When I came back out to the snack table, Jake and Billy had arrived.
"Jake," I said with relief. Practically running away from Sam, I headed for him and Billy.
"You okay?" Jake whispered in my ear.
"All good." I told him burying my face in his shoulder. I pulled myself back together within a few seconds of hugging my best friend and went to Billy.
"Bella," the old man smiled.
The three of us talked for a little while before they had to go say hi to everyone else. On that note, I went back to check on Seth and found him with a string full of lights raveled into a rope around his arm.
"Learning the tricks of the trade huh?" I questioned to the tree climber.
"Starting to," he smirked down at me.
"Need me to do anything?" I asked now just standing there.
"You're welcome to watch," he said teasingly flirting with me. I let out a laugh with him and rolled my eyes.
"You wish wolf boy."
"And look what the cat dragged in," I said aloud as the mystery person covered my eyes with his warm hands.
"I'm stronger than a cat," Embry justified.
"Not a really big one," I told him, turning around with a smile.
"Pshh, I could kick the cats ass in a second." He said with a smirk.
I rolled my eyes. "Alright, next time I'll say dinosaur instead of cat."
"Who says I couldn't beat up a dino?" he joked.
"Keep dreaming," I said patting his shoulder before he hugged me.
After Embry's grand entrance, Paul came with his mom Charlotte, Quil arrived with a little girl named Clair, Jared came with his imprint Kim, and Collin and Brady showed up.
"So you are Ms. Bella Swan," a woman said coming up to me with a drink in her hand. Extending my own hand she quickly shook it.
"I'm Charlotte, Paul's mom, but please call me Letty."
"Very nice to meet you Letty," I said with a smile as I stood by Embry and Quil.
"Boys," Letty said with a small acknowledgement.
"So what's it like being here? Enjoying yourself?" she asked.
"Very much so. It's different than Florida, but I'm becoming accustom to it."
"I heard your Sam's imprint. Must be hard since he brought another girl and all," she said with a small, barely detectable slur in her words. She took a huge gulp of her drink.
I let my mouth gape open a bit. How was I supposed to respond to that? Embry and Quil were both open mouthed along side me so I looked over to anyone behind Letty to help me out. Sam was looking at me again, but had a bit of the deer in the headlights expression on him.
Emily quickly turned his attention back to her and then looked to see who had captured it. When she saw me, she glared a bit and went back to her own conversation. Charlie was talking with Sue and Leah, and Jake and the rest of the boys were out getting firewood.
"How did you wind up here anyways? You have a mother don't you? Did she send you off here or something? How is Florida as good as this place? I mean come on…"
"Mom!" Paul said rushing over to us. He shot me an apologetic look and then guided her away by the shoulders.
Everyone was looking at me, which made me feel flush. From Jake, to Charlie, Emily to Sam; all eyes seemed to be on me. Murmurs started to fill the air again and I let out a breath.
"Well that was wonderful," I said sarcastically while taking a sip of my drink.
"Could have been worse," Quil said giving me a pointed look.
"Very true," I breathed. I should definitely be counting my blessings right about now. As I stood around, my thoughts of Paul's mom made me think. She asked the questions everyone was probably wondering too. Drunk or not, she definitely said what was on peoples mind.
"I'm sorry about that Bella," Paul said coming back into the yard after dropping his mom home.
"Its okay, not a big deal."
"I know, but it is. I should have been watching her more carefully and-"
"Paul its okay. I see the signs," I whispered to him.
He stared at me and I bit my lip. Letty was an alcoholic, just like my mom once was. "I've went through it too. So it's no sweat. She didn't do anything bad or cause any damage. She spoke her mind, which was probably the same thing that was on everyone else's. So please, don't feel bad."
"I thought she would be better today. She said she would try," he whispered sadly.
"It happens," I said with a shrug. I took a deep breath. "I think deep down inside they really do want to change, it's just so hard because the opportunity is right there, sitting in front of their face."
"It will get better," I said with a hand on his shoulder. "I'll even help you out- give you some tricks of the trade," I winked.
"Your mom?" he asked cautiously. I bit my lip and slowly nodded my head. I knew Embry and Quil were standing right by me listening to our conversation.
"It went on for a few years, but it got better when I was older. As I learned more and picked up some more, the ideas of finding her help increased."
"And it worked?" he asked with hope.
"For the most part," I told him putting my head down. Before anyone could say anything else, Harry called all of the boys over. I didn't know why or what they were doing, but they all made their exit to whatever they were doing and went over to Harry.
"Its an elder thing," Charlie said coming to stand next to me. We looked over at the boys together and I nodded.
