Chapter 22:
Bella and Hunter

Hunter was in the middle of a dreamless slumber when she was awakened and pulled out of bed by Bella. The newborn didn't give her much of an explanation, only that she wanted her company. Hunter wasn't going to object, she wanted to be normal with Bella again. So, lazily, she showered and followed her into the car.

She was under the impression that it'd just be her and Bella, but she was lodged in the back with Renesemee while Jacob sat in the passengers seat. Still, she didn't complain.

A majority of the ride was spent conversing with Renesemee until she fell fast asleep and the rest was silence. Normally, Hunter would be shoving her head between the two front seats and bothering her best friends, but it wasn't the same anymore.

Even the radio was off. They were only accompanied by the sound of the car engine, Renesemee's breathing, and Jacob's pulse. She was fidgety and distressed, if anyone spoke to her she feared she'd become a stuttering mess.

"I'm surprised you took a break from Jedi training." Jacob joked, finally breaking the silence in the car. He could sense Hunter's discomfort and he felt the same.

"If I don't take Renesemee to my dad, he'll come to us." Bella replied. She breathed out a laugh and glanced up at the rear view mirror, checking on her sleeping daughter, "Twenty seven vampires, one human? Not so great."

Hunter shuffled in the back seat. The thought of Charlie finding himself in a room filled with man eating creatures was chilling.

Jacob sighed, "I know that's what you told Edward." Hunter frowned at that. "Whatever. I'm just glad to get away from all those reeking bloodsuckers."

Bella turned to him with disbelief and Hunter didn't bother hiding her giggle. She agreed with Jacob. Being in a house filled with your natural born enemy does quite the number on you, regardless if they have manners or not.

Jacob scoffed, "I'm sorry. I know, they're the good guys." He glanced back at Hunter and playfully rolled his eyes at Bella's offense. "But come on, Dracula one and two are..." His eyes widen jokingly, mimicking the romanian vampires that arrived days ago uninvited. "Creepy."

Bella and Jacob erupted into laughter. The kind of laugh that needed to exist even if it was for a moment. Hunter, on the other hand, couldn't bring herself to laugh. She felt like an outsider looking into a world that didn't need her anymore.

Hunter turned her head to see Renesemee wide awake, a small smile growing on her face at the sound of happiness. It was then when Hunter remembered that she was still needed. Renesemee needed her.

The car slowed down and Hunter glanced out the window. Charlie's home was just in sight. It was hard to believe that she didn't live there anymore.

Renesemee quickly unbuckled her seatbelt and slid over to Hunter's side, "Hurry hurry." She beamed.

Hunter chuckled and popped the car door open, "Alright I'm moving tiger." She got onto her feet and the short girl ran out behind her.

Charlie and Sue exited the home with smiles on their faces. "There she is. Come here!" Charlie held his arms out and Renesemee jumped right into them.

Hunter rubbed the palms of her hands on her jeans, a small tinge of sadness creeping up on her. The memories of her father were joyful and they made me happy but sometimes, the pain of his death always surprised her.

   "Oh! Wow! Look at you. You've grown half a foot! Seriously. Like 6 inches." Charlie spoke, his tone changing from excitement to confusion.

Sue slapped Charlie's shoulder and pulled him closer, "Come on inside, lunch is on the table." Hunter liked Sue, she was good for Charlie. She always felt guilty for the times when she and Bella had to run away, leaving him all alone.

Hunter clapped her hands together and smiled, "Great, I'm starving." As she took a step, Bella's hand latched onto her arm and halted her movements. Her grip was tight and her eyes were begging.

   "Actually, Hunter and I have a few errands to run. We'll be back soon, okay?" Bella spoke, her voice as smooth as butter. Hunter pursed her lips and shared a look with Jacob before Bella nudged her, "Come on."

Hunter circled the car and waved to everyone before jumping in. "Care to explain what's going on?" She asked, pulling the seatbelt around her front side while Bella sped away from the Swan residence.

   "Alice gave me instructions." Bella revealed, her hands tightly gripping the steering wheel. "I have to meet this guy named J. Jenks and I think he'll help with this whole thing."

Hunter frowned, "Wait, you spoke to Alice?"

   "That isn't the point, Hunter." Bella sighed. She was on edge, but she was also filled with hope.

   "Then what is? And why do I have to come with?" Hunter continued to egg. Alice and Jasper didn't run away for no reason, she could see that now, but what she didn't understand was why this quest was set for only her and Bella.

Bella kept her eyes on the road, "The point is that Alice has a plan to help us. She knew that if you and I knew about it, nothing would be compromised because Aro can't read our thoughts."

Hunter sucked in a breath and leaned back on the head rest, "Okay well who's this J. Jenks guy?"

Bella shrugged, "We're about to find out." The car washes over with silence and Hunter keeps her eyes out the window again. She wanted to know why this was necessary, and how she could see Alice's vision. But most importantly, she wanted to know how to break the tension in the car.

The car drove on down the road, Bella's eyes not straying away for one second. But her mind was running wild, faster than the car. "So you fed."

