AN: As a note, just for clarification; Bella and her sisters were born in Texas. She has a more prominent twang than them. But because their mother was Irish and sent Bella there, she has a strange mix of the Texan twang, Irish accent and Italian accent which is from her dad. Everything will make sense in the end.

Clothing link for Bella: music_with_sapphire_onyx_chap/set?id=197324653

Chap 11

Bella POV:

I woke up the next morning with my body wrapped protectively around my little one. Her hair looked like an oil spill against the cream sheets. Her olive skin was like mine and stood out against the pale blue comforter. I run my fingers through her hair and kiss her forehead. Her eyes flutter open sleepily and focus on me as her dimples make an appearance.

"Buongiorno piccola. Avete dormito bene?" (Good morning little one. Did you sleep well?) As I speak, I sit up with her in my arms. I knew she didn't have the words to answer me yet, but I always think that I should speak to her like any other person. She yawns and I laugh as I stand. With her still in my arms I walk to my closet and grab my underwear before I make my way to the bathroom. Setting my things down on the counter I place her next to them and turn on the shower, getting it warm. I peel off my pyjamas and do the same to my little one before I get into the shower and set her down on the side. I wash my long black hair quickly and scrub my body before I grab my bambina. I wash her hair gently and wash her body down. I turn off the stream of water and grab a towel to wrap her in. I do the same to myself before throwing my hair up into a loose bun. Pulling on my underwear and rub her down at the same time. I walk back into my room and set her down on the bed before I pull on my shirt and jeans. bending down to scoop her into my arms again, I grab socks and my shoes, along with my poncho and bag. I go to the princess bedroom and lay her down on her changing table. While I bend down to grab a diaper for her, I hear the door behind me open.

"Do you need help?" Rose questions quietly.

"No. I've been doing this myself for a year now. I'm fine." I knew it was petty and ridiculous, but I was still angry at the two of them.

"Oh. Okay." She walks in and sits on the rocking chair in the corner of the room by the window. As I change and get my bambina ready for the day, Rose tries to apologize. And while it was what I wanted, I didn't care. Interrupting her, I ask her a question harshly.

"Do you know why I gave her, her name?" Rose shakes her head, silent. "Because she rose from the ashes of my life. Her name is Phoenix because without her, I would be those ashes on the mantle. My little bird rose from the ashes of my own heart and soul. She gives me a reason to live again." With that I button the last clasp on Phoenix's shirt and lift her up. I grab her travel bag and all my things before walking to the kitchen, leaving my oldest sister staring at the place I stood, tears in her eyes.

Alice was in the kitchen when I walked in. I took a deep breath and set Phoenix down in her high chair before setting my two bags down on the counter. I grab a jar of baby food and a spoon before I grab myself a slice of bread, popping it into the toaster. I ignore my next oldest sister and crack open the jar. I smile at my baby girl and give her the first bite of her food.

"Bella?" Alice's voice is quiet and I find myself fuming. Without turning, I keep feeding Phoenix.

"What Alice?" I ask her in a similarly harsh voice that I used with Rosalie. I hear my toast pop and set the jar down before turning to the opposite counter. Putting butter on it requires me to move past Alice to the fridge.

"What is your problem Bella?" I stare at her incredulously. I slam the fridge closed and the insides rattle. I turn away from her and shove the bread into my mouth before returning to feeding Phoenix. As soon as I'm done, I grab the two bags and my keys from the bowl in the hall. "Don't ignore me Bella. I asked you a question." Spinning on my heel, I level her with a glare.

"You may be older Alice and you may be my sister, but I swear to all the gods, that if you talk to me like that, I will not hesitate to slap you." Turning away, I open the door to the garage. "Yours and Rosalie's shifts start at twelve. It's seven. That gives you both ample time to get your heads together and gossip. Clock in five minutes before your shift."

The door slams behind me as she gasps. Carefully, I buckle Phoenix into her car seat. I climb into the driver's seat and place my bags into the passenger side. I pull out and head towards my Papa's house.

The drive is short and it's not long before I'm parked and opening the front door with my key.

"Papa? Uncles? Sue? Anyone awake?" I walk towards the kitchen and living room. I shake my head at the massive house, mansion really. It was a definite necessity but amusing none the less.

"Bella! Buon bambina mattina. E il nostro piccola Phoenix troppo! Lavori oggi?" (Bella! Good morning child. And our little Phoenix too! Are you working today?) With a smile, I greet Papa and his wife Sue.

"Sì papà. Ho portato sua nipote per voi. La sua borsa ha tutto e so che hai un po 'di alimenti per l'infanzia in frigo." (Yes Papa. I brought your granddaughter for you. Her bag has everything and I know you have some baby food in the fridge.) I pass Phoenix over to her nonno. (grandpa) Standing on my tiptoes, I kiss my bambina's forehead. "Momma sarà più tardi bambina. Lo prometto." (Momma will be back later baby. I promise.)

I give my Papa a kiss on his cheek, straining to reach as I was so much shorter than him. I turn to Sue and kiss her cheek before I hug her gently. I walk out of the kitchen, waving over my shoulder at my little one, blowing a kiss at her. I bump into someone in the hallway and turn to apologize.

"Zio Caio! Sono così dispiaciuto. Stai bene?" (Uncle Caius! I'm so sorry. Are you alright?)

"Sì, sono un po 'abbastanza bene. Lavoro oggi?" (Yes, I'm quite alright little one. Work today?)

"Sì, zio." (Yes, uncle.)

"Ti ricordi il nostro incontro di questo pomeriggio, sì? Quello con Aro, Marcus, Sue e la vostra Madre e Padre?" (You remember our meeting this afternoon, yes? The one with Aro, Marcus, Sue and your Mother and Father?) I smile at him and kiss his cheek in farewell.

My keys jingle as I finally open my shop. I run a tattoo and piercing parlor. I loved my shop. I called "Howl at the Moon". I had my steady stream of regulars and occasional drop ins too. If they liked the service, they could get a free round of drinks at the club, along with a discounted entry fee for a week.

While I go about opening the blinds and getting my station set up, I plug in my stero system. The bell jingles and I face the door.

"Welcome to Howl at the Moon. How can I help you today?" My voice trails off as I recognize the person at the counter.

AN: Please review. It helps me. :)