Bella slept through most of the night with little trouble. She only woke up twice in the middle of the night from nightmares. Both times she couldn't remember where she was. Rosalie stroked her hair to help calm her and Jasper used his gift to put her back to sleep.
When Bella woke up in the morning she remembered everything from the day before, including her nightmares. Her nightmares were a mixture of what happened to her and what happened to Rosalie, based on the story Rosalie told her. In her nightmares there was no one there to save either of them. Bella could still see images of Rosalie, broken and beaten on the ground.
"Bella," Rosalie said gently rubbing Bella's shoulder. "I know you're awake."
Bella opened her eyes. She turned her head and found concerned red eyes watching her. "Did I wake you?" Bella asked.
Rosalie laughed and shook her head. "We don't sleep Bella," Rosalie told her.
"Really?" Bella asked sitting up in Rosalie's bed.
"The closest we get to being asleep is when we lie in bed, close our eyes and block out everything," Rosalie said.
"That must be horrible," Bella said. She liked sleeping and couldn't imagine not being able to sleep. "Do you get tired?"
"Not really," Rosalie said. "Sometimes we may feel worn out but that's more mental than anything. Do you want breakfast?"
"Sure," Bella said moving so she could get up. "I can make something, assuming you have breakfast foods here."
Rosalie rolled her eyes at her mate. "I'm not going to make you cook," she said. "I'm taking you out to breakfast. There's this place just outside of town. It has some good ratings. I think you will like it."
Bella blushed. "You don't have to take me anywhere," she said.
Rosalie grabbed Bella's hand. "I want to," she said. "Unless you don't want to go. Sadly none of us know how to cook. Jasper has started reading cookbooks."
"Why is Jasper trying to learn to cook?" Bella asked. "You I could understand but him…"
"Jasper can feel your emotions," Rosalie said. "He can feel your sadness, pain and everything else. He wants you to be happy and he will do what he can to make you happy. He's doing this because he wants to."
"And Alice doesn't mind that Jasper is doing this for me?" Bella asked. The last thing she wanted to do was get between two mates and she definitely didn't want Alice mad at her for trying to steal Jasper from her.
"Alice understands," Rosalie assured her. "If the situations were reversed she would want someone to help Jasper if she couldn't. She's not mad at you and she's not worried about you stealing Jasper away. She wants you to get better." Bella nodded. "Do you want to go out to eat?"
"I do," Bella said. "But I don't have any clothes."
"Alice went to your house last night," Rosalie said. She grabbed the bag beside the bed and sat it on the bed. "She picked up some clothes for the weekend. We figured you would be more comfortable that way."
"Thanks," Bella said gratefully. She would feel better wearing her own clothes. "What's wrong?" Bella asked looking at Rosalie. There was something off about Rosalie. She seemed, tense.
"Alice found something out while she was at your house," Rosalie began. Rosalie crouched down so she could look Bella in the eye. She brushed Bella's hair from her face. "Did you know Edward had been in your room?"
Bella tensed up. "What?" she whispered in fear. "I… I didn't know. What was he doing there?"
"Alice thinks he was watching you sleep," Rosalie said. "His scent is particularly strong around the rocker in your room and Alice didn't smell him anywhere else in the house."
Bella started shaking and Rosalie pulled her off the bed and into her arms. "I don't want him in there," Bella mumbled against Rosalie's shoulder.
"He won't be allowed back in," Rosalie swore. "Charlie's fishing today so Alice is going to clean your room and clear his scent. Tonight while you're sleeping I'll go with her and leave my scent in your room."
Bella looked at Rosalie. "Why would you do that?" she wondered.
"Edward's scent in your room is a way to warn passing vampire's that he has claimed you," Rosalie explained. "He is still under the assumption that you are his mate. That's most likely why he did it in the first place. By replacing his scent with mine we are simply showing it is me that is claiming you. Most vampires will stay away out of fear of angering me. There are a few who are not that bright and may try to challenge the claim, like Edward, or will do what they want. If that happens I will protect you."
"You would kill them," Bella said certain.
Rosalie nodded. "I will kill anyone that tries to harm you. I will always protect you my Bella," Rosalie said.
Bella leaned again Rosalie's bare shoulder. She was comforted by Rosalie's cool body. "Can I keep your sweatshirt?" Bella asked tugging on the Harvard sweatshirt.
Rosalie chuckled. "Of course you can," Rosalie agreed. "It will have to be washed and then worn by me every week or so that way my scent will still be there. I have other sweatshirts you can wear then."
