Bella McLeod

Healer

This is my first Twilight fic, and it is a femlash, featuring Bella and Rosalie as a couple. So, if you don't like, please head somewhere else.

As an introduction, you may want to read "Snape McLeod" since the Bella that trained Tobias there is the same one here, only a decade later. It's not a requirement for you to read it, especially since I will try and untangle things as the story progresses. I altered the timeline to fit my needs, so… she met Snape in 1997, they parted ways in 2000 and it is now 2011, when she moves to Forks with Charlie.

Bare in mind that I do not own Twilight, nor its characters, so if you recognize any of them, THEY'RE NOT MINE. I only own the idea of making Bella Swan part of Clan McLeod.

I also not own the Highlander series, characters and concepts.

Remember to leave your reviews…

Bella McLeod

Chapter 14

Healer

I gasped loudly when I woke up. No matter how many times it happens, no one can ever get used to the feeling of dying and then waking up as if nothing had happened. I looked around and noticed that I was laying on my bed back home. I glanced at the alarm clock and it read 4:30 in the morning.

Last I remembered I had been with Rose on the living room. So after looking around the house for her I went back up and went into the bathroom to take a shower. When I came out Charlie was standing by the door.

"Where's Rosalie?" I asked Charlie

"She's back at her home. She told the Doctor that you were injured so we'll have to put up a show for them Bella" said Charlie. "Unless you agree to leave town"

I shook my head "No. I don't want to leave Forks"

"Get some more sleep." Said Charlie "I already spoke with Duncan. He knew you wouldn't want to leave" He continued smiling at me and gesturing toward my room.

"Too predictable now huh?" I asked amused

"See you in a few hours" he said smirking "By the way, I'll have to give you a ride to school" I looked at him confused "Rosalie took your truck to her place when she left, so in order to avoid the doctor coming, I told them she could give it back to you at school"

I nodded "Okay Charlie, thanks"

I was grateful Charlie had not asked me anything about what happened last night, I knew he would, eventually, but for the time being he let me be.

As I reached my bed again I started to go in my mind through last night's events. I regretted not telling Rosalie the truth about anything, so the decision I had reached last night just before I died, only rooted strongly on my mind. Tomorrow, or actually in a few hours, I would come clean to her. I would tell her first that I knew about her and her family not being normal, and even if she denied it, I would tell her about The Game and The Gathering, and if she still wanted to be around, then I would have to make sure what she said yesterday at lunch was truth. I certainly hope it was, because I realized before dying, that loved her too.

When I opened my eyes again I skipped to the window, stunned to see that there was hardly a cloud in the sky, and the few there were just fleecy little white puffs that couldn't possibly be carrying any rain. I opened the window and sucked in the relatively dry air.

It was nearly warm and hardly windy at all. Charlie was finishing breakfast when I came downstairs, and he picked up on my mood immediately.

"Nice day out," he commented.

"Yes," I agreed with a grin. He smiled back, his brown eyes crinkling around the edges.

I ate breakfast cheerily, watching the dust moats stirring in the sunlight that streamed in the back window. Charlie reminded me that he had to bandage my lower abdomen and that I had to keep my movements restricted around everyone at school, specially the Cullens, and Rosalie above all. I sighed slightly annoyed, but I had to agree with him, at least until I told her the truth.

"Come on Bella. You don't want to be late for school" said Charlie mockingly and gesturing towards the cruiser. I hesitated on my way out the door, hand on my rain jacket and I remembered that my life insurance was not here.

"Give me just a minute Charlie. I have to retrieve my spare, just in case I am tracked down here"

"I'll go later to Port Angeles to see if I can find your sword Bella" he said once I came back.

"Thanks, I would really appreciate it" With a sigh, I concealed my spare short sword on my coat and headed to the cruiser.

"Here" said Charlie handing me a mobile phone as soon as we reached the school. I stared at him knowing that was not my phone since I had it with me "The Cullen girl, Rosalie, left it back at home last night. Thought she might want it back" he explained

I grinned while I put the phone to my jeans pocket. I was one of the first ones to school; I hadn't even checked the clock before we left the house due to Charlie's hurry to get outside. The benches were still a little damp, so I sat on my jacket, glad to have a use for it.

