Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Atonement

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 08:

BPOV

Paisley Oregon. Of course the house was outside of city limits. Considering there were only a little over 200 people in the city taking a few steps to the left or right would cause you to be outside city limits.

I wondered what Garrett and Ty were doing. Garrett said if I had problems he would be here. His theory is that was as long as I am in twenty feet of him, Edward couldn’t read his thoughts. He probably has some stealth drone watching me now. I didn’t mind. I felt better knowing he was there.

I listened carefully. Garrett sent me a text saying his satellite image shows the Cullen’s are all home. I wondered if I should do this with all of them there. Not much choice. Besides it would be better to get this over with all at once. I had one purpose in coming here. To tell them to stop looking for me.

I walked at normal speed towards the house, in no hurry to get there. It was beautiful. Not quite as big as the Fork’s house. Still very large. It had a hunting lodge feel to it. Logs covered the outer walls. I could hear voices inside. I stood on the front lawn listening to the family talking.

They were talking about me. Apparently Edward had just covered Washington again. Jasper and Alice had searched Wyoming. Rose and Emmett had searched Utah. Carlisle and Esme had continued to search Oregon and then had moved into Canada.

Alice just started sobbing.

“You can stop looking for me.” I said, still standing outside. I knew they would hear me.

Ten seconds went by and no one said a word. Then the door cracked open. Esme was out first followed by Edward and Alice.

Seeing them took me back. Memories I thought had gone forever returned. They all stood in front of the house finally. All looking at me.

“Hey.” I said quietly.

Alice rushed me to pull me in a hug. I growled. I didn’t mean to. It happened though. I still wasn’t comfortable with touching unless it was Garrett or Ty. I jumped back and went into a defensive position before I realized what I was doing.

Now they were nervous. I took some calming breaths.

“Sorry. Still not used to people touching me. I have been on my own for a while.”

“Bella it is so good to see you.” Esme whispered stepping closer. I tried to relax. I could do this. I beat a demon. I could handle this.

Until I met his eyes.

“Bella.” He still said my name like a prayer. Looking at him through my new eyes I wasn’t as struck by his beauty any longer. He was still beautiful. He always would be. But it didn’t overwhelm me like before.

“I only came to tell you to stop looking for me. I’m fine. I… I need to go now.”

I pulled my eyes away from them and took a step. Someone grabbed me and I instinctively grabbed and shifted my weight, just like Garrett and Ty taught me. Whoever it was flew over me and landed hard into the ground.

It was Rose. She stood up and raised her hands in surrender.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. But please Bella. Please don’t leave yet.” She asked. It was the first nice thing I believe she ever said to me.

“Bella please come inside.” Carlisle asked.

They had looked for me for a while now.

I nodded and walked in, feeling uncomfortable having them all at my back. Only the knowledge that Garrett was nearby made me calm enough to do this. I walked into a spacious living room and stood. The others sat around me.

“Would you have a seat Bella?” Alice asked. They looked at me as if I was about to kill them all. I suppose I was just barely out of my newborn phase and had just shown aggressive behavior towards them. Not intentionally but still…

“No. I am good.” I replied.

“Bella we are so…” Esme began.

“Stop. No apologies. I don’t want to hear it. What happened, happened. Edward I know why you left and you were right to do so. Even if your method was incredibly rude. You were right though. I only wish I hadn’t gotten involved in this whole world. I really didn’t understand what this was. Being a vampire. I… I won’t talk about what I have done. They are my sins and I am dealing with them the best I can. I tried drinking from animals. But no amount of animal blood would save humans from me. I lived in the wild most of the past year avoiding people. Still though, they found me.

I only came to tell you to not look for me.”

“Bella please stay. Please.” Edward whispered.

“I… I don’t want to Edward. I want to be on my own. At least for now. I met a friend. I may travel with him. See the world. He helps me break into blood banks and drink donated blood. He got me a phone. Clothes. He told me where you were. I think I am going to stick around him. Try the nomad life.”

