A/N: Happy Halloween!
This story starts just after Jacob stops talking to Bella after turning into a wolf, but instead of Bella still being a junior. She, along with the rest of classmates, are seniors getting ready to graduate. The first 4 chapters are the beginning of Bella and Angela's story, of how they find themselves in New Orleans. Where the Originals make they're entrance.
"Motherfucker!" Was all I could say, after finding all my birthday presents minus the radio I had destroyed in my truck. Along with the presents, was the photo album I had filled with all the pictures of the Cullens. What was the point of leaving it all behind? What game was he trying to play?
Well, whatever it is, I refuse to play it. I wasn't going to keep letting him control me, and thanks to Angela and dad I knew that's exactly what he and his family did. Well, him and Alice really. The others just followed every word either of them said, because of their powers. The only ones I didn't have a real grudge against were Jasper and Rosalie, because neither truly knew me. Rosalie didn't ever care about me, and Jasper wasn't allowed anywhere near me.
Everyone else could fuck off, and if they ever returned they would not be welcome. I never talked about any of it with anyone, not that I hadn't thought about telling Angela at least everything except the vampire part. It would be nice if there was someone I could talk to about the supernatural, but I didn't so I just had to deal with it as well as I can. I figured out that Sam Uley and the group he hangs out with, are shape shifters that turn into wolves.
Last week I went to the movies with Angela and Ben, along with a few other classmates.. Jacob had been ignoring me for weeks now, having his dad Billy fielding my calls. Telling me Jacob had mono, and couldn't be around anyone. So, it was a bit of a surprise when I saw him with Embry and a couple other guys who hung out with Sam Uley. Angela had offered to do something else, but I refused to let it get to me. When I got home, I remember the story Jacob had told me of his ancestors.
I found the book on legends I had got over a year ago, and immediately knew that they were a pack. It explained the growth spurt, but it didn't explain the silence and avoidance. I wasn't going to beg for someone to be in my life, as much as Edward tried to make me think I was worth nothing. I was worth a lot, and I was going to be stronger for myself. I was just a month away from graduating, and hoped to be accepted into a college away from here.
Keeping a single photo of the Cullen's, in case I ever needed it as proof of them breaking their own laws. If the Volturi, we're to ever find out about me. I placed it in the small locked box that my grandma Swan had given me for my 10th birthday. Before closing the box, I pulled out the present she had sent for my 18th birthday.
It had been waiting for me, when I had woken the day after Sam Uley and his merry band of jerks found me in the woods. I was too weak at the time to open it so, dad placed it into the box for me until I was ready to open it. I had honestly forgotten about it, until I just saw it sitting there. I'm surprised Gran hadn't reminded me about it, as we had just talked the other day. Then again, Gran wasn't someone who pushed anyone to do anything. She believed that everything happened when it was supposed to; I pulled the card out, and began to read:
Happy Birthday My Dearest Isabella
I know this birthday hasn't turned out how you hoped it would. That the heartbreak you are going through, feels like it will never heal. Just know my sweet girl, that the one who is truly meant for you is out there. Just waiting for you to turn his whole world upside down. I know this is all so confusing to you, just know soon all will be clear.
Until then, I hope this gift brings you joy. Inside this package, you will find the one Gataki family heirloom that is passed down to each woman on her 18th birthday. It is said to be as old as the Greek gods, and now it is your birthright. We have a long family history in New Orleans, as well as in Greece. History, I hope to one day show you in person.
Family means everything sweet girl, they will be with you always and forever even after they've gone from this world. True family will never leave you. They watch over you, and guide you when it is most needed. Until, we speak again my sweet girl.
Love always,
Gran
I didn't even realize that by the end I was silently crying. I never understood how Gran knew what I was dealing with in my life at any given time. Gran has always been there, when I needed an adult to make things better without asking any questions. I never told dad how hard it was to live with mom growing up, knowing that it would hurt him. My love of reading came from Gran, sending me books she thought I would enjoy.
Just knowing that gift she was giving me something that represents family, and how much history came with it. How cool would it be, if it really went as far back as Greek gods? And after knowing about vampires, who is to say it isn't true. My whole world has opened, and I can only imagine all I could find if I just looked. Picking up the wrapped present, I quickly opened it to find a stone jewelry box.
It was covered in carvings and gems, on the lid there are three women standing under the three phases of the moon. It reminds me of the story Gran told me, of the triple moon goddess. The Maiden, Mother & Elder stand beneath the Triple Moon with a Spring Tree at the Maiden's side and an Autumn Tree on the Crone's side. The Maiden holds a bird in her palm, The Mother holds her expectant child and The Elder holds her wise owl in one hand and her skull staff in the other.
Lifting the lid, I see something wrapped in linen. The linen looked old, I was afraid it would fall apart if I touched it. Lightly lifting it out of the box, it's still very strong despite it's weathered look. Unfolding the linen, I find a silver intricate necklace. It was the triple moon symbol, with a large white gemstone in the middle and a small one hanging at the bottom. The design around it, kind of reminded me of tree branches with three leaves in each direction representing North, south, East and west.
It was uniquely beautiful, and I loved it. I would have to ask dad to help me put it on when he got home, maybe see if he knew more about the Gataki family history. I placed the necklace back in the jewelry box, and placed it down on my desk so I don't forget about it. I grabbed everything that Edward left behind, and ran downstairs to look for a lighter. I'm pretty sure I looked like a mad woman, digging through every drawer in the kitchen. I didn't care though, I just needed to find it. I knew we had one, we use it when dad grills. The one form of cooking he can actually succeed in, but the one time I need it to start my own bonfire I can't find the stupid thing.
After a ten minute search, I finally found it. Of course, it would be in the junk drawer that we never use. I pick everything back up, and march to the door on a mission. It was surprisingly not raining for once this week, the perfect weather to burn this all to ash. Yanking the door open, I stop in shock at the person standing on the porch. "Angela?"
