CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Charlie stopped by in the morning to check to see if Bella was okay and to give her some money to spend. Apparently, a virus was going around in the area, and several officers were laid low by it. Every single cop in the department was pulling double duty, so Bella would stay at the Ateara house until things subsided.

"I'm sorry, Bells, I think this is going to continue at least until tomorrow night. I called Dr Gerandy, who said the stomach flu is rampant in the area. I'll stop by to check in on you every day, though. Is everything okay here?"

"I understand. Dad, can I go to Port Angeles this afternoon? Leah Clearwater is driving, and some of the girls from the team are all going."

"Of course." He pulled out a twenty-dollar bill. "Give this to Leah for gas. It's always good manners to contribute to gas when someone else drives."

"Okie dokie."

"I love you, kiddo."

"Love you, too, Dad. Thanks for serving and protecting."

Charlie laughed. "That's my job." He turned to Molly. "Thanks, Aunt, for looking after Bella."

"Of course. That's what family is for, and Bella is no trouble at all."

XOXO

Later that afternoon, Bella headed to Port Angeles with her friends. Leah Clearwater, who had been on the team last year, had borrowed her mother's SUV and tagged along. She drove Jen, Bella, and Kim Greenleaf—another teammate and Jared's future mate, at least during the first timeline.

They were Christmas shopping for their parents. There weren't many options for shopping in Forks, so the group decided to head to Port Angeles, where there were more stores.

"Bella, we stopped by at your house and you weren't there," Lauren said. "Thankfully, Jen said she and Leah would bring you because you were staying in La Push with relatives. What's going on?"

Bella explained about the stomach flu situation at the station, which Katie confirmed since her father was one of the officers down for the count. Mrs Marshall had isolated Lieutenant Marshall in the guest room since she didn't want anyone else in the household to get sick.

"Oh, God. I hope I don't catch it. I hate being sick," Lauren admitted.

"Just use hand sanitizer and wash your hands whenever you can," Leah suggested. "My Mom is big on that and never gets sick."

And so their day of shopping began. Bella had no idea what to get her father. Somehow, a new polo shirt, like many of the girls were doing, seemed impersonal. She had already sent her mother a gift card to a cosmetics store chain tucked inside a Christmas card. While she had not spoken a word to her mother since her move, she wanted Renee to know that she still loved her even if she couldn't live with her. She didn't send Phil anything. As far as Bella was concerned, he could just suck it.

But her father was different. She wanted to make Christmas memorable because he'd done so much for her. Bella watched as a man exited his vehicle with a coffee cup. He yelped as he spilled it all over himself, and then Bella had an idea. She just hoped he liked it.

After completing their shopping, the girls were heading to their car when a group of drunk guys surrounded them. She recognized them from the first timeline. They were the same guys who tried to attack her the day Edward saved her. This time, she didn't screw around. She snapped a photo of them and sent it directly to her father with a text message stating she and her friends were being harassed. She included the name of the parking lot. Her father must have called 911 because within three minutes, the Port Angeles police arrived to help them.

"Which one of you is Chief Swan's daughter?" An officer asked. The girls all pointed to Bella. "Your father wants to talk to you." He handed Bella his phone.

"Hi, Dad."

"Bells, are you okay?"

"Yeah, I realized these thugs were drunk, and once they surrounded us, I decided to just text you for help. It was easier than calling 911."

"Well, good job. I'm about twenty minutes out. There was an incident in Sappho I was called to assist, so just hang on, okay? Stay with the police officers."

"Okay, Dad." She returned the phone to the police officer, who spoke to her father a bit longer before hanging up.

When Bella looked around, she noticed her father had called in the cavalry because there were about eight patrol cars—more than there were during the Greg Ronstein incident. All the thugs looked terrified about being detained because the Port Angeles police were giving them no quarter.

"That was quick thinking on your part to text your father." We'll need to take a report from each of you, but you're free to go after that."

"Oh my God, Bella. That was good thinking of you to tell your father. I was wondering why you were texting when those guys were taunting us."

"I knew they were trouble the moment they surrounded us. I didn't want to take any chances. Besides, they're super drunk, and drunk people can lose control of themselves quickly."

Within twenty minutes, two squad cars from the Forks Police Department arrived. The first to arrive was her father, accompanied by Lieutenant Lahote. Sergeant Cameron showed up with Detective Stanley. All of them looked ready to take their pound of flesh out of the thugs.

"Are you girls okay?" Chief Swan asked.

"We're fine, Chief Swan," Katie said. "Thanks for coming."

"Your father almost got out of bed to drive here, but I told him to stay put. There's no need for him to be spreading that stomach virus around. He heard everything on the radio. Let me go talk to the police chief. I'll be back."

