~A/N Thanks for the responses with the last update. Hopefully, this week I can update more frequently again, but I'm not swearing to it. Sometimes I get frustrated thinking readers want a perfect Bella who always makes the right choices, but I can't do that. This isn't what this story is about. I warned you in the beginning, there is much angst to follow and I'm just getting started. (LOL!) It's challenging to write it, but this is how it's going to go. I love that you all read, even if you scream at me to give Bella a backbone. These characters are all wonderfully flawed, even sweet Seth; I hope you continue to enjoy the ride no matter how messy it gets.

Copyright disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer is the sole owner of Twilight and all recognizable characters, I own nothing!

Chapter 13

Pounding...explosions going off in Bella's head. It wouldn't stop, no matter how hard she willed her mind to block the banging. She started to come around when the voice accompanied the noise. "Bells," more rattling on the door, "Isabella Marie Swan, time to get up. Do you hear me?"

"Ugh, Dad," she whispered to herself. "I'm calling in sick, it's fine, you can go Dad." She spoke up so he could hear her through the door.

He opened the bedroom door with force after hearing her response. "Nope, you're not sick...get up Bella."

"What? I can't, Dad...I can barely move."

"No! I don't care how old you are, you're going to listen. I've never missed a day of work because I over-indulged the day before. You'll do the same. It'll build character."

"Dad, please stop yelling at me, I'm sorry okay. I swear I'll never drink again."

"Bells, I haven't raise my voice once, but if you don't get up I will. Come on, I've got something for you downstairs. It'll coat your stomach. Hop in the shower, and wake up. You'll thank me for this one day."

He walked out the door after that last statement, and she highly doubted she would ever thank him for this. She was obedient and did as her father had instructed. She practically crawled into the shower, but at least it did make her feel somewhat human again.

Charlie had two pieces of toast on the table for her as well as a large water bottle, two pills and a small glass of red liquid. "Slowly eat the toast, wash the pills down with the water and sip on it all day. This," he held up the red concoction, one gulp," he handed it to her.

"What is it? If it's tomato juice, no thanks. That's too acidic."

"It's tomato juice plus...drink it," he said.

Again, she did as he said, because she didn't want to hear anymore talking. She couldn't figure out what the "plus" was, but it burned like hell all the way down. After she managed one slice of toast, she announced she was ready to go. Charlie insisted on driving her, which was a relief. She said she'd get a ride home.

The day at school wasn't too bad. She was in a fog, and Kate didn't push for details. She even let her nap on their off period. She had planned on asking Kate for a ride, but Leah texted her and said she'd be there. Bella walked out of the school wearing shades despite the clouds above. Leah was smiling at her which was reassuring. She had worried about her several times since they were forcibly separated the night before. She knew Leah would hold her own, but she also knew she didn't deserve Jacob's or Seth's wrath.

"Not bad, Swan. I have to give you props for actually showing up to work. I never would have believed it after seeing you in my car."

"Dad forced me, said it would build character."

"That's pretty damn funny," she laughed. "Charlie Swan, I swear that guy's an enigma."

Bella shook her head in agreement and climbed in Leah's car.

"By the way, sorry. I shouldn't have pushed."

"No, it was my choice. From what I can remember, I had fun," Bella reassured Leah.

Bella asked Leah to come inside so they could talk a little more. She finally was hungry, so she made them both a sandwich. "They weren't too tough on you, were they?"

"They were a pain in the ass, but it wasn't like they hurt me. In fact, I'd rather have my ass kicked than getting a lecture from Seth, Jacob, and Mom, even she chimed in."

"Oh, I think said something embarrassing to Jake."

"Who cares, you were drunk. He didn't pay attention probably."

She thought back to what she thought she'd said and if her hazy memory served her well, he definitely was paying attention.

"You've got a serious problem with Jake," Leah said.

"Why?" Bella choked a little on her sandwich. Other than the obvious problem with Jacob, Bella wasn't sure where she was headed with that statement.

"I hadn't seen him in action, but last night it was obvious. He fucking thinks he owns you. Even Charlie, took orders from him."

"I'm sure he doesn't think that, Leah. He certainly doesn't own me."

