Just for clarification, you have to remember the time zone difference. So everything that happens in the next chapter happens on the same day, just in different parts of the day. And the National City timeline runs parallel to the timeline in Storybrooke. I'm not sure that makes sense, but the only thing different between National City and Storybrooke is that it's happening across two different realms. I hope that made sense because it can get confusing even for me.

Bella yawned as she walked out of the school, carrying her laptop bag and a briefcase full of papers she had to grade. Biology was supposed to be a class focused on science and experiments. Had she known there were going to be so many written assignments, she would've suffered through chemistry or human anatomy. Nevertheless, it was Tuesday, and she was already regretting integrating herself with the Cullens. Esme, Alice, and Jasper were around more often than they weren't, and Bella had already gotten accustomed to coming downstairs at six in the morning and seeing Jasper at the stove, making pancakes while Alice cursed at the coffee machine. Esme oversaw the entire thing while she sat at the table with Charlie, and Bella would go back upstairs and hope when she woke up again, maybe they wouldn't be there.

But they were.

Another downside was that Emmett and Rosalie went to Seattle Sunday evening and planned on being back by Wednesday. Alice only told Bella that they were going to handle official business since they were no longer members of the coven. Bella was more upset at the fact they were going to be gone for so long than anything else. It felt like she'd just gotten her brother back and he was gone again, but Emmett promised he would return. And her brother rarely broke his promises. As she made her way to her car, Bella rooted through her briefcase for her keys, and her reflexes kicked in as Edward appeared in front of her. She'd avoided him for the most part in class, but he seemed persistent to talk to her. He gave her a boyish smile, one that would've been attractive to anyone else but her, and Bella sighed.

"Mr. Cullen, as much as I would love to stay and chat, I have things I need to do."

"I already know Rosalie and Emmett are out of town," he said.

"What's your point?"

"I feel as if maybe we got off on the wrong foot-

"No, we didn't. But that doesn't matter seeing as I'm not interested in anything you have to say."

"Isabella, please –

"Stop calling me that," she snapped.

"But Rosalie gets to –

"Are you seriously thinking that you have the same privileges as her?" Bella scoffed.

"Whatever she told you was a lie. You aren't her mate."

Bella blinked and said, "If I'm not her mate, then whose mate am I?"

"Mine. Rosalie tends to embellish the truth when –

"Stop talking."

Edward stood there, fuming, and Bella ran her tongue over her teeth. The parking lot was empty sans the two of them and Alice and Jasper. Bella could sense Jasper's annoyance, even without touching him, and she assumed he was projecting it for her sake and Edward's. Bella knew there was a security camera watching, but it had no audio. Still, she stepped past Edward and moved toward her car. Edward was right behind her, and she ground her teeth.

"Mr. Cullen, this will be your last warning. Come near me again, and I will show you why Emmett calls me Ignis."

"It means fire in Latin."

"Good, then you aren't as stupid as you look," she snapped, glancing over her shoulder.

Edward was about to respond when he paused and looked over Bella's head. She turned and found Rosalie reclined against the passenger door with eyes darker than a starless sky. Emmett's Jeep idled nearby, and Bella smirked a little when she saw her brother standing in front of it with his arms folded. Edward growled under his breath and headed in the opposite direction toward his car. Jasper said something to him that Bella couldn't hear, and Edward snarled at him before getting in his Volvo and driving away. Alice and Jasper nodded at Bella and got in Alice's Porsche. They rode off, pausing to say something to Emmett, and then there were three.

"I thought you weren't coming back until tomorrow," Bella said to Emmett.

Emmett grinned and got into his Jeep. He backed out of the lot with a wave, and Bella returned her attention to Rosalie. She went to the backseat and put her bags in the back. She closed the door and made her way to the driver's side, but Rosalie grabbed her wrist to stop her. Bella was hit with a tangle of emotions that she couldn't decipher.

"What did he say to you?" she asked.

"You'll have to be more specific."

"Isabella."

"Have I told you that when you say my name, my heart skips a beat?" Rosalie wasn't moved by the comment, and Bella rolled her eyes. "He told me that I'm not your mate. That you tend to embellish the truth," she said.

"And do you believe him?"

"What?"

"You heard me."

Bella scoffed and said, "I am not answering that."

"Why not?"

"Because it is a stupid question, Rosalie. How could you ask me that?"

"Look, mating is more than a crush or finding someone attractive," Rosalie argued.

