AN: I want to thank bbtasha for pointing out a major boo boo in my last chapter so I could go back and fix it. Also thank you to all of you who left reviews suggesting ways the story could go or ways I could improve that last chapter a bit. I really do appreciate receiving constructive criticism.
All characters recognizable from the Twilight series are the sole property of Stephenie Meyer.
The existence of second chances?
EPOV
For the next hour I lay in Alice's bed with Lenai wrapped safely in my arms. Her mind has been calm for the last twenty minutes allowing her to rest comfortably. With her mind relaxed her body quickly follows suit. As I lay beside her watching closely for the slightest fluttering of her eyelids she snuggles in closer to my chest sighing in her unconscious contentment. I may never know what planets had to shift to cause Earth tilting on its axis enough to convince fate to give me this second chance at love, but I will be forever grateful.
"What has you so deeply in thought?" Lenai asks sleepily.
"You," I answer "How are you feeling?"
"I'm still a little shaky." she answers looking at me questioningly. "Who was it?"
"One of the Quiluete's," I answer. "There is something you need to know Lenai." I pause taking a moment to weigh her mental state before continuing my explanation.
"Is it about this?" Lenai asks quietly, gently bringing her hand to rest on my arm lying across her stomach.
"I guess we should speak about that too." I whisper smiling down at her locking our gaze. "I need to tell you something about the boy who..." I can't bring myself to say the words out loud to her. "The boy in the music room." I finish lamely.
"I think I already know." she whispers as a shiver cascades down her body. "He's like that boy Granny spoke about isn't he?" I look at her begging with my eyes for her to continue; Bella made all of us promise not to tell Lenai the pack's secret. If she tells me I can simply confirm or deny. "is he one of..." she pauses obviously unsure. "is he a werewolf?"
I answer her with a nod pulling her closely to my chest as tears stream down her cheeks. "Why, why did her do that to me?" she asks burying her face in my chest.
"I don't know my love, but I promise I will never allow you to be hurt again."
Her eyes lift to mine once more plagued with uncertainty. I can see the reservation she feels. "Do you mean it?" she asks.
"Yes Lenai, I would give my life to protect you." I assure her never breaking away from her captivating hazel eyes.
"Not that part." she whispers glancing down to our intertwined fingers. "My love? Is that for real?"
Her doubt chars my heart. Lifting her face gently with my hands on either side I lean in placing my forehead to hers. Words fail me as the amazing sanctity of her return loving gaze fills me. Slowly I lean in gently pressing my lips to hers. The warmth of her pulsing blood flowing quickly beneath her soft welcoming kiss seeps into my own. I long to feel more of her. To taste her more would be pure nirvana. I run my tongue along her bottom lip knowing I am approaching my line of forced control that I must not cross, but I can not deny my desire to know her in that much more intimate way. I burn the heavenly taste of her overheated flesh permanently into memory. Pulling away a fraction of an inch I open my eyes searching her expression and mind for her response. Lenai's face is flush with exhilaration her eyes remaining closed. Her thoughts are pure joy, music dances merrily as lights in warm and comforting hues swirl and fade into eachother. I smile knowing fully for the first time that Lenai loves me. My fingers glide lightly over her delicate cheekbones as I place a gentle kiss on each of her peacefully closed eyelids.
"I love you Lenai." I whisper in her ear; my breath causes a few strands of her hair to float briefly releasing a small cloud of her wonderful scent to surround me.
A small sigh encourages me to turn toward her face again. Our lips meet for a heartbreakingly short but love filled kiss. "I love you, Edward." Lenai whispers leaning away from me. The heat from her hand as she gently traces the contours of my face memorizing it with her fingers is excruciating in its pleasure.
"We should let everyone know you're okay." I whisper taking her hand in my own. "They are all very worried about you."
I turn her toward the plate glass window standing behind her. I wrap my arms around her waist bending slightly to rest my cheek on her hair. Alice's room is alight with the fading reds and yellows mixed with a touch of violet produced by a very rare Fork's sunset. The low lying white clouds separating just enough to allow the sun's retreating light to kiss them with multi-hued color.
"It's beautiful." she exclaims quietly.
