Bella's never the type to accuse someone without proof. But she is damn sure the blonde mechanic had done something to her truck. She huffs in annoyance as the engine won't start.
Irina bites her lips, trying hard not to chuckle at her frustrated mate because she looks so adorable with how her eyebrows are scrunched up and a frown on her face.
"Rosalie! Did you so something to my truck?" Bella half-yelled, knowing the vampire would hear her anyway.
Rosalie appears with her arms crossed, unamused at the accusation.
"It's so ancient, I told you it would die on you anytime soon. And no, I didn't do anything. You could ask Jasper. We've been in the garage the whole time."
Irina reaches out to soothe the human by running her hand up and down Bella's arm, which does the trick for a moment, "Maybe Rosalie could help you to take a look at it and I could help send you home?"
Bella seems dazed at her mate's touch and Rosalie smirks at her reaction. Bella looks back at Rosalie and sighs.
"Fine. I just don't want to go to school in Charlie's cruiser, I don't like the attention."
"Whilst I'm here and don't have much to do, what if I help to send and pick you up from school? It'd give us time to talk more," she suggested.
Bella blushes and tries to resist. Somehow, someway, Irina manages to convince her that it's actually a favour for the vampire instead of the human. Rosalie has to hand it to her cousin, she maneuvered that successfully. Once it's settled, Irina reminds Bella she owes the other blonde an apology.
"I'm sorry I accused you, Rose. To be fair, you did threaten my truck a few times before, so...," Bella grinned and before Rosalie could list all flaws of the truck, the human wrapped her in a grateful and apologetic embrace, leaving the vampire in a putter.
From the corner of her eyes, Rosalie narrows her eyes at her husband whose hands look far too dirty to be playing the Xbox as he claimed to be. It looks like he had been tampering with a rusty old engine. He grins and winks at her to keep it a secret. So everyone wants to play matchmaker now.
"Do you miss your mother?"
At that, Bella feels slightly guilty. She's been too preoccupied with the vampire drama in her life that she had been out of touch with Renee. She wonders if her mom had harassed Charlie yet about her silence.
She thinks about how her life had dramatically changed after moving to Forks. Despite all the troubles, she realises she's happier here, surrounded by people who truly care for her. Not that Charlie and Renee don't care, it's just, she feels more like a grownup around them. But with these vampires, she feels like a normal teenager somewhat (minus all the vampire and werewolves thing). At least with Esme, she dotes on her by how much she teaches her on interior design and the way she insists on cooking for her. Heck, even Rosalie has tried to cook for her. With her birth parents, that's the role she has to take up on.
Again, no complaints from Bella. But it just feels nice for a change.
"Not too much. I think it's cause I know she's happy with Phil, being on the road and all."
Rosalie who's in the backseat watches Bella's facial expression carefully from the rearview mirror. The human wouldn't admit it but sometimes the lack of parenting role does bother her. But Esme's nurturing side seems to placate the girl from time to time. She can see Bella's forced smile but there's also a hint of sincerity in the way her words were spoken.
Eleazer has helped to arrange for the Denali's vehicles to Forks seeing their stay would be much longer than anticipated. But they wouldn't arrive in a few days so the Denalis would borrow from some of the Cullens' collection in the meantime. It's less risky to drive than to run through town and not having a logical explanation to why they travel by foot if they ever encounter any humans. It's been a while since Irina had driven a car so Rosalie agrees to chauffeur them while she gets accustomed to the machines again.
So, this morning as promised, Irina, Rosalie and Alice went to pick Bella up from her home, and the huge smile on the human's face matches the one on Irina as she discovered Rosalie and Alice gave her the shotgun seat.
"Hey, it's my two favourite blondes!" she giggled entering the car. "And the annoying pixie's here too," she added seeing the unamused look on Alice's face.
Irina had toned down her jealousy by a notch after she had had a talk with Kate last night and agreed to let Rosalie and Alice join them on the morning ride.
