Bella, the Vanderbilt Vampire:
Recap: Bella's POV: "Wait," she said. "Bella can you tell me the story?" she asked.
"Of course." I said and sat back down next to her and began my tale, "It was the nineteen-thirties."
Chapter 14: Life Is a Gamble
Bella's POV:
"I was completely heartbroken. I just knew that Edward had passed from that bloody Spanish Influenza. So the years went by and I never thought that I would find love again. Until, that is, the current pack watching over me decided to make it known that they were following me." I said and paused to collect my thoughts. Then, I continued on, "That pack never mentioned the prophecy thing and journals that you all told me about. They proceeded to tell me that their ancestors told them that it was urgent that they look after the Vanderbilt Vampire. That is what the stubborn wolves called me. The ones that tolerated me and liked me called me Bella.
Their pack wasn't very large like yours. There was only six wolves total. I became close to one wolf by the name of Walter Locklear. At first I was too heartbroken by what happened to my Edward for my mind to even register that Walter was interested in courting me. However, he was a gentleman and became my sunshine. He bandaged the hole that Edward's supposed death had caused me.
After several months of friendship he confessed that he was attracted to me and my personality and wanted more than friendship. I agreed tentatively, knowing that Edward would want me to move on and be happy. So, Walter and I started dating and soon became quite steady. Oh, Leah we were very much in love although the love I held for Edward was by far much greater. But I had reigned to knowing that I would always carry him in my heart.
Walter and I had been dating for a little over a year when it happened. A new girl had moved into the area where the pack and I had settled. I didn't think anything of her because people moved in and out of the area on monthly basis. We were living in Detroit at the time and people like sunshine rather than clouds.
Anyway, so one day when Walter went to the local Supermarket to buy groceries he bumped into the girl, Lois. When he came back to our apartment that we were sharing together he told me he wanted to break up. He had found someone else, someone better."
Flashback- Detroit, Michigan; 1936:
"She is the girl I have been waiting so long for," he said. "I hope you understand Isa, that I did not mean for this to happen but it is destiny."
"Destiny," I scoffed. "So that is it? You are ending what we had together so that you can be with her?"
"She is my imprint Isa. I can't be with you now that I have found her. Gravity is no longer holding me to the Earth, she does." He pleaded.
"How romantic," I mocked. "Pack your crap up and be gone by the time I return." I told him.
"I hope we can still be friends Isa." He said.
End Flashback
"When he said that, Leah, I saw red. I told him to forget about it and I quickly packed all of my belongings that I could not part with while he stood there dumbstruck. When I had finished I told him to never try and contact me ever again and to enjoy the apartment with his newfound beloved. He was too busy looking like a fish to stop me as I left Michigan."
"How did you get over him?" Leah asked.
"You never really forgive people when they break your heart Leah. I resigned myself. I knew that no matter what I did, there was no way to come between the imprint. I moved on, knowing that it would be too hard to actually see them in love. I lived off the envy for quite a while. After being forced into the Southern Vampires War I learned that living with regrets and anger is very unhealthy.
So, I when I was able to escape I moved on and focused on myself. I immersed myself in the life revolving around me. I know it may seem pointless Leah. But, try looking at what is going on in the world, find a good book to read, or even try to find a man worthy of Leah Clearwater."
"Wow," she said once I was finished. "All I have felt is anger. I don't even know where to start." She said, clearly vulnerable.
"I could help you. We could start having a girls' day. After you let go of that anger maybe invite Emily and rebuild that bond you two once shared." I suggested.
"That sounds really great Bella."
"So let's start this Saturday." I said.
"But that is tomorrow." She said.
"I know. But there is no time like the present." I said. "Now let's rejoin the group and get our bonfire on," I told her and bumped her shoulder with my own before getting up off the ground. I dusted myself off then offered her a hand. She took it gratefully and we headed back into the house where the pack and Cullens awaited with bated breaths. They let out relieved sighs when they saw us both come into the cottage smiling. The pack was obviously shocked to see Leah smiling. "What are you guys doing? I thought we had a bonfire to prepare for?" I questioned.
"You heard the vamp, get to work!" Paul chuckled and then people were moving all about. Leah and I returned to the kitchen and helped with cooking and packaging the food to take down to the beach. With the girls in sync the food was finished fairly quickly, and we put it into different tuber ware containers. We had the different picnic baskets loaded and almost everyone had left. It was just Leah, Emily, and I.
"Are you girls ready to go and join the party?" I asked them.
