Act I
Chapter 12 ━━ Impossible

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Shelley wakes up in the morning to find Esdras still in the same position as he was last night. 

"Good morning, sleepyhead." He smiles.

Rubbing her eyes, she sits beside him. "You stayed all night?" 

He shrugs. "Yep. I just… like watching over you."

"Creep." 

He chuckles. "Get ready. We're going on quite a long journey." 

"What-" 

"I'll wait outside." He cuts her off, jumping off the window.

After getting ready for the day, Shelley enters the living room to find Charlie cleaning a rifle. He starts to say hello as he notices her, but she just blurts out. "Dad, I'm hanging out with Esdras Cullen today."

He suddenly looks like he’s having an aneurysm. "He’s too old for you."

"We’re both juniors. Besides, I'm not dating him. He's my best friend. I thought you liked the Cullens."

"And I thought your best friend is Billy's boy."

"Jacob isn't around anymore like he used to be. And I think Esdras is way better than Jake and-whatever, he’s outside right now."

"Now? He’s out there?"

"He wants to meet you."

"Good." Charlie cocks the rifle in mock-seriousness.

"Be nice, okay? He’s… important." She reminds and Charlie gives her a reassuring nod..  then she opens the door to reveal one and only Esdras Cullen in a parka and gloves. 

"Chief Swan. I wanted to formally introduce myself. I’m Esdras." Esdras extends his hand and Charlie takes it, but grunts a hello, resisting him.

"I won’t keep Shelley out too late." Esdras says. "My family is going to play baseball and I just wanted to invite Shelley as well." 

"Yeah. I know. Shell's going to play baseball?" Charlie raises an eyebrow.

"Definitely not. I'm just watching them play." She says. "Besides, Bella is going to be there as well."

"Yes, sir, that’s the plan." Esdras tells.

"Well. More power to you, I guess." Charlie says to Esdras, who looks him in the eyes. "She’ll be safe with me, sir, I promise."

As Esdras exits, I try to follow him, but Charlie holds me back.

"You got that pepper spray?"

"Dad." 

Esdras and Shelley climb into his BMW parked in the drive when he looks at her with an amused look. "Your father thinks you and Bella should go to an all-girl’s school."

"No fair, reading Charlie’s mind."

As they climb in the BMW, she notices a baseball hat on the seat.

"And since when do vampires like baseball?"

"It's the American pastime. Plus, there's a thunderstorm coming. It’s the only time vampires can play."

"It sounds interesting." She puts the baseball cap on.

"It is interesting." 

"You're not okay with ditching the baseball game, aren't you? You can go if you want to, Ezra."

"It's fine, Shell. It's not like this is the last time they're playing baseball." Esdras states. "Besides, if I go, your sister will find out how much of a loser her boyfriend is."

"And why is that?"

"Because Ed always loses to me when it comes to baseball."

"You are too much on yourself." She remarks with a laugh, which causes him a grin.

Esdras pulls up in the vehicle in front of a clearing that shows the view of the perfect sky that has to turn into a dark orange colour almost covering the sun which is about to disappear into the sea. 

"You brought me to see the sunset?"

"I thought you would like it."

"I do like it. It is beautiful." She whispers, watching the scene with awe. 

"Not as much as you are." 

She turns to him with a grin. "Are you flirting with me?"

"Maybe."

"You're impossible, Ezzy boo." She says, making him chuckle at the nickname given to him.

Soon, Shelley finds herself tasting the burger Esdras bought her as they make their way back home. She moans in delight, taking another bite of the hamburger. "Why do these burgers have to be this good!"

"You say I am impossible." He chuckles at her childishness. She opens her mouth to comment on his words when Esdras's phone rings. He takes the phone call, driving with one hand. "Hello?"

There's a voice on coming out from the phone with a rush. Even though Shelley cannot hear it clear, from Esdras's visible reaction, she can see it that something has gone wrong.

"Okay. We're on the way back to her home." He looks at her and turns to the road, concentrating on the driving as well.

"What is it?" She asks as he hangs up.

He looks at her again. "A tracker is after Bella. They're taking her to a safe place."

"What do you mean a tracker is after her?"

"During the baseball game, they met a clan with three vampires. They have caught Bella's scent and the tracker, James, is after her. You and the Sheriff will be safe at home. Rosalie and Esme are outside and I'm going to be with you as well."

"Where are they taking her?" 

"Away from the tracker as much as possible." He answers, eyes directly on the road.

"What can I do for Bella? I'll do anything."

"The only thing you can do is stay at home. Let them fix the mess. I'll protect you."

She nods, taking his words in. "Okay."

As soon as Shelley steps into the house, a stressed Charlie shows himself up. "Bella left."

"I know. They got into a fight. I don't know what happened after that. I'm sorry, dad. But she'll be back." She lies through her tongue.

He sighs. "I hope so." 

"Did Esdras leave?" 

"Yeah. He left as soon as he dropped me." She says and sighs. "I'm gonna go to my room. I feel so tired."

"Okay. Let me know if Bella calls you."

"Will do." She smiles at him sadly and walks to her room to see Esdras already there. She closes the door behind her, locking. "He's upset."

"Bella did what she had to do." 

"I know. But I think it is too much for him to handle." 

"Have some sleep. You look tired and stressed. It doesn't suit you."

"I'm worried about Bella."