The three words were so simple and they sounded so calm from her mouth. Yet, Hunter scrambled to form the right words to explain her wrong doings. Her fingers twitched together and she held her breath.

Edward told her not to worry about what anyone thought. What she did was necessary for her survival against the Volturi. There was a time when she was extremely unapologetic and she loved it, but now she felt like a child. She was scolded and judged, questioned and told that what she was doing was wrong.

    "It was a blood bag- can we not have this talk right now-"

   "I know. I saw. And I don't care." Bella cut her off. She spared a quick glance at Hunter and noticed her surprised expression. She didn't care if Hunter fed on human blood, she wanted her to be strong and healthy. "Carlisle said you can't hold down animal blood so it's okay. As long as you're not killing innocent people anymore-"

   "What do you mean you saw?" Hunter pondered, shuffling around so that she was facing the newborn vampire. The air shifted again and it was Bella's turn to be flustered.

  "I just- I saw Edward give you the blood bag. I was walking by the window and I saw it happen." Bella answered. She cleared her throat quickly. Saying Edward's name felt so foreign now, wrong even.

Hunter slouched and she nodded. "I just want you to know that I don't hate you for drinking human blood. I just need you alive." Bella mumbled.

Hunter breathed out a laugh, "And here I thought you'd be better off with me dead and gone." Her hands twitched again, a silent alarm that tears were well on their way.

Bella frowned, "If you were dead, I would be the worst version of myself. I wouldn't want to do anything or be around anyone. Seriously, I would lose my freaking mind." She removed one hand off the wheel and leaned onto it.

Thinking of living a life without Hunter was damaging. She wouldn't have the strength to go on for an eternity without the person she started it with.

   "And not to mention, I would still be with Edward who would just keep his entire relationship with you a secret forever and I just- I don't know how I would even-" Bella bit her fingernail angrily and thunder roared across the sky almost instantly.

Hunter could see the tears in Bella's eyes, each street lamp they passed by illuminating the water that waited to fall down her cheeks. She felt guilty all over again. She was the reason why Bella's heart was breaking.

   "Bella I-" Her voice was shaky and she sucked in a breath, "I never wanted to hurt you. I swear- I- I just- I fought Edward for so long. I hated him for feeling the way he did and not once, did I not think about you whenever I saw him."

  "But when the wedding happened, it felt wrong. He still loved me and he was marrying you. But it was also when I realized that I was only fighting him because I felt the same way."

Saying it out loud hit her ten times harder. A weight was lifted off her shoulders and she was proud of herself for that, but she celebrated her strength by cowering away with clouded eyes and sweaty palms.

Bella was silent. Tears flowed down her cheeks and she kept her eyes on the road.

Hunter sniffled, "Winston would still be alive if I realized that sooner. You would still be human if I realized that- God, none of our lives would be at stake if I had just been honest with myself."

   "Don't blame yourself." Bella breathed, "None of this is anyone's fault. It's just the way it goes."

   "No, Bella, it's not. I shouldn't have waited until you guys were married already to realize that I-"

   "Deserve happiness?" Bella interrupted. She gazed at her friend and their tear stained cheeks made the other cry a bit harder. They loved each other to no end. It was impossible for Bella to hate Hunter or blame her for anything.

Bella breathed shakily and gripped the wheel again. "You lost your parents and Winston, and I can't even imagine how that must feel. But I do know that you've had your turn in the mud and you don't deserve to be in there anymore."

Hunter wiped at her cheeks with the sleeves of her jacket. She wasn't expecting to cry during this trip, but she was glad things were patching up.

   "I just want your suffering to end." Bella laughed, "Even if that means it'll end with Edward by your side instead of mine." The tears flowed unchecked down her cheeks and dripped from her chin. She was too sad to cry out or wail, she stayed as still as a statue.

Hunter stayed slouched, her shoulders moving up and down as she breathed heavily, "I can't be selfish."

Bella looked at her again, "Neither can I. Besides, I have Renesemee now and you'll always have me." Hunter smiled, though behind it was lingering sadness and guilt.

Her eyes move back to the flashes of green that glided past the car that sped down the highway. For once again, she was lost in the vortex of the moment, tormented by a past that could not be undone.

___

                   Nearly an hour later, they arrived at the destination Alice provided them with. It was a fancy restaurant in Seattle and Hunter felt highly under dressed.

   "You could've warned me this morning to dress fancy like you." Hunter whined as they slipped through the revolving doors.

It was extremely bright inside. There were makeshift trees inside tangled with Christmas lights and golden chandeliers that hung brilliantly on the ceiling. It was far too fancy and expensive for the two girls but Hunter didn't complain.

   "Sorry this was kind of last minute." Bella apologized, sending the hybrid a small grin. They walked down the bright hallway and Bella's heels clicked loudly.

Hunter shoved her hands in her pockets and glanced around the posh establishment, "Charlie would have a heart attack if he came here." Bella snickered and pulled her along, the two entering another section of the place.

