Sorry to make you wait so long, but here´s chapter 7, finally... I know right! But such is life, sometimes we fail to keep our promises, or in this case, forget to post on all sites! Lol! So, no more rambling and here you go! Thanks for sticking with me! See you at the end!

Krazi

Thanks a million and one thanks to my wonderful betas: famaggiolo and Jdonovan09 ! Thanks girls, I could not do it without you!

DISCLAIMER: All things Twilight belong to Stephanie Meyer and Summit. Absolutely no copywrite infringement intended! I do own the Eclipse DVD! I do not practice BDSM! Don´t try this at home! Consider yourself warned!


For the Love of Domination: Chapter 7

How the Douche Bag Almost Stole Christmas...

BPOV

I pulled up to the simple, yet elegant wrought iron gate in front of Charlie´s and sighed. I was really here and there was absolutely no going back. Procrastinating, I´d yet to call Charlie and warn him of my impending arrival. Yeah chicken... much? Ha! All you're missing are the feathers. Thankfully, I had my own key and the pass code for the gate, there was really no need to call ahead.

I drove down the short, albeit winding driveway; heading towards Charlie´s simple, yet beautiful two-story colonial brick home. I chuckled as I took in the house and the vast acres of land it occupied; this was not the typical home of a police chief of such a tiny town, but then again Charlie was anything but typical. The truth was that Charlie – being an heir to the Swan fortune – could purchase this little rain forest of a town three times over and still never have to work another day in his life.

Although it´s always been a part of his life, like me, the money meant nothing to Charlie; he´d worked hard all his life just the same as anyone else. Always choosing to do things that couldn´t be influenced by his family name and their power.

He spent most of his life working for the military in some capacity, and when he retired he chose to take on the role of police chief, of this little out of the way dreary town. It didn´t matter to him that the nearest Wal-Mart was at least an hour away, as long as he could fish, and then he was as happy as a kid in a candy store.

Hence his reason for purchasing this particularhouse, I´m sure without the private lake that went on for miles, he wouldn´t have given it a second thought. Fishing was like breathing to Charlie – he needed it to survive.

Finally as the front door came into view, I could see the beautiful Christmas wreath adorning the front door, along with an enormous Christmas tree occupying the front window. I´m reminded of the fact that Charlie´s house was Esme´s first project when she opened her west coast office in Seattle; leaving her sister Didyme to run the one in Chicago, when Carlisle was transferred.

She had done a wonderful job of incorporating Charlie´s personality into the house, along with a subtle touch of class that didn´t strike you until you were right upon it.

In the beginning, she insisted on coming out and decorating it for the holidays. Due to the closeness that I share with the Cullen´s and the many Thanksgivings that Alice and spent with Charlie, he and the Cullen´s had become quite close.

It seems that they´d taken things to another level this year; I can´t remember the last time Charlie had put up a Christmas tree. He always said it was unnecessary; since I started spending Christmas with the Cullen´s first, and then later in New York.

Hmm..." I thought, usually, Esme mentions when she sees Charlie, maybe it´s the new housekeeper.

People somehow always felt the need to take care of Charlie; it was just something about him that drew people in. I was always guilty of the same thing, even though our visits had become few and far between.

Hopefully my move to Seattle will rectify that sad situation. I was really looking forward to strengthening the tight bond that I use to share with my father. For some reason, Charlie got me... and vice versa.

_FtLoD_

Climbing out of the car, both Mojo and I took the time to give our muscles a much-needed stretch. Having been cooped up in the car for the last three hours, he was in dire need of a bathroom break. With that out of the way, I pulled out the seldom-used key and opened the front door.

¨Hello, ¨ I called out, not wanting to startle anyone. ¨It´s me Bella," I called. Dad, Sue? Is anybody home? ¨ I knew that Charlie had a new housekeeper named Sue, but I didn´t know how often she came, or if she was working for the holidays. I´d never met the poor woman, and I didn´t want to risk giving her a heart attack.

I was glad that Charlie had someone to cook for him and make sure he had clean clothes. That was always one of those things that plagued me most, who's taking care of Charlie. Being a military man, he was quite self-sufficient, but I just loved that Sue was here to give him that motherly touch of TLC. Or so I thought at the time!

¨Mom, Bella´s here! ¨ shouted the cutest little boy I´d ever seen; he seemed to appear out of nowhere giving me a bit of a start.

¨Um... hi, ¨ I said shyly, not quite recovered from my shock. ¨Wait a minute, how do you know who I am? ¨ I asked looking dumbfounded.

¨Duh, ¨ he replied sarcastically, ¨your picture is everywhere, and besides; you look just like Pops.¨ He stated as if that fact should have been obvious. ¨C´mon, wanna play Mario Kart with me? ¨ He asked while grabbing my hand and dragging me towards the family room. Too stunned to do anything else, I follow; unable to close my mouth as the adorable little stranger pulled me across the floor.

First of all he seems to know me intimately, not in a way that says he´s only seen my picture. And secondly, he called my father pops? Note to self... find out when I got a little brother, and why the fuck didn´t I know this!

What, jealous you´re not the only child anymore!

You, stay out of this!

The next thing I know a petite woman looking to be in her late thirties to early forties came bustling in the room wiping her hands vigorously on a dish towel. She had to be the little boy´s mother, because their resemblance was striking. Duh! He just called her mom, Einstein! They both had the same jet-black hair and reddish brown skin. I´m assuming they are from the Quileute reservation down in La Push or from one of the neighboring tribes.

They had the same almond shaped eyes, both extremely expressive with a little twinkle; except hers are jet black and his a beautiful shade of brown, almost cinnamon in color. Their brilliant white teeth were a definite contrast the beautiful color of their russet skin. I didn´t know who these beautiful welcoming strangers were, but I couldn´t help but to like them already!

Strangers!

You´re the one who never visits!

They look quite comfy to me.

So I guess that you make you the stranger, doll face!

The voice made a valid point. It was just another slap in the face, proving how much Charlie and I had grown apart.

The little boy´s squeals effectively snapped me out of my stupor. ¨Cool, mom look, Bells´ has a dog! ¨ He squealed in delight, rivaling the pixie. Bells! Yep, this kid definitely knows Charlie! He would definitely give Alice a run for her money! And that was saying something. Apparently, he´d just discovered that Mojo was there.

Immediately, he pounced, causing a bit of a commotion. My poor dog had never seen a real live child up close and personal, and he was threatening to go into cardiac arrest. The poor little fellow was scared shit less.

¨Seth, no! ¨ His mother cried, a little too late unfortunately; as my feet got tangled in Mojo´s leash, and my ass none to graciously collided with the floor.

¨Humph, ¨ I huffed. Did I say I like this kid? The jury is definitely still out on that one!

¨Seth, ¨ his mother scolded. ¨Look at what you´ve done! Apologize right this minute…! ¨ She demanded sternly.

As his lip begin to tremble and big fat tears rolled down his chubby little cheeks, ¨s... s... so... sorry!¨ By this time he was full out wailing, wrenching my heart into a million tiny pieces.

I had no fucking clue where the instinct to console him and take his pain away came from, but I had an overwhelming urge to do just that. After all, apart from a few times here and there spent with Alice´s cousin Julian – even that was minimal – I had never been around children.

