I do not own anything Twilight; I just like playing with Ms. Meyer's characters. They are a fun bunch! I don't own any of the referenced music, art, literature, or such. They belong to their respective creators and I appreciate them and their ability to enhance my writing.

Songs

"The Forest" by the "Cure Colours" by The Sisterhood, "Lips Like Sugar" by Echo & the Bunnymen, "Creep" by Anberlin, "Disarm" by Smashing Pumpkins, and "Float On" by Modest Mouse

Chapter 10

? POV

I watched her as she walked back to her home from the woods. She was odd, pale, mysterious, beautiful, and I wanted to get closer. I knew if I did, though, she would take off running, I would give chase at her speed, and then inevitably I would kill her. Not because she provoked me, but because the Beast inside me demanded it while the man in me craved her. Oddly enough, I wasn't the only monster watching her. I smelled Cullen in the trees and he was watching her too. I could also smell his arousal; the idiot wanted more than to kill her. Seems I had more in common with him then I thought! He couldn't sense me though and for that I was happy. No need to have a fight... though I am sure it would be fun to tear him apart.

She stopped on the trail as she broke through the woods into her backyard. She turned and looked at the space behind her. I closed my eyes and reached out to her with my psychic capabilities. I wanted to plant seed of curiosity in her brain. The need to come back, play in the woods some more, come to me…but then I opened my eyes in shock when the waves did nothing. I have never had that problem before... with anyone! She shivered as if she sensed my presence, but not my mental link, then turned and continued into her house.

Hmmm, I thought, now more intrigued than ever. The game is afoot and a delicious one at that!

BPOV

I looked at the path for a few more minutes. Never had the trails made me feel like I was being watched. When I could visit Charlie, he would warn me about wolves, wild cats, rabid squirrels, anything to keep me from going into the woods. Little did father dearest know that there were more dangerous creatures in my own high school! No matter what he said, though, I had never felt uneasy or scared of my beloved woods. But today, walking home, let's just say I officially have the creeps!

I know it was silly, I know there wasn't anything there to hurt me, but I couldn't help walking a little faster into the house and locking the door behind me. I took my duffle bag down to my room and then came back to the kitchen. It was going on 6:30 p.m. and I was starting to get hungry. Looking into the freezer of the fridge I found fish, ice cream (about 2 scoops), fish, ice cubes, and oh…fish. The fridge part didn't look any more promising. I mean, sure pickles are just pickled cucumbers, but a meal they do not make. So, it looks like I was on my way to Forks Foods to get supplies. My tummy wanted lasagna and cooking would be just what the doctor ordered to calm my nerves.

Knowing that Charlie kept extra cash in the owl cookie jar above the stove, I took what was there and headed to my truck. I felt the chill creeping up on me from the trail again and turned to look at the opening. I swore I was being watched, so I hurriedly got into my truck and sped out of the driveway. It wasn't a long drive. I got a text from Charlie not long after I got to the store.

Squirt, have to stop for gas, but should be home by 8:30 p.m. Is that too late? –C

No, going to the store to get stuff for dinner. Lasagna sound good? –B

Get the cash over the top of the stove. Sounds good! – C

No worries, going to get some beer while I am at it, was a long day at school…LOL – B

Umm, no! Wait, let me rephrase that…NO…lol! See you at home! ILY– C

ILY2 – B

I got out of the truck and went into the store. I decided since I had fifty bucks, I was going to stock up on some quick fix items, but also some things I could make and freeze so that I could just throw them in the oven. I was surprised how much I could get, but still had some left over for Charlie to get his vitamin R later; nasty ass beer, ugh! How the man could drink it I don't know, but he let me drink my green tea smoothies without giving me shit. He could have his beer.

I got home and noticed the unease I had been feeling was not present. Sighing with relief, I went into the house with my cloth bags (Yeah, a dollar a piece was worth it; got to save my planet somehow.). I put away the pantry goods, stocked the fridge, and turned on the oven to preheat. I began preparing the lasagna. By 8:00 p.m. the house smelled incredible and made me think that a few pieces of garlic bread would make the meal complete. So, by the time Charlie came in at 8:15 p.m. I had everything but the bread done. He kissed me on top of my head, told me everything smelled delicious, and proceeded to go clean-up for dinner.