“What friend?” Carlisle asked.

“Garrett. He found me in the wild. He is helping me to get off human blood. He is a good guy.”

“Yes he is.” Carlisle whispered. “I wonder why…”

“I asked him not to tell you. Not right away. I needed time. You understand?”

They all nodded.

“So you are going to stay with Garrett?” Edward asked.

“Yes. For now.” For good actually but they didn’t need to know that.

“But Garrett drinks from humans.” Esme said, getting a bit upset from the look on her face.

“Yes but mostly donated blood. He also hunts animals. At least he has since I met him. He has been very supportive.”

“Yes and Garrett would be the first to tell you that you don’t owe him Bella. If you want to stay here…” Carlisle started.

“I know I don’t owe him. I mean I feel I do but he doesn’t see it that way. I want to find myself though. Travel around I guess. See what’s out there. Try to find my place in the world now.”

“You will always have a place here.” Edward said quietly.

“Edward, I appreciate that. But you left. I’m not mad about it. Okay I’m pretty mad that you all left me with a vampire still after me. You all left me without a word. But things have happened since then. Happened to me. I’m not the same person I was. I don’t hate any of you. I really don’t. But I am not a part of your family. I don’t say this to be rude. It’s the truth.”

“You will always be a part of this family Bella.” Esme said. I looked around and saw only Alice, Edward and Esme were looking at me. The others were looking at the floor.

“I appreciate that Esme. It doesn’t change the way I feel. I need to go. Garrett is waiting for me. He offered to come with me but I told him no. I thought this should be said between us. I don’t hate any of you. But… I have to go.”

I turned to walk out. No one tried to grab me this time.

I had stepped off the front porch when Edward called my name.

I took a deep breath and turned. The site of him caught me by surprise. His eyes were wet.

“Yes Edward?”

“Could I have just a moment of your time?”

“I suppose.” I whispered. I had come all this way.

We walked side by side.

“I want to apologize.”

“Don’t. I told you I didn’t want apologies.”

“Not about… I mean… I want to apologize about what I did before I left you. Please let me explain.”

I really didn’t want to hear this. But it probably needed to be said and heard.

“Go ahead I guess.”

“I never should have gotten you involved. I love you. I was selfish. I’m sorry. I’m also sorry for…”

“What? How you left me? I know why you did it. Forget about it. A different time and place.”

“Yes but that was not what I was going to apologize for. The past year I have done nothing but think of you. Think about us. I know I told you I wanted you to have a human life but I never asked what you wanted. I kept you from your friends, your family. I monopolized your time to the point that I watched you sleep. I made you dependent on me. Then I broke you and abandoned you. I never thought you would be in danger. I honestly thought that bitch would come after me.”

“Yeah. Me too.” I laughed. I don’t know why. It struck me as funny.

“I’m sorry about everything. I never deserved you.”

“Maybe. Maybe not. I don’t know any more Edward. I don’t really care. It is what it is. Time to move on.”

“Can we see each other again? I mean are you gone forever? Or will you at least visit maybe?”

I didn’t know. It was a long life though.

“I’m sure we will run into each other eventually Edward.”

“I don’t want to just run into you Bella. I have no right to ask this of you but… could I perhaps call you sometimes? Just to see how you are doing? To talk? Do you have a phone? I could get you one.”

“Garrett got me a phone Edward.” I didn’t reply to the rest of his inquiry. I wasn’t sure how. Maybe he would let it go.

“So… could I have your number?” He asked smiling shyly. Damn.

“Yeah. I guess.” I gave it to him and he told me his.

“Thank you Bella. It means a lot that you would allow me even this much. I don’t deserve it.”

“No you don’t.” I laughed. “But you did kill Victoria according to Garrett so I guess you get some points.”

“Bella, what did she…”

“I don’t want to talk about it Edward. I’m not angry now. If you bring it up I will become angry.”

