Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Magic Of Heartbreak

By Mama4Dukes

Chapter 09:

There was a massive line leading to the parking lot of Forks High School. The entrance was mobbed with kids trying to get in. The girls had all piled into Leah’s SUV because it was the biggest. They were finally able to find parking at the end leading into the woods. There were a ton of kids from the tribal school as well. Leah recognized a few of them.

“Okay, girls, are we ready to meet our soulmates tonight?” Lauren asked

“Bella, stand up straight and stick your boobs out. You’re wearing a strapless red cocktail dress; you have to exude confidence. Be bold.”

She silently thanked the woman from Australia for packing the dress. It came in handy at just the right time. Bella had paired the dress with silver high heeled pumps that her mother had purchased for her in Arizona when they had to attend a wedding.

As they walked towards the gym, they were greeted by several of their friends. Jessica Stanley pushed them out of the way as she and her friends entered ahead of them. The girls simply ignored her; they were done with her.

The high school gymnasium at Forks High School was decorated in festive fall colors and LED fairy lights. It was incredible how they had magically transformed the place. There was a table with drinks and snacks, with adults from both Forks High School and the Tribal High School staffing them.

Just inside the entrance, they-correction, Victoria was greeted by Mike Newton. “A rose for a rose,” he handed the vampire a rose and asked her for a dance.

Until that moment, Bella had no idea vampires could blush, but she was pretty sure Victoria’s cheeks were infused with a smattering of pink. “Oh my. Of course. Of course, I shall dance with you.”

She disappeared onto the dance floor with Mike.

“Well, that’s one down. She won’t be dancing with anyone else tonight,” Leah commented.

“Yeah, no kidding. Have you ever seen two more lovestruck people?”

“Uh, yes. Sam and Emily have the same dopey expressions on their faces all the time.”

“Well, we can’t just stand here. We have to seek out our destiny.”

“Lauren, according to the damn spell, the wind is supposed to blow them in.”

“Hey, Bells.”

“Jake, how are you?”

He looked spiffy with a dress shirt and tie. His long black hair was tied back into a sleek ponytail. He was in a group with two other boys and three girls.

“I’m doing well. My dad is manning the drinks. He made me come.”

“I’ll go and say hello to Uncle Billy in a second. Who are your friends?”

Jacob pumped his chest out. “This is my girlfriend Kim Whitefox, this is Quil Ateara and his girlfriend Claire Young, and this is Embry Call and his girlfriend Jenny Cameron. Can you introduce us to your friends? We already know Leah.”

“Oh, sure. Angela Weber and Lauren Mallory, meet Jacob Black and his friends from the reservation.”

After all the greetings were said and done, Jake said, “We’re going to go and dance with our girlfriends now. See ya, Bells.”

“See ya.”

“What the hell? Even the juniors at the tribal school have girlfriends,” Leah noted. “Of course, I don’t want a junior; I want a man.”

“We are not going to find men just standing here. Let’s go mingle. We all need to keep an eye on Vicky.”

---

“I can’t believe Sam alpha ordered us to come to this freaking ball,” Jared griped. “My kid sister is here with Embry Call. Can you believe it? She’s dating him.”

“Oh, yeah? Word is your ex-girlfriend Kim has moved on. She’s with Jacob Black now,” Paul informed his fellow shape-shifting buddy.

“Well, that’s a fucking step down if there ever was one.”

“What’s the big deal. It’s not as if you pined for her.”

“Yeah, I know that, but it’s the whole concept of her choosing Black after me. Anyway, Kim was clingy as all hell. Phasing was the best thing that happened to me. I had to break up with her. Damn, it felt good.”

“Sometimes your lack of sensitivity shocks even me.” Paul looked around the gymnasium and spotted the couple. “Jake isn’t a bad looking kid.”

“Yeah, but there has to be a little more in the noggin. A bit of sharpness, you know?”

“Yeah, I do know. Do you see Leah Clearwater anywhere? I want to at least be able to tell Sam we saw her.”

“No, I don’t see her. What’s the point of us coming here? It’s not like Sam can ever get back together with her. He imprinted on her cousin.”

“Hell if I know. Let’s get something to drink. Chief Black is at the refreshment stand.”

The two Quileute boys sauntered over to the table where the drinks and snacks were.

“Jared, Paul-I’m glad to see you both here. The tribe needs to maintain good community relations. Would you like a beverage?”