Reaching out to gather the precious little angel in my arms; I begin rubbing soothing circles on his back, quietly shushing his cries. ¨Shh... Seth, it´s okay, you didn´t hurt me.¨ I cooed into his ear.

¨Speak for yourself! ¨ My conscience complained, while rubbing her backside. Okay, maybe it hurt just a little!

¨Mojo has never been around children before; you just frightened him a little. That´s all.¨ I spoke reassuringly. Well folks, looks like the jury have come to a unanimous vote; this kid is the best thing since sliced cheese!

¨I didn´t mean to hurt you, honest Bella! I... I just wanted to see your doggie.¨ He hiccupped. ¨Please don´t be mad at me Bella... please, ¨ he pleaded.

It literally broke my heart to watch this precious little boy cry over a simple mistake. ¨Shh... Sweetie, I´m not mad at you, in fact, how would you like to officially meet my dog, Mojo? ¨ I asked as I situated him comfortably in my lap.

The left over tears in his eyes glistened, as they twinkled with his barely contained excitement. ¨Really...! Can I touch him? I promise to be careful! Please, Bella... pleeeeease! ¨ He pleaded, giving me his best pair of puppy dog eyes. How the hell could I deny him anything, when he looked at me like this?

Whoa! You are so easy, two minutes and the kid has you wrapped around his little finger!

True!

¨Sure you can, sweetie, ¨ I replied. ¨Mojo, come here boy! ¨ I called to my still somewhat shell-shocked dog. Mojo seemed to cringe at the idea of coming anywhere near me, while Seth was around.

Is it me or did he just shake his head no!

Trust me, it definitely wasn´t you; looks like we´ll have to bring out the heavy artillery!

As I stared down my defiant dog, I contemplated my next move. Mojo was giving me a look that said, I don´t fucking think so; that in itself let me know that I would have to fight dirty, if I had any chance of winning. I stuck my hand in the side of his bag; I was pulling out the big guns.

Unfortunately, my dog can never turn down food, so when I pulled the bacon treat from his bag; his feet began to move of their own accord, willing him towards me. Growling – obscenities I´m sure – the whole way, he was not a happy camper. A few more unauthorized treats given to him by Seth, and Mojo had found himself a new best friend.

_FtLoD_

I was sitting in the kitchen having a cup of coffee and getting to know Sue, when Charlie´s deep voice rang out from the utility room. ¨Sue, Seth... I´m home! Who does that fancy blue car in the driveway belong to? ¨ Charlie asked, never looking up as he entered the kitchen. I silently placed my finger over my lip indicating to Sue not to say anything.

After toeing off his work boots, he began to lift his head while removing his Forks PD jacket. ¨Sue, did you hear me? Who...? ¨ He stopped mid sentence when his eyes fell on me sitting at the kitchen table. ¨Bells, ¨ was all he was able to get out before I was wrapping myself around his waist engulfing him in my feeble embrace.

In that very moment, nothing else mattered; not what Jake did, not my fear of starting my life over, not my unrequited love for Edward, and not my desire to be dominated... none of it mattered... nothing but my daddy – the man who could make it all better.

Charlie was not the most affectionate of people, when it came to hugging and kissing; but I could never remember a time when he didn´t calm my fears and remind me that he would always be there to chase the bad dreams and monsters in the closet away. Then what the hell took you so long to get here! Since you met Jacob Black, your life has been nothing but a fucking nightmare!

Tell me about it!

I didn´t realize that I was crying until I felt the soft touch of Charlie´s calloused thumb wiping away my tears. ¨Bells, what is it? ¨ He asked glancing nervously between Sue and me. ¨I... I... I´m sorry I didn´t tell you about them,¨ he tried to explain, ¨but I was waiting for the right time.¨ I was perplexed by his admission, but suddenly realization hit; Charlie thought I was upset about him and Sue. Surprised... yes, but upset... no!

I spent the last hour or so getting to know Sue and Seth and already they had me wrapped around their little finger; I couldn´t wish for Charlie to be in better hands. They were both so warm and inviting, you couldn´t help but to love them. It put some of my worry to rest, just knowing that Charlie had them to come home to.

¨No Dad, it´s fine, I'm not mad at all. Even though she didn´t come right out and say it; I kind of figured that you and Sue are together.¨ I admitted giving them both a watery smile, which probably looked more like a lopsided grimace. ¨It´s Jacob, Daddy, ¨ I sniffed. ¨We... we... we´re getting an annulment! ¨ I let out a choked sob. Charlie awkwardly guided me to the kitchen table, gesturing for me to sit. It wasn´t until I was seated and wiping my nose on the Kleenex Charlie handed me, that I noticed we were alone.

The look of sadness and pain in Charlie´s eyes was enough to bring on a fresh round of tears. I knew that he would blame himself, unlike Renee, who would never admit that it was her fault for bringing – the scum of the earth – Jacob Black into my life in the first place. I couldn´t sit there in good conscience and let Charlie blame himself; he´d always tried to protect me as best he could, and I didn´t want him to think that he had somehow failed me now.

Looking into his eyes was like looking into a mirror, because mine were an exact replica, except for the tiny wrinkles that now adorned his around the corners; they were still the windows to our souls. Never the less, he was just as handsome as I always remembered, father time had been extremely kind to him over the years.

¨Dad, please don´t blame yourself, there was nothing you could have done. ¨ I pleaded. ¨I knew, but it doesn´t make it hurt any less.¨ I admitted.

¨You what? ¨ Charlie asked. ¨What do you mean you knew! What aren´t you telling me Isabella?¨ I felt like a small child being scolded, as I watched the vein in Charlie´s temple throb with his obvious disappointment at my admission.

¨Well... I mean... I just...¨ I stuttered, not knowing how or what exactly to tell him, especially since I was such a terrible liar. Yeah Swan, you really fuck this one up! Do you honestly think you´re going to be able to lie to the chief and get away with it!

Maybe I can just tell him all the important parts!

Oookay... good luck with that!

I took a deep breath and explained to Charlie how I suspected that Jacob was cheating on me and how I hired a private detective to follow him. I managed to even get through telling him how I caught Jacob with another woman at the reception; but didn´t want to make a scene, so I put on a brave face and suffered through it until the end, when I boarded a plane for Seattle with Jazz and Alice.

I was able to skim over the pre-nup payment which; was nothing more than a legal form of extortion when you really looked at it, and my decision to get a fresh start in Seattle. When I was done recanting my twisted tale of events, I couldn´t believe how cleansed I felt.

I knew that this wouldn´t be the last time that I would have to tell this fucked up tale, but for some reason it only mattered to me what the important people in my life would think. Charlie being the last on that short list, since I already had the support of my adopted family – the Cullen´s. I waited with bated breath for Charlie to speak.

Taking a hand and scrubbing it across his face, Charlie let out an exasperated sigh, ¨Bells, why didn´t you tell me? I would have done anything to protect you! ¨In the blink of an eye, Charlie was pulling me from my seat and crushing me to his chest. I relished in the security that I felt; and for the first time, I truly believed everything was going to be okay.