“Of course. I’m sorry. So you and Garrett will be traveling? I don’t know him well but from what I have heard he is a good man. Carlisle says so, so it must be true.”

Why couldn’t he say something bad about Garrett? Why couldn’t he be a pompous ass?

“Yeah. He is. A good guy.”

“Then I am thankful to him Bella.”

“I have to go Edward.” I needed to get away. I wanted to get back to my family. Find a big foot and kill him. Throw holy water at demons. Maybe go track down terrorists in the Middle East. Not this. This hit too close. It made me think about the past. I didn’t want to think about the past.

“Of course. Could I possibly hug you? I understand if you don’t want me too. I heard you say you weren’t comfortable with physical contact.”

I shrugged my shoulders. Why not?

I opened my arms and Edward pulled me in slowly. I was momentarily shocked at how he felt. Edward had always been the cold, hard body that made me feel safe. Now he felt human. His temperature was warm. When I met Garrett he was on my back. I have always felt Garrett like I would feel a human from my previous life. With Edward though, it was strange. Edward apparently thought so as well.

“Wow. I have never felt you like this.” He said.

“Yeah. I was just thinking the same thing.”

“I am glad you are okay Bella. You are right. The past belongs in the past. I am hopeful that we can be friends in the future?”

“Yeah Edward. We can be friends.” He smiled. He still had that crooked grin.

“Bye Edward.”

“Bye Bella. I’ll call you. Do you think the others may call you as well?”

Ugh. I still had to talk with my parents. I didn’t need more conversations. I had things to do.

“Why don’t we start with just us Edward? We have time. A lot of it apparently.”

“Of course Bella. I didn’t mean to push.”

“You didn’t. It’s just been a crazy year. I need time to come to grips with this.”

“Well, have fun being a nomad.” He laughed.

“Have fun going to high school.” I laughed as well.

“Bella I haven’t been in a high school since we parted ways. I will never go back. None of us will.”

I nodded. It was for the best. One thing I have learned over the past year. Prolonged exposure to vampires in one fashion or another is bad for humans. It was very bad for me.

I ran before he said anything else. I wanted to get back to my men. I wanted to go home. To my secret base safely underground. I did what needed to be done. It was time to go home.

Garrett POV

“I can’t believe this shit man.”

“Believe what Ty?”

“You got a damn remote control stealth helicopter that costs more than the President makes in a year and enough hi def screens to fill up this motel room all so you can see and listen to every word she says. Taken it a little far aren’t you?”

“I told her I would be nearby. How am I supposed to know if she needs me if I can’t hear and see what is going on?”

“She know you got a stealth mini copter following her?”

“I didn’t go into details. I just told her I had her back.” I replied rolling my eyes.

“Will the reunion didn’t go the way I thought it would. I figured she would be all up on them.” Ty said.

“Why? She is with us now.” I answered a bit short.

“Hey it went down fine. Can’t believe she threw that fine ass blonde over her head. That was a good move. Little shortie getting some skills.”

“Yes. She needs to be faster. At least learn to use her speed to her advantage.”

“Hey look. Her ex is walking off with her.” Ty said.

He is?

“Strange. It makes sense that he would probably want to apologize.”

“Zoom in man. Let’s listen to the playa play.”

“No Ty. We need to give her privacy.”

“You following her around with a mini ghetto bird and you want to talk privacy?”

“Shut up Ty. I simply wanted to make sure they didn’t try to kidnap her and hold hostage or something.”

“He’s a good looking guy. Like a damn GQ model. Look at that hair. Nice hair wouldn’t you say Gar?”

“I’ve seen worse I suppose.”

“Tall, slim build. Hair blowin in the breeze. Look at that grin he is giving her. He is a pretty, pretty man. A stone cold pimp.”

“Yes. Pretty.” Shut up Ty.