"Well, Seth was beyond pissed. I figured out pretty quick most of his anger he projected on me was due to Jacob. He was about to go inside with you two, but changed his mind. He didn't want to keep disturbing Charlie. If he went up there, he figured they'd fight again."

Bella intended to call Seth later. She definitely thought he'd overreacted, but it must have been difficult for him to see Jacob carry her off to bed. That wasn't fair. Jacob pretty much did what he wanted. She didn't think fairness was a concern to him.

Leah pulled her from her thoughts, "Do you want me to help set up a meeting with Kelsee? I didn't know if you're still trying to avoid Jake and Seth."

Bella inadvertently rubbed her arm. "Um, let me think about it a little more."

She stretched out on the sofa after Leah left. She planned on a quick and easy dinner for her and Charlie, so she thought she could grab an hour nap. If she went up to her bed, she might not want to get back up before the morning. Her night with Charlie was semi-awkward, but he didn't lecture her. When they both turned in to their respective rooms, she decided to touch base with Seth.

"Bella."

"Hey Seth, I just wanted to let you know I'm fine. I didn't feel too fine early this morning, but I'm almost back to normal now. I'm sorry I worried you. I was really stupid, but please leave Leah alone. I like her, she didn't mean any harm."

He told her he had it out with her last night and he would drop it as long as it never happened again.

"So has Jacob calmed down? I'm sure you called him first, right?" he asked with annoyance.

She could easily understand why he'd drawn that conclusion, "No, I don't know anything about that. I didn't call him, Seth."

He huffed into his phone, perhaps he didn't believe her.

"I'm sorry, Seth. What more can I say?"

He didn't seem too interested in carrying on the conversation. Seth had already made his views on Kelsee known, but she wanted to be honest with him. "I think I'm going to try and see that woman, " she paused and then added, "with Leah." That might make it easier for him to hear.

"I'll go to if you want," his voice sounded more like normal.

She still wasn't sure, "I'll let you know. I need to get some sleep, so I guess we'll talk later."

"Wait...one second, Bella. I'm sorry I've been acting like a jerk. I want you to know I'm really going to do what I promised. I'm going to give you space. I've gotten some new supplies for the house, so I'm going to be over there a lot more. Maybe you would like to come by after I make some progress."

"Sure, I'd like that...thanks, Seth. Goodnight."

Bella pulled the quilted, purple book out from the nightstand. She wrote a few things down. So many of those pages were filled with thoughts of Edward. It was time to add some of her more current moods and feelings. No one would ever see the pages, but her, so she wrote exactly what was going through her mind. The rest of the week went by at a snail's pace. If it wasn't for school, she would have been bored senseless. Now that she wasn't seeing Seth or spending time with Jake, she felt quiet lonely. Charlie benefited from some pretty elaborate dinners and she finally called and had a long talk with Renee. Her mom couldn't believe the things Bella had been keeping to herself.

"Honey, this doesn't sound like you at all. I think, if your Dad is better, you should come home. Phil knows the principal at the other elementary school near us. I know he could put in a word or two and you could get a job. Thanksgiving is next week, you could come for the holidays and stay permanently."

If she was completely honest, the thought had crossed her mind at least a hundred times, but something kept her from doing what Renee wanted. Deep down, she knew she couldn't leave. Maybe she didn't want to abandon Charlie, she loved her job, and she knew she could probably have a teaching position the next year. She was well liked at the school. Of course, there was Seth and Jacob, she was missing them after only a few days. Could she ultimately push both of them out of her life for good?

Instead of running out on her Dad for the holidays, she decided to make a nice one for them both. She contacted Kim to go shopping with her. She figured if Kim enjoyed making things, she would know the best places to shop for decorations and holiday decor. Kim was very excited to hear from her. They planned a shopping trip the first of the week, since Bella would be on a break from work. She told Charlie to invite whoever he wanted for Thanksgiving dinner. He felt bad for one of his deputies that had recently gone through a divorce and he wanted to have the Clearwater's if it wasn't awkward for her. She said "no". He was welcome to invite them and she also took the initiative to invite Billy Black.

