"Hey, Jake. Its me again. Just wanted to hear your voice, make sure you're okay...no pressure. Just..call me back whenever you get this.."

I click the end button and withhold a sigh. Its been days, maybe even a week and still nothing. Not a peep from Jacob or Rosalie, and its unsettling. More so with Jacob because I dont know if he's okay or not.

"Dont fret too much, Bells," Charlie says, slightly giving me his attention; im afraid his full attention is on the flat screen. "Billy says theres been a slight outbreak of Mano or something.."

"Mano," well that explains alot, I suppose.

"Yeah. Leah and Jacob seem have caught the worst of it.."

"I should go see them. Make sure they're okay. Maybe bring them some soup or something?"

"Im sure they'd appreciate that, Bells. But dont you go getting yourself sick. Thats the last thing we need..."

"Dont worry, dad. I'll be careful," I say reassuringly. "You want anymore pasta while im in the kitchen," I ask while pushing myself up to stand.

"No thank you, Bells. But a beer would be nice, if you dont mind?"

"Say no more," I smile and gather his plate before retreating towards the kitchen.

The fridge swings open and just as im about to grab for a beer, my phone vibrates. I grab for both the beer and my phone and then furrow my brows at the unknown number.

Usually I dont answer unknown calls but somethings telling me to answer this one.

"Hello," I answer tentatively, almost hyperventilating when Rosalie's voice echo's in my ear. Im really gonna have to work at that.

"Bella-," she begins again, but i cut her off.

"-You havent called me or...or texted me or..or anything!" I all but yell.

"I...know. You said you needed time and...I just wanted to give you some space.."

"Yes, im aware of what I said, Rosalie. However, I think me being alone for three months was space enough. I wouldnt have minded if you'd called..."

"Im sorry," she pauses. "If its any consolation, I wanted to call you, talk to you every minute that ive been gone..."

"Where are you," I say after a moment, not really knowing what else to say.

"Um...at the moment. Im in...Yakutsk."

"Yakutsk?"

"Yes, its in Siberia. Carlisle recently took on some charity work . Helping those who cant afford help. You know how he can be..."

"Yes, im afraid I do know," I smile and shake my head. Carlisle really is a kind man. "How long will you be there?"

"Im not...really sure. Apparently he has a few patients to tend to in the next couple of days. So there's no telling. A few more days at the most?"

"-You said that the last time, Rose. That you'd only be be gone for a few days.

"And I have been. Its only been what, a week at the most, Bella? Im trying my best but we cant just get up leave.."

"-Why not? You didnt have a problem with doing it before." I snarl and as soon as I say this, I mentally slap myself; I honestly hadnt meant to say it or have it come out so viciously.

"Im..so sorry, Rose," I begin to protest as she exhales audible.

"No, its fine. I deserve it and so much more..."

"-No. That was totally uncalled for-"

"-Hey, Bells. You okay in there," Charlie voice interrupts, slightly startling me. I look at the beer can in my hand and instantly remember why I came in the kitchen in the first place.

"Yeah, sorry. I got a bit distracted," I mumble, handing Charlie his beer.

"Oh? Well I hope your not too distracted. Dont want you getting into any accidents while going to see Jake. Or are you talking to him now?"

I debate my options here. I could lie to him, but honestly, I dont see the point.

"Um no. Actually...im talking to Rosalie.."

And on cue, the beer that was previously making its way onto his tongue, comes sputtering out like a faucet.

"Wait," he begins, sitting up and holding up one of his hands. "What?"

"I said im on the phone with Rosalie.."

"Oh no. I heard what you said, Bells. Let me rephrase that. Why, why are you talking to Rosalie?"

"Because...she..she called," is the only explanation I can give.

"Because she...called," he drawls out slowly, as if he's testing it on his tongue; hestitantly I nod my head.

"So let me get this straight. Rosalie up and leaves you. Out of nowhere and in the middle of nowhere. Leaves you a complete mess for I dont know how long. Comes back apparently, and you're just going to accept it...just like that?"

"Dad, its not like that-"

"-What the hell are you thinking, Bella? She's not good for you. That much is evident from the months I spent consoling you in your sleep.."

"I know that, dad! We're not together...we're just.." Im not sure what we are really, or what I want us to be for that matter.

"You're just what, hmm?"

"Dad, can we please not do this? I really cant handle this right now. All I want to do is go see Jake, okay?"

"Yeah, you go see, Jake. Maybe he can talk some sense into you..."

I withold a sigh at that, shaking my head and willing the anger thats threatening to erupt, to reside.

"Welp, I definitely saw that one coming," Rosalie mumbles into the phone as I make my way back into the kitchen. I pull out two cans of Campbell's and pour its content into a a small pot.

"I didnt however, see you making the decision to go see, Jacob."

"Well, I have. Its that a problem?"

"Yes. It sorta is, Bella. I dont think its such a good idea for you to go down there. You'll find that things arent...really the same as they were before..."

"Yes, they arent the same. Im glad that you understand that. Im also glad that you understand that we're not together, Rosalie. So you dont get the luxury of telling me what to do..."

"Bella," she inhales deeply. "I get that I really messed up. And I get that you're right; we're not together. But this isnt about us, Bella. Its about keeping you safe. Its not...safe for you to go down there..."

"Rosalie, im really not in the mood for this, okay? He's my bestfriend. And the Reservation is one of the safest places I know. Nothings going to happen to me.."

"You dont know that. You dont know what could happen.."

"Neither do you.." I retort, stirring the soup before turning off the stove.

"Bella, im begging you. Just please...at least consider what im saying to you.."

"I have considered it, Rose. And Ive already made my decision. He and Leah are my bestfriends and they need me. Im going, Rose. With or without you're approval.."