"Oh my goodness! I was so worried when we heard. I knew you were with Bella and Jenny. Fortunately, we were just finishing up in Sappho when we heard, so we were able to make our way here," Sergeant Cameron said.

Charlie returned with the police chief and another officer, and the girls were interrogated about the incident. They, of course, all told the exact same story, and while there were nine girls, the thugs managed to barricade them somehow. Tara pointed out that it was like they were used to harassing girls in this parking lot.

"It makes sense," Lieutenant Lahote said, looking around. "There are a lot of hiding spots in the alleys leading to this parking lot. I know it's convenient, but you're better off parking on the street in front of a business.

"Oh, but I hate parallel parking," Samantha complained.

"Well, it's a good excuse for you to learn."

"Samantha, are you allowed to be carrying passengers?" Sergeant Cameron asked, narrowing her eyes at her.

"Oh, yes. I've had my license for seven months already."

"And what's the maximum amount of passengers you can have in your vehicle until your eighteenth birthday?"

Everyone's eyes widened.

"Yeah, you know it's three."

"Mom, give her a break," Jenny protested

"Jennifer, rules like these are meant to keep you safe."

"Please don't call me Jennifer."

"Well, alrighty, I'll take Bella and Katie in my squad car then," Charlie said. That leaves Samantha with Lauren, Ashley, and Tara. That's three passengers and within the legal limit. Sergeant Cameron won't report anything to your mother this time around, Sam. Just don't do it again until you're eighteen. Leah, you can see the girls in La Push. I'll drop Bella off at the Ateara house later."

"Oh, good. At least we know where you are now," Lauren said.

"Come to my house either tomorrow or on Monday. We can hang out. It's okay, right, Mom?" Jenny asked.

"Of course."

"Cool, we'll make plans."

"Did you girls have dinner yet?" Charlie asked after they were secured in the cruiser.

"No, we were supposed to get home in time for dinner, but then those guys stopped us. I'm late for dinner already," Katie said.

"Don't worry. Your parents are aware of what happened. Let me radio in for the other girls."

Charlie quickly radioed into the station to have the dispatcher contact the parents of the girls involved in the incident. "You don't have to call Lieutenant Marshall or Sergeant Cameron. They're already aware of the situation."

"Okay, girls, today is your lucky day. We're having dinner out."

"Yay!" They cheered.

XOXO

Bella was dropped off in La Push again. They decided she would remain until Friday evening when her father would pick her up and stay for Christmas Eve dinner. Some of the waylaid officers were on the mend and would come in then to relieve the officers who had been pulling double shifts.

On Friday, Bella waitressed at Aunt Molly's diner in La Push from opening until closing time, six am to two pm. One of the waitresses had called out sick, so Quil and Bella were recruited to help for the day.

She was happy to help out because it gave her some much-needed cash flow. Of course, her father had been giving her an allowance for completing her chores, but she had never been without a job, and to her, it felt weird not to earn some money each week.

XOXO

On Friday afternoon, Christmas Eve, Paul stopped by at the Ateara house, and the pair went walking on the beach. An enormous piece of driftwood, long dried out and weathered, rested on the sand, nestled against an enormous boulder. Bella and Paul perched on it for a bit so they could talk.

"I heard about what happened in Port Angeles yesterday. I was so worried that I nearly rushed to the Ateara house, but it was already ten p.m. I was angry, so very angry at those guys—the ones who surrounded you and your friends. I wanted to beat them to a pulp.

It was at that exact moment I knew… I knew you were perfect for me because I worried about you as much as I worried about my brother and my parents. Am I making any sense to you?"

Bella listened to what Paul had to say, simply nodding. She couldn't look into his eyes and was unwilling to say anything because there were no guarantees for the future. If Paul turned into a wolf and he imprinted on someone else, they would both be tremendously hurt, just like both Leah and Sam were. Poor Emily was caught in the middle of it all.

Paul stood up and continued, waving his arms around with a confused expression on his face. "I don't know what happened next, but I was hit with a sudden onslaught of pain. My back felt like it was hit head-on by a Mack truck. I thought I was going to die. My mother screamed, concerned. And I vaguely remember my father calling Sam. But then your voice rang in my head. Your voice and your voice alone. You were telling me to take deep, calming breaths just like you did with Jared. So, I inhaled through my nose and exhaled through my mouth over and over again, breathing through the pain. I imagined you were rubbing my back, and then I shifted—right in the middle of our living room."

Bella gasped. "But didn't the elders say you weren't showing any signs of phasing?"

