Bella's leg was finally healed and that meant Alice was finally able to have her meet Cynthia for bowling. She had seen the day going by so well and it would mean a lot for Cynthia and Bella to bond. Alice had to be extremely careful around her home, especially around Edward. He's become so obsessive and monitoring her thoughts that Alice almost felt like a prisoner. Edward did have his reasons Alice realized since he wanted Bella and they both knew Bella wasn't his one true mate. Alice was coming to terms with her realization that Bella's her mate but as days went on, so did her desire. It was getting harder for Alice not to think of Bella and not get excited for the person Bella will become once they get together. Cynthia would need to bond with Bella so that Bella can awaken and free the chains that bind her to Edward. It will be those actions in which Bella and her can truly be happy, but it all relied on Bella.

Alice finished getting ready in some black jeans, tank top, a nice little black bolero jacket, and some red ankle boots that would need to be swapped with bowling shoes. She put on some lip gloss on her lips and could hear someone walking in her room.

"Someone is getting dolled up for bowling of all things"

Alice looked to see it was Rosalie.

"It's just lip gloss Rose."

"For your time with Bella of course. Did you see your first kiss happening today and wanted to be sure your lips were ready?" Rose asked.

Alice sighed.

"You're just upset that Cynthia didn't invite you…"

Rose scoffed bitterly. So that's how it was Rose thought. It wasn't just Bella that Alice was abandoning for, but for Cynthia. Ever since Rosalie learned about Cynthia, she's loathed the prospect of sharing her sister with her. More so since, this could be the start of Alice eventually leaving her and the rest of the Cullens to be with her and Bella. This was a thought that really angered and upset Rosalie.

"Of course, I'm upset Alice. Your sister comes into your life and you seem to forget who has been a sister to you these last few decades. Just don't want you to abandon family and you've been doing that lately."

Alice knew she had been spending a lot more time with Cynthia the past month and that did upset Rose. Alice did know though that Cynthia and Rosalie would not get along because they both felt strong sisterly bonds for her. Any plan she tried to make she would have visions of both her sister fighting and that was something Alice wanted to avoid. It didn't help that Cynthia left out Rosalie in their plans but it was because Cynthia needed to connect with Bella with no interruptions.

"I would have invited you today Rose, but Cynthia stressed that it should be just me, her, and Bella."

This only made Rose angrier and shook her head.

"Dare I ask why Cynthia wants Bella as well?"

Alice sighed. Alice could have sworn Rosalie knew that she and Bella were mates since prom. Had that just been sisterly teasing, it must have been.

"Is Edward out of the house?"

"Carlisle and him are hiking today, why do you ask?"

Alice sighed and explained to Rosalie what had happened after prom, causing Rose's eyes to widen a bit. She had been joking to Alice that she and Bella were mates, but that was exactly what was going on. It made sense somewhat why Alice was so taken with Bella but Rose was still unsure on a few things.

"What's Cynthia's role in this whole thing? She's not kinky for a threesome, is she?"

Alice rolled her eyes.

"No, she isn't. She wants me to be with Bella but Edward is forcing her to be with him. He's gotten so possessive of her that Bella is unsure of her feelings. Cyn is a great therapist and has powers of liberation so her being friends with Bella will help in Bella opening up."

Rosalie smiled a bit at that fact.

"So, she wants Bella to have 'a sexual awakening' of sorts. Not going to lie, always thought Bella was a bit of a lesbian. I mean she's so uncomfortable with guys Edward aside so her being a lesbian would make total sense."

Alice managed to giggle at that statement but also knew deep down that was a serious issue Bella needed to tackle. From her talks with Cynthia, it was that uncertainty with herself that had Edward prey on her. The fact Edward was forcing himself on her and entrapping her in a one-sided romance was cruel, especially for her mate.

"It's less what Cynthia and I want, but of what Bella wants. We're not forcing her to do anything Rose."

"Good since the last thing Bella needs is to feel she's being forced into baring her soul to Cynthia. Not sure how scary her powers can truly be if she can 'liberate' as you call it." Rose warned.

Alice was grateful for Cynthia since Alice was seeing things clearer when it came to Bella. She could understand Rose's worries since Cynthia's powers at times were hard to understand.

"Again, she's never forced humans to make the decisions they make, Bella will be no exception." Alice defended.

Rosalie nodded.

"Guess that's a small comfort you sister will not force Bella to be a vampire."

"She wouldn't at all since her right to consent to becoming a vampire was taken too. You of all people should understand that and she wants Bella to have a choice in her turning."

