7. Reconciliation

The next day at lunch Alice informed me that she and Edward are going hunting on Friday so Edward can be prepared for his trip with Bella to Seattle. They were sitting across the cafeteria from us. Rosalie was going over the business proposal for us to start a car repair and customization shop. We're going to wait until I've graduated college with my degree. All we have to do is figure out a name.

"How can we combine our names to make it professional and not be too long?" Rose asked

"How about PenRose Full Service Auto shop."

"That's a good one, let me write that down." Rose replied.

"Okay."

We ironed out a few last details and finally perfected the proposal.

"We are going to be the best full service auto shop on the Pacific West Coast." I high fived Rose.

The remainder of the school day passed with a blur and Emmett walked me to my car where Bella was waiting for me. After kissing me goodbye he walked back over to Edward's car. I got in and drove home. Once at home I started preparing dinner. I put the beef stew meat to boil. I started my homework as Bella descended the stairs.

"So how's it feel to be the topic of gossip once again?"

"I hate it, I wish Jess would just stop bugging me about Edward."

"She's nosy because she's jealous, Emmett told me when they first moved here from Alaska Stanley followed him around like a little lost puppy. Her fantasies about him were very disturbing to him. He was raised in the early 20th century so he didn't think a woman can have those type of inappropriate thoughts." Bella nodded in understanding.

"She's just mad because compared to her and Mallory, you're very plain, not very interesting or that good looking. She and Mallory both are extremely jealous that you're what Edward likes. Those petty bitch are also jealous that after two years they never got anywhere with Edward and Emmett then we come here and three weeks later I'm dating Emmett and Edward was and is fascinated/obsessed with you. Now, you're dating Edward and he loves the fact that your mind is like a spa getaway. Don't be surprised when he takes you into the middle of the woods to his special place."

"What special place?"

"Some meadow that Emmett says he goes to, you know for internal peace and quiet." About two hours later Chief walked through the door and into the kitchen.

"Hey girls."

"Hey Chief?"

"What's for dinner?"

"Beef Stew."

"Never had it before."

"Oh Charlie, you'll love it." He walked into the living room while Bella and I set the dining room table. Fifteen minutes later I called Charlie in. We sat down to a comfortable silence and ate. I knew Charlie would love the stew because he was eating a third helping.

"I take it you like the stew Charlie."

He grumbled a response. I chuckled a little. I cleared the dishes and loaded up the dishwasher. I sat with Charlie watching Sports Center. After nine I double checked the kitchen and the front door to make sure everything was locked and turned off. I climbed the stairs to my room. I walked into my room and tripped over my shoes and fell.

"Son of a Bitch!" I heard a chuckle coming from the corner of my room. I looked up and saw Emmett sitting on my bed. I walked over to him and smack his head. BIG MISTAKE!

"Oww fuck!" I fanned my hand back and forth.

He laughed harder. "Babe, you can't hurt me." I stuck my tongue out at him and climbed into my bed. He crawled in with me. I turned away from him.

"Babe, don't be like that. I'm sorry. If it makes you feel better I'll tell Rose and have her hit me properly for you."

I rolled over to face him.

"I just might take you up on that." I kissed him, snuggled up closer to him and fell asleep quickly.

The next day after school with a little encouragement from Bella and Emmett I found my way down to La Push. I drove up the familiar path to the Clearwater house. I parked and got out. I walked up to the door. I stood there for about five minutes before finding the courage to knock. Another five minutes went by before the door swung open revealing Seth. He grew a little more since the last time I saw him.

'What the hell are they feeding these boys? First Sam and now Seth...hmmm. Well Sam is...maybe Seth is on the same path...oh no'

"Penny," He grabbed me in a tight hug and twirled me around. "It's been too long." He put me back down.

"Hey Seth. How are you?"

"I'm great. How about you?"

"I'm wonderful. Where's Leah?"

"She's upstairs sulking in her room." I smacked the back of his head.

"Don't say that about your sister." He rubbed the back of his head.

"Ow! I'm sorry. It's been almost two years." I looked at him shocked 'What the hell does he mean by that? Is she still heartbroken over Sam? No, not Leah Clearwater. She's not the type to mope over a guy.' so what exactly did she mean in her letters when she said she understands my pain and the betrayal I was feeling. I walked up the stairs to Leah's bedroom. I knocked on the door.