I sketched inattentively on black sheet on a notebook. After a few minutes, I suddenly realized I'd drawn dark expressive eyes staring out of the page at me. I smiled at them, hoping the Cullens, and Rosalie, would arrive soon.

"Bella!" I heard someone call, and it sounded like Mike. I looked around to realize that the school had become populated while I'd been sitting there.

Everyone was in t-shirts, some even in shorts though the temperature wasn't really that high. Mike was coming toward me in khaki shorts and a striped Rugby shirt, waving.

"Hey, Mike," I called, waving back, unable to be halfhearted on a morning like this. He came to sit by me, the tidy spikes of his hair shining golden in the light, his grin stretching across his face. He was so delighted to see me I couldn't help but feel bad for him.

"I never noticed before, your hair has red in it," he commented, catching between his fingers a strand that was fluttering in the light breeze.

"Only in the sun." I became just a little uncomfortable as he reached out trying to tuck the lock behind my ear so I gathered my books up and stuffed them in my bag and stood ready to leave.

"Great day, isn't it?" he asked standing too

"My kind of day," I agreed aiming to leave him.

"What did you do yesterday?" His tone was just a bit too proprietary.

"I mostly worked on my essay, then I went down to Port Angels to run some errands." I didn't add that I was finished with the essay or that I had actually gone out with Rosalie Hale or the events after that. Then a terrifying thought crossed my mind, if the Cullens are indeed the cold ones from the Quiluette legends, they would not be here today. I decided to wait until lunch before reaching any conclusion to that, maybe all my assumptions had been wrong, though so far I actually doubted it.

Mike hit his forehead with the heel of his hand. "Oh yeah essay's due Thursday, right?"

"Um, Wednesday" I corrected him while we kept walking

"Wednesday?" He frowned. "That's not good… What are you writing yours on?"

"Whether Shakespeare's treatment of the female characters is misogynistic." He stared at me like I'd just spoken in pig Latin.

"I guess I'll have to get to work on that tonight," he said, deflated. "I was going to ask if you wanted to go out."

"Oh." I was taken off guard. Why couldn't I ever have a pleasant conversation with Mike or any of the boys without it getting awkward? Oh, right, teenagers…

"Well, we could go to dinner or something… and I could work on it later." He smiled at me hopefully.

"Mike…" I hated being put on the spot like this, it inevitably made me look like the bad guy in their eyes. "I don't think that would be the best idea." His face fell.

"Why?" he asked, his eyes guarded. My thoughts flickered to Rosalie, wondering how she would react to me accepting a dinner invitation from Mike, regardless if it was a joke to me. I shook my head getting rid of those thoughts, even without Rosalie in my life and what she had said to me yesterday, there was no way I would accept any romantic invitation from a tulip.

"I think… and if you ever repeat what I'm saying right now I will cheerfully beat you to death," I threatened, "but other than the fact that I keep telling you guys that I like girls, I think that would hurt Jessica's feelings." He was bewildered, obviously not thinking in that direction at all.

"Jessica?"

"Really, Mike, are you blind?"

"Oh," he exhaled clearly dazed. I took advantage of that to make my escape.

"It's time for class, and I don't want to be late again." I told him as we reached the building entrance.

We walked in silence through building three, and his expression was distracted. I hoped whatever thoughts he was immersed in were leading him in the right direction. When I saw Jessica later in Trig, she was bubbling with enthusiasm. She, Angela, and Lauren were going to Port Angeles tonight to go dress shopping for the dance, and she wanted me to come, too, even though I didn't need one.

I was indecisive. It might be too risky for me to go back there so soon, especially when I didn't really know a thing about the guy who broke the rules by attacking me without issuing a Challenge himself. Also, Lauren would be there, and as much as I tried to avoid teen drama, I was part of her drama for some unknown reason to me, she seemed to hate me, or at least, strongly dislike me, so even if I didn't care about her opinions, I wouldn't want to make Angela, or Jessica for that matter, uncomfortable with only the four of us around… In the end, I decided that was definitely the wrong path to let my mind wander down.

