Chapter 1

I'm sitting in my AP Art studio class, trying to turn the empty canvas into a masterpiece with just my eyes.

No such luck.

I've always been pretty good with the assignments our Art teacher – Ms. Laney- assigned, but this one has stumped me for the last week.

And it's due next Monday.

It's probably considered the easiest assignment by the other students in this class, but I guess naturally I'm never in the norm. The assignment was simple: Create your home and all the aspects that make it feel that way.

I tried to just paint my house – after all, I live there – but just looking at the sketch made me think it looked anything but my home.

Even Ms. Laney admitted it didn't give the vibe of the word home. So what was I to do? If my own house didn't feel like home, then what did?

Just thinking about it made my head hurt. Dammit.

Luckily for me, the sound of the bell signaled the end of class, and with a sigh of relief I bolted out the door.

I stop at my locker just to grab my backpack, when I hear a hearty laugh.

"Nice shirt, Bella. I think I have a similar one I wore in the fourth grade."

I turn and see Tori Reyes, with her bitch friends Tanya and Rosalie right beside her.

"Go fuck yourself, Tori, since every guy here has already taken a turn." As rude as that sounds, it's probably true.

Tanya cracks a smile while Rosalie looks shocked. Tina flushes a bright tomato red.

"You bitch!"

But I'm already down the hall by now, already bored with the conversation.

Sure, I get teased around school, but to be honest, everyone here has a fucking issue, and unlike me, it's not just money troubles.

Regardless, I honestly don't give two shits what anyone in this town thinks of me. Just one more year, and I'll be gone – preferably out of this state—and I'll never have to see anyone of these people ever again.

That's my goal.

One that seems very impossible.

Schools - especially out of state schools - are much more expensive than in-state schools. I doubt I will be able to afford it. I'll probably have to go to Peninsula Community College, which is so cheap I could save a ton of money.

But it's here.

Financial Aid and Scholarships just isn't enough sometimes.

Oh well.

I'm thinking all of this as I park the car by the curb to our two bedroom house. It wasn't much, but with just a manager's position salary at the town's Jewel, we couldn't afford anything else. My part-time job paid for groceries and the water bill. When my parents took off, Jenny literally sacrificed so much to provide for me all these years.

I know it pains her – all those field trips they offer at school to go to Europe that I couldn't afford to go to – to see how tight money is, but I've assured her that it wasn't a big deal. It really wasn't. I'm healthy, have a roof over my head, food in my stomach, and have the warmth and comfort of a home. What else could I possibly need?

My sister however, doesn't see it that way.

I never minded being alone – it's peaceful, and you can get so much done on your own.

Stepping out of my car, I grabbed the mail on the way to the entrance.

As I stepped in to the house, I quickly flipped through the mail. Bills, a fashion magazine my sister always reads, and a Wal-Mart magazine.

"No love letters today," I giggle to myself.

I'm a bit of a pessimist, thinking true love and love at first sight is just a fable that only gives Hollywood millions. Love may be out there, but it just can't be found within minutes.

If only I could find a Colonel Brandon who's my age…

Nah.

Did I mention my favorite book is Sense and Sensibility?

I place the mail on the counter, finding a note.

Bella,

Sorry to leave you on your own tonight –one of my other co-workers called in sick. There are some leftovers in the fridge from last night's dinner. I'll be home at 10:30.

-Jenny

"Ugh. She forgets that last night's leftovers were full of meat," I groan to myself.

Shrugging it off, I begin my Friday evening by doing some homework and laundry.

Once I was finished, I sat at our small dining room table, looking around.

"Well….I guess I could watch some TV," I murmur to myself.

I must have fallen asleep on the couch, because before I know it I'm shaken awake. Startled, I try to retaliate, but in my drowsy state I realize it's only Jenny.

Jenny, who's dressed like she went to meet the Queen of England, not rude customers trying to hand her a coupon.

