Chapter 17: Startling Revelations
Six Months Later
Phoenix, Arizona
The sun was beginning to set over the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow across the sky as Renée closed the screen door behind her. Lying down on her favorite lawn chair, she settled in to watch the sunset. The air still held the remnants of the scorching summer day in Phoenix, but it always felt less oppressive once the sun dipped below the horizon, leaving a cooler breeze in its wake.
Holding a glass of wine in her hand, Renée sipped her drink slowly, savoring the crisp, refreshing taste. She could hear the distant chirping of crickets as the evening settled in around her.
Her thoughts drifted to Bella, wondering where her daughter might be at this very moment. Just a week before, Bella had regaled her with fascinating stories of her trip to the nation's capital. Renée had never been to Washington, D.C., herself, and she had listened eagerly to Bella's descriptions of the grand monuments and historic buildings she had visited.
Renée was still amazed at how Bella had uprooted her life and seemingly taken on the persona of a wandering traveler. It was such a stark contrast to the Bella she had known growing up—the reserved, cautious girl who hardly ever wanted to do anything adventurous or take any sort of risks. As much as she loved her daughter, Renée had often worried about Bella's lack of spontaneity and her tendency to stick to safe, predictable paths.
But now, here she was, out seeing the world and seemingly loving every minute of it. Their daily calls were filled with Bella's enthusiastic recaps of her latest adventures, her voice full of excitement. It was as if a new person had emerged, one who embraced the unknown with open arms. Peeking at her phone, which she had placed next to her on the small side table, Renée saw that it was almost time for Bella's usual call.
Picking up her phone, Renée started scrolling through her text messages. There were quite a few from John, her current beau. They had been casually seeing each other for almost a month now, but she wasn't sure if she wanted to continue the relationship. He was nice and all, but she didn't really feel that spark when they went out or talked in general. She wanted to discuss art or dine at a fine restaurant, while John was more of a Wrestlemania type of guy, preferring to eat at one of the many sports bars Phoenix had to offer.
As she glanced through his messages, she sighed. There was nothing inherently wrong with John; their interests just didn't align. While she had no issues with hot, sweaty men in their underwear strutting around in front of her, going to an event to watch them beside thousands of screaming fans just wasn't her thing. Plus, the sex was mediocre at best, and well, that just didn't fly with her.
Renée giggled, thinking about her last sexual encounter with John. He must have realized his usual routine wasn't doing it for her, so he had decided to spice things up. Being quite well-built himself, he had dressed up as a cowboy and bought a Saloon Girl costume for her. The outfit was very well-made, with a full corset, fishnet stockings, and high-heeled boots. The package it came in did say Saloon Girl, but she had a feeling it looked more like an old west whore's costume.
She grinned, thinking about their night. After peeling off his underwear and pushing him onto the bed, she had wasted no time straddling him as her corset pushed her breasts up, making them appear even more voluptuous. A feeling of power washed over her as she began to ride him hard. The fishnet stockings brushing against his thighs added a tantalizing friction, intensifying each movement. She couldn't help pretending she was the cowboy as she snatched his hat from his head.
She giggled again, remembering how the scene looked in the mirror above his dresser. Her reflection showed a wild, almost feral intensity: her body arched back while she bucked against him, one arm waving his hat in the air like she was riding a bull. His hands gripped her hips tightly. The bed had really been creaking under her vigorous movements, the sounds of their mingled moans filling the room. It had been a fun night, if only his dick were…
Renée's musings were interrupted when her phone started to vibrate in her hand, startling her. She glanced at the screen, and a smile spread across her face—it was Bella. She answered immediately, "Bella, honey, how are you? How was your day?"
"Hey, Mom!" Bella's voice came through, louder than usual, accompanied by a distant roar in the background. "I'm doing great. I spent the day traveling through New York, and you'll never guess where I am now… Niagara Falls. Can you hear them in the background?"
Renée grinned. She had never been to Niagara Falls before, let alone New York. "That's great, honey!" she spoke up louder just in case. "I do hear them. What are they like?"
"Loud. Very loud when you get close. I'm actually a good distance away now because I wanted to hear your voice," Bella explained. She sounded excited even over the phone. "I got right up next to them, and the water just thunders down with such power—it was amazing. There was water mist everywhere, so I'm still pretty wet. It's like walking through a fine rain. The air is filled with this constant, roaring sound that drowns out everything else. You can feel the vibration of the falls through the ground."
Renée could almost imagine it—the sensation of mist clinging to her skin, the deafening roar of the water, and the sheer power of the falls. "That sounds incredible, Bella. I wish I could see it with you."
