Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Claws

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 25:

Bella stood unmoving 20 feet away from Emmett. They were surrounded by the Cullens who circled the two, watching closely, out of curiosity as well as watching Bella for any signs that she may lose control. Vivian had activated her kill code at Bella’s request and Connolly held a device he had been given when he first agreed to be Bella’s support team. She had made him promise at the first sign of claws or teeth appearing that he would take her down. She doubted he would so it would be on her to control herself.

“So how do we start?” Emmett asked, wondering what he was supposed to do after standing in front of her for over a minute, meeting her stare and trying not to feel uncomfortable. “Do I hit first, or do you hit first? How does this work?”

“Show me what you got. You say you can take down Lycans, werewolves and any number of monsters we might face. You shouldn’t have a problem taking me down. You are stronger than me, right?”

Emmett’s face showed a bit of trepidation.

“No claws, right?”

“Nope.” Bella confirmed. “Just me and you, no gifts, no sharp objects, just a straight up fight. Make your move already. I realize you aren’t getting older but I am.”

Deciding to rush her as an opening move, he headed toward her quickly, attempting to wrap his arms around her.

He caught air.

“Too slow.” Bella said, standing behind him. “If you try to take any supernatural creature in a bear hug, it will bite the top of your skull off.”

Emmett swung his arm back, to find air again. Now Bella was in front of him.

“Enough of these archaic movements, Emmett. You have to evolve. Your style may work on bears but these aren’t weak cuddly animals you will be playing with.”

The vampire swung, Bella standing still then dodging each one, side to side. He grew frustrated and swung for her sternum, only to find a small fist striking his chest, sending him flying back to the ground.

The large vampire sat up from the ground, frustrated and a bit embarrassed by Rose’s chuckles.

“You are at a disadvantage, Emmett. You are too large. That makes you a big target. Right now you are rushing, keeping your chest as a wide target. Your swings are too wild. Against an untrained vampire you will have no problem. Anyone else and it will work against you. Try again, this time keep your body at an angle. Minimize the target you are giving me.”

Emmett did not listen, instead running forward again, jumping in the air and bringing his arms down on her.

Bella caught the forearms with her hands but he had the height and strength advantage. He continued to push, happy to see that she was being forced to her knees. As he suspected, she was no match for his strength. Her knees bent and she was almost too the ground.

Until the resistance disappeared. Bella dropped her hands and slid between his legs, jumping on his back with her hands covering his eyes.

“Your blind now. Strength doesn’t matter. Unless you want to dig your eyeballs out some Devil Dog’s stomach, I suggest you listen.”

Bella hopped off his back. Emmett turned towards her again and the girl knew if vampires could blush, he would be doing so now.

“I’m not doing this to embarrass you.” she told him. “I got my ass kicked plenty of times by older, more experienced fighters. When I was 14, I was strong. I thought that would be enough. It wasn’t. Use a jab, then do something unexpected. Use your legs, try to sweep mine or perform a side kick into my gut. But above all do it fast. You have to throw me off balance. That is the only advantage you have over supernatural creatures trained or untrained.”

Emmett spent the next five minutes, doing everything he possibly could to land and avoid strikes.

“Kick me damn it!” Bella yelled. “Back spin kick when I slip past you! Stop going for the leg sweep. It’s too easy to guess by this point.”

“Hitting you is like trying to hit that damn guy in the Matrix! You are too damned fast and I can’t kick that high!” Emmett yelled back.

Bella stilled for a second.

“What do you mean you can’t kick that high? Just because you have never done it, doesn’t mean you can’t. Who here doesn’t know how to do a spinning back kick?”

She looked around and saw every Cullen raise their hand with the exception of Jasper.

“Pair up. I’m going to demonstrate proper technique and then you practice against each other, then we will move to some other basic strikes. By the end of the week we should have a good understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. build on the strengths and eliminate the weaknesses. It’s going to be okay. Emmett, always approach an enemy with your body angled to the side. Don’t give Edward a target. Edward, no reading minds to determine his moves. I realize this will be difficult but focus on his movements and ignore his thoughts. Do not fight each other. Practice the kick, while your partner blocks it.”

After the Cullens had paired off, only Jasper was left alone. Bella couldn’t help but smile at the man.

“So it’s down to us.” Jasper told her, grinning.

Bella shrugged her shoulders. “Judging by our comparison of scars, you will be the most dangerous vampire I have ever faced.”