"You seem happy today" told me Jessica, I only smirked at her "Come on, join us, share the happiness" she pleaded

Of course I was happy about the sunlight. But that wasn't completely responsible for the euphoric mood I was in, not even close. All was thanks to my impro date the day before with Rose. So I gave Jessica a maybe, telling her I'd have to talk with Charlie first.

She talked of nothing but the dance on the way to Spanish, continuing as if without an interruption when class finally ended, five minutes later, and we were on our way to lunch.

I was far too lost in my own frenzy of anticipation to notice much of what she said then. I was painfully eager to see Rose. As I crossed the threshold of the cafeteria, I felt the first true tingle of fear slither down my spine and settle in my stomach. Would Rosalie be happy I am fine? Would she demand an explanation for yesterday's events right away? Would she want to finish the discussion we had before Karen showed up first? As was my routine, I glanced first toward the Cullens' table. A shiver of panic trembled in my stomach as I realized it was empty. With dwindling hope, my eyes scoured the rest of the cafeteria, hoping to find her alone, waiting for me.

The place was nearly filled but there was no sign of Rosalie or her siblings. Desolation hit me with crippling strength. I had expected their absence, and yet, I was feeling disappointed for not seeing them there. I walked along behind Jessica, not bothering to pretend to listen anymore. We were late enough that everyone was already at our table. I avoided the empty chair next to Mike in favor of one by Angela. I vaguely noticed that Mike held the chair out politely for Jessica, and that her face lit up in response. Angela asked a few quiet questions about the Macbeth paper, which I answered as naturally as I could while spiraling downward in misery. She, too, invited me to go with them tonight, and I agreed now, grasping at anything to distract myself.

I realized I'd been holding on to a last shred of hope when I entered Biology, saw her empty seat, and felt a new wave of bitter disappointment. The rest of the day passed slowly. But at least then I knew almost for certain that Tobias and Quiluettes were right about the Cullens.

In a last effort of hoping I went to the parking lot, looking either for any flashy car or at least my red truck, but found none. So I made a hasty decision. I took out Rosalie's mobile and looked through her contacts. Oddly enough only her family and my own number were saved. A wave of warmth filled me upon realizing this, it meant at least that she cared for me as much as for her family.

I dialed to Jasper's number. But was directed to voice mail. I left a message stating that it was me and that I wanted to give Rosalie her phone back, maybe get my truck too and certainly speak with her. I tried the other numbers on the list to same result.

I sighed and turned around noticing that the parking lot was now almost empty and I had no way to get back home. Luckily for me Angela came by.

"Lost your truck?" she asked amused

"Rosalie has it" I said. "We were supposed to meet here today, but obviously neither her nor her siblings made an appearance today" I sighed

"Want a ride home?" she asked me

"I wouldn't want to trouble you"

"Come on, even with a sunny day like this, you wouldn't want to head all the way back on foot, right?" she said. I smiled and followed her closely.

I was glad to leave campus, so I would be free mope before I went out tonight with Jessica and the others. But right after I walked out of Angela's car, Jessica called to cancel our plans.

I tried to be happy that Mike had asked her out to dinner, I really was relieved that he finally seemed to be catching on, but my enthusiasm sounded false even in my own ears. She rescheduled our shopping trip for tomorrow night. Which left me with little in the way of distractions now. I even wrote an e-mail to Clara, hoping she would answer as fast as she usually demanded I answered. 'I've been going out lately. I went to the beach with some friends. Tobias visited for a while. And I still have to do homework, which oddly I don't mind that much… I might give it a shot at college again this time around, want to try a new career with me?' I felt my try at small talk was fairly pathetic, so I gave up on that and went straight into what was bothering. 'I had a Quicky yesterday, almost lost… Rosalie, from school, witnessed it and saved my life. Now she is probably freaking out because she is not answering my calls. On the bright side, it's sunny outside today -I know, I'm shocked, too -so I'm going to go outside and soak up as much vitamin D as I can. Love you, Bella. OH! And buy the goddamn phone. Will be better to communicate. Stop being stubborn about it! Faster replies from me too if you do get it'

I had fish marinating for dinner, with a salad and bread left over from whatever Charlie ordered the night before, so there was nothing to do there. I spent about half hour on homework, but then I was through with that, too. I checked my e-mail, again, hoping to see at least one from Clara, who had been oddly silent for the last few days. But she hadn't answered to me yet.

