You know I don't own anything copyrighted by anybody.

Kidneythieves- Arsenal

naive little pieces of what they tried to teach her quiet and protected slightly anorexic

(She Waits)
she's a time bomb, with her vibe on she's gonna use it and surprise them she's a time bomb, with her vibe on they'll never know where she got her weapon.

they really don't believe her she keeps it all a secret found the Golden Muses doesn't need to prove it

(She Waits)
she's a time bomb, with her vibe on she's gonna use it and surprise them she's a time bomb, with her vibe on they'll never know where she got her weapon.

naive little pieces she thought that they could see her but soon the Desert Pigs will know she's holding in an arsenal.

(She Waits)
she's a time bomb, with her vibe on she's gonna use it and surprise them she's a time bomb, with her vibe on they'll never know where she got her weapon.

She Waits.

Part 26

Carpediemquam minimum credulapostero

or

Seize the day and place no trust in tomorrow

(Carlie's POV)

He lifts our joined hands and pulls my lip from between my teeth."Spit it out Carlie," he commands. I focus on the bumper sticker of the truck in front of us, "Do you think I could stay with you for a few days Jake? I really don't want to go back to the house just yet. It's too weird now, being the only human."

He searches my face for a moment. "Is it really that bad?" he finally asks. Tears spring forth again as I nod, "Can you imagine walking around your own house and seeing your twin sister as a walking corpse every day Jake? I mean, my mind keeps screaming at me that it's Bella, but my heart tells me that isn't possible because she's dead. I need some time away from her to get things worked out. I promise I won't be a burden." He touches my face with the back of his hand,"Carlie, you could never be a burden to me. I'll call dad when we get back and if he has a problem with it, we'll work something else out." I lean into his touch, its warmth more comforting than anything else in the world,"Thanks love." "Sure, sure," he winks and switches lanes again.

When we get back to Jake's, I put away the groceries while he walks outside to call Billy. He is not pleased when he returns. He just stomps into the kitchen and throws himself into one of the chairs. "Dad is deciding to be difficult honey," he grumbles, "He suggested for you to find someplace more appropriate than your boyfriends house to mull things over at." I put the lid back on the sauce I was stirring and put my arms around his shoulders, "I knew it was a long shot Jake, don't be mad at your dad. Everyone kind of forgets you're real age sometimes. He's just trying to raise you right I guess." "If he wanted to do that, he would teach me to not turn away a person who actually needs our help," he scoffs. I move around until I can slide into his lap,"Jacob, I'll be okay. I'll get a motel room or something. It's my fault for bringing this up in the first place, I can deal with the consequences of it." He rubs my back and touches his forehead to mine, "Well, we are going to have to think of something soon because he's decided to stay home tonight after all." I lean back until I can catch his eyes, "Oh no Jake, not we. You still have a home here and up at the other place. I'm not dragging you down with me." It doesn't matter how much I want to shoot your dad in the face right now, I'm not going to be part of the destruction of one more familial relationship.

He scowls at me,"Don't start this shit Carlie. You shouldn't be going through this alone dammit. I'm just trying ot help you." I get to my feet and rub my face in frustration,"Jake, I'm not going to come between you and your dad! After everything that's happened you expect me to stand by and let you abandon your dad because I'm too much of a coward to be alone while I think this shit out?"; He grabs me by my hips and halts my pacing, "Nessie, no one said that you're a coward. And I'm not abandoning my dad. He knows what being imprinted entails. He'll just have to deal with it." I exhale noisily and shake my head, "No Jake, not like this. Billy needs you more than I do right now as it is. Charlie was one of his best friends. You know I'll be safe for now," I plant a kiss on his forehead, "So I'm going to finish the spaghetti and then I'm going to go stay at a motel so you and your dad can spend some time together." He gets to his feet and wraps his arms around me, "You have absolutely no sense of self preservation, do you?" I chuckle, "Nope, but we wouldn't be like this if I did."