Before Bella went to sleep Friday night, Leah sent her a message and asked if Saturday evening would work out for her. Kelsee wanted to see her at dusk for some reason. She chewed on her lip for a few more minutes before replying okay. She told her it wasn't necessary for her to pick her up. She wanted to take a drive out to La Push herself, maybe take a walk on the beach and clear her head before seeing Kelsee. She had no idea what to expect. She let Leah know she would meet her at her house at 5.

"Can Seth come or do you want me to tell him 'no way'?"

"Yes, he can come." She needed the support, and Seth did have a calming nature. Although, their recent encounters hadn't been so peaceful.

Bella decided to leave about 3 o'clock. She told Charlie she and Leah were going to hang out which prompted a very suspicious look.

He cocked up one eyebrow. "I'm not going to get woken up again, by a couple of raving lunatics, am I?"

"Of course not, Dad. We are going to stay in, absolutely no drinking. Dr. Thompson was less than pleased about that. She told me Thursday, my meds have warning labels for a reason, so I swear, I'm a responsible adult now."

Bella grabbed her jacket and a book she was currently reading. She drove out to La Push on another cloudy day. It was starting to get colder, but she really wanted to be outside for awhile. She missed Florida for that reason, sitting outside or walking on the beach was almost always an option for her there, no matter what time of year.

She hadn't felt so relaxed in weeks. She was deeply emerged in a novel when he approached. He sat down next to her before she even realized he was there on the beach. "Hey,"

"Hey, Jake, what are you doing?" she turned to look at him sitting there.

"I wanted to see you, is that okay?"

"Um...I'm going to the Clearwater's in a little bit." She waited to see his response but there was none. "Jake, Leah and Seth are taking me to Kelsee's."

"I know."

"You do? How? Nevermind...it doesn't matter. I'm going to see what she has to say. That's what you wanted, right?"

"Yeah, but I wish you would've asked me. I wanted to go with you," the disappointment was evident in his voice.

"What difference does it make?"

He shrugged, and looked out to the water, seemingly ignoring her.

She didn't know what else to do, so she continued to read. There was at least 45 minutes til she was supposed to meet Leah. However, if she got up and left Jacob on the beach, Leah wouldn't have minded her being early. It was exactly what she should do, there was no point to her sitting in silence on the beach with Jake.

Finally, he broke the silence, "Take a walk with me." There was no would or could, it was simply stated.

"No, I don't think so. How'd you even know I was here?"

"Really Bells?"

Leah's words replayed her head, "He thinks he owns you."

She had adamantly denied it, said it wasn't true, but there she was stuffing her book down into her bag and walking alongside him, following him wherever he intended them to go.

They walked side by side without touching or speaking. She wasn't quite sure the point of the walk at all. There were plenty of things that needed to be said, but she wasn't brave enough to say them out loud. Jacob was a mess, he was as taken as any man could be, but she had missed him. Why couldn't they go back to the day he first took her to the cliffs? It was so easy between them then. She fully trusted him that day.

"I don't want to go too far from where I parked. I have to walk back soon."

"Go that way," he pointed to a path away from the beach.

They had been out in the open which probably wasn't the wisest decision. Nadia probably had spies all over the area. She wasn't sure which was worse, being out in the open or somewhere secluded with him, and she would soon find out the answer. They followed a path which led them to a small stream. It was close to the river that ran along the reservation. Jacob took advantage of the privacy and moved in closer.

She still couldn't get over how it always affected her and she had realized after the big reveal, he knew. That was the root of her problem, she couldn't deny what she felt for him when they were alone.

Jacob reached for her hand and she didn't pull back. One side of his mouth tilted up. He was too sure of himself at times. "Bells, I've been trying. You know that, I've left you alone except for the drinking, right?"

She shook her head slightly, somewhere there was a "but" coming. Leaving her alone and giving her space were her requests. He had not wanted that, nor had Seth. Jake had behaved. After he left her in bed, he hadn't called, texted or stopped by. Well, she couldn't be sure about stopping by. She was now unsure how often he might be lurking in the woods as a wolf behind her house.

"It's for the best right now, Jake. I need to get my head on straight."

