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"Bella," Rosalie muttered. Bella stirred but didn't wake. "Bella," she said again. She pressed her lips against Bella's cheek. Bella groaned. "Bella, love, it's almost noon. You need to get up so we can meet Paul and Angela later."
Bella groaned again and opened her eyes. "Did you say noon?" Bella questioned in surprise.
"Yes," Rosalie confirmed. "You were pretty restless. Did you sleep okay?"
Bella frowned, trying to remember what she dreamed about. "I dreamed about Edward," Bella whispered. "I wonder if that did it. What about Charlie?"
"He left around 6," Rosalie informed her. "I hid in the closet when he checked on you." Bella giggled at the thought of Rosalie hiding in her closet.
"What time are we meeting Paul and Angela?" Bella asked. She ran her hand through her tangled hair.
"I don't know. You'll have to call Paul and see if they want to meet for dinner or a late lunch."
Bella leaned over to grab her phone from the drawer but Rosalie already had it in her hand. Bella quickly dialed Paul's number and waited.
"Hello," Paul answered.
"Paul, it's Bella," Bella said.
"Bella," he exclaimed. "I haven't heard from you in a while. How are you?"
"I'm good. Rose and I were wondering if you and Angela are available today? We were thinking we could meet for a late lunch or early dinner."
"Sure," Paul said. "I was gonna go and see Angela anyway. I'll check with her and let you know."
"Great." It was quiet for a minute. "Have you told her about you?"
"Not yet," Paul confessed. "Honestly, I'm a little nervous. I don't know how she will react."
"I know Angela," Bella started. "I'm sure she will be okay with it. Rose and I will be there to support you."
"Thanks Bella," Paul said relieved. "I…I should have told her the night of the bonfire but I couldn't bring myself to do it and ruin the night."
"Rose and I will get everything set up," Bella promised. "Why don't you come around four? Do you want me to call Angela?"
"No, no. I'll do it," Paul said. "Four sounds good. See you then Bella."
"Bye Paul," Bella said before hanging up.
Bella turned to Rosalie. "Is four okay?"
"It's fine. I have nothing else to do today," Rosalie told her.
"I should get something ready for Charlie for dinner. I've spent so much time with you I haven't really been cooking." Bella frowned. "I should go to the store too."
"Why don't you get ready and we can head to the store," Rosalie suggested. "I can start a grocery list for you. Do you know what you want to make?"
Bella ran her hand through her hair. She hadn't thought about that. "Enchiladas," Bella decided. "It will be quick and easy and he can put it in the oven and heat it up."
"Go get ready," Rosalie said kissing her cheek. "We'll leave after your done." Bella reluctantly got out bed and grabbed her clothes. "Bella," Rosalie called before Bella got out of the door. Bella paused to look at the blonde vampire. "Do you want me to make you breakfast?"
Bella's stomach growled. She hadn't noticed she was hungry. "Maybe something small, like eggs."
Bella went to the shower, while Rosalie went downstairs to get breakfast ready for her mate. She decided on an omelet with some leftover peppers and cheese. Rosalie dug through the cabinets for a grocery list while the omelet cooked.
Bella came downstairs just as Rosalie was pouring her a glass of milk. The grocery list was sitting next to Bella's plate, along with a pen. Rosalie sat quietly while Bella ate. Bella could feel Rosalie's eyes on her but didn't look up.
"Is there anything else you need to do before we leave?" Rosalie asked.
"I should start some laundry and clean up a bit," Bella said after a moment.
"Why don't you start laundry and finish getting ready while I clean?" Rosalie suggested.
"You don't have to clean my house," Bella said embarrassed.
"I want to," Rosalie said. "Besides, I will have your cleaned before you're ready to go."
Bella couldn't argue with that. She didn't like the thought Rosalie cleaning up for her. It wasn't fair. "Rose…" Bella started.
"Bella," Rosalie interrupted. "Don't argue, please. Call it selfish on my part, but if I clean then I get to spend more time with you." Rosalie gently stroked her face. She watched Bella's eyes close and she leaned into Rosalie's touch.
