Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.
"So, even when you're not working, you're at that store?" Renee asked for what seemed like the millionth time.
Lunch was over hours ago and it was actually getting close to being dinner time. Charlie had returned with Billy and Jake just in time for lunch to start. Billy and Charlie both acted like they hadn't seen each other in years. They goofed off more than I thought possible for the two adults.
I was stuck with Renee's interrogation, I mean conversation, while Phil just sat next to her and gave me an apologetic smile. When Jake got there he tried to rescue me, but no one is safe from Renee's talking skills. She ended up roping both of us into talking about today's youth and what they do for fun. Apparently to Renee, the kids from Forks are different from the ones in Denali so naturally we all do very different things to cure boredom. She was actually a little sad to learn we do the same things.
During lunch I was saved a little from Renee when she turned her attention to Charlie and Billy. I don't know what they were talking about because I was in my conversation with Jake and Phil. Okay, I was actually just listening to them since they were talking about sports the whole time, but I needed a little break from Renee, so sue me.
"Ya, they've been really nice to me. I like to consider them really close friends." I told Renee.
After lunch, which was served in Charlie's backyard, we all just sat and talked some more. Eventually it came up that the Denali's were going to watch me walk tomorrow. Since that was said, thanks Charlie, Renee, Jacob and Billy seemed really interested in what I had to say about them. From the disapproving looks Billy was giving and the apologetic ones Jake was giving me, I'm guessing Billy found about what the Denali's are.
"That's where you're going after this right? To have dinner with them?" Phil asked as he joined in the conversation.
"Ya." I answered.
Renee was originally a little put off that I was so willing to ditch her when she traveled this far to see me to go someplace else for the evening. When Charlie told her it was to hang out with friends, she wasn't upset. I'm thinking she's still thinking of the time the Cullen's had left me and how I acted and basically lost all my friends, so now she's more than happy to let me go off with them.
"Are you going to have a celebration with them?" Renee asked.
I'm actually not really sure if I am or not. It's never really came up. I know for a fact that Tanya isn't giving me her gift until tomorrow, same with the rest of the family, I think I'll be going over there. I just assumed I was, but I never actually asked. I probably should when I see them later today.
"I think I might; after we celebrate here of course." I said.
The ceremony was in the morning. So by noon we would be back here and Renee wanted to throw a little party. I think the only difference from where we're doing now to what Renee has planned for tomorrow is that there'll be decorations of some sort and I get gifts… even though I specifically said I didn't want any.
"So, have you met any of them Charlie?" Billy asked, his tone holding a slight amount of disapproval in it.
"Not yet, I haven't had a reason to." Charlie answered, seemingly catching on to Billy's tone.
"Charlie trusts me to work and hang out with good people." I said, trying my best not to sound rude to Billy but I think I failed since Renee gave me a look that screamed 'be nice'. "I actually think I'm going to go now, I was supposed to be there a while ago, but I wanted to spend some more time here. So I'll see you guys later tonight okay?" I said as I stood up.
No offense to Billy, he is my dad's best friend and my best friends dad, but I really don't want to hear start to bad mouth the Denali's; especially since he hasn't even met him. I don't know if I can stop myself from saying anything rude to Billy if he says anything bad about the Denali's. I know I won't be able to if he says something bad about Tanya though, I won't let him. I did the best I could with Sarah because she could have gotten me in trouble with school, but with Billy, I know he wouldn't retaliate because of Charlie, if I did anything because of something he says.
"Of course, let them know we're sorry about keeping you for so long." Phil said.
"It's not a problem, you guys are all, if not practically, family. I know they won't mind." I said; the last part more directed at Billy than anyone else.
"Do you know what time you'll be home Bells?" Charlie asked.
"I'm not sure, not too late though I promise." I said as I walked inside.
Irina was the one to pick me up from the store. She said that once we got back to their house that Tanya should be just arriving. The ride was silent for the most part. Irina asked a few questions about the get together earlier, but I knew that most of the questions that they had, mainly about if Jake behaved himself, would wait until Tanya was there.
