Note: This is really like three chapters in one, so... enjoy!
Chapter 53: College: The Second Time Around
By the start of her sophomore year, Bella was loving the college experience. She had researched various schools, and having already traversed the country many times over during her travels, she knew which areas she liked best, making her decision easier. After applying to several schools, all in warmer climates compared to her first experience in Boston, she ultimately chose UNLV. She had always liked Vegas, going all the way back to her first trip with her mom, and when she visited the campus, it just felt right. The university offered some excellent programs, and she was eager to diversify her studies and interests during this college experience.
As Marie Smith settled into her new life in Vegas, Bella found the city to be the perfect fit for her: school, sunshine, and all the excitement the city had to offer, along with the seedy underbelly that catered to her dietary needs. Career-wise, she realized her goals were still a bit vague, but she hoped college would help her discover where her true passions lay.
Stepping outside her second-level apartment, Bella paused for a moment, taking in the warm morning air. She waved at her neighbor, Mrs. Turly, who was seated in her usual spot overlooking the pool. Mrs. Turly was a sweet little old lady with a penchant for keeping an eye on all that went on in the complex.
"Good morning, dear!" Mrs. Turly called out in her warm, raspy voice. "You're looking too thin again. You really should come by for some of my homemade pie. A girl like you needs a little meat on her bones."
Bella chuckled softly, nodding in agreement as she always did. "Maybe later, Mrs. Turly," she replied with a smile, knowing that the kind woman was relentless in her efforts to fatten her up but also quite forgetful in her old age.
Bella had chosen to live off-campus in a nice apartment complex instead of the dormitories for a few solid reasons. One, she needed the freedom to go out at night without anyone scrutinizing her movements. But more than that, she wanted a place of her own—a real home, something she'd never truly had on a long-term basis. While Marie Smith might be a 20-year-old student just starting out, Bella was a 31-year-old woman who had never experienced a normal adult life, and she was relishing the experience.
Her apartment was only a short walk from campus and was quite nice, with an extra room in case she ever had guests. Peter and Charlotte had already visited a few times, giving them all a chance to enjoy Vegas together, and even Alice and Jasper had come by once, allowing Bella to really hang out and get to know them better. Jasper, it turned out, was quite the card shark, with his ability to read emotions making him nearly unbeatable at the poker table. But then again, Alice, with her ability to see the hands played out before they happened, was just as formidable. It was always a chicken and the egg scenario with Alice when she did her thing, and trying to figure out which came first was beyond Bella's abilities. Of course, when they played poker together, she kept both Alice and Jasper in the dark, making it an even playing field.
As Bella descended the steps of her apartment, her thoughts wandered to her first class of the day—Politics in the Modern World. The course had proven to be quite engaging during the first week, filled with lively discussions that kept her interest piqued. Still, she couldn't deny that her attention had occasionally drifted. The hunky guy who had been sitting next to her was a definite distraction. As she walked toward campus, a small smile tugged at her lips, wondering what today's class might bring—and maybe a bit more innocent flirting with Jason.
Bella had been on a few dates during her freshman year, testing the waters of dating humans, and while she had navigated them well enough, she just hadn't felt it with any of the guys. But Jason... he seemed different. She had been lightly flirting with him for the past week, and to her surprise, she actually liked him. There was an ease to their interactions that felt natural, something she hadn't experienced in a long time. Bella found herself hoping he would ask her out soon, but if he didn't, she might just bite the bullet and ask him herself. If they did go out and things continued to go well, she couldn't help but wonder where it might lead...
Three weeks later, and things were progressing just the way Bella had hoped. She and Jason had been on several dates, each one better than the last. They'd gone to the movies, attended a party hosted by some of Jason's friends, and even caught a Vegas show. So far, romance-wise, they had only gone as far as kissing, but for Bella, it was like a whole new world opening up for her. It had been so long since she'd kissed anyone that she could practically feel the sparks as their lips met. Especially the night before, when things had gotten really heated in her apartment. If things kept moving in the direction she wanted, she was more than ready to take it further... a lot further. She had talked about everything with both Char and Alice, asking for advice, and they both assured her she would be fine—she just had to watch the teeth and be careful with her strength. Bella knew she could handle that.
It was Friday, and after an enjoyable date, Bella had invited Jason back to her apartment. He had been more than eager to accept, a hint of excitement in his eyes as they entered her living room. The dim lighting accentuated the intimacy, making everything feel more personal, more charged. As Bella sat beside Jason on the sofa, she couldn't help but hope that tonight would be the night.
Bella started their time on the sofa slowly, not wanting to rush or overwhelm Jason by just tearing all his clothes off, though that was what she wanted to do, and she was pretty sure he wouldn't mind. Instead, she chose to take her time—sitting close, sharing flirtatious banter, and letting their touches linger. It felt right... until it didn't. Her patience began to wane, her desire growing more insistent.
