What a hell of a first day for Bella. She meets the gang and James. She finds out some of Edward's past, only to find out that it has carried over into her. What's a girl to think? She has a little surprise waiting for her today, maybe it will help things out for her.

Hope everyone is sticking with me. Sorry for the long span of time in between updates. RL is kind of kicking my ass right now but things are looking up. I hope to be able to update at least by every Saturday, if not then it will be up soon.

Now, on to the story. Enjoy ;)!

Chapter 12

BPOV

BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP

NO!

BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP

Ugh! No! I clutched the cover tighter.

BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP

Argh! I reached my hand out to silence the annoying sound.

BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP

THWACK….SLAP…Where the hell is it?...SLAP…SMACK…Damn it! I threw the cover off of me and lifted my head towards the obnoxious sound.

BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP

*THWACK* my hand slammed down on the offensive piece of equipment, the beeping stopped. Thank god.

I was not a morning person. Growing up my mother she tried everything to wake me up for school. I hated her for it, at least until I took my shower. I rolled onto my side and pulled the cover back over me. I laid there for about another fifteen minutes. *SIGH*

It was the second day of school. I had to get up and get ready for class. I rubbed my hands over my face. I tossed the cover off to the side and rolled out of bed. I headed to the bathroom.

When I got there I looked at myself in the mirror. I looked like hell! Yesterday's drama still weighed heavily on me, but there was no time to deal with it now. I washed my face and brushed my teeth. I threw my hair up into a ponytail and walked back out into the room. I made my way over to the closet. I pulled out a pair of my skinny jeans and one of my band shirts. I was going for comfort today. I got dressed and threw on a pair of my Chucks. I gathered my books for my Biology class and tossed them into my bag.

I made my way to the kitchenette to grab something for breakfast. I wasn't really hungry but I needed to eat something. I grabbed a granola bar and a glass of orange juice. It took some effort but I was able to get both down.

After I had finished eating I grabbed my things and headed off to class. While I was on my way I took out my phone to text Alice, but when I checked the screen I had two texts and two missed calls. I decided to check the texts first. One was from Alice and the other was from my mother. I had to laugh. My mother and technology didn't mix. I opened the one from her first.

I just wanted to see how your first day went. I'm so proud of you. Love you, Mom.

My eyes started to water. I missed her so much already. I'll have to call her later. I opened up the text from Alice next.

Hey, I hope you are okay. I didn't want to wake you this morning. You were very restless last night. Text me when your class is over. : ) – Alice

I was restless? That would explain why I was so tired. *sigh* So much happened yesterday, of course I would be restless. Everything with Edward, wow, that was just crazy. I felt so bad for what that bitch did to him. Who could do that to another human being?

Even though I felt bad for him I was still pissed for his past bringing James down on me. James. The simple though of his name sent a shiver down my spine. Damn! I WILL NOT allow him to get the better of me! I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. I looked up for a second and realized I was in the quad. I headed in the direction of the science buildings. I looked back down at my phone to check the missed calls. The first number was my mother's. The next number made me come to complete halt. Jacob. OH MY GOD! He didn't leave a voicemail. He called! After all this time, he called. I check the time on my phone. It was five after ten. I had time to call him before class. I took a deep breath and pressed the send button.

The phone rang three times and my heart started to hurt. I almost hung up, but I heard a soft hello answer before the fourth ring. My breath hitched when I heard it. I missed that voice.

"Hello?" his voice was louder this time.

"Jacob?" my voice cracked.

"Bella?" he called my name. I heard the concern in his voice.

"Jacob, is it really you?" I asked. I had to make sure he was really there on the phone with me. I was fighting to hold back the tears.

"Yes, Bells, it's me. Are you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with concern again. That was all it took. The flood gates broke and a huge sob escaped my chest.

"Bella?" he called anxiously. I couldn't answer. "Bella, please, calm down," he said soothingly. I began to breathe in and out slowly. "Good girl," he praised. After a couple more deep breaths I finally was calm enough to speak.

"I'm sorry Jake," I hiccupped.