“You think he wrote her any new beats? That must be something. Havin a man write a piece of music dedicated to you. Wow. That’s some romantic shit.” Ty wouldn’t shut up. Why wouldn’t he shut up?

“He stalked her in her sleep you know. Would that be romantic? Want someone watching you sleep Ty?”

“Look at that. They hugged each other. Ain’t that just motherfuckin sweet?” The asshole was smiling. Why do I keep him around? Oh right. Suicide missions.

“Yes. There is history there.” I admitted. Big deal. Just a hug.

“Damn. Look at player getting the digits! This guy got game Garrett. He got game. He gonna blow her up soon you don’t step your game up.”

“She is not going to get blown up by Edward fucking Cullen!”

“Yeah. I bet she just gave him her number so she could ignore him when he called. Must be why she took his too.”

“Shut up Ty. She knew she could go back to them. She didn’t want to. She said goodbye. She is just saying goodbye. Get over it.”

“Whatever man. While you are giving her space and not wanting to take advantage of her emotional state maybe you should stop treatin her like something is broke and get your game on. Cause GQ right there don’t think a damn thing broken on her.”

“She is… Damn it! I knew they wouldn’t leave her alone.” That bastard. Emmett Cullen. I know she told them she didn’t want to talk now. At least one of them can’t take no for an answer.

“It’s the big guy chasin her right?” Ty asked, instantly alert.

“Yes. Emmett Cullen. According to Bella he was like a big brother to her. The others aren’t following. He must have slipped away.”

“Big brother?” Ty asked quietly.

“Yeah. I will handle this. It will be a few minutes before he can catch her.”

“Nah you have a seat G Man. I got this shit. I know a motherfucker that’s about to get sick.”

Ty stood up and was gone before I could say a word. He thinks I have it bad. He is stuck on her like glue. May as well listen in. I flew my little spy copter in close to Bella. It was having difficulty keeping up so I couldn’t move it too close. I sat back and waited for Ty to intercept. This should be good. He thinks I’m possessive.

Did I treat her like she was broken? When I met her she was. It hasn’t been that long. Isn’t she still broken? Of course if I continue to treat her like she is, she is never going to feel whole again. Maybe it is time I made a move, so to speak. Expressed my interest in an obvious way. Take her out in public. Her blood lust was better. Her touch was getting better. Perhaps after she visits her parents?

She wouldn’t be interested in Edward Cullen. Not after the way he abandoned her. She was being polite.

My phone buzzed. Maybe it was her?

Oh. Of course.

“Hello Carlisle.”

“Hello Garrett. I suppose you know Bella was just here.”

“Yes about that Carlisle…”

“I will never be able to thank you enough Garrett. I am eternally in your debt.”

Oh. Okay.

“I figured you would be angry I kept it from you Carlisle.”

“Garrett I know Bella asked you not to tell us. As a man of honor you had no choice to heed her wishes. I expect nothing less from you friend. You took care of her. I wanted to simply thank you. The entire family does.”

“Think nothing of it Carlisle.” I wanted her to get closure. Closure. Meaning she said bye and she won’t have to deal with you anymore.

“I understand Bella will be traveling with you?”

“Yes Carlisle. She has expressed interest in that.” I said cautiously. Waiting for the bomb to fall.

“That is wonderful. We of course wish she would stay with us. Edward especially. But we are all so overjoyed at her safety. I know she has been through a lot and we have no right to ask her about it. I am glad though that if Bella has decided to be a nomad she has you to guide her Garrett.”

“Oh. Of course Carlisle. How is young Edward doing?”

“Really good. He has done a lot of soul searching over the past year and I am hopeful that he has done a bit of growing up. He of course still loves her but understands that what they had is gone. He is hopeful that perhaps with time and communication the two of them may build something new.”

I’ll be damned.

“Communication?”

“Yes. Bella has agreed to let him call her. He is smiling for the first time in over a year Garrett. Thank you my friend. Happy travels. I would tell you to take care of her but I know you will.”

