Hey everybody!! =]

I know I haven't written in a while, but I've been away for a water polo tournament in both Cuba AND Jamaica O.o for anyone curious to know, my team won gold both times :] so yeah I've been away fro 11 days, and then I've been spending the last 2 weeks writing new chapters for all my stories, both on fanfic and fic press. That's a total of 7 (yes I said SEVEN) chapters. I've also gone to check out universities and that took away writing time. So yeah, it's not like I abandoned you…I just haven't had time!

HOWEVER this would be the last chapter you see from me in a while. I have exams starting in a couple of weeks, and I won't go anywhere near a computer till June 10th. (That's the day of my last exam.) After that, I could write to my heart's content :) That's why I was pushing to finish new chapters for all my stories- so I could release them all at once, almost like a big 'bang' before I leave you for a month and a bit :'(

Ok, I'm boring you…onto the story! And don't forget to review!!! ;]

Bella's POV

Caryn and I walked back to the house, our arms linked. After hearing her story, I was glad to know her a little better. She actually wasn't so bad, once I got to know her. Plus I didn't feel jealous that she and Edward were best friends 100 years ago.

Or at least, I tried not to be.

There was one thing left for me to do, and I was dreading doing it. I knew I had to end whatever Chris and I had, and I was not looking forward to it. I knew what it was like having my heart broken, and I didn't like it. This was worse, because his heart was already broken from what I had done to him, and it made me miserable. My mood darkened as we got closer to the house, and Caryn sensed me falling into depression. I was sure by now the whole house had learned of my scandalous behavior, and my mood just got even darker. By the time we reached the house, I was practically being led by Caryn. My eyes were trained on the floor, absorbing every detail in the dirt and grass. I really did not want to meet anybody's eyes now, and see their disgust and disappointment.

I tentatively looked up and saw the one person I was hoping to avoid: Chris. I quickly scanned the room and noticed everyone's eyes were trained on us. Their gazes were not disapproving as I feared, but merely inquisitive. I took a deep breath and straightened my shoulders. I was going to see this through to the end even if I died of embarrassment.

I moved to Chris' side, and I felt Caryn move from my side so that she stood behind me. She clasped her hand on my shoulder and I took a deep breath. I wanted to keep this simple and break it off cleanly, and without any misunderstandings. There were enough of those going around. Misunderstandings, I mean.

I slipped the beautiful ring off of my left ring finger, and weighed it in my hand. I glanced at it one last time and admired how the sunlight streamed through the facets in the diamond before placing it in Chris' hand. I looked up into his golden eyes, and immediately regretted it. His golden eyes, which formerly held so much love for me, now held resentment and hate. I flinched away and turned around, unable to look into his eyes anymore. Caryn placed her arm around my shoulders and led me away from my former love.

She led me up the stairs to a room so familiar to me I could name every CD on the wall. Edward's room. He was still in there, lounging on the couch. To anyone who happened to pass by he seemed to be relaxing and reading his book, but I recognised the tightness in his jaw that indicated that he knew what happened downstairs. I instantly went to his side and slipped under his arm, relaxing in his embrace. I buried my face in his chest, willing the tears to come, even though I knew they never would. Caryn sat on my other side and gave me a half-hug. My shoulders trembled and shuddered as if I were crying, but we all knew vampires were incapable of producing tears or any other bodily fluid. I took a deep breath in an attempt to steady myself, and sat up. I looked into Edward's calm amber eyes, seeing understanding and an unconditional love for me. He lowered his head so our foreheads were touching, the tips of our noses brushing against each other. I shivered in anticipation, momentarily forgetting Caryn was in the same room. Edwards smiled gently and kissed the tip of my nose before leaning away, his arm still around my shoulders.

Caryn seemed to realise that we wanted to be alone, so she quietly got up and left the room, closing the door quietly behind her.

"I feel so horrible." I murmured. Edward stroked my hair and linked my hand with his. He rubbed the back of my hand with his thumb, especially the ring finger. His face was contemplative, and I knew what direction his thoughts were taking him. "Edward, no. Not yet. I may lose you anyday now, and I don't want to hurt Chris anymore. Seeing me engaged to you after just breaking off out own engagement...it'll crush him even more."

Edward sighed ruefully an gave me that crooked smile I loved so much, but his eyes were guarded, almost as if he was trying to hide something from me. "I can't help but hope." He whispered into my ear, making me smile wistfully.

"One day."

"Really?"

"Yes. I'm yours Edward, even when I didn't know it. So...in the future. Just not now."

I rested my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes, just listening to his steady breathing. He wrapped his arms around me as if I were a baby and rocked me gently. We sat there contently until Edward stiffened.

"What happened?" I asked, immediately concerned.

"Alice had another vision." He replied tersely, gently removing me from his lap to the floor and taking my hand as he led me downstairs. My mind was reeling- what could have Alice seen this time?

