Her father hesitated before a sigh escaped him. "I hate to bring your children into question, I truly do. But there's been talk of Rosalie running around, not only with your daughters but also with your sons."

There was silence for a moment.

"Are you asking because they're boys, or because they're Indians?"

"Them being Indian is of no concern to me." He said. "You're a father. I'm sure if Bella were running around with boys, whether they be black or white, you'd be worried. Especially if they were older than her."

"If any of my daughters were running around with boys, I would have some concern." Charles all but growled. "And I understand your concerns, Robert, but my children and your daughter are always with a chaperone. If they're not with me, then they're with a trusted adult."

"Of course, Charles. I apologize for my husband's assumptions." Lillian amended. "We know you've raised your boys to be respectable gentlemen."

"It's quite alright, Lillian," Charles assured her, sounding far nicer than when he had been talking to Robert. "Your husband was just being a good father."

Rosalie was about to slip away when a hushed voice asked, "Who are we spying on?" She jumped and nearly yelped in surprise, but her position was given away as she accidentally moved out of the partition's cover.

Her mother looked at her with pursed lips. "Rosalie Hale, were you eavesdropping?"

Rosalie blinked owlishly at her. "I was just-"

An arm linked with hers. "I asked to be introduced to you both, Mr. and Mrs. Hale," Bella said smoothly. "Hello, I'm Bella Swan. I've heard so much about you two." She stepped forward, and Rosalie had no choice but to follow. "All good things," Bella assured them, removing her arm from Rosalie's and sticking her hand out to Robert.

Rosalie almost hadn't recognized her friend.

Bella looked so well put together in her pretty gold dress that Rosalie wasn't able to tear her eyes from her. She had a red lion switched onto the skirt of her dress, she wore red heels, and she walked with all the grace of a lady.

Her usually, disheveled brown locks had been combed and tamed, flowing a little past her shoulders and hiding her ear. Her dress was sleeveless, exposing the sinewy muscles she undoubtedly earned from climbing everything she saw.

Bella looked beautiful.

I didn't know she could show good manners for anyone other than Aya.

Robert chuckled and shook her hand. "We've heard a lot about you as well. It's nice to finally meet you."

"Likewise, Mr. Hale," Bella said politely before sticking her hand out to Lillian. "And you, Mrs. Hale..." she trailed off, and that's when Rosalie noticed her cheeks redden.

Lillian beamed down at her. "Oh, aren't you adorable?" She cooed, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "It's so nice to meet you, Bella. I hope I can meet your siblings as well?"

"Uh..."

My mother is kind but can be pretty intimidating.

Charles put a hand on her shoulder. "Why don't you take Rosalie to get your siblings."

Bella blinked, tearing her gaze away from Lillian and hastily pulling her hand away. "Okay!" She quickly turned to Rosalie and snatched her hand. "Let's go!"

"Hey! Slow down!"

Bella stopped altogether and turned to look at her. "Princess-" she stopped abruptly, staring at Rosalie with wide eyes. "You uh...you don't look bad."

Rosalie scowled at her, pulling her hand away and crossing her arms over her chest. "I'm glad my appearance isn't bad."

Does she not think I'm beautiful? I'm wearing one of my nicest dresses and I even have on lipstick-stop that. You are Rosalie Hale. You are beautiful.

Bella frowned at her, cheeks reddening once again. "That's not what I meant, dummy." Gone was the politeness that she used with her parents. "I meant...you look really...uh, you look nice. Like a real princess."

And just like that, her doubts melted away.

She smiled. "Hmph, better." She took Bella's hand in hers. "Let's go get your siblings." They continued their walk again, and she couldn't help but peek at Bella, who wore a tiny smile on her lips as she led Rosalie through the crowd.

"Is that Rosalie Hale? Why is she holding hands with Isabella?"

"Do you think..."

"Oh, come now, they're children."

"Still, it's hardly appropriate."

The whispers made Rosalie release Bella's hand, and the brunette rolled her eyes.

"Just ignore them." She murmured. "They're all a bunch of bitches anyway." Rosalie hesitated, earning her a sharp smile from her friend. "You mean to tell me that Rosalie Lillian Hale cares about what others think?"

And just like that, her worries vanished.

"I most certainly don't, you dolt." She grabbed her hand again, ignoring Bella's triumphant grin as she pushed through the crowd with her head held high.

...

Once all the introductions were made, Bella was all but dragging Rosalie up the stairs. Her siblings were in tow, all but Ephraim, who Rosalie hadn't seen all night.

Not that she minded. They still hadn't talked since the altercation that happened two weeks ago.

Gene and Levi had managed to each swipe a trey of cheese, crackers, and meat.

Chilali had snuck a small platter of brownies from the kitchen, batting away the wandering hands of her siblings as they made their way to Bella's room.

And Lucy had taken a carton of milk to wash their brownies down with.

When they arrived Bella turned to Rosalie with an excited smile. "Look who we managed to sneak in." She opened the door and Rosalie's eyes widened when a blur of orange launched itself at her.

"Rose!"

She nearly fell back but Gene put his hand on her back in order to keep her standing. "Mary Alice!" She laughed, hugging her back tightly.

She wore a bright orange sundress and a gold neckless, making her dark skin look as though it were glowing. She looked beautiful.

The girl pulled away, smiling so brightly that Rosalie couldn't help but smile back. "We came to party!"

Behind her was Aya, who was sitting on Bella's bed next to...

Ephraim.

Rosalie's wariness didn't last long, not when Aya stood to her feet and pulled her into a gentle embrace. "You look beautiful, girl!" Aya enthused, pulling away to give her cheek a kiss. "My Lord. All my babies lookin' lovely!"

Lucy shut the door behind them, setting the milk on the dresser. Someone had managed to slip in a few wine glasses that were already on the dresser. "Listen, this won't stay cold for long-"

Levi looked at her thoughtfully. "I like warm milk."

Chilali wrinkled her nose at him. "You're so fucking gross-"

"Don't be cursing in my damn house." Aya chastised, making the oldest sister duck her head sheepishly.

"Sorry." Bella snickered, earning her a smack upside the head. "Shut up."

"Ow! Chi, what the hell!"

"Don't start none of that roughhousing now! Not in them pretty dresses!" Aya warned. "And Bella-"

The brunette sighed, shooting a glance at her smug sister before looking at Aya. "Sorry. I meant to say...what the Hale."

Rosalie scowled at her. "Don't use my family name as a curse word!"

But the damage had been done and everyone was laughing, even Ephraim.

"It's not my fault that Hale and Hell sound so similar-"

"Ugh! Leave it to you to ruin a good night!" Rosalie nearly marched out of the room but Bella grabbed her hand.

"I was kidding, princess. Come on." Bella grinned as Rosalie begrudgingly let her pull her closer.

Rosalie was quiet for a moment, hating that she found any of Bella's nonsense even slightly amusing.

"Go to Hale." She muttered, laughing quietly at the uproarious yelling and laughter that filled the room. Bella smiled at her, and Rosalie looked away, keeping her smile to herself.

Gene looked at his family before popping a piece of cheese into his mouth. "These events are always so fun." He and Levi set the food treys on the dresser next to the milk, and Chilali's brownies joined them. "If we had to mingle they'd be such a drag." He loosened his tie and sat on the floor, leaning against the dresser.

Levi joined him, brushing his bangs out of his face. His hair had been neatly braided for the occasion, as had Epharium's, but he was quick to take it down and let his hair go free.

Rosalie was about to join them when Ephraim slowly stood to his feet, looking at her as he made his way over.

Bella stepped in front of her, glaring up at her brother with her hands curled into fists.

Ephraim stopped in front of his sister. "I'll behave myself, Bells. I promise." He spoke quietly, a large contrast from when she had first met him.

He wore a red and gold suit with the same crest sewn onto his clothes as his siblings. He cleaned up nice and looked far less scary. Probably because he wasn't yelling at her.

Bella stared at him for a moment longer before stepping back so she stood by Rosalie's side. "You better, or I'll throw an even bigger vase at your fucking head."

"Bella-"

She straightened up and grimaced. "Sorry, Aya."

Lucy went to Bella's side and put a hand on her shoulder. "Come on, let's get something to eat."

She looked as though she were about to argue when Chilali spoke up, "I'll keep an eye on them." This made Bella relax, and she let Mary Alice and Lucy lead her to the food. Aya gave Ephraim's arm a pat and followed the other children.

Ephraim cleared his throat and put his hands behind his back. "I wanted to apologize for my behavior the other night. You didn't deserve that."

Rosalie nodded slowly, feeling the tension leak from her body. "It's alright."

"It's not. I just..." he turned to look at them. Gene and Bella were bickering over a brownie they both wanted. Levi had an arm around Aya's shoulders, smiling broadly as they talked about something.

Mary Alice had managed to clamber onto Lucy's back, both girls were standing by Gene and Bella, causing nothing but mischief. "Fight to the death!" Mary Alice cheered, one arm loosely wrapped around Lucy's neck as she threw her fist into the air.

"Gene thinks you're a wimp, Bella. I heard him say it!" Lucy crowed, earning her an incredulous look from her brother.

"I did not!" Bella scowled at Gene and punched his shoulder. "Ow! Bella!"

"I'm not a wimp, you are! Now give me that brownie!" Mary Alice and Lucy began cackling as the argument escalated.

Levi sighed. "Hurry up, you two. We all want to eat."

"Lucy Swan Clearwater and Mary Alice Brandon! Now I know the two of you ain't causing trouble!"

Mary Alice's eyes widened and she turned to give her aunt an innocent smile. "Of course not, aunty!"

Ephraim's lips curled into a small smile as he watched them, and Rosalie couldn't help but mirror it. "They're family. I love them, and I'd do anything to keep them safe." He murmured, turning to look down at Rosalie. "I worry about them and...I'm sorry I took it out on you."

After her conversation with Chilali and Charles, she better understood why Ephraim acted the way he had. It had still been scary, but she imagines that the possible threat of Ephraim losing his family had been scary to him.

"I understand," Rosalie said, and his smile grew.

"Thank you. You're a good kid." He patted her shoulder and gestured at the food. "Hungry?"

With some help from Bella, Rosalie was able to clamber to the top mattress. Mary Alice and Lucy were right behind them, and the four ate their food and drank their lukewarm milk in their fancy wine glasses.

Aya, Chilali, Ephraim, Levi, and Gene sat below them. Aya and Chilali relaxed on the bed, while the boys sat on the floor and leaned against the dresser.

"Here's your warm milk, you freak." Chilali snickered, sipping her milk with a wrinkled nose.

Levi grinned. "It's delicious. I've never been happier."

"Even when Shante gave you that kiss on the cheek?" Ephraim jabbed, laughing when Levi shot him a glare.

Gene looked at his brother with wide eyes. "Woah, the girl that helps out at the library?" Begrudgingly Levi nodded. "How'd you manage that? You don't even read."

Before Levi could snap at him Lucy barked out a laugh. "Shante is nice, that's how he managed that."

"Hey!"

Aya chuckled at that. "Oh, boy, ain't nothing messier than love." She set her glass aside. "When I met Will, I 'bout fell in love on the spot." Rosalie listened to her with rapt attention.

Mary Alice smiled at Rosalie. "My uncle Will was mighty handsome. All them girls liked him but he only had eyes for my aunty."

"Damn right he did." Aya boasted, making a quiet laugh escape the children. "Lookin' as good as I do, I know he ain't give them other girls another glance. He was always a gentleman. Real proper like."

Where is he now?

Rosalie knew better than to ask, so she kept her mouth shut.

Bella grinned. "And what about our father, how is he?" She shoved her brownie into her mouth, leaning over the side of the bed to peer down at Aya.

Wait...Charles and Aya?

It was then that Rosalie noticed that Aya wore the same wooden ring on her ring finger.

Oh. Charles and Aya.

Aya smiled up teasingly at the girl. "Oh, he ain't too bad."

As if on cue, the door opened, and Charles stepped in with a bulky brown radio. "Sorry, it was hard to slip away." He held the radio with one arm and had it propped upon his shoulder. "Are all of you being good for Aya?"

Mary Alice beamed at him. "Ain't I always an angel?"

Charles smiled widely up at her. "Of course you are." He closed the door behind him and set the radio down at the back of the room.

