For the next three weeks, time was steady. Nothing really stood out to her. She called her mother every other day. It was nostalgics to hear her. Bella's eyes glazed over as she sat at study hall with Angela, absentmindedly chewing on the end of her pen as she did her homework, thinking about the night she called her mother after she was dropped off.

Riley cut off the engine and looked over the seat, his eyes full of emotions. Her eyes dropped back to her lap, her hands wiping the tears that continued to fall down her flushed cheeks. The emotional toll was wearing down on her but she wouldn't feel better if she didn't let the pain out. She sniffled and jumped slightly when a hand rested on her shoulder. RIley at some point exited the vehicle without her noticing and opened her door. Peeking at him as he crouched down, he ran a hand through her hair, giving her a small grin. "Baby girl, you know it's going to be all right. Just ring her tonight. It won't be any harm done. Both you and I know she will be so happy to hear from you." His other hand reached of from its' perch on his lap to wipe a stray tear off of her cheek. "Just have faith baby." She could see the sincerity in his eyes. Giving him a watery smile, she rubbed her cheek against his hand and nodded in agreement. Taking a couple moments to compose herself, she closed the car door and walked up the path with Riley and Huey in tow. As embarrassing as it could be, she also ended up fumbling with the keys to the door. It was very rare to see her father not glued to the television so it did not come to a surprise to see him there. She shook her head lightly with a small smile. Her dad and his baseball games. Though the foreboding feeling that she felt crawling up her spine was something she could not shake off. Taking the initiative, she nervously trotted into the living room.

"Hey dad," She murmured.

His head turned to greet her when his eyes immediately rested on her brace. The feeling only intensified when his eyes crawled up to meet hers.

"Fall again Bells?" Thinking of a quick answer, she bit her lip. As much as she hated telling on someone, especially someone she knew, she did not want to lie to her father again. She was done lying.

"Jacob started picking fights with Mike and like an idiot, I got in between it and tried to talk to him because lately he's been acting irrational. And Mike didn't even do anything. All what happened was that he got sick during the movie. He threatened him and tried getting into his space so I stood in his way. He got more upset and pushed me down then Riley ended up punching him in the face. We went to the hospital. I had to get a brace and Mike has to stay overnight. Though we left Jacob at the theater and -" She paused in her ramblings as her dad got up to grab his rifle and keys and started making his way towards the front door. "Dad what are you doing? Where are you going?" Panicking a little and jumped in front of the door as he tried to walk past her.

"I'm gonna go shoot a boy who thinks putting his hands on woman let alone my daughter is okay." Her dad huffed. Walking closer, she gently plucked his keys from his hand before taking it in her own.

"Dad please, Riley already taught him a lesson. I just want him to keep his distance now." Her eyes shone, pleading him to not take things into higher proportions. His eyes roved over hers. Sighing, he nodded and went to put everything back then plopped back into his seat.

"I'll let it go for now Bella, but there will be no second chances." He sighed again, picking up his temporarily forgotten beer. "How was the movies though?"

Glad for the subject change, she sat down and began explaining her night. Her father laughed like Jacob did when she said Mike started to look green when the gory scenes came. "Marshmallow." Shaking her head, she smiled shakily as she twisted her hands around. "And I wanna call mom tonight."

Her father's eyes hovered on her for a good moment before he nodded. "That's good Bells. She really misses you."

Bella's eyes misted over as she looked down to her lap. "I miss her too."

She was in her bed holding the phone shakily. Listening to ringing tone, her heart fluttered nervously as a click was heard.

"Baby?

She thought she would be scorned. Or that her mother would hang up on her. They all but ended up being on the phone for about two hours, catching up. Bella wrinkled her nose and pushed the wads of tissue from her bed. Silly as it was, she ended up crying for good long moments before she could calm down. Right now, she was cuddling Riley's hoodie as she filtered through her phone. Texts messages from him and Angie came. Riley asking how she was and Angela asking about her arm and if, "the scum" as she called him, apologized at all. The next message that came, was from Riley and she sat up in surprise.

