running it off [open]

[Onzy]

The Sunday was quiet. People were sleeping in, or had gone home for the holidays. It was exhausting knowing that both your parents wanted you to spend time with them, and each one was trying to get you on their side. That was the one reason she had decided to stay at Park for the weeks she had off. Andrew had flown to Washington and Alexi had gone with him. The first weekend alone, she had decided to spend with Kris, shopping for the twins, but even then it was hard. It seemed that all the stress of the past term was coming out to get her.

Pulling on a tracksuit pants and a short sleeved shirt, she started hunting for her sneakers. Samson bought her the one, looking highly guilty about something, and following the dog to his bed, she found the other and just in time, for it seemed to have survived the last few chewing sessions. Er, thanks for that boy, she said, somewhat sarcastically and fondly at the same time. Locking her dorm door, she made her way to the fields, passing a few students during the walk. There was still a bite to the wind, but it was refreshing and not cold.

Reaching the fields, she picked a spot to warm up. Running had always provided some sort of comfort for her before the accident, but she had been left unable to run afterwards. The blinding headaches that she got spontaneously meant that she could never go far. Thens she came to Park and her life changed for the better. The headaches might not have gone, but for once she felt free. Kian was just an added bonus. That was one heck of a way to describe someone she had fallen in love with, but thankfully they were both independent people.

Feeling that she had stretched enough took to the track slowly at first, testing the waters before the plunge. Bella was in no mood to see anyone, and as she picked up the pace, memories came flooding back. The first was the first time she had met Kian, and she knew that she had Ieuan to thank for that. A few more came in place. The first time they kissed, buying a new horse, Ieuan and Max in hospital (she cared about the latter, but strangely enough the former as well), and then there was the time that Kian's father came. The build up to Kian's departure had been hell, and she couldn't force her feelings from her mind.

Circuit after circuit, she forced herself, and finally sweating and breathing in short gasps, she fell onto the grass, the bad accosting her. Her gasps became choked sobs, and for once she was actually expressing an emotion that wasn't happiness or anger. It was mainly stress, but there was so much else that she needed to get rid of in her life.

[Sync]

Dafydd was tired, but also a very happy man. The twins had had him up most of the night, and though he'd be swamped with work today he'd made Kristin stay in bed and let him deal with them. The result was a very sleepy, but grinning principal starting on the days duties. His first two hours of the morning, starting at 5am, had been spent with Andy. The gelding was coming along in leaps and bounds, thanks to the help from Remii Locke. He was developing a fiery temper but was also a very loving equine. He was obviously relieved to be in good hands once again. Giving the horse a farewell pat with the promise of being back this evening, Dafydd departed the barn at a swift pace. He only had one student to track down today, and it shouldn't take too long either. Knowing that the student in question, Clarissa Ferenc, would be in the sports center, he made his way toward it.

Dafydd's oracles rolled when he came to a stop outside the marital arts room. Leighton Winters stood beside his colleague, arms crossed over his chest but unable to keep a grin off his face at the sight in front of him. Clarissa currently had the rugby captain, Jonah Weaver, in a headlock. Dafydd, though amused by the situation, managed to keep a straight face. "Miss Ferenc, if you would kindly release Mr Weaver, i'd like to have a word with you." He called to her, his vocals clear but not necessarily cold. The girl immediately released her grip on the larger boy, grinning triumphantly at Jonah and Mr Winters, who just shook his head in amusement. "I'll let you handle that one Dafydd," he told the principal before addressing Jonah. "C'mon Mr Weaver, we have some weight lifting to do." he gestured, leaving Dafydd and Clarissa in the room.

Clarissa bounded over to her principal with an angelic smile upon her features, to which Dafydd rolled his eyes once more. "Not going to work Clary, this is the fourth time this month i've been called to warn you about 'training' the other students." He scolded her, though his lips were twitching as if to smile. Truthfully, what the girl got up to amused himself and many other teachers alike. She had many of the macho students eating out of the palms of her hands, knowing that there was no way she could be defeated at her own game. Dafydd's nephew had fallen victim to this exact game, as had Kian. Unlike Ieuan though, Kian had accepted his defeat gracefully. The older male shook his head in exasperation, looking at the girl again.