"Seth, go away!" I knocked harder. I heard the shuffling of feet and the door swung open.

"I said go-" She looked up at me. "Penny?" I nodded at she threw herself at me.

"I'm so sorry, I now know what it feels like to be betrayed by someone you trusted." I let her cry for ten minutes.

"Come on, let's go for a walk on the beach." She wiped her face and nodded.

"Let me grab my shoes."

She re-entered her room. I looked around nothing has changed. Just all the pictures she had on her bulletin board of Leah, Emily and myself are gone, well Emily's part of the picture had been torn off. Now its just Leah by herself and then Leah and I and just one or the other of Emily's arms left. 'Hmm, no Emily. What the fuck did Emily do for Leah to go all Edward Scissorhands on these pictures?'

We walked along First Beach in silence. Once we found a place to sit. After about twenty minutes of a awkward silence I decided to break it.

"I'm sorry I never wrote you back."

"No, I'm sorry I didn't value our friendship enough to tell you about Paul."

"I saw Sam and he tried apologizing to, actually something he said that made me read you letters and come see you."

"And what's that?"

"I asked him how you were and he said he hasn't spoken to you since the two of you broke up, now I thought y'all would get married now dish girl. What happened?"

She launched into telling me all about her relationship and how her father wasn't so happy about it because he didn't want his little girl hurt. Sam's disapperance a year ago and him coming back a different person. The breakup and Leah catching him and Emily kissing on her front porch. His physical changes and his sudden short temper.

After her explaination I started to wonder what Emmett and the Cullens said about the Shape-Shifters. High body temperature. Check. Extreme growth spurt. Check. Increased appetite. Check. Unexplained absences. Check. Looks like the shape-shifters are back. I wonder if I nudge Leah into believing her tribal legends would she understand. I'm actually glad my relationship with Paul didn't work because if it did and he phased and imprinted on another girl. I'd be in the same emotional boat as Leah.

"Leah, I remember Billy telling me about the Tribal Legends. Do you think it's possible that they might be true."

"What do you mean?"

"Think about the Legends, and compare it to Sam's recent behavior." She sat there for a minute just lost in thought. I watched her face. An array of emotions crossed over her face. Sadness, Shock, Anger, Hope, Jealousy, Acceptance and a small fraction of bitterness.

"OMG! It makes so much more sense now, I can't believe that I was so blind. So that means the imprinting is true too. I was never meant for Sam. Oh God, does that mean Seth will phase too, and Jacob, Quil and Jared and Paul?"

"Probably you too Leah, doesn't the gene run on both sides of your family."

"That would be fair. My life doesn't suck enough so make me the descendent of a giant, mutant dog."

"Leah, this could be a great thing. You won't age, or-"

"Have children."

"Huh?"

"The rise of body temperature will probably fry my uterus and therefore making me menopausal at nineteen or twenty."

"Oh Leah, I'm sorry. Maybe it won't happen for you do you think there's some type of ritual that can stop you from phasing or-"

"Oh, so the stories about the Cullens are true too. They're vampires. That explains why my dad refuses to go to the hospital." Uh Oh, I didn't mean for her to get all of the legends just the part about her ancestors. Well, at least she figured it out on her own. Maybe now she'll move on from Sam and eventually forgive him.

We spent the rest of the day together just catching up and reminiscing about the simplier times before we became attracted to boys. The sun started to set when we walked back to her house.

"So, are you going to let Sam and Emily you know."

"Yea, I guess I have to. I understand what happened now, the imprinting wasn't in Sam's control. Maybe one day we can go back to being friends before our feelings got involved."

"That's great Leah, I know eventually I'll run into Paul again. I'm actually glad it work out this way."

"Yea, you don't want to be in this turmoil or pain. I finally can move past this heartache and I have you to thank for that Penny."

"No problem, I didn't want you to walk around with this heartache and still have feelings for Sam."

"Yea, now I understand and can move on." I hugged my best friend. I missed her and was glad that Bella and Emmett talked me into coming down here.

"I missed you Lee-Lee."

"I missed you too Penny."

"Well, I'm not going anywhere for the next year so we can have all this time to catch up and spend time together. I'll come to La Push more often."

"Good, you better."

"I will, I got to go but I'll call you tomorrow."