"It's too early for you to be chipper," Rosalie quipped, to which Bella just shrugged.
"I have a feeling today's gonna be a good day."
"It does feel like it, doesn't it?" Irina added, making the human girl that much happier to have someone else agreeing with her. She leans in and pecks Bella on the cheek, as if it was something she had done many times before. Bella blushes and busies herself watching the scenery outside, trying to ignore Alice and Rosalie's watchful eyes and grins. The fact that Irina dressed up today makes her heart flutter even more. Her hair is let loose and she wears a white winter coat on top of a white shirt. Bella's heart jitters a bit at the wonderful sight.
Rosalie snorted at the mates, clearly they're a match made in Heaven. But she won't complaint seeing how happy those two are in their own bubbles, which she's guessing has something to do with what transpired last night; their endless conversations.
"I have seen it, it will be a good day for most of us!" Alice agreed after going through her visions.
Alice and Rosalie, well Alice mostly, fills Irina in on their past activities and humourous moments while Bella objects to their version of their story, "I'm not that bad," referring to her clumsiness. Irina hating to see her mate's frown, reaches out and squeezes Bella's hand, "I'm sure it was more of bad lucks than your clumsiness, Isabella."
Bella's blushes at the way Irina says her name and basks in the attention, unconsciously. The good mood prolonged as Irina drives the way Bella preferred; under the speed limit, which must have been hard to do considering all the vampires who had driven Bella in the past was such an adrenaline junkie with their precious cars.
But when they arrive, the good mood starts to fade as Bella notices the many watchful eyes on them. Her heart picks up its rate and she tried her hardest to calm her nerves. She gets a text and she sees it from Angela
People are talking about your breakup with Edward. Keep your head up and try to ignore their stares.
The other vampires, specifically the blondes, caught the nerves on Bella's face. Irina reaches for Bella's hand while Rosalie scoots further and places her hand on Bella's shoulder. Alice is too focused on her vision to notice the situation.
Alice's vision had been wrong. It hasn't been a good day since they stepped into school. Bella got hounded by the boys when no Cullen was within vicinity, asking her to confirm if she's newly single again. Lauren's been a bitch yet again and Bellas has another accident during PE.
Luckily Emmett was there to stop Rosalie from killing the girl who threw the ball at Bella's head, causing her to trip and fall flat on her face.
The Cullens are frantically searching for their human. She isn't in her Biology class. Infact, she is nowhere to be seen after she got sent to the nurse one hour earlier. They pick up her scent in the school but it seems old.
Rosalie is so close to confronting Lauren when she receives a text from her cousin.
Bella called me to pick her up. I'm taking her somewhere fun. -Irina
It aggravated Rosalie a bit. She wanted to be the one to comfort the human. She already had plans to let the human cuddle her to sleep, as she always did on the days she felt sad.
But she has a mate now
The voice snapped her out of reverie to focus on what the teacher wrote on the board. But she still feels like something hurt on the inside and she wonders why.
Bella and Irina lounge by the window pane, sitting opposite of each other, drowned in books, pillows and blankets, their feet almost touching. It has been a long time since Irina had been too enchanted by something or someone but she can't help her eyes that drift to the human eventhough the book in her hands might be far more interesting.
"I may be human but I can still feel your eyes on me."
Irina bookmarks the page and puts the book aside before learning forward on her elbows that are propped on her thighs, "Then there's no more use pretending, isn't there?"
Bella puts her Wuthering Heights down to pay the vampire attention, "Would you like to talk? I think I saw a cafe not far from here."
Touched by her consideration, Irina gently lifts the book up to Bella's eye level and scoots nearer to Bella. "Do you mind if I sit next to you?"
Bella makes space and Irina leans against the glass wall right next to her. The idea of dating might be much too soon for her but she finds that she doesn't mind being close to Irina, not when the Denali provides her comfort she never knew she needed.
