The Witches Love (R.Hale & Em.Cullen)

Chapter 17

Jennifer

It’s been four months since prom, and honestly, I can’t say I didn’t enjoy myself. My relationship with Rose and Emmett is stronger than ever. They make me happier than anymybody else beside dad of course no one is ever gonna make it better then him.

And speaking of Bella, every woman knows the monthly “blood sacrifice to Satan” routine. For some reason, it makes my mates extra affectionate. The family tolerates it, so I still visit the Cullen house, but only when Jasper is out hunting—no need to make him suffer.

Today, Alice is throwing Bella a birthday party. The thought of it made me roll my eyes. When Bella promised Dad she’d spend the day with him, I was sure she'd ditch him for Edward.

So, when I woke up, I decided I’d be the one to keep Dad company. Rose and Em had left earlier in the morning, giving me time to shower and dress before heading downstairs.

A quick note—over the last four months, while Bella has been obsessed with Edward, ignoring our dad in the process, I’ve been spending time with him. We’ve gone fishing with his friends a couple of times, and it’s been great. He deserves more than what she gives him.

After grabbing breakfast, I gave Dad a kiss on the cheek and wished him a good morning.

“Morning to you too, sweetheart,” he said, giving me a small smile.

I went back upstairs to brush my teeth and then told Dad goodbye before driving myself to school. Sometimes, it’s nice to have a little independence.

At school, I met up with my mates, and we chatted for a while before Alice bounded over with Jasper by her side. The way he looks at her, it’s like he’s completely enchanted.

When the bell rang, we all walked into the building. Alice spotted Bella and Edward, so Jasper and I followed her, saying goodbye to Rose and Emmett.

“Bella!” Alice exclaimed, jumping over the railing and pulling her into a hug. “Happy birthday!”

The school bell rang, signaling the start of class. Bella looked annoyed, of course.

“I thought I said no presents,” she muttered, her irritation evident.

“I saw you open it, and guess what—you loved it. You’re going to wear it tonight. Our place,” Alice said with a grin. Bella’s look of confusion made me snicker.

Bella sighed. “Come on, Alice. Please, it’s too much.”

“Please, Bella, it’ll be fun!” Alice insisted, almost pouting.

I exchanged a glance with Jasper and caught the smirk on his face as he subtly manipulated Bella’s emotions.

“Okay, alright,” Bella finally relented, causing Alice to squeal in delight. “Ahh, great! I’ll see you at seven.”

As we turned to leave, Bella called out, “Jasper, no fair—mood changing!” She tried to sound annoyed, but we all laughed.

“Sorry, Bella. Happy—nevermind,” Jasper replied with a shrug.

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Time Skip to the Evening

The football game was on, and Dad and I were deep into it. We shouted at the screen, debated the plays, and laughed at our failed predictions. The smell of grilled steaks filled the room as we prepped dinner during halftime, each of us taking turns at the grill and in the kitchen. It was one of those rare, perfect nights where everything felt right.

After dinner, we lingered at the table, talking about the people in town and our plans for the next fishing trip. I was glad I could be there for him, knowing Bella often left him hanging.