"It's alright, Bells. There is nothing for you to be sorry for," he said lowly. What did it sound like that had more than one meaning?

"I've missed you. I can't believe you called," I said nervously. I hoped he wouldn't hang up.

"Uh, yeah…I'm sorry about that," he stuttered. Was he sorry that he called me? No!

"Do you want me to let you go?" I asked. Please say no. Please.

"No. I didn't mean that they way it sounded," he sounded panicked.

"Jake, why did you call?" I asked. Why the hell did I just ask that? Great Bella, you're going to scare him off. "Don't take that in a bad way. It's just been so long and I was surprised to see your missed call this morning," I said quickly, spilling over the words.

"Bella," he trailed off. Oh no, not good. "I'm really sorry about what happened. I didn't mean to take it out on you, that wasn't fair to you," the sadness was evident in his voice.

"Jake, I'm sorry for what happened," I said. I was sorry. Not for what I said to him, but how it all turned out.

"Bells, you were not at fault," he said nervously. "Look, this is not something I want to talk about over the phone. I called to see how you were doing. I wished I saw you before you left for school. That was my fault," he sounded contrite.

"I wished I could have seen you too, but I will come home to visit dad every now and then. I hope you'll come and see me," I said hopeful.

"You want to see me?" he asked incredulously.

"Of course!" I said loudly. "Why wouldn't I? You are my best friend. Right?" I was worried that our friendship was gone after what happened. I hoped that he would still remain my friend despite everything.

"Yes!" he seemed surprised by my answer. "I thought after everything I did to you, you wouldn't want to see me," he stuttered.

"Why would you say that, Jake?" I asked surprised by his statement. "I called you all the time to try to get you to talk to me, but you never answered. I thought you hated me!" I exclaimed. What was he thinking? Why would I not want to see him? He was being ridiculous.

"I could never hate you," he breathed out. "I…I could never," he mumbled.

I looked at the time, it was fifteen after ten. I have to get to class, but I don't want to let Jacob go. I had finally gotten him to talk to me after all this time. I groaned inwardly.

"Jacob, I'm sorry to do this, but I have to get to class. Can I call you later?" I asked. Oh please, please, please.

"Yeah, I would like that. I really missed you, Bella," his voice was full of emotion.

"Me too, Jake," my eyes started to blur. "You have no idea how much," my voice broke.

"I think I do, hun," he said. "I guess I will talk to you later?" it came out like a question.

"Most definitely. I will call you in between my classes," I said reassuringly.

"Sure, sure. Later, Bells," he said. I could hear the smile in his tone.

"Later, Jake," I said as I smiled. I hung up the phone. It felt like a small weight had been lifted from my body. I felt, lighter somehow. I couldn't help the goofy grin on my face as I walked to class.

~*MoTH*~

I made it to class with five minutes to spare. I didn't care, I had my best friend again. I walked into the class and made my way to one of the stools at a lab table. I put my bag down next to me and pulled out my notebook. I let my body relax for a second and then, I felt it. Oh no! Please don't do this to me. God can't be this cruel to me. I looked around the room and my eyes fell on a pair of green eyes. Yep, he could be that cruel. Damn. Honestly, what did I do to deserve this?

For whatever reason, my body reacts to his proximity. Why that was, I had no clue. I didn't know that he was going to be in this class with me. Maybe I could find another class to attend. I would check on that later tonight. I already had three classes with him and that was enough.

About five minutes after class was supposed to start the professor walked in. Ha, being late on the first day was not good and I could swear that the professor was a carbon copy of Mr. Berty from Forks. This would be interesting. He took a stack of papers from his satchel and handed them to one of the students to pass out.

The professor introduced himself as Doctor Bertalini and that he would be the professor for this class as well as the lab. Oh goodie. The student handed me one of the packets and I briefly glanced over it. It was the syllabus and the class schedule for assignments. I knew I should have taken Chemistry.

