By the time we got home, it was past dinner time. I was hungry and tired, but I knew there was still stuff to do tonight.
I fixed a lasagna because I had them pre-made in the freezer. They were my lazy day meal of choice.
I preheated the oven and tossed it in. I set the timer. "Peter," I called. When peter appeared in front of me I said, "I'm going to need a smaller bag to lug around with me. What about one of those cross-body purses that are so popular right now. I could keep both sets of my ID on me at all times and the checkbook and emergency number and keep the rest of the emergency kit in the truck. That way I'll have the bare essentials anywhere I go. I'll even have them beside me when I sleep Peter, please?"
"I think that will be good enough. But till you got it I want that bag with you at all times."
"We're going to get me a purse after dinner. I'll even make up some excuse to wear it in the house."
"Deal little darlin'," Peter said.
I chopped up a salad and got ready for Charlie to come home. I was starving so I ate my salad while the lasagna cooked.
Char asked endless questions about cooking and I offered to teach her the next afternoon after school. Apparently, she studies cookbooks in her off time and has always wanted to really cook. I thought since I was going to do that, I'd go ahead and cook several meals with Char and get ahead of things. Worst case, Charlie has home-cooked ready-made meals if I'm not here with him. Best case, I don't have to cook for a while.
"Do you want to go grocery shopping with me tomorrow after school Char?" I asked hesitantly, not knowing if this was part of her cooking fantasy.
"If you wouldn't mind my company I'd love to Bella," Char said. "Do we make a grocery list first?"
"Yeah, we'll get the cookbook down and make one tonight before bed," I said. "Let me eat first though, I'm still starving."
After dinner, we brought the cookbook down and I pointed out the recipes I wanted to make to Char. She quickly jotted down all the ingredients in every recipe in perfect handwriting. I had her keep it in her pocket and she tucked the pen away there as well.
"I'm so glad we can do things together Bella," Char said.
"You know, so am I. I was looking for a girlfriend in Alice and it hurt so badly when I realized that she knew what Edward was doing but I think I got the best end of the deal because I get to be friends with you instead. You and Peter are real, ya know. You aren't fake. I know I can trust both of you. You've been to hell and back with Jasper and you're still there for him."
"One day we'll be more than best friends Bella. One day we'll be sisters." Char said.
"I believe that." I agreed.
We hugged and I got a little teary. I got Charlie's plate made and left a note that I'd gone shopping in Port Angeles with a friend. I admit I gave Charlie a big piece of Lasagna and an even bigger salad to make up for not being home.
"Peter, Jasper, are you coming with us to get a purse that will do as an emergency bag?"
Jasper came down the stairs and said, "Why don't you take this time with Char? Just be careful."
"What's wrong Jasper?" I asked.
"Damon can't find your mother yet. They're probably just out to dinner or something. It's no big deal yet."
"We'll be back shortly," I said, not nearly as excited about the short jaunt out as I had been. "I'll keep my phone handy so you can reach me easily."
"Don't worry little darlin' we got this," Peter encouraged.
Okay, Char, ready to go? We might just go grocery shopping tonight instead, let me get the grocery money too."
With grocery money in hand, I headed to the truck with Char. We started at Newton's Sporting Goods, just in case they might have what I needed, but they didn't. All they had were backpacks and not even cute ones. In Port Angeles, we went to one department store but they didn't have what I was thinking of. We went to a third store but they didn't have it either. I went ahead and took Char to Walmart and plain as day they had exactly what I needed.
While we were there we got a buggy and went ahead and got our groceries at Walmart. It was a few dollars cheaper there, but the drive time to get to the Walmart as our regular shop just wasn't worth it. After I got everything off my list I decided to get two separate wallets. A red one and a black one. That way I could carry my different ID's in different wallets. No pulling out the wrong one. I also picked up some of my favorite junk food, just cause I could now with Edward out of my life. Until he was gone I just didn't realize how much he controlled me.
Char was smiling big as we walked out of the Walmart. We got back in the truck and I took my wallets out. I put my real ID in the red one, the one that would draw my eye first. My fake Id, information, resume, and all I put in the black wallet. I got one that could hold my checkbook and everything. I put it in the bottom of the purse, then put the red wallet, with what was left of the grocery money in the purse. Then I put my phone on top of it all. I put the keys in the ignition and the bag across my body and set out toward home. This was much easier to manage, just the small bag.
Char was trying to keep my mind off my missing mother by chattering all the way home about cooking and it did help some, but not completely.
Peter and Jasper had the groceries inside in a minute, maybe less. I carried all I could and followed after them. Char put the groceries away for me while I went upstairs with Jasper and Peter. "Have you found her yet?" I asked hesitantly.
Jasper and Peter both shook their heads no and I had a bright idea. I'd check my email. I hadn't done it in a while and my mom liked to get messages from me. My old computer groaned as it came online. It was about to wheeze its last wheeze I just hoped it hung in there a little while longer for me.
When the website finally came up I immediately spotted a message from her.
"Jasper, I have a message from her. It was from yesterday but that goes to show she was where she was supposed to be then. It's possible her meditation class just got in the way. Can he find Phil?"
Bella,
How are you doing dear? I hope everything is going well. How is Edward these days?
Phil and I are going to a party tonight. It should be so much fun. You really should move back down here with us baby girl. You'd have so much more fun, we could go shopping and you could get a tan. We could even go down to the beach to swim. Think it over. It's gotta be better than boring old Forks.
