Disclaimer: I do not claim to own any part of Stephanie Meyers' work. She wrote the original Twilight Series. I just like to mess with the characters. :) Enjoy!
Waking up the next morning was difficult. My eyelids felt like they were glued together, and my whole body felt weighed down to the bed. I didn't want to move. I knew I had to get up, I could hear my alarm going off on my phone. I rolled over, groaning as I did, and turned my alarm off. Today is going to be a long day.
After showering quickly and getting dressed, I packed up my overnight bag and double checked to make sure I had everything from the motel room. Deciding that I did, I grabbed my bag and phone then headed over to Charlie's room. I knocked, waiting a minute before I heard him opening the door, grunting a "Morning."
"Morning. Ready to go?" I asked.
He nodded, waved my into his room to wait while he gathered his things. A couple minutes later, we were heading to the gas station to fill up both tanks, and to grab some food for the rest of the trip. I was craving some Kit-Kats and peanut butter M&M's. Finding them in the candy isle, I grabbed two of each, a pack of juicy fruit gum, then went to look for a drink. Deciding on water and a Snapple, I went to pay up front. Charlie was there too with his food. His was more healthier than mine, being a small snack size box of cereal, some kind of fruit bar, and a giant bottle of water.
"Wow, healthy food dad. What's the occasion?" I tried to keep a straight face, but I couldn't. A few giggles escaped me and he narrowed his eyes.
"I just want to watch my health. With you moving Bells, I'm not going to have you cooking for me anymore. I know I'll want to order pizzas and go to the diner. Gotta work on my figure," he winked, taking my items from me and putting them with his to pay.
"Sure dad, and whom is it you need to watch your figure for?" I asked, raising an eyebrow in his direction. He just blushed, muttering something too low for me to hear. "What was that dad? I don't understand mumbling."
"I said, I just want to look good. I'm going to start watching what I eat, really. I don't want to end up having a heart attack like Harry did," he sighed.
"Oh dad! Why didn't you just tell me? I would have been helping you instead of making lasagna and fried fish every night for dinner!" He just shrugged, paid the cashier and taking the bag that had been filled with our snacks. I followed him outside to my car.
"I didn't want you worrying, thinking I was sick or something Bells. Let's talk about this later, we've gotta get on the road if we want to be to Houston by a decent hour tomorrow," he said as he handed me my things. I readily agreed, giving him a quick hug and getting into my car. I waited until he started up the trailer, and then followed him out onto the road.
I decided to plug in my iPod and picked a random playlist I had on there. After a few seconds, I could hear my favorite band, Thirty Seconds to Mars coming out of my speakers. Jared Leto had to be one of the hottest men I had ever seen. Even better than Emoward.
After a few of their songs were on, a few Lady GaGa and Paramore songs came on. I mostly tuned them out, starting to think of how to start my life over in the South. I knew I needed a semi makeover; hair, clothes…everything. I grabbed one of my kit-kats, my stomach growling in agreement that it needed something.
After driving for what seemed like several hours, I knew I had to get gas again. I called my dad, letting him know we needed to get off at the next exit. He agreed, and after about fifteen more miles we got to the exit, searching for the closest station. Finding one, I pulled up to a pump and filled the tank while Charlie went inside for me to pay. After he came back out, I yelled a quick thanks to him.
Early into the next morning, we finally made it to my new apartment. I was so excited. After practically jumping out of my car and running to the front office to get the key. I had found the apartment complex online when I found out I got into University of Houston. I instantly fell in love and called the realtor number listed and sent a down payment in.
When I finally found my correct apartment, I shoved the key into the front door and walked in. It was even better than it was online. The living room was huge, with fireplace, basic furniture, and a door to a patio. I made my way to toward the dining room/kitchen and fell in love. Everything was brand new! The dining room had a washer and dryer off the one side, then a full bathroom too. I totally forgot my dad was with me until he came up behind me, saying my name.
"Yeah dad?" I turned around, still excited and ready to look at the upstairs.
"Should I start unloading some of your things?" he asked, pointing toward the door.
"Yeah, sure. I'm just going to check out the upstairs quickly, and then I'll be down to help," I told him, making my way up the stairs. The bedroom was the main area. There was a queen size bed, nightstand, and a basic dresser. I also noticed three doors, one leading to the patio and the other two I assumed to a bathroom and closet. Picking one of the two I didn't know, I crossed the room. The closet was a giant walk-in. It was probably half the size of my bedroom from Forks. I walked to the other door, now knowing it was the bathroom. It had a beach type theme to it, and I fell in love.
I made my way back downstairs to help Charlie, groaning as I did. It was going to take forever to unload my things from the moving truck then unpack and set them up. There were a couple boxes in the living room by the time I made it down, with Charlie on his way inside again with another box.
