Title: His Biggest Regret.

By: LaHote's Girl

Summary: Paul LaHote has one major regret in his life. He lost his best friend and the girl who meant everything to him due to a stupid mistake. Four years later she returns, but is she still the same girl everyone remembered her to be? Or has she changed? Will Paul be able to fix the mistake he made all those years ago, or will she be forever just out of his reach?

This is All Human by the way.

A/N: Thank you all who kept my family in your thoughts it meant a lot to me.

So here is Chapter 3 finally here. Sorry it took so long I'm back at home no longer at my sister's house helping with my Nephew and Niece. Family is coping as much as to be expected. Well hope you all had a good couple of Holidays.

Now onto Chapter 3…


Previously:

"No wonder she shoved you off the porch roof." Sam said, "Paul only you can make up for your part of the mistake. Leah and Jared have to fix their own parts of the mistake. Though while I'm gone; even though Jasper can keep her calm that will only last so long now that she's back in La Push; I would avoid coming near her. You and the boys will do well to remember what she can do when pissed." I cringed as I remembered the damage she inflicted on some guys in Middle School who were giving her hell about her parentage. They walked with a limp for almost a week and a half.

"Right steer clear of Bells." I said as we pulled into my driveway.

"Paul you know as well as I do what Jared and Leah did hurt her, but hearing what you said tore her apart." Sam said, "Apologizing isn't going to cut it. You've got to prove to her that you never meant any of what you said that day." I nodded as I opened the door and hopped out of the Truck.

"Thanks Sam. I'll do what I can." I said shutting the door and heading to my front door.

Now:


Chapter 3: What to do, what to do?

Paul's POV:

I woke up in bed sore as all hell. I ran through the course of the previous day remembering what had caused the pain. Bella, my brain clicked with her shoving me off the roof. I sat up slowly in bed and only then heard the knocking on the door. I rolled my shoulders and slipped out of bed heading to the front door in just a pair of sleep pants. Whoever was on the other side of the door was pretty damn insistent on me answering.

"Hey Paul you up yet?" I heard Jared ask from outside.

"Yes you dick I'm coming just give me a moment." I said loud enough for him to hear. Luckily the guys and Leah learned to knock in the mornings. I got to the door and opened it scowling at Jared, "What is it?" I asked.

"Well just wanted to see how things went last night." Jared said stepping inside, "Where you able to get the Ha-"

"Call her that name and I'll show you just how it went last night." I growled at him before walking ahead of him towards the kitchen.

"Shit man what happened to your back?" Jared asked. I looked over my shoulder and saw a bruise forming in the center of my back.

"Damn I just figured I was sore didn't realize it would bruise." I muttered.

"Did Bella do that to you?" Jared asked.

"Yes." I said curtly.

"What happened?" Jared asked.

"Jared seriously man I don't want to talk about it right now." I said, "I want to get some coffee, take a shower and get dressed and then I will have a few words with you and Leah." By this point I had made it to the coffee maker and had gotten my first cup of the morning.

"What do you need to talk to Leah and I about?" Jared asked.

"Something I should have done five years ago." I murmured into my coffee mug and walked passed Jared heading for the bedroom to grab clothes. I dropped onto the bed careful to not spill my coffee as I contemplated what to wear today. I knew I couldn't go to the Uley's at present. The threat of an ass kicking still reigned and it wasn't from any of the guys.

I sat there contemplating what to do for the day as I heard Jared turn on the T.V. and was most likely parking his ass in my chair.

"Not my chair!" I hollered out to him.

"Damn man how do you always do that?" He shot back.

"Instinct!" I shot back before finishing my coffee. I sat the cup on the nightstand and stood walking over to my bureau. I grabbed a pair of shorts and a black wife beater as well as a pair of boxers before heading for the shower. I turned on the water and brought it up to temp before stripping out of the boxers I had on and stepped into the shower. A memory of a night of truth or dare in the Summer before Senior year.

*Flashback*

Sitting around a bonfire after an afternoon and evening of surfing Jake piped up with a suggestion as a bottle of Whiskey was passed around.

"How 'bout some Truth or Dare?" He asked.

