Chapter 9
Bella opened her eyes and yawned embarrassing loudly as she stretched out her sore muscles. Yesterday's control training had been difficult, but she was finally in the clear and no longer posed a threat of going rogue. She had mastered the basic control needed to not phase without warning. The growing spurt that she had been going through for the past two weeks since her initial phase was insane. Bella had not grown in height, but her normal petite statue had been replaced by lean but very defined muscle. Bella had a hard time adjusting to the changes, but was thankful that at least she hadn't ended up looking like Jake. Her muscles were solid but not bulging. Bella rolled over and pushed the sheets off of her warm body, smiling lightly as she saw a white porcelain cup filled with hot black tea and a slice of lemon.
Bella gently picked up the cup and moved out to the patio, and leaned against the wooden railing. Her nose breathed in the calming scent of early morning dew and she closed her eyes. This had become Bella's routine during the past two weeks after moving into the Cullens as she could no longer sleep in past sunrise. Alice had been the most supportive girlfriend and had brought up a cup of tea and let Bella have her early morning meditation time. It has proven very helpful for the healing process and this is the first time that Bella felt at ease. While she could not forget what happened, she knew it was time to begin to move forward with her life.
' It's what Charlie would have wanted, I know it' Bella thought to herself as she sipped on the tea, opening her eyes to watch the sun rise over the horizon through the clouds.
Bella smiled lightly as she felt the presence of Alice fill the room. Alice walked over and wrapped her arms around Bella's waist gently and nuzzled her face into Bella's neck. Bella smiled and turned around, leading them to the couch on patio. Bella sat down and Alice laid down, resting her head on Bella's lap who affectionately played with Alice's short dark hair.
"Good morning, how are you feeling?" Alice smiled lightly as she closed her honey colored eyes, relaxing under Bella's touch.
" I am actually doing okay." Bella smiled lightly and she finished her cup of tea and placed it on the nearby table.
"You mean it?" Alice smiled as she opened her eyes. She had been doing what she could to be patient, but it had been hard waiting for Bella to move forward with her life, with their life.
" I do. Thank you for your patience. I'm sure it wasn't easy…" Bella paused as she leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on Alice's lips, the first they had shared in weeks.
"Bella, I have waited for you for over a hundred years. Two weeks is nothing!" Alice laughed lightly, sitting up next to Bella.
" Alice, I know it's silly to ask this at this point but would you like to go out on a date with me tonight?" Bella mused, blushing lightly as Alice's eyes widened.
"You, Bella Swan are asking me out?" Alice repeated. She was hoping that she had heard Bella correctly.
"Why yes, Alice Cullen. I believe that I am. I know we are mated, imprinted, whatever. That doesn't mean that you don't deserve to be courted properly. You deserve to be treated better than that." Bella paused as she looked into Alice's affectionate gaze, " I propose a shopping trip and a movie later this evening. Your pick for it all"
"Oh my goodness, yes, yes, yes!" Alice grinned enthusiastically, as she clapped her hands together and then tackled Bella into a loving embrace and then pulled back," But before, can we walk around just the two of us? Movies are great but they aren't for conversation. I want to get to know you better. I know we have a lifetime for that, but small steps, right?"
"Of course, just let me shower and get ready." Bella smiled lightly and untangled herself from Alice and headed into the bathroom and turned on the shower.
"I will make sure you get some breakfast. It'll be ready by the time you are ready" Alice smiled and left the room, heading downstairs to the kitchen to meet up with Esme.
Bella got into the shower and quickly bathed, got out and got ready. Bella brushed her teeth and hair, letting it air dry per usual. Bella slipped on a pair of black skinny jeans and a long sleeve light gray knit top. Bella walked into the bathroom and lined her eyes with eyeliner and then exited the bathroom, heading down the stairs. She was met by Alice who handed her a piece of sourdough toast.
"Bella and I are heading out for a walk. We'll be back later!" Alice shouted to the family before taking Bella's hand in her own and heading into the forest.
Alice and Bella walked in silence as Bella ate her toast. Bella finished and wiped away the crumbs using the napkin the toast had been on before wadding up the buttery paper and placing it on her back pocket. Bella looked over to Alice and cleared her throat nervously.
