Chapter 25

Living in Forks turned out to be nothing like I expected. Instead of a dull, solitary year where I only thought I would get to know my father, I found myself making friends and actually enjoying living in the rainy little corner of the country. The Cullens were completely unexpected, and being around so many vampires was always entertaining—some of them more than others.

My priority, though, was getting to know my dad, as that was the reason I had uprooted my life. Our shooting range excursion was just the first of many such outings we went on. I asked him to teach me skills he knew which I had no knowledge of. While I declined when he offered to take me hunting, I was happy to take him up on his offer to go fishing with him, which was truly his favorite hobby.

I remembered all too well the first and until tomorrow the only time I had gone fishing with him. Back when I was klutzy, being in a boat and a child to boot was a recipe for disaster. I'm lucky I didn't drown when I found myself in the lake. I had a feeling tomorrow would be different.

We woke up at the crack of dawn and headed out to one of Charlie's favorite fishing spots. It was certainly peaceful in the boat with him until my line started bobbing.

"I think I've got one, Dad!" I said excitedly. We were at Lake Crescent. Charlie said it was a good location to catch trout. We had been there for a good hour and this is the first time I had gotten a bite.

"Reel it in, Bells," Charlie said, smiling at me.

I started to reel it back in, and lo and behold, the line finally lifted up, and a pretty good-sized fish was on the other end.

"That looks like a good one, honey. Want some help getting it off your line?" Charlie offered.

"Before you do that, can you please take a picture with me holding it by the line? It will make a good memory for us, and I can also send it to Mom. You know how much she loves fishing," I said, smiling. I posed with the fish while Charlie took several pictures of me and my big catch.

As Charlie started to take the fish off my line, I asked, "Could we please release it back into the lake? I'm doing this more for the experience with you than wanting to hurt the wildlife."

Charlie smiled at me. "Of course, honey." He took the fish off the line and tossed it back into the water. It swam away quickly. "You have a good heart, Bella."

I smiled at him. "For protecting the innocent, I sure hope I do, Dad." He need not know how I planned to spend the rest of my life. We spent the rest of the afternoon fishing, talking, and having a good time. I was glad to get this chance to spend time with him while I was still able to.

As the weeks turned into months, I found I liked to split my lunchtime between the human table, as I liked to think of it, and the vamp table. Edward seemed to still be in his rut, and I'm not sure if he'll ever change or if he's even capable. I kinda think Carlisle should have let him pass on all those years ago, but I would never say that out loud.

As for my human friends, I would have to say I'm closest with Angela. She's a little shy, but I'm trying to get her to open up. I kinda think she may be gay, as I have caught her several times stealing glances at me while we change for gym class. She's very subtle about it, often acting like she isn't trying. It wouldn't bother me if she was, but if she didn't want to talk about it, that was her choice. Currently, we are working together on a big assignment for English class.

I've been filling out college applications for colleges and universities all over the country. I'm hoping for a scholarship, as my grades are excellent and, well, we're not the most well-off financially. Writing the college essays has been an interesting experience, as my worldview has greatly evolved from what I might have written a year ago. Some of the essays on what I want to accomplish with my life must have been real eye-openers, as I let loose regarding all my dreams and aspirations. I let Charlie read some, and he had the biggest smile on his face when he was done. He told me I would do just fine in the real world.

My three top picks for colleges were UCLA, Northwestern, and Boston University. All three were in different parts of the country that I had never been to, but I could envision myself learning at any of them. Demetri suggested that there were many highly regarded universities in Europe that I might also consider, but I told him I wanted to stay in the US as it would allow me to easily visit my parents for the remaining times I would be able to. He understood and wished me luck getting into my top choices.

I'm really looking forward to visiting Demetri in Italy in a few months after I graduate. We've been talking pretty regularly at nights, and some of the places he describes sound like they would be really fun to visit. He has promised to show me all the sites, and I can't wait to see him again. I'm glad I already got my passport all set last year when my mom wanted us to take a trip to Mexico but then changed her mind. This trip will be the first time I've ever left the country.

I've continued to work on my abilities, and they have continued to improve. I can lift objects that are crazy big now. I even tried lifting my truck once, and I was able to. I only lifted it several inches for a couple of seconds, as I didn't want to drop it by mistake and break it. I have also learned how to access the stronger shield that saved me from the car accident. I can deploy it in front of me at will now. I've used it to knock over trees when I run by them, so it seems really powerful. Finally, there is the more lethal variation where I can use it to slice through objects. I have gotten very proficient at it and am quite accurate when I want to be.