That did catch Rosalie's ears but she was still on edge on ever meeting Cynthia and what she meant for her sisterly bond with Alice.

"Don't keep Bella waiting." Rosalie told her as she left her room.

Alice smiled as she got her purse before making her way to Bella's in her Porsche. Alice knew she would be getting a new car in the future so she wanted to enjoy the time she had with it. Hearing that Cynthia didn't have a car did give Alice an idea but she would wait until that time came. It took Alice little time to drive to Bella's and she smiled when she saw her from her second story window. She could have been seeing things, but Alice could have sworn there was a look of desire in Bella's eyes. Moments after they locked eyes, she closed the curtains and made her way to Alice. Bella hugged Alice and Alice gently hugged back. She refrained from stroking her fingers in Bella's long flowing hair and pulled away to see Bella's outfit. Simple but lovely as she saw Bella in a purple t-shirt, grey zip up hoodie, blue jeans, and some sneakers. Alice wondered if Bella's style will change with more confidence in herself, she wondered softly. Bella blushed as Alice looked over.

"Is this too simple?" Bella questioned.

"No, it's perfect for a casual day."

Bella chuckled nervously.

"Causally meeting your sister…again. Do you think she likes that we are friends?"

I laughed as I opened the passenger door for Bella.

"Cynthia adores that we are best friends. She's been absent from my life for decades and wants to be a part of my life. Hence she wants to meet you since you're a big part of my life."

That made Bella's heart skip a beat yet she wondered why her heart sank slightly. Bella sighed as she got in the car since she couldn't shake the feeling she wouldn't escape Edward. She wasn't even sure she loved Edward anymore but felt like she needed to be with him. Alice saw Bella's worried expression and simply took Bella's hand in hers in soft comfort.

"Cynthia is a great person, Bella. You will see just how wonderful she is and you can be open with her."

"Something tells me she's not as bubbly as you are though."

Alice smiled but nodded.

"She's calm but also very sweet. Wise too and I forget I'm supposed to be the older sister."

Bella did remember that Cynthia was Alice's little sister and that made her chuckle.

"You're probably going to get that a lot just because you're such a dainty little sweetheart."

Alice noticed the subtle flirting in Bella's words and tone and kindly smirked. I took Bella a small while to realize what she said and blushed deeply.

"S-Sorry. I shouldn't have said that." Bella stammered.

Alice playfully kissed Bella's cheek and commented,

"Well, I am a dainty little sweetheart just as you're such a kind soul and Cynthia will see that too."

With Alice's swift driving, they got to Port Angeles in half the time. Bella locked her arms with Alice since she was nervous about meeting Cynthia again. Alice felt Bella's nerves and asked,

"What about Cynthia makes you nervous?"

Bella bit her lip and sighed.

"Just thinking if her sister deserves a better best friend, one that's not so…human and clumsy." Bella answered.

Alice shook her head.

"Cynthia has told me how she's thrilled I have a friend like you. She sees how deep our bond is and is truly happy that in this immortal life I have that I found you. You're going to feel at ease with Cynthia, trust me." Alice expressed softly.

Bella cracked a small smile. She'd only met Cynthia once and it was because of James. In that time, she cared for Bella and hoped she wasn't injected with James's venom. She also knew that she would become a vampire but she wondered by what means and who. They made it to Laurel Lanes and weren't surprised when a staff member had bowling shoes ready for them.

"You have the very last lane." He told them.

Bella looked at Alice and nodded.

"Cynthia wants our privacy despite the public place. I do have a feeling we might do light shopping after this, that won't bother you, will it?"

Bella shook her head as they walked to the last lane and saw a single person waiting for them, Cynthia. She looked lovely in a purple silk top, black skinny jeans, and black blazer with pink floras. Alice smiled and ran over to hug her, causing Cynthia to chuckle softly and hold her tightly. They pulled away so Alice could formally introduce them.

"I've known you two have met but Bella this is my sister Cynthia; and Cynthia this is Bella."

Bella gave a slight wave and Cynthia smiled softly at her. She studied Bella and it was clear to Cynthia without any words that Bella was entrapped and her heart was heavily chained. It broke Cynthia to see a human so trapped in abuse but she also sensed a fight within Bella's heart as well.

"Hello Bella, glad we can meet under normal circumstances. How are you feeling?" Cynthia asked.

Bella cracked a nervous smile and replied,

"Better now that I'm out of the cast. Hope I give a better impression than in life-or-death pain."

Cynthia didn't laugh and instead took in Bella with a hug. This startled Bella but she hugged back and Cynthia truly felt the chains on Bella's heart. There was hope for Bella and that made Cynthia smile and she pulled away.

