Chapter 25

Bella's POV:

It's been two weeks since I've spoken with Trevor and he hasn't contacted me since. It was my fault. I broke the rule –of being normal in the time frame that I'd promised him and called him to talk about our past. I shouldn't have called him. It was thoughtless of me to do that just to get an answer about a simple kiss from four years ago. I can no longer think of the "what if's" any longer. The past is the past for a reason. I need to focus on the present and the future.

However, my two weeks came up quickly and Xavier hasn't called or texted me either. I can't help but feel worried. While I was enjoying time with my boyfriend and his family, Xavier could be in trouble or one of the others could be. But I know he will contact me when he needs me. I'm a little afraid that I will get used to the routine that I've made being in a relationship and having friends.

After school, I would go over to the Cullens' to do homework and when I'm done, I'm playing video games with Emmett, reading with Jasper, cooking with Esme, and shopping with Alice. I could tell that Rosalie was trying to be nicer towards me, but she didn't need to put the effort into it. I know her feelings of me and my feelings for her are – I understand what she feels, and I don't blame her. No one needs to push her to like me.

Also, Charlie has warmed up with Edward quickly because they talk about sports and I think my dad enjoys it especially when Jasper and Emmett come over and added their commentary. Whenever I see my dad laugh or smile at them, it makes me feel hopeful. Hopeful that this relationship will last…for now.

"I'm going out with the Cullens again," I said handing my dad his beer at the table.

"Oh yeah? What are you and the girls going to do today?" Charlie asked.

"Actually, the Cullens invited me to play baseball with them." I caught the surprised look on my dad's face. "I can play baseball, dad! I'm not that clumsy anymore."

"Yeah, yeah," He said rolling his eyes. "I just get the feeling that you will come back covered in mud rather than blood. But uh, there's something I've meaning to ask you," I didn't like that hesistant tone of his, "How serious are you and Edward?"

"Dad, please let us not have this talk again."

He held his hand up, "Yeah I know kiddo. It is uncomfortable for me too –you have no idea. But I need to know how serious you are with that boy. You two have only have been dating for two weeks now and already I could see how the two of you are serious about each other."

"I don't understand."

Charlie cleared his throat and gestured for me to sit down. "There's something strange about the way you two are together. The way he watches –it is so…protective and desirable like he would do anything to save you." Charlie put his hand up from stopping me to talk. "It's not a bad thing, Bells. But it is very different from what a teenager should be feeling at this age. The desirable part I get. It's just…you both are very intense and careful around each other."

"I think you are imagining things, dad."

His brown eyes stared at me –my own eyes. My dad is no fool; he is very intelligent but hides it. It was another thing we have in common. "I've been watching you both for weeks now –the way you are around him. The way you move –you orient yourself around him without thinking about it. When he moves, you move. Like magnets…or gravity. I have never seen anything like that before. And you two have only been together for –"

"Two weeks I know. Dad, I am going, to be honest with you. I cannot explain what is going with me and Edward but it…I don't remember ever being this happy and comfortable in my life. I've liked Edward for a while, dad because…" My fingers played with the design of the covers for the table. "In a sense, he can read me –he understands who I am and he does not judge me. And I don't judge him. I cannot explain what I feel for him because it is so –"

"Different," I looked at my dad with an expression on his face that I have never seen before. "You've been using that word a lot. I know what you are feeling for Edward is –"

"Dad, what I am feeling for Edward is familiar but it feels so strong that I cannot explain it too."

"If you know that feeling –that emotion, you should tell him."

"You know how I feel?"

"You're forgetting I married your mother. Trust me; I know how you are feeling at that age."

I could not but laugh and give my dad a quick hug. "Thanks, dad." I turned my head, seeing Emmett's jeep coming into the driveway. "That's Edward. I'll be home later."

"Have fun,"

I closed the front door behind me. "Hey there stranger, how was hunting? Did you get any mountain lions?" I asked, putting my arms around his waist, smiling up at him.

"It was very eventful thank you for asking. And yes, I did get one. And right now, I have a lamb with me."

"A lamb?" I laughed. He has no idea what kind of animal I really am. "So why are we going to play baseball when there's a storm coming?"

"Well, we are playing." He corrected. "And you will just have to see why."

"Great, more surprises. Got any more hidden up your sleeve?"

He gave me a quick kiss on the lips and walked me to open the door for me. "You just have to wait and see."