It was quiter here and a lot less bright. There were thin curtains covering the tables that sat around the room and Hunter felt even more anxious. "You sure this is the place?" She asked as they neared the restaurant host.

   "Yes, I'm sure. Hi, we're meeting Mr. Jenks?" Bella smiled, glancing around the restaurant awkwardly. Hunter shifted her weight on both feet and cringed at the hushed conversations. It was awkward if you weren't sitting down.

The man nodded happily, "Yes, of course. Right this way." He guided them through the restaurant and it was full. An old couple eating side by side, one glass of wine each, studiously bent over their meals. A group of young women in their thirties collapsing with helpless giggles as a stern woman dining alone nearby looked on and frowned. Businessmen in their grey suits lighting up cigars.

It was a place Hunter would never find herself in.

   "Mrs. Cullen." A dark skinned man, J. Jenks, greeted. Hunter directed her attention to the man and cringed. Bella sighed, "It's actually Swan. Just Swan."

Mr. Jenks cleared his throat, "My apologies. I had no idea." Bella nodded and patted his hand, letting him know that it was alright. She was happy that he didn't pry, she didn't feel like crying again.

   "And you must be Ms. Reed." He greeted. Hunter pursed her lips and nodded. She wasn't aware that she was known by someone who dined here.

He held his hand out, gesturing for them to sit. Hunter sat in the middle seat, a small glare hidden in her eyes. She was anticipating what this meeting was about, what Alice's plan for them was. But she was also skeptical of what this man was capable of.

   "I always meet my private clients here. It's more comfortable than the office." Jenks explained, noticing Bella's wandering eyes.

   "And public." Hunter added and Jenks let out a chuckle.

Bella played with her fingers and cleared her throat, "So what type of work do you do J?" She sent Hunter a warning gaze before turning back to the man who seemed a bit too pious.

   "Oh you know, this and that." He prefaced, "It's always different, which keeps it interesting."

   "How long have you known Alice and Jasper?" Hunter egged, leaning forward onto the table. She kept her eyes sharp and her ears sharper. She wanted to know who this man was and how he'll be helping them.

Jenks shared a look with Bella, an amused smile on his face. "I've been working with them for more than 20 years. And my late partner knew Jasper 15 years before that. He is, uh, unusually well-preserved."

   "Yes, he is." Bella sighed.

Silence swarmed the table apart from the man's heartbeat. Hunter stared at him intently, studying his features and attempting to figure him out. He seemed on edge as well, happy that he picked a private setting for his safety.

Jenks adjusted his tie, "I trust that Mr. Jasper is enjoying his vacation."

Now Hunter looked away from him. Her eyebrows furrow and her hand reached for the utensils. She adjusted them and rearranged them, a habit she couldn't shake off.

   "He didn't tell you where he was going, did he?" Bella asked.

Jenks shook his hands, "No, no, no, he just mentioned that he was leaving when he came by to place his order."

Bella sighed at his response. She was hoping to get some insight onto Alice and Jasper's whereabouts but it remained hidden. "I assume that his order is ready?"

   "Of course. I've never been late with a delivery." Jenks replied. Hunter glanced up and watched him pull out a yellow envelope from underneath his napkin. He slid it across the table and over to Bella who eagerly accepted it.

Bella opened it up and pulled out documents and passports. Hunter furrowed her eyebrows and bent over to get a closer look. On the passports were Jacob and Renesemee's faces. 'That's the plan?' Hunter thought.

Jacob and Renesemee were to escape Forks while the rest of them fought off the Volturi.

   "Is there a problem?" Jenks questioned, noticing the looks on both women's faces. Hunter sat back in her seat and held in her breaths. Alice's plan was clear now.

   "No." Bella stiffled out, "I just thought that me and my family would all be traveling together."

   "Jasper said only two were traveling. His instructions were very clear." Jenks explained.

Bella, clearly disappointed, carefully placed the passports and documents back into the envelope Hunter sat up again, "We apologize. Apparently that isn't going to happen."

Jenks sighed and placed his drink down. He felt sorry for them but he couldn't do anything anymore. His job was done. Hunter slid her chair back and pulled Bella with her, "Thank you, Mr. Jenks. Have a good night."

The two girls slipped out from the curtains before he could respond and they were shuffling out of the restaurant, angered and afraid.

Hunter slammed her shoulder into a passing person accidentally but she offered no apologies to the clearly offended and unknown woman. She sighed, "I had no idea we were even planning to travel."

   "Neither did I." Bella mumbled, hurriedly escaping the revolving doors. "I just assumed the minute I saw Renesemee's passport, that mine would be there too."

She pulled out her car keys and unlocked the door, Hunter hot on her trail. "I mean, it's obvious what's about to happen now."

Bella leaned forward and rested her head onto the steering wheel. She didn't want to believe what was going to happen, she didn't want to accept it. But it was her reality and she had to do everything in her power to try and change it. "Yes. It is."

Hunter sat back in her seat and buckled the seatbelt. Renesemee was going to have a future. She was going to survive and live without fear of anything or anyone.

The harsh part of that truth was that the rest of them would not.