' Good lord, she has changed so much and yet is still shy around me. How cute is this' Alice thought to herself with a light smile.
" So, what was your life like as a human?" Bella finally asked, sitting down on a nearby stump as Alice sat down across from her so that they could have eye contact.
" You know, I don't remember. Honestly, my whole mortal life is a blur. I know I was born in Mississippi but apart from that, I know nothing. I've often thought about trying to discover more about my past never have." Alice mused lightly.
"Well, if you ever want to take a trip to your old town or want to do a little looking into everything, I'd be happy to take that trip with you. Only if you want though. It may be a blessing that you can't remember your past life. Sometimes, that's the way of the mind protecting itself" Bella responded, gently reaching over and taking Alice's hand in her own.
"You'd do that for me?" Alice questioned with a raise of her eyebrow.
"Alice, I want to know you, all of you, just like you want from me. If you want to take on that adventure, I'm just saying, I will be there for you the whole way." Bella smiled lightly as she intertwined her fingers with Alice's.
" Thank you, we'll see." Alice smiled lightly at the gesture, " Okay, my turn. What University had you wanted to go to and for what?"
" I had been offered a scholarship for the local college here. I had applied to several others, just for shits and giggles. Mostly for Charlie's sake. He wanted me to branch out. I had wanted to go to school for journalism but that seems silly now." Bella sighed lightly, and Alice took note of Bella's sudden change of demeanor.
"Well, not necessarily. I've gone to college on more than one occasion for fashion design and for business management. If you wanted to go to college, you could and should. Just because this all happened in your life doesn't mean everything has to end and I don't want it to. If you want to go, you have my full support." Alice smiled lightly, as Bella's eyes shot to Alice's.
"Really?" Bella finally asked with a raise of her eyebrow.
"Most definitely." Alice beamed.
"Well, then I guess we'll see." Bella finally responded before clearing her throat lightly, " Alice, this is a deep question but I don't want to assume anything. What do you want from this, well, for us?"
Alice thought for a few moments, her eyebrow furrowed together deep in thought.
" Here I thought I would be learning you favorite ice cream flavor or book." Alice finally laughed lightly.
" Easy. Pistachio or rocky road for ice cream and Whiskey Words and Shovel by R.H Sinn. I've read that book so many times I have it practically memorized." Bella answered quickly, "if my question was too deep, I apologize." Alice laughed lightly at Bella's response.
"Good to know. Thank you. Before we continue though, I'm intrigued by this book. Can you tell me a passage from it?" Alice asked and Bella nodded.
" It's a book of inspirational messages, written almost in a poem form. The one that has already stood out to me in entitled "Survival". It goes like this; you can't force something to be more than what it should. Sometimes the people we love can't comprehend what we feel. And there will be times where you'll have to walk away from the very person whom you'd do anything for. It's not giving up. It's simply survival, and I hope that it's you who survives." Bella replied as she thought about the passage, she had just read the previous night.
"That is beautiful. Perhaps I will need to read this book. But no, you are right. We need to have this talk." Alice mused lightly, and then made eye contact with Bella. " Bella, I am in this for the long haul. You aren't an infatuation. You aren't a passing phase. You are everything to me. I want to be with you, forever. Committed fully and completely to you." Alice responded, her sharp eyes doing their best to read Bella.
" You mean like… marriage? Sex? The full package?" Bella finally asked with a tilt of her head.
"Bella, you made mention that you weren't sure if you could handle a bond like, well, this. I am very happy to give you the reigns and let you take charge over all of this. I don't want to push you or pressure you. But yes, in the ideal world, I would want to marry you. I would want to be your wife. I would want to have it all." Alice finally responded, and Bella nodded with a light smile. Alice frowned lightly but understood it was a difficult topic. She did not want to push the conversation any further, at least on this topic.
" Bella, why wasn't Renee at the funeral? I was hoping to meet her." Alice asked, smoothly changing subjects.
" Renee has never been good at being around for me or for important events. Trust me, you aren't missing out. There is nothing worth meeting." Bella replied with a slightly harsh tone.
' Her Mom is a sore subject, dually noted.' Alice thought to herself with a quick smile, " No worries, Bella. I was just curious."
