Almost Impossible Chapter 32

Chapter 32

After Jake had left, I was a little hesitant to go downstairs. I wanted to wait until after Charlie had left, but I had a feeling that he was waiting for me. I was also curious as to why he was home anyways. I decided to suck it up and see what was going on.

When I got downstairs, it was really quiet. I rounded the corner into the kitchen and came to a stop when Charlie was leaning against the corner deep in thought. I took a deep breath and let it out loudly to let him know I was there. I walked to the refrigerator to get some juice.


"Hey Bells," Charlie said. I was a little taken back by his tone. I expected some instant lecture about Jake staying over, but he seemed really calm.

"Hey Dad." I looked at him curiously, as I reached for a cup in the cabinet. When he didn't say anything I decided to keep talking. The room was filled with awkward silence, at least it was for me. "So, what are you doing home?"

"I left some papers here that I needed for an investigation that I was going over last night."

"Oh."

"Yeah, there was an old factory about thirty minutes out of town that mysteriously burned down. The previous owner's family lives in town so that's why we were called to it."

"Ah."

I wasn't sure what to say to that. I wasn't aware that they had caught the whole building on fire, but I suppose with the fires they started for the vampires, it was a lot easier to cover up. I assumed anyways. I was deep in thought on the situation when I realized he was talking again.

"...what the cause was and there's no evidence, but we're just assuming it was some kids were messing around and it got out of hand. Not really much else we can do since it was going to be torn down in a few months anyways."

"Yeah, well that uh, that's good. I guess. Was anyone injured?"

"Nope."

I nodded and went back to pouring my juice. He was looking at me curiously, like he had a question he wasn't sure he should ask.

"What?"

"Nothing. I'm just… never mind. I probably don't want to know." He laughed nervously while scratching the back of his head. "I'm just glad to see you a lot more relaxed lately and that whatever happened your home and safe."

I smiled. "Me too."

"So does that mean whatever was going on is done?"

"Yep." For now, I mentally added.

"Good, good. We'll I should get back to work."

"Alright." He nodded and started walking towards the door. He must have still been deep in thought because he forgot his papers again on the counter. "Hey uh, Dad."

"Yeah?"

"Your paperwork," I told him, pointing to the counter.

"Right," he laughed.

"And Dad?"

"Hmm?"

"Thanks for the uh, the Jake thing. I swear he only slept over."

"I trust you Bells. You're smart and you've proven you are a very responsible young lady. You may not make the best of choices, but you're young, we all have been there. I just want you to be careful. I love you Bells and I just want the best for you."

"Thanks Dad, I love you too."

"Okay, now don't go making me regret it."

"I won't."

"Alright, see you later."

"Bye."

I smiled as I turned back to my juice.

...

After I Charlie had left, I made some breakfast and thought about what I had wanted to do for the day. There was only one thing that popped into my head continuously and I gave in. I knew it was something I had to do eventually, but to say I was nervous was putting it lightly.

I went upstairs to get dressed and was a little irritated with my lack of clothes. Everything was either too small, or just uncomfortably smaller. The only clothes that really fit me since my change had been shredded while I was learning to control my phasing. I realized that I must have gotten a little bigger since the first start of the phasing; because the clothes that fit then I couldn't get over my hips. Threw around clothes from all drawers, causing my room too look like a tornado had hit it, and then finally found a pair of pants. It was old pair of my mom's that had somehow been mixed in with my clothes when I moved. They were snug, but they fit. They were two sizes bigger than what I was wearing before which I was a little shocked by. As for shirts, I just wore one of my bigger t-shirts under one of my nicer sweaters. I made a mental note that I really needed to go shopping.

I was definitely nervous by the time I got into my truck. I loved the Cullen's, I knew always would, but I felt horrible for what had happened. The only ones I had talked too about it all was Edward, Emmett and Carlisle, I couldn't be sure how the other's would react and that was what scared me the most. I should have talked to them from the beginning, but I was too much of a chicken to do so. I feared their rejection, which is something I knew I deserved, but in the back of my head, I knew that wasn't what I would get from them. However, I knew our relationships would never go back to the way they used to be. I was now pretty much one of their enemies. I thought over all different reactions they could have on the drive over there.

