Disclaimer - I do not own any of the characters mentioned in this story. They all belong to the wonderful, Stephanie Meyer. I do, however, own the rights to this plot!

This is my first story on fanfiction. I did upload this chapter before, (thank you for all of the support and the reviews from becleecullen) but I wasn't happy with it and so I have made some changes.

There are two parts to this prologue. The first one is a bit tedious but it is necessary to the story, the second one if where the real drama begins.

So, READ, REVIEW, and ENJOY.

Prologue - Part I

There are many challenges in life that we may have to face at some point. Some may be easy. Others not so much. It is almost a certainty that through these challenges we may face some fears, stumble across many hardships and encounter disappointment, despair or grief.

A lot of people may look at these challenges and simply decide that they aren't worth the trouble or the heartache. I say that those people are wrong...

My life hasn't been easy, even when I was a child, I've had many difficulties that I have been burdened with. I often wonder what my life would be like now if I hadn't overcome some of those challenges. Would I be happier? Maybe. Maybe not.

Maybe, there's another me somewhere out there. Maybe, in some kind if parallel universe. I wonder what her life is like in comparison to mine. If I knew would I be envious. Would I choose to alter mine for hers? I hope not.

My life has been one giant challenge and I'm not going to lie and say it has been easy when, in fact, it has been quite the opposite. Even now, years later, I find myself facing repercussions of my decisions and the ones of those around me.

Looking over all this, however, has just made me grateful for those challenges. I can say without a doubt that if it weren't for them then I would be but a mere shell of the person I have become.

Sometimes when trouble strikes we may be alone and unaided, or in a room surrounded by loved ones with every weapon at our disposal and in all honesty, I don't think it would make the slightest difference. For it is up to us and us alone, how we choose to overcome our own endeavors and what we choose to learn from them.

Time may make things difficult for you...people may make things difficult for you...you, yourself may make things difficult... but I can promise you, that it will be worth it.

It takes no effort, struggle or pain to fall down and stay down. The true challenge is being able to stand back up and then to continue standing up. Through whatever life throws at us. Through the deepest of pains. Through the darkest of days. Through the heaviest of rainfalls.

I can look back on my life so far and be proud of myself for what I have achieved but I know I still have a long way to go and more challenges to come.

I just hope that I will continue to find the power to keep on standing back up. I hope that you do too.

Prologue - Part II

Adrenalin. I could feel it surging its way through my body. Whispering to me, telling me things that, at this moment, I was powerless to do.

"Run, you have to run, Bella."

I was trying, but I couldn't move. My feet refused to move. My body tense and unmoving refusing to co-operate. It didn't matter that I had training for exactly this type of situation. It didn't matter that I was older, or stronger than before. Everything had faded away, leaving me alone with him.

I was finding it hard to believe that this was real. That for the first time in 4 years this wasn't a dream. I knew that at least. The smell, the panic, the pain, it was so much more vivid. The same as before, yet so different.

He started to move forward again, his eyes glinting with malice. I knew that if he reached me it was over and still my body wasn't listening to what my mind was telling it.

40 feet...35 feet...30 feet

"Run, Bella. Please, please God, you have to move."

My mind was screaming out orders, but to no avail.

Then I heard him.

"Listen to me, Beautiful; fight him, stand your ground. This is nothing you haven't faced before. Your stronger now, Bella. You can do this. He is nothing, Bella, you hear me. Nothing. You can't let him win. Don't let him knock you down anymore, Beautiful. You have to stay standing. Do it for me. Do this for yourself. Breathe Bella...Just Breathe."

I could hear his voice, his breathless whispers caressing me. His warm arms, encircling me; making me feel safe. His eyes, pleading with me, giving me his strength.

"Breathe Bella...Just Breathe."

So I did. I listened to his words, guiding me, helping me. Even when he wasn't anywhere near me, even at the darkest of times, he still kept his promises.

"I'll always protect you, Beautiful...always...you won't ever be alone."

The gap between me and him was decreasing. His eyes were locking mine to his. I could see the hatred, anger, desire...hunger. He looked like a predator stalking its prey and I guess in a way that's what I was.

Only 20 feet now.

Everything seemed to be going in slow motion. Prolonging the inevitable. I didn't know whever to sigh with relief or scream in terror. I just wanted this to be over.

15 feet.

"Breathe Bella...Just Breathe."

I followed his demands. Helpless not to.

In and Out.

In and Out.

10 feet.

"You can do this. I love you, Beautiful."

In and Out.

In and Out.

5 feet.

I could feel his next words wrap around me, shielding me. They surged through me, empowering me...

And that's exactly how I felt...powerful

"Don't let him knock you down anymore, Beautiful. You have to stay standing."

So...I raised by chin, clenched my fists, and looked into his eyes.

For, it was here, facing Satan himself, alone and unarmed; with only whispers as comfort, that I was at my strongest.

"I love you, Bella."

"I love you too, Edward..."

Well, that's it folks.

I have already started chapter 1, so it shouldn't be too long till the next update.

Please, tell me what you think. The more the reviews the faster the updates.

CadenceBelle.