"Yes it is." I agree turning her to face me. I bring my lips down one more time to hers, holding her tightly in my arms. I will never let her go. Lenai's light laughter fills the room. "What do you find so amusing my love?" I can't say that enough. It is unbelievable that my life has once again been graced with love.
"You," she answers gleefully, "you're sparkling."
We turn to go downstairs hand in hand. Lenai lets go of my hand as we approach the end of the hallway. I look down at her questioningly. "Granny is here." she answers quietly sadness consuming her cheerful glow from moments ago. 'What if she is hurt seeing us together?'
I think she saw the draw between us long ago. She made me promise weeks ago to protect you and to never hurt you. I was confused until today. The second that fiend lay his hands on you Lenai, every molecule in my body screamed in agony. At that moment any doubts I had harbored were rendered impotent. I will never again deny my love for you, it would cause me much pain to hide such a precious gift."
Without speaking Lenai threads her fingers through mine pulling me gently toward the stairs a content smile brightening her eyes. Alice waits for us at the bottom of the stairs bouncing in place wearing a grin that would shame the Cheshire Cat. She pounces as soon as Lenai and I reach the bottom step sweeping Lenai off her feet and out of my reach.
"Thank you Lenai!" she squeals, "I knew it, I knew it all along. Oh, I'm so happy for you I could cry. Well not really but if I could I would be." Alice pulls Lenai into a tight hug before letting her return to my side.
'We all heard you Edward. That was so beautiful. You better get in there; they are all waiting. I already told Bella what you said to Lenai.' I scowl slightly, I knew my family would hear; I had not expected them to share word for word with Bella. 'she's very happy about it Edward, don't worry.'
Bella stands to greet Lenai and I as we walk into the living room. Her arms draw Lenai in closely for a hug as tears stream down her cheeks, her face a portrait of happiness and pride. "Be good to him sweetie." she whispers before pulling away and turning toward me.
Emmett covers his mouth holding back his taunting laughter as hundreds of biting yet witty one liners flood my mind. Torrents of mirth ripple so densely from Jasper they are nearly palpable. I struggle to close my mind to their good natured albeit loud and distracting mental ribbing.
Bella hugs me tightly, "I know your word is good."
Bella steps to the side letting Esme draw Lenai into a motherly embrace. 'I'm happy for you son.'
After nearly ten minutes of hugs and almost embarrassing congratulations we sit as a family in the living room.
"I hate to be the one to ruin the good mood, but I need to hear from Lenai and Edward what exactly happened today. I'm afraid rumor and speculation had already made their impact on the story by the time I heard it." Bella states.
Lenai recounts the events from her perspective. The outraged and blatantly murderous thoughts from every member of my family almost bring me to pity the boy when we find out who he is. Bella runs her hand soothingly over Lenai's hair as I begin my explanation.
"You said you could recognize him if you saw him again." Bella states no doubt audible in her tone.
"Yes." I answer definitively
Bella reaches into her suitcase pulling out a yearbook from the Quileute school from last year. "I'm afraid this is all Mr. Cruz would agree to."
I flip through the pages briefly looking at each face starting in the eighth grade. After flipping through five pages his face stares up at me. This picture was obviously taken before his change, but there is no question that it is the same boy from earlier today. I look at the bottom of the page where the names have been blackened with a permanent marker. Nice try, maybe that trick works for humans with weak eyesight. In a dull black print against the glossier marker the name was easily visible. Samuel Black.
"This is him." I point to the dog's picture. Careful not to let my voice show too much anger or hatred. I don't want to worry either Bella or Lenai.
"You're absolutely sure?" She asks sounding winded her face paling slightly. "I'll talk to Mr. Cruz about it. Lenai you'll stay home from school till this is sorted out."
BPOV
Samuel. I had hoped it would be one of the other pack members, any of them but him. Guilt nearly crippling in it's ferocity churns my stomach. If his father were alive he would never behave like this. Once again others are paying in pain for my life. The hurt and anger this boy must carry within him causing him to do such a thing must be immense. My blood runs cold with fear thinking about what might have happened if Edward hadn't been there to protect Lenai.
"Edward, do you mind taking Lenai home?" I need to return to the school and make some phone calls." I ask. I do not want Lenai being alone for any amount of time. Would it have been different, if I had walked into the music room? A shiver causes the hairs to stand on the back of my neck. I can't protect her from this. "Would it be to much to ask you to stay the night with us?"