Aya sighed and shook her head as she stood to her feet. "You the reason she spoiled the way she is."

He chuckled as he fidgeted with the radio. "Well, she's so much sweeter than the rest of my children-"

"Wow," Ephraim muttered. "Kiss ass."

"What was that, son?"

"Love you, father."

"Love you too, Eph." He chuckled.

The radio flickered to life and the sounds of a piano and saxophone filled the room.

Charles turned to Aya with a wide smile. His cheeks were pink, and he looked at Aya with soft brown eyes as he held his hand out to her. "May I have this dance? Just one before I go back down there?"

Aya wore a small smile as she took his hand in hers. "Leaving your guests down there? You ain't a good host, Charlie."

Charlie?

He didn't bat an eye at the nickname, instead, he pulled her into his arms with an even larger wider smile.

A woman crooned over the radio.

Yesterday you came my way, and when you smiled at me, in my heart I felt a thrill you see,

"Well, my family's up here. I just couldn't stay away."

That it was love at sight and I was right to love you as I do.

Mary Alice perked up and turned to Lucy. "Dance with me?"

Lucy's eyes widened and a reddish tint appeared on her cheeks. "Uh."

"Pleaseeeee." Mary Alice folded her hands in front of her and looked at Lucy with her large, brown eyes.

"Ugh...fine!" They climbed down from the top and danced alongside Charles and Aya.

Ephraim got up and held his hand out to Levi with a teasing smile. "Come on, lover boy. I'll help you practice for Shante. Make sure you don't step on her toes."

Levi glared at him before turning to Chilali, groaning in annoyance when she started dancing with Gene. "Ugh, Bella-"

Rosalie blinked in surprise when a warm hand grabbed hers. "Sorry, the princess wants to dance."

She glared at her. "I never said I wanted to-"

Bella rolled her eyes. "Rosalie Hale, will you do me the honor of dancing with a lowly commoner, such as myself?"

Dancing? With a girl?

Still I never dreamed that you could love me too.

But it was clearly all in good fun.

Levi was grumpily dancing with Ephraim, though he was doing a poor job of hiding his amused smile as Ephraim gave him a twirl. "You could at least let me lead," Levi muttered, making his older brother laugh.

"Over my dead body, pipsqueak."

"How is this supposed to help me with Shante if you lead!"

Charles looked at his eldest son. "He's right. Come on, Eph, give your brother a chance."

Ephriam pondered this for a moment before he sighed. "Fine, you can take the lead. But if you step on my toes then I'm taking charge again."

"Deal!" Levi grinned, getting up on his tiptoes so he could give Ephraim a twirl. Even then, the taller boy had to duck to fit under his arm, and both of them laughed at the clunkiness of their movements.

Mary Alice and Lucy were talking quietly amongst themselves as they swayed to the music. "Saw Bob yesterday. She ain't even let me pet her."

Lucy raised a brow at her. "Did you approach her?" Mary Alice nodded as Lucy spun her around. "You have to let her come to you. Cats are tricky like that."

Mary Alice made a face. "I just wanna pet her. Ain't like I was asking for her paw in marriage."

They both giggled, and Lucy's smile grew as she shook her head. "It doesn't matter. Just be patient and she'll come to you. Cats don't like feeling cornered."

Aya hummed and looked at her niece. "Hear that, girl? People don't like that either. Best give 'em space when they need it. Nobody likes folks that are pushy."

Mary Alice ducked her head sheepishly. "I understand, aunty."

Charles smiled at her. "I would still like you-" he laughed when Aya gave him a playful swat to the shoulder.

"Hush, you!"

Mary Alice giggled as Charles grinned at her aunt. "Yes ma'am."

Gene and Chilali were dancing a bit more rambunctious as Gene dipped her dramatically, making her laugh loudly. "If you drop me I'm going to kill you."

Her brother rolled his eyes. "The only one with butterfingers around here is Levi-"

"It was one time!" Levi groaned, earning a laugh from his siblings.

The way Charles danced with Aya was...sweet. It was romantic. They were tender with each other in a way that she had never seen between her own parents.

"You look beautiful." He murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "You always do."

Aya smiled up at him softly. "Careful, Charlie. You playin' with a Vodou queen."

Charles looked at her in adoration, eyes tearing up slightly as he gave her a gentle kiss. "I love you."

"I love you too."

It was odd seeing a black woman with a white man. Not bad. Just strange.

Rosalie had never seen that before. But what did it matter?

Their love is beautiful. I hope I find a husband that loves me like that. And I hope I love him just as much.

"Well, princess?" Her friend's voice drew her attention. "Will you please dance with me?"

Rosalie fought back a smile. "Since everyone else is taken...sure."

Bella grinned, and she helped her from the top mattress.

Her friend looked at Charles and Aya, studying them for a moment before turning to Rosalie. She mimicked her father, taking Rosalie's hand in hers and placing her other on her hip.

Rosalie fought back a blush as she put her free hand on Bella's shoulder.

Your eyes of blue,

Her friend's cheeks reddened and she looked away from her as they swayed to the music.

Your kisses too, I never knew what they could do.

"Thanks," Bella muttered, no longer bearing her smug smile.

I can't believe...

Rosalie's ears burned. "Don't step on my toes."

"Well, don't make me step on your toes." Rosalie glared at her, and a quiet laugh escaped Bella. "Don't worry, I'm the properest, remember?"

"You're...something." Rosalie laughed and Bella grinned widely at her.

That you're in love with me.

---

She shivered as she stepped out of her home, bundling deeper into her coat as she closed the door behind her.

"Hey, Rosie."

Bella stood there with a mischievous smile on her lips, and her hands politely held behind her back.

Summer had come and gone, but Bella didn't seem to get the memo.

She wore no coat, not even a light jacket. The sleeves of her school uniform were rolled up to her elbow. Her hair was pulled back into a disheveled ponytail, exposing her ear in a way that she knew would get the school talking.

What Bella had once hidden as an insecurity she now wore with pride.

She had grown a bit since the summer. Mostly in height, but not so much in maturity.

The girl still wasn't at all concerned about marriage. She wasn't even looking forward to starting a family of her own.

"You should really wear a coat. You could get sick."

"Awe, you're worried about me?" The taunt made her roll her eyes.

"I'm worried about our classmates. You could infect them all." She said, walking down the steps to be by Bella's side.

"They should be so lucky."

Rosalie sighed, reaching out to catch Bella by the collar of her shirt and dragging her towards her. "Honestly, Bella." She muttered, buttoning the top buttons and smoothing down the bunched-up shirt. "You should really look in the mirror before leaving your home."

Bella rolled her eyes, allowing Rosalie to fix her school uniform. "Spare me the lectures, princess. You sound like my father." Though, a fond smile played on her lips as she spoke of him. "You know, I almost convinced him to let me be homeschooled with my siblings."

Rosalie faltered, hands resting atop Bella's shoulders as she looked into grey eyes. Bella wasn't that much taller than her, only by an inch or two, though the girl never failed to lord her height over her.

"Oh?"

"Yep." She smirked. "But I knew you'd miss me."

Rosalie scowled at her, releasing her shoulders and turning on her heel. "I have Bethany, Janice, and Vera. I would be just fine if you decided to be homeschooled."

Bella laughed, catching up to her quickly and shoving her hands in her pockets. "Who'd walk you to school if I was gone?" Her smile grew. "And you'd be so bored without me. Bethany and Janice are bitches anyways. But Vera is nice." She conceded, shrugging her shoulders when Rosalie shot her a glare.

"Bethany and Janice are not. Don't be so rude." She looked away from her. "Besides, school is less than a block away. I could manage just fine."

Bella muttered something but didn't say anything else. Rosalie felt her knuckles graze over her gloved hand. Her fingers twitched, wanting to take Bella's hand in hers, but they were in public and that would cause nothing but problems.

Snowflakes fell gently around them, and the two stepped around the mounds of snow that piled up on the sidewalk.

"I didn't say you couldn't manage without me." Bella finally said, casting a glance in her direction. "I just said you'd miss me."

Rosalie hummed, turning her face away from her. "I don't see how that's possible. I despise you."

Bella scowled at her. "I despise you more…" she sighed, staring grumpily ahead as the two paused, letting a car drive past before crossing the street. "But I'd miss you, or whatever."

Her honesty surprised her, and she turned to look at her. "Oh...I would...I suppose I would miss you too." She pursed her lips before saying, "After school, would you like to come to my house?"

Bella looked at her with wide eyes. "Uh...yeah...but are you sure that's a good idea? Your father hates me."

"He doesn't hate you. He actually likes that we get along." Rosalie winced. "He dislikes how...eccentric you are."

"Eccentric?" Bella snorted. "You mean, wild?"

Rosalie waved her off. "He thinks I'll be a good influence on you...so long as it's only us spending time together. He's cautious of your brothers."

Bella bristled at this. "They wouldn't-"

"I know, but he doesn't." She reminded her. "All he knows is that I spent a lot of time with your family over the summer." True to her word, she didn't tell her father about Aya or Mary Alice.

All he knew was that, when Rosalie accompanied the Swans, they were always heading somewhere that a chaperone was present.

It helped that Bella and her sisters were also with her. The gossip wasn't nearly as malicious as Rosalie had thought it would be. Though, she thinks that some of that is due to her father's influence.

This didn't appease her friend. "God forbid you fall in love with a brown man." She muttered with a scowl.

Rosalie looked at her curiously. "Would your father allow that?" Though, she was already certain of Bella's answer.

"My father doesn't care who I marry, or if I get married," Bella said, making Rosalie's eyes widen. "No point in marrying anyways." She huffed, kicking a snowdrift in passing. "Looks miserable."

They arrived at their school, and Bella held the door open for her, just as she always did. They ignored the stares they garnered. Rosalie was used to being stared at, as was Bella. And when they became friends, they were used to the whispers and odd glances directed their way.

"How can you say that?" Rosalie admonished, waiting for Bella to catch up before they walked the halls together. "You don't want to find a handsome man to fall in love with?"

Rosalie had dreamed of this since she was a child.

The perfect man to court her. The perfect wedding. The perfect marriage. The perfect house. The perfect children.

Now she was fourteen, and her ideal marriage was only a couple of years away.

Bella made a face. "No." They entered their first class. They were early, not even the teacher had arrived.

Rosalie flipped on the lights before sitting at the desk next to Bella. "What if your husband lets you be as wild as you possibly want?"

The brunette rolled her eyes, slouching in her seat and resting her chin on her hand. "See, that's the problem. My husband isn't going to let me do anything. I'll do whatever I damn well please." She muttered, and Rosalie sighed before shaking her head.

"You say this now, but maybe you'll want to find a husband when you're older. No one wants to be alone."

Grey eyes darkened. "Yeah, well, maybe some people should be alone." Whoever she was alluding to went over Rosalie's head, but she could tell it was a touchy subject. "I don't need a husband. I don't need anyone." She declared, making Rosalie raise a bemused brow.

"Not even your father? Not even your siblings?"

Bella was quiet for a moment, looking away from her as she began to fidget with the buttons of her uniform. "I love them but…" she huffed and shook her head. "Everyone leaves in the end. They always do."

Before Rosalie could question her, their teacher walked in, greeting them both with a smile. Rosalie returned it but noticed the woman's eyes linger on Bella's ear, earning her a cantankerous "hey" from Bella.

The two remained quiet as the rest of their classmates filed in. Bella kept her head down during the lecture, and Rosalie wished more than anything that she could hold her hand and make her feel better.

…

"Afternoon, Bella. Rosalie." Vera greeted, smiling warmly at the two of them as they sat down with their lunch.

Bella gave her a small wave, "Hey." She opened her lunch sack and instantly pulled out her thermos. Every day at lunch she would drink Aya's special tea, just as she was instructed to, and just as her siblings expected her to.

Rosalie smiled at Vera. "How was class?" She noticed Bella push her thermos to the side, choosing to instead eat her food.

The two talked quietly amongst themselves while Bella wolfed down her large lunch.

When Bethany and Janice appeared is when the brunette bristled, shooting them wary glances before continuing to eat her food. It was a mutual dislike, and her two friends had been more than displeased the first time Bella ate lunch with them.