"Okay," Bella said with a sigh. She opened her eyes. She locked eyes with Rosalie and got lost in them. "I want to tell my dad about you."
"You do?" Rosalie dropped her hand. "What exactly do you want to tell him?"
"I don't know," Bella admitted. "I know I want him to know how much I care about you. But I'm scared at how he would react."
"Bella you don't have to," Rosalie told her. "I'm okay with him not knowing."
Bella shook her head. "No, he deserves to know." She leaned back in her chair. "There is so much I keep from him because I have to. It's not fair to keep this from him, not when I can tell him."
Rosalie got up and knelt beside Bella. "If you want to tell him I will be right there with you."
"Are you okay with that?" Bella asked. She didn't want to out them without Rosalie's permission.
"I think it would be easier for Charlie to understand how close we are if we had a label of some sort. If you want to tell him I will support you, no matter what, but we don't have to have a label Bella."
"What if I want a label?" Bella asked before she could stop herself. Rosalie's eyes widened. Bella had already got this much out so she figured she should continue. "What if I want to introduce you as my girlfriend?"
"Bella," Rosalie choked out. She didn't know what to say. She felt so much but she didn't want to act on it, in case she scared her mate.
Bella touched her face. "I don't know what I feel and I'm not ready for a full relationship. But I do know I cannot be without you. If that is love then I will gladly take it."
Rosalie moved slowly toward Bella, not wanting to scare her. Rosalie saw no fear as she leaned over and gently pressed her lips against Bella's. Bella wrapped her arms around Rosalie. She had imagined kissing Rosalie before, even kissed her that one time, but nothing compared to right now. Her lips were hard and cold, but to Bella they were warm and soft.
The kiss was over almost as soon as it started. "I'm sorry," Rosalie said softly.
Bella touched Rosalie's face. Her eyes were darker due to lust but Bella didn't fear her. She had never feared Rosalie, even in her darkest moments. "Don't be," Bella said. "I liked it."
"You should get your laundry started," Rosalie said forcing herself to pull away from her mate. "Otherwise, we may never leave."
Bella sighed. She was far too comfortable to move but Rosalie was right. They had things to do today. She grabbed all the towels from the kitchen and dumped them into the washer. She grabbed her towel from her room and the other towel from the bathroom. She dumped them into the washer, poured in some soap and started the washer.
While the towels were washing and Rosalie was super speeding around the house cleaning, Bella took her time getting ready. She even made her bed, something she rarely did.
True to her word Rosalie was finished before her and the house was spotless. Hours of scrubbing were done in a matter of minutes, and if Bella was being completely done, it was done better.
"Ready?" Rosalie asked when Bella got downstairs.
Bella patted her back pocket where she kept the credit card, given to her by Rosalie. She hadn't used it since the last time she had to go to the store. "Yeah, I'm ready," Bella confirmed.
They walked to Bella's truck. Rosalie eyed it in disgust but didn't comment. She knew how much her mate loved her truck and because of that she held her tongue. Rosalie climbed into the passenger seat. They were in no hurry and Rosalie had no desire to drive the truck. She sent a quick text to Alice asking her to drop off Rosalie's car while they were gone. Bella's truck wasn't big enough for four and it was too slow for a trip to Port Angeles.
Bella held onto Rosalie's hand as they drove to the grocery store. She wondered if it was the same cashier as last time. She laughed at the thought. "What's funny?" Rosalie asked kissing the back of Bella's hand.
Bella squeezed Rosalie's hand. "I was just wondering if it would be the same cashier." Rosalie growled at the thought. "Don't be jealous. I'm yours and nothing will change that."
"I'm not jealous," Rosalie insisted. "I'm angry at that human for trying to force you to go out with him."
Bella glanced at Rosalie. "He didn't do anything to me. Just startled me a bit," Bella assured her.
"Doesn't matter," Rosalie said. "I don't like it, or him."
Bella pulled into the parking lot. A few heads turned at the sound of her truck. She ignored them and walked over to the passenger seat. She didn't take Rosalie's hand even though she wanted to. She was afraid the gossip would get back to Charlie before she had a chance to talk to him. She did stand closer to Rosalie than necessary.