"Totally! Let's get moving Bella." Leah says.
"Wait, Leah." Emily said while wringing her hands nervously. Leah scoffed at her so I nudged Leah's side pointedly.
"Yes, Emily?" Leah said, unhappily, getting the message.
"Can I talk to you about something in private before we head down to the beach?" She asked hopefully. I gave Leah a look.
"Of course, Emily." She said.
"Well, I will see you both shortly." I said and took my assigned baskets and walked on down to our spot on the beach. It was easily spotted because of two things. Number one, my vampire eyesight and number two the giant gazebos where the tables were set up for the mountains of food. I sped quickly over to the tables and set out the food from my baskets. As soon as I finished I snuck up on Edward. I ran up behind him and jumped on his back.
"When did we get a monkey?" he asked.
"You've always had this love monkey," I whispered.
"Gag!" I heard Paul shout
"Oh, shut up Paul. I know you're the same way around Rachel." Embry said.
"Watch it Embry. Or are you asking for me to beat your butt?" Paul asked.
"In your dreams Paulie. You only won that one fight because I was a new pup and hadn't got used to my wolf-self yet. If we were to fight right now, I would cream you."
"That confident huh? How about we put your money where your mouth is and I wipe the floor with you?" Paul asked.
"Let's fight right here and now. I can't wait another second to beat you up." Embry said.
"Okay, let's go. Jacob you be referee." Paul ordered.
"No guys, we are not having two horse-sized wolves wrestling on a public beach. Have you two lost it? Do you want people to know our secret?" Sam intervened. "This is foolish and I won't allow it."
"If people on your reservation and any tourist found out, imagine the havoc. It would be mass panic; because two testosterone filled pups decided to throw caution to the wind in order to settle a score. News crews from around the globe would travel here and eventually our secret would be out. Scientist and military officials would be looking to destroy us, as well as the Volturi. "Rosalie added.
"What if that's the problem?" I asked as I climbed off of Edward's back.
"What do you mean Bella?" Carlisle asked.
"I mean, what if keeping these secrets is what is befalling us? I believe that we should step out of the dark. Keeping these big secrets is what's tearing the supernatural world apart." I said.
"Are you suggesting that we tell humans what we are?" Quil asked incredulous.
"The Volturi would be on us faster than white on rice!" Emmett exclaimed.
"The Warriors Council would be breathing fire down our necks as well. We would be exiled and shunned by all of the tribes." Sam said. Then everyone started to talk at once in a massive panic. Edward and I were the only ones not talking in the chaos. This madness is headache inducing, I opened my mind to Edward so he could hear that thought. His face was priceless when he heard my thought. I don't let him hear my thoughts often. But when he can hear them he gets so happy.
Then his mind switched gears and he gave me a trusting smile. He hasn't figured out my plan either but he is giving me a look that says he knows. There is no way he could have figured it out already. I didn't have time to ponder this further before someone yelled louder than all the others babbling mess.
"SHUT UP!" Everyone's head snapped to the voice coming down to the beach. I looked and was pleased to see Leah and Emily with their arms hooked companionably. "What are you all whining about?" Leah asked.
"Isabella wants our secrets to go public and every human to know about us." Sam said.
"I doubt that was her idea honey." Emily said.
"Yeah, so shut your yaps and let her explain." Leah ordered.
"Go ahead and explain your idea to them sweetheart. "Edward encouraged.
"I am not suggesting that you go onto Facebook and post: Hey I'm a shape-shifter!" I said and took a breath before continuing. "How many of your parents or relatives are unaware that you boys and Leah are these proud protectors of the tribe? How many don't have a relative on the council? How many shifters know about a vampire's heritage? How many vampires know about a shifter's heritage? We as the supernatural live in the dark shadows of the world. A world full of secrets and hatred. My proposition is to learn and educate those within our circle. Our circle includes any person affected by our supernatural afflictions. We are destroying ourselves by keeping these important secrets and misguided hatred." I said.
"Oh," Quil said.
"See, you numbskulls should have kept your mouths shut and let Bella explain from the beginning. The old texts do say that she is the Venustus Eligitur Salvatoris. She isn't going to ruin us. She is here to save us from our pain. Bella is here to help us step out of the shadows. You boys need to let Bella do her own thing. It is her job, if she needs help she will ask for it." Leah said.
"Wow, Leah. We never knew you could be so deep" Jacob teased. Leah simply punched Jacob's shoulder for that.