Before I could even open the door when we got to the Denali's house, it was already opened and Tanya had me in her arms giving me a very nice hello kiss. I instantly wrapped my arms around her neck and was more than happy to continue kissing her for the rest of my visit here. Apparently Kate didn't seem to think the same thing because she shouted that if we weren't in the house in a couple minutes she would ruin Tanya's surprise for me. Personally, I would have been okay with that because I really want to know what Tanya is getting me, but Tanya wasn't, so we went inside.
Dinner was nice. I'm so used to having Edward just absolutely staring at me while I eat, I guess because he's just so fascinated by it thought I couldn't guess why since he did the same thing at one point, that I was a little thrown off when Tanya didn't. Naturally she kept me company while I ate so I didn't eat alone, but she had a normal conversation with me and didn't once look like eating was either the most disgusting thing she's seen or the most amazing thing. It was nice to have a meal with a vampire and not feel like I'm on the spot.
"So, do I need to beat up Jacob?" Tanya asked when we were all finally in the living room after I had finished eating.
I don't think Tanya knows the meaning of 'beating around the bush'. I actually like that she doesn't do that, it got really annoying with Edward; especially when I would ask him something vampire related.
"No, he was really nice. He actually saved me from having to listen to my mom go on and on for hours about nothing." I answered.
"So, no hot dogs?" Kate asked with a smirk.
I could help but smile at her lame attempt at a joke. This was by far not one of her best, but her reference to her ability to basically cook people and Jake's canine heritage was slightly amusing.
"I'm not a fan of hot dogs." I said.
I meant that I'm not a fan of her electrocuting my were-wolf friend, but Tanya had another meaning for it.
"So you prefer tacos? Me to." Tanya said and then proceeded to lick her lips and making me blush.
"Was your mom okay with us having use of your left over tickets?" Eleazar asked, thankfully changing the subject.
I snuggled a little more into Tanya before I answered the question. I know there was a real reason for them wanting me to come over tonight besides just having dinner, so I'm thinking Eleazar might be getting there.
"Ya, she was. Both my folks don't really mind since you guys are my friends. Though I would probably recommend not sitting next to them." I said.
"Why not?" Irina asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Well," I started with a sigh. I know I have to explain this, but I don't want to. Billy really is a good guy, just really… well; I like to say he's really just afraid of vampires. "Jake's dad, Billy, he's part of the tribe's council, the leader actually." I said.
"Let me guess, all of Jacobs hate comes from this Billy?" Tanya asked.
"Well, sort of. It's actually the tribe's legends. I don't really want to go into them too much, because they're not mine to tell and they tend to keep the legends secret. But, basically, a long time ago the tribe ran into a couple vampires that hunted from their tribe. That's actually how they got the power to change into giant wolves. Anyways, since that time, the stories of the 'cold ones' were passed down and the tribe has always been taught to hate vampires." I explained.
The whole tribe was taught since basically birth to hate vampires; the fact that most of the tribe believed vampires weren't real, they were still taught it. There were taught about a very real threat, something that really did devastate their tribe at one point in history and could very realistically happen again. So I understand why Billy hates vampires, really I do. The problem though, is that not all vampires are human drinkers. Just like not all humans are meat eaters, some are strictly vegetarians and eat no meat; it's basically the same thing with vampires. Billy, or really just the whole pack, needs to understand that gold eyes mean they are safe. If a vampire has golden eyes that aren't diluted with red, it means that they really have changed to animal blood and most likely won't kill. I can't say for fact they won't because just like with humans, nothing is guaranteed that one won't kill.
"So they are raised to hate us?" Carmen asked.
"Basically." I answered.
"Then how do the Cullen's have a treaty with them if they hate us all?" Kate asked.
"If I remember from when Jake told me the legends, the tribe made the treaty because the Cullen's out-numbered how many wolves they had at the time. Carlisle was smart enough to make the treaty indefinite or else I'm sure the current tribe leaders wouldn't create a treaty with them." I told them.
