AN) Hey everybody! I meant to have this chapter up sooner, but I was sick most of the time I was writing it. :( I'm so sorry! But if it is any consolation, I think it's my longest chapter yet!

Before I go any further, I would like to thank RHatch89, vampirelove41, shadowhunterherondale, ellaryne, steph A15, Vivi H88, wolf girl123098, litanolastar , 01katie, Original Sister, MarionV, Alice Gone Madd, RockaRosalie , winxgirl1997, lis3011, twilightfanjm, Twisted Musalih, The Clara Oswin Oswald, ginnybella98, Guest, sourskittles6887, PercyJfan1802, Jojo657, Daddys little crazy bitch, and love angel moonlight for reviewing the previous chapter! I wouldn't have made it this far without all of your support! Thank you also to anyone who has reviewed, read, followed, or favorited this story! Word cannot describe how grateful for all of your support!

Thank you to everyone who has voted thus far for whom they would like to see Bella with! I am keeping count of the number of times a certain character is being asked for and will continue to take suggestions for the pairing until the end of the Masquerade episode area via reviews or PMs.

I will be working on the next chapter through my break and will work posting chapters around my classes! I will try to start leaving a few previews for each chapter on my friend's site Qfonz . com, but I'm looking at getting a Twitter account for previews as well. Thank you all for being patient with me!

Enough of my jabber! Here is the next chapter!

Enjoy!

~UnicornNinja12

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight nor do I own the Vampire Diaries.

Chapter 13

BPOV

Dad had left the room after Elena, leaving Jenna, Alaric, Caroline, Mason, and I in the living room.

It was silent a few moments, before Jenna set her glass down and said, "I think I like you Bella. You're awesome and that's really good."

I look at her and say kindly, "Thanks. You're pretty awesome as well."

Jenna smiles brightly, "You're so nice… are you sure you're related to Damon?"

I chuckle and say, "I'm sure, we even had a blood test done."

"With needles?" she asks, her eyes widening. I nod. "I don't like needles. Alaric, no more needles."

Alaric wraps his arms around her and pulls her against him. "There won't be any needles," he says soothingly.

"But I can see how you and Damon are related," Caroline says ignoring what Jenna had said about needles. "You two share the same dark features and pale features. Seriously, do you ever see the sun?"

"I do," I say chuckling, "Believe it or not, I lived in Arizona for a while and it did nothing for my tan."

"That's horrible!" Jenna said from Alaric's embrace. "Hey, what's with people from funny states?"

"Technically, I came from Washington. Believe me when I say that is the rainiest state," I say with a smile. Part of me stung from the memories triggered, but I quickly pushed that aside. I couldn't afford to have a breakdown now.

"Washington," Jenna said before asking, "Did you meet the president?"

I chuckle before saying, "It's the other Washington, I'm afraid."

"You met George Washington?"

"No, I didn't," I say. Jenna frowns. "He kind of died before I was born, so it would make meeting him difficult," I say shrugging. "It's more of the state of Washington I came from."

"Oh, that sucks. He seemed to be a cool guy."

I raise my eyebrows and tilt my head to the side, considering what she said. "I imagine he would have been cool."

Jenna nods her head and asks, "Would you like to help me find Elena?"

"She's gone missing?" I ask confused.

Jenna chuckles before getting up. "Well, we'll have to find out together then."

I smile and follow after her.

Maybe today wouldn't be so bad.

-BOS-

I take back the previous statement. Jenna had begun to talk to Elena as they headed out of the room to get something from outside.

"Do you feel it is necessary to provoke Mason? He hasn't hurt anyone and he seems to be a pretty nice guy," I say as Dad picks up one of Jenna's silver knives.

Dad looks at me as if I'm stupid. "I wouldn't say I'm provoking, I'm merely testing him."

I roll my eyes. "Just be careful," I say as I watch Elena and Jenna walk back into the house. "Would you like me to bring anything in?" I ask Jenna.

"Sure," she says handing me some cutlery. I smile as I take it from her. "And if you would like, you can help yourself to some soda

We head out to the table where Alaric and Mason are already sitting. Dad places the pie on the table "Mason," Dad calls out, "why don't you start us off?"

"Sure," he says casually.

This is it, the moment of truth. No backing out of it now.

Then Mason throws us a curve ball: he turns the pie around and grabs a piece with his hands.

Nice move, Mason, nice move. I smile in amusement.