"Jenny," I begin slowly. "Why are you dressed like Duchess Catherine?"

She fiddles with the hem of her navy-blue dress nervously. "Okay, I'm sorry I lied, but…I didn't go to work tonight."

I roll my eyes. "Well duh. So, what did you do?"

I went on a…well…"

"On a what?"

"…on a date."

"You went on a date?"

"Oh come on, Bella. You didn't expect me to be a spinster now did you?"

"Well no, but since when do you get asked out?" That so did not come out right. I cringed internally.

She glares at me. "Are you implying that I'm ugly?"

I raise my arms up in surrender. "No, but…oh, never mind. So who asked you out?"

She does this little dance and plops herself on the couch next to me. "Okay, his name is David Hale. He just moved from Chicago to be closer to his family. We met when I had to be his cashier at the Jewel when Cassie called in sick. Oh Bell, he's the sweetest man I've ever met. He's going to be the new Deputy here in Forks starting next week."

I nod. "He sounds…peachy." A cop though…seriously?

And then something clicks. "David Hale?"

Oh please, if there is a higher power out there, please don't—

"Yes! And he told me that he has a younger sister who goes to school with you! He said her name is Rosalie, and they're both coming over for dinner tomorrow, and I expect you to be polite."

God damn it.

Two years ago we didn't have health insurance, and the medical card didn't cover the removal of my wisdom teeth. So, instead of going to the dentist, I went into the bathroom and removed them with some pliers.

That would be more entertaining than this dinner I would have to attend.

"Jenny, I love you—In fact, you are probably the only thing in this universe that I actually love, so can you please, please, please let me off the hook?"

"Bella, he wants to meet you! And so does Rosalie. And you will be on your best behavior, correct?"

I immediately stiffen. "Watch it, Jen. Last I remember, you're my sister, not my mother. And fine, I won't be rude. Why does Rosalie want to see me anyway? I see her enough at school." Unfortunately, I added in my head.

Rosalie Hale was the bane of my existence. She was the second-in-command to Tanya Wilson, the Head Bitch at our school. At least Tanya tells you out right if she doesn't like you. I admire her honesty. She'll tell you privately you're scum, and never speak to you again. Rosalie however, pretends to be the nicest girl in the world, and then talk shit about you to her followers the next day. Her and Tori are quite the pair. I recall last year when she kept on begging me to join the student council and French Club. I just ignored her ramblings until she'd walk away.

And Tori, well, what else is there to explain but that she's a bitch?

I'm not one to judge people before I get to know them- but I see what happens around me with clear eyes. I'd always had perfect vision.

This reminds me…

"Wait, my birthday is tomorrow, and you want strangers to celebrate it with me? I could give a rat's ass about the day of my birth, but if it got me out of this situation, I'd gladly celebrate it this year."

"You hate your birthday Bella!" Jenny insists. "And what's the big deal? They're just coming over for dinner, not throwing you a birthday bash."

I got up, because honestly? I just don't give a shit anymore. "Whatever. I'll be there." I started towards my room.

"Dinner is at 7 tomorrow!"

"Whatever!" I call back. Externally I'm cool and poised. Internally I want to wrestle a bull.

Some birthday I'll have.

/-/-/-/-/-/-/

Today is the day I became seventeen years old.

So far, it's been a great day. I got Jenny's amazing blueberry pancakes for breakfast, and a new laptop. I was torn between being very excited and feeling guilty. Laptops aren't cheap, but she merely shrugged and said it wasn't a big deal.

Yeah, okay.

I have no idea why I have to dress up. My sister basically threatened me with my life if I didn't wear the brand new dress she just bought me for ninety bucks. I nearly passed out when she told me the price. Who the heck pays ninety bucks for a sundress? Unbelievable. There are so many things I could have bought with ninety dollars.

Ninety dollars! Bah.

