Disclaimer: The characters I fervently used in this story belong to no one, and will never belong to anyone else, but only to Stephenie Meyer.

Thanks to all the people who's been helping me out with this. Auburn One and runningwithhorses, especially. You're all amazing.

I gasped.

Oh. So he wasn't kidding, at all, about the super-running thing. He can actually run like... like nothing else. One second he was there, running right at my side, and then the next he was nowhere to be seen, like I have been alone all the time. Not even a leaf was rustling to mark his departure.

For a moment, I almost thought I was just dreaming the whole time. But suddenly, he reappeared right in front of me grinning widely, almost like he hadn't left at all.

"See what I mean," he said, smugness written all over his face.

"Cocky much?" I said teasingly, but I can't hide the obvious surprised tone of my voice.

He chuckled aloud, his eyes brightening with enthusiasm. "Admit it, you're amazed. You should've seen your face five seconds ago, you're eyes were about to bug out of their sockets," he teased back.

It was so good seeing him this way, so light-hearted and in high spirits. I laughed with him.

We started running again, but he kept pace with me this time. We ran hand in hand, eyes never leaving each other for more than a few seconds. We opened up a few casual conversations, talking about random things. We still seemed to be a little too ecstatic, the bliss almost disorienting.

After about another hour, I could feel something different, though nothing really changed. It took me a moment to realize that the strange feeling was coming from the familiarity of the forest, of the atmosphere. I could sense it, I was close to home.

"Bree's here," I heard Edward and Alice's voice, muffled by the glass walls, announced quietly at the same time. Edward's tone a little tensed, Alice's a little too enthusiastic, as always.

Then we broke in through the last of trees and fringes, into the meadow that surrounds the house that had been my home for a while now.

I saw Edward and Bella's head snapped up as I came into view, at the same time, Alice bounded up and ran to the doors, probably too excited to wait for me to get there. She was beaming widely at me, not seeming to notice my companion at the time.

Diego and I slowed into a walk. We were just halfway across the big lawn when something hit me like a wrecking ball. A scent so strong and sweet it could only belong to Bella.

I automatically stopped mid-breath, locking my jaws and muscles into place.

I was shocked to hear a strange growling sound right beside me. I turned my head to see Diego half-crouched at my side, his nostrils flaring. His blazing eyes were riveted on the human behind the glass walls.

I stretched out a hand to put it on his shoulder, to restrain him, but he suddenly vanished from my sight, like a bubble was popped in the air.

I was instantly filled with terror and panic, both for Diego and Bella. If my heart could still beat, it would have been thrumming like a crazy drum right now.

When I saw Diego again, he was already through the door, Alice missing him by an inch.

Edward, reading his mind, I bet, was able to put himself between Bella and Diego before he could get to her. Though Diego was very fast, he was no match to Edward's strength. Edward pushed him hard until he smacked against the wall, breaking through the glass. Thousands of pieces of the glass went flying everywhere. Diego fell flat on his back several meters away from the house, just a few meters away from me.

All the while, I stood there, frozen with shock and fear, mouth gapping like a fish. I was completely flabbergasted.

I forced my brain to follow my instructions. I walked swiftly to where Diego was lying, trying to find a way to help him. He wasn't unconscious, of course he's not, but a little disoriented I think, upshot by the impact of his fall.

I shot one pleading glance to Edward and whispered in my head, "I'm so, so sorry." Then I met Bella's anxious stare with rueful eyes, hoping I could apologize to her, too. Maybe I will later, or maybe Edward had already heard it on my mind and will just tell her my apology.

I helped Diego to his feet. We ran back to the forest, just keeping some distance from the house. I asked Diego of we could stay not too far, so we just ran for a mile or two.

We settled by the river side. Sitting on the rocks and dipping our feet onto the clear, cool water flowing through the stream.

We were both quiet for a while, and I don't want to be the one to break the silence. Diego was apparently gloomy and I was afraid I might say something that could make him feel worse. So I just kept my mouth shut and waited for him to talk first.

He sighed heavily before finally speaking, "I'm really, really sorry, ya know," he said, remorse painting his voice. "I really didn't know what that was. You're friends are probably mad at you for tagging a... blood-crazed sucker along with you..." he shook his head, his voice trailing off to silence.

"S'not you're fault," I answered. "I should have warned you about the human. We could have avoided all this crap."

"Don't blame yourself. This should be all on me," he insisted. "I was the one who reacted like a crazy slut. And you did warn me about the human. I should have known better than to just attack the girl and everything."

I sighed.

"Do you mind if I go back to the house?" I asked skeptically, trying not to offend him or anything. "I just really want to talk to them. You know, I missed them like crazy and I haven't had even just a little chit chat back there." I gazed at his expression, looking for any signs of resentment.

"No, of course you could go," he answered. "And tell them sorry for me, too," he grinned.

"Sure," I smiled, glad that he wasn't offended or anything. "Just stay here. Okay? Don't move even an inch," I said a little teasingly, but looking at him with grave eyes.

He just nodded at me, a small smile touching his lips.

I watched him warily as I slowly move away from him, afraid that f I left, he might suddenly disintegrate. Separation is so hard at this instant, no matter how far, regardless how long.

But I really have to go see the Cullens, and Diego just can't come with me. So I have to go alone.

On my way back to the house, I tried to think of things to say, trying to phrase a proper apology. This was the kind of thing I've been avoiding so much, endangering Bella's life because of what we are, because this is what Edward was dreading the most. Though I had known them to be very compassionate and kindhearted people, there is still a good possibility that Edward, and probably the rest them as well, was totally furious with me now. I have to think of ways of how to make it up to them, most especially to Bella.

