The Little's Swan {Complete + Edited}

Imprinting

He nods. "Good. But stay here or at Jess's. No hikes or anything. We're issuing a warning about those bears."

Charlie pats Athena's hair and leaves, she looks up to her mother and hugs her legs tighter. "Don't worry Mamma, Jakey get better soon." Bella gives her a small smile but doesn't say anything.

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The Woods

Bella tries to navigate her way to the meadow. She refers to a map, a compass. Athena a few steps behind her, trying to catch up, her breath coming out in puffs. Bella tries a trail it doesn't look familiar. Backtracks. Tries another. Athena tries to reach for her hand multiple times but keeps missing.

After a while, she sees a clearing ahead, hurries toward it. Athena runs to catch up, not wanting to be left behind but keeps tripping.

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The Meadow

Bella steps into the clearing, hopeful... but her face falls. In contrast to the warmth of her memory, the meadow is cold, gloomy, cloudy. And no Edward. Athena catches up and looks around, frowning at how little life is there. She looks up to Bella to see her eyes closed shut, she shrugs and puts her small backpack down, wanting to have a rest and drink from trying to keep up.

Bella sinks to her knees. Tears threatening. But then both girls hear a rustling noise. Bella turns toward it, peers into the woods. Athena goes towards her mother and grabs the back of her sweater. Another rustling noise comes from another part of the woods. They spin toward it, nothing. Then they turn and jump when they see, Laurent standing just ten yards away. Dreadlocks, chiseled face. Bella can't believe it. Athena gets closer to Bella, scared.

"Laurent?" Bella calls out, Athena starts to slowly shake her head with tears threatening to spill. Not liking this mysterious person.

"Bella."

She beams, realizing he's real. "Laurent!"

"I must admit, I didn't expect to find you here and with a small child no less."

"I live here. But you - I thought you were in Alaska with Carlisle's friend."

"Tanya, I was. It was kind of him to arrange, given my association with James and Victoria, 'The Enemy.'"

"You tried to help us." Laurent begins to stroll in a slow arc around her, his eyes assessing her. Athena leans in closer to Bella, tears streaming down her face.

"I went to visit the Cullens, but their house is empty. I'm surprised they left you behind. Weren't you sort of a pet of theirs?" Bella's smile falters, fear beginning to dawn on her. Athena starts trying pull Bella away but with no luck.

"Um... something like that."

"Do the Cullens visit often?"

Bella nods. "Absolutely. All the time. I'll tell them you stopped by." She tries to look relaxed, Athena tries to pull harder, not wanting to be there any more. "Will they be able to reach you in Alaska?"