I don't know why I let my mom, Renee, convince me to go to the stupid carnival with her and her new husband Phil. The rides always made me feel sick. But mom insisted that we do something fun before I go back to Forks at the end of the summer. Really, I was perfectly content reading at home. We didn't need to go out and attempt to have fun!

Regardless of what I was thinking I painted on a smile and went to the carnival anyways. I only wanted mom to be happy and if it made her happy that I came to the carnival with her, then I would do it.

I sat grumpily on the bench as Phil and Renee came back holding hands like teenagers with a bag of popcorn in their hands. "Honey, isn't this so nice. We get to spend time together like a family! Phil and I are going to go on the Ferris Wheel! You should come too!" Mom smiled happily.

Who was I to deny her of her happiness? I stood up and followed Mom and Phil. We got in line, but we didn't have to wait too long. I fanned myself as we stood in line. Phoenix was always so hot.

A boy stood beside me and he seemed to be at odds with the heat also. He was fanning himself, but unlike me, he had a nice cold drink in his hand.

Finally it was our turn to get on the Ferris Wheel. As I was about to hop in the seat with Renee and Phil the conductor said, "Only two per seat," then he shoved me in the seat behind them. I was thoroughly annoyed.

I sat down sighing loudly. The guy with the cold drink sat down next to me. He seemed to be alone. Honestly, who comes on a Ferris Wheel by themselves? Oh right, people like me.

The ride started up and I shifted nervously next to the guy next to me. I studied him out of the corner of my eye. He had slightly long blond hair and electric, cold blue eyes. He was a big guy and looked to be around the age of 20. He seemed to sense my gaze for he turned his gaze on me, "What's a pretty girl like you doing on the Ferris Wheel alone?" He asked.

I shrugged, "My mom and step-dad wanted me to come."

He grinned and me. I don't know what it was about him, but he made me slightly nervous. "My parents are divorced too. Kinda sucks, doesn't it?" He asked.

I just shrugged. In all honesty, it wasn't really too bad for me. I could never remember a time where my parents were together. My parents have always been separated and I accepted that at a young age, "Not really." I mumbled.

A sweat seemed to break out on the guys forehead. Weird. He held out his hand, "I'm James."

"Bella." I said shyly.

We sat in silence for the rest of the ride. James offered me a sip of his water, seeing as how hot I was, but I declined.

The ride came to a stop and Phil and Renee flounced off, leaving me behind. I have no idea why they even asked me to come. I was obviously a third wheel on their little premature date.

I walked in the direction that they ran off to. To my utter surprise, James was following me. "Maybe we could go somewhere. We could maybe talk a little bit more. Over a coffee maybe. Or we could get ice-cream?"

This guy was weird. I was 17, and he was obviously not in high school. Why would he be asking me out for coffee? I shook my head, "I'm here with my mom."

That didn't deter James, "They won't miss you. Come with me." He began grabbing at my arm.

I was getting nervous now. This guy was bigger than me. I wouldn't stand a chance if it came down to defending myself. He was over six feet tall and looked like he worked out a lot. I was relatively short at only 5"3 and I was a little over 100 pounds. I didn't have an ounce of muscle on me. Suddenly I wish I had that pepper spray that Charlie, my dad, always wanted me to carry.

"No. I'm going to find my mom and step-dad." I said forcefully pulling myself out of his grasp.

James seemed to be getting agitated, "You're coming with me. I've been planning this date for months. I've been watching you for months! I know what your favorite ice-cream is. We could have a really nice date. I've been planning it! I know everything about you! I could make you happy! I know it."

He looked desperate now as he grabbed my shoulders, shaking me a bit. I was scared now. I let out a piercing scream. People stared as James clapped a hand over my mouth. I bit down hard. "Bitch!" He shouted punching me in the face.

I went down. I could hear people shouting, and I felt someone's hands on me. It seemed to be a woman's hands. "Call 911! That man is getting away!" I heard her shout. And that's all I could remember, before I blacked out.