"Stripped"

Chapter 25: Trust

Bella stretched as the sunlight came into her room and saw that she was alone. She sighed and went down the stairs.

"He left early," Rebekah said sympathetically.

"Of course he did," Bella sat down, "Where's Matt?"

"Still asleep," Rebekah said and handed Bella a cup of tea, "Is this really a good idea? The party I mean."

Bella sighed, "I'm not just going to stop my life because of some psychos and I don't just mean your brothers." Bella said, "I meant it…this is my town and I'm not going to be intimidated by some hunter."

"You are a very stubborn person Isabella." Rebekah chuckled.

"It's a trait I'm very proud of," Bella smiled and stood up, "I'm gonna get dressed and head out."

"You can't go alone." Rebekah said.

"I can hold my own." Bella replied.

"What about the hunter?" Rebekah questioned.

"I'll be ready for him this time." Bella said. "Besides Matt's got work and with my ex in town I don't want him left alone. Will you watch his back?"

Rebekah nodded and Bella went upstairs to get ready. She left and headed to the funeral home. Once she got there she walked in and ran into the director, Mr. Williams.

"Bella," he greeted with a smile, "I'm so glad to see you're better," He said.

"Thanks," Bella said, "I heard April was here."

"Yes," Mr. Williams said sadly , "She's very broken up about everything. No one wants to be associated with the reverend. April's mother has cut all ties and she's trying to handle the arrangements all on her own. Poor girl."

"Where is she?" Bella asked.

"In the bathroom," Mr. Williams said, "She became very overwhelmed when I told her there would be no viewing due to…" He trailed. "No one told her what exactly happened."

"Thanks Mr. Williams," Bella said and went to the bathroom. She heard crying in one of the stalls and knocked on it.

"I'll be right out," April sniffled.

Bella stepped away from the door and soon April came out.

"Bella," she said shocked.

Bella smiled at her kindly, "Hey April."

"Bella I'm so sor…" April started but she burst into tears.

Bella quickly engulfed her into a hug and was comforting her.

"It's going to be okay," Bella said while hugging the young girl.

"How can it…how can…you not…hate…me," April said between sobs.

"I don't hold you accountable for what your father did" Bella said.

"Everyone hates him," April cried. "You hate him."

Bella pulled back and looked at April.

"I don't hate him," She said. "April he was a good man, and then he got sick. I know your father and I know that something major happened for him to snap like he did. I don't hold you responsible for what happened and I don't hate your father. He was a good man, he loved you, he loved this town. You have to hold onto that."

"How can you say that after everything?" April asked.

"Because I know deep down your father…the man I knew, wouldn't have done those things." Bella said. "And I could never hate you April, I've known you for too long." Bella wiped the tears away, "Come on…"

"Where are we going?" April asked.

"I am going to help you get through this." Bella said, "I know what it's like to have to plan a funeral for someone you love."

"No one is going to come," April said, "It's stupid to have a funeral."

"People will come," Bella said, "If not for him then for you. And it's not stupid. This is your time to say your goodbyes. A funeral is for those we leave behind."

Bella and April walked out of the bathroom. Bella had gone through this with her grandmother…she was not going to let April plan this funeral alone. Besides she knew deep down what she had said was true…the Reverend Young she knew would never have done any of the things he did.

She had seen what was inside his head that night he died. He was being controlled by someone, but she didn't know who. She had tried to block whoever or whatever it was, but it was too strong.

.*.*.*.*.*.

"It's just so horrible," Caroline said as Damon walked in.

"I feel so bad for her," Elena added.

"Who?" Damon asked.

"April Young," Caroline said, "Everyone is talking about her dad and they're just saying nasty things."

"Serves the prick right," Damon growled.

"But Damon we've known April and her dad for years," Elena said, "It just surreal that he would do that. And poor April, she has to face the ridicule. You know her mom is refusing to come here and the entire town refuses to go to the funeral."

"He was a psycho." Damon pointed out.

"So are you, but we still put up with your shit," Caroline said sweetly.

"Where's Bella?" Elena asked.

"Her house," Damon said, "I had some errands to run."

"So are we just going to ignore the fact that Bella's ex is here?" Caroline asked and Elena hit her arm.

Damon tensed, "He's of no concern to me."

"Like I buy that," Caroline mumbled.

"I can hear you," Damon said.

"You were meant to," Caroline said and headed out the door, followed by Elena.

