A faster update this time.

Recap of Chapter 12:

"No, guys like you don't break up with girls like me," sneered Tanya.

"Girls like you don't deserve guys like Edward."

Well, isn't this a party?

Bella's voice chimed in from behind us. She walked forward and stopped right next to me. "I don't know what you're problem is with me, but you need to get over it and leave."

Tanya let out a petulant grunt and stomped her foot. Without another word, she descended the front stairs and got into her car, slamming the door shut. Her car hummed to life and sped off rapidly into the dark driveway leaving a slight cloud of dirt behind. Everyone remained silent after that. Too silent for my liking. I turned around and caught Edward and Bella looking at each other. Before I even had the thought to interrupt them, Bella shifted her gaze to the floor.

"Edward, I can't.. I just can't with you right now," she muttered. "There is so much going on in my life and from what has happened already, this is just too much drama I cannot deal with at the same time as well."

"You don't even know me." Edward frowned. I looked away and scratched my head as the awkward bystander. "Please, Bella?"

Bella sighed softly and nodded. "Meet me tomorrow after school down at La Push beach. It seems there's a conversation long overdue."

I'll say.

Chapter 13

Bella's POV

Things have gotten too out of hand already and that's why I had to straighten them out before it came back to bite me in the ass later. The catch was that I didn't have the liberty to explain everything, so I had to tread carefully. I had grown to trust these people enough to call them friends, but my number one priority was still to lay low and keep my cover. For the sake, and safety, of my mother and Charlie. After that unexpected phone call the night of the party, I hurried home and waited impatiently for Renee to explain. She did not call again, but simply sent a short text message: Be extra vigilant from this point.

I spent hours trying to decipher the message and ended with wild, paranoid theories. She must have found something, or some sort of clue leading her closer to the person that had leaked all their confidential information.

Ever since I can remember, my mother had always been on guard, sometimes defensive, regarding her job. I always wondered why. It was just a job, right? Some of my classmates' parents were policemen, or lawyers, or teachers, yet I found out that Renee's job hadn't and still wasn't just a job. When I turned fourteen, instead of a surprise birthday party, she sat me down and explained in a nutshell why there had been so many changes in my life. From leaving my birthplace - Forks - to moving to Italy for thirteen years then to Arizona. Even then I had caught on to what she hadn't said instead of what she did because most of it had been plain bullshit. For example, the reason she had left Charlie sixteen years ago was most definitely not because she had fallen out of love with him and living in a small town like Forks was suffocating her. My mother was a great actress, but she simply couldn't lie to me. The fact was that she still loved my dad. And my dad was still in love with her. It broke my heart when I had to lie to him and tell him of Renee's engagement to Phil. Said engagement was false, just a cover up. Phil was a businessmen that had been working alongside my mother for a few years now. The cover up was a necessary lie unfortunately.

I had been well aware that while I was in Forks I would need to maintain a low profile and keep mostly out of sight as to not draw attention to myself and my family. Then the Cullens and Hales happened. I was a goner, especially with those hypnotic emerald eyes. Edward's eyes. It felt like for the first time someone had looked at me, really looked at me. That day he had appeared underneath my window, and my tears had been running, I let him in. He had only been a stranger, but he made me feel so vulnerable that it caused my guard to drop for a split second. It was in that moment that he truly saw who I was - Bella, just Bella. Although it had been about a month since I'd seen him outside Charlie's house, I became attracted to him. It seemed we had danced around each other in such a short time. I decided I'd tell him what I was allowed and hoped nothing else got in the way because I was actually starting to like him. I was attracted to him in a way I had never been to any other boy my age. Honestly, it was frightening, but not enough to back away anymore.

That's why I was here now, after school, at La Push beach waiting for Edward to show up. Things last night were left a bit iffy, to say the least, with Tanya and everything. Aiden kept giving me a strange look every time he glanced over to me. I figured I would need to talk to him as well. Renee hadn't mentioned that he had moved to Forks right until he had actually called me a couple of days after I moved in. It was starting to look as if Forks, the most impossible of places, was becoming the place for coincidences.

I shook my head to snap out of my revere and concentrated on the little pathway my feet had taken me to. The surroundings looked familiar to me even though I hadn't been to this exact place. I found a large tree trunk embedded into the wet sand near the shore of the beach and sat down. It would have probably been a good idea to bring an umbrella since the sky looked about ready to unleash it's midday fury on us.