I'm fairly certain that if the tribe leaders, the pack also, thought that if they could get away without losing anyone on their side they might fight the Cullen's. Well, maybe not all the pack, but I know for sure some would have absolutely no problem fighting with the Cullen's.
"Well, we'll just make sure not to sit next to him. There's no reason for us to anyways. We're there for you alone, not to meet your family." Irina said.
"At least not yet." Kate said with a wink.
They are all aware that I eventually will tell Charlie and Renee about me going out with Tanya; I just don't know when I will. I'm thinking I might do so now, since Renee is here and I think telling them something like this in person might be better than doing so over the phone.
"Which is actually something I wanted to talk about with you later, but when we have slightly more privacy since really it's none of their concerns about when you tell your family about us." Tanya said.
"Well, I'm hurt Tanya. We're your family; of course we would want to know when Bella decides to come out of the closet." Kate said with a small smirk.
"No, you only wanted to know so that you can make sure to tease the day before she does so. I heard you go over your jokes about it and honestly Kate, you seem to be losing your touch." Irina said.
"What we actually wanted to talk to you about, or actually really it's just a more formal invitation than anything, is about what your plans for tomorrow after the ceremony are. We understand that spending time with your family is a priority, but we wanted to know if that would take up the whole day." Carmen asked before Kate could respond to Irina.
I actually think Kate did respond to Irina, just too fast for me to understand, because Irina was suddenly glaring at Kate and I can feel Tanya giggling next to me. Eleazar and Carmen both had their attention on me like nothing happened, so I'm not a hundred percent sure, but I'm fairly positive Kate just got Irina back somehow.
"Well, after the ceremony I'm going back to my house and Renee is having a small party there. It's nothing different from what I went to today, it's just that's when they'll give me their gifts." I said, adding a frown to my face at the last part.
"I still can't believe you don't like getting gifts, I personally love them." Kate said.
"She only loves them because the only gifts she gets are the ones she buys herself." Irina said, almost too low for me to hear.
"If you wouldn't mind, we would like to have you over for some more gifts." Eleazar said.
I would have argued about the fact that they don't have to get me anything. But I remember Tanya's deal. She said that Kate and Irina wouldn't get me anything; she never said anything about Eleazar and Carmen. So since I accepted the deal I can't complain.
"Sure I can, I don't know what time though I can come over." I said.
"It's no problem, just text me when you leave for the bookstore and I'll meet you there." Tanya said.
"It's not like you were on time today anyways. If we didn't mind you being late today, why would we mind you being late tomorrow?" Irina asked. I'm not really sure if she was making a snide remark about me being late today, or really just letting me know it didn't matter. I chose the safe option of ignoring what she said.
"Okay, I can do that." I said.
"Now that that's all settled, you guys can leave at least the room please while I talk with Bella." Tanya said.
They all left in a matter of seconds and I could have sworn I heard Irina yelling at Kate about something about wanting to kill her or something. Tanya's silent laughter just confirmed that Kate just dug herself a hole with Irina.
"So, both your parents are in town now. Are you going to tell them about us now?" Tanya asked as she wrapped her arm around my shoulders and pulled me closer to her.
I rested my head on her and she put her head on top my mine. For normal couples, this wouldn't be a problem. But seeing as my girlfriend is not only a girl, but also my almost former teacher and also older, not including her vampire age, it makes 'coming out' to my parents a little harder. I obviously won't be telling them she's a vampire, that whole it's against vampire law and whatnot, I can't really do that and I wouldn't ask Tanya and the family to break the law.
"I'm not really sure. I know I will at some point, I'm just not sure if I should tell them now or not. I want to, because I don't want to keep our relationship a secret. I also want to tell Renee in person and not over the phone. What do you think?" I asked her.
"Well, I agree with all that you've said. I would love for you tell your family so that I don't seem like some dirty secret anymore with you. I would also like to not have to avoid Charlie when we're spending time together. I don't want someone to see us and the gossip about it get back to Charlie and he find out that way. We got very lucky with Sarah that she was the only that was told and she didn't tell anyone else.
