Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Growing Up

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 04:

I knocked on the door. I still couldn’t believe I was doing this. I realized this was against “vampire law.” I also knew I was a law unto myself and anybody who didn’t like it was more than welcome to try to take issue with it.

Charlie Swan opened the door. His ex was behind him. They both looked like hell. Bella got her eyes and hair from Charlie but she looked more like Renee now.

“Charlie. Renee.” I nodded.

“Are you Peter?” Charlie asked.

No. I’m the other mysterious guy who called you with information about your dead daughter.

Be nice Peter. No sarcasm needed. They have been through a horrific experience. But still… are you Peter?

“Yeah. Where is your husband?” I asked, looking at Renee.

“He joined his team again on the road. He wanted to stay but after what Charlie told me I practically pushed him out the house.”

“Good. The fewer people who know about this the better. Mind if I come in?” We were still in the doorway. It was beginning to be awkward.

Charlie stepped aside and I entered. I took a quick scan of the house and walked to the kitchen. I had a seat at the table and waved a hand at the other two chairs.

“So, you two ready to hear the most unbelievable story that will challenge everything you thought you knew about this world?”

Charlie nodded. Renee just stared at me.

“Did you bring the steel pipe I asked for?”

“Yeah. I found one. Why should I give it to you though?” He asked. He didn’t trust me. That hurt. Still though, I should be gentle here.

“Are you fucking stupid? I sought you out. If I wanted to kill you I would have done it with a shotgun blast when you opened the door. Plus I am sure you are carrying. I damn sure wouldn’t have announced I was coming over. If after all that you can’t give me a damn steel pipe then I need to get out of here.”

Probably could have been gentler.

“No! Wait.” Charlie got up and walked to the closet. He pulled out the pipe and handed it to me.

“Did you try to bend this?”

“You can’t bend it. I don’t see what the reason is for this…”

I bent the bar and twisted it in a knot.

“How did you do that?” he whispered.

“It ain’t a trick if that is what you are thinking. I could show you on your gun but that would just cause you to have to buy a new one. Renee if you would please grab a butcher knife.”

“A what?” she asked surprised.

“A knife. Big knife. Sharp? You know what I am talking about? I know you don’t cook but you gotta have a knife around here right?”

“How did you…”

“Questions are good after you have heard everything. Questions are encouraged then. Until I am finished you think you could just do as I ask?”

She got up without another word while Charlie turned his steel knot over and over in his hand. Renee came back with a knife. I laid my hand on the table top.

“Renee if you can’t do this, I understand. If you can’t give it to Charlie. I’m sure he won’t have a problem with it. I need you to stab that knife into my hand. Be careful not to cut yourself.”

“I’m sorry…” she started.

“Give me the fucking knife…” Charlie said grabbing the knife and slamming it into my hand, bending the blade. Guy had pretty good arm strength for a human.

They both looked at me with those what the fuck are you looks. I get that a lot from my meals.

“What the fuck are you?”

“I am a vampire.”

They both stared for a few seconds but didn’t laugh. It was a good start.

“Vampires don’t…” Renee started.

“Please don’t say it. I really don’t feel like having that conversation. Your daughter figured it out on her own. Don’t tell me I bent a steel pipe and had a butcher knife break on my hand and you are going to tell me vampires don’t exist. I got the pale skin. Touch my hand. I’m cool to the touch. I have red freaking eyes for God’s sake.”

“Bella figured it out… the Cullens?” Charlie asked.

“Bingo. Give the man a prize.”

“She was killed because she found out that the Cullens were like you?” Charlie looked like he was going to cry. Better head this off. I can’t stand to see grown men cry. He had good reason but it didn’t make it less awkward.

“Calm down and listen. You need to hear the story. The whole story. Can the two of you keep quiet? She ain’t dead. But if you two can’t keep this to yourself she could be in a lot of danger. I am taking a huge risk by even telling you this. I am trusting the two of you because she said I could. Was she wrong?”

“She isn’t dead?” Renee asked.

“No.”

“Talk. We are listening.” Charlie said quietly, looking in my eye. I recognized that look from Bella.