"I wasn't, but Sam said sometimes emotional upheavals can cause a wolf to phase. I was worried about you, and it caused me to lose control of myself. I've never felt this way about a girl before. Everything is so easy and natural with you. We belong together, Bella."

Getting to her feet, Bella raised her gaze until she met Paul's eyes. She knew she belonged with him. She felt at peace, and she swore her heart was melding into one with his. And then she heard Taha Aki's voice echoing in her head, "Oh, for spirit's sake, just kiss him already, Bella."

So, she did. She got up onto her tip-toes and kissed Paul.

Tiny sparks began where her lips met his and radiated throughout her body, igniting Bella's heart aflame. When his fingers interlaced with hers, warmth spread throughout her body. And as she melted into his kiss, her racing heart calmed with the realization that they were meant to be together. And when they finally came up for air, he placed her palm on his heart, securing it with his hand. "My heart is yours, Bella Swan. You're my imprint."

She glanced up, their eyes meeting once again, and Bella knew Paul was hers to keep. She looked up into the sky, at the heavens, and mentally thanked Taha Aki for her gift from the spirits. As far as she was concerned, Paul was the best Christmas gift ever.

XOXO

Christmas Day was interesting. Bella woke up early and decided a big pancake breakfast was in order. The only problem was there was barely any food in the pantry because her dad and she couldn't get any groceries that week. So, they settled for oatmeal and cookies.

Father and daughter proceeded to open gifts after that. Charlie received a ton of gifts from co-workers and from community members. The majority were gift cards, baked goods, or wine.

Bella received a brand-new fishing pole and a Coach tote bag from her father. She was more excited about the fishing pole because she wanted to fish with her father again. She enjoyed spending time with him.

She wondered about the Coach bag, though. "Dad, thanks!" She reached out to hug him. "Um, where did you get the idea for the Coach bag?"

"I was told by Sergeant Cameron that you might want something pretty. I had her order one for you when she bought Jenny's Christmas present. Hers is blue." Bella's bag was pink, just like her fishing pole. It was true she liked the color, but the bag was extremely girly. Still, she'd carry it because her father bought it for her, and she appreciated the effort.

"Dad, I love both the bag and the fishing pole. Thank you!"

Charlie smiled and nodded. "There's one more gift for you." He handed her a big, long box. It wasn't wrapped, but taped up good, and had a bow on it. "This one is from your mother and me. We went in halfsies. She called the other week to check-in to see how you're doing. She wasn't sure if you were ready to hear from her yet, but she's making improvements. She's in counseling. Phil is no longer in the minor league. They released him so he's working now—doing what, I don't know and care.

"Anyway, your mom wanted you to know that she still loves you and hasn't forgotten about you. The gift was her idea. She couldn't afford it on her own and asked if I could pitch in. Once I found out what it was, I gladly contributed. She called in her credit card to Newton's and I gave them mine when I went to pick it up. Open it, Bella."

Bella wasn't sure how she felt about her mother. She loved her and even sent her a gift, but at the same time, she wasn't ready to see or speak to her yet. She'd already forgiven her mother. How could she not? Bella had been just as bad as her mother when she dated Edward, and knew how easy it was to become consumed with a guy. Things were different with Paul. She vowed to always be true to herself despite the fact that she was his imprint.

Bella glanced down at the box. She used a pair of scissors to cut through the packaging tape. Slowly, she moved aside the flaps of the box, and then proceeded to remove the mounds of bubble wrap cocooning the gift. When she finally got to it, she gasped. "Dad! These are over four-hundred dollars."

"I know that, but your mother said it was something you've always wanted. She even talked to your old high school coach to find out about the correct size for you. You know how your mom loves everything baseball and softball," Charlie explained.

It was a softball bat. It wasn't just any bat, it was a Louisville Slugger Kryo. Bella had always wanted one, but could never justify the cost. She was stunned her mother had remembered she wanted one.

"And look at the bottom of the bag, there are a couple of other things."

So, Bella dug a little deeper and found a brand new gear bag in pink, personalized with her name embroidered on it. She knew instantly it was from Newton's because they offered personalization as one of their services.

"That one is from me. The guys at the station told me girls like pink."

"Oh, I do like pink, and this is an awesome gear bag."

"Good, now keep digging." Her father had a huge smile on his face.

Bella reached in and found a softball glove. She put it on. "Dad, it's a little big."

"That's right because it's mine. I figure we can go out and play catch once in a while—use that new bat of yours. I bought a bucket of balls, too. It's in the garage."

Bella stood up and rushed to give her father a hug. "I love you so much, Dad."

"Well, now, I love you too, kiddo. You coming to live with me was the best gift ever."