Edward gives me the crooked half smile that long ago would have had me swooning. "Yes, of course I will be staying the night."
Yes of course he will be, did I even have to ask. He had probably planned on sneaking in as soon as I fell asleep. My father would have shot him and nailed all the windows shut had he ever found out about Edward's nightly visits, and here I am practically extending a formal invitation for my granddaughter's boyfriend to move in with us. I know Edward though; I can trust him to respect her virtue after all he is a turn of the twentieth century gentleman. "Edward, may I ask one thing?"
"Yes." he answers quizzically raising one eyebrow.
"When you want to stay over please let me know. No sneaking in through Lenai's bedroom window."
Laughter fills the room. Edward nods in affirmation while Lenai stares at me shock clearly written on her face. I'll let the Cullen's fill her in on that piece of history. I need to get to the school.
"Goodbye Esme, Carlisle." I say giving them quick hugs and heading to the front door. "I'll see you in a couple hours." I say as I pass Lenai and Edward.
"He was pretty creepy sneaking in through Bella's window to watch her sleep without her knowing it wasn't he?" I hear Alice tease. I wish I could see Lenai's face as they all begin laughing at her surprised gasp.
I pull my cell phone out of my purse as I drive down the Cullen's driveway. "Forks Police Janice speaking. How may I help you?"
May I speak with chief Crowley please?" I ask.
A click sounds and I hear the phone ringing once again.
"Chief Crowley." A gruff male voice answers.
"Hi Tyler, it's Bella."
"Hey Bella. Long time no hear. How have you been?" He responds.
"Good, how are the wife and girls?" I ask.
"Can't complain. My eldest just had her first child. I though I'd never live to see the day." He happily
replies.
"Congratulations Grandpa." I reply happy for him. "We had a problem at the school today. I was wondering if you had time to come down to mediate for me. I'm afraid neither Mr. Cruz nor myself would be impartial in this matter."
"Sure thing Bella, I'll be over in about an hour." he answers before hanging up the phone.
Clearing my cell from that call I dial Mr. Cruz breathing deeply to calm myself before he answers.
"Ya." he answers breathing heavily.
"Mr. Cruz" I ask.
"Yes, Ms. Swan." He replies impatiently.
"I've asked chief Crowley to meet us at the school in an hour. I assume you will be here." I inform him curtly.
"Why did you involve the law? I can deal with my own students." He growls.
"I believe your students signed and agreed to our student code of conduct. It states clearly that the police shall be notified in any instances of aggressive sexual harassment. This is clearly such a case." I reply firmly. "I'll see you at the office in an hour."
I park the car at a small diner down the road from the high school. Tonight could be a long night. I walk in and take a seat in a booth by the front window. Two men speak in the booth behind me, one seems very familiar. I turn standing slightly to see over the high back of my seat.
"Mike, what are you doing in town?" I ask when he stops speaking mid-sentence to wave.
"I just had to sign some legal papers for the store. Hey why don't you join us; we haven't ordered yet." He invites me with a smile. I walk around my booth to join them. Mike scoots over on his bench to let me take a seat beside him. "Bella, this is Scott Darlan my attorney."
"Nice to meet you Mr. Darlan." I greet extending my hand to shake his.
He pauses momentarily before grasping my hand gently. A shock of recognition surges through me as his ice cold grip loosens. My eyes dart to his as a small chill of fear floods me. A look of discomfort passes on his face as I stare at his dark honey colored eyes. "Please call me Scott." he answers. Suddenly dropping my hand and gathering up a small stack of papers off the table in front of him. "Mike, seeing as you now have much more appealing dinner company than myself I think I will get home before the wife starts to worry."
"Oh, okay then. Thanks for meeting with me after hours for this Scott." Mike answers. "Are we still on for golf this Saturday?" He asks. A comical picture of Mike dressed in full golfing gear driving a white golf cart causes me to giggle slightly, earning me curious glances from both Mike and the very intriguing Mr. Darlan.
"Yes, Mike I will see you Saturday." Scott answers Mike never taking his questioning eyes off me. "Till we meet again, Bella." he says as he tips his head slightly. A fuzziness touches my mind making it difficult to process speech. I stare without reply as Mr. Darlan walks out of the diner.
