Author's Note: Sorry I haven't updated in a while, school started two weeks ago, and my computer was having issues. Grr... Anyways, this chappie is sorta like the book again, as will chapter 12, but then it gets more original again! It has to be this way for it to really work the way I want it to...anyways, chapter 11!

Disclaimer: Nope, don't own...

(BPOV)

My teeth grinded together in aggravation. Edward was not back from his hiking trip with his brother. Then I paused. Was he hurt? Did something happen? Oh God, I prayed, Let Edward be okay!

I furrowed my eyebrows. Angela's soft voice caught my attention. I looked up, and she had a worried expression on her face.

"You okay, Bella?" she asked.

I gave an unsuccessful false reassuring smile. When I knew I couldn't pull that off, I said, "Just worried about…" I paused. Should I say? Oh, why not. "I'm just worried about Edward."

She kept her voice quiet, as not to attract attention. "Cullen?"

Who else? I nodded. "He's not back from his hiking trip."

"Oh, I'm sure he's fine. Sometimes they extend their trips."

"Really?" hope rose in my chest. Angela nodded, and relief spread through my system.

"So, do you want to pick me up at my house, or I pick you up at yours?" I blinked, and then it occurred to me what she was talking about.

"How about mine? We can take your car. My truck is not up to distances like Port Angeles."

"Okay," she smiled. I returned the smile, and for once, I felt like I fit in.

XxXxXxX

I sat in Angela's Toyota corolla, as we drove to Port Angeles. She had met me after school, when we had finished our homework.

Much to my chagrin, Edward still hadn't shown up for school – and now it was Wednesday. I was worried again…what if something had happened?

I broke off of my train of thought when Angela spoke. "Want to listen to some CDs?"

I smiled and nodded. We turned on the All American Rejects, and we sang to the lyrics. I subconsciously ended up moving my hands to playing the guitar, like I would when playing my own songs.

Angela looked at me, and said, "You play?"

I nodded. "Electric guitar. I was in a band…" I paused, unsure if I wanted to continue. "My friends Ryan, Jason and Matt were in it. Leah, my friend and Matt's boyfriend, helped."

"What did you play?" her voice was full of curiosity.

"Rock, alternative, some metal."

"Did you write your own songs?" She rose her eyebrows.

I nodded. "Yeah…I still write songs that I send to my friends in the Bahamas."

"Is that where you're from?"

I eventually found my recent life's stories flowing out. We parked in front of the local special occasion store. We walked in, and, as Angela looked for a dress to suit her, I gazed around just for the hell of it.

I spotted a black dress, one with straps and the length being just below the knees. I tried my size on, and found that it really suited me. It was on sale, so I bought it for $45, with the $245 I currently carried from my leftover paychecks in Arizona. I only had about $400 left from them, but I needed some new outfits.

After Angela bought a blue and black dress for $75, we went to the local jewelers next door. Angela was hoping to find some earrings and a necklace to match her dress. I was looking at the case near the counter, the sale case, when I saw it. It was a relatively large topaz stone, with a short silver chain and clasp. The color was identical to Edward's light eyes. It was currently $196, so I decided to buy it. I couldn't leave it now…it was beautiful like him.

I walked outside to get some fresh air due to the fact that I was dizzy (I had forgotten to breathe after gazing at my topaz purchase).

I sat on the sidewalk, willing the earth to stop spinning, and when it did, I spotted a silver Volvo. I frowned, and grumbled, "Stupid, unreliable vampire…"

Just then, Angela walked out, and joined me on the sidewalk. "So, I was going to the shoe store. Want to come?"

I thought about it. I had plenty of tennis shoes and boots. "No, actually, I think I'm going to see if there's a bookstore."

Angela pointed out where one was, and I left.

I frowned when I got there. The windows were filled with dream catchers and other mythical things. I left there to look at other stores.

As I jogged across the road to examine those stores, I realized my mistake. Jogging and Isabella Swan does not mix. Before I even reached the curb, one black boot caught in a pothole on the street, sending me sprawling. A string of unpleasant curses rolled off of my tongue, and I stood. When I examined the damage, more curses escaped my lips. Mud from last night's rain caked all over my front. I grimaced; I had a few small cuts on my palms and knees. I walked over to the only open store I saw, called "Gloria's". Oh, this one looked like a winner.

As I walked in, a bell chimed and a twenty-or-so-year-old looked up and smiled. It dropped when she saw my appearance. "Oh dear, what happened?"

I decided a lie would go over better, because admitting that I was a natural klutz was just plain embarrassing. "A car passed by and splattered mud all over me." She grimaced. I turned away from her, looking for the darkest clothes – a near impossible feat, since the store mainly contained clothing with bright colors or flowery designs. Finally, I spotted a simple, yet nice, royal blue blouse, and a pair of dark blue jeans. I tried them on, purchased them, and stuffed my muddy clothes in a garbage bag that Gloria gave me.