Every now and then I would take a quick glance at Edward. Each time I did, he would be looking at me. Was he starring at me? Nah! I tried to focus on Dr. B. and his monotonous ramblings about what he expected of us in the class, but that freaking pull was getting stronger. I heard the professor talk about how he had assigned a lab partner for each student. When he started to take the roll, he advised who that person's partner was and they were to pair up at each lab table.

"Edward Cullen?" Doctor Bertalini called his name.

"Here," he said and he looked down at a list.

"Isabella Swan?" He called. Not good.

"Here," I said.

"Where?" He asked. I raised my hand. Not looking good at all.

"Ah, there you are," he said when he looked in my direction. "Good. Mr. Cullen, you and Miss Swan are lab partners," he said. He MUST be joking. Right? I looked back at Edward and narrowed my eyes. I could see a small smirk play at his lips. God, what are you doing to me? This was so not fair.

"Please gather your things Mr. Cullen and join Miss Swan at her table," he motioned over to me. I scooted my stool as close to the edge of the table as possible and the professor continued pairing up the students. I felt that pull get stronger as Edward moved closer to me. He placed his things on the table and his bag on the floor. I couldn't look at him.

"Hey," he said lowly, almost a whisper.

I still couldn't look at him. "Hey," I muttered and looked down at the table. Punishment, this was punishment for something I did.

Once everyone was settled after the moves, Doctor B called the class to attention.

"Alright class, the lab partner assignments will be for the entire semester so I would suggest taking a few moments to get to know each other. I will allow ten minutes for introductions," he said. I snorted. That was a joke. I already knew Edward. What else did I need to know? The tension between Edward and me was high, at least on my end. I really needed to find another Biology class, TONIGHT!

"Bella?" Edward called my name. I barely moved my head in the direction of his voice.

"Yeah?" I asked.

"Are you okay?" he asked concerned. Did he REALLY just ask me that? I snapped my head up. I glared at him and his eyes widened in surprise.

"Seriously?" I snapped. I really felt bad for him and what he had gone through, but this James crap is partly his fault. James was part of Edward's past and now he brought that into my present.

He put his hand on my arm. I looked down at it and then raised my eyes back to him. He didn't remove it. I felt the electricity from the touch, but I couldn't focus on it. I was furious.

"Bella, I'm so sorry everything that has happened. I wished you weren't involved in this mess," he said.

"You and me both," I snorted. "That wasn't exactly the college experience I was hoping for," I said sarcastically.

"Oh God, Bella, please believe me. This was the last thing I thought would happen when I came back," he said pleadingly. "Can we please talk after class?" he begged.

"Why?" I asked. What the hell else could he possibly have to say to me?

"Please?" he pleaded. I looked up into his eyes and tried to find any deception. There was none.

"Fine, but I have a call to make first. Where do you want talk at?" Better to get this over with now.

"Where ever you feel comfortable," he said. Seriously? He's worried about my comfort? "But I would prefer a place kind of private," he said nervously. Private?

"Um, I'm not sure…" he cut me off.

"Please, there are some things I would prefer not to say in public," he looked around the room and then back to me.

I rolled me eyes, "Fine, meet me in my room. I feel safer there right now," I sighed.

"Thank you," he exhaled. "Call me when you are ready to meet me," he said.

"I don't have your number," I said incredulously.

"Oh. Sorry about that," he chuckled. "Where's your phone?" he asked. Huh? I pulled out my phone and handed it to him. He started typing into my phone as I watched in amazement. He handed my phone back to me a minute later. I looked down at it. On the screen was Edward Cullen's phone number. I looked back up at him, he smirked. I was so going to regret this.

The professor released the class about ten minutes later, telling us he would see us later that night for lab introductions. I gathered my things, not even looking at Edward and began to walk towards the exit. He caught up to me and put his hand on my arm again. What is it with him and touching me? Not that I am complaining, but now was not the time to revel in it. I looked back at him. He ran his hand through his hair.

"Bella?" he said nervously. "You will meet me later, right?"

"Yes, but like I said, I have a call to make first," I said. He nodded at my answer and then smiled. I couldn't help but smile back. Yep, gonna regret it.