I decided to try again Jasper's phone. I kept trying alternating between Jasper's and Alice's. Still not knowing if I was being ignored again or if they had just actually gone hiking as the rumors said they did on sunny days, and therefore not having good reception. I decided to kill an hour with non-school-related reading. I had a small collection of books that came with me to Forks, I selected my favorite book, 'La nuit des temps' and headed to the backyard, grabbing a ragged old quilt from the linen cupboard at the top of the stairs on my way down. Outside in Charlie's small, square yard, I folded the quilt in half and laid it out of the reach of the trees' shadows on the thick lawn that would always be slightly wet, no matter how long the sun shone. I lay on my stomach, crossing my ankles in the air, flipping open the book. I usually read this particular book once a year since Duncan gave it to me. Angrily, at Simon's actions and Elea's stubbornness once again, this time relating myself to the story, I snapped the book shut, annoyed, and rolled over onto my back. I pushed my sleeves up as high as they would go, and closed my eyes.

I would think of nothing but the warmth on my skin, I told myself severely. The breeze was still light, but it blew tendrils of my hair around my face, and that tickled a bit. I pulled all my hair over my head, letting it fan out on the quilt above me, and focused again on the heat that touched my eyelids, my cheekbones, my nose, my lips, my forearms, my neck, soaked through my light shirt…

The next thing I was conscious of was the sound of Charlie's cruiser turning onto the bricks of the driveway. I sat up in surprise, realizing the light was gone, behind the trees, and I had fallen asleep. I looked around, muddled, with the sudden feeling that I wasn't alone, that I was being watched, though I was relieved that at least I felt no Buzz.

"Charlie?" I asked hoping that whomever was around was at least him closer than I thought. But I could hear his door slamming in front of the house.

I jumped up, edgy, gathering the now-damp quilt and my book. I looked around again before going into the house, and for a moment at the edge of the woods, I thought I saw her blending back into the shadows. I shook my head and dialed her siblings' numbers again, hoping for a response this time around. I sighed when I was sent to voicemail with each of them.

"Come on Rose" I whispered "I really want to talk to you" I sighed again finally giving up for the time being as I went inside to get some oil heating on the stove, realizing that dinner would be late. Charlie was hanging up his gun belt and stepping out of his boots when I came in.

"Sorry, dinner's not ready yet, I fell asleep outside." I stifled a yawn.

"Don't worry about it," he said. "I can watch TV. I brought you something by the way." He said going back outside and returning a few seconds later with my sword, the one I had left at Port Angels. "Everything's being dealt with, so don't worry about it" I nodded and took my sword back.

"Where's the truck Bells?" he asked me while having dinner

"None of the Cullen's went today to school, which reminds me, they have not been picking up their phones. Do you happen to have the phone of Dr. Cullen's home?"

"Yes, over the fridge, you know, in case of emergency"

After dinner I decided to call to Rosalie's home. A woman answered the phone, which made me think that it was her mother.

"Uhm, hello, is this Mrs. Cullen?" I asked for confirmation.

"Yes, how may I help you?" she asked me politely

"My name's Bella. I attend school with your children, I was wondering if Rose was around"

"Sorry dear, Rosalie and her siblings went camping. They won't be back until tomorrow night"

"Oh. It's just that I'd like to have my truck back." I said rudely and I realized too late about it "Sorry, didn't mean to sound so harsh. I also have Rosalie's phone." I added then "She left it at my home last night. And I'd really like to speak with her, since we were rudely interrupted last night"

"I understand. My husband will be on his way to your place with your truck. You can give Rosalie's phone to him."