"So, you've had a good week?" He asked. She had never said that and if she had to rate it honestly, it pretty much sucked. She was bored and lonely and nowhere closer to decoding her true feelings. She missed them both at different times and sometimes at the same time. It wouldn't be right to admit that and because of Jake's keen insight, she didn't need to, "You missed me?" He asked like he already knew the answer.

She let go of his hand and walked a couple of steps away from him. He knew, but her face had it written all over it and she didn't want him to see. Both of his hands pulled at her waist. That was the second she needed to break free and head back to the truck. It was the position that had gotten her into trouble before. His head came to rest on her shoulder, "Please, Bells...this week was torture for me."

He moved his head side to side like he was burrowing deeper into her neck. He kept his lips off of her. He did not play fair at all. By not touching them to her, he made her crave them desperately. He knew exactly what he was doing, but she didn't or she would've been stronger. She turned around and faced him, she was an idiot. That was the only explanation that made sense. He wasn't hers, never could be. Being the other woman, was one of the lowest stations in society. She deserved better for herself, even with her self-esteem, she knew that much. All those thoughts played through her mind, but she worked against herself, because the whole time the internal debate played on, she was pulling him closer. Her hands had reached up to pull at his neck. He leaned in closer a millimeter at a time, still giving her a chance to back down. She didn't, so he proceeded. They were kissing again, just like the morning in the kitchen. Bella had incorrectly imagined it would be their last kiss. Of course, it wasn't and neither was this; she could admit that to herself after feeling the way he owned her mouth. When his tongue slid against hers, she couldn't fathom they would ever have a last kiss.

She clung tightly to his shoulders until he hoisted her up. They were moving, he walked with her but never released her mouth. She took a breath when she needed it. Bella didn't know if there was anything that could stop them. He had sat down on something, her knees found the surface they were on. She raised up on them on either side of Jacob's legs. His hands found their way to her ass and he pulled her in closer. His strong fingers kneaded her flesh and she moaned with the sensations he was producing.

She might not have ever planned on leaving his lap, but he pulled his lips away long enough to whisper, "Bells..."

The pause in their kissing was just enough to bring her back down to earth. She was panting, staring into his eyes and she realized that she was most likely late. The walk was supposed to only be a few minutes, but she had no idea how long they'd kissed. Judging from the way her lips had gone numb, it had been awhile.

"Don't," he admonished her before she'd replied.

"What?" she hadn't pulled away, she was still straddled in his lap with her fingers in his hair.

"Don't start regretting it, something is going on in that head of yours Bells. We need to be honest with one another."

Finally, her mind took over again, and she started to wiggle free. She left his lap and moved to his side. "Jacob, I have to go."

"I know."

"This doesn't change anything," it was a lie she told herself and Jacob.

"Really, Bells? That's your response. Yes, it does. You want me just as much as I want you."

"But..." she was speechless, anything that came out of her mouth would be wrong. She couldn't tell him, she didn't want him. She did...so much. It would have been extremely inappropriate to admit that.

"Go see Kelsee, see what she can do for you, and when you get back to Charlie's, put the key out for me."

"No, Jacob. I don't think that's wise."

"Do it, please. I want to hear about your experience with Kelsee."

"I'll send you a text."

He looked completely put out with that response. "Put the damn key back out there. Even if you don't, I can get in. Why are you trying to make it harder on me?"

"Because you have no business coming in late at night after Charlie's in bed. Isn't it obvious, Jake, we can't be trusted alone."

That arrogant bastard was smiling. She knew she should've kept her mouth shut. He'd never forget she'd said that. "Bye Jake, I've got to go." She got up and started walking the path again. She yelled back, "Don't come over, I'm not leaving the key."

"Left side above the door, same as always, I'll wait til he's asleep."

"I'm not leaving it," she screamed out before disappearing from his sight.

"Yes you will," he called back.

She had made up her mind, there was no way she was leaving that key for him and even if he did have other ways of getting inside; she was sure that when he got there and realized she didn't leave him a key, he'd leave her alone.

