Summary: Months after the rest of the Cullens' return, and during the her senior year, Bella finds herself content but wary. With her future to think about and Victoria out to get her- tension is no stranger. And what happens when Edward finally returns- but his presence only complicates things?
" We'll get through this Bella, because we have each other."
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. Stephanie Meyer is the respective owner, I'm just fooling around with the characters.
After her Pre-Calculus class was over, Bella made her way to the cafeteria by herself. It was the only class that she didn't happen to share with any of her friends or Cullen family members- and she felt herself grow slightly wary at the thought of running into Edward again. At least, she thought it had been Edward that had bumped into her a couple of hours ago, with that arrogant smirk on his lips.
And what was the purpose for that exactly?
To scare her?
In all honesty, it did affect her some, but it was definitely starting to anger her too.
" Bella." She looked over to see Emmett beside her then, and she smiled- taking his hand in hers. He looked down at their entwined fingers in slight shock, and his eyebrows raised some. It had been certainly a promiscuous decision- definitely not something Bella would normally initiate, but she felt like she would need some kind of comfort with Edward on her brain.
Emmett stared into her eyes for a few more seconds before grinning. " You're okay with this?"
" Why wouldn't I be? This is what... couples do right?" Bella asked with a slight stammer, and the vampire laughed, nodding.
"Ever since I could remember." They started walking together and Emmett was the first to speak up. "So, how's your day been?"
Bella practically froze at that, but smiled and chose her words carefully- not wanting to lead Emmett into what she really wanted to say.
Telling him about seeing Edward at school was basically consenting Emmett to go full rouge vampire on him-whether she would imply him to or not.
" Productive. " Bella replied with a pause. " Angela invited me over to her house to work on college applications."
Emmett's eyes lit up in amusement, but he also seemed extremely interested, surprised even. " Do have an idea of where you want to go?"
" Not exactly. And I know, that's terrible; but it shouldn't be too hard to decide. I don't think I'll be leaving Forks any time soon."
Emmett shrugged. " Don't say that yet. You might change your mind."
Bella stopped walking at that and turned to face him with a shocked expression, and he laughed at the look.
" You want me to leave town?" Bella asked with confusion, blinking her wide brown eyes as he nodded- looking completely serious now.
He tilted his head a little with a warm smile and she felt his cool hand squeeze hers comfortingly.
" I think... it would be good for you Bella." He said earnestly, and Bella stared into his eyes knowingly. She knew what he was implying- that it would all around safer for her if she wasn't around all the supernatural drama- Edward in particular. But in the end it would be just like the Cullens leaving her all over again. She would feel empty not having them in her life and she would still have Victoria after her.
" It wouldn't." Bella denied truthfully, earning a softened gaze from Emmett, and she squeezed his hand in return. " It wouldn't change a thing, you know that. I would be a complete mess before I even set foot on the plane. And not to mention Charlie would be worried sick. I mean who would be there to make sure he doesn't starve, or choke to death on the fumes from his own burning food?"
" Yeah, poor Charlie." Emmett replied with a laugh, earning a playful, but slight glare from Bella. He laughed again and she blushed when he nudged her a little with his shoulder as they walked again.
Bella shook her head. " I'm serious."
" I know." Emmett replied with a light-hearted grin. "I just wanted you to.. consider your options. To know you're not completely stuck here." He added.
It's be risky, and completely pointless knowing she'd just come back. She never thought about leaving Forks- and she wouldn't especially like the idea of leaving her family, no matter the situation.
She would just be leaving too much behind if she did that.
Sure it sounded dramatic since it was only school, and she could easily visit- but it wouldn't be the same.
She felt just about the same way when she had to leave her mother to come back to Forks- and even now, every now and then she felt homesick in that sense.
" Actually, I'd like to think that I am." Bella said with a slightly nervous laugh. "And as much as it is dangerous for me to risk my life like this by staying here, it would only be worse being on my own in another city or state. I'm a part of your family now Emmett and I'm in this for the long haul. And as long as I'm with you, I'd like to think that I'll be fine." She added with a smile, earning a grin from the vampire.
