{"id":113,"date":"2024-08-13T13:54:25","date_gmt":"2024-08-13T13:54:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/meekobuggy.com\/?page_id=113"},"modified":"2024-08-13T14:16:08","modified_gmt":"2024-08-13T14:16:08","slug":"chapter-03","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/meekobuggy.com\/?page_id=113","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 03"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Chapter 03<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Rebekah insisted they\u2019d start the drive back the next day and had found them an amazing convertible that would be comfortable for all three of them. Bella objected to it for a moment, it was at least a two day drive if driving without stopping for sleep and food, she was afraid what would happen if she didn\u2019t get off the plane with her classmates the following day. Rebekah assured her it was going to be alright and that she had to consider it a big middle finger towards the Cullens. Bella did call her father though, about how she was travelling back with some new friends instead of with her classmates and how it would to take a few days longer for her to return. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol chipped in that a road trip sounded fun and off they went. They stopped in Shreveport for lunch and then drove straight through Oklahoma to Kansas where they stayed the night. Bella had to admit, it was fun and it gave the three of them to get to know each other better. Not to mention the throve of history details Rebekah was telling them about New Orleans so Bella at least could finish her paper. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most interesting part of the first part of the trip was when Rebekah and Kol were trying to remember and count the many times they had been sidelined by their siblings. While Kol was down for longer periods of time, Rebekah received the dagger treatment the most. Bella just sat in the back seat and watched the siblings bicker. Despite some of the subjects they were bickering about (murder, mayhem\u2026), she realized it would have been fun if she had had a sibling of her own when growing up. She liked being alone, but to see Kol and Rebekah act like a real brother and sister (opposed to the Cullens) was hilarious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day three saw them make a detour to Yellowstone National Park, just because they could. It was where Kol discovered he could still do magic, just not as powerful as in New Orleans. He tried to push his sister to the edge of a ravine, just for fun and Bella stopped him in time for his sister not to plunge down the mountain. Immortal or not, she wanted Rebekah in one piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The day after, they drove to Salem. It was Rebekah\u2019s revenge over Kol for trying to push her off the cliff the day before. Bella snickered when she told Rebekah it had been the wrong Salem, that she meant to visit Salem, Massachusetts, and not Oregon. Rebekah tried to cover up her mistake but Bella wasn\u2019t fooled, neither was Kol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When they arrived in Forks the next day, Rebekah commented that she could already tell Forks was the most dull town she\u2019d ever been in and that the weather was going to ruin her hair. Even Mystic Falls had something going for it and what kind of a name was Forks anyway? What was the next town called? Spoons?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella only made it worse by saying La Push was close by, which caused Kol to let out a maniacal giggle as Rebekah started off a rant about pushing Forks up someone\u2019s sparkly ass when she\u2019d get the chance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rebekah\u2019s ranting lasted up until they pulled up to the drive at the Swan house, with Rebekah letting out a whine. She found the house a bit too small for her liking, which let Kol to apologize for Rebekah\u2019s behaviour as sometimes she could be a little bit snobby. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow, remember, Cuddles,\u201d Kol said to Bella as they were getting out of the car. \u201cYou can greet your dad and all, but don\u2019t forget to invite Bekah in so she can compel your father.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m still not comfortable with that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, don\u2019t worry, little dove, it doesn\u2019t hurt and it\u2019ll be for the best. I mean, I\u2019m going to have to compel all the teachers at your school as well. It\u2019s an occupational hazard. Now, go greet your father.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella entered the house and found her father sitting at the dining table, polishing his gun, much in the same way when she brought Edward home for the first time. \u201cYou\u2019re glued to that gun, aren\u2019t you?\u201d Bella greeted him as she hugged him as tight as she could, glad to feel his strong arms around her again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou have questionable friends sometimes,\u201d Charlie muttered as he returned the hug. \u201cGlad to see you\u2019re okay, Bells.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course I am,\u201d she smiled at him. \u201cMy new friends made sure nothing happened to me. Oh, let me get them for you.\u201d She walked to the door and smiled. \u201cKaleb, Rebekah, are you two coming inside or what?\u201d She found it strange to call Kol, Kaleb<\/em>, but both he and Rebekah insisted as Kol wasn\u2019t the name on his passport. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charlie rose from his chair when Kol entered the house. Charlie tried to make himself taller than Kol, to exert authority. It didn\u2019t work, of course, as Kol was taller, end of. It was adorable though how her father tried. \u201cNice to meet you, Mr. Swan, Bella\u2019s told me all about you, I\u2019m Kaleb,\u201d he introduced himself and extended his hand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUh huh. You like fishing boy?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol had a slight panicked look on his face as he looked at Bella who sported a wide grin. \u201cI don\u2019t know, sir, I haven\u2019t tried yet, but I\u2019m willing to?\u201d He had done some fishing for food on a daily basis of course, when he was a child but it sucked. But for Bella he\u2019d try anything, though he wouldn\u2019t admit to it. Not yet. Maybe her father could make it fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charlie nodded as his lips curled into a small smile. His daughter\u2019s boyfriend almost ran for the hills when he mentioned fishing. He looked at the blond girl stepping inside his house and it reminded him of Edward\u2019s sister, whose name he didn\u2019t quite remember just now. He feared she was the same sort of woman and the way Edward\u2019s sister treated his little girl was cold and standoffish, he sinceriously hoped this was not the case with Kaleb\u2019s sister.. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy name is Rebekah,\u201d she introduced herself, extending her hand for Charlie to take it. When Charlie did, she pulled him closer and looked him in the eye. \u201cMy brother and I lost our parents recently and our guardian, our older brother Elijah, thought it would be a good idea for us to have a change of scenery while we try to heal from this horrible ordeal. We are forever grateful for you to open up your house to us and our brother will make sure to send you money to feed us. Your daughter assured our brother that you\u2019d look out for us as you\u2019d do with your own blood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, yes of course,\u201d Charlie muttered. \u201cIf I can\u2019t help other people, then what kind of police chief am I?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rebekah smiled as she released him from her hold and looked around. \u201cWhat a wonderful home you have, Mr. Swan. Are you sure you have beds for Kaleb and I?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Charlie said as he started to put away his gun. With his house now filled with teenagers it wasn\u2019t a good idea to have it laying around. \u201cJacob Black helped me clear the attic and helped me bring the beds up there\u2026\u201d he said before looking at Bella. \u201cUhm, sweetheart\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella looked at her father and saw the look on his face. It was the same look he had whenever he had to inform a family member someone had died. \u201cCharlie?\u201d she questioned a bit uneasy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know you\u2019ve just come home and you still need to unpack and all, but I\u2019d rather you hear it from me now than in passing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instinctively she moved closer to Kol and grabbed his hand. The Cullens had done something irreversible, she just knew it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSeth Clearwater died two days ago.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She felt the colour drain from her face. \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne of those animal attacks we\u2019ve been dealing with recently. He must have gotten too far away from home in the mountains, I\u2019m sorry sweetheart. Hadn’t he been discovered, we wouldn\u2019t have known.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho found him?\u201d She stammered, trying to keep herself from crying. Seth had always been one of her favourite kids at La Push. He was always happy and active and so pure of heart, knowing he wasn\u2019t there any more felt as if her heart was getting ripped apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEdward. He was quite shaken up by it.\u201d He took a step towards his daughter but when she turned into the boy, Kaleb<\/em>, stopped the approach. \u201cWant me to call him for you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Bella said as she ran up the stairs towards her room, finding Edward sitting on her bed. \u201cThe fuck!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey, Bella,\u201d he greeted her in his soft voice, his eyes begging for her to do the same as not to have the whole house listen in on their conversation. \u201cI suppose your father has told you about Seth?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not supposed to be here,\u201d she hissed. \u201cGet the fuck out, Edward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey now,\u201d he said as he got up and pulled her into his arms, locking her in. \u201cThat\u2019s no way to talk to me, Bella, I\u2019m glad you\u2019re home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEdward please,\u201d she said as she tried to wiggle her way out of his hold. \u201cYou killed him, didn\u2019t you? Because of New Orleans.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, I didn\u2019t,\u201d he said as he ran his hands through her hair. \u201cI did it because you broke so many rules and I told you there\u2019d be consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella growled and kneed him in the groin, ending up hearing bones shatter in her knee instead of having him letting go of her. \u201cOw fuck!\u201d she cried out. \u201cYou asshole! Get out of my house, now!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBella, everything alright, Cuddles?\u201d she heard Kol\u2019s voice from outside her bedroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou brought them here?\u201d Edward immediately let go of Bella, who thankfully fell on her bed. \u201cBella, I am disappointed, we\u2019re not done talking.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella saw Edward jump out of her window and cursed under her breath. Her knee fucking hurt. \u201cNo, everything\u2019s not alright,\u201d she whined as tears ran down her cheeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The door almost flew off its hinges before Kol stepped inside and he quickly made his way over to her side. “Rebekah said something about sparkles, but with your dad downstairs she couldn\u2019t be clearer nor rush upstairs… Was he here?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Gloating,” she said as she gritted her teeth and pulled up her jeans leg, revealing a knee which seemed to be in shambles and swelling up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“That looks painful,” Kol said shocked. “Did he hurt you?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I hurt myself,” she said as she shook her head. “Tried to knee him in the privates.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“That’s my girl,” Kol said with pride in his voice and put his arm around her. “Don’t worry cuddles, we’ll have you dancing in no time.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Funny,” she remarked. “I need to go to the hospital.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Nonsense,” he replied as he looked around. “Bekah, come have a look at Bella’s room! It’s marvellous! She has fairy lights!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though she was in pain, Bella blushed at the mention of the fairy lights. It was girly, whereas she didn’t like girly activities that much. She had to admit, the spa visit of the other day hadn’t been too bad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Oh, you’re right, this room is great!” Rebekah said as she took a quick look around before finding Bella in agony on the bed. “I knew it, he was here!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“There’s nothing you could have done without making Charlie suspicious,” Bella winced as Rebekah had taken a bite out of her wrist and was offering it to her. “Ew!” she exclaimed as she saw the blood appear from the two tiny holes on the other girl’s wrist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Just drink, little dove,” Rebekah’s tone of voice was kind as she sat down on the other side of her. “It’ll save you a trip to hospital.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“She kneed him in the privates,” Kol grinned at his sister while Bella still looked appalled by the idea of drinking vampire blood. “He didn’t get hurt, but it’s the thought that matters.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Well done,” she smiled at the girl before pressing her bleeding wrist to Bella’s mouth. “It’s just blood, darling, it will heal your knee.