I also believe that you should tell your mom in person about us. With a serious conversation like the one you will have, it would show respect on your side to talk to her in person. It's not every day that someone tells their parents that they are in a serious relationship with their former teacher.
With that said though, I am technically your former teacher. It's against human law for me to go out with you. If you were to tell your parents now, I'm sure at least Charlie would be able to figure out that his daughter didn't just get into a serious relationship over-night. Even with our bond, it still took me time to get you to be mine, so there's no way a regular human would have gotten you in less time.
Ultimately, it's your choice. I will stand by whatever you decide. If you tell them later and want to fly out to tell Renee, then I'll fly with you if you want. If you want to tell them now and Charlie figures it out and they get mad, then I'll hide so only you can find me. Either way, it's no big deal to me." Tanya said.
Tanya's last point, about Charlie figuring out that I was with Tanya before I graduated; I know Charlie won't be okay with that. What parent would be? I don't want to cause Tanya any hassle than necessary and I don't to make her hide just because I couldn't wait.
"I'll wait; but only because I don't want to cause any un-needed drama." I told her.
"I appreciate that, but your choice does slightly make my present for a little more difficult to execute." Tanya said.
Now we're getting to the part of the night that I really wanted to get to.
"How so?" I asked. I don't want to just straight out ask and seem rude.
"You'll find out tomorrow. But it is late, so unless you want to spend the night, I'll have to get you home, or at least to the store to drive home." Tanya said with a smirk, she knows I want to know and she's purposefully not telling me.
"You should spend the night!" Kate said excitedly as she appeared in the living room, wearing a new outfit I might add.
"From what I understand, you tend to speak your mind when you sleep." Irina said as she appeared sitting in an arm chair, also in a new outfit. I so want to know what those two did and how Kate deserved what Irina did to her, but I get the feeling I probably won't ever know. But I also get the feeling that this happens all the time so I'll see this happen again.
"I think, I should probably go home, since everyone is expecting me back." I said as I fought off a blush.
How would they know I talk in my sleep though? I haven't slept around them. I know for a fact I haven't fallen asleep in Tanya's class, she always has a hundred percent of my attention. How would th-, oh, when I slept in the hotel room with Tanya. She even mentioned it to me, but the issue with Jake; she never got around to telling me what I said.
"Then let me drive you back to the store." Tanya said.
I said my short goodbyes to the others, Kate mentioning that she's looking forward to when she can hear all the interesting things I say in my sleep and Irina telling me that it will be good ammunition for them, I left. Luckily Eleazar and Carmen were nice enough to not mention anything.
"So, what did I say?" I asked when we were in the car and I felt we were a safe enough distance for the others not to hear.
"Most of what you said was completely gibberish." Tanya said with a smirk.
She's not going to tell me, I know that smirk. Just like with the present she's going to hold this over my head until she finally decides to tell me.
"Come on Tanya, I haven't bugged you that much about the present, at least tell me what I said." I practically begged.
"No need to beg love, I'll tell you." Tanya said as she parked the car.
Wow, we got here faster than I thought. I guess I waited longer than I thought to start talking and/or Tanya drove faster than I realized. Once the car was off, Tanya had my door opened for me to get out. She parked right next to my truck, so instead of walking to my truck, I instead wrapped my arms around Tanya's neck and leaned in close.
"Tell me please." I asked.
Tanya wrapped her arms around my waist and pulled me closer. I love this about her, where Edward at times seemed to not be able to stand to be near me because of my scent, Tanya can't get enough. Whenever she can she has her hands on me. If we can we are always kissing and touching. Where Edward wasn't strong enough to be close to me like I had wanted, Tanya isn't strong enough to stay, just like I want.
Her lips attacked mine as soon as she pulled me into her body. My eyes closed instantly from the intensity of the kiss. Every kiss with Tanya seems to get better and better, I don't think I'll ever grow tired of Tanya being mine.
Once again, Tanya was the one to pull away to allow me to breath and rested her forehead against mine.