The temptation to just slide next to the blonde is high so she freezes her body, not trusting her own instincts.
"Isabella, you can lean against me anytime you want, I promise," Irina whispered so only she can hear them in the quiet library. As if she had somehow read her mind.
She's only ever used to affections with Alice and then Rosalie. She used to be stiff in their arms but after all they've been through, she no longer had qualms or doubts on returning their affections.
Bella knows Irina is her mate and everyday the pull gets stronger but she still had reservations. It's only been two days. They don't expect her to start jumping on Irina's lap do they?
Despite all that, she doesn't mind when Irina takes initiatives. There's no ill intention behind her actions and she isn't the forceful or controlling part. She really seems genuine in wanting to get to know her. So, carefully, she leans back and pushes herself closer to the blonde. She can feel the cold radiating from the vampire but it doesn't bother her in the slightest. Infact, it serves to make her feel warm and fuzzy. In return, Irina puts her chin on Bella's shoulder and peers into her book. "Do you mind if we read together?"
She smiles and lets her as they continue to finish the rest of the chapters in silence. It's weird how Irina's even almost the same temperature as Rosalie sometimes. In time, they finish a book and head to the cafe Irina mentioned for an afternoon tea and some snacking. Bella's turned into a foodie as of late due to Esme's five star home cooked meals. If Bella puts on weight, she's definitely blaming Esme and Alice. Well, Esme for her culinary skills and Alice for not foreseeing it and stopping her.
As she curls her fingers around the the hot cup, she finds how amazingly easy this is with Irina. It doesn't feel anything like how it was with Edward. She doesn't second guess herself or hold back her tongue. And Irina seems to revel in it. Her eyes then drift to the couple sitting two tables away from them. They're sitting right next to each other as the guy whispers into the girl's ear and a blush forms on her face. It's too late by the time she realises she has asked Irina what's been bothering her mind.
"Do you think Edward really loved me?"
Irina pulls back to study her mate's face carefully. It was one question she never expected to be asked. As much as she'd like to break off whatever bond they built together, she knew that if she were to be cruel, it would knowingly hurt her mate in ways that are unnecessary. What she also doesn't want to do is give her mate endless hope. Thus, she knows she has to thread this carefully. Her eyes follow the direction of Bella's and notices the couple that triggered Bella's question.
To her, Isabella's eyes tell so much about her. And Irina can see the pain she's trying to hide away, the half-smiles are there as a mask. Then, those beautiful brown orbs pull themselves away to the trace the wordings on the hot cup in her hands. Irina reaches out to drag her fingers on top of Bella's, as if she's painting on an already smeared canvas. Bella doesn't even flinch as her fingers absent-mindedly trace the smooth cold pale skin on top of hers.
"We all think it stemmed from his bloodlust," she answered politically.
"What's your honest opinion then?" Bella challenged.
Irina did promise to be as truthful as she can with her mate. And she wouldn't want it any other way.
"At some point he must have did. Because you're so easy to love, Isabella.
That last bit of information took her by surprise. For brutal honesty, she could always rely on Rosalie when she knows others would have opted for the least hurtful option. But she much prefers Rosalie's way because even when Rosalie's words had often stung her in the past, she'd always come back to soothe the burn. They had to learn the ropes around each other but they had found a middle ground; a compromise. In corners where there's no watchful eyes, Rosalie would hold her dearly and Bella would be healed.
But Irina had been very gentle with her it's so endearing. There's a softness in her that's almost similar to Esme although Esme's is more of maternal instinct whereby Irina's kindness and gentle ways have touched her heart warmly. It floats her to clouds of happiness. Everytime Irina compliments her it does not cringe her as when Mike did it. It does not suffocate her like Edward's stiff words.
She finds her walls silently disappearing. A wave of serene and happiness coats her heart. Maybe, just maybe, she can start to trust Irina a little bit more. Bella's attention flickers to Irina's inviting lips and she leans into the vampire as much as her heart craves for. There's a small fire in her soul that desires a kiss again. But her mind whispers back - soon.