"Thanks dad," I said to him as I walked out to start getting my things. I cringed when I saw the amount of boxes and furniture pieces in the truck. Sighing, I picked up the first one I saw and trudged my way back inside, setting it down and only to keep repeating it over and over. About an hour and a half later, Charlie and I had everything out of the truck and in my new living room. I was starving, and I was going to assume my dad was too, since he could eat all the time.
"Are you hungry dad?" I asked, plopping down on the couch. I was exhausted and just wanted to sleep. It was a long morning, and I felt like I was going to have a stroke from doing all that work.
"Yeah, what should we get?" Crap. I forgot there was no food here. I thought about it for a moment, deciding to look up somewhere on my phone to have food delivered. I found a pizza delivery place that was near.
"Uh, does pizza sound good?"
"Sure, sure," my dad grunted out as he got up.
"Alright, I'll order a plain one. Do you mind looking for some plates? I bought some and put them in a box… I just don't remember which one." He agreed, and started searching while I ordered. I told my address, and was told it would be twenty minutes or so. "Dad, I'm going to go shower quickly. They said it would be probably twenty minutes or so." He nodded, and I made my way upstairs to my bathroom.
After the pizza arrived, I was dragging myself from the couch just to get to my bedroom. Charlie was going to stay on the couch. We had gotten some blankets out from the boxes to use until I could go shop. I said a tired goodnight to him from the stairs. Once up there, I did my nightly routine and then got into bed.
It felt like I had only been asleep for a few minutes, but I woke up from feeling as if I was being watched. I had felt that feeling many times over the past couple of years. I surmised it to Victoria, biding her time to come and kill me. I was sure of it. I mean, the Cullen's killed her mate. I'd go after anybody who did that. I tiptoed out of my bed to go check on Charlie. When I got to the top of the stairs though, I could hear his loud snoring. Giggling, I went back to bed and decided to ignore whatever was watching. Just get me while I'm sleeping. I'm too tired to stay awake to care right now, I thought and then promptly fell back asleep.
The days were passing by slowly due to unpacking my things and having to run out every so often to a store close by to buy something I needed. After that was all done though, my dad and I decided to go explore what Houston had to offer. There were quite a few shopping centers nearby, along with restaurants and bars. Obviously I couldn't go to the bars and drink with him and try to use a fake I.D., he would murder me.
It was Thursday night, and Charlie wanted to take me out to dinner. There was a bar and grille he saw one day while we were out that he wanted to try, so tonight was the night to do so. After we got there, we were seated near the bar area. Charlie ordered a beer, while I settled for an ice water. I was scanning the room when my eyes locked on to a familiar pair of red ones. I could feel all the blood drain from my face and all the air leave my lungs. . I'm going to die tonight. She was sitting at the bar, a drink in front of her, just watching me with a smirk.
Snapping fingers brought my attention back to my dad, who was calling my name. I'm sure I looked like I was about to be sick. I felt like I was.
"You okay kiddo? You look like you just saw a ghost," he looked genuinely concerned.
Shaking my head, I tried to calm down. "No… I mean I'm fine. Just tired still, it's been a long week." Even that sounded lame to me. I can't lie for shit. And by the look on my dad's face, he didn't believe me either.
"Alright. Well, what do you think you're gonna get kid? I'm thinking a burger for me," he said while staring at the menu.
I looked mine over quickly, not feeling hungry anymore. I settled for a side salad. "Just a salad," I told him.
A brush of cold air on my back had me panicking. I was going to fucking die now, and my dad probably was too. Shit, shit, shit!
"Hello, Isabella. Pleasure seeing you here, hmm? I haven't seen you in a few years," Victoria's smooth voice said from beside me as she took a seat at the table with us. Double shit!
"Uh, yeah. It's been a while," my voice was shaky. I looked to my dad, who was just staring at Victoria with an odd expression that I couldn't figure out.
"Are you going to introduce me to your company Isabella?" she asked me, drawing my attention back to her.
"S-sure. Dad, this is Victoria. She's um… a friend of the Cullen's," I lied. "And Victoria, this is my dad, Charlie," I told her. "Please, leave him alone. This doesn't involve him," I begged in a whisper so only she would hear me.
She ignored me, and turned to my father while sticking her hand out. "Hello Charlie," she practically purred out to him. His eyes grew large and his mouth dropped open. It would have been funny, if I wasn't about to possibly die.
"H-hi," he stuttered out, grabbing her hand. His eyes grew larger, probably due to her cold skin. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Victoria," he spoke quickly.
"The pleasure is all mine, Charlie," she whispered loud enough to hear, winking at him. Letting go of his hand, she turned back to me. "So, Isabella, what brings you down here?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Change of scenery, that kind of thing," I answered. Why was she asking me this stuff? She was just going to kill me!