"You said I'm better than Edward ever was. That's why even when you distanced yourself, I knew that at least subconsciously, you were mine. It just took you longer than preferred to realize it, but you did and that's what matters." Tanya said.
"You are so much better than Edward, at everything." I told her.
She grinned at me and gave me another kiss. This kiss lasted just as long as the other, but it seemed to hold more meaning to it. It seemed as if Tanya was trying to me how much she loved me through the kiss.
It took a little longer than usual for me to get into my truck and leave, Tanya is just really distracting. When I attempted to fight off a yawn though, Tanya made me leave. So I watched her disappear as she watched me drive away.
When I got home, everyone was asleep already since it was already late. Billy and Jake were staying with us to save on money and Renee and Phil got a hotel room since Charlie's house isn't big enough to hold any more people. The boys were already sleeping in the living room on the furniture, so the only place left would have been the floor. There's no way Renee would have been okay with that. I went straight to bed after setting my alarm. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.
The ceremony was nice. The speeches weren't as long as I thought they were going to be, but they were just as boring as I expected. The Denali's showed up after I did so when I separated from my family to go get my spot in line for the graduate's entrance, I was able to say hello to them real quick. Tanya was in the back with the graduates to help get us all in order, so I was able to talk to her a little before the ceremony started.
While we were all waiting to make our way into the hall where the ceremony was, we stood in lines in alphabetical order. The teachers kept walking down the lines of students to make sure we stayed in our right spots and didn't do anything stupid. Tanya naturally went down my line and I thought with all the times her hand 'accidently' swiped or grabbed my butt, someone would have noticed, but no one did. They may not have noticed Tanya's hands, but they sure all noticed my face and thought I was just really nervous for having to walk in front of people and probably trip down the stairs from the stage.
I'll have you all know that I didn't once trip while on stage or on the stairs. I tripped right before I got the stairs to go up onto the stage and as I walked down my row to get to my seat after I walked. I'm very happy that my clumsiness didn't ruin my walk.
After the ceremony, I went to the Denali's first and after they all told me congratulations, I told them I would call Tanya when I was leaving my house to go see them. After that I went to my family. Billy was sending a glare towards where I had left the Denali's, but he was nice enough to not mention anything to me. Jake didn't even say anything or give any indication that he knew vampires were there, hopefully this means that he's really okay with me being friends with them.
It took us almost an hour to get home because of all the traffic from everyone and their families leaving the parking lots. Then the streets themselves were also way over crowded. When we did get home, I made sure to make a big deal out the decorations Renee had put after I had left for the ceremony. I had to be there before everyone else, so Charlie, Jake and Billy went early with me and Renee and Phil came later.
We had a nice meal, all my favorites, that Phil and Billy cooked since no one trusted Charlie or Renee in the kitchen. After that I opened my gifts from everyone. Jake and Billy got me a part for my truck that it apparently really needed and made sure to have Charlie promise to put it in later. Renee and Phil got me some gift cards saying that what I decided to do now, whether college or career, I would need money to decorate a new apartment or a dorm room so they wanted to help. Charlie went with that idea also and got me gift cards as well for stuff for whatever I decided to do.
After the gifts, the conversation turned to what I planned on doing. Luckily I had already talked about this with Tanya and she gave me the perfect thing to tell them. Since I haven't applied to any colleges; not that my family knows that, I decided to just take some time off from school and travel. I told them this, and Renee seemed a little disappointed that I wasn't going straight to college, but both Phil and Charlie said it was fine. They said this way I would be able to go to college and know what I wanted to do and not waste money while I'm there and still deciding. Billy and Jake seemed indifferent and would probably have been happy with whatever I had decided.
I ended staying there much longer than I had wanted. I stayed so late that I had dinner, pizza of course, before I left for the bookstore. Tanya seemed really excited when I called her. When I arrived at the bookstore, she was already there waiting for me. She got in the passenger seat as soon as I unlocked the door for her. If it wasn't for her pointing out exactly where I needed to turn and telling me exactly when, I would have taken forever to get to the Denali home. When we did get there, Tanya was quick to get me into the living room.