I think my biggest problem was that even after everything, I was afraid I would lose them. They were my family before the imprint and phasing stuff started and a major part of me felt like I betrayed them. I still loved them and I'm sure they still felt the same way about me, but was it enough? Would they forgive me for just taking off? Would they still consider me part of their family? Did I deserve to be? Was any of that even possible? Those were the questions that ran through my mind repeatedly.

While driving down the long winding road that lead to the Cullen house, my heart beat accelerated to the point I could see my chest pounding with it. As I got closer, I forced myself to get a grip and remain calm, otherwise I was sure they would hear my heartbeat before they even caught my scent, or the sound of my truck.

As I was pulling up to the house, it was really quiet and for a moment I thought I was too late. I heard the faint sound of my old best friends voice and I could have sworn I heard her say, "So you're sure she is strong enough?" That worried and confused me a little, but I took a deep breath and got out of the truck anyways. When I made the turn around the truck, I saw Alice walking out of the front door and walking very slowly towards me. Jasper, Emmett, and Esme were standing on the steps and I could see Edward through the widow. I could have sworn he was smiling.

"H-Hey, Alice," I said as she was still walking slowly up to me. I was a little unsure about her movements. She never walked slowly, even a fast human pace was sometimes hard for her. I was positive that it meant nothing good. I was just about to open my mouth again as she stopped in front of me, but instead I was shocked when I received a quick punch to my right arm.

"Ow! What was that for?" I asked out of reflex, though I was pretty sure I knew the reason.

"No visits, no calls, no nothing. I can't have visions of you anymore and I had no idea what was going on with you. I hated it! You can't just do that to your best friend Bella, it's just mean! I should be furious with you!"

"Alice, I'm… Should be? Does that mean you're not?" I pulled at whatever strings of hope that I had left.

She folded her arms across her chest and looked off to the side of me. "No," she said, pouting.

"Really?" I smiled. "Alice I'm so sorry. I'm sorry to all of you. What I did was wrong and you're right, I shouldn't have done that to my best friend, or my family. I just, I don't know, but it was wrong."

"Yes it was and no I'm not mad, just a little sad," she said, still not looking at me.

I threw myself forward and wrapped my arms around her, almost knocking her down. It wasn't something I was used too.

"Ugh, you stink Bella!"

"Yeah, you don't smell so great either Alice, but deal with it," I laughed and she wrapped her arms around me.

"I missed you Bella, please don't ever do that to me again."

"I won't, as long as you can forgive me, I will never do that to you again."

She pulled back and looked at my face. "Okay, I forgive you." She smiled and tightened her grip on me again.

"C'mon, the other's are anxious to see you!" she said, grapping my and pulling me back into the house. That was the Alice I loved to see.

On the walk over, I was hoping the rest of the Cullen's could be so forgiving

"Oh Bella, it is so good to see you," Esme said as I walked up the steps. She gave a hug and I could tell she was holding her breath.

"It's really good to see you too. I've missed you all so much," I told her. As soon as she let go, Emmett walked over to me, eyeing me with curiosity.

"Hey Bella. Glad you came." He smiled hugely before giving me a hug that I was sure if I was the old Bella, he would have broken me in half.

"Me too. Uh, Emmett?" I was barely able to breathe.

"Yeah?"

"I may be stronger, but I uh, you're crushing me."

"Oh," he laughed. "Sorry." He let go of me with a laugh.

"No problem." I smiled.

My emotions started to get the best of me once I realized they weren't so mad at me. Tears filled my eyes, threatening to spill over, but I fought to keep them back. When Emmett stepped away, Jasper was standing behind him looking at me funny. I couldn't figure out what his expression was, but I just stood there looking at him. I was never really close to him, but I felt I owed him an apology too.

"Hey Jasper," I said, nervous for some reason.

"I'm glad you're here too Bella. There is no reason to be nervous around me. I see you as family just as everyone else does and I missed having you around too."

I smiled, I wasn't sure if giving him a hug was necessary or not, but I did anyways. When I pulled away, he laughed.

"What?"

