The rain continued to fall steadily as Garnetta and Bella drove back to Forks, the road ahead slick and glistening under the dim light of the overcast sky. The conversation they had shared in the secluded clearing weighed heavily on both of their minds, but there was also a sense of clarity—Bella now knew the truth, and with that knowledge came the power to protect herself, even if she was still grappling with the enormity of it all.
When they arrived back at Bella's house, Garnetta pulled up behind Bella's truck and turned off the engine. The silence that followed was thick with unspoken thoughts, but Garnetta knew that Bella needed some time to process everything she had learned. She offered Bella a reassuring smile as they both stepped out into the rain, the cold droplets quickly soaking through their clothes.
"Are you going to be okay?" Garnetta asked gently as they stood by Bella's front porch, the sound of the rain creating a soft, almost soothing background.
Bella nodded, though her expression was still one of deep contemplation. "I think so," she replied quietly. "It's just… a lot to take in. But I trust you, Garnetta. And I trust Edward. I just need some time to wrap my head around everything."
Garnetta placed a comforting hand on Bella's shoulder. "Take all the time you need. I'm here if you want to talk, and so are the Cullens. You don't have to go through this alone."
Bella managed a small smile, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Garnetta. That means a lot."
With a final, reassuring squeeze of Bella's shoulder, Garnetta said her goodbyes and headed back to her car. She watched as Bella went inside, the door closing softly behind her. Garnetta felt a surge of protectiveness for Bella, along with a renewed sense of determination. Whatever was coming, she would ensure that Bella was ready—and that she was safe.
As Garnetta drove home, her mind was already working through the next steps. She needed to talk to Edward, to make sure he knew that Bella was now aware of the truth. And she needed to strategize with Tanya, Raphael, and the Cullens to ensure that they were prepared for any threats that might arise.
When Garnetta arrived home, she found Raphael in the living room, his expression one of quiet concern as he looked up from the book he had been reading. He set the book aside as Garnetta entered, his eyes searching hers for answers.
"Did you tell her?" Raphael asked, his voice gentle.
Garnetta nodded, her expression serious. "I did. She needed to know. Bella's in danger, Raphael, and she has to be prepared. I couldn't keep it from her any longer."
Raphael sighed, though there was no reproach in his gaze—only understanding. "I agree with your decision, mon trésor. Bella is stronger than she realizes, but she will need our support now more than ever."
Garnetta sat down across from Raphael, her mind still racing with thoughts of what was to come. "I'm going to talk to Edward. He needs to know that Bella is aware of the truth, and we need to make sure that she's protected at all times."
Raphael nodded in agreement. "That's wise. Edward cares deeply for Bella, and he will want to ensure her safety as well. But be cautious, Garnetta. The more people know, the more likely it is that the Volturi or other threats will become aware of her importance."
"I know," Garnetta replied, her tone firm. "We'll be careful. But we can't afford to be caught off guard."
Raphael's gaze softened as he regarded Garnetta with pride. "You've grown so much, Garnetta. You've become a strong, capable protector—just as I always knew you would. I'm proud of you."
Garnetta felt a warmth in her chest at Raphael's words, the bond between them stronger than ever. "Thank you, Raphael. I wouldn't be who I am today without you."
Raphael smiled, his eyes filled with affection. "And I'm grateful every day that you are in my life, mon trésor. Together, we'll face whatever comes."
After their conversation, Garnetta excused herself to make a quick call to Edward. She stepped outside, the rain having lightened to a drizzle, and dialed his number. It didn't take long for him to answer.
"Garnetta," Edward's voice came through the line, tinged with both curiosity and concern. "Is everything alright?"
"Edward, I need to talk to you about Bella," Garnetta began, her tone serious. "I told her the truth—about you, about the Cullens. She needed to know what she's up against."
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before Edward spoke again, his voice measured. "I see. And how did she take it?"
"She was shocked, of course," Garnetta replied. "But she's strong. She understands the danger, and she's ready to do whatever it takes to protect herself. But she's going to need all of us now—more than ever."
Edward sighed, a sound that conveyed both relief and worry. "Thank you for telling me, Garnetta. I've been struggling with whether or not to tell her myself. It's probably better that she knows the truth now, rather than being blindsided later."
"We'll figure this out together, Edward," Garnetta assured him. "But we need to be vigilant. Something is coming, and we need to be ready."
"I agree," Edward replied, his tone resolute. "We'll talk more tomorrow. For now, just make sure she's safe tonight."
"I will," Garnetta promised. "Talk to you tomorrow, Edward."
With that, Garnetta ended the call and headed back inside, her mind still racing with thoughts of the future. She knew that the coming days would be filled with challenges, but she also knew that she wasn't alone. With Edward, Tanya, Raphael, and the rest of her allies, Garnetta felt a strength that could withstand any storm.
That night, as Garnetta lay in bed, she found herself thinking of Bella and the new reality she was now a part of. The girl had shown remarkable courage in the face of the unknown, and Garnetta couldn't help but admire her resilience. But she also knew that the road ahead would be difficult, and she was determined to do whatever it took to protect Bella from the dangers that lay in wait.
As she closed her eyes, the sound of the rain lulling her into a state of relaxation, Garnetta made a silent vow to herself: no matter what happened, she would keep Bella safe. She would protect her from the shadows and secrets that threatened to consume them all.