"You have to open your presents now," Bella said, and then gave her father his gifts. Charlie's first gift was a sweatshirt that featured a picture of a man fishing with his arm casting a reel, with the words, "Can't work today. My arm is in a cast." Her father laughed when he read it. He put the hoodie on immediately.

The second gift was his main one. He unwrapped the gift to find a stainless steel Yeti tumbler with a handle and a lid. "It's to keep your coffee warm, Dad."

"Ah, Bells, thank you. I love both gifts, but this cup will come in handy more than you know."

"Daddy, they're called tumblers."

"Really? I wonder why? To me, it looks like a stainless steel cup."

"It has a handle, so it's a mug."

"So, it is. This Yeti brand is the fancy one, isn't it?"

"I think so, but supposedly, they're worth it. When the girls and I were in Port Angeles, I saw a guy getting out of his car and spilling his coffee all over himself. I instantly thought of you, Dad."

Charlie let out a full-belly laugh. "Well, let me give it a quick rinse, and I'll use it. Then, I need to stop at the station and drop off the tray of cookies your Aunt Joy made before we make our way to La Push."

"Okay, Daddy. I'm going to swap my stuff over to my new tote bag while you do that. I really, really love all my gifts. Thank you again."

Charlie let Bella drive to La Push. She thought it was the perfect time to let her father know that she was dating Paul. Imprinting counted as dating, didn't it?

So, she said, "Dad, I thought you should know that I'm dating Paul."

Charlie snorted in his seat. "Bells, that's like the worst kept secret on the Olympic Peninsula. Tell me something a bit more pertinent—like how Paul transformed into a wolf, and you're his imprint."

Bella's eyes widened, and her jaw practically dropped to the floor. "How… How did you find out? I mean, Paul and I haven't even discussed the imprinting thing in depth yet."

"Lieutenant Lahote told me. He didn't think it was right for the elders to keep secrets from me, especially now that his son and my daughter are a permanent thing. Anyway, since he wasn't there the night Billy swore everyone to secrecy, he wasn't bound by any promises, so he just spilled the beans."

"Oh, thank goodness. I wanted to tell you, but I made a promise not to."

"This is how I feel about things, Bella. It was wrong of Billy to order you to keep a secret from me. I am your parent, and I have a right to know because it's my job to keep you safe.

"Lieutenant Lahote also told me that the Cullens are vampires, which explains how Edward Cullen got into your room that night. It also makes it doubly egregious that you were ordered to keep secrets from me. I have to tell you, Bells. It upsets me that Billy and Harry didn't see fit to tell me about the Cullens, especially after you moved in with me. You could have been seriously hurt. Apparently, they're still upset that you inadvertently witnessed Jared's transformation, but according to Lieutenant Lahote, you played a key role in making sure Jared didn't lose control." Charlie paused momentarily. "I want you to know that you can tell me anything, no matter how fantastical the circumstance might be. I will always listen to you."

"Dad, I'd hug you right now, but I'm driving."

"I know, kid."

XOXO

Christmas in La Push was a big celebration put on by the Atearas. They wanted to make sure that all tribal members had a place to go, so they held a big celebration at the tribal lodge. Many families made their way to the tribal lodge after their own private celebration at home. Bella had heard this was how things were done by Jacob in the past, but this was the first time she had attended because, during the first timeline, she had spent her one Christmas in Forks depressed and despondent at the loss of Edward.

What an idiot she had been! This time, Bella was adamant that she would not lose herself in Paul despite the fact that she was his imprint. She absolutely refused to become engrossed in a man to the point of forgetting her friends, family, and most importantly—herself. She was not her mother.

"Merry Christmas, Bella," Paul greeted.

"Hey, Merry Christmas to you, too. How has Christmas been so far?"

"Well, your dad told my dad about wolves and imprinting."

"Yeah, he said he would. It's good he knows, don't you think?"

"Yep." Bella noticed Billy watching her. "Why is Billy watching me?"

"Because he doesn't like the fact that we're together. He doesn't want you to be another Leah. Plus, Jake has a crush on you."

"Yeah, but I'm your imprint."

Paul led Bella outside. They walked several steps away from the tribal lodge. "I know that, but the elders don't know I've phased. We're keeping it on the down-low."

"Why?"

"Because my brother doesn't want any restrictions put on me. We're not telling Jared for now either."

"Oh…" Bella shrugged, then nodded, thinking it was a good idea. "Cool beans. We'll deal with everything when the time comes."

"Yeah, we will," he said before pulling her into his arms. "I've wanted to do this all day. Merry Christmas, Bella." And then he dropped his lips onto hers for a lingering kiss. They were in heaven.