"Okay. See you later. Thanks again."

"Your more than welcome."

I got into Jesse and drove back to Chief's house. When I got into the house, Bella and Chief was eating the leftover stew. I warmed me up some and sat next to Bella.

"How was La Push?"

"It was fun, Leah and I caught up and talked about everything."

"That's great Penny."

"I know, so Bella what did you do after I dropped you off."

"The usual, homework and laundry." Chief had wander off into the living room. I cleaned up the kitchen and washed the few dishes and went straight to my room. I grabbed my toiletries bag and went to shower. After my shower I laid across my bed and grabbed my phone. I wanted to see how Emmett's day went.

'Hey babe. How was your day?"

'Boring without you. I played a little chess with Jasper and helped Rosie with the modifications to my jeep.'

'Oh sounds like so much fun. I made amends with Leah'

'That's wonderful babe :). My girl doing the right thing.'

'Yea, she was still a little heartbroken about Sam. They dated for four years then he broke up with her out of the blue.'

'Oh yea. :( That sucks. I can't imagine the heartache she must of went through'

'Yea, she explained to me the day he disappeared and what happened after. The way she describe his attitude and behavior made me realize that Sam has phased.'

'What?! Seriously?! The wolves are back?'

'I told you guys that if it's a vampire that triggers the gene and causes the transformation then expect a newer generation of wolves'

'You did say that. Well I guess the treaty has to be resigned or whatever. I'll tell Carlisle'

'Okay, it could also be those nomads that Alice keeps seeing as well'

'Yea, it makes sense. Do you think that there will be anymore wolves? Can you guess?'

'Um I don't know. As long as you and your family is here there's a possibility that there will be more. Hate to say it babe.'

'We knew, but we were kind of hoping that the gene would've died with the last pack of wolves.'

'They still have the ability to have children, and as long they have children the gene is passed down from generation to generation.'

'Different subject, so does she realize the legends are true?'

'Yea, I nudged her toward it and she knows what you are as well.'

'That's was expected if she phases she going to figure it out. She just knows a little sooner.'

'Yea, she's on the path to recovering from the pain and checking out of the Heartbreak Hotel ;)'

'I didn't take you for a Elvis fan babe.'

'Yep, learning new things about me babe ;)'

'Yes, and I like it. It keeps our relationship spicy and exciting'

'Sooooo, my birthday is coming up next month. Hint Hint ;) ;)'

'Don't worry babe. Hint taken. I already got your gift'

'Oh well, I want to come over tomorrow and spend time with you and the family again. :)'

'Oh sure, you just want to come and snoop. You're not going to find your present so don't even try it :P'

'That's not what I was going to do.' :0

'Umm hmm, sure you weren't :)'

'Okay, I won't look. I do want to come over tomorrow, its Saturday.'

'Okay cool, just call me and let me know what time.'

'I will babe, I'm going to get some sleep.'

'Goodnight Babe. I love you'

'I love you more Babe, Goodnight Emmybear' xoxox

'xoxoxo'

I put my phone on the charger and climbed under my covers and fell asleep dreaming about what Emmett has gotten me for my birthday.

The next morning I woke up and wanted to see if Bella wanted to go see a movie. I opened my room door to her walking our of hers completely dressed.

"Hey Bells, where you off to today?"

"Edward's picking me up, he says wants to show me something. I'm hoping he'll show me what he meant by the sun affects him differently." I burst out laughing when she said that.

"Penny, what's so funny?" In between laughing and catching my breath I responded.

"Oh you'll see."

I continued laughing all the way through my morning shower and getting dressed. Bella and Chief were already gone by the time I came downstairs. I fixed me a real hearty breakfast. I like being alone at the same time I hate it. One of the main reasons I hate about being alone is I tend to overthink and overanalyze everything. As I was eating I had an epiphany and realized I'm spending too much time with Emmett. My feelings for him developed quickly and intensely. The mating pull gets stronger each day. I didn't like how being away from him made me feel. It's too serious, I'm only 16 and this isn't normal. Maybe I should tell Emmett that I need space. 'why do I feel like someone just ripped a huge hole right through my chest' Yes, he isn't a normal person but for me to feel this strong pull and not being able to sleep without him being there is literally crazy. I know if Edward hadn't intervened Emmett and I would have mated already and I wouldn't be feeling this way. 'I hate fuckface even more now' All I know is that I refuse to be one of those girls who doesn't have a life outside of her boyfriend.

