**Warning, this chapter contains sensitive material that may or may be triggering to some readers. Proceed with caution once the Port Angeles section begins.**
[Swan Household, early Monday morning.]
On the one hand, it's great to see Jacob again. He's changed so much, which is great considering I saw him over six years ago. But on the other hand, now he's been dragged over here an hour before most people are even awake to pop the dents out of my truck. The truck HE fixed to begin with so Charlie could buy it for me. Real good first impression to make. Good job, Bella.
Jacob hardly made a big deal of what dents and scratched were left behind after the weekend. Frankly he was just happy to see Bella back in Forks. Sure he had plenty of friends and family on the reservation. But with her moving back, it was like making a new friend all over again. Sharing jokes, stories, and anything else they could think of as he crawled underneath the hulking old machine to get at the other side for pushing the frame back out. Several loud clangs interrupting their conversation before he reappeared. Setting aside a well worn fire engine red toolbox and admiring his handiwork.
"So, I have to ask a favor. Please DO NOT do this again. Poor old thing can take some bumps, but there's no reason to just find every ditch between here and the Cullen's place, okay?" Hardly upset or angry. Jacob just wanted to get in a jab when he could.
"Oh no yeah, absolutely, next time i'll just choose the trees as my target. I'm sure we'll both go out with a smile." Bella offered with as chipper a tone as she could muster. Being up at the crack of dawn would make anyone pissy, even more so your average teenager.
"Well next time i'm charging you for it, especially for a morning call. But, you can make it up to me by filling me in on the freakshow family who live outside of town. You may know them as the Cullens." Disappearing once more to the opposite set, Jacob set about picking out some stones that had wedged their way in.
"Well, except for Alice being the perkiest ball of god forsaken sunshine you'll ever meet, they're no freakshow. Honestly they're really nice considering they let half the school into their lavish house all the time. I didn't get to talk to Rosalie, but other than that, it was pretty cool. You ever been there?"
"Have I been to that place? HA! Hell no! No one on the Res would be caught inside that place. They tried luring us in a couple times, but we're not that dumb. Besides that, all they do is gather everyone around to look at how perfect they think they are." Bitter? Maybe. Angry? Now he was.
"Okay, damn, forget I asked, I got it. You want something to eat before you head back home? Charlie overcompensates for leaving so early for work by making some really good pancakes and sausage."
"Nah i'm good, but thanks. Sam's wife always has something good for us before we head out to school. I'll have just enough time to get back, eat, and skip the first hour or two so I can sleep." Tension defused in a matter of seconds.
With the talk of huge breakfast meals filling a chunk of time, Jacob was gathering up his tools and tossing them back in. Head perking up as he let out a scoff. Spotting a rather expensive looking SUV rolling up over the hill which lead to Bella's house. Suddenly able to move faster than before while packing up his toolbox and coat onto his bike. Living in a place like Forks, cruising around on suped up helped him avoid the crappy road conditions most of the year. Not to mention easily going between the Reservation and the town itself through the woods. Perfect for making his getaway as the small engine came to life. Scowling at the SUV one more time as it came to a stop on the other side of the street.
"Cya Friday, my dad's bringing fish over." And with that, Jacob was off.
No sooner had Jacob gone out of sight then the driver's side door opened on the SUV. Bella admittedly a little concerned with the sudden mood swings of her friend. But her attention was swiftly drawn away as the driver was half way across the street. Apparently the Cullens liked to be up bright and early as well. The contrast was almost hysterical if you were able to see it from both sides. Bella was hardly dressed for anyone to be around, Jacob being the exception. Old sweatpants from her Highschool back in Phoenix. Hoodie of the same colors, but much older. Hair, eyes, and expression all speaking very loudly of just how tired she was. Edward on the other hand was straight out of a damned Youtube AD trying to grab your attention with a young male model before you hit the SKIP button with a vengeance. His hair however, still managed to looked terribly unkempt and well taken care of at the same time.
"I'm very sorry to disturb you so early in the morning. Alice insisted that we text you, but she gets a little too into it. Emmett said he found a few souvenirs from your truck laying in our driveway after the party though. I assume you're alright?" Every word was such a mixture of emotions. Difficult to pin down for Bella, even if she had actually slept as long as she'd wanted.
"Well I honestly appreciate you keeping Alice at bay. But i'm fine, no damage to me at least. Jacob Black was actually just here fixing what i'd done to the truck. It would've been nice to introduce you, but he had to take off and get back to the Reservation."
"We're acquainted with him and his family, in a way, so no need to worry about it. I'm sure we'll have the chance to catch up sooner or later." Edward said, seeming a bit hurried to slip away from the subject of Jacob Black.