May as well get it all out. I knew these two would never see the Cullens again. The same way I knew other things.

“Make yourselves comfortable. This story started back in 1865. It began for me with a vampire named Jasper Whitlock. I believe you have known him as Jasper Hale, correct Chief?”

Charlie nodded and I continued talking. I told them everything. From Jasper killing my family to him meeting up with the Cullens. I told them what Bella had told me from her time with the Cullens. I didn’t hold anything back. I finally finished with me taking Bella out of the studio after killing the pony tailed nomad.

“Okay. Now you two know everything. Now is the time for questions.”

Renee spoke first. But she didn’t have a question for me.

“I let her live with you for the first time in 17 years and you let her become involved with vampires? What the hell is wrong with you?!”

Renee hit Charlie who tried to get out of the way but was unsuccessful.

“Vampires Charlie!? Not drugs, not unsafe sex, not getting drunk on Friday night. Vampires! What the hell! How did you not know there were vampires in your jurisdiction Chief? How did you not know your daughter was dating an obsessive vampire who snuck into your house every night? With my baby?! It’s a good thing that town is filled with small town idiots or you would never have a job. Vampires?!”

Charlie on the other hand was simply speechless. He just sat there while Renee pummeled his head with her light little hands. She was trying so hard to hurt him. It was kinda cute in a really sad tragic kind of way.

“Uh… Mrs. Dwyer? I think we are kind of getting off track here. Can we focus on the important parts? Like vampires after your little girl?” I figured now was the time to bring back order to the Court. I wish I had a gavel.

She finally sat down, her little fists wearing themselves out.

“So why did you tell us?” Charlie finally asked.

“Because Bella never would have been able to live with herself if that had been the last thing she ever said to you.”

“She is alive?” He asked again.

“Yes.”

“You are hiding her? No one knows you have her?”

“Yes I am and no, no one knows.”

“Why?” he asked.

“Excuse me?” I asked in return.

“Yes, the dumbass brings up a good point. Why are you doing this?” Momma asked. I better go ahead and lay everything out before she breaks her tiny fists of fury on my head.

“This part ain’t gonna be so easy to accept. You two ain’t gonna like it. But since you ask, I’ll let you know.

Vampires have a way of finding their perfect match. The one they can’t live without. A vampire only has one love in his existence. Once that person is gone the vampire goes insane. If that person and the vampire aren’t near each other, they both go insane. If the vampire’s mate is a human and he isn’t around she could die.”

“No.” Charlie looked pissed. Didn’t need any hunches to tell me this was coming.

“When we locked eyes and then when I grabbed her hand in the studio it was done. We were linked. Her well being is my well being now.”

“NO. She is not the soul mate of some damn…”

“Shut the fuck up Charlie! She is alive because of him.” Renee of all people came to my defense. That shut Charlie and I both up.

“So she has to be around you? Is that what you are saying? How do I know this isn’t some ploy like the Cullens were pulling on her?” he asked. It was a fair question.

“I have her hidden. You thought she was dead. Had a body and everything thanks to the Cullens. You know how easy it would have been to let you keep thinkin that? Cause the Cullens sure as hell planned to let you keep believing that.”

“You plan to turn her into one of you right? That’s your plan? She is 17! 17 Renee!” Charlie screamed at me and then Renee.

“I know how damn old she is. Believe me. I ain’t sleep with her, kissin her good night or any other crap. She is the same age my sister was when Whitlock killed her.”

“Do it.” Renee whispered.

“Say what?” was my brilliant response.

“Do it. Change her. She will be strong like you right? Safe? They can’t hurt her. Do it. I just spent 5 days thinking she was dead. I don’t care what you have to do to keep her safe. Just do it.”

Charlie seemed surprised for a second then had a pensive look to him. I suppose he was conjuring the wisdom of her words.

“I ain’t changing her. Not until she is older. Not unless she says it is okay. I can protect her without turning her into one of us. If she asks me I will do it. When she is older. Right now I got things to worry about like getting her through high school.”

“Where are you living? Where is she going to go to high school? Why can’t she live with Renee or me?”