"Did you hear anything I said that night?"

"Yes, but you could've been swept up in the moment."

"I do not get caught up in moments," Bella said seriously. "I never have, and I never will. I think things through despite what it seems. I am aware of every step that I take and every word that I say. I do not act on emotional impulses because I of all people know how fickle emotions can be. I am the most logical person in this fucking universe because I have no other choice. Do you truly think I would have said or done the shit I did otherwise? If I did not know without a doubt that you were mine as much as I am yours, I would have never followed you out into the woods. I would have never said the things I said to you. I would have never embarrassed myself and shown you who I am. So for you to stand there and insinuate that I revealed to you things that not even my family knows about me because of a mere crush is –

Bella clenched her jaw and pulled her wrist out of Rosalie's grip. Rosalie stared at her with wide, shining eyes, and it was too much. Bella couldn't tell where her emotions ended and where Rosalie's began.

"I have papers to grade," she said. "Maybe you should catch up with Emmett."

Bella left Rosalie standing in the parking lot, and she went home to find it empty. Charlie would be working late, and for some blessed reason, Esme and the others weren't there. So Bella went up to her room and screamed until her throat was hoarse. And in the safety of her bedroom, wrapped in covers and hiding from the rest of the world, Bella was finally able to untangle the woven emotions that had been coursing through Rosalie during their conversation. Buried underneath the annoyance and anger, was fear, an emotion that Bella knew intimately.

Rosalie didn't respond or look his way, choosing to stare at the ocean. Emmett didn't mind and sat down beside her. On his way back from Port Angeles, Jasper called him, saying that Bella's side of the house was protected by vines and trees, keeping people from getting too close. So he went to the one place where Rosalie would be. Emmett had an idea of what went wrong. He looked at Rosalie's profile and sighed.

"Isabella feels things no one else on this planet can feel," he said. "Everything is amplified. Her anger. Her fear. Her sadness. Her happiness. And her love. She feels the depth of each emotion down to its rawest form. Because of that, she had to learn how to dissect what she felt. She had to determine the difference between grief and disappointment. Anger and irritation. Fear and worry. Joy and contentment. Love and infatuation. It takes her time to connect with people and to know what they make her feel, and oftentimes it can be a challenge. She can become detached, cold, or apathetic until she finds her footing. But with you, she knew immediately. There was no downtime to catch up. There was no hesitation, no doubling back, and no hiding. She jumped headfirst into whatever you made her feel, and she trusted that you would catch her. So I have no idea what happened between you two, but if Isabella jumped, she has no intention of changing her mind."

The only sign Rosalie heard him was the exhale that was nearly lost in the wind.

"I know you, Rose. I know you gave up on finding your mate. And I know that when we were away from her, you started seeing cracks that weren't there. You started questioning it, questioning yourself, and you got scared. But I also know that Bella never properly explained to you what she is. My advice to you is two things. One, get out of your head. Nothing good comes from waiting for the other shoe to fall. And two, talk to her. Tell her the truth. I promise she will catch you too."

Emmett kissed the side of her head and stood up. He looked down when Rosalie grabbed his hand. He got the hint and settled back beside her. Rosalie leaned into him and closed her eyes. Emmett put his arm around her and listened to the waves crash against the rocks below them. The sun started to set on the horizon, and nothing else was said.

Charlie munched on takeout from the diner as he sat on the hood of his cruiser. He glanced back when he heard footsteps on the gravel.

"Good. I was wondering when you'd be stopping by," he said.

Rosalie never took her eyes off the house and asked, "How long has it been like this?"

"I imagine since you two had your fight. It's not the first time it's happened. Works out that we have no neighbors and our street's kind of isolated. Are you going to fix it?"

"You make it sound like it'll be easy. She might not even let me in."

"Hundred bucks you walk up those steps, the trees will let you pass."

Rosalie stared at him warily, and Charlie made a shooing motion with his free hand.

"Go on," he said. "Door's unlocked."

"Fine."

Rosalie walked up to the vine-covered porch and paused. She was prepared to tell Charlie to pay up when the vines unraveled and created a path for her. Rosalie pursed her lips at the sound of his laughter behind her, and she stepped up to the front door. She released a soft sigh before turning the knob and walking into the house. Behind her, the vines retwisted themselves, and Charlie nodded to himself.

Bella didn't say anything when the door to her room opened. She tossed the fireball from palm to palm, ignoring the woman standing on her threshold.

