The Next Chapter

Run-ins and Interviews

Okay, we're starting the sequel for A Fresh Start. This will probably be slow going as I want to make sure I tell Marie's story well and appropriately. I'd like to thank all of my readers from A Fresh Start and their stories about their children with Autism. Your recollections will help me tremendously in Marie's story. I'm an educator and I'm familiar with the educational ramifications of Autism, but not living with a child with Autism on a day to day basis.

Anyhow, Twilight is not mine. Never will be mine. Ever. *WAAAH!* David, Lizzie and Marie are mine in a literary sense. Ren, too.

Chapter Ten: Run-Ins and Interviews

EPOV

"Bella? I'm going to take a nap," I called out.

No response.

"Bella?"

I checked on the kids. They were happily watching some cartoon in the family room. I went to search for my wife. I heard voices in the garage. My hackles went up and I went outside. In our garage, Bella was glaring at an older woman with heavily highlighted hair, caked on makeup and clothes that were highly inappropriate for someone of her age.

"Mother, you are not welcome here," Bella snarled. "I haven't spoken with you since my wedding with Mike because you made a fool out of me. Out of you. Out of our entire family. Please leave."

"Now, Isabella. Is that the way you're going to talk to you mother?" she asked.

"Excuse me, ma'am, but my wife asked you to leave. Please do so before I call the police," I said, glaring at Bella's mother.

"Aren't you yummy?" she said as she licked her lips. "It's a shame that such a virile man is wasted on my plain little girl."

"Do you have your phone, Edward?" Bella asked.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out my cell phone. I dialed 911 and held it up to my ear. I explained to the operator that we had an intruder on our property that wouldn't leave. She explained that a squad car would be there momentarily. I ended the call and wrapped my arm around Bella's waist. She was shivering. "Do you want to go inside, beautiful girl?"

"We both should," Bella growled. "This woman may have given birth to me but she's not my mother."

"Oh, please. I have the stretch marks and cellulite to prove that I am your mother, Isabella," she said.

"Whatever, Renee. I have my own stretch marks and cellulite but I love my children," Bella said angrily. "I don't compete with them like you did with me. How's Mr. Newton? Bang him recently?"

"I consoled him after the death of his son," Renee said. "Couldn't you at least aim for his ass or arm or something? Why his head?"

"Because he had a gun pointed at my husband, Renee. My instinct was to protect him," Bella yelled. "I can't take this. Make sure the trash gets put out, Edward. And if she lays one finger on you, I give you full permission to hit a woman. Smack some sense into that thick skull of hers." Bella stomped away, slamming the door shut, causing some soccer balls to fall onto the ground. Renee looked at me and tried to seductively walk toward me.

"Now that she's gone, why don't we get to know each other," she cooed. "I'm Renee Higginbotham, Bella's mother. You are?"

"Married to your daughter," I said tersely, crossing my arms over my chest. "You have a few moments before the police come and escort you off our property, Ms. Higginbotham. As my wife told you, you are not welcome here."