"Hey, you wanna come inside for a minute? It's freezing out here and I look like a crazy cat lady just standing on the side of the road." Bella seemed eager to skirt around the subject as well and escape back into the warmth of the Swan home. Gently rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet while eyeing the house.
Hardly one to disagree, Edward offered her the first steps as Bella quickly retreated inside. Nudging the door shut once he'd passed inside while rubbing her hands together to warm them up. Tossing aside her phone and half eaten muffin that she'd snagged before leaving the house to meet Jacob. Doing her best to mouth through the bite she'd taken as Charlie made his way into the kitchen. Raising an eyebrow as he looked between the two, gaze finally resting on Edward. Thankfully the young Cullen had the sense to offer his hand.
"Good morning, Chief Swan, it's good to see you again. My father wanted me to stop by and drop off the autopsy reports from the last few nights. Regarding the hunters that were killed just north of town." Sure enough, Edward had extended his hand to offer a manila envelope to Charlie. "No need to worry, sir, I didn't open it. Not exactly something my father would want me reading."
"Appreciate you dropping it off so early. If it were anyone else coming into my house at the crack of dawn following my daughter, well, i'd have shot them already.." Blunt as anyone could be, was Charlie. Placing down a pump-action shotgun onto the kitchen table with a box of shells in toe. Edward eyeing it for a moment before returning his attention to Charlie.
"No need to worry, i'm the last person that would give you or Bella trouble. You've got enough to deal with right now until you and the others can find that animal and stop it."
Offering a nod in agreement, Charlie gave Bella the usual about not being late for school and being careful on the roads this early in the day. Heading off and driving away in his cruiser, leaving the two teens inside the house. Bella had scooped up what was left of breakfast to shovel down. Offering some to Edward as she swatted several arrant empty shotgun shells off the table. Weirdly enough, she just now noticed that he'd not only stayed across the kitchen, but was practically glued to the wall near the door.
"I appreciate it, but I should get home and finish up a few things before we head to school. Alice will likely be very happy to see you and talk about the party, so be prepared for that. And i'm glad you're alright, Bella." Edward offered before awkwardly fumbling the doorknob and slipping outside.
The sound of his SUV starting and rolling back down the hill hardly noticeable as Bella sat alone at the table. Just staring at nothing really as she tried to process that bit of weirdness given to her by Edward. Caught between the urge to laugh it off and genuinely question what the hell was going on with him for a minute there.
[Forks Highschool, Lunch]
"I actually feel a bit cheated. It's been weeks since I moved back, and this is the first time the sun's actually come out to do more than laugh at us before being shut out by clouds and rain. Do the Cullens really snake their way out of wasting their time at school?" Bella glanced between Jess and Angela.
"Yup, and ontop of that they always make sure they're stupid 'camping trips' last the entire weekend. Imagine spending your entire weekend in some ritzy cabin in the woods. Making out and fucking like rabbits while their parents probably take a nature walk."
"Jesus, Jess! Don't say stuff like that out loud, even if they aren't here." Angela's face had turned red as she chastised her friend. Bella heard her, but was a little too distracted while staring at the treeline beyond the campus.
"What? It's not like anyone will tell them, or that they'd care. Where are Mike and Eric, anyways? We're supposed to be coming up with themes for the dance and getting a photographer booked." And with that, Bella's mind checked out. Dances were far beyond her wheelhouse, which meant her interets level was at a big fat zero.
I swear that was the most awkward encounter i've ever had with guy. Well... at least since moving to Forks. It was nice of him to check up on me and all, but the dude just stood there looking like someone had a knife to his throat. Maybe Charlie freaked him out a bit with the Shotgun? I kind of doubt it though. Every other person in this town is a hunter. And Dr. Cullen has probably shown them surgery pictures that would make you lose your mind if you weren't ready. Next time Jacob is hanging out maybe I can get him to come too. Having another guy around might help him. He seems so... I don't want to say uptight but that's the only word that really comes to mind. Maybe i'll get lucky and run into Jake later tonight in town. At least I freaking hope so. Dress shopping is noooot something I can normally handle.
[Port Angeles, After Sunset.]
"Bella, come on! Just pick one already. Pink, baby blue, or purple, which looks better on me?" Jess questioned incessantly while staring at herself in the mirror.
"The purple one, I guess? It shows less skin but really highlights your figure. It'll make Mike focus harder on the whole picture instead of just staring at your boobs like a caveman."
"Hmm, that's a good point. I'll try it on again and put it in the maybe pile. Angela, did you find one yet?"