Bella made it to the Clearwater's twenty minutes late. Seth swung open the door before she knocked. She took a couple of steps backwards, he'd smell Jake on her. She had an epiphany after finding out about the wolves. The day he asked her to change her shirt, they had only cuddled that day. Would Seth know, she'd been sucking his tongue into her mouth ten minutes before? She had to at least admit, she'd ran into Jacob or he'd know she was lying. Seeing Seth and his sincere face, pulled at her heartstrings. He was a special man, she'd enjoyed their short time together so much. Being with him was definitely good for her, she felt like both men had a hold of her arms and were ripping her in two halves. If Jacob was bad for her, she was most definitely bad for Seth, but round and round the three of them still went.

"Um, sorry I'm late...I ran into Jake. He wanted to know about going to Kelsee's."

"He's not going too, is he?" Seth complained.

"No, no, he wanted to, but I told him you and Leah had it covered. Is she ready?"

Leah came out onto the porch and gave her a strange look. She ran her eyes up and down Bella's form. It made her extremely uncomfortable. "More than you."

"Huh?" Bella didn't get it.

"It seems like I'm more ready than you. You're late."

"I'm sorry, I...I"

Seth answered for her, "Jake held her up wanting some details about Kelsee," he looked at her, "right?"

His wording couldn't have been more unsettling. Her mind flashed to being lifted up by Jacob as he carried them to the log they sat on. She quickly whisked the memory away and told them they should get going. Bella insisted in following them alone in her truck. She figured being cooped up in Leah's small car was not in her best interest. They both shrugged and headed in their separate vehicles. Seth looked sad, he was probably wishing she would have invited him to ride with her. He didn't say a word about it though, since he was remaining completely true to his promise of giving her space.

Kelsee lived in a small house, more like shack which was surprisingly close to where Seth's house was. She'd remembered some of the roads. The three of them walked to door which appeared to be pieced together. Bella doubted it even kept out the elements. "Come in," a scratchy voice said on the other side of the flimsy door.

Leah nudged Bella ahead of them. There were all there for her, so it made sense she'd be the first one in. However, she had no idea what to say to Kelsee. How much had Jacob told her? She didn't want to blurt out, "Can you get this vampire venom out of my arm?" Weird, Bella hadn't given it much thought, but whose venom was it? Was it James's or Edward's or both? It seemed to her the logical answer was it was Edward's. He sucked out James's venom, but inadvertently left a trace of his own. What if it hadn't been an accident. Could he had done that on purpose for reasons unknown? She hoped to God this was not going to involve a sharp object or she might lose her nerve. Despite the many times she'd cut herself, she had always gone into some sort of a trance before, a mental separation with her body. She was fully aware of everything going on at the present time and she was not brave at all, in her opinion. This seemed like one of the scariest things she'd every encountered and she had run with vampires in her teens.

"Isabella, I've been waiting for you for a long time," her voice cracked.

A long time, Bella didn't think Jacob could have mentioned her more than a few months ago at most. Oh well, she was old, maybe she was confused. Great, she was about to experiment on her and she didn't have all her faculties. Leah had said that was the case, Seth swore she had to 100 when he realized she wasn't dead already. Bella swallowed a lump stuck in her throat. She needed to at least say something. "Hi, Kelsee, it's nice to meet you." She reached out her hand, but the bent over old woman pulled her into an embrace. She had two very long braids thrown over each shoulder. She was small, even shorter than Bella. Her face had deep crevices, wrinkles that went on for days. Bella thought her teeth looked quite nice and her eyes didn't appear to have faded in the least. It was strange to look at her closely, there was an unusual mixture of old and new in her. Bella noticed while she hugged her, she smelled earthy, not dirty and no artificial fragrances covered her skin. It was similar to the forest after a short rain, and she felt somewhat soothed by her after the hug. Bella was not touchy-feely, but she had relaxed ten fold in a matter of seconds. Seth was looking in every direction of the small room. It was obvious, he was nervous. That's all the house was, no separate bedrooms or kitchen. She didn't see how a restroom was possible unless it was carefully hidden.

"Okay, you two head out. Why don't you take a run for an hour. I'll need that long to assess Isabella." Leah seemed fine with that and started backing up towards the door.

Seth protested, "No, we'll stay if you don't mind to support Bella."

"That's kind of you son, but no we don't need you and to be truthful, I can't have any negative energy in the room if this is to work."

