Here you go! The next chapter. I have big plans for this story. I hope you all like it!
Chapter Three: Life
It won't ever change if you want it to stay the same,
I really hate it but I know it's hard to choose if you're chained
And when it's all you control 'cause you've got nothing else to hold
You're getting tighter and tighter, it's getting harder to let it go
Alice POV
Bella and I drove away from her house and my mind was in overdrive, which wasn't easy to juggle while desperately trying to keep my speed humanly normal. This could be, potentially problematic. I could still smell his stench all over Bella, and I'm sure my family would be able to as well.
Billy and Jacob Black.
This was something I obviously had missed. I never thought that not being able to see the wolves would be something that would bother me. But now Bella is involved and at a huge risk. 'Just think it through Alice. There is a way to make this work.' I took an unnecessary deep breath to relax myself mentally. I took a side glance at Bella and caught her watching me. I smiled warmly to her and she smiled gently back. I knew she was curious about my behaviour but I couldn't deal with that right now.
The wolves were Bella's family friends. How could I sidestep treaty problems? Jacob obviously hadn't changed yet, he's still too small and innocent. A really nice kid actually, such a shame he's on the "other side". Unfortunately, he and Bella seem very close, and when he changes, she will be devastated. He obviously can't go through his transformation around Bella, which will make her curious. So far she has been pretty good about not asking questions but what will she say when her childhood best friend all of a sudden wants nothing to do with her? She might start asking a question or two. Not to mention the poor girl's safety. The only thing more dangerous than a vampire is a new wolf that can't control his anger.
'Alice! Stop being so negative. Find an answer!' Okay. So even though Bella was already friends with the Black's, she was still in my visions. Her future is in my visions so they must not have anything to do with her becoming one of us or else I wouldn't see it. The fact that I can see Bella at all shows how little they will have to do with our future. This does explain the holes I can't see and the fact that certain areas are cloudy though. Bella will be safe because I have seen it. And who knows, maybe this new found information will spark some sort of friendship between the Quileute's and the Cullen's.
We pulled into the long driveway after what felt like forever. Driving slow is really just a pain. I don`t get how humans do it. I could tell Bella was in awe beside me. Of course we had more money than the average Fork's resident. We had been saving for a long time. It's not that our house was overly extravagant, just a little something Carlisle had built for us. We only ever splurged on our cars. Well, and shopping when it's me.
"Woah... it's so...open. Look at all those windows." Bella seemed to be lost in her imagination so I took a moment to really take her in. She was quite pretty even compared to us. Her fair skin was flawlessly cream coloured. Her deep mahogany hair contrasted nicely with her skin and fell in long loose waves down her back. She was wearing a three quarter sleeve black, white and blue plaid button up shirt and a pair of skinny jeans. For a tom boy she did dress rather nice. I'm not a fan of plaid but it seemed to suit her. It brings a little more of her dad out in her which I like. It gave her even more of a human feel, even though I can see her as one of us. I had always thought of he as being a vampire because of that, but truth be told, I really enjoy having someone with pulse around.
"Yeah, well there is forest all around us. We don't really need to worry about people peeking in at us. It makes us feel a little more in touch with nature." I told her. I figured I had better get her out of her trance. Plus I could hear Edward at the door agreeing with my thoughts. Well, what I would let him hear anyways. I could tell he enjoyed having Bella around too. She mumbled a "mmhm..." beside me and we headed inside. The average person would be nervous about being here, just by instinct. Bella is incredibly perceptive, she knows we are odd. I didn't need Edward's ability to know that, it's very hard to hide. She took to us well though, hopefully she handles this with the same ease.
Bella POV
Their house was...wow. I had never seen a house so simple yet so... beautiful. It was situated on a hill almost, with a side entrance into the basement or stairs that would lead to the front door on the main level. Alice led me to the basement entrance. Coming inside I couldn't help but notice how clean and new everything seemed. Whole walls made of glass let in natural light and the furniture looked as if it had hardly ever been used. I took a staggering breath as we ascended the stairs to the main level. I hadn't noticed until now how cold the house was. I don't know how they do it. This would explain Alice's cold hands all the time.
"What's wrong Bella?" Alice asked me as we entered the main floor into what must be the kitchen. It was spotless too. It looked like they never use it. My mom would love this place. So clean...she was always quite a germaphobe.
"Oh nothing Alice, I just got a chill." She seemed... nervous. I gave her a reassuring smile. They probably don't get much company. Soon I could feel eyes on me. I turned slowly and took in a quick breath. Six pale faces, twelve golden eyes, five worried looks, and one fierce glare met me. Edward looked apologetic as did Jasper...Emmett smiled to me but didn't look particularly happy...and the two I didn't know, their parents, smiled warmly to me.
