"The Devil You Know"

Chapter 1

"You're sure about this?" Jake asked as he loaded the last box into the car, "You can stay with us."

"No I can't Jake," Bella said closing the door, "I can't be here anymore." She said and looked towards the house that belonged to her father, "It's just too hard."

"I know you blame yourself, but you can't Bella," Jake said, "You couldn't have done anything different that would have changed what happened. You know they wouldn't want you [to] drown [yourself] in your guilt. You're free now Bella and they can't hurt you anymore."

"No, but they took what I loved the most and in reality Jake, I didn't realize how much I loved them until they were ripped from me." Bella said, "You'll tell everyone I said thanks and bye right?"

"You're leaving tonight?" Jake asked shocked.

"I need to," Bella said, "The further I get away the less it will hurt and maybe I'll heal like your dad said."

"You'll call right?" Jake said as he pulled Bella in for a hug.

"I'll call so much you'll get sick of it." Bella said laughing a little. "Thank you Jake."

"You're welcome Bella." Jake said.

Bella got in the car and didn't look back.

.*.*.*.*.*.

"I heard she has a ton of money." Bonnie said as she, Elena, Matt, Tyler, and Caroline sat down to eat their lunch.

"Yeah, all from insurance," Caroline interjected, "Her parents like died really horrifically and she's the only beneficiary. My mom says it was a triple murder; her dad, mom, and step-dad. Sounds pretty fishy if you ask me."

"Guys stop," Elena said, "The girl is all alone, maybe we should stop gossiping and get to know her."

"She's a senior Elena," Caroline scoffed, "Like she is going to talk to us. We're sophomores'."

"I don't know, but my Mom and Dad said no Swan has lived here in about 40 years. So they are making a big deal. The Swans were the first to come here then they brought the rest of the founding families and when James Swan died, his wife Marie just up and left. She closed that old diner and no one has set foot in it or their house. She refused to sell it even though my mom tried to convince her." Tyler said adding to the gossip.

"Like I said, something is not right," Caroline chimed again.

"Guys lay off," Matt said putting his arm around Elena, "Listen to Elena and let's just see what she's like."

"Here she comes now," Bonnie said and they all looked towards the cafeteria doors.

"Wow," Caroline said, "She's really…plain."

"Caroline," Elena chastised, "That's horrible to say; she just lost her parents, I probably wouldn't look good either."

Elena got up and walked over to Bella.

"Hi I'm Elena Gilbert," She said, introducing herself. "You wanna sit with us?"

.*.*.*.*.*.

2 Months Later

Bella never thought she could feel alive again, but she was starting to; she had great friends whose parents were really nice and [they] watched over her. It was like what happened in Forks was becoming a distant memory.

"So you sound happy," Jake said.

Bella and Jake were having their weekly phone conversation.

"I really am," Bella said, smiling as she cooked dinner.

"So anything new in Mystic Falls?" Jake asked.

"No," Bella said, "Hanging out at the Falls mostly. I finally got the house organized and cleaned up."

"What are you going to do with that old diner?" Jake asked.

"I don't know," Bella said. "Mrs. Lockwood keeps trying to get me to sell it, but it just doesn't seem right."

"Maybe you could re-open it," Jake joked, "You know I worry about you at the Falls with your history of accidents, it's not a good combination."

Bella was about to make a snarky remark, when the thought really sunk in.

"You know Jake, that's a good idea." Bella said.

"What is?" Jake said.

"Re-opening it," Bella said, "It would be a good investment and something to keep me busy."

"Bella you can't run a place like that; you're 18." Jake said.

"Age is just a number," Bella said smiling, "I gotta go Jake, I need to make a meeting with the mayor."

.*.*.*.*.*.

2 Weeks Later

"Mr. Lockwood I really think it would be good to re-open the diner." Bella said.

"Bella I like the idea, but you're only 18 and that place is in ruins." Mayor Lockwood said.

"I know," Bella said, "But I can do it; think about it. How many accidents happen at the Falls because the kids have nowhere else to hang out at? If you let me have the permits, I'll update the place and it would be a great hangout not only for us teens, but the adults too. I could put in a bar, serve food, some games. I can do it Mr. Lockwood, just give [me] the chance." Bella said.

