Chapter Fourteen: Mister Ateara

My leg was hurting after my encounter with that dog. I did not understand why he had to attack me; I did not break the "treaty". I thought Carlisle was always over exaggerating the way wolves act, apparently he wasn't. After I got away from the werewolf, I ran home through the forest. I didn't want anyone to see me when my clothes were soaking wet. I had to change my clothes as soon as I got home. I wanted to leave the house again; hopefully Edward would be where I'm going. I'm not going to let that wolf scare me from leaving the house.

I was sitting on my bed in my room, trying to think of where to go next. It would be a very bad idea if I went back to the market or to La Push. Though, there is nowhere else to go in this small town. There's only a school, which is probably not the best place to go to.

I'll just have to go to a different part of the market.

I looked at my leg again to see if the scar was there. It was a scar that looked as if I tripped over a rock. It's very hard to cover a scar like this when wearing a dress. Hopefully the scar will be gone within a week or so. I would hate to have this thing on my leg for the rest of eternity. It's amazing how that's what I'm worried about, a scratch on my leg.

I sighed. What is wrong with me? I keep missing everyone more, every day I stay here. I wrote them a letter about how I was doing and asked how they are. They have not responded to my letter yet, I am hoping they do it soon. Hopefully tonight or tomorrow I will get a letter from them. Rosalie is most likely just rolling her eyes at the fact I sent a letter, everyone else might care.

I came here only to clear a conscious. I shouldn't have come here; it was selfish of me to see if Edward was alright. He was better off with the wolves; at least they don't feed on blood like me. Though, they do have bad tempers . . .

Crap.

I got up from my bed and ran down the stairs to look out the window that was down stairs. The rain stopped, but the clouds did not clear. No one was outside, so I left the house.

I ran through the forest, trying to get to the market as fast as I could. Its only six o' clock in the afternoon, Edward might be there. I got to the market in five minutes; luckily no wolves were in my way. I am in no mood to see a wolf. I stopped running and slowed down to a human pace. Some people were staring at me, I felt self-conscious. Normally, vampires would be more confident; but apparently I am not a normal vampire.

I didn't bring money with me, since I have no where to put it. I would just have to walk around the place. The stores were more crowded than this morning. Not by a lot, though. There are about a hundred people here now; there were about fifty people here this morning.

I wrapped my arms around my waist as I continued to walk. Some people were staring at my leg, probably wondering what happened to it. I did not make eye contact with anyone. I didn't want them to ask what happened to my leg. I hate lying to people. Lying is a habit I have to stop.

I just walked for a few hours around the place; I did not talk to anyone. Only one person asked me what happened to my leg. He was a five year old boy, with neat blonde hair and slacks and a collared shirt. He was adorable. I didn't know how to lie to him, so I rephrased it.

"Excuse me, Miss?" the boy walked over to me with an innocent look. He walked away from his mother, who is buying water. She didn't notice the boy walk over to me.

"Yes?" I responded, politely.

"I don't mean to be rude, but . . . what happened to your leg?" he asked and tilted his head slightly. I frowned, not knowing how to respond. He kept his blue eyes on me while I was thinking of how to rephrase my answer.

I thought of all the ways to rephrase the answer, until I finally got one. "A dog attacked me," I answered with a fake shrug. The boy frowned. "Don't worry, I got away in time," I reassured him with a smile. The boy smiled back at me.

"Michael Newton, get over here right now!" his mother ordered the boy when she saw him talking to me.

"Sorry, I must leave," he rushed back to his mother. She hit the back of his head. I winced slightly. I hate seeing kids getting hurt.

"Didn't I tell you not to talk to strangers?" she scowled him.

The boy frowned, "I'm sorry, mother." The mother did not respond and they walked away from the store. The boy turned his head and waved to be good-bye to me while walking next to his mother. I waved back with a smile.

I always like children, they are adorable. I stopped thinking and started looking around the place. Then, I smelled it again. "It" being the werewolf that attacked me earlier. I hope he isn't here to attack me again.

"Quil, why do you have to follow me everywhere?" a familiar voice asked. I knew it right away, its Edward.

"Because I'm your friend, and I'm trying to protect you?" Quil tried to joke around. I rolled my eyes.

"Yes, you are my friend, but the last time I checked friends aren't joined by the hip," Edward responded with a chuckle. Quil shrugged. "Also, there is nothing you could protect me from. There's no such thing as 'vampires' or 'werewolves', it's a myth," Edward informed his werewolf friend. I wish they didn't exist . . .

I sat on a bench, eavesdropping on their conversation.

"How do you know that it's a myth? There's no evidence saying they don't exist," Quil retorted, sounding insulted. Only werewolves would be insulted by that comment.

"Well, have you seen any 'vampires' or 'werewolves'?" Edward asked. Quil grew a smirk on his face and nodded.