“I’ve never faced anything like you. No claws, right? I wouldn’t want you to mess up my hair. I kind of like this shirt too.”

“No claws, promise. If you see spots though, run.”

“Never have before.”

The two slowly circled each other, neither making a move, locking eyes.

Then they struck.

Neither able to land a blow, both concentrating on defense, they broke apart. Bella was breathing heavily, while Jasper stood like the marble statue he sometimes resembled.

“Need a moment to catch your breath?” he asked.

“Breathing is overrated. You are a kind of living example of that.” Bella told him with a wink.

The two moved towards each other, striking out, catching nothing until Jasper caught her arm, twisted and sent two fingers into her neck, dropping her to the ground. Bella rolled quickly to gain distance and came back up facing him. Seeing he was making no move; she rubbed the spot on her neck where his two fingers had landed.

“Was that a crane beak strike?” she asked, surprised.

“Yep. How did it feel?”

“Good.” she admitted. “I mean bad. Not much pain but it nearly cut off the blood flow to my brain and I saw dark spots. Sweet move, not easy to do in a fight. I know you didn’t learn that in the Southern Wars.”

Jasper shrugged his shoulders slightly and smiled. “I may have spent a few months in Okinawa a time or two in the past fifty years. I figure since we are the advanced class, I could break some old moves out.”

The two moved towards each other, this time Bella grabbing the advantage, slipping behind the man and wrapping her hand around his face, two fingers entering his nostrils and taking him the ground, twisting his head around, forcing him to follow her movement.

The two broke again, Jasper rubbing his nose.

“Fishhook? Old school but a definite killing move. You ever used it in a fight?”

“Iceland. Long story but he did have a bigger nose. What else you got?”

The two danced for the next few minutes, both moving as gracefully as ballet dancers while they kicked and struck each other. That ended with Bella on her back, face first on the ground, one of Jasper’s legs over her waist and another across her shoulder. He stretched, pinning her hip to the ground, then jumped up and stepped away. Bella stood, not giving any indication of the pain from what could have been a killing move for humans and at least a disabling move for her.

“Waza technique? I swear if I was straight, I would fuck you.” Bella told him jokingly. “You didn’t learn that in a karate class. Let me show you my version.”

Instead of dancing, the two wound up on the ground, Bella on bottom, Jasper striking her from above.

“Oh shit.” the man whispered, realizing too late what her plan was as her hips squeezed him and her arm slipped to the side and over his neck, compressing it to her shoulder. He wasn’t sure what the purpose of a technique designed to suffocate humans could be against him until he felt her arms continue to squeeze and heard his neck cracking.

Bella let loose before his head could accidentally be torn off, and pushed him over, laughing, while Jasper lay by her side doing the same.

“Do-jime? You didn’t learn that in karate class either. Nice one.” Jasper admitted.

“What else do you got?” she asked breathlessly.

“Four broken ribs. You?”

“Still feeling pain from that pressure point you struck in my neck and my hip is killing me.” she admitted.

“I’m glad I don’t have to breathe. I think if I were human my nose would be useless for a few months.” he admitted.

“If you were human that move would have killed you. Your Muay Thai techniques are flawless. Beautiful jump kicks.” Bella complimented him.

“I haven’t ever seen anyone who can use Bokator, much less perfect it like you have.” he returned. “How many techniques do you know?”

Bella smiled, still looking at the peaceful sky, enjoying the slight rain drops. “Only the ones that kill people. We learned judo techniques for when we are on our backs as a last resort, but obviously we are more focused on slashing. More focus on arteries than pressure points. I’m not sure I can remember all of the pressure points to be honest. Before we got our claws, we focused mostly on knife fighting. What about you? I know you don’t incorporate those techniques fighting vampires.”

The man shook his head. “I’ve developed my own techniques, not so different from yours. Focus on submission and biting. Guard holds like the one you caught me in are good for snapping off necks. Nice job by the way. I saw it too late.”

“Thanks. I haven’t had that much fun just fighting in a long time.”

The two seemed to notice at the same time the silence that surrounded them. They both sat up and saw the Cullens staring at them.

“When can we learn to fight like that?” Emmett asked. “That shit was like straight out of a Bruce Lee movie.”