Rosalie flips through the magazine the fifth time. By now, it looks torn - like it's been read over a thousand times.
This is ridiculous. Of course she trusts Irina to keep Bella safe. Out of all Denalis, she's most relieved fate had chosen Irina. She thinks Kate would have been a tad too lewd for dear old Bella while Tanya's past with Edward would have made it all the more awkward.
Irina's the most affectionate out of the three. And so she finds Irina's love to suit Bella's needs. But this anxiety is getting to her. It's past eight already and she just needs to see the human tonight, before sleep overtakes Bella. This need transpired after what happened in PE earlier.
Against Emmett's advice, she had went and destroyed the girl's Chevrolet. If her nosy siblings weren't in the way, she would have done more damage to the girl who had hurt Bella.
"They'll be here soon," Alice plopped right next to her on the couch.
Rosalie wonders if Irina remembers to feed their human. She seemed to have forgotten about Bella's hunger last night. The Denalis may have impressive control on their bloodlust but they have chosen to remain isolated from the humans in so long, they might have forgotten about what humans need from time to time.
She feels strong hand on her shoulder and being agitated as she is, she bites Emmett, not feeling the slightest guilty for hurting her husband. He should have known better. And he does know better since he's laughing his ass off to their room to leave his wife alone, "You're such a vampire, Rosie!"
She needs Bella and she needs her now. The moment she hears their car approaching, Rosalie almost jumped up the couch but Alice's hand blocked her, "Wait till they're inside. Irina wouldn't like that."
It was a low whisper she is sure Irina couldn't have heard Alice's warning over the engine car and the infectious laughter of Bella.
Ah Bella.
Quickly Rosalie grabs the magazine she tossed away earlier and pretends to read about Tesla's car again. She would never drive a Tesla. It has to be manual. Automated vehicles like these take away all the fun from an engineer/mechanic.
The moment Bella enters their home, she stiffens, trying to fight her impulse of just flitting to the human and grab her away. Alice notices this and sneakily places herself on Rosalie's lap and cuts off her sister's growl with a question, "Have you eaten Bella?"
"Yeah! Irina took me to a Japanese restaurant," she grinned.
It is clear that the day turned out as accurately as Alice's vision. It has been a good day for Bella and Irina.
"Nothing raw I presume? Humans need their food cooked. Otherwise, you know, parasites and all," Rosalie questioned.
Irina's too in bliss by the milestones she achieved with Bella today fails to notice the accusatory tone in her cousin's question. Alice being the peacemaker, spaces out for a second, and assures them that Bella won't get food poisoning tomorrow.
It puts Rosalie on edge when she notices her cousin's eyes are turning dark. "Irina, when was the last time that you hunted?" She feels her protectiveness arises. The ugly memory of Bella's birthday makes Rosalie wary.
"Oh my god! All these time I've only been thinking about me. I'm sorry, should have paid attention. Rose, you should take her hunting. Please?" Bella begged.
"I hunted yesterday with Kate," Rosalie didn't want to pass up the opportunity to be alone with the human.
"Oh, I'll go! I'm almost hungry anyway. Wouldn't want to accidentally bite our precious Bella, won't we?" Alice joked.
Bella sticks her tongue out but is stunned when she hears the two blondes growl at Alice.
"Jeez women! I was only joking. You know I was only teasing, right Bella?" Alice went to hide behind Bella but both blondes can see the gleam in her golden eyes.
"Yeah yeah, go eat your disgusting food," Bella waved her off.
"Oh please Bella. Your food tastes like dirt!"
Bella ignores the pixie and turns to Irina, "So, today was really a good day, huh?" Irina automatically grabs her hands in hers, glowing at the fact that Bella had given her permission to do so few times today. "It was. I'll see you tomorrow?"