It had been years since Charlie held me on his lap, and even though I was probably crushing his legs; I couldn´t find the will to move. So instead, I tuck my head in the crook of his neck and just breathed him in; the smell of Grey Flannel cologne, gun oil, and peppermint, mixed with just the right amount of Charlie... was just what the doctor ordered.

I sighed deeply as a few more traitorous tears escaped my eyes, ¨I missed you so much dad; I promise not to stay away so long next time¨ I mumbled sadly. I wasted so much time trying to be the perfect daughter – that Renee could brag to all her social biddies about – that I missed out on valuable time with my father.

Growing up, I had always been really close to Charlie; I don´t know how to explain it really, we always had this silent understanding of each other. When we were together; I always knew that it was about me, he made sure of it. That´s more than I can say for Renee, who even attempted to hire me a nanny, until at the ripe old age of nine – she realized I was more of an adult that she was.

Wiping my tears with the back of my hand, I took a deep, yet cleansing breath; it was time that I stop wallowing in misery and move on with my life. There were two remarkable people waiting in the family room to get to know me better, and I´ll be damned if I let that douche Jacob Black ruin our Christmas!

¨So... care to explain to me why the cleaning lady´s son is calling you pop? ¨ I asked, cocking my eyebrow and trying unsuccessfully to hide my smirk.

The tell tale blush rising up Charlie´s cheeks was priceless; I thought he was going to combust with embarrassment. Ha! It was nice to see somebody else suffer from the irritating family trait for a change.

¨Uh... well I... you see...¨ he sputtered, taken aback by my forthrightness; he had no idea what to say.

Wanting to ease his discomfort, I gave his hand a gentle squeeze, ¨it´s okay dad, really. I can´t tell you how happy I am that you found someone, after all these years.¨ I admitted honestly. ¨Mom was so not worth the time you spent trying to get over her. I spent less than an hour with Sue; already, I feel closer to her than I ever did to Renee.¨ I looked him in the eyes hoping that he could see the truth of my words in mine.

¨Really Bells, your alright with Sue and Seth living here? ¨ Charlie asked nervously. ¨I promise that I wasn´t trying to hide them from you. It´s just everything happened so fast and then there was the wedding; it just never seemed like the right time. I never wanted you to find out like this! You have to believe me...! ¨ He let his words trail off and I could see that he really did want my approval of their relationship.

¨I know you would never do anything to hurt me on purpose; unlike Renee, you have always tried to include me in your decision making... especially the ones that affected us as a family.¨ I spoke truthfully. Since Renee destroyed our family all those years ago, without as much as a second thought to Charlie and my feelings, he always made it a point to run all major decisions by me first.

It was always a quality that I loved about him – even something I´d inherited as well – his ability to put others before himself. Sometimes the Jacob Black´s and Renee´s of this world made you want to second guess your decisions, but the selfless Esme´s and Carlisle´s proved time and time again, that in the end goodness will always prevail.

Standing to my feet, I heard Charlie grunt. ¨Well old man, I think you´re going to have to get in better shape, if you´re going to keep up with that rambunctious little boy in there.¨ I teased lightheartedly.

Charlie´s face once again took on a serious expression, ¨Bells, he could never replace you, ¨ his chocolate eyes rimmed with a sadness of the years we could never get back.

¨I know that silly, ¨ I replied, trying to bring him out of his somber mood. ¨Sue and I talked... I know about Harry, ¨ I said quietly, not wanting Seth to overhear. ¨If anything that precious little boy out there needs us; I don´t know about you, but I don´t intend to let him down.¨ I stated with conviction, ¨besides, I´ve always wanted a little brother! ¨ I winked.

Before I knew it Charlie was pulling me in to another bone crushing hug, ¨you are definitely one of a kind, I love you Bells... and... Well... I´m proud of ya kid! ¨ Charlie huffed out awkwardly, not use to displaying his emotions.

Pulling him by the hand, ¨I know dad... I´ve always known... I love you too.¨ I knew that there was nothing more to be said on the subject; Charlie knew that I understood how proud he was of my accomplishments, even if he didn´t say it that often. The twinkle that would come to his eye or the way his chest puffed out like a proud papa peacock whenever my name was mentioned was proof enough. ¨Now let´s go find our new family and get to know each other a little better.¨ With that we struck out to find Sue and Seth out in the front yard playing with Mojo – even he´d welcome them in to the family.

_FtLoD_

I couldn´t remember the last time I´d enjoyed a Christmas away from the Cullen´s, but I was having a blast. Sue was an excellent mother and sometimes I couldn´t stop the ache that would rise in my chest, watching her care for Seth. She reminded me so much of Esme, her son was her top priority.

She chose to give him her time and attention rather than expensive trinkets and gadgets to keep him out of her hair. Renee could learn a lot from Esme and Sue; I couldn´t count the number of times I received some useless gadget or new item of clothing, as opposed to time and attention from my flighty mother.

Charlie was working overtime so that he could have Christmas Eve and Christmas day off, which gave Sue, Seth, and I plenty of time to spend together. We decorated a special little tree with popcorn garland and handmade ornaments that Seth and I made together. This would officially be his tree; secretly I was hoping that this would become one of our new family traditions. He really was a special little boy; I found that we had several things in common.

The most ironic being that we shared the same birthday, once he found that out, he made me promise that we would have a joint birthday party next year. Our theme is going to be Twilight, like me he´s a huge fan. He was fortunate enough to get Taylor Launter´s autograph when he came to La Push to research the Quileute Indians for his role in the movie. Seth is determined to be a werewolf when he grows up. Can you blame the boy! Such great taste in movies! Definitely my kind of little brother!

I also learned that Sue had a daughter as well, Leah, she left La Push when she was 17 and rarely ever came back to visit. Seth barely knew her and she didn´t even bother to come home when her father died, using the excuse that she didn´t have the money for airfare. What a selfish bitch! Tell me about it, she would be perfect for Jacob! My heart ached as Sue confided in me about her wayward daughter; it seems that Leah wasn´t satisfied with small town life, always complaining about what someone else had and she didn´t.

The hurt and pain that clouded her black eyes, brought tears to mine. No matter what Renee did, or didn´t do in her case, I could never hurt her on purpose. Leah sounded like a callous spoiled little bitch that only cared about herself.

How could she not show up to own father´s funeral?

How could she just leave her mother to suffer alone with her three-year-old brother, who didn´t have a clue as to what the hell was going on?

I so never want to meet her!

Yet somehow I knew that if Leah were to walk through the door tomorrow, Sue would take her back like the prodigal daughter she was. After all, wasn´t unconditional love part of being a good parent?

Harry, Sue´s late husband, had been Charlie´s fishing buddy and good friend since he first moved here to Forks. When he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer five and a half years ago, he made Charlie promise to take care of Sue and Seth in the event of his demise.

Harry was a loved and well respected elder of the tribe; people listened when he spoke, so once he made his dying wish known, it was never questioned by the tribe. There was even a ceremony and bond fire making Charlie and honorary member of the Quileute nation.

When Harry succumbed to the fatal disease six months later; Charlie, Sue and little Seth were devastated. Already being Seth´s godfather, Charlie fell right in and he and Sue made sure that Seth knew he was loved. To make up for the uncaring attitude of her selfish daughter, Sue went above and beyond to keep Seth happy.

