I hope that Charlie and the gang can nail Jean, Tanya and Renee for the conspiracy, blackmail, theft, vandalism, harrassment and every other crime they have committed....they all deserve to rot in jail

Best Parts:

Noel is seriously my Favorite character in this story.  She is so precious.

Best Parts:

I rush over to the dj booth and pass the guy some money, he promises after this song he will play my choice. The song is perfect for Bella. I go back to the dance floor and pull her back to me. She giggles when I jokingly twirl her around.

"This is a special dedication going out from Edward to his Bella." The fast music fades and the soft strands begin to play. Bella's blush takes over and I pull her into my arms.

 Edward upon hearing this offered to take me Trick or Treating, but I would have felt silly at my age doing something like that. I'm more than happy with the plan for this evening.

By the end of The Ring, I was half way onto Edward's lap, Noel all the way in my lap. I'm not sure I like scary movies. I mean the suspense is one thing, being scared out of your mind is another. The phone rings and I jump a mile off the sofa.

I look down at Noel and sigh as well.

"Thank God we remembered to take Noel with us." I say out loud. We had gotten down the street earlier when I remembered to go back for my baby. She had been napping on my bed oblivious to being left alone.

"Even if we have to go all Scooby gang, we'll figure it out." Emmett says and Alice laughs.

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"I thought you might be hungry." I offer setting the tray in front of him. A grin breaks out on his face.

"Thanks, Bells." He picks up a slice of the bread and hums around it in appreciation. "You know it's true, the way to a man's heart is threw his stomach." He says with a laugh. "This is awesome, sis."

 Noel is finishing up her meal. I can't help but smile indulgently at her when she keeps falling over trying to clean herself up. Poor baby, her balance is as bad as mine.

"Emmett, can Noel stay here with you? I don't want her getting ticks and fleas out in the woods." I ask, though it's only half true. Noel makes me feel better and I can't help but hope she can do the same for Emmett.

"Yeah, Bells, no problem." I pick her up and set her on the sofa beside Emmett, who slips a bite of the chicken from the soup to her. After she eats that, she nuzzles in beside him and starts snoring. "I seriously don't think she'll be a problem." He laughs.

"Emmett, can Noel stay here with you? I don't want her getting ticks and fleas out in the woods." I ask, though it's only half true. Noel makes me feel better and I can't help but hope she can do the same for Emmett.

"Yeah, Bells, no problem." I pick her up and set her on the sofa beside Emmett, who slips a bite of the chicken from the soup to her. After she eats that, she nuzzles in beside him and starts snoring. "I seriously don't think she'll be a problem." He laughs.

"Don't you dare judge him, Jacob Black. Edward is so much more than his looks and money. He's smart, caring, loving and wonderful. No, he isn't too old for me, he's seventeen and I'm sixteen, that's a year difference!" I yell. "For the first time in my life, I feel safe, happy and loved. And that is due in a large part to Edward Cullen." I turn away from him and rush into the house to find Charlie.

"Bella, please forgive my naïve fifteen year old son who, in his lack of wisdom, lashed out like a three year old who was told he couldn't have candy before dinner. Instead of taking rejection like a man, he took it out on you like a child."

"Bella, please forgive my naïve fifteen year old son who, in his lack of wisdom, lashed out like a three year old who was told he couldn't have candy before dinner. Instead of taking rejection like a man, he took it out on you like a child."

I was forgiving him, because in the long run, he really doesn't matter enough for me to waste emotions on. I had enough problems holding me back; I didn't need anger or resentment at Jacob Black being one of them.I was forgiving him, because in the long run, he really doesn't matter enough for me to waste emotions on. I had enough problems holding me back; I didn't need anger or resentment at Jacob Black being one of them.

sweetheart, your heart is too sweet and pure to be like that."

"Thank you." I whisper, feeling warm and content at his words.

"No, thank you, sweetheart, for being the best daughter any guy could ask for."

"Was that the boy who glared at me?" I giggle.

"No, that was Edward."

"And, Edward is?"

"My boyfriend." I blush.

"Well, good for you, Bella." She grins. "He seems very protective of you and very handsome." She gives a wink.

"He's wonderful." I sigh.

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"Work was fine. I avoided the two banes of my existence Nurse Stanley and Nurse Mallory." We shared our usual joke; Carlisle is a devoted family man who is madly in love with his wife. All, but two of the women on staff at the hospital, respect that. In fact, he has a wonderful working relationship with everyone except Stanley and Mallory, or as he calls them slutty nurse one and slutty nurse two.

I was a little shocked that after we sat down, a huge black lab came rushing out tongue dangling out of its mouth. The dog took one look at Bella and rushes over to her. Bella looks longingly at the dog.

"Can I pet him?" She asks softly of Vicky, her eyes almost pleading.

"Of course! Bubba, meet Bella." Vicky laughs as the dog reaches its paw towards Bella to shake, "It's his favorite trick, greeting people." Bella giggles and shakes the dogs paw. And I can tell it is love for both of them at first sight. My shy and reserved little sister is cuddling and cooing with a dog almost as large as she is.

"Looks like you made a friend, Bella." I joke. She gives me the cutest goofy grin.

"I always wanted a pet." She says simply. Vicky grins at me and winks.

"Bella, if you want to take Bubba to the back yard and play with his toys, he has a Frisbee and a baseball that if you toss them for him he'll fetch. It's fenced in completely, so it's ok for him to be loose." Bella nods enthusiastically.

"Yes, please." Vicky shows her outside and I can't stop smiling. Somehow the dog made her act like a normal carefree teenager. I stand up when Vicky comes back in.

"I can't wait to tell my Dad his dog wants to leave him for a younger woman." She jokes I laugh and follow her to the door.

"And the dog kept bringing it back over and over again." Bella laughs as she recounts her morning activities to Jasper on our way to Port Angeles.

"Sounds like you had a blast, Bella." He smiles.

"It was so much fun." She says in one of the happiest voices I've ever heard her use. Playing with the dog has brought a flush to her skin; she is almost glowing with her pleasure. It's so sweet. Now she is just staring out the window smiling, I think day dreaming about playing with Bubba again. Jazz smiles at me and I have to smile back we are both happy that she is happy right now.

"Don't hurt Edward." She huffs cutely and stares at him. I think Emmett is a little scared.

"I won't, I promise, Bella." She smiles sweetly like her little show of strength never happened.

"Ok." And back to her timid voice. Apparently the one way to piss off Bella is to threaten Edward, because she said nothing about staying out of trouble.

