Waiting For My Real Life To Begin
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 15
Bella sat back in stunned disbelief. Pregnant? Oh god… a baby?
She looked over at a smirking Emily. "Could this be why I've been such a raging, weepy bitch the past couple of weeks?"
Emily laughed, her brows reaching her hairline. "My, my, times must be very different in the future, but yes pregnancy will do that to a woman."
Bella nodded and looked down at her lap, still stunned. "Forgive me. My verbal filter is shot all to hell at the moment…"
Emily hooted quietly with a chuckle. "It's all right doll. Best you get it all out now before facing your husband, or anyone else for that matter."
Bella set her tea cup to the side. "Fuck me… a baby…" Tears came to her eyes and she covered her face with both hands as she began to cry. "Oh shit, what am I going to do? I mean… me? A mother? No! I can't do this! I'm too young! I have no fucking clue how to do this! My mother…"
She looked up imploringly at Emily. "Don't get me wrong, she did her best and I love her, but she was a shit mother and she's the only example I've ever had! And this day and time… oh god! There aren't even disposable diapers right now! Jesus! And childbirth?! There aren't any epidurals or modern drugs!" She stood and paced frantically now as Emily calmly watched, sipping her tea, eyes sparkling away with amusement that she concealed carefully behind her tea-cup.
It was at this moment that Damon walked back into the room carrying the unneeded bag and Bella rounded on him. "You! You bastard! Why didn't you warn me this could happen so soon! Some father you are! A little guidance would have fucking helped there Pops! God damn it! I'm not ready!" Damon stood there, dumbfounded as she advanced on him, her volume rising the longer her rant went on.
"I thought I had a couple of years before facing such a thing! And you and Renée were no kind of fucking road map, that's for damn sure! I was doomed from the start with you two! God must fucking hate me or something!"
He was just becoming pissed enough to say something when Bella broke down into sobs right where she stood, and he shot a bewildered, if slightly pissed off look at Emily who shrugged one shoulder.
He set the bag down and took Bella by the shoulders. "Enough. Just what the hell are you raving about? You're not making a damn bit of sense, and I'll take the blame for a lot of things in your life, but I don't have a clue what I've done this time. Hell, I haven't even been around to have done anything."
He looked over at Emily again when Bella just continued to cry, hands firmly over her face. Emily gave him a shake of her head, and he sighed, pulling Bella into his arms.
"Che cosa è la mia dolce ragazza ? Cosa c'è di sbagliato ? Mi dica , per favore ?" ("What is it my sweet girl? What's wrong? Tell me, please?")
He handed her a clean handkerchief and she dried her eyes as she answered. "Papà, sono incinta." (Dad, I'm pregnant.")
His eyes widened and he stared down at his daughter as she clutched to him, shaking. "Merda. Non c'è da stupirsi che stai agendo matto." ("Shit. No wonder you're acting crazy.")
He groaned as she gut punched him and backed away, shooting him a dirty look as he straightened up, rubbing his middle. "Damn kid. I didn't mean anything by it, but you sort of blindsided me with the news. You shouldn't spring grandparenthood on a guy so suddenly."
She glared. "How the hell do you think I feel?"
He sat down and picked up his drink, swallowing a liberal portion of it before looking at his daughter. "So, this is what the rant was all about when I came in here? You blame me for this?" He raised his brows at her nod.
"Forgive me, but being that you were raised in modern times, I didn't think the whole ‘Where babies come from’ discussion was necessary daughter. Now it's a little late for the ‘Tab A into Slot B' talk, but I'm pretty sure you can figure out that there's no room in there for me to exist or take blame. In this instance, I was ever, and remain, completely innocent."
She started to say something and he held up a hand. "Ah! No, you let me have this moment. It's not often I get to savor such a thing after all." He smirked and saluted her with his glass and she huffed, sitting down in a graceless heap on the ottoman.
"Fine, it's not your fault, per se, but you could have warned me that it could happen so soon! I'm not ready for this!"
He pinned her with a flat look. "Did you really think it was all just fun and good times Bella? Really? This eventuality never entered your mind?"
She looked off into the distance with a dreamy sigh. "Well, I did enjoy it…especially when…"
"Ah, jesus! Stop!"
Emily cackled as Damon got a decidedly sour look on his face. "Really Bella, there are some things that a father just doesn't need to know, and that was a big one."
She straightened herself and smirked at him. "You brought it up…"
He scowled as he cut her off.