"Thought this would be something fun for all of us while we get to know each other, Bella. Alice sees us being good friends and I hope we can be someday. My sister's happiness matters a lot to me."

Bella already admired Cynthia's sisterly love for Alice and that unlike Rosalie, she was warm. There was something Bella noticed about Cynthia and that was her restraint. She would have thought maybe Cynthia would have shared some of Alice's bubbly personality or upbeat outlook, but not the case. Bella wondered about Cynthia and it was then Cynthia asked,

"I hope you don't mind that I had ordered some food for you Bella. Humans do need to eat and you can't go wrong with fries, right?"

Bella noticed the fries and gave a small smile.

"You didn't have to do this Cynthia or even pay for our rental shoes."

"I know I didn't, but I wanted to. After all, you're going to matter a lot to me just as much as my sister. Now let's get our shoes on and bowl. How are you at bowling by the way?" Cynthia asked.

Bella shrugged.

"I'd say I'm okay. Alice tells me you both haven't bowled in a decade or so. I'm hopeful that maybe I have a shot."

Alice giggled and looked at her sister. Oh, poor Bella Alice thought as she saw a small curve in her sister's lips.

"Probably, but even if I haven't bowled in decades, it doesn't mean I will go easy. I know you don't like being toyed with so I won't play around Bella." Cynthia said

The decades clearly didn't matter as Bella saw Cynthia threw a perfect strike. She should have not been surprised since vampires seem to be perfect at everything. In some ways, Bella saw no downsides to being a vampire minus outliving her parents and no children. Cynthia didn't show off or show much emotion when getting the strike as she sat down to let Alice have a turn.

"I'm glad Alice took care of you while you were injured, Bella. A woman like you needs a soft touch and tender love and care for a full recovery. She's going to miss her sleepovers with you now that your leg is healed."

Bella smiled a bit with some blush on her cheeks as she looked to Alice bowling, staring a bit at Alice's butt. Cynthia noticed the attraction but kept quiet as Bella sighed dreamily.

"I am not going to stop hanging out with Alice just cause my leg healed, she is my best friend. Though I do hate that she's not going to sleep over as much now that Edward wants to resume his night rituals with me. I know why she wanted to while I needed help bathing but at times I felt guilty too." Bella said with a soft smile.

"Guilty about what?" Alice commented as she tossed her ball and got a strike.

Loving how you touched me Bella thought but she wouldn't say that in front of her or Cynthia. It would have made her sound like a pervert and shook her head, she needed to change her thoughts slightly.

"I felt guilty that you needed to take care of me. Better you than Edward though since he was being unreasonable with what he wanted at that time. It's going to feel a bit weird cuddling with him if I am to be honest. He was always so rigid and watched me sleep. You seem to at least close your eyes at times or even read. Sorry if I cuddled too close to you by the way."

"No need to apologize, I loved when you cuddled with me. Felt nice." Alice commented.

"I felt safe with you, safer than I had ever been with Edward. We should try having it again though Edward would freak but screw him. I don't always want him to take my nights." Bella added.

Cynthia could just tell that Bella would be open in examining her life and herself eventually. The way she and Alice spoke to each other and the clear wanting of physical closeness spoke volumes.

"I could always have Julian stand guard at your place if you want alone time with Alice. He will do whatever I ask him to."

"Julian? Was he the guy with you when you saved me?" Bella asked curiously. She didn't want to assume anything.

"You would like him, Bella. He's a bit like Emmett but a bit wilder and suave. Don't worry though, he only has eyes for my sister since they are mates." Alice replied with a slight smirk.

Cynthia rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"He is not my mate Alice. We have been friends for a long time. He just cares a lot about me." Cynthia remarked.

Bella decided not to push her since it was clear her life with Julian was complicated. She went up to bowl and Alice looked at Cynthia with a concerned expression.

"You sure you will be able to help us sis? You're denying your own love and yet you want to help in our romance. I just don't want you to neglect yourself." Alice whispered.

Cynthia forced a smile but Alice could see it was forced.

"I haven't...it can take a long time to understand and unpack how one feels for the other. Besides, I want to come to terms with whatever I feel for Julian on my own terms. It's the same with what I want Bella to do when it comes to Edward and you."

Bella got a spare, which made Cynthia smile.

"Nice work Bella. Such grace."

Bella chuckled.

"You don't need to lie to me Cynthia. I just got lucky is all." Bella expressed.

Cynthia shrugged and got up to bowl again, getting another strike. She twirled slightly and Alice giggled slightly. Bella looked in amazement and commented.

