Recap of Chapter 18:

Thanksgiving Break is here for the FSA kids, and they've all went home for the holiday. After having a stiff encounter with her two ghosts from her past, Bella was relieved to be home with her dad and her new puppy, Scooter. But, after getting a visit from an old family friend as well as the boyfriend, will Bella's and Edward's relationship be kept quiet still? Hopefully Charlie won't want to have a talk with the parents of Edward...

Chapter Nineteen

~Bella~

"Dad, Jacob... Scooter - please stop glaring holes into Edward." I scolded everyone who was scowling at my boyfriend after a couple minutes of uncomfortable silence in the living room. I sat down beside Edward, sans coat and boots, his scarf wrapped around his neck to probably hide the anxious bobbing of his Adam's apple since he was gulping down so much air.

I cuddled into his side, sipping on my delicious hot cocoa that I heated up for myself. Edward cautiously wrapped an arm around my waist, trying to avoid Charlie's blaring glare directed at his arm. "Dad..." I hissed in warning, and he shook his head.

Jacob sat in one of the armchairs, beside my dad, slouched with his arms crossed while he glowered. Dad was sitting straight up, one arm resting stiffly on one arm rest, while the other was relaxed, except for the hand was close to the gun in his holster. And Scooter sat at my feet, growling at how Edward's large feet were close to mine.

"Why is it that you never thought of calling me up and telling me about this, Bells?" my dad murmured, sounding hurt.

"Or me for that matter..." Jacob added in, pouting. I sighed and sipped one more sip of my drink before looking straight at them.

"Honestly, I didn't think about telling you guys about us." I paused to gesture to Edward and I.

"I was busy, focusing on school, as well as the Talent Show that's coming up sometime next year. I've been working ass off with it all, and I didn't ever think for one second, 'Hey, I think I should call up my dad and best friend, and tell them that I have a secret boyfriend, even though they hate any other boy that is near me'." I continued, rolling my eyes.

My dad's frown deepened upon hearing my sarcastic reply, as did Jake's.

"Bells... take this seriously."

"But I am dad!"

"That reply says otherwise."

I heaved a heavy sigh, throwing my head over the back of the couch in an exasperated manner. These two were impossible.

Edward cleared his throat, earning harsh and quick glances from the two.

"If I may interject just for a second..." he trailed off hesitantly, quickly looking over at me with a sheepish smile.

"I get why they're upset with you Bella."

"Oh really? I'd love to hear what you're thoughts on this are, bro."

"Jake be nice."

"No it's fine."

"Edward, he's being hostile tow-"

"He's being protective of you love. Same as your father." he interrupted me. I pursed my lips but then after a bit, nodded my head, clarity ringing true within my thoughts.

"Smart boy."

"Sir if I may boldly state this - I'm in no way, shape or form, as awful as Joshua had been to your daughter. I'd rather die at the mere thought of ever even thinking of laying a single hand on Bella with the intentions of harming her. I've been raised to be a respectful young gentleman by my adoptive parents, who continue to strongly enforce this mindset onto me. I would never want to let them down, or for that matter, never let my real parents down, if I were to ever behave differently," he paused, turning his gaze towards me. His emerald eyes sparkled with mirth when they fixated onto me, and I gave him a smile of encouragement.

"I've never felt so strongly about someone before in my life, like I do for her. She means a lot to me. We may not have known each other for long, but I can promise that I want her and I to take our time to bond, to build a lasting relationship. I adore her very much, and just want her to be happy." he finished, flashing me a dazzling grin to which I winked at him.

Charlie watched our interaction carefully, scrunching his nose up at how sappy it may have sounded to him. Jacob mirrored his actions, rolling his eyes as well.

"Okay you two love birds you're gonna make me vomit rainbows with how hilariously sappy that sounded." he muttered under his breath. Edward narrowed his eyes over at him minutely, but I merely blew a raspberry at my childhood friend.

"Someone's just being a big baby."

"Yeah yeah, bite me."

Charlie cleared his through then and the three of us looked towards him.