Late one night after I´d tucked Seth – who´d taken to sleeping with me – in my be,; Sue, Charlie and I sat around the fireplace talking. Sue and I settled in with red wine, while Charlie sat pulling from a bottle of his beloved Heineken. They shared with me a bit more of how Sue and Seth came to live with Charlie, and how they went from friends to a family.

Harry was a wonderful husband and father; always doing the best he could to provide for his family, but working on the reservation he could only do so much. Making sure that their land and house would be paid for after his death, he wasn´t able to leave them with much money.

His doctor bills and prescriptions had taken a severe chunk of their savings. They often fought about him wanting to give up and stop all treatments. Eventually though, he did win and opted not to continue with the chemotherapy. Charlie insisted that he could help, but in the end Harry´s pride would not let him take any handouts. He simply said ¨if you want to help somebody, help Seth. Promise me you´ll help my boy go to college and make something of himself. Please don´t let the world take him like they took my Leah.¨

The more they told me, the more my heart swelled with pride, the pride that can only come from having a father that´s a true hero. Charlie tried to no avail to get Sue and Seth to move in with him, stating that, although the house was paid for, it still needed a lot of work.

It wasn´t until Seth became ill, that she finally relented, but only if Charlie would let her be his housekeeper. She knew that a small town Chief of police didn´t make that much money and she wouldn´t feel right causing him to have to struggle to take care of two more people.

Little did she know that Charlie never had to work another day in his life, he only chose to; he always said, ¨it gave his life purpose.¨ I knew exactly how he felt! When Seth was 5 he was playing by the water at First Beach and stepped on a jellyfish. He had a severe allergic reaction to the venom. Thank God it was dead and the sting wasn´t as potent, but his allergic reaction made it 10 times worse than normal.

After getting him stable enough to move, Charlie insisted that he be air lifted to Seattle, where Carlisle could oversee his care. Sue was completed devastated. Thankfully, Charlie had also been made Seth´s legal guardian... at Harry´s request. He was able to make medical decisions for Seth, without needing permission from Sue.

Once again Leah was a no-show! Her mother was on the verge of losing everything and she couldn´t get her head out of her ass long enough to show up! I´m beginning to think that even the title bitch is too good for her! Seth was given extra special treatment and care, unbeknownst to me, by both Carlisle and Edward; and after a two-week hospital stay, he was cleared and ready to go home.

At Charlie´s insistence and little to no resistance from Sue, she agreed to move in with him. During their time at the hospital, Charlie confided in Sue about his family´s wealth. That was something neither Charlie nor I were comfortable sharing, but he knew that he was falling in love with Sue and he wanted her to know everything.

Even though he knew she was nowhere near ready for a new relationship; he didn´t want them to live a lie. He would just have to be patient and share any capacity of their lives that he was allowed. Seth spent the next three weeks undergoing grueling physical therapy; the venom had severely affected his nervous system.

He had to learn to walk all over again. Thank God with his age and Carlisle and Edward´s extraordinary connections he was treated by the best, and there was no long-term affects of the accident.

After sharing the grief of Harry´s death and Seth´s horrible accident, Charlie and Sue had grown closer. They finally decided in the early part of this year to stop fighting their attraction for one another and give love a try. They had been co-parenting Seth since Harry´s death, so their revelation just served to solidify their little family.

My heart got stuck in my in throat when Sue informed me that the only things missing to make our family complete was Leah and I. I couldn´t speak for Leah, but I definitely was glad to finally have a real family of my own. Not that Renee, Phil, and I weren´t family, we just didn´t have that feel of tradition like the Cullen´s and now Sue and Charlie had.

I gave her a tight squeeze; hoping to convey all the love I come to feel for her, just in the past few days. I bid them both goodnight and headed to bed. What greeted me as I crossed the threshold was a welcoming surprise. Mojo´s little head was barely peeking from under the covers and buried in the crook of Seth´s neck. I quickly grabbed my iPhone and snapped a picture, making it my new screen saver.

I smiled as I climbed into bed and snuggled up to my little brother. Little brother! Really! Yes, really! I breathed in his chamomile and jasmine scent one more time, before falling into a deep and comfortable sleep.

_FtLoD_

Seth and I had just finished putting on our coats for our trip to Port Angeles, when we heard Sue scream. ¨What! Really! I can´t believe it! ¨

We rushed in the kitchen to see what all the commotion was about. Sue was standing by the sink gripping the counter so hard her knuckles were white. Immediately Seth wrapped his tiny arms around Sue´s waist, ¨please don´t cry mommy! It´s okay, ¨ he sniffed. Not knowing the importance of the call; I quickly guided Seth to the family room, so Sue could finish.

Seth crawled onto my lap and snuggled into my chest; I could tell he was frightened and confused, so I hugged him tightly to me hoping he felt safe. In the short time I´d known him, I´d become very protective of the little guy. It was killing me to see that look of fear and uncertainty in his beautiful brown eyes.

¨Sissy, is mommy going to be okay? I don´t like to see her cry, ¨ he mumbled shyly into my chest. He´d taken to calling me sissy and each time he said it, my heart just swelled a little more with love for him.

¨Sweetie, I´m sure your mommy is just fine, ¨ I replied, secretly praying those were tears of joy. ¨Sometimes people cry when they´re happy, so just because she was crying doesn´t that mean she was sad.¨

¨I hope those were happy tears; I don´t like it when mommy´s sad, ¨ he whispered, while toying with the strings on my hoodie.

¨Me too, bug... me too...¨ I silently prayed that it was indeed good news that Sue was receiving, she´d been through enough in the last couple of years... she deserved to be happy.

Just then Sue burst into the living room beaming from ear to ear. ¨Sue, what is it? Is everything okay? ¨ I asked in a rush to get information.

¨Bella, I can´t believe it...! ¨ Said Sue. ¨My little girl is finally coming home! ¨ She yelled, no longer able to contain her excitement. Wow! That was news!

Yippee!

I finally get to meet Leah the mega-bitch!

Great!

This ought to be interesting!

Placing Seth on his feet, I crossed the room to where Sue was standing. She was trembling with excitement, ¨I can´t tell how happy I am for you. I know it will be great to finally have your family back together.¨ I said bringing her in for a hug. I sincerely hope this broad doesn´t do anything to ruin Christmas. I´d hate to have to kick her ass!

After a few more details concerning Leah´s Christmas Eve arrival; Seth and I headed to Port Angeles for a little bit of fun and some last minute Christmas shopping. Mojo was staying with Sue, so I decided that Seth and I would go to the movies. After laughing till our sides hurt at Shrek the Halls, we headed over to Chuckie Cheese´s – where a kid could be a kid. Our day was absolutely perfect, I don´t remember the last time I laughed so hard.

After spending an obscene amount of money on my favorite little bug boy, Seth and I decided to get an ice cream sundae from the food court, before we headed back to Forks. ¨So, did you have fun today little man, ¨ I asked dipping into the delicious caramel sundae.

¨Yeah, ¨ he mumbled unconvincingly.

Something was off; for some reason he wouldn´t look me in the eye, but before I could ask him my cell phone chimed indicating I had a text message from Alice. Unlocking the screen, I touched the message icon to see what she wrote.