I can't wait until I'm a vampire as I want to really start practicing to see if I can make it so I can fly. Right now, letting myself hover low off the ground is fine, but I won't risk going higher while I'm still human. I'm no Icarus! I'm focusing on building up and improving my abilities, but I know once I'm changed, I can put all my efforts into improving and learning new uses for my abilities that I have not even envisioned yet.

I had my 18th birthday, and I was grateful for reaching that milestone. Right after meeting Demetri, I had doubts I would make it to this day as a human. I'm glad everything worked out so well. Alice wanted to throw me a big party, but I put the kibosh on that idea. Instead, I asked if we could just go to a club in Seattle and let loose for a night of dancing and fun. She was all in favor, and all of the Cullens came, minus Carlisle and Esme. While they pretended to be the parents, in reality, they were only a few years older than the rest. I didn't understand why they couldn't participate and have fun like everyone else. In any case, I knew we would have a great time at the dance club Alice found. She was bringing a video camera to capture the night for posterity. As the night progressed, I danced with a bunch of guys who seemed very eager to dance with me. I felt loose and free, and the night was just beginning.

It was well past 11:00, the hours having flown by in the vibrant atmosphere of the club. The pulsating melody filled the air, infusing the dance floor with energy as men and women alike embraced the chance to let loose. My eyes caught Edward standing on the side, his presence seeming out of sync with the lively scene. It was a missed opportunity for him. I knew if he could just loosen up, the club's hungry women would swarm on him like bees to honey. He most likely would not stand a chance against them.

I figured it could not hurt to give him a taste of what he's missing out on. I grasped his hand, tugging him toward the dance floor. The sultry rhythm wrapped around us, and as I began to move, I sensed his initial reluctance.

"Come on, Edward, let go a little. Let's dance and live a bit," I urged, a playful smile on my lips.

Guiding his hands to my waist, I initiated a sway of my hips. The music flowed through me, steering my every move. As I surrendered to the seductive cadence, I decided to push Edward's boundaries. My motions grew more expressive, and I circled around him, my fingers brushing his chest and sides. Just before turning to face him, I took both hands and gave Edward's ass cheeks a good squeeze, earning a surprised yelp.

The music pulsed on, and I weaved and twisted with a hypnotic grace. Facing Edward again, I could see his efforts to dance with the rhythm. His steps lacked fluidity, a fact that was solely his own doing. As a vampire, he possessed the potential to excel, easily becoming the most captivating dancer in the club.

Unfazed by his occasional awkwardness, I continued my flirtatious dance with him, allowing the music to carry me away. I spun around once more, pulling his arms to hold me at my waist, and I moved provocatively in sync with the beat. The music ignited my passion, and I pressed my ass against his crotch, subtly grinding on him to the rhythm. And then I felt it—Edward Cullen was aroused. It was unexpected, considering I had doubted he could even get an erection, but his primal instincts as a man had not vanished entirely. Perhaps there was hope for Edward after all. I continued to move provocatively against him, knowing he desperately needed any little thrill he could get.

I glanced in Alice's direction and saw she was recording Edward and me dancing, and the rest of the Cullens all wore big smiles. Emmett, in particular, appeared to find my antics amusing. A self-assured smirk graced my lips as I screamed, "18 Bitches!" lifting my arms up in victory.

The next day, I did celebrate with Charlie. He bought a birthday cake and everything. He gave me an Amazon gift card, which I thanked him for, as he knew I'd want to get what I actually needed. My mom sent me a cute little top that would have been perfect in Phoenix but wouldn't be weather-appropriate in Forks. Hopefully, I'll be able to wear it in college as I did like it.

I was surprised and quite happy when I got a package from Italy and found out Demetri had sent me a birthday present. I opened the package eagerly and found a very interesting book detailing the history of Volterra. He included several hand-drawn pictures that he drew himself of what the city looked like hundreds and even over a thousand years ago. The pictures were so detailed and beautiful that I would have loved to have them framed so I could hang them on my bedroom wall, but I didn't want to draw any attention to them, so I kept them hidden inside the book. I planned to have them framed when I go off to college.

I was pulling up my driveway a couple of days after my birthday. It had been a good day. We had played volleyball in gym, and it was quite fun spiking the ball at Mike over and over again. I did consider him a friend, but I could tell he wished we were more than friends. That was never going to happen, but a guy can dream. I wonder if he likes to imagine me doing naughty things to him. I guess I could ask Edward… but no, I really needed to respect people's privacy.