"Thanks," he said.

"No problem. I will call you when I am ready," I said.

"Okay," he smiled again. *Groan*

"Bye," I said and I began to walk towards the quad.

"Bye," he called out. I turned back to wave and he was still in the same spot, this time with his hands in his pocket. Okay. I took a few more steps and looked back. He was still watching me.

~*MoTH*~

As soon as I was in the quad I pulled my phone out and dialed Jake's number. He answered on the second ring.

"Bella?" he sounded excited.

"Hey, Jake," I answered. "I told you I would call," I laughed.

"I know. It's just nice to hear your voice again, that's all," he chuckled.

"Yours too," I smiled. "So, what have you been up to since…" I trailed off, not sure how he would respond.

"It's alright, Bella, you don't have to tip-toe around what happened," he said, not giving away anything.

"I didn't mean anything by it, honestly," I said nervously.

"I know. But, to answer your question, not much has been going on on the rez. It's been kind of boring actually since you've been gone. Everyone stopped asking about you after what happened out of courtesy to me, but I know they've missed you too. Quil and Sam tried to get me to deal with it, but my stubborn pride got the best of me," he said honestly. What is it with guys and their pride?

"I've missed everyone too. I will come see them when I get the chance to come home," I said reassuringly.

"They will love that," I could hear the smile in his voice.

"So nothing has happened?" I asked.

"Uh, nothing major. Oh! Sam and Em are expecting their first baby in a few months," he cooed.

"Oh my god, really?" I asked, excited.

"Yeah. Sam is over the moon," he laughed.

"I bet. He's going to make a great father. He took care of all your guys for a while," I snorted.

"Yeah, yeah," he laughed. "He will be an awesome father," he said with respect. "Quil and Cara are engaged. Looks like you're out of the running now," he laughed.

"Ha Ha, whatever, laugh it up dude," I said mockingly. It was just like old times, joking around with Jacob. I had totally missed that! I heard him howling with laughter over the phone.

"Well, he wouldn't stop following you around for the last year you were here. He was like a damn puppy," his laughter took over again.

"Yeah, well, at least he found someone else to following around and pant after," I said jokingly.

"True. Oh, Paul and Rachel have been dating for a while now. Never thought they would get over their aversion to one another. We were kind of shocked when they told us they were dating," he snorted.

"Seriously? Wow, never thought they would get together," I said surprised.

"You and everyone else. My sister hated him for the longest time," he said. Paul would totally diss Rachel any chance he got. He was such a bully to her. Jake tried his best at keeping them apart, but he couldn't be with her twenty-four, seven.

"I'm just surprised the way it turned out. Well, I wish them the best of luck," I said whole-heartedly. "What about you? Anyone cross your path?" I asked. I wanted to know, as a best friend. I wanted to see Jacob happy.

"Well…um…" he stuttered.

"Spit it out, Jake," I said.

"Um, well, I did meet someone. Her name is Cassie. I met her when I went to get parts for the car I am rebuilding," he said nervously.

"That's great, Jacob. I'm happy for you," I said reassuringly.

"Thanks…um, Bells, I wanted to apologize…" I cut him off.

"You don't have to keep apologizing for what happened. It's in the past. It's time to move on so we can go on with our lives," I said with compassion.

"Thank you," he said. I heard a deep exhale from his end. He must have been holding that in for a bit.

"Your welcome. So, tell me about Cassie," I was intrigued.

"Well, she lives in Port Angeles. She works at the parts store that I go to buy the things I need for the rebuild. We kind of started talking and after a few meetings, I asked her out. She's really nice and we have a lot in common," he said with excitement.

"That's truly great, Jake. I'm honestly happy for you. I hope everything works out," I said.

"Let me know when you come home so you can meet her," he was really excited,

"I would love to and I will," I said. I check the time on my phone. It's a little after twelve thirty. "Hey, I have to run and grab something to eat before my lab later. Can I call you soon?" I asked.

"You better," he laughed. It was so good to hear him happy. I missed happy Jacob.