“Because Charlie, if she lived with you or Renee the Cullens would eventually find out. You don’t think someone might notice your dead daughter walking around? Where we are living and where she is going to High School, I can’t tell you. If the Cullens were to get their mind reader around you he would pick it up. You wouldn’t even have to see him. Or Jasper could make you feel real truthful. I don’t think they will come anywhere near you. But I plan for all contingencies.”

They both nodded.

“Can we… can we see her, ever?” Charlie asked while Renee sniffled.

“Yeah. She is sitting on the back porch. I told her not to come in until everything was explained. Why don’t you go outside and say hi. But be nice. Don’t be upsetting her. She has been through more over the last few months than you have and she has been through just as much hell if not more the past week.”

They ran.

I was behind them. Charlie was the first and Renee was right behind him. They stopped for a split second. I told them about her changes in appearance. I guess they really weren’t expecting it though. Then they jumped her. Suddenly it was a pile of flesh and tears. Emotional reunions ain’t really my thing so I walked back into the living room.

BPOV

I tried to listen to what Peter was saying as I sat in the dark on the back deck, listening to the wave’s crash into the shore. He told me he would tell them everything. Even about us being mates.

I waited for the fall out.

I heard them walking, running to the back. I guess they took it okay. Peter said if they wouldn’t be okay he was going to leave out the front and I was to leave out the back without them seeing. I really hoped it wouldn’t come down to that. It would have been a difficult decision but I told Peter I was with him and I meant it. I would live with what I said. With what I let myself be led by the nose towards.

I still couldn’t believe I was played like that by the Cullens. I thought Edward loved me. I really thought…

The dreams I have had intensified last night. I wish I knew where they were coming from. They were so real. Ever since we touched.

The sliding door opened and I was in my Daddy’s arms. Mom’s were right behind him. I kept telling them I was sorry.

Charlie told me it wasn’t my fault. Renee said it was Charlie’s fault. I was still apologizing.

We finally calmed down. All of us. Renee told me one more time that it was Charlie’s fault. I disagreed with her and told her it wasn’t. She told me of course it was. The three of us walked inside and saw Peter stretched out on the couch.

“We all a big happy family now?” he smiled.

I had to laugh. He was an asshole but he could really make me laugh at times. Plus his ripped muscles were nice to look at. His face wasn’t horrible either. I mean if you were into that rugged handsome, gorgeous look. I sat down next to him without thinking about it. Charlie and Renee sat across from us.

“So what now? Do we ever get to see you again Bella?” Charlie asked.

I looked at Peter. We really hadn’t discussed this. He obviously had thought about it while I was performing bodily functions in bed though.

“I got two phones. You can call her anytime. The phones are secure. Untraceable. The name Fred is only one of several dummy numbers in your phones. Her number will not pull up. You will have to hit Fred and press send. I did this because in case you lost it I don’t want anyone knowing whose name is in there. There are rules though. You can never call her when others are around. Never outside. Turn some sort of noise on in the background and then call her. Always act like someone may be listening. Keep the phones hidden when not being used. Do not ask her where she is living or where she is going to school. We already discussed the risks involved with you knowing. Do not call during school hours in the fall and spring. Her cover story is that her parents died in a fire and she is living with her uncle, me. Never call her by her name while talking to her. My number is under Brad Pitt. You can call me anytime under the same rules. Except you can call me during the day anytime. Any questions?”

I had a question.

“Why are you under Brad Pitt and I am under Fred?” I asked.

“I bought the phones, I set up the code names. You don’t like it, you buy the untraceable phones and set up secret methods of communication to your parents on your own next time.”

God he could be an asshole. Fred?

“I got a question. Something doesn’t make sense to me.” Charlie said.

“Only one thing doesn’t make sense to you Dad?” I smiled.

“Yeah, well a lot doesn’t make sense I guess but one thing won’t leave my mind.”

“Shoot Charlie.” Peter encouraged him.

“Alice can read the future, right? She told you the nomad was headed to a ballet studio. But she also knew that the nomads were in the area during that ball game. She said that they were coming sooner than expected and they didn’t have time to hide you. But they couldn’t have been coming that much faster. If there was even a hint of danger why take you out there in the first place?”

“We covered this Charlie. They wanted to…”Peter stopped.