"Where first?" Rosalie asked grabbing a basket.
Rosalie patiently followed Bella around the store while she did her shopping. Bella got everything for the enchiladas as well as good for the rest of the week. She grabbed a couple boxes of Pop Tarts and tossed them into the cart. She normally wouldn't buy them but they were quick to heat up.
Rosalie grinned, happy to see Bella was getting herself things she wanted. One thing she would never understand is Bella's reluctance to use their money.
"I think that's it," Bella said looking at her full basket. It had been a while since she shopping last but still she didn't like the idea of buying so much when it wasn't her money. She wanted to put stuff back but she wouldn't. It wasn't like Rosalie would let her.
"You sure?" Rosalie asked. She glared at a couple of women that were staring at her. It was always so annoying when humans stared at them. They were either attracted to them or disgusted due to their perfections. For these women it was the latter.
Bella studied her cart. "I should get some snacks for Charlie," she said with a sigh.
So the two of them made their way back to the snacks. Bella grabbed an assortment of chips for Charlie along with some queso dip. She also grabbed some cookies that she knew he would like.
"Okay, now I'm sure," Bella said after tossing the pack of Oreos into the cart.
"Alright, let's go," Rosalie said.
To Bella's relief the cashier from the last time was not there. She did not want to see him today. She also didn't want to risk Rosalie getting in trouble for snapping at him. Bella quickly paid for the groceries while Rosalie loaded the bags back into the cart. Bella took her receipt and they made their way back to Bella's truck.
"Are you okay?" Rosalie asked, watching Bella.
"I'm fine," Bella said.
"I hate those words," Rosalie grumbled.
Bella glanced at Rosalie and laughed. "I promise, I'm fine. I was just thinking about Paul and Angela and tonight. I hope it goes well for them. Paul deserves happiness."
"You're thinking too much," Rosalie said as the last of the bags were put in the back of the truck. "Paul and Angela are mated, bonded, just like us. You know how strong that bond is. Nothing can break it."
"I know I told Paul that Angela wouldn't reject him," Bella started as she drove home. "But I'm worried. What if she decides she wants to live a normal life?"
"When you found out about me, did you want to live a normal life instead of being caught up in all of this?" Rosalie questioned.
"I… that's different," Bella said. Rosalie raised an eyebrow at her. "You rescued me. It didn't matter if I wanted to stay away. I needed you. I still need you."
"It will be the same thing for them. Angela needs Paul, even if she doesn't understand it," Rosalie said. She took Bella's hand. "Angela is meant for our world, just as you are."
Bella pulled up to the curb of her house. "Thanks Rose," Bella said gratefully.
Rosalie leaned over and kissed her gently. "Anytime," she said. "Come on. We still need to get Charlie's dinner ready and we don't have much time."
Rosalie grabbed most of the groceries on her own, leaving Bella with a couple of light backs. Rosalie helped Bella while she prepped the enchiladas. She was nowhere near as good as Esme when it came to cooking but she could do the basics.
Bella was chopping onions when the strong scent of human blood hit her followed by a loud, "Ouch."
"Bella," Rosalie said. She was at Bella's side in the blink of an eye.
"I'm fine," Bella said cradling her hand to her chest. She grabbed a towel and used it to soak up the blood. "You can leave. I don't want you to be uncomfortable."
Rosalie rolled her eyes. "Your blood doesn't affect me. You know that." She turned the faucet on. "Give me your hand. I need to see how bad this is." Rosalie ran her hand under cold water. "It doesn't look deep," Rosalie said relieved. "Maybe you should go to the hospital?"
"No," Bella said quickly. "We don't have time for that."
"Bella," Rosalie sighed. "You're hurt. We can make time for that." Her phone beeped. She quickly dried off her hands to check the message. "Never mind. Alice says a trip to the hospital is unnecessary. Where is your first aid kit?"
"Bathroom under the sink," Bella answered. Before she could get the words out Rosalie was gone. She returned not even a minute later with the first aid kit. She dug through it and found what she was looking for. Steri strips, to hold the skin together.