"Aw come on Jake what are we in Fifth; or in the case of you, Quil and Em Fourth grade?" Bella asked taking a swig from the bottle as it came to her.

"Scared Bella?" Jared asked smirking.

"Never; you would do well to remember that you never would have gone cliff diving if not for me going first." She said with a smirked that rivaled my own. I barked out a laugh.

"She's got you there Jar." I said.

"So let's play if Uley isn't scared." Leah said. The other guys agreed. I sighed and Bells just shook her head.

"I'll go first," Jake said. He looked pensive for a moment before a slow grin crossed his countenance, "Leah Truth or Dare?" He asked.

"Truth." She said and his grin fell.

"Damn," He muttered and we all burst out laughing, "Who was your first kiss?"

"Sam." She said and took two pulls as the Whiskey bottle made it to her. I turned to the cooler behind me and pulled out a sealed bottle of Whiskey.

"Your first kiss was with my brother?" Bella asked in shock.

"Yup." Leah said passing the bottle on as I cracked the bottle. Bella turned and pulled a bottle of Vodka from the cooler. She cracked it and took a swig before setting it at her feet. The group always knew that any Vodka went to Bells. The liquor came from my Mother's stash so she wouldn't know it was missing. She would just assume she drank it already. "Embry Truth or Dare?" Leah asked. Poor Em was too shy to take a dare.

"Truth," He mumbled taking a swig of the Whiskey.

"How much trouble were you in when you came home plastered from the last little pow wow we had here?" Leah asked.

"I was fine the night I got in, Ma didn't notice as thing. The following morning I had a hangover from hell and she knew. I was grounded for two months. I think it would have been more if she hadn't taken pity on me." Em said. "Jared Truth or Dare?"

"Truth." Jared said. My jaw dropped he almost always chose Dare.

"When are you going to tell Kim how you feel about her?" Em asked.

"Crap how did you know?" Jared asked.

"Man it's obvious you're damn near drooling every time you see her." I said. He grinned sheepishly and took the final swig of Whiskey before tossing it behind him. I took a swig from the newly opened bottle before passing it on. All eyes were on Jared.

"I don't know how guys. I mean seriously she's amazing and probably thinks I'm some delinquent." He said.

"How do you figure that?" Quil asked.

"Well Paul is the Rez bad boy," I heard Bells snort a laugh at that, "I think everyone thinks that he's rubbed off on Bella even though she keeps good grades. She and Leah are the only females in our group and everyone is afraid to talk to them. Jake, Quil, and Em hang out with us even though they're a year behind us and with the exception of Em; no offense; we all have a rough and tough exterior." Jared poked the fire with a stick, "What would she see in me?"

"If she's anything like you say she will see you for who you are." Bells said reaching across me to place her hand on his wrist. I was shocked, Bells was only this gentle if it was only me around. "Now grow a pair and ask her out." Bells finished her pep talk with a smack to the back of Jared's head. There was the Bells we all knew.

Jared rubbed his head and looked at her in shock. "You're right Bella." He said in an almost reluctant tone, "My turn right. Bella Truth or Dare?"

"Oh what the hell Dare." Bella said. I laughed as she took a couple pulls from the Vodka bottle. Jared was silent thinking of something they hadn't dared her to do yet. She took all dares thrown at her. She held no fear I often thought. A grin stretched across his face similar to that which had been on Jakes.

"I dare you to dive into the ocean." Jared said.

"Easy." Bella said.

"Without your suit." He added. Bella raised an eyebrow before nodding. She took another pull from her bottle before she stood and slipped out of her surf shorts. She stepped out of them and headed down the beach unhooking the back of her bikini top and undoing the knot behind her neck. I turned and watched as she tossed the top behind her. When she was near the water she slid off her boy short bottoms and tossed them aside.

She found a decent rock that she stepped on and gracefully dived into the water. From the angle I sat the moon and hit her and she seemed almost other worldly as she took the dive. After about five minutes of watching her swim I grabbed her towel and shorts before heading down the beach collecting her top and boy shorts before I whistled to her.

