FAGE 12. Never Too Late to Start Anew

Title: Tennessee Adventures

Written for: Mama4Dukes

Written By: TheDarkestFallingStar

Rating: M

Summary:
Prompt used: Couples assigned to the same raft on a white-water rafting trip and Little Big Town - Pontoon

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~~TA~~

Bella woke with a jolt as something wet splashed on her face, her hand instantly snapping out and smacking her stepbrother who she knew without a doubt was the one responsible. She turned and yanked the toy water gun from his hands as he wheezed and rubbed his chest.

"Not cool Isa," her brother groaned.

With a huff, she tossed the water gun into the garbage bin and scowled. "For the fifth time this morning alone Gare, I've asked you not to spray me with it."

"Aww, lighten up Isa," Garrett said as he ruffled her hair, jerking back with a laugh as she swats at him again.

"Garrett, it's the ass crack of fuck you and I am awake out here when I could be asleep in my bed." She replied with a scowl, plonking back down with a huff and tightened her jumper.

Garrett watched his stepsister with a worried frown as she pulled out her sketchbook and began to draw once more. It had been a month since that bastard Edward broke her heart and it's been a month since he's seen her smile, she had rescinded back into herself and essentially became a recluse only merging from her room for class.

He and their small group of friends had been humming and hawing over what to do and it got to the point where his sister began to eat and sleepless, that was when Garrett threw down the gauntlet and told his sister in no uncertain terms that she was coming with him and the others on their spring break trip to Tennessee.

"You'll have fun you know, right?" He asked worriedly as he sat by her side and pulled her into a side hug.

"Garrett, my idea of fun isn't wilderness camping like you and the others." She replied with a tired sigh, giving into the hug. "I know you mean well but, I just…"

He knew what she meant, "I know but this might be good for you, Dad and Renee agree and I know Charlie told you that it would be good for you instead of lingering in Forks by yourself for spring break. Look, just give it a chance, if you don't enjoy the activities, I'll let you wander the camp area to draw and photograph to your heart's content."

Turning to look up at her brother she searched his face for any sort of lie but she knew deep down he would never lie to her, not like him. "And if I want to come home?"

"Then I'll buy you a plane ticket home and if you don't want to go home then I'll call Emily and send you to hers and Sam's." He explained seriously never breaking eye contact from his sister. "She's been asking after you and I know that Sammy Jr will love to see you."

The sound of a car horn had both of the siblings looking up to see Kate's brand-new Land Rover pull up, Bella watched as her brother's face lit up at the sight of Kate and she felt that familiar pang of heartbreak and loneliness once more for a brief second till a pair of warm giant arms yanked her up into a hug. "Iza! Iza!" Paul's deep voice was heard.

With a slight struggle, she escaped the brutes hold with a gasping laugh. "Paul you ass, not cool. Also, there's this magical thing called deodorant, use it."

Laughter erupted around her as she turned to face the others, giving them a small smile and went to help Peter load her and Garrett's bags, pausing when she saw an unfamiliar face. She was completely exotic looking, black hair that tumbled to her waist in waves framing her face, she was tanned and had high cheekbones with crimson red lips, but her eyes lightened with glee every time she smiled. She would be stunning to photograph.

Peter raised his brows as he saw Bella's gaze and laughed. "That's my sister-in-law Maria, we told her she could catch a ride back with us instead of driving herself."

"She's stunning…" Bella muttered out then snapped her hand up to cover her mouth in mortification as she realised what she said exactly and at what volume.

"Ah you're so sweet, Dulzura," Maria replied with a warm smile, taking the girls' hand in her own. "As Peter explained, I'm Maria, Jasper's wife."

Bella felt the blush burning her cheeks as she shook Maria's hand. "I'm Bella, I'm so sorry, I was thinking like a photographer and not a human."

"Ah! Say no more, I understand completely Dulzura. Come, come, we better start making our way north it's a 10-hour drive to Tennessee." Maria stated as she began to shuffle people back into the car, hopping into the last row with Bella while the others settled themselves in.

It took several moments for people to settle and set driving times for everyone, it was agreed that everyone would drive two and a half hours each or longer depending on the person who was driving. It was decided that they were going to go the long way and pick up Rose from South Carolina where she had a job interview for a high paying custom-built car shop later that day.

"So, I know we're going camping in Tennessee but where exactly?" Bella asked curiously.

Kate glanced back at her through the rear-view mirror with raised brows before jerking her gaze to Garrett who was sinking down in his seat next to her sheepishly. "Didn't tell her?"

"No, because if I did, she wouldn't have come," Garrett replied with a mumble.

Bella watched them argue back and forth for a moment more before turning her attention to Peter who was smirking into his book. "Wanna fill me in?"

"We're going to Tennessee Adventures, place where you can do a whole bunch of activities like river rafting and so on; it's run by a family friend. Jasper works there during spring break and teaches horse riding and a few other activities." Peter explained while turning the page.

Horror welled up within Bella at the thought, outdoors was okay as she grew up in Forks exploring the woods and photographing or sketching, or down at La Push with Paul and the pack, as they referred to themselves, on the beach and cliffs. But rafting? Horse riding? No, no, those things were something she definitely couldn't do.

Paul catching the look on her face laughed. "I tried to tell them but think of it this way, there is a lake and a forest, it'll be like Forks."

Bella turned her attention to her stepbrother and glared. "I'm keeping you to your word, if I want out, you send me home on the first flight out."

"Yes, but you have to give it a try," Garrett replied seriously. "Maybe it will help, you never know but it's better than staying at home alone and sitting on the couch eating ice cream and feeling sorry for yourself."

Those that were in the know of what happened shared uncomfortable glances, Maria frowned from her spot next to the young woman and watched as she seemed to sink into herself, her eyes downcast and glassy. It was a look she knew well, a look she had seen on many of her clients, heartbreak and it wasn't a pleasant one if the extreme reaction was to go by. Her eyes flickered to Garrett and watched as his face fell, his hand reaching up towards his sister before falling back in his lap, a sigh escaping his lips as he turned to look out the window.

Something happened to this girl and Maria was curious to know what, but she agreed with the others, perhaps an escape from the place which held so many memories for her would be helpful and what was more helpful and soothing than being surrounded by friends and family who cared for you?

Author Note: Okay, so after no writing for a while this will be fun. But for those who know me, you can probably guess how a few characters will be portrayed. *cough* doucheward and malice *cough*