"I know. I'll wake you up when I get updated about Bella."

"I need a shower first."

"Go for it." He says and jumps out of the window, giving her privacy.

After a shower, Shelley drags herself to the bed, praying Bella to be safe. She is worried. She checks her phone throughout the night for an update, but no. Soon sleep engulfs her, letting her rest for a few hours until a voice booms in her ear, snapping her out of her beauty sleep.

"Shell, wake up." She opens her eyes with a groan to meet Esdras looking down at her. 

"What?" 

"Bella is in the hospital. James attacked her."

Her eyes widen as she starts to panic. "What do you mean she's attacked?! Is she okay?! Oh my god! I want to see her!!" 

"She's fine. James is dead. I'll take you there now. Your mom is there as well."

Shelley arrives at the hospital with Esdras to find Bella lying in a hospital bed. Bandaged, leg in a cast. In bad shape. On the dresser, she sees get well cards and a photo montage of our friends from Forks. Charlie had gone straight to the hospital from work when he got the call from Carlisle, making her the last to go.

"Bella, you worried me to hell!" She almost yells as she rushes to the room. 

"I'm sorry." Bella says softly, trying to cover up the pain of the wounds.

"Shell, look what your sister has done to herself." Renee cries, tears in her eyes.

Shelley also notices Edward pretending to be 'sleeping' on a chair across the room. She almost forgot Esdras who was still standing by the doorway, awkwardly.

"Mom, this is Esdras." She introduces him to her mother. "Esdras, this is mom. Please call her Renee. She prefers that more."

Now, with a wide grin, Renee turns to Esdras. "Yeah. Yeah. It's nice to meet you, Esdras. Shelley told me a lot about you."

Esdras smiles at her. "I know, Renee."

"How are you now, Bella?" Esdras asks the brunette twin.

"I'm good. Thank you." Bella smiles sweetly.

"Okay. If you don't mind, I'll be outside." Esdras states and looks at the blonde. "Let me know if you want me."

"I will." Shelley says.

Renee decides to speak as soon as he leaves. "He is handsome. A good match for you." 

She groans knowing that Edward is currently listening to their whole conversation without a problem. "Mom! We're only friends."

"Whatever you say, baby." Renee rolls her eyes as Bella chuckles at their conversation.

"Where's dad?" Shelley asks changing the subject.

"He's down in the cafeteria."

She nods and bites her lips. "So… what happened?" 

"Bella fell down two flights of stairs and through a window. Edward came here to convince her to come back to Forks. His father brought him down. Bella went to their hotel but she tripped on the stairs." Renee fills her in with the cover-up story which the Cullens want others to believe.

"That totally sounds like Bella." The blonde comment at the end.

"Now, that's rude." Bella says, making her sister giggle.

Suddenly, Rene’s cell phone beeps. She opens it. Read a text, start typing in a reply. "It’s Phil. He’s worried about you, Bella."

"Mom, you’re… texting." Bella says.

Renee replies to her with a smile. "I told him to stay in Florida. The Suns signed him!"

"That’s great mom." Shelley says.

"Totally." Bella agrees with her sister.

"Jacksonville is always sunny and you two have your own bathroom…" Renee says to her children.

"Mom, wait. I want to live in Forks. I have Dad… and friends…"

"And he’s there."

Bella shrugs, conceding the truth.

"Charlie doesn’t like him. Blames him for your leaving." 

"What do you think?" Bella asks.

Lowering her voice, Renne speaks. "I think that boy is in love with you."

Bella smiles. Renee grins, making the blonde shake her head with a smile as well. 

"What about you, my little angel?" 

"Mom, we talked about this before." 

"I know. You don't want to leave Esdras as well. I get it." Renee jokes, throwing her hands in the air.

"Mom!" 

Bella chuckles once again before glancing at Edward. "Um, Mom, would you mind getting Dad? I want to talk to him. Apologise."

"I’m sure he doesn’t care about that, Baby. But I'll go get him." Rene kisses Bella’s forehead and exits. The twins watch their mother go and the door shutting behind her. 

In the next second, Shelley finds Edward standing next to Bella with deep concern. She almost yells at his sudden presence. "Do you want to kill me by giving me a heart attack?" 

Edward smiles at her in response and kisses Bella's forehead soothingly. 

"What happened to James?" Shelley asks.

Edward's face hardened. "We took care of him. And the woman, Victoria, ran off."

Bella closes her eyes with relief, then looks at him. "I’m alive because of you."

Edward sighs. "You’re in here because of me."

"I might go out as well." Shelley walks out of the room, giving them the privacy they need. 

Esdras stands just outside leaning his back into the wall and arms crossed. "Hey there."

"Are you up for a walk?" 

He shrugs. "Why not?" 

After a silent walk, Esdras talks. "She seems in pain." 

"She is." 

"They tried to protect her their best. Especially Edward."

She sighs. "I know."

"Everything will be fine as before." 

"I hope so."

Esdras nods, continuing to walk. "Uh-the dance is upcoming."

"What dance?" She asks confusedly, but then the high school dance drops into her mind with a thug. "Oh… that dance."

"Do you have a date?"

Her mind instantly reminds her of Jacob. He will definitely refuse if she asks him to be her date. So, she decides to shake her head. "Nope."

"Is it okay if I ask you to be my date?" 

"Of course."