Challenging Humanity Chapter 8

A/N: This is not a Jacob, Bella and Edward triangle love story. There are many of them lolz

Bella's POV

I laughed as Charlie got on the passenger seat. Grumbling, after fifteen minutes of arguing he finally agreed to take my car to La Push instead of his cruiser. I didn't care if people knew Charlie was a cop, I just didn't want to be seen, driven in a cop car. Around twenty minutes we made it to La Push. Dad swore that he would never ride in my truck again. It didn't help my case that a kid riding his bike past us at the exact moment his complaints started.

I grabbed my notebook and marker, while maturely sticking my tongue out at him. Once I stepped out of the car, I suddenly felt self conscious, wondering what their reaction would be. I remember the La Push kids. Big and huge, I wished I got advise from my friends before coming. I forgot to email them in the morning, they would still think I went to school and took revenge, my face scrunched up in anger. I wanted to get even with those 'Emmy group' I couldn't wait for this weekend to be over.

"Having a stare contest with the ground Swan?" I turned around toward the husky voice. He was from one of the members of the football team. "So who's winning?"

I couldn't help but laugh, I pointed to the ground. He started laughing with me.

"Hey Bells, you met Jacob," my dad came behind Jacob, laying his hand on Jacob's shoulder, "he is the captain of the La Push Mutt Football team." I could hear the pride in his voice. "He plays the same position as me at his age." He smiled.

I looked up at him in shock; Renee never told me that Charlie was the captain of his football team during high school.

After a few hours, everyone was sitting on the edge of the La Push riverside. It was beautiful. Thank god, today was sunny. My hair reflected a little red. Charlie left for work leaving me with a pack of dogs. I laughed again when I saw Leah push Embry, making him push Seth, who was eating his sandwich, making him drop the sandwich on Jared. It wasn't long when every one started pushing and hitting each other. This whole gang was crazy. They ate everything Sue Clearwater had made. It was a sight to see Paul eat a whole sandwich in one bite. Everyone laughed when my mouth dropped open.

Dad was right; the La Push team was great. No one gave me weird looks when I responded by writing on my notebook, and they all talked to me. I even taught Leah's cousin Emily some sign language. Ashley was the funniest— she was younger cousin of Sam's. She kept yelling at Sam and Jacob for teasing her, whining and stomping her foot repeatedly. "STOP IT…" She whined again when Quil pulled her hair. If Jacob hadn't told me she was fifteen I would have thought she was ten, but she was as tall as Leah.

Sam and Leah were high school sweethearts and Jared was in the way to purposing his long time crush, Kim, to be his girlfriend. Quil was in love with Claire, but was too scared to tell her because of Emily and Leah since Claire was their cousin. Later on Sam revealed to everyone that one of the boys were relatives or cousins of each other because all their grandparents from the past were related.

It was overall a huge family; I felt a pain of jealousy realizing I was just a guest and not part of them. I wanted a huge family with sailings too. But I was grateful for what I do have. Charlie was a great father; I wish I had come sooner or at least during the summers.

"Hey everyone, you guys aren't being rude to Bella are you?" Sue yelled at the boys.

"No way, right Bella, you not bored right?" Leah and Seth came up. I laughed and shook my head. How could I be, no one had left me alone for a moment since I got here, each one of them had asked how I was enjoying Forks and promised to show around. They invited me to a bonfire that the La Push kids do on special time of the year. I felt touched when I realized that they consider me like family. Maybe just maybe I would be normal here. I smiled when Quil took my picture without my knowledge.

"What's the smile for?" Sam asked, getting others attention. I blushed.

I started writing, "it just feels normal to be with you guys, I didn't know something like that could happen to someone like me. I can't wait to tell my friends back in Phoenix that I had a chance of being normal." I passed the note around.

Sue had tears in her eyes when she read it. She wrapped her hands around my shoulder from back. The rest of the crowd got quiet. Leah, Claire, and Ashley all came to join Sue in hugging me. I could feel tears starting to spill but I held them in.

"Oh Bella, you are normal, and don't believe anyone who tells you other wise." I heard Jacob voice say.

"Yeah I would like to meet your friends and tell them we're not perfect but we are normal just like them." Sam added.

"I don't know why someone wouldn't call you normal Bella, you don't look like an alien to me." Seth exclaimed causing me to laugh and Jacob and Sam to push him off the couch.

Charlie came in afterwards around midnight. I emailed to my friends from Jacob's computer and fell asleep on Leah's lap, whose head was on Sam, who was sleeping on Jared's lap. Basically everyone was sleeping on each other. Billy had hit Jake with his cane to wake him up. I was surprised to see that he didn't even stir, but just went on snoring. Harry slapped Seth behind the head but Seth continued sleeping. I laughed silently, walking slowly with Charlie to my truck.

"So how was La Push, no problems right?" Charlie asked while entering in.

I smiled and signed to him, "For the first time I experienced being normal." Charlie beamed in response.

FAIR DAY

Edward POV

I groaned and stretched, shutting off my alarm, that was ringing loudly by my ears. I got off the bed, looking outside my window. It was serene view of the waterfall.

