So sorry everyone, I posted a rough copy of this chapter by mistake. Jules xx

Chapter Four

Peter

I was seriously considering leaving Forks although I could see its attraction for a vampire. The sun was almost non-existent here, instead most days it was hidden from view by thick clouds which more often than not dropped enormous amounts of rain on already saturated ground. The number of days a vampire would be trapped inside could be counted on the fingers of one hand and still have some to spare!

The problem was that I had no idea where to go next and I didn't have the energy or enthusiasm to move. I had never unpacked my bags I just lived from day to day knowing that tomorrow and the next day and the one after that were going to be the same and my life stretched out in one unbroken line of depression and boredom through the centuries, death was beginning to look like a good alternative.

I heard a vehicle coming slowly down the drive and cussed, why didn't those fucking cops leave me alone. They drove up every fucking day and every day I would answer the door and try to stop myself from taking a bite out of the uniformed asshole who stood there asking the same fucking question, "Have I heard from the Cullens?" I dragged myself from the couch and went down the stairs to the front door but as I took hold of the doorknob I realized this didn't sound like the cruisers, I knew the sound of their engines by now, no, this was something else. I left the door and instead peered through the window at the side just as an old red truck came round the corner and halted at the bottom of the porch steps. I could see the driver and she was certainly no cop, for a start, she was too young, so why was she here?

As she climbed out of the cab I could see she was human, now I was curious, was she one of the Cullen's pet humans? Or was she just a nosy townsperson eager to see the mysterious squatter, well we'd soon see. She looked at the house apprehensively and then began to climb the steps slowly worrying at her lip, she was very nervous and when I opened the door she stopped like a deer caught in a car's headlights.

Bella

The house looked just as it always had as if the door might open and Edward would be standing there or Esme smiling in welcome. I hesitated unsure this was a good idea even as I opened the truck door. I didn't see any other vehicles and wondered if the stranger had already left. Well, I would just try the door and if it was locked I would turn around and leave. Even if he was still here what did I expect to learn? Why had I even bothered coming here? I knew all it would do was to open wounds I had spent so long trying to heal.

I froze as the door opened fearing who it might be and was only able to breathe again when I didn't recognize the man standing there. The stranger was still here but now I was facing him I had no idea what to say.

"Can I help you, Ma'am?"

Although sounding sarcastic and bored in equal measure his voice made my mouth go dry and my heart speed up. He sounded so much like Jasper, the same low southern drawl and found myself unable to speak for an embarrassing few seconds.

"I…...I heard there was someone here. I knew the Cullens and I wondered if it might be them back."

"No, they're not."

He wasn't going to help me out and we stood to face each other in silence as I tried to think of something else to say.

"So?"

I was glad he had broken the terrible silence that stretched between us although I had no idea what to say. All I could glean from that single word was that he wanted me to go.

"Are they coming back?"

"Why?"

It was like pulling teeth!

"I….I dated Edward Cullen for a while."

His laughter was cold,

"Really? And here was I thinking you looked pretty normal."

"For a human you mean?"

That stopped his laughter in an instant and he stood staring at me.

" Do you have any idea how dangerous a game you are playing?"

"You mean standing here questioning a vampire? Yes, but I'm not afraid of you."

"Really? Then maybe you should be. I'm not like the Cullens. My diet is more normal for my kind."

"You mean you hunt humans? Let me tell you something vampire, there is nothing you could do to me that would hurt more than the pain they put me through so go ahead if you want my blood, take it."

Peter

There was something about the way she said that…..she really was hurting, she didn't seem to care either way. How could a kid like this be so brave in the face of the danger she understood she was in? She sure sounded like she was bitter and angry but did she really mean to challenge me? We'd see. I stepped closer to her my eyes boring into hers looking for the slightest flicker of fear but she just stared back.

"So, brains and beauty. What made you so bitter at them?"

"Everything, the lies, the way they pretended to care and then just walked away without even a goodbye. Not that you'd understand."

"Oh really? You think you have the monopoly on bitterness and depression? It sounds to me like we both got shafted."

She stared at me for a few more seconds and then turned to leave and suddenly it was important to me that she didn't. I was depressed, so fucking lonely, and she knew what I was so I didn't have to pretend or worry I might give myself away, I could be me. I could talk to her and she might understand like no one else could. Besides, a human who wasn't scared of vampires? That had to be a first!

"Do you have to go right now?"

She stopped and turned back looking me long and hard,

"I should go, this place holds no happy memories for me and besides, Charlie will be expecting his dinner in a little while. So, if you don't plan on making me your dinner yes, I have to go."

She had guts I had to give her that and I was beginning to see what might have appealed to the Cullens, to Edward.

"Charlie?"

Had I been wrong? Was she older than I had thought?

"My dad, I understand you've met him."

The only people I had seen were local cops so…

"He's the Police Chief and I know he won't be happy if he finds out I'm here."

If she was as hurt and bereft as I was then I could understand anyone who cared about her not wanting her to reopen old wounds.

"OK, well maybe we could go for a walk or something if you have the time."

I sounded like a fool and cursed myself for sounding so fucking needy especially as she didn't look at all interested.

"Never mind, just go."

"So, you're staying on here?"

"For now."

What I didn't say was that she was the only person I had been interested in speaking to since Charlotte left.

She reached her truck then stopped,

"I work tomorrow."

"It doesn't matter."

I worked hard to sound disinterested and think I pulled it off.

"But I'm free Sunday. I could drive over then."

Well, well, it sounded like she might be interested in talking some more!

"OK, I'll see you then, unless you change your mind but you don't have to drive over here. I could meet you in town if you prefer."

She considered this for a moment then nodded,

"OK, Meet me outside Newton's store at two. I would say we could go for coffee but I guess that would be insensitive."

I actually managed a weak smile,

"I can do the human things I just usually choose not to."

She nodded and drove away and when she had gone from sight the despair crashed down on me again almost bringing me to my knees. The only thing that kept me from screaming and plunging headlong into the blackness was the thought that I would see her again and the crazy thing was that I didn't even know her name.