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She tried hard not to gag when she reluctantly started to do as told until Rebekah removed her wrist. Bella wiped off her mouth as she had the feeling there was blood everywhere. She hoped her stomach was strong enough to keep it down. Blood freaked her out. In the mean time, she saw the swelling of her knee go down and heard it snap back in place. It was hard not to panic because of the sensation. “Thank you, Rebekah,” she said softly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Next time you want to kick him, please do wait until I’m present so I can cheer you on,” she smiled at her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“So what was he gloating about then?” Kol asked as he gently rubbed Bella’s back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Killing Seth, but he said it was my fault because I broke the rules…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Unless you were the one to actually kill the boy, it really wasn’t,” Rebekah growled. Edward was showing tendencies she had experienced a lot with Klaus. “Can’t I just go and kill them all? It would make your life a lot easier.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“No!” Bella said shocked. “Absolutely not. They’re a big family with Carlisle being a doctor. Someone will miss them and no matter how discreet you’d be, it’ll be a mess.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Darling, even if I have to compel the entire town…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“You can take some fingers, how’s that?” Bella said after a moment of thought. “Then he pays for Seth’s death and it will prevent him from performing his favourite hobby.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“What? Beating you?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“He never beat me,” Bella rolled her eyes. “No, playing the piano is where his heart lies. Cold Ones don\u2019t need sleep and he can play all night and day if he wants to.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut killing is much more fun,\u201d Rebekah pouted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo killing in Forks, please.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFine, we\u2019ll do it your way,\u201d Rebekah responded with a deep, over dramatic sigh. \u201cI have to admit though, you said you weren\u2019t girly. I\u2019d say this room proves otherwise. It\u2019s elegant.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, and it will be the young man\u2019s room, I\u2019m afraid,\u201d Charlie said as he stood in the door opening. \u201cYou girls are in the attic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright,\u201d Kol said with a smile, already his mind was working overdrive. If Edtwat had a habit of sneaking in at night, he\u2019d be in for a surprise. It beat having to spell the windows so they wouldn\u2019t be able to be opened by any supernatural being. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow tired are you from travelling, Bells? If we\u2019re going to eat tonight we\u2019d need some groceries.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, we can go,\u201d Bella said with a nod. \u201cIt\u2019s a good opportunity to show these two around while you do your background checks, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m just going to call their brother,\u201d Charlie muttered as he walked away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am so glad I brought some toys with me,\u201d Kol smiled as he helped Bella to her feet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, ugh. Kol.\u201d Rebekah said, disgust was evident in her voice. \u201cI do not wish to know the details of your sex-life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou went there, Bekah, not me.\u201d Kol pointed out with a laugh. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella took them to the supermarket where they ran into Jacob. She hadn\u2019t spoken to Jacob in a long time and usually when he saw her, he\u2019d make sure he would be out of her way because Edward was with her, but now he just stood there and looked at her. His eyes seemed to have lost their sparkle, which was no wonder after what he was going through. \u201cLost your ball and chain, did you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella ran up to him and hugged him tight. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry about Seth, Jake\u2026\u201d she said softly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d he said after taking a deep breath and returning the hug. \u201cMe too\u2026 I swear, everyone\u2019s on a warpath. They\u2019ll get what\u2019s —- you\u2019re not going to tell them, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she shook her head as she let go of him. \u201cDo what you feel what\u2019s right.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey killed one of us, Bella, the treaty is no longer valid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know.\u201d When Jake didn\u2019t say anything but just looked at her, she spoke again. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI kinda expected you to call your boyfriend immediately, seeing as you two are two peas in a pod.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m not. When\u2019s the funeral?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to send him off tomorrow, if Leah ever lets go of his body that is. Will you be there?\u201d He asked hopeful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella looked over her shoulder and then back to Jacob. \u201cCan my friends come too?\u201d She asked carefully, knowing it was something special for an outsider to join in on a ritual, but to have her bring two extra, it was something else. \u201cThey\u2019re good people who are going to help me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHelp you with what? Get rid of Douchebag? Bella, I\u2019ve told you we\u2019d help you with that, why did you never ask us to? Why them and not us? We\u2019re almost family for fuck’s sake!\u201d he breezed. \u201cEspecially now Seth\u2019s gone\u2026 we want to help you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd I have told you, I don\u2019t want you to get hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBull.\u201d Jacob said before he stomped out of the supermarket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWas he your wolf friend?\u201d Kol asked as he and Rebekah followed Bella through the entry gates. \u201cQuite a temper, hasn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe\u2019s just upset,\u201d Bella sulked as she stuffed her hands in her pockets with a shrug. \u201cI don\u2019t blame him.\u201d Seeing Jake and how much in pain he was, made her only feel guilty again about Seth. She hadn\u2019t killed him but he was dead because of her and it made it worse. \u201cWhat are you in the mood for tonight for dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t want me to snack on people the next few weeks we need to pay a visit to the blood bank,\u201d Rebekah reminded her.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow did you survive the last few days?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t want to know, little dove,\u201d Rebekah smiled knowingly and pointed at some lettuce. \u201cHow about a salad for tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After paying for their groceries, Bella took them to the blood bank where it didn\u2019t take long for Rebekah to come back with a cooler filled with bags of blood. \u201cUhm\u2026 where are you going to keep all that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn your fridge, of course,\u201d Rebekah said with a shrug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat about Charlie?