"Stop joking around," Edward chuckled and checked his watch. "Well, well, well. Would you look at the time, its eight o' clock!" Edward informed his friend. Quil narrowed his eyes.

"Yeah, I know . . . I have to go home. Come on," Quil told Edward and started walking towards the bridge. Edward did not move from where he was standing as Quil walked away.

"No, I'm going to stay here for a little bit. I'll see you tomorrow," Edward waved to his friend and started walking towards the opposite direction of the bridge. Apparently, Edward is trying to get away from Quil.

Quil stopped walking and turned around to look at Edward. "Don't you think it's a little too late to walk around here?" Quil asked, trying to find his annoyance.

"Nope," Edward responded and continued walking without looking back. Quil tugged on his own hair frustrated and started stomping away. I smirked, I love seeing wolves frustrated when they don't take it out on me.

I was hoping that the dog didn't know I was here; he would probably stalk me until Edward got home safe.

Edward was walking towards the bench I was sitting at. I didn't know whether to walk away or to just act like he's not there. The first one was the best choice, but the second one . . . that one is easier.

So, I just on the bench looking into space as some people passed by. Edward stopped walking, only a foot away from me. "Um . . . is this seat taken, Miss?" Edward asked me. Edward seemed a little nervous for some reason. Why would he be nervous?

Crap, I have to answer him.

I looked at him and shook my head, "No, you may sit down." He smiled and sat down next to me. He ran a hand through his bronze, tousled hair. He made it more untidy than before. Its a good look on him.

"I'm Edward, Edward Ateara," he took out his hand for me to shake it. I shook his warm, fragile hand. He looked at my hand for a second, probably because of cold my hand is.

"Isabella Swan, but my friends call me Bella," I introduced myself using my last name before I was changed. I didn't want him to get suspicious. He's obviously heard about the Cullens, whether he believed the legends about us or not. Also, if he ever mentioned me to his dog friend, the wolves won't start a war.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Swan," he told me. I nodded, not knowing how else to respond. "I haven't seen you around here before, are you new to the area?" he asked me.

"Yes I am. I just moved here a few days ago," I answered. He nodded.

"How do you like it here?" he asked, politely. It seems as if he is the only person here trying to make conversation. I am just answering his questions, acting as if I don't care. I do care though.

"Well, I'm not a big fan of the rain and the clouds, I love the sun," I answered his question. He nodded.

"If you don't mind me asking, why did you move here if you don't like the rain or clouds?" he asked curious.

"I came here to visit an old friend of mine," I said in a low voice. I haven't lied to him yet, I'm making progress. I just hope he doesn't ask any personal questions, and then I would have to lie. I decided to change the subject, "So, Mr. Ateara, what brings you here?" I asked, trying to carry on the conversation.

He chuckled, "I just wanted to walk around and look for something."

"What are you looking for?" Now it's my turn to ask questions. I hope that didn't catch him off guard, though.

"A picture," he answered short. I nodded.

"Would you like helping finding it?" I asked, politely. He looked at me; he obviously didn't see that coming. He gave me a crooked smile. Wow.

"Yes, I would like that," he told me. He sounded very grateful, apparently that picture is very important to him. I didn't think he would hunt for the picture, I just thought he was merely curious.

"Great, when do we start?" I smiled. He stood up from his seat, looking at the forest.

"Now would be good," he said taking out his hand. I took it and stood up next to him. He walked ahead of me and let go of my hand. I followed him as he walked towards the forest. He seemed like he is in a hurry.

"Where exactly are we going?" I asked as I continued following. He stepped over a branch and looked at me.

"We're going to the Cullen mansion, I hope you're up to hiking," he answered. I nodded; hopefully we won't be hiking too long. "It'll take about half an hour to an hour to get there, don't worry though," Edward reassured me.

"OK, that's good to hear . . .," I answered and started walking a little bit faster, not too fast though. I walked next to him, keeping up the pace.

"So, what made you want to help me?" Edward asked after a moment of silence. I sighed and looked down as I walked.

"I'm not sure, maybe because it seemed like you really wanted to find that picture," I shrugged. And because I know where it is . . .

"Well, in advance, I thank you Ms. Swan for assisting me tonight," he thanked me with a smile.

"Your welcome, Mr. Ateara," I mocked him a little. He chuckled, softly.

"Are you mocking me?" he asked, sounding a little insulted. I giggled. I'm giggling?

"Yes, yes I am."

"Would you prefer if I call you Bella instead of Ms. Swan?" he asked me with a little sarcasm. I nodded. "I'm sorry, Bella." He sounded sincere, yet sarcastic.

"It's OK, Edward," I smiled at. Wow, I was just suppose to see if he was alright but now I'm helping look for a picture that I have. This is a strange change of events. I know I shouldn't get too close to Edward, it would be too dangerous. I should definitely leave soon.

"I don't mean to sound rude, but why are you looking for this picture?" I asked. Edward sighed, continued walking deeper into the forest.