"…to make a point! It certainly wasn't to find out things that I don't ever, ever want to know, thanks very much. I don't even want that kind of thing fleeting through my mind, understand?"
She grinned wickedly at him. "Fine Grampy. I won't bring up my fantastic sex life ever again."
Damon glared at Emily whose shoulders were now shaking as she wiped at her tears of laughter. "You're not helping."
She slapped her leg as she wheezed in a breath. "I haven't laughed this hard in I couldn't tell you when! You two are just… oh lordy!"
Damon got up to refill his glass at the sideboard. "When are you going to tell your husband?"
Bella sobered instantly, wringing her hands together in her lap. "I don't know."
Damon turned and looked at her with one brow cocked. "He needs to know Bella. It's not fair to keep him in the dark."
She shrugged. "I'll tell him. I'm just not sure when, that's all. There are so many things that I need to tell him, but I just don't know how."
He took a drink. "Well, you generally sit down together and start talking."
She looked at him incredulously. "Right Dad, and what do I start with. 'Um, Jasper honey, I'm really from the future, when I knew you as a vampire, which I'm a half vampire by the way, but not the same kind you were, and we figured out you are my mate, but my Dad, who's also a vampire, didn't like your kind of vampire, so we asked a witch to cast a spell to send us back in time to find you as a human so that I could marry you before you joined the Confederacy and became a vampire' Is that how you propose I tell him Dad?"
Damon took a drink and smirked. "No, I was thinking along the lines of 'Honey, you're gonna be a daddy.' Let the rest work itself out as it may."
She slumped, hanging her head. "Yeah, and I will. Soon, but not today. I need time to… shit, I just need some time."
There was a knock and Charles stepped in. "The mid-day meal is ready Mrs. Whitlock."
She smiled. "Thank you Charles. We'll be right there."
She stood and walked to the door. "Shall we?"
Damon held the door for them and Bella led them to the small dining room. They all sat but Jasper was still absent, as he had been several times over the past weeks so it was nothing new to Bella.
The maid stepped forward and Bella nodded. "Go ahead Helen. I'm not sure Mr. Whitlock will be joining us after all."
"Yes Ma'am."
Damon shook out his napkin and placed it in his lap. "This happen often?"
Bella smiled wanly. "Yes, it's been quite frequent lately. He's very busy with the railroad and shipping people."
She shrugged. "Sometimes he has the mid-day meal with associates so they can continue to talk business. There have been a few times he's brought them here but most times, they go to the restaurants that are closer to his offices."
The maid finished serving and they began eating. Bella glanced over to Emily. "Is this your first time in Texas Miss Bennett?"
Emily took a sip of water and dabbed her lips with her napkin before answering. "It is. I've traveled extensively, but never here in Texas. I like it so far. It's been beautiful and it's not quite as humid as Virginia, which is a welcomed change."
Bella nodded. "Yes, the humidity does take some getting used to, especially in these cursed heavy skirts."
Emily smiled. "Not used to them yet? What are you used to?"
Damon cleared his throat and glanced at the hovering servants.
Emily nodded and Bella took a sip of water. "So father are you done with your travels for a time?"
"Yes, I don't foresee having to go anywhere for a while yet, that is, if Miss Bennett consents to staying here for a time."
She inclined her head. "I do. I'd like to be here to help with the arrival of the little one. I'm a very good midwife."
Damon watched the color drain from his daughter's face and he smiled. "That's wonderful to hear, isn't it Bella?"
She shot her father a dark look. "Not sure I'd use that term, but it does give a certain amount of comfort. Perhaps you'd like to stay on here Miss Bennett instead of a stuffy old bachelor's home?"
Emily giggled and Damon smirked. "Stuffy daughter? I have never been and will never be stuffy."
Bella smiled at Emily, one brow raised. "My mistake. Just old then. He can't very well dispute that one, now can he?"
Emily laughed and Damon stared at Bella with a flat look. "Insolent brat."
He shifted his attention back to Emily. "Feel free to take up the invitation if you're of a mind to Miss Bennett. You'd probably be much happier here than at my estate. You'd not be as lonely here, that's for certain. I don't spend a lot of time at home due to business and social engagements."
Emily smiled and nodded. "Very well then. I accept Mrs. Whitlock. Thank you."
Bella smiled at her. "I'll welcome the company Miss Bennett, believe me. It can get lonely here at times."