"I can be a patient person."

It was hard to have a conversation in the Jeep because Edward took an unfamiliar route that leads to a mountain path and I was bouncing up and down on the seat like a jackhammer. He seemed to enjoy the ride, though, smiling hugely the whole way. Then, we came to the end of the road, when I got out of the car, his smile went down a little bit.

"Sorry Bella, but we have to go on foot from here."

I shrugged, "It's alright. But it may take me a while to get there on time."

Then, his smile turned into a questionable smirk. "I have a faster way."

Before I could put a word in, he threw me across his back and I locked my legs around his west and secured my arms around his neck. And then he was running. He streaked through the forest like a bullet. There was no sound, no evidence that he touched the ground. I was too terrified to close my eyes, though the cool forest air whipped against my face and burned them. It was like I was running in the cold air except I do not remember feeling faint and sick before.

Then it was over. He ran for two hours and then suddenly, we appeared in an enormous open field. I could see his family far away from us. "Exhilarating, isn't it?" His voice was high, excited. He stood motionless, waiting for me to climb down but there is a problem, I could not move. I know that vampires have incredible superhuman senses but have to actually; experience is new to me. "Bella?"

"I need help," I admitted.

He laughed quietly and gently unloosened my stranglehold around his neck. He held me for a moment then carefully placed me on the grass. I put my head in between my knees, and in moments, I felt better.

"That was…a different experience than I have imagined." I managed to say but in a weak voice, lifting my head up.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine just…warning me next time would be good."

"Silly Bella," he breathed and pressed his lips against mine. I lost all rational thought and should have been motionless but instead, my hands went to his hair again and my lips parted. He staggered back, breaking my grip effortlessly.

"Damn it, Bella!" He broke off, gasping. "You'll be the death of me, I swear you will."

"You're indestructible," I mumbled.

"I thought so too before I met you. Now let's go before I do something I would regret." He said and I looked up at him hurt. Is he mad at me? Edward quickly noticed my expression and his smile turned into a frown, "Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing's wrong. I just think this fragile lamb should go home now." I said, turning my back around.

He caught my arm, causing me to look at him. "Bella, have I done something to offend you?"

"'Bella you'll be the death of me'?" I quoted heatedly.

"I did not mean it as it sounded." I scoffed and pulled my arm away from, continued on walking. But he walked right next to me, easily catching up. "I was not mad at you, Bella. I never was."

I stopped walking, not bothering to look at him. "Then why did you say that?"

"I infuriate myself," Edward said gently. "I should be stronger but I am not. My very existence can put you at risk. I am a monster and –"

I could not take it anymore of his whining and kissed him on the lips. "Don't."

"I love you," he said. "It's a poor excuse for what I am doing, but it is true."

"Y-you love me?"

Edward's eyes widen with surprise and a hint of embarrassment but his fingers traced my hair lovely. "I'm in love with you, Bella."

I do not know what to say to him. What could I say? He just admitted that he loves me…me.

Would he still love me if I told him the truth? Would he still love me when he learns that he is not the only monster in Forks?

Hesitantly, I took his hand and gathered to courage to smile at him, dragging him to the field with the rest of his family.

"It's time," Alice announced and at the same time, a deep rumble of thunder shook the forest beyond us and the crashed westward toward town.

"I think now I know why you want to play in this weather," I said to Edward.

Esme's hand touched my shoulder and she smiled at me, "I'll be acting as the umpire if you'd like to sit out with me."

I smiled and nodded at her before I seated myself on a boulder, as close to the field as I could. I have watched baseball before and even played it but the way the Cullens are playing, it is hard to catch their quick movements. But it was interesting. For the first time, I actually saw them as a family; they were laughing and having fun including Rosalie.

"Stop!" Alice yelled.

"What is it, Alice?" Carlisle asked with the calm voice of authority.

"They were traveling much quicker than I thought –they heard us playing and they're coming this way."

"How soon?"

"Less than five minutes –they're running."

"How many?"

"Three."

"Three!" Emmett scoffed and flexed his arms out. "Let them come."

What are they talking about?

"Take your hair down" ordered Edward and I obediently slid the rubber band out of my hair.

"That won't help," Rosalie scoffed. "I can smell her across the field."

"I am so sorry, Bella. I should never have to expose you like this. I'm so sorry."

Exposure…that did not sound good.