Bella nodded lightly and then stood up from the tree stump and made her way over to Alice and gently cupped Alice's face with her hands. Alice's eyes locked into Bella's and she nibbled on her bottom lip nervously.
" Alice, I have to ask. When do you think we can… you know." Bella mused lightly with a blush, and Alice nodded with a light sigh in understanding.
" I know. You are having a hard time waiting. Hell, so am I. I never have felt this way over anyone before. I am having a great amount of difficultly keeping my hands off of you. And it makes perfect sense; you are a new shifter and I am newly mated. I just want to make sure it is done right. I don't want you to have any regrets. I want to do right by you." Alice whispered as Bella moved closer to her.
" Thank you, for everything." Bella replied and lightly pressed her lips to Alice's before pulling away, " I will be patient. I promise."
Alice blinked her darkening eyes a few times and sighed lightly, pushing her arousal aside.
"We should head back." Bella finally said and took Alice's hand in her own and the two headed back. Alice and Bella walked in the front door, and Esme was busy in the kitchen making up a late lunch.
" You don't have to cook for me if you don't want to. I am capable, honestly" Bella smiled lightly as she leaned against the counter looking at Esme.
" Trust me, I love doing this for you. I love to cook and you're the only one who can eat. Besides, a piece of toast is hardly enough for you given all the body changes that are going on with you. I mean, honestly. You need to be feed." Esme replied with a sharp glance to Alice who nervously laughed.
" Well, maybe you can teach me how to cook so I can make food for Bella too!" Alice finally chirped.
" Tomorrow we can start. For now, lunch is ready." Esme smiled and handed over an Asian inspired stir-fry filled with chicken breast, cashews, snap peas, mushrooms and a sweet plumb sauce. Bella smiled in thankfulness and immediately dug in, her body thanking her for the protein.
"Thank you so much, this is delicious. Honestly, I love it M…Esme" Bella caught herself and looked up to Esme with wide eyes. She had almost called her Mom. Bella turned a light shade of red before focusing on her lunch. Esme and Alice exchanged knowing glances but did not say a word. Bella finished and Alice stole away the bowl and quickly washed it and put it away.
" You must have been hungry!" Alice smiled lightly, happy to see that Bella's appetite was finally back at full force. Bella smiled lightly and was about to say something, but her phone made the notification ding. Bella pulled out her phone, and frowned lightly. It was a notification from Renee. Bella rolled her eyes and relocked her phone, ignoring the message. Alice's and Esme's eyes were locked onto Bella, who suddenly appeared on edge.
"Bella, are you ready to head out to the store?" Alice asked causing Bella to shake her head and return to the present.
"What? Oh, yeah. Of course. Just let me go grab my wallet" Bella smiled lightly and ran up the stairs to their bedroom.
"What was that all about?" Alice mused to Esme quietly, hoping that Bella couldn't hear.
" I don't know but it certainly affected Bella. I'm concerned." Esme responded. Alice was about to respond, but she felt Bella's presence and sure enough a few seconds later, Bella was standing near the kitchen.
" Alice and I are heading out to the store and then to a movie. We'll be back later, no need to cook dinner. I'll grab something later." Bella smiled lightly to Esme and walked over and hugged her tightly. Esme smiled and returned the embrace.
"You two have fun." Esme smiled and they walked to the Porsche. Bella let herself in and Alice got into the driver's side. The two drove together to town, chatting over small things. Alice parked in front of the store and got out, Bella closely following. The next couple of hours were spent with Alice spoiling Bella, buying new jeans, shirts, and a couple of new jackets just in case Bella ever accidently phased and lost clothes. Bella was touched by the gifts and thoughtfulness.
They loaded the bags into the car and then walked side by side to the movies. Alice had decided on the new comedy " Zombieland" Bella purchased the tickets and paid for them before walking in. The movie theater was packed as it was a Friday night. It was because of this that Alice was surprised when Bella took her hand and proudly showcased her to everyone that they walked past. Bella opened the theater door for Alice and the two entered the dark room. They took their seats just before the previews started. Bella lifted the arm rest and put her arm around Alice, who happily snuggled up into Bella, humming lightly in happiness. The movie was to be expected, but Alice was not really paying attention to it. Her focus was on Bella who was currently laughing with a sparkle in her eye that Alice had yet to see.