"He is telling them how fortunate they should be- to have family and friends surround them- and also a small thank you for keeping us all safe."
"They do this every time?" I asked.
"Almost," he said looking back at me. "You okay?" he asked me when I was silent.
"Yea," I whispered, staring into my drink.
"Paul really tries to bring her around- get her out of the house. Most of the time he doesn't even bring her," Charlie said referring to Letty. "He really means it when he is sorry Bells," he said softly.
"I know," I said matching his tone," I told him it wasn't a big deal but he still feels guilty."
"His hope is crushed." Charlie explained. "Look Bells, Letty is an…"
"I know," I told him cutting him off. "Mom was too. I saw the signs when she was talking to me. They were faint, but still there."
"Renee was…" Charlie said shocked.
"Yea, a few months after we left here. She was pretty bad."
"How long did it last?" he questioned.
"A few years," I said still ashamed. If I had got her help sooner, she would have been better earlier.
"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked.
"You didn't need to know that dad," I said glancing up at him.
"Bella, of course I did! I-"
"She hid it well." I said cutting in. "There were only a few times it got bad, and I knew what to do. Dad, I may have been a kid when it happened, but I could still figure out what to do and point out the signs."
He had this look on his face, like he failed me.
"And you didn't fail me, so don't think that." I said practically reading his mind. He looked at me surprised. "You're not that hard to read. I know how you feel."
"I just wish-"
"It happened," I said laying it all down. "She did what she did and what's done is done."
He brought me in his arms and kissed my head. I enjoyed my dad's comfort, after having not received it today. Closing my eyes for a quick second, I jumped a bit when I felt Renee's dead body coming to life in my eyes.
"You okay?" he asked worried as he pulled me out of his arms.
"Yea," I said shakily. The boys came back from their little group session, and Jake came walking up to us.
"You okay?" he asked reading my face.
"Yea," I said softly putting up my walls. He nodded and then began talking about everything that went on.
"Come on, bon fire time," he said as everyone started to gather at the pit of the fire.
"So what now?" I asked wondering if we do anything special.
"We roast marshmallows," he said putting one on a stick with a smirk. I let out a laugh and looked for the bag. I saw that Emily had it, who was sitting on the log across from us with Sam at her side.
"Here," she said almost shoving the bag at me.
"Thanks," I said softly. I sat back down with Jake and put my white blob on the stick. I didn't dare look at Sam the rest of the time around the fire. It was hard not too, but I knew at the same time, pawning over the guy I told to stay away from me would not help.
"You need anything?" Jake asked getting up to get more firewood with most of the guys.
"No, im good," I said with a smile. He nodded to me and I turned back to the fire. The flames dance around and warmed my face.
"I'll be back," Emily smiled patting Sam's leg. She gave him a long kiss on the lips and I pulled my eyes away. It was just Sam and I sitting across from each other now, the fire slowly dying between us.
"I'm sorry you had to see that," Sam told me.
"You shouldn't be ashamed of it." I replied.
"But you know I am," he said. I kept my mouth shut after that. I wasn't sure what I was supposed to say. I know? It doesn't matter? I know it hurts?
"So Bella," Emily said coming back from the bathroom. She sat down in Sam's lap, wiggling in his lap with a mischievous smile. Feeling the need to barf, I stared down at the burning wood. "Having a good time?"
"Very," I said briefly looking up at her.
"What Paul's mom said to you must have hit home huh?" she asked. Sam gave her a look and squeezed her in warning.
"It was okay. She was just curious."
"Yet Paul whisked her away real quick." She said with a daring look.
"Emily," Sam said silently telling her to stop.
"That was his choice. He thought she was overstepping her boundaries."
"Was she?"
"Emily," Sam said more forcefully.
"What?" she asked in a loving tone to him. "I am just asking her questions sweetheart. Nothing to get you all twisted up about."
He gave me a sorry look but I just shook it away.
"So did it bother you?" she asked bluntly.
"Why is it any of your business?" I snapped.
"Oh, well I guess it did," she said with a laugh. I gave her and Sam a look and got up.
"Well there goes being friendly," Emily said a bit loudly.
I balled my hands into fists and clenched my jaw together. It took all of my will power to not turn back around and yell in her face.
Making my feet move, I walked to where Jake left to find firewood.
"Hey," I said as he appeared out of the woods with a load of branches. "I think I am going to go home."
"Party just started," he said. "You haven't even heard the stories yet."
"I know, im just…not feeling too well." I told him.
He narrowed his eyes at me. "You're lying."
