Title: Embracing Who I Am

Fandom: Twilight Saga

Summary:

After Edward breaks up with her, Bella doesn't take it badly. She is relieved as it gives her a chance to embrace who she really is.

Notes:

Tags: Bella Swan/Sam Uley, Jacob Black/Emily Young, Sue Clearwater/Charlie Swan, Rachel Black/Paul Lahote, Leah Clearwater/Original Male Character(s), Seth Clearwater/Original Female Character(s), Quil Ateara V/Claire Young, Embry Call/Angela Weber, & Jared Cameron/Kim Connweller

NO IMPRINTING ON CHILDREN (CREEPY), Clarie is Seventeen Leah and Sam were never together

Chapter One: A Sense of Freedom

Bella was listening to everything this bloodsucker was saying, but she knew he was wrong. She was worth a billion and one of him any day. She couldn't believe she ever thought she was in love with him. Edward was nothing but controlling during the relationship. They always did what he or what his family wanted, and that wasn't how a relationship was supposed to be.

First, it was the baseball game, Bella didn't want to go, but he ignored her wishes like always. It led her to be hurt and almost turned into a vampire. The next was the prom. Bella wasn't big on school functions, and again, Edward ignored what she wanted. Then, it was the endless shopping sprees. Now, Bella didn't mind shopping, but she was never allowed to get anything she wanted, so she came to hate it. Last, it was the damn party. Bella didn't want to spend her birthday with anyone that wasn't her family or friends, and again, they ignored her wishes on her day.

Now, he was trying to break her spirit. It wasn't going to happen. Her father was the Chief of Police, and he raised her with the help of her mother to know her worth, and to be a strong, independent woman. Bella didn't need a man. The only one she needed was always her father. Her hero.

She smirked when he sped away, and once Bella knew he was out of earshot, she laughed. "Freedom at last," she said turning and going home. She couldn't believe that he brought her out into the middle of the forest thinking she wouldn't know her way back. Bella grew up in this town. She knew the forest like the back of her hand. She may have told the Cullens that she had just come back, but the truth was, she only lived with her mother for six months out of the year, and the other half with her father. The best childhood memories Bella had made right here in Forks and La Push.

When she made it to the house, Bella noticed her father was home. She usually had dinner done by now, but since Edward took her so far into the woods, she wasn't able to. She walked into the kitchen and saw him reading a note.

"Daddy?" she asked making him turn around stunned. "Bells," he breathed in relief hugging her close. "What is it?" she asked trying to make sense of his apparent panic. "You wrote a note. I got home three hours ago. I was about to call for a search party," he explained. Bella was enraged.

"Daddy, let me see the note," she said holding her hand out. As she read it, a look of ice-cold rage came over her. Charlie knew at once that his little girl hadn't written this note. "He's scum. I would never leave a note if I was going to be late. I would have called the station," she said through clenched teeth.

"I never liked that boy," he muttered, he knew something hadn't been right with that family, but he never said anything. "I know you didn't daddy," she said hugging him. "Well, we never celebrated your birthday, so go into the living room, and I will get your presents," he told her as he went upstairs to his bedroom. It was the only place Bells would never have looked.

When her father came into the living room, he had a box, and what appeared to be a letter in his hands. She opened the box and saw a video camera, a Nikon camera, a blue leather jacket, and black combat boots. Her father knew her well. Photography was one of her many passions in life, and her sense of style was edgier.

"This is amazing, daddy! Thank you," she beamed throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him. "And this is from Renee and Phil," he said handing her the letter. He wasn't happy with what they did, but he understood that they only wanted what was best for their little girl. Hell, Phil adopted her when she was fifteen. His Bells now had two fathers that would do anything for her, and a mother that thought that she hung the moon. Isabella Marie Swan-Dwyer was the apple of their eye.

"Papa got signed with the Tampa Bay Rays as a starting pitcher," she smiled proudly. "There's more, honey," he said smiling at her look of shock when she saw the unlimited bank card. They had set her up with her own bank account so she wouldn't have to worry about anything.

"You still have your college fund, but you can still not touch it until you graduate high school," he sternly said not wanting his little girl to get ahead of herself. "Of course, daddy. I'm still going to keep my job also. Actually, I may look for something in Port Angeles, because I am tired of Mike asking me out every five seconds," she muttered.

"To do that, you're going to need a new car," he said not wanting his daughter to be stranded on her way to and from work. "I'd like a 2000 Jeep Cherokee, but I don't want to get rid of the Beast," she laughed as her father shook his head.

"We'll figure something out," he promised as he had a few ideas for that truck. "Now, there's something I'd like to have done for you. I know you don't like sharing a bathroom with me, and I know you'd like your own space, so I made the basement into a miniature apartment for you. I've been working on it since you were sixteen. Go check it out," he instructed smiling as she made a beeline for the basement door.

Bella was amazed. There was an entertainment area for her and her friends, and a small study for her so she could do her schoolwork in peace. There was a bathroom, a walk-in closet, and of course, a bedroom. They were designed with an edgy theme, and she loved it all. Her parents didn't spare any expense. She knew her papa and mom were hiding something from her for a while, but to know it was because of doing this amazing project for her, Bella didn't have one complaint about them keeping secrets from her.

