Author's Note: I've created a facebook profile for this story. It's filled with visual aids and other fun stuff. Join me by adding "Ayah Papaya" to your friends list. I'm not Stephanie Meyers, in case you got confused! ;-)

This is the chapter before Bella's big night out! Team Jacob fans will be SO pleased! Please let me know what you think. Starting at this chapter, I have a few favorite quotes coming up. Edward's character will begin to develop (major plot twists coming) further, and you'll even see Jacob's and Bella's relationship blossom a little. Hey, no matter what happens, everybody deserves a little happiness. Some massive Cullen action heading this way as well. We'll be seeing more of them soon.

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Alice's POV

I was watching for her now, every minute decision she made was marked on my agenda. He would never catch me unaware, as I was a hunter stalking my prey. For weeks, I followed him to work, back, and every place in between—his many lady friends were dispersed through the city. Not even Bella knew about those.

Edward was catching on to me; I knew. His texts grew more and more irate, but I left my phone off most of the time. I didn't have time for his tirades. He'd been trying to pick Jasper's brain, and see what I was up to. Jasper, being true to his word, didn't leave room for error. Edward's latest text disturbed me, however. I didn't know what to make of it.

I'll be landing in New York soon. I'm coming to "shop" with you. I know what you're up to, and I want to help.

Did he know? Had Jasper inadvertently spilled the beans? Oh do you, now, Edward? What do you think you know? I was giving nothing away today.

Robert left the bland office building with a metal suitcase cuffed to his arm. He was exceedingly cautious and looked in all directions before leaving the guards behind. He was transporting something of value in that case. I followed him down 12 blocks, and he turned right, entering a pizza parlor. I stood just outside, taking in the scene. Innocent enough, until he opened his mouth.

As soon as I heard his voice, changed as it was when talking business, I could still hear him call his laboring wife a 'stupid bitch'.

Just then, my phone vibrated. Jasper? He never sends texts.. He's on his way, Alice. He's coming to take you home. Whatever you're up to, you have to do it now.

I was only capable of hissing; irritated as I was. He'd sat down to eat with another man in a dull business suit. Cheap wool by the looks of it. I would have to wait till he was alone, but the real question is, would I be alone enough to deliver my warning? Could I interfere without Bella or Edward knowing? If I was going to do this; I'd have to act fast.

What's his ETA? How much does he know? What are his basic emotions? I wondered if I could strike while he was here. Could I rely on him to help me, if he knew it would keep Bella safe? Would he be able to stay away once he was so close? Not a chance, if he thought she was unhappy.

I would have to leave before he arrived; I could tell that now. If Edward saw into this man's mind—saw what he's done to Bella—he'd kill this human before a second had passed. My prey eludes me tonight, but I have a lifetime of forevers; I'll get him eventually.

One day, Robert Handler, you'll be mine. I sealed the envelope, enclosing my little 'love letter' addressing it to his office building. Bella would recognize my handwriting, if I sent it to his house; though I thought that would make a more menacing case... I strolled to the mailbox down the street, and took the subway to the shopping district, where Edward would expect me to be.

Bella's POV

I was terribly embarrassed as Jake put the door back together. I knew I should wrap myself back in the towel, or even start to put on my clothes. I was frozen like a deer in headlights; naked, bare, exposed. The only other man to see me like this had physically ruined me. Given me every mark I now wore like a billboard. My torso felt just like that. A big flashing billboard (*LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME!*); I was so embarrassed. No, I was ashamed of myself. The Doctors say that it's not my fault things went this way, and occasionally I believe them.

If I believed my lawyer, the divorce would be final next week, my son and I would have different last names, and a chance to start over. I would start my job after returning from this trip; if I felt up to it. I was pretty sure that I did, as long as they went easy on me. I was still pretty fragile, but the idea of being kept busy, and looking at shiny stones all day improved my mood greatly.