"My friend saw the picture in the Cullen mansion, he said it was a picture of me as a baby with my biological parents," he answered. "The parents I have now said they found me lost as a baby and they cared for me ever since. They do not know anything about my biological parents. That picture is the only picture I could have of my biological parents."

We stood silent for a moment; I was trying to think of what to say. "Oh," I sighed. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be, it's not your fault. I really appreciate you helping me, Bella," he reassured me with a smile. I smiled back.

"Glad I could help," I said, trying to sound excited.

"Me too," he agreed.

For the rest of the walk we talked about our day. Well, mostly his day since I didn't do anything. We talked about almost everything, its amazing how easy we get along. There wasn't any awkward moments. However, a small discussion about my leg came up, it was kind of embarrassing. He was concerned about it, but I told him that I was alright. He told me then that he wanted to become a doctor or lawyer. I remembered that his biological father was a lawyer; of course I did not mention that to Edward.

I found out that Quil (also know as the dog) is his adoptive brother. Edward told me that he was getting annoyed with Quil lately, Quil has been following him around like a lost puppy. Edward was worried about his brother since he would be gone for long hours and come home exhausted, that being before he got the the "flu". Besides that, Edward loves where he lives. I was happy about that and sad. I enjoyed our talk, but it had to come to an end.

We reached the house in about forty five minutes, like Edward had said. He seemed relieved to get there. I'm not. I have to get into my bedroom and hide my belongings before Edward sees it. It's not impossible, though.

We walked into the house, the door was unlocked. "How about I check upstairs and you check downstairs?" I suggested as soon as we got into the house.

"Uh . . . OK," Edward answered confused. I jogged upstairs and went straight into my room as Edward started searching the living room. I grabbed all of my stuff and hide it in the corner of the room. The picture was on my bed. I didn't know whether to put it downstairs and let Edward find it for himself or to give it to him right now.

The first one seemed like the better choice.

I left the room and went into the bathroom, pretending to look around. "Did you find anything yet?" Edward called. He seems very anxious to find the picture, I should hurry.

"No, not yet," I called back. I left the bathroom and went into Carlisle's old room. It was a little bigger than mine, he never was in there. He was either at work or in the living room. The room was empty, of course. So, I went down stairs to see Edward checking the couches.

Edward did not hear me come in, so I up the picture in the love seat. Then, I walked next to Edward as if nothing happened. Edward noticed my presence and looked at me.

"That was fast, did you find it?" Edward asked hopeful. I shook my head with a frown.

Liar.

"I'll check the kitchen!" I informed him and went into the kitchen to "look" for his picture. If anything, he should be able to find the picture within five minutes. I sighed and ran my hand through my hair. I hate lying to people, though I can't tell the truth. I looked on the counters; they didn't have anything on them.

Then, I heard Edward whisper, "I found it!" I sighed in relief. I just kept "looking"; I couldn't finish looking through the kitchen that fast. It would seem as if I don't want to help him.

Edward walked into the kitchen; I just pretended not to hear him. "Bella," he sang and walked over to. I turned around.

"Yes?"

"I found it," he sang again and hugged me. I did not expect the hug at all. I slowly hugged him back, trying to be gentle so I don't hurt him. "Thank you for helping me," he whispered in my ear.

"Your welcome," I whispered back. I got scared of how close we are. I tried not to act scared, but it's easier said than done. I don't trust myself near Edward, but I want to be near Edward. I don't know why. I like being with Edward.

Edward looked at the window in the kitchen. "It's getting late . . .," he mentioned awkwardly. He let me go, "I'm sorry for doing that, I must have startled you," he chuckled, somewhat embarrassed.

"It's OK," I told him. He shrugged slightly. We stood silent for a moment, apparently he is still a little embarrassed from hugging me. I don't understand why.

"Um, where do you live?" he asked, breaking the silence. Here.

"It's far from here, don't worry about me. You should go," I answered. Edward frowned.

"Are you sure? It wouldn't be right for me to leave you here by yourself," he asked quickly. I smiled.

"I'm fine, don't worry about me. You should go home before it gets too late and your parents start asking questions," I told him. Edward nodded, understanding my point.

"OK, then, I'll see you again . . . soon?" he asked me. Say no, say NO.

"Sure," I answered, stupidly. He smiled at my response. He picked my hand and kissed it.

"Bye, Bella," he said and walked towards the exit of the house. I just stood there, watching him leave. He left the house, and silence filled it instantly. My scent is probably on him! I looked outside, hoping that it started to rain again.

The rain was wasn't too strong, but it wasn't drizzling either. I sighed with relief. There would have been war if that dog smelled a vampire on Edward. Whether it was me or not, war would have started. Thankfully, the rain will wash the scent away.

I sat down on the kitchen floor. Why did I say "sure"? I should have said no, I have to leave soon or make up some story. There is something wrong with me. I have to leave and soon, before I do something stupid.