"Okay well... Edward after hearing that and seeing how you two act like you're in your own little bubble, I can tell you two are serious about each other. And, it's nice to hear that you're pledging yourself. I expect you to do your best in keeping my Bells happy and safe. I apologize if the two of us came across a little bit too gruff. But obviously if you understand who Joshua is and promise to be the opposite of who he is, then I can see now that you're a fine fit for my little girl."

Edward beamed at the approval from my father. Standing from his spot and handing me his scarf - he had since taken off his scarf now, for it was starting to become warm in the house for him -, he stretched out an open hand to my father. He returned the favor the two shook hands, though Charlie held on after their shake, staring intently at my boyfriend.

"Just remember: I'm the police chief of this here small town, with open access to every firearm available. One wrong move, and you'll have your name personalized on a special bullet." he remarked, and smirked a little behind that bushy mustache of his when he could see Edward visibly balk at this statement.

"Nice one Charlie!"

"Dad!"

Jacob's guffaw cut in afterwards, where he hunched over himself with deep chuckles. I glared harshly at my father for his scare tactic and Charlie merely barked out a loud laugh.

"Oh calm down Bella. I'm merely teasing the boy. I have to play the old protective dad card every time you bring a boy to me and you know that. It's a perk and a right for us fathers." He defended himself, chuckling deeply. Edward's hand was released and he laughed to himself quietly and nervously, a visible gulp coming through based upon the sharp bob of his Adam's apple. I huffed, stamping my foot minutely.

"Trust me, I approve of this boy you have here." Charlie said once more, now standing up. He clapped Edward on the back, who jumped slightly. He laughed once more, letting out a deep breath at the mention of being accepted.

"Good." I muttered, sticking my tongue out once more at the men, who merely laughed at me.

With Edward now being welcomed into the house, Charlie and Jacob settled themselves in the living room, getting ready to watch some game that was on. I went into the kitchen, deciding I should at least get them something to eat or drink. Edward shadowed me, leaning against the counter.

"Need any help?" he offered as I started to pull various items out from the cupboards and fridge.

"Probably will need it, yes. I want to get them a snack, before I start working on making some cookies for our second Thanksgiving dinner with our friends." I told him, and he nodded his head, rolling up the sleeves on his sweater.

"Say, what are you doing for your Thanksgiving dinner, babe?" I asked him when he helped me put together a bowl of various chips and chex mix.

He shrugged his shoulders, replying, "Not much really. It's more likely going to be the same thing as every year. Jasper and Rosalie are going to be coming over to our place to have dinner with Alice, Emmett, our parents and I."

"Oh that's nice. I didn't know that that is what you guys do." I said in response. I don't remember Alice or Rosalie telling me any of that. He hummed in response, giving the bowls a shake to make sure they were mixed well and held a decent amount of snacks for the guys to munch on.

"Yeah. Honestly, I'm surprised Rosalie had never really came over before to meet our family. But, then again, for most years, it was just Jasper and his parents, or only Jasper. I guess sometimes Rosalie would go have dinner with other friends or other family members." he added offhandedly, shrugging his shoulders. I nodded my head, before I began the prep for the cookies.

"How about you dear?"

"Oh well my mom is going to be coming over to initially spend dinner with us. It'll just be us three together. And then I think the next day, we'll be heading down to the reservation to do a second Thanksgiving dinner with Jacob, his dad, and the other members there. The women down there has a lot more prep work when it comes to food since I think most of reservation is going to be there."

"Really?"

"Yeah. They all know each other really well, and treat each other like a big family. So when they get together... Oh boy, it's a massive party." he chuckled at my answer.

"I half wish I could invite you and your dad to come over to my home for dinner. But wouldn't want to even impose or offer. Seems like it's a big tradition for you guys to spend it with Jacob, and that'd be very rude of me to even think about asking." he mumbled to me. I knew he wanted to spend more time with me. I could tell as well as it'd feel important to him to have his secret girlfriend come over to meet his adoptive parents.

"Well yeah, there's that. Plus the other issue..." I grumbled to him, knowing that if I were to even go over there, I wouldn't even be able to spend a single moment alone with him. If Rosalie and Alice are there, no doubt I'd have to keep up with the facade we still have going on. He too nodded at the second reason, sighing heavily with annoyance but understanding.