I walked into her bathroom, and looked at myself. Suddenly, the weight of the world seemed to press down on me. I pressed my back to the wall, sobbing, and slid to the dirt floor. Tears flowed like rivers down my cheeks, and sobs choked my breathing.

After several minutes, I finally got a grip on my emotions. I stood, and looked in the mirror. Now dirt and runny, inky make-up was smeared all over my face. (Now is why I rated this T) I gripped the porcelain basin, and half choked, half screamed, "Fuck!"

I turned on the faucet, and let water pool in my palms; I splashed it on my face repeatedly, and then grabbed a handful of paper towels. I wiped away the last of my make-up, and settled on putting a slight layer of mint lip gloss on. I combed my hand through my hair and chin-length bangs, until I looked presentable. I cleaned my cuts and bruises, then left the store.

After about ten minutes of mindless walking, I realized where I ended up. I was to the point where warehouses sat, and I turned around. I was ready to get to the restaurant, so that I could get a drink; my throat was unusually scratchy from the crying.

After a few minutes of walking, two men walked several meters behind me. I sped up, feeling nervous, when I turned a corner and two more men came in front of me. I was surrounded.

I turned around, eyes wide in panic, gripping my bags.

One was wolf-whistling, another was chanting, "What's wrong, pretty lady?"

I wanted to scream, but my throat was dry. I knew not to run, because I would just fall over. So, instead, I started going over defense tactics. Thrust hand up to nose to break, knee to the groin, foot to shin. I was about ready to have to use one, as the biggest and burliest approached me. One I might be able to take care of, I thought, but four? Uh-oh.

Suddenly, squealing tires and a pair of headlights made the man pause in his advances. The four men scattered out of the road as the silver vehicle skidded to a halt in front of me, passenger door flinging open. I jumped in, slamming the door shut as I went. My heart hammered in my chest; I glanced over, and as soon as I saw his beautiful face I knew I was safe, so my heart slowed.

"You okay?" he asked; his hands were gripping the steering wheel so hard his fists were white and his tendons were showing.

I nodded, deciding I was, in fact, okay. It seemed the very presence of him made the weight disappear from my chest. "Yeah," I said truthfully. I had to clear my throat quietly, because it was so dry and scratchy. Then I furrowed my eyebrows and looked at him. "Are you okay?"

He pulled over; we had sped out of Port Angeles in a matter of minutes. I glanced back at him, and his eyes were shut and he was pinching the bridge of his nose. "Distract me."

"Huh?" I asked dumbly. "Why?"

"Bella…sometimes I have a very bad temper. Distract me."

I had nothing to say, until I remembered event that just occurred, previous to the attack. "Well, I tripped and fell because of a pothole earlier," I admitted, a blush heating up my face. "I had to buy a new outfit," I said quietly, motioning to my now blue – not black or red – clothes.

I thought I saw a small smile appear on his face. "Yeah?"

"Yeah," I gave one breathy laugh. "You know, I am the hugest klutz. I'm sure you've noticed it by now. I even trip over my own boots." I trailed off, and he now looked at me in the face, and I felt the breath get knocked out of me. His eyes were lighter than I'd ever seen them; they were a honey color.

Once I regained control of my actions, looked at the clock and managed to mumble, "You know, Angela is going to be getting worried. She might already be at the restaurant."

Edward, not saying anything, restarted the car and drove quickly back to Port Angeles.

Angela was pacing anxiously in front of the diner, and a boy I recognized from school was with her. (He was the boy she'd been crushing on. Maybe he finally asked her out.) Edward pulled over and parked in front of La Bella Italia, and got out of the car. He walked onto the sidewalk and stopped, waiting for me. I got out, and asked, "What are you doing?"

He gave a small, humorless smile. "Taking you to dinner."

I nodded, and walked beside him. "Angela!" I called out.

Relief spread across Angela's face, and she ran to hug me. "Thank God, Bella…I thought…" she looked up when she noticed Edward. She looked at me questioningly.

"I had an…incident…and Edward found me." I explained.

"Oh," she said simply. She brushed some light brown hair from her eyes, and pointed to the boy. "This is Ben; I found him on my way to here. Bella, I'm sorry, we already ate. I was just about to call the cops and try to find you, when you showed up."

"That's okay," I said. "I'm sorry again."

She nodded. "Do you want me to wait while you eat?"

"Don't worry about it, I'm not hungry." I didn't really want to leave Edward, though.

"I'll take you," he said quietly. "I insist," he added more firmly when he saw my mouth open to object. "Angela, I'll take her home."

I nodded my okay to the still worried Angela. "Okay," she sighed. "I'll see you at school," she added with a small smile. She and Ben walked off, leaving me with Edward. I felt no awkwardness; in fact, I felt at ease. I was so relieved that he had found me. How did he find me…?

My train of thought was interrupted when he spoke. "Huh?" I asked. "Sorry, I was thinking."

He gave a small smile, but this one held humor. "I said, let's go in."

"I really don't need any food. I'm not that hungry."

"Bella, like I said, I insist. You just had an ordeal." He looked at me oddly.

"What?" I asked, perplexed.