I didn't stick around for what was no doubt going to be an awkward moment between father and son. I finished dinner and, after Jake forcibly shoved a container of spaghetti and garlic bread in my hands, I let him drive me to a motel that was close by. It was actually a kind of resort, but he was afraid to let me be too far away with no transportation. After dropping me off, he insisted on going up to the house and getting some of my things while I settled.

The place was nice, near the Quillayute River. Covered porch, grill, king sized bed. Hell, the suite even had a kitchen. It looked more like an apartment to me than a hotel room, for which I was glad. I was still exploring when Jacob returned, two suitcases in hand. "No one noticed me," he smirked, "they were a bit ....occupied." He stows my luggage in the bedroom and lets out a low whistle. "What?" I inquire, following the direction of the sound. He's standing at the foot of the large bed, "What I wouldn't give to have room for a bed like that," he admits. I chuckle, "Maybe once I find my own place I'll buy a California king size just for you to sleep in." He lifts and eyebrow, "Your own place huh?" I finger the piping on the duvet, "Yeah. I've been wandering around this room thinking about what it would be like, having a place where I don't have to deal with roommates who can hear every little thing I do and not having to be embarrassed for actually having to cook my food before eating it." He moves behind me and pulls me to him, "I kind of like the idea," he purrs and presses is lips into the hollow beneath my ear. I elbow him, "You would wolf boy. Does that mean you're going to run away from home and live with me?" I ask conspiratorially. He looks like the Cheshire cat at that thought, "You know, if I got to wake up next to a dark maned, chocolate eyed goddess every morning, I'd definitely consider it." I plaster a look of outrage on my face, "Are you cheating on me Jacob?" He startles, then growls, "You know better than to even think that." I pull away and cross my arms, "Oh, sure, the whole imprint compulsion thing. All that means is you have to love me. You didn't get a choice in the matter. Don't think that doesn't bother me sometimes."; Pain flashes across his features, "Carlie, if that's all this was, what was all of that before I became a creature from a horror story?"

I push him back until he falls onto the bed. He looks confused until I crawl up beside him and lay my head on his chest. His arms automatically encircle me as I settle into his warmth. "You have to stop doubting everything good in your life Carlie, "he mumbles as he nuzzles my hair, "I loved you before I started turning into a hairy monster and I love you now. I'm not going to promise that things won't get bumpy, but I can promise that I will always be there for you whether I'm 15 or 500." "I know, I love you too Jake. I'm sorry, I told you I was fucked up," I confess.

Suddenly there's a knock on the door and Jake sits us up, a mischievous grin on his face. "What did you do?" I accuse. He stands, pulling me up after him, "I called in backup." Jake proceeds to drag me back through the suite, not stopping until he throws open the door to reveal the Goth Twins. "We brought movies, junk food, a shitload of Pepsi and Code Red, a few sets of clothes and the random virgin sacrifice," Mischa announces as she struts in the door. Allen follows, proclaiming his armful of stuff, "And I have cds, a couple of flash drives of music and midget porn, my laptop, Jake's brain, and maybe the corpse of some guy named Wilridge in case we need more snacks. We'd kidnapped him from a writing convention and forgot about him until now. Might as well make him useful again." I give a look, "Why did you kidnap a writer?" Mischa laughs, "I wanted him to finish a story he'd started writing on the Internet called 'Angel Lies' and he wasn't getting it done fast enough." I pick up a menthol and light it, "Impatient much Misch?" She shrugs, "I like what I like," as if that was the only explanation she needed.

They dump their things on the floor and turn to go back out. Allen stops, "We've got more shit in the car. Oh, and Leah will be here soon. She's bringing Seth because he hasn't gotten a chance to hang out with everyone. Don't freak out either. He might be 14 but he looks a hell of a lot older now. He's a sweet kid too." Mischa rubs her hands together and chuckles evilly, "Oh goody! Someone new to corrupt!" I can't help but laugh. Mischa and I haven't gotten a chance to hang out with Seth since his change, but I remember Jake telling me that Seth still reminds him of a happy puppy, more so now that he can actually wag his tail and beg.