Rosalie didn't particularly like Bethany and Janice. Their fathers worked together, therefore it was expected of them to be friendly. For the sake of politeness, she tolerated them.

They weren't terrible. Gossip mongers, sure, but so was she. However, those two had a strange hostility to them that made Rosalie wary.

She knew they were envious of her, which was unsurprising. Rosalie was certain most of their peers felt the same, aside from Bella and, oddly enough, Vera.

Vera was one of the lower class students that attended their school. She was cute, nice to talk to, and overall a pleasant person. Upon her arrival came the harsh gossip and biting commentary.

"She comes from the slums. Don't let her touch you."

"Can't invite her anywhere. She'll probably steal something."

"Did you see her shoes? Might as well be barefoot."

And when Bella Swan, daughter of one of the richest men in the city, sister to five Indians, and the infamous social outcast befriended Vera, it had shocked the school.

Bella was never seen with anyone but her siblings, and since they were homeschooled, she didn't interact with anyone.

And Rosalie, well, she was a Hale. She didn't befriend just anyone.

But Vera was a sweet girl, and Rosalie was glad to have met her.

Most of their peers weren't worth her time, Bethany and Janice included. And when Bella introduced Vera to her, she was hesitant to accept her.

Rumors were a dangerous thing. They created speculations that were damaging to reputations. Publicly befriending Bella had been a huge challenge in itself, much to her shame.

It was hard to listen to her mother's lessons, but she was getting better. She was getting stronger.

"Rosalie." She blinked, looking up from her food to see Janice staring at her. "I said hi," Bella grumbled something under her breath, thankfully, biting her tongue and shoving more food into her mouth.

"Hello, Janice. Bethany."

Bethany smiled at her. "You look beautiful today."

Rosalie shrugged. "I know." The quiet snicker from Bella made the corner of her lips curl upward into a small smile. "Something funny?"

Bella hummed and shook her head. "Nope."

You pest.

Rosalie hid her smile in her water as she took a drink.

Bethany looked at Bella's ear. "I like your hair pulled back, Isabella." The fake sweetness in her tone was poorly hidden. "It lets us see your whole face." Bella clenched her jaw and ignored her.

Janice frowned. "You're not going to speak to us?"

The brunette took a large bite of her sandwich. "I'm eating." She said loudly, exposing her chewed-up food. Vera giggled behind her hand while Rosalie wrinkled her nose, though she was somewhat endeared by Bella's antics.

Bethany scoffed and shook her head. "That's disgusting-"

"Yep." Bella swallowed, smacking her lips obnoxiously as she did so. "So, you should probably let me eat in peace." Janice and Bethany looked at Rosalie, silently begging her to get Bella under control.

Rosalie sighed and turned to the brunette. "Please chew with your mouth closed."

Grey eyes met blue ones, burning with anger and defiance. But she said nothing.

Bella reached for her thermos, stopping right as her hand wrapped around it before she withdrew.

She went back to eating, glaring down at her food as she shifted away from Rosalie.

This made the blonde frown, and she stared at Bella for a moment, trying to get her friend to meet her gaze. But Bella refused, and Rosalie had to refrain from snapping at her.

What's the matter with you?

Lunch went by quickly, with Bella only speaking to Vera, and vice versa. Rosalie didn't know what she had done to earn the cold shoulder, but she was determined to find out.

…

"I'm surprised you still want to come over," Rosalie said, hugging her coat to her body as they walked down the sidewalk.

Bella didn't respond, but her anger was palpable. She pulled out her thermos, dumping the tea on the street before putting it away.

"Bella," Rosalie frowned at her. "This is the second day in a row that you haven't-"

"It makes me feel funny." She groused, jamming her hands into her pockets.

"Funny, how?" Bella shrugged but said nothing. "Okay, why are you mad at me?"

"I'm not."

"Liar."

"Whatever."

They walked in silence for a moment before Rosalie bumped her shoulder against Bella's. "Well, I'm even less mad than you are."

Bella looked at her incredulously before she bumped her back. "Keep dreaming, princess. I'm the least mad person there is."

Another bump. "Please. You were the most mad person at lunch."

Bump. "Was not."

Bump. "Was too."

Bump. "Was not."

Bump. "Was too."

This bump knocked Rosalie off her feet, and she yelped as she fell into a snowdrift.

Bella's high-pitched laugh made her seeth as she quickly scrambled off the drift, shivering at the feel of wet snow seeping through her clothes.

"Oh, wow!" Bella crowed, grinning sharply at her. "You should see the look on your face, princess!"

"You're so annoying!" Rosalie would have been more upset if Bella hadn't been smiling. Whatever anger that lingered from lunch had now dissipated, right as they made it to Rosalie's house.

Rosalie brushed past her friend, muttering under her breath as she went to open the door. "Hey!" Bella sped in front of her, grabbing the handle and opening it for her.

Rosalie glared at her. "Really?"

"Princesses don't open doors, dummy." Bella scoffed, holding the door open with one hand and hustling Rosalie inside with the other. "Now hurry up. Your nose looks like it's going to fall off."

"I changed my mind." Rosalie huffed, shrugging off her coat and glaring at Bella as she snatched it from her grasp. "I don't want you to come over."

Bella smirked at her. "Too late, neighbor." She hung Rosalie's coat up. "And I thought you'd enjoy me doing things for you."

She did, not that she'd ever admit it.

"And why would you think that?"

Bella rolled her eyes. "Because you're getting a taste of the married life. This is what husbands are for."

Rosalie's cheeks reddened. "This...you are not my husband so there's no need-"

"Relax, princess." Bella scoffed. "Obviously I'm not your husband...or, at least, I wasn't the last time I checked." Bella tugged at the waistband of her pants and looked down. "Yep. Definitely not husband material-"

Rosalie laughed and quickly slapped her hand over her mouth. Somewhat mortified to have found amusement in such a crude joke.

Bella grinned. "Did Rosalie Hale just-"

"Shut up!"

The clacking of heels on the wood floor made the girls straighten up, though Bella couldn't resist shooting her one more infuriating smirk before placing her hands behind her back.

"Rosie? Is that you, dear?"

Rosalie smiled when her mother came into view, all but jumping forward in order to embrace her.

"It's so good to see you." Her mother hummed, leaning down to press a kiss to the top of her head before looking at Bella. "Oh! Hello, Bella. I wasn't aware Rosalie was having company over."

Bella's face was as red as a tomato, and she quickly looked away from Lillian as her blush crept down her neck.

"Hello, Mrs. Hale! Sorry, I can go if you-"

"None of that now." Her mother laughed, releasing Rosalie to take Bella's hands in hers. "Can I get you anything?" Blue eyes sparkled with amusement. "I'm sure you're hungry."

Bella swallowed thickly, staring at the slender fingers that held hers. "Oh, um, it's fine! I can eat at home-"

Rosalie frowned at her. "Why are you acting so odd?"

Bella had acted oddly towards her mother at that benefit, too.

Surely my mother's not that intimidating.

Lillian gave her a disapproving look. "Rosalie, is that any way to talk to our guest?" Rosalie ducked her head sheepishly and Lillian looked back down at Bella. "You poor thing, your face is so red from the cold! Come along. Andrea will make you some tea to warm you up."

Her face wasn't red earlier.

Rosalie followed them, brow furrowed as she watched Bella stare up at Lillian as they walked.

"You...uh...you look very beautiful today, Mrs. Hale."

Her mother smiled down at her. "Oh, aren't you the sweetest?" She leaned down and pressed a kiss to Bella's cheek. "You look very beautiful as well, Isabella. Just as you always do." Bella's face, if possible, became even redder.

She smiled bashfully at her. "Thank you."

They sat down at the dining room table. Lillian left them alone, going to find Andrea, and Bella watched her leave.

Rosalie eyed her friend, clearing her throat loudly and making her jump in surprise. "Eh, sorry." She grumbled, tapping her nails against the mahogany-colored table. "What did you say?"

You dolt.

She crossed her arms over her chest, scowling at Bella. "What was that?"

Grey eyes looked away from her and she slouched in her seat. "What?"

"You, with my mother." She stared at her friend. "And you called her beautiful."

Bella grumbled under her breath, crossing her arms over her chest and keeping her gaze lowered. "Well...she is beautiful. Everyone thinks so. Everyone says so."

She narrowed her eyes at her. "Why did you need to tell her what she already knows?"

Bella glared at her. "It's a compliment, princess. Why are you so mad about it?"

Why am I so mad about it?

Rosalie pursed her lips, watching as Andrea drifted into the dining room with a hot cup of tea. Bella gave her a warm smile, thanking her and sipping the tea despite the intense heat that came with it.

"Of course, Bella. And Jeffery just made some cookies, would you and Rosalie like some?"

"Yes please."

Andrea patted her hand. "Coming right up, baby." She gave Rosalie a large smile, and she returned it before her housekeeper left the room.

Bella took another sip of her tea, looking at Rosalie curiously as she leaned back in her chair. "Princess? Wanna tell me why you're so grouchy with me?"

"...no." Because, the more she thought about it, the more foolish she felt. Rosalie could feel the heat creeping up her neck and she had to look away from her.

Her friend softened, leaning forward slightly and setting her tea aside. "Come on. I don't like making you mad."

She looked at her incredulously. "You make me mad all the time."

"Well...yeah. But I don't like making you really mad." Rosalie glared at her. "Fine, I'll tell you what made me grouchy at lunch if you tell me why you're grouchy right now."

Rosalie eyed her. "...you first."

Bella rolled her eyes and rested her chin on her hand. "Alright." She hesitated, looking embarrassed as she turned her face away from Rosalie and crossed her arms over her chest. "Bethany was being a bitch...but you didn't say anything. And when I was rude back...I don't know I felt like you took her side. You told me what to do and...I don't know..." she shrugged her shoulders. "It's stupid."

Rosalie looked at her in surprise, reaching out to take her hand in hers. "That's...I'm sorry, Bella." Shame began to engulf her.

She always takes good care of me. I should do the same.

"I won't let that happen again."

Bella huffed but tightened her grip on Rosalie's hand. "I can take care of myself, princess."

"I know...but…" she interlaced their fingers, "I want to do this for you."

Her cheeks reddened, and she gave Rosalie's hand a gentle squeeze. "O-Oh." She murmured, hesitating before she said, "Thank you, Rosalie." A small smile played on her lips, and Rosalie couldn't help but mimic it.

Because she made Bella happy.

Grey eyes looked at her. "Your turn."

It was now Rosalie's turn to blush.

"Mine is stupid."

"So are you, but here I am," Bella smirked at her. "I'm not going anywhere."

Rosalie wasn't sure how it was possible to be so aggravated by someone yet so endeared to them at the same time.

She sighed and stared at their hands. "You didn't tell me that I looked beautiful today," Rosalie muttered. "But you told my mother that she did. Meanwhile, I had to hear it from Bethany."

Bella stared at her with wide eyes before a high-pitched cackle escaped her. "What! Are you serious?!"

"You dolt!" Rosalie yelled, ripping her hand from Bella's and standing to her feet. "Ugh! I knew you would be like this! I shouldn't have said anything-"

"Rosalie Hale." Bella stayed seated, reaching out and taking both of Rosalie's hands in hers and stopping her from storming off. Grey eyes stared up at her, open and honest and filled with warmth. "You look beautiful every day."

Rosalie felt as though her face was on fire, and she stared down at Bella in disbelief. "W-What?"

Bella rolled her eyes, but the warmth and affection in her smile remained. "You know you're beautiful. Everyone knows you're beautiful." Her cheeks reddened. "The first time we were in the swamp, even when you were all sweaty and muddy and disgusting-"

"Get to the point."

Bella chuckled and gave her hands a gentle tug, pulling Rosalie a little closer to her. "You still looked so beautiful it was annoying."

Rosalie couldn't tear her gaze away from Bella's, and she couldn't help but swallow thickly at the feel of her heart thundering in her chest. "Oh." She sat back down, not releasing Bella's hands. "I...I think you're beautiful too."

And she was being honest.

Bella's beauty was different. It was more rugged in appearance. She could see it in her sharp smiles and wild brown locks. She could see it in her strange, grey colored eyes, and her wounded ear.

Rosalie could see it in the way she carried herself, confident and strong. She could see it in the way Bella looked at her. Not envious, no, never envious. But with a muted happiness, as though she had to stop her happiness from spilling out whenever she saw Rosalie.