I cleaned the kitchen and grabbed my car keys. I got in Jesse and drove off with no destination in mind. I realized that although small towns offer a quiet life it doesn't offer a teenager much to do outside of school. Back in Phoenix I was on the debate team, captain of the volleyball team and on the yearbook committee, as the photographer. Add being in gymnastics, karate on top of that and you'll see I had a pretty busy schedule. Bella started with me in gymnastics but just like ballet she quit before even giving it a chance. She tends to use her clumsiness as a crutch. Renee didn't help by quitting all the activities she was into. I stayed with mine. Johnny made sure of it.

I had already turned down the driveway when I realized that I had driven straight to the Cullen's house. Seriously? Even absent-minded I drove here. They all were waiting outside. I guess they heard Jesse's engine. I noticed Emmett walking around to the driver side. I quickly locked my door and proceeded to back out of the driveway. Emmett ran over and stood behind my car, I hit the brakes immediately. He'd damage Jesse before Jesse hurt him. I got out and backed away from them and my car. I felt an on coming panic attack. I ran my fingers through my hair and started pacing back and forth muttering to myself.

"This isn't normal. This is not normal."

"Penny babe, where were you going?" Emm said

"I was leaving."

"But you said you were coming over." Emm replied

"I didn't mean this early."

"Penny what's wrong, your emotions are all over the place?" Jasper asked

"This isn't normal, as I was eating breakfast I realized that I'm starting to become something I'd swore I'd never be."

"What's that?" Alice asked

"A clingy, whiny, needy girlfriend."

"What are you talking about Penny?" Rose said

"Back in Phoenix, I barely had time for a boyfriend what with being on the yearbook committee, the debate team, captain of the Volleyball team on top of Gymnastics and Karate I led a pretty busy life. The fact that I went from a super busy schedule to having nothing to do is literally driving me insane. It's insane these feelings I have for Emmett I don't understand. It's too serious. I'm only 16, this isn't normal. I shouldn't be so serious about you. The fact that I can't sleep without you next to me or hearing your voice isn't normal."

"What are you saying Penny? You want to break up with me?" Emm asked. I heard the hurt in his voice.

"No Emmett that's not what I want, I just need a little space. We've only been dating for three months and already I've told you I love you. It's too fast. Growing up thinking my parents died in a car crash and then learning the truth last year on my birthday was a real heartbreaking and turning point in my life. Learning the truth made me hate my father for what he put my mother through. She didn't deserve that. My father was a fucking bastard for what he did. After learning that and to come here and find you its a lot to deal with. I see Bella and I already know that she's willing to give up everything for Edward. She's tried all the after school activities with me but never stuck to it. Renee wasn't a very good example. I sometimes hate her because she uses her clumsiness as a crutch. You think she's selfless for moving up here with Charlie when it's the exact opposite.

I'm sure she's fed Edward some bullshit lies about how she was the adult in the relationship with her mother and how her father wasn't there that's because she never made an effort to talk to them. Charlie wrote her letters every week, she refused to answer them. Renee's mother was upset at her for running off and marrying Charlie so young. She stopped speaking to her daughter. After Bella was born she still didn't come around. Renee didn't know much about raising a child she did the best she could with what she had. Later down the road her mother eventually started talking to her again. It didn't last long because she got sick and died. Bella doesn't talk to her mother she treats her like an incompetent child. Renee is willing to learn if you just sit her down and show her.

Bella never makes an effort in anything. Finding out what you all are is the first time since I've known her to put effort into something. She's not smart she's stupid and she a horrible daughter. I bet now she has it in her head that she's born to become one of you. She thinks that she doesn't fit in but she never gave it any effort. I was her only friend back in Phoenix. I had to get her to socialize with our peers but she would just clam up and says she doesn't fit in. Yea sure she loves classical music and reads the classic novels repeatedly but there's always someone who enjoys it too. She just never thought to open her fucking mouth and ask. There were after school clubs that were dedicated to classical music and literature, she just never took the time to seek them out. I even told her when and where they meet. I'm really starting to wonder how we manged to stay friends for this long. We're completely different, I sometimes want to punch her in the face. She's completely obsessed with Edward. It's not normal."

