Bella's POV

"Bells," Jay said alarmingly as I stumbled into the shack, tears pouring down my face, "Bella, what's wrong?"

I kept crying; unable to speak. All the things he said, all the things he meant to say. It was all really starting to kick in. How could that monster do something like this to a human being? He gave me everything then took it all away from me. Jay hopped over the counter and pulled me into his arms. I buried my face into his chest.

"Bells, tell me," Jay said pulling me close. My whole body was shaking, "C'mon." He moved me across the room and next to a booth. He quickly went behind the counter and found a blanket. Normally we had stuff like that just in case. Back when my parents were fighting, Jay and I would spend the night here. He wrapped the blanket around me and sat me down. He slid it across from me.

"You were suppose to be helping your parents," he said.

"I know," I said, "It's just… things are finally starting to kick in." I began crying again.

"He did this to you?" Jay asked. I nodded, "Oh, Bella… it's okay."

"I know he's not here," I said, "But how can he do this when he's not here? I-I shouldn't be so…" Jay quickly moved into the seat next to me, pulling me close.

"Ssssh," he calmed me, "I'm here for you, Bella. Just cry."

"So I did. It felt so good to let it out; the things I've been holding in for the last week and a half. It was some sort of a remedy for my heart. I couldn't fix this. I would be this way for the rest of my life; scarred. Or so it seems.

"No one is going to hurt you like this again. I promise I will always protect you," his comforting words made me calm. More calm than I was before at least.

I just didn't understand. Why would Taylor do this? This had to have been my fault; I was unable to keep private things private. They soon became public. People were trying to break Joe and I apart so much that it ruined us. This really took its toll.

I think I fell asleep crying; right there in Jay's arms.

"I'm still trying to figure you out," he said, "I hope staring at you helps me."

"We've been talking for an hour," I said, "How much more could possibly know about me. There's not much to get."

"There's more to you than you think," he said, "But what I'm mainly trying to figure out why you don't like me." I met eyes with him, his expression deep.

"You really want to know?" I asked.

"That's all I ask for, Bella Sandford," he said.

"Okay," I said, "It's because I'm not good for you."

"You've mentioned that before," he replied, "I just couldn't care less. I mean, before I met you, a lot of my decisions were made for me. Now I feel like I can decide for myself."

"Okay," I said, "So how 'bout, for arguments sake, that we were in love. People will figure it out. It could take time but it'll get out sooner or later. What are people going to say when they find out you're dating some unsocial nobody from Santa Barbara? I don't want you to get that kind of reputation."

"So are you saying you're doing this for my own good?" he asked.

"Yes and no," I said.

"And you say there's nothing to figure out about you," he laughed, "If you wanted to do something for my own good, then you would stop holding back."

"I'm not holding back," I said, "I swear. There's nothing there."

"Is that so?" he asked curiously. I nodded, not looking at his face. Suddenly, Joe jolted the wheel to the right, pulling over. We lost Lily, Nick, and Kevin a while ago. But Joe apparently knew his way around so I was hoping he wouldn't get us lost. I slammed back against the seat when the van stopped.

"What in the world are you doing?" I asked. He shifted his body, facing me.

"Remember when I said I would tell you the next time something bad happened involving Glenn if you promised me something?" he asked.

"Yes," I gulped. What was he going to make me promise him? What could the worse be? I shuddered to think.

"Let me try this," he said, "Don't say a word. Don't move. Just let me do this."

"Wh-what?" I said confused, "Joe what are you talking about?"

"Just say yes," he said, "Let me try something." Joe was very eager, very determined by something. He had the keys and if we wanted to get to L.A. in time then I'd have to comply. He had me trapped.

"O-okay," I said, "I-I guess that's okay."

Joe didn't do anything to even acknowledge I answered him. He just sighed and began to move closer to me. My palms were sweating and I stopped breathing. He noticed and chuckled, his cool breath hit my face. His forehead was pressed against mine.

"Just breathe," he said. I was about to say something, "Don't say anything, remember?" I did as he said. Why did I do as he said? D-did I want him to do this? That answer would be a no. Before Joe could do anything, my cell phone rang. He laughed again. "You should get that." He moved back to his normal position. I picked up my phone looking at my I.D. It was Lily. I alternated glances from my phone to Joe multiple time before I ignored the call.

"What are you doing?" Joe asked.

"I promised," I said regretting every word I spoke. He smiled and nodded, very surprised I did that. Trust me, I was just as shocked as he was. I stood still again as he tried to kiss me. I was about to say something, hoping I could go back from what I promised but his lips were already on mine. I shut my eyes, trying to feel this. Was there something here? I mean, maybe if I just felt a connection between us, it wouldn't be so hard to be around him all the time.