"Come on you land locked mermaid get out of there." I called. She went under for a few moments and came up for a breath flipping her head back to get the hair out of her eyes. She swam back towards the rock and propped her arms up onto it allowing me to see the top of her breasts. She was breathing heavy as I got onto the rock and passed her the suit and shorts. She snatched the suit and slipped the bottoms on and then tied the top in place before hooking it in the back. She pulled herself onto the rock. I passed her the shorts and she tugged them on before taking the offered towel.

We returned to the fire and she smirked at Jared as she took a swig from her bottle. "Give me a challenge next time Cameron." She said.

By the time the game was finished Quil, Jake, Em and Leah were plastered, Jared was nearly there and Bella and I were only buzzed. We loaded the Surfboards into the bed of Jakes dads old truck Jared, Jake, Quil and Em were in the bed with the boards Leah was sitting with Bells and I in the front seat Bella had taken the keys from Jake so she was driving everyone to their proper spots. Jake would be last and we would leave all but mine and Bells boards in the truck.

Once we had dropped Jake off and Bells had gotten him into the house while I pulled out our boards we headed to the path that would lead us home. We stopped at the path that would take me to my house and I pulled her into a hug brushing my lips on the crown of her head.

"You never cease to amaze me you know that?" I asked her. She laughed and nodded.

"It's all part of my charm." She said before waving and walking home. I watched her hips sway as she walked away when she was almost out of sight she turned and waved before dashing off out of sight into the night. I chuckled and headed down towards my house.

*End Flashback*

I finished washing up as I came out of that memory. God Bells was gorgeous; of course she still is but she looks as though she wants to squash me like a bug right now. I grabbed my towel and wrapped it around my waist as I stepped from the shower. There was a loud Thud in the living room and I groaned hearing the loud voices of everyone piling into my home. I dried off and pulled on my boxers, shorts and Wife Beater. Water droplets dripped down my neck from my hair as I brushed my teeth before leaving the bathroom. I made my way down the hall to the living room to see Leah sprawled on one couch and the guys fighting over the others.

"Okay quit acting like you are all still in high school." I said smirking as I watched the guys jump and turn to look at me. Leah's eyes popped open at the sound of my voice and she sat up giving Jared and Seth a chance to jump at the open seats. The other three sat on the other couch as I dropped onto my chair. Silence reigned for a moment before it was broken by Leah.

"So did you talk to her last night?" Leah asked.

"By her I assume you mean Bella. She has a name Lee you would do well to realize it." I said, "But yes I talked to Bella."

"And," Jared looked at me, "Is she going to forgive Leah and I?"

"It was painfully brought to my attention that I should not have to apologize for you and Leah's error in judgment." I said.

"What do you mean?" Jared asked

"Painfully brought to your attention?" Leah asked. Jake however was trying not to laugh as though he knew what I meant. His eyes were bright with pent up laughter.

"I went to the Uley residence last night to talk to Bella about forgiving you two and was pushed off the roof that covers their porch by her window. Now Quil, Em and Seth were the ones holding back laughter with Jake.

"Wait Bella pushed you off the roof?" Jared asked in disbelief.

"Um yeah," I said.

"Called it!" Jake and Em said together.

"So what was said?" Leah asked.

"Well she said that you both as well as myself all need to earn her forgiveness. I was obviously unable to get through to her as you all thought. She had grabbed Emily's bat as Sam and Emmett were standing over me. Rosalie had to wrestle it from her and Emily fought to keep her inside until Jasper went to take her towards the back of the house."

"Wait so you weren't able to get her to forgive us?" Leah asked.

"Nope." I said, "And if you want her to forgive you two I would suggest you try yourselves." I said firmly, "Right now I am more concerned about getting hr to forgive me." I neglected to inform them that it wasn't a great idea to go to the Uley's residence; I figured they would learn soon enough on their own. "Now if you guys don't mind I've got some stuff to do around the house before I can go hit the waves. So I'll see you guys later." They all stood and made their way out the door. I mentally took inventory of the house and calculated what needed to be done. I grabbed a piece of paper and pencil listing what I needed to do.

Kitchen

Living room

Office

Bedroom

Laundry

Sweep/mop

I stood and stretched before making my way to start the list.