"What? I apologize, I'm an animal," he says, noticing our staring. He smiled a bit at Damon and I couldn't help the chuckle I let out. Dad sends me a reproach and I fall silent.

"So Mason, you and Jenna never dated?" Alaric asked, changing the topic.

"She was always was lost in Logan Fell land," Mason says watching as Jenna walks in with a few mugs.

"Ah, my first mistake. Mason was a catch; he had girls lining up," Jenna said, setting down the mugs.

"Really?" Dad says turning his attention toward Jenna for a moment before looking at Mason and taunted, "I always pegged you for a lone wolf."

"I'm sure I wasn't half the lady killer you were," Mason said before taking a sip of his beer. Dad sends Mason a look that he ignores. "How about a toast?" he asks staring directly at Dad. We all raise our glasses. "To new friends."

-BOS-

"Thanks for inviting me to go shopping with you two," I say as the room fell somewhat quiet. "I've moved most of my life and haven't really had the opportunity to add more to my wardrobe."

"I love a good excuse to go shopping! I don't think anyone can go shopping enough. And I think some new clothes would do you good. Not that your outfits bad, they are just simple, but we could also get some more chic clothes also," Caroline said.

I smile and say, "I would like to have a variety of styles, so that would be no problem."

"But we won't push you out of your comfort zone," Caroline adds, "We just want to give you options. Right Elena?"

"Sure," Elena said half-heartedly. She seemed anxious, so I was curious as to why she was anxious.

"Please forgiving me for straying off topic here, but is everything alright Elena? You seem anxious?"

Elena sends me a small smile and says, "Yeah, I'm fine. I just have this bad feeling."

I furrow my brows. "About what?" She hesitates and I take the hint. "If you don't wish to discuss it with me, I won't push it. I won't be offended."

A smile graces her face and she says, "Thanks, Bella."

I smile and nod.

"I know what will get your mind off of what you're feeling anxious about!" Caroline says excitedly, "Shopping!"

Elena smiles slightly at first before her smile grows. "Let's go." They begin to make their way to the door, but I stay where I'm at, unsure if I was supposed to go with them or if it was an offer exclusive to Elena. Noticing my dilemma, Elena pauses to ask, "Are you coming?"

"Oh, yes," I say making my way over to the doorway and ask, "Would it be alright is I let my dad know I am going with you guys?"

"Sure," Elena says smiling, "We'll wait for you in the car."

With that, we went to our respective destinations.

"Hey Da-mon," I say, nearly calling him Dad. I need to make sure I don't slip up like that if there is someone around.

Dad turns around. "Bella. You having fun?"

I smile and say, "The company isn't bad," I pause a moment before continuing, "Umm, I was wondering if it would be alright if I left with Caroline and Elena to go shopping?"

Dad chuckled and said, "Why couldn't you? You don't need to ask permission."

If only he knew… "I know, I just wanted to let you know I was leaving so you would know where I'm at."

"Dually noted," he said, downing the alcohol in his cup, "Have fun."

"Thanks! You as well," I say giving him a small hug, before turning to leave.

Noticing Jenna not too far away from the kitchen, I quickly make my way over to her. "Hey Jenna," I say gaining her attention, "I just wanted to let you know I was leaving. Thank you so much for inviting me here tonight!"

Jenna smiles and hugs me. "I'm glad you came, buddy!"

I go to back out of the hug, but she keeps her arms wrapped around me. "Uh, Jenna?"

"I don't want you to go. Your cousin's a dick," she says into my shoulder.

"It's going to be alright Jenna, you'll see," I say patting her back. "My cousin's a nice guy when you get to know him."

"But I don't want to get to know him," Jenna whined.

"You're not inviting him to live with you guys," I say making eye contact with her, "It's just for tonight. You're a strong woman Jenna. I know you can do it."

"But what if I can't?" she slurs out.

"Then have Alaric put him in time out," I suggest and Jenna's eyes light up.

"Alaric will do that?" she asks me, eyes sparkling.

"Absolutely, but only if you ask him."

Jenna smiles then places her head on my shoulder. "I love my boyfriend."

"Well, you should show him how much you love him, for it is my time to leave," Jenna looks up at me and nods quickly. "Have a wonderful night Jenna."

"You too Bella. See you around soon."

I smile and say, "Absolutely." I turn around and walk out of the room.

"Bella."

I pause and look as Mason makes his way toward me. "Mason, how are you doing?"