Everyone calmed back down and our party started. The pack piled their plates full and precariously while the imprints got a normal portion. After they went through I grabbed a cupcake and sat down next to Edward on the sand.
"Bells, why did you grab a cupcake? You do know that we can't eat human food, right? It tastes like dirt." Emmett queried.
"Well, Emmett I never knew it was supposed to taste bad until I met the Volturi. I have been able to eat human food as well as blood ever since I was turned. I even had meals with Rose's family when I stayed with them. If I was unable to eat human food I would be so sad." I said and took a bite of the cupcake. Oh, goodness it is too delicious. "I love chocolate! You make some great cupcakes Kim!" I told her.
"Thanks Bella, I didn't know that you would be able to eat or I would have made more. I thought vampires couldn't eat human food though?" She asked.
"Most cannot without having to get rid of it, but I am able to eat it just fine. I am so glad that I am able to taste the deliciousness. However, it does not sustain me so I have to use other means of sustenance." I explained.
"Interesting," she said.
"It does briefly mention in the journal that the Venustus Eligitur Salvatoris would be able to eat food of those she is meant to protect. She will appear human in all aspects. I didn't think much of it, so I skimmed that chapter." Sam said.
"I don't think it would be a big deal. Would it?" I asked.
"It's not, it is simply unusual. No other vampire is able to eat and enjoy the food. Normally when you are turned, the ability to enjoy food goes along with the need to breath and other human ticks." Carlisle said.
"Yeah it tastes like dirt. Its taste makes me gag." Emmett said.
"So, you've been eating it when you know it tastes bad to you?" I asked.
"No!" He said childishly. "I lost a bet and had to eat some."
"Of course you did Emmett. It is okay." I said slowly.
"What's that supposed to mean?" He asked, clearly flustered.
"All I am saying is that you are not exactly the best gambler I have come across." I said.
"I bet I could beat you in any game." He boasted.
"Now Emmett, I wouldn't put your money where your mouth is just yet. I've been to Vegas. I played the lesser known mob bosses in games and I cleaned them out. I have no shadow of a doubt in my mind that I can clean out you. You're just an amateur." I informed.
"If you're so confident then let's play some poker." He suggested.
"That's fine, I have a deck of cards right here in my purse. Do you have anything to play for?" I asked.
"Let's not play for money. How about we make it interesting?" He said.
"Why are you afraid that I'd clean out your piggy bank?" I taunted.
"No, we have lived a while now and money is no issue. So, I'm suggesting that the loser has to do something extremely embarrassing that the winner chooses." He said.
"Okay, I'm definitely up for that. Anyone else want in on this bet?" I asked.
Jacob, Leah, Jasper, Paul, Jared, and Embry voiced their interest. "Alright, Sam, you decide the losers' fates. Only tell the people who are not playing in order to make this high stakes. Losers only know when the game ends." Everyone involved voiced their agreements to this regulation. "Alright, now this is the very last chance to bow out of the game." I said.
"I'm out!" Leah said.
"Ditto! I will let you guys duke it out." Jacob added.
"Wimps!" Paul said.
"No we are smart, meat-head." Leah said, "But I wish all of you luck. Every one of you boys are so going to get your butt handed to you!" She said. Then she headed over and started talking with Emily.
"Let's gamble then boys." I said and we gathered around the empty card table. It was previously used for food, but the wolves wolfed it down so quickly that this table became empty. We sat down in the camping chairs and I handed the cards to Jasper. We decided he could be our dealer. He is the most neutral dog in this race. I split the chips in my purse so that each of us had ten chips and the six leftover were placed in the pot.
"The name of the game is Texas Hold 'Em. The buy in is one chip." Jasper said and dealt us each two cards.
"You boys ready to be annihilated?" I asked rhetorically as our game began.
(AN: Hello wonderful readers! I apologize for the wait but I got a job! It is wonderful but exhausting work! I love going in and seeing all of the fantastic little kids. They are precious. There is this one three year old who will grab my face and say "Ms. Heather. I love you." I love him to death. I have so many stories from work that are precious. It makes me want to try my hand and children's' books once again. But anyway, my current book is currently being revised. I am only on chapter 3 so it is going to be a while because I have school, work, and my online stories like this one. Anyway, thanks for the favorites, the followers, and the reviews. I hope to see many more! I love you all and I don't own Twilight. Have a good night or good day, depending on your time zone.)
○Forever and For Always,○
~LHNT~
A.K.A.
*Heather* :D