"I just came from watching a documentary show on the falls that they give the public," Bella continued. "It had early footage of the falls, and if you can believe it, people used to go over them in wooden barrels. Can you imagine? Luckily, they don't allow that anymore. But I heard two guys talking after the show, and they were egging each other on, saying they could do it too. But I think they had both been drinking…"
Renée laughed. "That sounds about right for two men. So tell me more…"
They talked for a good while, the conversation flowing easily between them. Bella recounted her day's adventures with enthusiasm.
As their conversation began to wind down, Renée knew Bella would soon be saying goodnight, but there was an issue that had been weighing on her mind for months, one she had been hesitant to bring up. She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts and summoning the courage to speak.
"Bella," she began softly, "I know you're in this traveling phase of your life right now, and I'm so proud of you for exploring and experiencing new things. But I was wondering, and hoping, you would consider coming home, at least for a visit. I miss you."
She listened but heard only silence on the other end, and for a moment, she wondered if they had been disconnected. Then Bella's voice came through again, softer, more contemplative. "I miss you too, Mom. I'll be honest and say I'm not quite ready to come home yet, but I think in the next year I will be. Let's leave it like that, okay?"
Renée could hear the determination and a hint of longing in her daughter's voice.
"I think I'm going to start heading west. I've seen most of the East Coast, but I want to see the West Coast. I'd like to visit California, places like that. Maybe after I do all that, I'll be ready to settle down a little and visit you in Phoenix. Okay?"
"That sounds perfect. I just wanted to make sure you knew you're welcome to come visit or stay for a while anytime you want," Renée said, her voice filled with encouragement. She was thrilled, as this was the first time she had gotten a real answer from Bella about the possibility of returning home, even if it came with some caveats.
"I know, Mom. I'd really like to see you too. And being home again does sound nice. Please accept that it will happen eventually, okay?" Bella's voice held a reassuring tone that made Renée breathe a sigh of relief.
"Yes, thank you, honey. It's something we can both look forward to," Renée replied, trying to keep her voice steady despite the excitement bubbling inside her. She felt like jumping up and doing a happy dance.
"Great. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Night, Mom."
"Night, dear. Talk to you tomorrow." Renée ended the call and closed her eyes, thinking happily about the day when Bella would finally return home.
The cool night air wrapped around her as she reclined comfortably in the backyard, the stars twinkling above. She sipped her wine, savoring the moment, thinking about their reunion. She and Bella used to do everything together, but she hadn't seen her daughter since she went off to college three long years ago. She idly wondered if Bella had changed much during that time.
They would have to celebrate her homecoming in style. She could take Bella out to her favorite Italian restaurant—Bella always loved their pasta. Renée imagined them strolling together along the newly finished waterfront complex, which hadn't yet been completed when Bella headed off to Boston. Bella's interests certainly seemed to have evolved based on her travels over the past months. Maybe they could even take some trips together. Renée had always wanted to see Mexico; perhaps they could go to Cancun and relax on the beautiful beaches.
Renée's heart swelled with anticipation at the thought of their reunion. The house had felt empty since Bella had left, and now, with the promise of Bella's return, tomorrow seemed just a little bit brighter.
Niagara Falls
Bella ended the call and reflected on what she had said. Despite all the obstacles she had faced, she did believe that within the next year, she would be ready to see her mom again. For the past six months, she had only accidentally killed one man, and honestly, she blamed him for that one. It had happened just after she started targeting criminals. She had been pushing her limits to three days without feeding and, unfortunately, had encountered a hunter who had somehow shot himself in the foot. The smell of fresh blood had been overwhelming, and when she found him hopping up and down, screaming in agony as three of his toes were missing, her control had slipped.
That incident had been months ago, and now Bella's constant need for blood had greatly lessened; she could easily go five days without a meal. One time, she had pushed it to a week, but towards the end of that period, it had become difficult, and not wanting to make any mistakes, she hadn't pushed herself that far again yet.
Standing there, seeing the majestic falls in front of her, Bella couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The powerful cascade of water thundered down, mist rising up and catching the moonlight, creating a beautiful, shimmering effect. She thought about how much fun it would be to swim off the falls like those daredevils from the olden days who went over in barrels. With her enhanced abilities, she wouldn't even need a barrel. The thrill of plummeting through the air, the roar of the water all around her—it was tempting.
But as she scanned the area, she noticed countless cameras aimed at the falls. The thought of her being caught on film was enough to quell that adventurous urge.