"Wow." Jasper laughs lightly.

"I know! Clearly if you hurt Edward, you face the wrath of Esme and Bella." I joke.

"Cheese taco dip." She says. I grab a chip and dip it. And, oh my God, I'm planning on going lesbian and marrying Bella if she cooks this for me at least twice a week.

"Dad is going to be sad he missed this." Emmett is leaning back rubbing his stomach after downing six tacos.

"I know, old man lost out." Jazz laughs. He downed six as well. Good thing Bella made enough for an army. She looks around goes to the cabinets pulls out one of those divided Tupperware things. She fixes three tacos up on one side and scoops a little bit of the left over dip on the other and puts some of the chips in a baggie.

"Umm... when you go out could you..."She stops and looks at her feet biting her lip.

"You want us to take that to Charlie?" Edward asks reading her mind.

"Please." She smiles at him.

"No problem, Bella." He smiles back.

"Ok." With a small nod she starts filling out the Facebook info. I help her to find and add me and the guys. I also get her to add Mom because I know it will make her day, Dad doesn't have Facebook.

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Esme had called me late last night to let me know that the kids were all passed out asleep in Edward's room. From what she said, they all had disappeared from Edward's party and when she and Carlisle went looking for them, they were found spread out around Edward's room with a movie going and a whole lot of snoring. She also told me she took pictures so I can see later.

My sweet Bella, when the boys brought me dinner the other night and said she had made it and had especially made up a to go plate for me, hell, it warmed my old heart. For someone who has gone through heaven knows what kind of horrors in her young life, to put others' needs before herself; and she did so without even having to be asked was just amazing. I was coming to realize that my daughter was an extremely caring and responsible individual; so vastly different from her mother. Thank God.

"It was ok, a lot of food and music. And I danced with Edward." She smiles and I swear she is glowing. Uh-oh, I owe Carlisle ten bucks. Damn!

"I've never danced with someone before. He was really sweet and patient when I stepped on his feet." She gives a cute little giggle. I swear that was the longest sentence I've ever heard her say all at once.

The next morning after my birthday, once Jasper, Emmett and Bella had left to go home, I went back up to my room and was stunned to find a book on my bed. It was the complete works of Jane Austen and inside was a note:

No matter how hard life gets, these stories always have a way

of making me happy. I hope you can find joy in them too.

Bella

I felt privileged that she shared something that personal with me. In her own sweet way, she was giving me access to her happy place. The place she went when life was shitty. Of all the gifts I received, I knew this one was my favorite. Though it was girlie and not something you'd normally give a seventeen year old guy, still it was truly from the heart. I knew I'd cherish it always. I slowly laid on my bed and opened the book. I folded the note and placed in the back of the book before laying down to get lost in Bella's happy place.

Bella she just stepped back and gave me this pissed off little look. It sort of said, 'I want to yell at you but I won't, I'll just glare instead'.

"Bubba couldn't come." Bella pouts a little.

"Huh?" I was lost.

"My dog, he wasn't allowed to come." Vicky explains with a chuckle, "Bella tried to argue that he could be her date, but my Dad explained that the fireworks later would scare him too much."

"Bella is in love with that dog." Emmett tells me.

"He's sweet." Bella smiles.

"Cullen." Jacob says in a cold dead voice to Edward. The fact that he is looking at Edward like he wants to hurt him, makes me take an immediate dislike for this Jacob boy.

"Bella, sweetheart, come on." Edward pulls me gently away, his hand now holding mine. I can feel my body begin to relax.

"Thank you." I whisper gently to him.

"For what?" He asks looking at me.

"He..." I don't know how to put it. What if it was a trick? But Edward makes me feel so safe.

"What is it, baby?" A chill went up my spine when he calls me that. I don't think he even notices.

Edward comes in cuddling this ball of white fluff to his chest. He smiles and walks over to me; kneeling down in front of me he gently places it on my lap.

"She's for you; she'll only get a little bit bigger." I look down and realize it's a puppy. A sweet beautiful ball of white fluffy puppy.

"Me?" Is all I can say.

"Yes, you." He laughs gently, "It's a thank you for going with us and also a homecoming gift. Your home now, Bella Swan." He pats my knee and I look in his warm green eyes, the puppy whines and I lift her up.

"Can I keep her?" I ask Charlie, who is grinning like a crazy.

"Yep, Edward already told me he was getting her for you."

"Thank you." A tear slips down my cheek.

"What are you going to name her?" Emmett asks.

"Noel." I whisper pulling her close. Every year I always wished for a puppy, or kitty at Christmas and birthdays. I always said for a boy it would be Bingley and a girl would be Noel.

"I think she likes her name." Edward says as the puppy starts licking my fingers.

I cuddled with my new baby and promised her I would never let her get hurt, or feel alone. I made a mental note to go to the library and get books on puppy care. Oh and I have the internet. Google, I can search about puppies!

"Can she sleep in my bed?" I ask Charlie. He nods.

Before long, Emmett is back with a box that Charlie motions that it's for me. Inside was a pink collar, a pink puppy harness and leash set. A cute pink and white feeder and some puppy food. Charlie had done this for me. I set Noel on Edward's lap and rush over to Charlie. I spontaneously throw my arms around him in a hug.

"Thank you, Charlie." I say softly into his ear.

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"Hey now, none of that." He pushes aside my apology, "I just wondered if you'd mind some company, in the form of this little lady who has been sitting outside your bedroom door." He opens the door further and Noel rushes in. I pull her to me and she licks my face.

I move quickly taking a fast shower and getting Noel's meal ready for her. She is so sweet waiting patiently, her tiny face under all that hair seems to be happy and glowing. She eats her food and walks back over to me, asking to be picked up. She likes to be lazy and have me carry her around. I put her harness on to walk out into the back yard so she could relieve herself and stopped cold.

The whole back yard was now fenced. I blink because I'm stunned and not sure I'm really seeing this. But it really is fenced. I let Noel off her lead so she can run around. I have almost all of this month and some of last month's allowance money left, next chance I get, I'm going to buy a toy or two to play with her in the backyard with. Maybe a soft ball would be nice, or a squishy little bone she can play fetch with.

Noel stands there looking at me and I have to laugh internally, she doesn't realize she is free to roam. I take off in a slow run around the yard and she follows. My ever faithful baby, keeping pace with me as best as she could with her little legs. I slow even more and I swear her eyes flash with gratitude.