Before they could reply, a gorgeous girl in a strapless, red dress greeted, “Hi, Uncle Billy!”

“Bella, come around and give me a hug, and then you can introduce me to your friends.”

Bella glided around the table and gave the Chief of the Quileute tribe a hug. “What happened to you, young lady? You look all grown up. The last time I saw you, you were running around in sneakers and jeans.”

“You just saw me at the beginning of the week at the Clearwaters, Billy.”

“And so, I did.”

“These are my friends Angela Weber and Lauren Mallory. You already know Leah, of course.”

“Leah, I’m glad you’re here. I was telling Jared and Paul the importance of maintaining good community relations. Let me introduce the rest of you to the boys.”

“Jared Cameron and Paul Lahote-meet Bella Swan and her friends Angela and Lauren.”

The moment Jared looked into the blonde girl’s eyes; his entire world shifted. Similarly, Paul Lahote felt like he was being lifted off his feet and transported, so his universe was one with the vixen in red.

“Wow,” Lauren breathed. “Something just happened.”

“Oh, yeah,” Bella agreed and then donned a brilliant smile. “I’m Bella,” she said to Paul. “Yeah, you are. Do you want to dance?”

Just as she was about to say yes, an unexpected visitor decided to join in the conversation. “Isabella, you may not dance with this boy. He is a… a…”

“Edward, what are you doing here? When you broke up with me in September, you told me that I wasn’t good for you and that you let our relationship go on for too long. You also said that my mind was like a sieve and that I’d soon forget you. You also promised that I will never see you again.” Bella put her hands on her hips. “Now, what the fuck are you doing here? Are you unable to keep a simple promise? Because I can one hundred percent tell you that you were correct, you are not good for me. I need something more in a man, a little more oomph and a heck of a lot more sensitivity, and you aren’t it. Now, please stay out of my way while I go dance with Paul.”

“I don’t want to get back together with you. It’s not the reason I’m here. Alice saw something.”

“Well, your eight-ball, and you have nothing to do with me, so stay out of my way and let me dance!”

Paul decided to step-in. “You want to leave Bella alone. She’s under my protection now,” he growled.

“Oh my God, Bella! That was so hot the way he said that” Lauren squealed.

“It was, wasn’t it?” She grinned.

“I can see that she is,” Edward replied, reading Paul’s mind. “I apologize.” The vampire turned back to Bella. “I need to talk to you. Alone.”

Bella exhaled a deep frustrated sigh. “Fine. We can talk in the corner there.” Paul tried to follow. “I’ll be alright. Just wait for me. I can’t wait to dance.”

Jared held back Paul. “She’ll be fine. There are people here, and they’re just in the corner where we can see them.” He turned to his imprint. “So, you’re Lauren. What grade are you in?”

“I’m a senior like Bella is.”

“So am I.”

“Geez, I can’t believe Jared Cameron is bringing on the charm,” Leah commented. “I thought I’d never see the day.”

“I can be charming,” he protested.

“Hey, Leah. I’m glad I found you. Would you like to dance?” Riley Biers approached, holding a rose. He handed it to her. “You’re beautiful as always.”

“I’d love to dance.” With that, she took his hand and disappeared onto the dance floor.

---

“What is it, Edward?” Bella asked impatiently. They were standing at the very corner of the bleachers where the food and drink supplies were stacked. There was no one to overhear them, but they were still within sight of everyone.

The vampire considered the girl in front of her. He had been in love with her. She was beautiful and vivacious, but she was not for him. They did not share the same values, and the girl was very much a product of the modern age. After he broke up with her, he did not miss her as much as he thought he would. Alice had sworn he would get over her, and she had been correct. It had been easy to get over her, but according to the seer’s visions, it had been a tough several weeks for Bella until she made some new friends.

“Like I said, Alice saw something.”

“And what exactly did she see?”

“She saw my mate.”

“I am not your mate, Edward.”

“No, your mate is the boy named Paul. You are his imprint. He is a wolf, as is the other boy Jared.”

“You’re kidding me?”

“He is definitely your soulmate, and Jared is Lauren Mallory’s soulmate. I read it in their minds.”

“Damn! The spell worked,” she muttered under her breath. She looked beyond Edward at Paul. He was definitely hot and built, too. She could see that he had strong shoulders and his arms… His arms were so defined from what he could see. He had his shirt sleeves rolled up neatly up to his elbows. He winked at her from where he was standing. She smiled back at him before reluctantly turning her attention back to the vampire.