B - Operation Sir/pet is officially a go! Yay me! There´s a disposable cell and a note explaining everything waiting in your room, USE IT! AS SOON AS YOU GET HOME! Love ya! Toodles! - Alicat

All of a sudden my stomach filled with butterflies, this was really happening... I was going to be a sub. Slow your horses there speedy, it´s just a test scene! True, but it´s a start right!

We´d been talking nightly since I´d been in Forks, but my mind was reeling at the possibility of my dream becoming reality. God, Alice is a fucking force of nature; she probably could solve World Hunger, if someone asked her to! When will you learn to never underestimate the pixie! You don´t have to tell me twice, consider the lesson learned! I quickly typed my response, wanting to get back to my conversation with Seth.

A-Wow... I am pissing my pants Ali! Are you serious! This is really fucking happening! I´m scared shit less, but I trust you. Seriously, you're the best and I love you to pieces! - B

Looking up from my phone, I was mesmerized by the look in Seth´s beautiful brown eyes. The childish twinkle was gone, replaced by an unexplainable sadness; I hope this doesn´t have anything to do with Leah waltzing back into his life. Immediately, he lowered his eyes, seeming very shy all of a sudden.

I reached across the table and placed a finger under his chin, coaxing him to look me in the eye. ¨Hey buddy, ¨ wiping the tears from his cheeks, ¨what´s wrong, why are you crying? ¨

Aside from the incident with Mojo the day I arrived, I´d never seen him cry... he was always such a happy child.

¨I´m scared, ¨ sniffed Seth, as he fidgeted with string on his jacket.

¨You're scared of what? ¨ I asked, not wanting to come out and ask him about his feelings toward Leah.

That seemed to open the floodgates and the damn overflowed ¨I... I... I don´t want you to go away! I pr... pro... promise to be good! Please sissy, don´t leave me...¨ he sobbed.

What?

Where did he think I was going?

I was irrevocably changed, by both Sue and Seth... I couldn´t imagine just walking away and having a life without them!

Think about it for a minute, Leah left him!

He´s afraid that you´ll do the same!

Wow! I never thought of that, truthfully, I was just as attached to him as he was to me!

With our sundae now melted and totally forgotten, I quickly moved to the other side of the table and scooped him up in my lap. ¨Sweetie, I´m not going to leave you, ¨ I spoke confidently through my own falling tears, "I love you too much to do something like that." ¨I have to work in Seattle, but I promise to come and visit whenever I can.¨

¨You mean, you´ll still wanna be my sissy when you go home? ¨ He hiccupped. God, it just broke my heart to see him like this; damn that bitch Leah for hurting him. ¨I don´t wanna see Leah tomorrow, ¨ he said so low, I almost didn´t hear him. This only served to justify my worried thoughts, of his growing apprehension and fear for the return of his sister.

¨It´s going to be okay bug, ¨ I reassured, praying that it wasn´t in vain. ¨I´ll be there, so will pop and Sue, it´ll be okay, you´ll see.¨

¨But I don´t know her, ¨ he whispered.

¨I know bug, how about we all get to know her together, ¨ I suggested with a smile, that I know didn´t reach my eyes.

When our trash was taken care of, I decided to buy one more gift that was sure to bring a smile to my little bug boy´s face. We took a trip to the Apple store and while Seth was busy with a very nice salesman trying out video games; I had them wrap the new 27¨ iMac I bought him, along with some educational computer games. I figured we could Skype at a certain time every day, that way he didn´t have to worry about me forgetting him.

Good going Swan, let´s see Leah top that!

Who´s the favorite big sister now!

Bella -1 … Leah - 0

Take that bitch!

_FtLoD_

Sue and I had just finished taking the last of the pumpkin pies out of the oven, when we heard the front door open. Seth, who had been extra nervous and quite a bit clingy since waking up this morning, looked up from his coloring book with anxiety written all over his face. Sue even seemed a bit tense as well. Charlie had left early this morning headed to Seattle to meet Leah at Sea-Tac, so I guess they´re back. Why does that not make me feel any better!

¨Sue! Kids, we´re back! ¨ Charlie yelled from the foyer.

I took a deep breath and intertwined my fingers with Sue and Seth´s hands, giving each one a gentle reassuring squeeze as we headed to the family room. To say I was blown away by what greeted me would be the fucking understatement of the year. There standing in front of the fireplace was a very beautiful and very pregnant Leah Clearwater.

It turns out that Leah and her fiancé Will, who´s been working in China the last couple of months, were expecting a baby boy. I couldn´t help the pang of jealousy I felt at her happiness. Why couldn´t that have been Jacob and I? Don´t even go there! You know that you could never love Jake... not like you love him! I listened in silence as Leah went on and on about how perfect Will was and how happy he was about becoming a father.

Can somebody please pass me a gag bag and some Pepto?

Feeling just as out of place as I did; Seth continued to twirl a strand of my hair around his right index finger, while sucking on his favorite two fingers of his left hand. I noticed he did this when he was either sleepy or nervous; normally, while doing this, he would rub his favorite baby blanket on his cheek, but had taken to substituting with strands of my hair... whenever it was within reach. He´d yet to even acknowledge Leah´s presence; not that she would notice, self-absorbed as she was.

Poor Sue was just beside herself with joy, at the fact that in just three and a half short months, she was becoming a grandmother. She was hanging on Leah´s every word, like a thirsty man finally receiving a drink. I just hope the prodigal bitch... uh... I mean, Leah, would stick around long enough for her to enjoy her grandson.

Oh sorry, didn´t I mention... it´s a boy folks!

Yippee-kye-fucking-yay!

I take it that you´re juuuust a bit bitter!

Ya think!

For some reason that I couldn´t put my finger on, I kept getting a bad vibe from Leah. I had this steady sense of foreboding – something was going to happen to ruin Christmas – all thanks to the diva herself. Even my dog growled at her, when she walked by. If Mojo didn´t like someone, that was saying something... after all; my dog was an excellent judge of character.

After about an hour and a half of her incessant chatter, she finally acknowledged the fact that there were other people in the room. ¨Sethy, ¨ she whined in her annoyingly nasal tone. ¨How´s my wittle brovah doing? ¨ she asked.

What the fuck!

What language is that, fucking Klingon!

Seth is eight fucking years old!

Where the fuck has she been for the last five fucking years!

Oh yeah, that´s right... with her head stuck up her bitchy ass!

Reaching out like she was going to touch him, Seth flinched and burrowed deeper into my hair hiding his face. She just huffed and then proceeded to address me. ¨Oh, you must be Ella, ¨ she said plastering on a fake smile. ¨Charlie´s told me all about you, ¨ she continued offering me a limp hand to shake. Was this bitch for real! Does she not know that I eat fake ass bitches like her for breakfast!

Ooo... no, no Ms. Leah, girl you will not try to do me!

I take it you don´t like her very much?

Bin-fucking-go! And the motherfucking winner is...

¨Apparently he didn´t tell you enough, ¨ I mumbled sarcastically, trying to cover up my sarcasm with a cough. I could see Charlie´s shoulders shake as he tried to laugh discreetly over in the corner. ¨It´s actually Bella, nice to finally meet you, Sue´s told me quite a bit about you too.¨ I said offering her an awkward two-finger shake, while giving her my best bitch brow. That´s right bitch, I´ve got my eye on you!