Bella's POV:

I sat up in bed the morning after pushing Paul off the roof. Part of me wanted to feel guilty for it as he was my best friend at one point but the other half quell that emotion almost instantly. He wanted me to forgive Leah and Jared, they couldn't man up and come to me themselves proves that they didn't have the guts to speak to me unless I confronted them.

I slid out of bed and listened. The house was silent. I looked at the clock and realized what was amiss; Sam and Emily had left. Guess they wanted an early start. I grabbed a pair of shorts and slid them on before leaving my room. I walked down the hall and heard the rustle of someone turning over in Alice and Edward's room. I heard Emmett snoring before something muffled the noise and Rose slipped out of their room a half awake look on her face. Jasper's room was silent. I shrugged and made my way down the stairs as Rose slipped into the bathroom.

As I reached the bottom step the beginning aroma of bacon hit my nose. I padded into the kitchen to find Jasper putting together breakfast. I silently hopped up onto the counter; I turned and grabbed a mug from the cupboard closest to me. I watched Jasper set a pan down and turn around. He jumped when he saw me he jumped a bit.

"Good morning Darlin'," He said taking the mug from my hand and pouring coffee into it. He put a proper amount of sugar and milk into the mug before stirring it and passing it back to me.

"Good morning Jasper." I said. He turned back to the stove and continued to cook the bacon.

"There's a note for you on the table I would figure it was from Sam and Emily." He said to me while flipping the bacon. The smell of bacon must have been upstairs by now because we heard a Rose pound on Alice and Edward's door.

"Okay you two time to get up breakfast is being made." She said before I heard a door open and I don't know what but I heard the decisive growl that only meant Emmett was awake.

"Oh get up you grizzly. You could wake a black bear out of hibernation with that snoring." I heard Rose say. I snorted out a laugh as I hopped off the counter and went to get the note from Sam and Emily. I heard another bedroom door open and saw Ally and Edward make their way downstairs. I picked the note up off the table, opened and began to read.

Bells,

Sorry we weren't there when you woke up. We wanted to head out early to make the most of our trip. We do love you lil sis and we hope you have a nice week at home even if you'd rather be anywhere then there. Take this time to relax, surf, and have fun. See you in a week.

Always,

Sam and Emily.

I tucked the note into my pocket as Rose made her way down the stairs with Emmett following. His eyes half lidded. I shook my head and made my way to the cupboard and pulled out plates while Jasper put the pans of eggs, bacon, sausage and English muffins onto the table. I grabbed forks on my way to the table and set a plate and fork in front of each person.

"Ladies first." Jasper said holding the spoon for the eggs out to me. Ally, Rose and I each got some food on our plates before the guys took over. While we ate the other five discussing what we could do today I thought back to the night before.

I couldn't believe the audacity of Jared and Leah. Well actually I could. I always had a sense that Leah didn't like me but I couldn't figure out why let alone why Jared wasn't pleased with me around. The only thing I could come up with was that I was a Halfbreed. I was pulled from my mental rundown when Jasper nudged my shoulder.

"Alright Izz?" He asked. I nodded, "We were wondering what you thought would be a good idea to do today?"

"Well unless you want to return to the beach there isn't all that much to do around here. You could go to Port Angeles or Seattle just have the GPS on I know Billy wants to see me a bit more and I guess I should meet this Angela woman that I cook better then." I said.

"Can we meet Billy?" Rose said. "Sam said you thought highly of him."

"Yeah he was like a surrogate Father to me. I never knew Sam's and my Father so Billy made up for the lack of paternal parent. Mama A left when I was a Freshman in High School; so I had her during my formative years." I said looking at my plate. "I looked up to Billy for many years; he never left me out of the loop even though the rest of the tribal council wanted me to know nothing about what went on."

"So can we meet him?" Ally asked.

"I guess. I'm sure Angela has probably seen Immune so she'll know who you are. If she doesn't recognize you then there's a problem since Leah recognized Jasper." I was going to say something more when there was a knock on the door and my head whipped around. I knew Paul wasn't dumb enough to try showing up here a second time. I stood slowly and made my way to the door.