"Bella, welcome to our home. It's so nice to finally meet you." Their mom said, stepping forward. I stuck my hand out to shake hers and she looked hesitant for some reason. Slowly she came forward and shook my hand with a smile on her face. She was just as cold as Alice and was quite tiny too. I glanced at her hand and smiled up at her
"Thank you." She smiled big.
"My name is Esme, this is my husband Carlisle." He came forward and shook my hand as well. Cold.
"Hello Bella, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"You too, Dr. Cullen." He laughed. Such a melodic sound.
"Thank you dear, but you can call me Carlisle." I nodded to him and waved to the others. I felt like I needed to take a minute, compose myself for some reason. I took them all in at once, all their beauty. I couldn't believe how perfect they all seemed, and those eyes! They all must wear the same contacts. They all had the same pale skin too.
"Umm... want to get started Alice?" I muttered out after I averted my eyes from them all. I didn't want them to feel like I was focusing on their differences because really, they were good people. What did it matter if they were different?
"Yeah, sounds good Bella. I just need to talk to my dad quick, you can head up to my room? I'm sure someone will show you where it is."
"I will Alice." Edward told her and smiled at me. I nodded and watched Alice walk down a hallway with Carlisle.
"Thanks..." He nodded and led me up the stairs.
Edward POV
'I've felt less tension in a room when Alice and Rosalie are at each other's throats!' Jasper thought to me as we stood there watching Bella watch us. We were definitely all on the same page at the moment. I could hear everyone's thoughts and they were all pretty much the same. 'Wolves.'
For some reason, Alice and Bella reeked of those mutts, and I'm sure it was driving Alice crazy. Bella seemed a little overwhelmed by all of us so we gave her a moment to relax and I whispered to Jasper not to calm her. She needed to be okay with us without our help. I was on board with Alice 100%, but only if Bella was 100% okay and it was 100% her decision. Alice let me know that she needed to talk to Carlisle about the fact that they stunk of dog. I obviously already heard what had happened because of my ability, so I offered to take Bella up to Alice`s room. I needed a little alone time with her anyway. Jasper told me that his thirst died pretty fast when Bella became a "person" to him. He found something they had in common and her life had value to him. I decided to give it a try.
"So Bella, you just moved here? Jasper tells me you used to live in Phoenix." She glanced at me and nodded as we entered Alice's room. I wish I could read her mind.
"Yeah, umm... I decided to come live with my dad for a while." She was so...human. With the mumbling, the way she started to fidget, how she wouldn't look me in the eye. I was interested in this girl and I couldn't deny it.
"You don't miss being back in Phoenix?" She got a far off look in her eyes. I could tell she was thinking of home, but I still wished I could see what she saw.
"I miss the heat...the dry heat... I never could tan up very well, I would only burn. But I would take a good sunburn over cold rain any day." She looked content thinking about Phoenix. My curiosity was getting the best of me.
"Well, if you hate the cold and the rain so much, why did you leave?" Her face lost its glow at this, replacing it was a look of defeat. Whatever brought her to Forks was not a happy memory. I felt... bad for her.
"...It's complicated."
"I'm sure I can keep up." I tried to make it a comfortable "human" atmosphere by sitting on the edge of the new queen-sized bed Alice had just bought for the act of being "normal", and patted the spot beside me, hoping I was being supportive. She sighed and slowly sat down beside me. I heard Alice walking up the stairs, but she stopped when she reached the top.
'Good idea Edward! I'll wait to come in. You take your time.' I heard Alice think down the hall and she took off prancing down the stairs, though I'm sure Bella had no idea. I refocused back on Bella and gave her a moment to compose her response.
"Well...my mom and her...husband. I just couldn't stay back in Phoenix anymore." I thought about it a moment before I replied.
"Do you not like the husband?"
"Uhh...well that is a bit of a difficult question to answer. It's not that I don't like him...I just...lost a lot of respect for them both I guess." I didn't really understand what she meant.
"So, I assume the divorce wasn't easy on you?" She sighed. I knew this was getting personal but for some reason I couldn't help myself. Listening to her... feeling for her... it made me feel more human than I have felt in my hundred and eight years. I made eye contact with her and realized my thirst was gone, and I couldn't even smell those mutts on her anymore. I was just...entranced by her.
"No...it's so complicated... I didn't know my parents were divorced until this past Christmas..." she trailed off and looked down. I was genuinely confused.
"But... Alice said you would come visit your dad here every summer?" She nodded, still looking down.
"Yeah..." I could tell she was uncomfortable with my questioning. I knew this was eating away at her, but I didn't understand how she had no idea they got divorced. Her parents lived in two different states.