They emerged one by one. The first male I noticed was a tall, dark-haired and skin man walking in the middle of two people. There was a longhaired blonde male with a leather jacket and the third was a woman with fire red hair. This is does not look good for me. I cracked my fingers, ready to use my telekinesis if necessary.

"We thought we heard a game," The dark-skinned man said with the slightest voice of a French accent. "I am Laurent, these are Victoria and James." He gestured to the vampires beside him.

"I am Carlisle and this is my family." I did not miss how Laurent's eyebrow rose at the word family. "I'm afraid you're hunting activities have caused something of a mess for us."

"Our apologies, we did not realize the territory had been claimed."

"Yes, we maintain a permanent residence nearby," explained Carlisle.

"Really? Well, then we will not be a problem any longer. We were just passing through." Laurent said and I could tell that Carlisle looked a little bit relaxed. But I was not. James kept on staring at Edward and I wanted to snap Edward out of it. It is drawing too much suspicion. "Do you mind if we play?"

Carlisle smiled, "Of course. Three of us were leaving you can take their place."

However, the wind picked up and my hair flew across my face. "You brought a snack," James smirked.

A swift rigidity fell on all of them as James lurches one-step forward into a crouch. Edward bared his teeth, crouching in defense, a feral snarl ripping from his throat. Esme pulled me away into a hug and I desperately wanted to use my powers on the three vampires. I do not want anyone to get hurt.

"She's a human," Laurent said with a hint of surprise.

"She's with us. I believe it is best if you and your coven leave." Carlisle said.

Laurent's eyes flickered over to me and studied me for a while. "I understand. James."

James lifted himself out of his animal crouch in a huff, and Victoria followed quickly behind him. They turned their backs at us arrogantly but Laurent bowed his head down in apologetically way and followed the other two. But my eyes stayed focus on James and Victoria, he is whispering something to her and she is staring at me. I know that look in their eyes. I have seen that look before.

Oh, crap.

"Get Bella out of here," Carlisle ordered Edward. "Go!"

Without another word, Edward flung me over his shoulder and I closed my eyes as the wind hit me hard. We reached the Jeep in short time and Edward pushed me into the backseat with Emmett by my side. Alice sat in the front seat and Edward drove the car furiously. "Listen to me, James is a tracker. The hunt is his obsession and he wants you! My reaction to the field set him off and I just made this his most exciting game ever. He's never going to stop."

"There are very few vampires that develop extra abilities like Jasper, Alice, and I that go beyond the natural. Those extra abilities are due to psychic gifts when we were human and somehow, it intensified it. For example, a human who was very sensitive to other people's moods might develop the ability to read thoughts or influence emotions. A human with a good instinct for hunting might become a powerful vampire tracker."

A powerful vampire is after me because of my scent and blood. But he does not know that I have abilities. I can use them against him. But should I tell them?

"Where are we going?" I asked. No one answered. No one even looked at me. "Damn it, Edward! Where are you taking me?"

"We have to get you away from here –far away from him."

"What? No! Take me home!" I yelled.

"I cannot do that, Bella."

"Yes, you can. I am not leaving my father alone in this town defenseless."

"Bella, he won't be alone," Alice said softly.

"You don't understand, Bella." Edward continued.

"No, you don't!" I screamed, noticing that Emmett's eyes widen at my tone. "I told you that the only reason I survived the night of my mom's murder was because of my dad. The days Bradley tortured me I did not crack because I thought of my dad. I am not leaving him alone. If he dies, I will never forgive myself –especially you." I said with fury.

"There is no other choice here, Bella," Edward said after a few seconds of silence.

"Yes, there is. If James is tracking my scent, he will immediately go my house. I need to make something up to my dad –something that can cause James to leave him alone." I said. "We'll stage a fight, a breakup, and I can tell my dad that I cannot stay in here for whatever reason while you and Alice pack my things for me. We can lead James away if I borrow clothes from Rosalie and she does the same for me. We can go wherever you want."

"Jasper and I can take Bella to Phoenix," Alice said and I looked up at her surprise. She gave me an apologetic look. "It will be better. Jasper has more fighting experience than you, Edward and I can see when he is coming."

"What will you tell your dad?" Emmett asked.

"Something I was hoping I would not have to say to him at all," I whispered.

