Chapter Three, Bella

We had bought the TV, it had taken a while since we had to travel a bit to get it, I was a little worried about the TV buying habits becoming suspicious; I mean, how often does a normal family have to buy a new TV... and sometimes new game consoles and sound systems, honestly, even the radio at one point had to be replaced five times in one month.

Our money spending skills really make me appreciate all Dad did for me. The car money and college fund from my parents, along with my scholarship means that I've had few issues once I got a job. I have a feeling the job wasn't given on experience and though that bothers me, I do need it. I teach at the school, I drop the triplets off at school and head off to my classes. I never thought I'd like teaching, but ten years with my kids showed me the perks. In some ways I'm glad the kids age slowly, it means I've gotten to experience more time with them.

I'm also extraordinarily grateful to whoever or whatever I can hold responsible for my gift. I've been told I always blended in; that is even more true now. I am able to create an illusion over myself and others, (I believe, I've only ever used it on the kids), that makes me look human. I can change my appearance slightly too. Not greatly, but add the illusion of aging and add a fair bit of height. It's useful for keeping the triplets the right age: age an inch or two every two years and they're the right height, a bit of glamour when it's sunny and no sparkle for any of us, my eyes are brown instead of gold and I can add a few grey hairs when necessary. I've always wondered how the Edward not being able to read my mind fit in, the best I can think of is my whole gift shields me from everyone.

Home again, and with the TV set up, there was enough time for me to convince the three that yes, eating human food is very necessary and so are baths before they were all seated on the lounge waiting for Jacob's call. It didn't take long; Jake looks forward to these calls just as much as the kids do. The two of us always talk later, when the kids had fallen asleep.

"Heyy!" he called out
"Hi Jacob!" called out Bailey, "Guess what, Theo broke the TV today!"
"Hello Bailey, Masen. " Jacob said then, "Now, Theo, are you taking over Bailey's TV destruction reign?"
"No," Theo said. "I tripped over the carpet. Bailey can keep her crown."
"You tripped?" Jacob roared with laughter "You're a lot like your mom you know. Seriously, I remember this time-"

The conversation continued on; mocking my clumsy-ness, asking about them and sharing what had happened in the past week. By the time they were yawning and Bailey had basicaly fallen asleep on Masen, they'd been speaking for an hour.
"I'd better get them to bed," I said
"Mooom," Theo said
"Theodore." I replied, "You've been yawning so hard I'm surprised your jaw hasn't fallen off. Come on, bed. You'll get to speak to Jacob again."
"Yeah, go on Theo. Talk in a week, alright?" Jacob said, "Remember you can always call as well." He waved his cell phone on screen. "I have to talk to your mom anyway, then I'll be sleeping. Night Night you lot."
"G'night," "Night" "Goodnight" followed from the triplets.

After tucking them in and a story I made my way back down to Jake.
"Sorry, despite being half asleep, they still had to have a story," I said.
"And Bailey held on long enough to hear the end?" Jake grinned.
"Of course." I sighed, "They love hearing about family, I just... Sorry, I should be asking about you, and the pack. How's Billy? And Charlie?" I chewed my lip.

I had been an awful daughter at the end; the depression when the Cullen's left, the lies and then leaving. It was for my children and his safety, but I hated myself for it. I go, with the children to see him sometimes, sometimes he comes here and other times somewhere fun. It's never been the same, but Charlie seems to know in some way that there is a lot more to the situation than there seems. I had to get my observation skills from somewhere.

He loves the kids though, takes them fishing - even Theo who's fallen in several times. I go too, guess it's a family thing now. He takes them on trips and fills them with ice-cream. Movies, ice-skating and the beach. I'm glad there is someone, even if we're not close family.
Mom, on the other hand is harder. Phil and her still travel; I doubt mom will ever change. She's met the triplets and seems to adore them, though she (and dad for that matter), wasn't impressed with my lack of foresight though. She is kept out of the loop more than dad however. Dad knows when not to ask questions; mom asks. Neither know where I live so mom only sees them twice a year: Birthday and Christmas. Charlie misses Christmas unless we're together because he sees them so often. He doesn't seem to mind, as we do visit and have Christmas with him, just after actual Christmas.

"I'm fine, you know that. I call you every week," Jake said. "Pack's fine too. Sam and Emily are having another kid, this is the fourth. Quil and Claire still get on well. Claire's been asking questions too. Embry.. is Embry. Same with Paul. Jared and Kim are going to have another kid too. Leah, I think she's getting back to how she used to be in a way. Being away from Sam helps; she loves those kids though, spoils them. You'll be down soon won't you? You'll get to see everyone then."
"Yeah, in the school holidays. I can't miss school just as much as the kids," I said. "I hope you-"
"Yeah, I told them. Most people know how work is and understand it's not your fault. Everyone says 'hi' by the way. Anyway, dad's fine, you know how he is. Sue and your dad totally need to get married; they pretty much are anyway," he trailed off. "Bells..."

I was instantly worried. That was basically code for: something is really, badly wrong, "what?"
"It's... Well, you know I'm one of the few who still phases regularly, and last week I caught scent of vampires. I pulled Sam out, it wasn't that old, and there hadn't been a death trail like with that redhead vamp of yours, so it was just to check you know..."
"Jacob, you're rambling. And scaring me. Victoria is-"
"She's dead, don't worry. Sorry. I guess it's not- Ok. Sorry, rambling. Sam said it's the Cullens. Two of them; he said Alice, and the scary-looking blond male."
"Alice and Jasper," I whispered.
"Yeah. We think so; Paul- hothead- went and looked at the house. Says it looks empty, nobody at the windows or anything, no cars, but they (the two), were there. Might still be."

I was at once both delighted and terrified.

Note 1: Thankyou for all the response, I hope I live up to what you are looking for.

Note 2: I am not American and I am trying to use common words I know about: Cell phone, Mom in this chapter. If you see something that should be changed to fit, please let me know.