Hope It Gives You Hell

A/N: I'm very sorry for not posting sooner, it's taken me close to four months to gai my muse back—enough to write that is... It's been difficult, but I hope that I can continue my stories without much difficulty... but only time will tell. I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 3)

It had been two weeks, since I started to piece my life back together. Since I started to move on from Edward's influence on me, and gotten rid of the love-sick puppy. They both really pissed me off. One tried to control me, and the other was obsessed with me... I don't understand why it even is happening to me.

I've met with Laraunt at the meadow, why did I even think it was a great idea to travel through the woods by myself? This had happened the day after, I seen Jacob. I was so pissed at the vampire, and didn't even notice the wolves coming up behind me. I guess I distracted Laraunt as well because he seemed surprised to suddenly have a black wolf attack him.

More disturbing is the fact that Victoria is out to kill me. Despite the fact that I am not, nor will I ever be Edward's mate. You don't just leave someone you love! Telling them they arent worth your time, and that you don't love them.

Mate for a mate, Laraunt said. BASTARDS!

Now, I guess it is time to talk to Dad about my future plans. Maybe I can graduate early and leave, and attend college out of this state? And then talk to Ben and Angela, see what they have planned. Then I will make my way down to the reservation and find Samuel Uley and the Pack.

I just wish things would-

"Bella? What are you doing home so early, don't you have work?" My dad asked from the door way. I smiled slightly, and beckoned him to come join me at the kitchen table.

"Dad, I need to talk to you." I said seriously, and looked him in the eye. "I can't stay in this state, dad. It isn't healthy. I'm not saying I won't ever return, I am just saying I need some time away."

His eyes had misted over, as he heard me speak and I know this will hurt him. But he'll understand. He always does. "Why, Bells? What about school? Where are you going?"

I smile slightly, "Dad, I plan on finishing both my Junior and Senior year this year. So, I'll be quitting my job and doing extra studies, so I can do that. Afterwards, I'm headed out to the East Coast, I think." I tilt my head in thought and look over at my dad. "I honestly don't know, dad."

He looked torn, I was doing it again. Being selfish...but this time, for a good reason—I think. But as I watched him think over everything, I see that he starts to come to terms with my decisions. He nods his head. "I have a few conditions, though, Bella." He sighs and runs a hand over his face, "You call once a day, and you keep your grades good. Don't get into trouble, and explore all of your options."

I smile, and nod my head. "Of course, dad. I'm sorry." I get up and walk around the table to give him a hug, before walking out of the kitchen and up to my room.

Now, Isabella Marie Swan, it is time for you to do right by yourself. Shed all of your old life.

Nicknames. "Bye-bye Bella."

Ex-friends. "Fuck off, Cullens and Black."

Ex-boyfriends. "Hope to never see you again, Edward."

This house... "I will still come to visit it, all the time."

I changed into my nightclothes and then sent a text message to Angela and Ben, asking to meet at the Diner at eleven.

As soon as I sent the text I had lay down and slowly drifted into a deep sleep, where my dreams were plagued by giant wolves and vampires. I didn't know if I could, or should, consider them nightmares or my fucked-up life.

When I awoke the next morning at nine, I didn't remember any of the dreams I had the previous night. Although, it did feel as though a weight had been lifted off of my chest and like the 'open wound' on my heart was finally beginning to heal.

As I groggily got out pf bed and walked to my dresser to grab clothes as well as a fresh towel and headed towards the bathroom, stubbing my toes on the door frame in my tired state. As I showered, I hummed a few songs that I heard in Angela's car. Actually, enjoying the tunes and feeling more awake as the time went by. I stepped out of the shower after washing and conditioning my hair, as well as scrubbing my body clean. I quickly dried off and got dressed, taking my time with doing my make-up so that it would look good.

As I walked back into my room to hang up my towel and put my dirty clothes in the hamper, I turned towards the mirror and whistled when I saw how I looked.

I look fucking hot. Why didn't I dress like this around Edward?

He was such a prude. That is why. Never letting me touch him more than holding his hand, and never anything more than a few pecks on the lips.

IT WAS SO AGGRAVATING!

I need to relax. Time to go make food, seeing as cooking is the only thing that helps me relax at the moment. What to make? Pancakes, eggs and bacon?

Mmm...sounds delicious. I cannot believe I would have forgone food for vampirism. I am stupid.

I have got to get my mind off of vampires and shit for the day. I continued cooking and when finished I sat down and ate my small breakfast. It wasn't huge, because I was sure to order something at the Diner.

After cleaning up all of the dishes I had dirtied, I checked the clock and noticed the time.

No time like the present, to get my plans situated. Time to go see Ang and Ben.

I grabbed my phone off the counter and a sweater from the closet, and quickly put on my combat boots. Grumbling about sleeping in later than usual and not paying attention to the time. I ran out the door and locked it quickly as I hoped in the truck and pulled out of the drive.

After a five-minute drive I pulled into the parking lot, and parked next to Ang's dark-blue Volkswagen. Smiling, I climbed out of the truck, and looked towards the glass window, before walking into the Diner. I saw Angela waving me over to them and smiled.

I walked over quickly, and sat down in the booth across from them. "How have you two been, over break?"

"We've been great! We went on this date to this new restaurant in PA. The food is to die for!" Angela said animatedly, and I couldn't help but giggle along with her. "How have you been Bella? You look incredible. Way more healthier and completely different."

I looked out the window at the beat-up truck, and tried to gather my thoughts. "I have made some plans, and I'm going to follow through with them." She looked back at Angela, "Ang, I'm going to take the Senior tests at the end of the school year, and when I graduate I'm going to the East Coast. I want to be completely new. I think I don't want to be called Bella. Isabella or Isa, should suffice."

She looked shocked and looked me over, I knew that my eyes were a bit puffy from all the extra studying I have been doing at night, but due to my walking around and eating I'm looking healthier.

"Is that what you really want...Isabella?" She hesitated saying my full name, but I liked the way it sounded. I was beginning to love myself, the way it should've been from the beginning.

I nodded my head. "Positive. Charlie knows. You guys know. I'll be going to the Reservation around graduation. I'm going to change my life for the better, and if it means moving to heal, I'm doing it."

Our conversation was put on hold as the waitress came around to our table, "Is there anything I could get you?" I looked at the menu and frowned. No more salads. I need meats.

"I would like your Bacon Cheeseburger, with a side of vinegar-covered curly fries, and a chocolate milkshake. Please?" I said.

The girl nodded her head and turned to the two.

"I'll take the Chicken salad, with a bag of chips to the side, and a glass of Pepsi." Angela ordered, in her quiet voice.

Ben denied wanting food, stating that he had ate a hearty meal this morning with his family. I smiled, and watched the waitress walk away. "So, when will we see you?" Ben asked when we were alone again.

"Whenever I can make it up here."

We spent an hour eating and chitchatting about our plans. Angela and Ben are going to Georgetown for college. Ben is going for Law School, and Angela going for Law Enforcement and Medical Training. The pair are going to do great things. I'm proud of them.

As the time to go home draws closer, I stand up and pull Angela into a hug. "Thank you. For everything. I'll make sure to stay in contact, when I leave. You're the best person I could have ever met, Ang." Stepping back I looked at Ben and smiled, "You better take care of her, or I'll grab my dad's rifle." He chuckles and pulls me into a hug.

"Always, Isabella."