Lost in Translation

Disclaimer: all characters and copyright belong to Stephanie Meyer.

A/N-thank you for the kind reviews. Nikki

Part Ten-Sharing the News

Not everyone received the news of Bella and Jacob's engagement with congratulations. Rebecca sneered that it was a bit unseemly seeing as they had just buried their last remaining parent. Rachel was incensed that Jacob had used Sarah's ring. "That was supposed to be passed down to me and Becks." She actually tried to prise the ring off of Bella's hand much to their horror. Jacob had to hold his sister back as she was so enraged.

"It was dad's wish that I use mom's ring to propose to Bella." Jacob had retorted, angered by Rachel's reaction. He showed her the letter that Billy had written a few weeks before. It did nothing to calm her temper.

Rachel shoved it back at him. "You always were his favourite. Don't expect me at your wedding." She had flounced out in a tantrum. Rebecca had just shaken her head at her brother and followed after her twin, her silent husband following after her.

Bella had been distraught by their reactions; it had taken the sheen off of her happiness. Yes, she could sort of understand some of the things they were saying, but to blatantly disregard their father's own wishes and to go off at Jacob like that was unforgiveable. He had been the one to stay and take care of Billy. Where had they been? Travelling off to distant lands and attending a prestigious college. The twins had been able to leave and live the life they wanted, how dare they begrudge Jacob his own chance of happiness?

"It's okay, honey." Jacob cuddled her close and kissed the top of her head. He hadn't been surprised by the twin's reactions to his news. It was sad to admit but Rebecca and Rachel were strangers to him now. They had already left home when he was fairly young and he saw them so rarely they had nothing to talk about. "Just let it go. This is about you and me, remember? Don't let them spoil it." He smiled his special smile and Bella couldn't help but return it.

"I just hoped they would find it within themselves to just be pleased for us." Bella sighed and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him.

Charlie was the next recipient of their news. It had been hard to track him down. He had taken to going on long walks by himself. He still hadn't shown much emotion since Billy's death. He had gone straight back to work the next day. Bella knew that Charlie was just like her with the way they dealt with things that they couldn't handle, they shut down, trying to numb their emotions so they wouldn't have to feel. Bella had witnessed this when Harry had died. Charlie had retreated into himself, and it was only the fact the he still had Billy to help him through his grief, which enabled him to come out the other side.

But Charlie was alone now. His two best friends had died before their time and he had no wife to support him. Renee had sent a terse message to her ex-husband, expressing her sorrow at Billy's passing. But she made no effort to come and see him. Bella had tried to get her father to open up on the day of the funeral but he had avoided her attempts to get him to talk. He just wanted to be left alone. He was reacting so much like she had been when Edward left that it frightened her. She knew how self-destructive this could be.

So when Jacob and Bella finally managed to get Charlie's attention, it was with caution that she told him about her engagement to Jacob. First of all she showed him Billy's letter. Charlie read it slowly before glancing at her left hand and studying the delicate ring that used to belong to Sarah. "He knew." He whispered. "Billy knew he was going to die." He swallowed thickly and held out his hand to Bella. She put her left hand in his and watched as he rubbed his thumb over the small diamond.

"My dad knew how much I loved Bella, Charlie." Jacob took Bella's other hand in his warm one and kissed the back of it. "It's what he wanted."

Moisture sprang in Charlie's eyes as he looked at both of them. The hand that was holding onto Bella's began to tremble. "It was our hope that the two of you would get together. After everything that happened with Edward…" He paused and wiped his face with his other hand. "You've always been like a son to me, Jake. How could I be anything but happy for the two of you?" The tears that Charlie had been holding back since Billy's death finally began to fall.

Bella felt her own face becoming wet and when she looked at Jacob she saw his eyes glimmering. She sat next to her father and put her arms around him. Charlie's head fell to her shoulder as he wept silently. Jacob sat on his other side and embraced both of them. His eyes locked with Bella's as they held tightly to each other.

The pack were delighted for them, none of them were surprised. Jacob had never made a secret of his wish to marry Bella someday. Even though they were both still very young in years, they didn't want to wait. After everything they and the others had lived through, and losing so many people that they loved, it just made them feel more than ready to settle down. Life was short and you never knew when it could be taken away. Jacob was nearing eighteen and they decided as soon as he was legal they would tie the knot.