"I guess I have a lot of belongings that need to be donated," Bella said smiling as she gazed at her father. "I'm proud of you honey," he said later that night after dinner.

"Thank you, daddy. I'm going to bed because I have a big day tomorrow," she said as she walked downstairs into the new space that her amazing parents had designed for her.

The next morning, Bella woke up and took a shower. She found some new shampoo, and other items from the same line and she knew she hadn't bought them. She enjoyed the scent though. It was pineapple and coconut. She also found some forest mist perfume scent. It was heavenly. She was looking for something to wear, and she noticed a large box. Opening it, she found a letter...

My Sister,

I know you thought I was controlling, but Jasper and I with the help of Rosalie and Emmett thought if you got tired of being treated like a child, then you would say something. It never occurred to us that Edward had been using his vampire allure to keep you docile.

When we discovered what he had been doing, we engineered your birthday, to get you away from him. I know this won't come off as a big shock to you, but Carlisle and Esme were also using their allure on you to keep you with Edward.

We did what we thought was best for you, and got you away from us as soon as we could.

Now, inside this box, contains a new outfit for you that would go amazing with your jacket and boots that your father had purchased for you. There is also the deed to a property just off La Push beach. We know you love it there. The house is a fixer-upper, so enjoy. Jasper had Peter and Charlotte kill Victoria so you won't have to worry about her. If for any reason the Cullens start causing trouble for you, Jasper and I along with the rest of us will be there for you, always.

There's also a bank account we set up for you under B.M.U, and don't ask why because I don't know. I know you don't want us to do anything for you, but you are our little sister, and we take care of our own. We will be investing your money from us, your parents, and yourself for years to come. We want you and your family to thrive.

With Love,

Ally

P.S...(There are gift cards to all your favorite shops, so go wild when you go on your shopping spree. There are a thousand dollars on each card, and no, there isn't a way to get anything back to us, so you'll just have to live with it);p

Bella was stunned, but she was overcome with gratitude and love. She forgave them for making decisions for her, even though they did it for the right reasons.

"I love you, Ally," she said knowing she would see. She got dressed in a pair of ripped blue jeans, a red corset, and the red stiletto-heeled boots her father had gotten for her with her suede jacket.

"You look beautiful, Bells," her dad greeted her as she sat down for breakfast.

"Thank you, dad," she said smiling. "When you get done eating, step outside," he told her. Bella's curiosity was going through the roof, but she held it in for five minutes before stepping outside. She was stunned. There in the driveway, was a green 2000 jeep Cherokee. "How?" she asked. "A friend of mine was selling it, so instead of you going out and purchasing your new car, think of this as another birthday present," Charlie told his little girl. But what he didn't tell her was that Peter Whitlock had shipped it overnight. He had been watching over the Swan family for generations when he discovered that he and Bella were his grandchildren. Charlie didn't say anything about Peter never aging. He preferred his world to stay as it was without facing what was out there.

"Thank you, dad," she beamed as she took the keys, and hopped in. "I'm not going shopping with you little girl, so be careful," he sternly said even if Bella knew how to defend herself. He made sure of it when she was growing up. "I will," she promised backing out of the drive.

It was a little over a three-hour drive before Bella pulled into the Westfield Southcenter parking lot. She spent hours at the mall. It was the best shopping trip she has ever had. Bella purchased everything from everyday clothing, shoes, and accessories, to lingerie, beach outfits, bathing suits in every style, club outfits, and party clothes. She was happy she now had a jeep by the time she was finished, because not only was the back filled but so were all of the unoccupied seats, too.

It wasn't just clothing or similar items Bella purchased. She also went to the bookstore and stocked up on every reading material she enjoyed. Bella has always been a lover of literature, and she didn't see that changing. Books were one of her many passions in life. They kept her grounded when life became stressful.

The next stop was the hair salon and tattoo shop. Bella donated all of her hair and got a cute hairstyle, that she absolutely loved. At the tattoo parlor, she got her naval pierced, along with two tattoos. One of which covered her lower back. For some reason, Bella has been dreaming of a black wolf the size of a horse from the time she was a little girl. The wolf never made her feel scared or threatened but safe and protected. Loved. The tattoos consisted of a black wolf, and her belly ring was also a black wolf.

She came out of her thoughts when her phone went off...looking at the screen she couldn't help but laugh.

Bella! It's about time you show some fashion sense. I am so proud of you.

Ally

"It's not hard to like shopping when you actually get to pick what you like out," Bella muttered aloud knowing Alice would see. She was tired after a long day, so Bella called her father and asked him to order something from Sue's diner, and she'd meet him there.

Chapter Two: The House & Imprinting

It was the week after the Cullens left town when Bella finally had the time to go look at her land and the property. She was hoping that it was the home she spent time at when she was a little girl with auntie Sarah before she died. She and Sarah always wanted to fix up a large house just off the cliffs of La Push in a wooded area. Before Sarah died, she and Bella started landscaping the area and had uncle Billy and Charlie along with Uncle Harry cut down the dead trees and plant new ones in their place.