"Oh would you just answer the damn door Uley I know you're there." I heard Leah say from the other side causing my blood to boil. I grabbed the knob and with a sharp twist yanked the door open.

"What do you want Clearwater." I said in a low tone.

"I want to apologize." She snarked. I shoved the screen door open causing her to step back and the door hit the front of the wall. I took two steps towards her, and let the door snap shut behind me.

"An apology without feeling is a pointless gesture." I said.


Leah's POV:

"An apology without feeling is a pointless gesture." Uley said to me her voice cold enough that Hell itself could have frozen over. Her brown eyes seemed to blaze.

"What's that suppose to mean?" I asked.

"It means that until you quick acting like queen bitch to me and actually mean an apology when it's given you can get lost." She said.

"Look my boyfriend left me last night after he found out what we did to you. I have to get him back please just forgive me." I said.

"Hmmm let me see. You fucked me over five years ago so you could get my best friend to be with you because you what couldn't stand the prospect of him being with someone other than you?" She asked her voice getting colder. I nodded, "And that didn't work out well for you did it?" I shook my head, "Now you have this great guy who means everything to you and he found out what you did five years ago and you want me to just forgive you so you can get 'Mr. Perfect' back?" She bit out.

"Yes so please Ul- Bella I need him in my life." I said.

"AND I NEEDED PAUL!" She shouted her temper had snapped and I thought back to the school mates we had. "YOU AND JARED TURNED HIM AGAINST ME!" In moments after the outburst I felt a stinging sensation on my cheek. My hand whipped up to the cheek as her eyes turned cold. "Karma's a bitch Leah and so am I. I am no longer the girl you knew. If you darken my doorstep again without a sincere apology I'll lay you princess ass out faster than you can even blink."

With that said she spun around and as she took the two steps towards the door she reached out and grabbed part of the screen door she pulled it open stepped through the threshold and slammed the door in my face.

"What did Jared and I create?" I muttered to myself as I turned and stepped off the porch. I thought back to the girl I knew in school who was tough as nails.

*Flashback*

"Bells get down from there!" Paul shouted from the lower cliff. We were only in middle school and Sam would have her hide if he knew what she was doing. We were going cliff diving from the lower cliffs but at the moment Bella was at the top cliff.

"No way!" Bella shouted down. "Jared's being a pansy about jumping so I'm proving to him that it's nothing to be afraid of!" She back out of view and Paul was about to go up and get her when we heard a carefree laugh and watched her launch off the top cliff and dive gracefully passed us into the ocean below. Paul went to the edge and Jared and I joined him watching as Bella's head popped out of the water.

"Bella you are insane!" I shouted. Her laughter floated faintly up to us and she dived back under the water and headed for the shore. Paul was the first to dive from the cliff and when he popped up and took in a breath before making his way to the shore. I watched as Bella took off to the tree line as she stepped out of the water. I sighed and when Jared nudged me I moved aside so he could dive in. A tear fell down my cheek.

Paul had feelings for Bella and as she did for him. I watched Jared swim to shore before I took my turn. I couldn't understand why he didn't like me the way he liked her. I took the dive into the water below and came up a few moments later for a breath. I swam to shore and heard Bella's laughter ring out. I looked over and saw that Paul had her over his shoulder and was heading for the water.

*End Flashback*

Bella had always been tough as nails but this Bella was different entirely. She was cold towards Paul, Jared and I. Jake, Quil, Em and Seth she was great to but us nope. Nothing but a cold almost frigid exterior. I walked to the trail that led to my house.


Bella's POV:

Once the door was shut I leaned against it and took a deep breath. I knew my attitude was cold towards Leah but what could I do. I was not normally known to be a naïve girl. Well I didn't think I was until that day Senior year. I looked at my friends; Rose looked ready to kill, Ally had a pensive look on her face. The guys were holding Emmett down. I took a moment to collect myself.

"Why don't you guys hang out on First Beach today the sun is out so Paul and the rest will most likely be on Second Beach for surfing. I think I'm going to wander a bit. I can take you to meet Billy later." I said before bolting for the back door; not even bothering to grab my shoes.