Bella nodded against her shoulder. "Rose… uh Rosalie," Bella said.
"You can call me Rose," Rosalie said gently. "I would prefer it actually."
Bella smiled slightly. "I'm hungry," Bella told her.
Rosalie laughed. "Okay," she said pulling Bella off the ground. "Why don't you shower and get ready and I'll wait for you here? We can leave as soon as you're ready."
Bella agreed and grabbed her things and headed to the bathroom. Rosalie laid on the bed waiting until she heard Edward walk through the hallway.
She got off the bed and met Edward in the hallway. "I don't know what you are planning but you need to stop," Rosalie said.
"I don't know what you are talking about," Edward said.
"Your scent in Bella's room," Rosalie growled. "What the fuck were you doing her in bedroom when she was sleeping?" Edward opened his mouth to answer but Rosalie cut him off. "Don't answer that. I know what you were doing and it ends now. Stay away from her Edward."
"You can't tell me what to do when it comes to my mate," Edward snapped. "I'm allowing you to help her through this thing but after that you will no longer have contact with her."
"This thing?" Rosalie snarled. "This isn't something she will get over in a day Edward. Even you should know better than that. This will stay with her for the rest of her existence. And, you can't keep me from my mate. I will kill you if you try. She doesn't want to be near you. So stay away from her."
"She doesn't love you Rosalie," Edward said. He smirked when she winced. Rosalie knew Bella didn't love her, not yet at least. They barely knew each other and Rosalie wasn't stupid enough to think Bella would love her after a day. Still it hurt to hear it. "It was my name she called while she slept."
Rosalie snarled and jumped at him. Emmett had heard them while he was playing his Xbox and got upstairs just in time to wrap his arms around her waist and hold her back. "He's trying to make you angry," Emmett muttered. "Think about Bella. Focus on Bella. We can deal with him later."
Edward smirked as Rosalie pulled out of Emmett's arms and headed back to her bedroom. She heard the water shut off and knew it was a matter of time before Bella came out of the bathroom. "If you try anything Edward. I will kill you," Rosalie warned before shutting the bedroom door.
"I don't know what you're planning," Emmett said when the door was shut. "But whatever it is it needs to stop. I won't let you hurt either of them."
Edward glared at Emmett. "I would never hurt my mate," he said fiercely.
Emmett sighed and shook his head. "She isn't yours Edward," he said. "The sooner you realize that the sooner you can move on."
Edward ran out of the house so he could plan in peace. The last thing he needed was Alice watching his future and Jasper feeling his emotions. He couldn't understand why the others didn't see Bella belonged to him. It didn't matter. He would make them see the truth. But first he had to get Bella away from Rosalie.
"You left," Bella said walking back into the bedroom.
Rosalie nodded. "I wanted to talk to Edward," she said.
Emmett snorted from downstairs. "More like confront," he commented.
"You would be pissed too if it was your mate," Jasper called from his and Alice's bedroom. "Frankly I'm pissed and Bella isn't my mate."
"You're just happy you have someone to talk about history," Emmett said. He cheered as he blew someone up. "Take that."
"Rose," Bella said pulling Rosalie's attention away from her siblings.
"Sorry, Emmett and Jasper were talking," Rosalie said.
"You can hear them?" Bella asked.
"Yes," Rosalie said. "We can hear all the way to the freeway if we concentrated enough."
"Wow," Bella said.
Rosalie chuckled. "Are you ready to go?" Bella pulled on the sweatshirt and nodded. Rosalie took Bella's hand and led Bella to the garage.
"Whoa," Bella said when she saw Carlisle's black Mercedes, Edward's silver Volvo and Rosalie's red BMW M3.
Rosalie laughed. "Emmett's jeep in out front along with Esme's car," Rosalie said.
"This is just… very expensive cars," Bella commented. "I mean I knew you guys were rich but not this rich."
"When you've been alive as long as we have the money piles up," Rosalie explained. "It helps that Alice can see the stock market and knows when it's the best time to invest." They stopped at the BMW. "This one is mine." Bella climbed into the passenger seat and buckled the seat belt. "Speaking of cars, how attached are you to your truck?"
Bella glanced at Rosalie. "I love my truck," Bella said honestly. "Why?"
"I suppose you won't let me replace that piece of junk?" Rosalie questioned.
"What?" Bella yelped. "No way. People would freak out if they found out you bought me a car. Not to mention Charlie's reaction."