When we came downstairs we saw that Alice stood in the living room, her eyes wide and unseeing. Her hands twitched at her side and Jasper was holding her shoulders, glaring at anyone who dared to come too close. Jacob was the only one who seemed ready to pounce on Alice as soon as she came out of the vision, but Ness was holding his arm in a restraining manner. I noticed the Denali clan standing off to the side, Chris a shadow behind them. His gaze snapped to mine, and his golden eyes melted with hurt. Then he hardened his gaze and clenched his jaw, looking away from me to Alice. I looked at Alice as well, a lump forming in my throat.

With a gasp Alice's eyes refocused. She looked at all of us and announed, "It is time. They will be coming tomorow evening."

The room then erupted into a mass of noise and confusion, everyone shouting questions.

"How many?"

"What time?"

"How do you know it is tomorrow, and not next week or next month?"

The only ones who were quiet were Carlisle, Edward and myself.

Alice shook her head, her black hair flipping around. "I know it is tomorrow because I saw Riley announce to his newborns that they will come to us at that time."

"Bring it!" Yelled Emmett, a grin spreading across his features. Rosalie slapped his arm, and he winced slightly. Jasper was shaking his head in annoyance, a frown marring his features.

"No, we would have to take it to them. They have advantage of numbers, but we have knowledge of this area. We have to use it to our advantage. Would he attack the house?" He directed the question to Alice, who nodded. He sighed and ran his hands through his dirty blonde hair. "Would they follow our scent to a place of our choosing?"

Alice's eyes glazed over for a second, but she then shook her head. "No, they will suspect a trap and regroup, plan for another time." Jasper nodded his head thoughtfully.

"Do they know the Denali clan is with us?"

"Doubtful." Replied Alice with a frown.

"They don't. Riley expected the Cullens to give up when he took Ness, but you took her back. He never took the Denali clan into consideration, so he would only be planning for the five Cullens and Bella." Answered Caryn, her hair flaming behind her. Her eyes burned with hate for her former companion, and I shivered.

Jasper sighed again, and I could practically see the wheels in his head turning as he tried to figure a way out of this problem.

"How about a decoy?" Asked Jacob, his face serious. "Caryn-" He growled her name, and I cringed. He still hasn't forgiven her for taking Ness. "said that Riley only expects the Cullens. How about the Cullens stay here, and lead them to a place of out choosing? In the heat of battle, Riley won't be able to regroup or retreat; just follow."

Jasper looked surprised that Jacob actually had a brain in his head. Heck, I was also surprised at the sheer brillance and simplicity of his plan, but I made sure Jake didn't see it.

"The mutt has a point." Rosalie looked like she was about to puke. Jacob flashed her a white toothed grin, but turned all seriousness agian.

"While the Cullens lead the new borns to wherever, Sam and my pack could wait for them along the way, pick them off one by one."

Jasper shook his head. "Your scent is too distinctive, Riley would suspect a trap and retreat. No, let the Denali clan lie in wait and pluck them off and your packs could wait at our predetermined place."

"Fine, where do you want us to go?"

Jasper glanced at Carlisle, and they both annouced at the same time, "Baseball field."

"What about me?" Asked Ness, concern laced into her tone. "Where would I be?"

Jacob gently cradled her face in his large hands and kissed her sweetly. "You will be as far away as I could possibly take you. Maybe by my dad's. You, Charlie and Matt." She opened her mouth to protest, but Jacob silenced her with another kiss. I looked away, slightly embarassed by the amount of affection Jacob was showing for his imprint in public. "No buts, I want you safe."

"What about you?" She whispered, her voice ragged. Thanks to my extra sensory hearing, I could still hear her. "I want you to be safe too, but do I get to hide you? No! You just get to charge out there into the thick of danger and I would be at your dad's, worried sick."

Jacob's face softened, and he stroked Ness' face with his thumb. "Don't worry, Ness." She snorted, rolling her eyes.

"Of course I'll worry, you big oaf."

"Hey, if you get lucky the Cullens and Denali would have finished off most of the new borns so I won't have any action."

"Ha, as if you won't go off looking for action."

Jacob smiled, and said ruefully, "Could you just believe me a litle? I'm trying to make you feel better, and you're making it harder." Ness' chin trembled and she threw herself into Jacob's arms. I felt a tug at my elbow, and saw Edward trying to lead me away from the private scene. With a start I realised that Edward, Jacob, Ness and I were the only ones left in the room. I obediently followed Edward outside, glad to give Jacob and Ness their private time.

Edward threw an arm around my shoulders, pulling me in close. I snuggled into his chest, and sighed softly. "I guess there is no chance that I can persuade you to stay at Billy's tomorrow too?" Asked Edward lightheartedly.

"Not on your life." I answered darkly.

He chuckled and kissed the crown of my head. "Thought not." We then fell into a contemplative silence as we both wondered what tomorrow would bring.

Hey and sorry it's so short...But the story is wrapping up, and I've lost enthusiasm for the story. So naturally, I won't write as much nor as often. But hopefully it's only a couple more chapters :)

Any thoughts? Comments? Criticisms? Like it? Hate it? Love it?

r.e.v.i.e.w.

please?

;]