Dear Lord! It's been ages. I apologise profusely. I'm not sure what to tell you, other than life has been super busy and rather chaotic. To be honest I haven't had the time and still technically don't. I just started the University and should currently be studying for a test but I've been feeling guilty for leaving you guys to hang for such a long time so I had to sit down and write a bit. This chapter is not long but it sets the scene nicely for the next. This was written quite hurriedly so I hope there aren't too many mistakes, of so...sorry.
Thank you for your lovely comments. You are wonderful and I treasure you all!
Without further ado...
21. Judge of character
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Rosalie's POV
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"I'm convinced Bella was dropped on the head as a baby," Kate declared solemnly and Emmett nodded, his expression mournful.
"What?" Rosalie snapped, anger flaring up at her mate's behalf. "Stop being assholes, there's nothing wrong with Bella,"
"Nothing wrong with Bella?" Kate muttered under her breath. "Did you not just see Bella hug the witch twins?!" the blonde whisper shouted, glancing at the closed doors with a betrayed look. "Did you not hear her joke with Caius Volturi?" Rosalie hesitated.
"Maybe she has a…certain way of attracting dangerous individuals and her taste in friends are…" Rosalie couldn't help but to smirk as she pointedly eyed Kate and Emmett. "…questionable,"
"Hey!"
"How dare you!" Kate seemed honestly offended. "I am a fucking delight. Bella should be given an award for bagging me as a friend,"
"I agree," Emmett crossed his arms. "Not with that Kate is a delight but how I am one," that earned him a dirty look from Kate.
"My point is that there is nothing wrong with Bella! She's just a magnet for trouble," Rosalie cut off Kate's incoming remark. "Plus she's a good judge of character – "
"Good judge of character? She befriended a Nazi couple!" Emmett threw his hands up.
"Okay that's not true," Rosalie glared. "They just took an interest in her. She wanted nothing to do with them. She killed one of them and the other is hunting her down. They were never friends!"
"Fine. But what about Caius? And the Witch Twins?" Kate whisper shouted again. Rosalie rolled her eyes at the dramatic reaction.
"We don't know the whole story," she told them firmly. Did she have reservation about Bella's friendships with the most dangerous vampires of Volturi? Absolutely. But she trusted Bella and didn't want to start yet another argument without having all the information. Not when they just decided to continue their relationship. For now she would wait and see. Remain suspicious? Definitely, but she wouldn't butt in her mate's affairs.
"She's afraid of Bella's ire," Edward spoke up, ignoring Rosalie's glare. "Things are fragile between them so she's not going to make Bella see reason,"
"Stay the fuck out of my head Eddie," the blonde growled. "Plus, that's not what I was thinking. I trust my mate,"
"Not you too!" the bronze haired boy gasped. "My name is Edward! Not Eddie!"
"Calm down Eddie," Kate said dismissively, smirking as he sputtered.
"Arguing will not solve anything," Carlisle cut in calmly. "Bella is a grown woman and can make decisions of her own," he frowned. "I do however share the opinion that befriending Caius was a mistake and I intend to talk to Bella about it,"
"You're just pouting because he called you boring," Tanya wore a shit eating grin.
"Why does Caius dislike you so much?" Irina wondered and to Rosalie's surprise, Carlisle shifted awkwardly and she was sure that if he was still human, he'd be blushing.
"We are discussing Bella," Carlisle cleared his throat, which made Tanya snort.
"Nice deflection there Cullen,"
"While I definitely want to know why Carlisle is doing the vampire equivalent of blushing right now and I absolutely insist on hearing that story later, he's right. We're getting off topic. We need to stage an intervention," Kate exclaimed before Carlisle could retort.
"An intervention," Rosalie repeated flatly.
"Yes! A friend intervention. A friendervention if you will,"
"That's not a word," Edward pointed out with a frown.
"It is now," Emmett backed her up.
"Alice, you can order the cake. Make sure to make the icing says, 'make better choices' or 'not all vampires are cuddly,' something like that. Esme, you can start us off and while you can't literally bring out the waterworks, try your best," Kate instructed. "Jasper, you need to keep her calm the entire time. Rosalie will of course go last but I'll-"
"We're not staging an intervention!" Rosalie put her foot down.