As we sat down to eat, Charlie began by asking me how my day was.

"Nothing too unpredictable, I did make a couple of new friends and made one girl become a more devout Christian." Jessica's reaction still made me giggle.

"And who are these new friends, anyone I would know," he asked, dunking his bread in his sauce.

"The Cullen's, James Hunter," I remarked, scooting a piece of lasagna around, then I gave a small chuckle. "I met Jessica Stanley, but I think I scared her more then made a friend. I think she wants to convert me."

I looked up to see Charlie staring at me, eyes wide and appeared to be in mid-chew. "Dad? What's up, do I have something on my face?" I began to wipe sporadically around my cheeks and chin with a napkin.

Charlie coughed a little and took a drink of his water. "Look, you know I'm not going to tell you what to do. Hell, to be honest, I don't know if it would work if I did. And for a lack of a better term, the Cullen's give me the willies!"

It was my turn to stare at Charlie. I really didn't know how to respond. We were quiet for a few minutes before he said, "Can't put my finger on it. I know they have a similar style and persona as you do." He sighed and sat back in his chair. "Bella, you are a smart girl. All I can do is tell you how I feel and let you make your own mind about these things. I guess what I am trying to say with all my word vomit is that, well, I trust you."

Charlie looked up at me then and I saw the sincerity in his eyes. I got up, walked around the table, flopped down in his lap and hugged him to me tightly. He was hesitant for a few moments, but I felt his arms circle me and hug me just as tightly.

"Thank you, Daddy," I whispered against his shoulder, tears threatening to spill. "You don't know how much that means to me. That is all I want is for you to love and trust me."

"Shush now, Pumpkin." Charlie's voice just as quiet and equally as emotional. "You're going to be eighteen. You need to learn how to stand on your own two feet and come to me when you can't anymore. You're going to have no use for me after that."

I sat back and looked at him. Behind those brown eyes that matched mine was a man who was afraid of losing me just after he got me. I kissed him on the forehead and hugged him again.

"You're never going to lose me, Old man." I sniffed. "I will always need a fantastic artist to decorate my court."

He chuckled then and started to tickle me. I couldn't breathe I was laughing so hard so I wiggled as hard as I could to get out of his grasp. Falling on my ass on the kitchen floor having secured my freedom, we laughed even harder. Charlie told me to go do my homework and he would clean up. He had a few papers to grade and needed to check on a supply shipment that was supposed to be on its way, then he would be heading to bed. Charlie had turned the garage in the back into his art studio. It was an awesome place and I loved going in there. I loved the smell of wet clay and not to mention it was a place to get my creative outlet.

I headed to my room; I had more thoughts about Edward Cullen and his family that gave Charlie the "willies".

APOV

I sat there staring at the wall in my bedroom. Jasper had left a few minutes ago and I was pissed. He wasn't going to change me because he and Edward couldn't handle two newborns. I don't give a rat's ass who that Isabella Swan is; I was in line first! She could wait until next year to get changed! Edward would just have to be patient!

I have been patient, Pixie! For a LONG time; waiting on you and Jasper to get a clue and just change you already!

Go suck on a snail, Edward! I snarled back, but then a vision hit me! Me and Bella, running together along a vast Arctic Tundra; we were laughing and holding hands. I was wearing a soft blue dress that had flared skirt to it and no shoes. Bella was also barefoot except she was wearing black jeans and a cute "Radiohead" tank top.

WTF! I thought to myself. We would freeze if we were dressed like that in the snow! Then I saw our eyes…RED!

I heard Edward chuckle and felt the overwhelming contentment in Jazz. Oh, this is going to be an interesting year!

A/N: Let me know what you think.

Thank you to all who reviewed last time! You make me want to write!

Check out Nikkipattinson's story "Have a Little Faith". She is one hell of a writer!