Stefan looked at Damon, "What's wrong now?"

"Nothing," Damon replied.

"You're a terrible liar," Stefan said, "How did it go after we left?"

"You mean did I drain my girl dry again?" Damon asked angrily, "No."

"I didn't mean that," Stefan said, "You're shutting her out, aren't you."

"A little distance isn't a bad thing." Damon replied.

"I don't know why Damon, but she trusts you even after all your shit so do yourself a favor and have enough decency to trust her instincts. They've rarely been wrong before and obviously she sees something in you that's worth the risk." Stefan said.

"She's insane," Damon said frustrated.

"Aren't we all?" Stefan asked.

"You know she still wants to throw a party?" Damon said.

Stefan laughed, "Doesn't surprise me and we are lacking in some serious relaxation around here. Besides it might be good for her."

"Why do you all always take her side?" Damon asked.

"We don't always." Stefan replied, "If I remember correctly you always took her side before us. Bella does what she wants when she wants to. No one can stop her, we all know that. Sometimes it's better to just shut up and enjoy the ride. I'm gonna head to the Grill, you coming?"

"Why not," Damon said and the two arrived at the Grill.

Tyler immediately walked over, "So everyone is talking."

"What's new," Damon said sarcastically.

"They're talking about Bella going to the funeral home and helping April plan her dad's funeral," Tyler said.

"Whoa," Stefan said.

"Miss Sterling, Mr. Williams' secretary, just came in and is telling everyone about it." Tyler continued.

Damon turned and headed out.

"Where's he going?" Tyler asked.

Stefan sighed, "Bella left the house without a bodyguard he's pissed. Probably going to yell at her."

Tyler started laughing.

"What's so funny?" Stefan asked.

"Just wondering what toad Damon is going to look like," Tyler said and Stefan joined in laughing.

.*.*.*.*.*.

"Bella thank you so much," April said as they walked out of the funeral home. "I don't know how to thank you enough for helping me."

"April we're a community. We are supposed to stand by each other even in hard times." Bella said and squeezed her hand.

"No one else thinks that way." April said while holding back tears. "You really are a saint Bella. I mean here you are comforting me even after my dad…"

"April it's okay," Bella said.

"Bella," a smooth velvet voice said.

Bella tensed, "What do you want Edward?" She asked before turning around.

"I wanted to talk with you," Edward said. "Am I interrupting something?"

"As a matter of fact you are," Bella replied and turned to April, "Why don't you go home and I'll bring you some dinner tonight okay?"

"Are you sure?" April asked nervously while looking at the young man behind Bella.

"It's okay April go on." Bella said.

April got in a taxi and drove away.

Bella turned back to face Edward.

"What are you doing here?" Bella asked angrily.

"Is it true?" Edward asked his eyes blazing with furry, "Were you attacked?"

"That's none of your business." Bella said, "You really ought to stay out of people's minds Edward. It's not nice to pry." She said and started walking towards her car.

"Bella please I just want to protect you." Edward said.

"I don't need protection Edward," Bella said angrily. "Or did me mentally throwing your sister into a tree not prove that to you?"

"I…" Edward started and paused, "Are you bleeding?"

Bella tensed…her wound from Damon hadn't healed and she was covering it up with her scarf.

Edward quickly reached out and yanked the scarf off her neck and saw the bandage.

"Who did that?" Edward growled.

Bella pushed him away, "Don't touch me," Bella growled.

"Who did that?" Edward hissed and grabbed her arm.

"The lady said don't touch her," Elijah interrupted as he walked over.

"Who are you?" Edward seethed.

"I'm the one that is going to rip you to shreds if you do not remove your hand from the lady's arm." Elijah warned.

Edward thought for a moment and then released Bella.

"Bella please come with me." Edward said calmly.

"No," Bella replied with a shake of her head. "Please just leave."

"You heard her," Elijah said while looking at Edward expectedly.

Edward left and Bella turned to Elijah.

"Thank you." She said.

"I received a message from Rebekah saying she needed me here." Elijah said, "I was in Richmond and so I came. Is she alright?"

Bella nodded, "Maybe we should talk somewhere more private." Bella suggested.

"I have my car over here." Elijah said and led her to his jaguar and opened the door for her. He got in soon after, "Where do you suggest?"

"I know a little place an hour away where we won't be bothered." Bella said.

"Direct me." Elijah said.

.*.*.*.*.*.

