Chapter 8 – Confrontation

EPOV

After Bella drove away, I ran back to the Cullen's house. I was right; she wouldn't love me when I was like this. Bella was terrified of me. I was wrong for intervening, but I had to help her. I heard Damien's thoughts and what he wanted to do. How could I let it happen? It's taking all the strength I have from going back and killing him. No, I've done enough damage for one night.

As I got closer, the Cullens' thoughts were getting louder. Moron! Now we have to leave or she has to die, Rosalie was thinking. If she laid on finger on Bella, I would rip her head off. I walked slowly into the house, not looking up. I know what I've done to them, but my own pain was far worse. There was a hiss, but I didn't look to see who it came from. Alice told them what I had done. They had every right to be mad at me. "You stupid, stupid newborn. What were you thinking? Are you that dumb?" Rosalie yelled, but her words didn't faze me. Emmett held her shoulder, but she shrugged off his hand. Carlisle was still at the hospital and Jasper was hunting. He could have dulled Rosalie's sharp tongue with his abilities.

You can't hurt a dead man. All I saw was the horrified look in Bella's eyes when she saw it was me. The pain on her face when I dared tell her who I was. "Rose, stop," Esme said. "What? Why? We have to leave now or the girl has to die," she snapped. My eyes closed as I inhaled deeply. Someone patted my shoulder and held my arm, "Rosalie," it was Alice, "leave it alone for now. Bella won't say anything. She thinks it was a nightmare. She is convinced that it nothing more than a dream."

I shook my head. A dream? No, more like a nightmare. Bella was human and perfect. I was a nightmare. I don't belong in her world. My eyes opened and Alice was still holding my arm. I looked at her, I know, Edward. You did what you had to do. She won't say anything. Things will get better, I promise. How could things be alright? Bella saw me, but she did not believe it was me.

Bella will never love me, when I was like this. I wanted to scream at the thought. Alice had a vision; I was running through the forest. Just running. That was a good idea. I should run. Not run away, but just run to expel my anger. I patted Alice's hand and sprinted out the front door. "He just needs time. He's hurting more than you realize," Alice explained. I ran through the night, through the trees and the dark. My life was dark, now that I knew Bella didn't love me.

BPOV

I laid in bed all morning and afternoon, thinking about the imposter. "It wasn't real. It wasn't real," I kept telling myself. I sat up, after laying in bed for hours. I didn't sleep much last night. I was afraid to fall asleep, in case I saw that face again in my dreams. Edward's picture was still faced away on my bedside table. It pained me to think if looked at his picture I may see the stranger from last night. This was unbearable. I barely had Edward in life, now I couldn't have him in death. The stranger looked too much like Edward. But the eyes. They weren't Edward's.

He stood like Edward and, if I looked beyond the sharp teeth, he smiled like Edward. The smile that made me weak at the knees. Without realizing it, I was crying. Yesterday was pure torture. Damien tries to attack me and some stranger who looks exactly like the man I love, but it wasn't him, even though he claimed he was that man.

Charlie was gone fishing for the day and I was alone again. My heart stopped; what if that stranger came back? What if he knew where I lived? My head shook, dispelling the thoughts. What was I saying, it didn't happen. I had to tell myself that before I got up enough courage to leave my room. Going downstairs, I got myself something to eat. Eating was normal. With my cereal, I went into the living room, to put on the news. Walking past the front window, there was Edward's car in front of the house. The bowl almost fell from my hands. Moving at a slow pace, not taking my eyes off the silver car, I place the bowl on the floor and ran to my room, straight to my desk. There were the Volvo's keys. I stepped back and shuddered. No, no.

My dad must have brought it back for me and left the keys on the desk when I was sleeping. Going back downstairs, I told myself that Charlie brought the car. I told myself that, so I could eat. Last night didn't happen. Damien attacked me and I walked home after I hit him. I'm thinking about pressing charges against him. With the chief of police as my father, Charlie would give him a life sentence.

Watching the news relaxed me enough to get some laundry done. I stripped Charlie's bed and then mine. Only my hands were busy, but my mind wanted to think about last night. I sang to myself, not wanting to think. I sang out loud while I sorted the loads of clothes and put them in the machine.

Going back to my room, I began to clean up. My clothes were scattered around the room, even my prom dress. It would have to go to the dry cleaners. Looking around the room, my eyes searched for my purse from last night. It wasn't in the room. I searched under the bed and in the bottom of the closet.

Reality was setting in, but only so far. I grabbed the Volvo's keys and went to check the car. I didn't want to admit it, but I did drive the car home last night. I need professional help. I have really lost my mind. In the car, there was Edward's jacket. I exhaled deeply and continued searching. With a reluctant sigh, I sat down in the driver's seat. My purse wasn't in the car. Getting out, misty rain moistened my face; it was soothing.