Theirs was not the only engagement. Sam and Leah announced they were getting married. Sam had never married Emily. They had lived together but had never made it official. It had been the one thing Sam had managed to wiggle out of even though Emily had tried her hardest to get him to make a date. Like Jacob and Bella they were eager to make it official. They had been separated long enough and just wanted to get on with living their life. Leah confessed she wanted to give up phasing. She hoped that with time her fertility would be restored. She was desperate for a family.

The whole pack including Jacob, Bella and Kim celebrated quietly on First beach that night. They built a small bonfire and sat around it sharing stories of the past and talking about Billy, Harry and all the others they missed. It got quite emotional at times, but was cathartic for all of them. It felt as if times were changing and they all yearned for nothing but peace. They talked and drank long into the night, and when the morning finally dawned over the ocean, the fire had died and the pack fell asleep where they were. Bella slept peacefully in Jacob's arms, both of them feeling hope for the future for the first time since Billy's passing.

Bella was at home packing. She was getting her stuff ready to move into Jacob's. A knock at the door interrupted her endeavours. She frowned as she put down the books she had been sorting through and reluctantly went to answer the door. She hadn't been expecting visitors. Bella trudged down the stairs and opened the front door. "Hello."

A delivery man stood on her doorstep. "Isabella Swan?" She nodded in confirmation. He handed her a parcel and asked her to sign for it. Bella felt confused. Who on earth would be sending her this? If it was Renee she knew her mother would have told her. She thanked the delivery man and shut the door. For some reason she felt ambivalent about opening it. The very fact the sender had written her full name instead of just Bella, set her teeth on edge. She took a seat at the kitchen table and stared at it for a long time before building up the courage to open it.

Bella ripped the brown paper off to reveal a small wooden box. The wood was dark and highly polished. It looked like an old fashioned jewellery box. A white envelope was laid on top. As soon as she saw the fine script on the front she knew who had sent the parcel. "Dammit Edward." She cursed loudly. "Why can't you leave me alone?" She felt like tearing the envelope to shreds and burning the box, but she knew she had to at least read the letter to see what he had to say. Who knew what he was planning now? Taking a deep breath she slit the envelope and pulled out the letter.

My darling,

Our last meeting was fraught. I never meant for you to be hurt, but I really had no choice at the time. The Volturi were a threat and I had to make sure that no danger was ever going to befall you again because of me and your association with my family. It was with great reluctance we carried out our plan. It grieved us all deeply that in carrying out our plan you would get hurt. At the time I could see no other course to take. I apologise profusely for putting you through so much sorrow. In my own defence it was purely for love of you that I went through with it. Your safety has always been my top priority.

I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me my love. My intentions were honourable throughout, even if right now you are unable to see them that way. Alice has told me she can longer see your future. It has become hazy and hard to read. I can only presume that you have pledged yourself to Jacob Black. I cannot pretend that I think he is worthy of your love, Bella. He is a shape shifter, and they are known for their hot temperament and general lack of manners. However I know from reading his mind that Black is very much in love with you.

It is impossible that his feelings will ever outweigh mine. I have and will love you for eternity. What keeps me sane is the thought that our love transcends yours with his. Our love is pure and will always remain so. He is what he is.

I worry for your comfort my love. I have sent you what was promised. Enclosed are the deeds for the house in New Hampshire as well as the key to the safety deposit box which contains all of my mother's jewellery. The five million dollars which is merely a portion of my estate still awaits you whenever you need it. I cannot imagine Black will ever be able to provide adequately for your needs dearest Bella. This is my way of making certain you are well provided for when you gather the courage to leave him. For I can foresee your association with him will not last once you are forced to live in relative poverty day after day.

I love you Bella, always.

Your Edward

"You can't be for real?" Bella said aloud in disbelief. She had never felt so angry in her life. How dare he? "Bastard." She cursed as she opened the box and stared at the contents. Inside was as he had described. It contained the deeds for the house in New Hampshire, a key to a safety deposit box and details of a bank account set up in her name. Bella quickly stuffed everything back in the box. Jacob was due to pick her up soon and she didn't want him to see this. She wrapped the brown paper back around the box and shoved the envelope inside. After using thick brown tape to seal up the parcel she used a black marker pen to scribble over her name and address, then carefully in large letters she wrote on it RETURN TO SENDER. Satisfied with her decision, Bella grabbed her coat and left to post it. Let it go to never, never land where it belonged.

A/N-only the epilogue to go guys….Thanks for reading!