Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.

I'm new here. Go easy on me.

Pretty please.

The Illusionary

Prologue

Isabella Swan's POV

I've never given much thought to how would die, but however I do, I hope it to be a quick and painless death. I have been thinking about this for a while; ever since the restraining order I had put against that creep seemed to endanger my life more than protect it. When I had first told Jacob that he had found where I was living again, he all but dropped to his knees and begged me to allow him to be my own personal bodyguard.

"Personal bodyguard?" I had scoffed, "Sounds to me more like personal babysitter."

"I just want you safe," he had told me, "Please Bells. You're just too important to me. Let me do this."

"I know Jake, but you are too important to me. I won't allow you to get hurt in my place," I said whilst sighing.

We had bickered back and forth at each other that night, but I could see him giving up very slowly as each second flew by. He finally stopped once he realized that it was a lost cause.

He sighed dejectedly. "You're as stubborn as ever Bella."

I just shook my head as a small triumphant smile spread on my lips. At least one thing had stayed constant in my life, even after all the recent events I've been through.

That was the last day I saw Jake.

The next few days went by without any incident. I woke up and went through my usual preparations to begin my day. I got dressed for work quickly and was out the door in a flash. I couldn't take a chance wasting any time nowadays. I power-walked to the elevator and flew out the lobby and was in the bed of my rusted, monstrous red Chevy truck within twenty-five seconds. It was a five minute drive to the local bar where I worked. It wasn't the best job in the world, but it paid the bills and was far away from my old job, which was a good thing. As long as I was away from him.

When I finally reached my destination, I scurried out the car and into the building, placing my jacket on the coat rack and tying my apron on around my waist. My shift went by rather fast and was uneventful - as usual. I've never bothered making friends with any of the regulars here because as soon as they found out about what you would call my "big dark secret," they would run off scared and never return. I don't like scaring people, so I keep my mouth shut. It's very depressing actually, only being able to talk to close relatives and Jake. Not that I don't love them or find their company pleasant, it's just that it would be nice to be able to talk on the phone with Angela again or make plans for a movie night with Jessica sometime. I missed those carefree days. The usual upbeat, friendly Bella had transformed into a bitter, cold one. I didn't like being this way, but it was for the best.

It was darker outside when I left the bar, the sky being a purplish blue. Any other day I would have thought it to be beautiful, but the scenery just made me jumpy with fear and extremely paranoid. I jogged to my car as fast as I could, fumbled with the key a couple of times, and finally got in. I felt a bit safer than I did outside, but it wasn't enough to ease the loud beating of my heart. I took a couple deep breaths before reaching for the key in the ignition. I stopped off at some Chinese food restaurant while on my way back to my apartment. I pushed the door open quickly and turned around when it closed to lock all seven locks on my door.

You could never be too safe.

I went in my bedroom and changed into some lounge wear. When I came out I headed to the kitchen to retrieve my food. I grabbed a fork and my two white food cartons and turned to go into the living area, only to stop in my tracks.

It was him.

I dropped all the items in my hands.

Oh God, no, no! Not now!

He was sitting on the couch with his feet propped up on the table. He grabbed the TV buttons and turned it on. How the hell did he get in here?

"Window," he mumbled, answering my silent question.

"You know what upsets me, Isabella?" his rough voice asked, while flipping through the channels. I could feel myself getting dizzy and bile rising up in my throat. I swallowed it back down.

"Hmm, no answer, huh? That's one of the many things that upset me, but no. Guess again." I began to panic then. I broke out in a cold sweat and began weighing my options of escape. I would have to answer him if I wanted more time to think, yet alone live.

"I-I thought y-y-you w-were in p-prison," I stuttered out.

Window? No, that's where he came in from. Not safe.

Front door? Too many locks. He'd catch me.

He chuckled softly and turned his head towards me. His beady crystal blue eyes met my wide brown ones. He smirked at my expression.

"Oh, Isabella. Nothing could keep me away from you," he said, "Now, back to my question. Do you know what makes me upset?"

Kitchen window? Nope, can't reach it.

"Umm... w-w-what?"

His once amused expression turned angry. "Being ignored. And avoided."

I swallowed.

"I don't think you realize how much I go through for you, Isabella. I spend all my time searching for you and when I finally find you, you place a restraining order against me? Really?" He turned the TV off and got up from the couch, his eyebrows furrowed as he faced me. "What do you have to say for yourself?"

Bedroom window? Yes. Higher chance of getting away.

"Umm, uhh..." I muttered. Then, I took my chance right there. I ran the fastest I could to my bedroom and I saw that the window was still open from this morning.

Almost there!

When I reached the window sill, I positioned myself to dive out the window, only to be grabbed by two strong hands around my waist.

It's over, I thought.

I was thrown on the bed and I looked up through the blurry image of my predator through my tear-filled eyes. He looked absolutely livid.

"Never run from me again, you ungrateful bitch!" he spat at me, his arms flaring around in the air. I scrambled off the bed and ran to the door, but he pulled me back by my shirt and I tumbled onto the hardwood floor. I heard him growl and I tried to crawl away, but suddenly, something rock hard hit the back of my head and I heard the shattering of glass clatter against the ground. My head banged against the floor and the crack of my nose was loud. I attempted to pull my head up, but my whole body collapsed in pain and I could feel warm liquid traveling out the back of my head and nose. All I saw were the dirty dark blue jeans and muddy boots he was wearing until the world faded to black.

Chapter One is almost done.

So...

Constructive criticism.

Comments.

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Please!