"No im not," I said with my hands in my back pockets. He went over to the bon fire, which was the last place where I wanted to be, and put the wood in the flaming fire.
"Don't go home yet," he pleaded.
"Jake, it's getting late. I have things to do and…its just time for me to go home."
"Well what about your dad? How are you going to get home? I know Sue wont let him leave."
"I'll walk," I said weakly. I really didn't feel like having this conversation in front of Emily and Sam.
"Bella," Jake sighed.
"Its my fault Jake," Emily cut in, giving Sam's cheek a kiss. "I brought up her home town. It must be a sore subject for her."
My jaw set once again. I was right here.
"Jake, im leaving," I told him. He gave me those puppy dog eyes and I sighed.
"Jake if the girl wants to go, she can. I mean, she is a bit of an outcast here anyways," Emily muttered towards the last part.
Jakes head snapped to hers and he went stiff. Sam reprimanded her girlfriend but she just brushed it off with an eye roll.
"Did you want me to walk you home?" Jake asked.
"No, im okay," I said with a small forced smile.
"Bella, it's dark out. It can be dangerous," Sam said to me. Emily tugged on his arm.
"Sam, this is their conversation, don't butt in."
"How about both of you butt out of my conversation?" I snapped to the couple. Getting fed up, I just walked away not even caring.
"Well that was rude," I heard Emily say to the men as I walked away.
"Tell my dad I left," I told Embry as I passed him at the entrance of the backyard.
I was about 20 minutes past the La Push line when I hear twigs snap. Freezing, I looked over to my right and wondered what it was. As the noise continued, my heart thudded harder against my chest.
"Crap," a voice said.
"Hello?" I asked.
"Hello?" the voice called.
A man came out of the woods and I stepped back surprised. He had gold eyes and was buff. He gave me a friendly smile and rubbed the back of his neck.
"You haven't seen a little black puppy dog around here have you?" he questioned.
"No," I said looking at him oddly.
"Great," he huffed.
"May I ask why you are looking for a dog out here this late?"
"Potty training," he said. "I was trying to surprise my wife with a dog for her birthday so I am secretly potty training him, and well, I sort of lost him."
I let out a laugh. "Oh, I see."
"I found him!" a voice rang. Out came a shorter girl with golden eyes too. She was dressed real nice; a lot of jewelry to match too and looked like she had her hair done by a professional.
"Hi, im Alice," she said sticking her hand out. "This is Emmett," she said referring to the big guy.
"Bella," I said shaking both their hands. They were ice cold.
"Here you go," She said passing the pup to Emmett. "Next time, don't leave the dog outside while you check the score of the game," she scolded.
"It was only for a second!" he exclaimed.
Alice shook her head and then turned to me with a smile. "So Bella, what are you doing out here?"
"Walking home," I said nodding over to my path.
"Oh, you don't have a car?"
"Nope, just my feet." I laughed.
"Well, our house is just up the road if you ever wanted to come visit."
"Cool, thanks," I said. They seemed really nice.
"Alice, Emmett!" someone called.
"Here Edward!" Alice rang. He came out from the woods just like they did.
"Rose is wondering where you guys are."
"Oh!" Alice said.
"Hi," the guy said now looking at me.
"Hi, Bella Swan."
"Oh! You're the chief's daughter!" Alice said happily.
"That's me," I said with a small smile. Was she always this excited?
"Edward," the copper head guy said shaking my hand. Like the other two, he also had golden eyes and cold skin.
"Aww shit," I said pulling the puzzle pieces together. His eyebrows furrowed and Alice and Emmett looked to him.
"What?"
"Ummm nothing, I should get going," I said rushed. If they were vampires, that meant I was in trouble. But why haven't they killed me when they had the chance?
"Are you okay?" Emmett said to me with the puppy in his hands.
"I know what you guys are," I said backing away. "Stay away from me." I warned.
They looked at me stunned. "How do you know?" Alice called out to me as I continued to back away.
"We wont hurt you," Edward said. "We aren't like that."
"Yes you are," I said sure of it.
"You're thinking of the red eyed people," Emmett said. I stopped and furrowed my eyebrows. Was I? Was that how the legends went? It was such a long time ago I couldn't remember everything.
"You're a Swan. So your dad knows everything right? He's friends with Billy Black," Edward guessed.
"Way to be creepy Edward," Alice scolded. Edward rolled his eyes. "We have a treaty with them. We don't go over La Push border and all of that stuff. I'm surprised you didn't know this." He continued.
"I've only been here a few days and I was pretty young when the legends were first told to me."
Edward nodded accepting the answer. "We wont hurt you," he said stepping closer to me. "You have my word on that."
