Bella leaned against her headboard, flipping through the Superman comic book loaned to her by Emmett. Despite the fact that she enjoyed Superman comics she was having a hard time concentrating on the comic book in front of her.
Rosalie was out hunting and then would be by to help Bella get ready for her evening with Jasper.
Neither Bella nor Rosalie had brought up Bella kissing her. Bella knew Rosalie was trying to give her space and allow her to process what happened in her own time. Jasper and Alice had told her that much. But Bella wished Rosalie would bring it up simply because Bella was struggling to find a way to word her feelings.
A knock at the window pulled Bella from her thoughts. She looked up and found Paul grinning at her. Bella sat aside the comic and waved Paul in. "Hey Bella," he greeted jumping through the window.
"Hi Paul," Bella said. She patted the side of her bed. "What brings you here?"
Paul shrugged and sat down beside Bella, careful not to touch her. "I know tonight is your night with Jasper and I wanted to see how you were doing," he said.
"I'm good," Bella said. Paul raised an eyebrow at her. "Really I am. Rosalie is coming by after she hunts and she's going to help me get ready and then Jasper will pick me up at seven. How's Angela? She seems to really like you. She talks about you a lot at school."
Paul beamed. "She's great and we get along amazingly. She's calm and sweet and she doesn't realize it but she can calm me when I start to lose control."
"She doesn't know about you, does she?" Bella asked.
Paul shook his head. "I want to and I know I need to but I haven't figured out the right way to do it," Paul said sadly. "I'm afraid she'll hate me."
"Paul, I've only known Angela for a few months but I know her well enough to know she would never hate you," Bella said gently. She put her hand over Paul's. "Angela doesn't have a mean bone in her body. Honestly I don't think she's capable of hating anyone. She will probably be confused and shocked but just give her time to process."
"Would you consider going on a double date with us?" Paul asked hopeful. "I was thinking, if you're there maybe she'll react better."
"I can talk to Rosalie," Bella told him. "I don't think she'll mind. Do you have a date in mind?"
"I don't know," Paul said rubbing his neck. "I'll talk to Angela and come up with a time. Is that okay?"
Bella nodded. "It's fine with me," she told him.
Paul leaned against the wall. "So Rosalie is out hunting?" Bella nodded. "Is she hunting humans?"
Bella wasn't sure she wanted to answer but Paul would find out sooner or later. "She is," Bella said honestly. "But she only hunts bad humans."
"How can she tell?" Paul asked. He was the only one in the pack that supported Rosalie's decision to feed from humans. Sam and Jared weren't happy about it but they could understand thanks to their connection to Paul.
"She waits until they make a move," Bella answered. She had asked Jasper the same question. "But she stops them before they hurt someone."
"As long as she's sure I guess that's okay." Paul caught sight of the comic. "What are you reading?" he asked curious.
"Superman comic," Bella told him. She handed him the comic. "Emmett let me borrow it. I'm starting to enjoy them too."
"Ah I love comic books," Paul exclaimed flipped through the book. "I haven't read this one."
"You can take it," Bella said. "Just be careful with it or Emmett will be mad."
"Are you sure?" Paul asked uncertain. He tried to hand the comic back to Bella. "I don't want to take it if it will make Emmett mad."
"I'm sure," Bella said, pressing the comic back into his hand. "I'll let Emmett know. I'm sure he won't mind as long as you don't mess it up."
"Thanks Bella," he said grateful. "I'll be very careful."
Bella and Paul sat in silence. Paul read the comic while Bella read Hamlet for class. Bella managed to read a chapter of her book before there was a knock at her window. Bella jumped at the sound. "It's just me," Rosalie said.
"Come in Rose," Bella called, embarrassed she got scared.
Paul got off Bella's bed. While he wasn't doing anything wrong or inappropriate he knew being too close to someone's mate was dangerous. "Rosalie," he greeted. Rosalie's bright red eyes still made him uncomfortable but he was getting better at resisting his instincts.
