Shadows and Solace

Part 14. Unraveling Threads

The streets of Port Angeles were bustling with weekend shoppers, the air filled with the mingled scents of coffee and the sea. Bella walked alongside Angela and Jessica, the trio weaving through stores in search of the perfect prom dress. The excitement was palpable, though Bella couldn't entirely share their enthusiasm. Her mind was elsewhere, consumed by questions about the Cullens and the strange pull Edward seemed to have on her.

Jessica held up a glittering dress in one hand and gave Bella a nudge. "What about this one? You could try it, you know."

Bella shook her head. "Prom's not really my thing."

Angela laughed softly, holding a modest blue dress against herself. "It's all about the experience, Bella. You should come with us even if you're not going with anyone."

Their laughter was interrupted by the sound of loud voices. Bella turned to see a group of men near the entrance of the store, leaning against the windows. Their expressions were smug, their comments loud enough to carry.

"Hey there, ladies!" one of them called, whistling obnoxiously.

Jessica rolled her eyes, muttering, "Ignore them."

Angela shifted uncomfortably, her gaze falling to the floor.

Bella, feeling the tension in the air, made a quick decision. "I think I'll head to that bookstore down the street. I'll meet you guys at the diner later."

Angela looked concerned. "Are you sure? We can come with you."

"It's fine," Bella assured her. "I won't be long."

The walk to the bookstore was uneventful, the shop's cozy atmosphere providing a brief respite from the noise of the streets. Bella quickly found the book she'd been seeking—a tome on legends and folklore that might hold some answers.

The sun was dipping low as she left the store, clutching the book to her chest. As she walked toward the diner to meet her friends, she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.

The group of men from earlier appeared behind her, their steps quickening as they closed the distance. Bella's heart raced as she tried to stay calm, but when she turned a corner, they surrounded her, their grins predatory.

"Hey, sweetheart," one of them sneered. "What's the rush?"

Before Bella could respond, the growl of an engine cut through the air. A sleek Volvo skidded to a halt, and Edward Cullen stepped out with a cold fury etched into his face.

"Get in the car, Bella," Edward commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

The men hesitated, their confidence wavering under Edward's piercing glare. Bella didn't wait; she darted into the passenger seat, slamming the door shut as Edward climbed in and drove off.

In the car, Edward's knuckles were white against the steering wheel. Bella, still shaken, glanced at him. "How did you even know I was here?"

Edward: I should go back there and rip those guys' heads off

Bella: Um... No, you shouldn't.

Edward: You don't know the vile, repulsive things they were thinking.

Bella : And you do?

Edward : It's not hard to guess.

Edward: Can you talk about something else? Distract me so i won't turn around.

Bella : You should put your seat belt on.

Edward : Haha... you should put your seat belt on!

When they arrived at the diner, Angela and Jessica were just leaving, who upon noticing Bella ran up to her, questioning where she was, when Edward walked up and apologizes for monopolizing her time and told them that he would make sure Bella had something to eat before he drives her home and they nodded and thanked him and then waved to Bella as they passed. Edward stepped inside with her, sitting while Bella ordered food. 

Bella: Look, You gotta give me some answers.

Edward: Yes. No. To get to the other side. Uh, 1.77245...

Bella: I don't want to know what the square root of pi is.

Edward: You knew that?

 Bella : Did you follow me?

Edward: I... I feel very protective of you.

Bella: So you followed me.

Edward: I was trying to keep a distance unless you needed my help and then I heard what those low-lives were thinking.

Bella : Wait. You say you heard what they were thinking?

Bella: So what you... you read minds?

Edward: I can read every mind in this room apart from yours. There's... Money. Sex. Money. Sex. Cat... And then you, and Solace, nothing. That's very frustrating.

Bella: Is there something wrong with me? and Solace?

Edward: See... I tell you I can read minds and you think there's something wrong with you? Yes, for some reason, her mind is like an open ocean with the waves crashing down constantly and that is all I hear, no thoughts, nothing, to be honest it is very frustrating. 

Bella stared at him, her thoughts swirling. She had no idea what to make of this revelation, but it explained so much.

After dinner, Edward drove Bella home, but as they passed the sheriff's office, they noticed flashing lights and a commotion. Charlie was there, visibly upset, speaking with Carlisle. Edward parked, and they both approached.

"Dad?" Bella called softly.

Charlie turned to her, his expression weary. "There's been another animal attack. Waylon Forge was killed."

Bella's heart sank at the news. She comforted her father as best she could, even accepting the canister of pepper spray he pressed into her hands.

Edward, sensing the moment wasn't his to intrude upon, left with Carlisle, his mind heavy with the implications of the attack.

Meanwhile in Forks...

Back at Solace's house, she was deep in thought, sitting on the porch with her laptop in her lap finishing up on registering for a few online classes that she could take. when Rosalie arrived, and she put her laptop down and got right into helping Rosalie work on her car. 

They worked on the car together, Rosalie handing Solace tools and occasionally stealing glances at her. There was something endearing about the way Solace focused so intently, her movements precise and deliberate.

When they finished, Solace stretched, wiping her hands on a rag. "I think that'll do it," she said with satisfaction.

Rosalie leaned against the car, watching her. "You're amazing, you know that?"

Solace tilted her head, puzzled but pleased by the compliment.

The evening continued in quiet companionship. Solace showered first, leaving fresh clothes for Rosalie. When Rosalie emerged, they settled in bed together, each with a book in hand. The stillness was comfortable, broken only by the occasional turning of pages.

After a while, Rosalie closed her book and looked at Solace. "I want you to meet my family," she said softly.

Solace blinked, setting her book down. "Why?"

"Because you're important to me," Rosalie admitted, her voice hesitant but earnest. "And... I want you to be my girlfriend."

Solace frowned in thought. "What does that entail?"

Rosalie couldn't help but laugh at the seriousness of her question. "It means we're together. It means... we belong to each other."

Solace considered this, then nodded. "Okay. I'll meet your family."

Rosalie smiled, pulling Solace closer. For the first time in her long existence, she felt hope for a future she thought was forever out of reach.