I took the first path to my left and headed straight for the cliffs. I jumped stumps and fallen trees never slowing my run. When I got to the fork that separated the lower cliff from the highest I made for the highest. I slowed to a walked as I made my way to the top of the cliff and stood at the edge. I looked out over the ocean and felt calm wash over me.

I sat down grateful that my friends from Los Angeles Didn't know how to get here without me. Rose and Ally had seen it briefly the day before but without me they would get lost. They were both city girls. Rose came from Rochester, New York, and Ally was from Biloxi, Mississippi. I knew Jasper and Emmett would have no problem finding their way. Edward would though. Jasper was from Houston, Texas, Emmett was from Gatlinburgh, Tennessee, and Edward was from Chicago, Illinois.

Leaning back with my arms propping me up behind my back, I let my head drop back and I let the tears fall. The Bella Uley that Paul and the rest knew was buried beneath many walls. Sure something's weren't much different. I was still tough as nails and didn't take anyone's shit. I still couldn't get over the fact that my feelings for Paul had let emotions get the better of me that day.

On screen I was Izz Shaw. I didn't take anyone's shit. Not my agent, no director, nobody. I tried to not make any friends in college, and I did well I made a few but I didn't stay in touch with them after I left the Academy. I sure as hell didn't party while there. While I missed the beaches of La Push, Venice Beach became a nice place to disappear to surf. Surfing wasn't the same either. Jasper and Emmett were still new to surfing, I had been doing it for many years now and Paul was always a good challenge. Surfing without a challenge didn't hold as much appeal. Sure I still surfed to blow off steam but I also ran and did yoga.

I let the tears fall for a moment before I pushed myself up wiped my eyes and stood. No my reserve wouldn't be broken if those three wanted to my forgiveness they had to show they earned it. I couldn't let my feelings for Paul get in the way. I quickly pulled my hair into a sloppy ponytail.

I momentarily contemplated cliff diving but figured that could wait till the guys were with me. Not sure how Rose and Ally would take to it. I walked down the cliff to the trail before I moved into a sprint. I figured I would take my way to Sue Clearwater's diner going the long way around.


Seth's POV:

I woke to my phone vibrating on my nightstand. I groaned and leaned over grabbing it off the nightstand.

"This is Seth." I grumbled into the phone.

"Seth please don't tell me you're still in bed." Mom said.

"Okay I won't." I groaned throwing my free arm over my eyes.

"Seth Clearwater get yourself out of bed I need help at the diner." Mom said.

"Alright I'll be there in a few." I said before ending the call. I rolled out of bed and pulled on a pair of shorts that were on the foot of the bed. I grabbed a shirt from my chest of drawers and pulled that on. I ran a hand through my hair as I yawned. I went and brushed my teeth before heading down the stairs. I sighed wistfully as I looked at the fridge before walking to the front door and slipping on my sneakers before exiting the house heading to Mom's diner.

I walked in and caught the apron Mom tossed to me. I made my way behind the counter and kissed her cheek.

"Well hello to you too lazy." She said.

"Love you too Mom." I grumbled heading out to the back to wash my hands before getting to work.


Bella's POV:

I slowed to a jog and then a walk as Sue's diner came into view. I pulled my hair down and walked up the steps. Silence fell as I walked in. I knew I was barefoot but I didn't think Sue would care. I made my way to the counter and hopped onto a stool. Sue walked out from the back as the whispers started.

"Bella Uley?"

"I think so."

"Never thought."

"Didn't Sam say they would be lucky if she returned."

"Wonder how many of the old group is limping or in some sort of pain."

Sue finally looked up and her eyes fell on me. I grinned nervously as tears filled her eyes. She bolted around the counter and pulled me into a fierce hug.

"Hey Sue did ya miss me?" I asked.

"If I said no I would be lying." She said, "Seth, Harry! Get out here!" Seth, who already knew I was back walked out and grinned at me only to be pushed out of the way when his Father came out of the kitchen.

"Sue what is with the-," He stopped mid-sentence "Bella?" He came around the counter and looked me up and down. "Well my dear five years seems to have done you some good."

