DISCLAIMER: Stephenie Meyers owns these characters. We've only borrowed them for this story.

Chapter 17

Bella's POV

Carlisle worked all afternoon on setting up a small lab, with everyone's help. We were just waiting for Renesmee and Jacob to return with the remains of the ape so Carlisle could start developing a serum. I didn't want to leave Edward's side, he looked so weak. I was afraid he wouldn't last the night. Emmet and Jasper came in the hut and I could tell they wanted some time alone with their brother, so I went outside. I needed to vent, I needed to talk to someone. I felt such anguish and at the same time such anger, that I thought I was going to go explode. Rosalie and Alice were just outside. I asked them to walk with me.

We walked along the small path and found a place to sit. Alice was rubbing my back trying to comfort me. "Bella, how are you holding up? Don't worry, I know Carlisle, I may not be able to "see it" but I know he'll save Edward." I shook my head "Alice, I'm a wreck about this. I don't think I could stand to lose him. Not this way. And what if something happens and he never knows that all this was a misunderstanding?" Rose leaned in "Bella, Alice is right, he will be fine. He HAS to be. And once Edward is better, he'll know everything and then we can go home and forget that any of this ever happened."

"Rosalie, how can you say that? This is a HUGE misunderstanding. IF he survives this. I'm not sure about us."

They both looked at me, mouths open, not sure what to say. Then Alice spoke "Bella, you know you don't mean that. I've seen your future and Edward is in it."

"Alice, that may end up true, but who knows right now. I can't get this feeling out of my head. For one thing, I just don't understand how my own daughter can doubt me like that. Why would she think that I would ever hurt her? Ever since I knew I was pregnant, all I did was fight for her, for us to be together. When everyone thought it was a mistake to keep her, I fought for us. When she was breaking every bone in my fragile human body, I fought for us. She and Edward are the reason for my existence. Doesn't she know that? And doesn't Edward remember what I sacrificed for him? After everything we have been through. I mean, even before I knew what he was, I wanted to be with him. Doesn't he know how much I love him?" Rose hugged me close to her side.

"Bella, we all know how much you love them. I know Edward feels the same for you. I just think sometimes, although we're not human, our human emotions can get the better of us. Don't forget. Your daughter is part human…part you…and you had doubts in the beginning. Don't you think maybe she's in that same place now?" I nodded and smiled.

"Yes, I guess I can understand Nessie's reactions to an extent, but Edward's? It just seems that like this has happened before. Every time things get truly difficult, he leaves me. Is this how eternity is going to be with him-full of doubt? Maybe love is just not enough to get us through this? I don't know, but I do know that I can't go through this over and over again."

I had been ranting so much that I didn't notice that now both Rosalie and Alice were holding my hands trying to sooth me. Alice then said "Bella, you have to know that my brother has an intense and almost twisted way of loving you. Sometimes he has no control over his insecurities." I interrupted,

"Come on Alice that is really a poor excuse at this point in our lives, love should make him trust me. We've know each other long enough to know that he can talk to me if something is wrong. Our love should make him know better than to help my daughter run away from home without an explanation." I was surprised to look up and see Alice concentrating on something. I was just about to ask her what it was when we overheard a small commotion close to the hut. Jacob and Nessie were back. We ran towards it, each one of us, still thinking the worst but praying for the best. Carlisle immediately began his work in the lab. There was no time to waste, every minute mattered.

I felt someone approach me from behind she gave me a gentle hug. I knew it was Renesmee, but I didn't turn around. I realized I didn't feel angry at Renesmme any longer. I felt disappointed--hurt. "Mom, I am so so sorry. This is all my fault." I walked away from her and turned, trying to remain calm. "You know what Renesmee? I won't even pretend to make you feel better. How could you ever think that I would hurt you like that? That I-I would lie and betray you-your father for that matter? I am your mother for god sakes! I would do anything for you. I love you. And how dare you run away from home without a word?"

"Mom, I talked to Jacob-he explained everything. And as soon as daddy gets better, we'll tell him what a horrible mistake it all was."

"Hah, and do you really think that is going to be it? Do you really think there will be no other consequences for you? First of all, your sweet little life will not be the same." She interrupted me "Oh Mom, I know, but when I get married…" I stopped her.

"Just you wait one minute young lady. You can't possibly think you are getting married anytime soon? No way. You need to think about your behavior." She tried to protest but I kept going "Let me tell you some of the consequences of your actions. You used to come and go as you pleased. No restrictions, especially with Jacob because I trusted you. Well, not anymore. You broke that trust. And from what I see you broke Jacob's as well. So now you will have rules. I don't think you are mature enough for this type of relationship, and I am damn well sure you are not mature enough to get married now. If Jacob needs to move to LaPush, he will move-without you. You will finish school and you can visit each other when you can. I'm not saying you can't marry him, but I think you need to work on your trust issues before you can move onto a commitment like that. It's obvious, you're still insecure." She sat on the nearby bench as I went through the list of rules. No overnight's in LaPush, if she went to visit, she'd stay at Charlie's. When Jacob comes to visit, no late nights alone in the apartment. At least 6 months of real work on their relationship should do the trick. I knew my daughter was in love with Jacob and I had no doubts about Jake's feelings either. This was only a way to show her that relationships are hard work and just because you love each other, things can get in the way if you don't trust and respect one another.

"And as for our relationship. We are going to have to work on it too, because not only did you break my trust and nearly tear our family apart in the process, you forced your dad pick sides when there wasn't even a battle to fight. And I am going to tell you this once, and only once…I don't care that we have powers and super strength and all of that. Don't you DARE, EVER raise your voice at me or disrespect me like that again. Is that clear?" Suddenly it was very quite. I looked around and the whole family was staring at me. They had never heard me yell at Renesmee before. Emmet and Jasper were just outside of the hut, so I walked towards them. Emmett was snickering quietly. As I walked past them Jasper sent a wave of serenity over me. I mouthed "thank you" as I made my way to Edward's side.