Now that Bella was able to interact with society again, it had opened up so many places for her to see. No longer relegated to the forests, she had traversed the East Coast many times over. Each city she visited offered new adventures. In Washington, D.C., she had marveled at the grand monuments and historic landmarks, such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. She particularly liked the Air and Space Museum as it related to her most recent interest.
On her way to Niagara Falls, she had stopped in Philadelphia and taken in The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. It was interesting to imagine the Founding Fathers debating the future of the nation, and she wondered if one day she could be present for an event of equal significance.
Her journeys had also taken her back to the house where her new life had begun. When she saw that the owners had not yet returned, she took the opportunity to fix all the damage to the house, meticulously making it look as though no damage had ever occurred. She couldn't replace all the clothes she had ruined, so she left a good amount of cash along with switching out her original apology note with a new revised version. Despite her advanced brain, she sometimes missed things, and months later, she realized she had used their house phone to call her parents. If the owners had reported the break-in and major damage to their home, the phone records could lead the authorities to her parents, resulting in awkward questions she wasn't prepared to answer.
When she realized this, she headed straight back to Massachusetts. After ensuring the house remained unoccupied, she bought all the supplies needed to fix everything. Now she was using her own pay-as-you-go phone for calls to her parents and friends. She had also stopped breaking into houses altogether. The only stealing she did was from the wallets of her meals, rationalizing that they wouldn't need the money anyway. This practice had allowed her to amass a tidy sum, giving her the means to stay in hotels when she wanted to take a shower or escape from the weather.
Truthfully, Bella's life was in a really good place right now. She was still working things out, but each new month was better than the month before. Leaving Niagara Falls behind, she decided to work on her flying. She sped off to find a remote place to practice, her excitement increasing as she ran.
While she sprinted through the forest, Bella's mind wandered back to that amazing day four months ago when she first thought about wrapping her bubble around herself and moving it. She had become adept at moving objects, but it had never occurred to her to try moving herself. The memory of her initial attempt brought a smile to her face. She had lifted off into the air, squealing in joy, and spent the entire day moving herself around the forest. At first, her movements had been halting and awkward, but after months of daily practice, she could almost say what she was doing looked like actual flying.
Finding a secluded clearing, Bella jumped into the air and enveloped herself in her bubble, zooming off just above the treetops. The sensation was exhilarating. The world below appeared as a dark, lush carpet, and the wind whipped through her hair. She could move her bubble faster if she wanted to, but she was more focused on refining her control, making her movements more polished. While she couldn't do twirls and spins in the air yet, her turns were getting much smoother.
Bella truly loved flying. Though it wasn't as fast as running, it was infinitely more fun. She remembered her childhood dreams of soaring into the sky, and now, miraculously, she could.
The forest stretched out beneath her, a vast expanse of trees and shadows in the night sky. She dipped lower, skimming her hands just over the treetops. The sense of freedom was intoxicating. She knew it would be a very long process, but each day felt like she was getting closer to truly mastering this new aspect of her abilities, and she was loving every minute of it.
This added another list to her many questions: were there other people like her out there? If there were flying vampires all over the place, how come none had ever been seen? Questions abounded, and still, she had no answers. But now wasn't the time for worry. With a powerful push, Bella shot up directly into the sky, feeling the rush of wind against her skin as she ascended rapidly. She loved doing this, feeling the freedom and majesty of flight. She stopped when she was high above the clouds, the cool air whipping around her.
Hovering effortlessly, she looked down at the Earth, marveling at the view below. The sprawling landscape unfolded beneath her like a patchwork quilt. The lights of the cities created a dazzling contrast against the darkness of the rural areas, twinkling like stars on the ground. Highways snaked through the countryside, their lights flowing like rivers of gold.
Bella could see for miles in every direction, the vastness of the world making her feel both insignificant and invincible. She loved these moments of solitude, where she could simply hover and observe, her thoughts drifting like the clouds around her.
She could stay hovering like this for hours, just relaxing and soaking in the serenity of the moment. But tonight, like every night, she wanted to visit the city and practice her control and general tolerance of being around people. She needed to push herself, especially if she wanted to visit her mom in the near future.
Bella was constantly working on her control, and she was proud of the progress she had made. It was still difficult being in the presence of humans, but she no longer felt the overwhelming urge to attack them if she let her guard down. She really did hope that within the next year, she would feel it was safe enough to visit her mom. When she did, she planned on telling her everything. It was time, and she did not like hiding such important things from her.