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll compel him to buy another fridge so I can use this one?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella was quiet as they walked back but turned around just before they would enter the house. \u201cAll this compelling won\u2019t scramble his brain, would it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Kol said as he opened the door for her. \u201cIt\u2019s safe. Rebekah knows what she\u2019s doing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After dinner, Charlie got a call from the station he needed to come in for some reason and left, which gave Rebekah the opportunity to bring their luggage up to the attic while Kol and Bella did the dishes. \u201cWould you like me to bring some of your belongings up to the loft, little dove? Such as your wardrobe and your beautiful fairy lights?\u201d Rebekah then called from the landing. \u201cNow your father and Kol won\u2019t have to do it!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSure, Rebekah, whatever you feel like doing!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella was pretty sure she could hear a squeal coming from upstairs and then looked at Kol, who was smirking. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe\u2019s probably going to decorate the entire loft now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, let her. This is going to be her home for the next couple of weeks,\u201d Bella smiled at him. \u201cWe could get you some stuff too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh yeah, such as?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cToy cars. GI-Joes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol sounded mortified. \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBarbies?\u201d Bella teased as she splashed a bit of washing up liquid at him. \u201cPink curtains?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStop it,\u201d he chuckled and smacked her ass with the towel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh! No, I know! I know!\u201d Bella said as she jumped around him. \u201cA princess bed and a wardrobe filled with tiaras.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOi!\u201d Kol snorted as he put his arms around her to stop her from jumping. \u201cWhat are you trying to tell me, dollface? That I\u2019m a fairy?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have wings,\u201d Bella shook her head as she looked up to him with the biggest smile on her face. \u201cBut we can fix that with one trip to the toy store.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou little minx,\u201d he smiled at her. \u201cDo that and I will have to take my revenge on you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh yeah? How?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBuy me a tiara and wings and you\u2019ll find out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rebekah had taken pleasure in making the attic a bit nicer to sleep in and Bella thanked Rebekah a million times for swapping one of the beds with her own so she could sleep in her own bed. Not that Bella slept easily. She knew she should be exhausted after the day she had had but all she could do was stare at the roof. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was in the middle of the night when she heard someone yelp, followed by a crash which made the house shake on its foundations, and some laughter she recognized as Kol\u2019s. She couldn\u2019t help but being curious. She quietly walked down the creaky stairs towards her room and peeked around the door Kol had left slightly ajar in case something was wrong. \u201cIs everything alright?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m sorry, did that wake you?\u201d Kol snickered as he flicked on the lamp on the bedside table and motioned for her to come in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, I can\u2019t sleep and you\u2019re lucky Charlie is a heavy sleeper, a bomb could go off next to his bed and he wouldn\u2019t wake,\u201d she said as she walked in and sat down on the side of the bed. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou see that?\u201d Kol pointed to the innocent looking statue at the window. \u201cIt sort of works as an electric fence, anyone touching the window or window sill who\u2019s not human gets a shock and is temporarily paralyzed as they drop to the ground.\u201d He then put his arm around her and wasn\u2019t surprised when she leaned into him, she had a habit of doing sot. \u201cWhy can\u2019t you sleep?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d she sighed as she rested her head against his shoulder. \u201cI think it has to do with Seth,  or that I finally dared to try to hurt Edward\u2026 or seeing Jake\u2026 I don\u2019t know. Maybe a combination of all the above. I\u2019ve been a horrible friend to Jake recently. And Seth\u2026 because of Edward…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m stopping you right there, Cuddles,\u201d he said gently. \u201cI know it\u2019s hard to accept, but none of this is your fault. Not even your decision to stay with Edward because you wanted to protect everyone who wasn\u2019t you. And we\u2019re going to change that. And yes, it\u2019s awful and you\u2019ll have to work through it, but all that, is not your fault.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can\u2019t just shake it off as if nothing happened.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know and you\u2019re not expected to, but it\u2019s not worth it to lose sleep over this,\u201d he said as he pulled her down with him as he lay back on the bed, making sure the both of them were comfortable. \u201cGo sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can\u2019t,\u201d she giggled. \u201cWhat if my dad finds us?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen Rebekah will tell him to forget. Now shush and sleep. You have a paper to work on tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

It was almost as if the Cullens were licking their wounds for the weekend and left Bella alone. She took the time to type out her paper on the computer and Rebekah hovered over her at times to make sure she got the details right. It was a little annoying, but Bella allowed her to because she was a great help as she had a great way with words. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol and Rebekah brought her to the edge of the reservation, hoping Bella would be safe amongst the wolves. They’d wanted to respect the rules of the tribe while Bella would go and see Seth off to the great beyond. She hadn\u2019t joined the mourning group, but stayed at a distance because she didn\u2019t feel like she belonged any more. Seth would have want her to be there and that\u2019s why she had gone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides, she had noticed that Seth\u2019s sister Leah and Paul Lahote weren\u2019t looking at her as if she was friendly. This scared her as both had issues with controlling their emotions and shift. She could see Sam tried to run interference but, it wasn\u2019t until Jacob dragged Bella towards his bike that she realized that the two wolves had been close to losing control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLeah blames you,\u201d Jake said as he drove down the road. \u201cThis shouldn\u2019t have happened.