Yesterday was relaxing; Alice gave me a spa treatment like she promised. She used her massage machine on my back while Rose gave Jasper and Emmett a head massage. Now I was fully ready for the game today. Mom had called the coach yesterday, letting everyone off the hook by his torture. Dad still grounded us, but we had to apologize to Bella today or else it was back to painful practices.

I heaved a sigh, thinking finally today I could actually wipe her anger away. I was a little afraid of Alice. She claimed, she would be first to apologize and take her shopping. I shuddered at the thought. Alice's shopping was more torture than 100 crunches.

Bella POV

I scowled at the computer. Apparently no one believed that in my old school that I could have a normal life. Back in phoenix everyone was mad at me.

Renee emailed me a five-page pile of words stating that La Push boys were just my dad's followers. That the only reason they were nice to me was because of my dad! My five-support gang thought I was too innocent and naïve to understand they just pitied me. All the teachers said it was too soon for me to judge others. And the rest of the school body laughed stating I was making up stuff to just build false hope for others and myself.

I hit the delete key on all my read and unread emails. I will prove them wrong!

Dad was downstairs placing the cookies and cakes I made in foil. I made extra set of cookies just for Esme this time. I had woken up extra early just to make them.

"Hey Bella, can you come down here, I have something for you." Charlie yelled from the kitchen. I changed quickly and walked downstairs, but this time taking one step at a time. This morning I had learned a new lesson: I don't know how to climb the stairs without hurting myself, so I should just pretend I am a toddler. Take one step at a time, and don't expect improvement.

I came downstairs to find Charlie looking nervous, I raised my eyebrows at him suspiciously. He smiled and held up a jersey. It had a number one drawing and Charlie's last name SWAN in scripted in yellow. My eyes grew wide with realization.

"I thought you would like to wear my old jersey, I mean you don't have to..." I stopped his rant by squishing him in a hug. I never wore sports jersey before, this would be my first time, and I get to wear it with my name on it. I let go, trying to hide my tears. I took the jersey while Charlie grinned widely. "If I had known that you would be that happy, I would have given it to you the first day you came." He laughed while I rushed to my room to change into it.

I closed the door and looked appreciatively at the old high school jersey. I looked at the color of the jersey and my mind started getting creative...

Esme POV

All my kids were taking their own car. It took a lot of convincing on my half to Carlisle for this, but I had a good reason. Today they all were getting a free trial of freedom; if they apologize, they will be off the hook. But not Emmett and Rosalie, who are both still grounded until for further notice. What Rosalie said and Emmett did was out of line, something they accepted and didn't argue about.

Right now, Edward, Jasper, and Emmett were helping set up booths for the school fair. Last time I came to the fair was two years ago, I stopped coming when Emmett decided to set up a kissing booth for it. I was beyond furious at the disgraceful act. I was glad Rosalie moved into town, declaring end to the public show. I didn't have a problem with the others' booths, Alice set up a booth for hair cosmetics and this year Rose will work with her. Their first trial customers were the three boys. I had to admit, all three looked cute, with spike cuts and different dye color for each person. Emmett's hair color was red (Rosalie's favorite color) and Jasper's hair was pink (Alice's favorite color). Edward's hair color wasn't changed since his bronze hair was perfect color, but his hair was the most spiked. Alice had to work on it longer than others since his hair is always messy.

"Good morning Esme," I smiled to the old Baker's widow wife, Mrs. White, as she pushed her thirteen-year-old son on the wheelchair toward me. I smiled sweetly at the boy who glared in return. He greeted everyone that way since he was paralyzed from head to toe,

He broke his spinal cord in a car accident (A/N: don't know if you get paralyzed from it but just go with it) and lost his father in the crash. Since then he doesn't talk only scowls at others. I felt bad for his mother, that boy didn't make it easier for her, he never corroborated. Carlisle said he doesn't push himself and with the right motivation he would have been able to move his legs around and talk. Ms. White never brought him anywhere longer than an hour. He would embarrass her by reacting rudely in front of an audience.

"Good morning to you too Ms. White. How are you and Cole doing?" I asked politely, brisling my hands on top of Cole's hair, which made his face more menacing.

"Cole and I are doing great, I decided to come for a little community fun. I heard Chief Swan's daughter came to town. Mrs. Stanley said something about her saving some boy in the middle of the highway?"

I nodded my head while avoiding her glance, "She did, but I wouldn't mention it to others, it shook up Charlie." I mumbled, hoping to stop word getting around about the incident.

She nodded in sympathy "I just wanted to welcome the girl, Mrs. Ginnie says she turned Charlie 180 degrees around."

I smiled remembering the picture she sent to Lizzy, "Completely! He doesn't only come out in public, but finally stays long enough to have fun!" I laughed.

"I'll look forward to meet his daughter—" she was cut off when Cole started making noises from his throat. Ms. White shook her head in apology and annoyance.

"It's okay, you should go check out the student booths. My daughter Alice set up the hair cosmetic booth. She can give a new style to you and Cole." I suggested.