I bring Noel back inside for some water and a puppy treat. She accepts both then runs her little self into the living room and barks at the TV. My poor baby is addicted to the television. She is barking to let me know it is off and she wants it on. And being the over indulgent puppy-mommy that I am, I turn the TV on to Animal Planet and watch the funny animal video show with Noel curled in my lap.

Best Parts:

"Rosalie, you are such a bitch!" He was growling. Holy shit! I didn't know he could do that. Edward, big brother, don't do that for the girls at school they'll try to rape you.

"Listen, Bella," Rose says coming at Bella, who has moved to stand slightly behind me. She is also positioned to run up the stairs. This girl has mad escapage skills I think,

"Rosalie, your fucking apology sounded like the same insult worded differently. God! Can't you see how fucking timid and scared my sister is?" He's pissed. Emmett has always been the champion of the weak and I think because this one is family, he is more so. Though what comes out of his mouth next shocks the shit out of me, "Listen, Rosie, I love you, but I think maybe you should go home for now. Bella doesn't feel comfortable around you right now and honestly, I'm pissed off that you were so mean to my baby sister. Intentional or not."

"Emmett!" She sounds shocked. I don't think anyone has ever asked Rose to leave before.

"No, Rose, you need to realize that your actions and words do affect people. You need to find a filter. Just because you are the hottest woman on earth, it doesn't give you the right to say anything at anytime."

Go, Em. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love Rose like a sister but that wasn't cool what she did to Bella.

Best Parts:

"Thank you." She says shyly. Aww... so cute. Edward sat down and took a bite of the pancakes.

"Holy shit! These are even better than Mom's." Bella gets the cutest grin on her face at his praise.

"Thank you." She says again.

"Ok, thanks so much for these kick ass pancakes, Bella." I gently rubbed my hand on the top of her head and she gave me a soft grin.

"Thank you." Ok generally people say you're welcome but if that is what works for Bella, I'll deal with it.

"She'll be sixteen in September." I keep my smug grin to myself, "It's so cool how quickly she and Edward hit it off." Jake looks depressed.

Dumb question, but she was throwing me off by acting like I was the boogey man.

"I have to say, Edward was right. You are adorable." She blushes but I swear when I say old Eddie's name, a small gleam comes into her eyes and she seems to relax.

"Edward is coming over?" She looks at Em asking.

"I think he's stuck doing family shit tonight, kiddo." He pats her on the head and her little face falls. I swear it's like we took away her doll or cotton candy.

Out of nowhere Bella looks at Charlie and sadly says, "Edward isn't coming."

"Aww, sweetheart. Alice and Edward have to go home sometime. You'll see them tomorrow. I promised Esme we'd have dinner at their house." And the kid comes back to life.

"Ok," She gives a small shy grin again.

"Edward, how can we make this look older?" I ask my son as we look at the new laptop I just bought for Bella. I knew she would need something decent for school and I didn't want Charlie to waste money on it. I know he's saving to send both of his kids to college.

"Peel the stickers off?" Edward, my partner in crime in this effort, says.

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"Noel!" Bella yells. "He threw her into the wall." She turns to the shut closet door and opens it. Little Noel is laying there in a ball whining, "Noel?" Bella says softly the pup's head pops up.

"Be careful, Bella, injured dogs can bite even the ones they love the most." Dad warns.

"Noel." She says softly sitting on the ground beside the dog. Noel gets to her little feet and hobbles over to climb on Bella's lap. Bella picks the dog up to her chest and rocks her like a mother would her newborn baby. I couldn't hear what she was saying exactly, but Bella was cooing softly to her puppy.

"He hurt Noel." Bella tells him, carrying her puppy over to Edward.

"We'll take her to the vet's to get her checked out, ok?" Edward says softly, smiling reassuringly at my sister.

"Ok." She whispers, tears brimming her eyes again.

"Shock..." Carlisle says automatically, just as Bella's slight frame starts shaking.

Edward gently takes Noel out of her arms just as Carlisle takes over. He sits Bella on her bed and talks calmly to her. Her head is shaking badly and body is thrashing wildly. Noel whines from Edward's arms and I feel like my gut is being ripped out.

Before I even have the chance to do it myself, Edward picks Bella up and carries her, bridal style, out of the room.

Without thinking, I rushed forward and slammed my fist into his nose, you could hear the crunch. If felt so damn good to do. I then slammed my fist into his stomach; he doubled over and screamed in pain, landing on his knees and his head bent over. That's when I noticed the blood. Blood that wasn't coming from his now broken nose.

"Edward, back off." Mark tells me, "Carlisle, do you want to take a look at him, Charlie had to shoot him. He pulled a gun on him." Dad, who is generally the most compassionate man I know, looks at the piece of shit in front of us and shakes his head in negative.

"The ambulance is right there, the medics can do their job. I can't touch him. I don't feel like getting sued for malpractice, because this man feels I didn't do a good enough job, due to my connections with the Swan family." Nice one Dad. Dad goes inside the house and before I follow, knowing no one is going to stop me now, I take a sharp hard kick into Phil's groin. He screams again.

So, I did the one thing I could for her, I went and got a warm cloth to wipe away her tears. Then I carried her out of the house and put her into the back of the Volvo with Noel curled up in the passenger seat beside me. I drove them both to my home. When I got there and had Bella safe with my Mom and Alice, I called the vet and brought Noel in to see her. I knew Bella would want Noel taken care of right away.

An hour and a hefty vet fee later, Noel was proclaimed fine. She maybe a little achy I was told, but there were no fractures or broken bones. So, I loaded her back into the Volvo, where she sat in the passenger seat again. When I told her I was taking her to see Bella, I swear she began to look at me adoringly and seemed to glow with happiness, which was cute and weird all at the same time.

Mom hangs up the phone and walks over to me. "Hi, honey, how is Noel?" Mom asks with real concern, picking Noel up to give her love.

"Just a little sore, but no real damage done. 

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"Tanya, you're a bitch. Bella let's go." He grabs my hand and begins to walk us away.

"Eddie, call me later, we can make a play date." She giggles, "I have to be more fun than the mute." Mute? Was she talking about me or someone else?

"I'll tell you what, Tanya. You go home and wait by the phone for the call. Stay there until it comes in. That way I never have to see you again." He gives her an evil grin

"Alice will like you even if you tell her ‘no'. And if she pushes, let me know and I'll tell her ‘no' for you, ok?" He gives a smile.