Once Bella and Elijah arrived at the little café, they sat down outside and were served some tea.

"Isabella may I ask why you have requested I come here and where my sister might be?" Elijah said.

"Rebekah is staying at my house." Bella said. "Klaus daggered her I let her go."

Elijah sighed, "Thank you." He said sincerely. "I doubt though that's the only reason you requested I come here."

"There are a couple actually and one involves your brothers bringing my ex to town." Bella started.

"So that was your ex I take it…the Cold One." Elijah said.

"Yes," Bella said, "But I can handle that. I mainly asked you to come due to the fact that we have a problem…with hunters."

Elijah froze with the teacup at his lips.

"You know anything about them?" Bella asked.

"A little," Elijah cleared his throat. "Can you fill me in on what has happened?"

Bella filled Elijah in on what had transpired between herself, the hunter, and Reverend Young.

"Oh my," Elijah said, "I must say I am very happy to see you are still alive." Elijah said sincerely. "You are very lucky Miss Swan."

"I have some very good friends." Bella replied.

"No you have a very strong will to live." Elijah countered. "How do you think I could be of service?"

"Elijah I'm not very good at asking for help," Bella said uncomfortably, "I'm used to doing things on my own, but I have this gut feeling on this I am gonna need all the help I can get."

Elijah smiled, "You are an extraordinary young woman Isabella." Elijah said, "You have saved my sister twice it sounds like and for that I am in your debt. So tell me what I can do?"

.*.*.*.*.*.

"Hello Damon," Mr. Williams said as Damon walked in, "How can I help you?"

"Where's Bella?" Damon asked.

"Oh she left with an older gentleman a while ago." Mr. Williams said.

"What gentleman?" Damon asked.

"Oh early thirties, dressed in a suit, very put together. I believe she called him Elijah." Mr. Williams said.

Damon immediately left and pulled out his cell phone, calling Matt.

"Hey what's up?" Matt greeted.

"Is Rebekah with you?" Damon asked.

"Yeah," Matt said.

"Put her on," Damon growled.

"Damon is everything alright?" Rebekah asked.

"What is Elijah doing with Bella?" Damon snapped.

"What?" Rebekah asked confused.

"Mr. Williams saw Bella left with your brother Elijah. What game is being played?" Damon said angrily.

"No game," Rebekah said, "I called Elijah last night after Klaus came by and I left him a message saying I needed his help as did Bella."

"Well he has her now." Damon said, "Find her."

Damon hung up the phone and headed back to the boarding house. When he arrived, he found that he wasn't alone.

"Hello Damon," Elijah said sitting in the living room.

"Where is she?" Damon growled.

"She's right here," Bella interrupted as she appeared from the kitchen.

"What were you thinking?" Damon asked looking her over for any injuries.

"Please don't," Bella said, "It's been a long day and I am not in the mood for a lecture especially from you."

"What happened?" Damon asked worried.

"Nothing, it's just been a long day." Bella said. "Helping April just brought up a lot of unwelcomed memories."

Damon immediately softened his gaze, "I'm sorry. You should have called, I would have come."

"When I woke up you were gone," Bella said, "I figured you didn't want to be around me."

"Should I leave?" Elijah asked.

"No," Bella said and looked at Damon, "Look Damon can we do the fighting later? I still have to cook April some dinner."

"You shouldn't be doing a damn thing for Young." Damon spat, "Her father tried to kill you."

"I am doing this for April because no one else will," Bella snapped, "And you don't know the whole story on Reverend Young Damon so back off."

"Oh what's the story?" Damon asked. "Did someone kill someone he loved?"

"No," Bella said, "The hunters were controlling him."

Damon froze, "What?"

"The hunters used a witch that hexed him. He wasn't in control Damon, I saw it. I saw the whole thing right before he set the bomb. I tried to get in and stop him, but the hex was too strong." Bella said angrily, "These hunters are not playing around. Whatever witch is helping them is powerful. He didn't know what he was doing and even if he did he left behind a daughter who is so lost and feeling so rejected right now that it's ridiculous and I have every intention of letting this town know exactly what I think about that. So if you will excuse me I need to go make April dinner because she needs it."

Bella stormed out of the house with Damon following behind.

"Bella wait." Damon said and reached out for her.