Rosalie didn't know how true love felt, but she knew what it looked like.

She had read about it in her romance books.

And she had seen it in the way Charles interacted with Aya. Gentle smiles, soft touches, warm embraces, and eyes filled with happiness.

A happiness that nearly reflected Bella's as she looked up at Rosalie.

She didn't know how true love felt.

But she hoped that it felt similar to how she felt about Bella.

She hoped it felt similar to how Bella felt about her.

A quiet laugh escaped her friend. "You think I'm beautiful?" She laughed again. "You're dumber than you look, princess."

Rosalie smiled. "No, you're very beautiful. And I'm certainly smarter than you. Especially when it comes to matters of beauty."

Bella's eyes widened and she quickly looked away from her. "Whatever." She muttered, ears burning red.

It was Rosalie's turn to laugh, and Bella scowled at her before she tensed up. She gave Rosalie's hands a gentle squeeze before pulling away. Before Rosalie could question her Andrea reappeared.

How did she hear her?

"Here are your cookies." She set the large plate down, patting Bella's cheek affectionately before smiling at Rosalie. "Do you girls need anything else?"

Rosalie glanced at Bella before shaking her head. "No. Thank you, Andrea."

"Of course. You two have fun now." She gave them a secretive smile, eyes darting around mischievously before she whispered, "If you run those cookies up to your room, I won't tell your mother. I'll clean up whatever mess is left behind." She vowed, making Bella grin.

"Thanks!" She stood to her feet, giving Andrea a hug before grabbing the plate. "Come on, princess!" She bolted up the stairs before Rosalie could even stand up, and the blonde sighed before getting to her feet.

She turned to Andrea, giving her a large smile before embracing her. "Thank you." She murmured, hearing the older woman chuckle as she gently hugged her back.

"You're welcome, baby."

The clacking of heels made Andrea abruptly pull away, and they turned to see Lillian there, looking somewhat displeased as she looked at Andrea.

"Andrea, as you know, Rosalie is no longer a child. She's growing into a young woman. She doesn't need your...maternal care anymore."

Andrea bowed her head, blinking back tears as she folded her hands in front of her. "I'm sorry, ma'am. I didn't mean-"

"I hugged her." Rosalie blurted out, not understanding why her mother looked so upset.

Andrea had helped her mother raise her.

Just a few months ago both she and Andrea had been helping Rosalie get ready for the Swan benefit. Both were smiling, and happy.

They were best friends.

Her mother has never cared when she hugged Andrea, or vice versa.

So why does she care now?

Lillian pursed her lips, glancing at her before addressing Andrea, "The bathroom in the east wing could use a polish. Make it sparkle, would you?" Andrea nodded, remaining still as Lillian stared at her. "Thank you, Andrea." Her voice softened, and the woman glanced up at her. "When you're finished, go home to your girls. Take home some of those cookies that Jeffery made. I know Hazel and Ari would love some sweets."

A timid smile appeared on Andrea's lips. "T-Thank you, ma'am. You're too kind." She went to move past her when Lillian put her hand on her arm, making her stop in her tracks.

She gave Andrea's arm a gentle squeeze. "Not kind enough." She murmured, too quietly for Rosalie to hear.

Andrea gave her a watery smile. "None of that, Lilly." Lillian removed her hand, watching as Andrea walked away, head down and hands folded in front of her.

Rosalie looked at her mother, confused by what she had just seen. "Mother-"

"This is a new lesson for you. Another piece of advice." Lillian turned to her, blue eyes wet with unshed tears. "Don't hug the help." She blinked away her tears, straightening her posture and smoothing down her dress. She now wore a mask of indifference. "They'll get attached." She said coldly, leaning down to kiss Rosalie's forehead before she walked past her. "And no good can come of that."

Rosalie swallowed thickly, listening to the fading sounds of heels striking the wooden floor.

...

"That is pretty weird." Bella agreed, leaning back on Rosalie's bed and popping a cookie into her mouth. She spoke again with her mouth full, and Rosalie rolled her eyes.

"I can't understand you."

Bella snorted, swallowing the rest of her cookie. "I said, maybe she's jealous."

"That doesn't make any sense. Andrea has helped my mother raise me."

Her friend hummed, patting the bed next to her. "Well, maybe your mother doesn't like Andrea...but they're both so nice."

Rosalie sighed, sitting next to Bella and taking a cookie off the plate. "She loves Andrea. They're such good friends...or at least, they were until recently, I guess."

"Maybe they got into a fight, just like we did," Bella suggested, leaning over and grabbing Rosalie's cookie with her teeth.

"Hey!" Rosalie palmed her forehead, shoving her face away. But her laughing friend had still managed to get half her cookie in the process. "Ugh! Bella Swan! There's a whole plate of cookies and you-"

Bella swallowed her portion, eyes gleaming with mischief as she laid her head in Rosalie's lap. "I was looking at that cookie before you even picked it up!"

She scowled at her, shifting back slightly as Bella wriggled around to get comfortable. "You're such a pest."

"A pest that thinks you're very beautiful."

Her face burned and she swatted her cackling friend's shoulder. "You're unbelievable." And yet, her fingers slid into Bella's hair and she scratched gently at her scalp.

Bella closed her eyes and a content smile eased onto her lips. "You love me."

"Don't be absurd." Rosalie picked another cookie off the plate, giving Bella a look, despite her eyes being closed, before she took a bite.

The second she looked away from her friend, her cookie was gone.

"Bella!"

Bella put her index finger up, chewing for a moment before she swallowed. "Sorry, I don't want to have poor manners-" her eyes widened when Rosalie rammed a cookie into her mouth before snatching another off the plate and shoving the whole thing into her own.

Both of their cheeks were puffed out as they chewed their food, and the mirth in Bella's eyes, along with her puffy cheeks, made Rosalie start laughing. She covered her mouth too late, and a chocolate chip flew from her lips and onto Bella's forehead.

If it had been anyone else, she would have been mortified.

But it was Bella. She was her best friend.

And she's an ass.

Bella grunted, glaring up at Rosalie who began to laugh even harder. She had to turn her face away, struggling not to choke on her cookie as she swallowed thickly.

"Gross!" Bella swatted the chocolate chip off her forehead, leaving a small chocolate stain.

Rosalie collapsed onto her side, unable to stop the giggles from escaping her. "You...you should have seen how ridiculous you looked!" Bella pounced on top of her, straddling her waist and holding a cookie up.

"I have a few chocolate chips I think you'd like-"

Rosalie stopped laughing and glared up at her. "Don't you dare!"

She smirked, taking a small bite from the cookie. "Oh, I dare, princess."

"It was an accident, you dolt!"

"Well, consider mine an accident too-" thinking quickly, Rosalie's fingers flew to Bella's stomach. Grey eyes bulged and she cackled with laughter.

Some cookie fell from her mouth and landed on Rosalie's comforter, making the blonde screech. "Bella! Ew!" She pushed her off, and the girl still had the nerve to laugh.

"Don't tickle me then, asshole!" Bella got off the bed, darting off into the hallway with Rosalie close on her heels. "That really was an accident!" Bella wasn't running as fast as she could, or else Rosalie wouldn't be even close to catching her.

"You're an asshole!"

Bella turned to her with a wild grin. "Oooh, that's a naughty word-" Rosalie threw herself at Bella, yelling triumphantly when she took them both to the ground.

Her triumph was short-lived, however, when they both crashed on the hardwood. Rosalie banged her knee, but thankfully Bella was there to break the fall.

She didn't know what came over her, but whenever she was with Bella she just couldn't help herself.

She's so frustrating and rude and...fun.

"Ow, what the Hale!" Bella laughed, laying on her back and looking up at Rosalie. "Fuck, Rosie. You really got me. I didn't think you had it in you." She then smiled smugly at her. "Just wait until I get you back. You'll never see it coming." Bella abruptly stiffened, lifting her head slightly and smacking it against the ground. "Ow! My head!"

Rosalie looked at her in disbelief. "Bella? Are you okay? Why did you-"

"What is happening here?" Both girls froze, looking up to see Robert standing over them with his arms crossed. However, his disappointment was mixed with concern as he looked at Bella.

How am I supposed to tell him that I tackled her? That's unacceptable behavior. He'll be upset, he'll-

Bella gave him a grimace. "Mr. Hale, good afternoon. I tripped and your daughter tried to catch me but...seems I have to lay off the cookies." Rosalie scrambled to get off her, helping Bella to her feet as her friend rubbed the back of her head. "Do I have a bump right here?"

Her father rested a hand on Bella's shoulder, squinting as he looked at her head. Bella gave Rosalie a wink before reverting back to her pained expression.

How did you know he was coming?

She hadn't even heard him come up the stairs.

"Luckily there's no bump," Robert said, giving her shoulder a pat. "Are you alright? That sounded painful."

She smiled at him. "I'm fine, thanks." She rubbed her head again. "Maybe I should go lay down."

Robert nodded. "Good idea, go lay in Rosalie's bed. She will join you in a moment, I need to speak with her."

"Okay." Bella cast a wary glance at the blonde before walking down the hall and disappearing into her room.

Rosalie looked up at her father, uneasy with the look of disdain on his face. "Father-"

"Allow me to speak plainly to you, Rosalie." His voice was low. He didn't sound angry but he didn't sound happy either. "I like Bella, I do. I appreciate her but I find some of her traits to be...wanting. Unladylike."

She frowned at him. "So?"

"She's a poor influence on you. How do you expect to marry if you're acting as wild as she is." His jaw tightened. "I'll be truthful with you, I was hesitant to encourage your friendship with her. But I was hoping you'd be able to get her in some dresses. I was hoping you'd get her to be able to act like a proper lady. But it seems that the opposite is happening."

Rosalie glared at her father. "Bella is a lady. And if you were so worried about her, why did you want me to befriend her in the first place?"

Robert pointed at her. "See, right there. Backtalk-"

"She's more proper than you. She never points at me because she knows that's rude." Rosalie quipped, making her father's face redden.

Inwardly she was shocked. She didn't talk back to her parents. She was supposed to be their perfect daughter.

Where is this coming from? Why am I arguing with him?

Part of her wished she had just sat there and remained silent, just as she always did when she got the occasional scolding.

But I told Bella I would take care of her. She threw a vase at Ephraim to protect me. The least I can do is defend her.

Rosalie felt renewed determination as she glared at her father.

"Fine." Robert crossed his arms over his chest, calming himself before he continued. "I told you to befriend Bella so that I could get closer to Charles. There is power in powerful connections." He shook his head. "If his sons weren't...I simply wish for a way to tie our families together. It would strengthen our prestige."

"We're one of the wealthiest and well-respected families-"

Robert made an exasperated noise before shaking his head. "And Charles Swan is one of the most powerful men in Rochester. He's also the most private person in this city. Befriending him opens many possibilities. Powerful people have powerful friends. Imagine what a friendship could do for our family." He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "But I worry about your behavior since becoming friends with Bella. You're forgetting yourself."

Rosalie frowned at him. "What am I forgetting? I'm still Rosalie Hale-"

"Then act like it." He snapped. "Your duty is to your family."

She flinched, shrinking back slightly at his anger. "I...I know."

"Do you?" Robert huffed. "Your duty is to marry an eligible, wealthy man who can take care of you. You're accustomed to a certain lifestyle, one you can only maintain if you're smart." He took a deep breath before continuing. "You are extremely smart. Smart enough to know that when you and Bella grow up, she won't be the one to provide for you."

Rosalie looked away from him. "I know that."

"You don't act like you do. Every gala or benefit we attend, you never mingle. You never dance with the wealthy sons of Rochester. You run off to find Bella, and if she's not there then you sulk until we leave." He clenched his jaw. "Your mother may be lax with you, but I won't be. Not any longer." He paused, releasing a deep breath before he reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Rosalie," his voice softened, "I won't interfere with your friendship, but I want you to start thinking about your future. Don't let that wild child distract you."

She swallowed thickly, sifting through his words in an attempt to conjure a response. "I...I like that she's wild." She looked up at him. "And I'll try harder when we attend things. I promise."

I do need to start thinking about my future. If I want to be like my mother, that means I need to start acting accordingly.