"Honestly she won't hate me for saying ‘no'?" I like a lot of the things Alice puts me in, but there are some things in my closet that are too tight and too low cut for my taste. I just don't feel comfortable showing too much skin. I have scars I'd prefer the world didn't see.

"She won't hate you for it, I promise, baby." He pulls a hand off the wheel and lightly pats my thigh. His touch shoots electric sparks. It's startling, but feels good.

"Yeah." She moans, "but I'm going to kick Emmett's ass once I can walk again." Ok then.

"Ok." I really don't know what else to say to that. I mean, it would be awfully rude if I told her that I'm not sure she is even tall enough to reach Emmett's butt in the first place. Should I offer her a step stool?

I want my bed and my Mom. My tummy hurts." Alice pouts. She has a weak stomach and I swear she is the biggest baby about puking. She always wants Mom afterwards. You'd think she'd want her doctor father, but no. Mom gives her ice cream and they watch silly Disney movies.

I was a little sad. I kind of wanted to show off my pretty purple backpack.

They were really proud of this site. They talked about it for fifteen minutes. I know, I timed it on the Timex watch Charlie bought me.

Sometimes, I wish I had an Aliceism dictionary. Not that I'd tell her that. I wouldn't want to hurt her feelings or make her want to stop being BFFs with me. So, I just smile and pretend to understand what she is saying. And sometimes, if it's really confusing, I ask Edward what she'd meant later in private. He is always so sweet to me.

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Hey, guys! I got someone who has been at home all day alone." Jasper comes in grinning. He's holding my sweet little Noel in his arms. She's in her cute pink turtle neck sweater Alice bought her and looks so adorable. When she sees me she struggles against Jasper to get down and I move to go to her. She curls into me and I hug her warm furry body tight.

Noel and I were walking around the Cullens' vast backyard. She was busy trying to find the perfect spot to do her little business. It was funny, she would sniff then turn her nose up and go to a different spot. At home she has her own area she prefers and I'm guessing being away from her own environment has upset her routine. Which is why we've been doing this for almost five minutes.

"Edward?" He turns his head and looks at me again. "Tomorrow, would you sit..." I trail off trying to get the courage to ask him to sit next to me, I feel braver and safer with him next to me. He gives a quick smile.

"Bella, would you do me the honor of sitting with me tomorrow in court?" He does this awkward bow, while still holding onto my hand. I have to laugh, he looks so silly.

"Yes."

"Good, I was scared I'd have to sit with Emmett again, that's no fun. He doesn't smell as sweet as you do." He rushes at me and sniffs my neck making me laugh again. It tickles.

"Ahhh." Edward has a gleam in his eyes, when suddenly he rushes up and pick me up tossing me over his shoulder. "I've got you now, my pretty." He gives this fake evil laugh and Noel starts barking as he spins me around. I can't help but laugh.

"Oh hell! I fucking like Bella, ok!" I grumble. I still want to fight it, but hell, it's out there now.

"And I like Alice." Jasper says calmly. "And I'm going to ask her out." He also says and I lunge at him. Only I never make contact, because Emmett grabs me and pulls me back.

"Dude, seriously, you want me to kick your ass for liking my sister?" Umm...no. "Listen, here are the rules. You want to date Bella, Jasper gets to date Alice and I get to be in the room when you ask the Dads for permission to take their daughters out." He laughs. Shit! Charlie owns guns. Jasper pales, he must remember that Dad owns a gun too.

"Hurt her, make me an uncle, or have sex with her and die." I tell Jasper.

"Same goes for you, Romeo." Emmett warns me and I nod.

"Or we could run. We'd only have to hide out for two years and Bella would be eighteen and Renee wouldn't be able to touch her." This thought comes to my head. "We can go to Europe or Mexico and come back when it's safe."

"And, Edward, if Renee walks, you will not go on the run. Charlie and I already have a plan of action. I'd tell you, but the fewer who know about it, the less likely any of us will go to jail." Dad says in a very cool and calm voice. "Trust me though, Renee will be in jail and we won't have to worry about her anymore." He nods at us and goes back up the stairs.

"Dude." Emmett says in awe.

"I know, right?" I add.

"It will be ok, baby." I assure her. It's funny, until the guys had pointed it out, I never realized how often I call her ‘baby'. Huh.

Emmett suggested we go to Barnes and Nobles. When we got there, I realized why, it was clearly Bella's Disney World. She rushed over to the classical section, a huge smile on her sweet face. At least, I know how to handle Christmas shopping for her.

"See anything you want?" I ask.

"My copy of Jane Eyre fell apart." She gives a small pout, looking at the four different editions of Jane Eyre on the shelf. Ahh, she is trying to decide which one she wants. I can see her fingering a hard back edition, with a pretty dust cover. I can also see the price is thirty dollars. She sighs and walks over to the Dover Thrift Editions section and starts looking at the discounted classics.

Mrs. Dwyer, you are a horrible mother and person. If it were within the law for me to sentence you to more time, I would. As it is, I'm giving you the maximum sentence under the law. Eight months for the assault and ten years for the attempted kidnapping. To be served consecutively. I am also adding that no parole can be considered for a period of five years. And there will be a lifetime restraining order to keep you away from Isabella Swan. Go within five hundred feet of her; and go back to jail, Mrs. Dwyer. Court adjourned, bailiff take her away."

"I hope you become big Bertha's bitch!" Alice screams as Renee is being taken away in cuffs. I have to hold back my laughter and from the look on the judge's face as he was leaving, he had to as well.

She shakes her head in the negative. "Come on, kiddo." She giggles and it's beautiful and you can tell she is feeling light-hearted and free. My beautiful butterfly, flying free.

I know we still have to face her healing, I know I still have to face my feelings and her father... but for this moment in time, everything was right. Renee was going off to jail, to hopefully become Big Bertha's bitch. And my sweet Bella is giggling and smiling like an angel. I couldn't be happier. I pull out my phone to tell Jasper the news and follow my family to the cars, so we can go get some ice cream.

Best Parts:

I still hate that this has to be a group date, but at least Dad said ‘yes'. He's so getting a kick-ass Christmas present.

 I turn on the radio and some vintage N'Sync is playing, so I have to get down with my bad self.

After staring at the closet a few more minutes I look out to find Bella sitting half awake on her bed playing with Noel.

"There wasn't any, I'm sorry." I didn't want to be rude and remind him that he had eaten the one left over taco last night. Maybe we should get Dr. Cullen to test Emmett's memory? Is this the early stages of dementia? Perhaps Dr. Cullen should test him for a tape worm while he's at it. Emmett eats more than anyone I've ever seen. Not that I've seen many people, but still eight tacos, dip and a salad has to be a record.