' Her eyes are so full of light. Her laugh is so real. I've never seen this side of Bella before. I love it' Alice smiled happily. Faster than wanted, the movie ended and the lights came on in the theater. Bella stretched as she had not moved since pulling Alice into her embrace.
" Did you enjoy the movie?" Bella asked as she made eye contact with Alice.
"It was rather humorous. Did you?" Alice replied with a light smile.
" Any time spent with you is the best." Bella replied with a light smile before leaning in and kissing Alice fully on the lips. Alice was shocked at the forward expression of affection in public but happily returned the action, happiness swelling inside as she felt Bella's lips smile against her own. Finally, the two separated, and stood up. Bella took Alice's hand and they walked out of the theater. Bella opened the door for Alice to exit into the night's air and suddenly tensed.
"Bella?" Alice asked with a tilt of her head, her eyes shooting to Bella's steady gaze. It was locked onto Jessica and Mike who were getting ready to enter the theater.
' Why is she so tense? I thought these were her friends' Alice thought to herself with a tilt of her head.
" Well, well, well. Look at what we have here. Bella is now with Alice," Jessica stopped with Mike near her side, her beady eyes locked onto Bella, " Tell me, is it your goal to screw everyone in the Cullen family?"
"You're not even worth a response. Alice, let's go" Bella murmured, shaking her head and reaching for Alice's hand.
" Excuse me, but we aren't done" Jessica snapped and reached out, grabbing Bella's sleeve, which pulled up slightly over her forearm. Alice's sharp eyes saw the markings of a tattoo and was intrigued, she didn't know Bella had one but what was more curious was Bella's reaction as she withdrew her arm quickly and pulled down her sleeve, gripping the fabric in her palm tightly, almost as if she was ashamed to have the tattoo.
"Yes we are." Bella snapped, her eyes glaring at Jessica.
" Was this the reason why you dropped out and finished school online? Couldn't bear the shame of everyone knowing about the whore that you are?" Jessica replied with a light smirk.
" Your comments are only an outward projection of yourself, and I don't care what you have to say about me or what you think about me. I am finally happy, which is clearly more than I can say for you. Goodbye, Jessica" Bella responded before Alice could intervene. With that Alice and Bella left, leaving Jessica standing in shock.
" Sorry about that." Bella finally sighed, looking over to Alice.
"No need to apologize. I promise." Alice smiled lightly, before stopping herself and Bella, "the night is still young. Tell me what would you normally be doing on a Friday night?"
" Easy, going to the bar with Jake." Bella shrugged and then made eye contact with Alice, " Why?"
" I was just thinking, we should go. If you're up for it." Alice smiled lightly as she saw the huge smile break out on Bella's face.
" You sure?" Bella smiled and Alice nodded, " Well, okay. Let's go. It's not too far."
With that Bella and Alice began to walk towards the club, which was just a couple of blocks away. Alice smiled as she could feel the happiness radiating off of Bella. The two made it to the club, and saw a long line waiting to get in. Alice's eyes shot to the neon sign outside, which read " The Lighthouse Tavern"
" No need to worry." Bella smiled and walked right up to the bouncer, who smiled at Bella.
"Hey there, is she with you?" The bouncer motioned to Alice with a playful hint in his eyes.
"You bet, she's my girlfriend. Alice, this is James. James, Alice"
"Hello, nice to meet you." Alice smiled.
"Trust me, the pleasure is all mine. Please, go ahead" James smiled, and moved aside so that Alice and Bella could enter. The two moved in, holding hands.
"Bella!" Jake shouted and ran over and hugged Bella tightly, " what are you two doing here?"
" Alice wanted to come out tonight, and well, I just can't say no to her." Bella smiled lightly, and pulled Alice against her from behind, kissing behind her ear. Alice vibrated lightly at the gesture.
" Bella, catch!" Alice's eyes shot to the side and a glass of tequila slid across the wooden and slightly sticky bar. Bella reached for it neatly stopped it before it slid off.
" On me. Welcome back!" Elijah smiled lightly, and walked over.
" Thank you. Are you okay with me having a couple of drinks?" Bella asked Alice, causing Jake and Elijah to exchange surprised glances.
" You bet, just don't completely over do it." Alice smiled and Bella nodded before shooting the double shot.