"Two weeks detention, I don't care if it's summer holidays. You come to me Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and here to Mr Winters Mondays and Wednesdays. You stay for two and a half hours. Next time i'm called back, you lose privilege to use this room for a month." he told her sternly, knowing the last remark would hit home. Looking like she was about to protest, Dafydd rose a brow at the girl who finally nodded. "Good. Being as it is Sunday today, you are with Mr Winters tomorrow from 4pm." He told her, before turning to leave the room. "Have a pleasant day Clarissa, and stay out of trouble please." he chuckled finally, to which the girl smirked before going back to whatever she was doing before her telling off.

Reluctant to leave the sports center just yet, he made his way out to the running track. It was a popular facility in the school, and Dafydd often came to watch the students run while thinking. A couple students coming in from the track smiled and waved at the well liked man, which he returned pleasantly. Apart from them, the track seemed to be empty. He went to take a seat on the bleachers, before catching sight of a familiar figure. He smiled warmly, before catching sight of the girls expression. Instantly, his own features pulled into a mask of concern and he called out to the girl. "Bella?" he called, making his way closer to her but not stepping in her way. She'd stop if she wanted to. "Are you alright sweetheart?" he asked, his tone nothing more than worried. He hated seeing the girl he classed almost as his own daughter, it broke his heart. Many possibilities flung through his mind which could be the cause of her sadness, flicking between Kian and Ieuan, to her horses and Max. Unable to draw up a conclusion, he simply waited for her to address him.

[Onzy]

Instead of just staying on the ground, and giving, Bella had taken to the track again. She felt as if she was on the verge of collapsing, but she pushed herself, knowing her limits were not yet reached. It had been madness to think that she would be able to carry on as normal when she was surrounded by insanity. It was just too much too cope with. There was so much on Bella's plate, and the fact that she felt taking on others problems would help forget her own was not helping much. Her phone vibrated, and opening the text message she saw that it was from Andrew. He was up seemingly early, but Bella was to unfocused to be thinking of the time difference. What he had delivered though was not what she needed.

Don't know if you know, but divorce final. Mom given custody. Sorry love. A

She was thankful that she was past legal age, and now it was final. Her life sucked, but this time she wasn't being taken to the extremes of before. She now had a reason to live. Dafydd pitched up around then, while she was completing a lap. He somehow had the knack of pitching up at the times when she needed someone the most. He had become a surrogate father, and more, a confidant. It had taken a while for her to trust him completely. Dafydd was one person that she didn't have flack with at that point in time. Wiping away the tears that had come while she was running, she tried to put on a smile. Hey Dafydd, she said, her cheek muscles refusing to budge. She was mentally and physically shattered.

After the greeting, she struggled to find words to explain, knowing that Dafydd wouldn't leave until she gave an explanation of some sorts. She held out the phone, allowing him to read the message. It's not just that. I... she paused, looking for the words, her throat constricting as the words were sought. I'm scared. I'm scared that Kian's dad is going to come back. I've never been that scared before than when that man was standing there, the only thing between me and him was Kian. Everything about what I show is an act. I can't do this anymore, Bella managed to choke out. Her chest constricted, allowing only the minimal amount of air in. Bella breathed in and out, stretching out slightly and moved towards the stands.

Her breathing was almost non-existent, replaced by the choking sobs that she had succumbed to. She crossed her legs on the metal benches, her body wracked with the tears of the past and present. I'm sorry. It's stupid actually, she muttered, angry at herself for showing the emotion that she tried so hard to hide. Nothing in this life seemed certain anymore. I really hoped that this would just pass y'know. Max and Ieuan with all their issues, my parents playing the silent battle with us as pawns, and just all this in general. I don't want normal, I just was an end to the all the drama. It seems like my life is falling apart around me and I can't find the threads to keep it together, she whispered, knowing that Dafydd could hear her.

[Sync]

Dafydd's expression shifted from concern to confusion at her tone, he'd seen her so happy just days before. Though, it could have been to do with her company, which of course was Kian. His expression darkened to frustration as he read the text she showed him, as if the girl hadn't been through enough already. He waited patiently for her to get out all of what she obviously needed to say. As she placed herself down onto the bleachers to continue what she had to say, he placed his arm over her shoulder and tucked her in to his side tightly. His body was angled toward her, as though shielding her from prying eyes as she spoke. Though, there was nobody else around to hear them so he'd needn't bother. Her voice finally ceased and Dafydd tightened his arm around her in a comforting manner.

