“Okay I get your point” Isabella said, trying to think positively even if she she knew that she had the same concerns. “But maybe we are just over thinking this. Maybe he doesn’t know. Isn’t it better for us to meet up and be sure about this instead of worrying that he’s going to come after us one day? Maybe he won’t. You can’t deny the fact that you are concerned that something like that could happen. Let’s find out once and for all”
Samson gave her words some thought. “Fine
But I’m coming with you” he said, then added quickly because he knew what she would say next, “And there’s nothing you can do or say that will stop me so don’t even bother to say anything. I’m not going to change my mind”
Isabella shook her head. “That is not a good idea. He wants to see me alone. Your presence might make him unable to talk to me with ease. I will be fine… Don’t worry about me..”
“Of course I’m going to worry. How can you ask me not to be?” Samson replied. “You are clearly not thinking straight because he’s your father and you have this tiny hope in you that you both will reunite and bond like father and Child. I hate to break it to you, Belle, but that’s not going to happen because he’s not your family anymore. No matter how much you try. He will never be okay with you being a vampire. The earlier you accept that fact, the easier things are going to get for you”
“Oh wow. Thank you very much for your support, Samson. I really appreciate it” said Isabella sarcastically.
Samson ran his hands through his hair, a frustrated look on his face. “Look, Belle. I didn’t mean it like that” he said hurriedly as she began to walk away from him again. “Stop. Wait, Belle, please come back here. I’m speaking to you”
Isabella turned, her eyes flashing with anger. “Don’t Samson” she said. “Don’t you dare take that tone with me. I’m not a Child.”
Samson walked up to her. “I’m sorry” he replied. “I really didn’t mean for it to come out that way. It’s just that I’m concerned and really worried about you. You have no idea how worried I am… How scared I am to lose you. I know he’s your father and there is nothing that I can do to change that. I also know that you have made up your mind to meet up with him and I can’t change that either. All I’m asking is that you don’t do this alone. Let me come with you, Belle. Let me be there for you. That’s all I want… All I’m asking for here”
Isabella breathed deeply and reached out to take his hand.”Alright” she said softly. “I’m sorry that I was a bit mean. That wasn’t my intention at all. It’s just that, when I spoke to him, it seemed like he doesn’t know that I’m a vampire. I think he simply assumed that I was compelled to come with you that night. I would like to keep it that way, and I think that it would be hard to do so if you come with me. Also I really don’t think you both would get along at all.”
Samson frowned.”Of course we won’t get along.” he said. “He almost killed you. I still can’t believe that you would agree to this”
“Actually his friend… Or partner did. Not him” Isabella corrected.
“Doesn’t matter. They were together” Samson replied. “All I know right now is that if you are going to do this, then I would really love to come with you. So please let me”
“Okay, but let me talk to him for a while before you conclude and say anything, okay?”
Samson nodded. “Alright” he said. Although he knew that this was a terrible idea. But at least, she wouldn’t have to do it alone.
__________
The meeting place was the bar where Isabella used to work. Samson had suggested that it would be better to meet on her own terms and at a place where she would be around people that she knew. It would be a lot safer that way.
Travis Stevens sat at a corner by one of windows and waved so she would see where he was and Isabella walked towards him, followed by Samson who had a deep frown on his face. Isabella might be willing to believe that this man had good intentions for her because he was her father, but he didn’t trust the guy one bit and he had no intention of hiding how he felt about him.
“Hi dad” Isabella said when she got to the table. Her father had changed so much since she last saw him. Of course he looked older, but now he had a longer whitish beard which covered the lower part of his face. His eyes even looked like a lot… Colder. Isabella wasn’t sure anymore. As far as she was concerned, she never really knew the man or what he was capable of. Right now, even calling him ‘dad’ seemed weird to her, but she managed to put a small smile on her face.
“Are you just going to stand there and not come give your father a hug after all these years” said Travis when Isabella made no move to go sit down or come any closer to him. “I have to say, Izzy, I expected more excitement from you”
Isabella frowned. “Don’t call me that” she replied stiffly. “No one calls me Izzy anymore. It’s Isabella now. And it’s been years since we last spoke to or saw each other. This is all the excitement you are going to get”
Travis Stevens gave her a smile that didn’t come anywhere near his eyes. “It’s funny. You used to love being called Izzy back then”
“Not anymore” Isabella replied.
“Very well then. As you wish. Are you going to at least sit down so we can talk? Or are you also against that too?” Travis asked.
Isabella decided to ignore that comment, but she did as he said and took the seat opposite him. Beside her Samson stood, glaring at Travis, who returned his stare with equal hate. He obviously recognized him from that night.
“I also thought it was going to be just the both of us meeting here” continued Travis. “I don’t remember discussing about bringing friends along. I wanted to speak to you alone”