"Do you know how I died?"

Bella shook her head no.

"My fiancé," Rosalie said.

Bella paused and tilted her head, and Rosalie stepped further into the room.

"I grew up thinking that the perfect man would be the answer to all of my problems. I would get a family and a nice house, and I would be happy. Content." Rosalie took off her shoes and climbed on the bed, forcing Bella to extinguish the fire. "But outside of the fact I wasn't attracted to men, to begin with, my fiancé wasn't the man I thought he was. He was a cheater, a liar, a thief, and he was dangerous. Something I discovered when it was too late. And when you're a vampire, one thing that matters more than what and who you feed from is finding your mate. I didn't believe in it at first. I couldn't fathom the idea of having someone tailored made for you because I thought I had that when I was human. I didn't want to accept it, and for a long time, I didn't. The longer I went without finding my perfect partner, the more I assumed that I would never have one. Then I show up to this party I didn't even want to go to, and there you are. Emmett's missing sister, and my mate."

Rosalie looked down and let out a humorless laugh.

"I haven't seen myself as enough for a long, long time," she admitted. "And I'm always ready for something to go wrong. Especially when it comes to love because the only love that I have ever known was toxic and fatal. Edward knows that, and he knew I would ask what he said to you. But I shouldn't have questioned you. I let my insecurities take over, and I'm sorry."

Bella lifted her head with her finger until they were eye-to-eye, and she said, "Thank you for telling me. But you have nothing to apologize for. I told you that I do not react to emotional impulses while acting on an emotional impulse. I should have explained things to you in a different way. I should not have run, and I should not have pushed you away. Truthfully, you scare me. You terrify me because the things you make me feel have never been clearer. I feel so much for you, more than I have ever felt, and it is a little overwhelming. And I was not completely honest with you that night."

Rosalie frowned, and Bella tucked her hair behind her ear.

"There is something in my world called True Love. It sounds fantastical, and in a way, it is. But it exists. My mother – Liana – spoke about it often. For True Love, there was one person out there who is your soulmate. For magical beings, it happens a lot faster. So when I saw you, my magic knew you were mine before I did. And when I knew, everything clicked into place." Bella put her hand flat against Rosalie's chest, right over her heart, and Rosalie's breath hitched. "I was wrong to react the way that I did. And I ask for your forgiveness. I often forget many people cannot feel what I feel, so they do not understand why I say or do the things that I do. But I am especially sorry for not telling you that my heart beats in time with yours. My soul exists because you exist. I love you with a love that fills my entire being until all I know is you. No matter what Edward or Carlisle or anyone else says, I know that we are meant to be together. I am yours."

Rosalie pushed Bella down on the bed and crawled on top of her.

"Say it again," she whispered.

"I am yours, Rosalie. From now until."

Charlie sighed in relief when the vines unfurled from around the house. He checked his watch and hummed.

"Eh, not too bad. At least I can catch the second half," he said.

Later that night, Emmett texted Rosalie and told her he was going back to Seattle for another meeting in the morning. He said he'd just grab a hotel room and that he could take care of things for them, so Rosalie ignored Charlie's knowing stare as she followed Bella up to her bedroom. Rosalie ordered pizza for Bella while she was in the shower, and it was going on eight p.m. by the time they were getting under the covers. Rosalie, in some of Bella's sweatpants and a t-shirt, curled into Bella's side.

"Who said I wanted to be the big spoon?"

"Do I look like I'm the big spoon?" Rosalie deadpanned.

"No, but you're scary in the ways that matter."

Rosalie poked Bella in the stomach, and Bella slipped her hands under the shirt, finding bare skin.

"How am I supposed to sleep knowing you're naked under here?"

"The same way you'll sleep knowing that I'm not wearing underwear at all."

Bella groaned out loud and rolled on her back, tugging Rosalie with her.

"That is so unfair," she whined.

"You're lucky I don't have access to my closet. This is nothing like what I wear to bed at home."

"I thought you guys didn't sleep?"

"We don't, but sometimes I like the illusion."

"So does that mean you sleep in the nude?"

"No," Rosalie snorted. "But with as much fabric as it is, I might as well."

"What color is it?"

"Which one?"

Bella's mouth dropped open, and Rosalie closed it with a smile.

"I have five different kinds," she said, laughing at Bella's expression. She traced her finger across Bella's jaw and added, "But my favorite is this all-white corset that came with a garter belt-

"Stop."

