"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive." – Dalai Lama

Our parents shelter us from the troubles of the real world, so we end up growing in a perfect environment. So when something horrible – so strange in its form – occurs, we can't properly deal with it, because we simply don't know how. And our perfect world ceases to exist.

Waking up in the mornings would have to be number one on my list of "Things I hate to do". First there is that feeling of irritation; the feeling where you resent whatever it is that woke you up. After the feeling of resentment passes, you start to realise that you have to get up, possibly within the next 5 minutes, if you want to arrive at school on time. Lastly, you realise that you have to attend yet another day of school.

I gingerly peeled of my covers, hissing as I felt the cool air hit my bare arms. Grabbing the set of clothes I had already laid out the day before, I headed to the bathroom. I took a quick shower, changed into my clothes and headed downstairs. I took my phone off the counter and saw that I had two unread messages.

Morning beautiful.

How are you feeling?

Jake

To an outsider, this message would not have sparked any interest and they would not have read anything into it. However, I saw through his message, and knew that he was really asking "How is the Edward situation? Feeling well enough to go to school? If not, I could skip and we could hang out..."

Edward.

My chest gave a painful tug; even thinking his name still hurt.

The moment of pain dissipated after a while, and I started to text my reply.

Hey Jake.

I'm alright, thanks. Wanna hang out later this week?

Bella

I then checked my other message.

Hey Bella,

Feel like watching a movie this Saturday? I've got nothing to do, shocking, I know, and we haven't done anything in a while.

Jess

I pondered for a while; it would be fun to hang out with Jess, after all, I hadn't seen her much lately, due to her relationship with Mike. I told her I'd go, and that she could choose whatever movie; I really didn't mind.

I set my phone down and walked to the sink to rinse out my bowl and spoon. As soon as I was done, I received another text message from Jake.

Sure!

Got anything planned for this weekend? We should do something then.

Jake

I replied, telling him I was going to be busy on Saturday, but that we should do something on Sunday. I stuffed my phone into my bag, grabbed my keys, then headed out the door.

I drove to school, parked my truck, and then headed straight to my first period class, as I knew that the bell would be going soon. I settled into my seat and prepared myself for another boring Biology lecture.

It was at times like these when my thought would drift. I would think about my past, and then that would make me think of my future. I'd think about the day he left, that cold and wet day, where the forest was silent and the birds seemed to be non-existent. I would mull over what he said, trying to find some shred of hope to hold onto; something which said 'I do still love you. I will come back'.

Although this happened 4 months ago, I still can't help but remember every detail. The way his hair looked tousled and messy, as if he had been running his hands through it multiple times, or the finer details, like how his eyes were black, but blazing fire underneath the surface.

Jake helps me cope; when I'm with him, I forget about these finer details, I forget about Edward. I forget that he used to be the main part of my life. But once Jake leaves, it all comes back.

The bell sounds, bringing me out of my inner thoughts. I pack up, almost robotically, and leave; my thoughts still jumbled up by reliving the past in my mind.

Second period was English with Mr Jose. We were studying Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen; while I do enjoy her works, I must admit I do not like Pride and Prejudice, at all. We basically just watched the film adaptation for the duration of the lesson, and before I knew it, it was lunch.

I purchased a sandwich and then walked over to my group of friends. They were discussing an upcoming trip to La Push.

"Bella! Are you coming?" Angela asked, excitedly.

"Uh, surfboards and me don't match well..."

"You don't have to surf, Bella. Most of the girls will be on the beach, checking out the hot guys," Jessica replied, giving Mike a wink.

"Maybe. When are you all going?" I asked, somewhat interested.

"Sunday, the sun's supposed to make an appearance," Eric said, with a slight grin on his face.

Ah crud. I was supposed to hang out with Jake this Sunday. Well, I could invite him, I guess.

"Would it be okay if I invited someone?"

Mike and Jessica shared a short glance, which they thought I didn't see, before Mike replied.

"Sure, not too many though."

"Alright, sounds good."

At dinner that night, Charlie was in an unexplainable mood.

The first thing he said when he sat down was "How's Jake?"

"Good, I guess," I replied, slightly confused.

"He really cares about you, Bells, he's good for you."

"I know," I said simply. I knew I was lucky to have Jake. If he hadn't been around, I don't know what I would have become. I shuddered internally.

"So...?"

"What?"

"Well, are you more than friends?" He asked, straight to the point.

"I guess we're best friends?"

"You know that's not what I mean, Bells," He said, slight annoyance evident on his features. He was so easy to read.

I sighed; I really didn't want to discuss this. I wasn't ready.

"Dad, really? Are we having this discussion? Can't you just let me move at my own pace and explain things when I want to?" I asked.

"Fine," He dropped the subject. I was grateful for this characteristic of his; he never pushed too far, he knew when to stop.

That night, before climbing into bed, I thought I saw an outline of a body on my balcony. Curious, I walked slowly towards it. At that time, I didn't feel that I was in any danger, so I didn't think of grabbing a weapon of any sort. As I got closer, I noticed that it was a male, of about six feet, and the moonlight seemed to reflect off his skin. I held my breath, not believing what I was seeing.

"Edward?" I breathed out.

A.N. R&R my lovelies.