"Thank you." Edward says politely. I love Edward's manners, they remind me of the men in my favorite books. It was dazzling.

"He did this odd happy dance, it was kind of scary." Emmett says seriously. "It was this odd jerking and hopping around."

"I thought he needed an ambulance." I add in shyly. I had walked in on Charlie and his "happy dance" and thought something was wrong with Charlie. He kind of looked like he was having a seizure.

"That was pretty funny." Emmett laugh, probably remembering Charlie's face when I went to call 911.

"Bella..." He hesitates and I turn to look at him, gently biting my bottom lip. He groans a little and then looks me in the eyes. "I know it's the end of next month, but I was wondering if you'd attend the Homecoming dance with me?" A date?

"A date?" I really need a better filter between my thoughts and what I say.

"Yes." He smiles.

"Ok." I reply with my own smile.

"Ok." He repeats and reaches over and takes hold of my hand.

A small sigh of contentment slips through my lips and the smile doesn't leave my face for the rest of the movie. I know next to nothing about dating and boys. But if this is what it's like; Edward Cullen holding my hand, then I think I really like it. I think... I really like him.

Best Parts:

To thank him for asking me out again, I baked him banana nut muffins. Edward seems to like my cooking and I like him. So, if my cooking makes him happy, I'll do it for him often.

After finding out what happened, Edward turned red in the face and glared at Lauren across the parking lot. I put my hand on his arm and he seemed to calm down. Edward came over after school and helped me ice my knee. That time I didn't bite his tongue.

Best Parts:

"What the fuck were you thinking?" He corners me. You know Edward is pissed if he's tossing out the f-bomb. "What if you did or said something fucked up to Bella there?" Ahh, the reason for the glare.

"I didn't and I wasn't thinking. The past few days have been fucked, Edward. Just let it rest, Bella's fine." He glares some more.

"You do know that the smell of alcohol reminds Bella of Renee, that Renee drank a lot?" No, I didn't know this.

"No, I didn't know that."

"It's something she let slip when she was telling me about what happened in Seattle on Saturday."

"Fuck." I mumble.

"Yep." He replies giving me one last glare, before the teacher comes in.

Emmett took the time to tell me what happened and I couldn't help but hug him. It was just so sad. After hearing everything though, I couldn't help but be worried about him. He just seems so torn up and depressed. I could tell the others were just as worried about Emmett. The fact that they dropped everything to come and make sure he was ok was a big indication of how much they care about him. The fact that they stayed until Charlie sent them home showed how worried they are about him. The warmth and love they all had for my brother made me feel blessed to know these people.

I called him after school like he asked. Though his throat was sore, he said he wanted to hear my voice. I ended up reading to him. He assured me he enjoyed it.

Saturday dawned sunny, even though Edward was still sick. In an effort to make my boyfriend, internal Alice squeal inserted here, feel better I made a huge pot of homemade chicken noodle soup and a double batch of the triple fudge brownies that I know Edward loves. Charlie took me over to deliver telling me how great it all smells. I didn't tell him at the time, but I had extra brownies and soup at home for us as well. I wanted to surprise him.

When we arrive back home, I present Charlie with the brownies, he pumps his fist and shouts 'yes'. I almost fall over laughing at the sight.

Charlie really seems to care about me. And as hard as it is for me to let someone in, especially a parent, I can't help but want to let Charlie in. I can't help but want to get to know my Dad better.

I am shocked that Noel didn't get a Christmas gift.  What the hell!???!

AWW  I am so proud of Bella!!!

Best Parts:

"Hey, Bells..." Charlie's voice is broken up by the sound of the door. I jump worried that the men are hurting him. I look around trying to find something to protect him with. A memory of a shot gun in his closet that he said didn't actually work because he had taken apart the firing mechanism. It was for show in case someone broke into the house and I needed protection again. Something to scare them off. I ran and grabbed it, shutting Noel in my room before inching my way to the stairs. My legs shook, but there was no way these men were going to hurt my Daddy.

"Who the hell are these people, Dad?" I heard Emmett demand. My stomach dropped, they have Emmett too!

"Calm down, boy." I hear Charlie say to them.

"Charlie, where is Bella?" Edward demands, his voice hard. My sweet Edward. If they lay a finger on him, I will beat them with this gun, I don't care if it doesn't shoot, it will hurt to get smacked with.

The younger one turned and walked towards Charlie and I leapt into action.

"Back away from my Dad!" I yell pointing the gun. My body's shaking and I can feel one of those panic attacks coming on. But I have to keep it together, I can't, won't fall apart when they need me!

"Bells, calm down." I hear Father's voice.

"I won't let them hurt you, Daddy." I say softly back.

"Aww, baby girl, they won't. I promise." Charlie tells me gently coming towards me he takes the gun and sets it on the floor before pulling me over to his chair. He sits down and pulls me into his lap where I break into tears as he holds me whispering how everything is going to be alright.

Best Part:

"Noel, out of the box, baby," Alice pleaded with my fur baby, who just wagged her little behind and gave Alice a look of 'this is my box, deal with it'.

"Alice, it's ok. I'll just put that box out later." I laugh as the two have a stare off.

"Silly spoiled dog."

"Pot kettle, Ali," Edward taunts, coming into my room He picks up Noel who proceeds to give her Daddy lots of puppy kisses.

I would like to see Bella shake things up a bit. 

It would be nice if she decided that she doesn't under any circumstance "consent" to being spanked or punished physically in any form.

While that might be okay with Rose and Alice, it just doesn't work for her.  She understands why they do it but it isn't for her.

I wonder how the family dynamic would change then?!?!  Would they still want her to join their family??!

Poor Bella!!

I was hoping that the domestic discipline would be the one thing that Bella would be strong enough to make a deal breaker.

It is ridiculous for a husband to treat his wife like a child. Spankings, loss of privileges, loss of favorite items, essays and lines?!

What absolute nonsense!!

So much for respecting women and equal partnerships...

If Bella agrees to this then she is just as weak and pathetic as Rose and Alice.

Spanking and discipline being handed down by a husband is very different than that of a parent.

Parents need to teach their children right and wrong so they can grow to be decent human beings.

A husband and wife are supposed to be equals.

I will be absolutely disgusted if your Bella agrees to be spanked or disciplined by her husband.  It is sheer nonsense.