"I'm going to put on some tunes. Be back" Bella smiled lightly before heading over to the jukebox.
"She looks happy with you, probably the happiest I have ever seen her." Jake smiled, leaning against the bar and slamming his own shot.
" Good, I only want that for her." Alice smiled, watching Bella interact with all of the people at the bar.
" It's been a long two weeks. I'm happy to see her out and about" Jake finally replied as he sipped on his whiskey.
"She's giving up so much by being with me. I don't want her to feel like she has to give up everything." Alice replied with a slight tilt of her head and a smile as she watched Bella down another drink that was handed to her from a person at the nearby table.
" There's something you need to know about Bella," Jake paused as Alice tore her gaze from Bella to face Jake who was still looking forward, " The man that just gave Bella that drink, his nine year old son Connor, got lost and injured one night on a fishing trip. He was lost somewhere in the woods. Bella volunteered to be part of the search party. A horrible storm came out of nowhere and the search party was called off, but not for Bella. She pressed on, by herself, through the insane gale winds and freezing rain. She found him. She saved his life."
"That's… remarkable." Alice replied in awe, her gaze on Bella who had done a fist bump with a woman a few tables over.
" Bella has touched the lives of everyone in this room. She has helped everyone out from listening to them, by helping settle debt issues, to give someone a jump. Hell, she even talked someone out of suicide. A couple of weeks after you left, she just got on fire, ready to change the world, one person at a time" Jake smiled lightly and swished his whisky in his glass.
" I never would have guessed." Alice replied, her heart swelling at the thought of Bella becoming the person she was today.
" That is what Bella does. She helps those who need it, even when she can't help herself. That is why all eyes are on you. They're curious. She means a lot of everyone in this room, and no one wants to see her hurt. The way she is with you is so different than who she was when she first started coming here with me to unwind from life, school, work. You name it. She's changed, for the better," Jake paused and made eye contact to Alice, " Thank you"
Alice could not reply, but smiled with a nod as she watched Bella do another shot and her eyes met with Bella's from across the room. Alice could feel herself melting, trapped in the loving expression on Bella's face as she moved forward, taking Alice's hand in her own and taking her to the middle of the dance floor.
Alice smiled lightly, feeling Bella flip them around so that Alice was pressed against Bella's front. Bella held Alice against her on the waist and moved her hips in sync with Alice to the song, singing lightly along with the lyrics. Alice laughed lightly and turned around, keeping the movement going but kissed Bella. Bella ran her hand through Alice's hair as she pulled back as the song ended. This was how it kept going for two hours. Three shots later and Bella was borderline drunk, and Alice was happy to see her so relaxed.
" I think we should get going." Bella finally said, as she checked the time.
"Yes, let's go. It was nice meeting everyone" Alice smiled and waved goodbye to everyone, escorting Bella out and driving them back home.
" Oooo, someone is fucked up!" Emmett laughed, as Alice helped Bella upstairs into the bedroom. Bella smirked lightly, making sure that Esme wasn't looking and flipped Emmett off, who howled in laughter at the gesture. Alice opened the door and Bella wasted no time getting out of her clothes.
"Alice, it's so hot!" Bella murmured as she crawled into bed wearing her normal PJs.
" Maybe you should just try to sleep in a tank top or something. Your body is still getting used to all the changes." Alice mused, laying down on the bed.
"No." Bella responded rather quickly, earning a raised eyebrow from Alice, " Can… I just cuddle with you?" Alice nodded and dropped the subject. Bella snuggled up next to Alice, and quickly passed out.
Alice laid there in silence for a few hours reading a novel but was stopped as she felt Bella roll around restlessly. Her eyes looked down at Bella, and saw sweat beads running down Bella's face. Alice put down her novel and ran a cold hand down Bella's very warm skin. Alice sighed.
' I don't know why she's being so stubborn but I can't stand to see her like this.' Alice thought to herself and began to roll up the long sleeves of Bella's sleep shirt. Alice's sharp eyes finally took in the tattoo, and frowned lightly. Plain as day, there was a scar. A large one.
' This is not where James bit her. I wonder where this came from' Alice mused, and she ran a gentle hand against the scar and gasped. Her eyes became glazed over and unfocused. Without warning, Alice was sucked into a vision.