“Of course Carlisle. Good day.”

Those fuckers think that she will eventually go back to them. Not going to happen. Screw it. Ty was right. The time for games was over. I think I would start out small. Start taking her places that didn’t involve business. Get her to have some fun. Maybe hang out in the Keys for a while before seeing her mother. The lotion worked on her. No sparkles. Just beautiful skin. Yes. We will start with a movie. Then the Keys. I feel in love with her the minute she raided the Pentagon. It was time to start showing her that.

I was pulled from my thoughts when I noticed Emmett had overtaken Bella. And Ty just joined the party. This should be good.

TY POV

Motherfuckin monkey boy. I know I heard her tell them bye on Garrett’s little toy. Motherfucker don’t take a hint. He gonna get a hint. I came over the rise and saw he had gotten in front of her. He scared her. Maybe not scared. She was defensive though.

“What the hell Emmett?” I heard Shortie say.

“Bella I’m sorry. I just… I missed you. I wanted a word before you went off roaming the world.”

“Emmett I really don’t want to have any emotional conversations. I’m kinda over it. Let’s just let it go okay?”

“Can I at least apologize…”

“Motherfucker you the first vampire with hearing problems? I know I heard her say to leave it alone. So drop it and leave, alone.”

“Ty.” Bella whispered. She was smiling. I winked at her. She knew when big Ty was here everything came up kittens and rainbows.

“Who are you?” Ape boy asked.

“My name is Ty. I roll with Garrett. Little shortie here is my baby sister. My baby sister said goodbye to ya’ll. You got any idea what that means?”

“I just want to talk man. Give me a minute.”

“Emmett I don’t want to talk. Just leave. Please?” Bella asked. She shouldn’t have to ask these fuckers for anything.

“I ain’t gonna tell you again fucker. Get to steppin before yo big ass gets served.”

“Look man I just wanna…”

“It ain’t about what you want bitch. She don’t owe you shit much less an ear. Get out or else.” Final warning.

Yeah. He done bowed up. That was dumb. Motherfucker about to toss his cookies.

“Or else what?”

Motherfucker was on the ground. Rolling. Clutching his stomach.

“Or else you ain’t gonna know your elbow from your asshole bitch.” I walked up to him and moved to kick him. Bella pulled me back.

“No Ty. He doesn’t deserve that.”

“You told him to leave you alone. He didn’t. He deserves it. Now can I commence to cool this fucker?”

“No. Stop using your power. Now.”

She was giving me that determined look she gets when I steal her remote and won’t give it back to her.

I let ape boy get his bearings again.

“Thank you Ty. Emmett, I’m sorry. But you really shouldn’t have come after me.”

“You’re my family Bella.” Ape boy gasped from the ground.

“She got a new family now fool. You ain’t invited. I catch you bothering her again without her permission you gonna need a meat wagon to carry your ass to the house. By that way, is that blonde your woman?”

“What? Yeah. She is.”

“She one fine piece of ass man. Go back home and tap that. Ain’t nuthin but hurt out here son.”

“Emmett I’m sorry…” Bella began.

“Hell no. You don’t owe them shit. Fuckers left you with a vampire after you. Fuck them. Fuck him. Let’s go.” I walked off and listened for Bella. She wasn’t coming. I turned around and saw her kneeling next to him.

“Sorry Emmett. But you shouldn’t have come after me. I need time. I have a new family now. You are going to have to accept that. You meant the world to me once. But quite frankly I have a brother now who won’t leave me, no matter what other people do. Take care of yourself.” Bella placed a hand on his cheek, stood up and ran to my side.

“You didn’t have to do that.” She whispered.

“Yeah but it was fun.” I told her honestly.

“I could have handled him.”

“I know. But you shouldn’t have to. We partners. Partners got each others back. Get used to it.”

“Thanks Ty. C’mon. Let’s grab Garrett and get home.”

“Damn right we are going home Shortie. Our home.”