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That question only made him pull down the throttle even further, he wanted to be rid of her. \u201cYou made your choice when you chose him over me. Just be glad our fathers are still friends.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJake, no.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you hadn\u2019t chosen him, they would have moved on by now and most of us wouldn\u2019t have started to shift. If you hadn\u2019t chosen him, you and I would be great friends like we used to be, maybe even more. If you hadn\u2019t chosen him, you wouldn\u2019t have alienated everyone around you. You wouldn\u2019t have become this person that I don\u2019t know anymore. Your light wouldn\u2019t have gone out. If you hadn\u2019t chosen him, he wouldn\u2019t have killed Seth. Pure and simple. I don\u2019t know what you did to piss him off, but it\u2019s your fault Seth is dead.\u201d Jacob said as he hit the brakes upon seeing Bella\u2019s new friends. \u201cI hope they realize how toxic you are.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey are the ones who are helping me get away from them\u2026\u201d She whispered. She knew she had blown it with Jacob, and his attitude didn\u2019t surprise him one bit, but it still hurt to hear the words. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho are they, exactly?\u201d He said after taking a deep breath. \u201cYou\u2019re stuck to him like glue.\u201d He continued through gritted teeth as his body had tensed and gripped his handles tightly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey were the ones who chased them out of New Orleans. Thanks to them, I was able to stay there longer,\u201d she explained in hopefully such a way it wouldn\u2019t anger him any further. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo why did you allow them to get through to you and you shut us out?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella looked over towards Rebekah and Kol, who both watched them with careful eyes from their position across the treaty line. Rebekah at least could hear every word and nodded enough for her to continue. \u201cJake – you wouldn\u2019t believe everything that happened in Louisiana but I\u2019ll tell you if you want to know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath as if to calm himself before nodding. \u201cGo on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella got off the bike and moved so she could look at him before she started to tell the whole story. As expected, Jacob huffed or snorted at the mention of witches and how she fit in all of it. It wasn’t a surprise that he believed the part where she told him about how Rebekah was a different kind of vampire than the Cullens.  \u201cAnd as for getting through to me\u2026 they\u2019re taking being patient to the extremes,\u201d she admitted. \u201cIt\u2019s hard to let go of things I\u2019m used to and the best thing is, they\u2019re not forcing me to do anything I don\u2019t want to. They asked what I wanted to do in New Orleans or, once they got to know me, surprised me to take me somewhere I liked.\u201d She then grinned. \u201cI hurt myself the other day when we got into town and instead of leaving me alone, they healed me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow did you hurt yourself?\u201d Jake asked, his usual concern for her returning quick before he forced himself to push it away. He blinked through confused eyes as he looked her over for the bruising and damage that would normally be on her. \u201cWhere did you hurt yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella lifted up her knee and pointed at it. \u201cHe was waiting for me when we got back, ambushed me in my bedroom and held me tight. All I could do was try and hurt him\u2026 so I kneed him\u2026 and broke my knee. I should have known better. He\u2019s this marble statue and I\u2019m breakable,\u201d she said with a shrug. \u201cBut I stood up for myself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I kill him?\u201d Jacob asked, almost whispering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan you leave Edward to me?\u201d She whispered back. \u201cYou can have anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBella, I\u2019m shocked,\u201d He laughed. \u201cYou break your knee while trying to hurt him and you want him all to yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYup.\u201d She then nodded to Kol and Rebekah. \u201cThe three of us have a plan. We devised it on our way over here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Bella. We\u2019ve been on them ever since Seth died, I can\u2019t tell them who to pick.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTrust me, Edward won\u2019t get off easy while we\u2019re still here, he\u2019ll pay for Seth. But I want to be the one to\u2026 you know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou want to get him to New Orleans?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella nodded in response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMagic is the stuff of legend, or fairytales.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo is shifting into a wolf or vampirism,\u201d she pointed out. \u201cAnd yet, here you are.\u201d She could have sworn she heard Kol snicker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFine. I\u2019ll see what I can do.\u201d Jacob sighed as he ran his hand through his hair. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Bella, but I have to inform you that you\u2019re no longer welcome on the reservation for the time being but you and I can still hang out if you want.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019d like that,\u201d she said with a nod. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He then nodded towards Kol and Rebekah. \u201cThey don\u2019t pose a threat to the tribe?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she shook her head with a smile. \u201cAlthough they both may call you toy dogs or puppies when they see you when you\u2019re a wolf, all nice and fluffy.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMean,\u201d he said with a chuckle and planted a kiss on top of her head. \u201cSee you soon then, Bella. Take care of yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSee you, Jake,\u201d she smiled at him and watched him speed off. She then walked over to Rebekah and Kol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t even apologize to you, how rude.\u201d Rebekah noted as she checked Bella for new marks or scratches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAt least he calmed down enough to hear what I had to say,\u201d Bella said as she looked at Rebekah. \u201cThey didn\u2019t hurt me. Jacob pulled me away the moment some of them were starting to lose their cool with me present there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd then he almost lost it,\u201d Kol pointed out. \u201cVolatile shifters then?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJake would never hurt me. If he feels like he\u2019s going to lose it when I\u2019m around, he tells me to go away or he walks away to calm himself. They\u2019re all emotional right now, and I don\u2019t blame them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d Rebekah said with a small smile. \u201cBut tomorrow I can take some fingers, yeah?