Soon enough, Bella found herself straddling Jason's waist, her legs wrapped around him as they kissed with an intensity that sent waves of heat coursing through her body. His hands gripped her hips, pulling her closer, and that's when she felt it—his erection pressing firmly against her through the fabric of his jeans. The sensation sent a jolt of electricity through her, igniting something deep and primal. Her lips pressed harder against his, a fire sparking inside her that she prayed he was able to quench.
Bella's breath hitched as she ground herself slowly against him, feeling the rigid length of his arousal pressing exactly where she needed it most. The sensation was intoxicating, as each movement against him sent waves of pleasure rippling through her. Oh god, she could feel him growing harder beneath her, the realization sending her thoughts into a dizzying spiral. This might finally be it. Her breathing quickened, matching the rhythm of her grinding, as the friction between them ignited sparks of pleasure deep in her core.
"I don't know how much more of this I can take, Marie. I feel like I'm going to explode," Jason muttered, his voice thick with desire and breathless between their fervent kisses. Bella could hear the pounding of his heart, each beat echoing the intensity of the moment.
"Oh god, please don't explode..." Bella moaned, her voice laced with urgency, "At least not yet." Every inch of her skin seemed to come alive under Jason's touch, and she reveled in the way his hands roamed over her body, a perfect mix of reverence and raw need.
Jason's fingers moved to the buttons of her shirt, hesitating for just a moment as he sought her permission with his eyes. Bella quickly nodded, her gaze locked onto his, silently urging him to continue. With a shaky breath, Jason began to unbutton her shirt, each movement deliberate, his fingers grazing her skin with every button he undid. The anticipation was almost unbearable, and Bella couldn't look away from him, her eyes fixed on his as her shirt slowly opened, revealing the lacy red bra she had chosen specifically for tonight. When she noticed a small droplet of drool forming at the corner of his mouth, she couldn't resist leaning in to lick it away before their lips crashed together in a renewed frenzy of kisses.
As Jason's hands moved to cup her breasts through the delicate lace, Bella gasped softly against his mouth, her body responding instantly to his touch. The warmth of his hands seeped through the fabric, sending shivers of arousal straight to her core, her nipples hardening in response. He began massaging her breasts, his touch firm and needy, and Bella felt a delicious tingling sensation building between her legs, intensifying with every stroke. The fact that they hadn't even fully undressed yet, and she was already this turned on, sent her mind reeling, her desire growing more urgent with every passing second.
Jason broke the kiss from her lips, his mouth trailing soft, lingering kisses along her jawline before finding the sensitive skin of her neck. He sucked gently, his breath hot against her skin, while his hands continued to knead her breasts. Bella's breath caught in her throat as she felt his fingers slip beneath the lace of her bra, the direct contact sending a wave of heat coursing through her. Her nipples, already hard with arousal, reacted instantly to his touch, and when his thumbs began to circle them, teasing with just the right amount of pressure, she couldn't suppress the moan that escaped her lips. The sensation was almost too much to bear, her body trembling with the overwhelming need for more.
Her hands moved instinctively, reaching behind her to unclip her bra, letting it fall between them. The air against her bare skin only heightened her sensitivity, and the feeling of being topless again, with Jason's warm hands massaging her breasts, was intoxicating. Bella's lips curled into a smile as she wiggled her chest playfully, reveling in the delightful pleasure of his hands groping and squeezing her hungrily. Every squeeze sent electric pulses of desire through her, each one intensifying the burning need within her. This was all so new, and yet, she was utterly captivated by the sensation, lost in the blissful connection they were sharing.
Jason's hands roamed freely over her bare skin now, his touch more confident, more demanding. Bella's head tilted back, her eyes closing as she surrendered to the moment, the pleasure building with every caress, every squeeze. The raw intimacy of the act was overwhelming, filling her with a deep need that was finally going to be satisfied soon. Very soon.
Bella's mind was a haze, lost in the whirlwind of sensations Jason was drawing out of her. The tightness in her stomach was building, a familiar signal that she was on the brink of a powerful climax. Her desire for him was overwhelming, every fiber of her being consumed by the need to feel him, to have him completely. She flexed her hips, pressing herself harder against him, feeling his hardness rub against her in just the right way. The friction was maddeningly good, each movement pushing her closer to the edge.
Jason's mouth continued its journey along her neck, his lips and tongue leaving a trail of fire in their wake. When he reached her earlobe, he gently tugged it between his teeth, sucking lightly as his hands maintained their relentless assault on her breasts. Bella's breath came in short gasps, her body instinctively responding as she began to rock her hips against him, matching his rhythm, each motion intensifying the fire burning inside her.
The pressure in her core was building to an almost unbearable level, every nerve ending in her body on fire as Jason's hands and mouth worked their magic on her. She could hardly keep her thoughts straight, every coherent idea drowned out by the relentless waves of pleasure crashing over her. All she could focus on was Jason's touch—the way his hands molded to her curves, the way his mouth moved against her skin, leaving trails of heat wherever he kissed, and the way her body responded with an intensity she had never known.