I soon brought the snacks out to Jacob and my dad, who uttered thanks in return but refused to let their eyeballs stray from their game.

"Men..." I murmured to myself when I walked back into the kitchen, giggling as Edward gave me a confused look.

"They're so engrossed with their sports." I told him and he chuckled.

"Well, I can get that. I like my sports too - just not into football." he admitted.

"Riiight, you're into baseball and soccer." I said, remembering how he had said he was essentially the star for the school's baseball team. As well as when he grew up, he was on a little league soccer team with Emmett. Edward nodded his head, smirking to show he was proud at me for remembering.

"I should get started on these cookies." I finally said, realizing it's now or never to get started on these.

"What do you need love?"

"Flour, eggs, milk and the mix from the box. I'd make it from scratch but I'm feeling really lazy at the moment." I stated, shrugging my shoulders when he chuckled at my last remark.

We began working on the cookies together, which thankfully shortened the process. It's not like it would've taken me long to do it by myself, but having the extra set of hands shortens it enough to where I'm not stuck horribly long in here. Plus, kneading the dough once it's come together is usually a hard task in of itself. But, having him here and his big strong hands, it made it easier for me.

"Aah! What did you do that for?" he barked out a laugh after he just splashed my face with some flour.

"You're being too serious about this whole baking process. Is there anything on that beautiful bright mind of yours, love?" he asked me, noting how for most of the time we were beginning the cookies I was silent. Other than the occasional laugh or reminders of what to do next, I was keeping to myself. I bit my lip, not wanting to mention any of my worries to him out loud. After all it was the holidays, and bringing up something troublesome only dampers the mood.

"That bit lip is silently telling me you do have something going on."

"Uh, no. I'm fine Edward, really I am."

"Bella..."

I sighed, knowing there was no way of trying to slip by on it with him.

"Let me take a wild guess - it involves something school related?"

"For the most part yes." I begrudgingly admitted, my shoulders hunched.

"Alright, tell ole Dr. Cullen what's the matter."

I couldn't help but laugh out loud from the title he just called himself. "I'm sorry dear, but please don't refer to yourself as that."

"Hmm... in hindsight, you're right. The title reminds me of my adoptive father..." he paused, rolling his emerald eyes. But he pressed on with a knowing look thrown my way.

"Fine. Well... I've just been thinking about the talent show a lot lately. As well as the others." I started, turning around to lean against my countertop. He glanced over at me, an eyebrow raised.

"Well how about we start with tackling the show? What in particular has got you worried about it?"

"The general worries. I'm worried that my voice is not going be up to snuff by the time it comes around. I'm worried that there's going to be so many mistakes, or so many mishaps when we get to performing. What if the other group is better than us? I mean, we haven't heard them yet to get an idea of how well they perform. But still, I'm just scared that they'll be mind-blowing in their performance to where I'm not sure we'll have a chance at winning." I rambled on aimlessly, playing with the frayed ends of my hair.

"You know, it seems weird but the talent show just seems like it's becoming more as a singing competition between our group and theirs." he said offhandedly, with no advice mentioned on how I should quell my fears. He must've gotten the hint, when I threw a minor scowl in his direction, for he coughed.

"Sorry, I know that doesn't help you much."

"Not really."

"Honestly sweetheart, I don't see why you'd be worried. You should have more confidence in our group. I honestly think we're well on our way of being prepared for this competition. Yes, we still have the kinks to deal with. It happens with the fact we have this silly... 'war' going on. Truthfully I wouldn't even call it a war anymore. I still don't get why it was started in the first place. But I digress. If we can focus on our talent, our singing, and working together as a cohesive group, I know deep within my gut that there's nothing to be afraid of." he boasted, nodding his head affirmatively to show he was confident that we would pull through.

"I'm not sure why we even called it a war either. I think it was just more so, you boys at the school haven't been around females for a while. Or you all haven't been around our gender in a school setting for a long time. Either way, we didn't appreciate the horrible flirting tactics, or the chauvinistic comments directed at us. I mean after... well, what happened in the hallways, and the other stories I overheard from the other girls, it kind of just snowballed after that." I admitted, shaking my head lightly at how silly the whole thing seems. "In all fairness, I can see that a lot of the girls do have feelings for the boys - or at least they can't help themselves when they stare at them. It's really stupid, now that I think about it, that we had a 'rule' of no talking allowed between the two groups. It's ridiculous we even involved the under-classmen in this, they're just young teens who probably don't even have any thoughts like us older students have." I rambled on further.