"Do you really care what other people think?" Rosalie asked softly.
"A little," Bella confessed. "I just… I don't want to hear all the comments about how I was all over Edward and now I'm sort of… with you… I think… and buying me a car? People don't do that Rose, no matter how much money they have."
Rosalie shrugged. She would buy Bella a new car if it was the last thing she did. "How about I make you a deal?" Rosalie suggested.
Bella glanced at Rosalie. "What kind of deal?" she asked hesitantly.
"If and when your truck dies you allow me to buy you a new one," Rosalie said carefully. "I'll even let you pick it out."
"How do I know you won't kill my truck?" Bella asked suspicious.
"You don't," Rosalie admitted. "But I swear to you I will never harm your truck. You can even ask Alice if I plan to, or if I did."
"Fine," Bella agreed. She figured the truck wasn't going to die anytime soon so there was no need to worry about it.
"We are here," Rosalie said pulling into the parking lot. She turned off the car and climbed out of the driver's seat. It took her only seconds to realize Bella wasn't getting out of the car. She walked over the passenger side and pulled the door open. "Bella," she muttered crouching down beside her mate.
"I don't want to be here," Bella mumbled.
Rosalie frowned and looked around. She was surprised Bella agreed to leave but she was even more surprised Bella was now resisting. She spotted a group of four men about college age. "Ah," she said in realization. "Bella they're not going to hurt you. I won't let them. We can sit far away from them if you want."
Bella bit her lip. "Okay," she finally agreed taking Rosalie's offered hand. Rosalie had already proved she would kill to protect her. That made her feel safe. She felt like she could do anything if Rosalie was there with her. "We will stay away from them?"
"We will," Rosalie promised.
Bella let go of Rosalie's hand so she could undo her seat belt and get out of the car. Rosalie used that as an opportunity to put her sunglasses on. Rosalie shut the car door once Bella was out and held her mate's hand. "Why are you wearing sunglasses now?" Bella whispered.
"Red eyes," Rosalie whispered back. "I don't want to scare the humans. Alice is in the process of getting me some contacts so my eyes look more natural."
Bella nodded. "Table for two," Rosalie requested. The host looked up and had a dazed look. "Somewhere private," she added slipping him a fifty dollar bill.
The host nodded and led them to a section away from the rest of the restaurant. Bella slid into the booth and Rosalie sat next to her. "Your waiter will be here in a minute," the host said.
"Are you okay?" Rosalie questioned. She rubbed the back of Bella's hand with her thumb.
"I think so. The host is infatuated with you, isn't he?" Bella asked. She recognized the signs of someone mesmerized by the Cullens beauty.
"Yes," Rosalie groaned. "I can smell his arousal from here and it's disgusting,"
"Ew," Bella said utterly repulsed by the thought. "Is it worse for you?" Rosalie glanced at Bella, unsure what she meant. "You're the most beautiful of the Cullens," Bella admitted blushing.
Rosalie grinned. It was nice to know Bella thought she was good looking. "I am rather hot," Rosalie said. Bella rolled her eyes. "To answer your question, yes it is usually worse for me but to be fair while I get mostly male attention Edward had most of the female's attention."
The waiter took that moment to appear. "What can I get you to drink?" he asked. His attention was focused solely on Rosalie. It made Bella feel better knowing he wasn't paying any extra attention to her but at the same time it was annoying because he wasn't paying attention to take her order.
"Bella," Rosalie said.
"Iced tea," Bella requested softly. Rosalie grabbed Bella's hand underneath the table.
The waiter was still staring at Rosalie. "Go get her iced tea," Rosalie snapped. She was tired of him ignoring her mate and staring at her.
The waiter rushed away from the table and Bella leaned against Rosalie. "What are we going to do this weekend?" Bella asked Rose.
"I know Emmett wants to play Xbox with you," Rosalie said as the waiter returned with her iced tea and Bella ordered the waffles with bacon and eggs.
"I don't know how to play Xbox," Bella admitted.
Rosalie laughed. "It's fine," she said. "Emmett doesn't mind teaching you. I should warn you, Emmett heard about your interest in comic books and now has a large stack for you to read."
"Wow," Bella said surprised. "Is Carlisle still mad at you?"
"Yes," Rosalie said. "He wanted to kick me out but Esme refused, probably because you are healing and staying at the house, that and Esme is too nice to kick any of us out."
"Is she mad about your eyes?" Bella questioned sipping his tea.