“Concentrate on a side kick first, Emmett.” Bella told him. “All of you continue. Kick to the side of the head, not the front. Devil Dogs have shorter snouts but true Lycans have a longer reach and elongated jaws. So do wolf shifters for that matter. They can snap off a foot if it lands in its mouth. Happened to one of my sisters. It took her six painful months to regenerate one and it was never as strong. She was killed her next time in the field. Aim for the ears and back of the skull, give yourself a safe zone if you aren’t perfect. Get back to it. Once you have it down, we can go with basic throat strikes for breathing opponents like myself.”

The Cullens grudgingly got back to work. Bella noted that Edward was quite graceful as was Alice. Rosalie was more aggressive, putting everything she had into her strikes. As Bella suspected and hoped, Esme put nothing into hers, concentrating on technique. There was no killer inside her. Carlisle went after his wife with obvious concentration on technique, making sure not to strike too hard when his foot connected with her forearm block.

“They will do what needs to be done.” Jasper whispered to her. “Give us time. When the time comes to strike, they will be ready for whatever comes. Even Esme.”

Bella let out a resigned sigh. “I don’t want her to. She is… I think she treats me like normal mothers would treat normal daughters. I don’t want to see that change. I don’t want her to change. It’s selfish but a part of me really needs that right now.”

“Esme won’t change but she won’t back down either. Get used to it. Every one of them have killed humans before Bella, with the exception of Carlisle and Alice. I’ve never felt him angrier though. He gets his hands on these scientists, he is going to rip them apart.”

“How many of them have purposely killed?”

“Emmett and Esme are the only ones who haven’t. Edward and Rose… Rose has never fed from a human. She has certainly killed them though. Speaking of killing humans, there is something I wanted to ask you about.”

Bella noticed him hesitating. “Spit it out.”

“If the worst happens, or if we need more fire power so to speak…”

“You are friends with vampires who kill humans, right?” Bella guessed. His silence answered her question.

“Killers? Fighters? From the Southern Wars, right?” she asked quietly.

Jasper nodded his head. “Some. Some from wars father back, American Revolution even. If we need them, how would you feel about letting them help us?”

Bella thought for a moment. “I suppose I would feel like a hypocrite if I said no. Who are the good guys here Jasper? Me? Connolly? The Organization? All of us are going to do some terrible things before this is over. When I was at the Base, I ate a guy. Tortured him first, then ate the meat off his bones while he was alive, bit his heart and felt no regret. Mother… Dr. Hildebrand gave me permission and I did it without hesitation. He wasn’t the only human I have ever killed. One I am fairly sure was innocent. I don’t want my family and friends getting fed from obviously but… I’m no hypocrite. Do you trust these vampires?”

Jasper looked her in the eyes. “Yeah, I do.”

“I trust you. If you trust them it’s good enough for me. I would recommend them staying out of this area for the time being. With a wolf pack possibly growing bigger, any dangers around the Reservation could cause more to shift. Maybe you can find them and ask them to Alaska? Tell them the situation, brief them on the possible enemies. Start sending family members down, one or two at a time to work on more advanced techniques. Sound good?”

Jasper smiled, imaging some of his family members working with Peter or Garrett on fighting. The Denalis despite their age would also need some work.

“Sounds great. Don’t you have a date this afternoon? Should probably change out of those muddy clothes. I’ll keep working with them.”

Bella stood up and brushed the back of her dirty jeans off. “Thanks. You think… you think you could come over around midnight? My room? I need… somebody…”

“To talk to?” Jasper guessed.

Bella nodded, not looking at him.

“You think you are ready for that?”

“I think I have to be.” she admitted. “I have to understand what happened and why I am the way I am. You are the only one who can understand. You know what it’s like to leave a war behind and try to find a soul again.”

“I’ll be there. Go. Don’t let her get past second base on the first date.”

Bella looked at him strangely. “We aren’t playing baseball.”

“I mean… go have fun. You deserve it.” he told her, not wanting to get into explaining slang to her.

Bella made it home reluctantly. She could have fought Jasper all afternoon. It had been a while since she had fought anyone for fun, no blood or honor on the line.

She saw Charlie was not home and moved quickly to her bedroom. She had promised Leah she would call her before 5 and it was 4:30 now.

A red dress was on her bed, grey leggings underneath and red high heeled boots. A letter from Alice told her it was just a suggestion. Bella rolled her eyes. She had no idea what Leah would consider a date but doubted it would involve anything this dress was appropriate for.