I thought about cutting my hair while I brushed it; it was pushing waist-length, and such a pain to maintain, but I know the second I cut it I will instantly miss it. I pushed my bangs to the side, and stared at my finished look in the mirror.

Dressed appropriately or not, I will always stand out. Everywhere I go that's new, people stop and stare. I bet David's going to shit a brick. I think it's a curse, while Jenny thinks it's amazing- having two different eye colors.

I was born that way, the Doctors said. It was hereditary? I really don't know. They're baffled, because I have perfect vision and very healthy eyes.

My left eye was a light brown, and my right was a sapphire blue. Apparently I look intimidating. The weird thing? My sister and I don't look anything alike. She has grey eyes and blond hair, while I have brown hair and the two-color eye problem. People used to ask if I was adopted. When I was little, I used to ponder it too. I don't remember much of my parents. I don't have any photos either. They're faces are blurred when I think about them.

I never was one to enjoy the attention I was constantly given as a child. I hate how teachers always push their students to stand out and make a difference. What if I didn't want to stand out? I preferred to stay in the shadows, and living a mediocre life doesn't seem that awful.

"Bella! Come downstairs! They're here!

I merely sigh as I place the hairbrush on the dresser.

Time to go face the firing squad.

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/

I'm sitting at the small dining room table, feeling completely baffled. Dinner was…nice. David turned out to be a really nice guy, and I could see the appeal my sister was going on and on about. With his dark hair, blue eyes, and charm, I hate to admit it but he had my approval. Rosalie seemed to be on her best behavior, even striking up a decent conversation with me. While the dinner overall was a success, I couldn't help but feel there was something…odd about Rosalie's behavior. The Rosalie I know and hate was chirpy, bubbly, and could talk a thousand words a second, but this Rosalie sitting before me was docile, quiet, and even a little melancholy.

I wonder what was up with her.

My sister manages to steer David into the living room, chatting in hushed tones.

Wanting to give them some privacy, I rise from my seat and place my plate in the sink, then headed for the bathroom.

Before I could head in, I was roughly shoved into it, hitting my hip against the sink. "What the hell?!" I say, rubbing my sore hip.

Rosalie comes in and locks the door, trapping me in the bathroom with her.

"What's your deal?" I say sharply.

She sighs. "I'm sorry I shoved you, but I couldn't keep this in any longer." Tears started to pool in her eyes.

I was confused by her reaction. "Hey, what's wrong? Are you upset about our siblings? You shouldn't be."

She shakes her head. "It's not about them. I'm happy for my brother. It's…about me."

"What about you?"

She slides down the wall to sit on the tiled floor. "If…if I tell you, you have to promise not to tell anyone."

I hold up my hands. "Uh, no offense Rosalie, but we're not friends. If you have a secret, shouldn't you be telling Tori or Tanya about this?

She scoffs. "They're not really my friends. Half the time I can't tolerate them."

I roll my eyes. "It they're not your friends, then why do you hang out with them all the time?"

"Because with them I'm safe. Being popular means you're safe from ridicule. High school is so much easier when everyone loves and wants to be you."

"I think more girls want to shank you than be you to be honest."

"It doesn't matter, because to my face they're all smiles. Bella, I've always wanted to be your friend. You're honest, fair, and beautiful. You may hate me now, but I wish to confide in you, because I know you're not the malicious type. Please, Lucy? Can I trust that you'll keep it a secret?"

I sigh. What was there to lose?

Your sanity.

I shudder internally.

"Fine."

"Okay…" she paused, seeming to brace herself. "I'm…I'm pregnant."

My eyes widen. "You're what?!"

She sniffles, covering her face with her hands. "I'm pregnant. I found out last night. Do you know Royce King?"

I give her a sharp look. "The asshole that goes through women like water?" Royce King was an asshole. I even recall he made a play at me around the end of my sophomore year. I also recall he had a black eye the next day.

She nods, her eyes glistening with fresh tears. "I-I was drunk that night. There was this huge party at Tanya's house, this past summer, and he was cute, and…well, you know."