"A decade you said Cynthia was the last time you played?"

"I said it's been a decade since I played, I didn't say I wasn't good." Cynthia smirked.

As the game went on Bella couldn't help but notice Cynthia's calm and almost serene looks. She spoke softly to Bella and their talks were always connected to Alice. Bella understood since Cynthia had been looking for Alice her whole vampire life.

"You must love that Alice is back in your life again. I can't imagine the pain you felt."

"I will admit it feels great to have my sister in my life. I missed her a lot, I have a lot to make up for in the years we've been apart" Cynthia said.

Yet her first action wasn't finding Alice, but finding her instead. It didn't make sense to Bella though she was grateful for that action.

"I do want to ask you...why did you come for me that day, when James attacked? I am thankful you and Julian came but...why?"

Cynthia looked over to Alice as she got another strike.

"I had slight visions of you and my sister. You were connected to Alice and you dying would have destroyed her. I can see why since you are truly something for a human. Even in our human days, Alice's smiles weren't as bright or wide as when she's with you."

"Slight visions?" Bella questioned.

"Yes, my sister can see more random aspects of visions and the most possible outcomes of those she's connected to. It's not her main talent though."

This fascinated Bella since she only knew that vampires only had one power, but not Cynthia.

"Why's that?" Bella asked.

Cynthia rubbed her right shoulder, sighing a bit. The pain had long since subsided from her bite from Hamish, but the memory would forever be burned into her. In her deepest parts of her heart, she had wished Julian had been the one to bite her.

"I was turned on a blue moon and it manifested a power that was stronger than my visions. I will get more into them when we are closer Bella since I don't want to scare you. Just know I don't use them unless I am given permission and I use them to help not harm." Cynthia commented.

This made Bella curious but she was going to respect Cynthia. They finished the game and Alice ended up winning, not surprising her sister. Cynthia and Alice were close and it came down to Alice getting a couple more strikes over her sister.

"You weren't taking it easy on me Cyn?" Alice asked.

"If that was taking it easy, I don't want to know what she's like when not holding back." Bella joked as her score was nowhere near Alice or Cynthia's.

"I don't hold back Alice; I may not have played in decades but I am still competitive. You won fair and square" Cynthia said with a small smile

"Fair and square or did she know how the game would go?" Bella teased.

Alice smirked and playfully kissed Bella's cheek.

"Aw Bella, you think I would cheat? You hurt me." Alice giggled.

Bella chuckled and lingered on Alice's soft golden eyes.

"I can never hurt you Alice nor would I ever want to." Bella murmured softly.

Cynthia heard the softness and longing in Bella's statement. She knew Cynthia thought; she must have had some idea that her love for Alice was going beyond friendship at this point. They all enjoyed another game in which Alice won again in a close match with her sister. Cynthia suggested they stop at a bookstore and that intrigued Bella.

"Would you mind Bella or would you rather bowl a bit more?" Cynthia asked.

"If it's also okay with Alice, then I would love to stop by one. Last time I tried finding one here...wasn't a good experience."

Cynthia raised an eyebrow and looked to Alice, who sighed.

"A group of guys harassed Bella since she was away from her other friends. Edward had to come and stop them. One of the only times his stalking was helpful." Alice whispered to Cynthia.

So there had been some good in the beginning but alas things have changed between that night and now.

"There's one bookstore I've found that is actually pretty good if you want new reading material Bella. I've been needing to get a couple new books since the shelves at my place are bare." Cynthia spoke softly.

The three women drove to a very swanky bookstore and Bella couldn't help but smile. She looked over at the literary classics first and Cynthia cracked a slight smile.

"Let me guess; some of your favorites include Pride and Prejudice; Wuthering Heights, and Romeo and Juliet?" Cynthia asked.

Bella blushed a bit and nodded.

"You're not one for romance Cynthia?" she asked.

"Oh, I am, just ones where the romance isn't rushed into or border on abuse. A lot of the classics have sad or troublesome elements. It breaks my heart to read them when you know someone in the relationship is hurting the other despite the love they have."

That oddly struck a nerve in Bella and she couldn't help but think about her Edward. In some ways, he was her Heathcliff; who was slowly becoming more jealous and angrier to anyone who would give her attention that wasn't Charlie. Bella sighed and nodded in agreement.

"Are you speaking from experience or from what you've read?" Bella asked.

"Bit of both; I'm a horrible match for Julian and he's not someone I imagined I would settle down with..."

This caused Bella to laughed softly and respond with,

"Sounds like in some ways he's Elizabeth and you're Mr. Darcy; a sort of vampire version of Pride and Prejudice."