"It would be safer for you kids and it would be helpful, financial-wise, for the town. Not to mention I would like a different place to eat…" Mr. Lockwood said thoughtfully, "Alright Bella, you have permits. My wife won't be too pleased, but I think your idea is worth her wrath. Besides she'll get over it once I give her something to plan."

"Thank you Mr. Lockwood, you won't regret it." Bella said.

.*.*.*.*.*.

3 Months Later

"Wow, Bella," Elena said walking into the diner, "This place looks amazing."

"Thanks," Bella said, "I already hired a bartender and a manager, now I need some servers. The pool tables come in tomorrow and so does the jukebox."

"Can I apply?" Matt said walking in.

"Matt," Bella said and gave him a hug.

"The place looks great," Matt said, "I'm serious about that job though."

"Consider yourself hired." Bella said laughing.

"When do you open?" Elena asked.

"Three weeks," Bella said. "Figure it's a good early graduation present to give myself."

"Hey Matt," Elena said, "Why don't you head to the theatre and I'll meet you in a bit."

Matt left leaving Bella and Elena alone so they sat at table.

"Bella," Elena said, "I'm worried about you."

"Why?" Bella asked surprised.

"I don't know; I know you're happy, but I don't think you're fulfilled." Elena said, "Maybe you should go back to Forks for a little bit."

"I can't go back there," Bella said as anxiety washed over her at even the suggestion, "I'm not ready."

"Then maybe you should just go travel somewhere." Elena said quickly seeing Bella's reaction, "Just think about it Bella, I just think you need to have some fun."

Elena walked out and Bella sat there thinking about what Elena had said…maybe she was right.

.*.*.*.*.*.

May: A Week After Graduation

"Congratulations Isabella," Mr. Lockwood said. He was joined by his wife, Sheriff Forbes, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert, Elena, Caroline, Jeremy, Bonnie, Matt, Tyler, and Vicki. "You have done such an amazing job since you came here. You restored the old house, brought new life to the town with this place, and graduated with honors. Congratulations."

"Thank you Mr. Lockwood." Bella said, "You believed in me and gave me the opportunity to give something back to the town." She stood up from her table, "Now for a big announcement, I've decided I'm gonna go away for a while. I'm going over to Europe to do some traveling."

"Bella," Mrs. Lockwood said, "That's fantastic, are you selling The Grill?"

"No," Bella said, "Roger is going to oversee things, but we are going to be in contact at all times. I just need a break and want to do something adventurous."

"Well we will miss you around here," Sheriff Forbes said, "Just be careful."

"I will," Bella said and they [all] clinked glasses.

.*.*.*.*.*.

7 Months Later

"So where are you calling me from this time?" Jake asked laughing.

"London," Bella replied, "Jake it's so beautiful here."

"That's what you said about Paris, Vienna, Prague, Rome, Venice, Verona, Florence, and the Italian city list goes on." Jake laughed, "What is it about London you love?"

"The diversity of the people," Bella said, "I swear Jake, if I could make my living off traveling, I would."

"Well the way The Grill is still prospering I'm sure you can." He said, "What are you doing tonight?"

"The Royal Ballet; they are putting on a show for the Nutcracker." Bella said and looked at the time, "And I should probably get ready. I can't believe you called me so late your time."

"I haven't heard from you and I just wanted to make sure you're okay." Jake said.

"Thanks Jake." Bella said, "Tell everyone I said hi and they should be getting the packages in about a week."

"Will do Bella," Jake said, "Take care."

"You too Jake," Bella said and hung up.

Bella put on her Jason Wu silk chiffon gown that was a deep magenta and her Casadei crystal covered pumps. She had never spent so much on herself before, but then again this was the London Ballet. She curled her auburn color hair into simple waves and parted it on the side.

Her car arrived and it was about thirty minutes later when they had pulled up. The opera house was spectacular…unlike anything she had ever seen.

"Champagne?" a waiter asked while she was looking over every detail.

"Thank you," Bella said, "But I'm alright."

The waiter left and a voice behind her startled her.

"First time here?" a European accent asked. Bella turned quickly clutching her chest and nearly tripping, but the man helped balance her, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to startle you. I'm glad you didn't have that drink now."

Bella laughed, "No believe me, I would have eventually found a way to spill it on myself. Thank you though and to answer your question yes it's my first time here."

"You'll enjoy it," The man said, "Where is your seat?"

"Balcony, near the right of the stage." Bella replied.

"What a coincidence, mine as well," The man said smiling, "Would it be creepy if I asked to escort you to your seat?"