"Let me see your hand," Rosalie said.
Bella pulled her hand out of the water. Rosalie quickly dried it off and applied three strips. She covered the wound with a bandage. She gently kissed the bandage and cleaned up the mess before Bella had a chance to try.
"I'll cut, you tell me what to do," Rosalie said grabbing the knife.
Bella didn't bother to argue. Rosalie wouldn't listen now that she was hurt, again. Sooner or later Rosalie would get tired of taking care of her. She would get tired of having such a weak mate.
Rosalie's phone rang making Bella jump. "Alice, what… yes hold on." Rosalie held the phone out. "Alice wants to talk. I'll finish preparing stuff here."
Bella took Rosalie's phone and went to her room. "Hello."
"Bella," Alice exclaimed.
"What's wrong?" Bella asked nervous.
"I had a vision Bella," Alice explained. "I saw your concerns."
"Alice," Bella started.
"No Bella," Alice interrupted. "Do you really think Rose is going to get tired of you?" Bella didn't answer. "Bella," Alice sighed. "She loves you. You've had some horrible things happen to you. But that's not your fault. It's not a chore for her to take of you. She wants to take care of you."
"Did you call to tell me not to tell her?" Bella asked.
"Actually no," Alice answered. "I called to tell you, you should talk to her."
"Thanks Alice," Bella said.
"Of course Bella," Alice said. "Have fun tonight."
Bella hung up the phone and went back downstairs. Rosalie was still working on cutting up everything, content to work at human pace while she waited.
"How's your hand?" Rosalie asked concerned.
"It's fine," Bella said, though it was starting to burn. "It's not the first time I've cut myself cooking."
Rosalie finished cutting up everything while Bella prepared the enchiladas. By the time the finished enchiladas were in the fridge, waiting for Charlie to put in the oven, Bella's hand was throbbing. She wanted to use Rosalie's cool body as an ice pack.
"What did Alice want?" Rosalie asked curious.
"You didn't hear?"
Rosalie shook her head. "I didn't want to intrude."
"She wanted to tell me that I should talk to you," Bella started. Rosalie waited patiently for Bella to continue. "I was thinking…um… I thought maybe you would get tired of me because you always have to take care of me."
Rosalie growled and pulled Bella into her arms. "Bella, I love you, no matter what. You are my mate. I want to take care of you. I like taking care of you." Rosalie kissed her. "I will never get tired of you."
"I know," Bella said. Part of her really believed it and the other part wasn't too sure.
Rosalie carried Bella to the chair and sat her on her lap. Bella pressed her injured hand against Rosalie's bare stomach. "Does your hand feel better?" Rosalie questioned.
Bella rested her head against Rosalie's shoulder. She had never felt more comfortable, or safe. "It does," Bella said. The cold of Rosalie's skin was better than any ice pack.
Rosalie cocked her head to the side. "Charlie's home," Rosalie announced.
Bella groaned. She loved her dad but she didn't want to move. "I don't want to move," she admitted.
"You don't have to move," Rosalie said. "Although it would raise more questions." Bella sighed and reluctantly climbed off Rosalie's lap. She sat in the chair across from Rosalie. Rosalie laughed at the look on her face. "You can be back in my lap later."
Bella cheered up at the thought. The front door opened. "Bella?" Charlie called. "Bells, who's car is out front?"
Bella glanced at Rosalie. "Alice brought my car," Rosalie told her.
"Kitchen Dad," Bella called back.
Bella could hear Charlie putting his fishing gear away before walking into the kitchen. "Hey Bells." He glanced at Rosalie. "Rosalie, good to see you. How are you?"
"I'm good Charlie, thank you," Rosalie said politely. "How was fishing?"
"Great," Charlie said holding up a bag of fish.
Bella got up and grabbed the fish. "I'll put these in the freezer. I already prepared dinner for you tonight." Bella took the fish to the freezer in the garage. It was full of fish that Charlie had caught. At this rate Bella didn't think they would ever eat it all.
