Her New Moon

11

Bella offered to drive, stating the hidden project was at the back of her truck. The girl prepared a few things, and Driana offered to wait downstairs. Reaching the base of the stairs, she spotted Chief Swan, whose eyes never left the television screen, solely focused on the baseball game. He felt another presence, and he turned to where Driana shyly stood.

"Thanks for getting Bells out of the house," He spoke. "She's been moping every day since the Cullens left."

"No problem, Chief Swan." Driana pursed her lips. "Despite not having a place to, may I say something?"

"Sure," Chief Swan furrowed his brows.

"I know you must dislike Edward for leaving Bella broken-hearted. Don't hate the boy, as he had no choice. Dr. Cullen had reasons for leaving. Not because of another job opportunity but to provide what's best for his family. I'm sure you'd want the same."

Chief Swan paused, unable to form words.

Driana continued. "It must be hard, knowing you're going through a lot with taking care of a teenager turned adult when you haven't gotten the chance to care for a kid. I must say, Chief Swan, you're doing fine as Bella's father."

Before Chief Swan could respond, Bella bounded down the stairs. She wore a new set of clothes, sporting a brown zip-up hoodie. The girl grinned at her dad, surprising him. It was evident Bella hadn't smiled in a long time.

"We're going out," Bella announced. "Is that okay with you?"

"Uh," Chief Swan struggled to speak. "Sure. Go ahead."

"Thanks, Dad!" Bella cheered.

Subtly, Driana nodded at Chief Swan, waving at him as she followed Bella out the door. A tarp covered the truck bed, hiding something mysteriously big. Bella raised a finger to her lips and motioned Driana to get in the truck.

"Hurry before Charlie sees," Bella ushered.

Both girls entered the truck, and the noise started as Bella began driving.

"What's in the back?"

Bella winced. "You'll probably find this incredibly stupid."

"Surprise me," Driana challenged.

"You know Austin Marks?"

"I think so." Driana tilted her head, racking her brain at the memory of the name. "Is his hair the same color as Max?"

"Yeah. I bought it from Austin's younger brother. They're motorcycles."

Bella turned to Driana, waiting for a reaction. Instead of getting scolded, Driana burst out laughing. She looked behind her, then at Bella, and continued cackling. Bella frowned, turning her attention back to the road.

"Why the giggles?"

"Bella," Driana struggled, taking breaths. "My sweet, Bella. I love you, but seriously?"

"What?" Bella innocently asked.

"You have two death machines. What are you doing without any knowledge of riding motorcycles?"

"Well, I know someone who can fix them," Bella defended. "But, a tiny bit of hoping that you knew how to ride them."

Driana stared curiously at her. "What makes you think that?"

"You know," Bella trailed off, not daring to look at Driana.

The blond entered Driana's mind, causing her to scoff and shake her head. It made her chuckle, making Bella feel uneasy. Driana continued to smile at the thought, memories evading her mind despite looking faint.

"I didn't strike a chord, did I?" Bella cautiously asked.

"You're fine," Driana assured. "I found it funny, not offensive. After whoever gets these fixed, let's see what I can do."

The drive ended in La Push, and Driana looked around, wondering who Bella knew in the area. They parked in front of a dull-red wooden house that resembled a barn. The place looked unfamiliar to Driana until a figure came bounding out of the house.

"Bella! Where the hell have you been, loca?"

"Hey, Jacob!" Bella greeted, smiling as Jacob picked her up to spin her in a hug. He gazed at Driana, who got out of the truck. "Driana!" He high-fived the short girl, who had to jump to reach his hand.

Bella stared back and forth between the two, motioning with her finger. "You two know each other?"

"Yep," Jacob smiled proudly. "She's been coming over the rez for a couple of years."

"I'm close to some people here," Driana added.

"That's awesome! I guess there's no need for introductions," Bella said.

"You both are getting soaked in this rain. Come inside!"

Jacob led the way inside the tiny home. Bella looked around, familiarizing herself with the house. However, Driana's eyes landed on a man in a wheelchair, reading a book. The sound of footsteps caused him to look up. He stared at Driana in surprise before smiling at Bella.

"Dad, look who's here," Jacob nodded over.

"Well, what a surprise! Driana and Bella, good to see you!" Billy Black greeted the girls, wheeling himself over. "What brings you out here?"

"We came to see Jacob," Bella answered.

"Will you be staying for dinner?" Billy inquired.

"I can't," Bella said. "I have to cook for Charlie."

Billy asked Driana, looking hopeful. However, Driana couldn't imagine Bella driving home by herself. Bella shook her head, insisting she'd be fine, yet the oldest wasn't having it and won by protesting. Billy chuckled at their interaction, reminiscing the days when all his children were together.