"Oh god… yes, yes, yes," Bella cried out, her voice trembling with the raw power of her impending climax. The orgasm hit her like a tidal wave, crashing over her and sweeping her away in a flood of euphoria. Her body tensed, her muscles contracting as the unbelievable sensation consumed her. The pleasure was overwhelming, growing stronger and more intense as she rocked her hips against Jason, seeking every bit of friction she could find. Gasping, she clung to him, her fingers digging into his shoulders as she rode out the intense pleasure, her mind completely lost in the moment.
And as her climax peaked, leaving her breathless and trembling, a singular thought cut through the haze, intensifying her desire even more—the thought of soon having Jason's hard length driving deep inside her, filling her completely, over and over again.
CRACK
Bella's eyes flew open, a surge of dread flooding her senses. "Nooooo!" The word tore from her throat, raw and desperate.
Three hours later, Bella finally got the news—Jason had been lucky. His injury, though serious, was just a badly dislocated shoulder. Relief washed over her, but it was tempered by the memory of his screams, the raw pain in his voice. She had been terrified that she had broken it—or worse.
The truth was, she didn't even fully understand what had happened. She had tried so hard to be careful, to keep her strength in check. But in that fleeting moment of climax, she had lost herself—lost control—and in that instant, her true power, a strength that wasn't meant for mortal men, had slipped through.
Sadly, their night of passion had come to a screeching halt as Bella had to rush Jason to the hospital. As she drove, she kept apologizing, repeating over and over that she had no idea how it could have happened. Jason, after the initial shock and blinding pain had worn off, tried to reassure her, telling her that he had suffered a similar injury during his high school football days. Though he couldn't quite figure out how he'd managed to reinjure it, his words at least provided a plausible cover for what had truly occurred—a fact for which Bella was extremely grateful.
While Bella sat in the waiting room of the ER, a sadness settled over her. She knew she was going to have to reevaluate her love life. She really liked Jason—more than she had expected—and had desperately wanted their night to end differently. But the risk to his life was too great. Her having sex wasn't worth putting his life in danger. As much as it pained her, she knew she had to take a step back from their relationship.
At least their relationship was just starting out, she consoled herself. They hadn't formed any deep emotional ties yet, just a strong, undeniable attraction. She sighed; the thought of what could have been was a heavy pill to swallow. So close, and yet so far.
Her breakup with Jason was hard. She had never been the one to initiate the end of a relationship before, and the fact that she didn't want to do it made it even more difficult. Jason took it well—at least, that's how he acted—but she could see the hurt in his eyes. The next day, his seat in their shared class was empty. Bella would have dropped the class if he had asked her, but instead, Jason had dropped it, disappearing from her life.
Classes returned to their usual rhythm, but the memory of her night with Jason only intensified Bella's longing to find someone to share her life with. She couldn't help but wonder—where were all the hunky vampire guys when she needed them? Her mom had met just one vampire, and it had been instant—just like that. But Bella had crossed paths with dozens of them, and still, that elusive spark she craved was nowhere to be found. She forced herself not to lose hope. Eventually, it would be her turn to find Mr. Right. After all, she had eternity. For all she knew, the vampire destined for her might not even have been born yet. Perhaps she would have to wait a century or two for a human to be turned, only for them to meet by chance—two immortal flames crossing paths in the night. It was a comforting thought, though she'd much rather be wrong and meet Mr. Right tomorrow. The world was vast, and the odds of two random souls meeting felt so remote.
Beyond her failed attempt at a love life, Bella was loving every minute of college. The freedom, the new friends she was making, the sheer amount of knowledge she was absorbing—she couldn't get enough. School felt so much easier this time around. Her professors had all commented on how she seemed like a sponge, soaking up everything they threw at her. They marveled at how effortlessly she grasped complex concepts and how quickly she made connections. Bella couldn't help but smile at their bewilderment. She had always been a good student, but even she had to admit she had never been this good before. Vampirism, it seemed, had its advantages.
Still, after that climactic high with Jason, Bella knew she needed to explore new ways to satisfy her desires. The need for something more lingered in her thoughts, reaching a point where it just couldn't be ignored. One night, after a satisfying meal, she made an impulsive stop at a nearby sex shop. The bright neon lights outside beckoned with the promise of indulging your desires, and she stepped inside with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation. As she browsed the aisles, she almost had to laugh at some of the things she saw—a few she couldn't even figure out what went where. Finally, her eyes landed on a rather impressive-looking vibrator. She giggled, noting how much it resembled the real thing but, thankfully, was a lot smaller than the horse cocks those wolves had been packing. Running home, fake dick in hand, her thoughts were consumed by what it might feel like. She had never used one before, but the idea intrigued her. She hoped it would be close to the real thing—at least enough to take the edge off.
On a much happier note than her stalled love life, Bella received word from Charlie that he had proposed to Sue, and they were getting married. Over the phone, she congratulated them both. Sue shared that they were planning the ceremony for May, hoping for good weather. Bella assured them she'd be there. The ceremony was going to be held at the church in Forks, as it seemed she was still barred from stepping foot on the reservation. Heavens knows how many innocent people she would slaughter if she ever set foot on their land. She shook her head. Stupid wolves.