Her father relaxed due to her reassurance. "I'm glad." He kissed her hair. "I just want you to be taken care of." He sighed, giving her a sad smile. "Life is cruel to unmarried women. I don't want it to be cruel to you."

I don't want that either.

"There's a gala tonight...if you wish to attend, I'll leave the choice to you."

He's testing me.

There was a knock at the front door, making Robert become quiet.

She could hear her mother answer. "Oh, Charles! How are you?"

"Good afternoon, Lillian. I'm doing well, how about yourself?"

Her father straightened up, turning on his heel and walking down the stairs. "Charles! What a lovely surprise. What can we do for you?"

Rosalie used this opportunity to go to her room, her mind swirling with thoughts as she entered and shut the door behind her.

I thought my father wanted me to befriend Bella because he was kind...but he wasn't kind. He was using me.

But he's right about my future. I have to start taking this seriously.

She sighed, looking up to see Bella standing there, shaking slightly as she stared out the window. "Your father is a fucking asshole." She hissed, making Rosalie's eyes widen.

The same tremors she had when she was mad at Ephraim.

"Were you listening to us?"

"He wasn't exactly quiet." She growled, refusing to look at her.

But he wasn't loud. Even when he was angry.

"Bella-"

"Is that why you're so worried about getting married?" She asked, refusing to look at her. "Because he bullies you into thinking there's no other option?"

"He's not a bully." She frowned at her, unable to help but get defensive. "What other life is there for women? We get married, we have babies, and we raise them while our husbands provide for us."

Bella turned her head to look at her. "What do you want?"

"That...that doesn't matter. I know what I need."

Her friend looked away from her. "Whatever." She scoffed. "Sorry I've been such a distraction."

"You're not a distraction." Rosalie sighed, reaching out and putting a hand on her shoulder. "Bella...I'm sorry-"

"I'm not..." her voice softened, and the tremors subsided. "I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at him. He's terrible...and I want to hurt him so badly."

Rosalie wasn't sure how to take that. The day had been a long one, so she did what she could.

She hugged Bella from behind, resting her head on her shoulder and sighing in relief when she felt her friend relax. "Don't...don't hurt him. That would hurt me, and my mother." She hesitated before saying, "Even though you're right, he was acting like an asshole."

This earned her a quiet laugh, and Bella leaned back into her arms. "I won't hurt him...thanks for standing up for me." She turned her head to better see Rosalie's face. "You like that I'm wild?"

She hugged her a little tighter. "You wouldn't be you if you weren't wild...so, yes."

"...I like that you're not wild," Bella confessed. "But I also like when you're wild with me."

I can only be wild with you.

"I'm a lady, so I have no clue as to what you're talking about."

"Right, because tackling me and calling me an asshole is so ladylike."

Rosalie couldn't fight back her smile even if she tried. "I was trying to be proper for the properest."

Bella grinned. "Cute attempt, princess, but...shit, here comes my father." The knock on the door made Rosalie pull away, and Bella turned around with a scowl, but it wasn't directed towards her.

Rosalie winced, opening the door for Charles. "Good afternoon, Charles."

He held a thermos, greeting Rosalie with a smile before stepping into the room. "You need to drink your tea." He told his daughter. "Aya and Mary Alice made a house visit. Mary Alice had visions that you weren't drinking-"

That's how he knew.

"I don't like how it makes me feel!" Bella snapped, trembling in anger when her father stepped closer. "Everything's clearer now. And you can't make me drink that bullshit anymore-"

Charles stepped forward, sidestepping Bella's swipe with ease and grabbing the back of her neck with his free hand.

Instantly, Bella relaxed. Her shoulders drooped and her eyes lidded, and Rosalie watched the two in shock as Charles bent down so they were eye level.

"There will come a day when you no longer need to drink this tea. But today is not that day." He held the thermos out to her. "Drink." His voice was eerily calm but filled with a firmness that made Bella comply instantly. "Drink it all." He released her neck, watching as Bella drank the entire thing.

Tentatively Rosalie stepped forward. "Charles...is she alright?"

He sighed, relaxing his posture and placing his hands behind his back. "She's fine. But she needs to consistently drink Aya's tea. It helps with her...temper." He looked at Rosalie. "I don't want to put this burden on you, but-"

"I'll make sure she drinks it." She could hardly believe Bella had tried to strike her own father.

But, as Charles had explained it. Bella and her siblings all had volatile tempers if they didn't drink their tea. It was in their bloodline. Just as Charles had immense rage in his adolescent years, so did his children.

"Thank you. And if she doesn't, just come to me, and I'll take care of it."

Bella finished her tea, grey eyes glazing over for a moment before she shook her head. "Woah." She muttered, putting the thermos down. "That's..."

"Better?" Charles asked.

"Yeah." She ducked her head in shame. "I'm sorry for getting so angry."

"Just keep drinking your tea, Bella," Charles instructed before cracking a smile. "I'm relieved I didn't send Levi. You were a bit angrier than I anticipated." He checked his watch before looking at Rosalie. "We must get going. Would you like to join us for dinner?"

Rosalie almost agreed instantly before she stopped herself. "I would love to but...there's a gala tonight I want to attend with my family."

Charles's eyebrows raised. "Oh, is that the one hosted by the Kings?" She nodded and he looked at Bella. "Would you like for us to go?"

She wanted her friend to be there, but at the same time, she didn't.

Bella had this captivating quality about her, one that made Rosalie want to give her all of her attention. If she went, Rosalie feared she would make a poor conversationalist. Too busy spending time with Bella than acting accordingly.

To Rosalie's surprise, her friend glared at her before she brushed past her. "No. I couldn't be bothered with the wealthy sons of Rochester."

She felt guilty but she didn't know why. And she hated that she had made Bella mad in any way.

But this is my future. And if I don't start thinking about it now, it will be too late.

Charles frowned, shooting Rosalie an apologetic look as he followed his daughter out of the room. "I only asked because Rosalie is going-"

"I know." Bella groused, not even bothering to look in Rosalie's direction as she left the room and stalked down the hall. "But I would hate to be a distraction."

As always, whenever the two got mad at each other, it never lasted long.

But that day changed something in Bella, and Rosalie couldn't figure out what it was.

---

Rosalie was awoken to the sound of tapping outside her window.

Groggily she opened her eyes, rubbing them before she squinted at the window.

What-

She flinched when she saw Bella right outside of her window. "Bella Swan!" She hissed, rolling out of bed to turn on the light.

Of course, her friend was smirking at her. She was crouched on the tree branch that led to Rosalie's window, and grey eyes gleamed with mischief when Rosalie opened the window.

"Are you insane?" That's when she noticed Mary Alice.

"Hale yeah we are!" Mary Alice crowed.

It's too early for this.

Bella rolled her eyes, but her smirk remained intact. "It's May 15th."

"It's two in the morning!"

"Happy birthday, princess." Bella glanced back at Mary Alice. "I wanted to be the first to tell you."

"Happy birthday!" Their friend enthused before she scowled at Bella. "I'm second."

"Like that matters."

"Ooh, you know how to work a nerve."

Rosalie crossed her arms over her chest, trying to suppress her fond smile. "Well, now you've both said it. Thank you for disrupting my sleep to tell me something that could have been said when I was awake."

Mary Alice gave her a wink. "That's why we here!"

"Come on, princess." Bella held her hand out to her.

How many times are you going to drag me into your antics?

Rosalie smiled and quickly turned her back to Bella so she couldn't see it. "And why should I go with you?"

"Because it's not every day you get to turn sixteen." She could hear the smugness in her voice. "Besides, you know you want to come with. You're just playing hard to get."

The blonde scoffed at her, still not looking at her friend. "Then play hard to get me."

Bella slipped into her room, walking around so she could face Rosalie. She wore an annoyed expression as she looked up at her, grey eyes searching blue.

Rosalie blinked, unable to tear her gaze away.

She had finally surpassed Bella in height, only by a couple of inches, but still, it made her happy. Years of Bella's taunts and now, Rosalie Hale had finally beaten her.

She should have been throwing it in her face that very second, but no words came to her.

Bella was fifteen, younger than Rosalie by only about four months. And if she was willing to risk the wrath of a sleep-deprived Rosalie and her family, then that meant Rosalie was going to have to do something just as bold for Bella.

I better start planning now-

Bella dropped to one knee, and Rosalie's eyes bulged as Bella took her hands in hers. "Rosalie Lillian Hale, would you do me the honor of joining me for your birthday?" Both blushed as they looked at each other, and Rosalie nodded wordlessly. Her heart fluttered when Bella pressed a kiss to her knuckles, giving her a beautiful smile as she stood to her feet.

Mary Alice cooed at them from her spot on the tree limb. "Aw, ya'll are cute." They both pulled away from each other, faces burning as they glared at her. "Oops." She looked at them with wide eyes. "Sorry!"

Rosalie bristled and looked away from her. "There's nothing to apologize for. You just startled me."

Bella brushed past her with a cocky smile. "She got lost in my eyes-"

"Shut up!" Rosalie laughed, shoving her so she could get to the window first. "Bet I can beat you both to Bella's."

Mary Alice grinned, slipping from the tree and taking off running. "No way!"

"Cheater," Rosalie grumbled, grabbing the branch and shakily trying to get to the trunk of the tree.

With all the times they visited the swamp, she should have been good at climbing things by now.

But my delicate hands need to stay that way. And I've always had Bella to help me.

"Better hurry, princess, or I'll beat you." Bella laughed, jumping from the second-story window.

"Bella!"

She landed on her feet with ease, looking up at her with a smirk. "Look at you, worrying about me again."

"Ugh. You're insufferable." Rosalie muttered, relieved that her reckless friend hadn't hurt herself. "Now, help me down."

...

"Happy birthday!"

Rosalie's eyes welled with tears as she took in the dining room. A large red cake was in the middle of the room, surrounded by various, poorly wrapped presents.

Charles, Aya, Ephraim, Chilali, Levi, Gene, and Lucy stood there. All with happy smiles on their face as they watched her step into the room. They were wearing pointed, party hats, and Gene and Levi threw red and gold confetti into the air as she walked in.

Rosalie watched it flutter to the ground with a watery smile, overwhelmed by the sheer joy she felt. Bella and Mary Alice stood on either side of her, looking just as happy as their family members.

"Happy birthday, baby." Aya smiled warmly at her. "You growin' into a beautiful woman. Look just like your mama."

The highest compliment she could ever hope to receive.

"We're glad you came to celebrate with us." Charles enthused, looking at her excitedly. "I was worried about the time but, everyone insisted we were the first ones to celebrate with you."

Rosalie fought back her tears, touched by everyone's excitement.

Ephraim jutted his thumb at one of the gifts. "Biggest one is from me. Just remember that when my birthday comes around." He teased.

Chilali chuckled at him before turning to her. "You're getting old, Rose. But don't worry, we can't see any wrinkles...yet."

"Happy birthday, Rosie. You've done a good job keeping up with us." Levi grinned.

It was hard at first. But I've never regretted it.

"Hell yeah, birthday girl!" Gene cheered, quieting instantly at Aya's pointed look. "I mean...Hale yeah, birthday girl."

Glad that isn't getting old.

Lucy laughed and nodded her head. "Way to make it to sixteen, Hale."

In her peripheral, she saw the painting of Mary Alice and Aya. The two of them smiling happily together in the field of sunflowers.

She remembers first seeing that picture when she was thirteen. She remembers wondering if she had ever felt a joy that intense before.

"T-Thank you." Rosalie choked out, blinking away her tears as she took in all the smiling faces.

Bob emerged from beneath the dining room table, looking grumpy with the pointed birthday hat they had stuck on her head. She crouched down, laughing as she removed the hat and gave the bobcat a hug.

"Bob." She rubbed her furry head against Rosalie's neck, and Rosalie looked up at the Swans. "How did you get her here?"

I hope she doesn't try to eat any of their cats.

Bella shrugged. "I told her it was your birthday, and she followed me home."

"You're making that up."

"Am not-"

"I really hate to interrupt but...can we please cut this cake?" Gene patted his stomach. "I'm starving."

Charles chuckled but turned his attention back to Rosalie. "We figured we could eat cake now, you could open your gifts here, and we'll help you take them home tomorrow." He frowned. "Or...later today."