Damon rose from his seat. "I'll have the servants move your things in. Bella, is there a certain room you wish her to have?"
Bella shook her head and looked to Emily. "Why don't you go with the servants and choose a room? It doesn't matter to me, as long as you're comfortable."
She rose from her seat. "Thank you Mrs. Whitlock. I will. If you don't mind, I'll rest after that."
Bella nodded. "I imagine you're exhausted after such a long trip. Enjoy your rest and I'll see you tomorrow."
When her guests had left the room, Bella sighed and stared around the room for minutes, lost in thought. She really was afraid of Jasper's reaction to all she had kept from him and she didn't know how to fix it. She just knew that he wouldn't understand and now there was a baby on the way to further complicate things.
Finally she rose from her chair, a sudden feeling of restlessness filling her. She felt confined, stifled and this time period that she was stuck in wasn't helping with that in the least. God, how she longed for a pair of jeans and a simple top… some comfortable shoes… It was then that an idea struck her. She could dress as a boy. She could pull that off for an afternoon and be free to wander about!
She laughed quietly to herself at just the prospect of shedding the proper lady façade, a feeling of rebellion taking her over completely. She would do this, and she hurried up to her room to see what she could put together as a disguise.
~o0o~
She made her way down the boardwalk in front of the many shops, her hair and part of her face concealed by a hat she had found in Jasper's closet. It must have come from his school days as it was nothing like a man's hat, but a boy's. It was perfect for her because her stature would never pass for a man's. She had wrapped her chest snugly and with the somewhat baggy shirt and vest she was wearing, she really did look like a young teen boy, especially since she had gone so far as to smudge her hands and face with dirt. She was sure no one would give her a second look, and so far, she had been right. She shuffled along, completely unnoticed and it was liberating.
She even chuckled as some man ran into her and grumbled his way past. Oh, to not be treated like a crystal sculpture! It was fantastic! She picked up her pace, a small smile on her lips as she slipped into the general store.
She purchased a small bag of penny candy and left the place with no one the wiser, her confidence building.
She had just popped a peppermint into her mouth when a very familiar figure emerged from the restaurant just a few doors down from her and she froze as she watched him hand a woman into a carriage before turning to shake hands with a man who also got into the carriage. Tears sprang into her eyes. Is this why he hadn't come home to her? He was having lunch with some other woman?
The bag dropped from her hand, completely forgotten as she turned and ran.
~o0o~
Damon had just turned the corner on his way back to his estate after a business dinner when the strong scent of blood caught his attention. It was coming from an alley just ahead of him and the sounds of a muffled struggle combined with the scent made him curious.
Alarm filled him though when the unmistakable scent of his daughter finally broke through the scent of human blood and he quickened his pace. What the hell was Bella doing in an alley after the dinner hour?
He turned into the alley and saw what looked to be a young boy draining a man and the man was close to being dead. He flew to the boy and grabbed him, only then realizing from the scent that it was really his daughter he was holding and she was hissing and growling; struggling to get away as her prey sagged to the ground.
"Bella, stop it!" he whispered, shaking her in his grip.
She turned and hissed at him, her fangs on full display as blood ran down her chin.
He set her off to the side as the man groaned. "You stay right there while I fix this mess. Don't make me chase you down Bella, because I will."
She crossed her arms over her chest and looked away defiantly. Shaking his head, he knelt and patted the man's face to rouse him before giving him a tiny amount of his blood to heal and compelling him to forget.
He rose then and grabbed her by the arm, handing her a handkerchief. "Clean yourself up and come with me."
He marched her all the way to his house, not stopping until they were in his study with the door firmly shut and locked.
He sat down and stared at her for moments before finally speaking. "What the hell is wrong with you? Have you lost your fucking mind? If you needed blood, why didn't you say something? I would have provided for you or taken you out. You know you can't compel, so what, you were just going to kill him? Was that your plan Bella."
She stared at him defiantly. "And what if it was? What does it matter? It's what vampires do, isn't it?"
He stared back. "Not our kind Bella. Yes, it happens, but we have the choice not to."
She scoffed. "Well as you so kindly pointed out, I don't exactly have that choice. I can't compel."
"Stop Bella. Just stop. I know you aren't stupid. You're fast enough that you could have knocked him out before he ever saw you and then fed, so what was going through your mind that you felt the need to kill him in the process?"
She remained silent and he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Shit Bella…" He looked up. "Why the hell are you dressed like that? What's going on? Because it looks like you're about to lose it completely and you're scaring the hell out of me. Aren't you happy? You're newly married to your soul mate…" He stopped as she scoffed.