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou want to get expelled on your first day of school?\u201d Bella snorted as they got into the car. \u201cCharlie will not be happy about that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTomorrow evening then,\u201d Rebekah smirked. \u201cHey, does your school have a cheerleading team?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first day back at school after the New Orleans trip started off on the right foot, Bella thought sarcastically as they drove up to the parking lot. As usual, the Cullens were standing in one group together. It was drizzling and overcast and they hadn\u2019t hurried themselves into the building as much as Bella had hoped they\u2019d do. She had parked the car but didn\u2019t dare to step out as she kept looking at them, afraid what might happen when she would.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing to be afraid of, Bella,\u201d Kol said as he gently squeezed her hand. \u201cThey won\u2019t do anything in a crowded car park, it would be quite stupid of them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rebekah handed her her old phone. \u201cYou\u2019re going to march up there and you\u2019re going to hand him his phone back and tell him that you\u2019re coming by tonight to pick up your things.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat? In the middle of the parking lot?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh yes,\u201d Rebekah said with a big grin on her face. \u201cRight in front of everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can\u2019t do that!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, this is getting old,\u201d Rebekah sighed as she got out of the car. \u201cI swear I wish I could compel some confidence in you but I can\u2019t. So you\u2019re going to get your arse out of the car or I will pull you out and throw you into his arms.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Rebekah,” Kol warned his sister before helping Bella out of the car. He put his arms on Bella’s shoulders and made her look at him. “You can do this. You’re going to start with the easy part, stroll up to them and greet them. You’ll hand Mary-Alice’s husband the proof that she’s not who she says she is. And then, you’ll address yourself to Edward,” he said in a calm tone of voice. “Rebekah and I will be right behind you, alright, Cuddles?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Just like we discussed,” Bella said with a slow nod.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Exactly, pet. I know it’s different to execute the plan for real but you can do this. I know you can and so does Rebekah.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rebekah leaned against the car when Bella walked to the Cold Ones and sighed deep. “I have to admit, brother, humanity suits you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol scoffed. “I’m a wanker.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Not to her, you’re not. It’s refreshing and sweet how you handle her,” she then cocked her head as she kept her eye on Bella. “She has an awful posture though…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella bit her lip as she approached the Cullens. She wanted to put her hands in her pockets but with the binder and the phone in both hands, she was unable to. They all stared at her and she lowered her head, she didn\u2019t want to see them looking at her. She scowled when she felt a nudge from Kol in her back and lifted her head up again. Witches were assholes. \u201cThank you for leaving me in New Orleans,\u201d she smiled at them. \u201cIt was what I needed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood, are you back to your senses now?\u201d Edward remarked as he took a step towards her at the same time as she took a step back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPlease wait your turn,\u201d Bella said politely before looking at Jasper. \u201cI ate so many good things, especially desserts. At points, I felt as if I could explode but it felt great, it reminded me how good food is, how good life is. I had a lot of fun discovering parts of New Orleans, parts of myself, without you.\u201d She then looked at Edward. \u201cAnd then I realized you weren\u2019t helping me to become a better person, you were holding me back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBella, that\u2019s not true and you know it,\u201d Edward pleaded. \u201cWe take care of you, we\u2019ve opened our home, our lives, up to you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am not done.\u201d She shot at him before looking back at Jasper. \u201cMy new friend recognized Alice, he said he knew her from way back when and that she was someone we believed she was not.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat are you talking about, Bella?\u201d Jasper asked with a friendly tone of voice. Bella had always liked Jasper. He was much like Kol, being the sibling who was thought of as \u2018lesser\u2019 and \u2018special needs\u2019 while he was a beautiful person on the inside. He was loyal to a fault, though, and that was the biggest problem she had with him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella noticed Alice had turned paler than her usual complexion and smiled widely at Jasper. \u201cI\u2019ve brought you some light reading, to back up what I just said. She has a lot of skeletons in her closet, Jasper, I just thought you should know.\u201d She handed him the folder and then walked over to Edward, who was trying to control his rage, she could tell by how his nostrils were flaring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rebekah and Kol had been right; it was for the best to do this in public. She handed him his phone back. \u201cWe need to talk, you and I.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, we don\u2019t, Bella,\u201d he said as he frowned at the phone. \u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s me returning your property.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d He took a step closer as he straightened himself up He knew Bella would be intimidated by his confidence, even if he was faking it. Bella knew there was a chance that he itched to get his hands on her but he knew that he was likely going to lose control if he did and hurt her. Can\u2019t hurt the human, but the human could hurt herself on him instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBecause I have my own phone now,\u201d Bella said as she looked up to him. \u201cI expect you handling by property at your house with care when you pack them for me. I\u2019m coming by tonight to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be stupid,\u201d he scoffed as he handed her the phone back and nodded towards Rebekah and Kol. \u201cHave they been filling your mind with things you shouldn\u2019t concern yourself with? Now is not the time to do things you are doing, Bella, we\u2019re the only ones who can protect you from the Volturi.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, sorry Edward, you\u2019re not,\u201d Bella shook her head as she thrust the phone back into his hands. \u201cI want you to stay away from me, all of you. And you and I will talk tonight.