"Mrs. Cullen?"

"Yes?"

"Could you please tell Rose that she was right about what she said to me? Back at the buffet? And that I'm eager to let her into my life, please?" She kept silent for a few seconds

"Sure dear. I'll let her know" she said in tone that made me believe that there was more to it than just it.

"Thank you" I finally said and with that our conversation was over.

I watched TV with Charlie after dinner, for something to do while Dr. Cullen arrived.

There wasn't anything on I wanted to watch, so Charlie turned it to some mindless reality show that apparently neither of us enjoyed.

After a few minutes Dr. Cullen arrived. He handed me my truck keys and I handed him Rosalie's phone.

"Are you alright Bella?" he asked me eying me carefully. "I wouldn't mind taking a look at you to make sure your injury is healing ok." He said politely

I shook my head "Don't worry doc. I'm fine. Thanks"

"Are you sure?" he pressed

I nodded "However, I would like to ask a favor, if that is alright with you sir." I said. He smiled at me and nodded. "Please tell her not to ignore me again, because I don't think I'll be able to forgive a third time if she does without proper warning as we agreed"

"She knows Bella." He said calmly and turned around.

I closed the door behind him and went back to the couch in the living room.

"Charlie," I said during a commercial, "I'm going back to Port Angeles… Jessica and Angela are going to look at dresses for the dance tomorrow night in Port Angeles, and they wanted me to help them choose… so I will go with them"

"We don't know anything about this guy with Karen yet. Do you think you'll be safe?" he asked, concern evident on his voice

"I think it is best I face them there instead of waiting for him to find me here"

Charlie seemed to ponder this and then nodded. "Jessica Stanley?" he asked. "And Angela Weber?" He was confused. "You making a move on them now? You're going to ditch blondie and go to the dance?"

"No!" I deadpanned "No more moves on random chicks" I told him smiling thinking about Rose "I'm helping them find dresses, you know, giving them constructive criticism. You know what they say, even if you are on a diet you can still look at the menu" I said winking at him making him chuckle

"If Rosalie hears you say that, you might be off the diet then" he said amused "Let me tell her? That way Duncan will have a better chance to talk you into moving away until we figure who was that guy, and what is going on"

"Not planning to move away anytime soon Charlie. You're stuck with me"

"Fine. I'll cope with your presence in my house a little longer" he said smiling softly before turning semi serious "It's a school night, though. I know you don't care, but won't Jessica's and Angela's parents mind?"

"We'll leave right after school, so we can get back early." I said shrugging and rolling my eyes.

"Alright, just be safe and make sure you are not severely injured again. I thought Rosalie was going to have a heart attack when you died last night" he reminded me.

"She saved me. He was aiming for my head, not my stomach" I muttered, "She took us both by surprise"

"Is that why you don't want to leave? You feel you owe her?"

"I owe her my life, yes. But it's not the reason I want to stay" I told him serious. He stared at me, silently waiting for me to elaborate "I just fell in love with a moody va…" I stopped myself before I could say more

"No matter how much you love her Isabella, or how true that love is, you will eventually need to leave her. What will happen when she is 25, or 30, or 40 and you still look like a teenager?"

I smirked, thinking that I might not have to worry about it at all.

REVISED A/N (February 2022): Soooo? How did you guys spent the 14th? Hope better than me, and if it was not as you expected or planed or wanted, I hope that at least this update brings some sort of joy to your hearts. Happy Valentine's

Original A/N: Heys guys!

Awesome right? Two chapters in two days.

Thank you all for adding this fic your alerts and favorites, and thank you so much for adding ME to your alerts and favorites. I am honored.

Also, thanks for the support and good wishes, it worked out! Yes! I have a job again! I start on Monday, so I'll try and update again this week to compensate for future delays.

Remember to leave your reviews… they nourish my imagination.

And if you have a twitter account and are interested, you can follow me at OriginalHealer