I was acutely aware that everything was cold when I came to. I wasn't used to it, it just didn't feel natural. I swallowed, keeping my eyes shut. The memories flooded back and I felt my stomach drop. Everything that had happened yesterday was true. Edward had almost committed suicide. I had nearly died. Alice and Edward and I had traveled halfway back around the world to meet the whole Cullen clan once again. Freaking out over a coincidence. All of the impossible happening in less than twenty-four hours. Then I remembered the worst part.

No.

Oh, fuck no.

I let out a shriek of curses as I stood up, not even paying attention to the fact that I had just rolled out of a bundle of blankets on Edward's bed, in Edward's room, in the Cullen house. The dawn light filtered into the window and I started to shake, my eyes swelling with tears as I yanked the door open, coming nose-to-nose with Alice Cullen.

"You," I hissed, standing with my back taunt. "This is your fault." The utter look of confusion on her face might have been funny to me, but not now. Not at this point. Her golden eyes widened, in shock. Fear pooled in them, and I glared at her.

"Wha-" Alice faltered, stepping back.

"How could you?" I snapped, aware that the house was silent. "How could you say that to Aro? I don't want to be changed! I'd rather die!" I was fuming and I watched as her face crumbled and she backed up as I advanced.

"You don't know anything any more!" I shouted, aware that tears were pouring down my face. Suddenly, two arms wrapped around Alice, gently pulling her behind a body and obviously moving to protect her uneasily.

"Bella, that's enough," Jasper's voice met my ears and I felt my face grow even more warm. I pushed past him, shaking my head.

"I hate you all," I snapped, though I could barely make it down the stairs without falling. I couldn't see through my tears and finally gave up, plopping down on the last step and crying softly. There was a sudden intake of breath and I realized exactly what had just slid from my lips. I swallowed, my head dropping. "Come out of hiding," I said, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. "Please. We need to talk." I tried to regain myself, tried to push down the anger. I stood, brushing my hair behind my ear. I was still stuck wearing the sweatshirt I had been wearing yesterday. I bit my lip, toying with the zipper. I wanted it off, wanted his scent off me. It wouldn't turn out well. But yet, I didn't want them to see my hideous body either. I swallowed, deciding to leave it on for the time being as I took a seat in a chair.

At once, the Cullens seemed to migrate to the living room. Alice refused to look at me, and instantly my gut tightened in guilt. I realized she held a pair of clothes in her hands and bit my lip. I tried to be strong, tried not to regret what I had done, but I couldn't help as the full feeling of dread that coursed through me. Jasper glanced up at me warily, still having his arms wrapped around Alice protectively. He looked as if he was afraid he was going to be my next victim. Emmett didn't walk in with nearly enough happiness as I'd expect him to and I frowned as Rose followed him. Her shoulders were slumped, shame radiating off her in strong waves.

"Bella," Carlisle addressed me. I turned to him, finding Esme at his side. She looked at me, and I couldn't find myself to look back. "Firstly, I'd like to thank you. For going to extremes to save a member of my family. I am truly grateful that you stopped something that could have been so devastating to this family." His eyes flicked to my right and I had no doubt that Edward was lurking in the shadows. I nodded, looking down as I tried to gather my thoughts.

"It was truly not even a choice," I responded, eyes drifting from each member of the family, avoiding one. "Alice?" She trembled slightly and Jasper stroked her arm. "Alice… I'm truly sorry. I didn't mean to snap. I just…" I trailed off, dark eyes slipping into my mind. A small smile lifted at my lips, and a burst of warmth burst in my chest. A face formed around the eyes and I seemed to be lost as I thought of him. The thought of becoming a vampire instantly made me go cold and I snapped my eyes to Alice's. "I would lose so much, Alice. More than you…" I bit my cheek, shaking my head.

"I'm not going to be changed," I said quietly. There were several noises of disagreement, but I raised my hand. "It's non-arguable. Okay? If they come after me, so be it." Esme gasped and I turned to her, pained as she put a hand over her mouth.

"You'd be okay with just… dying?" Esme whispered, eyes wide. I thought for a moment, rubbing my hands nervously.

"I'd lose more if I were turned," I said quietly. Then, the last person I expected to talk did.

"How?" Emmett snapped. "Bella, why can't you just let us back in! We don't understand." Rosalie grasped his hand, but glanced at me anxiously. The whole room was on edge. My nails curved into my palms and I struggled to stay calm. Not the right thing to say.