I help unload the car, mostly air mattresses, blankets, and other mundane things. Jake gives me a long goodbye kiss before heading home. Allen jumps in the shower while Mischa shuffles through movies, looking for her favorite zombie flick. I make my way out onto the porch and take up residence in a rocking chair, cradling my Code Red to my chest as I watch the magnificence of nature all around. Soon, Leah's white Buick rumbles up and parks beside Allen's Supra. Leah's short bob pops out of the passenger side, curses flowing out of her mouth in a way that would make Edward proud. "Dammit Seth, I told you to obey the fucking speed limit! You'll be lucky if I let you drive when you're 150!" She slams the door and goes around to the trunk. Allen's head appears in the doorway, "Did I just hear the love of my life?" He searches and bolts out the door as soon as he finds her. She jumps into his arms and gives him such a kiss even I blush. "Oh man Leah! Do you have to do that when I'm around?" Seth whines as he gets out of the car. Damn! They weren't kidding when they said he doesn't look anything like 14. He could easily pass for 17 or 18 now. He spots me and waves, "Hey Nessie! How's...." his voice trails off and he stares at something off to my right. "Geez, what's the fucking racket about?" Mischa exclaims as she comes outside. I look at her, then back to Seth, repeating a few times. "What?" she asks as she hunkers over, protecting the flame as she lights her smoke.

"Oh shit," I hear Allen blurt out. That seems to bring Seth back to reality. He bounds up onto the deck and gives Mischa and I hugs,"I've missed you so much. I mean, I know I saw you earlier, but you know what I mean." I peer around him as he babbles at Mischa to catch a glimpse of Leah and Allen in animated conversation. "Excuse me," I mutter as I step around the stammering werewolf and make my way to the couple. "When did he imprint on her?" I hiss, grabbing their arms. Leah drops her head, "Today, when he saw her at the funeral. He hasn't shut up since. Reminds me of Ron Weasely when he was under that love potion." I snicker, "You mean how you were when you imprinted on Allen?" She growls at me, "Watch it witch or I'll turn your man into a chew toy." I give her a hug, "Don't cross me wolf girl or I'll turn your man into a newt." The three of us burst out laughing, causing Seth and Mischa to startle.

We take the new pair inside and explain what's in store for them over dinner. Afterwards, we all finally surrender and Mischa puts in her zombie flick. Allen and Leah lay on the couch, pretending to watch the movie. Seth and Mischa excitedly whisper on the floor. Halfway through the movie I tire of being the third wheel and announce that I'm going to soak in the tub.

Once in the spacious bath, I light the little candles and line them around the large tub. I turn on the faucets and sift through the assorted scented oils and bath salts until I find one that is acceptable, then pour it in the steaming water. I pin my hair and and strip off the dress clothes I'd been wearing since 5 am, then test the temperature. Perfect. I let my tired body slide under the aromatic foam and into bliss. The hot water begins relaxing my tense muscles as soon as it makes contact. I put my iPod and hit Random. 'Tremble for My Beloved' form Collective Soul. Good song. Makes me glad that Bella had bought the soundtrack to that vampire romance movie she loved so much. Bella. I've yet to call her and it's pushing 9:30 pm now. I sigh and reach for my cell phone. This isn't going to be pleasant. I dial slowly, contemplating how I am going to say things honestly without causing a fight that I just don't have the heart for. "Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero, " I mumble to myself as the phone begins to ring.

"Hello?" Bella answers.