"Paul," Rosalie greeted with a nod. "Thank you for keeping Bella company."
"You're welcome," Paul said. "I should go and let you get ready. I'll talk to you later Bella and thanks for the comic."
"Bye Paul," Bella said just before Paul jumped out of the window.
"What did he want?" Rosalie asked curious. Bella stared at Rosalie. Rosalie held up her hands. "I'm not complaining, just curious."
"He wants to tell Angela about him but he doesn't know how to do it," Bella told her. "He asked us to go on a double date with them."
"A double date? Is that something you want to do?" Rosalie asked.
Bella shrugged. "I'm sure you don't want to go out with Paul and Angela so we don't have to."
Rosalie knelt down beside Bella. "Is a double date something you want to do?" Rosalie repeated.
"I… yeah I do," Bella admitted. "I really like Paul and Angela and I want to help make things easier for them both."
"Then we will go," Rosalie said firmly.
"Rose—" Rosalie put a finger over her mouth.
"Bella, I am not your mother nor am I your boss," Rosalie began. "If you want to do go on a double date with your friends then you should. I want you to enjoy your life."
Bella nodded. "Alright. I'll let Paul know then." Bella touched Rosalie's face. "It looks like you finally hunted."
"I did," Rosalie confirmed. "Does the red eyes bother you?"
Bella shook her head. "It's comforting," she admitted.
Rosalie stared at Bella. "You are such a strange human," she muttered. "Most humans would run in fear from us, especially at the sight of our eyes when they're red. But you are comforted by it."
"That's because those are the eyes of my savior," Bella confessed in a whisper.
Rosalie pulled Bella in her arms. "You'll always be safe with me," Rosalie muttered.
Bella rested her head on Rosalie's cool shoulder. "I know," Bella said. "Are we going to talk about what happened?" Bella pulled away from Rosalie so she could look at the blonde.
Rosalie was motionless, like a statue. She wanted to talk about the kiss but she, like Bella, had no idea what to say. She was afraid Bella would say it was a mistake. The more rational part of her mind told her that would never happen as Bella was too concerned about her safety.
"Rose," Bella said when Rosalie didn't say anything.
"We should get you ready Bella," Rosalie said pulling Bella up off the ground.
Bella pulled her hand out of Rosalie's. Rosalie turned to look at her. "We need to talk Rosalie. Alice and Jasper said you won't bring it up first so I am."
Rosalie sighed and sat on Bella's bed. "What is there to talk about?" she asked.
"I… I kissed you and you haven't said anything about it," Bella whispered. "Did you not want me to kiss you? Was I bad at it?"
Rosalie pulled Bella beside her on the bed. "You were definitely not bad," Rosalie assured her. "I enjoyed the kiss Bella, more than I would care to admit. I never brought it up because I don't want to rush you. Kissing me was a big step for both of us. I don't know if you intended on kissing me or if it was a spur of a moment decision."
Bella bit her lip. "It was a spur of the moment decision," Bella confessed. "I have no idea why I did it but I don't regret it. I just… I'm confused about everything."
Rosalie pulled Bella closer. "Is there anything I can do to help?" she asked.
"I don't think you can help," Bella said.
"Perhaps if you talked about?" Rosalie suggested.
Bella looked thoughtful. "Maybe." Bella took a moment to figure out how to word what she was feeling. "I like you Rosalie. I really do. But I don't know how much of it is me and how much of it is this bond. What I do know is I feel safe around you. I always have. When I'm with you, I don't feel broken. I can almost forget about what happened and I don't want to lose that feeling. But at the same time I don't want to use you or take advantage of your feelings for me."
"Bella," Rosalie said when she stopped talking.
Bella held up her hand. "Let me finish, please?" she pleaded. Rosalie nodded. "I know you're going to say that I'm not taking advantage of your feelings but I can't help feeling like that. I know you love me but I still don't know my own feelings. I don't want to give you hope that I return your feelings because I honestly don't know if I do. I do know I enjoyed the kiss and even though I didn't plan it I don't regret it for a minute. I'm done," Bella added after a minute.