Bella thought for a moment, "I'm embracing a new way of life," Bella said slowly, "So no. I just need to find the restrooms which are…"

"Right over there," The man said, pointing down a hall.

"Thank you I'll be right back," Bella said.

"I'll be waiting." The man replied and watched her walk away.

"Andrew," he said, "I won't be having the girl you found. The one who just left is more than enough to quench my thirst." He said smiling. "And change my seat to the one next to her and make sure we are not disturbed."

Andrew nodded and went off to carry out his employer's orders.

Bella returned and the man was waiting.

"I think before I fully accept your offer I would at least like to know your name." Bella said as a blush crossed her cheeks.

The man smiled "Klaus," the man replied, "And yours…"

"Bella," Bella said, "Please don't use any cheesy lines, I hate them."

"Well Bella, who hates cheesy lines, I will remember that." Klaus said and held out his arm, "Shall we?"

.*.*.*.*.*.

Halfway through the ballet Klaus decided now was the time to feed; she was engrossed in the ballet and it would be easier to compel her.

"Bella," he whispered and she turned to look at him, "Don't scream," he compelled.

"Why would I?" Bella asked confused.

Klaus leaned away then tried again, "Don't scream."

"Again, why would I?" Bella said confused.

Suddenly a gong sounded and Bella jumped in her seat.

Klaus quickly recovered, "That's why."

"Thanks, I would have ruined the entire thing." Bella said, laughing quietly.

.*.*.*.*.*.

The rest of the play Klaus sat back and studied this girl who obviously couldn't be compelled. She wasn't wearing vervain and it wasn't in her blood due to the fact she had a small cut on her arm that was oozing a little bit of blood. Somehow she couldn't be compelled and he couldn't figure out why. Suddenly Bella wasn't just another meal for him, but a puzzle to solve, a mystery to unravel, a human he felt the needed to know why her scent was so intoxicating, why she couldn't be compelled, and just why her.

The play ended and Bella was so amazed.

"That was fantastic." She said to Klaus, who stood up and clapped as well.

"The performance is always fantastic," Klaus said.

"You've been here more than once?" Bella asked surprised.

Klaus laughed, "Yes many times," he offered his arm and escorted Bella to the foyer, "So Bella what now?"

"Well now I thank you for the wonderful evening and keeping me from making a fool of myself and I go to my car, which is waiting." Bella said.

"Or we could get in my limo," Klaus suggested.

"No," Bella said, "It's not that I'm ungrateful, just I'm not that kind of girl."

"Well then can I get your number?" Klaus asked trying to be charming even though inside he was becoming very frustrated.

"That I can do," Bella said and gave him his number. "Thank you again Klaus, I had wonderful time."

"I'm glad you did, as did I Bella," Klaus said and kissed her hand, "Until we meet again."

"I'm counting on it," Bella said and walked out to her waiting car.

.*.*.*.*.*.

Three days later, Klaus was sitting in his room sipping on bourbon.

"Sir," a man came in, "I brought a few selections for the evening."

"How can she not be compelled," Klaus said, standing up and walking to the window, "Why can I not stop thinking about her?"

"Sir I don't think the girl is the most important thing at the moment," the man replied, concerned.

"I don't pay you to think," Klaus snapped, "Get me the phone."

"Yes, sir," the man said and handed him the phone.

He dialed Bella's number and waited anxiously for someone to pick up.

"Hello?" Bella said answering the phone.

"Bella, it's Klaus," Klaus said.

"Klaus," Bella said smiling, "I was wondering if I'd ever hear from you."

"Yes, I apologize for that. I had some important business matters to attend to." Klaus lied easily, "Are you busy tonight?"

"Actually I'm packing as we speak," Bella said, "I'm leaving tomorrow."

"Well then allow me to buy you dinner and perhaps a drink." Klaus suggested.

"I think I can do that," Bella said, "Where do you want to meet?" Bella asked.

A/N: Hey guys I know another story, but AllyDLV and Dark~Supernatural~Angel convinced me to post so you all have them to thank for this if you like it.

I have been toying with this idea for a while and worked on it here and there and it turned into this.

I hope you guys like this and I really hope to hear your opinions.

Thank you to AllyDLV and Dark~Supernatural~Angel for their help in editing and suggestions. If you have checked out their stories I suggest you do so; they are all really good.

Review!