*POV BELLA*
Last night was for sure one for the books. I've never seen vampires drunk, but Emmett and Edward did pack it down. I think it was more so Paul and Jake's mocking and cheering. They must have forgotten that our bodies burn off things quickly. Alice sipped on some wine but spent more time talking with Rosalie while I ate. Dinner ended up lasting till almost 2, with Charlie having 1 too many, I drove him home and decided to stay in case he needed me in the morning. I could tell Alice wasn't too happy about me not sleeping over but she understood. I wasn't sure if she would sneak over after a while, so I left my window unlocked just in case. A part of me really wanted her to come but also knew it would be an awkward morning with me having to leave her to meet Lauren for coffee. *Sigh* After getting Charlie in bed, I hopped in the shower. Letting the hot water relax my overanxious muscles. Maybe I should run back over. Or tell her to come over. I jump out and quickly dressed. Walking back into my room with no Alice. I grab my phone ready to text her to come over.
Alice: you should get some sleep. I love you.
Guess not.
Bella: yes ma'am. Just finish my shower, getting into bed. I love you.
I want to add more but not sure what.
Alice: I'll see you tomorrow?
Bella: of course.
Ok she's really not coming. I throw myself onto my bed. Not bothering to turn off the light, wrapping myself in a blanket and shoving a pillow over my head. My alarm starts blaring too soon for my want. I go to reach over and throw it across the room, but I know I need to get up. Her scent hits me quicker than I can throw my pillow off. I rub my eyes looking around my room but she's not here. Throwing my cover off I run downstairs but she's not there either. I run up the stairs two at a time, her scent is strong in my room. She had to have been here.
*beep beep*
Alice: I just wanted to be near you. And I didn't want to wake you. You still snore.
Bella: wish you had. Would've been great to wake up too. Get home safe. I hear there's big wolves in these woods.
Alice: it's ok, I have my own personal wolf to protect me. Get dress, don't want to be late for your coffee date.
Bella: it's not a date.
Alice: ok.
Sigh. She knows it's not a date. Maybe I shouldn't go. My wolf growls in agreement. If I don't, she'll think it's for another reason. He growls in agreement again. Females…. I wash up and throw on some jeans and t-shirt. Grabbing a jacket, though it's pointless. People would think I'm crazy running around in this weather without one. It'll be snowing soon, and we'll all have to be bundled up. I check on Charlie and he's still knocked out. I place a cup of water and some pills on his nightstand for when he wakes up. Write out a note that I'll be back later and to eat something. Checking the time, I grab my keys and run downstairs to my car. I have to pick up Leah and make it to the café before Lauren gets there. I pull up as Paul is leaving out with Sam, it's their day to patrol. They both wave before phasing and taking off. I watch Leah as she locks up and runs over to get in.
Leah: geez Bella! Turn on the heater.
Bella: shit! Sorry Leah. Wolf heat and all. Forgot about you tiny humans.
I reach over and turn on the heater at full blast.
Leah: haha… just drive already.
I chuckle as she warms her hands on the vents. I turn on some music as we drive over. Ironically Beyonce's "Love on top", the song Lauren dedicate to me starts playing. Leah turns the radio off, and I make no move to turn it back on. I just keep driving.
Leah: see the bullshit is already starting.
I pay her no mind. Continue driving. She's texting and I wonder who but make no move to ask. A good guess is Alice. Parking the car, I let out a deep breath and turn it off.
Leah: we can still leave you know?
Bella: get out the car Leah.
We walk in and I look around for Lauren. She's still not here yet. Quickly debating if I should just order or just take a seat to wait for her. Leah pulls me to the line stating she's hungry and I owe her.
Bella: one tall dark medium roast, a tall mocha coffee and 4 muffins. Oh and can you add a tall cinnamon dolce latte light milk foam, steamed, soy milk, extra cinnamon pump, extra whipped cream and 2 shots of the blonde espresso. And add a muffin. Thank you.
