Friday and people mostly calmed down about Bella and Alice being lesbians. People still said things behind their backs, but Bella didn't let it bother her. Charlie was upset that Bella had to deal with bullying but was proud that Bella was handling it with grace. Even he thought Edward was involved but no one had any proof about it. Jasper did snatch Edward's notebook and with Alice's photo of the writing of the lockers it should be enough for Edward to be called in soon. She knew it would still take time due to being Dr. Cullen's son but it also affected Police Chief Swan's daughter, her beloved Bella. Alice was confident that Edward's days in Forks were numbered and soon she and Bella would be called by the other Cullens for a meeting.

Lunch time rolled around and Bella and Alice sat with Angela, Eric, and Ben. They were all good towards Alice and it felt nice for Bella to be with other humans for a change. Jessica and Lauren weren't speaking to her but Bella could care less since they were toxic and fake if her coming out told her anything.

"Are you feeling okay Alice? I notice you never really eat anything?" Angela asked.

Alice smiled a bit and answered,

"My sister Cynthia spoils me with a huge breakfast in the mornings that I don't have much of an appetite for lunch."

Alice had shared with everyone that she had reconnected with her biological sister and due to tensions at home was living with her rather than the other Cullens.

"She sounds like a wonderful sister, much nicer than Rosalie ever was." Eric commented.

Angela fixed her glasses and looked at Bella. She wanted to hang out with Bella since it seemed Bella needed a friend. Sure Alice was as much a friend as a romantic girlfriend but the dynamic between the two was different now. Plus, Angela always thought something was wrong when Bella was with Edward and she felt bad for never pushing the issue.

"You know what we haven't done in a while Bella?" Angela asked.

Bella cracked a light smile and nodded.

"Movie night?"

"Yes we should have one tonight, maybe at your place. Don't feel like heading to Port Angeles tonight if that's okay. I'll come by like at 7?" Angela suggested.

"That's a great idea Bella. You and Angela should have time together to catch up. Besides, we have plans for a date tomorrow anyway with Cynthia and her boyfriend." Alice commented.

Bella liked that Alice wasn't as controlling as Edward and wanted Bella to do her own things with other people. Ben cracked a light smile and asked,

"What are your date plans tomorrow?"

"Arcade mostly. Julian has been dying to bring Bella to one and it's a good way to break the ice." Alice answered.

"Oh cool. I think Ben and I are going to be at the arcade tomorrow afternoon, perhaps we will run into each other." Eric expressed with a smile.

"Sorry Eric, but we're going in the evening. Just hope I'll be able to stay out late since my dad is worried about Edward going after me. I agree since he's so stubborn about getting back with me."

Alice didn't see Edward in Port Angeles tomorrow night so that brought some comfort.

"It will be fine. It's a matter of time before Edward gets called in and hopefully gets expelled or suspended for what he did. Besides, Julian will not allow Edward to get near you if he's around tomorrow for our date." Alice told her.

"Yea I hope Edward gets what he deserves. Talk about a scummy thing to do to someone he once loved and his sister. I never understood why you were with him." Eric expressed.

Bella just nodded as she didn't want to go into Edward again. At this point, she wanted to move on and someday she will have her revenge.

The school day wrapped up and Alice walked Bella to her truck. They lingered on each other and Alice kissed Bella's lips softly.

"Want me to come by tonight after the movie night is done?" Alice asked.

Bella nodded. Unlike with Edward, she wanted Alice in bed with her every night; even if it was just to cuddle under the sheets.

"Don't rush your hunt with Julian and Cynthia thought. I know your eyes are starting to get dark because you haven't been feeding often, all of you."

Alice nodded and Bella stroked Alice's cheek. Like with Edward, Alice couldn't deny that Bella's blood was intoxicating to her and that being around her did bring up feelings of lust but also bloodlust. She felt her throat get dry as Bella's scent filled her nostrils but Alice managed to giggle.

"We're okay Bella. We're more worried about you. You're worth protecting with our lives sweetheart." Alice purred softly in Bella's ear.

"I know but I want us all to be okay. Someday you will never have to worry about me."

Alice knew what sentiment Bella meant but she still answered,

"I'm always going to worry about you, it's just how being in love works. You care more about the other person than you do yourself. I can't believe I was missing out on a real relationship and this feels a hundred times more passionate and alluring."

Bella smiled and kissed Alice's lips. They were getting into it as Alice gently placed Bella on the driver's side door. They stopped when they heard wolf whistles from guys nearby.

"Take your time tonight, promise me." Bella told her.

"I will Bella. You have fun with Angela."

-Later-

Angela arrived at Bella's house with some cookies she baked herself. It had been a long time since they properly hung out and she was happy to get moments like these again. She rang the doorbell and was greeted by a smiling Bella.

"I made some cookies for the evening. Sugar cookies with a chocolate drizzle. I took up baking as a side hobby to photography. Hope they turn out good."

She gave the cookies to Bella and got comfy on the couch. Bella smiled and got two sodas out. She joined Angela on the couch and gave her a soda. Bella then took one of the cookies and tried it. She smiled as the sweet sugar flavor filled her mouth.