Surprisingly I began to kiss back, getting deeper into our chemistry. Something was definitely there for him. I didn't know about me though. I think it just took some time to think this through. He took my face in his hands, kissing me more passionately. I tried to talk but it didn't work out well. I put my hand on his arms, gently pushing them down, making him pull away.

"Did you do what you had to do?" I asked. He smiled and nodded starting Mr. Jones again.

"Did you?" he asked. I looked at him. He did that for me… he knew that I was trying to find something between us.

"Yes," I said.

This was all happening before my eyes; but I couldn't say anything. I was watching it from the back of my van. I smiled as I saw it. Our first kiss. I wish I would've told him the things I felt now… everything that happened so it could be stopped.

"I love you, Joe," I said as he drove away with me.

Joe's POV

I was worried sick about Nick. It's been eight hours. I've tried calling but he didn't answer. I was sitting with Danielle, Kevin, Frankie, Mom, and Dad, worried as ever. What if something happened? I wouldn't forgive myself if anything happened to him.

"We should go," Dad said, "We need to make sure he's safe." I nodded, knowing that was what we had to do.

"We'll take the bus," Mom said. Poor Frankie was exhausted. He was falling asleep in Mom's arms. She handed him to Danielle who carried him outside and into the bus, with Kevin by her side.

"Joseph," Mom said, "Before we go, we need a word."

"Okay," I said.

"We support every decision you make, regardless of wrong or right," she said, "You're an adult, you can make your own decisions. But just take this as a suggestion…" I looked at her, waiting, "Fix this with Bella. Your father and I know you still care about her. We see it. Don't beat yourself up."

"I wish I knew why you did it," Dad said. I didn't tell them anything because I was still under blackmail. But was I anymore? Bella herself revealed everything we've been hiding together. Why not?

"Taylor," I said, "Taylor blackmailed me."

"What?" Mom said, "Why didn't you tell us."

"She would've told everyone if I told a soul," I said, "About the case. But now Bella revealed it herself… I'm okay now. I just… I don't know if she's going to forgive me for this."

"She will," Dad said, "You know why?" I shrugged; he put his hands on my shoulders, "Because you were trying to protect her, because you love her." I nodded.

"She'll understand," she said, "Just don't let her slip through your fingers."

"You're right," I said, "We need to find Nick, then find Bella." They smiled at me. Then my mother's eyes traveled behind me. I turned around to see…

"Hey," Lily said.

"Lily," I said, "What are you doing here?" She looked at me, tears in her eyes.

"I didn't listen," she said, "I'm so sorry I slapped you." She ran at me, giving me a hug.

"I'm assuming you heard," I laughed.

"Yeah," she said, "Where's Nick?"

"On his way to Santa Barbara," he said, "You didn't know?"

"No," she said alarmingly pulling away.

"We need to go," Dad said, "Lily will you come with us?"

"Yes of course," Lily said following them out the door. I took her arm gently.

"Is she okay?" I asked.

"Yeah," she replied, "And I heard everything on the radio. We need to straighten things out I think."

"Me too," I said.

"I'm going to call her as soon as we get in the bus," she said.

"If you do get a hold of her," I said, "Tell her I love her."

"Okay," she smiled, "I will."

I didn't realize that Taylor was following us until we were halfway there. The bus took a shorter route; we were getting there in a matter of hours now.

"She's following us," I said.

"Gosh," Lily cringed, "Creeper."

"Just ignore her," Kevin said, "She can't accept that she lost."

"Right," Lily said. Lily got out her phone and took my hand moving me to the back of the bus with her. She was waiting for Bella to answer.

"Bells," she began to say but she was cut short. Her smile faded away, "Where's Bella?"

"Who is it?" I whispered.

"Jay," she said. Anger bubbled in my chest. She gave a questioning expression. I held out my hand, wanting her phone. She gave it to me without even considering the options.

"Is she with you?" I asked.

"She's fine," Jay said, "Just calm down."

"Where is she?" I asked.

"She's right here," he said, "She asleep."

"Get away from her," I said, "You don't even know-"

"She came to me, okay?" he said, "She wanted to see me because of what you did."

"Yeah, just know you played a part in that," I said. I hung up the phone and handed it back to Lily.

"What was that about?" Lily asked.

"Lily," I began, "Jay played a part in the blackmail. He brought Taylor here, gave her proof of the case."

"What?" Lily said devastated, "Bella doesn't know?"

"I don't think so," I said.

"We need to hurry," she said putting her face in her hands. I couldn't agree more.