Rosalie smirked and rested her head on Bella's chest.

"You're an evil woman."

"Go to sleep, Isabella."

Bella sighed and said, "What are you going to do while I sleep?"

"Lie here and listen to your heartbeat."

"I love you."

Rosalie reached up and tapped Bella on the cheek.

"Sleep," she said.

"Are you going to say it back?"

"I already am."

Bella's heart sped up and slowed, and Rosalie closed her eyes. She felt Bella kiss the top of her head and smiled to herself.

Emmett was frustrated. He was supposed to be back in Forks, but he'd been on the phone for almost an hour with a woman giving him the runaround, only for her to admit that she doesn't have their information in her systems. Most importantly, the person who had what he needed was on the other side of the country.

"The hell do you mean I have to go to Boston?" he gritted out.

"I'm sorry, but the Northwest office closed down," she said. "We called you-

"Two days ago!" he hissed.

"We had a staff layover, and the previous secretary took most of the information with her. I had no idea your contract needed to be renewed until it showed up in the system."

"Unbelievable. So, what? What do I need to do to get this taken care of?

"As I already said, you'll have to visit our office in Boston, and Mr. Olsen will take care of you."

"I don't have much of a choice, do I?"

"No, sir. I'm afraid not."

"Fine, whatever. I'll make an appointment. Do I have to bring anything with me?"

"As long as you and Miss Hale are both in attendance, no."

"I thought you only needed one signature!"

"No, sir. It's the new company policy that you both sign the paperwork. Would you like to come in tomorrow morning?"

"I'm in Seattle."

"The next appointment after that won't be until after your contract expires."

Emmett pinched the bridge of his nose and asked, "What's the time for tomorrow?"

"Nine thirty a.m."

"You're kidding me."

"No, sir."

Emmett rubbed his eye and said, "Fine, we'll be there."

"Wonderful. I have you penciled in for a nine-thirty a.m. meeting with Mr. Olsen. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

"No."

"Of course. Have a wonderful evening, Mr. McCarty."

Emmett hung up the phone and stared up at the sky, releasing a long sigh. He automatically dialed Rosalie's number.

"Hey, we got a problem."

Rosalie finished her note and left it somewhere Bella could see when she got out of bed. Emmett silently fumed behind her, writing his own letter, and Rosalie couldn't blame him. It was eleven p.m., which meant it was two a.m. in Boston, and that meant Rosalie had to call someone at the airport to make sure their jet was gassed up and ready to go so they could make their appointment on the other side of the country. That also meant they had to leave as soon as possible, so Bella had no idea they were leaving because neither of them wanted to wake her up.

"I cannot believe we have to go all the way to fucking Boston for this shit," he huffed, putting his letter on the coffee table."

"There's nothing we can do about it now, so let's just go and get back, okay?"

Emmett rubbed his eyes again and said, "I hate Boston."

"I know."

"And I hate flying."

"I know that too."

Emmett twitched and left the kitchen, heading out to the Jeep. Rosalie chewed on her bottom lip and glanced upstairs where Bella still slept, and she sighed as she followed him.

Bella woke up to an empty bed, and she frowned. She slipped out from under the covers and went downstairs, and she found Charlie in the kitchen. He pointed to a couple of letters on the table, and she picked them up. The first was obviously from Emmett.

Ignis,

Rosalie and I have to go to Boston. We plan to be back before you get out of school. There was a mix-up with one of our business contracts, and the office moved to Massachusetts. We have to get this taken care of before next Monday, and this was the only time available. I am so, so sorry. I would have gone alone, but Rosalie has to sign off as well. I promise to make it up to you when I get back.

Love, Tellus

The second letter was shorter. Bella blushed a little at the nickname and tried to focus on what was said.

To my Princess,

Emmett and I have to go to Boston for a couple of hours. I promise we will be back before you finish class. And if you truly meant what you said about our date, be ready for me by eight p.m. I know somewhere special we can go.

Your True Love

"So?" Charlie asked.

"Emmett and Rose had to go to Boston," she said. "They won't be back until later."

"Okay. Well –

Charlie stopped and glanced over Bella's shoulder.

"Uh, is that strange light actually there, or am I hallucinating?"

Bella turned around. She felt the magic growing in the air, and her eyes widened.

"Get down!"

Charlie hit the deck, and Bella managed to throw up a barrier just as the room exploded into light.