Behind Enemy Lines

Chapter Twenty-One

I stood in front of my family's home for what felt like forever. I wasn't ready to face the mess that I had made once I walked through the front door. 

I knew they could hear me out here, but they still waited for me to be ready. That part I appreciated the most. None of us was in a rush for the storm that waited with this argument. But I knew it had to be done, like a Band-Aid; I had to just hold my breath and rip it off. 

"I'm home," I called as I opened the front door. They knew it was me, but I figured this would break the ice instead of continuing the silence. You could hear a pin drop as I walked in, all of their heads turning towards me. My Mom looked like she could tear a city down with her bare hands with how mad she was, but my Dad, his face broke me. I knew the moment I left him standing there that I broke his heart, and his face was just confirmation. 

"Marissa, what are you doing here?" My Mom asked. I noticed that no one seemed to be expecting that question as they all snapped their eyes in her direction. 

"Shouldn't you be out taking your dog on a walk? I mean, you do live with them now," she continued. 

Did she not want me to come back? 

"What? I live here. I was just with them to help Paul. Mom, he needed me." I tried reasoning with her. However, I soon discovered that it would be useless. 

"No, you chose them over your real family. Get your belongings and leave; you are no longer a part of this family. Edward was right," She told me this, and it felt like someone had just knocked all of the wind out of my lungs. I knew they were mad, but this? I didn't expect them to ever do this. 

I couldn't even think of a response as I felt the tears burning, trying to escape my eyes. Refusing to let them fall and give my Mom the satisfaction, I just went to my room and packed some of my clothes and the basics I would need. As I was packing, I heard heavy footsteps coming towards my room. I looked up to find my Dad, Emmett, standing above me, looking like someone had just kicked his puppy. 

"Don't go, Snow, not again. Your mom is just upset." He tried to plead with me, but we both knew that if she was this angry, it was going to last a while. Maybe it was best if I just wasn't here anymore. 

Not being able to take it anymore, I broke into sobs as I clung to him. "I'm so sorry, Dad, I didn't mean to disappear on you. I just couldn't let him go through it alone. Please tell me you understand?" I sobbed into his chest as I felt his cold hands running down my hair and back, trying to stop the sobs. 

"You love him. How can I be mad that you found someone who loves you the way I love your mom?" He told me. I knew he was upset when he first found out, but I'm assuming someone downstairs has talked to him about this. I'll have to remember to thank them later. 

"I can't stay, though. You heard her, she doesn't want me here anymore. She said Edward was right, Dad." I swear that if he were able to, he would have had tears running down his face at this point. "There is something you need to know about the nomads. They're getting closer, and the pack is worried, especially about me and Bella being the only humans with ties to vampires." With that, I kissed his cold cheek and started walking back out with my things. 

The rest of my family was still sitting in the living room, in the same spots as they were when I came in. "I know you're all mad, but I'm sorry and I love you all. The nomads are getting closer. The pack wanted me to tell you they are worried, but they should be able to handle it." I waved to them all as I headed for the door. 

Before I could turn the handle, I felt someone wrap their arms around me, holding me in place. I turned to find Alice hugging me tightly. Behind her was Jasper, with his arms wrapped around both of us. They were the best Aunt and Uncle I could have asked for, and I was really close with them, which just made this that much harder. 

Leaving the house, I noticed that my Mom didn't say another word to me. But I could hear my Dad pleading with her to make this right. Carlisle and Esme were standing in the back, and Esme was trying her hardest not to intervene. Edward wasn't there, presumably with Bella. 

I didn't know where to go. The pack was busy patrolling for the nomads. I guess I could try the Swan house; the only problem there was that I knew Edward was there all the time, but it was worth the risks. 

Pulling out my phone, I called Bella. "Hey, is there any chance I could stay with you for a few days? My mom is pissed and kicked me out." 

"Absolutely! We have a guest room you can use. Just let me tell my Dad, and I'll come get you."  She responded to me. I was so thankful to have met her through my family. She was so nice to me, even when I was lying to her about what my family was. 

Bella's house was small, cozy, and distinctly different from the Cullen's elegant mansion. As Charlie Swan's daughter, she lived in a modest two-story home that smelled of pine wood and old books. When I arrived, Bella was waiting on the porch, her expression a mixture of sympathy and curiosity.

"Family drama?" she asked as I climbed out of my car, my bag slung over my shoulder.

"Massive understatement," I replied, managing a weak smile.

Charlie was at work, which meant we had the house to ourselves. Bella led me to the guest room, a small space with a window overlooking the dense Washington forest. "Make yourself at home," she said. "Mi casa es su casa and all that."

As I unpacked, I could feel Bella watching me. "So," she said carefully, "want to talk about what happened?"

I sighed. "My mom essentially kicked me out because I've been helping Paul learn to control his transformations. She thinks I've chosen the werewolves over my family."

Bella's laugh was dry. "Welcome to the supernatural family drama club. I'm president."

Just then, her phone buzzed. Her expression changed instantly—a mix of tension and anticipation I was starting to recognize as vampire-related.

"The nomads?" I asked.

She nodded. "Victoria and James. They're getting closer to Forks."

The weight of potential danger settled between us. Two humans, caught in the crossfire of supernatural conflicts we barely understood.

"We're not exactly helpless," Bella said, catching my worried look. "Edward and the Cullens will protect us."

But her voice held a hint of uncertainty that told me she knew protection was never that simple.

Little did we know, our quiet afternoon was about to get very complicated.