Rising Sun

Disclaimer: all characters and copyright belong to Stephanie Meyer.

Prologue

Bella bit down on her bottom lip as she stared into her empty purse. Nothing, the money was gone, all of it. She had been striving to stay strong for so long, but this, this defeated her. Tears welled in her eyes and she immediately blinked pushing them away. She couldn't cry here, not when he was relying on her to keep him safe. Bella swallowed thickly as she felt a tug on the sleeve of her jacket. "I'm hungry." She turned her attention to the small boy standing next to her. His large brown eyes were pleading as he gazed up at her. Now the tears fell. She saw him become anxious and she wiped them furiously away before bending down to his level and hugging him tightly.

"I know you're hungry Petey." She whispered in his ear. "We'll get some food soon, I promise." Even as she said the words she wondered how she was going to accomplish this feat. The only option left open to her was to shoplift, which was going to be difficult with a four year old along for the ride. She felt his thin arms wind around her neck and she pulled him closer, picking him up easily in her arms. He was so lightweight, too thin for a child his age, but then so was she.

"I'm hungry now." Petey whined as his own tears began to fall. His stomach gurgled, increasing Bella's guilt that she had nothing to give him. "Where's mommy?" He sobbed in a small voice as his head fell onto her shoulder. "I wan'mommy, Bells. I wan' mommy."

Bella shrank away from the other people on the side walk as they began to stare at them curiously as Petey's wails got louder and louder, beginning to attract unwanted attention. That was the last thing they needed. She backed into the first shop she saw, not taking any notice of what was inside. She was just desperate to get away from the curious glances. It was the worst place she could have chosen. She heard Petey gasp as his little hand reached out and pointed eagerly at a pile of sweetcakes which were just within arm's reach. He nabbed one and immediately bit into it. "No, Petey, no." Bella's face fell, it was too late he had taken a huge chunk out of it. What was she supposed to do now? She had no money to pay for it. She glanced around to find she had dived into a baker's of all places. Already one of the staff, perhaps the owner, was approaching. He looked none too pleased to find a couple of kids dressed almost like vagrants grabbing his food. "Five dollars." He barked at Bella, his hand out and his face showing disgust as he looked her up and down.

Bella didn't know what to do, she tried to find an avenue of escape but when she turned around she found some other people were standing behind her as they waited to be served. All eyes were on her, some, like the man who worked there, showed disgust at her dirty clothes and ratty hair, while others threw her concerned glances, but ultimately they all stood silently waiting for her to either pay up or the police to be called. Petey was unaware of his audience. He had finished the cake and was reaching for another. "Can I have Cola too, Bells?" He asked as he saw some stacked along the display cabinet. He wriggled in her arms as he tried to get down so he could grab one.

"No, Petey, stay still." Bella begged him. She cringed as the man who had confronted them over the cake demanded the money again. "I'm sorry, I…I haven't…could you…I'll work the cost off…."

"I am sick of kids like you coming in here thinking you can take what you want." The man scowled as he reached for his phone. "Let's see you give your sob story to the cops. Perhaps you might even have a wash…"

"Please don't call the cops I beg you?" Bella pleaded. It was no use he wouldn't be swayed. She turned to run but he had signalled the other members of staff to lock the door so she couldn't escape. The other customers were still staring, Bella shrank back, her anxiety infected Petey and he began to cry. They were done for now, doomed because of a damn cake! Bella felt defeat wash over her. She had tried so hard, they had been on the run for weeks, had spent the last week wandering the streets as they made their way to Forks, but now it was ruined, and they were so close too. Why did they have to run out of money now?

"I'll pay for the cake." A husky voice behind her startled Bella, she turned around to see a tall, handsome, Native American standing behind her. He smiled at her encouragingly before his expression turned serious as he glared at the man who was creating such a fuss. "Call off the cops." He continued as he threw the money on the counter. "Perhaps you should learn to show a little compassion? You can open the damn doors now."

"Do-gooder." The man sneered as he signalled another member of staff to open the doors. "As for you, stay out of here." He said to Bella. She felt mortified as she put her head down and fled the shop, trying to soothe Petey's fears as she did so.

It had started to rain. Bella felt more defeated than ever. She pulled up the hood on Petey's coat wishing she had one of her own. Her jacket was flimsy and hardly made for this kind of weather. She had little choice about what to wear when she'd left home, only having time to pack a few things for Petey and grab what little money she had managed to salvage. Her hair became stuck to her head as she once again stood on the side walk and tried to think about her next move. They needed shelter but they also needed food, and water. Petey gripped her tightly as she looked left and right, she was so absorbed trying to work out what to do next that she didn't realise the Native American man had followed them outside and was trying to get her attention. He touched her shoulder and she nearly let out a yell.

"Hey, sorry didn't mean to startle you." He smiled sheepishly at her.

Bella's heart pounded loudly in her chest as she stared up at him. He was so tall, well over six feet. He had put his hands in his pockets and was obviously waiting for her to speak. "Um…thanks for paying for the cake." She said warily wondering what he wanted. She tried to work out how old he was, he appeared about maybe twenty or so, but she couldn't be certain, he may look older because of his height and build.

"Don't worry about it." His smile widened. "That man was an ass."

"Yeah." Bella returned his smile tentatively. Petey was getting restless again but she gripped him tightly against her body in case she needed to make a run for it. This guy may appear friendly but you never knew.

"I'm Jacob." He held out his hand for her to shake.

Bella frowned before doing so carefully and then dropping his hand quickly. "Um…I have to go." She ducked her head and turned to leave.

"Wait." Jacob stopped her in her tracks again. She sighed and looked at him, shrugging. "I can see you're hungry and this weather is going to get worse." He put his hands up defensively when she began to protest. "You have nothing to worry about really. I just want to help and this little one looks like he could do with a good meal. There's a fast food joint over there, let me shout you both a burger or something."

"Why would you do that?" Bella said with distrust clear in her tone and expression. Her stomach had other ideas, at the prospect of food it began to ache abominably. She was thirsty too. Could she really turn down a free meal? It was going to be in a public place with lots of others around, she had to risk it. She had to think of Petey.

"Honestly, I know what it's like when you've not got much, that's all." Jacob reached out and ruffled Petey's spikey brown hair as he looked up at the tall man with interest.

"Alright, thank you." Bella replied. If he wanted to play the Good Samaritan let him! Perhaps while he was preoccupied she could steal his wallet, he must have one in his jacket. He wouldn't miss it, and she really needed the cash. He might even have enough for a bus ride close to Forks, she didn't want to have to hitch again, she and Petey'd had two close calls already. She adjusted her little brother in her arms and followed after Jacob's tall figure as he led the way across the road toward the fast food restaurant.

A/N-thanks for reading!