"Hello Harry." I said and turned to Seth, "Hey again Seth."

"You knew she was home?" Sue asked, "And you didn't say anything." Seth shrugged.

"I knew she'd find her way here eventually this week." Seth said making his way around the counter to take me into a hug and away from Sue. "You have no idea how much we missed you." He said. I looked around as he put me down and I saw everyone staring at me some of them I went to school with others were older and I recognized from town. The bell above the door jingled and something hit the floor moments before I was whipped around from a hand placed on my shoulder and pulled into a hug.

"Bella I'm so sorry I didn't greet you yesterday." The bubbly voice could only belong to one person.

"Hey Kim no worries." I said as she let me go, "How are you?" I asked.

"Well I left Jared last night after I found out what happened during Senior year. I don't expect you to forgive him just so I'll go back to him." She said.

"Had no plans to." I told her, "He and Leah need to earn it just as Paul does."

"Paul misses you Bella." She said softly, "The others don't often see it like I do but I'm the secretary for his company and I've seen the picture he still keeps of the two of you."

"I miss him but that doesn't change things." I told her my voice having a slight edge to it. "Sue can I get some coffee?" I asked turning to face Sue.

"Of course you can." She said going and grabbing a mug from under the counter. I slid my hands into my pockets and mentally cursed.

"I'm going to have to start a brief tab." I said having not heard the bell jingle again as I had been talking to Kim.

"That won't be necessary Mama C." A male voice said from behind me. I turned and saw three guys. One had been at the beach yesterday, another I didn't recognize but the third was undeniably Chief Charlie Swan of Forks PD.

"Chief Swan it's been a while." I said spinning around on my stool as the guy from the beach the previous day dug a few bucks from his pocket and tossed them on the counter. "That's not necessary." I said to him.

"For the coffee Mama C." He said and Sue nodded.

"So Bella you back here to cause trouble?" Chief Swan asked.

"Now Chief would I cause trouble?" I asked acting innocent. All he did was quirk an eyebrow. "Okay I'll admit I never was the most innocent but I smartened up." It was true there were a few times during high school that he would catch our group drinking.

"And made something of yourself from what I've heard." Chief Swan said. I looked to the guy from yesterday.

"I might have mentioned seeing you yesterday after seeing Immune the night before." He said.

"I guess we haven't officially met yet." I held out my hand, "Izz Shaw, or as everyone around here knows me as Bella Uley."

"Jason Swan." He said shaking my hand, "And I want to apologize for Leah's-" I held my free hand up stopping his words.

"Your apologies aren't necessary. If Leah wants you back she must apologize to me and mean it. She tried once this morning and she was snarky about it. As if she expected me to forgive her instantly." I looked at Sue, "Sorry Sue but she got smacked for that attempt." Sue's eyes went wide but Seth burst out laughing.

"I know I'm probably going to regret asking this," Charlie ran a hand through his hair, "But why did you hit her Bella?"

"Oh you never heard?" I asked him, "Well that makes sense I mean it's not like the police were needed for this but as Billy's best friend I thought you would have known." When he shook his head I looked at Jason and Kim, "It's something that happened five years ago and I'm sure Sue, Jason, Kim or Seth could tell you." I told the Chief before I turned back to the counter and looked into my coffee. I heard the four that were behind leave and Seth sat beside me.

"Bells don't worry things will work out as they should." He said wrapping his arm around me.

"And don't worry about Leah. She probably had the smack coming." Sue said.

"Yeah like five years late." I said looking at Sue while taking a drink of my coffee. "You can still make a damn good coffee Sue."

"Thank you Bella." Sue said. I finished my coffee and grabbed the pad of paper and a pen from Seth's apron I quickly signed it under both names and slid the slip to Sue.

"There Sue's Diner is the first and so far only business to have my autograph." I said hopping off the stool and walking out of the Diner. I headed back to the trail wondering where to go next. My feet seemed to make that decision for me and I soon recognized where this trail was taking me to.

*Flashback*

"Little Halfbreed has no right to be here." An older kid said glaring at me. I hadn't even started school yet. Sam, Mama and I were at the beach when these kids from Sam's grade walked passed us. I wasn't stupid though I knew they were talking about me.