\u201d When she walked away, Edward grabbed her arm tightly and pulled her to him. \u201cLet me go,\u201d she told him as she looked at him. \u201cI\u2019m asking you once.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd then what?\u201d Edward smirked at her. \u201cBreak your knee, again?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She growled as she stomped on his foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRelax, Bella,\u201d Jasper said after some nudging from Alice and placed his hand on her shoulder. She had been so focused on Edward that she hadn\u2019t expected Jasper to touch her and calm her down. She had always wondered why he was able to manipulate her emotions like that. Maybe it was because his power, combined with the emotions, worked on a different level from what her body was shielding her from. They had been so careful with making decisions because of Alice, but she hadn\u2019t taken Jasper in account because she had considered him a good boy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome along now,\u201d Edward said as he started to pull her with him. \u201cIt\u2019s time to end this nonsense and get back to normal. You\u2019re acting really unbecoming<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, please,\u201d she said with a whisper. \u201cLet me go.\u201d She wasn\u2019t feeling angry anymore, in fact, she didn\u2019t think she was feeling anything at all and she had lost the will to fight. It was wrong. She knew it was wrong, but she couldn\u2019t fight Jasper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before she knew it, Jasper\u2019s hand was off of her and she was in Kol\u2019s arms with Rebekah pinning Edward against the nearest wall, waving Jasper\u2019s thumb in his face. \u201cShe asked you nicely. Many times. See this? Lay another finger on her and one of your siblings, or yourself, will lose more than just a thumb, got it, pup?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the other Cullens moved in to avoid further escalation or for an attack, Rebekah looked over her shoulder with a smirk and her vamp face on. \u201cOh, don\u2019t even try, porcelain dolls, you\u2019ll be next, no matter how the girl begs me not to hurt you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She then focused back on Edward. \u201cYou\u2019re going to stay away from her, sparkles. She\u2019ll come by your house tonight to pick up her belongings and tell you where you stand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Edward just looked at Rebekah with an amused smile on his face. \u201cYou\u2019ll lose. You don\u2019t know her as well as you think you do, she\u2019ll come round.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t bet on it. Now get your asses inside or do I have to throw you in?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you okay?\u201d Kol asked Bella as she was visibly upset. He gently started to rub her back as he held her close. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI did it,\u201d she said with a slight chuckle. \u201cI did it and it was going fine until Jasper\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou did it and you were brilliant,\u201d Kol agreed. \u201cI\u2019m so proud of you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut Jasper\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNope. Not hearing it, Cuddles, you were amazing. End of.\u201d When he had noticed she had stopped shaking, he let go of her and put an arm around her. \u201cLet\u2019s go and learn something new, shall we?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella had to admit, she liked the way she was positioned in class right now. She was in front of the class, which was stupid, but she had Kol next to her and Rebekah behind her. And on her other side was the door. She felt safe, she felt sane and for the first time in a long time, she felt  she could really see this through; getting her revenge on Edward and then some. The small smirk that appeared on her face stayed for the rest of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She decided to be a bit daring with dinner that night, only to congratulate herself a bit further by preparing the salmon Billy had left hanging on the door for them. She usually cooked something quick and easy for her and Charlie and had done so the last two days for the four of them. Gutting the salmon was messy and smelly work, but the meal would be cooked quickly. She decided to serve it with baked potato and some asparagus and all they had to do now was to wait for Charlie to come home while Rebekah had a light snack out of the fridge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never done high school,\u201d Kol said as he leaned against the kitchen counter and watched Bella work. \u201cIt\u2019s an unusual experience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow so?\u201d Rebekah asked with a grin. \u201cAll those sweaty teenagers who think they\u2019re more important than others trying not to pay attention in class while pretending to pay attention in class, with all its little subcultures in the school\u2026 all ready to be played like violins.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s boring.\u201d Kol said, rolling his eyes. \u201cI almost fell asleep during the classes. That Mrs. Goff is terrible at Spanish and English? Don\u2019t make me laugh. It\u2019s not English what they\u2019re teaching.\u201d He then looked at Bella. \u201cYou really suffer through this every single day? You\u2019d better hope I don\u2019t claw my brains out of me ears from boredom.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll get used to it,\u201d Bella smiled at him. \u201cAt least you\u2019re good at pretending to listen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was fun to pop open buttons from random classmates, yes,\u201d He said with a nod. \u201cOr open a drawer just as the teacher walked by\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOr heavily snoring during biology\u2026\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat wasn\u2019t me,\u201d Kol said innocently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, it was,\u201d Rebekah laughed. \u201cI would have done the same, really. I mean, there\u2019s only so much you can learn about the human anatomy from text books. It\u2019s much more entertaining to just grab a human and rip open the chest cavity and see what\u2019s going on. But seeing as this is your senior year, does that mean there\u2019ll be a dance at the end of it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella winced. She had been lucky to duck out of the spring dance this year because of her trip to New Orleans but she hated the dance. \u201cYes\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, we need to go shopping then, little dove.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t have to go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, we are.\u201d Rebekah said, her face looking even more resolved than it had before. \u201cSomehow I always miss the dance when I\u2019m in high school.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol snorted as he saw how uneasy Bella was and how much his sister was already looking forward to it. \u201cIt will be fun. When\u2019s graduation?