Why is it that now all of a sudden, I'm starting to realize the utter madness that is this "war"?

"Well, it offers... a bit of entertainment for them?"

"I guess? Or offers embarrassment at the very least. What's even stranger is that the staff gave an 'ok' for this whole thing."

"To a certain extent though, right?"

"Somewhat, yeah."

"It's obvious they wouldn't let some of the highly crude actions take place." he snorted out, continuing his hard kneading into the cookie dough.

"But the fact they let us get away with wearing some risqué outfits, that are no doubt against the rules of dress code - and overall against decency - that's... bizarre but hilarious at the same time."

"Eh, I think they just view it as moderate fun amongst us teens. Long as nothing dangerous comes out of it, that probably matters more to them."

"Possibly. I still regret ever starting this silly thing between everyone. It's absurd the girls looked to me as their 'leader' for it." I muttered, turning back around to begin prepping the oven for the cookies. He sighed and I looked over my shoulder at him.

"If it helps any, the boys all basically assigned me leadership for their side; after we all caught on what was going on between the entire female population on campus, they looked to me as if I had the answers." Edward murmured, shrugging his shoulders.

"I'm still wondering what's the worry you have involving the others." he suddenly stated then, putting the talk about this "war" to rest for now. After I finished the prep-work on the oven, I walked back over to him. I stood close enough to him to have an intimate bubble established, but he still had room to work into the dough.

"It kind of revolves around this feud our genders have against each other, as well as involving our friends." I started, puffing my cheeks out in a heavy sigh. "With this whole silly thing going on, I can only hope that at some point it'll fizzle out peacefully. Or at best just be resolved to where we can establish friendships out in the open. Like, ours for example. I... I'm starting to get tired of having to work on meeting up with you in secret, while making sure Alice and Rosalie don't know the truth about it. I hate that I'm lying to them. I hate how I'm lying to Alice about dating her adoptive brother behind her back. I made it clear to her and Rosalie that I absolutely hated you after your... well, the incident in the halls that day. They know about my past, much like you do. And, to go against my feelings at first in how I felt about you - it feels like if I were to tell them the truth they'll turn on me, hate me and I'll lose them as friends. They mean a lot to me, but the thought of them hating me after I tell them the truth, scares me."

I paused to rake a hand through my hair now.

"I feel like if the truth is to ever come out, at the worst possible time, then all of the girls will hate me. They view me as their 'leader' for this whole shit show. So, I just know deep within my gut that I feel they'll feel betrayed, hurt, angry and disgusted with me about it."

"You're acting as if they're all high-strung ultra feminazis." he teased lightly and I glared at him. "You know, the type who labels men as end all evil. Satan straight from the womb, their sole purpose of creation being destroy all traces of freedom that women have." he clarified and I rolled my eyes.

"I figured as much that was what you meant. Truthfully, I at least fear that most of them are. I hated the silly speech I gave that day when we were putting this plan into action. But I feel that speech just fueled their desires to keep this up for so long. It just worries me that if this were to get out to everyone on campus, I'll be public enemy number one." I continued, crossing my arms over my chest.

"I'd be right there along with you too, you know." Edward inputted, pursing his lips. "Essentially, it's the same for me involving the guys. They really do love messing with you ladies. And as much as they're pigs and generally have one thing on their minds, they're for the most part sharing the same ideals that every female is feeling. If the women are ignoring their advances, they're trying their best to ignore any temptations and trying to be big macho men about it. They're taking this whole thing as a 'who's the better sex?' rather than as a distancing themselves from the opposite sex situation. So, if our relationship comes out in the open, I'm in the same shit hole as you are love." he added.

Turning around to face me, he wiped his hands on his pants. Then Edward placed those large hands of his on my hips lightly.