He scowled. "All right. Sit down and tell me what the hell's going on. You're not leaving until you do."
She glared at him. "You can't keep me here."
He smirked. "Can't I? Would you like to watch me?"
She smirked at him. "Jasper will be looking for me."
He leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'll send a servant with a message."
"You can't! I need to get home and changed before he comes home! He might already be there and he can't see me like this!"
He stared at her. "Then I suggest you start talking. Time's a'wastin' daughter."
She broke for the door and Damon was on her before she reached it, hauling her back and dumping her unceremoniously on the couch. He stood, staring down at her. "Talk. Now."
She clenched her jaw and looked away from him. "Fine. I'm dressed like this because I wanted to escape being treated like a glass doll for a little while, so I went out like this and it was great… until I saw Jasper come out of a restaurant with another woman, whom he handed into a carriage. I ran off after seeing that and wandered around for a bit until the urge for blood got to me. That's when you found me. It wasn't my intention to kill that man. I wasn't really thinking at all. I simply acted." She looked up at him. "Happy now? Can I go?"
He shook his head. "What if what you saw was purely business? Was he alone with her?"
She looked away with a huff. "He shook some man's hand and then the man got into the carriage with the woman." She shrugged.
Damon sat back down, and poured a drink. "It sounds like a business meeting to me Bella. He was in public, not trying to hide… the whole damn city knows who he is and that he is newly married… use your head for gods sake."
She glared, her bottom lip quivering as tears filled her eyes. "He's been missing a lot of meals at home Dad. Maybe what I saw today was innocent, and then again, maybe it wasn't."
He sighed and knocked back a good portion of his drink before pinning her with a steady look. "Speculations aren't going to fix this Bella. You're going to have to sit down and talk with him. Tell him how you feel and what you think. You need to get everything out into the open between you or it's never going to get better. It'll never work out the way you're going and frankly, you're being ridiculous."
She looked away and he shook his head and stood. "Come on. I'll walk you home. You are going to have a talk whether you like it or not. It's for your own good."
She glared. "You can't get involved in this! It's really none of your business!"
He was getting pissed now. "You, my dear, made it my business when you went completely off the fucking rails earlier tonight! You think I'm gonna stand by and watch you self destruct? No way baby girl. Now, I'll drag you kicking and screaming the whole way if I have to. Is that gonna be the way of it, or are you coming peacefully?"
She stood. "I'll go peacefully, but it's not because I want to."
They made the short walk to Bella's home within minutes and before she knew it, she was standing in the foyer while her father spoke to Charles.
"Thank you for seeing her home Mr. Salvatore. Mr. Whitlock has been searching for her, but I'm sure he'll be home any minute as he's been checking in often to see if she's back."
Damon nodded and was just going to answer when the front door opened and Jasper walked in looking panicked, the sheriff trailing behind him. He froze in his tracks, taking in Isabella's appearance for a second before grabbing her to him tightly. "Thank god! I was so scared. No one knew where you were. I thought someone had taken you." He backed away and looked at her closely. "What happened sweetheart? Where have you been and why are you dressed as you are?"
Damon cleared his throat. "Perhaps we should leave you to it?" He glanced at the Sheriff who nodded.
"Sounds like a wise idea." He tipped his hat. "Mr. Whitlock, a good evening to you folks."
He and Damon left after Damon shot his daughter a meaningful look and she dropped her head down, staring at the floor as Jasper thanked them again and closed the door.
Charles left quietly and Jasper stared at Bella for a moment as she fidgeted under his scrutiny. She couldn't take it any longer and spoke. "I'm going to go bathe and change." She moved to leave and he took her arm, stopping her, his brow furrowed in concern.
"We'll talk about this when you're through."
She nodded and left him standing there as she made her way to their room.
She ran the bath and stripped quickly, sinking into the soothing water and just sitting there for a few moments as she tried to think of a way out of this mess she'd gotten herself into. Finally coming up with nothing, she began to cry quietly as she scrubbed herself and her hair.
When she was done, she got out, dried off and slipped into a robe. She turned and looked at the closed door with dread, knowing that he was waiting for her in their bedroom. Straightening her shoulders, she took a deep breath and opened the door.
Time to face whatever was in store for her… for them… come what may.
Bella sat back in stunned disbelief. Pregnant? Oh god… a baby?
