Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, but I can keep dreaming.

A/N: This story is going to be a slow build. If that's not your thing, don't say I didn't warn you.

Thanks to Cullenbanger9 and pame_do for talking me through this. It wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you gals!

BPOV

I stumble up the stairs, cursing quietly as my heart pounds in my ears. My hair keeps falling into my eyes, making staying upright even harder. My feet are making the loudest racket as I move. It's like a herd of elephants. I might as well stop and start yelling, "Right here!" I don't even pause as I kick off first one, then both of my heels. They tumble down a few steps.

This isn't supposed to be happening!

I concentrate on not tripping. I can't afford a face plant at this point. One foot in front of the other, firmly on the stair, not on the edge of it. In a few flights, I can get to solid ground. Who knows what's waiting for me there? I'm not sure if I'm running from someone or toward someone. At this point, it could be both. In trying to escape one, I could be running straight into the arms of the other.

How the hell did this happen?

I fight back tears. Now is definitely not the time for those. Still, I can't help but feel like I've been cheated. Just when everything was figured out and things were going well, it all came back to bite us in the butt.

Focus.

Once I reach the top of this flight, I sprint across the landing, throwing my weight into the door. It swings open slowly in spite of the fact that I've just body slammed it. When there's finally enough room for me to get through, I hesitate.

A gentle push throws me out into the hallway.

I pick up the pace again, understanding the meaning behind the gesture. I can't stop. We have to keep moving. I run for all I'm worth. My eyes scan frantically for an exit over the cubicles. I don't see one. My brain starts shutting down in denial. There has to be a way.

"How do we get out of here?" I cry.

I glance over my shoulder. There's no one there. I skid to a stop, now frantically looking around for any sign of a human being. I can't do this on my own. I refuse to be let off that easy. I said I was in this for good. That meant accepting whatever came, even if it was this impossible situation I now find myself in. I won't be shut out like this. I run back in the direction I've just come, taking care to keep quiet. I hear a door open and quickly duck behind an empty desk, catching my breath.

Footsteps make their way closer to me. It's just one person. Maybe I wasn't abandoned. Maybe I just got ahead unintentionally.

I peer over the top of the desk. Unfortunately, the newcomer catches the movement and rushes toward me. As they get closer, I see exactly who it is. My heart stops just as his face falls. He stares hard at me.

"Bella . . ."