"You can count on it. I'll talk to you later," I said.

"Bye, Bells," he said.

"Bye, Jake," I said and hung up the phone. I took a deep breath. That was really nice. I have truly missed talking to him. I couldn't wait to get home so I could see him again. I was giddy with excitement. I decided to go eat before I talked to Edward. I wasn't sure if I was ready to talk yet.

Oh crap, Alice. I forgot to text her after class. Well, I could invite her to have lunch with me. I sent her a text.

Hey Alice, sorry I didn't text sooner, got side tracked. I'm about to go get lunch, you want to meet up with me? – Bella

What do I want for lunch? I don't want to take the change on running into anyone unexpectedly. So, I started to head toward the dining hall when my phone chirped.

That's alright girl. Glad you texted though. Sure, lunch sounds great. Where? – Alice

Dining hall – ten minutes. I'm heading there now. – Bella

~*MoTH*~

As I walked into the dining hall I got Alice's text confirmation to meet me for lunch. I was still on a high from talking to Jacob. I had finally gotten my best friend back and he had moved on. Thank God! Now I wouldn't have to worry about Jacob's feelings for me.

I went to find a table for Alice and me. I had found an empty one near the window. I sat down at the table going over the call with Jacob. I didn't even notice Alice had come in the room. The vibration that came from her putting her books on the table brought me out of my thoughts.

I obviously still had the goofy grin on my face when I finally had looked up at Alice because when she saw my face she broke out into a huge smile. She sat down across from me.

"Well, who has the pleasure of putting that grin on your face?" she asked suggestively.

I laughed, "Um, I spoke to my friend I told you about, my best friend Jacob. He actually called me after all this time," I said, still excited.

"That's great, Bella. I know how much you missed him," she said.

I nodded, "Yeah I did and it was great hearing his voice again," I grinned.

"That's really great. I'm happy for you," she said enthusiastically.

"Thanks," I said. I wasn't sure how I wanted to get into this subject, but I thought it would be nice to know what I could possibly be walking into when I go talk to Edward. "So, um, how did things go after I left last night?" I asked as I looked down at my hands.

She cleared her throat, "Uh, well, it was interesting. But things seem to be much better since we talked some of it out," she said.

"How's Edward dealing with everything that happened yesterday?" I asked, curious now after Alice's answer.

I watched as she fidgeted in her seat a little. "Well, Edward is being Edward. He blames himself of course and he's…" she trailed off. He's what?

"What, Alice?" I asked.

"Nothing, nevermind," she looked out the window. Oh hell no, she isn't getting away with this.

"Alice," I growled. She looked over at me. "Tell me what is going on. His past brought James down on me and I'm not thrilled about it, but I also feel for what he went through. No one deserves that," I tried to soften my voice.

"Look, Bella, Edward is hell bent on getting to James before he can do anything to anyone, most of all you," she pointed at me. WHAT? He's insane.

"I can look after myself," I said forcefully. Her eyes widened in surprise. "What happened yesterday won't happen again! I can't believe I let him affect me that way," I said, almost shamefully.

"Bella, James is not a man to take lightly according to Edward. He has a real bad past. Edward wouldn't get into it last night but he said that James has hurt a lot of people, specifically girls," she was worried.

"Well, this is just great. Now I have a psycho coming after me?" I screeched. I was pissed! What was I going to do? Alice looked around. I didn't care what anyone was thinking.

"Bella," she hissed. "Edward had no idea this was going to happen. No one did. We didn't know that James was going to be here," she said angrily.

"Yeah, well he is and there is nothing I can do about it. Maybe I should tell security…wait…I can't, it would be my word against his," I said, annoyed. Oh yeah, just perfect. What was I supposed to do? Maybe I could talk to my father. I couldn't, I wouldn't want to worry him. I couldn't tell my mother, she was in Florida. I had to figure something out. I finally focused on Alice when I saw her waving her hand in front of my face.

"Bella, whatever you're thinking, don't," she said intensely. "We will NOT let anything happen to you!"