A throat clearing took my attention away from her and to the waitress standing at our table. I told her my order, then Charlie told her his.
"Bells, I'll be right back," he muttered as he got up from the table. FUCK! He's leaving me alone! He's never going to see me again. She wouldn't just take me in public, would she? My head turned toward the vampire, who was staring at me with questioning eyes. I needed to be brave.
"What are you doing here Victoria? Have you been following me?" I blurted out.
A bell like laugh came to my ears, surprising me. "No, Isabella. I'm not following you, per say. Just your father," she smirked.
"WHAT?" No, what does she want with him! A laugh brought my attention toward it. Oops, guess I said that out loud.
"Well, it's actually a long story. I mean no harm to him, I promise. Nor to you. I'd like to explain, but obviously not here. Especially since your father is on his way back to the table," she told me. I nodded, agreeing with her just as he sat back down.
"So, how did you two meet?" My dad asked me.
"Well… like I said, she's friends with the Cullen's, and was visiting one day when I was there," hopefully he believed that. Victoria nodded, just staring at my dad. Creepy.
"Yes, I was there to visit Carlisle and Esme while Isabella was there. I only met her briefly though," she told him just as our food was set in front of us. "I'll let you two get to your meal. Isabella?" she called to me as she stood.
"Yes?"
"After you're done, come find me. I need to ask you something," she smirked as she walked off.
Dinner went smoothly after that, minus the vampire watching us from across the room. There was small talk, but mostly we were quiet. I excused myself after I was finished eating, and with shaky legs I walked over to Victoria. She turned toward me, smiling.
"Isabella, I'd like you to know I really mean what I said about meaning you and your father no harm. I've actually been watching over the both of you since the James incident. Well, that's a lie. I had planned to kill you, but when I was at your home one night I spotted your father. He's my mate Isabella," she whispered the last part. I was shocked. I couldn't move, nor speak. It wasn't possible! James was her mate; you only have one in a lifetime Edward told me.
"How… How is that possible? What about James?" I asked. It couldn't be true!
She shook her head, her wild red flame hair flying all over. "No, silly girl. James wasn't my mate. Sure, we were companions and went to each other for our needs, but that was it. I did want to kill you because you took that away from me, but once I saw your father in your house… I just couldn't. I've stayed in the shadows so to speak because of the wolves," she scrunched her face up at the mention of them. "And because I was terrified."
Why would she be terrified? It's not like I could hurt her. I know the wolves could, but a puny little human? No. She continued before I could say anything.
"I'd like to be your friend, Isabella. I want to know your father- though I'm sure you have concerns," she told me.
I nodded, agreeing to having concerns. Many of them of course. She seemed to have read my mind with what she said next.
"I also know you have no reason to trust me, with what you've had happen to you from my kind. I want you to know that Edward didn't deserve you. From what I learned just in that one day, he was a pompous ass with a stick stuck up there. I also think he's a homosexual," she whispered and giggled out the last part. I couldn't help but join in. I thought that many times to with how he kissed me. Sighing, I decided to suck it up. If she were going to kill me, she would have by now.
"Alright, I'll bite," I giggled. She smirked. "I don't trust you but if you were going to kill me, I'm guessing you would have by now. So, I'll give you my cell number. But, I've gotta tell you; my dad is going back to Forks in two days."
"No! He can't! I thought he would move with you. Why does he need to go back to that dreadful town?" she looked panicked.
"I ran a hand through my hair, letting out a long breath. "He's the police chief, he has to go back. He only came down here to help me move in," I explained. She looked so saddened by that, like somebody had just killed her puppy.
"Look, just… I'll give you my number. I was going to talk to him tonight anyways to see if he'd think of moving down here. Call me tomorrow afternoon and we can chat. He's probably getting worried," I glanced over at the table where I had been with him. He was looking around the room, drinking from his beer bottle. I grabbed a napkin and pen sitting on the bar and quickly scribbled my number down then handing it to her. She thanked me, agreeing to call and we said our goodbyes.
Charlie was standing up from his seat when I got back to the table. I told him I was ready, and we were on our way. As soon as we got back to my apartment, I ran up to my room to have a mini panic attack. I thought I was done with vampires! Especially ones I thought were hell bent on killing me, but come to find out want to fucking get it on with my dad! I tried calming down, splashing water on my face and then changing into my pajamas.
Downstairs, my dad was sitting on the couch flipping through the channels on the television. I sat at the opposite end of the couch, tucking my feet under me and turning toward him.
"Hey dad? Can I ask you something?" I was picking at my nails, not looking at him. I did want my dad to stay close to me, him moving down here would be perfect.
"Sure Bells, what's up?" He turned toward me, muting the T.V. volume.