Lauren: you remember my order, I'm touched.
Leah: touch yourself.
I turn to see Leah death glaring at Lauren. Though Lauren just smiles at her.
Lauren: Leah! So good to see you.
Leah: can't say the same.
Though Leah says it in a harsh tone, Lauren's smile doesn't drop. And it's an honest Lauren smile.
Lauren: I wish it wasn't the case, but I understand. Will you be joining us?
Bella: no, she's here waiting on someone also. Can you grab us a seat and I'll grab our coffee.
Lauren walks over to a table by the window. I turn to Leah giving her a death glare.
Bella: text Seth to tell Paul to come meet you.
Leah: ugh.
She grabs her coffee and muffin, walking over to a table in the back. I grab mine and Lauren's items and start walking over. I'm surrounded by Lauren's A Thousand Wishes body lotion. I wonder if she truly still uses it or just wore it today. I try to think about her smell the other two encounters. I guess I was always too caught up before to notice. My wolf growls at me to focus.
Lauren: thank you Bella. Your eyes are truly something else now. What happen?
Bella: I don't know, they just changed one day.
Lauren: not that I'm complaining. They're beautiful. How was thanksgiving down at the Res?
Bella: thanks. Charlie and I actually spent it at the Cullens and with some of the guys.
Lauren: that sounds lovely. How long have you and Alice been together?
Bella: Lauren… why are we here? Get to the point please.
Her smile drops, I'm sure at my tone. It does come out a little harsher than I intended.
Lauren: ahhhh ok, no touching that subject…. B, I wanted to officially say I'm sorry. I know nothing I say can change the past and for that I'm forever regretful.
Bella: I don't need your sorry now.
She turns her head and looks out the window. I see her close her eyes and take a deep breath before turning back to me.
Lauren: and I regret not talking to you then. I know I deserve whatever feelings you feel towards me. I just wish you'd give me a chance to right my wrongs.
Bella: why?
Lauren: Bella I never stopped loving you. A part of me was hoping I could come back and maybe we could be friends?
Bella: again, why?
Out the corner of my eye I see Paul walk in. He gives me a nod before joining Leah.
Lauren: sigh. When I saw you that day, all these feelings came rushing back. I told Hank and he admitted to knowing my heart was never fully in it. Hank, he was truly a drunk night, Bella. Yes, it happened again but that was only because I was trying to figure things out. You were here. It would still be another year and a half before you joined me in college. Not to add the pressure from my dad.
Bella: I probably should've called when he passed, sorry about that. Besides the homophobia, he was a decent guy.
Lauren: he was ok and thank you. Anyways, the pressure from my dad was, well you know how he was. I found out I was pregnant when I came home to visit. At first, I didn't know if I was going to have the baby or not. But when he found the test, he was happy. He demanded to know who, wanted to speak to his family and next thing I know, they started talking marriage. Demanded he made an honest woman out of me.
Bella: you could've said no.
Lauren: you know, no one told big Jim no. And he damn sure wasn't going to take it from me. His only child, pregnant before marriage. I was luckily enough to convince him to have the wedding back in Hank's hometown. I really didn't want you to have to deal with all that.
Bella: and the baby?
Lauren: I lost the baby 2 months after the wedding. I considered getting a divorce then, but he encouraged me to try again. During that time, he was the best dad I ever had. He was no Charlie, that's for sure. But he was so warm. So excited to have a grandchild. Hank and I did try for a while, for whatever reason it didn't happen. And I think it was because I was never meant to be with Hank. I was meant to be with you. Can you say you don't feel anything for me?
I stare at the girl that I once thought I would marry. The girl who understood what it was like to lose their best friend and mother. The girl who reminded me that my mother is always with me. The girl who I had all my first with. The girl who I gave my heart to, and she crushed it like it was nothing. The girl that caused me some of my dumbest moments. Here she is in front of me, saying all the things I wished she had said back then. And what do I feel? Do I feel anything for her still? Her eyes are pleading for an answer. Pleading for me to tell her she's forgiven and I'm willing to try again.