Ephraim perked up. "Oh! And pictures, we need those too!"

The Swans and Brandon's discussed the plans in detail, talking loudly, stopping only to laugh or tease one another.

Rosalie stood to her feet, smiling at the sight, and blushing when Bella slung an arm around her shoulders. "I got you the best gift. But I'll show you after." She promised, and Rosalie's smile grew as she leaned into her side.

"I look forward to it."

Again, blue eyes drifted to the painting of Mary Alice and Aya.

Once I wondered if I had ever felt a happiness that intense.

"Eph, I bet I can eat more cake than you without throwing up." Gene challenged, earning him a disapproving grunt from Charles.

"This is Rosalie's cake."

"Damn–I mean, darn."

Chilali squinted at him. "What kind of challenge is that?"

Levi crossed his arms over his chest. "It's a passage for men." He tilted his head up proudly. "Women just wouldn't understand." Gene laughed and the brothers high-fived.

"Yeah, because we're not fucking stupid." Lucy snorted.

Aya sighed. "Lucy, don't make me get that soap-"

"Sorry, Aya!"

Mary Alice rolled her eyes. "But Lucy's right. Boys 'round here be dumb for no reason."

Ephraim shrugged. "Sometimes it's fun."

"It is." Charles agreed, earning him a cheer from his sons and a groan from his daughters. "But, it's better not to be dumb. So, boys, it might be in your best interest to start acting like girls." Laughter and playful shouts rang out, and Aya gave the grinning man a kiss on the cheek.

Bella gave a sharp whistle, making Rosalie wince and garnering everyone's attention. "Hey, we have a princess to celebrate!"

Chilali laughed. "As if we could forget Rose."

"Enough talk, we gotta sing to my baby," Aya instructed, making Rosalie's smile grow.

Ephraim came to Rosalie's other side, throwing an arm around her just as Bella did.

They sang loudly and offkey. Bella and Ephraim weren't even trying, swaying back and forth as they all but yelled in her ears, making her shout playfully at them through her smile.

Chilali cut her a piece of cake as they continued to sing, presenting it to her as the song came to an end.

Rosalie's smile was so big her cheeks hurt.

She swiped her fork at Bella and Gene's sticky fingers, laughing as she moved her cake away from them.

Bob moved so she was laying at Bella and Rosalie's feet, and Mary Alice found a seat in Chilali's lap.

Gene sat in between Levi and Ephraim, complaining loudly as they both took chunks of his cake. Heckling him as they high-fived over his head.

Lucy sat by Aya and Charles, all three of whom were the only ones that kept on their birthday hats.

"It's festive." Charles defended, earning him a few laughs as they ate their cake.

Rosalie hadn't stopped smiling since she had arrived.

And she thinks that finally understands how Mary Alice and Aya felt.

They had to have felt like this.

She leaned into Bella's side, taking another bite of her cake as she listened to Lucy's exaggerated story of fighting off an alligator.

Rosalie's cheeks ached from how much she was smiling, but she couldn't stop. She didn't want to stop.

They had to have felt like this. Feeling so happy they forgot there was ever a time they felt sad.

At least, that's how Rosalie felt.

...

Bella closed the window behind her. "So, was that a good enough reason to come with me?" She faced Rosalie. "And, not to brag, but I'm stronger than my siblings now. You saw me and Eph arm wrestle, right? I wiped the floor with him-"

The blonde threw herself at her friend, and Bella laughed, catching her and hugging her tightly.

Rosalie could feel her heart hammering in her chest, and she pulled away slightly. Bella's cheeks were red, and she reached into her back pocket, keeping one arm around Rosalie as she did so.

"Happy birthday and..." she pulled out a bracelet. "Welcome to the family, officially." Rosalie stared at the bracelet with wide eyes. It was red, with a gold lion and a gold wolf pendant. The lion was sitting proudly while the wolf sat next to him, head tilted back as it howled.

Their family crest. Is this what Mary Alice saw when she said we'd be sisters?

Bella shifted awkwardly at Rosalie's silence. "Uh...sorry, princess. Maybe you were expecting something else-" she grunted when Rosalie threw her arms around her neck, eyes filled with tears as she held her tightly. "I take it you like it." Bella chuckled, hugging her back.

"I love it." Rosalie blinked away her tears, pulling back slightly so she could see Bella's face. "Thank you."

Bella smiled at her. "It wasn't just me. We all agreed because...well, we love you, or whatever."

Rosalie looked at her, really looked at her.

Her soft grey eyes, her loving smile, the unshed tears that welled in her eyes. She could feel the tenderness in Bella's touches, the care that was given when she hugged her or held her hand.

Bella looked at her like she was all that mattered. She treated her as though she were all that mattered.

It was overwhelming, and Rosalie hugged her again, resting her chin on her shoulder. She could feel Bella's erratic heartbeat in her chest.

Are you nervous? Excited.

It was then that her eyes settled on Bella's wounded ear.

"I, uh...I love you." Bella muttered, and Rosalie could feel her skin heating up.

Without thinking, she leaned up and pressed a kiss to Bella's ear, right where the bullet had torn through.

"I love you too."

Bella pulled back, looking up at her Rosalie with wide eyes.

The blonde looked away from her. "I'm sorry, was that too much-" soft lips slammed against her own, and Rosalie felt as though her body was on fire.

But it was a pleasant burn, a comforting one that made her toes curl and her lips tingle.

Just as quickly as it started, Bella pulled away, stepping out of Rosalie's embrace. "Shit, I'm sorry-" Rosalie took her face in her hands and drew her back in, kissing her gently.

It was awkward and clunky due to their inexperience, but neither girl cared.

Bella grabbed her hips and pulled her closer, deepening the kiss and sighing happily in her mouth.

Rosalie knew what they were doing was wrong. But she couldn't find it in her to care. Not now.

Is this what love feels like?

The sound of the door opening made them both leap apart.

Lillian stood there, her face was expressionless as she looked between Bella and Rosalie. And for a moment Rosalie thought she was going to throw up her cake.

Bella, however, gave her mother a friendly smile. "Good morning, Lillian. I know I shouldn't be here, I just had to give Rose her birthday gift." How Bella was so good at acting, Rosalie didn't know. "Here." Bella handed her the bracelet, grey eyes flickering to her lips before she moved away. "Happy birthday, princess." Not wanting to give away how she came in, Bella slipped past her to leave out the front door. "Have a nice day, Lillian."

She paused, giving Rosalie a wide, breathtaking smile before she stepped out of the room.

She doesn't regret it either.

"You too. Bella." Lillian murmured, never taking her eyes off her daughter.

Rosalie swallowed thickly, wishing she could disappear as she set her bracelet on her nightstand.

When the front door closed was when her mother spoke. "Rosalie..." she closed the door to her room. "I don't need to tell you how unacceptable that was."

She saw.

Rosalie couldn't stop the tears from falling. "I-I didn't mean to." She croaked. "I just...what am I supposed to do? I've let boys try to court me but I always feel nothing. I'm not...I don't like them. I tried but I don't! But Bella...she's..." she trailed off, watching as her mother's face fell.

"Oh," Lillian breathed, taking Rosalie into her arms and holding her close. "I'm so sorry, Rose. I was afraid this would happen." Rosalie held her mother tightly, burying her face into her nightgown. "This is my fault. I'm so sorry."

Rosalie held back her sob. "What do you mean?"

Her mother kissed the top of her head and began stroking her hair. "Your feelings. I understand them."

Everything clicked, and Rosalie pulled away to look at her with wide eyes. "Andrea..."

"You mustn't tell your father," Lillian whispered, as though Robert could hear them through the walls. "Who knows what he'll do to her if he ever figures it out." She had never seen her mother look anything but composed.

To see her so scared. So vulnerable. It made Rosalie a little terrified.

Nothing rattled her mother.

What would my father do to Andrea?

"I won't tell," Rosalie promised. She loved Andrea and her mother, she didn't want either of them to get hurt.

Before she could ask about her father, Lillian said, "I'm so sorry for passing my sickness to you." Her eyes filled with tears and with a shaky breath she managed to collect herself. "Now, you listen to me. These feelings we have...women like us, we have no choice but to bury them."

Bury them?

Rosalie didn't know how she could. All she wanted was to be with Bella, and it was as if their kiss sealed the deal.

My first kiss.

Her lips were still tingling, and the very thought of it made her heart flutter.

Bella looked so happy after-

"Rosalie." She looked at her mother, who was now expressionless. "I would never ask you to end your friendship with Bella. But I need you to think. Do you understand me?" Lillian took her hands in hers. "We are to be with men. Men. To be with a woman...they'll throw you in those hospitals for those with sick minds. That's why you need to be careful and make the right choice. Do you understand me?"

I know. I can't tell anyone. I can't...I can't be with Bella.

She pushed the upsetting thought from her mind. Instead, choosing to focus on her mother's words.

"You don't love my father, do you?" She already knew the answer to that.

Lillian smiled sadly at her. "No." She paused before saying, "Perhaps I should have taught you this sooner, instead of now." She hesitated before saying. "Women like us have one very simple role. We marry a man who can provide for us, hope he's decent, and bear children."

Rosalie looked up at her with teary eyes. "What about what you want?"

"What I want?" Lillian laughed, but there was no amusement in it. "No one ever asked me that. I was always told what I wanted. I was always told what to do."

Quietly, she asked, "Well, what do you want? Or, what did you want?"

Her mother's eyes widened and she looked away from her. "When I was your age...the freedom to make my own mistakes was all I ever wanted."

"And now?"

"Now..." she shook her head. "This is pointless-"

"Mother," Rosalie murmured, staring at her imploringly. "Please."

Lillian was quiet for a moment before she sighed. "What I want now is to take you, Andrea, and her daughters away from here. But that's a fantasy I won't dwell on." She said bitterly, changing the subject before Rosalie could even speak. "I didn't like how I was raised. I wanted things to be different for you. Robert was upset with how often you were with Bella and her siblings, but I knew you needed more freedom than I had." She swallowed thickly. "I resent my mother for her restrictions, and for her coldness. I never wanted for you to resent me."

Her honesty made Rosalie soften, and she kissed her knuckles. "I could never."

"But you will, for a time." Lillian couldn't look at her. "Especially after I tell you to keep your head down, and marry a man. One who can take care of you. One who can give you children." She blinked away more tears. "The more people you love, the weaker you are." Finally, she met Rosalie's gaze. "You will marry a nice, handsome, rich man and you will pretend to be happy. You will try to love him...but if you're as sick as I am, no amount of pretending will make your love real."

Rosalie wanted to cry, but she didn't.

I already knew this. I just got careless. My duty is to my family. It doesn't matter what I really want, because I can never have it.

It felt as though there was a weight on her chest. It suffocated her, made her feel nauseous and so unbelievably sad.

Part of her wanted to scream. She wanted to throw a fit and yell about how unfair it all was.

What good will that do?

Rosalie had learned a long time ago that it was useless fighting the inevitable.

She could run off with the Swan siblings and play in the swamp, but at the end of the day, her fate was already laid out for her.

She was a Hale, the pride of her family. To pick up her life, to run away with Bella...that was always an impossibility.

How can I fight tradition? Men and women belong together, they always have and they always will.

Rosalie had never felt so hopeless.

"Love no one but your children," Lillian murmured. "They will be your sanity."

Unbidden thoughts of Bella encroached on her mind.

Bella and I sitting on a swinging porch, two babies, one in my lap and one in hers. A boy and a girl. And maybe a few baby bobcats running around. Charles and Aya visit often, so do her siblings and Mary Alice. They come over for Christmas and we all-

"I understand."

Lillian's brow furrowed, and she pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I'm so sorry." She sounded close to crying, but Rosalie could only stare blankly ahead.

Her mother had nothing to apologize for. She was only trying to protect her, and Rosalie understood that.

Lillian could have gone to Robert, they could have thrown her in one of the psych wards, but instead, her mother kept her secret. She shared her own dark secret, and they were brought closer because of it.

And yet...

I do resent you right now.

Rosalie didn't move as her mother embraced her, whispering apologies and stroking her hair.

I resent you for telling me the truth.

Rosalie wanted so desperately to go back in time so she could feel that intense happiness again.