"Bella I would never think you are taking advantage of my feelings," Rosalie began. "I'm proud of you for taking that step but I don't want you to feel like you have to. I can wait for you for an eternity. There is no need to rush anything."
Bella nodded. "Okay," she said. "Are we okay?"
Rosalie leaned over and kissed Bella's cheek. "We're better than okay." She checked the time. "You should get in the shower. Jasper will be here in about two hours and you still need to get ready."
Bella left her room so she could shower. While Bella showered Rosalie stretched out on Bella's bed and closed her eyes. Moments like this were the closest Rosalie ever got to sleeping.
Rosalie tuned out the sounds of the shower and thought back to what Bella had told her. Bella had liked kissing her. Rosalie tried not to read too much into it but she couldn't stop the warmth that spread through her body at the thought of her mate enjoying their kiss. That small action meant more than she could care to admit.
The water shut off and Rosalie was pulled from her thoughts. She glanced at the clock and found Bella had been in the shower for thirty minutes. Rosalie frowned. Bella never took that long. She was always out into ten to fifteen minutes.
Rosalie made her way to the bathroom and knocked on the door. "Bella, are you okay?"
She heard a thump. She didn't wait for a response. She burst into the bathroom, luckily Bella didn't lock the door, and found Bella rocking in the shower. "Bella," Rosalie gasped in shock.
She knelt down beside Bella, careful not to touch her. "I can't get their faces out of my head," Bella muttered clutching her head.
"Bella," Rosalie called softly. She wasn't sure if Bella was aware she was in the room or not.
Bella looked up. She knew Rosalie was there. She knew as soon as she slid to the ground Rosalie would be there.
Bella's eyes were red from crying. Rosalie wasn't sure what happened but something had obviously triggered a flashback. "I can't make it stop," Bella mumbled. Rosalie gently touched Bella's hand. Bella flinched slightly. Rosalie tried to withdrawal her hand but Bella stopped her. "Stay with me," she begged.
"Okay," Rosalie promised. Rosalie slowly stood and climbed into the bathtub beside Bella. Her movements were slow even by human standards but Rosalie didn't want to scare Bella. Once she was settled in the bathtub she pulled Bella's naked body against her.
Bella relaxed in Rosalie's arms. She shivered slightly. "You're cold," Rosalie muttered.
"I'm fine," Bella said.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Rosalie asked.
"I… I don't know what happened," Bella began. "I was fine and then the water dripped on my leg and all I could see was blood. I couldn't breathe and all I could see was those men."
Rosalie tightening her grip on Bella, as if she were trying to protect Bella from an invisible enemy. "You're okay Bella. I'm right here."
They sat in the tub for ten minutes. Bella hadn't moved and her breathing had steadied. Bella had fallen back asleep. Rosalie didn't try to wake her. Bella needed the rest. She debated on whether or not to call Jasper and tell him Bella wasn't going to be able to go tonight. It wasn't something she wanted to do. Bella and Jasper were looking forward to this night.
"She'll be okay," Jasper whispered from Bella's bedroom. "Alice told me what happened. I came to see if she needed my help."
"I think she's okay," Rosalie replied. "She fell asleep."
"Her emotions are stable for now," Jasper said, focusing on Bella.
"That's good," Rosalie said. She hated seeing her mate in pain. "Jazz, I don't know if she will be able to go tonight."
"I thought about that too," Jasper said. "I asked Alice. Alice said she would be okay although she's not sure if Bella is only going for me or not."
"I'll ask her," Rosalie decided. "If she wishes to go then I won't stop her."
"If she does decide to go I will take care of her," Jasper promised.
"I know you will," Rosalie said. "There is no one I trust more than you to watch over her."
Jasper pushed his gratitude toward her. "More so than Emmett or Alice?" he had to ask.