¨Yeah, okay... whatever, and ¨ she stated dismissively. ¨So mom where is my room? I sooo need to freshen up.¨ She said smugly, sounding like a want to be from the OC.

This bitch is all kinds of extra!

It´s going to be a long ass Christmas!

Seth and I went into the kitchen to make soup and grill cheese sandwiches for lunch, while Charlie and Sue helped last year´s runner-up in the Miss America Pageant get settled in.

Damn, she didn´t even get the crown!

Tell me about it!

I knew that Sue was elated to have her little girl home, but I couldn´t help but feel like Sue was wondering who this new person was. After getting to know Sue and Seth, and hearing stories about Harry, the girl upstairs couldn´t be the same Leah they knew and loved.

_FtLoD_

Lunch was quite the adventure, well that is if you frequently tune into the Leah Clearwater show. Charlie pretended to listen, while Sue hung on her daughter´s every word. Seth and I on the other hand, settled into our own little bubble at the other end of the table.

We would laugh ever so often, while Seth tried and failed miserably, to sneak Mojo pieces of his grilled cheese sandwich. We earned quite a few glares from the drama queen that we stoically ignored, giving less than two shits what she thought.

Wanting to give Sue some one on one time with Leah, and needing a break from all her fucking yapping; Seth and I headed to the Thriftway to get ingredients so we could make cookies for Santa. I was giddy every time I thought about the computer I bought him. Seeing that his poor excuse of sister had barely said five words to him, I knew he needed someone to put him first. Not that Sue was taking sides, okay maybe she was... just a little, but I really couldn´t blame her.

In her defense though, she hadn´t seen her daughter in years and I just think she´s afraid that Leah was going to run off again. And now that the stakes were even higher with Leah being pregnant, I don´t think Sue wants to risk it. She´s basically stuck between a rock and a hard place. I´m just glad that Charlie and I are here to make sure Seth gets the attention he deserves, and he doesn´t fall through the cracks in the process.

Seth and I cruised through the small isles, crowded with last minute shoppers; I couldn´t help but smile while I watched the little boy who´d stolen my heart, sneaking unnecessary items into my shopping cart. As he tossed a pack of Golden Oreo´s into the basket; like he was working from his own personal grocery list, I chuckled.

¨You know I saw that right? ¨ I teased him.

¨Huh… ¨ he responded shyly.

¨Bug, I´m an attorney, amnesia is right up there with the insanity plea! ¨ I laughed a bit too loudly for our current location.

¨What! ¨ He asked, legitimately confused this time.

Unable to keep from laughing as he feigned innocence, I bent down and placed a quick kiss on the tip his nose. ¨Bug boy, you are so busted! I saw you put the Oreo´s and everything else in the basket.¨

His little russet colored cheeks tinged a rose hue with his embarrassment at being caught. ¨Sorry sissy, I´ll but ´em back, ¨ he replied sadly, while toeing the front wheel of the basket nervously.

¨Hey, ¨ I whispered squatting so that we were at eye level, ¨Oreo´s are my favorite, especially, the golden kind; I would be really sad if you did that.¨ I mock pouted.

Surprising me, he wrapped his tiny arms around my neck, ¨I love you sissy.¨

¨I love you more, bug.¨ I breathed returning his hug. Who in their right mind wouldn´t love and want to get to know this wonderful little boy?

We continued on with our impromptu shopping, getting more sugary treats than any eight-year-old should be allowed. Seth was playing one of the million games he so cleverly downloaded to my iPhone, when I heard Charlie´s familiar ring tone playing. Even after a year of having it, the kid was operating my phone better than me.

¨It´s pop, ¨ he grinned, as he hit the talk red button. ¨Hey pop...¨ He sang.

I figured that if Charlie wanted to talk to me Seth would pass me the phone; so I continued gathering ingredients for my green bean casserole, while he chirped away happily with my dad.

As I strolled down the small cluttered aisles, I was daydreaming about Edward, as I often did when I was around Seth. I still couldn´t wrap my head around the fact that he and Carlisle had taken such good care of him. Charlie spoke very highly of him and Carlisle, constantly praising them for going above and beyond for Seth after his accident.

What really shocked me was when Sue told me that every so often, Edward still comes to Forks to visit with Seth. Could he be anymore perfect? Yeah! He could be yours, which would really make him perfect! True! I was snapped out of my mental musings by Seth tugging on my sleeve.

¨Sissyyyyy, ¨ he whined.

¨Huh! ¨ I was trying to clear my head of the fog of my thoughts. ¨Sorry bug, what was that? ¨

¨I said, ¨ he began with exasperation, ¨pop said to bring Leah some monkey ice cream and some fasic pickle spears! ¨ He informed me with a roll of his cinnamon eyes.

Huh?

What the fuck are fasic pickles?

I´m pretty sure he meant Chunky Monkey ice cream, but I had no clue about the pickles, so we headed to the condiments aisle to search. Immediately when I looked at the shelves of the different pickle brands; I couldn´t contain my laughter as realization hit. I was trying unsuccessfully to reign in my fit of giggles, as Seth looked on confused.

¨Vlasic, ¨ I choked out between giggles. ¨Did pop say she wanted Vlasic pickle spears? ¨ I was barely able to catch my breath; I was laughing so hard.

¨That´s what I said, silly! Fasic pickles, ¨ annoyed with me he rolled his eyes and enunciated each syllable.

¨Okay bug, you win, ¨ I conceded as I placed the jar of Cruella Deville´s pickles in the shopping cart.

Once our purchases were paid for, we loaded up the car and headed back home. Charlie came out to the garage to help us unload the bags; I could tell by the set of his jaw, that he´d had his fill of the drama queen. I just shook my head and rolled my eyes, thinking at least I get to go home day after tomorrow. Poor Charlie!

I was in the kitchen putting away Seth´s snack stash when I heard him squeal. I went into the family room to investigate the situation, and was blown away at the number large and medium sized boxes under the tree. Since Charlie, Sue and I were keeping up the pretense that Santa was bringing Seth´s gifts; I knew they must be Leah´s. See, she´s not so bad! ¨Hmm... Maybe I misjudged her! ¨ I thought.

¨Ughhh...¨ she huffed. ¨Don´t touch those, they´re for Will and the baby! ¨ She screeched as Seth cringed from her unnecessary rage.

You were right; she´s not as bad as I thought!

She´s worse!

Stupid selfish, egotistical, self-centered bitch!

Yep, that should cover it in the adjective department!

I was trying so hard not to bitch slap her; I had no desire to spend Christmas day in the Forks county jail on assault charges, but she was really making it hard. I moved to stand in between Leah and Seth´s now trembling form.

¨What the hell is going on in here? ¨ Charlie´s gruff voice sounded from the doorway, breaking our intense standoff.

¨Nothing daddy, ¨ I glared at Leah. ¨Leah, ¨ her name burned like venom on the way out, ¨was just explaining to bug, that Santa hasn´t brought his gifts yet.¨ I said through clenched teeth.