"Negative energy?" He rolled his eyes at Bella, where Kelsee couldn't see him. "Just because I'm concerned doesn't make me negative."

"Well, your concern is misplaced, and I still need you to leave. Tell them Isabella, tell your friends, you want to be healed."

Bella continued to listen to Kelsee call her Isabella. She was normally so quick to correct others, but she had no inkling to encourage her to call her Bella. She had barely said a word, she cleared her throat, and addressed Seth, "I'm fine Seth, I have my phone. Please get out and run. You look like you need it." She looked at Leah and communicated with her eyes.

"Come on bro, let's go. Bella's fine. She'll let us know if we are needed." Leah pulled at Seth's arm, but he jerked it back. He walked back to Bella, and rubbed down her arm.

"You sure?"

She shook her head and smiled to comfort him.

"I can be back in less than a minute," he gave a warning look to Kelsee.

"I know, it's fine, Seth. I'll see you in an hour."

Finally, he left with Leah. Kelsee held up her hand for a couple of minutes and they were both silent. "Alright sweetie, they're gone. That young Clearwater, he's pure at heart, but mighty stubborn, like his father. So much sadness for that lineage, I'm afraid." Kelsee looked deep in thought. Her bright eyes glazed over with tears. My goodness, she must have been really close to Harry if it brought forth that much emotion from her to mention him. Bella couldn't imagine why she said the family had a lot of sadness. As far as she knew, Harry was the only heartbreak they'd suffered in recent years. Of course, that was incredibly sad, she couldn't imagine losing Charlie at this stage in life. For some reason she felt a chill run up her spine, like something had just been alluded to, but she wasn't privy to the details.

Kelsee had reverted her mood back to jovial. Bella notice a kettle on the fire. She poured the contents out into a primitive mug. "First, you drink this, as hot as you can stand it and it will help to open the door."

Bella smelled the contents, it didn't have the most pleasant odor. It actually smelled awful, she wasn't about to ask what was in it, she didn't want to know. "It's pretty hot," she looked at the old woman.

"Here, let's try this while it cools. Give me the arm."

Bella pulled up her flannel sleeve and Kelsee placed one hand directly over the scar and the other underneath her arm. Her fingers completely ran around her arm and that's when she noticed. How? Bella couldn't understand. It was completely irrational. Kelsee was a very old woman, her face proved that, but when Bella saw those hands, she did a double take. She literally closed her eyes tightly and reopened them to have a better focus. Kelsee's hands looked like they could easily be the hands of someone her own age, someone in their early twenties, so eerily similar to her own. She looked at the hands and then into Kelsee's unusually bright eyes which were a bluish gray. Bella wondered how uncommon that color was for someone with Native American blood.

Kelsee spoke up, "Not everything has a rational explanation, you should know that by now, dear." She started to lightly rub on the bite mark. It didn't repulse her like the wolf touch did, but Bella's breathing picked up, something was going on. She felt strange, perhaps even light-headed and she still hadn't taken a sip of that tea yet. "It's there, we have to get it out. I can't do it all at once, but we can start today. You must focus Isabella. You must will it to leave. There," she pointed to the mug, "Drink the tea, I know it's bitter, but get it down as fast as you can." Kelsee walked over to a second pot and pulled out strips of soaked fabric. They were steaming and stained dark. Bella downed the hot drink as fast as she could. She was afraid she was going to gag and it would come back up, but her stomach surprisingly held it down.

"It's going to be hot, but I promise it won't burn your skin." She wrapped the cloths around the scar a strip at a time. She lost count of the number of layers, because she suddenly felt dizzy.

Shit...Bella felt like she was slipping away. That nasty tea was laced with a drug. She felt herself tense up like she should fight it in case it knocked her out and she never woke up. "Shh. Don't resist, come over to the cot and lie down. All you have to do is rest and remember what I said, will it to leave your body."

Bella focused on her words as she was prone on the cot covered in animal skins. Her body went through every temperature change possibly. She went from icy cold to fiery hot like she burning alive, but she did what she was supposed to. She said in her mind, "Leave...leave you filthy poison. I don't want you, you don't belong inside me." She manage to say the phrase at least three times before she emerged into total darkness.