Do you want to come over tomorrow, baby girl? - Rye

This would be the next step for her. The Freeman home. How long have they been friends? A month? Maybe more? Maybe less. The time she spent with those two, time didn't matter. Their friendship was something that no one could've begin to describe. All she knew was that, it was a new chapter in life.

Sure. What time? She replied. Her phone vibrated quickly.

Bout' like breakfast time. Do you mind meeting my Grandad? - Rye

She bit her lip. Her nerves getting the better if her at meeting a new person. And not just anyone. She was meeting her friends' grandfather. The man who raised them. Will he like her? Will it go over alright during their first meeting? Her phone vibrated again, knocking her from her inner monologue.

Ma, everything will be aight'. You know I'll be right there. Don't worry too much, ok? - Rye

He knew her too well. Letting her bottom lip fall from her teeth, her fingers tapped at the keyboard for her own response.

Okay. Another vibration quickly came through.

I'll be there at 8. Sleep tight baby girl. -Rye

She heaved a sigh and fell back into her pillows. What a day!

The next morning, she was seated in the car with Riley as her to his home. Huey opted to stay and make breakfast. And it also turned out that they only lived 10 minutes away from her house. As they parked in the driveway, she looked at the home in awe. It wasn't anything special. A two story home but it looked extravagant. And furnished. It was very homey. The red tiles on the room gave the white paint a good reflection. Her nerves flittered when Riley started escorting her to the door. Holding the hem of her shirt, she bit her lip when Riley opened the door. As they stepped in, she took in the large interior. The stairs that led to the second floor then to the dining room that to their left. Straight down the hall was other room where she assumed the kitchen was. As she was taking in her surroundings, she jumped out of her skin hearing Huey's voice.

"Hey Izzy. Glad you could make it." He was rubbing a towel over his head as he came down the stairs.

"Thank you for inviting me guys." Her shyness came full force. She blushed when Riley rubbed her hair.

"Glad you could be here, baby girl."

She smacked his hand away and the led her forward to the kitchen. She looked at the kitchen in awe. Riley sat her at the kitchen table as Huey started bringing out pans and bowls.

"Grandad should be awake soon." Riley explained as he sipped at his orange juice. Ten minutes later, they were deep into their conversation before a loud scream sounded through the quiet home.

"Boys!" A deep voice screamed hoarsely. Bella jumped in her seat and Riley started snickering behind his cup. The stairs thundered before a flash came in the kitchen. She turned her head to take a good look at the new occupant in the room before she blushed harshly and covered her eyes with her hands. "Which one of you touched my stash? Don't think that just because your older, that it doesn't mean I won't beat your ass!"

Huey covered his eyes with his free hand. "Grandad, please put some clothes on."

"Boy, don't tell me what to do in my own house!"

Riley was laughing at her reaction still and was covering his own eyes. "Grandad, we got a guest and I don't think she need to be seeing all that.

Robert Freeman turned to Riley before looking at the smaller figure next to him. She was a small thing. Her creamy white skin was flushed as her faced burned red as a tomato behind her hands and her chestnut brown hair covered the sides of her face. Coughing awkwardly, he quickly turned and walked away.

"Oh, uh sorry about that. I'll be right back."

Bella didn't make a peep until the sound of rushing footsteps faded away and uncovered her eyes carefully. Huey went back to finishing breakfast as he flipped the slightly burnt pancake and Riley was still laughing; she slapped his arm.

"Yep that's my grandad." He snickered.

Stacks of pancakes, eggs, bacon and toast were laid out on the table. As she tried to stand to get some plates, Riley grabbed the end of her shirt and sat her back down with a tug. "Don't move shortie, I got it." She went to protest but he gave her a look. "Can't have the guest do the work." She stuck her tongue at him as he smirked at her. Pouting, she crossed her arms. Soon the three of them sat at the table and waited.

"Did I keep you waiting, young lady?"