"Believe me when I say this, Isabella. I would love nothing more than to have our relationship out in the open. I would adore it, rejoice in the glow of our relationship. You have no idea how many times I've tried to restrain myself from hugging you whenever I see you, or kiss those delicious plump lips of yours. Or worse, how many times I had to stop myself from decking Emmett in the jaw for any of his sexist remarks." my giggle cut him off for a brief second, and he kissed my nose.

"I hate having our relationship hidden. It makes me feel slightly sick as our relationship is nothing to be ashamed of. You matter to me more than anything in this world. And I want everyone to know it. But... we are caught in the crossfire of this silly feud between our two genders. It can't be ended so suddenly without raising questions. I want it to be resolved peacefully without fearing we'll lose our friends for it. It's just... I don't know how we could pull that off yet." he murmured quietly to me.

"For now, it seems impossible. And that's the most frustrating part. I want to do something, to end this nonsense already. But, I can't think of anything without consequences. No doubt, if it is to ever come out in the open, they'll feel betrayal by us. In the end, it'll come down to whether they'll trust us again or never forgive us for keeping this from them." he trailed off then, gazing down at the tiled floor beneath our feet. I rested my forehead against his, taking in a deep breath. Edward knew exactly what I was feeling and was able to put it so perfectly. We both realized now that at this moment, with our school and fellow classmates at odds, we couldn't let our relationship come out in the open. It wasn't as bad as it once was when this feud started. It seems as if it has simmered down. But the coals were still there, still burning low and waiting to began a new inferno. Something so small was needed for it to accomplish its goal for more fights and anger.

"I want us... I want us to be happy together. No fear, no secrets from our friends. No worries. I want love, I want us to be free and open." I whispered, biting my bottom lip. "But... It's not fair we have to endure this war. I want to believe that if it were to come out, that they'd put aside these sentiments they had during this nonsense. That, they'd be happy for us and want us to succeed in us being together. I just know they'll be angry, hurt, feel betrayed by us. There's no doubt that'll happen. But I don't want it to last for forever. I want us all to be friends together, to have a chance at a decent future." I continued, looking up at Edward.

"It... It may seem weird I've become so serious in expressing my feelings for you Edward. Unexpected and out of the blue like this. But, as much as we've only been together for a few months, I've grown so close to you. I really do love you Edward. I view you as another best friend, my protector, my lover - I want nothing more than to have everything with you. God... I'm only almost 18 and here I am, ready for everything with you. I know it's not set in stone just yet, but I don't want this to end for us. Never." Edward cut me off by planting a searing kiss on my lips.

I gladly took the interruption, breathlessly consenting to this affection he was showing me. Edward pulled my body closer to his, which led to me wrapping my arms around his neck and a leg hazardously around his calf. He let his hands from my hips come up to my face, where he pulled away.

"Believe me, Bella. Believe me when I say this out loud, and never think otherwise. No matter what, I promise you that I share the same feelings, same thoughts, concerns and worries you may be feeling. We may be young, but I feel that our connection is strong. I promise you Bella, I will never let anything happen to you, to us. I'll be here for you, whatever that may leave us." Edward whispered, caressing my cheek with his thumb.

"Gee, it's awfully quiet in there!"

Jacob's booming voice caused us to gasp out loud, audible enough for them to hear it.

"Bells, you better not be doing anything funny in there!"

Edward's beet red face no doubt matched my own flaming hot one. We took a few short breaths to calm ourselves down - both from the obvious scare Jacob caused, as well as from how intimate our talk became. Then after untangling ourselves, we smiled at one another.

"Bells... that silence is not helping your case."

"Dad, trust me. We're just baking in here!" I yelled back with a chuckle.

We dropped our serious conversation there, deciding that it was better to save it for another time. At least for another time that was not in my house, where my father and old-family friend were nearby.

Edward finally deemed the dough worthy of being ready, allowing me to finish it off with some chocolate chips. It wasn't long till we had the cookies going into the oven. I then pulled Edward by the wrist out of the kitchen, moving to the stairs.

"Bells, where do you two think you're going?" Charlie however, was not an easy one to sneak by.