"These are amazing Angela, they definitely better than any store bought brand" Bella said with a smile

"That's good. Last time I made these I put too much sugar and the time before that I mistook sugar for salt. Poor Ben still ate them though even though I made that mistake. He's such a good guy."

"I'm glad you and Ben are together. You seem more confident when you're with him, although when he was sick Monday you stood up to Jessica on your own." Bella commented.

Angela nodded.

"I was just sick and tired of Jessica's attitude. She was being so hurtful and mean that it was really sad. I wouldn't feel good siding with her when you didn't do anything wrong. Love should never be long if it is true right?"

"Yes and trust me, I know what it is like to be in a relationship where the love isn't there or is gone. Never settle."

Angela raised an eyebrow and wondered just what went on between her and Edward. They ordered pizza and made some popcorn and decided to watch a cheesy yet sweet 80s rom com. When the movie ended, they moved on to chatting and catching up. Bella learned Angela had been dating Ben for almost a year and that made Bella happy for her friend.

"We're planning on going to the same college together so we can stay together. He's just so sweet and I'm glad he asked me out." Angela expressed.

"That's great. Alice and I are still deciding on what to do since we don't know if we want to travel for a year together or just go right on to college together. Just so long as we're away from Edward we will both be happy."

Angela noticed a dark shift in her friend's demeanor and she couldn't ignore it anymore as she offered Bella another cookie.

"What happened between you two?" Angela asked.

Bella sighed and she knew Angela was just asking because she cared.

"Well...things went bad when he introduced me to his family properly. He didn't even want Alice to meet me because he felt threatened by her. Alice and I became fast friends, very fast and I just loved hanging out with her. I was still figuring myself out and that included if I was bisexual, straight, or a lesbian. I thought being with Edward was maybe right but it soon became all wrong."

Angela bit her lip slightly as Bella angrily bit into her cookie. Bella was very subdued when she was with Edward and now she was more expressive in her emotions. She had a bad feeling that maybe perhaps it wasn't all picture perfect between them like Jessica kept saying to her.

"How did it get wrong?" she asked in comfort.

"Well...he would hate it when I would see her alone, the fact I didn't always want to see him, and he was very particular about my hobbies and interests. He did and decided everything for me, paid for everything, and even wanted me to be defenseless and rely on him. It got so bad that..."

Bella trailed off since she couldn't get into the vampiric aspects like hearing him and that he was manipulating her with some unworldly power. She thought for a moment to gather her thoughts.

"It got so bad that I believed him when he belittled me, when he told me I was nothing without him, and that I should be lucky to have a full life with him. I felt sick emotionally all the time and he would never give me any sense of peace." Bella confided in Angela.

Angela frowned as Bella finished her cookie. By all accounts, Bella was in an abusive relationship. However, Angela only thought it was only abusive when someone hit the other; but this sounded much worse.

"Did he ever hit you?"

"No but the mental gas-lighting and psychological bullshit was pretty much all the time. He kept me away from everyone, including you and Jake. There would be times however where he would hold me too hard and I would have bruises that lasted days. He would force himself on me with kisses and hugs that I really didn't want. The last time was...when I broke up with him...he almost physically assaulted me."

Bella felt herself tearing since it wasn't easy recalling her relationship with Edward, even though she was much happier with Alice. She still felt it was somehow her fault for being so weak and that Edward was able to almost claim her so easily. Angela gasped and hugged Bella.

"Did he..."

Bella shook her head and she reciprocated the hug.

"Thank god he never got the chance too. I had Cynthia's boyfriend nearby in case that happened. If it wasn't for him...Edward might have raped me and maybe even gotten me pregnant just so I belonged to him forever. He only cared for his happiness and never my own. I just hate how I was deceived and lured in by him, almost being groomed to be his ideal and weak damsel of a girlfriend. I hated who I was with him."

Angela was so stunned by what she had heard but admired Bella for sharing this with her. Not many people could have done what Bella had did and she was so blind to what Bella was experiencing before. She thought Bella abandoned her like Jessica told her, but Edward was actively keeping her away. Bella was abused on all levels and the news hit her to her very core. This was piece people needed to hear since abusive relationships were more than just someone hiding bruises and screaming matches.

"Wow that is….wow….You know people often think abusive relationships are just hitting but you've been through a lot haven't you."

Bella nodded and ate a second slice of pizza

" Yea I feel bad for his family. Who knows how abusive he was to Alice, she never deserved the abuse either just because we couldn't control how we felt for each other. I love Alice and I know now what love is supposed to be. " Bella said

Angela was deep in thought and flashed a gentle look to her.

"You know...your story can be informative to others. I mean, it's not everyday people know about abusive relationships and people can be very misinformed." Bella looked at Angela

"What are you saying?" Bella asked

Angela was nervous but asked,

"Well we can make an editorial about abusive relationships and you can give insight on it with what you've been through. It would be a serious issue but one people need to know about. You don't have to share yourself Bella, but I think having an editorial about abusive relationships is going to hit more than simple gossip right?"