"Friendervention,"
"Or that!" this was getting ridiculous. "Like Carlisle said, Bella is a grown woman who can make her own choices. While I am not exactly ecstatic about her friendships, I will respect them. You are her friends too, so I advise you to do the same if you want to keep your friendships. Because I can assure you that Bella will not be happy about your meddling," Rosalie finished firmly, glaring at Emmett and Kate, who both looked away after a moment. Rosalie almost smirked, at least she hadn't lost her infamous glare.
"I have a bad feeling about this," Kate sulked.
"Have it but keep it to yourself," Rosalie hissed before turning towards the door. A second later it swung open, revealing a grinning Bella. Rosalie's glare shifted into adoration. The pure happiness emitting from her mate soothed her soul and she couldn't hide the smitten smile that tugged at her lips. Bella mirrored it instantly and leaned forward to kiss her softly.
"Whipped," Kate mumbled from behind her, followed by a cracking noise from Emmett. Rosalie rolled her eyes and gave them the finger.
"Rosalie!" Esme scolded but the effect was ruined when Bella laughed happily.
"I knew you two would be sulking," the time traveler pointed at Emmett and Kate, who both wore ridiculous pouts. "Come on, let's update Jane and Alec on what Victoria has been up to,"
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"How are your injuries? Do you need painkillers?" Rosalie asked as they stepped inside of her room, finally alone for the first time that evening. "Carlisle recommended you take at least one tablet before you go to bed," she picked up the pill bottle on the desk and turned around. "Bella?"
"Thank you," Bella was staring at her intently, still standing by the door.
"For what?" Rosalie wondered with a small frown. She didn't remember doing anything that earned her mate's gratitude. Bella smiled softly and walked over to her, reaching out to grab both of her hands to hold in her own.
"Everyone is freaking out because of my friendship with Jane and Alec," she paused. "And Caius, although I'm not exactly sure if we are friends or if I simply amuse him. He's a strange fellow," Bella scrunched up her face in thought and Rosalie's heart melted at the adorable expression. "Anyway, I know none of you understand it. I know you don't understand it," Rosalie didn't even try to deny that. "However, it means the world to me that you are trusting me and showing me support,"
"Well they are your friends," Rosalie shrugged. "I might be your girlfriend and mate but that doesn't mean I dictate your relationships,"
She was incredibly relieved that she made the decision to not butt in, like Kate and Emmett suggested. It was obviously the right move, judging by Bella's grateful smile. Rosalie's eyes fluttered shut when soft lips touched her own. She leaned into the touch, melting at the sensation. There was no urgency in this kiss, it was quiet and gentle, an exploration of emotions and reassurance. A soothing affirmation of their feelings for each other. Rosalie cherished the intimacy of the moment, beyond grateful to the universe that they were reunited. After a moment Bella pulled away and Rosalie felt a warm hand cup her cheek. Her eyes opened and her breath stuttered at the loving look in her mate's eyes. Rosalie was used to people looking at her, all from lascivious grins to loathing scowls and almost everything in between. Despite hundred years of receiving all sorts of looks, no one had ever looked at her like Bella did in that moment. As if Rosalie was her entire world and that she couldn't believe she was real. Rosalie shyly returned the grin, feeling wholly unequipped to deal with Bella's eyes. Somehow Bella's grin grew at her reaction and with an amused chuckle she leaned forward to deliver another short kiss.
"Borderline adorable," Bella murmured, laughing when Rosalie rolled her eyes.
"Whatever," the vampire grumbled, which only added to Bella's amusement.
"Don't worry babe, it's our secret,"
"Not at this rate," Rosalie protested, since it was now a well-known fact that Rosalie was nothing but soft around Bella. Truthfully Rosalie did not really care anymore, she'd rather have Bella than her former reputation. Not that she would ever voice that thought out loud, not to her family at least. She had an inkling they knew anyway.
