(What you need to know: This is a very alternate history of the Twilight series. The first book, and part of the second remain virtually unchanged, but Edward does not leave. I have given Bella a new friend, a girl named 'Izzy'. The Volturi have had the most dramatic changes, becoming the 'Brethren', a sophisticated foursome of cold-blooded hedonists. Edward, for reasons revealed later, is now going by the name James, or Jamie. If this is not the story you are looking for, then I will not ask you to read further. I welcome all kinds of critiques, so long as you have actually read my story. Thank you for your time.)

OBSESSION...

(You're my ice sculpture with a heart of fire, My day, my night, my light my dark. You're my everything - and I am obsessed with you.)

Bella

Fall seemed to start early that year. The new school year had begun too soon. My time with Jamie feels as if it's running short, somehow. Summer had melted into a wet, cold, dreary autumn. But it was all right. Jamie was there.

Throughout everything He had been there for me. He gave me a reason to keep going. His music was in my soul, his voice in my head, and his still heart, for some reason, belonged to me. I loved him. I needed him. I was Obsessed with him.

My best friend Izzy once told me in an exasperated way, "You're obsessed with Jamie – you know everything about him!" 'But she's wrong.' I thought. 'I know nothing.

I know he has a gentle soul. I know that he is the most passionate person I have ever met. I know the color of the fire behind his eyes. I know that he plays piano, and speaks Shakespearian English. I know that he has trouble standing Jacob Black, and vice versa. I know I love him. I know he loves me. But It's not… Enough.'

I wanted to know more. Because I've been to scared to ask him what he meant when he said those words - four simple words that sink into my dreams, and plunder my waking thoughts.

"I am not whole."

Jamie

"What did you mean?"

I turned towards Bella, worried that I had offended her. "I don't understand," I offered.

"When you were trying to tell me why we shouldn't be together. You said you weren't 'whole'. What did you mean?"

Her pale face was tilted up towards mine. So close to mine… I had to protect her from the truth – I had to – but I couldn't. I could not lie to Bella.

"You... you caught that, did you?" I murmured. Her deep eyes were entrancing me, holding me captive. "It might not be…" I searched for the right word, "safe. For you to know."

I saw her spirit flare in her shining eyes, barely contained behind those twinkling spheres. "I won't stop asking you until you tell me," she said with certainty – and I knew she meant it.

I shook my head at the losing battle. I could deny her nothing. She was my guiding star, and it was the purpose of my life to follow her. "Do you remember when I told you about the Brethren?" I asked, slowly.

She nodded, her hair fallings splendidly across her pale, perfect shoulders. "Tell me again."