Bella thought for a bit. She didn't want anyone else to go through what she did. Even if it was just a general article with using her anecdotes to help Angela writing it, it could help teenagers to have healthy relationships.

Angela smiled slightly.

"You can remain anonymous if you like and you don't need to implicate Edward if you feel afraid for your life. This story is something I don't want you dead over."

More like she didn't want Angela to have an 'accident' because she wrote an exposé about Edward.

"Probably for the best but he's going to know I'm involved."

"Right but I always found it odd that Edward kept you to himself. I mean Ben and I still met up with Jess, Eric, Mike and Tyler and we were together. Makes me wonder just why Edward would keep you from us and now I know."

"He wanted me to himself like a selfish little boy. You have my consent for the article and if you need any more details ask." Bella said as she drank her soda.

Angela and Bella continued to talk about the article and some of the horrible things Edward had done. Angela was horrified but it was important for her to hear and jot down.

"Did you feel lonely and in pain?"

"Not when I first started out dating .. but I did feel alone later on.. He only wanted to spend time with me all the time. He wouldn't let me breathe. God forbid I wanted to hang out with Alice or dad.. He get pissy about it and I would have to go out with him next day to make up for "ditching him"

Angela jotted that down and followed up with,

"You mentioned him trying to come on to you...that must have been horrible."

"I once I realized what I want and who I want to be.. Yes it was kind of repulsing me to the point I had to physically excuse myself just so I don't throw up or slap him. Although most times...I was afraid about what he would do to me or to Alice if I ever did leave him. It was only when I sought out help and talked to someone that I realized I was not in a healthy relationship and I was lying to myself about my orientation. Alice helped me to see I was unhappy and she was my reason to be true to myself and break up with Edward. I was still scared when I decided to do that, but the freedom I wanted outweighed my fears. That's just my story since others aren't as lucky and maybe even spend the rest of their lives with their abusers. I probably would have been the same without my support system." Bella said

Angela finished her interview and smiled gently at Bella.

"Once I research the topic and write the article, I will send it to you before I publish it for the paper. It might be a loaded one and be a bit of a scandal for Edward if he puts two and two together, but this is a story that needs to be shared." Bella nodded and smiled.

" Thank you Angela. I appreciate it, but do be careful. Edward may target you too.. If you publish it. I don't want you to suffer." Bella said.

She knew she would be a target but she didn't want her innocent friend to get hurt too. She knew Edward was now pissed and unhinged

"I'll be careful Bella, but I just want to make sure you'll be okay."

Bella smiled and nodded softly.

"I will be okay, thanks Angela."

Angela went home and Bella got herself ready for the night. She heard a gentle tap on the window and grinned slightly when she saw it was Alice. Her eyes were rich and gold, showing Bella that the hunt was very successful.

"Hello darling." Bella flirted.

Alice smiled as Bella let her in and she wrapped her legs around Bella's waist and her arms around Bella's neck. Bella laughed softly as she brought Alice to her bed and sat down gently. Alice and Bella kissed tenderly as Bella could feel Alice's fingers in her long brown hair. They pulled away and Alice stroked Bella's cheek.

"Angela's going to write an article about abusive relationships. It's coming out next week."

"Edward is going to know you gave Angela some information for the article, including an anecdote."

Bella nodded and Alice held on to Bella tighter but not tight enough to bruise or break any bones.

"I'm going to be with you Bella so he doesn't try any of his shit in the halls. He needs to understand there's nothing I won't do to protect you and that we love each other."

Bella smiled softly as both women settled onto the bed and cuddled close. Alice looked softly into Bella's brown eyes and her thoughts lingered and smiled for the day they would be gold like hers. Bella was also thinking about her future as a vampire and she asked,

"Is tomorrow's double date like bonding for the four of us? I mean...am I...I mean are we going to be a coven together?"

Alice smiled and pecked Bella's nose.

"Would you want to be in a coven with me?"

"You know I would, but I mean with Cynthia and Julian? Did they talk to you about a coven? It would feel weird to ask the Cullens..."

Alice gently placed a finger on Bella's lips, in which Bella kissed it gently.

"They both would love you and I to be a family with them. You would be like Julian's little sister and I... well for acts for humans Cynthia's little sister. We're already developing cover stories for our future lives if we wish to start in high school again someday. But we have a long time before that. Tomorrow is just a fun night with Julian and Cynthia and you have an afternoon with Jake. After all, I want you to finish your motorcycle so we can ride together."

Bella smiled at that and nodded.

"I would love to take you riding and maybe you can ride it too. You must have ridden one before right?"

"Not in two decades but it should be fresh enough. All I want is for you to live out the rest of your human days happily with no regrets since you need to be a vampire with me."

Bella nodded as she felt herself getting sleepy.

"We might need to tell Charlie that you'll be sleeping over tomorrow at Cyn's place but we will get that settled tomorrow." Bella just nodded and drifted off to sleep with Alice stroking her gently and watching her sleep in peace.