Bella's POV

"Jay," I whispered waking up with a jolt. He was in the same spot, dozing off. He woke up at the sound of his name, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"

"Nonsense," he yawned, "I was just resting my eyes."

"I kept you up all night," I said sitting up, "You should go home and sleep." I saw my phone on the table, "Did you have my phone?"

"Um, yeah," he said, "I um… it started ringing so I answered it."

"Who was it?" I asked.

"Lily," he said, "She was… checking up on you."

"Oh," I said. He slid out of the booth, taking my hand. I stood up, "I should probably call her back."

"Wait," he said taking the hand I reached for my phone with. I looked nervously up at him.

"Jay what's going on?" I asked.

"Nothing," he said, "I… I just wanted to make sure you're okay."

"Yeah," I said, "I'm alright… Thanks for staying here with me. What time is it anyway?"

"I don't know," he said, "Probably eleven. You went to sleep at about five."

"What time did Lily call?" I asked.

"Around seven," he said.

"I really should-" Jay suddenly pulled my close, crushing his lips against mine. I struggled at first, trying to hit him. But nothing worked so I just stood there, letting him do whatever. But I wasn't going to kiss him back.

He pulled away. I pushed him backwards, "What was that?!"

"Bells," he said, "I love you."

"Stop it," I said, "You're ruining everything… our friendship? Does that mean anything to you?"

"Bella, he left you," he said, "Why can't you just accept it."

"I accept it," I said, "But that doesn't mean I want that with you." It all came to me just then; the missing piece of the puzzle, "How did Taylor know Joe was going to be at the shack?"

"What?" he asked.

"The day Joe left," I said, "How she knew he was going to be there. Did you tell her?" Jay moved back as I moved forward.

"No," he said. I sighed in disgust. He was lying to me.

"I know when you're lying," he said, "I told you about Taylor the day I came to see you… and you brought her here." I stopped when his back hit the counter, "You did this."

"Bella-" he began to say.

"If Taylor didn't have any proof of this case," I said, "Everything would've been fine. But you… gave her evidence, didn't you?" He looked at me apologetically. I smirked, walking towards the door.

"Bella, stop," he called after me.

"Don't," I said. I turned around, my face hot, "I never want to see you again." I walked out of the shack, never to return to that awful place again.

It was dark; my parents were probably worried sick. I looked out at the water, remembering when sharks used to be here. It was the largest shark epidemic in fifty years. They didn't go away until a while, making the beach still a bit dangerous.

I wasn't looking ahead of me when I ran straight into someone. Who would be out here so late? I moved back and let my eyes adjust to Nick.

"Nick?" I asked, "What are you doing here?"

"Bella," Nick said, "We need you back."

"You're asking for too much this time, Nick" I replied as I began to walk away. I felt Nick's strangely cold hand pulling me back around. This gave me a second to actually look at him. He seemed pale, thin.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Of course," he replied, "Bella, please. We all need you."

"Really?" I replied, "Because Joe made it perfectly clear he never wanted to see me again." Nick took my arm as I tried to walk away again, "I don't have time for this Nick."

He sighed. He really didn't look good. I let him pull me over so I could get a closer look at him, "Nick… have you been checking your blood sugar."

I couldn't believe my eyes as right then and there, Nick collapsed to the ground. I gasped and went down to him. He hadn't kept track; I knew it. It explained everything. I didn't have much time; but I had an idea.

I used every bit of strength I could to pick up Nick over my shoulders. I began slugging up to the shack.

It amazed me how two lives that co-exist can be connected by one simple thing. There was a man named Tom who Jay had hired to replace me. He was sweet and caring. He was like a father to Jay.

Tom was also a diabetic. Sometimes it would get really bad so he kept insulin in a little refrigerator in the kitchen of the shack.

I sat Nick limply in the booth I had previously fallen asleep in. I then dodged into the kitchen, searching for that little refrigerator next to the oven. Opening it, adrenaline was pulsing through me; I snatched the insulin and ran back to Nick. I didn't realize I was crying again. I had to ignore that though. Nick was in danger.

I-I don't know how to do this," I said. I began to panic until Nick reached over and wiped a tear away. He silently took the insulin from in me his shaking hands. He was probably freezing. I watched him insert the insulin in a pump properly. I grabbed a chocolate bar under the counter and shoved it in Nick's mouth. He thankfully ate it, "I'm getting you to the hospital."

Nick would be okay long enough to get to the hospital. He was losing consciousness though. I didn't know a thing about diabetic shock, but I knew that wasn't a good sign. I managed to pick him up again, running to my van in the parking lot right next to the shack.

"Bells," he said, his voice fading.

"Stay with me Nick," I said, "Just stay with me."