"Dad, please. I promise to keep the door open for you guys, and I promise there won't be any funny business going on." I begged, looking down at him with exasperation. Jacob snickered at my position while Charlie sighed heavily but waved his hand.

"Better keep your word on that young lady."

We were rushing up the stairs before he finished his sentence.

"Wow... your room is small." Edward stated bluntly once we reached my room. I flopped down onto my bed, quirking an eyebrow in his direction.

"What? Let me guess, your room is horribly large and all fancy with big windows, big bed and shiny toys?" I teased, noticing him biting that bottom lip of his as a hand went to the back of his neck in embarrassment.

"Technically speaking...?"

I rolled my eyes. Of course he would have a large room. His adoptive father is the best doctor in town, no doubt he makes bucket loads of money to afford a fancy home for his family.

"Well I mean, it helps that Carlisle is a great doctor." he added sheepishly, twiddling his thumbs.

"Long as you don't act all snotty about my quaint room, we won't have any issues you dork." I teasingly chided him, patting the spot next to me on my bed. An invitation for him to further venture into my room, since he hasn't moved from the doorway. He scuttled inside, a wary look in his eyes.

"Bella dear, I hope that what I said didn't offend you..."

"Oh calm down, I was teasing you."

Edward sighed in relief, running a hand through his messy hair.

"Now, if I recall correctly, there was another reason as to why I invited you over here today." I began, leaning back on my hands. I looked over at him coyly, a smirk gracing onto my face. Another look of confusion popped up, a bronze brow raising.

"Well, beyond finally being able to introduce you to my father and a long time family friend of mine, or even baking with you - there was something I wanted to do with you."

"Uh..."

I let out a giggle, finding him being lost as to what I was implying to be adorable.

I then pulled him by the collar of his shirt on top of me. He let out the smallest hint of a squeak in shock, his face becoming beet red. Edward was now on top of me, straddling my body that had fallen back onto the quilt.

"I guess it's better to show you."

And I claimed that mouth of his.

I could tell he was shocked still from how brazen I was being. I think he was just worried about my father or Jacob accidentally walking by my door and seeing us in our certain position. But thankfully, it seems my lips were too distracting and tempting for him to be concerned about that. Edward soon sighed happily, and lowered himself carefully to where he and I were closer in our make-out session. He balanced himself on his elbows, his hands planted by my head. I let one hand make its way to his back and the other found its home in his bed-head hair. I let my nails scratch lightly on his scalp, hearing the softest of moans breathe into my lips.

He rolled slightly off of me, earning a dissatisfied look from me. Edward smirked briefly, and then pulled me on top of him, his hands at my thighs. Those emerald eyes were filled with mischief and mirth, divided between my face and my chest.

"This, is more like it." he purred quietly, squeezing my thighs when I shivered.

I leaned down and reconnected our interrupted lip-lock. My hair fanned out around him, creating minimal privacy to our kiss. I loved feeling these spark that bounced off from our skin. It only further fueled my desire to never let this kiss die. It felt good for he was stimulating my needs without even focusing on them. Edward felt it as well, since his bottom half was becoming more and more eager.

"You are a minx." he growled around our lips, his emerald irises becoming jade in hue.

"I know, and you love it." I whispered back after pulling back to take a breath. I licked my bottom lip in what I hope was a seductive manner. Judging how he stared at the action hungrily, I can assume it was a success.

"Ahem."

I let out a shriek as Edward yelped. We jumped apart, staring horrified at the door frame.

"I came up here for two reasons. One - you should check on your cookies. And two - I was going to ask what you two would like for dinner. But, I can already see that you both skipped to dessert." Jacob's chuckling voice broke our romantic bubble. His hulking form wasn't facing the direction of my room, rather he was standing looking down the hallway.

"Err. . ."

"Jacob, please don't do that ever again!" I hissed angrily to my friend, interrupting Edward's attempt to come up with an excuse for our position.

I merely received Jacob's laugh as a response.

"No promises there, Bells."

(Two Days Later)

"Please, don't feel afraid to drop by here again. It's been ages since we had you two down here!" Billy's deep-set voice boomed, earning a chuckle from my father.