I let out a breath. After Edward explained a bit more about the treaty and themselves, I oddly didn't feel in danger with them. "Okay."
"So, red eyes is bad, gold eyes are…"
"Not as dangerous," Edward supplied. "We eat animals."
"Please don't tell me you are going to eat that puppy," I said referring to what Emmett was holding
"No," he said laughing a bit. "Just a gift." After that, we talked a little more and they introduced me to their house. Now everyone reading this must think im crazy, but I swear im not. For some reason, I did trust these people. They showed me no harm. We walked up to their house, which was huge and very beautiful I might add, and they took me around.
"Edward, Alice, who is this?" a man questioned.
"Carlisle, this is Bella Swan." He said introducing me.
"Bella, wow this is a shock. I always assumed you were…La Push property. No offense," he added at the end. I looked at him strangely.
"You are affiliated with the wolves of La Push, yes?" he asked.
"Yea, I know them but I wouldn't consider myself property of them," I told him. Before he could try and fix what he said, a woman came up to us alongside Carlisle.
"Bella Swan," I said introducing myself before she could ask.
"Bella?" she said just as shocked. Carlisle whispered a hushed scolding, "Esme."
"Why is everyone so surprised by my company?" I asked towards Edward.
"Because you are human and hang out with those pack of mutts in La Push," a woman said at the top of the stairs. I looked up and gaped at her. She was gorgeous- like drop dead gorgeous.
"Rose," Edward said warningly.
"Just stating it how it is," she said.
"If im a bother to you, I can leave," I said not wanting to over step my boundaries.
"No, not at all dear, we are just surprised," Esme said. The girl, Rose, rolled here eyes and made her way down the stairs.
"Come on, I will show you around," Edward said looking back at me. We got to the main platform of the house and it took my breath away. Everything was decorated like it was out of a magazine.
"Esme has talent." He said watching my reaction.
"Damn straight," I whispered. He let out a chuckle as I circled myself taking it all in. From there, he showed me upstairs, everyone's bedroom, the study, and the kitchen.
"You have a piano?" I said peering through the doorway. "And the drums?"
"We do," Edward said. I went back into the main room, finding I must have missed both of them when I was looking at everything.
"Anyone in the house play?" I asked.
"The piano or drums?" he asked.
"Either or," I said walking to the piano.
"I do," he said casually as I sat down.
"Play for me?" I asked. Rose came by, sounding disgusted as she went down the hall.
"Another time," he told me.
"She doesn't like me does she?" I asked Edward, looking where Rose once was.
"She likes you, she's just jealous."
"Jealous?" I asked like he was crazy. "She's the most beautiful walking, human looking, person on this earth and she is jealous of me?" I asked astounded.
Edward laughed again. "She's jealous of you because you are human. Her humanity was stolen."
"Oh," I said shutting up. I guess she would have a reason to be jealous.
"Give her some time- she comes around."
"Right," I said skeptically. I turned back to the piano and ran my hands over the keys.
"You play?" he asked.
"Used to," I said pressing down a key. "Mind if I give it a shot?"
"Not at all," he said holding out his hand to go ahead. I played a few keys and started smiling. I remembered. Playing a tune, I beamed at how fast it was coming back to me.
"You pick up quick," Edward said as I ended my song.
"I guess so," I smiled up at him. "Well, I should probably get home."
"You need a ride?" he asked.
"No, im good," I said sticking my hands in my back pockets. He led me back downstairs and opened the door for me. "It was nice meeting you Bella."
"You too Edward. Tell your family I said thank you for the nice hospitality. And…tell Rosalie im sorry."
"You're sorry?" he repeated confused.
I nodded. "Yea, im sure it was hard for her to withstand me when I am in your house and all. I didn't want to offend her in any way."
He let out a breath and looked at me amazed.
"Night," I smiled walking off the porch. The door shut a few seconds later and within 10 minutes, I was home. Charlie was still out, so I headed upstairs and got ready for bed.
The next morning, I woke up in a less startled wake. Sure I still shot up in bed and was shaking like a leaf, but it was back to the usual nightmares and I was thankful for that.
Charlie left me a note saying he went to work on the table. So instead of wasting my day grumbling, I ate some breakfast and took a shower.
Hope your coming over today my phone rang with a text. It was Alice. I let out a laugh and texted her back.
Sure, as long as I can try out those drums I saw yesterday.
You're on, but then we need some girl time she replied.
Deal. I texted and shut my phone. I drove my truck to the Cullen's house and was beyond excited.
Getting out of my car, I saw a guy sitting outside already waiting for me.