I waited in silence for a good hour and Edward was nowhere to be seen. I thought it rather strange since he's the one that was so keen on us meeting. I decided I'd wait another half hour before leaving. Could it have been that we really hadn't felt a connection like I thought we had? Maybe it had been all on me. I had been desperate for someone to listen to me.. Stop thinking the worst, Bella. A soft, nervous chuckle erupted from my throat as I chastised myself for being silly. I was acting as if I was about to tell Edward my whole life story - the real one - when that was not the case at all, so I shouldn't be worried. It seemed like forever had passed by when the sound of a smooth engine rolling by caught my attention. I turned towards the sound and caught a flash of silver heading down the road.

For some reason, the sight put a smile on my face. Minutes later, a head full of bronze locks appeared. The rest of him soon followed and I kind of hated myself for the beat my heart skipped. I most definitely wasn't a lovesick fool. However, that didn't stop me from watching him like a hawk as he walked down the wooden stairs towards the beach. He wore a casual attire - polo shirt and dark slacks - with a pea coat. His stance was straight and determined, yet his expression portrayed something different. I noticed a mischievous glint in his emerald eyes and a boyish smile on his face, which was a good sign, I think. I stood and brushed myself off and bit my bottom lip as he got closer.

"Hey.. Bella." Edward smiled warmly.

"Hi," I said shyly. I nearly rolled my eyes at the foolish-sounding tone of my voice.

"I guess I should apologize for being an ass the past couple of days, huh?" Edward ran his fingers through his hair.

I quirked an eyebrow. "Well, you were an ass, but you don't have to apologize... that much, anyway."

"Would it be too much to ask for if we canstart all over again?" I looked into this eyes and saw a flicker of fear. Was he afraid I'd say no?

I nodded. "I'd like that."

He stuck his hand out rapidly. I took it, laughing softly. "Edward Cullen at your service."

"Bella Swan." Short and sweet introduction. "I believe we still have a lot of explaining to do. Like, for example, why we haven't had a chance to talk before now."

"I never would have realized that it was you whom everyone had been murmuring about, especially Rosalie, Emmett and Alice," he replied. "Just leave it to Forks to shock you. I mean, I remember hearing that Chief Swan had a daughter, but none of us had ever seen you before."

"Yeah, I stayed with my mother mostly," I quickly answered and changed the topic. "Listen, about that day we met.." I started hesitantly. Did I really want to bring that up? He saw me crying, but he did end up falling off a tree, and he did steal a kiss. Not to mention he fell on me.

"Please tell me you don't regret it." He frowned.

"No, I don't," I reassured him. "Besides our unusual way of meeting, I.. I'm glad I met you."

His cheeks pooled with red unexpectedly, making my heart skip another beat. Was he blushing? Huh, that certainly was an interesting reaction.

"I shouldn't have stolen that kiss from you, it was improper," apologized Edward. He must have seen something in my expression because he quickly added, "Not that I regret doing it."

Now it was my turn to blush.

"Moving on," I breathed out. "About Aiden and me, he's just my cousin and that's that."

"Yeah, Aiden.." He looked away.

"You're still not angry with him, are you?" I asked curiously.

"It was just a misunderstanding." He shrugged. For some reason, his response bothered me. I couldn't put my finger on it, but it did.

"Like Tanya." The words slipped out of my mouth. Tanya served to remind me of the melodrama that accompanied teenagers and high school. Drama that I couldn't exactly afford right at this moment. And Edward seemed to be surrounded by it. Looking at Edward now, it hit me that I would have to hide my growing feelings for him and I might never be able to take the chance to explore any possibility.

"She's not my girlfriend anymore," he said. "She hasn't been for a while."

"I know, I know, but the fact is that I can't allow myself to get involved with anyone right now," I tried explaining without my voice shaking. "There's things going on with my family that are taking up all my time and attention, and I don't think it'd be fair to you... if we did get involved."

"Do you want to?" he asked softly.

Do I tell him that yes, I want nothing more than to explore this strange feelings I'm beginning to have for him? Or do I walk away with a semi-clean break and just keep us as acquaintances? Either way would end up hurting. I just needed to pick the one that wouldn't hurt the most.

I sighed quietly. "It's not you, it really isn't. It's me."

Hurt flashed across his face at my words, which was covered by a look of indifference in seconds. "Okay, I get it. I'll see you around then."