The days seemed to fly by in a blur, and before Bella knew it, the weekend of Charlie's wedding had arrived. As soon as her Thursday classes wrapped up, she wasted no time, taking off at a sprint toward Forks. She had already informed her professors that she'd be missing classes on Friday, gathering the assignments she'd need to complete before her return on Monday. Since she was an A student in every class, her teachers, thankfully, understood.
Bella arrived in Forks in the dead of night, finding the key to the front door just as she always had—under the doormat. By the time Charlie moseyed down the stairs on Friday morning, she had already prepared his breakfast, the putrid scent of bacon and eggs filling the kitchen. As they sat together, enjoying the quiet morning, Bella couldn't help but smile as she listened to Charlie talk about the upcoming wedding. It was then that she realized just how big of an event this was going to be. Charlie was deeply loved in Forks, and nearly everyone in town wanted to celebrate his and Sue's big day.
However, there was a small complication. Since the town knew Bella's age—having lived there until she was four—it would be hard to pass her off as Charlie's 31-year-old daughter without raising eyebrows. After discussing it, they agreed she would attend the wedding as a distant Swan family member, keeping her true identity under wraps for those not in the know. It wasn't ideal, but it was necessary to keep the secret—and really, it wasn't even the biggest secret in Forks. The large community of werewolves living among them had her beat hands down.
Friday night, the lodge buzzed with energy as they held a big celebratory dinner. Most of the tribe was present, and Bella finally had the chance to meet her soon-to-be stepsister. Leah was certainly imposing. As Bella walked up to her, she realized that while Leah wasn't quite as tall as the other wolves, she was still a solid 6'1"—maybe even 6'2". Glancing up at Leah, Bella couldn't help but think that if the girl would just crack a smile, she could be quite beautiful. But, of course, Leah was exactly how Bella had imagined her—a real sourpuss.
Bella tried to strike up a conversation, but it was like talking to a brick wall. Leah's responses were curt, her demeanor icy, and Bella quickly found herself hitting a dead end with every attempt. After a few minutes of trying and failing to get even a hint of warmth from Leah, Bella finally gave up, deciding it wasn't worth the effort. She made her way over to Seth instead, Leah's younger brother, who was, thankfully, much more pleasant to be around.
"Hey, Seth. How's it going?" Bella asked, though she noticed Seth's attention was elsewhere, his eyes fixed on a pretty young woman across the room.
Seth turned toward her, a wide grin spreading across his face. Unlike his sister, he radiated warmth. "Hey, Bella! It's going great. I hope Charlie didn't spill the beans—I wanted to tell you myself. I got married!"
"Congratulations!" Bella smiled, genuinely happy for him. She would have given him a hug, but the overpowering stench of the wolves in the enclosed space made her think twice. "Who's the lucky girl?" She followed his gaze to where he'd been staring. "Is that her?"
"Yeah, that's Sadie," Seth said, his eyes practically glowing as he watched her check her coat. "She's the third-grade teacher at the reservation." He leaned in a little closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Sadie knows about the wolves and vampires now, but she's still a bit skittish about the whole supernatural thing, so don't be offended if she seems a little nervous around you."
Bella nodded, offering a reassuring smile. "I get it. I'll do my best to put her at ease. I doubt I could do any worse than I did with Leah."
Seth chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, don't hold your breath on you and Leah ever being besties. She… has issues. Many were not of her own making, so the pack cuts her some slack for her moodiness. At least she gets along with Jake. They've been dating for years now."
Bella glanced over at Leah, now seated beside Jake, her face still etched with that perpetual scowl. The memory of her one encounter with Jake flashed through her mind—specifically, the moment when his rather large problem had jabbed her right in the stomach. She nearly laughed, amused at the thought of how Leah could even walk straight with that thing in her life. But she wisely held back from saying it out loud, considering she was talking to Leah's brother. Instead, she just flashed Seth a smile.
Soon, Sadie walked up to Seth, her long, dark hair cascading over her shoulders. She had that classic Native American beauty, like all the Quileutes. Seth scooped her up effortlessly, giving her a big hug before planting a kiss on her lips. With Sadie being of average height, she looked quite small compared to the giant she had married.
After setting her down, Seth turned her toward Bella, his grin wide with pride. "Honey, I'd like to introduce you to Bella, Charlie's daughter. Bella, this is my wife, Sadie Clearwater." He loved saying her full name.
Bella extended her hand with a warm smile. "Hi, it's really nice to meet you. Congratulations on your marriage—Seth just told me. You got yourself a real good one here."
Bella waited, noticing Sadie's eyes widen as she looked at her, the color draining slightly from her face. Bella could practically hear her heartbeat accelerating, pounding like a drum. She sighed internally—here we go again. Leaning in a little closer, Bella softened her voice. "You really don't have to be afraid of me. I promise, I'm a lot less scary than a horse-sized wolf, and you seem to be okay with him."