Edward wondered what he ever saw in a girl who used such crass language. Well, she was in the past, but to move on, he needed Bella Swan’s help. There was no helping it. He had to tell her straight. “Alice saw that Angela Weber is my mate.”

Bella shook her head and then leaned over so she could take a look at Angela. Her friend was watching her with a concerned expression on her face. She looked as if she was a second away from coming to her rescue. Angela had been kind to her from day one. She was the one who took her under her wing and showed her around Forks High School. She also introduced her to all her friends. And after Edward broke up with her, she gave her space but always let her know she was there for her. Bella regretted her time with Edward because she had totally missed the fact that Angela, herself, was going through her own personal trauma. The girl was selfless and had enough conviction to stand up for her values-like not giving in to Ben’s demands for sex because she had taken a vow of purity.

The first thought that entered Bella’s mind was that Angela was indeed a good, kind person. The second thought that entered her mind was that Angela would be perfect for Edward. There had to be something wrong with that thought because, up until last weekend, she had been wallowing in self-pity about losing Edward. Now, all of a sudden, she was ready to hook her friend up with her ex.

And when she really considered the matter, Edward was perfect for Angela, too. They shared similar values. Being from the Victorian era, Edward did not believe in premarital sex, and Angela had taken a vow of purity. They were both excellent, kind people and the tiny spark of mischief that her friend had would benefit Edward.

“Of course!” Bella gasped. “She’s perfect for you, but I have one caveat. There are five of us, we have a sisterly bond, and you can identify us by our matching bracelets. You will not use your fucked up vampire logic and keep me away, my friend-even if she is changed. If you can’t agree to my terms, I won’t help you.”

“Bella, you are being stubborn and unreasonable, per your usual self. And there’s no need for swearing.”

“Okay, see ya, I guess you don’t need my help.” Bella tried to stride away from Edward, but he held her back. “Let me go!”

“Is there a problem?” Victoria questioned.

“What are you doing here?” Edward spat.

“She lives with me. She’s my sister.” Edward noticed that she had the same bracelet on as Bella, as did the two other girls heading their way.

“Bella, are you okay?” Angela questioned, approaching with Lauren. “Vicky, how was your dance with Mike?”

“It was marvelous! Mike is just getting us drinks.”

“You don’t drink, and you know it,” Edward muttered.

“Yes, I do!” Victoria dug her spiked heel into Edward’s shoe.

“Oh my God! That must have felt so good,” Bella commented. “I just lived vicariously through you for a moment.”

“Anytime you want me to hurt him for you, I will,” Vicky promised.

“Oh, you’re the best!” Bella gushed.

Edward never realized Bella had a violent streak, but then again, from what Alice had told him, she had suffered after their break-up, and he deserved anything and everything she hurled at him.

At this point, Paul and Jared, worried about their new imprints, proceeded to join the group.

“Bella, perhaps we can discuss this all together at my house after the dance. It would be better if Carlisle were there.”

“I’ll consider it.”

“Thank you. In the meantime, Angela, would you do me the honor of dancing with me.” He noticed she was wearing the beautiful blue prom dress that he and Alice had selected for Bella. Angela looked much better in it.

“I… I don’t…” Angela stuttered, glancing worriedly between Bella and Edward.

“Angela, it’s okay. Go and dance with him,” Bella suggested kindly. “Edward just might be your perfect match.”

The couple took off for the dance floor just as Mike Newton showed up holding a water bottle for Victoria. “Aww, thanks, Mike,” Bella reached for the drink before he could pass it to the vampire, who had a relieved look on her face.

“Hey! That water was for Vicky!” Mike stated, appalled.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I gave Vicky my water bottle earlier because she was so thirsty. She said I can have hers.”

“Oh.” Poor Mike looked deflated. “So, what’s going on? Cullen wasn’t harassing you, was he? You just let me know if he was. I’ll kick his ass for you.”

“Oh, don’t worry. I have friends.” Bella winked at Victoria, who giggled alongside her.

Mike and Vicky soon took off for the dance floor again.

“Can you please tell us what’s going on?” Paul asked. “Jared and I were concerned that lee… guy was bothering you.”

“Oh, he wasn’t bothering me at all. He needed my help with something.”

“What could Edward Cullen possibly need your help with?” Lauren asked.

Bella threw her hands up in the air. “Apparently, Angela is his soulmate.”