"Oh my God. How could you be so stupid? You're only in high school for crying out loud!"

"What am I going to do? If I tell everyone, they'll think I'm a slut or a whore. My parents will disown me, and…" Her droplets of tears have become steady streams.

"You really picked the wrong guy to do the horizontal tango with." I say bluntly.

"I know. I was on the pill, and we used a condom. I don't know how this happened!" She wails. I awkwardly pat her head in reassurance.

I wish I could bleach out this entire conversation.

I really don't need the mental picture of Rosalie and Royce doing the nasty.

I feel goose bumps rise on my arms. That's so gross!

"Bella?"

I immediately snap out of my reverie. "Uh…" I rub my forehead nervously. "Have you told Royce yet?"

She shakes her head. "I already know Royce won't want anything to do with a baby. Plus, he has a big mouth. He'll tell everyone."

What the hell was I supposed to do with this information? The only drama I have ever had in my life is figuring out what to paint for my upcoming project.

I don't think that counts as drama, dummy.

I've always wanted a little spice in my life though.

I want to laugh. Once again, my conscience likes to remind me that I'm an abnormal human being. Regardless, here I am, sitting with a girl whom I used to despise, who is now on my bathroom floor crying her heart out because she's knocked up. Oh, and her baby daddy is washed up scum.

My conscience whips out an idea. She could be on Teen Mom!

Uh, I don't think she wants to tell her friends about this pregnancy, let alone the whole American population.

Why not? They get paid a lot of money to be on that show. She could provide for herself and her baby with that money!

What if she doesn't want this baby?

Wait…

"Rosalie, do you…want this baby?"

She looks up. "Of course I don't want this baby!"

"So…you want to get rid of it?"

Silence.

"Rosalie?"

Her face has gone very pale, almost green.

"Rosalie?"

"If you're asking if I want to get an abortion, then the answer is…I don't know. I was always against abortion. I don't want to go against my beliefs, but…how can I take care of this baby? I don't want it to suffer because I messed up."

I nod in agreement. I've always been against abortion as well. "So if you don't want to abort it, how about giving it up for adoption? There are a lot of people who can't have children that want to adopt."

She shakes her head. "Having a baby grow in your womb for nine months…then giving it away as if it didn't affect you…I could never do that. It's my child, not an item other people have to pay thousands for to obtain."

"Well then, congrats. You're going to be a mother."

Ya know, when you asked for a little spice in your life, I don't think this is what you had in mind.

I sigh.

/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/

The bell to my last class before lunch rang, signaling my liberation and ending of my hunger. Spanish IV was a drag today; it consisted of my teacher, Senora Rodriguez, getting annoyed that half the class didn't know half of the weeks' vocab list. I make a quick stop at my locker, grabbing my lunch before making my way to the cafeteria.

Forks High made a pledge last year about improving the quality of the meals they served, and adding a line of vending machines so students could get their fill of sugared beverages. I refused to believe that the food here improved, and after the string of complaints I hear every day, I, once again, am proven correct.

Taking my regular seat, I pull out my peanut butter sandwich, my mouth watering. As usual, my table was empty except for me, and the buzz of conversation from the rest of the cafeteria grew as more students piled in. I could see Rosalie, in the middle of a crowded table, smiling and laughing as if her life isn't indefinitely screwed. I shake my head in disbelief. I can't imagine ever being that fake to other people.

A sudden movement in the corner of my peripheral vision causes me to turn, but I don't see anything.

"Huh," I murmur to myself. I guess my eyesight is waning.

There is still fifteen minutes of lunch time left, and after finishing my lunch, I take out some worksheets that are due the next day. Less stuff to do tonight.

By the time the bell rings, I managed to finish two worksheets.

After school ends, I start taking a shortcut to my house. No one ever takes it, because it's a path that leads to the woods behind the school. I guess people are scared or something, but I've never had any problems.

I enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest, with only the birds chirping and the sun shining on the leaves. I stop, overwhelmed by the sudden feeling of comfort surrounding me.

You know, you still have that art project to do.

Hmm. Not a bad idea actually. A home doesn't necessarily mean a house…

I find a public bench and take out my sketch book and paints, itching to draw something.

Still with my eyes closed, I sketch my vision of my home. I focus on the background noise, the warmth of the sun, and just continue drawing.

When I finish, I open my eyes, surprised at what I drew. It was a valley, between two mountains. In the valley, there seemed to be a town, only I can barely make out any features; it was after all only a sketch.

"How odd." Well I can't use that can I? I've never seen a place like this before in my life!

Groaning, I look up from my sketch, only to be confused by my surroundings.

I was in the same place…but not really.

The sun seemed brighter; the air fresher. It was as if…everything seemed heightened. The bench across from me was gone; replaced by grass and wildflowers. I look down, and instead of sitting on a wooden bench, I'm sitting on a stone rock.

Where the hell am I?

The dirt trail is replaced with overgrown grass, as if there never was a trail paved.

I quickly get to my feet.

Am I dreaming?

The trees are in their same position. Taking this path hundreds of times, I recognize the position of the trees, and here they're surrounding the now-absent path.

Am I…in the same location?

It looks like it.

Not really!

Just follow the trees back home.

I wish I could high-five my conscience sometimes. Grabbing my bag, I close my sketchbook and briskly walk in the direction of my house. I notice the animal life had quieted down. No longer were the birds chirping, and the lack of breeze silenced the rustling of the leaves.

What the heck is going on?

I finally reach a breakthrough of the trees, but what I find isn't my house.

Instead of a house, it was an open field of grass, as if something used to be placed there.

I try not to freak out. "What the hell is going on?!" I shout to myself.

I hear a female chuckle behind me.

I turn around at the sound, and upon seeing her face, darkness encloses me.

/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/

When I finally come to, I realize I'm in bed, with a bandage wrapped around my head. My head ached, like an earthquake was occurring inside my skull. While my head ached tremendously, I sighed in relief that I was in bed, in my house.

Maybe I did dream that whole time.

I sit up, seeing it was now nightfall, and hear the door open to reveal Jenny, who had a glass of water in one hand and two Tylenol in the other.

"Bella! Oh thank God you're awake!" She sets the water and the pills down on the end table only to embrace me tightly.

"Hey. What happened?" My voice is raspy.

"You don't remember? Well, of course not. You did hit your head pretty hard. Anyway, one of the neighbors called me from work to tell me that they found you unconscious in our backyard! Were you not feeling well at school? You should have called me!"

"I was…unconscious?" I'm trying to keep up with her, but unfortunately my brain wasn't allowing it.

"Hey," she shushes me. "Don't worry about it. We'll talk about it later. Just take the Tylenol and rest. Thank goodness you don't have a concussion."

I obey silently, tossing the pills into my mouth and drinking the glass of water. "Thanks, Jenny. I was feeling fine all day…I guess it just came quickly."

She looks at her watch. "It's good that you woke up. I have a date with David tonight. I would have had to cancel if you didn't wake up."

Her brush off hurts my feelings a little, like I was an obligation that annoyed her. Well, excuse me that her own flesh and blood got in the way of her most recent boy toy.

She sighs. "You really scared me, you know. You're all I've got."

I pull up my covers up to my chin and turn to my side.

"You have David now."

I know by her sudden gasp that I've hurt her feelings. My head hurt too much to care.

/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

"Bella, it's a Friday. Are you sure you don't have any plans?"

Jenny is on her fifth date with David now; I'm currently sitting on the couch watching one of my favorite movies, Sense and Sensibility, and trying in vain not to be jealous of Marianne Dashwood.

"I'm fine. Make sure you lock the door on your way out." I've never been one to hold grudges, but ever since my sister brushed me off for her boyfriend, I've been a little sour with her.