"I was wondering… why don't you move down here? You've worked your whole life, I'm sure your retirement would cover a few years of rent and anything else. You could sell the house and then have more money…" I trailed off, too nervous to continue. I chanced a look up at his face, which had a sullen look to it. Shit.
"Bells, I have a job up there… Billy and Jake… I can't just leave them," he told me. "I do want to get out of that town; I've lived there my whole life. But, I just can't imagine doing it."
"Billy and Jacob would understand. As for your job… just retire. They can't make you stay there, dad. Just think about it. I'm sure you'd be so much happier down here. There's so much more! Maybe you could even get a job at the police station here, instead of retiring. Maybe just transfer or something, you know? I won't get to be able to go visit you in Forks, nor you visit here. Just think about it, please?" I finally looked up at him. He was nodding, running his hand over his face. A gesture I had come to learn as a sign of stress.
"I'll think about it Bells, alright? I would love to have a change of scenery, as you put it. But, I'm tired so let's get some sleep alright?" I quickly agreed, jumping up from the couch to hug him goodnight, then headed up to my room.
My sleep was dreamless, which was shocking considering what had happened the night before. I never expected to see Victoria again, nor for her to be friendly to me if I did.
Rolling over, I noticed it was almost eleven in the morning. Damn, I slept in! I jumped out of bed to go downstairs and get some coffee and breakfast. I was glad I had stocked the fridge the day after arriving here. Charlie was sitting on the couch, bent over the coffee table eating toast.
"Morning dad!" I called out as I walked to the kitchen to get sustenance. I heard a greeting come from Charlie as I filled my coffee cup. Deciding on a bowl of cereal, I fixed one up and joined Charlie in the living room.
We sat in a comfortable silence for a while, until I heard my phone ringing up in my room. I quickly excused myself, and ran up to my room. I didn't recognize the number, but answered.
"Hello?"
"Isabella? It's Victoria," the voice on the other end let me know.
"Oh, hey. I uh, talked to my dad," I told her.
"Really? Is he going to stay?" I could tell she was excited. Well, sorry sister, your fantasy ain't happening anytime soon.
"Er… no. Not yet at least," I started to explain. "He's going to think about it, see what he can do in terms of his job. I hope he moves here though," I paced around my room. Why am I telling her this? I can't trust her!
"Oh goody! I'm sorry Isabella, I know you really must fear me. I'm being one hundred percent truthful when I tell you I mean you both no harm, especially your father. He is my mate, I could never hurt him. And you're his daughter, I'd never hurt you either," she told me.
I sunk down to my floor, bringing my knees up to my chest to rest my chin on.
"It's still all hard to wrap my head around, Victoria. You understand, right? I mean, the last time I saw you before yesterday, I was running away from James to avoid being eaten. How about… Saturday night I meet you at the same place as last night? We can discuss things then. My dad is leaving in the morning, he has to be home to return the rental truck. Is that okay with you? Oh, and please, just call me Bella."
"Alright, Bella," she laughed out."I agree to that. We have much to discuss and I plan on earning your trust. I really hope you will be able to see for yourself how much I really do care for your father. I've been watching over him for a little over two years now, and you included because of who you are to him," she admitted. "I shall let you go now then, to spend time with him before he has to leave. Be safe," she said, and hung up before I could respond. I shook my head and went back downstairs to hang out with Charlie while I could.
The night flew by quickly, as did the next morning. After seeing Charlie off, I went back to my apartment to clean up and unpack things I didn't know where to put. I busied myself most of the day, then went to get ready to meet Victoria.
After showering, I picked out my outfit carefully. A red and black striped tank top with a black bow at the top, and skull detail on the bottom, along with a pair of black jeans with side lace-up. Since I had become less acquainted with the ground, I decided to wear some thigh high heel boots. I put on some earrings, a necklace, and a gold and ruby stone ring. I decided to leave my hair down and wavy. I applied a smokey eyeshadow, some mascara, lipgloss, then a little perfume. A once over in the mirror, and I decided I was ready. I was partly dressed up so I could be presentable to any guys that could be there. I noticed a few good looking ones the other night and hoped more would be there tonight. I grabbed my purse, checking to see if I had everything I needed in it, which included my new ID card that Alice left and left my apartment to meet Victoria.
As soon as I walked into the bar, I almost ran back out. There was another vampire in here, and it wasn't one I'd met before.
A/N: Well, my jaw is still in pain and all that. Good news, I get to be pain free in a few days! Yay me! Anyways, I hope you liked that chapter. Next one will be of Bella and Peter meeting for the first time.
Also, I've gotten some questions as to if this is a Bella/Peter/Jasper story. The answer is no. You will see what happens with Jasper in later chapters. He's my favorite, so he's gotta have some love! I just don't like Alice.
I forgot; I have a picture of Bella's car on my profile. I'm adding one of her outfit for when she goes to meet Victoria at the bar as well.
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