Edward turned around without another word and started walking back the same way he had come from. I had to stop myself from reaching out and just pulling him back towards me. I hated to see the way his steps were heavy and kicking against the sand, his hands in his pocket and his head cast down. I'm sorry, Edward. It kind of hit me that this, too, would eventually happen with all my newfound friends. It was only because I had grown attached that I couldn't shake them off just yet.

Well, that went fantastic. Not at all horrible.

"Bella!" someone called my name. I turned around and rolled my eyes. "Back on my rez, huh?"

Jacob Black was strolling towards me looking quite confident. This time around he wasn't with his posse. I did not need another conversation with him right now, or I might just flip him again. Instead of responding, I began walking away and concentrated on the strange sense of despair setting in.

"Now, I couldn't help but overhear your conversation with Cullen!" he shouted, making me stop in my tracks. Stalker, much? "You did well. You wouldn't want to get involved with the Cullens anyway, or the company they keep."

"Stop talking bullshit, Black, and go away." I gritted my teeth in annoyance.

I heard him running up to me. Maybe I will flip him.

"Bullshit? So you don't know about the accident then? Or Victoria?" He smirked. "I figured Blondie would've told you since you seem to be close friends now. I mean, who would tell anyone that story?"

It went against my better judgment to listen to anything he might say, but I'd be damned if I wasn't a tiny bit curious. "What the hell are you talking about?" I demanded. "Rosalie doesn't need to tell me anything if she doesn't want to."

He shrugged. "I know I wouldn't want to be hanging around a criminal."

Now he had my full attention.

"I see she didn't tell you about that, judging by the look on your face. I mean, you simply don't go around telling your friends you're a murderer."

Before I could ask what he meant, Edward's angry face loomed into view and pushed Black forcefully, getting in between us. I stepped back cautiously and confused. "You shut your mouth, mutt!"

Jacob Black laughed and stood face-to-face against Edward, rivaling him almost. "Or what?"

"Or I'll make you regret it," Edward said warningly, a dark tone to his voice.

"See you around, Bella," Jacob spoke nonchalantly. He remained still for a couple of seconds before backing down and taking a couple of steps back. He looked past Edward to me and had the nerve to wink.

What the hell?

I waited until Jacob Black was completely out of the area to speak. I grabbed Edward by the shoulder and turned him around to face me. The expression on his face was murderous and even managed to strike a bit of fear inside me. However, that wouldn't stop me from asking anything, especially after what Black had said. Lie... or truth.

"Why did he say that, Edward?" I asked seriously. "What the hell did he mean by that?"

"Let it go, Bella," he whispered in response. "Please."

"No!" I exclaimed. "He just called Rosalie a murderer. A murderer! I may not have known Rosalie for that long, but I still consider her a close friend."

"I said let it go," whispered Edward. I was taken aback by his indifferent attitude all of a sudden, which only served to peak my curiosity. There was definitely something going on and by the accusations being thrown around, it had to be pretty serious. Unless Edward was in on whatever the situation was.. My mind was spinning rapidly and in every direction possible that I didn't realize Edward had walked away once more, leaving me alone on the beach. I silenced all thought and regained my senses before running after him, but by the time I reached him, he was already in his car. The last thing I saw of Edward was him putting his phone by his ear and the back of his Volvo speeding away.

I made my back to my car and retrieved my cell phone, dialing Rosalie's number in a flash. It rang three times before going voicemail. I redialed and was taken to voicemail again. After two more tries, it went straight to voicemail. I was beginning to get worried. I hopped into the car and made up my mind to head over to Rosalie' could be that I was completely overreacting to the situation, but I needed to know. Or at least settle this. I tried Rose's one more time, hoping I would get through. When it didn't go straight to voicemail, I sighed in relief and waited impatiently for her to pick up. On the last ring, she did.

"... Bella?"

A million questions got stuck in my throat at the sound of her voice. I didn't get a chance to ask any, though. The next thing I knew, a loud whine cut through the call and the car trembled dangerously. In the time it took to blink, I was being flung to the side and pushed against metal. I screamed in pain and dropped the phone.

"Bella?"

Rosalie calling my name was the last thing I remembered before I was knocked unconscious.

So, let me know what you think. Thank you for reading.

Until next chapter.

~*~ Mimi-Love-4Ever