Bella looked up at the elderly man, who was now fully dressed, and shook her head kindly. "No, I know its' early. It's no problem sir." She stood up and held out her hand. "My name is Bella Swan, it's nice to meet you." The man took hold of hers and she marveled on how strong his grip was for his age. He was as tall as they boys. His eyes were dark brown. With a bald spot in the front, he had short grey hair. His glasses sat on his nose as he gave her a once over.

"Robert Freeman, but you can just call me Grandad, baby. Now how bout' we eat and talk."

They both sat and it was the que to start picking at food. She made her own plate that consisted of two pancakes, some eggs with one slice of toast and two strips of bacon. As she went to pull away, her plate was snatched out of her hand. She pivoted to look at Riley as he gave her a third pancake with a slice of butter and some grape jelly syrup. On her toast, he slathered on some cream cheese and put another spoonful of eggs. Huey then took the plate and added a little dash of salt and pepper to her eggs before sitting it in front of her. Both of them looked at her with raised eyebrows as she opened her mouth to protest effectively making her pout quietly as Riley gave her a fork and knife.

"Hm. At least you boys know how to take care of a woman's needs." She blushed as grandad spoke after eating a forkful of eggs. "So baby, I see that you go to the same school with them? Do they behave?"

"Yes, uh, Grandad." She ate some of her bacon first. Questions came one by one, though they weren't prying. She started feeling at ease as he spoke about the twins' childhood. She giggled at their faces as they grumbled about being reminded of their past. It was interesting. And she felt a lot more comfortable about this family. They didn't sit straight or stare unnaturally when she ate. They did not wrinkle their nose at the food. They all could eat. Eat and converse rather than stay quiet while food was being eaten for a good ten minutes. She fit in and she did not feel subconscious on how they can hear every chew and swallow she made.

Standing up, she quickly gathered up the plates before they could stop her. She started washing the dishes, when Riley came up and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"Thank you for inviting me to breakfast." She rinsed the plate before Riley snuck it out her hands to put on the rack.

"Feeding you is a pleasure baby girl."

She huffed and gave him a light elbow to his ribs. When she finished and dried her hands, they moved to the couches to watch TV with Grandad and Huey.

Grandad gave her a smile as he fixed his glasses. "You are a good influence on these boys, keep coming over."

Bella laughed and gave a smile that made all the men in the house blanch on how beautiful it was. Towards lunch time, they ordered take out and full belly laughs were coming out of her as they told stories about a man named Uncle Ruckus. Their grandad shaking his head on how they used BB guns to chase him out of their home when their grandfather went on vacation and left Ruckus as their babysitter. Then to how many frequent fights that they boys got into growing up. She knew Huey did martial arts but the use of swords made her eyes gleam. And Riley had his BB guns in his room that he used though she bet he also had real one in his arsenal as well. After eating their burgers, the twins took her upstairs to explore the rooms. Huey's room had posters of martial artists and it was painted dark blue. His queen sized bed was pushed into the corner and his desktop and other essentials were sitting on the other side. He also had his own bathroom. Riley had a forest green room. His king sized bed sat by the window in the middle of the room. So if he wanted to look out the window, he could just roll over. His school stuff was sitting next to it. There was a TV at the end of the bed with his entertainment system. A large stereo sat next to the bedroom door and his room had a walk in closet. One bathroom for his room as well. He had pictures of rappers sitting on his wall along woth some graffiti. In a small closet door, to which Riley opened laid all the BB guns he owned. The BB jars with all sorted colors sat at the bottom of it all. The tour lasted for about 20 minutes before they all planted themselves in Riley's room. Spending a say where no one but her father could find her cheered her up. She was glad she came. It gave her hope.

She was done reminiscing her past weeks when Angela poked her in the face with a pencil. The bell had rung to signal that school was over.

"Hey Angie, do you want to come over to study with us?" She asked, putting her books in her bag. Angela agreed with and they both walked together to the parking lot. She texted Riley to that she invited Angela to their study group before both girls parted to their respective cars. What no one noticed in fact was the glare from a shadow within the forest. Staring at the red rusted truck with an evil look then they disappeared into the forest.