Well this took me a bit, sorry for the massively long wait, but unfortunately it wont get better until I finish UISY which updated this week and is only three chapters away from wrapping up…also my drabble LMF has taken a mind of its own and is well on its way to be 150 to maybe 180 chapters in length.

Once those two are complete, I will have more time to dedicate to this and my original that I officially began writing yesterday! It's an exciting time for me as so many wonderful things are happening in my RL and on my fanfic one too. I want to take a moment and thank you all for the wonderful reviews, pm's and pimpage you give this and all of my fics…it means the world to me.

If you wish to stay up to date on this story and all my others join me on face book…group name is Massy's Minions and the my name is Reyes One-three nine, hope to see you over in my hood.

Twilight isn't mine.

Chapter 17

Bella's POV

Song for chapter:

Elements by A Fine Frenzy

You show up like a hurricane, all hungry-eyed and weather-stained
The clock forgets to tick and I the sameI died the day you disappeared, so why would you be welcome here?
Ride the wind that brought you back awayNo you can't come in
No you can't come inI cannot stop my rebel hands from pulling out the pots and pans
I left you in the cold until you shookYou're gentle now, but I recall
Both tender fire and bitter squall
A history so deep it hurts to lookNo you can't come in
No you can't come in
No you can't
You can't come in

A year flies in a blink of an eye...

The seventh and eighth year were eye opening in so many ways for everyone involved with my album's release and tour. I was still a bit apprehensive about the meeting of new people, seeing the country and accepting the love of the fans ... my fans.

It was a slow process in the beginning, but with each day that passed, the entire situation became easier and easier for me to handle.

The posters at every airport held up high by people there to see me, the signing and venues ... it was amazing and so fulfilling, yet at the same time it was incredibly nerve wracking as I struggled to keep my head held high and not show everyone how hard it really was for me to accept all the accolades and positive critiques bestowed upon me, it was humbling and so much to live up to.

It warmed my heart and made me feel important every time one of them would reach out to me with a smile or tear on their face and beg for my signature on anything they could find.

From ticket stubs, shirts ... even a bra or two from women that found me, l'il Isabella Marie Swan … sexy.

"Can you believe how fast this year has gone by?" Laurie sighed while braiding my hair. We were set to leave the following morning for Miami, Florida. We had a show there at the Van Dykes Jazz Club and it was set to be a packed house. The promoters and club owners were begging for an extra show ... claiming the demand was too high to satisfy the masses with just one.

I would have gladly agreed to it, been happy to oblige my fans and give them a bit back of what they gave to me, but I couldn't. Would it not have been for the fact that the Cullen family still lived there, I would have happily agreed. Demetri had informed me of this before the venue's performance was booked; he knew everything, every last detail as I had opened up to him after our first, and thus far, only date.

He deserved the truth. The whole truth, even if it caused me embarrassment.

I recanted my adolescent years to him in their entirety, how I had let my naive heart get trampled on a by a boy who never cared and only used. How his family shunned me and helped destroy my fragile teenage self worth.

He was murderous as I explained the fashion in which Edward had broken my heart. Demetri cared for me, wanted to be with me, but he was sympathetic towards my yearning to rediscover the girl I had lost and the one I was currently embracing.

"I won't give up, beautiful," he whispered as he dropped me back off at the hotel that night, his lips placing a tender chaste kiss on mine before walking away and back to his room.

It was the first time in six years I yearned for another's touch.

To this day we hadn't picked up where we left off, but I knew we would soon ... I could feel it with every sly glance we threw each other or the gentle flutter of wings that erupted with each hug he gave me.

This performance and venue were symbolizing my rebirth and the chance to finally leave him behind.

I wanted to start anew ... give love a chance.

"I know," I simply answered Laurie before staring out into the huge floor to ceiling windows that dominated the living room. "So much has happened … changed. We were kids, L ... children. Growing and trying to cope with the misguided perceptions of what we should have been and what we were. Not skinny enough, not fitting into certain molds and completely heartbroken. So much thrown our way..."

"Yet we survived and look at us now. You, my dear, are hot, young, successful and with a promising career ahead of her. Not to mention that you have legions of men and women ready to do your bidding!" Her eyebrows waggled as she said this and I couldn't help the small giggle that escaped me.

