I wake up the next morning, visions from last night floating through my head. I had managed to put the articles back where I got them before Dad found out. My hands shake slightly as I get dressed and walk to The Brew.

As soon as I walk in, I see a familiar blonde head pop up from one of the booths. Tara waves and I wave back, walking towards her. "Hey!" She says.

I smile. "Hey. Thanks for inviting me. I'm starving!" I reply, grabbing a menu. My eyes scan the words.

A shiver runs through me as I look up and see Tara glancing at me. "Do I have something on my face?" I ask.

She shakes her head. "Have you ever heard the name Ross Jackson?" All the colour drains from my face as I nod. Tara pulls out her phone and pushes a few buttons before a picture appears on the screen.

My eyes widen as I see what's on the screen. Tara and a very familiar looking man. "Ross... is your father?" I ask, disbelief coating my voice. Tara nods, shame filling her eyes.

I shake my head, standing up and grabbing my phone. Tara grabs my arm, stopping me. "Please. Let me explain."

I can't believe this is happening. "What's there to explain? Do you know how much grief and pain your dad caused my family? My mom..." I trail off, a lump in my throat. It takes several minutes before I'm able to speak again. "My mom died because of him. A vampire bite killed her."

Tara sucks in a breath, her face pale. "I... I had no idea."

Was this all a trick? My heart pounds. "I have to go home," I say. "I forgot... m-my dad needs my help with something. See you later." I walk out of The Brew, leaving Tara staring after me.

Tears spill down my cheeks as I walk home. Bypassing my dad, I walk straight to my room. "Honey?" Dad asks, but I ignore him.

Sobs wrack my body as I get to my room. Conflicting emotions form inside me: anger, disbelief, sadness. I flinch as I hear a knock on my door. "Bella? Everything okay?"

I clear my throat and force my voice to sound normal. "I'm fine, Dad." A second later, the door opens and Dad walks inside.

He sits on the edge of my bed and puts a hand on my shoulder. "What's wrong, honey?"

I shake my head. "I met someone at school." Dad nods, confusion filling his eyes. "A girl named Tara Jackson. Sound familiar?" Dad's expression quickly turns angry.

He takes a deep breath, grabbing both of my hands. "Bella, I don't want you talking to her again. Okay?" I nod.

"Okay. T-There's something else," I say, avoiding his gaze. "I... I went into your study today while you were gone. I saw the articles about Mom."

Dad starts to explain, but I cut him off. "I'm tired. I think I'll go to bed early." Walking to my room, I collapse in my bed, falling asleep before my head hits the pillow.

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