"Well, thanks," he says with a smile, "I noticed you were on your way out. My company is just that bad?"

My eyes widen and shake my head. "No, I enjoy your company, it's just that Caroline and Elena wanted me to go shopping with them. I hope I haven't offended you by my leaving."

He laughs and says, "No I was only teasing you."

I smile lightly before thinking back to our conversation earlier. I bite my lower lip hesitantly. Would it be wrong to warn him about my mother? Wouldn't I be betraying my mother's trust? Trust. I nearly rolled my eyes at the thought. Mother doesn't trust anyone and has withheld so many things from me. Besides, he needed to be warned.

I make up my decision and say, "Please forgive me for the abrupt change in conversation, but you wouldn't happen to know a woman who looks similar to me, well I suppose she looks more like Elena."

Mason looks around for anyone listening and upon seeing no one, he pulls me into another room. "Why do you ask?"

"You sounded like you knew somebody who looked similar to me so I figured I'd ask," I say innocently before continuing, "I am fairly close to her and wanted to warn you."

"Warn me about what?" Mason asks, narrowing his eyes.

"Bear in mind I wish no harm whatsoever and I really shouldn't be telling you any of this. I only ask that you listen and not tell anyone about this." Mason looks at me careful a moment before nodding. "I have known her all my life and I know she only brings trouble. She is very persuasive and easily can manipulate people into doing what she pleases. If you by any chance know her, be wary of her. Her word cannot be trusted and I'd advise you best leave if you can."

Mason's eyes were narrow slits at this point. "You're lying."

"Am I?" I ask, "Very well. Believe what you would like to believe. I just ask you be careful."

I begin making my way to the hall when his voice stops me. "She wouldn't manipulate me."

"I am one of the few family members she has left and she manipulates me left and right: be wary." I giving him one last pleading look, "I know I'm going to get in trouble for this whole conversation, so please make it worth it and take heed of my warning while you still can."

I turn and make my way toward the door when I hear Mason say, "Thanks Bella."

I face him and smile. "No problem. Have a wonderful night."

-BOS-

We had been shopping for about half an hour and it was, for me, tiring yet enjoyable all at the same time. Caroline had been filling me in on the basics of Mystic High, which would help for when school would begin. Dang, I still had to sign up for school. But I digress.

Though I had seldom something to say, Caroline made an effort to keep a conversation with me and keep me informed, something I was grateful for. Most people would have given up on me within the first few minutes, but Caroline never did. I could easily see her and me becoming friends.

"What do you think of this?" Caroline asked shoving another set of clothing into my stall.

"I don't know, I haven't tried it on yet," I say taking the outfit she handed me.

"Well, obviously," Caroline says with a small chuckle, "I meant color wise, what do you think? I notice you wear a lot of black, so I wasn't sure if you like any other colors." She silent a moment before she says, "I didn't mean it like that!"

I chuckle and pull on the rest of the outfit. "I understand what you mean," I say opening the door and walking out, "I had thought my father was dead and black is the mourning color."

Caroline paused and looked up at me. "You thought Damon was dead?" I nod and she continues. "Why?"

"Mother said so," I tell her. Caroline's eyes narrow.

"You're Mother told you he was dead?" I nod and she says, "Unbelievable. I can't believe she would lie to you! Her own daughter!"

I shrug and say, "Believe me, I'm not too happy about her not telling me about my father. I mean she told me nothing about Dad, not even his name."

"That's harsh," she says, sending me a sympathetic look. "Elena recently found out she was adopted."

I tilt my head and ask, "Elena's adopted?"

Caroline nods. "Yeah she found out recently. Right Elena?" Caroline calls out, trying to get Elena involved in our conversation.

"What?" Elena asked as she walked out of her stall.

"You just found out you were adopted," Caroline said filling her in on our conversation.

"Yeah, I did," she said warily, "Don't you think this is a bit soon to talk about this kind of stuff?"

"We didn't mean to upset you, we were just talking about how my mother hadn't told me anything about Dad and Caroline told me about you being adopted. I guess not being told about our parents is something we have in common," I offer with a tentative smile.

Elena smiles a soft smile before saying, "I guess so." She then lets out a sigh. "Would I be the worst friend in the world if I abandoned you two and went to Stefan's?"

"You want to leave?" Caroline asks, looking somewhat nervous. I look at her expression and suddenly become nervous.

"It's just that he hasn't gotten back to me and I'm starting to get this bad feeling."