"No Damon," Bella snapped, "You always think you know the whole story, but you never do. You jump to conclusions without thinking of others. You leave before I wake up because you think it's what's best. I knew exactly what I was risking when I had you feed from me, but I did it because I knew you wouldn't hurt me." Bella said, "But then maybe I was wrong because what you're doing now is pushing me away and that…that hurts worse than any physical pain I have gone through to date. In fact it ranks right up there with losing Grams."

Damon winced at Bella's words. Bella yanked open her car door, started it, and sped off, leaving Damon standing in the front yard in the snow with nothing to say.

From the front door Elijah said, "I find a good brandy tends to set my mind right. Care to join me and fill me in on your point of view of my brothers' escapades?"

.*.*.*.*.*.

Bella was in the kitchen finishing up the dinner for April when Matt and Rebekah came in.

"Didn't know we were having a dinner party," Matt said as he reached for a dinner roll.

Bella slapped his hand away, "This isn't for you, it's for April Young." Bella replied.

"Yeah that's been the gossip of the day," Matt said, "The entire town lit up the moment you walked into the funeral home."

"Well the entire town has nothing better to do then to gossip which is not something worth anyone's time." Bella countered.

"Do you need some help Bella?" Rebekah asked.

"No I'm done. I just need to load it up and head over there." Bella said.

"I don't think you should go alone," Rebekah said, "Damon chewed my ass for letting you leave by yourself."

"Well Damon can just kiss my ass and if he has a problem with what I do then he can talk to me about it rather than avoiding me and bitching at everyone else." Bella said annoyed and angry.

"Not gonna change overnight babe," Damon said walking in.

"Don't call me babe," Bella said annoyed. "I hate that."

"Your brother is at my house if you want to go see him," Damon said looking at Rebekah.

"Really?" Rebekah asked.

"Sorry I forgot to mention Elijah came by the funeral home. We talked and he's on board." Bella said.

"Yeah and he said he saved you from Eddie boy." Damon said looking at Bella, "Were you going to mention you ran into him?"

"Matt I think we should leave these two alone." Rebekah said, "We'll be back later."

"Sorry I had other things on my mind." Bella said and picked up a few food dishes, "Are you just gonna stand there or do you want to help me?"

Damon grabbed a few more dishes and followed Bella outside and helped load them up into her car.

"Are you going to stay mad at me?" Damon asked.

"Depends," Bella replied. "Are you going to continue to treat me like a child?"

Damon groaned, "Bella it's not like that."

"Damon I get it, I do. I get that you've nearly lost me too many times since I came back." Bella started.

"How do you know?" Damon asked.

"I got into your head." Bella said and Damon galred at her, "Hey I can't always control it." Bella reminded him, "I get that last night you nearly drained me, but I'm still here Damon. I'm still standing right beside you and I'm not going anywhere, but you can't have it both ways Damon. You can't push me away and then just swoop in and hover. I can't handle that. I can't handle you running off because of some bullshit in your head and then you come back just to try to keep me inside a bubble. Do you know how that makes me feel? Do you even ask yourself how it might make me feel?"

Damon didn't respond.

"Of course you don't," Bella shook her head and leaned on the car, "Damon I can't keep doing this. I need you to trust me…to trust us like you used to before everything happened. You asked me to trust you guys and I did. I need that and if you can't do it then you need to let me know so I'm not wasting my time waiting for you to do it."

Bella turned to get in the car, but Damon stopped her and turned her back around.

"You're right," Damon said, "And it's not easy to say that, but you are. You gotta understand and put yourself where I am. What if our roles were reversed?"

"I would trust you like I always have like I always will because I know you Damon." Bella said without hesitation. She got up on her tip toes and kissed Damon on the cheek. "I need to get this to April."

Bella hopped in the car and drove off.

Damon walked back to the front porch and sat down before running his hands through his hair.

.*.*.*.*.*.

Bella dropped off the food at April's house and was heading back home when her cell rang. She answered, "Hello."

"Bella it's Liz," Liz said.

"Hey is everything alright?" Bella asked.

"No," Liz said, "The council is holding a meeting…they don't want there to be a service for Reverend Young. Carol is trying to convince them otherwise."

"Where are you guys?" Bella asked.

"Carol's house," Liz replied.

Bella quickly flipped the car around and headed for the Lockwood home.

"Stall them until I get there." Bella said and hung up, stepping on the gas in the process.

Bella quickly arrived at the Lockwood house and got out. Liz opened the door the moment she pulled up.

"They are in the library." Liz said as the two walked in.