"I don't want to let you back in," I said coolly. "There's no reason. I don't need you. And you obviously don't need me. You left me. All. Of. You." My words hit home and I stripped the jacket off finally, letting it drop to the floor. I could feel their stares, feel the judging glances. I could feel their eyes tracing over the scars at my arm. I ignored the low growl that came from my right and focused on the main objective.

"Now," I said crisply, eyeing each and every one of them as I started for the door. "One of you is going to drive me to the Quileute Line. I want to go to La Push now. And you'll probably have to work out new boundaries. You've missed a lot."

After they'd gotten over the initial shock, they followed silently. I rode in the passenger seat of Emmett's Jeep with Rosalie. The others ran. Why she volunteered to drive me, who knows? We were nearly there when I asked to use her cell phone. She handed it over with a small smile. A smile from Rosalie fucking Hale. Hell must've froze over.

I first dialed Sam, waiting as it rang. I sighed and ended it impatiently. I punched in the house number, sighing in relief when Emily answered on the first ring.

"Hello?" She answered. I felt a frown melt at my lips, sighing. She sounded so tired.

"Emily," I said, tears budding in my eyes. "Hi."

"Bella!" She exclaimed, and I could hear her breaths grow shaky. "Oh God, Bella, where have you been? I… Oh God, I just…"

"Em," I interrupted, glancing at Rosalie, whose eyes were trained on the road. I knew that her ears were tuned in. "Put Sam on the phone." I heard the door open and she shouted at Seth, by the sounds of it. I swallowed, knowing that he would know soon now. I could hear Emily talking in low tones and there was a new voice.

"Bella," Sam said, his voice relieved. "Are you all right?" There was an urgency to his tone and I took a deep breath.

"Y-yeah," I managed. "Listen… Meet me at the treaty line, okay?"

"All right, listen Bella, he's been really…"

"I don't want to know," I cut him off. "Just… Make sure he's there." My voice broke and I hung up, not able to keep up my strong façade.

"Turn here," I ordered flatly, motioning to the dirt road that was barely noticeable at the side. She did as advised and parked. "Come on." I slid out, ignoring the others as they gathered near us. I set off, not letting the looks Edward give Rosalie and me. Obviously, he'd experienced the phone call through her thoughts.

We walked in silence, walking a path I knew all too well. The pack had many times taken me down this path. Helping me be familiar with the woods was Embry and Quil's favorite past time. I became too eager as I knew we were getting close, my stomach coiling in anticipation. My breath caught as we stopped at the edge of the clearing. My eyes swept the opposing tree line anxiously, waiting for one of them to reveal themselves. A few minutes passed and I couldn't take it anymore. My feet moved forward and I revealed myself first.

"Bella," Esme whispered fearfully, but I didn't turn around. Slowly, they advanced forward. My family. Sam emerged first, shaking his ebony coat and eyes trained on the forest behind me. Or more specifically, the inhabitants of the shadows. I saw Quil come out next, identifiable by his chocolate coat, and the Jared, and then Embry with his gray coat. I almost mistook him, but the dark spots made me realize who he was.. But the one I wanted to see most refused to come out. My heart hammered in my chest as I took a few steps forward before faltering. My lips parted and movement to the left made me change my attention. A reddish brown wolf slid from the trees. I sighed, disappointment coursing through my body. A sudden breath made me look up again, despite the gasp coming from behind me. My eyes filled as I saw him, tears sliding down my cheeks.

He was approaching between the gap that Jared and Sam made, eyes locked on me. A tight, black t-shirt stretched over his lean abdomen, his slim figure barely visible. His black hair was ruffled and windblown, making me want to run my fingers through it. His lips were parted, disbelievingly, and his dark eyes were pained and he offered a tan hand. It trembled, but I knew that it wasn't because of the pressure of holding back from phasing. A cry fell from my lips and then I was running. He ran as well, the wolves moving as he did. He got as close as the treaty line would allow, but I was in arms in seconds. They wrapped around me, holding me flush against his hot chest as I cried. He shushed me gently, though I could feel his chest shake with sobs as well.

"Bella," He gasped.,

"Paul," I whispered, resting my head against his shoulder.

I was back in the arms of my imprint.

Okay, so.. What did you think? Please let me know.

~D