I gasped with each painful breath, slowly pulling my body into the driver's seat of my truck.

I flinched as I frantically looked around, praying that Jacob wouldn't return with his pathetic apologies. I had escaped Alice's vision and driven to La Push, much to the disapproval of Edward. He was away hunting with Rosalie, Esme and Alice and I was sure he would already be on his way home with Alice noticing the sudden "disappearance" of my future.

It was so good to see Jacob; it felt natural and easy like it used to be. Then suddenly I had mentioned graduation.

I knew he wouldn't be entirely pleased with my decision to change, but I never expected his rage.

I glanced in the drivers mirror at my appearance. My eyes were stained from tears of fear, and my hair was covered in dirt but otherwise I looked alright, compared to how I felt.

My ribs were throbbing with each breath, shooting pain up my right side. I lifted my grey t shirt up to investigate and gasped.

Dark, purple bruises were forming along my ribs. I thought of the rage in Jacob's eyes and how I shouldn't have stepped forward when he began to shake.

"Before you've even lived?!" He spat.

Suddenly there was a glimpse of brown fur and I was rolling in the dirt. My ribs throbbing as he disappeared into the woods behind his house. I shuddered.

Driving back into town, I knew that I couldn't stay at Charlie's. Edward had me being "babysat" by his brothers and Carlisle, as part of his extreme overprotectiveness or lack of faith in my ability to survive daily life. I knew that they would be worried if I didn't return soon, knowing Alice would have called them by now.

My heart rate spiked. Edward and his family could not find out that Jacob has hurt me. It would simply worry him more and cause unnecessary grief with the tension between the treaty. Not to mention he would probably break the treaty to teach Jacob a lesson.

Breathing was becoming more difficult with the stabbing pain, but I had to keep it from the keen eyes of Carlisle for a few days, just until the pain became manageable.

I roughly combed the dirt from my hair as I turned the corner, pulling up on the Cullen's driveway.

Slowly I got the courage to get out of the car, knowing all eyes and ears would be waiting to hear my explanation for my getaway.

I kept my facial expression as neutral as possible, despite the agony of my ribs, as I slowly slid out of the front seat and closed the door.

Crossing my arms seemed to ease the pain as I fought the tears that threatened to overflow. Walking to the kitchen, I prayed that no one would confront me so that I could hide away in Edward's room.

"Bella." Carlisle stood leaning against the couch, an unusually stern look on his face.

"Hi. So I'm alive?" I looked at the floors, avoiding his disapproving look.

Emmett's booming voice broke the tension.

"Yeah well lucky, coz even I was beginning to get worried. You were gone forever." He folded his arms, standing next to Carlisle. Jasper followed in, standing next to them. Gosh I hated how still they stood when they get stressed. Like statues.

"Im sorry." I muttered. I took a shallow breath, using all my energy to not flinch. I leaned against the kitchen counter for support, slightly feeling dizzy.

"Bella, you know how volatile young werewolves can be. It is too dangerous for you to be around them without our protection." Carlisle stated, warmth in his eyes but sternness rang out in his tone. He took a graceful step towards me.

I took another slow breath in as my heart pounded. Jasper stepped closer.

"Bella, is everything alright?" Concern washed over Jasper's face.

Shit. I forgot about his whole reading your emotions gift.

"Y-yes. I understand where your coming from. Believe me it won't happen again." I fought back tears. Spots twinkled in my vision as it felt like I was suffocating. I pushed my hand harder into my ribs, desperately trying to support my standing.

Carlisle stood immediately closer.

"Bella, your heart rate is extremely fast and you seem quite pale. Are you feeling okay?"

My heart beat faster.

"Yes, I'm fine." I leaned on the bench , my knees feeling weak, desperately trying to hold it together.

"Bella, I can feel you're in a significant amount of physical pain. Are you hurt?"

Jasper took a step closer, Emmett's eyes narrowed and Carlisle crossed the distance between us immediately.

I flinched back as he gently touched my arm.

" No! I'm fine, errr, sorry, I just have a headache, that's all. Nothings wrong."

I slowly backed away towards the door, all vampire eyes intently glaring until immediately my back hit something cold. I turned around.

" You're not going anyway until you tell the truth Bella." Jasper blocked the doorway.

"No, I'm fine really." I stammered.

"Bella, where are you hurt?"

Carlisle gently grabbed my arm, worry strengthening his voice.

I stared into his concerned eyes, tears threatening to spill over my cheeks.

His hand brushed past my throbbing ribs. Agony shot through me.

I screamed and fell, feeling cold, marble arms gently cradle me to the floor. Black spots clouded my vision.

"Bella!" Three voices shouted in unison.

"Bella can you hear me?" Carlisle squeezed my hand.

I felt cold air on my stomach as my shirt was slightly lifted up.

Emmett gasped. I felt like I was dreaming.

Finally, I lost consciousness.