(Bella's POV)

"Carlie's been gone all day Edward, " I argue, "Why shouldn't I start worrying?" I pull out the freash-baked bread and slam the oven door closed. He pinches the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger as he leans against the archway, "Because Bella, she's with Jake. If we can't trust her safety to her fucking imprint, who can we trust her with?" I throw the pan onto the counter, "I trust her with Jake, but this isn't like her, not anymore. We get one phone call saying that they were going to the store for a few things and then nothing for hours! What if one of James and Victoria's goons managed to find us? What if Charlie found his way back here? I might be dead but she's still my little sister!" I pound my fists off the countertop in frustration, cracking the tiles."Dammit," I groan. Edward puts his arms around me, "Calm down angel. Her and Jake probably just went to his house for some alone time. Can't say that I blame them either. Being a human with a werewolf boyfriend who lives in a house full of vampires isn't exactly what I'd call prudent planning for a long and healthy existence." I roll my eyes, "Aren't you the funny guy. If she doesn't call by 10 pm I'm going to look for her. That's final." He chuckles, "Why haven't you called her? You could save yourself all of this fucking worry if you'd just stop second-guessing yourself."

Before I can answer, Emmett's head appears in the door leading to the deck, "If you two are going to fight, go down by the lake so we can tape it, " he suggests with a maniacal grin. Edward picks up the knife I'd used to chop up chicken with and flips it at Emmett, "Out asswipe, I'm not in the mood for your shit," he snarls. Emmett dodges the knife and his grin grows, "Ooh Eddie, little sister not giving you any?" he asks, making gyrating motions with his hips. Edward springs, launching himself and his bear of a brother out the door and over the railing of the porch. I hear them crash to the ground below and the wrestling begin.

I turn back to making dinner. I don't eat anymore, but cooking still seems to soothe me when my nerves are frazzled. Edward and I had went and picked up a large deep freezer this afternoon just to store the food for all of the breathing inclined that I'd been cooking. I hear Edward yell, "Jasper, you fucking traitor! You're scrawny blond ass is getting it next motherfucker!" Jasper laughs at him, "Wow Edward, are you sure Rose wasn't right when she pegged you for gay?" I hear Edward's feral growling and it sends shivers up my spine. Then the foundation shakes. Rosalie's threat comes next, "If you three baboons don't get the hell away from the house, I'm going to let the other girls kick your collective asses for breaking their house and then I'm going to strip the engines out of the damn vehicles and make you idiots walk!" I hear Emmett's pleading, "Honey, please don't do that, I just got the Jeep put back together from when Quil and Embry disassembled her!" I laugh at the memory. Emmett had been cheating at another video game and the boys decided to get even with him. They had completely torn down the Jeep and hid the pieces all over our property. He'd spent days recovering the parts to reconstruct his mechanical baby. "Don't cross me then Emmett Cullen, " she warns. I notice the sounds move farther from the house after that.

I'm finishing the buffalo chicken dip up that Allen had asked me to make when my cell phone starts ringing. 'Arsenal' from the Kidneythieves is the ringtone. Carlie. I press the button, "Hello?" "Hey," she answers, voice sounding tired. "Where have you been Nessie?" I demand. She has no idea how much I've worried. "You have no idea how worried I've been." She clears her throat, "Yeah, sorry about that. I had to go to the store and shit, then me and Jake got talking about things that I've had on my mind Bells. Didn't think I'd worry you since I was with Jake." I take an unnecessary breath before answering. "After seeing you drinking at the cemetery and the way you were ranting, I didn't think you would want to be gone for so long, that's all, " I defend, "I figured you would want to stick close to home after everything today. When will you be home then?" A long pause. "That's some of the reason I called Bella, "she almost whispers, "I'm going to be staying somewhere else for a few days, maybe longer. I've got a lot of shit to figure out and I can't do it there." I feel my chest tighten, "What stuff Carlie? What's going on? Where are you?" Please oh please don't let it be Charlie. Please don't let her be hurt. Please don't let her have gone and eloped. A thousand other frigthening things race through my vampire mind while I await her answer. Finally she lets out a loud sigh, "I'm not coming home Bella because I'm having trouble....adjusting to your new life. I'm not used to this, you feel all wrong to me. I can't stand not being connected to you and seeing you walking around. It feels like I'm watching a corpse Bells, not my twin. It hurts so fucking much....I need to be away from you for a while and hopefully I can get over this."