"Bella?" Mike's voice draws me back. "Bella are you alright?" He asks concerned.
"Yes, sorry. I was lost in thought for a minute." I answer. "What papers did you need to sign today?"
"I was officially signing the store over to my son." He answers proudly. "He's been managing it for me for years. My grandson is soon going to be old enough to work there as well. I just thought it was time to pass it down."
"That's great Mike." I answer a little distractedly. My thoughts still revolving around the mysterious, without a doubt, vampire I just met. I wonder if Carlisle knows him. It's clear he is of the same dietary persuasion. "How long have you been working with Mr. Darlan?" I ask.
"He's been my business attorney for over thirty years now. He's a great guy." He answers. "I thought we had lost him a few years back though. He was battling with cancer, and one day we just stopped hearing from him. I thought he had lost his battle, but a year and a half later he called up out of the blue to see if I wanted him to resume his work on my file which had been handed to another lawyer in his office. I guess he had gone to some European cancer hospital. He's never been sick since." A longing look fills his eyes. I'm sure he's thinking of Jessica.
"That must be hard for you." I reply comfortingly.
"No, really I'm glad he won his battle." he answers sadly.
Our conversation turns to lighter topics. I enjoy the next hour joking and talking about people we both used to know many of whom moved on to bigger cities long ago. Mike moves his hand to rest on mine laying on the table between us. His eyes shine as he gazes into mine. Oh Mike, no. He can't have mistaken my friendship as anything more. After all this time he still can't figure out that I am only a friend.
"Bella, there's something I need to say." he whispers. "I never thought this could happen. I don't know when it started exactly, but I can't deny the truth any longer." He says almost sadly, although his eyes show a deep contentment.
"It's alright, I know." I reply. "Mike, you were a great friend to me when no one else could bear to be around me. I'm so thankful Lenai and I ran into you that day in Seattle. I treasure your friendship, but Mike you have to know that is all there can be between us. I've lived my entire adult life complete in myself, I'm too comfortable with my life the way it is."
His face shows his crestfallen disappointment but he forces a smile leaving his hand on mine. "I guess I'll have to accept that. I will remain a true friend for you Bella. If ever you need anything I will be here."
I smile up at him knowing he means what he says. "I know you will Mike. Thank you."
Mike releases my hand as our desert arrives. We continue laughing and enjoying eachother's company as we share a slice of warm apple pie with ice cream.
"I'm afraid I need to be going. I have a meeting at the school in ten minutes." I apologize standing up and grabbing my purse tossing enough money to cover my meal and a tip on the table. "I hope to see you again soon Mike. Please call me anytime you want to chat; it's nice having you for a friend again."
"I'll do that, Bella. Have a good night." he answers.
Time to face reality. I sigh walking toward my car. A feeling of unease overcomes me making me slightly paranoid. I glance around at the deepening shadows surrounding me looking for the cause of my discomfort. Thoughts of the distinguished attorney set me on edge despite his eye color. I hurry as quickly as I can, without falling over my own feet, to my car. Shutting the door swiftly behind me I push the lock button feeling better as I hear the slight sound of the locks engaging. I pull out of my parking space and head toward the school. The uneasy feeling of being watched fading behind me as I drive away from the diner.
The parking lot is empty as I pull into the school. I silently curse the timers I had installed in the parking lot lights years ago in an effort to make the school more green, as they are now leaving me to enter the school in complete darkness. The disconcerting feeling of being followed once again engulfs me as I rush to open the office door, locking it behind me. I gasp for breath as I lean against the door shaking. Come on Bella get a grip on yourself, you've never been afraid before. Why am I freaking out now? I move to my office sitting behind my desk watching out the window for Tyler or Mr. Cruz's cars to pull in. A swift change in the silhouette of darkness tells me I am not being paranoid. Someone has been watching me. They flee as Mr. Cruz's beat up old truck pulls in the parking lot. His massive frame unfolding from the door before stomping furiously up to the office door. I breathe deeply counting to ten calming my nerves as I hear the door opening.
Mr. Cruz strides into my office silently taking a seat on the small couch. "We are waiting for the chief of police before we discuss this I assume." he states coldly.
"I think that will be best." I reply with an equal chill.