"Trust me, I would've came down here more often had I not been busy with work. Ya know, police chief and all. Have to keep the town safe." Billy only laughed at my dad's response, nodding his head in understanding.

My dad and I were already getting ready to leave after having a second Thanksgiving dinner at the Reservation. Thanksgiving day went without a hitch with my mom and dad. Renee came over on time to the house. My mom helped me out with dinner, where we caught up with each other on our lives. She was happy to hear that after our successful win of getting rid of the gender lock-out rule at FSA, that I was adjusting to life on campus there. She was even more ecstatic to hear that I had made several close friends. I decided not to tell her about my relationship with Edward though. She was extremely protective over me after what happened with Joshua so I know she'd flip her shit even more that Charlie ever did. Granted, she would be eventually happy with me in finding someone who treats me right, with respect and care. I just know the volatile reaction was bound to happen with her.

Anyways, while my dad sat in the living room to watch the football game that was going on, us women busied ourselves in the kitchen with the food. Once all of it was done, we sat down together and ate the food over more chatter and laughs. It was extremely nice to finally spend time with my mom again. It has been a long while since I've seen her and talked with her. She had told us that she has been busy with new cases here or there, but still manages to find time to relax in-between.

I had eyed my dad time to time during dinner though. I was old enough during their divorce to know it was hard on my dad. Even if he won't totally admit it out loud, my dad still had some feelings for my mom. Yes, most of the love and passion may of left him with the divorce. It was a mutual separation, but a hard one at that for him really. He still cared about her deeply and only wants her to be happy. There was probably still some bit of love for her there, just not enough for him to try and win her back. So my dad had to settle for a friendship - or some means of civility - with her. It's not like they really argue anymore or burst into fights. Enough time has passed between them to where they can be in the same room with one another without throwing each other daggers.

The dinner carried on like so, laughter and jokes bouncing back and forth between each of us. Soon, after we had small desserts, my mom had to leave. It was late and I had wanted to say she could stay here for the night; I wouldn't have minded in taking the couch so she could have my room. But she had told us that she would be fine and able to drive back to Seattle, since she had wanted to finish up some paperwork to be on top of her work. Hugs and kisses were exchanged, along with some promises to plan something for my upcoming birthday and Christmas next month, before my mom breezed out the door.

The next day then brought us to get out of bed with groggy looks. My dad and I knew it was time to get even more stuffed on food, since we still had to head out to the reservation for another Thanksgiving dinner with the residents there. When the time came, we set off in the old rusty truck my dad has kept for so long. Scooter was coming along with us, bouncing back and forth in the small compartment. He was excited on this new adventure he was heading on, with us.

When we arrived on the reservation, Jacob and Billy were there to greet us. Hugs and greetings were exchanged before they led us to where everyone else was. It turns out the dinner would be held in a large reception hall on the reservation. Soon as we entered, there were several families inside already, chatting with their friends. Young children were breezing past us to run and play outside with each other. I could see some of other teens hanging around outside as well, laughing with one another.

I went off to find some of the women who were preparing the food, leaving my dad with Billy. Jacob had ran off to find his friends as well.

After having found the women, Emily was there to quickly greet me with a warm hug. Emily was the fiancée to one of Jacob's friends. She was such a sweetheart to everyone here, treating young and old members of the reservation like they were own blood. She and I were good friends too, so it was nice to see her again after so long.

Time flew by and soon it was already dinner time. It was an eventful night, hearing many tales - between lore that the elders apparently would tell the young children every year around this time, and general stories the families wanted to share. My father and I laughed along with them, and listened intently to whatever they were saying. I felt welcomed and warm, spending my time with the people of the reservation. So many loud characters, loving and funny people.

But it was now time for my father and I to head back home. We were stuffed to the brim from the delicious foods that was offered.

After a couple more promises of more time to hang out and spend more time together, Scooter, my dad and I entered the truck to head back to Forks. We talked about nothing in particular on our way back to the house.

After close to an hour of driving on the road, the house came into view. It was then, that I noticed it.

"Um... Dad? Did we leave the door unlocked?" I sat a bit forward upon asking him this, narrowing my eyes at the sight. The front door was slightly ajar.

"No." came his curt response.