Emmett tried walking over to me. I stepped back away from him. I pulled at the ends of my hair. I felt a scream building up and I managed to swallow it back down.

"Emmett I wouldn't do that, she's emotionally unstable. Let her come to you." Jasper said

"Why? I just want to hold her" Emm replied

"Emmett, didn't you hear her? She doesn't want to be that girl who loses herself in her boyfriend." Rosalie said

"I heard her, but I want to be there for her. I'd do anything for her." He looked over at me. "Penny, baby, please let me help you." He pleaded with me.

I ignored him and continued pacing back and forth while venting my frustrations.

"I see Bella is going to try and replace her parents with Carlisle and Esme when in reality you're physically old enough to be her older siblings but psychologically old enough to be her great grandparents like 5 times over. I can't deal with this right now and I'm starting to wonder if my friendship with Bella will last until graduation. I love her like a sister but I have a feeling as long as Edward and her are together she going to make me slap her silly. She's thinks she'll be making the right decision but we all know that it's not. I know I said its her decision, but she's rushing into it because she doesn't want to have a huge age difference between her and Edward. She can't even make a life decision without consulting Edward. It's like she's not even just Bella anymore, she's Edward and Bella. She doesn't even spend time with her other friends. I don't either come to think of it. I have to go, I just can't right now."

"Penny, I think you should talk to someone" Carlisle said

"You want me to see a shrink?" He nodded

"Yes and then you can talk to Bella. Tell her some of the things you're feeling. Jasper is a licensed psychiatrist?" Carlisle replied.

I looked over at Jasper who looked like he'd been to hell and back. Shit, that's right he's an empath.

"Jasper I'm sorry about dumping all my emotions on you. It's just when I get alone I start to think and analyze everything. My friendship with Bella was always something I questioned multiple times. I guess it's because my parents are gone and she still has hers and she's not making a FUCKING effort in having a decent proper relationship with them. I'm grown enough to admit that I'm jealous too. As far as talking to you as a professional shrink, maybe another time."

He nodded in understanding. I looked over to Emmett and walked up to him. I grabbed his hands in mine. I looked up into his eyes and I rubbed my hands up and down his biceps. I laced my fingers through his.

"DO NOT doubt my love for you, I love you so much it's literally killing me to say this but I have to for the sake of our relationship and my sanity. I need a little space okay. I'm in no way breaking up with you. Understand? I just need time to process all of this. Just give me time, please."

"I love you even more, and yes I understand. It pains me to say this but take all the time you need; I'll always be right here waiting for you." I looked around and everyone left to give us privacy. I nodded and kissed him on the lips for what I hope won't be the final time. I walked back to Jesse and backed out of the driveway. The pain from the separation is beginning to flare up but I needed to do this for myself. I decided to drive out to Seattle for a little while. My phone chimed I pulled over to see who it's from. I noticed I had three. One from Bella, Leah and Johnny.

'you're so mean for laughing at Edward and his family when you saw them in the sun' Bella.

That urge to scream came back. I let it out. I screamed like I was being murdered and banged my fist on the steering wheel. After about fifteen minutes I stopped. I laid my head on my steering wheel and sighed. I continued reading my messages. I rolled my eyes at Bella's message, I really had to bite back the verbal bashing I wanted to unleash on her via text. I took a deep breath in and out and moved on to the next one.

'I'm sorry. Paul overheard me talking to Sam and heard your name. He asked if you were back in town. I didn't know if you wanted him to know. I was about to lie to him, but Sam blurted out that you were and I was with you all day yesterday. Now, he wants to see you.' Lee Lee.

I scoffed at that and text right back.

'He can eat a dick. I'm not coming down there just because he wants to see me. Bitch ass better wait. I'll see his ass on my terms only. The fuck I look like?'

She text me right back.

'LMAO'

The last one was from Johnny.

'Hey I'm in Seattle on business. Come to the Fairmont Olympic Hotel Suite 423'

'I'm on my way now'

'okay'

I carefully merged back into traffic and made my way to Seattle fighting the urge to turn back around and drive back to Emmett and the tears. 'Is this what love is? I feel as if I left my heart back in Forks.' The drive up there can give me time to sort everything out and get some seriously needed advice from Johnny.