"Well fuck everyone else then," Bella declared passionately. "I happen to adore you and how you react to me," a wry grin tugged at her lips. "I also think it's fairly obvious that you affect me like no other," Rosalie smirked, that did make her feel better. They stood in comfortable silence for a long time, both enjoying the moment. It wasn't until Bella winced slightly, the pain of her wounds undoubtably kicking in, that Rosalie led her to the bed. They sat down at the edge of the bed, Rosalie wordlessly handing her a glass of water and a pain killer.
"Circling back to the twins," the brunette broke the silence after swallowing. "I know they have reputation," Bella continued thoughtfully. "I also know that they have done things that are…morally questionable at the very least," Rosalie couldn't hold in the snort. "The memory I have of them is wildly different. I met them as children and they were…" she trailed off.
"Tell me about them," the vampire requested softly, inwardly smiling as her mate took ahold of her hand and absently began playing with her fingers.
"Alec was just adorable human being," a small smile graced Bella's lips. "He was full of energy yet absurdly patient as well. He also had the cutest crush on me and didn't think I knew about it," oddly enough, Rosalie felt no jealously hearing that. It was obvious at how Bella interacted with the twins that she saw them as her surrogate younger siblings, or something close to it. "Jane was more serious, and it took forever to break down her walls," Bella's smile softened. "She's very protective over her brother and takes her job as sister very seriously. Apparently she's four minutes older," this was said with an eye roll, as if that piece of information had been repeated numerously to her. "She is a kind girl, or at least was. Not very forgiving but if you knew how they were treated back then, you would understand her attitude much better," Rosalie gave a pause at that. She hadn't really thought about how the twins had grown up. She voiced that out loud, which earned a bitter smile from the time traveler. "I'm beginning to think few vampires do,"
"You find that unfair," Rosalie stated more than asked.
"I do," Bella sighed tiredly. "It bothers me that they are known as monsters and the assumption is that they were born like that,"
"Are we about to discuss nature vs. nurture?" Rosalie asked with a faint smirk.
"Possibly," Bella shrugged sheepishly before turning serious once more. "Just think about it. They were considerably younger than other vampires when they were changed. They never experienced love from anyone and had to completely rely on themselves. When I met them in the past, they were living alone. I never got the complete story but what I could find out didn't paint a pretty picture. I'm almost certain they were abused by their parents. Sadly I never discovered what happened to them, only that they were orphans. They were treated with suspicion and hostility from other villagers. You wouldn't believe how many fights I almost started because of that treatment. When I arrived, they were wary of me, Jane especially. Alec always had a certain sense of innocence to him, despite everything, while Jane was the realist of the two and was obviously deeply scarred by her experiences. I think I was the first person they ever let in but at the time they really needed me, I abandoned them," Bella sighed heavily, her eyes sad and troubled. Rosalie started rubbing small circles on her back to soothe her, inwardly cheering when Bella's muscles relaxed under her fingertips.
"I know it wasn't my fault but look at it from their point of view. When Caius then turned them, they only knew mankind at its very worst. They associated humans with pain, both emotional and physical. To their eyes, a vampire was their saviour and the humans were the monsters," Bella looked up and caught Rosalie's eyes. "If Caius hadn't been there, they would have died. The villagers were trying to burn them at the stake," the blonde sucked in a sharp breath, surprised at the information. They were only children! A spike of anger flared up at the thought.
"I imagine their human lives was a big factor in how they have lived their vampire lives. How do children behave when they feel wronged? It of course varies but often, they lash out," Rosalie thought about the sadistic behaviour the twins were known for. How they deliberately caused pain everywhere they went. The excuse for not knowing better after more than a millennium did not cut it, but it explained a lot. For the first time in her life, Rosalie felt pity towards the fearsome Volturi guards. "I don't know how the dynamic works between vampires at the Volterra castle but I have met Caius, Felix and Demetri. I assume it's more of a workplace than a home. I doubt the twins had ever been treated anything other than subjects from the royal family," Bella continued thoughtfully. Rosalie had to agree with those assumptions, especially after having visited Volterra before.