"I'll try Mrs. Cullen." She smiled walking away while Cole glared at his mother.

I sighed walking back when I spotted Charlie's cruiser coming into view. I grinned watching Bella duck her head down as if to hide and Charlie laughing getting out of the car, I walked over to them. "Charlie why did you make Bella ride the cruiser!" I demanded coming to Bella's door and opening it. She was blushing and looking at the ground.

"Hey its not my fault, her truck wouldn't start, and even if it did, by the time we reached the fair would be over." He laughed loudly. Bella playfully shook her head.

"Well she can ride back in my car after the fair," I decided winking. She hugged me in response while sticking her tongue out at Charlie.

Edward POV

I sighed while finishing the boxes. All things were now set up for Alice and Rose. Mom and her friends already set up the food on display for sale. Just the sight of cakes brought water in my mouth. My nose kept picking up scent of different flavors every five minutes.

"Hey Edward," Emmett called over to me.

"What's up?" I laughed again looking at his hair color. I would never let him or Jasper live this down. They both looked like "punks" as my dad claimed. I thanked my lucky stars my hair was already another color, no dye needed. But Alice made my hair extra standing. It was like my head on fire. Pure hell. The whole time I was wishing she would dye my hair just to save my hair from the twists and turns.

Emmett rolled his eyes, sensing my humor, "Can you cover for me? I want to take Rosy for a ride, this will be the last time we meet outside of school." He pleaded.

My eyes turned to slits. I clenched my teeth together. Emmett narrowed his eyes. "Come on Edward, Rosy didn't know, you know it was by accident." He huffed.

I shook my head, and turned my attention back to the boxes, "You know, I don't care she didn't know, but even afterwards she doesn't care. Did you sense even one percent of apologetic feelings about it? No, instead all she did was bitch out with her attitude. She didn't even stop Alice from thinking wrong about Bella! She knew what was going on. Alice tells Rose everything. Don't deny it!" I looked at him in anger when he started to argue.

"Come on, please Edward, for me, just this once cover for me, I might just figure out what's going on with her? You're not the only one who noticed her behavior. Let me deal with her." He made his face determined.

I sighed and looked at the field, mom was busy talking to others. Dad was going to come in a few hours. Alice was getting all women together to begin her booth. "How long will it take?" I didn't turn to see his face.

"Just a few hours." He answered cheerfully.

I rolled my eyes, "What about the parentals? And Lizzy is already mad as it is, the only reason she let Rosalie come was because of Jasper and Alice. Mom had to argue with her for hours just to calm her down. You know you will just get in more trouble if anyone finds out. Emmett is this really necessary, I mean you could just walk far away and talk." I resigned, looking at mom. "Honestly, you know all of us are on probation right now." I scorned looking at my priced Volvo; it was a relief to drive it around this morning. I purposely took a long way from my house just to drive extra minutes.

"Edward don't worry, I know you can handle this man. I already talked to Alice and Jasper; she will cover for Rose while Jazz and you cover for me. I parked my car further from sight. They won't know we left."

I nodded my head in yes and heard him run away, back to Rose I guess. I didn't care; I just hope he didn't get me in trouble enough to lose my Volvo. Turning back I saw my mom walking toward to an incoming vehicle, I felt myself smile when I saw it was Charlie's cruiser. I could apologize, to Bella right now—it was a misunderstanding. I wonder if she made those cookies. I walked toward them, but paused for a few minutes to look at Bella climbing out of the car and into my mom's arms.

She was wearing the old forks high school jersey, the one Jacob and Sam wear they belonged to their fathers'. From the size of it, I looked like it was Charlie's. I didn't know Charlie was on a football team. Bella looked cute in it. Her jeans were hand colored marks of green and yellow, matching the jersey, and her hair was tied back, but in ribbons of yellow and green. She reminded me of Alice and Rosalie, when they would dress up to represent our team in games.

I kept walking. I was determined to apologize to her. At the same time, I wished to wash her anger gaze that had been bothering me since the first time I looked into her eyes…

A/N: hope you all like this chapter. Sorry for the late update, it's the finals week and last month for my classes. I had many tests, homework and projects to do. This is the reason for the short chapter, but I will make it up with a longer chapter next time. Anyway this is an important chapter because this starts the fair day. Many things will happen so expect a lot of drama, action, and Edward and Bella (hint * hint*) lolz. Anyways. No long note for this. Just hope you all like this!

Review please and I will update quick.

Best humorous comments from last chapter ----

cullensroc

YAY! I WON 1st prize!1

'And that is how you stop a food fight!'

that particular line had me laughing so hard that my stomach hurt, + the 'I NEED THERAPY!' part was awesome!

You have gotten me addicted to your story. It is all your fault that I stayed up late on a school night to read this ; )

PeaceChick13

If you want to keep your hands that helped you to type the wonderful story, you would do the right thing by updating... Just warning you...

Lolz last one had me cracking up. Anyway thnx for all wonderful comment. Keep reviewing. Luv you all!