"That wasn't Edward. That wasn't the man I love," I said out loud. My fingers twined behind my neck and I went back into the house. As I was closing the door, there was the sound of a car approaching. It was my dad's cruiser, being followed by a small car, a Volkswagen Rabbit. Dad was home and Jacob and Billy were visiting. A smile came across my face. Good, I won't be alone anymore.

Charlie waved to me, "Hey Bells," as he went to help Billy out of the car. Jacob smiled brightly at me and I jogged over to him. I couldn't control myself. I needed to laugh and smile and Jacob could do that for me. "Hey, Jake," I said as my arms hugged him. He chuckled, "Wow and I thought you'd miss me." He wrapped his arms around my shoulders. My eyes looked into the forest across the street. Something moved in the tree, but I didn't see anything. My mind drifted to the stranger. He could move very fast. My head shook again, pushing away the memory.

Jacob helped me make fish for lunch and all of us sat in the living room. I feigned some interest in the ball game. Charlie, Billy and Jacob were being total guys, yelling back at the screen. So much like Edward, the real Edward.

Outside, the sun was still up behind the thick clouds. There was something I had to do, but I would need someone with me. Was last night real? Only one way to find out. I couldn't live with this kind of fear. It wasn't right. "Dad?" I called to him from the kitchen. "Yea, Bells?" He was putting his dishes in the sink. "I need to get some things from the house," I couldn't say his name and Charlie understood. He looked at me with wary eyes, "Now?" His voice was skeptical. "I just want to get it over with."

Charlie sighed, leaning on his extended arm against the countertop, "I'll go with you." My head shook quickly, "No, Dad. Billy's here. I'll ask Jake." Jacob came into the kitchen then, "No problem. Let's go." Charlie smiled and went back to the living room, "Ok, kid." I looked up at Jacob, "Thanks. I really appreciate this." He nudged me with his huge arm and took my hand, "Anytime."

We went to the front yard and I saw him eyeing the Volvo. I didn't want to take it, so I walked over to Jacob's car. "You coming?" Jacob's head whipped back to me, my call pulling him out of his trance. "Yeah." He walked fluidly over to his car. Jacob was as clumsy as I was with his too big feet, but now, he was sort of elegant. Once in the warmth of his car, I directed him to the house.

Edward's house; a house that was once a haven then became an awful reminder of what I lose and now, a scary figure from a nightmare. Jacob walked ahead of me, as I looked around, not wanting to see anything. The spare key rested under a fake stone Ms. Elizabeth had set in the stone garden.

The key turned the tumblers and the door opened. Maybe last night didn't happen. Then I saw it. My purse; it was still on the couch where I was placed by the stranger. I tried to control my breathing because Jacob was still with me. My heart was caught in my chest, straining to beat one more time. "Bella, what did you need to get?" Jacob asked. I didn't hear the words clearly, as my eyes welled with tears. "Bella?" his voice was alarmed. My breaths trembled and my teeth chattered. It was real, all of it. The stranger, the flying through the dark and those red eyes.

Jacob wrapped his arms around me. "It's ok. We can leave." I shook in his arms; he believed I was still grieving. Well, in a way, I was. Grieving for the one I lost and angry at the one who brought me here. I cried out and clutched Jacob's shoulders, burying my face in his chest.

Why was this happening to me? Was that really Edward? He said I knew how to contact him; his cell phone number. Could I dare it? I shook my head, answering my own question. "We're leaving. Come on," Jacob motioned us for the door. I planted my feet, "No, I'll be fine. It still hurts, you know? I'll be right back." Turning towards the closet and I saw my jacket there. My hand slammed the door closed and Jacob jumped. "Wh…?" He must think I'm crazy.

I shook my head and smiled, "Nothing. I think it's upstairs." I went upstairs, pretending to look for something to take back with me. I think this is the last time Jacob is taking me to this house. It was making me crazy. I paused at Edward's bedroom door, not able to go inside. Instead, I went into his mother's bedroom and sat on the bed.

This is where Alice consoled me. Alice? I needed her right now to calm me down. My hands fell into my face and began to cry again. My hands covered my mouth tightly, trying to muffle my screaming cries.

EPOV

Emmett, Jasper and I ran to my mother's house. There were a few things I wanted to get. I needed something to do to keep me from going to Bella's house. After Carlisle found out what I did, he wasn't mad. He was impressed that I was able to control myself, knowing that her scent had such an influence on me. "And you didn't tell her what happened to you?" Carlisle asked. I shook my head, "No, I was too busy trying to convince her that it was me. She was terrified. Bell's never looked at me like that." Like I was monster. This is difficult, Edward, but I am proud that you helped and Jasper weren't entirely mad at me for helping Bella. emmett said I was better than him, he wouldn have killed any man that put his hands on Rosalie.

The need for me to hunt Damien hasn't diminished. Jasper felt my murderous rage and he wasn't letting me out of his sight. As my house came into sight, the three of us went through the backdoor. The door opened slowly and the foulest scent assaulted my nose. I could have gagged from the odious stench that was the strongest reminiscent of wet dog.