Four minutes later, four most excruciatingly long silent minutes later, Chief Crowley's car pulls in front of the office door. The door opens with a resounding thud as it slams against the interior wall.
"So let's hear the problem." Tyler announces as he slides into the chair across my desk.
I briefly explain what happened to Lenai inserting a couple of the mental comments Edward had shared with me earlier in the evening making them sound as if they were spoken.
"My granddaughter is very distraught over this incident, therefore you an see why I said I can not be an impartial judge in this case." I finish.
"It sounds like this is a serious situation. Does Lenai wish to press charges? These are serious accusations, especially considering the lingering threat implied by this boy's words as he left." Tyler asks.
"I don't think that will be necessary officer." Mr. Cruz answers smugly. Tyler gives him a look of contempt at his disrespectful tone.
"Lenai does not wish to press charges. She's ready for this to be over dragging it out by pressing charges would just make it take longer for her to move on." I answer.
"Samuel does not deny his behaviour, however he does claim it was simply a misunderstanding of affections. I'm sure now that he knows his feelings are not returned he will not behave in such a manner again." Mr. Cruz informs Tyler.
"Be that as it may, we can not simply let his actions go without discipline." I insist.
"That is without question." Tyler replies. "What is the usual discipline for such a breach of conduct as this?" He asks me.
"Suspension." I answer quickly.
"It's the first week of school. These kids are just getting used to being here, don't you think you're being a bit harsh. If these were any other two students would we be having this evening meeting?" Mr. Cruz asks harshly.
"Probably not, but I would still be recommending temporary suspension. I am not speaking about expulsion Mr. Cruz. I suggest one week suspension to give young Mr. Black the opportunity to dwell on his behaviour. I also suggest a probation period there after during which if there are any other incidents he will be transferred to the alternative high school where they are better able to handle difficult students." I reply firmly. He may be the vice principal, but this is still my school and I will not be told how to run it by anyone.
"That sounds fair and reasonable to me." Tyler comments. "Mr. Cruz let me just say, over the years this school has welcomed many new students. During my time as Chief this is the first time I have ever been called here to settle any dispute. This goes deeper than new student anxiety; I suggest as his adviser you might want to mentor this young man a bit."
"This young man is being mentored. He is a good kid. He's had a hard life," Mr. Cruz looks accusingly at me before continuing. "and he's been dealing with a lot of changes in his life lately."
"Thank you for your time Chief Crowley." I say as I stand signaling the end of our meeting.
"Your welcome Bella, call me if you have anymore problems." He answers tipping his hat and walking toward the door.
"Samuel will be back in a week." Mr. Cruz states his face hard. "I will encourage him to cause no more problems."
"Thank you Mr. Cruz." I say heading toward the door hoping he will follow. "I know this has not been a pleasant meeting but thank you for coming on such short notice."
He walks out the door and heads directly toward his truck. I lock the door behind him and walk to my car feeling more content now that the situation has been dealt with. The feeling of being watched no longer present. I climb in my car rolling down the windows to the cool evening air. I tune the radio to my favorite classical channel and head home.
Edward meets me on the front porch as I step out of my car. "Is everything taken care of?" He asks concerned.
"Samuel will be out of school for a week, and on probation afterwards. Hopefully we won't have any more problems." I answer weakly, feeling the fatigue of the day weighing on my shoulders. "I'll see you in the morning." I give him a soft smile thankful for his presence.
"See you in the morning Bella." he answers shutting the door behind us and following me up the stairs. He stops outside Lenai's bedroom door looking to me as if asking for permission.
I nod my head slightly, "Like I said earlier, I know your word is good. I believed you when you said you will never hurt her."
"Good night." I say turning to enter my bedroom. I shut the door behind me and prepare for sleep. Laying my head on my pillow I try not to go over the events of the day. My thoughts focus on a pair of radiant, piercing honey colored eyes belonging to Mr. Darlan. I will have to find out more about him tomorrow. Making a mental note to call Carlisle in the morning I slip into a fitful night's sleep.
AN: OH bomb, Bella turned Mike down again! OUCH that had to hurt. Okay I know some of you want to yell at me now, go ahead. Little blue button down there, let me know what you think! PLEASE I'll give you another sneak peak.