"Jasper, we didn't meet earlier," he said holding his hand out. "Nice to meet you," I said smiling.
"Alice had me waiting out here for you. She was putting something together for you."
"Any clue what it is?" I asked.
"Knowing my wife? It could be anything." He chuckled. Smiling at his words, my head leaned to the side.
"You guys are married?"
"Going on our 65th anniversary," he said proudly. I let out a giggle. That sounded really strange.
"So who else is?" I asked him.
"Emmett, the really big guy, and Rosalie are," he said. "And of course Esme and Carlisle. They are like our parental figures even though we are over a hundred some years old."
"Well, parents are always good to have," I smiled.
"How about you?" he asked.
"Me? Married. No. I'm a little too young don't you think?" I joked.
He laughed. "I meant are you seeing anyone? Have any parents?"
"I have Charlie, but other than that everything else gets kind of complicated," I said biting my lip.
"Acceptable," he said not pushing me. We made it to the drum set and I grinned.
"Go for it," he said.
I sat down and picked up the sticks. The rush I felt was exhilarating. Hitting the drums a bit, I began gathering a beat. Words were popping into my head and now my smile went to a full-blown grin.
"I have never seen anyone that happy to play the drums before," Emmett said now standing next to Jasper. "And I own them," he joked.
"Hey, do you guys have any paper?" I asked the two.
"Sure," Jasper said quickly blurring off to get some. He came back with a rush and I pulled back a bit. Wow they were fast.
I took the paper and pencil from him and began writing. The beat still played in my head a bit. From there, I bit the pencil in my mouth and picked up the sticks again. I came up with more and more till I was starting to get a full song.
"What's going on here?" Esme asked popping in.
"Bella's writing a song," Jasper said to her.
"Lets here it Bella bean!" Emmett cheered on. I gave a laugh at his nickname for me and blushed.
"Its not really…"
"Oh please," Alice chimed as she danced into the room. "The drums sounded awesome. And im sure you have talent. Lets hear it!"
"I can't sing," I said. "I really can't sing to save my life."
"Doubtful," Alice smiled out.
"But even if you don't think you cant, we won't judge." Esme said scolding Alice a bit with a look.
I let out an embarrassed laugh and nodded. I set the pencil on the floor and picked up the sticks while the paper stayed in my lap.
"It's like watching an artist at work," Emmett said.
Everyone laughed a bit, including me. As I hit the loud instrument, I began thinking of what the song would sound like.
("So Yesterday" by Hilary Duff)
You can change your life - if you wanna
You can change your clothes - if you wanna
If you change your mind
Well, that's the way it goes
But I'm gonna keep your jeans
And your old black hat - cause I wanna
They look good on me
You're never gonna get them back
At least not today, not today, not today
'cause
[Chorus:]
If it's over, let it go and
Come tomorrow it will seem
So yesterday, so yesterday
I'm just a bird that's already flown away
Laugh it off let it go and
When you wake up it will seem
So yesterday, so yesterday
Haven't you heard that I'm gonna be okay
You can say you're bored - if you wanna
You can act real tough - if you wanna
You can say you're torn
But I've heard enough
Thank you... you made my mind up for me
When you started to ignore me
Do you see a single tear
It isn't gonna happen here
At least not today, not today, not today
'cause
[Chorus]
If you're over me, I'm already over you
If it's all been done, what is left to do
How can you hang up if the line is dead
If you wanna walk, I'm a step ahead
If you're moving on, I'm already gone
If the light is off then it isn't on
At least not today, not today, not today
'cause
[Chorus 2X]
My heart pounded in my chest as I waited for their reaction not only was I pouring my heart and thoughts out into the song, from what happened yesterday night with Sam, but pretty much everything else since I came here.
"That was amazing Bella," Jasper spoke.
"I told you you would be amazing," Alice said grabbing my hands.
"Thanks," I smiled, wondering where we were going.
"You are free to come here anytime Bella. You have an amazing gift." Esme said watching Alice drag me somewhere.
"Thank you Esme," I told her. She was fit to be a mom. I could already tell I was starting to look up to her as one.
"I think we should get an exclusive from Bella every time she comes here," Emmett shrugged. I let out a laugh, taking that as a compliment.
"Come on Bella!" Alice whined taking me upstairs.
"Where are we going?" I asked her as she dragged me along.
"To have a makeover," she chirped. My eyes went wide and my body protested.
"You're not getting out of this. Come on, we made a deal. Girl time remember? I have been waiting to do this all day. Please?" she asked with her bottom lip prodding out.