Sadie glanced at Seth, who gave her a reassuring nod. After a brief hesitation, Sadie extended her hand, and Bella shook it gently, careful not to apply any pressure. Throughout the dinner, Bella found herself seated between Charlie and Seth, with Sadie next to him. It turned out to be a surprisingly enjoyable evening. Charlie was eager to hear all about her latest adventures at school, and Sadie seemed to loosen up, even laughing at some of the wilder stories Bella shared about her escapades in Vegas with both her human and vampire friends.
The wedding went off without a hitch. Before the ceremony, Bella couldn't help but snicker when she overheard several of the wolves talking, convinced she would burst into flames upon entering the church. Later, she heard some of them grumbling as money was being exchanged behind her while she sat in the first row, very much not burnt to cinders.
After the ceremony, the reception began in full swing, and Bella watched happily as Charlie and Sue took to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. The way they moved together, the smiles on their faces—it was a moment Bella was happy to witness. When the dance ended, it was her turn to step onto the floor with Charlie. As they swayed to the music, a comfortable silence settled between them, until Charlie, with a hint of awkwardness, asked, "So, have you met anyone yourself, Bells?"
Bella smiled, appreciating his concern. "I've done some dating at school, but I think I've come to the conclusion that I need to find someone... more like me." She hesitated for a moment before adding, "There was this one guy… he's okay, but, well, there was an incident. Let's just say it put a bit of a damper on my love life."
"Don't worry. You'll find someone," Charlie said, trying to reassure her. He was grateful that Bella wasn't like her mother, who tended to overshare—he really, really didn't want to know too much about his daughter's love life. Thinking of Renée, he couldn't help but ask, "Have you heard from your mom recently?" He still couldn't quite believe that Renée was now a vampire too. He had spoken with her when Bella explained what was going to happen, and thankfully, Renée had seemed quite happy about it all. Only his ex would willingly choose to...
Bella smiled. "Yeah, she and Jean-Paul are doing great. They recently took a trip to London, and Mom couldn't stop gushing about The National Gallery. She's adjusting really well. I think they'll be in the newlywed phase for quite a few years before Mom even thinks about settling down and getting a job again. The change really makes you want to live life and see everything with new eyes. Jean-Paul loves seeing the world anew through her perspective. She's going to be okay, Dad."
"Well, tell her I'm happy for her next time you talk to her," Charlie replied, and he was glad to realize that he genuinely meant it.
Later that day, Bella waved goodbye as Charlie and Sue drove off to Seattle, heading toward a two-week, fun-filled honeymoon in Hawaii. As Bella sprinted back towards school, she found herself daydreaming about visiting Hawaii herself one day. She doubted many vampires would ever make the trip, given the whole sun issue, but the idea of lounging on sandy beaches in an itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini sounded pretty damn good to her.
Time marched on, and by Bella's junior year, she had gained a roommate in her friend Megan. Bella sat back, amused as she watched Megan scribbling furiously, her tongue poking out in concentration. Megan's drawings were, without a doubt, some of the worst Bella had ever seen, but her enthusiasm was infectious.
Bella couldn't help but smile as she confidently guessed, "It's a submarine," knowing she was spot on.
Robert, who had been watching Megan's efforts with equal parts amusement and disbelief, quickly gave Bella a high five. Meanwhile, Megan threw up her hands in frustration. "Come on, Dennis! It was obvious—see, the footlong sandwich from Subway and then the marine in uniform. Sub-marine!"
Bella laughed, shaking her head at her friend's logic, but she couldn't help but admire Megan's creativity, even if her artistic skills were questionable at best.
It was nice to have good friends and a relatively human-like life, playing games like Pictionary after a long day at school. Megan had moved into Bella's apartment toward the end of their sophomore year after issues with her dorm roommate had become too much for her. They had hit it off and quickly became friends during their freshman year when they sat next to each other in an economics class.
At first, it had been a bit challenging for Bella to get back into the groove of constantly watching herself and keeping her true nature hidden while at home. But she had adapted smoothly to living with a human again who had no clue about the supernatural world. Early on, she had just made it clear that sometimes she liked to go out at night and be alone.
After the game, Dennis—Megan's boyfriend—and his friend Robert said their goodbyes, leaving Bella to finish her work on a paper about the Civil War. She had chosen a unique approach, writing the paper as if she were interviewing an actual participant in the war. Of course, she had the advantage of calling Jasper and had conducting the interview for real, which gave her a wealth of authentic detail she was sure would make the paper stand out.
As Bella typed away on her laptop, comfortably settled on the sofa, Megan sat next to her, engrossed in some reality show on TV. When her favorite character was unceremoniously voted out, Megan switched the channel in disgust, landing on the news. The change in tone caught Bella's attention, and hearing the reporter's voice, she paused her work, lifting her head to listen more closely.