It hit me too.

“They wanted me to run, be attacked and saved by Edward. Maybe after I was turned by James. Peter ruined their plans before they could get there.” I whispered.

“That means the Cullens didn’t just take advantage of a situation that arose. Alice set this whole thing up. She didn’t plan this when she realized the nomads were coming quicker than expected. They had to have planned this from the beginning.” Peter said more to himself.

I carried on his train of thought. “They knew the nomads were going to be there. They must have arranged it. No way Alice was off by that much. They set me up to be turned by the bad guys so they could stay the good guys.”

“That’s the only thing that makes sense, Bella. They manipulated you from the beginning.” Charlie agreed.

“Those fucking bastards set me up. Rather than just changing me, they let me think I was being hunted? He was going to hurt me! He planned to video tape it!”

“Why would they do this?” Renee asked.

Peter answered quietly. “I would suspect the plan got put in motion the first time Edward saw Bella in the cafeteria and let the Cullen kids, including Jasper, know that he couldn’t read her mind.”

It all was clear now. The separating me from any other friends. Edward saying my blood called to him. Romancing me. Making me believe he didn’t want me to be a vampire. Practically having me begging for it. The acceptance of the family. Except for Rose. Did she not agree with what was going on? Alice suggesting taking me out to the ball field that day. Edward surprisingly agreeing even though he normally hated me seeing his family act like… vampires. Alice not seeing the nomads until it was too late even though the Cullens could have distracted them and Edward easily could have ran in the other direction with me. The Cullens not killing the nomads. Alice telling me exactly where James would be. James getting to Arizona so much faster than the rest even though he must have ran instead of flying. Halfway across the country. He was running from them… or was he? He probably left for Arizona the second after he left the clearing.

“I snuck off from Alice and Jasper. They had not left me alone the entire time. At least one was with me. But when they went to check out I walked right through the lobby while they were checking out together. Alice never saw me going? She knew James was near and she didn’t have her or Jasper stay with me?”

“Yeah. The Cullens didn’t just take advantage of the nomad situation, they set it up.” Peter agreed.

“Why though? I was in love with Edward. I would have willingly turned probably. Sorry Dad, it’s true though. I…”

“It’s okay Bells.” Dad whispered and reached across to pat me on the knee.

“It’s really not. But why?”

“Big damn heroes.” Peter said.

“What?” I asked looking at Peter.

“You decide to change they have to wait a while. Talk you into giving up your parents. Maybe you resent it. What happens when you learned about vampires only being able to love their mates? You find out one day Edward isn’t your mate? Or you just change your mind? You decide you don’t want to turn. They don’t want to risk it. They want to be the big damn heroes. So they set up a situation where you are running for your life, nearly get killed and turned by someone else. Then they save the day, cementing you into their coven. You are completely reliant on them. They could keep you isolated. Make sure you never met your mate. Let you be Eddie boy’s girlfriend for eternity.”

“Holy shit. I got played. I let myself get played like that.”

“Peter, when are you planning on killing those bastards?” Renee asked, shocking all of us.

“I had planned to kill the king bastard in Phoenix before your daughter came into my life. Now I got to focus on her. Starting shit with Whitlock while trying to keep her safe until she is of an age that she can make a decision on being a vampire don’t exactly fit with going looking for fights. So for now we stay low. Maybe one day they give up on trying to figure out what happened to her. Move on to the next potential vampire girl in High School. If she decides she wants to turn I will do it and we will take care of those bastards together.”

Together. I liked the sound of that way more than I should. Or maybe I should. We are mates after all.

“I am turning. I want you and Dad to know this now Mom.”

“Now Bella…” Peter started.

“Peter shut up! You want me to wait until I am some arbitrary age that’s fine. But it is going to happen. If you are giving me the decision then it is going to happen.”

“You don’t need to turn yourself into a vampire because of revenge Bella. I can get revenge for the both of us.” He whispered.

I looked at him.

“You think I want to be turned because I want revenge? Really Peter? You think that is my reason?”

I suddenly realized what I inferred. Charlie just cleared his throat.

