AN: thanks for the reviews and the PMS, you motivate me to write.


Chapter 9

Bella arrived home just a moment earlier than her father; she waited for him rather than going directly to her room because she knew he would want to know what was going on between her and Jacob.

Her father got in and smiled at her. "So Bells, I noticed that you and Jacob got closer after this day together. Don't you have anything to tell me?"

She blushed and nodded. "Jacob and I are officially together, but don't worry dad, we're taking things slowly."

"Jacob is a good guy and I approve of him, just be careful. It's good to hear that you're getting settled here." He told her.

"I love living here, I'm happy I took this decision dad." She answered and then hugged him

Charlie hugged her back briefly and then he said softly. "I'm glad you decided to come and stay with me, I was scared that I had lost you."

"You'll never loose me dad, never." She replied, and now she was sure that she could promise him as much. There wasn't going to be a choice like life or death ahead of her and she was more than happy about it. "I'm sorry that we haven't been together that much while I was growing up, but now we can catch up for lost times, if you would like..."

"I would love that; we should organize a weekend out with the Blacks if you want." He told her smiling.

Bella smiled back. "Yes, maybe we could visit the national park near here. I know there are nice little bungalows on rent. I could look at it and let you know."

"That's a great idea Bells! I know there's a very good place for fishing and you and Jacob can spend even more time together." Charlie told her.

Excited for the weekend they were planning they bid each other good night.

Bella settled for the night, and when she was tucked into her bed she watched the locked window. Part of her was still slightly sorry about shutting Edward out of her life, but the biggest part, the one that loved herself and Jacob more, knew that it was the right decision. Mentally she bid a final goodbye to Edward and fell asleep.

...

She woke up on Sunday, knowing that she wasn't going to see Jacob and she felt sad. However, she had a life besides him and she didn't want to make the same mistake she had made with Edward and to have Jacob as the center of her world. She would give him space and take some time for herself and other people too. She checked the e-mails, replied to Renee and then on a whim she decided to go to Port Angelesto to get that book on Quileute legends.

Her father had already left for work, so she left a note telling him where she was going. She got into her truck and drove until the other town. She decided to park in the center and walk to the bookshop. She arrived there and it was open, and the bookkeeper told her that it was still tourist season. She browsed calmly the store and along with that book she bought other two, it was refreshing to be by herself and to know that no one was controlling what she was doing.

When she got out she started walking towards her truck ,but she stopped on her track when four men blocked the road. She turned around and she noticed that there wasn't anyone there that could help her.

One of the men smirked. "What do we have here? Care to spend some time with us pretty leady?"

Bella took a step backward but she knew it was pointless to run or scream. She shook her head; she should have guessed that even though she wasn't looking for danger, danger would find her.

Tires accelerating had her turn and she saw a Silver Volvo stop near her, the passenger side was opened and she got in. Resigned that this time around wasn't any different from her previous life; Edward had saved her from that gang. She was grateful, but at the same time she felt defeated because for as much as she was trying to steer clear from him, he was always there. And why was he there? HadAliceseen anything or had he followed her?

"Are you well?" He asked her looking concerned.

She sighed. "Yes, thank to you. My truck is in the city center, could you take me there?"

"I rather take you home; one of my siblings will drive it back." Edward replied.

And as usual he wanted to decide what was best for her. "No thank you. I want to go home with my truck so please take me there." She insisted stubbornly, two could play the game.

"You're shaken; I don't think it would be good for you to be driving right now." He insisted as well.

She was getting angry by the moment, had she really accepted placidly that he dictated her whole life? "Edward, I want you to take me to my truck. I'm sure you've the best intentions in mind, but right now I need you to do as I say." She told him firmly.

He sighed and shook his head but drove her until the truck. "Let's go to drink something then, so that you can calm down."

"I assure you I'm perfectly calm." She said, knowing that she had gone through more horrific ordeals. She opened the door of his car. "Thanks for saving me, see you at school." Without waiting for a reply she closed the door and left him there.

While driving home she was assaulted with thousands of thoughts, if she and Edward weren't meant to be, then why was fate creating this accidents? Hadn't she made clear that she wanted Jacob in this life? And if Edward had saved her, did it mean that he was stalking her? How else would he know where her truck was?

When she got home she sat on the sofa and placed her head in her hands. She felt weakened by this meeting, he had saved her no matter what and even though she was angry with him, should she give him credits for saving her?

The phone rang, she picked it up and the warm voice of Jacob pinched her heart. "Hello Bells, I was missing you and thought to give you a call." He told her sweetly.

A smile bloomed on her face, Jacob knew what and when to say something to make her feel good. "I miss you too, today I've got homework and house chores to do but I'll see you tomorrow."

"Ok Bells, by the way Charlie told my father about a weekend outdoor. I can't wait for it, have you got any date in mind?" He asked her seeming happy.

"I was thinking about not the next one but the one after, would it be good for you and your dad?" She asked him, already starting to feel giddy at the thought of spending two whole days with him.

"That would be cool Bells, I can't wait!" He told her. "And how was your day until now?"

"Uneventful." She answered, she didn't like lying to Jacob but she was scared because strong feelings could cause his phase and she wanted to avoid that at all costs for as long as possible. "And yours?"

"Well I'm working hard on my Rabbit; my baby needs to be ready for when I'll ask my girlfriend out for our first date." He told her seriously.

She smiled softly, and her heart softened at the thought that she was so lucky to have him in her life. "I'm sure she can't wait to agree. Though I'm sure your girlfriend doesn't like fancy places, presents and surprises."

"Ah! Honestly she'll have to get used to it. I loved making presents and planning surprises so she'll have to deal with it." He answered her jokingly.

"We'll see Mr. Black, your girlfriend knows how to get revenge so be very careful." She joked back.

"Geesh Bells, you almost scared me." He laughed.

And she laughed as well, they joked some more and then they bid each other goodbye. She placed down the phone and she was already forgetting the meeting with Edward.

The phone rang again and she picked up thinking that it was Jacob.

"Bella, Sam has disappeared! We fought about something stupid and he left yesterday night but nobody has seen him since. Please can you come to my house?" Leah desperate voice pierced her heart.

"I'm on my way Leah." She answered and then she left her house again, this time she knew what had happened, Sam had phased and he was now wandering in the forest alone and scared. She needed to plan how to help him because she couldn't reveal how she knew what happened to him, but at the same time she wanted him to be back to Leah as soon as possible.