"She's not happy," Rosalie confessed. "But she understands why I did it. There is nothing more important than protecting our mate and she knows that. She also knows of my decision to continue feeding from humans and while she doesn't like it she will continue to support me like any mother would."
"I wouldn't know," Bella said softly. "I always had to take care of my mother. Don't get me wrong I love her and I know she loves me but I never really got to be the kid. It's why I chose to move here with Charlie."
Rosalie ran her hand through Bella's hair. "I'm sorry about your mother," Rosalie said. "And I'm happy you have Charlie. I've met him a few times and he's a good man. Jasper has said his emotions are pure, a lot like yours. He really does love you, even if he doesn't show it well."
Bella smiled a little at that. She always knew her father loved her but sometimes she wasn't so sure. Hearing it from Rosalie made it more real for her. "What should I do about him?" Bella asked.
"I can't answer that Bella," Rosalie said. "Whatever you decide I will support you. The only thing you can't do is tell him about us."
Bella glanced at Rosalie. "Why not?" she wanted to know.
"Humans are not allowed to know about our existence," Rosalie explained. "If a human does find out they are even killed or changed. There is no third option."
"What about me? You told me your secret," Bella said.
"Technically I didn't," Rosalie said. "Jacob Black did. However, you are my mate. It's rare but vampires do occasionally mate with humans and when that happens the Volturi, our version of a government," she added in explanation, "gives us some leniency. Even then we get a maximum of one year."
"So you will have to change me, or kill me," Bella realized.
"I would never kill you," Rosalie hissed. Bella flinched and Rosalie took a deep breath. "I'm sorry," she said. "The thought of you dying, especially by my hand… it hurts to think about. Unfortunately yes I will have to change you, but the Volturi doesn't know about you so that's gives us extra time."
"Unfortunately," Bella repeated. "You don't want to change me?" she whispered sadly.
Rosalie glanced at Bella and was glad Jasper wasn't here to feel how sad she was at the thought. "Bella," Rosalie said softly. "I want, more than anything, to spend an eternity with you. For the longest time I have hated my existence and I have hated Carlisle for taking that choice from me. Honestly, I still hate Carlisle for changing me. I don't want that to happen to you. I don't want you to hate me from the rest of your life."
"I don't think I can ever hate you," Bella admitted. "But I also don't know if I want to be a vampire. If I did decide…"
"If you did decide you wanted to be changed, and you were one hundred percent sure, I would change you myself," Rosalie interrupted. "But you need time to think about it. I won't change you before graduation."
"Okay," Bella agreed. The waiter showed up with Bella's food minutes later. "Do you want to try it?"
"Definitely not," Rosalie said wrinkling her nose in disgust.
"I know. I just wanted to see your face," Bella giggled.
Rosalie rolled her eyes. "Eat your gross human food Bella," she said.
"Yes Mom," Bella said taking a bite of her waffles. "So what are we doing after this?"
"Is there something you want to do?" Rosalie questioned. She was a little surprised. She didn't think she would be able to get Bella out of the house for breakfast but now it seemed she wanted to do something else.
Bella shrugged. She didn't really want to be out around other people but at the same time she didn't want to sit around the Cullen house and do nothing. She couldn't stand the pitying looks the others gave her. It wasn't on purpose, Bella knew. Jasper, especially, had caught himself a few times after feeling her dislike.
"What about shopping?" Rosalie suggested.
"I…" Bella began. She wasn't sure what to say. She didn't have any money other than a few hundred dollars she had saved before moving. It was meant to be used to buy a car but Charlie had saved her from having to buy one. Now she used the money for gas.
"You don't have to buy anything," Rosalie said, knowing her reluctantly was at least partly due to lack of money. "I thought we could look around and maybe pick up some games for you to play with Emmett."
"You don't have to buy anything for me," Bella said quickly.
"You are my mate," Rosalie reminded her. "I want to buy stuff for you. Whether it's a stick of gum or the home of your dreams."
Bella smiled and leaned against Rosalie. She still didn't like gifts and she didn't want Rosalie to spend money on her but she wasn't about to tell the blonde that she wasn't allowed to.
Rosalie's phone rang making Bella jump. Rosalie stroked her arm to calm her as she pulled her phone out. Bella went back to eating while Rosalie answered the phone. Rosalie frowned at the caller ID.
"What's wrong Alice?" Rosalie questioned instead of a greeting.
"I'm sorry to interrupt," Alice said.
"Then why are you interrupting?" Rosalie growled quietly enough that Bella didn't hear her.