She wanted to feel the warm embraces of the Swans and the Brandon's. She wanted to hear their loud, awful, but endearing singing as they all smiled at her with eyes full of love. She wanted to feel the ache of her cheeks from smiling too much, and the tingling on her lips from when Bella kissed her.

But now she felt nothing.

Not the ache in her cheeks or the tingling on her lips.

Now, all she could feel was the burn of unshed tears.

---

After their first kiss, there were more.

Rosalie had tried to be firm, but Bella broke her down every time.

"We can't be anything more." She had told her, and Bella had only laughed at her before she kissed her again.

And Rosalie kissed her back, each and every time.

Because Bella knew Rosalie was lying to herself.

Bella had turned eighteen last month, and they had all come together and thrown her a large surprise party.

Vera had helped them set up, and Mary Alice had managed to coax Bob into the house.

Chilali and Ephraim had helped Aya cook mountains of food.

Charles and Lucy had wrapped the gifts, quite terribly, but Rosalie had been too polite to say anything.

And when Rosalie and Bella had walked into the house hand in hand, Gene and Levi had thrown the confetti with gusto.

Bella had been so surprised and happy that she nearly burst into tears. And Rosalie had wanted to kiss her so badly, barely finding the restraint to wait until the party was over before the two snuck into Bella's room.

"All I want from you is eighteen kisses." And Rosalie had complied without hesitation.

Five years of friendship. Five years of sharing secrets and running around the swamps. Five years of learning each other, and five years of wiping each other's tears.

Bella knew her better than anyone.

That being said, she should have known better than to wake her up at three in the morning.

"Bella are you insane?!" Rosalie snapped, keeping her voice low to avoid waking up her parents.

Her friend was on top of her dresser, moonlight spilled through Rosalie's window, revealing Bella's swiveling head as she looked for something to jump on.

"Princess, are you surprised?" Came Bella's response.

She groaned and flopped back onto her pillow. "Not at all...but it's early. Please come back to bed." She didn't know when it had started, but most nights Rosalie would leave her window open for Bella.

Bella would slink in, give her a few kisses, maybe more, and sometimes they would talk until the early hours of the morning.

Or, Bella would come in, give her a kiss, and the two would hold each other until they fell asleep.

It had gotten to the point where Rosalie couldn't believe she had ever slept alone. She couldn't believe she had ever been able to close her eyes without holding Bella.

Rosalie didn't know if she could ever sleep alone again.

No.

She didn't know if she could ever sleep without Bella again.

She gasped when Bella abruptly pounced on top of her. Her friend cackled, straddling her waist and leaning down so their noses touched.

Rosalie could feel her own heart hammering in her chest. Bella always made her breathless.

"I'm back." A curtain of brown hair shielded them. "You know...sometimes I think about disappearing. But then," she put her hand over Rosalie's heart, and she didn't have to be able to see her face to know that Bella was giving her a warm smile. "I'm reminded of why I stay."

Her hands lifted to cup Bella's cheeks. "I'm glad you stay. I'd miss you." Her fingers drifted up her jaw, gently running over Bella's wounded ear. This was the woman that she loved, the woman she could see forever with if she allowed herself to daydream.

She was so much more attentive than Royce was.

Since they were kids, Bella has been taking care of her.

And Rosalie took care of her too.

Like when Royce's car was mysteriously egged last week, and he had correctly accused Bella. He knew she didn't like him, and the feeling was mutual.

Rosalie had been her alibi, telling him that she and Bella had had a girl's day so it couldn't have been her.

Technically, it was Bella and Lucy and Gene and Mary Alice, so technically Rosalie hadn't been lying.

"It wasn't Bella."

It was Bella, Lucy, Gene, and Mary Alice.

All four of whom were scolded by Ephraim and Chilali. But no one was scolded as harshly as Mary Alice was by Aya.

She was taken aside by Aya, who gripped both of her arms and shook her. "Have you lost your damn mind, girl! Messin' with a white man's car? They kill us for less, and you know that! You know that!"

Everyone had been silent then, all wearing knowing looks, and some even tearing up. Because something had happened, Rosalie didn't know what, but she assumed it was something to do with Aya's husband. Her deceased husband.

"Where'd you go?" Bella's voice drew her back, and Rosalie felt herself relax.

"I'm here." She murmured, using her free hand to drop down to the neckless she had given Bella for her eighteenth birthday.

A gold rose.

She had been nervous to give it to her at first. Bella wasn't big on jewelry, but she had loved it. She never took it off.

"Good, I was worried I was going to have to sing to you-"

"You better not-"

But this is Bella. If you told her one thing, she would do the opposite.

"Your eyes are blueeee, your kisses toooo," she laughed and moved her head away from Rosalie's hand, which had failed to cover her mouth. "I never knew what they could dooo." Bella caught her hand, interlacing their fingers and leaning so she was closer to her.

Rosalie couldn't help but laugh, cheeks red and heart racing. "I detest you!" She whispered, eyes closing involuntarily when Bella kissed her forehead.

"I can't believe," kisses peppered her cheekbones, "you're in love," a kiss was placed on her nose, "with me."

Rosalie's eyes opened, and she lifted herself to press her lips against Bella's.

It was there in her room, in the cover of darkness, that Rosalie loved Bella openly and without shame.

"I love you." She whispered, gasping and clutching Bella's shoulders when she put a thigh between her legs.

She could hardly make out Bella's face, but she knew she was giving her a sharp smile as her hand loosely gripped her neck. "Careful, Rosie. I might get attached." She ran her thumb up and down the column of her throat. Rosalie held back a whimper, much too prideful for that. At least, for now.

Heat engulfed her, burning from her cheeks through her chest and to in between her legs. "Implying you're not already?"

Bella laughed, low and husky as her lips fell to her throat. "You're mine, aren't you." It wasn't a question, because they both knew the answer.

"I am." Rosalie breathed, eyes closing when a hot tongue ran along her skin. "And you're mine."

Bella pulled away, nipping at her ear before pressing a sweet kiss to her lips. "Always." She murmured, softening when she said, "I love you too."

It was there in her room, in the cover of darkness, that Rosalie loved Bella openly and without shame.

It was there, with Bella's hand between her legs and her teeth digging into her shoulder, that Rosalie was able to forget about her duty as a Hale.

And it was there, with Bella fast asleep in her arms, that Rosalie allowed herself to dream of a world where they could be together.

But when the sun made its appearance, so did Rosalie's clarity.

She was being courted by Royce King. She and Bella were of marrying age. Rosalie would marry Royce, and Bella, despite her dislike for marriage, would undoubtedly find someone else to love.

"The more people you love, the weaker you are."

Rosalie bit her lip, fighting back her tears as she held Bella tighter. Her friend mumbled something, and she nestled into her chest before becoming still.

You and your family have made me so weak.

Rosalie closed her eyes, kissing Bella's forehead before forcing herself to go to sleep.

But no matter how hard I try, I can never stop loving you all.

...

She shouldn't have been surprised when it all fell apart.

Two months had passed.

Royce King proposed.

Rosalie was engaged.

And now, Bella stood in Rosalie's room, hands curled into fists and eyes filled with tears.

"This is bullshit, Rose, and you know it!"

She gritted her teeth. "You're my best friend. You should be happy for me."

Bella's fists shook. "Fuck you! We're more than that, and you know it."

"I'm so sorry for passing my sickness to you."

Rosalie swallowed thickly. "I told you from the beginning-"

"Whatever. That's not why I'm here." Bella snapped, taking a deep breath before unfurling her fists. "We're leaving tonight. Are you coming?"

She had asked her a week ago, but Rosalie had never been able to give her an answer. She knew what she was supposed to say, and each time she thought about it her heart broke a little more.

"She's a poor influence on you. How do you expect to marry if you're acting as wild as she is."

Rosalie glared at her, covering her grief with anger. "You know I can't come with you."

"Why?" Bella demanded. "Your family wouldn't find us. My father agrees that you should come with us, he's taking Aya-"

"Did he manage to magically find a way to get Mary Alice out of that psych ward?" Rosalie challenged, making Bella clench her jaw.

When Mary Alice had been picked up by her father in the middle of the summer, it had been hard.

There was a more somber atmosphere whenever they visited Aya, and the woman wasn't her same, happy self. But she tried, and so did Charles.

Mary Alice's absence was glaring. It was heartbreaking.

None of the Swan siblings took it as badly as Bella did. She had stayed in her room for days, only ever letting Rosalie or Aya come in.

Rosalie knew it was a low blow, but Bella had to face the reality of their situation.

Her eyes watered and she looked away from her as she blinked her tears away. "He's working on it-"

"But you see my point. This isn't some fairytale, Bella. I can't just run away to Washington with you and your family-"

Bella made a frustrated noise. "You're so stupid! Ephraim and my father got the Quileute's land back! We could start a new life. We could-"

Rosalie fought back her tears. "We could, what, Bella? Or have you forgotten that I'm engaged?"

"The wedding ring isn't even on your fucking finger, Rose." Her friend laughed, but it was hateful and mocking. "And that's never stopped us before."

"But I worry about your behavior since becoming friends with Bella. You're forgetting yourself."

Rosalie felt tears prick her eyes. "It should have!"

"But it didn't! You don't love him!"

"You are extremely smart. Smart enough to know that when you and Bella grow up, she won't be the one to provide for you."

"That doesn't matter!" Rosalie yelled. "How could you and I possibly be together? We'll be thrown in some hospital, like Mary Alice." She turned away from her. "Two women being together? It doesn't make sense."

She was quiet for a moment, anger melting into defeat as she looked up at Rosalie. "I love you...so I guess I don't make sense either." Hearing the words made her heart flutter.

You deserve better than me. Someone who isn't scared to love you.

Slowly, she reached out and took Rosalie's hands in hers. Bella's sleeve rode up, revealing one of the three tattoos Aya had given her, Mary Alice, Charles, and the other Swan children.

They had special properties, Aya had said. And Rosalie had spent enough time with Aya and Mary Alice to know that she spoke true.

"Please, Rose." Bella breathed. "Royce is an asshole. He isn't worth a second of your time." She kissed her knuckles. "Come with me."

I want to. I want to so badly.

Royce wasn't bad, he was a gentleman. He was the most eligible bachelor in Rochester. She hadn't known him long, but her father had insisted that he was the best man she could marry.

So here she was, with a beautiful ring she detested wearing, and a man she knew she could never love.

He's not Bella. And he never will be.

Rosalie's eyes watered, but she refused to let the tears fall. "Why can't you stay?"

"I can't watch you marry him and continue to love you in secret. It's awful."

She clenched her jaw, knowing what she had to do, knowing what she had to say. "I am Rosalie Lillian Hale. My duty is to my family first and foremost. Royce is the son of a prominent banker, his father-"

Bella scoffed and turned her face away. "Family...you have our family crest, or does that mean nothing to you?"

It means the world to me.

"These feelings we have...women like us, we have no choice but to bury them."

"I can't just leave, Bella."

Bella released her hands and stepped away. It took all of Rosalie's strength not to burst into tears. She wanted to reach out and kiss her. She wanted to apologize and go with her to Washington.

"Can't, or won't?"

"I want you to start thinking about your future. Don't let that wild child distract you."

"Won't." She lied through her teeth, and they both knew it.

Bella clenched her jaw, a ripple running through her body before she took a deep breath.

Her anger faded away, turning into sadness. "You keep talking about your duty to your family, and what you have to do...but what about what you want?" Her voice cracked and Rosalie's eyes widened. "What do you want, Rose?"

Bella had asked her that when they were fourteen.

She hadn't had an answer back then.

But she did now.

"The freedom to make my own mistakes was all I ever wanted."

Rosalie sneered at her. "When are you going to understand that what I want doesn't matter?"

"It matters to me!"

She almost broke down.

This was agony.

"I just want you to be taken care of. Life is cruel to unmarried women. I don't want it to be cruel to you."

"We're not children anymore, Bella. We both knew this was going to happen."

Her parents were right. She couldn't love a woman, it wasn't right, it wasn't a plausible option.

She was Rosalie Hale. She was a lady and she would not forsake the Hale name. She knew what she had to do, and she was a fool to keep this charade going with Bella for as long as she did.

"Women like us have one very simple role. We marry a man who can provide for us, hope he's decent, and bear children."