She looked over at a smirking Emily. "Could this be why I've been such a raging, weepy bitch the past couple of weeks?"
Emily laughed, her brows reaching her hairline. "My, my, times must be very different in the future, but yes pregnancy will do that to a woman."
Bella nodded and looked down at her lap, still stunned. "Forgive me. My verbal filter is shot all to hell at the moment…"
Emily hooted quietly with a chuckle. "It's all right doll. Best you get it all out now before facing your husband, or anyone else for that matter."
Bella set her tea cup to the side. "Fuck me… a baby…" Tears came to her eyes and she covered her face with both hands as she began to cry. "Oh shit, what am I going to do? I mean… me? A mother? No! I can't do this! I'm too young! I have no fucking clue how to do this! My mother…"
She looked up imploringly at Emily. "Don't get me wrong, she did her best and I love her, but she was a shit mother and she's the only example I've ever had! And this day and time… oh god! There aren't even disposable diapers right now! Jesus! And childbirth?! There aren't any epidurals or modern drugs!" She stood and paced frantically now as Emily calmly watched, sipping her tea, eyes sparkling away with amusement that she concealed carefully behind her tea-cup.
It was at this moment that Damon walked back into the room carrying the unneeded bag and Bella rounded on him. "You! You bastard! Why didn't you warn me this could happen so soon! Some father you are! A little guidance would have fucking helped there Pops! God damn it! I'm not ready!" Damon stood there, dumbfounded as she advanced on him, her volume rising the longer her rant went on.
"I thought I had a couple of years before facing such a thing! And you and Renée were no kind of fucking road map, that's for damn sure! I was doomed from the start with you two! God must fucking hate me or something!"
He was just becoming pissed enough to say something when Bella broke down into sobs right where she stood, and he shot a bewildered, if slightly pissed off look at Emily who shrugged one shoulder.
He set the bag down and took Bella by the shoulders. "Enough. Just what the hell are you raving about? You're not making a damn bit of sense, and I'll take the blame for a lot of things in your life, but I don't have a clue what I've done this time. Hell, I haven't even been around to have done anything."
He looked over at Emily again when Bella just continued to cry, hands firmly over her face. Emily gave him a shake of her head, and he sighed, pulling Bella into his arms.
"Che cosa è la mia dolce ragazza ? Cosa c'è di sbagliato ? Mi dica , per favore ?" ("What is it my sweet girl? What's wrong? Tell me, please?")
He handed her a clean handkerchief and she dried her eyes as she answered. "Papà, sono incinta." (Dad, I'm pregnant.")
His eyes widened and he stared down at his daughter as she clutched to him, shaking. "Merda. Non c'è da stupirsi che stai agendo matto." ("Shit. No wonder you're acting crazy.")
He groaned as she gut punched him and backed away, shooting him a dirty look as he straightened up, rubbing his middle. "Damn kid. I didn't mean anything by it, but you sort of blindsided me with the news. You shouldn't spring grandparenthood on a guy so suddenly."
She glared. "How the hell do you think I feel?"
He sat down and picked up his drink, swallowing a liberal portion of it before looking at his daughter. "So, this is what the rant was all about when I came in here? You blame me for this?" He raised his brows at her nod.
"Forgive me, but being that you were raised in modern times, I didn't think the whole ‘Where babies come from’ discussion was necessary daughter. Now it's a little late for the ‘Tab A into Slot B' talk, but I'm pretty sure you can figure out that there's no room in there for me to exist or take blame. In this instance, I was ever, and remain, completely innocent."
She started to say something and he held up a hand. "Ah! No, you let me have this moment. It's not often I get to savor such a thing after all." He smirked and saluted her with his glass and she huffed, sitting down in a graceless heap on the ottoman.
"Fine, it's not your fault, per se, but you could have warned me that it could happen so soon! I'm not ready for this!"
He pinned her with a flat look. "Did you really think it was all just fun and good times Bella? Really? This eventuality never entered your mind?"
She looked off into the distance with a dreamy sigh. "Well, I did enjoy it…especially when…"
"Ah, jesus! Stop!"
Emily cackled as Damon got a decidedly sour look on his face. "Really Bella, there are some things that a father just doesn't need to know, and that was a big one."
She straightened herself and smirked at him. "You brought it up…"
He scowled as he cut her off.
"…to make a point! It certainly wasn't to find out things that I don't ever, ever want to know, thanks very much. I don't even want that kind of thing fleeting through my mind, understand?"