Only sick twisted men need to discipline their wives.  Women who think that this behaviour is acceptable need their head examined.

If I were Bella and Esme I would never forgive Alice! Ever!

Best Part:

Car scooted closer to me and I smiled at him. He blushed.

"You're weally pwetty," he said.

Edward put his hand in Car's face and pulled him back against his chest.

"Yeah, yeah, charmer. Save it for the ladies your own age," he said.

Best Parts:

I had gotten Wendy the perfect gift. It was a bright and colorful fairy figurine. I had bought her fairy for her.

“Which one of you wants to have their gift first?” I asked. They both pointed to the other. Edward, Esme and I burst out in laughter.“No, Wendy. Daddy always says ‘Ladies First’ so you go first.” I melted completely at his cute words and Edward ruffled his hair.“Good boy.”I handed Wendy the cardboard box that held her fairy. “Be careful with that, sweetie. It’s breakable.” She nodded, promising me that she’d be careful.Edward knelt down next to me, helping Wendy with the wrapping and getting it out of the box. I bit my lip in anticipation, a large smile on my face.When she saw what I had gotten her, she let out a high pitched squeal. “Daddy!! Bella got me a fairy!!!”

Best Parts:

Would you mind if I planned the dinner party I never got the chance to at my old apartment?  I’d like to have everyone over, Angela is a sweetheart and I want to get to know her better.”

I smiled and brushed my lips across her cheek.  “You can throw as many dinner parties as you’d like.  I love to see you smile like that and if it’s as easy as having our friends over than I’m happy to make it happen.”

When the entire group was together, I got everyone’s attention to share my news.

“So, a few weeks ago, I made a pitch to Bree for an idea for an exhibit at the museum.  I didn’t know what would come of it, but what I never imagined was that they’d give me the run of the exhibit.”

Edward had me scooped up into his arms so fast I nearly spilt my wine, his excitement and pride was so amazing.  “Baby, that’s wonderful!  Bree, thank you for seeing what Bella could do for your museum, if given an opportunity.”

“It’s a pleasure, Edward.  Bella has proven herself in her short time with us.”

I looked around and as soon as my eyes found Alice, I remembered her promise to tell me about her mystery man.  “Okay, if it’s time for people to share some news, I want to hear about this man of yours, Alice.”

“I don’t want to steal your thunder.”  It wasn’t like Alice to be this quiet; something wasn’t quite right with all of this.

“Not gonna happen, lady.  Spill it.”

She looked around anxiously and then squeezed her eyes shut as the words escaped her lips.  “Jasper and I got married.”

The room erupted into pandemonium as both Emmett and I turned on Alice, while Edward and Ben caught Jasper.  “When did all of this happen?”

“We met in the lobby once or twice in passing and then we realized that we both knew you two so we started talking, then talking turned to dating.  We weren’t trying to keep it from you, but with you guys having the problems you were, we didn’t want to be right in your face with all of it, especially when you moved out.  Then the fire happened and the show started to get crazy and we both knew that it was real and we didn’t want to wait.  It was at city hall, if you can believe that, and we just wanted to wait for the dust to settle before we told people.”

“I can’t believe no one noticed.  You two are crafty.”  Rosalie laughed

Dessert kept Jasper and Emmett here until almost 11pm, fighting over who would get to take home the rest of the pie, before Edward settled it by putting it back in the kitchen and claiming that it was his. 

Best Parts:

Her words hit me hard. ‘Apartment fire,’ ‘never made it out,’ ‘Emmett yelling at her to wake up.’  I could have lost her tonight and all over bullshit from catty bitches making her feel like less than she was.  I knew that the time on her own had been good for her, anyone who looked at her could see that, but not when the potential cost was this high. 

But you still didn’t explain how you got from St. Judes to here.”

Bella looked down at the floor as she muttered, “I took the subway.”

I looked at her in slight horror.  “You took the subway…in your pajamas and a sweatshirt, wrapped in a blanket with an oxygen tank and fuzzy slippers as your accessories?”

“Please don’t be mad at me.  I didn’t have anywhere to go and all I wanted to do was see you and know that I was safe and--”

“Shh.  I wasn’t angry at you, God baby, I’m just scared. 

As we settled into bed, she fell asleep quickly, but I couldn’t turn my mind off.  When she was asleep, I reached for my wireless keyboard and turned on my TV choosing the web browser so that I could search the fire.  The images that came up of what was left of the building and how it was most likely a space heater that caught fire as the heat in the building wasn’t working at the time only angered me more.  Bella was so precious to me, I almost lost her tonight, and I would have slept right through her final breaths.  It was that thought running through my mind as I finally fell asleep, watching her breathe, that let me know that I was making the right decision.

What are you going to do about clothes?  As cute as the boyfriend’s jean style is, I’m not sure you can pull off lounge pants at the museum.”

I took that moment to pipe in.  “Alice, after breakfast, would you mind bringing Bella shopping?  She has an outfit left here that was in with my laundry, so she can wear that.  My treat.”

Bella almost argued, but I leveled a look at her that had her agreeing, knowing I needed to take care of her in this small way. 

“Did you say grants?”  Bella piped in from her spot on the couch.

“Yeah, baby.  Why, do you know something about applying for them?”

Bella laughed and took her oxygen with her to come stand behind me.  “A little, it was what I did all day at my job in Seattle before I quit to live closer to Charlie.”

“You what?”  Jasper looked between the two of us, blessing her for knowing what we didn’t and staring daggers at me for not knowing it.

I was dumbfounded.  Bella singlehandedly swooped in and solved or problems as far as funding was concerned.  Jasper just shook his head and started cleaning up my dining room table.

Best Parts:

“It was Jessica. Lauren wasn’t there when she did it, but they had answered the phone and pretended not to know it was on while they talked about Bella.  Plus, she hangs up on her more than she answers and is usually an uber-bitch.  I’m surprised this girl hasn’t left you yet between the high school harpies and the hours.”

I cinched my eyes shut and shook my head…this was going to be handled.  “She moved out last night.  She said that she needed to feel like I was working to be with her, instead of me taking advantage of the warm body whenever I decided to come home.”

“Good, now you just have to show her how much she means to you.”  Rosalie said it quite matter-of-factly and I just huffed at her, like I didn’t know that.

“Thanks for that.”