Bella had no idea why they were so driven to fix that place up, though Sarah had the belief of the spirits guiding them. She hadn't believed it at the time, but now, ten years later, Bella was still driven to fix up the house and the surrounding land. She knew Sarah had been right about the spirits guiding her, and she knew she wouldn't let them down. For some reason, they wanted her to fix that house, and that's what she'll do.

When she got to the house, she was saddened at the look of the house. It had been left alone from the time she was a kid, just after auntie Sarah died in a car accident. The house was in total disarray from the weather and time. It would take a lot to fix it up, but Bella was more than up for the task. The gardens that she and Sarah had started had weeds that needed to be pulled, but other than that, they were in good condition. They had gotten flowers and plants that thrived in a rainy climate.

Just as she was about to enter the house, she heard a twig snap. She looked towards the sound, and a man stepped out making her breath catch in her lungs. He was the best-looking man she had ever seen. He was tall, his skin was a beautiful russet color, his eyes were so dark they looked black, and he had short black hair. Bella knew she was staring but she couldn't help herself. How he looked at her made her feel like the sexiest woman alive.

Sam only meant to see who was checking out the old pack house, he never imagined he would meet his imprint. She was beautiful and he knew who he was. Isabella Swan. When Sam looked at her, his world shifted on his axis. She had porcelain skin. She had a heart-shaped face, chocolate doe-like eyes, and perfect pink lips, the bottom one just a little bit fuller than the top. He wanted to kiss those perfect pink lips. She had a great body. Her hair had recently been cut, from her once waist-length to just above her ears, and was a deep rich brown with reddish highlights. She smelt like pure sin. Strawberries, vanilla, passion flowers, and she had a woodsy scent.

She was five-foot-four inches. She was wearing black leggings showing off her curves, a grey top, red and white flannel, a dark blue vest, and boots.

"What are you doing out here?" he asked. "I just purchased the house and land. I've always been drawn to fix it up from the time I was a little girl," she explained not understanding why she felt the need to explain herself to this god of a man.

"Why did you stop coming here during the last few years?" he asked. He had a hunch, but he didn't want to assume anything. She looked away as tears welled up in her eyes. Sam didn't want that look of pain on her beautiful face. It didn't belong there, and he wanted it gone.

"It was too painful after auntie Sarah died. I know it was painful for everyone, especially Uncle Billy, Jake, Rach, and Becca, but I just couldn't return. Aunt Sarah was like a mother to me, more so than my own mother. Aunt Sue, Aunt Molly, and Aunt Allison were too, but auntie Sarah was the one I connected to the most," she explained. Sam couldn't keep away from her and he walked closer until he was a foot away from her.

"I didn't know you knew Paul's mother," he muttered. "I grew up with him. He was an older brother to me until he started having issues at home," she said but left out what had happened not knowing that Sam had already known. Paul's father was a scumbag who liked to beat his wife and child. That stopped just this year when Jason was killed when Paul phased too close, after seeing him assaulting his mother.

"How's he doing? I haven't heard from him since he made me promise to stay away from his house," she asked as she sat on the steps of the house.

"He's better," Sam said not wanting to betray his pack brother's privacy even to someone he knew Paul viewed as a little sister. "I'm not surprised with that bastard dead," Bella muttered. "How'd you hear about that?" he asked knowing that Jason had died just before Bella returned home. "My father. He doesn't keep secrets from me unless he has to," she said giving him a look that told him that she knew his secret. Charlie had been there when Sam first phased.

"How do you know? I know Charlie didn't," Sam said. "I've been dreaming about the pack for the last two years. It's why I got close to the Cullens. They didn't tell you everything, so I figured the only way to discover their secrets was to be in the middle of it. I have countless journals about the vampires and their gifts," she explained.

"You weren't willingly dating the bloodsucker?" he asked to clarify knowing this would bring the fact home to Paul that his little sister did not betray them to the enemy. "Of course not! I would never do that!" she exclaimed angrily that anyone could think that about her. She took a deep breath before explaining. "I found out their secrets two months in and I was going to leave. But Edward, Carlisle, and Esme had me enthralled, a hunting mechanism, so I didn't have any free will. The only ones that tried to help me were Jasper, Alice, Emmett, and Rosalie. When they left, the thrall came off of me and I was back to normal," she explained Sam had to try so hard to control himself, but he couldn't. He quickly leaped off of the steps so he wouldn't hurt Bella and he was happy he did because seconds later, a large black wolf stood in the yard five feet away from Bella.

Sam was so enraged that he didn't notice Jared and Paul phase in. He was running everything through his head filling them in and they too were enraged. Bella was one of the best people they have ever known. It didn't take them long to get to the house where Sam and Bella were at. The pack spent the remainder of the day hanging out with Bella and getting to know her again. They may have grown up with her, but it's been more than six years since they've seen her let alone talked to her.

Bella was happy to have two of her brothers back, and a man she knew would do and be anything for her. She knew he had imprinted on her but didn't tell her. She knew he would tell her in his own time. Plus, it gave them time to get to know each other.