My body is frozen as my mind flies. She is staying away because of....me? Oh, you idiot! Of course it would feel that way to her! She was the dependant twin! How could you be so stupid?! So blind?! Her bipolar moods, her hot and cold affections. Her outbursts. I'd chalked it all up to mourning for Charlie and her being drained of power. The hurt and shame hit me like a train. "You're staying away because of me?" I ask, knowing the answer, but still unable to accept it. There is a sobbing sound, "I'm sorry Bella." and the phone disconnects. I stand, staring at the phone until someone pries it from my grasp and hugs me. "We'll work this out Bella, she just needs time,"Alice cooes as she holds me. I cling to her as the tearless sobs wrack my form. Soon, I feel other arms wrapping around us. Our entire vampire family surrounds us, holding tight as I cry for my human twin.

"What do I do?" I finally ask to no one in particular. Edward answers with a simple, "We give her what she has asked for. Time. We love her too much to do anything else."

"I still need to know where she is," I decide and everyone moves so I can retrieve my cell phone. "Alice, can you see her well enough to find her?" I ask as I begin dialing Jacob's number. "I can try Bella," she answers honestly, "But please don't be upset if I can't finder her okay?" I nod as the phone begins to ring. "Hello?" his voice is groggy and thick with sleep. "Hi Jake, it's Bella, "I try to keep my voice calm, " I spoke to Carlie and have agreed to give her what she needs, the problem is she didn't give me any clue of her whereabouts. If I knew where she was, I know I would worry about her less. Jake, if you value my sanity, please just tell me where she is. I swear that I won't bother her. I need to know she is safe." I hear him groan and stretch, then rifle through some papers; he's stalling. "Um, Bella, do you think this is the best course of action? I mean calling and asking me instead of her?" he finally asks. I pick at the cracked tile on the counter,"She told me that she needs time. She was very upset and hung up before I could ask where she was. I didn't want to betray her trust by calling her so soon and demanding to know where she is staying." He sighs loudly, "I'm not giving you specifics even though you'll figure it out on your own. She's staying at a motel close to the rez Bells. Allen, Mischa, Leah, and Seth are with her. She is safe, I promise, I wouldn't be away from her right now if I didn't believe that. Good enough?" "Yeah Jake, thanks." I reply, lifting the white flag of surrender, "and thank you once again for taking care of Carlie when I couldn't." "Sure, sure," he mumbles, "Anything else Bella?" "Nothing that can't wait Jake, go back to sleep. Night." I hang up and go looking for Alice.

I hear Edward at the piano and go to check there first. I'm not disappointed. The little pixie is perched on the bench next to her brother, the tell tale far away look in her eyes that comes with the visions. Edward offers a gentle smile as I kneel in front of our adopted sister, "Alice, it's okay, Jake says she is close but the Goth Twins, Seth and Leah are with her. You won't see her." I wait as she reins in her sight. Her trademark evil grin spreads across her face as she announces, "I know exactly where she is." Edward spins on the bench and hugs her,"How Alice? You still have trouble with Bella and she's a damn vampire." She giggles, "I managed to get a few peeks on Mischa. Seth imprinted on her today!" She begins rambling about what she seen, and I slowly make my way towards the laptop. I Google hotels near us, then narrow it down to those close to the reservation. My hand is suddenly smacked away from the keyboard by an annoyed Alice, "Leave her be Bella. It will only make things worse if you go behind her back and track her every move. I've seen it." She pulls me from the chair, "Go play with Edward or something or I'm going to take you shopping. I swear I'll do it Bella, don't push me." I wrap my arms around her shoulders,"I know you won't tell me where she is unless it's an emergency and I can accept that, but don't ever think that I am going to stop worrying about her." She affectionately pats my cheek, "I know Bella. You are still so human, I envy that sometimes. I'll do my best to keep an eye on her. Promise." I kiss her cheek, "Thanks sis." She laughs, "That's what I do!"