I let out a groan and gave in. She dragged me to her room and showed me her closet. It was huge! Not only was it a walk in, but it was like it had a life of its own. I had never seen so many clothes and accessories before.
She sat me down on her vanity in her room and walked into the place I now called the dungeon. She came out with piles of clothes for me to try on, and I went green.
"Hop to it!" she commqnded as she went back in to find some more.
Starting the torture, I began trying things on. She gave her voice of approval and disapproval. Finally after what seemed like hours, we finally agreed on something- a nice dark purple silky feeling short sleeve shirt, which was a little big (but I guess that was the style) and some black dark wash skinny jeans. From there, she put me into some short black high-heeled boots and a long silver chained necklace.
"Makeup time!" she called.
"Alice I don't really-"
"Don't worry, it will look natural," she said calming my fears. Letting her do her magic, she applied everything possible. Eyeliner, lip-gloss, blush, and a bunch of other things I didn't know.
"Now your hair," she said as I looked at the stranger in the mirror. Damn she was good.
She kept my hair naturally curly, which I was thankful for. Getting all of this off was not going to be fun tonight. Bringing out a big curling iron, she seemed to bring my hair to life- putting more bounce in my curls and color to my hair.
"How do you do it?" I questioned like it was magic.
"Years of practice, and I have some talent mixed in there somewhere," she said with a wink. "You look absolutely beautiful Bella," she gushed. Her comment reminded me of Rose, oh no!
"Oh no! Rose! I should leave," I told Alice standing up.
"She's fine," Alice said sitting me back down. "She heard what you said last night Bella and she felt really bad. So she went out hunting with Edward to clear her head."
"Oh, okay." I said. I didn't want her to feel bad. What I was said last night was all true.
"Bella!" Esme called. "You hungry?"
"Sure," I said walking out of Alice's room. I practically to the kitchen making sure I was far enough away from her room so she couldn't drag me back in there to do something else.
"Bella, you look stunning," Esme said smiling at me.
"Thanks," I smiled as she put a plate of macaroni and cheese in front of me.
"It's my first time cooking- but I heard it was an American favorite."
"It is," I said calming her fears. Taking a bite, I found it to be really good. "This is awesome Esme. Really nice job."
She grinned from ear to ear and put all of her pots and pans away as I ate. After that, I went back to the piano and played some chords.
"You making another song?" Alice asked. Esme gave her a confused look.
"What?" I questioned.
"I can see the future- it's my power, if you call it that." Alice said bluntly.
"Oh," I said stunned.
"For some reason, I can't see yours though." She huffed.
"…Do I not have one?" I asked a bit nervous. Why didn't I have a future?
She shook her head. "Oh no, its nothing like that. The future changes with every decision you make, so it's not definite or anything. Don't worry Bella. Yours is just different. It's actually blank. I mean, its there- I just cant see it for some reason."
"Oh good," I said with relief.
"Actually Edward cant read your mind either," she said thinking about it.
"Read my mind?" I asked with my eyes almost popping out of my head.
"Yea, he can do that. Weird right?" Emmett said coming into the room.
"I can read her emotions," Jasper said speaking to Alice.
"You can do what?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm what you call an empath," he explained. I let out another 'oh' and thought about all of that. So vampires had powers and wolves had abilities…how was all of this real again?
"Do you all have…powers?" I asked, finding the sentence somewhat funny.
"No, just me, Jasper and Edward," Alice said.
"Alrighty," I said turning back to the piano. Alice sat on the sofa still thinking of everything as I played.
Paper and a pencil whooshed in front of me and stopped to smile. "Thanks Emmett."
"Anything for Bella bean," he smirked, making me roll my eyes at the nickname. I stayed there a while longer till Carlisle came home. It was then that I realized it was dinnertime.
Quickly I said my goodbyes to all of them and looked to Alice, wondering where she hid my clothes so I could change out of her expensive ones.
"Keep them Bella," she kept telling me. "They look amazing on you. Please."
"Alice, I feel to bad. These are yours."
"Which are now yours," she said kindly. Giving up, I thanked her again and again and then went on my way back home to Charlie.
I walked into the door finding him on the phone.
"She's here, thanks Jake," he said.
"Hey dad," I said coming in.
"What are you wearing?" he asked. He looked up to see my face and was shocked.
"Like them?" I asked. I didn't bother taking off my shoes. They were too hard to take off and then put back on.
"Why on earth do you smell like vampire?" he questioned angrily as I passed by him.
"I was over at the Cullen's."
"Excuse me?" he asked following me into the kitchen. "Bella they are vampires!" he yelled.
"I know," I said putting a pan on the stove.
"You know and you went to their house?" he growled.