"This is not your fight, Alice," I said condescendingly. She sat back against her chair, hurt by my statement. I took a deep breath, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to take all this out on you," I tried to say convincingly.

Her eyes had watered, tears on the brink of falling. "You have nothing to be sorry for. You were forced into this situation. This isn't exactly how I pictured school starting," she said. I couldn't help but laugh. She looked at me like I had gone insane. "Bella?" she asked, worried.

It took a few moments but I got myself under control, "S…sorry, I didn't mean to do that. I had thought the same thing yesterday. What a way to start school huh?" I said jokingly. She started laughing.

"Yeah, well, we will have to find a better way to enjoy the college life," she snorted.

"Most definitely. Hey, why don't we grab something to eat," I stood up and looked down at Alice, "I told your brother I would talk to him," I said. She stopped in her tracks when I said that.

"You are going to meet with him?" she looked at me curiously.

"Yeah, I'm supposed to text him when I was ready. He's going to come to our room. Is that okay?" worried that she wouldn't be okay with that.

"Yeah, that's fine. I'm just wondering what he wants to talk about," she began walking again. That goes for me too.

"He kind of begged me to. I was about to try and get out of it, but he pleaded with me." She smiled at me. Why was she smiling? "So, no idea what he could possibly want to talk to me about?" I raised an eyebrow at her, skeptically.

"Not a clue, honest," she said in a singing voice.

She walked ahead of me to get in line to buy her lunch. Uh huh, whatever, like I believe that. I glared at her and she smiled again. She was up to something, I could feel it in my bones. I got my lunch and we headed back to our table. I didn't want to rehash what we had already talked about so I decided to ask her about something else…someone else, actually.

"Alice?" I asked and she looked up at me. "So, is Jasper the one you told me about before?" Her hand stopped in mid air, right before she was about to take a bite. I had to stifle a laugh as I watched her cheeks begin to turn a bright shade of red.

"Um…uh…," she put her fork down. "You noticed that yesterday didn't you?" she asked nervously and I nodded in agreement. She sighed, "Yeah, that's him. Please don't say anything to him," she pleaded.

"I barely know the guy, why would I do that?" I asked incredulously.

"I know, I'm sorry. It's just, well, I don't know really. I can't seem to get up enough nerve to tell him how I feel. I always act goofy when I'm around him. Edward got Jasper and I together yesterday," she huffed.

"Oh, was that what you were going to tell me about when we were supposed to meet up?" I asked.

"Yeah, I'm still going to kill him for that," she snickered.

"Why?" I asked, laughing.

"Because, he knows how I feel about Jasper. He teases me all the time about it. He says I need to get over my issues and tell him how I feel," she sighed and I laughed. "Hey, it's not funny," she pouted.

"It is actually. It is so obvious that you two like each other. I just met you guys and even I could tell," I said as I rolled my eyes at her.

"Whatever. I could say the same thing about you," she said and she arched her eyebrow at me.

"What do you mean?" I asked, confused.

She laughed, "Uh huh, you can't fool me. I see the way you look at my brother." I blanched. What the hell?

"I have no idea what you are talking about," I said nonchalantly.

"It's just as obvious, as you put it, as me and Jasper," she winked. What is she talking about?

"What are you talking about? I won't deny, I think he's cute. I even told you that already, but I don't like him like that," I said, trying to sound convincing. I hope she bought that, because I sure didn't. Ugh!

"You could have fooled me,' she snickered.

"Whatever," I said sarcastically. "Speaking of your brother, I need to meet up with him to see what he has to say. What time is your last class?" I asked.

"Um, four-thirty, I think," she looked into her bag and pulled out her schedule. "Yep, four-thirty. It's my intro to fashion class. Like I really need an introduction into fashion," she snorted and rolled her eyes.

"Okay, well my lab is at four-thirty too, so I will see you after your class?" I asked.

"Yeah, you want to meet up for dinner?" she asked.

"Sounds like a plan," I said as I got up from the table and gathered my books. I looked over to Alice, "I'll see you later."