Still, she did like the dress. Changing into her typical t shirt and worn jeans she put the dress and heels into her backpack, along with two guns and her Lycan bone knife, then called Leah for further instructions.

“You on your way?” Leah answered.

“I thought… date and everything… you asked… maybe you were going to pick me up?”

Leah said nothing for a moment then sounded a bit embarrassed. “Yeah, you are right. Give me thirty minutes and I will be there.”

“No! I can be there in twenty. I don’t mind. I was just… joking. This stuff is kind of new to me. I’ve never gone on a normal… not that I know what normal is I guess…”

“I’ll be by…”

“No, I’ve already reached my bike. See you in twenty. Wait, where do you want to meet?”

“Just come by and we can take my truck. The place isn’t far.” Leah assured her.

Bella pulled nervously to Leah’s house. She wasn’t sure why but while the pain in her chest was gone, her stomach felt a bit ill, something she was not accustomed to.

Once she reached the door, Leah opened it before she could knock.

Bella felt her air nearly rush out. Leah was wearing a short black sleeveless top dress and high heels that made her quite a bit taller than she usually towered over Bella.

“Wow.” Bella whispered, loud enough that Leah heard it.

Leah smiled slightly. “So, I look okay?”

Bella nodded, trying to keep looking her in the eyes.

“I… I have something I brought to change into. I didn’t… I mean I couldn’t change… I mean my bike… and now I do, kind of in my backpack. If you don’t mind, I can go behind some trees and change. Just give me a second and I can be ready.”

Leah grabbed her gently by the arm. “Don’t. You can come inside and change. You’ve never actually been inside my house.”

Bella shook her head quickly. “I only hear two heartbeats and the prominent smells are your mother and father. I don’t think your father is a big fan of mine. I believe he may have ascertained that we are… imprinted or whatever and probably blames me for leaving and I’m not sure what he might think and I don’t want to get you in trouble.”

Leah shrugged her shoulders. “I told him we were going on a date. He can get over it. Mom wants to say hello as well. You two met, right? I was still a little out of it when the sedatives wore off.”

Bella nodded and followed Leah inside, following her to the bathroom. Once inside she changed into the clothes Alice had prepared for her, then considered what to do with her guns and knives.

“Probably shouldn’t take them on a date.” the girl grumbled and looked into the mirror. Her eyes turned yellow, spots adorned her arms and only the claws on her hands appeared. Breathing a sigh of relief she shifted back to her human appearance.

“So I still have control.” she told herself in her most assuring tone. Should they receive unexpected and unwelcome company she could fight without turning into a full Jaguar, something she had been afraid to try since the first time. Deciding to leave the guns behind she sat her backpack in the corner of the bathroom.

She walked out, and almost into Sue Clearwater.

“Bella! How good to see you again.” Sue greeted her with a large smile Bella that Bella could not determine the sincerity of.

“It’s good to see you as well, Mrs. Clearwater.” the girl lied, not feeling at all comfortable. She heard two heartbeats in the living room, knowing full well she would find Harry Clearwater with Leah.

“Please call me Sue. How have you been feeling since you got back from your trip? No problems? I am a nurse so if you ever have any problems feel free to come to me.”

Bella nearly said if she were a vet, she could be of use but kept her mouth shut. Ty had warned her that not everyone got her sense of humor which he called twisted for some reason, even when she wasn’t trying to be funny.

“I appreciate the offer. I am feeling fine, no ill effects.” Bella assured her. “Just a few major scars and some minor ones.”

Sue eye’s drifted to Bella’s abdomen and the girl had a feeling Leah had described her injuries to Sue. The girl cleared her throat, Sue looking her in the eyes once again, looking a bit sheepish.

“I should get to Leah. We won’t be out late. I have to go back to school tomorrow unfortunately.”

The two walked into the living room where Bella’s eyes locked onto Leah again. Judging by her face, Bella supposed Leah was impressed.

Harry Clearwater cleared his throat.

“Hello Bella.”

“Hello Mr. Clearwater.”

“How has your week been? Ours was quite stressful. Leah wasn’t feeling well as I am sure you know.”

Leah hissed at her Dad but Bella paid him no mind.