"Bella, I know it's a relief for you to finally have the divorce over and done with. It's hard, I get it. But at least you won't have to worry about it anymore." he told her quietly, and then started to address the problem of Kian's father. Dafydd's expression had darkened dramatically at the thought of the man. Dafydd had always hated him, and the cruel nature of Kian's father. "Listen to me sweetheart. Kian's father is a man that lives off the fear of others. He always has, and always will. I cannot promise you that he won't be back, i've had many angry phone calls about his sons' behavior. He seems to think that Kian's new attitude is for the worse, and he'll snap back to how he was before." He sighed deeply, before smiling slightly at the girl. "But, I don't believe that. Kian has changed for the better, that boy is happier than I have ever seen him. And you are the reason for that Bella. He'd put his life on the line, just for you." He told her sagely, is expression much lighter now. "You shouldn't bottle up these feelings from him, he's actually quite the good listener when he wants to be." He grinned wryly.

"It's not stupid, you have every right to be upset darling. You've put up with so much this year, more than anyone should ever have to." His vocals were soft again, soothing her to help her calm down. "As for Max and Ieuan, those two can sort it out themselves. They need their heads banged together." Dafydd offered, his tone tired as he was also fed up of their situation. "And your parents? Just tell them to back off Bella. Or ignore them. They need to know how your feeling, they can't guess from the other side of the world. You and Andrew have to tell them how fed up you are." He gave another sigh, but smiled encouragingly. "Your life isn't falling apart Bella, it's just gone a little off track. It'll work out Bella, trust me. I've been in a similar situation to yourself. But, I managed to pull myself out of the darkness and look at me now! I have two beautiful children, and wonderful girlfriend, two pains in the backsides as my almost sons and you, Bella. My little confidant that I couldn't live without now." He grinned at her. "I promise it gets better, you just have to trust me."

[Onzy]

Bella listened to what Dafydd had to say. It was a good idea to do so because it seemed that he was the one man that actually spoke sense at the worst of times. Andrew would be awkward, he was never the one for the whole crying thing, preferring to go beat up the cause of the tears... Ieuan wouldn't look good with a permanent blue eye, but that she could do herself. Alexi had his own problems, mainly a certain red head that was his neighbor in the stable block. Kian, well she never really knew him well enough to trust him with what she had just told Dafydd. She knew that he would listen, knew that he would comfort her, but her problems just seemed so idiotic that she didn't know why she was crying in the first place. Dafydd sheltered her from view, he always did, but his vocals actually registered. '

She gave a derisive snort when Dafydd said she must mention talking to her parents, but she waited until he was finished talking. All the answers from her side could come then, and one did not interrupt Dafydd in the middle of his advice mode. That was road kill, and not to be done unless you had a death wish. It was also just plain rude, but the comment about Max and Ieuan coaxed a small smile from her. It was true that they needed to get their heads hit against something. They were too alike to actually sort it out. When all of this was over she would enroll everybody for therapy or anger management classes. Heavens knows she knew a few people that could do with it. She nodded when he said that it got better. Yeah, it got better, but then everything came crashing down around them.

Dafydd, you met my father. He doesn't want feelings. I doubt he even cares. According to Andrew, he's already got the next woman lined up and ready. He was just waiting to get the papers signed, she said, and sighed in the process. It was good to talk, it felt as if the weight of the earth was being lifted off her. The last time I saw my dad was when you met him. That's been six months and he lives two hours away. There's a good reason I'm staying here for the summer Dafydd. It's so that I don't have to stay in Forks and hear the rumours, or in my dad's apartment waiting for him to come home with that woman. she said bluntly. Bella might not have the perfect family, but heck it wasn't even a family. She missed her little brothers, but she would go when it wasn't going to be the sight of World War Three.

Bella smiled at the thought of Seth and Brynne, Dafydd and Kristin's twins. They were gorgeous and perfect in every way, but if she ever had children then she would make sure that she was actually a mother and didn't just have the title. The sun broke the few clouds that were in the sky, casting a sharp relief on the pair that were on the bleachers. The sun caught the bare arms of Bella, highlighting the scars and causing the girl to wince at the memory of the accident. They've never really healed, she mused out loud, drawing a finger across the one. Her hair covered the one that made the most difference, but her other arm bore similar scarring.