"Later sis," she said and I grinned.

I walked out of the dining hall and pulled out my phone. It was now or never. Maybe the latter was a good idea. Get a grip, Bella. It's not like he would do anything to you. I rolled my eyes inwardly. I sent Edward a text.

Can you meet me at my room in fifteen minutes, sorry for the short notice. – Bella.

Why was I apologizing to him? He could deal with it if he really wanted to talk to me. Honestly, I hoped that he wouldn't respond. I wasn't sure if I was ready to talk to him regardless of what he had to say. Then, I heard the chirp from my phone. *groan*

No problem. I will see you then. – Edward

I rolled my eyes. Damn. So much for hoping. I walked towards the dorms, slowly. I would prolong this as long as I could. Why did I tell him fifteen minutes? Moron.

~*MoTH*~

As I walked through the commons on my way to the dorms, I happened to look up and I saw him. FUCK! He was walking towards one of the buildings. I quickly got behind one of the trees near me. I know I said I wouldn't allow him to get the better of me, but I'll be damned if gave him any chance of coming up to me. I stayed behind the tree as I watched him continue to walk towards the building and entered.

I turned and leaned my back against the tree. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I felt a hand touch my shoulder and I about jumped out of my skin thinking James found me.

"Ah!" I screamed.

"Bella?" I heard a deep voice call my name. I opened my eyes to look. I saw worry in the deep blue eyes that I saw. I closed my eyes again and took another deep breath to settle my nerves. "Bella?" he called again.

"Emmett," I said after I was able to find my voice again. "Hey, how are you?" I asked skittishly.

"Bella, are you okay?" the concern still dominating his tone.

"Yeah, sorry, you took me by surprise," I said and I put my hand on my chest. "I thought you were James," his eyes narrowed and anger flashed across them.

"You saw James?" he growled.

"Yeah, he walked into that building over there," I pointed across the commons. He looked in the direction I had pointed at.

"Do you want me to walk with you to where ever you were heading?" he asked.

I shook my head, "No, I will be fine. I'm glad I saw him before he saw me. I'm not ready to deal with him right now," I sighed.

"Are you sure? I don't mind," he said. I don't need protection.

"Yeah, I'm sure. I was actually on my way to meet up with Edward…" he cut me off.

"Edward? Is something wrong?" he asked, panicked.

I put my hand on his arm, "NO! Everything is fine. He just wanted to talk to me, that's all," I tried to reassure him. I felt his body relaxed under my hand. Wow.

He looked at me skeptically, "Honestly? Everything is okay?"

"Yes, Emmett, everything is fine. That I know of at least," I snorted. Technically, everything was not alright but I hoped this would all be figured out soon.

"Okay, but if something does happen, please let me know. I don't want anything to happen to you, little one," he said caringly. His eyes were full of genuine concern. I was beaming on the inside.

"Thank you, Emmett. I promise, you will be the first to know if anything changes," I said with sincerity. He picked me up in a hug. I giggled and he laughed.

He put me back down and pulled back to look at me. "Make sure if you can't reach me for whatever reason, you let Edward know as soon as you can. Let me give you my number, okay?" it came out like a question. He was unsure for some reason.

"Sure," I said and pulled out my phone and handed it to him. He typed away on it and handed it back to me.

"There, now you can call me anytime. It doesn't even have to be about James, but definitely call if something happens with him," he reiterated, "but if you just want to talk, call me. You're part of our family now," he winked. I giggled again.

"Thank you again, Emmett, I really appreciate that. Truly," I said as I smiled at him. "I have to go right now, Edward is expecting me. I told him to meet me at my room in fifteen minutes and I don't have much time left. Sorry to cut this short," I said apologetically.

"It's alright, little one, I will see you soon. Please, be safe and tell my punk brother to chill out and take it easy," he said in a joking manner, but I know there was some truth behind it.

"I will and I'll talk to you later. Bye Emmett," I said as I started to walk away. I turned back to wave at him. He smiled and waved back at me. I turned back around and headed towards the dorms. What a day!