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNext month\u2026\u201d Bella said as she looked at the door. She could have sworn she heard Charlie\u2019s car park next to hers and he could come in any moment. When he did, he was busy talking on his phone about the recent killings in Seattle. She walked over to him to give him a hug and then set the table while Kol helped her while Rebekah hid the evidence of her snack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow was your first day at your new school, Kaleb?\u201d Charlie said after he hung up and grabbed a beer from his own fridge. \u201cIt smells nice, Bells,\u201d he smiled at her and kissed the top of her head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s smaller than what Bekah and I are used to, but I suppose that\u2019s better, too.\u201d Kol replied with one of his rehearsed lines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charlie hummed in response as he sat down at the table. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow was your day, Charlie?\u201d Bella asked as she sat down and was soon joined by Kol and Rebekah. \u201cWhat\u2019s this about Seattle?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, nothing. Just a couple of missing kids, we\u2019ve been asked to keep an eye out,\u201d he said as he took a swig of his beer. \u201cI have to stop by the garage tomorrow to get a dent out of my car though. It felt as if a boulder was thrown off the bridge right on top of the car but when I stopped all I could see was a dent and no boulder. Must be the weather playing tricks on the metal or something.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you sure, Mr. Swan?\u201d Rebekah asked concerned. \u201cDo you think you were targeted<\/em> specifically, maybe?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He snorted. \u201cDon\u2019t be silly, we\u2019re in Forks, not some big city.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They continued the meal in silence and when Bella was clearing the table she spoke up again. \u201cWe\u2019re going over to Edward\u2019s for a bit. We won\u2019t be long.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI would have thought he\u2019d have come by this weekend.\u201d Charlie said with a nod. \u201cYou two are always together, joined at the hip.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m trying to change that,\u201d Bella replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell then, let me worry about those dishes and you go over to Edward\u2019s.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella couldn\u2019t help but check out the damage to her father\u2019s car when they got outside and sighed. There was a butt shaped dent on top of the cabin. \u201cFucking Emmett,\u201d she muttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow do you know?\u201d Rebekah inquired as she looked at the dent. \u201cI mean, it looks like an arse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEmmett has a thing for jumping on cars,\u201d Bella replied as she opened the door to her own car. \u201cThey\u2019re trying to scare me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIs it working?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella huffed. What was she supposed to say to that? Yes? Yes, it scared her because they were going after Charlie. She also knew it was a scare tactic and that they probably wouldn’t hurt him but the possibility was there. No, she wasn\u2019t scared because she had never felt more safe as than with Kol and Rebekah. And she felt guilty about it because Charlie – and Ren\u00e9e, in a way – always taught her to fight her own battles. She figured the rules were different seeing as her battle was against the supernatural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The more she thought about what Emmett had done while driving towards the Cullen house, the angrier she got. His brother Edward still had to pay for killing Seth and in general, everyone else had to pay for being fucktards. Simple as that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They had set up a plan while they were still in New Orleans where she and Kol were able to hide them all from Alice\u2019s sight and she knew that they had to stick to it. She had wanted the plan so she could get her own revenge on the Cullens instead of having Rebekah kill them all. At the moment, it was tempting to abandon the plan and let Rebekah have a go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carlisle was waiting for them at the house, arms crossed over his chest and he looked angry. The moment Bella stepped out of the car he stood in front of her. If she hadn\u2019t taken a step to close the door, he surely would have pinned her against the car. \u201cWhat have you done, Bella?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNothing?\u201d Bella said confused. \u201cI drove my friend\u2019s car?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re upsetting the dynamic in this family, that\u2019s what you\u2019re doing. Get inside the house. Your friends can wait outside.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going inside the house,\u201d Bella said stubbornly as she leaned against the car with her arms crossed over her chest. \u201cEdward can come outside.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBella, don\u2019t do this,\u201d Carlisle said kindly as he put his hand on her shoulder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She could feel a slight tug and sighed. \u201cEdward can come outside,\u201d she repeated. \u201cAnd please get your hand off of me.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol had rounded the car and stood close by while Rebekah just stared at Carlisle, waiting to snap off one of his limbs if he didn\u2019t comply with Bella\u2019s request. Kol felt proud of his girl for standing up for herself and then realized he had thought of Bella as his. He had entertained the idea but to be actually thinking it was something completely different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re being difficult,\u201d Carlisle said as he removed his hand from her, probably prompted by Edward and Alice in his head. Bella had always hated that kind of telepathy. Or telepathy in general. She preferred it the way it was with her, with them not being able to get inside her head at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAm I?\u201d Bella looked up to him. \u201cEdward. Outside. Now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Chapter 03 Rebekah insisted they\u2019d start the drive back the next day and had found them an amazing convertible that would be comfortable for all three of them. Bella objected to it for a moment, it was at least a two day drive if driving without stopping for sleep and…<\/p>\n

Continue reading<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":96,"parent":98,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-113","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nChapter 03 - MeekoBuggy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Chapter 03 - MeekoBuggy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Chapter 03 Rebekah insisted they\u2019d start the drive back the next day and had found them an amazing convertible that would be comfortable for all three of them. Bella objected to it for a moment, it was at least a two day drive if driving without stopping for sleep and... 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