"Rose." Grey eyes filled with tears. "Look me in the eye and tell me you don't love me."

I don't think I can.

"Say that, and I'll drop this. I'll go."

It was at that moment that Rosalie finally understood what Andrea had meant.

"You and Miss Bella."

Rosalie clenched her jaw and looked Bella in the eye.

"You two running around without a care in the world."

She couldn't fight back her tears any longer. "I can't be with someone there's no hope in having a future with. You can't give me children. You can't be my provider. You are a woman and so am I. Why can't you get it through your thick skull that a life with you is impossible!"

Bella stared at her with wide eyes, as though she couldn't recognize her.

She looked at her as though she were a stranger.

And then Bella laughed, loud and broken as tears ran down her cheeks. "Shit, Rose! Thank you! Thank you so much for proving me right!" She gave her an empty smile. "You reminded me of something my mother taught me when I was a child." Rosalie felt more tears fall, knowing exactly where this was going. "I am an idiot, and everyone always leaves."

"These times aren't gonna last forever..."

"Bella, no that's not-"

"Have a great life...I hope this makes you happy." She murmured softly, and without another word, she left through the window.

"You're gonna miss them when they're gone."

When night fell, and Rosalie left her window open, Bella didn't come.

"And somedays, you'll find yourself wishing you could turn back the clock."

Rosalie lay in her empty bed, sobbing into her hands with a pain that was indescribable.

Never in her life had she felt so empty.

Bella's gone. They're all gone.

She clutched her bracelet to her chest, trembling fingers running over the lion and wolf pendants.

Never in her life had she felt so alone.

"You don't know the good days have passed until they're nothing but memories you hold onto."

That night she dreamt of when she had first gone to the swamp. She dreamt of fireflies and bobcats and Aya and Mary Alice. She dreamt of flapjacks and Levi and Gene and Lucy.

She dreamt of Bella.

And when Rosalie woke up, reaching beside her for Bella, there was no one there.

It was three in the morning. Bella wasn't on her dresser, she wasn't hanging on her closet door, and she wasn't in her arms.

Bella was gone, and Rosalie cried until there were no tears left.

"It's only looking back that you realize...that, that is what happiness felt like."

It's only looking back that Rosalie realized that her happiness was with Bella and her family, and now they were both gone.

---

"Bella...it's fucking three in the morning." Ephraim groaned, rolling over in his bed to face her. "I was up all day with our father building houses on our reservation-"

But Bella wasn't listening.

"She wouldn't come with us, fine!" She ranted, stalking around her brother's room. "But now, she won't fucking write me back? Do you know how many fucking letters I sent?"

Ephraim sighed, sitting up and scratching his head. "She could be ashamed. Or scared."

Bella felt an inhuman growl erupt from her throat, but she hardly registered it.

Aya stopped making her tea. None of them drank it since they arrived in Forks.

It had been two months, and each day she was angrier than the next.

And now, she was so angry her bones ached. Her skin felt too hot, her body felt as though it didn't fit in her skin, and she wanted to tear it off.

"What does she have to be scared of! I was the one that told her how I felt, like an idiot!"

Everything hurt, even her teeth hurt.

Ephraim got out of bed, putting his hands on her shoulders in order to garner her attention. "Don't call yourself that. I mean it-"

It hurts!

"Why?" Bella snarled, shoving him away. "That's what I am! How could I think that Rosalie fucking Hale could be in love with me?"

Ephraim grunted, stumbling back and falling onto his bed. "Jesus. Bella, relax-"

It's too hot. Everything is too hot.

Her skin rippled and she felt herself begin to shake.

"Why can't you get it through your thick skull that a life with you is impossible!"

"I was a distraction to her! I was stupid enough to think that she loved me and–why the fuck is it so hot!"

The door to Ephraim's room burst open, and Levi, Chilali, and their father stood there.

Ephraim was on his feet in an instant. "She's close to changing." He put a hand on Bella's back and she hissed at him.

"Don't touch me! I told you, it's too hot!" She moved away from him. "And my skin hurts, don't fucking come near me!"

And her heart, that hurt too.

She missed Rosalie, and she missed Mary Alice.

Their family wasn't complete without them.

But Mary Alice was taken away. Her hateful father put her in a psych ward.

Her skin felt too tight, she needed it off. She would peel it from her bones if she had to. It was getting too hard to breathe.

Mary Alice was taken away. And Rosalie didn't want me. Neither did my mother-

Abruptly Levi and Ephraim grabbed her, picking her up and taking her to the front door.

"Ow!" She screeched, thrashing in their grip. "Let go! Let go of me!" They made it out of the house, but the cool air did little to soothe her.

Her fingernails exploded into long, white claws. She, screamed again, managing to twist her body and she wriggled out of her brothers' grip.

What the fuck?

A loud crack came from her spine, and she crouched on the ground, snarling at the abrupt pain in her tailbone.

Bob came out of nowhere, hissing and snarling at Ephraim and Levi. The fur on her back stood on end, and she bared her teeth and swatted at Chilali when she tried to move closer to Bella.

Her sister jumped back to avoid the bobcat's claws. "Goddammit, Bob! We're trying to help!" Chilali yelled, but Bob wasn't having it.

She snarled at her again, standing protectively between them and Bella.

"Enough." Her father's voice rang with authority, and Bob instantly calmed. "Thank you for protecting her, but for now I need to you leave. You can come back when she's finished changing."

Bob hesitated, turning to look at Bella before darting off.

"Bella, I need you to try and calm down." Charles tried to soothe her, but the second she opened her mouth, sharp teeth erupted from her mouth and she roared.

Pain pounded in her skull.

Everything is too loud. It smells. It's too much. All of it.

It was overwhelming, all-encompassing, and mixed with the pain of her bones cracking and her skin tearing, she wasn't able to handle it.

Someone stepped forward. "Don't!" Chilali warned. "Don't crowd her she'll-"

Bella blacked out.

...

When she came to she was on the ground, lying on her stomach, and the pain had stopped.

Chilali was yelling something, and Levi was on his knees screaming in pain. He held his face in his hands, and Bella could smell the distinct scent of blood.

Never had her senses been sharper, it would have been more overwhelming if her brother wasn't screaming.

He's hurt. I have to-

She moved her hand, eyes widening when she saw a large, furry hand with sharp claws move in its place. The fur was gold, and there were dark gold stripes that ran across her arm.

What the hell-

Claws gently gripped the back of her neck, making Bella go still.

Two massive wolves appeared, and Chilali didn't bat an eye at either of them as she helped Levi into the house. "Aya! We need you!"

Levi's hurt. Blood. So much blood.

The sight of the wolves made her fur stand on end. The larger one was silver, looking almost blue in the light of the moon. And the smaller wolf was a dark grey. Both of them had familiar brown eyes, and they looked at Bella with a calmness that she envied.

What are these things? What am I?

The wolves' scents were strong, overbearing, and she was about to swat whoever was holding her aside when Ephraim appeared.

"Bella, can our father let you up?"

Our father?

Something was connected to her, it lashed back and forth as a growl escaped her.

A tail? I'm dreaming. I have to be.

Her older brother sighed and gestured at the silver wolf. "That's Gene." He then pointed at the grey wolf. "That's Lucy. They're wolf shifters. They won't hurt you, none of us will."

You think I fear you?

Her instincts took over, and she snarled at him.

Ephraim slowly moved forward, sitting down next to Bella and reaching his hand out. "Hey, it's alright. It's just me." The claws on the back of her neck vanished, and Bella remained still as her brother began to gently scratch between her ears.

A quiet purr escaped her, and she relaxed as he began speaking to her. "In our tribe, certain families have the blood of wolves. It turns us into shifters, like Gene and Lucy." He nodded to Lucy, who shifted back into a naked human before Bella's very eyes.

What?

She quickly shifted back into her wolf form, looking a bit embarrassed as she ducked her large head and flattened her ears.

"You and our father are different. You're werecats." Ephraim continued, looking at her in awe. "I have to admit, I didn't expect a tiger but...it suits you."

Tiger?

That's when a tall, human-shaped beast stepped into view.

Its arms and legs were corded with sinewy muscles, making the beast look lean and fast and dangerous.

Its back was arched slightly, shoulders sloped, yet head held high. It had the face of a lion, with a thick gold mane and dark brown eyes.

Its chest had a white patch of fur, but the rest of its body was gold. Long arms rested at the beast's sides, and long black claws extended from its fingernails. A gold tail with a bushy, brown tip was swaying back and forth.

It stood on two feet.

Paws?

Bella could see clearly in the darkness, but even then she couldn't believe what she was seeing.

Slowly, she stood to her feet...her paws?

Bella looked down at her body, her build was similar to the lion's, but she was slightly taller.

Her fur was gold, just as the lion's, but she had dark gold stripes and a patch of red fur on her chest.

It was then that she noticed the red liquid that stained her white claws, and her eyes widened.

Is this...

The lion beast stepped forward, and she stepped back, fur standing on end and tail lashing as she looked at him.

Ephraim got into between them. "Bella, it's okay, he's our father."

Father?

A distressed noise escaped her when the beast shrunk down into the form of a human.

Father.

Unlike Lucy had been, he was fully clothed.

He's a lion...and I'm a tiger? None of this makes sense. This can't be possible.

"Bella," he murmured, approaching her carefully. "Do you remember the legends we told you about-"

"Ow!" Levi's voice made her ears twitch.

He was inside the house on the second floor. Bella listened to the hurried steps that walked towards the back of the house.

Aya's study.

A disapproving huff came from Aya. "Boy, I know I raised you with some sense. The hell you thinkin' getting close to Bella like that?"

Bella blinked, and her eyes dropped down to her red-stained claws.

Blood.

Another distressed noise escaped her, and she shrunk away when her father and Ephraim tried to comfort her

"You didn't mean to. He knew better than to get close to you. You weren't in control-"

I hurt him.

"Stop acting like a goddamn animal, Isabella!"

I hurt my brother.

"What were you thinking? You could have killed him, you idiot!"

I hurt Levi.

Ephraim and her father's words fell on deaf ears.

She was right. I'm an animal. I shouldn't be around anyone. I should just disappear.

"Bella?" Her brother looked around in confusion. "Where did she..."

Ephraim looked around for her as though she had left. But she hadn't even moved.

I'm right here. Stuck as this tiger thing. Why can't you see me?

The large wolves were also looking around. Gene whined in confusion while Lucy sniffed the air. It was then that the grey wolf looked at her, sniffing again as her eyes roved over where Bella stood.

Her father was staring around her too. Brow furrowed as he took a step closer.

"She's here. I can still smell her." He slowly reached out, blindly searching until his hand found her furry stomach. "Bella, it's okay." Gently he began petting her. "Levi is okay. Just...come back to us. We can explain everything inside."

Tentatively, Levi and Lucy moved towards her, unable to see but using their noses to guide them.

A cold, wet nose pressed against Bella's cheek and she suppressed a hiss of surprise. Lucy nuzzled into her neck, and Gene blindly licked her face.

Laughter bubbled in her chest, and she jumped back in surprise. Feeling her body begin to shrink down.

There was no pain. And when she was human it was clear that they could all see her.

"Gross, Gene!" She complained, laughing as she used her shirt to wipe his saliva off her face.

Lucy bounded forward, stopping just short of running Bella over as she gave her a lick on the cheek.

Bella wiped it off with a scowl, but how was she supposed to stay mad at those faces? Gene came up from behind her, bumping her with his massive head and making her laugh again.

She couldn't believe this was real. Her siblings were giant wolves and she was...

It was then that she noticed her bloodstained fingernails, and all mirth left her.

Levi.

"Come on, Bella." Her father took her hand in his, preventing her from running away as she so desperately wanted to. "We have a lot to talk about."

AN: 40k somebody KILL me.

There's always that one person "Um, they're actually called Native Americans" dawg I know. But everybody and their momma was calling them Indians in the 1920's/30's.

Omg Catradora themes? I'm a slut for them I won't apologize.

Aya is literally me writing my own aunty XD shoutout aunt C, I love youuuu.

You'll have to rip black Mary Alice from my cold DEAD HANDS!

Shout out to Sai Sai for the title :D

My brain is FRIED I have spent fifty years playing with this idea. Hope ya'll like it.

Take care of yourselves and stay safe! I love you!