I looked down at my phone and Emmett's number was still on the screen. He had it listed as Big Brother under his name. I giggled. He was too adorable for words. It felt nice having a big brother, even if we were not blood related and even if we just met yesterday. I had to laugh at that thought. I sent Edward a text letting him know that I was on my way.

Sorry, got held up. I'm on my way. I'll be there in less than five. – Bella

I got a quick response.

It's alright. I haven't been here that long. I'll see you in a few. – Edward

He was there already? Great. I entered the dorm area and walked towards my building. I stopped at the bottom of the stairs and looked up towards my room. There was Edward looking out across the common area. I took a deep breath and started climbing the stairs. When I got to the top he looked over at me and smiled. My heart skipped a beat. Damn. He needed to stop doing that. I felt my cheeks start to heat up. Double damn!

"Bella," he said smoothly. Triple damn.

"Edward," I breathed. Great, I felt like an idiot.

"I'm glad you agreed to meet with me," the smile was back. My cheeks burned hotter.

"I hope you won't make me regret it," I said cockily.

His brow furrowed, "I hope I don't either." He fidgeted a little, shifting back and forth on each foot.

I stepped past him and went towards my room. I opened the door and walked in. I placed my things on my desk and turned back to the door. He was still standing outside.

"You can come in, Edward," I motioned into the room. He stood there for a second and ran his hand through his hair. After a couple more seconds he walked into the room and stood near the entrance. I looked at him, he really seemed nervous. "Are you sure you want to do this?" I asked skeptically.

"Yes," he whispered as he looked down at the floor. I walked to the door and closed it.

"Have a seat," I pointed to either chair at the desks. He made no motion to move.

"I'm good right now," he stammered. I don't think he was ready for this.

"Edward, we don't have to do this right now. I can see you are not ready," I tried to sound soothing.

"I want to do this. I need you to know what I have gotten you into, unintentional as it may be, you need to know what James is capable of and that I will do everything in my power to make sure you are safe," he said fervently.

"I can take care of myself, Edward. I appreciate the sentiment, really I do, but I will fight my own battles," I said with assurance. I will try at least.

"NO," he growled. What? He growled. What the hell?

"No?" I asked as I glared at him. "What do you mean no?" He must be crazy.

"I will NOT let you go up against James," he said through clenched teeth. His body was shaking and his fists were clenched at his sides.

"That is not YOUR decision to make," I said harshly. I was getting pissed. How dare he!

"Bella, please…" he pleaded.

"Please, nothing. You and your family need to leave me alone!" I yelled. I was beyond pissed.

He was taken aback by my outburst. Didn't think I had it in me, huh, you prick. He walked closer to me and I stepped back. My desk stopped me. Shit.

He stopped just a couple steps from me. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get you upset. This is not why I came here," he stuttered, running his hand through his hair. "Please let me explain everything," he said earnestly.

Well, he had better start explaining now before I kick his ass out. I took a couple of deep breaths in the attempt to calm myself down. If he was going to explain I needed to have a clear head.

"Then explain," I said as I crossed my arms over my chest. He ran his hand through his hair one last time and exhaled deeply.

"This goes back a few years, when I first met James," he began.

A/N: Okay, don't kill me. I know this was a crappy place to stop, but I wanted most of this to come from Edwards POV. I will do some of Bella's POV from his story later. I want him to get her reactions to his telling of his and James' history.

Also, don't go hatin' on Bella. She's been through a lot in one day. She was forced into this unfortunate circumstance and she's taking it better than I would personally. Right now, she's pissed – best way to deal with it. It'll get better for her soon.

I hope to have another update in a couple weeks. I will be out of town Wed-Sat, so I won't have time to write. Also, I have a Beta now and she is helping me go over my previous chapters. To help make them a little better than they are now. Please be patient with me. I know a lot of you want to know what's going to happen with Tanya and the baby. That should be coming up in about 5 chapters. Stay tuned. Please leave me some love. You know I like to hear from you. Until the next update!