"…Okay. I love you, Bell."

"Sure."

I hear the soft click of the door closing, and I settle into the couch, eating a Hershey's bar and getting into the movie.

About an hour into the movie, I hear the doorbell ring. I look at the clock. It read 8:42pm.

"Who the fuck…?"I mumble, getting up from the couch.

I open the door, only to find Rosalie on the other side of the threshold. She's holding a pizza box and a bottle of wine in the other.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

"A little birdie told me that you were here alone and would like some female company."

I raise an eyebrow. What the fuck was Jenny trying to pull?

"This little birdie told you a lie. I don't need any female company. I'll gladly take the food off your hands though." I reach for the food, but she jumps out of reach.

"Nope. I'm here, and we are going to have a sleepover!" She shoves past me and plops herself onto the couch, placing the food on the coffee table. "What are we watching?"

"I'm watching Sense and Sensibility."

She wrinkles her nose in distaste. "Isn't that a book?"

"So?"

"It's like…old."

She did not just say that.

"Do you have the Titanic? Now that's a romance!"

Someone better get this bitch outta town!

"If you don't like what I'm watching, than go bother someone else!" I yell, palming my forehead. I could feel the beginning of a headache surfacing.

What a good start to the weekend!

Rosalie frowns. "Are you always like this?"

"Like what?"

"Extremely anti-social? I mean, there has to be a reason why you don't have any friends. You're smart, and very pretty. Why are you so rude on purpose?"

I blink. "Excuse me? I'm not rude. I just like to be alone. Is that a crime?"

She gives me a look like I was speaking in a foreign language. "How could you like being alone? It's so…lonely."

I roll my eyes. "That's kind of the idea. I like the peace and quiet. And I'll have you know, Sense and Sensibility is a classic movie, and I absolutely love it."

She smiles. "Okay fine. Start it back to the beginning. I want to watch it too."

I groan. "You aren't going to leave, are you?"

She grins. "Of course not."

/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/

"So, I don't get the appeal. I mean, Marianne loved that Willoughby dude, but he ditched her for a rich girl? So she ends up with a guy she doesn't even like!"

"No, you dummy. She might not have loved Colonel Brandon in the beginning, but she grows to love him. After all, he brings her the best doctor in town when she's ill, buys her a pianoforte, and reads her favorite sonnets. He's amazing. Who wouldn't love him?"

Rosalie raises an eyebrow. "I don't think its Marianne who is in love with her. I think it might be you."

I blush. "What's not to like? He's perfect. I don't care if he was older than her. They don't make guys like that anymore."

Rosalie smirks. "So, you like guys like Colonel Brandon. I'll get right on it."

I throw a pillow at her. "What the hell!" I giggle.

She laughs. "They don't have any passion though. What about true love?"

I frown. "What about it?"

"I feel kind of cheated by the outcome. Shouldn't Marianne have ended up with the man she truly loved? I feel like Colonel Brandon was a rebound."

"She may not have loved him in the beginning, but she grew to love him. I'm glad he got a happy ending. I, for one, can only wish men like he still existed on this planet."

Rosalie laughs. "Have you lost faith in man already at so young an age?"

"They don't exist anymore. All that's left are dumb, sex-crazed douchebags."

"Not all men are like that."

I eye her stomach. "Clearly."

She rolls her eyes. "Royce doesn't count. He's not a man. He's a child."

"Not the only child pretending to be a man probably."

She groans. "One day, Isabella. Mark my words. You'll meet your match and then you'll have to watch what you say!"

I shrug. "Whatever. My taste in men is old-fashioned, so you can see my problem. No one follows old traditions unless they are in the mafia or if they are over fifty years of age."

"Maybe you should lower your standards a little. Bring them down to my level."

"I don't think your type is what I have in mind. They'll probably want sex as soon as possible."