"My bidding, really Lauren? What the hell am I? An evil genius ... Pinky and the Brain style?"

"I call Pinky!" we both yelled at the same, causing us to erupt in giggles and release some of the tension that had manifested itself into the room. This trip, this performance, was important ... we, I, couldn't regress and let them beat me again.

"You know you're successful in your own right, L?" She nodded and a small smile formed on her lips. "You've managed to make a name for yourself as one of my stylists. You and Tanya are every celebrity's dream team and are constantly hounded for consultations and help on special appearances. People are envious of how flawless you make me look … you have a gift."

"That's because the canvas is perfect."

"Oh hush!"

"So that's what you two have been up to all evening?" Peter mock glared as he stood by my suite's entrance. "Here I've been calling and moping ... feeling left out and you girls sit here laughing ... ignoring my pain." He wiped fake tears off his face before running over to the couch where we sat and diving between us.

"Ass," Lauren said before smacking his arm and kissing his lips chastely. It was so heartwarming to see them like this, carefree and content ... open and in love.

I wanted that for myself.

"Yeah, but you love me ... ass tendencies and all, sugar lips." Even she cringed at the name and before he knew it, he was getting his ass kicked in a cushion war. We rained blows on him, leaving him scrambling for cover and begging for mercy.

"Never," L huffed, slightly out of breath, "Call me that again, dingus … just ewww!"

"Okay, oka y ...I give," he yelled over our laughter and then tackled us both. With an "umph" from me, a "What the?" from her, and oh yeah … "Whose your daddy?" from Pete, we ended our game and called it a night.

Gathering his woman … his words not mine ... he left my room. She was hanging upside down on his shoulder while smacking his butt and trying to play the tune of 'Tonight I'm Fucking You,' on his rear.

"See you tomorrow, B, get some rest and try to relax ... we are all in this together and won't let him, or any of them, get close. You are better than them and have something they never will."

"What's that?" I asked, slightly perplexed.

"My charming yet threatening ass and Lauren's "cut a bitch that hurts my best friend" tendencies. Let them try to start some shit ... I've been itching to hand them their asses on a silver platter for years. To be honest, I have wanted them to see you and eat every single insult or harsh word they threw your way. Let them see what you've become and what they never will be ... fuck them!"

"Amen baby ... couldn't have said it better myself," Lauren added and with those parting words they left. Leaving me to contemplate Pete's wise words and leaving me with two choice words for that clan.

Fuck them.

It had been two days since we touched down at Miami International Airport. The city was a buzz with news of our arrival ... news papers, TV stations and fans all showing up to welcome me to their city with open arms.

So far we have done everything from radio interviews to morning and gossip/celebrity news shows … everyone asking the same string of questions ... each trying to find out what my muse was for this album, if my lyrics were personal and biographical … if there was a special person in my life.

We always tried to steer clear of those types of questions, wanting to keep my private life just that … private. I truly wished someone had informed Irina Miranda about that clause because that vulture was looking and asking about things that had absolutely nothing to do with my CD and everything to do with them, the Cullen's.

"So, Marie," smile so fake plastered on both our faces, "I heard through the grapevine that you were once engaged to this city's very own miracle doctor ... is this information true? Were you two childhood sweethearts and if so, what split you two up?" I almost lunged at her.

She was lucky that Tanya actually stepped in, in time; she wanted to touch up my forehead, claiming the lighting was making my make up shine look to shiny on camera.

"Breathe, Bella … breathe." Her eyes were on fire as she attempted to calm my frazzled nerves. How dare this fucking woman ask me about him … how the fuck did she even know? "Laurie is taking care of her, let her tear Irina and her producers a new one. Dem is on the phone with Aro, who is furious by the way and threatening to pull. Just breath sweetie ... breathe. Everything will be alright."

It took a while for me to calm myself, it also took a while for my crew to settle this mess and get our demands met, much to Irina's displeasure. They were claiming to have proof, claiming a credible source had come to them exclusively and was giving them the go on running this story first.

I threatened or better yet, Aro threatened to sue for slander, they became nervous at this as the golden story they were desperate for began to slip through their fingers. Edward and I were never engaged, we'd talked about one day being so, but never managed to reach that plateau in our relationship.