"Did you think it was some sort of separation?" She shook her head no.
"Let's just say I've been lied to a long time." I felt for her. Something strange had happened back in Phoenix, and she was hurt by it. I felt the need to comfort her.
"Well, you can talk to me anytime Bella, I'm a good listener." She managed a small smile and nodded. Alice took this chance to knock at the door and open it.
"Hey guys...ready to get started Bella?" I smiled to Bella and met Alice's curious glance. She thought to me 'We'll talk later', and made my way down the stairs to meet curious looks. No one asked, I could tell they were all as confused as I was.
Emmett POV
I can't remember ever fighting this bad with Rose. We just didn't argue, there was nothing to argue about. We didn't have the typical marital difficulties like most marriages do. If she didn't like my car, she bought her own. There wasn't any in-law troubles. No discussion about children, no money worries, no time issues. And we never worried about being faithful, we were mates. Rose was jealous about Bella though, she didn't want me spending any time with her.
We hadn't had peace in our relationship since I went against her wishes in the family meeting almost a week ago. Constant arguments ranged from Bella, to the silliest things, such as I didn't match my pants to my shirt properly that day. It seemed that she just wanted to pick a fight about anything, and it was starting to wear me down. Which was difficult to do when you are a stress free vamp. Now, she was furious because of the wolf stench in our house.
"Yet another reason the brat needs to go. Do you have any idea what that means for us? This treaty is just fine the way it is we don't need some human to mess it up for us. They already had her, they can keep her. Now can we just stop this foolish game of "pet human" and be realistic here?"
We all just watched Rosie. I wasn't sure what to say at all. I didn't want Bella to go away, but I needed to keep my wife happy. I need to do what's right here. I am her mate, and we are bound for eternity. Sighing slightly, I ran my hand over my head. Before I could say it aloud, we heard a hysterical voice coming from upstairs.
"What?! No...no no no no... I-I'll be right there... A-Alice please, please I n-need to go..." We heard running coming toward the stairs. Bella was moving far too fast for her legs to coordinate. She was soon stumbling down the stairs. Instinctively, I ran to catch her before she hit the ground. When she looked up at me I felt it. A lump formed in my throat and a dull pain throbbed in my chest. Her eyes were threatening tears and she was breathing heavily.
"Bella what is it, what's wrong?"
"My...my dad. Please I need to go. I need to go now." I nodded my head and scooped her in my arms. Alice looked frozen at the top of the stairs, heartbroken, watching Bella. I nodded to Edward for him to grab the keys to his Volvo. My eyes fell on Rose. I had watched others receive this glare, but never have I been the recipient of it.
Bella though... her face. Her emotion filled eyes, what I felt looking into those eyes. I couldn't help myself. She set off that spark in me again. It was like... I felt emotion for her. That couldn't be right though, vampires couldn't feel. Regardless, I needed to get Bella into the car. I put her in the passenger seat and strapped her in.
"Emmett." She choked out. I could feel that dull pain sharpening a little as I looked into her eyes again.
"Yes Bella?" She looked at me and closed her eyes. Tears finally streamed down her face and I came to the realization that it was killing me to see her in so much pain. She was such a sweet girl, so undeserving of this heartache.
"I...I left my books..."
"Bella don't you worry about that okay? Get home and be safe. Cheer up kid, everything will be okay." She hung her head and Edward got into the driver's seat. Soon he was driving away with Bella and I was walking back into the house.
"Alice what happened?" Esme asked her. Alice still stood at the top of the stairs.
"I didn't see it...but I heard her on the phone." We all watched Alice. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"Jacob Black called her. A...big dog...attacked her father."
"What? No. That can't be right. They like the Swans." Carlisle answered quickly running for his keys, most likely trying to make it to the hospital so he could be the one to treat Charlie.
"It was a new...a young one. He went out for the mail and the mutt got him." I couldn't take my eyes off Alice. She seemed just as heartbroken as Bella. I knew Alice felt a close connection to her, if I was having trouble fighting off the feelings, I couldn't imagine how Alice must have felt.
"Please Carlisle. You have to make him okay. Bella can't deal with this." He nodded and was out the door to his car. Jasper went up to his wife, putting an arm around her.
"It's alright Alice, everything will be okay. Bella is a strong girl right? Look at how she handles us. She will be alright and Charlie will recover". She shook her head. I knew that if she could cry, she would be.
Edward POV
I drove Bella home as fast as "humanly" possible. I could have gotten her there sooner, but not without compromising our secret in the process. Bella sat in the passenger seat shaking her head.