She sticks her tongue out at me. "As a matter of fact, I want a strong, intelligent and possessive man. I don't think premarital sex is wrong. If you do it with someone you love, then it's okay."

I wrinkle my nose. "You want a Neanderthal? Gross. Sorry to burst your bubble, but you either get looks, or you get the brains. And after a month, they'll definitely want to have sex."

Rosalie snorts. "You, my friend, have a lot to learn when it comes to the opposite sex."

"I don't think I signed up for this course."

"Well, too bad! You're in it anyway." She tosses the pillow back at me.

I hate to admit it, but this is…nice.

"You know, this is the first time I have ever seen you smile or laugh."

I shrug. "Yeah well, don't expect that to be a regular occurrence. Life is always shitty."

She laughs. "Well, I'll count my blessings."

After watching Sense and Sensibility, She insisted that we watch some One Tree Hill, which I couldn't seem to get into. Surely there couldn't be that much drama in a person's life?

While the commercials came on, I got up to discard the empty pizza box and drinks in the garbage outside. Rosalie looks like she's about to pass out.

"Be right back," I say.

She mumbles in reply.

As I put the trash in the green bin, I hear a whimper of pain coming from the nearby trees.

I'm alert. "Hello?" I call out.

The only reply is the same whimpering noise.

I start towards the darkness of the trees and away from the porch light.

My conscience is already screaming at me rude remarks.

Are you insane?! This is what the dumb girls in the movies do and they always end up dead! This is a trap!

I stop.

That's the sensible girl I know and love. Now back away until you're inside the house.

But someone's injured! I can't just leave them there!

Oh well, they do always say that curiosity kills the cat.

Good thing I'm not a cat.

When I reach the trees, I can barely make out what lies before me, but when my eyes focus, I instantly know.

I gasp.

"Oh my God." I kneel down to see the mangled dog before me. An adult German shepherd, with its fur coated a deep crimson.

It looked terrible. Crap. Crap! I have to help it.

"Okay, don't panic," I tell myself. It looked too big for me to carry. I would need some help.

I was thankful that Rosalie was here after all.

"ROSALIE!" I scream. I sprint towards the door. "ROSALIE, WAKE THE FUCK UP!"

I barge in, and I seem to have awoken her, as she shrieks to a sitting position.

"What?! What's going on?"

"Get up. You have to help me! There's a dog that's been attacked outside."

"WHAT?!"

"Yes! Now get the fuck up!"

"Shit! Okay."

We both head outside, and sure enough, the dog is still whimpering in obvious agony.

Without a word, we pick it up – good grief, it was heavy – and we bring it inside.

"Where should we lay it down?"

I hesitate. "We need to clean it up first. Head for the bathroom."

We carefully lay it down on the bath tub, our empty hands soaked with blood.

What happened to this poor creature?

"Get me a wash cloth and soak it with warm water in the sink."

Rosalie obeys without saying a word.

Once I get the damp wash cloth, I wash its coat, seeing the blood drip onto the bathtub. I don't think I was doing much good though; each time I cleaned up the blood, more followed.

"It's no use. We need to stitch it up. It's losing too much blood.

"Do you know how to sew?"

I sigh. "Only clothes. I've never sewed up a living thing before!" Yup, the panic was settling in.

"We can't call anyone. It's the middle of the night," Rosalie says shakily.

I square my shoulders. "No, but we can do it. He's not going to die on our hands tonight. Quick, get me a razor from the cabinet and my sewing needles are in my closet – the first door on your right."

"Okay!"

Time to go on beast mode.

/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/

"I'll be the first to admit it, but damn, I don't think a vet could have done it any better."

I grin. "Thanks. It seems okay, for now. But I'm worried."

Rosalie and I were now situated in my room. Jenny had called and stated she would be spending the night at David's. I had fought the urge to scoff. The dog was resting on a makeshift bed in the living room.

"About?"