"Ignore them Bells." Sam said.

"You have every right to be here." Mama said.

"Sam come play with us you don't have to spend all your time with your little Sister." One of the boys called out. I could see part of Sam wanted to go hang out with kids his own age.

"Go on Sammi." I said to him.

"No Bells not after what they said." Sam said firmly, "Let's go swim a bit."

"Don't go too far into the water you two." Mama called.

"We won't!" Sam and I chorused running towards the water. We wadded a bit in and Sam started teaching me a few new strokes. I knew how to doggy paddle but I always request he teach me more.

We had been swimming around for a while when I told Sam I would be right back and then left to find the bathroom that was on the beach. It was mainly for visitors who didn't live on the Rez but it saved having to run home. When I left the restroom those boys were back.

"You don't belong here." One said.

"Why don't you go find your real Mother and leave the Rez?" Another asked.

"I belong here just as much as every other Quileute." I said straightening my shoulders.

"You're kidding yourself if you truly think that. Ms. Uley only took you in out of pity and Sam shouldn't be stuck keeping an eye on you." The first boy spoke again.

"Your Father didn't even want you or Sam." The other said, "Why else would he have left you?" Tears welled up in my eyes.

"Oh look guys she's going to cry." The third boy spoke up. I bit my lip and ran back towards where Mama and Sam were. They were building a Sandcastle and Sam was laughing at something Mama had said. I turned and walked slowly towards the woods.

As the shadow of the trees closed around me I felt safe. I let my feet carry me wherever they felt like going. I didn't know where I was going I just wanted to think. When I next looked up I came across what appeared to be a lone Weeping Willow in the woods. My nose scrunched up in puzzlement. Mama had always said that Weeping Willows grew in other areas. With a shrug I moved towards the tree and slipped through its branches and took a seat at the base of the tree. Only then did I let the tears fall.

I had been unaware I was followed until I heard a twig snap. My head shot up and I quickly wiped my eyes as I looked at the boy about my age warily.

"Why did you take off like that?" He asked.

"Because maybe those boys were right." I said my voice shaky.

"What did they say?" He asked moving closer.

"That I don't belong here and I should go find my real mother." I said.

"They're dumb." He said kneeling down in front of me. "I've seen you around." He said.

"Bella Uley." I said.

"Paul LaHote." He said, "And I think you belong here. The few times my Mom has seen you she says you'll be different than the rest of us."

"But I already am different." I said and sniffled.

"Maybe she means a good type of different." He said. I shrugged and patted the ground beside me. He moved so he was leaning against the trunk beside me. I rested my head on his shoulder.

"Thank you Paul." I murmured.

"What for?" He asked.

"For acting like a friend." I said.

"Well then you're welcome." He said. We stayed hidden behind the branches of the Willow for a while before he nudged my cheek, "Are you ready to head back?" He asked.

"But what about those boys?" I asked.

"Don't worry about them I'll protect you. I'll be your friend if you want." He said and I nodded. He smiled a crooked smile and stood holding his hand out to me.

"I think this will be our spot. Where we go if we need to talk or just hide from the world." I said he nodded and we headed back to the beach.

*End Flashback*

I found myself staring at the Weeping Willow I hadn't been near in five years. Slowly I walked towards the Willow and parted the branches in front of me. I stepped into the protective barrier of the branches and felt the fondness of the tree and the peaceful memories wash over me. I walked over to the tree and sat down leaning against the trunk.

I was resting my head against the tree when a twig snapped. My eyes shot open and landed on Paul LaHote.

"Bells please don't maim or kill me. " He said holding his hands up as if in surrender. "I had a feeling you would come here eventually and I hoped this could be neutral territory for us to talk."


A/N: Okay so here is Chapter 3 finally I apologize for this taking so long. Now for those who are big on Valentines day I am grateful this takes place during the Summer because I can't stand the Holiday personally. Not because I'm single, but I've never liked the day.

Okay will start on Chapter 4 in a bit hope you guys liked this.

Peace out

LaHote's Girl