Rosalie sighed. "I trust Emmett and Alice with her life," Rosalie said honestly. "But you… I know the things you have done and the things you are willing to do for family. There is nothing you wouldn't do for Alice and the rest of us. That is why I trust you above all."
"I'll stick around for a bit and see how her emotions are," Jasper said changing the subject.
"Thanks," Rosalie said grateful. "Any news on when Peter and Charlotte are coming?"
"They wanted to come today," Jasper said. "But I told them I had plans so they're coming tomorrow instead. I warned them to be careful. Have you talked to Bella yet?"
"No," Rosalie replied. "I haven't had a chance."
Jasper picked up one of Bella's civil war books and lounged on her bed. He had permission from Rosalie to be in Bella's bed as long as she was okay with it. "I can talk to her on the way to Seattle," Jasper offered. "If I talk to her she may be more willing to be honest."
"Okay," Rosalie agreed. She wanted to do it herself but with them coming tomorrow they were out of time.
"She won't think you're trying to hide anything," Jasper assured her. "There hasn't been time to warn her and Peter and Charlotte are coming sooner than expected."
"Jazz, does their coming now have anything to do with our mentally unstable brother?" Rosalie asked.
Jasper laughed. "That's one way to describe Edward. But yes that is part of the reason. You know they've never liked Edward and they know how much we care about Bella and they're worried about her. A little extra protection for Bella won't hurt."
"We need to warn the wolves," Rosalie muttered. "I'll call Paul while you're gone."
Jasper nodded even though Rosalie couldn't see him. "They've promised to hunt animals while in Forks," Jasper informed her. Peter and Charlotte did the same thing every time they visited Forks.
"Paul wouldn't mind as much of the others if they continued hunting humans," Rosalie pointed out. "He's not happy I'm hunting humans but he understands. Honestly I think there's a part of him that wishes that he could hunt bad humans as well."
Jasper sighed. "I wish I could. I can't help but think, if I had more control and fed like Peter and Char, maybe what happened to Bella wouldn't have happened because those men would already be dead."
"Don't think like that Jasper," Rosalie said firmly. Though she couldn't help but feel the same way. "This is not your fault. This isn't any of our faults except for Edward who did nothing to help her."
"You're right," Jasper said closing his eyes and soaking in Rosalie's positive emotions toward him.
Rosalie gently shook Bella awake. "Bella," Rosalie said softly, so she wouldn't scare Bella.
"Rose," Bella whispered. She looked around the bathroom. She blushed when she realized she was naked and on Rosalie's lap.
"Do you remember what happened?" Rosalie questioned.
Bella sat up, wincing at the crick in her neck. Rosalie gently massaged her neck. "I remember," Bella said.
"Do you still want to go with Jasper?" Rosalie asked.
"Yes," Bella said sitting up. "Jasper and I have been looking forward to this for a while. I don't want to disappoint him by not going."
"Bella, Jasper will not be disappointed if you don't feel up to going," Rosalie assured her. "He will understand. If you want to go I won't stop you but I want to be sure you're not just saying that for Jasper's sake."
"I want to go," Bella said firmly. "I can't let what happened control my life and I won't let it keep me from doing something I really want to do. Besides I know Jasper will take care of me."
"She's being truthful," Jasper told Rosalie. "I feel mild distress but her desire to go is greater than the distress."
Rosalie stood and pulled Bella up with her. Bella looked down and blushed. Rosalie got out of the tub and handed Bella a towel. "I'll give you some privacy."
Rosalie went to Bella's room. Jasper handed Rosalie some clothes. "Alice knew you would need them," he explained. He turned around so Rosalie could get dressed.
"Done." Rosalie placed her wet clothes on Bella's hamper. Jasper turned back around. "Always the southern gentleman," Rosalie said smiling slightly.
"Always," Jasper agreed.
Bella walked into her bedroom a few minutes later wearing her pajamas. She would change into her dress once she was ready. "Jasper," Bella said surprised.