As she hovered above the clouds, she thought about the day she would finally see her mom again, envisioning their reunion. Bella could almost feel her mother's warm embrace, hear her soothing voice. She knew it would be an emotional moment, but one she was looking forward to with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. She prayed her mom would accept the new her. She hated keeping secrets, especially something as monumental as this.
Nodding to herself, Bella took one last look at the sprawling landscape below, the city lights twinkling like a sea of stars. With a deep breath, she shot back down towards the ground. The rush of wind roared in her ears as she descended rapidly through the night sky.
She landed softly in a secluded area, the forest around her silent and still. Bella took a moment to adjust to her surroundings, her heightened senses picking up the faint rustle of leaves and the distant calls of the nightlife. With a burst of speed, she began to run towards the nearest city.
One Month Later
Chicago, Illinois
The warmth of summer lingered in the air, but Bella knew that fall would soon be setting in. The days were growing shorter, and there was a subtle change in the breeze, carrying a hint of the crispness that was to come. She had been traveling through the central states, her journey taking her through sprawling plains and bustling small towns, each with its own unique charm. Now, she found herself in Chicago, having entered the city under the cover of night. It was her first time in the Windy City, and she was eager to explore its renowned landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods.
Last night, she had satisfied her hunger with a filling meal, a successful hunt that ensured she wouldn't need to feed for the next five days or so. This gave her the freedom to immerse herself in the city's offerings without the constant, gnawing distraction of her thirst. She felt a sense of relief, knowing she would now be able to blend in more seamlessly, her instincts well under control.
It was a beautiful night for Bella to spend people-watching, which had become one of her favorite pastimes, especially after so many months of self-imposed isolation. It was soothing to be surrounded by the ebb and flow of city life, where everyone seemed to have a purpose and place to be. Sitting on a bench in a bustling area of Chicago, she observed pedestrians walking this way and that, while the traffic struggled to navigate through the constant stream of people crossing the streets. The scene reminded her of her days at Boston University, where students would nonchalantly stroll across Comm. Ave, oblivious to the frustrated drivers attempting to navigate around them.
She noticed the diverse array of individuals passing by—a mother with a stroller, a man in a suit hurriedly checking his watch, a group of teenagers laughing and jostling each other, and an elderly couple holding hands. The air was filled with the sounds of the city: the distant hum of conversations, the occasional honk of a horn, and the rhythmic clatter of footsteps on the pavement. The scent of blood was everywhere, and happily, that was okay.
Bella was lost in thought when she heard a throat being cleared beside her. She looked up to her left and saw that the young mother with the stroller had stopped next to her.
"Excuse me. Is this seat taken?" the young woman asked, her voice soft and polite. She looked to be only a few years older than Bella, with tired eyes that hinted at sleepless nights.
Bella smiled warmly. "No, not at all." She watched as the woman took a seat beside her, letting out a sigh of relief. After settling in, she reached into the stroller and gently lifted out her baby, cradling the infant against her chest and patting its back. The baby slept soundly, its tiny face scrunched up in a peaceful expression.
"How old?" Bella asked as she glanced at the baby's serene face.
"Almost a year now. He was born last September," the mother replied softly, her voice filled with affection.
"That's a good month. I was born in September too," Bella responded with a smile. As she spoke, she couldn't help but think about how she was almost one year old in her new life as well. Next month would mark her birthday again, and she'd be 21 years old. She hoped this birthday would go better than her last one, thinking back to the chaotic events that had unfolded last year.
"He's just been perfect," the woman remarked, gazing at the baby in her arms. "Not easy at all, but how could you not love that little face?" The mother kissed the baby's head, and Bella observed him yawning widely before drifting back to sleep, which made her smile.
The young mother looked up at Bella, her smile reflecting Bella's, and asked, "Do you want kids someday?"
Bella had just been about to answer when something dawned on her, something major that, in her life's upheaval, she had not noticed or even thought about. She hadn't had a period once since her change. Obviously, she wasn't pregnant, and that could only mean one thing: she couldn't get pregnant. Her brain analyzed everything quickly. If she didn't age and was, for all intents and purposes, frozen in time, then her monthly cycle must have stopped as well.
She didn't know how to feel about this. She had never particularly wanted kids and had been about to say that a second ago, but now that the choice had been taken from her, she felt a strange mix of emotions. There was a sense of loss she hadn't anticipated. The realization settled heavily on her, adding another layer to the complex tapestry of her new existence.
Coming out of her introspection, Bella looked at the woman, who was still smiling at her, waiting for her response. "Maybe someday, but I'm still so young and have no man yet," she said, holding up her hand and wiggling her fingers to show the absence of a ring. "Who knows about the future, though."