As I walked up to the door, I spotted a big stack of mail waiting for me. Carrying it inside, one envelope stood out – a sizable one from UCLA. Could this be the letter that would tell me if I got in? It looked substantial, maybe a good sign. With a hint of nervousness, I tore it open, and... hot damn, I got in!

Excitement bubbled up as I eagerly read through the acceptance letter, discovering that I had also been granted a full scholarship. I couldn't help but do a little happy dance right there in my living room. Sometimes, I let out my inner child when I was alone.

I carefully examined every detail in the paperwork they sent and it sounded perfect. Envisioning myself attending school in California brought thoughts of sunny weather and the chance to soak up some rays before the whole sparkling debacle. Seriously, they needed to find a vampire who could somehow switch off that glittering effect for everyone. What could possibly make their skin shine like that? It felt like a bad joke that didn't quite make much sense in reality.

I wondered if they had ever experimented with their skin, trying to find a way to nullify the effect. I'd have to bring up the topic with Carlisle.

When Charlie returned home, I proudly presented him with the acceptance letter, and his smile of pride warmed my heart. He suggested we mark the occasion with a celebratory dinner at the diner, and that's exactly what we did. Over our meal, I excitedly recounted the fantastic programs offered by UCLA. Though I was still awaiting responses from a few other schools, in my mind, I had already painted a picture of myself in California, and it seemed likely that I'd end up there.

Upon sharing the news with Alice, she greeted it with genuine happiness for me, yet a tinge of sadness colored her expression. She confessed that she had hoped we could attend college together, but sunny California wasn't in the cards for her. I reassured her, mentioning that we'd have countless opportunities in the future. Maybe we could embark on a college journey together in the year 2100 or something. The idea of immortality hadn't quite settled in, so the notion of being around in a hundred years for college still felt somewhat foreign. Nonetheless, my optimistic declaration seemed to soothe Alice's melancholy, and she embraced the idea with a smile, agreeing that I was right.

During my next conversation with my best friends from Phoenix, I discovered that Amber had already secured a spot at MIT, which came as no surprise given her exceptional math skills. Sandy was still mulling over her options between schools in Texas and Florida, while Chrissy had received her acceptance to Arizona State University and decided to stay local. They all shared genuine happiness for me upon hearing the news about UCLA.

We often exchanged stories about our respective school experiences, and they assured me that senior year back in Phoenix was progressing smoothly. Among them, it appeared that only Chrissy was in a fairly serious relationship. Curious about my own romantic situation in Forks, they inquired whether I had found anyone worth my attention. I couldn't help but chuckle at Sandy's tactful inquiry about whether I had "fucked anyone into an early grave yet." We all shared a good laugh, reminiscing about my past escapades.

When I called my mom to share the exciting news about UCLA, her enthusiasm was palpable. We indulged in hours of conversation, discussing all the sights and experiences awaiting in California. It almost seemed like she was more eager to go there than I was. Having missed out on her own college years due to having me at a young age, my mom seemed to be living vicariously through me. I reassured her that if I ended up choosing UCLA, I would wait to explore some of the places she was excited about so we could discover them together.

My conversation with Demetri revealed his happiness for my achievement, yet I couldn't help but sense a tinge of disappointment. Perhaps he wished I had selected a location that would be more convenient for him to visit. Despite the challenges posed by sunlight, I believed we could find ways to work around them for visits. After all, the vibrant nightlife of Los Angeles was sure to offer memorable experiences.

Not long after receiving my acceptance letter from UCLA, I found envelopes from Boston University and Northwestern in my mailbox. BU had extended a full scholarship offer, which was fantastic news, and at Northwestern, I was admitted, although financial assistance was more limited. I knew I needed to carefully weigh my options, but deep down, I knew I would be going to UCLA.


Let me know your thoughts. For those who were interested, the crossover from the last chapter was with the show "Murdoch Mysteries." I have been enjoying watching it on Hulu and thought it would be funny to have George Crabtree's maybe great-great-grandson be in the story, as the show takes place in the late 1800s. Several of you got it right. This chapter was more of a catch-up chapter to get Bella to the right time frame for some more interesting and potentially perilous events while she is in Forks. In the next few chapters we might even have a wolf sighting. Bella still has no idea they exist. I know the next chapter is a real doozy, which I'm sure people will enjoy reading.