"I see that they still only rely on each other, as they have always done. That isn't exactly a bad thing but it means that their mindset hasn't changed since they were human. While Caius enjoys my company, he clearly has no love for humans. I imagine the other members of the royal family are the same,"
"You're saying it isn't their fault that they hurt others?" Rosalie guessed, not completely sold on the idea. What Bella was describing was heartbreaking, and it explained quite a lot but not holding them accountable for their actions didn't sit well with the blonde.
"They are of course responsible for their own actions, just like the rest of us," Bella answered calmly, her words unknowingly relaxing Rosalie. "I'm saying that they behave in a way they only understand. They were children when they were turned into vampires. Of course, they were mature for their age then, but they were still only children. They didn't get the chance to develop a proper moral compass nor help to navigate it. Not to mention that their frontal lobe hadn't been fully developed. They only knew hardship and every adult in their life treated them like shit. They've only known pain, so that's what they offer to the world in return," Bella looked up at Rosalie, who was staring at her mate in astonishment. The blonde wondered if anyone other than Bella had ever connected the dots about the twins. "Just give them a chance, that's all I'm asking for," the time traveler asked with a pleading expression.
"Okay," Rosalie nodded faintly, humbled by the blinding smile she received for one simple request.
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Rosalie followed Bella downstairs, her lips twitching as she watched Kate scowl when Bella bypassed her to greet the twins. While Rosalie didn't plan on becoming best friends with the Volturi guards, she could privately admit that Bella's speculation on their inner workings had left a mark. They weren't the first, nor the last vampires with a tragic backstory but they were physically the youngest vampires Rosalie had ever met. That alone was more heartbreaking in itself. Rosalie observed Bella's teasing smile as she asked Alec if he had punched any clowns during his and Jane's hunting trip in Seattle. Alec seemed incredibly exasperated with her mate while Jane just stared at Bella with her usual solemn expression. It took a moment for Rosalie to realise that while Jane's face gave nothing away, red eyes were full of mirth. Witnessing the interaction between the three, Rosalie came to a decision. Her sessions with Jasper almost solely focused on old trauma, specifically the night she was turned, but she had made the conscious resolution to better herself as a person as well. She didn't want to be so cynical and bitter anymore, not when Bella taught her every day that beauty and wonder also existed in the world. Just Bella's mere presence was a proof of that. The blonde wanted to be the best version of herself and keep evolving as a person, just like her mate. That meant giving other people second chances as well. So, for now she would practice that particular lesson on the twins. Whether she liked it or not, Alec and Jane were important to Bella and they would most likely stay in their lives from now on so she should learn to tolerate them. And while she doubted it, they might yet surprise her. They at least deserved the chance.
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Bella's POV
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Bella hummed quietly under her breath as she flipped through the TV stations, not finding anything worth watching. Someone plopped down beside her, releasing a dramatic sigh. Bella's lips twitched as she turned to face Kate, who was wearing a pout.
"What crawled up your butt?" the time traveler wondered.
"You've been neglecting our agreement," the blonde complained, pout deepening.
"Which one?"
"The friendship agreement!" Kate shot her a pointed look, as if that should have been obvious.
"Aw, do you not feel loved?" Bella feigned surprise and looped one arm around the vampire's shoulder, tugging her closer. Kate grumbled at the action but let herself to be dragged in a half embrace.
"You haven't spent any time with me," the ancient vampire whined. "I'm half considering stripping you of your best friend title,"
"Oh no, anything but that," Bella deadpanned.
"And you're being mean!" Kate meant to pull away, but Bella only held on tighter.
"I'm sorry," the time traveler laughed. "I will revolt if you try to strip me of my title,"
"Really?" Kate perked up, looking oddly hopeful at the prospect.
"Pitchforks and an angry mob," Bella nodded seriously. "Everyone will carry signs as a protest. The whole shebang. I'll even throw in a siege and everything,"
"Aw, that's the nicest thing anyone has ever offered to do for me," Kate smiled so genuinely that Bella almost believed her.
"What about the time when the prince of Russia promised you a small country in your name?" Irina walked into the room, staring at her sister with an amused smile.
"This is much better than that," Kate insisted.