"Yeah, get started on that man first," the woman laughed, her eyes crinkling with amusement. "I don't think I could have coped without my hubby."
The baby started making small noises, drawing the mother's attention. She looked down and began to gently rock him, her touch soothing and tender. Bella watched the scene, a serene domestic moment, as she reflected on her own situation.
Bella had never seen herself as a mother, and now that it wasn't an option, she found herself surprisingly at peace with it. If she ever did want a child in the future, there was always adoption. But realistically, with her current lifestyle and the nature of her existence, motherhood seemed far-fetched. She couldn't even go out in the sun, which alone would pose countless challenges. No, she thought, a lot of things would have to change before she could even consider bringing a child into her life. She would much rather get started finding that man first, she thought wryly.
Bella heard laughter, bringing her out of her thoughts, and she turned her head to see a group of teenage girls, maybe around 15 or 16 years old, all giggling and talking excitedly on a street corner. She could, of course, hear every word they were saying and almost laughed herself as one relayed the story of an awkward first date she had the other night.
A sudden yell from across the street caught her attention. She shifted her focus to a girl on the opposite side of the road, clearly intending to join up with her friends. The girl started jogging across the street, calling out to them. But that was when Bella heard it: the unmistakable sound of brakes squealing.
Bella's senses went into overdrive. She took in the scene in an instant—the speeding car, the driver's frantic attempts to brake, the girl seemingly frozen in the middle of the street, about to be run over. It was as if time had stopped as she watched the tragedy unfold. And without thinking, Bella acted.
In an instant, she projected her bubble against the vehicle, pushing it hard. The car veered sharply to the left, missing the girl by inches. The vehicle, now pointed in another direction, continued to speed forward and careened headlong into a brick building. The impact was deafening, the crunch of metal against brick followed by the shrill wail of the car alarm, which sputtered and died with the now totaled car.
The street fell silent. The girl stood frozen in the middle of the road, her eyes wide with shock, struggling to process the near-tragedy she had narrowly escaped.
"Oh my god! Did you see that? That car almost hit that girl," the mother next to Bella exclaimed, her voice trembling with shock. She clutched her baby closer, her eyes wide with horror. "Thank God the driver was able to swerve out of the way in time. I hope the driver is okay. His car looks totaled."
Bella nodded, still in shock herself. "Yeah, I did see that. The driver must have had quick reflexes," she replied, her voice sounding distant even to her own ears as she replayed the events in her mind.
The mother shook her head, her face pale. "Oh, that was horrible. I can't help but think about what would have happened if the girl had been run over. To be her parents and get that call… No, I don't even want to think about it." She hugged her baby even tighter, as if trying to shield him from the cruel realities of the world.
That's when it hit Bella. She had saved a life. She might eat people, but she was not evil. That girl would most likely have died if not for her intervention. The realization washed over her: she could do good in the world.
As her thoughts branched out, imagining all the possible ways she could help people, a smile spread across her face. An image of herself wearing a Superman outfit, cape billowing in the wind as she floated in front of a gang of criminals, ready to stop them, made her laugh internally. While that scenario would never happen, she could learn to use her powers surreptitiously, helping others without anyone knowing.
Bella nodded to herself, her mind buzzing with possibilities. She had a lot to think about, but for the first time since her life had turned upside down—or maybe for the first time in her entire life—she felt a genuine spark of purpose.
It was then that she smelled it. Several people had gathered around the wrecked car to help the driver get out. His face was a mess of blood, his nose clearly broken from the force of the airbag deploying. Bella had to admit that her save of the girl had not been perfect. She had acted on pure instinct, and while she had saved the girl's life, the driver had paid a price. She knew she could do better in the future.
The smell of the man's blood was calling to her, but she could resist. Still, there was no reason to stay and torture herself unnecessarily, especially since that man was clearly not on her menu for tonight.
Standing up, she turned to the mother and child beside her. "Well, I'm off. It's been an enlightening chat," she said, giving a little wave to the baby before departing.
She was off to visit the Sears Tower. How else would she be able to see the city from such a great height. The thought made her giggle to herself as she walked past the group of teenage girls who were still trying to calm down their frazzled friend.
Next chapter, we're going back to 1957. Edward's about to have a good day, so we better peek in on him, as his good days were few and far between during that time in his life. We'll also catch up with another Twilight character. Who will it be? Who would you like to see in a flashback scene? Your comments are welcome. I really enjoy reading your messages of any type. It makes me happy to see people reading and enjoying the story.