Edward comes in as Alice bounces off, "She's so damn smug," he chuckles as his arms snake around my waist. "I'm going up to see Carlisle and Esme for a little while. Need to work some shit out with them. I'll be back in a few hours. Rose and Emmett are going hunting and wanted to know if you wanted to join them?" I shake my head, "No, I'll wait for you if Alice and Jasper don't go. I love Em and Rose, but things get a little out of hand when the hunting is done and I'm not in the mood to see Emmett's bare ass bouncing up and down in the moonlight." He grasps my chin and brushes his thumb against my bottom lip. His molten topaz eyes drawing me in, "I seem to remember a certain newborn getting out of hand after hunting," he murmurs in a husky velvet tone. If I could've blushed, I would have. That is if he hadn't chosen that moment to push me up against the fridge and assault me with his lips. In one fluid motion, he pulls my legs up around him and grinds our centers together as our mouths battle. He moves from my lips, licking and sucking his way down my neck. His name escapes my mouth in a breathless moan.....

SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT!

Four paintballs slam into Edward's back simultaneously. Emmett, Rose, Jasper, and Alice all stand in the door holding paintball guns and evil grins. "It was the only way to get your attention, "Jasper qualifies with an ornery smirk on his face. I grab Edward before he pounces on Jas and destroys the kitchen, "Edward! Don't you have to go see Carlisle?" I ask, trying to distract him. He glares at Jasper a moment before nodding and turning to face me,"I'll be back soon angel. If Ali and Jas are willing to wait, we'll go hunting together when I get back." I give him a chaste kiss, "That's fine. Now go before I make you drag me some place more private." He mock growls at me, "Don't tempt me like that love," plants one last kiss on my waiting lips, and goes down to the garage. "Let me help clean up, "Alice offers as I hear Edward's Ducati roar down the driveway.

We end up cleaning the rest of the house with Jasper's assistance as we wait for Edward's return. Alice won't talk about what is being discussed at Cullen Headquarters so I opt to talk about something that has been on my mind. "Ali, what would you think of us moving in with your parents so Carlie can stay here instead of a motel?" Alice and Jasper exchange a grin and she nods,"You and Edward think so much alike sometimes, it's creepy!" "Huh?" She rolls her eyes, "That's what Edward went up to the house to discuss with Carlisle and Esme silly. He's really upset that Carlie feels she can't live in her own home. I don't know if you have noticed, but he loves her like a sister..no, he loves me like a sister..more like a surrogate dad." I give her a look, "Why?" Jasper chuckles, "That's easy Bella. He is in love with you and you have always been so maternal with Carlie that his feelings developed the same way. Sure, he can be a jerk, but have you noticed that he's even nicer to her than he is to you sometimes?" I nod. "That's because you have always worried about her like you were her mother instead of her older twin. He treats her like I imagine a new step-father would treat a nearly grown step-child. He wants to be her friend, but is also protective of her." "Oh," I mumble as the truth of the matter dawns on me.

My newest revelation is interrupted by a motorcycle speeding towards the house. "Oh good, I'm starving!" Alice chirps, then tags Jasper, "Tag! You're it!" and speeds out the door. Jasper leers at me with a grin and I dive out the nearest window, hitting the ground at full speed. "Bella?!" Edward yells as I run past. "Jasper's It Edward!" I call back over my shoulder. I hear and "Oh shit!" as Edward barely dodges Jasper's tag and comes tearing across the field full tilt. The game continues up into the mountains, where we find Carlisle and Esme hunting with Em and Rose.

It's an unspoken rule not to tag anyone who is feeding, but all others are fair game. Rose tags Emmett once, sending him crashing into a spruce bigger around than him. It comes crashing down, nearly hitting Jasper on the head. Jasper growls and lifts up the broken trunk and heaves it back at his sibling, who is doubled over laughing. Em manages to dodge it, but Carlisle and Edward catch it in the chest, driving them back with the unexpected hit. Alice grabs my hand, pulling me in the opposite direction as Emmett looks to Jasper, "Dude! Run!" he cries before slinging Rose over his shoulder and bolting over the hill. I can hear Edward and Carlisle's matching growl, "It's on now." I pick Alice up and use all of my newborn strength to put as much distance between us and the coming carnage as quickly as possible.