"This is Emily Stevens reporting live from the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center, where a search is currently underway for eight-year-old Adam Daniels. Adam, pictured here, went missing earlier today while on a hiking trip with his family in the Grand Canyon. According to his parents, he was last seen mid-morning, and despite their extensive efforts to locate him, they eventually returned to the visitor center to notify authorities when they were unable to find him. Since then, search and rescue teams have been deployed across the Kaibab Plateau, but as of this evening, there has been no sign of the missing boy. The search will continue through the night, with authorities hopeful for a positive outcome. Authorities have set up a hotline for anyone with information, which is 1-800-555-1234."
Megan muted the TV, her expression turning somber. "That's so sad. I can't even begin to imagine what those parents are going through. I hope they find him soon, and he's okay."
"Yeah, it's awful," Bella replied, her mind already racing. She minimized her paper and quickly pulled up Google Maps, typing in "Kaibab Plateau." The location popped up, and she saw it was roughly 200 miles away from Las Vegas. Her thoughts moved rapidly—maybe she could help. If she left now, she could be there in about two hours.
Bella scanned through photos of the area and considered the best route. A direct line would take her right through a large stretch of the Grand Canyon, where the rugged terrain might slow even her down. Flying in a straight line would be much more efficient. Decision made, Bella shut off her computer, feeling a sense of determination settle over her.
"Hey, I think I need some fresh air. I'm going to take a long walk and try to relax. I'll be back later, but don't wait up—I might be gone a while," Bella said, standing up and making her way over to grab her keys while slipping on her denim jacket.
"Are you sure? It's almost 10:00," Megan asked, glancing at the clock and then back at her friend, who was already set to leave. Megan couldn't understand why Marie went out at such late hours. At first, she wondered if it might be some kind of drug problem, but Marie showed no signs of anything like that. Still, she couldn't help but feel a little concerned. "Well, be safe out there. Do you have your pepper spray?"
Bella turned back with a reassuring smile, pulling out the small can from her jacket pocket and giving it a playful wave. "Wouldn't go anywhere without it. Don't worry, I'll see you tomorrow if I don't get back before you fall asleep." She put the spray back in her pocket, feeling assured it would protect her from all those dangerous predators out there.
Megan nodded, though the concern didn't fully leave her face. "Okay, just be careful out there."
With a final smile, Bella headed out into the night, the cool air greeting her as she stepped into the darkness, her mind already focused on what lay ahead.
Leaving her apartment complex, Bella set off at a brisk pace, weaving through the late-night streets of Vegas. Being near her campus, the streets were always active, even at this hour, but Bella had only one thing on her mind—getting to a spot where she could really unleash her speed. This was the most challenging part of living in a city as large as Vegas; it took time to get far enough out of the city before she could truly let loose. After about 20 minutes of navigating through the urban sprawl, she finally reached a stretch where she felt safe enough to push her limits.
With a final glance around, Bella took off at full speed, everything falling away as she transitioned from cityscape to desert almost immediately upon leaving Vegas. The thrill of the run, the wind whipping past her, always felt amazing, but there was no time to savor it tonight—she had a purpose, and there was no time to waste.
As she neared the canyon, Bella effortlessly wrapped her shield around herself and launched into the air, soaring higher and higher until she broke through the cloud cover. Even though it was night, she didn't want to take any chances. Now, flying well out of sight from any human eyes, she felt much more secure. Over the years and with constant practice, she had managed to increase her flying speed tremendously. It was now almost as fast as she could run, but considering the need to slow down for human obstacles like roads and cities, flying often proved to be the faster route. Tonight, it was exactly what she needed, as time was of the essence.
Speeding like a bullet through the night, Bella couldn't help but hope that the boy—Adam—had already been found safe and sound. The thought of a child lost and afraid tugged at something deep inside her. She still had a vivid memory of herself as a small child, maybe six or seven, left alone in a busy mall after her mom had wandered off, leaving her at an indoor play area. The minutes had stretched into what felt like hours, her fear growing until she finally gathered the courage to approach a security guard for help. The relief that had washed over her when her mom rushed into the security office after hearing the announcement on the mall intercom was something she would never forget.
Reflecting on it now, Bella had to admit that her mom hadn't been prepared for the responsibilities of raising a child. The truth was, it wasn't until her mom was nearly 40 that those maternal instincts finally began to emerge. But by then, it was all too late to help her at that point, as she was already an adult, on the verge of leaving home. Still, it had been nice living with a more nurturing mother after she had returned home as a vampire.
Now, with thoughts of little Adam, alone in the dark, Bella pushed herself to go even faster. She wasn't going to stop searching until there was a resolution—hopefully, a happy one.
When Bella reached the Kaibab Plateau, she descended rapidly, slicing through the cool night air until she hovered just above the dense tree cover. The distant whirr of helicopters echoed through the forest, and below, she could hear searchers calling out the boy's name, their voices strained with urgency. She grimaced, knowing that their continued calls meant he hadn't been found yet.
Determined to make the most of her abilities, she veered away from the areas already being searched, focusing instead on the untouched sections of the vast wilderness. Her sharp eyes scanned the ground below, catching every detail, while her ears strained to pick up the faintest hint of a human heartbeat, and her nose sought the telltale scent of human blood. Bella moved through the forest with purpose, all her senses finely attuned to the task at hand.