We were adamant in our contracts with each station and reporter that personal questions of this nature were not permitted. I was not to be pulled into gossip or rating wars over bullshit stories … I was just here to celebrate my music and promote the charity event the label was holding.

Nothing more.

"What is she hiding?" I heard the vapid troll screech as her producers threatened to send her home and have someone else conduct the interview. "It has to be true if this is her management's reaction … she would have been Mrs. Edward Cullen and wants to hide it … why? Unless he cheated or broke her heart … she probably wasn't enough to hold him then or now ... she isn't even that pretty or talented if you ask me."

"Enough!" Dem growled as he stalked over to where they stood within hearing range of the entire crew and cast. "Who the fuck do you think you are to speak to or about my client in such a disrespectful manner, huh? Lady, you run a gossip show on a local access channel, this isn't E News or Entertainment Tonight, just shut the fuck up. You know what, fuck this," his fists were clenched and his nostrils flaring as he barely contained his ire, "Interview is done … run anything negative and we sue … don't fuck with us," he spat before walking back over to me, L and Tanya.

"We're done," he simply said before taking hold of my hands, something that wasn't missed by everyone in the room, and pulling me out of the studio.

"Well, well, well," a voice I knew all too well cackled close to where we exited the building. "Never thought I'd see the day where insignificant little Isabella Swan, or should I now call you Marie now?" I stood frozen as she spoke, the years gently passing her by … her hair the same caramel color that drove me wild about her son. Eyes so green and full of envy … looking at me from head to toe and back up again, "Coming back to where we reside and not coming over for a visit." Each word leaving her lips felt like a slap to the face, this bitch only cared about herself ... I saw that clearly now, how could I have been so blind?

"Who the fuck are you?" Laurie sneered, her body coming between mine and Esme's … keeping me safe and away from this part of my life I never wanted to cross paths with again.

"None of your business, little girl, this," she said while pointing her manicured finger between me and her, "is a family matter … she was once my son's fiancé and I have every right to see her and demand to know why she broke his heart." I gasped at her absurdity and as I replayed the words coming out of her mouth on loop, my blood boiled and my anger soared.

"How fucking dare you!" I screeched, moving forward and pushing L out of my way. I wanted to punch her ... wipe the cocky smile right off her snotty face. "I was never his fiancé; never anything more than a play thing ... you fucking people used me then left me to rot ..."

"That is not true, Isabella... we loved -" I released a cruel and dark laugh as the word 'loved' escaped her lips. They didn't know how to love.

"Cut the shit, Esme, and tell me what you want ... why are you approaching me and selling fake news to this low class show? What the fuck do you want?"

"I'm here to make a deal, my dear."

"There is nothing I would ever want from any of you."

"Edward," my blood ran cold when she said his name, "I will give him back to you, make you his wife if you make me your manager." Dem, Laurie and I stood there speechless and astounded by the balls on this woman. What would ever possess her to think that I would want her, them, anywhere near me.

"No."

"No? Are you sure?" Was I? I couldn't think straight … so many emotions running through and confusing me. "Bella, I'm offering you something you would never have again without my approval ... my son. His marriage to Jane is tanking along with her family's' company, she is no longer of any use to me, but you could be. I will not be dragged down with them, nor will I help bail them out. You make me a part of your team and I'll help you get him back ... you love him still, I know you do. You could have him in your arms every day ... in your bed at night, in your life. Think about it ... usher me into the celebrity social circle and I'll give you my son back."

I still couldn't believe she had the audacity to say any of this ... was her son a puppet or a man?

"Bella, this family is a joke ... fuck that, they are a waste. Let's go, baby... fuck them, we have places to be and a concert to prepare for, don't waste anymore of your time on the trash you left behind years ago," Dem begged and I agreed.

The last eight years had all been leading to this moment, a moment that tasted so good and was more than I'd ever hoped for. Reaching up, I laid a tiny kiss on Dem's cheek and turned to face my ex's mother.

"Esme, dear," I said in the sweetest tone I could muster without faltering; "I don't think that I need to spend any time thinking about your proposition. You are offering me something I wanted in the past and with that being said…"

Her smile was smug and her eyes bright with confidence...

"Fuck you and fuck no!"

Leave me some sugar...