I furrow my brows and say, "What kind of a bad feeling?"

"I don't know," she says shaking her head.

"I don't think that's a good idea, Elena," Caroline says. "Take it from me, there's nothing worse than a clingy girlfriend."

"If Elena feels there maybe something wrong with my uncle, I'm sure Uncle Stefan wouldn't mind if she checked up on him," I say agreeing with Elena, feeling nervous about my uncle's well-being.

"And I'm not being clingy, I'm just concerned. You understand, right?"

Caroline sighs and says, "I'll grab the car while you guys buy what you want."

"Yeah, okay, that'll be great," Elena says with a smile before entering her stall.

I quickly give her a hug and say, "Thank you Caroline."

She briefly returns the hug before leaving to get the car.

Unfortunately, the car ride didn't run very smoothly. Caroline was being a bit harsh on Elena, but didn't send much of her attitude toward me. So I sat in the back, quiet and awkward, praying that we made it back in one piece.

However, someone misinterpreted my prayer as the wheel of Caroline's car bursts.

So here we are standing in the middle of nowhere waiting for the tow truck. The tension between Elena and Caroline is so thick you can almost cut it with a knife. I had tried several times to start a light conversation to break the tension, but my efforts proved useless.

"Are you sure the tow's coming? We've been waiting forever," Elena complains.

I look down at the watch on my phone. "It's only been about 10 minutes," I say putting my phone away, "It should be here soon."

"I know, it's weird. They said they'd be here by now," Caroline said, not sounding that surprised.

"Are you sure you don't want me changing the tire? I know how to do it," I offer again.

"No you can't do it! I don't want you to break it," she insists. "Besides, I don't think I have a spare tire with me."

I raise my hands in defeat.

"Can we just walk from here then?" Elena asked.

"I can't just leave my car," Caroline said sending her a look.

"We'll come back for it."

"Maybe you two can go over to my uncle's and I'll stay here and wait for the tow truck?" I offer hoping to diffuse the situation.

My efforts are futile as Caroline grits out, "Just give me a minute, Elena."

They proceeded to argue and I could do nothing but watch as their argument grew heated. Needless to say I really wished I was invisible at that moment in time.

"I'm just trying to be your friend Elena," Caroline says.

"Okay, well, do me a favor and stop trying," Elena says. It's silent a moment as we notice the tow truck approaching us. "There's the tow, I'm gonna walk." Elena turns to leave, but Caroline is quick to stop her.

"No, Elena, don't!" Caroline says grabbing Elena's arm.

Elena looks at Caroline in shock. "Caroline, you're hurting me."

My eyes widen and I quickly try to break Caroline's hold on Elena. "Caroline, what's going on?"

"You can't leave me alone! Don't leave me alone."

"What's wrong with you?" Elena asked rubbing her sore arm.

Our conversation was cut short by the tow man pulling up beside us and asking, "Hey there, someone called about a flat tire?"

"She did," Elena said tilting her head toward Caroline before walking off.

I let out a sigh. What just happened?

-BOS-

After the tow man had put on the spare tire that Caroline insisted wasn't in the car, Caroline and I make our way towards the Boarding House. It was silent for the most part and I was trying to find something to say. I wanted to help her, but how can you help someone when you don't know what's wrong.

"Are you okay Caroline?" I ask her. She goes to respond, but I cut her off. "There is obviously something wrong. You seem nervous. What are you nervous about?"

Caroline looks at me hesitantly. "Please Caroline. I already consider you a friend I wish to help you. Please let me know."

"It's- it's my mother," she says after a moment of thought. "Yeah, she hunts vampires and now that I'm a vampire…"

"You're worried she won't love you anymore?" I ask after she trailed off.

"Yes!" she answers quickly. "What if she doesn't accept me? I've turned into the one thing she hates the most. She'll kill me as soon as she finds out."

I offer her a sympathetic look. "I'm sure she'll get past it. I imagine it would take time, but I imagine she would still love you," I say offering a small smile.

"How would you know? You haven't met my mother," she says bitterly.

"You're right, I haven't met your mother. But I think any mother in their right mind would give you a chance to prove yourself." Caroline looks at me doubtfully and I look back at her and say sincerely, "I've run across vampires of many species and run across an innumerable number of newborns, none of them had half the control of you. You're strong Caroline and don't give into your vampirism, if your mother can't see that, she is missing out. She should be proud of you."