We parked the car and stepped out. I held onto Scooter as my dad came around to stand next to me, reaching for his pistol in his holster. Even if he was off from work for the holiday, my father always made sure to carry it around. Just in case.

"Stay back a bit. I need to scope out the inside." He muttered to me, beginning a cautious side step up to the house, gun out. I gulped but let out a weak reply that I would. Scooter let out a weak growl, to which I pulled him closer to my chest upon hearing him growl like this.

My dad reached the door finally, and nudged it open with his boot. I could now see the area around the doorknob was ripped out, the wood splintered. Someone had kicked open the door with brute force. Someone broke into the house for sure.

He ventured inside, with me slowly inching along behind him.

It was about five to ten minutes later with me standing in the doorway, that my dad reemerged before me.

"Someone broke in."

"That much I got." I mumbled, gingerly touching the door. I let Scooter down to sit by my feet. He was whimpering quietly.

"Far as I can see for most of the house, the intruder didn't take anything downstairs. They didn't take anything of mine - all of the guns are still where I left them, bullets and everything as well. But..."

I looked up upon hearing his trailing off, and saw he was glaring at the floor.

"What?"

"They wanted something of yours from what I get. Your room... Your room is a mess."

I gasped and hurried passed him, racing up the stairs. I stopped short in the doorway to my room, my hands flying up to my mouth.

They ransacked my room bad.

My bed's sheets were torn off and thrown about the small space. Pillows were in a disarray. My drawers had been rifled through, with clothes hanging precariously out from them. Some of my old posters and pictures had been torn off of the walls, strewn about on the floor with tears. My closet was a mess, with very few clothes hanging still on the hangers. One lamp was tossed to the floor, shattered. The biggest piece of evidence that was gone was my old monster of a computer that once sat at my wooden desk, was gone. With the drawers there opened with some old knick-knacks missing as well, I noted the hard-drive and screen were missing.

"Oh my god..." I breathed, taken aback from the site. I felt my eyes wells up with tears.

I heard my dad's heavy footfalls behind me, before I could smell his musky scent standing behind me.

"Dad..." I whispered brokenly, letting my arms fall to my sides helplessly. I could now feel the tears in my eyes begin to spill over.

"I... I don't know what they wanted Bells. I already called up the department to report this mess, they'll be by in a couple. I'm... I'm sorry sweetheart." He murmured to me. I whirled around and buried myself into his chest, sobs bubbling from my lips now.

Charlie engulfed me into a hug then, smoothing my hair and trying his best to calm me down.

"I'm scared dad. They wanted something of mine. They were looking for something specific, I know that much from how ransacked my room looks. What... Who could've done this?" I blubbered to him.

He merely squeezed me in response.

"I don't know honey. But one thing is for sure. I'm not going to let anything happen to you. It's a good thing you're going to the academy like you are. I'd rather you be there than here because I don't know if this guy will be back or not. I'll be doing my damnedest to make sure that whoever was in here in your personal space is caught and dealt with baby. You have my word."

I pulled back to see him staring blankly into my room with determination, and slight fear. My dad was worried about me, worried that this was someone out to get me and wanted to hurt me.

"I have a plan in mind, but I need you to call Edward. We're going to be spending some time together tomorrow alright honey?"

I nodded wordlessly, sniffling.

I could only hope that everything else beyond this point would go on without a hitch.

Such a crappy end to a holiday.

A/N: I've posted all about my "return" to writing these, elsewhere in another recently updated piece of work. Mainly, it's for my own entertainment to try and continue these stories, to do my best to flesh it out how I'd like to write it.

Inspiration has returned for this story, and I can only hope I'll be able to actually set it all out.

I have also mentioned that I detest my old writing style. Especially with this story. But then again, I wrote this back with a underdeveloped style and a teeny-bopper mindset. Went for the over-dramatization to the extremes. I have no plans to go back and re-write everything unfortunately.

Adult - or Adult-like themes - will continue throughout the story. But we shall see how it works out.

The many discrepancies, spelling errors, grammar mistakes and other atrocities aside - I'll be doing my best to try to get back into this and continue with the story.

Feedback would be appreciated.

~Lady Lily~