"What about the guy who literally gave you a diamond mine?" Irina continued.
"A diamond mine doesn't come close,"
"What about the woman who named three of her children after you?"
"Katrina is a wonderful name, if anything I was giving her a gift,"
"One of them was male!"
"Which makes him unique. It's a great conversation starter at the very least,"
"You have a hospital named after you in Ukraine!"
"I didn't want a building filled with sick humans. Truthfully that's a terribly gift,"
"Okay what even is your life?" Bella asked Kate, both fascinated and intimidated by her life experiences.
"Rather bland to be honest," Kate shrugged. "I've been bored for over 500 years now,"
"Glad to know how you really feel about my company," Irina quipped dryly.
"Don't make this about you," Kate rolled her eyes. "I'm just saying I need some excitement in my life,"
"Why don't you just join a club?" Bella suggested. "Or start your own," she added when Kate scowled.
"What kind of club? A book club?" the blonde rolled her eyes.
"Whatever you want," Bella shrugged. "What's the one thing you've always wanted to do but for some reason never did?" she wondered if she unknowingly opened a can of worms and judging by Kate's mischievous smile, Bella regretted the question already.
"Well, I've always wanted to be a part of a secret organisation to overthrow authority," Kate admitted nonchalantly.
"Thought about it much have you?" Irina asked drily.
"Me too!" Emmett barged into the room. "I want in!" Bella averted her gaze from his puppy eyes. She was not falling for that again.
"I hope you're not talking about Volturi when you say authority," Jane walked into the room with Alec in tow, her tone serious.
"Of course not," Bella answered dismissively, ignoring how Kate, Emmett and Irina tensed at the new arrivals. "Maybe the US government,"
"While I agree on sheer principle, I still think that's a slippery slope. They have CIA after all and we must avoid detection," Kate piped in.
"Okay something smaller then," Bella shrugged.
"I detest school," Emmett declared. "The principle is a douchebag and should not be allowed to be around teenagers," Bella thought about the man in question and couldn't deny Emmett's words. The man really detested teenagers and she had always wondered why he chose to work at a high school.
"Aha! We've found our dictator," Kate snapped her fingers. "And of course his repressed subjects!" she pointed at Emmett and Bella, the former nodding his head with a beaming smile while the latter only blinked.
"You don't even attend school," Bella pointed out in a flat tone.
"Details Bella, details," Kate waved her hand in a dismissive gesture.
"What's going on?" Rosalie appeared, eyeing Bella and Kate's proximity for a moment before giving Kate a pointed glare. A second later Kate was sitting on the couch next to Emmett as Rosalie slipped in Kate's old spot, happily pulling Bella into her arms.
"We are planning on forming an underground organisation to overthrow dictatorship and establish rule and order throughout the kingdom," Bella answered promptly with a bright ironic smile, making Emmett, Irina and Kate laugh. Even the twin spared smiles, although Jane's was much smaller than Alec's. Rosalie only gave her mate a blank stare. "In this case, Fork's high," Bella elaborated.
"Why exactly?" Rosalie's expression didn't change.
"Because Kate has been bored for over 500 years," Bella answered in a sad voice.
"Your friendship has such chaotic energy," Rosalie sighed heavily, as if felt deeply burdened by the fact. Bella chuckled and pressed a soft kiss to her girlfriend's cheek.
"So first things first," Kate's smile slipped off and was replaced by a serious expression. "We need a name, uniforms, secret location and code names,"
"That's a tad too dramatic," Irina offered with an eye-roll.
"You cannot have a secret organisation without it! The word 'secret' itself implies drama," Emmett countered before Kate could.
"Exactly! Live a little sister, it's fun. How many times have you actually had the opportunity to be a part of a secret organisation?" Irina opened her mouth to answer but Kate quickly cut her off. "Never! Or else you'd have the common curtsey to invite me along," she turned to Emmett. "Well, any ideas?"
"I think I made a mistake," Bella whispered to Rosalie as Emmett began throwing out suggestions. "I have this dreadful feeling about this,"
"Oh?" Bella had no idea how Rosalie managed to sound so sarcastic with just one syllable, it truly was a gift.