The living was decked out in more graduation decorations. They also had a small individual cake that said congratulations on it for me. I was really touched about the effort they went through for me.
"Now it's time for presents." Kate said excitedly when I put down the fork after eating the last piece of the small cake.
I leaned back into my seat next to Tanya and cuddled up next to her.
"Okay, bring them on." I said, making sure my tone showed that I really didn't them.
"The first gift is from us." Carmen said, gesturing to her and Eleazar, as she handed me an envelope.
The last time I opened something in front of a bunch of vampires, I lost them all from a stupid paper cut. It seems that fate really has it out for me. Just like last time, this time I also got a paper cut. I couldn't say anything, I could only look around the room and wait for their reactions. Besides from their eyes darkening a little, nothing else happened.
"Why do you look so scared love, it's just a paper cut, you are okay right?" Tanya asked when she noticed my face. I must have looked like I was terrified, since well, I am.
"Well, the last time…" I said, trailing off while slightly lifting my figure and the slight gleam of red on it. It wasn't as bad as last time, it wasn't deep enough to drip, but it was still there.
"They are young and don't have as much control as we do. I told you already, you aren't at any risk here. Why don't you continue to open your gift sweetie, I promise you, your fine as are we." Tanya said then gave me a small kiss to try and calm me down. It worked, I calmed down and put the fear of them leaving out of my head, if they haven't reacted yet, they won't.
I finished opened the gift and read the letter Carmen and Eleazar gave me.
Bella;
As a member of this family, it is only fair that you are treated as such. Though we are all sure Tanya wouldn't mind sharing hers', we want you to have a room of your own here. There are several extra rooms in this house, you may pick one and have it as your own. This room can be decorated any way you want and if you really want to, can be remodeled.
The key inside this envelope is the key for this house. Though we rarely keep it lock and have no actual need for a lock since it would do nothing to keep us out, we still have one. Since you are family and have a room within this house, you now also have a key for this house to come and go whenever you want.
I'm sure Tanya will give you tour of the house later for you to decide which room will be yours. Once again, congratulations.
Eleazar and Carmen
After reading the letter, I pulled out the key from the envelope and shoved it into my pocket as I stood up. I felt my eyes getting slightly teary as I walked to them. Not even the Cullen's had given me a useless key to their house. I gave both of them a hug and told them thank you. I can definitely live with this gift.
I sat back down next to Tanya and she pulled me into a kiss.
"I think we should just skip looking at the other rooms and move you into my own room." Tanya said when she pulled away.
I chose not to answer and instead only blushed. I know that at some point I will move into her room, but for now I want my own room.
"Now, it's Tanya's turn." Kate said, sounding even more excited.
"Since we were banned from getting you anything." Irina said with a hint of irritation in her voice that made me smirk at her.
"Since the only places you have been to have been Arizona, Washington and Alaska, I want to take you someplace that from what I hear from people that have been everyone needs to go at least once, I want to take you to Disneyland. For one week, it will be just you and me at the happiest place on Earth." Tanya said with a giant grin.
That wasn't at all what I had thought she would have gotten me. Though to be honest, I really had no idea what she was going to get me. I have never been to Disneyland before and I've heard its fun. If it's planned right, and Tanya wears the right cloths, we can go now and she'll never be in the sun. I'm actually a little excited about it.
"Thank you Tanya, I've never been. I can't wait." I said excitedly while giving her a hug and of course a kiss.
"Good because we leave in three days." Tanya said.
Great, now I have to pack.
A/N: So, I hope Tanya's gift is okay with everyone. I actually had something else in mind, but then I decided it was a little too early for what I had planned, so I'll just use the idea later.
The next chapter will not be about them having fun in Disneyland. I refuse to write about that. I personally don't like reading about when people go on trips in other stories, unless it actually ties in with the actual plot and is not at all a filler, so I won't write about it. To me it would just be a waste of a chapter and boring. So, the next chapter will have the Cullen's in it, I'm just not sure how much yet of them yet.