"Dad, they have golden eyes. They wouldn't hurt me," I told him. Why was he acting like this? Has he never seen them before?
"I don't care if they have purple eyes! Bella, you are not aloud to go over there ever again! How could you be so stupid?" he yelled.
"What? Dad, you are being unfair! I was fine. They are nice people!" I argued.
"Isabella Marie Swan don't you dare argue with me. Do you know what they eat? What they do to humans?" he asked. "You are lucky to be alive!"
"Dad! They don't eat humans!"
"And you don't think they have slipped up before?"
I went silent. "Who are you to judge?" I questioned softly.
"Bella," he huffed out. "I was a wolf, I know what those things are capable of."
"Whatever," I said walking out of the kitchen.
"We aren't done!" he said.
"Yes we are!" I yelled from the stairs. "You don't get to control who I see and who I don't dad. I am 19 years old. Do you really think I don't know how to take of myself by now?"
"Don't you dare walk away Isabella!" Charlie called to me again.
"Stop trying to act like mom!" I yelled out in anger. "Just because you call yourself my dad does not mean you get to dictate my life. You were gone for 10 years! I can figure out who is good and who is bad."
My eyes softened at my harsh words. They hit him deep, I could tell. "I like the Cullen's dad. They are nice people who have been nothing but nice to me. They offer me food and give me a place to hang around. And until they give me a reason otherwise, I will keep hanging out with them because they are my friends."
He just stared at me and I felt bad. I didn't want this to turn into something big. What was the problem with liking the Cullen's? He sauntered off back into the kitchen and I climbed up the rest of the stairs.
Sitting on my bed, I held back a scream. Today was the first day I was really having fun. I didn't need to depend on Jake or anyone else from the pack. This time, it was just me. I was content.
Checking my email, I found that my night class had been canceled for the night- now starting tomorrow instead of today. Sighing, I went back downstairs. Charlie had a pizza sitting on the table, already sitting in the living room.
A knock on the door stopped me from grabbing a slice. Walking over to answer it, I found a mad looking Jake.
"Please don't tell me it was actually true. You were with bloodsuckers?" he asked.
"Jake," I huffed rolling my eyes.
"Jeez Bella, you stink!" he said coming in.
"Thanks!" I said throwing my hands up. What a nice think to say to a girl.
"Come on Bella! Did you listen to anything we said last week? You were with a coven of fucking vampires!"
"Its not that bad!" I yelled at him while standing in the kitchen.
"Not that bad?" he questioned with furry in his eyes. "Bella, they could have had you for a snack! You wouldn't have lasted a second. And what do you think that would have done to us- to me?" he asked.
"Jake, you are over exaggerating," I said with a sigh.
"No im not!" he said now again frustrated. He put his hands on his head and pulled at his hair in anger.
"They don't eat people!" I said desperate for him to understand.
"They used to!" he said. "Why can't you see that! They used to eat people and it would not be hard for them to go back."
"They are nice people Jake," I told him sadly. I could see how disapproving he looked at me.
"So are we Bells," he said.
"I like them- I like getting to know them and spending time with them."
"Don't say that," Jake gritted out. "They are inhuman little fuckers," he spat.
"And you're a fucking dog!" I yelled back at him.
"I can't believe you are sticking up for them!" he yelled.
"I'm not!" I cried. "I'm sticking up for me! You don't get to tell me what to do! I get to make decisions for myself!"
"Fine Bella, then pick a side," he told me and then walked out of the house. Throwing my hands up in the air, I held back stomping my foot. What was with everyone?
Not feeling hungry anymore, I trudged up the stairs and back into my room. How could they be so narrow-minded? Why couldn't anyone see where I was coming from?
Glancing up at my wall above my desk, I found my bulletin board still held all of my drawings as a kid. Getting up, I began to take them all down. That was the past. I was no longer that person. I was older-smarter-more experienced with life.
Stuffing them all into a box, I piled them in there, taking everything from around my room from when I last came here, all fit inside.
A throat cleared at my doorway and I spun around to look at who it was.
"Great, not you too," I groaned to Sam.
"I'm probably the last person you want to hear anything from," He told me.
"You got that right," I said still angry from my dad and Jake.
He stepped into my room and sat on my bed.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"Cleaning," I said closing the box.
"Looks more like stuffing things away," Sam said.
I turned around and looked at the dark haired man. "Did you need something?"
"Yes, your dad and Jake called me over," he said.
"Of course," I said aloud to myself.