"Bella it's going to be okay. I promise." She let out a sob, and it almost broke my heart watching her. I got her home and saw he ambulance just leaving the Swan house. She got into a car with Billy Black, who gave me a slight nod, which I returned. I left, knowing to keep my distance from the situation. I knew it wasn't Billy's fault, or Jacob's, but it was still a wolf that hurt Charlie. I needed to get back to the house to talk this out with my family. The drive back seemed too long though, I couldn't get there fast enough.
Emmett POV
Later that night, Alice had gotten a call from Bella. Other than some stitches and a sprained ankle, Charlie seemed to be alright. He would be off work for a few weeks but that was the extent of his worries. Bella had invited Alice over to her house tomorrow instead of shopping to do the homework they hadn't gotten to finish today, and to have another hand around the house to help Charlie. Alice had, of course, agreed.
"I read Billy's mind when I dropped Bella off. The leader managed to use whatever mind power he has and got the newest addition to stop. Charlie is lucky I guess. One of those mutts can cause a lot more damage than a few stitches." Edward told us. We were all sitting in the living room having a big discussion on what we feel is best for us. The fact that Bella is friends with the Quileute's is still a factor, especially if these kids are still changing. They could out us in a second. Carlisle had just returned and gotten us all together. Alice was the first to speak.
"I can't leave Bella now, I can't. If one of those dogs can attack Charlie, Bella isn't safe. What happens if she gets hurt?"
"She is at more risk if our scent is on her Alice, that's what set the young wolf off. He smelled us on Charlie." Edward told her. She hung her head and shaking it. This was the most depressed I had ever seen Alice. I saw Edward nod to my right.
"Edward, you said so yourself, you and Billy had a moment when you dropped her off."
"Really? What happened son?" Carlisle asked. Edward shrugged a little replying.
"Well we made eye contact when I helped Bella out of the car and he nodded to me. It wasn't anything friendly, more of a, courteous thank-you for the help." Carlisle nodded, staying silent. This was usually the role he played in our decision making. He would listen to us all first and only over-rule if he felt strongly enough that it was what was best for our family.
"Well, I don't know about any of you, but I say we get rid of her." Rose told us all sharply.
"YES Rosalie. We know where you stand on this okay?" Alice told her. It didn't take Jasper to tell she was frustrated.
"Now, I'm not just saying this because of my wife, but, I think we should keep Bella around. You may not have noticed, but...the emotion going through this house and at school over the last week has made me feel more human than I can ever remember feeling. It's...refreshing." Jasper's southern accent was thick and confident. I thought about it for a moment, maybe I wasn't the only one going crazy. Edward had been agreeing a lot with me this week, Jasper was able to get over his bloodlust for her, Alice was a mess...
"I know what you mean Jasper. She just...sparks something in you. You can't help but...feel... around her." Edward stated, agreeing with Jasper. I sat back thinking about what was being said in this meeting. I had a big decision on my plate and I was going to let someone down. Who was it going to be though? My family? Or my mate?
"I don't think she is a big threat to us. The poor dear takes to us so nicely, and she could really use a friend like Alice right now." Esme told us, throwing in her opinion. I heard Rosalie snarl across the room. She refused to even sit beside me.
"And I need her." I looked to Alice and she could have been crying again if she could.
"I'm a mess guys... I'm stressed out, I'm not happy, I worry constantly...but I'm feeling for her. I feel all the time. I have always felt, I feel love for Jasper and my family but...she brings out so much more in me. I can't lose it. I don't care if it sounds selfish, I know that she needs us just as much as we need her. And don't Rosalie," Alice said, stopping Rosalie before she could respond. "We do need her. Can't you see that?" Again she snarled and shook her head at Alice. Everyone then looked to me. I needed to come up with a decision.
I completely agreed with What everyone had just said. I felt so much more alive with Bella around. I know my family needs her. Should I do what's best for my wife? Or my family.
It was then that it hit me. What is best for me? What makes me happy? I'm bound to my wife, but it shouldn't be this hard to choose. I had made my decision.
"She should stay." Reactions were pretty much what I expected. Rosalie flew out of the room after a vicious growl. Alice beamed with joy. The others looked surprised, but relieved.
Carlisle nodded as he stood.
"She stays. And I do think good things can come from this with the Quileute tribe. Time and patience is the key." We nodded in agreement, and Carlisle and Esme left for his study to probably speak privately. We always allowed each other privacy.
I would need to face some serious consequences for this choice. I'm sick of the same old thing though. With Bella came change. She brought something more valued to our existence. Life – and that's a hard thing to let go of.
I hope you all like it guys! I'm sorry it took so long and it's a shorter chapter but I wanted to get the story going a bit more. I changed up my story line a tad, tell me if you still like the flow and plot. R&R!