“Edward, you’ve got ‘grand romantic gesture’ written all over you, but in this case, all that will do is make it look like you’re trying to win her over instead of proving that you understand that she wants you there for the day to day.  I know you’re always rushing home after rehearsal, but why not come out with us when we do to the clubs.  Invite her too, and don’t worry, I’m a big enough bitch that the assistants know better than to come.  Jasper goes sometimes, and she’ll get to see the people you work with in a social way and hear the Aro bashing so she knows it isn’t an exaggeration.  Hell, once we get into tech, invite her to one of those.  Even if she’s there part of a day, she can see everything that you’ve been doing and she’ll understand what’s been keeping you away.”

I stood frozen for a minute; because although Rosalie Hale and I had a brother/sister kind of working relationship, she did make some great suggestions, and she definitely had me pegged about how I had planned to fix this.  “Sure, let me know what you guys are doing next week and I’ll bring it up to her this weekend. I don’t want to ask her tonight and push…I know she’s still mad.”

Rose smiled and put out the last chair.  “Smart man

“Good.  We’re looking into our options after the show ends; we’ve both decided that we won’t be signing back with Volturi Productions.”

“Really?  Do you know what you’re going to do?”

“We’re looking into some different things, but we were actually thinking about starting a non-profit theater company.”

Best Part:

“No!” I disagreed. “It was… great,” I enthused. “I’m sure it will be amazing with just a little more practice.”

 Yeah. Like a hundred years or so.

Best Part:

I licked my lips, turning to Edward, his beautiful face blurred by my tears. I leaned over, pulling my mask down to my neck. I kissed him softly, brushing my fingers through his hair one last time.

“Please forgive me,” I whispered in his ear. “I couldn’t let it end this way.” I choked on a sob. “I love you, Edward. I always have.”

I couldn’t say the word. I couldn’t tell him goodbye. It just wouldn’t leave my lips.

So instead, I smiled wryly and said, “I’ll see you in Biology. Don’t kill me, okay?” before I kissed him once more and turned to leave.

I started by Carlisle, then on impulse, reached up and wrapped my arms around his neck, kissing his cheek. “Thank you,” I murmured. “Take care of him.” I felt his cold arms encircle me, patting my back gently.

Best Part:

James would not remember me. I was forgettable. Unless…

Unless maybe he did remember me… in a way, at least. Maybe… just maybe what happened in the alley stuck with James somehow, even if he wasn’t really aware of it. Could it be that once he found Alice, it triggered a subconscious memory of that kick to the stomach she gave him? Could that have been what really led to his obsession with her? Is it possible that his fascination with hunting me might have had less to do with Edward, and more to do with revenge for what I’d done to him – even if he didn’t know it on a conscious level?

It was strange to imagine that what Alice and I had done might have - in some small way - influenced what James would become. Of course, there was no way to know for sure, but it was interesting to consider.

Best Part:

Carlisle, however, was not working, but laughing his stupid vampire ass off.

So, I'm curious.  Will Edward still get sick and will Bella have to be the one to go to Carlisle to save him?  Will she tell Edward the truth and have him make the choice to be changed and wait for her to be reunited with him in the future?

Best Part:

Not to say that we still didn’t argue, because we did. In fact, I had a sneaking suspicion that Edward might have occasionally picked a fight or two once he’d learned about make-up sex.

I didn’t have any proof, just a gut feeling. Not that I was complaining.

Best Part:

Carlisle’s revelations had shaken me to the core. I knew Bella. Before she came to Forks…before I’d become what I was, I knew her.

I loved her.

Dear God, I’d married her.

How could I not remember?

But, as I thought the words, I realized that I did remember…at least part of me did.

She was the reason I was never able to connect with another woman. Somehow, deep inside, I knew what I wanted…who I wanted.

Somehow, all this time, I’d been waiting for her…waiting to find her…waiting for her to come back to me. And when she did, my body responded, even though my mind didn’t understand what was happening.

It craved her. It needed her.

I’d thought it was because of her blood…and to a certain extent it was…but I now understood it was more.

It was everything.

And I’d thought I could leave her. The thought almost made me laugh out loud. How could I leave her? She was part of me.

I loved this story from start to finish!  I am sad to see it end.

I really hope that you do another period piece.  You have a real talent.

Best Part:

Miriam stood and approached me, holding out the wooden box. “This belongs to you,” she said. “I know Gran would be thrilled to know you finally got it back.” I took the box from her, trailing my fingers over the warm inlaid wood. Unable to control my curiosity, I flipped open the top of the box, gasping when I saw its contents.

Maggie had kept my things. My mementos of my time in 1918…my time with Edward.

On top was the framed photograph of Edward and me at our wedding that I’d kept on my dresser. I couldn’t hold back my smile at the look on his face, so joyful and eager, just as I remembered. I handed it to Edward and he studied it for a moment.

“This is how you knew us,” he said to Miriam, and she nodded.

I smiled, feeling a heaviness in my chest as I pulled out one treasure after another – the silk purse I’d bought when I first came to Chicago, still with a handful of coins inside…the lace handkerchief Edward’s mother had loaned me for the “something borrowed” at my wedding. She’d died before I could return it. The pearl necklace Edward gave me on our wedding day. The silver hair combs Samantha had given me…the blue garters I’d worn under my wedding dress. I smiled as I handed them to Edward, realizing this was truly the first time he’d actually seen them.

I told the story behind each item as I revealed it, a little embarrassed at sharing some of the more private ones with Miriam and Mary, but so grateful that they’d kept my belongings I couldn’t keep the information from them.

“We kept your car for years,” Miriam told Edward at one point. “Gran really fought us when Dad wanted to sell it, but she finally gave in. I’ve kept track of it, though. A collector in Michigan bought it in 1962. He donated it to a museum in Detroit when he passed away, if you’d like to see it sometime.”

Edward nodded, thanking her for the information as he looked through the little pile of remembrances in front of him. I turned back to the box.

There was only one item left – a silver disk gleaming dully on the red velvet lining…a chain curled lazily around it. Unsheddable tears gathered in my throat as I lifted it reverently.

“This is yours,” I said to Edward softly as I handed him his pocket watch. His eyes flashed to mine briefly before returning to the watch. He took it from me tentatively, smiling as he flipped open the lid.

“I gave that to you for your birthday,” I told him. I was aware of Miriam and Mary leaving the room quietly, as if realizing we needed a moment alone. It appeared at least a portion of Maggie’s vision had been passed on to her descendants.

Edward read the inscription under his breath. “To Edward…with all my love, Bella. Beyond Time.” He smiled at me. “That seems appropriate.”