"Aren't you dizzy? Nauseous?"

"No. Why, should I be?"

He just looked at me, a strange look – between shock and confusion – on his face. "Bella, you were nearly…" he shut his mouth, his jaw flexing. "Never mind," he snapped. My eyes widened in surprise at his tone, and his features immediately relaxed. "You are such a puzzle," he added to lighten the mood. I exhaled a breath I hadn't known I'd held, and walked in through the door to the restaurant that he held open. I smiled to myself; he was so gentleman-like. "Thanks," I murmured as I walked through.

Once he convinced a woman to seat us behind a barrier in a booth, away from the bustling crowd on the other side of the divider, a waitress came over.

"Hi," she said, back facing me, completely facing Edward. "I'm Karen, and I'll be your waitress this evening. What can I get you to drink?"

Edward hadn't looked up from where he was staring – at me – while she was talking. "Bella?" he asked me what I wanted.

I swallowed, suddenly becoming aware once more of my scratchy throat. "Um…a coke?"

"Same," Edward said, and the waitress hurried over to retrieve the drinks.

"So," Edward said simply. Then his face got serious, and he looked at me questioningly. "Why weren't you running back there?"

I could feel my cheeks burn crimson. "Um, well, I can't run, exactly, without…without falling." I mumbled the last part.

"Ah, that's right," he gave a small frown. "Why didn't you scream?"

"Well, I was trying." He gave an incredulous look, and I added, "Can you hear my voice?" It was rough and you could tell that it was dry.

"Oh," he frowned again.

Then the waitress returned, and handed us our drinks. The waitress asked what I wanted – still facing Edward – and I ordered the first think on the menu - mushroom raviolis. After asking what Edward wanted – nothing, of course – she scurried off once more.

I drained my entire coke cup in less than a minute; Edward slid his for me, and I murmured my thanks. As I drained the second cup, a chill radiated through me, making me shiver.

"Don't you have a jacket?" he scolded.

"Yeah," I looked at the empty seat beside me, and grimaced. "Oh…I left it in Angela's car…"

Wordlessly, he slid his arms out of his beige jacket, and handed it to me. I slid my arms through the sleeves, and found that it was the temperature of when you first put a jacket on in the morning. My face brushed it as I rolled my shoulders, and I found a delicious, indescribable scent clinging to the material.

I looked up, and then realized that I'd never noticed what he was wearing – ever. I was always too preoccupied with his beautiful facial features. (He's wearing the same clothes as in the book, and I don't have the book with me to describe them.) His white sweater clung to his chest, showing off his muscles. Without his brother to compare to, he looked menacingly powerful; much more muscular than any of the boys back home. I couldn't help but gawk.

"I thought you were supposed to come back from hiking on Sunday?" I suddenly asked when I was finished with my gawking; there was a tiny bit of hurt in my voice.

He looked at me funnily. "We did."

"Then why weren't you at school?"

Realization lit his face. "Oh, uh, Esme – my mom – was feeling slightly under the weather and Emmett and I volunteered to stay and help her tend to the house."

I frowned. "I hope she's okay."

"She's fine now; I was going to return to school tomorrow." He paused, seemingly trying to decide whether to tell me something. "You know, I was worried about you the entire trip. Emmett was getting frustrated with me."

"You were worried…about me?" I asked, incredulous. All this time I was worried about him.

"Of course," confusion took over his features. "Why wouldn't I be, seeing as you're a natural accident magnet. Wait." He paused, then edited. "No, you're a natural danger magnet."

I grimaced as he referenced what had just happened. "And all this time I was worried about you," I sighed, and looked down at my hands in my lap.

I looked at his face again to read his emotion, but an unreadable mask was on his face. "Ah," he finally managed. "That's a problem…"

I furrowed my eyebrows, utterly confused.

"You see," he said, answering my look. "It's okay for me to worry…but to get you to worry over me…" he stopped, as the waitress placed the plate in front of me. She seemed happier; apparently, she was pleased to hear the tone our conversation had taken.

When Edward refused food once again, I sighed. What was he talking about? Why couldn't I worry about him?

Silence enveloped us; this one, though not awkward, was simply uncomfortable. Neither of us seemed to know what to say. I took this time to eat my raviolis.

Finally, when I had my fill, I decided to speak up. "I have another theory."

His eyebrows shot up, and he gave a small grin. "Yeah? More superheroes, or did you come up with it yourself?"

"Actually, someone else told it to me."

"Really? So, what is it this time?"

But I couldn't tell him, for the waitress came back with the check; Edward, being the gentleman that he was, would not allow me to pay for my own meal. Of course, he seemed to have more money than I did.

Finally we walked outside to his Volvo; he opened the door for me, and then gently shut it behind me. He moved lithely around the car; I still couldn't get over how graceful he was. It just wasn't fair.

He got in, turned on the car, and swung around towards the freeway. "So," he said. "You wanna tell me your theory?"

A/N: So, what did ya think? Please review, it's a click and a second of your time away! Next chappie as soon as possible. Hopefully before Monday.