Emmett caught my shoulder, "Wait here." He scanned the room as he went through the kitchen door. Emmett stalked through the door, "What are you doing here?" his voice dropped to a menacingly low level. "Why are you here?" a familiar voice answered back. Through his thought, I recognized Jacob Black. He brought Bella here and she was upstairs.

Jasper caught my mood and he calmed me, Control yourself. Jasper went into the living room and I followed, holding my breath. Why did Jacob smell like that? "Careful, bloodsucker, he warned, "A human's upstairs. Keep your voice down." I stepped around from behind Emmett and Jasper. Jacob took a step back. His eyes widened as he looked at me, "Edward? Wh….? I thought, we thought you were …"

The images of my funeral ran through his mind. The sight of Bella screaming from the news of the accident shatter my heart. He had to take her to her room. She laid in bed, her eyes blood red from tears. My eyebrows furrowed, "As you can see, I'm not." Jacob shook his head, "My brothers caught the scent of three leaches, but by the time they got there, the car was empty. I was at Bella's the night her father told her about you and your mother."

I wanted to growl. From his thoughts, it confirmed everything. "So, you thought I was dead and you think you can take a run at Bella?" Jasper used his ability to calm the room, Edward, do not provoke Jacob. He's one of the wolves from the tribe. Remember the treaty. Jacob was a werewolf? Now, he really needed to stay away from Bella.

Oh, come on? How low does this guy think I am? She's my best friend. From upstairs, I heard Bella's sobs upstairs. My eyes looked up the stairwell. I had to go to her, but after last night, how could I? Jacob took a step towards the stairs, "Don't even think about it." Boyfriend or not, he's one of them now. "You can't harm a human," Jacob stated. My eyes narrowed at him, "I would never hurt my girlfriend."

Jasper's ability did little to alleviate my annoyance. I've wanted to take his head off for months, now; I had the power to do it. Thinking about Bella stopped that thought. She would be devastated that she lost her best friend and I couldn't live with that, knowing I caused her that pain. Jacob raised an eyebrow and looked to Emmett, "So you've taken him in?" Emmett nodded, "Yes. Jasper and I found him and took him to Carlisle. The nomads bit him and we're helping him cope."

Jacob sighed, Bella would freak out if she knew. "Fine, it's like you bit him, so the treaty is still intact. Since he's a newborn, Edward has to keep his distance from humans." Jacob's thoughts flickered to Bella. Well, I was no longer in the way, what if Bella came to care for him too? Would she fall for a werewolf? After learning the truth of Emily Young, who was a good friend to Bella, she couldn't be with Jacob. But how could I stop her?

"Look, Jacob," I snapped, "I am in control. The Cullens are helping me and as soon as the school year is over, we're leaving." Jacob nodded, "That's fine with me." If he lays on finger on her, I will rip him apart and none of them will stop me, Jacob declared. "I told you, I won't hurt her. I love her," I spoke through my teeth. Jacob tilted his head and his eyebrows furrowed, "How did you…?"

I smiled darkly, "I can read minds." His eyes widened, "That's not possible." My smile widened, "Apparently, it is," I taunted. I heard Bella trying to get her cries under control. There was still nothing from her mind. Why couldn't I hear her thoughts? She was always a close-minded person.

I didn't realize my eyes were on the stairs again until Jacob came closer, "Leave now!" I looked back at him, "This is my house." Emmett moved to stand between us. Jacob shook his head, "No, you're dead. This is Bella's house now." I couldn't respond. That was what I was; dead, the undead. Bedsprings squeaked upstairs and her footsteps moved across the floor. She was coming. Damn, I want to see her. Jasper patted Emmett's arm, "She's coming. Let's wait until they leave, before Edward gets his things."

Emmett and Jasper waited for me to turn, as I glared at Jacob. We were now natural enemies. The sound of Bella's heartbeat was hypnotizing. She was getting close to the top of the stairs. I heard her deep breathing; she was upset. How I wished I could comfort her? The three of us sprinted for the house and waited in the forest. We gave it a decent berth. I saw Bella through Jacob's eyes. Her face was red and dried tears stained her cheeks. My Bella was in pain and the mongrel could comfort her, when I couldn't.

BPOV

Jacob was at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for me. I sighed and tried to smile, with Ms. Elizabeth's jacket in my hand. I always admired it and it was mine now. I just needed something to take back, a prop. "Let's go," I whispered. Jacob took my hands, "Bella," I looked up into his eyes, "this will get better." I sniffed, "I'm not so sure, Jake. I really loved him. He was my first." Jacob's expression hardened. That was the first time I admitted that I had sex with Edward. "I know I'll only love him."

Jacob's face crumble, "Don't lock away your heart, Bells. Someone will come along and save you from your pain." I shook my head, "I don't think anyone like that exists. Not for me." Jacob hugged me and I kissed his cheek, "Thank you, though. Thank you for letting me be insane." He smiled, "If I don't, who will?" I laughed once, "I don't know."