I laughed lightly, laying my head on his shoulder as I watched his fingers brush over the watch. “Yes. Even more than I thought when I gave it to you the first time.”

Hopefully Bella doesn't hurt Edward!

What the hell is wrong with Bella?!

I wish someone would just drop a house on Tanya. 

Best Parts:  

"I have told her several times, she doesn't need to apologize to me she needs to apologize to Bella and don't try to tempt her with some expensive gift, that would only prove Bella's point that mother thinks it is all about the money."

"I guess that explains the book."

"What do you mean, what book?"

"The first edition of The Nutcracker that we gave Bella, one of the maids found it in the room she stayed in after you left for New York.  It was on the desk with her address lying on top of it.  I didn't tell your mother because I wasn't sure what had happened between them."

"Before I start the meeting I need to address the issue of harassment.  When a man repeatedly asked out a woman or does so in sexually suggestive way, if the woman feels uncomfortable by these advances and says she is uncomfortable and they continue that is a form of sexually harassment."  The women were nodding their heads.  "Let me clue you ladies into something it is still sexual harassment if it is a woman asking a man out."  That had several female teachers' eyes going wide.  "I want to make this perfectly clear, I am not interested in dating anyone at this school.  I have witnesses that I am saying no and please stop asking me, if you continue to ask me I will take it as harassment and act accordingly.  Have I made myself perfectly clear?"  There were mumbled yes' and nodded heads.  "Good, let's get this meeting started then."

Charlie was amused by the fact that everyone wondered who Bella was and never considered it could be his daughter, she was the only Bella in Forks. 

 Plus this is her weekend, she has worked really hard to get to today for me, for us and if you can't at least appreciate her efforts than I prefer you just stay at the hotel tomorrow and not spoil what should be her day."

I no longer care what insane notion you have in your head for hating Bella, I warned you in Chicago not to force me to prove I had already chosen.  You are not welcome in our lives until you resolve things to my satisfaction with Bella and it will take her explaining to me that it is resolved not you.  I am sorry to say I don't trust you.  Do not call, e-mail or show up in Forks until you have talked to her."

Best Parts:

"That's just it mother I don't care what you think any more.  I mean it, find a way to come to terms with this.  Bella has done her part and now you need to do yours and find a way to get along with her.  You need to talk to her, until she comes to me and says 'I talked to your mother' I do not want to hear from you.  Don't call, I won't answer.  Don't e-mail, I won't open it.  Don't make anymore unexpected trips to Washington.  If you show up on my doorstep, I won't let you in.  I will however call the Chief of Police to have you removed for trespassing and if you think he won't you need to remember that he is also Bella's father.  The father who loves her, sees how happy she is and is happy for us." 

I turn to my father, "You are welcome anytime.  You have been nothing but supportive and I have a feeling most of what has happened is as big of a surprise to you as it is to me."  He nodded but was still speechless.  I gave him hug.  "It was good to see you but I think you should return Chicago and Dad, come whenever you would like but leave Mom at home until she resolves her issues with Bella.  I will let you know when the invitation includes her."  With that I turned and walked away to go be with my family.

We know Grandma doesn't like Bella for some reason and we aren't asking to know what the reason is, but we do want you to know how we feel.  We stand by Bella.  She would never do anything to hurt you or us, whatever Grandma thinks Bella has done she is wrong.  None of us are happy with the way she is treating Bella, we love Bella and don't want Grandma to hurt her feelings any longer.  We know we have to be respectful to Grandma but if we have to make a choice we want you to know Bella is our choice."

 "Yes I did Mr. Black and watch your language."

"Sorry Sir, you married Bella Swan?"

"Yes, over Christmas and she is Bella Cullen now."

"Congratulations, she is one hot piece of..."  I raise an eyebrow at him daring him to finish that sentence.  "What I mean is she is, you're one lucky bast..."  I put my hands on my hips and gave him a look that said really?  He had the decency to look at floor sheepishly.

"Mr. Black I'll save you the detention and just say thank you and watch how you talk about my wife in the future."

LOL!! What a funny way to end a chapter!!

Charlie is a jerk!

Best Part:

There's no fighting it; I have become attached, and there's no way I will leave this broken girl. I don't want to anymore. There is a fire raging inside me now that my suspicions have been confirmed. She is running from some fucker that hurt her, badly, and I will kill whomever it is when I find out.

Great Chapter!

Wow!

I hope that Bella opens up to Edward soon....

I am glad that Bella is finally going to open up to Edward!

Best Part:

He's always been a good friend to me, and I don't want to turn my back on him just because whatever disorder he has has gotten worse. I really want to find a way to get him help.

Best Part:

"Bella," I say. She's asleep. I don't care - now that I've decided, I have to tell her.

"Bella, baby, wake up," I say, gently shaking her. She sits up. She looks sleepy, confused, and so fucking cute.

"I love you too, so much," I say in a whisper. She stares at me for a long second, a smile graces her lips before she launches herself at me. I roll her over onto her back to continue what she started.

I am so proud of Edward for speaking up about how he is feeling and for sticking with Bella...

I wonder if Alice's new boyfriend is the monster that hurt Bella?!!

Best Parts:

I learned my lesson though, and I'll never walk away again. I made that mistake in the hotel room when she told me she loved me. I won't make the same mistake again.

I watch from a distance. Bella, all of a sudden, steps back and whips her head around. I feel myself smile, she's looking for me. Every time I start to feel like she doesn't need me anymore she seems to know and tries to find me. When her eyes lock on mine she smiles, and her happiness makes my unease worth it.

"Do you think he'll look for her here?" I ask. Carlisle is quiet for a second. I can tell he's being careful about what he's going to say, and then answers me.

"I think it's a possibility. I think everyone should keep an eye out and make sure Bella isn't alone. Between you and me, I would like either myself, you or Emmett with her whenever possible, even if she's with Esme or Alice. Just until we have more of an idea of whom we're dealing with."

He's right and I agree, but it will be me with her. I nod to let him know we're thinking the same thing.

I want to make sure we don't start making decisions for Bella. This is her life. I love her, but I'm not her dad. I'm her boyfriend, and it's not my job to make her decisions.

I appreciate him understanding our relationship and not trying to change it.

Then I can decide for myself if it was a huge, sad, tragedy, or if he is just a neglectful father who let Bella down.

"I don't know if I'm ready for that, but... honestly, I trust your opinion the most, more than Carlisle or anyone else. I'd like to hear what you think." That solves it.

Interesting chapter!