“What the fuck?” Lauren cried.

“Right? And the thing is, I think they’re perfect for each other. They’re both kind, and they have that vow of purity thing in common.”

“Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Are you saying that your friend Angela is the bloodsucker’s mate?” Jared asked.

“Excuse me! Victoria, one of our best friends, happens to be a vampire. Do you have a problem with that? Is there anything wrong with being supernatural?” Lauren turned to Jared, incensed.

“Jared doesn’t have a problem with the supernatural. It would be hypocritical of him if he did. Isn’t that right?” Bella had a smug expression on her face.

“What the hell do you know? Who told you about us?”

“Bella, what’s going on?” Lauren asked worriedly.

“Uh, Jared is your soulmate,” she casually tossed to throw her off from her line of questioning. She really didn’t want to discuss it here.

“He is? Oh my God! I knew we had a connection when you looked into my eyes. I felt it.”

“I felt it, too. Do you want to hit the dance floor?”

Jared and Lauren did not need further prompting. They disappeared along with the other couples.

Bella and Paul were alone in their little corner by the bleachers now. Paul regarded her with a quizzical expression on his face.

“I’m not easily distracted like Jared is.”

“I figured you weren’t.”

“Are you going to tell me about those vampires that you’re friends with?”

“Probably.”

Billy Black wheeled up to the pair. “Paul, did you just imprint on Bella?”

“He did,” Bella answered for him.

“How do you know I imprinted on you? And how do you even know about imprinting?”

“Old Quil told her,” Billy explained. “What am I going to tell your father? He’s already upset you dated a vampire. Now you’re permanently imprinted to a wolf.”

“My father knows?” Bella was not only surprised but appalled. “Are there no secrets anymore?”

“Maybe we got a little drunk when we were fishing the other day. Besides, Harry has a big mouth.” Billy took a sip of his water, most likely to cover up that he was the one with the big mouth. “Ah, well, you leave it up to me. I’ll tell him on Sunday while we’re fishing. It’ll take care of two birds with one stone. Your dad is going to be there, too, Paul.”

“I’m sure you will, Uncle Billy.” Bella gave him a hug.

“I should get back to the beverage table before Jacob and his friends clean us out.” Sure enough, they were stuffing their faces with brownies and cupcakes like there was no tomorrow. “Have fun, kids.”

They watched Billy return to the table, then turned to each other. Paul reached for Bella’s hand and walked with her to the bleachers where they sat, talked, and got to know each other. She realized immediately that he treated her with respect. He didn’t talk down to her, nor did he belittle her like Edward did.

Apparently, Paul lived on the reservation with his father, but he didn’t grow up there his entire life. He was born in Tacoma and moved to the reservation after his parents divorced when he was eight years old.

“We have that in common. My parents were divorced when I was a baby. I grew up mostly with my mother, but I came down here every summer to live with my dad.”

“You’re lucky. My mom walked out on us and never looked back. My maternal grandmother is still incensed about it, but she helped me to understand that everyone has to follow their own path in life. She stepped in to help raise me.”

“You must love her.”

“My grandma is the best. How about you? Do you get along with your grandparents?”

“I was unlucky in the grandparent department. My paternal grandparents and my maternal grandfather all passed away before I was born. My maternal grandmother was exceptional. She made me feel so loved, but then she died when I was seven years old.”

“I’m sorry.” Paul took her hand and squeezed it.

“For whatever reason, it was my fate. I’m not bothered by it at all. It’s what I grew up with and what I was dealt in life, just like you got a raw deal when your mother walked out on you. Do you even know where she is?”

“She contacts my grandmother occasionally, but she hasn’t returned to the area. She married a Greek gazillionaire. She sends her child support payment and yearly gifts on my birthday and Christmas. That’s it.”

“Wow. That’s kind of harsh.”

“Yeah, but like you, I’m used to it.” He smiled at his imprint, thinking how lucky he was to have her. She was open-minded and intelligent. For God’s sake, she already knew about imprinting. He’d have to thank Old Quil later for telling her about it.

On top of that, she was drop-dead gorgeous, and that red dress looked outstanding on her. He had an inclination to pull her into his arms and kiss her senseless. Perhaps he should dance with her. It would be an excuse to hold her, after all.

“Would you like to dance?”

Bella gave him her hand, and he led her to the dance floor, where he was able to hold her close, swaying to the music… together.