“My week was awful. I was recalled to my home in Peru to lead 95 of my sisters into battle in Siberia against ghouls. A third of my sisters were slaughtered. I was nearly torn apart after one clamped his teeth into my collarbone and snapped it in half. A 15 year old girl named Tracy saved me and was then decapitated in front of me. One got his claw into my midsection and gutted me. Luckily, I was able to bite his hand off before his claw reached my heart. I don’t remember much about the trip home or the surgery. Once I arrived back in Forks, I learned that the woman who had shaped my entire life and was the only source of love I had as a child was manipulating me and murdered my girlfriend because she was in her way. I nearly lost my mind and turned into a full Jaguar, tail and everything, but I have calmed down and feel much better. How has work been? I think Leah said you work for a logging company?”

Any color Harry had was gone as he stared open mouthed at the girl in front of him.

“Harry?” Sue prodded. “Bella asked how your work has been.”

“Good.” the man said quietly. “Just everyday… normal… stuff.”

Bella grinned at the man. “I’m glad to hear that. I regret the pain my absence caused Leah. We should probably be going. Don’t want to be home late since we both have school tomorrow.”

Leah grabbed Bella’s hand and the two walked out quickly. A few minutes into the drive, Bella asked Leah if her father was okay as he had lost his color when she spoke.

Leah shrugged her shoulders. “He shouldn’t have asked how your week has been if he can’t handle it.”

Bella thought of perhaps offering to apologize but the man did ask. “So where are we going?”

“River Bend. It’s a restaurant on the edge of the water. Not everything around here is about the beach. It’s kind of my favorite place to come. You will see why.”

The two walked into a quaint restaurant where Leah was greeted by a pleasant looking woman in her twenties, holding a menu.

“Leah, who is your friend?”

“This is Bella. We just started dating. Is my favorite spot in the back open?”

The hostess appeared shocked for a moment but then nodded and walked to a back room with only one table and a beautiful view of the river below them. She handed the two menus and walked off quickly.

Leah noticed Bella staring at her with a strange look on her face.

“What? We haven’t eaten yet so I know I don’t have anything in my teeth.”

“You told her we were dating.” Bella said.

“We are. I mean we are on a date. So technically we are dating, right? I thought you were cool with this?”

“I am.” Bella told her quickly. “I just didn’t expect you to be so… open about it. I can imagine what your father thinks and I would guess many people have the same attitude. Mother… Dr. Hildebrand told me that many in this word would be somewhat close minded about my… choice in partners.”

Leah actually snorted and reached across the table taking Bella’s hand.

“I almost lost you before we even had a chance. I don’t give a damn what people think, even my father.”

“Everyone in La Push will know we are… together before lunch time tomorrow.” Bella pointed out.

“Let them. I just don’t care who says what about me anymore. None of that stuff matters.”

“Has anyone else been talking negatively about you?”

Leah laughed. “Like I would tell you. I don’t want to be responsible for anymore ER trips. I can handle myself. You aren’t the only tough girl around the area. So tell me something about you that I don’t know.”

Bella thought hard for a moment and came up with nothing, at least nothing she wanted to talk about tonight. “I think you know everything pertinent about me.”

“Oh yeah? Favorite movie?”

“It was Aliens 2 for most of my life. I think Black Panther is probably my favorite movie now. I’ve watched it six times.” Bella admitted. “What about you?”

“Terminator 2.” Leah said immediately. “TV show?”

“Uh… I haven’t had much time to watch many. Reality shows are strange. We watched videos of humans in their natural environment to help us blend in when needed. Humans do not actually act like humans on these reality shows. I like cartoons. The one with the yellow sponge is funny. I’ve gained an appreciation for watching baseball on TV despite how bad Seattle’s team is. Ty said I may like the Handmaidens Tale on Hulu I think or maybe Amazon Prime. I get them confused. I haven’t had much time lately. What about you?”

“I can’t stand watching sports, live or on television but I will sit through a game if you insist. Mostly I watch dramas that revolve around some sort of tragedies. Not a big fan of romance but that might change.”

“Why would you watch shows about tragedies?” Bella asked. “I thought the whole point of television was to entertain yourself. Why watch something that makes you sad?”

Leah shrugged her shoulders, not really sure. “I guess seeing other people’s problems kind of lessens your own maybe?”

Bella gave that some thought. She supposed that would be true for humans with normal problems.

“What is your best memory?” Bella asked suddenly.

Leah smiled, thinking on many great memories she had growing up. One in particular shined out.