Soon Alice and I reach the house, Jasper and Esme on our heels. We get situated and the evil pixie perches on top of the piano, searching her visions, and gives us a play by play of the events going on up the hill. Esme wraps her arm around me and pulls me close, "Jasper has went back to join in the fun" she mock-whispers while the vampire on the piano is describing how Carlisle and Edward are using Emmett as a tennis ball, using trees as rackets. "They're what?!" Esme cries as she jumps to her feet, "That is entirely too much!" She jumps out the open window and rushes to save her son. "Should we go and help?" I ask Alice. She checks the future and shakes her head, "No, you end up being knocked into the river by Emmett and Edward retaliates by ripping his arm off and beating him with it. Best just to stay put. Go make your cookies that you got from that angsty love story you told me about, it will be safer."

I bake cookies until dawn, which is about the time the boys finally make it home. Edward slinks into the kitchen, looking more roughed up than usual. "What happened?" I nervously ask. He sits down at the table and light a cigarette, "Emmett finally got even with me for kicking his ass these past couple of months." I set the spatula down and sit in his lap, "What did he do to you Edward?" Edward refuses to meet my eyes as he mumbles, "The fucker threw me off of a cliff." I hear Emmet's guffaw's "Oh my god Bella! You should have seen it! Eddie bounced the whole way down!" "Fuck you Em!" Edward calls over my shoulder as he wraps his free arm around me. "Did you get everything worked out with Carlisle?" I inquire. He gives me a gentle kiss, "Yes love. We'll be moving what we want to take with us today. The sun will be out so we'll be stuck inside anyways. I spoke to Carlie on the way home about it. Carlisle already left to meet her to go over a few details. Don't worry, we'll all make sure Carlie is taken care of." I lay my forehead against his, "I know, it's just hard, leaving her alone like this." "I know angel, but this will help both of you, in the end. I know that adjusting to your new life has been difficult, but you've been doing so well. You act like you are decades rather than weeks old. With as fast as your new mind is, you were able to adapt independently of your twin infinitely faster than she has been able to adjust independently of you. You and I have to do everything in our power to help Carlie get through this, even if it means letting someone else care for her for a while." "Okay love." I give in. I know he's right, as usual. One day I might find something he doesn't know already. Right now though, we have to pack. "I hope this rift doesn't last forever Edward," I comment as we get to our feet. He plants a kiss im my hair, "It won't angel. I promise."

(Carlie's POV)

"I think it's a damn good idea Carlie," Jake says as we drive back to the motel, "Bella needs the extra supervision and you need someplace you feel safe." I flick the ash off of my cigarette, "I know, it's just I feel like some kind of battle lines are being drawn, like it was before Bella and I showed up and begged everyone to try and get along. I don't want it to go back to vampires versus werewolves Jake." He pats my leg,"It's not going to be like that honey. Carlisle already said that everyone planned on having the family parties at your house, if you allowed it, remember? No battle lines, no impending doom sweetheart." I slide my fingers through his,"I should have just found a little cottage or something to stay in until I could work this out. It's really going to suck having to move everyone." Jake laughs, "We don't have to worry about that Carlie, it's going to be sunny all day. They plan on getting their things packed today and moving it all tonight." I roll my eyes,"Yeah, I remember what he said."