"Yes," the time traveler eyed Kate warily. "Like I just opened pandora's box,"
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It was strange for Bella to return to her house and not for the first time, she felt out of place. Truthfully, she had long since started to associate the word home to Rosalie, although she would never admit that sappy thought out loud. Kate and Emmett teased her enough already.
The Cullen residence was nice enough, but she could not really picture herself living there. There was no privacy in that house and Bella was a private person. So was Rosalie for that matter. Maybe one day they could buy a house for themselves. The thought gave her butterflies.
Her phone suddenly started to ring, startling Bella from her thoughts. She fished it out of the pocket and frowned at the words on the screen: unknown caller. By principle she never answered unknown calls, a paranoia from her old life but something compelled her to answer this time. An instinct she did not know how to explain.
"Hello?" her tone was more hesitant than she originally intended.
"Bella Swan?" the woman's voice sounded oddly familiar, yet Bella could not place it.
"Yes?"
"Oh, I'm glad I have the right number," the woman let out a relieved chuckle.
"Who is this?"
"Of course, my apologies. This is Sue Clearwater," the woman introduced herself. "Your father and my husband were friends," she clarified after a brief hesitation. A memory of an older man with a gentle smile flashed in Bella's mind.
"Oh yes. Harry Clearwater," Bella smiled, even though Sue could not see her. Harry was one of her late father's friends who Bella got along with. Unlike Billy, he never judged. "How is he?"
"I'm sad to inform you that he…" Sue's voice broke. "…He just passed away," Bella's heart went out to the woman.
"I'm sorry for your loss," the time traveler said quietly. "I always liked Harry,"
"Thank you dear, he was always fond of you too," Sue exclaimed in a shaky tone. The words warmed Bella's heart. There was an awkward silence for a moment. "I apologise for calling out of the blue but I actually have a reason for reaching out,"
"No problem, what's up?"
"I was going through Harry's old stuff in the garage and I came across a few things from Charlie," Bella swallowed thickly at the mention of her father. "I know Harry would have wanted you to have them,"
"I… yes," the time traveler cleared her throat. "I would love that actually,"
"I figured," Sue said kindly. "Unfortunately I am busy making funeral plans these days and am unable to come into town,"
"I can come to you?" Bella winced at how eager she sounded. "I mean if that's better for you?"
"That would be great actually," Sue sounded relieved. "We still live at La Push, I'll give you directions," Bella hastily grabbed a piece of paper and pen from the coffee table and scribbled down the information.
"Is today okay?" the brunette wondered.
"That's fine, I might be over at Billy's," Bella's expression darkened at the mention of the man but refrained from commenting. "But my daughter Leah will be here to welcome you,"
"Okay, great," she paused. "Good luck with everything," Bella winced again. Why was she so bad at this comforting thing? Luckily Sue took no offence and thanked her kindly before hanging up.
She sighed heavily and looked down at the piece of paper in her hand. Rosalie had gone hunting with Jasper and while the Cullen's had asked her to stay at their house, Bella wanted some space. No one was comfortable leaving her alone while Victoria was hunting her down, so they reached a compromise. Irina was currently staying in the woods nearby. Bella initially felt bad about not inviting the vampire in, but Irina assured her that she understood her need for privacy. Bella trusted someone who lived with Kate to know the importance of it, so she relented.
Bella eyed the clock on the wall, wondering if she should wait for Rosalie or go down to La Push now.
"Fuck it," she muttered under her breath and grabbed her jacket and car keys. Irina was within hearing distance so she probably knew where she was going, might even follow her. What was the harm? She was only going to La Push, it's not as if the reservation was a dangerous place. The Cullen's would already have mentioned it if there was something unusual going on there. What was the worst thing she could encounter there? Billy Black and guilt tripping speeches?
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To be continued...
So... a bit of insight into the twins, Kate being her usual chaotic self and Bella is about to visit La Push. I wonder if things can go wrong from here? You may fucking bet I have a lot of things in store for you all.
Any thoughts?
As always, I humbly ask for comments and follow/fav for my selfish reasons and need for validation.