Cynthia managed to chuckle but shook her head.

"It would be, but Julian doesn't think he needs to unlearn anything. If anyone were to look at what we had, I'm the one whose being difficult and 'fighting what's meant to be."

"In some ways though, aren't you?" Bell asked.

How was Bella so hyper focused and keen on the small tidbits Alice told her about her and Julian yet she couldn't see what Edward was doing to her. Or, maybe she has the insight and awareness but needs help Cynthia thought.

"Love isn't easy or straightforward Bella. Feelings can grow, change, and blossom into something even more beautiful or ghastly. I've seen many people in my line of work that get trapped in cycles all because of fear of losing their perceived love."

Therapy work Bella thought as Alice did tell her about Cynthia's work. This only showed Bella just how much humanity Cynthia had for humans and how she was like an angel to some. Bella bit her lip nervously as Cynthia looked at the classics. She lingered a bit on Pride and Prejudice and chuckled.

"Perhaps I should give this another read. It's not the worst thing ever written and it might give me some perspective."

"Who knows, you might see what I mean about you and Mr. Darcy or maybe even you and Elizabeth." Bella teased lightly.

"Maybe...don't think I'm coming on too strong Bella but...if you feel like you need someone to talk to; I will be available for you. There are not many people you can talk to about supernatural beings and romances while also wanting to find a sense of self. I do care about you and my sister immensely. Least it's something to think on."

Bella was taken a bit aback by Cynthia's words but in some ways, she also found comfort. Bella had been feeling conflicting yet strong feelings for Edward but also a really deep connection with Alice. If anyone could perhaps help, it could be Cynthia.

"I'll think on that Cynthia...thanks."

"Anytime, now let's get out the classics since I'm pretty sure you have most of them already."

"That would be very true and I would like to see what interests you Cyn...if I can call you Cyn?" Bella asked.

Cynthia nodded and they looked through the bookstore. Cynthia did get a few psychological thrillers, vampire novels, and Pride and Prejudice while Bella got herself two romance novels, a coming-of-age story, and a self-help book. Bella knew something was wrong with her but she didn't know what; was it her relationship with Edward or her growing need for Alice. Her feelings were a mess and she hoped in time she would discover herself. They headed back to Cynthia's place for a bit of downtime before Alice needed to take Bella home. Bella smiled softly at Cynthia.

"I had a good day with you Cyn, we should do this again real soon." Bella commented.

"Of course, Bella. If I am ever in Forks or you in Port Angeles, we can always arrange a meet up." Cynthia calmly told her.

Alice hugged her sister and was so glad Bella and her were getting along.

"You had nothing to worry about Alice." Cynthia told her.

"I was never worried Cyn; Bella is truly wonderful and you're very understanding and sweet. A good pair for a friendship and we should do this again soon." Alice expressed.

"If Edward allows it." Bella thought with a sigh.

No Bella thought, he shouldn't be able to dictate who she sees and when. She needed to have a talk with him on their next date since his behavior was starting to bother her despite the feelings she felt for him.

"We will Alice and do remember what we talked about Bella. I'm here if you ever need me."

"Thanks Cynthia." Bella stated as she and Alice left Cynthia's apartment.

Cynthia sighed as she cracked open Pride and Prejudice for the first time in decades. Julian came by and noticed what Cynthia was reading, smirking slightly.

"Did Bella pick that out for you to read Cyn?" Julian asked.

Cynthia simply nodded as Julian gave her time to herself; retreating to his own room. Today they broke ground Cynthia thought and they will continue to grow their friendship. She had a strong feeling Bella would confide in her in the coming months and once she had Bella's trust, she would be able to help her. Bella needed to escape her Heathcliff in Edward and truly be a happier person. However, the person that would help Bella in the end would have to be Bella herself but Alice and Cynthia will be there for her all the same. Bella's leg was finally healed and that meant Alice was finally able to have her meet Cynthia for bowling. She had seen the day going by so well and it would mean a lot for Cynthia and Bella to bond. Alice had to be extremely careful around her home, especially around Edward. He's become so obsessive and monitoring her thoughts that Alice almost felt like a prisoner. Edward did have his reasons Alice realized since he wanted Bella and they both knew Bella wasn't his one true mate. Alice was coming to terms with her realization that Bella's her mate but as days went on, so did her desire. It was getting harder for Alice not to think of Bella and not get excited for the person Bella will become once they get together. Cynthia would need to bond with Bella so that Bella can awaken and free the chains that bind her to Edward. It will be those actions in which Bella and her can truly be happy, but it all relied on Bella.