She grinned wickedly at him. "Fine Grampy. I won't bring up my fantastic sex life ever again."
Damon glared at Emily whose shoulders were now shaking as she wiped at her tears of laughter. "You're not helping."
She slapped her leg as she wheezed in a breath. "I haven't laughed this hard in I couldn't tell you when! You two are just… oh lordy!"
Damon got up to refill his glass at the sideboard. "When are you going to tell your husband?"
Bella sobered instantly, wringing her hands together in her lap. "I don't know."
Damon turned and looked at her with one brow cocked. "He needs to know Bella. It's not fair to keep him in the dark."
She shrugged. "I'll tell him. I'm just not sure when, that's all. There are so many things that I need to tell him, but I just don't know how."
He took a drink. "Well, you generally sit down together and start talking."
She looked at him incredulously. "Right Dad, and what do I start with. 'Um, Jasper honey, I'm really from the future, when I knew you as a vampire, which I'm a half vampire by the way, but not the same kind you were, and we figured out you are my mate, but my Dad, who's also a vampire, didn't like your kind of vampire, so we asked a witch to cast a spell to send us back in time to find you as a human so that I could marry you before you joined the Confederacy and became a vampire' Is that how you propose I tell him Dad?"
Damon took a drink and smirked. "No, I was thinking along the lines of 'Honey, you're gonna be a daddy.' Let the rest work itself out as it may."
She slumped, hanging her head. "Yeah, and I will. Soon, but not today. I need time to… shit, I just need some time."
There was a knock and Charles stepped in. "The mid-day meal is ready Mrs. Whitlock."
She smiled. "Thank you Charles. We'll be right there."
She stood and walked to the door. "Shall we?"
Damon held the door for them and Bella led them to the small dining room. They all sat but Jasper was still absent, as he had been several times over the past weeks so it was nothing new to Bella.
The maid stepped forward and Bella nodded. "Go ahead Helen. I'm not sure Mr. Whitlock will be joining us after all."
"Yes Ma'am."
Damon shook out his napkin and placed it in his lap. "This happen often?"
Bella smiled wanly. "Yes, it's been quite frequent lately. He's very busy with the railroad and shipping people."
She shrugged. "Sometimes he has the mid-day meal with associates so they can continue to talk business. There have been a few times he's brought them here but most times, they go to the restaurants that are closer to his offices."
The maid finished serving and they began eating. Bella glanced over to Emily. "Is this your first time in Texas Miss Bennett?"
Emily took a sip of water and dabbed her lips with her napkin before answering. "It is. I've traveled extensively, but never here in Texas. I like it so far. It's been beautiful and it's not quite as humid as Virginia, which is a welcomed change."
Bella nodded. "Yes, the humidity does take some getting used to, especially in these cursed heavy skirts."
Emily smiled. "Not used to them yet? What are you used to?"
Damon cleared his throat and glanced at the hovering servants.
Emily nodded and Bella took a sip of water. "So father are you done with your travels for a time?"
"Yes, I don't foresee having to go anywhere for a while yet, that is, if Miss Bennett consents to staying here for a time."
She inclined her head. "I do. I'd like to be here to help with the arrival of the little one. I'm a very good midwife."
Damon watched the color drain from his daughter's face and he smiled. "That's wonderful to hear, isn't it Bella?"
She shot her father a dark look. "Not sure I'd use that term, but it does give a certain amount of comfort. Perhaps you'd like to stay on here Miss Bennett instead of a stuffy old bachelor's home?"
Emily giggled and Damon smirked. "Stuffy daughter? I have never been and will never be stuffy."
Bella smiled at Emily, one brow raised. "My mistake. Just old then. He can't very well dispute that one, now can he?"
Emily laughed and Damon stared at Bella with a flat look. "Insolent brat."
He shifted his attention back to Emily. "Feel free to take up the invitation if you're of a mind to Miss Bennett. You'd probably be much happier here than at my estate. You'd not be as lonely here, that's for certain. I don't spend a lot of time at home due to business and social engagements."
Emily smiled and nodded. "Very well then. I accept Mrs. Whitlock. Thank you."
Bella smiled at her. "I'll welcome the company Miss Bennett, believe me. It can get lonely here at times."
Damon rose from his seat. "I'll have the servants move your things in. Bella, is there a certain room you wish her to have?"
