Chapter 8

Pieces of the past

The weeks have flown by quickly like leaves in the wind. Mildred has been teaching Bella fighting tactics with the assistance of Julian. With the help of the forest their quest to improve Bella's fighting skills is at hand. Paul remains unpleasant to the new family members; occasionally he'll remain in the background while the training proceeds. Keeping a protective on Mildred.

Thanks to Julian kindness, Bella feels more at home even with Paul's unkind ways. The children have grown attach to Ebony, like grandmother to her grandchildren. Renesemee share many of her life stories with Ebony, especially the ones when Mildred dresses up Luken.

The forgotten memories remain dormant in Bella's mind, but with her new family it's easier to live without wondering. Although, the mysterious man does come to her mind and with each pasting thought her heart aches for resolution. With all the love that Ebony's family has shown her, emptiness swells in Bella's chest, like missing piece to her existence.

Sniffing the fresh cool air, Bella inhales the scent of elk in the far east of the forest. Crunching down in a hunt stance, Bella's black eyes search frantic through the thick woods and finds a pack of elk that seem to be oblivious to her presence. Accompany by Ebony who stands several feet away from her, mirroring the color of her eyes.

Soft winds below across the landscape, making the elk's scent stronger. Bella inhales the smell with pleasure, of course the blood of animals is never satisfying but enough to resist human's blood.

Standing alone with Ebony, Bella takes the chance to have a short conversation. Turning her head towards Ebony as Bella's mouth opens to speak but the elder woman beat her to it.

"Why Mildred refuses Paul?" Ebony asks Bella question follow by a small smile on her lips. Her black coal eyes rip from the elk to look at her newest daughter-figure. Her expression is humorously.

Bella's mouth remains open but no words flow out. Furrowing her eyebrows in thought, wondering how Ebony new what she's going say. Her curiosity grows in her chest while staring curiously at Ebony.

Ebony's grin becomes friendly as she tilts her head to the side and her eyes staring playfully at Bella. "How did I know? Well, everyone heard them other night. I knew it was matter of time before you curiosity got the best of you." Her voice is teasingly follow by rising her eyebrows.

Bella closes her mouths with one side of her lip rising up. Enjoying Ebony's teasing ways, Bella eyebrows rise up to urge her forth. Her black eyes stare at Ebony's sweet face while slightly tilting her head in inquisitiveness.

Ebony stands up straight from her hunting stance and turns her head against the cool wind. The wind lightly brushes her bangs as the tips poke her cheeks. Her smile fade as she takes a deep inhale, "I sure Mildred told you about her….husband?" She states rather than ask, without the need to look at Bella. Ebony knows Bella is nodding her head by the sounds of her hair rubbing against her back. "Well, she feels guilty…."

Before Ebony can finish her sentence Bella interrupts her, "Guilty? But that was a long time ago if she's in love with….."

"She is in love." Ebony cuts in with a gentle voice. Her head turns away from the wind and stares at Bella with a plain expresses. "That's why she fells guilty….Her husband died trying to protect her. The only thing she knows is if she gives into her love then she feels like Brain will be disappointed with her."

"But if she's in love then shouldn't she…." Bella explains with waving her hand at waist level. A high pitch sounds waves off her words while her voice is slightly strain. Soon, her voice is immobile to her emotions that are breeding rapidly. Her eyes are fading off while wondering why she would do that. If two people love each other than they should be together. Suddenly, for some odd reason Bella heart aches dramatically follow by a deep gasp of air.

"Bella." Ebony says urgently, voice is full on concern. Instantly, Ebony comes to her side wraps one arm over her shoulder with her other hand gently resting on Bella's arm. "Bella, dearest…..Sometimes love doesn't work like that…..we see it as a great opportunity but Mildred can't see past beyond her guilt nor her anger for those vampires….I knows it's hard to understand."