"Well the good thing is, you no longer have to worry about me wanting your blood," he said, making a face of disgust and then smiled.

"Well that's a relief." I laughed again, no longer nervous.

After we were done, we walked back into the house and I saw Edward leaning against the tailing to the stairs wearing my favorite smile.

"Hello Bella."

"Hi Edward."

I just stood there for a moment with him, both smiling at each other. I still cared about him tremendously and I knew that would never change. You never stop caring about your first love and that was exactly what he was. Thinking, at that moment, about the events that had taken place, I would only change one major thing. I would have changed the way I had dealt with the situation. As soon as I knew what was going, I shouldn't have avoided the truth and letting him know. It was wrong and I would never forgive myself for it. He did deserve better than that, they all did. I also realized, while tearing my eyes away from him and looking at the rest of the family that just because the pack didn't like them, or agree with them, doesn't mean that I had to feel that way too. Also, just because vampires were the reason werewolves existed, doesn't mean I was right in blaming them directly. If it wasn't the Cullens it would have been some nomads that would come around, causing them to phase. Maybe I wouldn't have changed, but well, that was just how life worked. Things would always happen out of my control, it was just a fact in life that I had to deal with.

I was suddenly distracted from my thoughts when Carlisle walked downstairs.

"Hello Bella, it's good to see you."

"Hi Carlisle, it's good to see you too."

Now his reaction was one I was the most nervous about. He seemed to act so differently since the day it had all changed and I had so many questions that I had no idea where or when to start asking them.

"Carlisle, I'm sorr-"

"No apologies needed Bella," he said with a smile. "This whole situation has been hard and confusing. We don't blame you for any of it. There is no one to blame for it." He put his hand on my shoulder and pulled my into a half hug. His words crumbled what little was left of the barrier holding the tears back and they poured out like a broken dam.

"You guys are too forgiving," I said with an odd sound that was a sob mixed with a laugh. "I left you all with no explanation, no, nothing. I just left. You don't do that to your family." I took a deep breath and wiped the tears away. "I have to apologize because I feel horrible for it all. After everything you have done for me, I owed you more than that. Even after the way I treated you, you still helped me with the Volturi. I-I'm sorry. I love you guys and I hope even though I'm not completely who I was before, you will still accept me as a part of your family, or at least a friend."

"Oh of course Bella," Esme said as she pulled me into a hug. "No matter what, you are still a part of this family. We all agree on that. In fact, it was even Edward who brought us all together to make sure of that the other night. You couldn't help becoming what you are now, no more than we could help what we are." She smiled at me and kissed the top of my head.

When I looked around at the family, I saw the smiles on all of their faces and I knew what she had said was right and I couldn't help but smile. It was then that I realized someone was missing.

"Hey, where is Rosalie?"

"Right here," she called as she came downstairs. She looked irritated and I braced myself for the worst. She came to a stop in front of me with her arms folded over her chest, looking me up and down.

"H-Hey Rosalie," I stuttered.

"When are you going to start calling me Rose like the rest of the family?" she asked and I looked at Emmett who had a smile on his face. I could only assume that was a good thing.

"Uh, right now."

"Good." She didn't moved and she kept looking at me. "At least you didn't change too much and it's good that you're a little more durable now." She paused for a minute, looking like she was thinking over something. "Look, I don't hate you Bella, we've been over that, so loosen up. I just don't know what to say about everything. My opinions keep changing so often that I end up just contradicting myself. You know I never approved of you wanting to become one of us and well I guess…" She paused again and sighed. "If that damn mutt, no offense, would have just kept his paws off of you none of this would have even happened."

"Rose?" Edward said, looking a little nervous.

"Hold on damn it, I'm trying to say something, it's just not easy," she told him. She was obviously struggling with whatever she was trying to say. Edward looked slightly amused by it. "Okay, let me try this again. Just because you are with those uh dogs now, doesn't mean you shouldn't keep in contact. I was an idiot and just when I felt like I was finally getting to know you and that I wanted that to happen, you end up having to leave us. I don't want to miss out on that. I still feel like in some way you are my sister and I would very much like it to stay that way."