“I was ten. Seth had just turned five and Dad took us to the beach. That wasn’t a big deal but it was the first time we ever planned to camp out. The weather was perfect. The sun was actually shining, no clouds in the sky. We swam all day, made a fire and watched the sun go down. Seth and I lay on the beach while Mom and Dad pointed out constellations. It was perfect. The perfect day. I was just a kid, no worries, no expectations, just being able to be myself. I still dream about it sometimes when things get stressful. Life was so simple then.”

“Before you met me?” Bella guessed.

“Before I realized no matter how hard I tried I wasn’t going to have those romantic feelings for a guy like I saw in the movies.” Leah told her. “I had just kind of given up, figured I didn’t have it in me and to make the best of what I did have. Then I met you. So, what are we eating? I know I promised pizza but this place is known for their crab legs.”

Both the girls ordered crab legs, the waitress getting the order right despite gawking at the two. Bella struggled using the pliers to snap the legs, wishing she could just tear the crunchy layer with her claws or bite through it. She also got melted butter on her face, sending Leah into a giggling fit. The sun set and night fell but the two stayed at the table, holding hands despite having finished dinner.

“I like this place. I can see why you like it here.” Bella told her. “It’s peaceful, kind of slow for a Sunday night. I would think it would be busier.”

“Most people on the Rez have family dinners… you usually hang out with Charlie, right? I didn’t even think about that. He has been so worried…”

Bella put her hand on top of Leah’s. “Relax. He knows where I am and he is good with it, I promise. He can get through one Sunday night baseball game alone. Actually I think Billy was going over tonight with Jacob, so I would have found something to do regardless.”

Leah was surprised. “I thought you and Billy… were kind of friends?”

“I like Billy.” Bella admitted. “But I don’t think his young son grasps the concept of homosexuality yet. His vitals tell me he still reaches a state of excitement in my presence. Perhaps if he saw my whole body he would think otherwise.”

“Sure, I’m sure a perfect, lean muscular body would turn him off.” Leah joked. “Your scars don’t make you ugly, Bella. I’ve seen them all and believe me, you are beautiful, scars and all.”

Bella laughed quietly. “I think that is the imprint talking sweetie.”

Bella’s eyes widened at the endearment she used and Leah’s mouth dropped open.

“You just called me sweetie, didn’t you?”

Bella shrugged her shoulders but her blush told the truth.

“You call me Bell or Bells all the time. I didn’t mean to, it just sort of came out. Sorry?”

“Nothing to apologize for.” Leah assured her. “I kind of like it. It’s cute coming out of your mouth. By the way, it isn’t the imprint talking. People with scars can be beautiful. All I see when I feel and look at them is how strong you are. I have a pretty wicked scar on my ankle you’ve never seen. Broke it when I was playing kickball in the fourth grade. Had surgery and everything. Hardcore, right?”

Bella laughed at the idea of Leah playing kick ball. It seemed so… normal.

“You say you want to be a nurse. Have you always wanted to be a nurse?” she asked to steer the conversation away from scars.

“Nope. I wanted to be a Starship Captain after I saw a Star Trek movie.” Leah admitted. “Then I wanted to be an archeologist after I saw Angelina Jolie in Tomb Raider. I found out that actual archeologists don’t get to carry guns or wear spandex shorts so I moved on. My next career choice was a cop, because I always thought your Dad looked kind of badass carrying his gun in La Push. I later realized I would have to wear that uniform and it wasn’t going to happen. So I followed my Mom around her work one day, then went back a few more times, discovered I liked it and that’s what I plan to do. What about you? What do you plan to be when you grow up?”

Bella stilled for a moment, not sure how to answer that.

“I don’t…”

“C’mon, Bella. Imagine the day we will be free. None of this war and blood around us. If you could be anything, what would you want to be? Just try it.”

Bella thought for a moment, her mind racing through responses that might satisfy Leah but coming up with none.

“Sorry, I don’t know. I have never in my life thought of doing anything other than what I am doing now.”

“So think about it. What do you enjoy doing?”

“I…”

“And don’t say killing things.” Leah told her quickly.

Bella hesitated for a moment, slightly irritated that she couldn’t speak the truth and thought more about it. “I… I always liked working with the younger classes, helping them cope with the changes that I had already undergone, helping them learn what they needed to learn. I think I was good with them. I guess as messed up as it seems, I would want to work with children in some way. I doubt that could happen in any reality but if I had to imagine what my life could be like, I guess it would be something like that.”