Ebony words are smooth and wise. But Mildred's sad love-life is not the reason for Bella's sudden gasps. Her heart throbs for someone….. A person she doesn't even remember but somehow she knows is out there. The mysterious man haunts her very mind, almost calling her to him. Bella sobs dryly as the pain becomes overwhelming. Remembering her human memories how she was weary and in pain for this mysterious guy.

"There, there…." Ebony comforts Bella, voice is soft and soothing. Rubbing her hand up and down her arm as Ebony leans her cheek against Bella's brown hair. Bella's strands of hair tickles Ebony's nose but pays no mind to it. "Now dearest, do you want to tell me why you're really crying for?" Ebony asks, leaning her head away from Bella to look at her face. Tilting her head down, Ebony's eyebrows levitate up, encouraging follow by a curious 'hmm'.

Bella tries to control emotion as she breaths unnecessary air but at least it relives some tension in her chest. Lifting her chin up, Bella glance at Ebony's motherly expression. The throbbing in her chest refuse to decay as her breathing becomes shaky. "I…I..I don't know why but….I…feel like...the other half me…..is gone." Bella stammers in a shaky voice. Pursing her lips together to prevent anymore dry sob but her emotions grows greatly in her chest. A sob slips through her tight lips. "And… it just hurts….it hurts so much!"

Ebony's face fades into a sad one when hearing her daughter-figure's pain. Furrowing her eyebrows wearily, Ebony continues to rub Bella's arm in comfort. As her loving heart cries out to her daughter and wishes desperately to remove her aching pain. Ebony tightens her arms around Bella and slowly rocking her side to side. Then a soft hum awakes in Ebony's throat, a soft lullaby with low notes.

Bella finally controls her emotions by remain breathing raspy. Calming herself down, Bella listens half-heartedly to the humming and rests her head in the crock of Ebony's neck. Her eyes are weary and tire from the emotion.

As she's listens to the sweet humming of Ebony's voice as a flashback appear before her eyes.

"Do you wish for me to hum you asleep?" That mysterious male voice rings in her mind. A voice that she has not heard in many weeks and almost craves to hear more of it.

"Yeah, like I can sleep with you here!"

"You do it all the time" His voice is soothing, irresistible.

Bella's eyes widen, almost in fear to her memory. More emotion throbs in her chest to the sudden memory. Sear striking pain that aches and wallow within her. Bella purses her lips together in attempts to prevent any future dry sob. Pressing her face into Ebony's shoulder, Bella couldn't help but gasp for air.

Bella feet skid to a haut in front of the cottage with Ebony close on her heels. Their feet barely make a sound but soon, Bella's feet crush into the grass, releasing a cringing sound. The sunlight cast its light through the thick layers of branches that hover over the yard. The bright light shines cross the grass, brightening everything up. No winds thrust through their land. High pitch sounds of humming birds ring in the green forest.

Outside of the cottage, Julian walks beside Renesemee with his large cold hand grasp her small hand. Julian's body is slightly crunching down to her level. Both vampires are bare foot, enjoying the cold grass brushing it green against their pale feet. The sun light reflects off their backs, outlining their figures.

Renesemee looks up at Julian with her eyes enjoying his view. She sends memories of her past into Julian welcoming mind as he enjoys the stories of their past. Julian keeps his head forward with a small grin on his lips as his eyes fade out to stare into the images in his head.

The two walk slowly across the grass, enjoying each other's company.

Bella smile a content grin when seeing her daughter with Julian. Already trusting him, Bella leaves them be. Then her eyes glance to the right and notices Mildred has her legs on either side of a large log. She wears a long, plain sundress. The dress drapes down to her knees and revealing her calves and bare feet. Across from Mildred is Luken, the two are playing a game with their hands.

The emotional rampage has decease from Bella's heart for the time being to welcome the sensation of contentment. A new life. A new family is here. Her copper eyes takes in the sweet view of her children's smiling faces as it mirrors her own.