I was honestly shocked by what she had said. Her accepting me into the family would have been shocking to hear, but that was just… Wow.

"Really?" I asked once she seemed like she was done.

"Yes, I mean that."

My eyes watered up again and I wanted to hug her but I wasn't sure if I should, more unsure than I was with Jasper. I almost took a step forward, but I stopped myself.

"Oh come here," she said, using her normal tone and reaching her arms out. I pushed myself against her and wrapped my arms around her.

"Thank you Rosal—Rose. That means so much to me."

It was silent for a moment before Alice spoke up.

"Hey so, I wasn't sure if you all would have been up to it before, but now I think it would be a wonderful idea," she told everyone, smiling brightly.

"I agree," Edward said, pushing himself off of the wall and walking closer to us all.

"What is it Alice?" Carlisle asked.

"There's a thunder storm coming in about an hour." She was still smiling and I couldn't help but smile too.

"Awesome!" Emmett yelled, slapping Jasper on the back. "Let's do it."

"Bella, would you like to join us?" Esme asked, with a hopeful look on her face that even if I were to disagree, I would have changed my mind.

"Of course," I said and we all laughed.

"So how hard do you think you can hit the ball now Bella?" Emmett asked as everyone scattered to get ready.

"Hmm… I'm not really sure, but I bet a lot better than before." We both laughed.

Once everyone was ready, we all piled into the vehicles and left to the clearing. When we arrived, I stood in the middle and watched while they got everything all set up. I couldn't help the smile that formed on my face as I looked at them, my family, as they were all enjoying themselves.

While watching them, I was suddenly hit with a wave of memories of everything that had happened since the first time I had been in that spot with them for the exact same reason. It seemed like so long ago. Firs t the encounter with James, Laurent and Victoria, which left me running for my life and in fear of my family's lives. Then several months after that, there was the fight with Victoria and the newborns because of James' death. Not to mention all of the preparations for the fight. It actually seemed like a different lifetime, as if I was watching it through someone else's eyes. I was so sure with every single one of those situations I would never be able to be there enjoying myself the way it was.

"Bella?" Alice called, interrupting my thoughts. "Are you ready?"

"Definitely," I told her, running over to join them.

The game was amazing. The guys fought like always, Rose somehow managed to get hit in the head with the ball and she kicked Emmett's ass for it. I was on a team with Edward, Emmett, and Alice, while Rose, Carlisle, Esme, and Jasper were on the other. They tried to argue a little, but when I had them convinced I was still weaker than them, they settled. I couldn't run as fast as they could, but unless I was willing to burst into a wolf to run bases and play the rest of the game naked, I just had to deal with it. I was still surprised at how well I did. Sure, I could take on a vampire in a fight, but again as wolf, things were much different.

We played for a about an hour and a half until the storm passed through and the game ended with a score that was pretty close. Our team ended up winning. The drive back to the house was a lot louder than the ride there from all of the excitement. Once we were back at the house, we all sat around talking for a little bit, still laughing and having fun, mostly at my expense. Emmett kept trying to find different ways to test my new inhuman abilities. I was just glad he didn't ask me to phase.

Hours seem to pass by too quickly. Once the sun started to dim a light I realized that no matter how badly I wanted to stay, it was about time for me to head home. I had already promised them several times that since they decided to stay for another week; I would definitely be visiting them again.

"You better stick to that promise Bella," Alice told me, glaring at me, which caused me to laugh.

"I promise Alice, I will never stay away from you guys again. If you ever suspect that I might, I give you full permission to hunt me down," I told her.

"You better believe I will do that too."

They all walked me out to my truck as we said our goodbyes. Before I turned to get into my truck, and idea popped into my head and I wasn't sure if I would regret it or not, but I was willing to take that chance.

"Hey Alice, I had a thought about something."

"What is it?"

"Well, I was wondering if you would like to go shopping with me once more before you go."

"Oh my! Bella are you actually volunteering?"

"Yes. I have a feeling I may regret it, but I need new clothes. With the growing and well most of them got shredded too, I'm almost out."

"Of course! You don't have to ask me twice. And I promise, I won't get too carried away, but only cause you volunteered." She smiled and gave me a hug.