¨Humph, whatever...¨ she snapped.

¨C´mon Seth, let´s go make our cookies! ¨ I growled, shoulder checking the bitch on my way to the kitchen. Hey, at least I didn´t hit her!

_FtLoD_

Somehow we managed to make it through last night without killing one another and now I´m sitting here watching my little bug boy open the million and one presents that Santa brought especially for him.

Okay some, he knew were from actual people, like Edward and Carlisle, who were thoughtful enough to send him a present; I can´t wait to see his face when he sees the gigantic Cadillac Escalade golf cart they got him. The thing is huge! I can even fit in it! I am so jealous! Seth is going to have so much fun learning to drive around the property with Charlie.

I wanted to save the computer for last, so after we came back inside from Seth drooling over his truck; I told him he had one more box to open. I explained to him about how much I was going to miss him when I had to leave and that I just didn´t know what I was going to do. He looked so cute with his brow all furrowed trying to figure out a solution.

I suggested that maybe we could see each other on the computer, since he knew how to work mine so well. That only made him sadder; when he reminded me that he didn´t have one. ¨You don´t... ¨ I feigned ignorance. ¨Hmm...¨ I pretended to contemplate.

¨It´s okay sissy, ¨ he said sadly rubbing my shoulder. This kid is such an old soul; I see why he and Charlie are best buds.

¨No it´s not okay, bug, ¨ I responded. ¨I need to see my favorite little brother every day, or I´ll be really said. Why don´t you open your last present while I think about what we could do.¨ I suggested.

¨Okay, ¨ he replied halfheartedly, not having nearly the same about of enthusiasm as before.

It didn´t escape my attention that Leah was glaring daggers at me from across the room. I refuse to let her ruin Seth´s Christmas, besides why would she bring all these gifts if Will was in China? I guess blondes aren´t the only dumb ones!

Seth let out an ear splitting squeal, ¨sissy! ¨ Exclaimed Seth. ¨Santa brought me a computer! ¨ He yelled, vibrating with excitement. I smiled as I looked over at Charlie and Sue hoping, I hadn´t gone overboard. The tears falling freely from her eyes and the mouthed ¨thank you¨ from Sue and the thumbs-up from Charlie let me know that I had done well.

Even though we all had received quite a few nice gifts for Christmas, today was about Seth. Well, some of us felt that way, the ice queen was still pouting over in the corner; it seems that last minute invites didn't like their last minute gifts.

I´d graciously offered to pick up a few things for Leah during our trip to Port Angeles, just so she wouldn´t feel left out. It seems that the Juicy Couture purse and perfume were not enough, she was still bitching about shoes and a matching dress. Get it yourself bitch!

Charlie and Seth cleaned up all the torn wrapping paper and bows, while Sue and I put the final touches on Christmas dinner. Queen Leah was too busy texting to help out in any way. She used the excuse of swollen feet to get out of doing anything. I really hope her thumbs fall off! Mojo continued to give her the stink eye as he strutted about the house in his kick ass Christmas attire.

My dog fucking rocks in his Santa suit; he received quite the new wardrobe for Christmas. Charlie and Seth came in through the kitchen; they had been outside driving Seth´s new truck. I sent them both straight in the bathroom to wash up while I set the table. Sue and I were placing the last of the food on the large family size dining table, when the doorbell rang.

¨I got it! ¨ Leah squealed. I looked at Sue, but she just shrugged her shoulders, not having a clue as to who it could be.

¨Baby you made it, ¨ we heard Leah whine.

¨Of course I made it, you don´t think I would miss spending Christmas with my two babies, ¨ he responded huskily.

That voice!

I know that voice!

My breathing became erratic and my ears started to ring, somewhere in the distance I could hear Sue calling my name. She sounds far away, like her voice is echoing off a tunnel´s walls. I want to answer, but I can´t find my voice.

The crystal bowlholding the cranberry sauce is now in a million tiny pieces at my feet, but I don´t remember it leaving my hands. It feels like we´re experiencing an earthquake, but in reality it´s only Charlie shaking the hell out of me.

¨Bell´s what is it? ¨ Charlie barks at me.

¨Ja... Ja...¨ Is all that I can´t get out, because my teeth are chattering so hard, I´m afraid I´m going to bite my tongue off. My lips are turning blue from my lack of oxygen. Just when I thought things were looking up...! What a fucked up way to die!

¨Sue what happened? ¨ Charlie questioned, voice laced with concern.

¨I... I don´t know, ¨ she fumbled, ¨she was fine a minute ago! ¨

¨Listen to me Bells, ¨ pleaded Charlie, ¨you need to breath! ¨

I don´t know where, but I somehow found the strength to put my head between my legs and make an honest effort to stop the panic from taking me under. Get it together damn it! Do not give him the satisfaction of seeing you like this! We won! Remember! The voice in my head was right. I had won this battle already; he would not see me lose my shit!

I continued to pull in big lungs full of air, despite the burning ache it was causing. Leah, being the selfish bitch we know and hate, didn´t disappoint; she dragged him to the Christmas tree and immediately began showering him with the many gifts she´d brought. She didn´t even bother to introduce him to her mother! Could she be more selfish?

Ididn´t know what to say. I just knew that I had to get the fuck out of this house and back to Seattle... now! I scrambled to my feet and raced upstairs to my room, without giving Sue or Charlie any explanation. Charlie would figure it out soon enough... maybe I´ll have a cellmate down at the Forks County jailhouse.

I was moving around the room like a tornado, set on a path of destruction. I just threw my clothes into my suitcase haphazardly in my attempt to get away. Just as I was zipping up my small suitcase, Seth appeared in the doorway. As he took in my packed bag, his eyes widened with panic.

¨Sissy, why are you leaving? ¨ He asked, his voice shaking with worry.

¨Sorry bug, ¨ I choked out emotionally. ¨I´ve got an emergency and I have to head back a little early, ¨ I told him, hating myself for having to lie. ¨I promise we´ll Skype tomorrow, ¨ I offered hoping it would pacify him for now.

Thankfully, I´d already set up his computer, so I ushered him across the hall to his room to watch one the many movies I downloaded for him. I knew the shit was about to hit the fan, and I didn´t want him caught up in the crossfire.

It was a good thing I did, because no sooner than I was placing the headphones over his ears, I heard Charlie yelling. ¨Son of a bitch! You have got to be kidding me! This piece of shit is your baby´s father? ¨

I took the stairs two at a time, praying all the way that I didn´t break my neck. I knew that I only had a short window of opportunity to save Jake´s life. I guess you didn´t make the connection. Ha! Would you believe that my soon to be ex-piece-of-shit of a husband and the Chinese entrepreneur Will are one in the same!

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you... Jacob William

Black!

Can I get a fucking break!

Surely this type of shit, doesn´t happen to people every day!

I walked into WWI that was now in full swing in the family room. Sue and Leah were staring at Charlie wide-eyed and confused. Charlie looked like he was just two breaths short of killing Jacob; and Jacob looked like he´d just shit himself! All in all folks I´d say that this was turning out to be a very Jerry Springer Christmas. The icing on the cake was my sweet little dog growling and barking at Jake in my honor; they never did see eye to eye.

Good judge of character, remember!