For well over an hour, Bella methodically searched the vast forest, her senses honing in on every detail as she moved from one area to the next. The dense canopy would have made it nearly impossible for a human to see without the aid of a light, but Bella's sharp vision and acute hearing allowed her to navigate through the darkness with ease. She systematically covered each section, determined to pick up any trace of Adam. Finally, her ears detected a heartbeat—steady and slow, unlike the rapid rhythm of most animals. As she descended closer, the unmistakable scent of a human reached her.
Landing quietly, Bella moved swiftly toward the source, hoping against hope that it might be him. Relief flooded through her as she found Adam huddled beneath a cluster of broken tree branches, evidently trying to shield himself from the cold. He was asleep, his small body curled up tightly. A quick scan of his form revealed that, aside from some scrapes, cuts, and dirt, he seemed unharmed. Bella couldn't help but smile, a sense of happiness washing over her at the thought that Adam would soon be reunited with his parents, safe and sound.
Not wanting to wake him, Bella gently lifted Adam into her arms, cradling him close. As she ascended into the night sky, she was careful not to jostle him. The last search parties she had passed were a good 20 miles away, and she flew swiftly but smoothly, her movements measured to avoid disturbing the boy.
As she flew, the Grand Canyon unfolded beneath her in all its majesty, the rugged landscape bathed in the soft, silver glow of the full moon. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to take in the beauty around her, feeling a sense of peace wash over her, knowing her task had been achieved. The stillness of the night, the serenity of the vast canyon, and the small bundle in her arms made everything feel right.
She glanced down at Adam, ensuring he looked comfortable in her embrace. Seeing him so peacefully asleep, she couldn't help but smile, her heart swelling with a quiet joy. Bella was just so glad that she had found him and that he was now safe.
Adam slowly began to wake up, the biting cold seeping into his bones as he shivered. As he tried to move, a wave of confusion washed over him—this wasn't where he had fallen asleep. Panic set in as he realized someone's arms were wrapped around him. He was even more terrified when he noticed he was flying through the air, above the treetops. Was this a dream?
His wide eyes darted upward, and he found himself staring at the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. For a moment, he could only gawk at her in silence, his mind struggling to make sense of what he was seeing. The full moon bathed her face in a soft, glowing light, making her seem almost unreal. A sudden fear gripped him—had he died? Was this an angel carrying him away?
Bella heard Adam's heart rate spike, a clear sign that he had woken up. She had hoped to return him to safety while he slept, sparing him any additional fear, but that was no longer an option. Bracing herself for his reaction, she looked down at him and offered a reassuring smile.
"Who are you?" Adam asked, his voice small and trembling.
Bella kept her tone as calm and soothing as possible. "I'm taking you back to your parents, Adam. You'll be safe soon." She silently prayed that her words would bring him some comfort and not add to his fear.
Adam stared at her for a long moment, his gaze then shifting down to the ground far below them. "I'm cold," he finally murmured.
"I know, sweetheart," Bella replied, her voice gentle. "But soon, you'll be with people who will have lots of warm blankets, and they'll take you straight to your mom and dad. It won't be long now." She was relieved that he seemed to be holding it together, despite the surreal situation.
Soon, Bella heard the distant voices of the search team and descended gracefully to the ground. She gently set Adam down, kneeling beside him and rubbing his arms to offer him some support and comfort.
"You're going to be okay, Adam," she said softly, meeting his gaze. "They'll be here soon to take you home. Now, you be strong, okay?"
Adam nodded, his bright blue eyes wide as he stared up at her.
Bella stood and called out loudly, her voice carrying through the night, "He's here! Come quick!" She then looked back down at Adam, her tone softening. "They're on their way now. They'll take you to your parents. Goodbye, Adam."
She smiled warmly at him, giving a small wave before turning and taking off smoothly into the air. As she soared away, she heard Adam's small voice calling out a farewell.
Once she was safely out of sight, Bella hovered within the tree cover, watching intently to ensure the rescuers reached Adam quickly. Within minutes, she spotted the first of the searchers sprinting toward him. Relief washed over her as she soon saw Adam surrounded, a blanket being wrapped around his small frame before they lifted him up and hurried him to safety.
A smile spread across Bella's face as she watched the group move beyond her sight. She was so glad she had come to help; she doubted Adam would have been found in time if she hadn't. Satisfied that her mission was complete, Bella ascended higher into the night sky, the stars guiding her as she turned and headed back toward Vegas.
Bella arrived back at her apartment around 4:00 in the morning. As she gently closed the front door, she could hear the soft, steady breathing of Megan sleeping soundly in her room. Without lingering, Bella headed straight to her own bedroom, craving a long, hot shower to wash away the tension of the night.
After her shower, she felt revitalized, the steaming water having done wonders to clear her mind. She grabbed her laptop and settled onto her bed, determined to finish her paper before the day began in earnest.