This had been going on for roughly an hour, or more, Bella wasn't too sure at this point. She was more than happy to help make such important decisions, but being here was kind of pointless for her. After hearing of the dance, her mother had bought a dress and had it shipped before Bella could even get out the first wave of complaints. It looked nice and all, so what was the harm in going with her friends? Rumor was that some kids from the Reservation would sneak in every year to hangout and dance, so that was a bit of incentive to go too. Thankfully the girls were able to make their sort of final picks and nudge closer to the cash register. Grabbing her bag and phone, Bella waved them goodbye as she made for the door.
"I promise i'll meet you at the diner. My Dad wants me to grab him some line and bait from the tackle shop a few blocks away, and I wanted to hit up the local bookstore. Order for me, i'll text you what I want."
Rattling off her demands quickly before escaping into the cold night air which surrounded the town. Rubbing her arms before tucking her hands into the hoodie pocket on the front. Fingers on her right hand fumbling a bit over the can of rather potent pepper spray. Charlie had almost flat out refused her the trip into Port Angeles without it. In his own words 'Listen Bells, guys there get drunk, get stupid, and you never know what they'll try and do. Hit em' good with this, go below the belt if they get too close, and find help if you get into trouble.' How incredibly subtle of him, but it had sunk it's way just deep enough into Bella's mind to keep her vigilant during her walk. Thankfully both trips were quick and easy. The bait shop owner wishing Charlie his best and the bookstore clerk offering the same. Charlie had a pretty good reputation between the Port and Forks. Which benefited Bella greatly as she got a pretty sizable discount at both places. Firing off her food order to Jessica as she headed towards the diner.
She'd never be able to rationalize it, nor explain it to anyone. Why did she choose to take a different turn? There really was no telling. But she did, and Bella chose one of the most cliche things you could do at night in an unfamiliar city. Strolling down through a dark alleyway which could have taken her out only a block away behind the diner itself. But before making it the whole way, she could already hear the drunken laughter. Practically able to get a good whiff of that alcohol stench from where she was, Bella quickened her pace. But falling just a few steps short, she could hear the shouts from behind her. Disgusting catcalls that thundered down the alleyway. Footsteps echoing as well as two of them came into view. Before considering that she could take off full sprint across the back lots, one more appeared. Three. Three drunken idiots now parroting one another and offering some rather disgusting comments all focused on the lone Bella.
Bella. DO NOT panic, for god's sake. Charlie told you what to do. Nail this first one right in the jewels, spray the other two, and run like hell as they all cry like babies. Yes. Good plan. Perfect. Just a little closer you jackass...
Bella would never let anyone tell her otherwise about how she was going to handle this. Shot for shot, this was nearly worst case scenario for her, especially with there being three of them. And the deal was sealed instantly as the one infront of her reached out and grabbed at the bottom of her hoodie. Jerking it forward and slurring his insults while tyring to pull Bella closer. And... GOAL! Groaning and sucking in air, the man fell to his knees and sounded as if he may start weeping from the ugly blow Bella had put right between in legs. A flurry of 'You fucking bitch!' and 'What the fuck is your problem?!' came from behind her as she reached for the pepper spray. But it was too late. They'd moved as soon as their friend dropped, and grabbed her arms, holding them back. Another mixture of horrible insults and comments. All but declaring their intent with the seemingly young and helpless teenager that had dared to defend herself against their advance.
Lashing out behind her with one free leg, Bella hoped to find something vulnerable she could hit on either of them. The sudden rush of movement confusing her attackers as one of them caught an arrant elbow to his face. Howling out as blood poured from his nose. But between their drunken state and her history of horrible balance, this was an even worse idea. Slipping from their grasp, she fell HARD onto the pavement and yelped loudly as her hands and forearms took most of the damage. Gritting her teeth as the two assailants just laughed at her before moving again to hold her down.
"No! NO! GET THE FUCK OFF OF ME!" Bella shouted as she struggled furiously against their hands. '"I SAID GET OFF! LET GO OF ME YOU FUCKING PIGS!"
Being met with a harsh blow to the side of her face, Bella's head was already swimming too much from the fall to fight against it this time. By now, the third scumbag had managed to gather himself and limp pathetically over to his friends. Wanting to join in on on what sickening ideas they other two were concocting. Bella's mind was rushing and winding as she tried to find the strength to keep struggling. To fight against them as much as possible, or as long as possible. Readying herself for another round of bellowing at the top of her lungs, hoping to attract anyone and everyone left on the streets to help her. Refusing to let them see the overwhelming fear that was crashing over her. Instead showing them nothing but hate and anger.
No one called back to her, no one said they were coming to help.