I fidget on the bed. "Rosalie, those weren't just any bite marks. They weren't big, like a bear's, but almost like…multiple dogs attacked it at once. And, it wasn't just bite marks. There were cuts, like…as if…someone tried cutting it with a knife or something."

"There are wolves around the woods, but I don't know about the cuts…maybe it cut itself trying to escape them? There are a lot of fallen branches and sticks it could have stumbled upon. The woods aren't exactly the safest place to be for a domesticated animal."

What she did say was definitely plausible. But I couldn't help but feel like something wasn't right. Why did the dog run away from its owners? And to the woods of all places?

I couldn't help but feel a little disturbed.

No more shortcuts for me.

"We should take it to the vet's first thing in the morning."

I yawn. "Yeah. Let's get to bed. It's way past my bedtime."

"Well, it's a surprise that it survived this attack," Dr. Mitchell says, inspecting the dog the next morning. "It looked like it lost a lot of blood. If you hadn't stitched it up, it well could have died through the night."

Oh, God. I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if it had died.

"Will he be okay?"

"He should be. I prescribed him some antibiotics that you need to buy for him. Just so he stays free of getting these bites infected, or him getting rabies. I'd also like to keep him here, just until he gets his strength back."

I cringe. How was I going to afford these prescriptions? And this doctor's visit?

"Anyhow, all he needs is rest, and to take these antibiotics every day, to make sure he didn't get an infection from whatever bit him."

"Oh, I'm so glad!" Rosalie hugs me while in we exit the animal hospital. I start to wonder how she gets this excited at 9:00 am in the morning.

I shrug out of her embrace, uncomfortable with her need for affection.

"The next thing is to find his owner." I muse.

She frowns. "What if he's a stray?"

"He did come with a blue collar. It has no name, but strays can't put collars on themselves. We should put flyers around town."

"Good idea. What are we going to do with him in the meantime? He can't stay at my house, my mom's allergic."

I sigh. "I guess he could stay at my place. Jenny will bitch, but she'll get over it."

"Oh, that's good. And hey, I want to pay for the prescription and maintenance."

I shake my head. "No, it's okay. I'll take care of it."

She frowns. "Bella, please let me help. If anything, this will prepare me for my baby. Learning to take care of a dog and provide for it will be a good start."

That actually sounded logical, and I was a bit surprised when it came from Rosalie.

"All right, fine. Whatever floats your boat."

She beams. "Were going to be parents!"

Cue eye roll.

/-/-/-/-/-/

The whole plan about telling Jenny we were housing a dog didn't actually fall through. When she asked me what was up this weekend – and how my Friday night went(which I glared at her for) I merely shrugged and stayed in my room all day. It seemed like the only place in the world I was comfortable in.

On that note…

I could draw my room for my project! I want to slap myself for not considering it sooner. Excited that I can now finish my project, I take out my canvas and lay it on the holder. Taking out my watercolors, I set to paint the room I've had since I was little.

My finished painting is marvelous. I'm excited to present this to Ms. Laney tomorrow. For now, however, I keep it on the stand to let it dry.

It's one in the afternoon, and Jenny still isn't home yet. I get started on chores, and am almost finished tidying up the house when she gets home, in her dress clothes from yesterday.

"Where have you been?" I say, taking a sip of soda.

She giggles. "I was at David's house. I had the greatest time. Oh, Bella, I think I'm in love."

I choke. "What?"

She frowns. "Oh for heaven's sake, Bella, don't look at me like that."

"Like a rational sibling who is only looking out for your well-being?"

"He's not a bad guy. He's sweet, and kind, and honest…"

I scoff. "Until he gets into your pants," I mumble.

"ENOUGH!" she shouts, startling me. "I have had it with you telling me what is right and what is wrong. You are not the boss of me, understand? I love him, and I don't need someone like you bringing me down! Just because you like being alone, doesn't mean everyone else like to be!"

With that, she storms out of the living room.

I'm stunned.

Did Jenny just get some backbone?