The nagging questions of her past remain boiling in her back of her mind. The quest to search what was lost will be post-pone for a new life has risen. A new life that require her presence for the time being. Of course, Bella's weary mind is not ready to adventurer to the unknown of her past.

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Night overcast the sky after the fallen sun fades from the world's view. The brilliant stars in the sky twinkle like diamonds and bundle together to create a radiant view. The evening wind breezes across the landscape and thrusts through the open window of Bella's bedroom. The wind tucks on the blue curtain as the ruffling sound echoes into Bella's pale ears.

Bella leans against the window frame, her left shoulder crunching up to her jaw line and crossing her arms over her chest. Tilting her head to the opposite direction of the frame she's leaning on, Bella copper eyes inhale the beautiful scenery. Enjoying the breezing wind that thrusts against her pale face, Bella feels content with her new life.

Her small children sleep soundly on the full bed. It's rare when they sleep but their human half side requires such a task. Bella turns her head to the side to look upon her slumbering children. A small smile increases on her lips to the sight.

Renesemee sleep on her side with her arms wrapping protectively over her new stuff bear given by Julian. Her small legs curl up to her chest as her chest rises and falls in motion. The sheets hover beneath her tiny waist, revealing her white pajama top with small teddy bears all over. Her black lashes bundle together and a small smile develops on her tiny lips. Dreaming of Julian no doubt.

Luken sleeps on the right side of the bed and lies on his back. His feet rest above the sheets wearing red and blue pajamas. Tiny pale arms sprawl both sides of his body and his head slightly turning to the left, his face smash into a white pillow. A soft snore comes from his open mouth as drool drizzles down his chin. His small chest rises and falls with every breath.

Suddenly, a sound from the front door opening catches Bella's attention. Snapping her to glance through the window as the wind breezes into the room catching her hair.

Quickly noticing Julian walking slowly into the forest. Furrowing her eyebrows in thought, Bella jumps to the window seal before leaping down to the ground below. Landing perfectly on the ground, as her legs are slightly in a crouch position as her eyes notices Julian's back.

Rising from her stance, Bella quietly follows him into the forest. Her curiosity swells in her chest as she draws closer to Julian who comes to a stop in a wide open area. The trees surround them with the leaves hover over the open area. The ground is muddy with wet grass patch all around.

Bella approaches Julian, allowing things to break beneath her feet to announce her presences.

"Beautiful isn't it?" Julian says dreamingly, his head tilting up to the dark sky. His posture is tall and still. The wind breezes across them, flapping their clothing and Bella's hair.

Bella glances her eyes up to the sky and is too, engulf by the scenery. "Yes, it is…Why are you out here alone?" She asks curiously, voice is soft and low. Casting her eyes down to Julian, Bella waits for his answer. She feels a connection with Julian, Bella grows fondly of Julian and wants to go deeper into their friendship.

"I come here often….to think." He says quietly. Julian drops his head down and sighs inwardly. Much regret and agony attack his dead heart and his weary mind. Turning in place to look at Bella. His eyes are ancient and weary; Julian reveals a much soft side to his existence. "I've seem many things in my time, not just through my eyes but memories of other people. To have to endure their life's problem and regrets." Bella continues to stare at Julian's sad face and wants his usual bubbly personality to return. Of course, in some kind of way, Bella can understand Julian's sorrow. Having to remember things that are horrid and gruesome, Bella cringes to the thought of seeing bad people doing things that are unthinkable. "But I even have my own regrets…. You know, you remain me of my cousin. I was very close with her, her name was Sally. I was able to tell her anything…."

"You can tell me…." Bella encourages, voice is curious. Although, it's not right to pry but Julian's need to talk which pushes Bella to listen to what he has to say. After all they are family which means to trust one another, even with their deepest secrets.

Bella waits for Julian's unspoken words as anticipation grows in her gut.

Julian sighs deeply before strolling to a long log in the woods. The log is old with moss growing on it along with tree vines. Julian takes a seat on it then softly pats the space next to him. The patting of his hand releases a continual soft thud sound. His weary face cracks a small smile that is plain.