However.
Someone had been listening.
The sounds were so rapid and random that Bella wouldn't be able to make sense of them, even later when she would have recovered from the blow to her head and face. Tires squealing against wet pavement. Crunching metal, even louder than when she'd hit something her with truck a few days ago. Three separate terrifying screams of pain all across the back lot. And finally, two female voices calling out for Bella louder than you could imagine. Whatever those sounds were, it meant Bella was safe. It meant someone had come to help. The adrenaline draining out all at once, she was out like a light. Swearing that she could see two more figures darting into the alley before her eyes shut.
[Swan Household, later that night.]
"Thank you again, Dr. Cullen, I can't apologize enough for calling you out this late." Charlie's face was stricken with grief, and pale as all get out.
"It's no trouble at all, Charlie. I'd have come even sooner if i'd known ahead of time. Her friends did the right thing rushing her to the hospital first before calling you, and thankfully she'll be just fine. An ugly mark on her head that will fade, and some bruises on her arms. I've been informed that the men responsible for attacking her are already in police custody, and will no doubt be headed off where they belong before tomorrow night." Dr. Cullen remarked as she did his best to calm the understandably disturbed Police chief.
"D-do you think she'll need to see a doctor about the uh... well the uhm... what they were trying to do to her? Not that you aren't the doctor for it, of course, but you know, someone trained for that?"
"It would be best to have her sit down for a few sessions with a psychiatrist. People respond differently to that sort of situation, and it's difficult to say how it will effect her. But i'll get ahold of one of my colleagues and get everything setup for her. No need to worry about a thing, Charlie."
After thanking Dr. Cullen several dozen times over, Charlie returned to Bella's room the moment the door closed. Angry, confused, but ultimately relieved that his daughter was safe and sound at home. Checking up on her a few more times throughout the night before passing out on the couch downstairs.
[Port Angeles, several hours after the attack.]
"Wow, two saves in less than a week, you sure we shouldn't look into the superhero game?" Emmett chuckled as she looked over to his younger 'brother.'
"Two saves too many, Emmett. And this time, there was blood, and plenty of it. Even without Alice's vision and warning us, we would have smelled it. And I would have heard those sick bastards thoughts before we got closer." Edward had been pacing for nearly thirty minutes straight as Emmett watched. Doing his best to calm down about the situation.
"Exactly, but we saved her. No problem. Hell, you didn't kill a single one of those idiots. Do you know how much restraint that took from you? You're a hell of a lot stronger than you'll ever give yourself credit for."
"I guess you're right. And Carlisle said she'll be fine in just a few days. I appreciate you coming with me though. Worst case scenario, you could have out-muscled me if I had done something incredibly stupid. At least we'd already hunted, or it would have been very difficult for me to not attack them."
"Hey, trust me, i'm no saint in that department. Remember the story Rosalie told us after she and I joined the family? To this day I wish that I could dig up their corpses, bring them back, and kill them all over again for that what did to her all those years ago. Face it, man, this is what it feels like. You'll do anything, go anywhere, and do what you thought impossible. And I hate to break it to you, but Alice is damn near never wrong. She'll know sooner or later about us, and then she'll make her decision. Just roll with it for now."
Spending another hour or two talking about nothing else in particular, the two headed off for home. Edward getting one last look at the police station and dreaming of getting rid of those men himself.
[Swan Household, two days after the attack.]
"Jess, come on, there's no way that's possible. You and Angela were the ones who scared them off and got me to the hospital. Why would they have even been there?!" Bella insisted as she sat on her bed, talking to Jess over FaceTime.
"Bella, listen to me! Hand to freaking God, they were there! I even have the picture of his car on the street, you saw it too! Angela and I didn't get to you until after those freaks who attacked you were already laid out on the pavement like crash dummies. Edward and Emmett Cullen were there!"
Leaving out one detail, Jess hadn't seen the dumpster in the alleyway which had been turned into a crumpled heap. Suffering much like the poor doorknob had in the Cullen's home the night of their party. Emmett had to stop Edward from murdering those three men that night. And throwing him into that dumpster with full force was all he'd been able to come up with in the split second he was afforded to do so.
"Listen, my head still kind of hurts, i'm gonna go back to sleep. Text me when you guys finally decided on a theme for the dance." Bella said as she ended the call and sighed loudly. Laying down and getting comfortable before trying to grab a quick nap. Constantly playing back the details of that night, her attackers, and the two people she saw before blacking out.
The pictures Jess had sent. That car. She'd seen it before, somewhere. Somewhere recently, like...
Oh my god.
Jess was right.
The Cullens saved me!