Bella shook her head and looked to Emily. "Why don't you go with the servants and choose a room? It doesn't matter to me, as long as you're comfortable."
She rose from her seat. "Thank you Mrs. Whitlock. I will. If you don't mind, I'll rest after that."
Bella nodded. "I imagine you're exhausted after such a long trip. Enjoy your rest and I'll see you tomorrow."
When her guests had left the room, Bella sighed and stared around the room for minutes, lost in thought. She really was afraid of Jasper's reaction to all she had kept from him and she didn't know how to fix it. She just knew that he wouldn't understand and now there was a baby on the way to further complicate things.
Finally she rose from her chair, a sudden feeling of restlessness filling her. She felt confined, stifled and this time period that she was stuck in wasn't helping with that in the least. God, how she longed for a pair of jeans and a simple top… some comfortable shoes… It was then that an idea struck her. She could dress as a boy. She could pull that off for an afternoon and be free to wander about!
She laughed quietly to herself at just the prospect of shedding the proper lady façade, a feeling of rebellion taking her over completely. She would do this, and she hurried up to her room to see what she could put together as a disguise.
~o0o~
She made her way down the boardwalk in front of the many shops, her hair and part of her face concealed by a hat she had found in Jasper's closet. It must have come from his school days as it was nothing like a man's hat, but a boy's. It was perfect for her because her stature would never pass for a man's. She had wrapped her chest snugly and with the somewhat baggy shirt and vest she was wearing, she really did look like a young teen boy, especially since she had gone so far as to smudge her hands and face with dirt. She was sure no one would give her a second look, and so far, she had been right. She shuffled along, completely unnoticed and it was liberating.
She even chuckled as some man ran into her and grumbled his way past. Oh, to not be treated like a crystal sculpture! It was fantastic! She picked up her pace, a small smile on her lips as she slipped into the general store.
She purchased a small bag of penny candy and left the place with no one the wiser, her confidence building.
She had just popped a peppermint into her mouth when a very familiar figure emerged from the restaurant just a few doors down from her and she froze as she watched him hand a woman into a carriage before turning to shake hands with a man who also got into the carriage. Tears sprang into her eyes. Is this why he hadn't come home to her? He was having lunch with some other woman?
The bag dropped from her hand, completely forgotten as she turned and ran.
~o0o~
Damon had just turned the corner on his way back to his estate after a business dinner when the strong scent of blood caught his attention. It was coming from an alley just ahead of him and the sounds of a muffled struggle combined with the scent made him curious.
Alarm filled him though when the unmistakable scent of his daughter finally broke through the scent of human blood and he quickened his pace. What the hell was Bella doing in an alley after the dinner hour?
He turned into the alley and saw what looked to be a young boy draining a man and the man was close to being dead. He flew to the boy and grabbed him, only then realizing from the scent that it was really his daughter he was holding and she was hissing and growling; struggling to get away as her prey sagged to the ground.
"Bella, stop it!" he whispered, shaking her in his grip.
She turned and hissed at him, her fangs on full display as blood ran down her chin.
He set her off to the side as the man groaned. "You stay right there while I fix this mess. Don't make me chase you down Bella, because I will."
She crossed her arms over her chest and looked away defiantly. Shaking his head, he knelt and patted the man's face to rouse him before giving him a tiny amount of his blood to heal and compelling him to forget.
He rose then and grabbed her by the arm, handing her a handkerchief. "Clean yourself up and come with me."
He marched her all the way to his house, not stopping until they were in his study with the door firmly shut and locked.
He sat down and stared at her for moments before finally speaking. "What the hell is wrong with you? Have you lost your fucking mind? If you needed blood, why didn't you say something? I would have provided for you or taken you out. You know you can't compel, so what, you were just going to kill him? Was that your plan Bella."
She stared at him defiantly. "And what if it was? What does it matter? It's what vampires do, isn't it?"
He stared back. "Not our kind Bella. Yes, it happens, but we have the choice not to."
She scoffed. "Well as you so kindly pointed out, I don't exactly have that choice. I can't compel."
"Stop Bella. Just stop. I know you aren't stupid. You're fast enough that you could have knocked him out before he ever saw you and then fed, so what was going through your mind that you felt the need to kill him in the process?"
She remained silent and he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Shit Bella…" He looked up. "Why the hell are you dressed like that? What's going on? Because it looks like you're about to lose it completely and you're scaring the hell out of me. Aren't you happy? You're newly married to your soul mate…" He stopped as she scoffed.