Bella: I'm sorry Lauren but I'm meant to be with Alice. I only love her. She's my present and my future. I want to say we can be friends, but I don't know about that. There was too much damage, too much hurt and until you came back, I had all but forgotten it. I'll have to sleep on it. If you'll excuse me, I have to go see my girlfriend. I hope you have a good rest of the weekend. I'll be seeing you.
I get up to walk away but her hand reaches out to grab mine. The familiar feeling of her fingers wrapped around my hand come back to mind. As if muscle memory my fingers twitch to return the hold.
Lauren: I'll be waiting Isabella. No matter how long, I'll be waiting. I went to see our moms yesterday. I took yours her favorite Calla Lilies. Thank you for watching over my mom while I've been away. I know it was you who kept her headstone clean. Jim wouldn't bother for shit.
The mention of my mom burns through the pit of my stomach, and I feel the shaking coming. I pull my hand away. While her taking the flowers is touching, she honestly has no right to be there. She lost that the day she fucked Hank.
Bella: don't bother waiting. There's nothing for you to wait for Lauren and there's nothing for you to thank me for. I know you would do the same if I wasn't able to do it. Thank you for the flowers but don't visit her grave anymore. You lost that right when you cheated on her daughter, on the day of her death.
I don't even turn around. I almost run out of the café and around the corner. Trying to catch my breath. I hear Leah walking right behind me.
Leah: Bella, you have to calm down. You're shaking…. PAUL!
I try to focus on her face but it's all too much.
Paul: shit, Bella you can't phase. You're not ready yet.
I feel a deep growl build up and before I can stop it, it comes out loud. Paul and Leah share a look before Paul starts pulling me to the woods behind the café. I feel a new scorching heat through my body.
Paul: Leah call Alice! Get the car and get to the Cullens. Carlisle is going to have to be ready in case.
I feel Leah grab my keys and take off to the car. I don't fight Paul as he yanks me to the woods. I know he's trying to get me as deep as he can.
Paul: Bella. Bella you have to calm down!
Does he not realize I'm trying. I try to tell him but I only growl in his direction. I feel the burn spread through every fiber of my body.
Paul: Bella if you don't stop, you're going to hurt yourself.
When I know I can no longer contain it, I push Paul away. I feel my back break causing a deep howl to come from me. This feels worse than the first time. I feel every bone break and regrow in the build of my wolf. Before I know it, I'm staring down at Paul. However, there is a little more distance. The wrath and hurt that flowed through my body is now gone.
Paul: wow, uh Bella… your eyes are… they look like Alice's and I think you've grown. I'm going to phase so you can see. Don't attack me, Leah would be very upset at the both of us.
I huff as Paul phases and I feel the familiar tingle of a wolf joining the link.
Paul: yeahhhh dude, you're taller.
Bella: what the…
Paul: told you! This is freaky. Can you move?
I move my legs, deciding to test them, I jump over Paul. Something that would normally require me to run a little.
Paul: show off.
I feel the tingle and can tell Jake and Sam have joined.
Sam: Bella!
Jake: Dude! This is freaky. We're on our way.
I hear the run of lite steps and a set of heavier ones, swiftly running through the woods. I smell her before I see her, spinning around at the same time she enters the clearing. Followed by Emmett.
Alice: Bella… your eyes….
I lower my head as she reaches up to touch my face. She runs her hand through my fur, and I hear a small purr coming from her chest.
Emmett: dude, you're so fucking cool now! Not that you weren't before but now you're like super bad ass!
*POV ALICE*
I shake off the shock of Bella's eyes and new size out of my head. Remembering about her back.
Alice: Bella your back! Are you in pain?
She shakes her head no. Lets out a small woof. I smell Jake and Sam as they get close to us. Bella's caught off guard and snarls at them as they break through the trees.
Alice: hey, hey, it's just Sam and Jake.
