Chapter 18
903 Words
Bella’s P.O.V
Once I put in my contacts, I strolled into the well-lit living room. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow. I plopped down on the couch next to Edward, feeling the soft cushions sink under my weight as I waited for my dad to show up.
“I hope my dad notices nothing,” I said.
Jacob walked into the living room. “He won’t. I taught you everything,” he said.
I gave a nervous nod. To help me relax, Edward gave me a soothing back rub that eased away the tension. The sound of a car pulling in reached my ears. Carlisle opened the door downstairs as Charlie walked up to the house.
“Hello, Charlie,” Carlisle said.
“Where’s Bella?” Dad asked.
Carlisle signaled for Charlie to come in and led him over to me.
When my dad came upstairs, he looked worried. Spotting me with Edward on the couch, he said, “Bella.”
“Hi, dad,” I said.
“Are you okay?”
“Never better. Healthy as a horse.”
“You don’t turn into an animal, either? Do you?”
I smiled, shaking my head in disbelief. Jacob spoke up, turning and squeezing his shoulder. “She wishes she was that awesome,” he said.
“Let’s give them privacy,” Edward said, standing up.
Carlisle and Jacob followed Edward out of the living room. They left me alone with Charlie, who came to sit beside me. I resisted the urge to murder him because of the horrendous odor emanating from his body.
“Uh... Jacob said that this was necessary. What does that mean?” Dad asked.
“I think it would be better...” I responded.
Charlie interrupted me, yelling, “No, I want to know what happened to you!”
“I can’t tell you,” I said.
“I deserve an explanation.”
“You do, but I can’t stay here if you need one.”
“Oh, come on! No! No more going away!”
“Dad, you’re going to trust that, for whatever reason, I’m alright. I am more than alright. Can you live with that?”
“Can I live with that? Well, I do not know, Bella. I watched a kid I have known his entire life turn into a gigantic dog. My daughter looks like my daughter, but she doesn’t.”
“Can you believe I’ll tell you anything you need to know?”
“Do I not need to know this?”
“No. Not really, you don’t.”
“Well, I will not lose you again. I can’t.”
“Then, you won’t. I promise.”
Dad walked over, hugged me, and said, “I missed you, Bells. So much.”
“I missed you too, dad.”
While we were hugging, Edward walked in with Renesmee, causing us to break apart.
“Hey, this is Renesmee,” Edward introduced her to Charlie.
I walked over to Edward and stood beside him.
My dad’s eyes widened, curious. “Your niece?” he asked, surprised.
“Our daughter,” Edward responded.
“Right. The adoption.”
Dad glanced at Renesmee in curiosity. “Renesmee?” he inquired.
I nodded. Charlie glanced at Renesmee and me. “She’s got your eyes, Bella,” he said. “I guess I need to know.”
I nodded my head again, smiling. With a smile, Dad announced he should leave.
“I’ll walk you out,” I offered.
We headed downstairs, and we stopped at the door. I opened the door and headed outside.
“Bye, Dad,” I said.
Charlie hugged me, and I hugged him back one more time. Then Edward emerged as Charlie got in his car and drove away.
“Bella,” Edward said.
“Yeah,” I said.
“It’s best to stay for your father.”
“I know,” I nodded, acknowledging the understanding.
Emmett walked out. “Well done, Bella. I’ve never seen a newborn show that kind of restraint,” he said.
I smiled.
“But I’m not sure if you are a newborn. You’re so... tame.” Emmett said.
“Emmett, don’t antagonize her. She’s the strongest one in the house.” Edward said.
“Please,” Emmett said.
I looked at him like I wanted a challenge. Emmett wanted to arm wrestle on a rock in the forest.
When we got there, Edward spoke. “Don’t hurt yourself, Emmett,”
Emmett and I got into a position to start.
“Alright, on three. One, two... three!” Carlisle said.
While arm wrestling, I gave my all and won in a minute. Applause followed. I glanced at Edward and exclaimed, “Did you see that?”
A warm, genuine smile spread across Edward’s face. I shattered the nearby rock with a powerful punch, reducing it to rubble and dust. As the sun rose, its warm rays beckoned me forward, guiding my steps toward its radiant glow.
“Bella, where are you going?” Edward asked, grabbing my arm.
“I’ll be right back.”
Edward released his grip on my arm. I continued walking towards the warm sunlight. The warm sun caressed my skin when I arrived, making it sparkle in the sunlight. My time as a human was over, but I never felt more alive. I was born to be a vampire.
- Writer