"Bella," Jasper greeted with a bow.
"What are you doing here?" Bella questioned. Bella glanced at Jasper and then Rosalie. "Is something wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong," Jasper promised. "Alice sent me here to make sure everything was okay. Also Rosalie was need of dry clothing."
Bella looked at Rosalie and noticed she had changed. "Jasper, it's time to go," Rosalie said. "You cannot see Bella until she's ready."
Jasper nodded. "I'll see you soon."
Jasper jumped out the window leaving Bella and Rosalie alone. "Are you ready for me to do your hair?" Rosalie asked.
"Yeah, sure," Bella agreed. Rosalie followed her back to the bathroom.
"Bella, are you sure you're feeling well enough to go?" Rosalie asked.
"I'm fine," Bella replied automatically.
"Bella," Rosalie sighed.
"I'm fine," Bella said more confidently. "I promise. I… will you be close by? Just in case."
Rosalie kissed Bella's cheek. "I will be," she promised. "I'll go hunting."
Bella was quiet as Rosalie blow dried and curled Bella's hair. Rosalie was a little worried when Bella didn't say a word as she pulled out her extensive amount of make-up. Alice's words of encouragement were the only thing that kept Rosalie from pushing Bella to talk to her.
"Done," Rosalie announced twenty minutes later. A bit of vampire speed was involved in getting this done quickly. Jasper would be here in a matter of minutes and they needed to finish up. Rosalie spun Bella around so she could see herself in the mirror. "What do you think?"
"I…" Bella touched her face, careful not to mess up all Rosalie's hard work. "You did a great job Rosalie."
Rosalie touched Bella's cheek. "You look beautiful Bella. Do you want help with your dress?"
Bella glanced at the dress hanging up on the back of the bathroom door. "Yes please," she said. She was certain she wouldn't be able to get it on by herself and if she tried… she would probably end up in Carlisle's office with a broken bone.
Bella removed the towel and stepped into the dress. She leaned on Rosalie as she zipped it up. After a few adjustments Bella was ready, except for the shoes which were still in her room. Bella slipped the flats on and checked herself in the mirror one last time.
The front door opened and Bella heard keys jangling. "Bells," Charlie called.
"Charlie," Bella whispered. "I had forgotten all about him."
Rosalie grabbed Bella's hand. "Don't worry about it. Alice and I have it covered. Just go downstairs and talk to him."
"Bella?" Charlie called again. "Are you home?"
"Hi Dad," Bella greeted walking downstairs.
Charlie's eyes widened at the sight of Bella all dressed up. "Going somewhere Bells?" he questioned, wondering where on Earth Bella got the money to buy a dress like that.
"Bella, Jasper is on his way," Rosalie announced walking down the stairs.
"Rosalie Hale?" Charlie questioned confused.
"Chief Swan, good to see you," Rosalie said stepping toward Bella.
"What brings you here?" Charlie asked. He knew Bella was friends with Alice but didn't realize she was friends with the Hale twins. "Did you say Jasper?"
Bella's eyes widened in surprise. She couldn't believe she had forgotten to tell Charlie about the Civil War exhibit. "Yeah Dad," Bella started. "Jasper and I are going to a Civil War exhibit. I'm sorry I forgot to tell you."
Charlie's eyes lit up. While he wasn't thrilled Bella hadn't told him, he was happy Bella was making friends. The more friends she made the less likely Bella would want to live with her mother again. "That's great Bella."
"You're not mad?" Bella asked concerned.
"Not at all," Charlie said. "The Cullens are good kids. I'm sure you'll have fun on your date."
Bella's jaw dropped. "D-date," she repeated. "Dad it is—"
"I'm sure Bella will have a lot of fun on her date with Jasper," Rosalie interrupted. "But I assure you Jasper is a gentleman." Bella glared at Rosalie. Rosalie smirked but didn't comment.
There was a knock at the door signaling that Jasper had arrived.