"Bells," he said, "J-Joe… still…" he was losing it. I floored the gast, trying to get to the hospital as fast as I could.

"Calm down, Bella," I said to myself.

"He still… loves you," I heard him say.

"You're going to be okay, Nick," I said, "Just stay awake."

Pulling up in the hospital felt like hell. This place held horrible memories. But I did not blame myself for this. I blamed Joe; he was the reason Nick showed up here alone, wasn't it? If so, I wish he was hear so I could knock his teeth out.

"Can I get a doctor right now?!" yelled carrying Nick much easier than before. Someone eventually brought a hospital bed, rolling him away from me. A nurse pushed me back when I tried to go with him. I wasn't paying attention to her.

"Stay here," she said trying to make eye contact with me. I saved her the trouble and looked at her, "We'll let you know how things are going. Just sit down and relax." She was rubbing my back, sitting me down in the small waiting room of the hospital. No one else was here; waiting I mean.

When the nurse disappeared I went down the hall, next to Nick's room. The door was shut so I couldn't hear anything. I sat against the wall, snatching out my phone. I had a missed call from Joe. I began thinking of who to call, knowing it was wrong; which made it right.

"Still not accepting the truth, shark girl?" Taylor answered.

"Are you with Joe?" I asked.

"I'm following him on the road," she said, "Their coming to get Nick-"

"Tell him I carried Nick to the hospital," I said, "He's in diabetic shock." It was quiet for a moment. I wasn't sure what else to say. Taylor wasn't that sure either.

"What hospital," she said.

"Which do you think," I hissed.

"They're one their way," she replied.

"Really? Because I was looking forward to seeing your face," I said. I hung up, sobs escaping my throat.

It was hours before the doctor approached me. Long hours of not knowing if Nick was okay. I sometimes hated the arrogance doctors possessed; but they did save lives with it. I stood up from the floor. I had been falling asleep before he showed up. He looked at a clipboard in his hands then up at me.

"He's going to be just fine," he said. I sighed in relief, "We managed to get his blood sugar up to a decent level. Miss Sanford, if you weren't there to save this young man, well I don't think he would've made it." I didn't want to hear that. I really didn't.

"Can I see him?" I asked wearily.

"He's asleep," he said, "But if you wish to see him you may." I nodded, "Is there anyone I should be contacting?"

"I've contacted his family," I said, "They should be here soon. Um, my parents though… I'll go home when his family shows up. I'll explain to them. Thank you."

"Not a problem," he said. I silently slipped into Nick's room.

"Thought you left," Nick said hoarsely, making me jump.

"The doctor said you were sleeping," I said.

"I faked it," he said, "I really didn't want to listen to him drone on about how I need to be more responsible."

"Well you do," I said, "You scared me to death."

"You don't have to stay," he said after a pause, "I know how much you hate hospitals."

"I'm not leaving until your family arrives," I said hoarsely, holding back tears.

"You're a part of that family," he said. I walked over to him, taking his cold hand, "You saved my life Bella."

"Well you save my life, I save yours," I said. He laughed.

"I wish you would stay," he said.

"You know I can't stay," I said, "You know it wasn't you." I paused, "I promise after this you will never see me again."

"It hurts to hear that," he said, "We all want you to say; even Frankie." He coughed deeply.

"Go to sleep," I said.

"Stay here," he said, "Please."

"We'll talk when you get out of here okay?" I said, "You know where I am." He smiled, dozing off into an easy sleep. Without disturbing him, I sieltnly slipped out of the room, wanting to call my parents. When I turned around I was face to face with Lily.

"Is he okay?" she asked. I pulled her into a hug.

"Yeah," I said, "He's asleep. Just stay with him okay?" She nodded; tears were clear in his eyes, "This wasn't your fault Lily. I have to go." I began to walk away.

"Joe's going to stop you," she said. I looked at her.

"Great," I said, proceeding down the hallway.

Walking down that hallway was the worst thing imaginable. I passed Kevin and Danielle, Denise, Paul, Frankie. They all watched me walk by without a word. I wasn't angry at any of them. I just didn't want them to see my cry. I turned a corner and ran into a chest.

I backed up, knowing exactly how was in front of me without making eye contact. I tried to walk away, but he gently took my wrist.

"Is he okay?" he asked.

"See for yourself," I mumbled. He still didn't let go.

"Is it too much to ask you to stay," he said, "So I can explain."

"Yes," I said. I looked up at him, trying hard to remember his face. It seemed like yesterday we were happy, "You were right, Joe. Sometimes you have to realize what's good for you."

Okay, so you may be thinking right now; what a bitch. But just wait it out. I want this to be a good resolution. So let me know what you think!!! = ))))