"Alright, sounds good to me. I'll call you tomorrow."

"Jake won't mind will he?" she asked a little unsure.

I hadn't thought about that. I was already worried about the conversation we would have about me spending the day with the Cullens, but I was sure he would be okay with it.

"If not he'll get over it," I told her.

"Okay!" she laughed and hugged me once more before running off with the rest of the family.

The whole drive back to my house I had a smile on my face and felt that everything for sure was the way it was supposed to be.

...

When I got back to home, I was actually ready for some quiet, but I should have known that wasn't what I was going to get. I caught that delicious scent that I loved so much and smiled as I walked through the house to the living room. I was frozen for a second. I don't know why, but it was nice to see Charlie and Jake watching some sports together.

"You guys hungry?" I asked them as I walked farther into the living room.

"Sure Bells, if you wouldn't mind," Charlie replied.

"Of course I don't. Are you hungry Jake, there's plenty to make?"

He turned his head and smiled at me as he stood up. "Starved. I'll help, if I can." He laughed as he followed me.

Once we were in the kitchen, he surprised me by pinning me to the counter and crushing his lips to mine, completely taking my breath away in the process. He ran his hands along my sides from my hips all the way to my face, not missing a spot. He pulled his lips from my but only long enough to trail firey kisses down my jaw and my neck then back up to my ear. I whimpered softly as his hot breathe made me shiver.

"I missed you," he whispered huskily followed by a soft nibble of my ear.

"I've missed… you too," I replied, still trying to catch my breath.

He pulled back and rested his forehead against mine, staring into my eyes and he smiled again.

"Next time you do something that, can you make sure Charlie isn't home," I groaned, trying to break away from his gaze.

"Maybe, maybe not." He laughed.

I sighed and jabbed my finger into his ribs. He winced lightly while still laughing, but released his hold on me.

"Now let me cook if you're so hungry," I told him as I turned to the fridge to take the chicken.

"Hmm, I don't think what I want should be cooked."

"Huh? What do you want then?" I looked at him confused and he just laughed as he leaned against the counter. Then it hit me. "Oh. Jake!" I laughed along with him after I smacked his arm.

"I couldn't resist." He leaned and kissed me once quickly.

"Of course you couldn't."

"Hey, don't play all innocent with me. I seem to remember you, just yesterday morning in fact, more than willing too-"

"Shut it Jake." I laughed nervously. I had no idea when or if Charlie would come walking in, but I didn't want to risk the closeness and the conversation, just in case.

"Alright, Alright." He smiled at me and I glanced at him, I couldn't help but smile too.

"So, how are the Cullens doing?" he asked, I could tell he actually cared.

"Really good actually. They're moving in about a week."

"Nice. Where too?"

I glanced at him curiously. "They didn't exactly say and I don't think they really know just yet. Possibly New Hampshire, but it's hard to tell."

"Well that's cool."

"Why?" I asked, suspiciously.

"What, I can't just ask?" he laughed. "Well for one, I'm sorry, but I'm glad to see them go. Two, they helped us a lot and they're special to you, so I can't help the tiny part in me that actually cares."

"Hmm.. Well we had fun today. We played baseball and, I'm not sure when, but I'm going to see them again before they leave. I think maybe tomorrow I'm going shopping with Alice, but that was my own fault." I shook my head and laughed.

"Shopping, oh boy." he joked. "I'm sure you will have loads of fun."

"You could always tag along."

"Yeah, no thanks. I'd probably end up killing her. Shopping with girls is torture, but with a vampire type girl, yeah… no."

I looked at him and smiled. I was a little surprised by how easily he talked about the one family that had disgusted him so much before. While I knew that they would probably never get along fully, I was completely happy with the way it was right then. I looked back at the counter and finished putting the chicken in the pan.

"Well, I will let you get back to your cooking."

"Good, cause I think I messed up," I told him, eyeing the pan that was missing something I couldn't think of.

"We can't have that," he said as he kissed my temple and walked back to the living room.

I sighed happily at the silence and thought about the past few days again, but was instantly startled when I heard them cheering loudly in the living room at the sound of their team scoring. I laughed to myself and went back to preparing the food.