He scowled. "All right. Sit down and tell me what the hell's going on. You're not leaving until you do."
She glared at him. "You can't keep me here."
He smirked. "Can't I? Would you like to watch me?"
She smirked at him. "Jasper will be looking for me."
He leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'll send a servant with a message."
"You can't! I need to get home and changed before he comes home! He might already be there and he can't see me like this!"
He stared at her. "Then I suggest you start talking. Time's a'wastin' daughter."
She broke for the door and Damon was on her before she reached it, hauling her back and dumping her unceremoniously on the couch. He stood, staring down at her. "Talk. Now."
She clenched her jaw and looked away from him. "Fine. I'm dressed like this because I wanted to escape being treated like a glass doll for a little while, so I went out like this and it was great… until I saw Jasper come out of a restaurant with another woman, whom he handed into a carriage. I ran off after seeing that and wandered around for a bit until the urge for blood got to me. That's when you found me. It wasn't my intention to kill that man. I wasn't really thinking at all. I simply acted." She looked up at him. "Happy now? Can I go?"
He shook his head. "What if what you saw was purely business? Was he alone with her?"
She looked away with a huff. "He shook some man's hand and then the man got into the carriage with the woman." She shrugged.
Damon sat back down, and poured a drink. "It sounds like a business meeting to me Bella. He was in public, not trying to hide… the whole damn city knows who he is and that he is newly married… use your head for gods sake."
She glared, her bottom lip quivering as tears filled her eyes. "He's been missing a lot of meals at home Dad. Maybe what I saw today was innocent, and then again, maybe it wasn't."
He sighed and knocked back a good portion of his drink before pinning her with a steady look. "Speculations aren't going to fix this Bella. You're going to have to sit down and talk with him. Tell him how you feel and what you think. You need to get everything out into the open between you or it's never going to get better. It'll never work out the way you're going and frankly, you're being ridiculous."
She looked away and he shook his head and stood. "Come on. I'll walk you home. You are going to have a talk whether you like it or not. It's for your own good."
She glared. "You can't get involved in this! It's really none of your business!"
He was getting pissed now. "You, my dear, made it my business when you went completely off the fucking rails earlier tonight! You think I'm gonna stand by and watch you self destruct? No way baby girl. Now, I'll drag you kicking and screaming the whole way if I have to. Is that gonna be the way of it, or are you coming peacefully?"
She stood. "I'll go peacefully, but it's not because I want to."
They made the short walk to Bella's home within minutes and before she knew it, she was standing in the foyer while her father spoke to Charles.
"Thank you for seeing her home Mr. Salvatore. Mr. Whitlock has been searching for her, but I'm sure he'll be home any minute as he's been checking in often to see if she's back."
Damon nodded and was just going to answer when the front door opened and Jasper walked in looking panicked, the sheriff trailing behind him. He froze in his tracks, taking in Isabella's appearance for a second before grabbing her to him tightly. "Thank god! I was so scared. No one knew where you were. I thought someone had taken you." He backed away and looked at her closely. "What happened sweetheart? Where have you been and why are you dressed as you are?"
Damon cleared his throat. "Perhaps we should leave you to it?" He glanced at the Sheriff who nodded.
"Sounds like a wise idea." He tipped his hat. "Mr. Whitlock, a good evening to you folks."
He and Damon left after Damon shot his daughter a meaningful look and she dropped her head down, staring at the floor as Jasper thanked them again and closed the door.
Charles left quietly and Jasper stared at Bella for a moment as she fidgeted under his scrutiny. She couldn't take it any longer and spoke. "I'm going to go bathe and change." She moved to leave and he took her arm, stopping her, his brow furrowed in concern.
"We'll talk about this when you're through."
She nodded and left him standing there as she made her way to their room.
She ran the bath and stripped quickly, sinking into the soothing water and just sitting there for a few moments as she tried to think of a way out of this mess she'd gotten herself into. Finally coming up with nothing, she began to cry quietly as she scrubbed herself and her hair.
When she was done, she got out, dried off and slipped into a robe. She turned and looked at the closed door with dread, knowing that he was waiting for her in their bedroom. Straightening her shoulders, she took a deep breath and opened the door.
Time to face whatever was in store for her… for them… come what may.
DISCLAIMER: Twilight and its inclusive material is copyright to Stephenie Meyer. Original creation, including but not limited to plot and characters, is copyright to the respective authors of each story. No copyright infringement is intended.