I rub my hand back and forth, hoping to calm her. She calms and I can tell she's having a conversation with the boys. She looks back at me and I see something in her eyes, I can't quite place it. She nods at me to get on her back. I get on and hold on tight as she takes off into the woods. While riding her back, I notice that she's running more gracious than before. Even faster. At this speed I'm sure she'll be able to outrun Edward. Not long after we take off, we break into another clearing. Quickly noticing we're at Forks' cemetery. I scan the area to make sure there's no humans around before hopping off of her. She slowly starts walking around the side and I follow. When she gets to the edge of a middle row, she phases back. Before I can stop myself, I fling into her arms. Breathing in her scent.
Alice: are you ok? How's your back? Does it hurt? Your human eyes are still the same. Thank god, cause I love them. Not that I don't mind the gold ones, I just really love this grey-green thing you got going on…
Bella: Alice… Alice… hey, slow down. Yes, I'm ok. I'm fully ok. Look, after talking to Lauren I realized something. Something I should've done a while ago. Come on.
She takes my hand, and we start walking towards the middle of the row. In passing, I see a headstone with the name Lucy Mallory "Loving wife and mother.". Lauren's mother. Lauren's scent isn't as strong but clearly, she's visited not long ago. Bella stops in front of a headstone, Renee Swan "Beautiful spirit. Loving and beloved wife. #1 mom. Greatest friend anyone can have." I notice the Callie Lilies have a lingering scent, Lauren's. I have to stop the green monster that slithers up in my throat. I see the tears that form in Bella's eyes as she kneels down in front of it.
Bella: I'm sorry I haven't came in a while. I hope you can forgive me. Your last wish for me finally came true. And I want you to meet her. Mom, this is Alice. The love of my life. I know you'd love her, she's a lot like you. She's a fighter mom. Her love ones are the most important thing to her. She's smart as hell too. And it's not just cause she's a vampire. Oh yeah, she's a cold one. Remember how I told you that Uncle Billy's stories were true. How I turn into a wolf. Well, she's my imprint. And a vampire. Oh and get this, she can see the freaking future. So cool right? But what's more important mom, her spirit… Her spirit is beautiful. If you were here, you'd say she's a yellow… I wish you were here.
I don't realize that I've been holding my breath till Bella turns to me. Without thinking twice, I kneel down next to her.
Alice: Mrs. Swan…
Bella: call her Renee. She would murder glare me if I let you call her Mrs. Swan.
Alice: Renee… It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'll consider forgiving your daughter for taking this long to introduce us. I heard many great things about you, you'd be glad to know that Charlie is still fetching. He still has all his hair, I hear that's why you married him. I must thank you, for raising such a magnificent young lady. She has a big heart. I heard she got that from you. She's also a fighter. She almost killed my brother once. It wasn't her fault; he tends to be an idiot.
Bella laughs and it's the carefree laugh that is music to my ears.
Bella: you would love Emmett too mom. He's a lot like Jake.
Alice: he is. Renee… I love your daughter more than anything in this world. More than anything this life could offer me. Mrs. Renee, I hope you could do this one thing for me. If you could please give me your blessing for your daughter's hand. I promise to protect her life with my own. Promise to love her with everything in me. And I promise to make her the happiest person in the world. I know I still have to ask Charlie, I'm sure he'll say yes. Between you and me, I think he likes me more than Bella. And Bella still has to ask my parents. But if you could give me a sign that it's ok with you. I'm not sure what, but just a sign. Thank you.
Before I could get up, I'm wrapped in Bella's arms. She kisses me and her mouth taste like coffee. But I don't mind. She pulls back. And I see a single tear fall from her eye.
Bella: I love you Mary Alice Cullen.
Before I could reply, a small snowflake sidetracks me as it slowly flows into her tear. Bella looks up into the sky laughing.
Bella: she said yes.
Alice: what? How do you know that?
Bella: snow… it's her favorite.