“Better start giving it more thought because I promise you, we will survive this. One day we are going to have the lives we want. I might even go to medical school. Carlisle can be quite inspiring when he is doing his doctor stuff. I doubt that would happen either but we can dream big, right? What do we have to lose?” Leah asked.

Everything and nothing were Bella’s first thought. She supposed Leah had a point. It didn’t hurt to dream. Reality was the thing that hurt.

As 9 o’clock approached and the restaurant was closing around them, they reluctantly made to leave. The drive to Leah’s house was too short for Bella’s taste. The two walked inside and Bella was grateful that the living room and kitchen were empty, only hearing heartbeats in two of the bedrooms. She slipped inside the bathroom and retrieved her bag from the corner she had left it. Changing quickly, she found Leah waiting for her on the front porch.

“I miss that red dress already.” Leah said. “But I like you like this too. I had fun tonight.”

“Me too.”

Leah dipped her head down to Bella, held her tightly then kissed her gently on the lips. The familiar buzz that occurred when they touched was intensified when they kissed and neither seemed to want to stop.

Until Bella heard Harry and Sue’s bedroom door open and recognized the creaking of Harry’s bones as he walked out.

“I better go.” Bella whispered. “I’ll call you after school tomorrow, okay?”

“You better.” Leah told her quietly and let go.

Bella arrived home as Billy and Jacob were leaving. The old man winked at her with a big smile as he rode off.

“Have fun?” Charlie asked as she stepped inside.

“Yeah. I really did. It was… really beautiful. Dating is kind of peaceful, isn’t it?”

Charlie laughed a little, his heart warming at the content smile on her face. “Depends on who you are dating I guess.”

“Did Seattle win tonight?” Bella asked.

“Of course not. But we gave it our best.”

Bella snorted and walked past him, dropping her backpack on the couch. “There is only winning and dying. Giving it our best isn’t good enough.”

“And Bella is back.” Charlie mumbled, rolling his eyes playfully. “Hey, how are you doing?”

“I feel fine. I had a great time tonight.”

“Yeah but… you have been through hell lately kid. I’m worried about you. You know if you want to talk, I can sit with you and just listen. I won’t pretend to have any answers but I am good at listening. You can tell me anything. Or maybe if you don’t want to talk, I’m good with being there if you want to cry. I’ve cried a lot of times in my life, thinking about Renee, you, the could have beens. There isn’t any shame in crying. I won’t tell a soul, you know that, right?”

Bella nodded her head, doing her best to not become emotional. “I know. When I came back and told you about… her… you looked so scared. You are worried that I may never be able to break free of her, aren’t you? A few days is all it took to wrap me around her finger again. That scares you. It scares me. We should probably save our crying until she has come and gone. You are going to see some things that will make you angry. I’m going to have to do some things in front of you that I will be ashamed of. We will deal with it when it happens together. Get some sleep. Night Dad. Love you.”

Bella did not go to sleep once she reached her room, instead changing into pajamas and sitting by the open window.

Jasper arrived thirty minutes early. Bella moved to her bed and offered him the chair.

“So, how do we do this? You are going to ask me questions, right? I have to be honest, tell you everything she has done since my earliest memories. Something like that?”

Jasper took a moment and though he couldn’t read her emotions, her face was vulnerable for once, showing fear and trepidation.

“What do you want, Bella?” he finally asked.

She thought for a moment before answering.

“It’s what I don’t want. I don’t want her to own me anymore, be her slave, her pet. I want her out of my soul. I’ll do whatever it takes. I need to be free from her before I can kill her. What do I have to do?”

“It’s gonna take more than one night.” he told her.

“I know. However long it takes, I want to be the one to kill her. I want to be sure I can do that. I can still feel her in me and it feels… dirty. I want to get rid of that feeling.”

The man nodded, hearing the sincerity in her words.

“Tonight I am going to tell you a story. A story about me and the vampire who changed me. I thought she loved me. I did awful things for her, killed hundreds of our kind and humans because she wanted it and my only purpose in life was to give her what she wanted. She wanted a lot and for a long time I thought she had killed my soul.”

Bella felt a shiver, listening to this familiar story.

“How did you escape? How did you break free?” the girl asked quietly.

“Love. Let’s start with my own personal Hildebrand. Her name was Maria.”