Caroline sends me a watery smile. "Thanks Bella."

"For speaking the truth? It's no problem," I say with a small smile, "Everybody needs somebody at one point or another. If you ever need help, let me know. I'll do what I can for you."

She smiles and continues driving.

-BOS-

SPOV

"You knew that they were gonna burn the vampires in the church?" I ask Katherine, taking a seat on the chair in front of her.

"I practically lit the match," Katherine responded carelessly.

"They were your friends. They were your family. You just sold them out?" I ask disgusted that she could betray her closest friends.

"Without blinking," she responded.

"You're unbelievable," I say scowling.

"I know I'm amazing," she says simply. I narrow my eyes at her. "Don't give me that look. They had to go, they knew too much."

"Knew too much?" I repeat leaning back in the seat. "About what?"

Katherine smirks and says, "Oh come on Stefan, you're smarter than that."

I raise a brow and put on my gloves before grabbing the vervain and putting it on her skin. Her skin sizzles upon contact and I knew the day wasn't going to get any easier.

-BOS-

Time passes slowly and I still haven't gotten the reason Katherine's returned to Mystic Falls.

"I want what I want, Stefan and I don't care what I have to do to get it. My list of victims is a long one, and I have no problem adding one more name to that list," Katherine says darkly.

"Come on Katherine. If you wanted Elena dead, you would have done it by now," I say fed up with her games.

"Still can. If I have to, I will snap her neck like a twig and you know it," she says causing me to snap. I snap a leg off of the chair I wasn't previously sitting in and quickly dart over to her, raising my stake in preparation to strike. No. I couldn't kill her yet. I still needed to figure out why she was here. Growling slightly, I throw the stake down.

"I guess you don't hate me as much as you thought you did," she says I begin to walk away from her. I turn toward her and she says, "I don't want you seeing Elena anymore. If you don't remove from your life, I will kill everyone that she loves while she watches and then I will kill her while you watch."

I feel my anger take over as I go over and strangle Katherine. Quickly picking up my discard stake, I raise the stake, ready to strike. I don't bother trying to cover my vampire face as I say, "Don't you ever think for one moment that I will not kill you." How dare she threaten Elena in front of me! My grip on the stake tightens.

My hold on the stake loosens slightly as Katherine takes me by surprise by throwing me against the wall. I slam into the wall as Katherine releases herself from the restraints.

"I have been sipping vervain every single day for the last 145 years. You caught me by surprise once, I wasn't gonna let it happen again. It doesn't hurt me, Stefan," she says with a snarl as she makes her way toward me.

I don't bother hiding my confusion when I ask, "What? Why?"

"I told you, I missed you Stefan. I just wanted to spend some time with you," she says dropping down to her knees beside me. "Besides, you've met my daughter. A real sweetheart isn't she? A bit clingy, but with the proper training, we could fix that. Or we could go fulfill your human dreams and keep her. We can be a big, happy family. Even adopt a puppy."

I narrow my eyes at her. "Yes, let's runaway with my brother's daughter," I say sarcastically. "Not going to happen."

Katherine pouts and begins moving her finger gently down my cheek. "Have you been denying our love because of her?" she asks looking me up in the eye. "Just because Damon's her biological father doesn't mean anything. We could have her put down."

My eyes widen and I smack her hand away. "That's a harsh thing to say about the person you sent to spy on us."

"Bella?" Katherine smirks and shakes her head, "Bella's so naïve, so," Katherine struggled for the word, "so old fashioned. She would never do it properly, honestly, she's completely useless. So noble, so loyal, so conflicted when it comes to me. She wouldn't have the guts to do something like this. Especially if she knew it was her father."

I watch Katherine in silence, debating whether or not to believe her. From what I had seen of Bella, she was exactly as Katherine described her. Her loyalty to Damon was, thus far, unwavering. She couldn't be a spy, could she? "Honestly, this was the first time she's disobeyed me. The naughty girl was supposed to be in Utah. It's actually quite funny, the compelled couple even have filed her as a missing person and have a reward for anyone who finds her. It's almost as if she's some sort of lost puppy. Isn't that cute?"

I only have enough time to scowl at her before the sound of the front door opening breaks our brief silence. "Stefan?"

Katherine quickly stabs me in the leg with a stake before blurring out of the room.

I grip the stake and yank it out. This day just keeps getting better.

So what do you think? Let me know!

Also, if you have any requests, let me know!

Until next time!

~UnicornNinja12