I started meditation classes that are on Sunday afternoons. I think you'd like them. They really get the energy flowing.
Phil and I are expecting. Isn't it wonderful? You're going to have a baby brother or sister. I just know you would have fun spending time with them.
Missing you,
Renee
As soon as I read it I immediately hit the reply button.
Dear Mom,
Did you have fun at your party? Or at your meditation class today? I've read that meditation helps with a lot of things, so maybe it will be good for you.
How far along are you? I didn't even know you were trying for a baby. Why don't you call me when you get this? I haven't heard your voice for a little while.
Missing you back,
Bella
"Maybe if I can get her to call me I'll find out what's going on with her?" I asked.
"That's the best idea I've heard so far," Jasper admitted.
"It could work."
"Speaking of parents, where is Charlie? He should have been home from fishing by now."
I got my phone out of my bag and dialed Charlie's number. He picked up on the second ring.
"Hey dad," I said, "I figured you'd be home by now. I made lasagna."
"I'm staying with Billy tonight. He just brought it up. I was about to call you."
"Oh, well I wish I would have known, I would have just ordered pizza."
"Sorry bout that Bells, I love you."
"Love you too daddy, Bye."
"Jasper, call Sam and find out what is wrong with Charlie. He never calls me Bells and he never tells me he loves me. If he isn't at Billy's tell him we're on our way over to the treaty line and he can meet us there."
"Wow, little darlin', can take charge too." Peter quips.
Jasper hit him on the back of the head while I seethe in silence. I hear Jasper's voice but it's all buzzing in my ears. I can't focus. I can't seem to get my information straight. Something is wrong with both of my parents and I'm stuck here doing nothing.
I feel calm slowly penetrate through my panic and I grasp at it gratefully. "Sam wants to talk to you, Bella."
"Sam, what's wrong?" I say. I don't see any purpose for a hello.
"The elders are all telling Charlie. They wouldn't listen to me."
"Then he's going to have to live and work on the reservation 'cause I can't protect him. It's vampire life or death for my daddy if he comes off of that reservation."
Sam growled.
"Don't you growl at me Sam Uley I can't protect him, do you think I'm making this shit up? I can't find my mother either. If he comes off of that reservation and the Volturi find out he knows, which they will if Aro touches any of us it's death or vampire for him. Those are the two choices. You can't even protect him from the Volturi but if he never leaves the reservation maybe I can convince them that there is no risk. I'm grasping at straws here Sam. What the fuck were they thinking?!"
All the fight seemed to go out of Sam. "They don't believe he'll be forced to turn."
"Then they believe wrong."
I hung up.
"Jasper, will you keep me calm? It's time to find out where my mom is."
"Sure, Darlin' you find Renee and we'll send Daemon over to meet her and follow her home."
When I called Renee the phone just rang.
"Did I say anything wrong when I was on the phone with Sam?" I sighed.
"No little darlin', you didn't," Peter said.
"I thought you showed restraint." Jasper assessed.
"You did fine, Bella. I would have told him off more."
"Well, I'd better get ready for bed. I got school tomorrow and it's gonna be a long day. I'll take my phone in with me. If you feel me getting panicked Jasper can you calm me down?"
"Sure can. Go let some of that tension go under the shower." Jasper reassured me. Before I could leave the room Jasper wrapped his arms around me and kissed my forehead. "I'll make sure you're alright Baby Girl. I might not be able to do anything about Charlie or Renee right now but I'll damn sure take good care of you."
"Thank you Jasper," I said and Jasper kissed my nose.
I giggled and my phone rang. I took a deep breath and picked it up.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Bella."
I took a deep breath. It was Renee.
"Hi Mom, so how did your new meditation class go today?"
"Oh, Bella I just don't think it's me. Sitting and not thinking for an hour. How am I supposed to plan the rest of my day if I'm meditating."
"So you don't like it after all?"
"No, I don't think I do"
"And you're expecting again." Bella sounded like she was trying not to scold an eight-year-old, "Do you know if it's a boy or a girl yet?"
"I don't know but I could sure use your help down here. And I just know you'd love having a brother or sister. How am I ever going to travel with a baby?"
"I'm graduating high school in a few months Mom I'm not coming down there to raise a kid for you."
"How will I ever manage without you?"
"That's why you married Phil mom. You get to figure this stuff out together. I'm not coming back though except maybe for a vacation this year."
"And you have Edward," Renee said.
"Edward and I broke up mom. He was too controlling."
"He's such a nice boy and his family had so much money. You could do worse you know."
"He's controlling mom. He took my engine apart so I wouldn't go meet up with Jake."
"I never did like Jake much either or his dad. His dad was an ass and they only have that little hovel out in La Push."
"Jake was only a baby when you knew him, Mom."
"So, he was a contrary child. Always had to have his own way."
"So are you home now Mom?"
"Yes, we're in for the night."
"Good, well I have school in the morning so I need to go get ready for that," Bella said with fake enthusiasm.
"Well alright Bella, I really thought you'd want to come down here. I'm disappointed in you. Ungrateful little madam."
"Bye mom, email me later."
Bella said and listened to Renee say goodbye and hung up.
Bella took a few deep breaths and said, "So she's at home, can we send Damon on duty now?"
"She really is childlike isn't she," Char said disbelievingly.
"Now I either have to kill or change my father and it should be all good."