"Dammit, she's still not waking up! What'd you give her?" Seth yelled. Seth and Leah were back, but it took a few more minutes before Bella could open her eyes to acknowledge them.

"Seth, chill look she's awake. Swan, you okay? How do you feel?" Leah shook her arm.

"I told you, trust me...Isabella is much better than when she first came through the door."

Bella was groggy but she once her eyes opened, she started coming around quickly. It wasn't like drinking alcohol at all. She sat herself up and Seth came to her side. She leaned on him a little while longer as they all listened to Kelsee's instructions.

"Maybe three more treatments," Kelsee patted Bella's shoulder.

"What? You intend to knock her out three more times? How do we know it's even working?" Seth asked.

Leah, Seth and Bella watched Kelsee pick up the roll of linens that had previously been on Bella's arm as she tossed them into the fire. A purple smoke escaped up the fireplace. It was slightly familiar to Bella. She'd seen that before, she thought. The rocking chair, maybe at the dance studio but she'd been out of it then.

"Mother fucker," slipped from Seth's mouth.

"Son of a bitch," was heard from Leah.

"What?' Bella was confused as to why they were so alarmed. "What did that mean?"

"It's vampire, Swan," Leah answered her. "It's what we see every time we light 'em up."

Bella had been a good test subject and very cooperative up until that point, but she was starting to panic, "Do it again," she pleaded with Kelsee. "Get it all out," she screeched. "I want it out, please get it all out of me."

Seth held onto her. He lifted her up into his lap and physically restrained her. She was hysterical. Kelsee got in her face. "Calm down Isabella, most of it's gone, trust me, but I can't do more today. I have to take it slow or I could send you into shock. Your body has grown accustomed to the venom for over fives years. I need you to get plenty of rest and drink lots of water tonight. Eat healthy and take care of yourself and come back next week, same time. It'll be easier each time. One of you drive her home," Kelsee instructed. Bella got a hold of herself after listening to Kelsee, since she swore most of it was gone.

"Seth, please. Will you drive me?"

"Of course, Bella. Can we go now?" he asked the old woman.

"Yes, it's fine. You all know where to reach me if she needs me before next week.

Seth picked up Bella and carried her to the truck. She snuggled against his warmth as they drove back to Charlie's. She finally said something, "Thanks for being there with me, Seth."

"Anytime, you know I'm always there for you, right?"

She did. That is what made it all so difficult. "I know and I'm forever grateful. I don't know what I'd do without you."

He hugged her close, "Do you want me to come in?"

She shook her head, "No, too many questions, Charlie thinks I was with Leah. I'm fine, I guess you'll run back?"

"Yeah."

"Okay, well, maybe you could come over tomorrow for football. Please? I want you to."

He was grinning ear to ear. "Definitely, that's the best news I've had all week."

Bella went inside and pretended everything was completely normal in front of her Dad. She had gone back on the porch and back inside a few times as she debated about something.

"Bells, you've got the damn jitters again. Are you sure your doctor has you on the right meds?"

"Yes, Dad."

"Well, you're petite, maybe she gives you too much."

"Dad, they know how tall I am and how much I weigh. My meds are fine."

"Alright, well I'm going to bed, you've exhausted me with all that pacing."

"Oh, Dad, football tomorrow. I invited Seth.""

"Woohooo," Charlie was excited. "Snacks?"

"Yes, Dad."

"The cheese dip?"

"Sure, I'll make the dip. Good night, Dad."

She gave him a quick hug and kiss on the cheek before he headed up the stairs. She double checked the kitchen to see if it was clean and she moved clothes from the washer to the dryer before she went up for a shower.

She'd tossed an turned almost two hours. She hadn't even climbed in between the sheets. It was freaking ridiculous, she'd told him she wasn't leaving it out. Hopefully, he'd finally gotten the message, and he wasn't going to show. Charlie's light had been out over an hour. Kelsee said she needed rest. She took one more gulp of water from the cup she had next to her bed and then turned on her stomach, so that she could finally fall asleep.

Click...her lamp flashed on. A very, cocky Jacob Black towered over her bed proudly displaying a silver key between his fingers. "Told you, you'd leave it out."

~Thanks so much for reading. I appreciate each and everyone of you.