"What do you mean dinner for me?" Charlie asked when Bella returned to the kitchen.
Bella glanced at Rosalie. She smiled at her. Whatever Bella said next, she would support. She wanted Bella to know that she supported her no matter what she decided. Bella stepped over to Rosalie. She wanted the comfort of the blonde.
Before Bella could say anything, Charlie caught sight of her hand. "What happened?"
"Rose and I made enchiladas and I cut my hand," Bella admitted.
Charlie sighed. "How many stitches this time?"
"None," Bella answered. "Rosalie took care of it."
"I used a couple of Steri strips from the first aid kit," Rosalie explained. "The cut wasn't that deep."
"That's good," Charlie said relieved. "Now was there something you wanted to tell me?"
"Uh Dad. Rosalie and I are, um, going on a double date with Paul and Angela," Bella confessed. Her hand reaching out for Rosalie's.
Rosalie laced their fingers together and squeezed Bella's hand. "A double date," Charlie repeated. Bella cringed. She didn't like where this was going. "Well that's great!" Bella looked at her father. "Bella, all I care about is that you're happy. If Rosalie makes you happy then who am I to judge?" He looked to Rosalie. "You take care of my girl now."
"I will Charlie," Rosalie swore. "Bella will be safe with me."
Charlie couldn't doubt Rosalie's words. The way she said it… Charlie was certain she would take a bullet for Bella. While the intensity of their relationship concerned him as they were both so young, he had to admit he liked how much Rosalie was willing to protect his daughter.
"Good," Charlie said. "Where do you guys plan on going?"
"Port Angeles," Rosalie answered. "There's an Italian restaurant there. I made some reservations. Paul should be here within the hour. There is something I was hoping to ask you Charlie."
Bella frowned. She studied Rosalie's perfect face but there was no hint of what Rosalie was going to ask him. "Sure, what do you need Rosalie?"
"My siblings and I were thinking about going to Seattle tomorrow," Rosalie started. "My brother, Emmett, wants to go to the Lego Store and is convinced that we have to be at the shop when the store opens. I was hoping Bella could stay at my house tonight and go with us tomorrow. I know it would mean a lot to Emmett if she could go. I could have her back tomorrow night if you want, or take her to school Monday morning." It was almost the truth, minus the involvement of the other Cullen children. It was only Bella and Emmett going to Seattle after all.
Charlie glanced at Bella, as if he were trying to see if Rosalie was telling the truth. "Well, I don't have a problem with it." He looked between the two. "Would you two be sharing a room?"
"We have a guest room," Rosalie assured him. She didn't mention that Bella wouldn't be using it.
"Good, good," Charlie said. That gave him peace of mind, even if he didn't fully believe it. At least he didn't have to worry about her getting pregnant.
Rosalie cocked her head to the side. "Paul's here," she muttered so low only Bella could hear her.
"I'm fine with Bella staying until Monday," Charlie said. "I planned on going to work tomorrow. There's been some missing hikers and I want to look into their disappearances."
"Missing hikers," Rosalie repeated. Her hand tightened around Bella's. It wasn't painful but it was noticeable. "I hope you find them."
The door bell rang causing Bella to jump. She knew it was Paul but it still surprised. "I'll get the door," Bella said rushing out of the kitchen.
"Hey Bella," Paul greeted cheerfully. "Are you guys ready to go?"
"Hey Paul. Come on in," Bella said, stepping aside to let him in.
Paul walked into the house and hugged Bella. Rosalie growled in the doorway. Paul quickly let her go. "Sorry," he muttered. "Hello Rosalie. It's good to see you. Thanks for doing this."
"Good to see you too Paul," Rosalie said. She walked over to Bella and wrapped her arms around her mate.
"Paul," Charlie exclaimed. "Haven't seen you in a while."
Paul watched as Charlie didn't bat an eye at how close Rosalie and Bella were. "Yeah, been busy at the Rez and Bella spends a lot of time with Rosalie," he said with a shrug.
"We should get going," Bella said pulling herself out of Rosalie's arms. "Bye Dad."
"Bye Bella, have a good time," Charlie said.