We arrived in the driveway and I could see my dad watching the news on the couch. I was really hoping this would never have to happen. "I'll be as quick as I can and do not listen in a word I say," I said and slammed the door behind me and running to the house.

"Damn it!" I screamed.

"Bella? Is something wrong?" Charlie asked, standing up.

"Everything is wrong!" I cried, running up the stairs. I slammed the door behind me, seeing Alice and Edward throwing my clothes into my bags. "I can't stay here anymore!" I grabbed an extra bag and went to the bathroom, passing Charlie.

"Did something happen with Edward? Did he do something to you?" he asked getting angrier by the second.

"No, that's the problem. Everything was perfect. I cannot believe I was so stupid though!" I cried, slamming the cabinet and took the small weapons I kept in the bathroom and put them in the bag. I ran back to my room and saw Edward mouthing to me that he will be outside.

I went to the back of my closet and gathered my fake IDs and guns. Who knows how long I will be gone for?

"Bella, what happened?" Charlie asked me, grabbing my elbow. His firm is tight. He is stronger than I thought. "Tell me. I thought you liked him. I thought you were happy."

I can't believe I am doing this.

"I do like him. That's the problem! I can't keep pretending anymore, Dad. Eventually, they will find me…and I should've left after Maggie's funeral. I can't stay here." I tried to move out of his grip, but it stayed firm. Each second, my dad's life is in danger – more than ever if possible, all because of a stupid vampire.

I can't lose him. I won't.

"I don't want to be here. I am not going to say in this dumb town and make the same mistake as Mom did!"

His hand dropped from my arm as I had electrocuted him. I turned away from his wounded face and headed for the door. "Bells, you can't leave now. It's nighttime."

I didn't turn around. "I'll be fine."

I did not turn around, "I'll be fine."

"Bella –"

I am so sorry, dad.

"Just let me go, Charlie," I repeated my mother's last words to him as she had walked out this same door four years ago. I said them as livid as I could manage and threw the door open. "It didn't work out, okay? I really, really hate Forks for obvious reasons."

My cruel words did their job –Charlie stayed frozen on the doorstep, stunned, while I ran to my truck.

"I'll call you!" I yelled, wishing I could tell him my situation, wishing that I wished I had not said those words to him.

I drove as fast as I could to the Cullens but jumped when Edward got inside the truck and Emmett in the back. He said that James heard my performance and was interested in what I meant with my words. "Your father will forgive you," Edward said.

I shook my head, "Four years ago, my mother said the same words to him. She'd given it years –she stayed in Forks, hoping that I would come home. It will remind him of her. I hurt him. But it's better that he's alive."

We arrived at the house and I was surprised to see Laurent there talking with Carlisle and Esme. Apparently, he decided to come to his own free will to warn us about James and Victoria. It was my fault that James wanted to play this game but it was also Edward's, apparently, with his protective nature over me. We just have to separate in order to fight against the two. Rosalie threw me upstairs, both of us changing our clothing.

"I'm sorry, Rosalie. This is my fault. I brought this to your family." I said, zipping up the jeans.

Rosalie turned her head, "You are a menace in this family but…Edward loves you. I will do anything for my brother because he needs someone and I know that someone is you."

That word again, love. It was making my heart pound, but it also made my stomach clench with guilt and uneasiness.

We got to the garage and Alice shoved me to her car with Jasper in the driver's seat. Edward cupped my cheek with his cold hand, staring at me intensely. "When this is all over, I will come back for you and we can be together again. I promise. You are my life now."

I grabbed his hand and kissed it, looking at his eyes. "Be careful."

He closed the door for me and Jasper started the engine, going into reverse and leaving. I sat in my seat, wondering if this is the best decision. A vampire is after me for my blood. Even though, there are seven vampires, will it be enough to kill Victoria and James? I should have stayed where I was –I should have never come to Forks. None of this would be happening.

"Stop that," Jasper's voice drew me. "Stop blaming yourself. I know what you are feeling and you are worth the trouble, Bella. You are our family now."

I didn't say anything as I stared out into the darkness, if anything were to happen to Edward, I do not know what I would do. I told Charlie that what I feel for Edward is familiar; it is familiar because I felt it for Trevor many years ago. It is love. If I think of Edward getting hurt, I feel like someone is hurting me and I do not remember being just as happy as I am with him. This love is different than what I felt for Trevor –it is stronger.

I am unconditionally and irrevocably in love with Edward Cullen.