" You got that right." He replied. " And always remember that wherever you are, we're always going to be here for you, and with you as long as you'll have us. No more running away."
Bella nodded.
" Good." Bella replied with a warm smile, feeling particularly lucky to be with an amazing person, and being a part of an equally as amazing family. It was the idea that they valued family more than the typical vampire clan that drew Bella particularly close to them. If it weren't for the fact that their skin were as cold as ice, or that they were actually immortal with centuries worth of knowledge, Bella figured they could definitely pass as your average, wealthy, 'white-picket fence' family.
She grinned sheepishly at the idea, imagining them expensive-looking polo tees and tennis bracelets.
As if Alice would be caught 'dead' in a polo shirt anyway.
Emmett held the door open for her and they walked into the cafeteria together, still hand in hand. By the time they got to the table, Bella noticed a good number of stares from different sections of the room but looked away and brushed them off completely. Alice and Jasper were seated there, and smiled as they took their seats across from them.
Alice immediately pushed her tray towards Bella for her to take- a routine Bella had grown accustomed to during to those last couple of months. She grabbed for the bottled water first and took a swig, sighing after she screwed the plastic cap back on and set it aside the tray and started to pick at the wrapping around the egg salad sandwich.
When she took a bite out of it, Jasper had a look of distaste on his face, and she bit back a laugh.
" I still don't understand why you humans like those lunches so much." He muttered with a sigh. " They just seem so unappetizing and they smell-"
"-Horrible." Alice finished, mirroring Jasper's agitated expression. The blonde vampire looked over to his wife with love at her similar observation, and she only giggled at him, as he wrapped an arm around her waist.
Bella swallowed with a satisfied grin. " Are you guys trying to offend me?" She asked.
Jasper ignored her. " And don't get us started on the Pizza Wednesdays-"
" That pizza happens to be the best thing to ever happen on a Wednesday. Ask anyone." Bella told him matter-of-factly, and he shrugged, still unimpressed.
" If you say so Bella." She snorted in response, but rather enjoyed Jasper's disdained attitude. It was pretty unlike him.
"Everything alright Emmett? You're being unusually quiet..." Alice asked then, and Bella turned to look at him. He seemed to have been looking out of the cafeteria window when Alice had called out to him- deep in thought. He shook his head in response however and snorted, ignoring Jasper's intent stare at his wife's observation.
" Why wouldn't I be?" He asked.
" Well for one thing, you're being quiet." Jasper repeated. " And Edward is back." He added, his voice thick with distaste. " It's enough to make anyone want to strangle something."
" And what makes you think I want to strangle something Jasper?" Emmett asked then with a laugh, but Jasper didn't seem equally as amused.
" You're anxious Emmett. I can feel it." Jasper explained. Bella turned to look at him then, but Emmett shrugged Jasper off- snorting as Alice looked to him with concern.
" I'm fine."
" So you're saying that what I'm feeling isn't accurate? That's not how empathy works Emmett.-"
" Just drop it, alright? I said I'm fine." Emmett repeated, more agitated than anything now- and Bella placed her hand over his. He relaxed a little at the notion and she squeezed his hand, hoping the argument wouldn't escalate further. He had looked down at her then with a particular troubled look on his face, and Bella stared into eyes comfortingly- scooting closer to lay her head on slightly on his shoulder.
Jasper was right- Edward being back was enough to put just about any of them on edge. And to hear what Emmett was feeling right then about it sent shivers down her spine.
" Alright." Jasper apologized with a wary look as Alice rubbed his shoulder. " I'm sorry."
" No." The burly vampire replied with an aggravated sigh. " I'm sorry. You're right."
And no one could blame him.
Author's Note: I know, another chapter done in one day right? Longer than the last one, I know. ( YES!)
I actually have a lot of free time right now, considering I don't start training for work until this Friday coming up.
So don't get used to it after then. ( but who knows, maybe I'll be able update in between then as well.)
That's why I'm trying to update as much as I can right now.
Not to mention the start of my freshman year of college is just around the corner.
Thank you guys for staying with me all this time, and I hope you enjoyed the chapter.
And I really do appreciate and enjoy the reviews you give me!
Until next chapter.
Reviews make me happy.