Adjusting the straps of my dress, and pulling on a lightweight white cotton shirt, I was pleased at the face looking back at me. The shiny buttons on this shirt were my favorite; what initially drew me to it in the first place. I love shiny things! I slid on the ring my mother had given me, having long replaced the moonstone, damaged by one of my past travails. My maternal grandmother's turquoise bracelet also graced my wrist, as it always did. These pieces were part of who I was. Part of what inspired me into the jewelry business in the first place.

The lighting in the bathroom irked me. The bright lighting allowed me a perfect view of my two permanently blackened under eye areas. It looked like I was recovering from a broken nose, for crying out loud. There were several good points though. The panic attack had left my skin rosy, after I splashed off the sweat sheen. I looked nice, for once. This was the first time I'd put any thought into my appearance since the big move. Tatty old sweats and holey t-shirts were my only uniform. People had thought I was poor, but mostly they all felt bad for me. I could see the wonder in their eyes as they saw the life had been driven out of me. A zombie. A monster. I'd wanted to be a monster for a long time now; you know what they say about being careful what you wish for??

I opened the door only to see Jacob giving instructions. He must be in a hurry. Hungry most likely—that boy could eat! He'd learned our routine so easily; it was almost like he was used to living with us. As if he'd always been there. When I was living in New York, he'd come to see me twice a year. More often before I'd met Bob, but Bobby didn't like when he visited. He had made that painfully clear. In fact, the last time I'd seen him had been about six months after Aaron was born; when we were first learning that something was wrong. He'd come up to help me because Bob was on a business trip in Antwerp. I used to go on these trips with him, but since becoming pregnant, I wasn't his trophy wife anymore. Nobody wanted to see a fat wife, with pretty Europeans around. Ruins the scenery, I guess.

"Right, Bella?" I jumped. Had he been talking to me long?

"What?" I blushed, obviously caught not listening.

"He should sleep the entire time, but if he wakes up, just give him a bottle, and put on cartoons. Right?" Eying me curiously, he smirked. He always smiled when I was thoughtful—curious, I suppose. This dress also looked particularly nice, and I'm sure that didn't escape his notice either. I hope.

"Sounds good." I crossed the room and stood beside him. I put my hand on his forearm, his signal that I was ready to go. He gazed down at me, stroking my cheek with a smile. I'd have to talk to him about his idea of "behaving himself". I much preferred the careful "no contact" method. His arm immediately went around my waist, and he pulled me close. The last of the coolness of standing bare in the bathroom had evaporated. Jacob generated so much HEAT!

"If you don't have any more questions, I'd like to get out of here." He turned to our guest and winked at her. "I understand that you girls get paid by the hour?" They both let out a quiet laugh, and she sat down at the table to read her magazines.

"Just leave a cell number in case I need to get in touch with you guys." She said with little interest. I quickly scrawled my number onto a piece of hotel stationary and handed it to her. Barely looking up, she used the paper as a book mark. It took me a minute to remember that this girl is probably only a few years younger than me. Probably only a year or so younger than Jake. Did he find her, a younger woman, attractive? Why did that matter to me? It's none of my business anyway.

It's funny how just a few years can age you a lifetime; especially when you already started out middle aged...

"Come on, Bella. Let's go. I have a surprise!" He winked conspiratorially, and he had me. I was curious! What could he possibly surprise me with so far from home? His arm attached to my waist, he held open the door, and together, we strode out of the room.

As we neared the lobby, a concierge was waiting for him. "It's ready and outside, Mr Black." He smiled, and handed him something small enough to be obscured by both of their hands. His arm around me tightened, pulling me closer, in anticipation.

"Can't breathe, Jake!" He laughed, throwing his head back, his glossy hair flowing behind him.

"All right then, I'll try something else. Hold on!" In one swift motion, my feet swung out from under me, and I found myself off the ground. He carried me out of the hotel and that was when I saw it. I couldn't believe my eyes.

"Jacob Black, what have you done?"

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