"They are worried Bella. Vampires are a-"
"Don't even finish that sentence," I warned him. He immediately shut up. I ran a hand through my hair. Sam didn't deserve being snapped at- yet anyways. "I get that they are dangerous, and it was a risky thing to do, but they are nice people. They don't eat humans and haven't proven to be anything other than that. I understand that they can slip up, but I enjoy their company. And things can happen. I'm not one to judge."
"What if they were to slip up on you?" he questioned softly to me. I stayed quiet, not sure how to answer that. "You mean a lot to us Bella. Your father, Jake, Embry, Me" he said, saying the last part a bit shaky.
I held back an eye roll and picked up the box. Walking over to my closet, I went on my tiptoes to stash the box above me. Sam came over seeing I needed help, and pushed the box in its place.
"They are all just trying to show you how much they care- they are concerned about what you just did," he told me, standing only a few inches from me.
"I like them Sam," I said just as soft. "And I don't want to give that up just because you all say it is the right thing to do."
He sighed heavily and I shut my eyes, feeling his warm breath fan across the side of my face.
"I enjoy Alice's spunk and energetic ways." I told him with a smile. "I like how she makes me feel beautiful by just putting on nice clothes and some makeup. I find Emmett to be like a teddy bear and find him funny when he calls me by that silly nickname he made up for me. I like hanging around Edward because he enjoys talking to me and showing me new things. Esme is such a great person to be around because she is like the mother I never had- always concerned about my well being and making sure I am comfortable around them. Carlisle is great because he is so hospitable and kind. Jasper is so sweet and easy to talk to. He makes sure not to push his boundaries too far but isn't afraid to ask me a question. Hell, even Rosalie is comforting to be around. She seems to find me to be the perfect one, when all I see is her and her unflawless personality and canning looks."
I ran a hand through my hair and went to sit on the edge of the bed. "Can't you see it Sam? They were all human once, just like us. They all have personality traits and have fallen in love. The only difference in them is that they are dead. They don't need to sleep and they have some awesome abilities. They drink blood and sparkle in the sunlight- but they still care. They still hear things and see things. They have compassion and can understand."
Sam walked over to me, taking my hand from my lap. When I opened my mouth to protest he said: "just wait." Taking my hand in his warm one, he set it over his heart. "Feel this?"
I nodded.
"This is what you and I have. This is what sets us different from them. We are alive Bella. We are living because it's our time to be alive. They are not. They have found a loophole and are literally nothing inside."
"But why should we punish them because of that?" I asked. "Why should we be the people who get to judge who is good and evil because of that?"
Sam sighed.
"The roles could be reversed Sam." I told him. "Why couldn't I start thinking that having a beating heart is bad? Why couldn't I start thinking that maybe wolves are bad because they kill too? They are built and meant to kill vampires. Killing is killing right? Your still doing the bad deed so why shouldn't I hate you too?"
"Bella," he said shocked and hurt.
"I'm just saying Sam," I said now moving my hand to his cheek. "I'm just saying that the roles can easily be reversed. As bad as it sounds, it's true. I want to be around all of you, but I want to be around them too. I'm not trying to push all of you away by doing so, but with everyone fighting on me on this, its making me push you all away."
"We just want what's best for you," he said looking up at me.
"I know what's best for me, and telling me I can't see them isn't it."
"Can we- can we just see for now?" he asked in pain. "I get what you are saying completely, I just- im torn Bells," he whispered.
"Yea," I sighed giving him a small smile. Dropping my hand I looked away. He got up and sat next to me on the bed.
"I'm glad you are okay," he whispered.
"I was always okay," I rebutted. He rolled his eyes and cupped the back of my neck, laying a kiss to my head. The place where his mouth touched now tingled and I could feel his body radiate off heat.
"Sorry," he said pulling away after realizing what he just did. I nodded, swallowing hard.
"What's this?" he asked referring to the white paper on my bed beside him.
"Oh!" I said realizing it was the lyrics I wrote today. "Nothing. Sam! Sam, give it back," I said reaching over him.
"Bella, what is this?" he asked reading.
I sighed, sitting back down next to him. Might as well let him read it all.
"Is this a song?" he questioned.
"Something like that," I muttered.
"This is good. Really good actually."
"Thanks," I said wishing he would just give it back.
"Did you make it or something? What was 'so yesterday'?" he asked not really getting it. I rolled my eyes snatching the papers back.
"You should probably get going," I told him. Emily was probably waiting for him.
"Bella I didn't mean-"
"Sam really. I think its time for you to leave. Thanks for making the trip up here though," I said dismissing him. I got up from the bed and stashed the lyrics away in my desk. He sighed loudly.
"It was good to see you Bella," he told me slowly walking out of my room.