Thank God I told Seth not to come down until Charlie came to get him, this shit was about to get intense. Little did I know that I was going to be blamed for this little Christmas fiasco? When Jake´s eyes finally landed on me his russet colored skin changed colors. Suddenly, he was paler than me. Priceless! I steeled my resolve and glared at him icily.

¨What the fuck are you doing here Jacob? ¨ I seethed, my anger was radiating off of me in waves.

¨Uh... I... uhh...¨ he stuttered. He fucking stuttered! Oh no, he was not getting off that easy! I was going to make this fucking pig suffer for what he did to me! I was a fucking woman scorned!

¨You,¨ Leah screeched. ¨What have you done? I knew the moment I saw you that you were jealous of me! I could see it in your eyes when I talked about Will and my baby! ¨

I scoffed at the exaggerated bullshit that was spewing from her lips; once again this was all about her. ¨Oh please! I have known you all of what... like 15 minutes? I have no reason to be jealous of you, Leah! ¨ I screamed, pointing my finger in her face for emphasis. ¨And for your fucking information, my husband´s name is Jacob, and the only business he´s done with the Chinese is buying lo mien down in Chinatown in Manhattan!¨ By the time I finished my little speech I was trembling with rage, not even Charlie had ever witnessed me this angry. Fuck it! Nice guys always finish last!

Sobbing as she watched the deterioration of her perfect family Christmas, Sue pleads for answers. ¨Can somebody please explain to me what the hell is going on? ¨ She sobbed.

¨Ooo... ooo... let me, ¨ I volunteered. My voice was full of the mockery I felt about this fucked up situation. ¨My fucking douche bag of a husband thought it would be a great idea to fuck and impregnate your daughter, while he was dating, proposing, and later marrying me! How am I doing so far? Are you still with me? ¨ I asked rhetorically, not waiting for a response. ¨And if that wasn´t enough, he also was fucking 98% of the New York and tri- state area! He was accidentally tripping and falling into more pussy than Hugh Heffner´s ever seen in the Playboy Mansion! ¨ I spit. Sue´s eyes bulged dramatically at my no less than stellar choice of vocabulary; but I just didn´t have it in me to give a fuck, I would apologize to her later.

This was a fucking nightmare; I could feel the tears that so desperately needed to fall, stinging my eyes. I had to get out of here, before Jacob and this whole fucking debacle robbed me of my last shred of dignity. Without so much as a backward glance, I spun on my heel and headed up the stairs. Leaving a sobbing Sue, a confused and irate Leah, and a cowering bastard named Jacob Black to deal with all the fuckery.

In my haste to get away, I hadn´t realized that Charlie followed me, until he enveloped me in his strong embrace. ¨I´m so damn proud of ya Bells, ¨ his voice was thick with emotion.

¨Daddy, I´m so sorry, I didn´t mean...! ¨

¨Nonsense baby girl, ¨ he cut me off, not wanting to hear my apologies, "you have nothing to apologize for." ¨You stood up for yourself and that´s all that matters, no one should be allowed to do what he did to you and get away with it!¨ He stated angrily.

¨But daddy, what about Leah and the baby? Just because he hurt me, doesn´t mean she deserves to be left alone to raise her son¨
I cried. It was now all coming down on me, the weight of what I had just done. Because of me, Jacob could walk out on Leah... leaving her and her unborn son without a father. What! Are you kidding me! She had a right to know! Sooner rather than later, if you ask me!

Do I ever!

Now was not the time to be debating internally with myself, the truth of the matter was, Leah did have a right to know... especially because she was having a baby. The choice would now be hers as to what she wanted to do, the ball was now retrospectively in her court.

Charlie and I went about collecting my things to load them in the car once that was done, I headed back inside needing so say one last thing.

Like you haven´t already said enough!

Shut it would ya!

Now is not the time!

I wanted Leah to know – despite our obvious differences in opinion – we were now family and family always stick together.

When I entered the family room to say my goodbyes, my heart broke at the scene; Sue was weeping quietly on the couch and Leah was standing by the fireplace gazing into the flames. I could tell by the slight trembling of her shoulders that she was crying. Jacob was at her feet murmuring incoherent half-ass apologies.

¨Sue, ¨ I started timidly, ¨I can´t tell you how sorry I am... about... about all this...¨ I confessed waving my hand between Jacob, Leah and I. ¨I never meant to hurt anyone¨

Something I said struck a nerve with Leah, because she spun around eying me with bitterness and contempt. ¨Oh please Bella, this is exactly what you intended, ¨ she said bitterly, and ¨you took pleasure in ruining Will´s and my happiness! ¨ She screamed eying me with so much hate. Let´s just say if looks could kill... Charlie would be burying me tomorrow.

Knowing that she was nowhere ready to listen to reason, I placed my business card on the mantle and whispered a soft, but sincere apology to Leah. ¨I´m really sorry you got hurt by all of this, but I ´m not sorry that you know; I just wish I had somebody to warned me.¨ I gave Sue´s shoulder one last apologetic squeeze and Mojo and I headed out to the car.

Charlie was waiting for me with the car running and the door opened. ¨God Bells, I´m so sorry, ¨ he groaned rubbing his hand over his face. ¨I just wish...¨ He trailed off.

¨It´s okay dad, your here now, ¨ I assured him, ¨you couldn´t control what you didn´t know.¨ I confessed already knowing what he wanted to say. ¨I thought I could handle things on my own. I just hope that Leah doesn´t turn her back on Sue and Seth again; she needs her family now more than ever.¨ I sighed into Charlie´s chest.

¨I know honey, we´ll figure it out, ¨ he mused.

I climbed into the driver´s seat with trepidation and a heavy heart, no longer able to hold back my tears... I just let them fall freely, feeling so defeated. ¨Why does doing what´s right, feel so wrong? ¨ I cried.

¨Honey, being a cop and in the military, I´ve had to do a lot of things in the name of truth and justice, that didn´t always make me feel good. I´m sure as an attorney, you´ve experienced the same thing.¨ He said gently wiping the tears from my eyes.

He was right, I couldn´t count the number of times I´d felt bad for the people I´d annihilated in the courtroom. There were times when they were driven to bankruptcy once ordered to payout large sums of money, but the thing was they didn´t have great business plans, not necessarily were they wanting to cheat anyone.

I continued to think about Charlie´s statement long after I´d left the Forks city limits. He was right, and I wouldn´t continue to beat myself up over a situation I didn´t cause. I forced myself to put it out of my mind as I headed back to Seattle and new adventures; leaving the fuckery of the whole Jacob/Bella, Leah/Will, Jacob/Will/Leah/Bella and half the women of New York situation behind in Forks.

I was off to Sirs and disposable cell phones!

Fuck! It has to be better than this!

I hope!


Since I´m such a flake and have no problem admitting to that, here´s what I´m going to do. Already knowing that you guys are going to hang me out to dry with the lack of smut in this chapter; I´m going to give you the next one as well. Now with that being said, how´s about a review! Remember I´m giving you another chapter and you never know what will be in there, so don´t crucify me just yet! Thanks for hanging in there and supporting the story, good or bad, support is support! Till next time!

Laterzzz:)

~Krazi & Mojo~

xoxo