As the early morning hours passed, the only sound in the apartment was the faint tapping of Bella's fingers on her laptop. Eventually, she heard Megan stirring, the familiar sounds of her morning routine beginning. Bella waited until she was sure Megan was dressed and having breakfast before finally emerging from her room to join her.
"Hey, Marie. I didn't hear you come back last night," Megan said, looking up from her bowl of Froot Loops, trying to stifle a yawn as she was still a little drowsy.
"Hey, yeah, you were already asleep when I got in," Bella replied as she grabbed an apple from the counter. She hated to do it, but every now and then, she would eat something just so Megan wouldn't start asking questions.
Remembering what she had heard while getting dressed, Megan perked up. "Oh, I heard on the news this morning that they found that kid who went missing yesterday, and he's okay. I'm so glad there was a happy ending."
"Really? That's great to hear," Bella replied, smiling as she took another bite of her apple.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please give a big hand to the class of 2021!" The announcer's voice echoed across the field, and the crowd erupted into cheers. Charlie's heart swelled with pride as he watched his little girl, his Bella, throw her cap high into the air. She had done it. After all the doubts he had harbored over the years, Bella had kept her promise and graduated. The moment felt surreal, almost like a dream, and he was so grateful to be here to witness it.
The sun beat down from above, its glow making the sea of golden gowns even brighter. The field was a mass of students, while the bleachers were packed with proud parents, friends, and family. Sue stood next to Charlie, clapping enthusiastically. She turned to him and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug before giving him a big kiss.
"I'm very happy for Bella," Sue said, her voice filled with real affection. "I imagine this wasn't easy for her. You should be very proud, Charlie."
"I am," Charlie replied, his voice thick with emotion. "And to graduate with honors... it's a significant achievement." He glanced around, noticing other parents making their way onto the field to congratulate their children. He looked back at Sue, a smile tugging at his lips as he lifted his camera. "Let's go down and take some pictures with her. We need to capture this moment."
Sue nodded, and they began to make their way down to the field. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and celebration, and as they walked, Charlie couldn't help but think of how far Bella had come. Given everything that had happened, he truly believed she could achieve anything she set her mind to, and he was beyond proud to be her father.
Watching her cap soar into the air alongside the others, Bella couldn't help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction. The journey had been long, with more than a few twists and turns, but here she was—a college graduate. It felt damn good to finally hold that diploma in her hand. As she'd crossed the stage, she'd looked out into the sea of faces, her eyes locking onto Charlie and Sue in the stands. Charlie was clapping, his pride evident, and she lifted her diploma high into the air, seeing that Sue was capturing the moment with her camera.
Now, standing in the sun-drenched field, she found herself taking pictures with them. The air was alive with celebration—students and families milling about, laughter and chatter filling the space. Charlie, ever the proud father, was fiddling with his camera, trying to get just the right picture.
She knew how much this day meant to him, how important it was that she'd kept her promise. What came next? That was still up in the air, but she wasn't in any rush to figure it out. After all, time was something she had plenty of.
Bella's thoughts briefly turned to her mom and Jean Paul. They'd wanted to be here, but she'd convinced them not to come. The ceremony was in the full glare of the sun, and she hadn't been sure she would have been able to shield them at all times. It had been easier to suggest they skip it, promising she'd visit them soon in London to celebrate together.
Charlie snapped another picture, lowering the camera with a satisfied smile. "You've done good, Bells," he said, his voice carrying a mix of pride and something unspoken—relief, maybe.
A few weeks later, her college experience had come to an end. Bella had said her goodbyes, packed up everything she wanted, and sold the rest to the new students who had taken over her lease. After dropping off her belongings at her home in Phoenix, she stood on the precipice of a new chapter in her life.
The pull of the open road was irresistible, the call of the nomad lifestyle too strong to ignore after four years of normalcy. It was the dead of night, and the world around her slept peacefully under the crescent moon hanging high in the sky. Bella stood still for a moment, the silence of the desert surrounding her, before she looked eastward, toward the vast expanse in front of her.
With her decision made in an instant, she was gone, racing with the wind, her feet barely skimming the ground as she sped across the open landscape. The desert stretched out endlessly before her, a wild, untamed frontier, and she reveled in the freedom it promised. The thrill of the unknown coursed through her veins as she pushed herself harder, faster, her surroundings falling away as she sped into the night.
She was ready—ready for the next stage in her life, ready for whatever the world had to throw at her. With each step, she felt the future beckoning, and Bella answered its call with all the speed and strength she possessed, racing into the night with the wind at her back and the world at her feet.
The pieces are all in place, and Bella is ready. The next chapter is the one that changes everything. I guarantee that by the time you finish it, all you'll be thinking is, "Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit!" Some of you might even say it aloud.
The next chapter is long and important. I've split it into three parts, but it really should be read in one sitting to get the full experience, so get ready for one hell of a story. It's a shame this next chapter can't be made into a movie, as I can see it playing out in my head, and it's spectacular. I'm sure it will answer many of your questions about how Bella and Edward get together, while at the same time, it will probably create a thousand more. See you soon.