"Watch it Rosalie," Jasper warned. "I understand you didn't want to be disturbed but let Alice speak before you snap at her."
"Sorry," Rosalie said, feeling guilty for growling at her sister. "What's going on?"
"First I managed to clean Bella's room up," Alice said. "Edward's scent is gone, all that's left is my scent." I opened my mouth to comment but Alice cut me off. "Let me finish before you interrupt." My jaw snapped shut. "Thank you. Edward's future is chaotic right now and honestly it's scaring me. He's not making decisions which makes me think he is doing it on purpose."
"Dammit Edward," Rosalie hissed. She was getting tired of him.
"Next time I see him I'm going to warn him to back off," Alice promised. "If he keeps this up he's going to get himself killed and while I don't want to lose my brother I know he is going to deserve it."
"Damn right he will," Rosalie muttered under her breath. "Do you think he will go to the Volturi?" she asked her sister.
"No way," Alice answered. "In all the possibilities I've seen the Volturi aren't even mentioned. No matter how angry he is he won't risk Bella's life. He truly believes Bella is his mate but he doesn't intend on changing her. Bringing the Volturi into the equation…"
"Would mean she gets changed or dies," Rosalie finished. She already knew that.
"Exactly," Alice said. "There's one last thing I wanted to warn Bella about."
Rosalie sat up straighter. "What's wrong?"
"Charlie called, he's going to pick Bella up Sunday afternoon on the way to La Push," Alice said. "Apparently they were invited to a bonfire."
"What aren't you telling me?" Rosalie questioned. She was well aware of the fact that Charlie was close friends with Billy Black. She recalled Carlisle mentioning that Billy saw Charlie as a brother. It came up once, before Bella moved to Forks, when Charlie was sick and Billy had him taken to La Push instead of Forks General because the Quileute's didn't want Carlisle treating him.
"Her future disappears," Alice confessed. Rosalie growled. Blank future almost always meant death. "She doesn't die," Alice added quickly. "I still see you two together in the future. I just can't see her when she's in La Push."
"The wolves, they are back," Rosalie realized, "and you can't see them."
"That's my guess too," Alice said. Rosalie sighed. She didn't like Alice not being able to see Bella's future but at the same time she wouldn't forbid Bella from going. Trying to do so would cause too many problems. "What are you planning Rose? Your future is changing too fast for me to see."
"I can't stop her from going," Rosalie began. "And Billy Black sees Charlie as family so I highly doubt they would do anything to hurt Bella. We need to make an extra stop before we head back to the house."
"She's going to resist," Alice warned Rosalie. Rosalie had finally made up her mind, allowing Alice to get a solid vision.
"I don't care," Rosalie said firmly. "She can be pout or yell all she wants. While I doubt the wolves will intentionally hurt her accidents happen. This is my way of making sure she is safe."
"Okay," Alice agreed. They said goodbye and Rosalie tucked her phone away.
"Is everything okay?" Bella asked pushing away her now empty plate.
"Yes," Rosalie said. Bella wasn't convinced. "Charlie called to say he's picking you up Sunday to go to La Push."
"I…" Bella began. She didn't want to go. Not because she was afraid, although that was a small part of it, but because she wanted to stay near Rosalie. Being near Rosalie made her feel safe and loved, something she had never felt before.
"You have to go," Rosalie said gently. "But if you get uncomfortable you can tell Charlie you're not feeling well and I will come get you."
"You guys aren't allowed in La Push," Bella mumbled.
"Dammit," Rosalie growled. She'd forgotten about that. "Then I will meet you are your house."
"I can wear your sweatshirt right?" Bella asked hopeful.
Rosalie smiled and pulled Bella against her side. "Of course," she said. "Are you finished?"
Bella nodded against Rosalie's body. Rosalie dropped two twenties on the table and climbed out of the booth. She offered her hand to Bella and Bella took it.
Rosalie drove to AT&T just outside of Port Angeles. "Why are we here?" Bella asked climbing out of the car.
"You need a cell phone," Rosalie said matter-of-factly. She climbed out of the car and walked over to the passenger side.
"I don't need one," Bella disagreed.
Rosalie pulled the door open. "Yes you do," Rosalie countered. "This way if something happens or if you can't sleep at night or you're bored, you can call me."
"I can't talk you out of this can I?" Bella asked. Rosalie shook her head and Bella sighed. "Fine."
"I'll let you pick it out," Rosalie promised as Bella got out of the car.