“Anyway, it will happen one day. Are you two going to be okay with that? Will you still want to have me in your lives?”

“Yes Bella.” Charlie responded.

“Bella I want you to turn now. I don’t like the idea of these monsters being after you. I would do it myself if it meant protecting you…”

“You’re too old.” Peter said way too quickly. We all looked at him. He seemed to have realized what he had just let slip out.

“What I mean is…”

“Yes Peter. Tell me what you mean. Because I am married to a man who is only slightly older than your physical age so go ahead and tell me what I am too old for.” Renee was not happy.

“The change could uh, kill someone over the age of 30. The venom and the biology and stuff. It’s all very complicated. I think it might involve physics as well. I didn’t mean that you were old just that your age is just barely past the legal limit I mean the age limit. I mean I don’t know how old you are, you look very young but since I am guessing you didn’t have Bella when you were thirteen you must be older than 27.”

“You said 30 Peter.” Renee was full on glaring.

“Yeah. 27 to 30. Uh… testy range there. Not worth the risk.” He was stammering now. I should probably save him. Nah. Let him work himself out of this.

“Then if Bella wants to be turned after she graduates you better do it. If it looks like she is going to be in danger before she graduates you better do it. I am trusting you here with the only thing that matters to me Peter. We both are. If you are going to take responsibility don’t let me down. If she wants to be a vampire for her own reasons you better not talk her out of it.”

“I wouldn’t do that ma’am.” Peter agreed.

“Of course not. How would he have our daughter for a soul mate for eternity if he didn’t turn her into one of them?” Charlie asked Renee but was glaring at Peter. I needed to calm this down.

“Hey, why don’t we all take it back a notch okay? I am going to finish high school. Then I will turn into a vampire probably. Peter will take care of us. As far as the mate thing goes Dad we just have to be around each other. I don’t think Peter really even like me that much.”

Let him chew on that.

“Now wait a damn minute Bella…” Peter started.

“He obviously likes blondes judging by your hair.” Charlie commented.

“That was to hide her! And I like you just fine Bella!”

“What about dating?” Renee asked. What the hell?

“Ma’am I told you we ain’t dating…”

“That’s not what I meant. Since you two aren’t together if she meets someone her senior year that she likes are you going to be okay with her dating?”

Ouch. That brought silence to the room. Renee was staring at Peter. Charlie was smiling at Peter. Peter looked like he was trying to hold in a growl. I was just honestly curious. A big part of me wanted him to care. To show there was something to this Mate thing after all.

“She can date who she chooses so long as she stays low.”

Wow. Yeah. Okay then.

You know what? Fuck him.

“Mom, Dad, it is almost sun up. Peter sparkles in the sun. We really need to get back to the hotel room.”

“Yeah… come on Bella. Say good bye…”

“Hold up.” Charlie said. Peter just cursed under his breath but I heard it.

“Yeah Dad?”

“Did you just say he sparkles?” Charlie was grinning. I was confused.

“Yeah in direct sunlight. It’s why the Cullens liked Forks so much. No direct sunlight. Didn’t you tell them Peter?”

“I may have forgot to mention that part.” He sighed.

“I think that’s great Bella. When you turn into a vampire you are going to be so pretty sparkling in the sunlight. I would imagine that is a pretty sight. To see someone sparkling.” Charlie was grinning at Peter. He was being rude. But considering my soul mate just said he didn’t give a damn if I saw other people I guess I could let it slide. I hugged mom and dad and Peter and I drove to the hotel.

“Thanks for that.” I told him and meant it.

“No problem. They will keep quiet.” He wasn’t looking at me.

“So I can see anybody I want, huh?”

“Yep. I told you I want you to have as normal a life as possible for a girl living with a vampire under an assumed identity being stalked by a coven of vampires.”

“So if I bring home a guy I can take him to my room and let him have his way with me?”

Shit. The steering wheel just cracked.

“Do what you want Bella.” He gritted out.

“Good to know.” I said casually. He wants to play? We can play. I’ve never been the type to go after guys. But I also wasn’t blonde and dressed like a rich socialite two weeks ago. Things can change. He wants me to have a normal senior year? No problem. I am going to give him exactly what he wants.