We pull into the parking space and notice everyone has left to run their errands for the day. We sit out on the porch, eating our cereal and watching the morning sun overtake the river valley. Jake informs me that he and the pack have already discussed arrangements so that I'm never left alone in the house. Mischa and Allen obviously threw themselves into the plan. Everyone is going to move their work schedules around as well. Mischa had just gotten a call about a job at the library while Allen is going to be giving fencing lessons at the YMCA. Leah is going through with her Internet business of organic and natural body soaps and lotions and such so she'll be able to work from the house even. Quil and Embry have a small business of their own doing odd jobs on the reservation and around Forks so it won't be difficult for them to find time to check on me. Jake himself managed to convince the manager of the dealership I had bought my Eclipse at to offer him a part time job as a mechanic for the summer. I was the only one without a job, unless Leah drafted me to help make her inventory like she's done to Seth. I had a feeling that was exactly what she had in mind.

"Since Leah is going to be using the house as her labroratory, I don't mind if she just stays for the summer," I admit after washing up our breakfast dishes. Jake puts the last dried dish away, "If you want it honey. None of us are going to force you to deal with us in your house. I have no doubt the whole pack would just love to camp out there for the summer, but it's your decision." I move to the living area and begin tidying things,"Jake they can all stay at the house whenever they'd want to as long as it doesn't get in the way of our alone time." He laughs, "Well, on the account dad has pretty much adopted the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy at home, I might just have to stalk you all summer Miss Swan." I throw on of Mischa's beaded pillows at him, "You can't stalk someone when they want you to follow them around Jacob," I duck as he tosses it back," and I wouldn't mind spending the rest of the summer going to sleep and waking up next to you. I mean, if you'd want that." I finish in a low voice.

He jumps over the couch and scoops me up into his arms, "You are such an insecure girl for someone who likes to fight so much. This whole self esteem shit is really starting to piss me off. Carlie, if we weren't so goddamn young, I'd beg you to marry me and then carried you off to the nearest person with that authority the moment I could get you to agree." I nuzzle into his warm neck, "So, I guess that means maybe?" I tease. He buries his face in my hair, "My darling little Swan, if I could, go another night without falling asleep beside me and never have another morning that I couldn't kiss you awake." "Hhmm, I think I like that idea wolfy," I purr. He growls and kisses my forehead, "Alright Little Red Riding Hood." He swings me and drops me onto the couch. I land with an "Uumph!" and then fall off the couch. itry to wave a pillow at his head, but only get the same empty ache like I have been getting when I try to cast. I rearrange my features before Jake catches on, "I'm going to shave your ass one of these days Jacob, " and pick up another pillow, launching at his head. "Hey!" he calls out as he dodges the second and third pillows, "Aren't we supposed to be cleaning, not making a bigger mess? And aren't you supposed to be afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?"

I give up on actually hitting my agile boyfriend, instead settling for making him twitch, thinking I'm going to attack him again. "Big Bad Wolf indeed mister. Question. How are any of you going to sleep between work, patrolling, living your lives, and babysitting me? It's going to be a sucky summer for the pack honey." He tosses the pillows in the corner with the rest of the guest bedding, "You forget Nessie, we need less sleep than you and we're built to go long spans without sleep if we need to. No worries sweetheart, we will be fine."

That day no one bothers us. We make love more times than I can count or would ever try to. Our little bubble of what life could and might be like when the worlds ideas of who are children and who are not finally have no more meaning to us. It may seem strange to some, but for two people trying to find their places both the mundane and supernatural worlds, this was the closest to normal I believe we would ever be. We barely have our clothes back on when Allen's car pulls in. We kiss passionately one last time and go out to meet the first barrage of the evening.

ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU TO THOSE WONDERFUL PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY TOOK THE TIME TO REVIEW! I LOVE YOU GUYS!

FOR THOSE WHO HAD BOARDS SHOVED UP THEIR ASSES AND WERE TOO GOOD TO REVIEW: *blows raspberries and gives the number one*

Okay, progress has been made once again after spending a full 24 hours of family drama and beating my head off of the wall because my mind didn't want to cooperate with getting this chapter done.

I'm am officially joining the 'REVIEW OR DIE' movement. So, REVIEW AFTER READING or I'm siccing Bitch Bella on you.