"Please everyone will you calm down," Carol said exhausted.

"You are completely insane if you think we are going to attend or even hold a funeral for that lunatic." Someone yelled out.

"The funeral isn't for him," Bella said walking in, "It is for April."

"This does not concern you Miss Swan," a judge stated sternly.

"Actually it does." Bella said and walked over to Carol, "My Grandmother was a member of this council and I know all about it." She said and several people tense. "As of September I turned 18 and as my father is not here and since he doesn't want to be, the Swan seat on the council is empty and I intend to fill it."

"You can't do that." A woman said.

"I can and I am." Bella replied, "Since this town was founded there has always been a Swan on the council. I may be young, but I am not stupid and I think you all agree I am more mature then most my age so that being said, I am taking my rightful place on this council whether you like it or not."

Carol and Liz hid their grins as Bella talked to the others.

"Did I miss something?" Damon interrupted as he walked in.

"Damon, convince your girlfriend of two things. One that she is far too young to be on this council and two that holding a funeral for the Reverend is ridiculous," The judge said.

Damon looked at Bella who stared back at him and he took a deep breath.

"Bella has a right to be on this council and as the head of it I give her my full support." Damon said and Bella smiled.

"Fine," a woman said, "But what about the funeral. Bella you were nearly killed by him…twice! He ranted that you were involved with a vampire!"

"The funeral isn't for him, it's for April." Bella said and sat down. "Look I won't deny what he did, I won't say I'm not angry, but I've found out some information…Reverend Young was very mentally ill. At the time he had no idea what he was doing and since the council has background of hunting down vampires it's not a short jump for someone mentally ill to focus in on someone. It could have been any of us he did that to. I had just moved back, I have changed. Given his mental instability I see how he came to view me as the enemy. I have missed a lot of school and such. But what he did to me should have no bearing on us being there for April. She has lost a father, granted he was sick, but still he was her dad and no matter what he did she loves him. My grandmother and all of you taught me that we are a community…that we take care of one another. Good times, bad times, grief, happiness, we stand by one another and April is part of our community. We cannot leave one of our own out in the cold. The sins of the father should not be visited upon his children. Reverend Young said that years ago in a sermon and he was right." Bella stood up, "I will be at the funeral on Friday with or without any of you. I will be holding April's hand and we will give her father the respect that he deserved. He served this community for many years…his legacy shouldn't be what he did when he was sick."

Bella headed out of the house and to her car. Damon followed her.

"Thank you," she said as she reached her car.

"For what?" Damon asked.

"For backing me up," Bella said and turned around. "I really appreciate it."

"I thought about what you said." Damon replied, "You're right. I need to trust you."

"Why do I feel like there's a 'but' in there somewhere?" Bella said with a groan.

"But," Damon said, "I need you to not just go charging into situations. I need you to understand that I don't think I would survive losing you Bella." Damon pulled Bella to him, "Can you see that?"

Bella nodded her head, "We're both way too headstrong." She said before laughing.

"That's what makes our relationship so much more fun than Elena and Stefan's," Damon said.

"What's wrong with their relationship?" Bella asked.

"They are peach schnapps," Damon said.

"So what does that make us?" Bella asked with a laugh.

"Tequila," Damon replied, "In the mood for a shot contest?"

Bella shook her head, "No…I need my wits about me, besides you might try and take my virtue Damon Salvatore." Bella said mockingly.

"Oh I want so much more from you than your virtue," Damon replied and smiled wickedly. "Come on you're tired, you need some sleep."

"Are you gonna be there when I wake up?" Bella asked.

"Sure," Damon said dismissively.

"Promise?" Bella pushed.

Damon rolled his eyes, "Yes now just get in the damn car."

A/N: Hey everyone I am back! I am sorry I have been gone for a while. The last year has been extremely hard and has had many ups and downs. To kind of fill you in on what has happened since I last posted. My husband lost his favorite aunt the week of our wedding and the day after her funeral we got married. I threw myself into my school work and have been getting ready to enter graduate school. It has been a very crazy and emotional year. I just lost any inspiration

That being said I am at the end of my fall semester in college so lots of projects, papers, and tests are due and need to be done so I will not be posting again until December.

Thank you to my beta Dark~Supernatural~Angel. Thank you readers for understanding. Many of you know how hard the last year has been and I appreciate the supportive words and emails.

Not much to say except hope you enjoy the chapter and review.