Bella nods and Irina gushes at how cute she is and leaves a soft kiss on her cheek. Before Irina could ask Rosalie to help send Bella off, Rosalie's already flashing her car key at her and drags the human to her car.
The way home is silent. Bella is still on cloud nine from the amazing day spent with Irina meanwhile Rosalie's getting impatient. She drives over the speed, faster than her usual so they could arrive there faster.
"Can't wait to get rid of me?" Bella raised her eyebrow at Rosalie's need to rush.
Rosalie's grip on the steering wheel tightens and Bella decides to stay quiet, not wanting to unleash a monster. It's bad enough she feels slightly carsick from the speed. Rosalie would kill her if she were to vomit in her precious car.
The blonde never really responds even until they've arrived and so Bella takes it as her cue to leave and she thanks the silent vampire and makes her way inside. The car speeds off as soon as she closes the door. After making small talk with Charlie, she heads to her room to get ready for her sleep. And she almost had a heart attack when she notices the silent vampire sitting on her bed, her arms crossed.
"Rose?" she whispered, not expecting the blonde to be here after the silent treatment.
Rosalie is drawn out of her stupor, gently closes the bedroom door and pulls Bella into her embrace. Finally, she feel she could breathe again, well, figuratively.
"Oh."
Bella finally realised Rosalie's antics. She gets this way during her protective mode. So she returns the hug and allow herself to be held by the vampire. Rosalie instinctively dives onto brown hair and takes a deep breath.
After a while, she pulls away to examine Bella's injury at the back of her neck, hidden from plainsight.
"Is it still sore?"
"A little. Irina helped to put an ice pack on me earlier."
Rosalie could see the bruise has turned a lighter shade of purple. She is relieved but a part of her still feels sad to see it there. It should not have happened in the first place. She grabs the First Aid Kit and starts taking care of Bella.
"So, what did you do?" Bella asked curiously.
Rosalie finishes off covering Bella's swollen neck and narrows her eyes, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Did you threaten her?"
No response.
"Did you use your Super Glare of Intimidation?"
Rosalie gives her an incredulous look but still doesn't say anything.
"You destroyed her car, didn't you?" Rosalie almost smirked and that's when Bella got her answer.
She huffs at Bella's chuckle and puts her tools away and ushering Bella to go change into her pajamas, the one Rosalie got her for her birthday. It's made out of silk. It's soft and gold in colour. She'd never reveal to Bella how expensive it is, not wanting to risk the silly human from either rejecting the gift or returning it upon discovery. It would have hurt her deeply.
When Bella is ready in her pajamas, Rosalie wordlessly pulls Bella to bed and wraps her arm around her.
"Uh Rosalie, what are you doing?"
"Sleeping."
"Yeah, but you don't sleep."
"Just shut up and sleep, Swan," she said through gritted teeth.
Bella blinks. They've always been close and affectionate but they've never spooned before. Alice? Yeah, sometimes. But her only reasoning is that Bella is like her own personalised human teddy bear.
"Are you okay?"
No answer but she feels herself being pulled tighter against the cold body. How could Bella sleep not understanding what's happening?
"Let me just hold you tonight. I need to shake off this feeling."
"What feeling?"
"That I was too late to protect you."
Ohhhh. It all makes sense to Bella. She's dealing with protective Rosalie now. Protective Rosalie comes together with a Vulnerable Rosalie. She usually tries very hard to surpress her emotions but they're so intense, Bella could read them anyway. After Port Angeles, Rosalie made a vow to always protect her from harm's way. Bella figures since the all mighty vampire couldn't protect her from a teenage girl, it must have made Rosalie mad at herself, feeling all that powerless.
"It's just a bruise."
"It means everything to me."
She buries herself deeper into Bella's hair, enjoying the calmness it brings her.
"Goodnight Rose."
"Hmm."
Bella falls asleep and Rosalie starts purring.