Diego was right in one thing, though. It wasn't exactly me who endangered Bella's life. But I don't get how I feel so guilty about it, why I feel like everything was my fault. Maybe because it was just how I was raised-taking all the blame to myself. Or maybe I'm just really afraid that the Cullens, or anyone of them, for that matter, will be mad at me. Maybe that's why I feel so anxious about apologizing, or making up to them. I was afraid to lose my family.

Bella suddenly popped into my mind. She might still be in the house, so I thought I'd better prepare myself for any instance, just so I wouldn't lose my edge and do a rerun of what happened this afternoon. Lucky I find a couple of elks on my way, so I snag a quick hunt.

The front lawn was bright from the lights coming from inside the house. The broken wall was already replaced with new glass, as if it hadn't been shattered at all. Every evidence of the recent incident was removed from the scene, leaving no trace or hint of sorrow and wretchedness.

Rosalie and Emmett were quietly bickering on the front room, laying the foundation for their house of cards. But most of the murmurs were coming from the kitchen. Bella's scent is still lingering in the air, but not as strong as before. Maybe she just left. That just means I wouldn't be able to apologize to her now, too bad.

I stopped reluctantly at the door, debating internally whether I would knock or just go in. Well, they probably already know that I'm already here. Maybe they are just too mad to let me in.

But before my fist landed on the wood, out of the blue, Alice was there, opening the door, beaming widely at me. She suddenly pulled me into a tight, welcoming embrace.

"Hi, Bree," she said, as cheerful as ever. "It's so great you're back. We've missed you so much."

"Hey, Alice," I answered, trying to hide the surprise in my voice. "I'm so, so sorry. Is Edward there?" I asked skeptically.

"Edward just took Bella home, you could apologize later," she said. "Where's the boy anyway?"

"He's by the river."

She just nodded earnestly. "C'mon, let's go inside. They've been waiting for you."

"Really? They're not mad or anything?"

"Why would they be? It's not your fault," she smiled. "Maybe Edward's a little pissed, but that's nothing, really."

They're not angry with me? Cool. I can't help smiling widely.

Alice suddenly pulled me into the house and into the kitchen. There were a lot of papers and other stuff scattered on the table. Esme was studiously bent on her work, Jasper watching noiselessly behind her back. Alice sat back on the table to resume her job.

"Sorry, it's a bit of a mess," Alice smiled unrepentantly. "What with all the preparations for Bella and Edward's wedding."

"They're getting married?" I asked incredulously.

"Yup, August."

"Wow," I couldn't hold back the giggle that rose up my throat, but I was seriously surprised. "What's the rush?"

"Love's already itching on 'em," Esme answered quietly.

I smiled politely at her. "Well, is there anything I can do?"

It's been three hours and Edward still hasn't shown up. I was getting edgier and more impatient by the minute, anxious to go back to Diego. Maybe I could just put this off for tonight and just come back tomorrow.

I was about to stand up from my seat when Alice suddenly spoke, "He's coming, Bree," she said, not looking up from her design. "Just a few more minutes."

Sure enough, after a minute or two, I heard the sound of tires turning off the driveway.

"You're psychic, Alice," I said, smiling broadly at her. "How did you that?"

She beamed back at me, finally tearing her attention from her work. "Well, you said it yourself, I'm a psychic, sort of."

I got up and went straight outside. Just at the same time that I stepped out the door, Edward pulled up into the garage. I followed him in there.

I've only been to the Cullen's garage once. Not that I'm an autophile or anything, but I couldn't help but to be amazed at the set of cars lined up, each one of them drool-worthy in their own ways.

"Hello, Bree," Carlisle welcomed me with a warm embrace as he got out of the car. "It's so good to see you back."

"Yeah, it's nice be here again," I answered as I hugged him back.

He gave me one more squeeze, then he continued on to the house.

"Hi, Bree," Edward greeted me when Carlisle left, completely at ease. He didn't even seem to be the least bit angry. "What's up?"

"I'm really, really sorry Edward. "I'm just so stupid," I blurted out right away. "I should have been more careful. I swear I won't let this happen again..."

"Bree," he interrupted me, a kind, gentle smile on his lips. "Chill. Bella's fine. Everything's alright. I just hope you would keep your friend away from here until he's more... controlled."

"Oh, Edward, you're so good," I breathed a heavy sigh of relief. How could he possibly still talk to me this way? " I deserve much less than this. I promise I will make it up to you and Bella. I swear he won't get anywhere near her unless he can hold himself." I jabbered.

"As long as Bella's safe, we have no problem."

I grinned as I nodded.

He playfully ruffled my hair ma hair and put one arm over my shoulder as he led us back to the house.

I was very much glad that it seemed like I have not done any damage at all. The fear of losing my family was completely eradicated now.

I stayed another hour in the house. Helping in the wedding preparations while chattering cheerily with the Cullens. Even Emmett and Rosalie joined us after a few minutes. It felt so good to have moments like this with my family.

No matter how anxious I get to go back to Diego, I couldn't quite leave the house. The moment is too good to spoil.

So they just offered that Diego and I could stay together with them. Given that Diego would try to be more restrained, especially when Bella's around. Edward seemed to be a little tensed about this, but he didn't complain.

I waved goodbye to them as I leave the house to go get Diego. I ran optimistically back to where I left Diego, excitement filling my chest. I still can't believe the luck that I get to keep all the people I love.

A/N: So sorry that I update like a turtle. Point the blame finger at school.

I'll try to make the next chapters more exciting, more action, I guess. And I'll really, really try to update much faster.

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