Bella takes the hint and quickly strolls to the seat. She hops onto the log with a soft thud of her bottom hitting the wood which forces Julian to huff in amusement.

Julian momentary stares at Bella with a long weary stare as Bella returns the gaze. Then Julian drops his gaze to the ground. He leans forward and rests his elbows against his lower thighs and his fingers interlace with each other. His back haunches with his shoulders slouching forward and his head bowing down. Slowly closing his eyes before stroking his hand once through his short brown hair.

"You know I can't read your memories….." Julian begins with a weak voice before glancing up at Bella with the same weary gaze. Remaining in his haunch position and only turning his head to the side.

Bella notices his attempts to read her memories but knows that this so-called shield will always block him. To prevent frustrating him, she'll sway his mind elsewhere, "You said I remaindered you of your cousin, Sally?"

Julian stops his attempts and turns his head back down. Furrowing his eyebrows in thought, "Yes, Sally. Sally Jones, the daughter of Bloomingdale's pastor in Georgia. We were very close. I lived a few houses down from her…….Bella; I was born in 1841 when the slave owners took place. My parents owned several slaves….including..." Julian's voice weakens at the end of his sentence as his eyes fade off into his memories. "Ebony."

Bella watches Julian's eyes drift to the floor in shame. "Ebony was your family's slave?" Bella asks in surprise, voice is high and breathless. Never once thinking of Ebony being a slave.

Julian nods once, "Yes, she was. I loved her very much…..she was very much like a second mother to me….of course many people from our town would bash her because my close relationship with her…..Ebony suffered a lot in those times..." Julian says mournfully, barely moving his lips. The sound of his voice gives Bella the hint of horrible history between Ebony and Julian. "When I was twenty the civil war barely begun, my family was against the idea of freeing our slaves. In some kind of way I was ashamed of them but I was too afraid to fight with the rebels. Against my own side, the southern."

A long pause awakes as Bella senses things are going to get worse. Julian purses his lip before continuing, "I didn't stop them…." Julian face suddenly becomes serious as his hands forms into fist. The white skin over his knuckles pales into a much whiter color. "Every time they would whip Ebony…..I just watched, even when she didn't do anything wrong….She was just there at wrong place and the wrong time. Ebony shouldn't have suffered for my crimes…." Julian inhales deeply, his eyes close tightly. His voice is shaky, lacing with sorrow and regret.

"What do you mean?" Bella asks curiously, her eyes stare intensely at Julian. Craving for my information of his past. What could of Julian done that Ebony had to pay for?

Julian glances up at Bella as his face is now in guard. Pressing his lips into a thin smile, Julian hops off the log, fluently. His feet crush into the ground with a soft thud. The moss from the log stains his pant and no doubt her too.

Bella stares at Julian with some expectation. Her curiosity swells in her chest, beckoning for her to pry, but doesn't.

"Another time, Bella. Right now I can't say it yet." Julian says solemnly before turning to face her. His feet turn in place as his feet steps on dry leaves, releasing a crunching sound. Then Julian reveals his kind half smile follow by rising his hand up to chest level. Opening his palm, gesturing Bella to take his hand.

Bella sigh comes short as her eye drift to the ground. Respecting his decision, Bella will remain patient until he is ready to confess his past to her. Bella pushes her body forward and slides off the log onto the wet ground. Her weight lands on the ground as her feet step on dry leaves. Bella lifts her gaze up to meet Julian's, and then return a kind smile. Reaching forth her hand and soft placing it into his palm. Her hand brushes against his cold, hard skin. Bella smiles wider before both sprinting off into the forest back to the cottage.

To be continued

I hop I made Julian's past interesting, although you'll have to stay in tune to find out the rest of his and Ebony's past.

Anyways, I hope you all are ready for the world-wide computer virus coming out tomorrow. Well, good luck.

Thanks for reading….Leave a review!