Theres a muffled growl followed by an uncomfortable silence, which lets me know she quite angry, though she wont voice.

Which im grateful for; I really dont feel like arguing.

"Im guessing its safe to assume he doesnt like me much. Though i doubt he really liked me to begin with..." She finally says after the silence begins to consume us.

" Who?"

"Charlie. I can hear him. He's mumbling to himself.."

I croon my neck in the direction of the living room and sure enough, Charlie seems to be having a one-sided conversation.

"Charlie's just...being protective. Being a dad. He wont forgive you so easily.."

"Neither will you apparantly. And Im being protective. But you dont seem to see it that way.."

" No, I wont forgive you so easily. you have to earn that, Rose. And correction, you're being jealous. Admit it, you've never liked Jacob or Leah for that matter.."

"-Okay. I dont like Jacob and I dont like Leah. But im not being jealous, Bella. I just want you to be safe.."

"I am safe with them. What makes you think I wouldnt be? That they'd let something happen?"

"Well, aside from the little dare devil stunts they allowed you to pull. Its really not my place to say.."

"But its you're place to tell me what i shouldnt and should do?"

A deep sigh, followed by shuffling.

"No slack whatsoever, huh?"

"Nope. None at all.."

"I wish I could tell you, Bella. Make you understand," she lets out a frustrated sigh. " I wish you knew what I knew. It would be so much easier.."

"Then tell me."

"I cant. Its an answer I cannot give.."

"Ive been hearing that alot lately. Its really frustrating.."

"I know the feeling. But look. I dont really know how this all plays out...just promise me you'll be careful."

" I promise. I'll be fine, Rose. You'll see..."

"And as much as I would love to believe that that is indeed the case. I simply cannot. I cant do much from over here. But please. Please call me as soon as possible..."

"I...will. I really have to go Rosalie..."

Theres a hum at the other end in response, followed by the dial tone.

*T.I.M*

I hate to admit it but Rosalie is right; things are different.

He's different.

That much is apparent from the moment I stepped foot of the Rez. I spot Jacob as soon as I park in front of his house; he's making his way towards the back, half naked, and very much different.

I call for him as I step out of my truck, in the pouring rain mind you, and he blatantly ignores me. It not until now, this very moment, when im standing right in front of him, that I truly realize how different things, he, has become.

"I thought you were sick? I thought you couldnt answer the phone? Charlie said you had Mano, but here you are, standing outside half naked in the rain?"

"-Go away," is his cold reply, face completely masked of any type of emotion; I blanch at his now retreating form.

"Hold on," I say, catching his lower arm and almost flinching at how hot it is. "What happened, Jake?"

"I said...go away..."

"-No. Not until you talk to me. Not until you tell me whats wrong."

He says nothing, but gives me this cold stare.

"I mean, your walking around in the rain with no shirt. You cut your hair...and now...now you got a tattoo..?"

He sets his jaw but still says nothing.

"What happened to you, Jacob," I persist," did Sam get to you?"

That seems to set him off; his whole demeanor changes.

"Dont blame Sam," his nostrils flare as he begins to size me up. "Sam's trying to help me. But if you want somebody to blame, how bout those filthy bloodsuckers you love so much? The Cullens...?"

How did he..?

"I...I," I swallow hard," I dont know what you're talking about.."

"-Oh bullshit, Bella. You know exactly what im talking about. You've been lying to everyone. Charlie, Renee, everyone. But not me," he shakes his head,"not anymore. Me standing here...what I've become is proof of that.."

"Jacob, please," I beg as moves to turn away," I-"

"You what, Bella? Hmm? There's nothing more to say..."

Theres a whistle from behind, towards the thicket, followed by a call. I watch in distain as Sam makes his presence known. Jacob immediately tenses as Sam calls out to him again.

"They're brainwashing you, Jacob! Look at you.."

"Look at you!" He suddenly heaves, a look of pure malice marring is features. There's a flash of blond behind him; there's a look of worry before her voice floats into my head.

"Careful, Bella. Don't push him.."

"Rose..," I hadn't meant to say it out loud, but as soon as it slips, so does Jacob apparently.

"And I'm brainwashed," he scoffs," are you really in that much denial or do you just think that I'm stupid! They've got their hooks in you so deep, it's not even pathetic," he spits out in disgust.

Why is he trying to hurt me? As if he reads my mind, his face softens.

"It doesn't even matter anymore, Bella. I'm done here. We...cant be friends anymore.."

My eyes widen at his words; he can't just leave. He promised me!

"Jacob, wait! You...you said..you promised you wouldnt do that, what they did. You wouldn't hurt me, disappoint me.." There's a steady flow of wetness trailing down my face and I'm not sure if its just from the rain or if I'm crying.

"I know, Bella. And this is me keeping my promise."

"Jacob, please...don't. You're my best friend. I need you.."

"Im no good for you, Bella. It's the only way.."

You sound just like her.

"That's an order, Jacob," Sam bellows and again, Jacob tenses.

"Get out of here, Bella. And don't come back, or you're gonna get hurt." He turns around then, walking straight through Rosalie; hurt, I watch them both fade away.

*T.I.M*

"Quill," I shout, waving my hand frantically. He looks up through his soaked hoody and regards me with a look of relief.

"Thank god. It's freezing out there," he mumbles with a shiver as he settles into the passenger seat.

"Where are you headed, especially in this weather?"

"Port Angeles, the library. Not really one to check for the upcoming forecast," he says meekly.

"I see. Well I don't mind dropping you off if you want, but how are you going to get home?"

"I'm supposed to meet up with Leah and-"

"-Leah?" I cut him off, surprise evident in my voice. "I thought she was sick? Then again, I thought the same about Jake and he's-"

"Changed...different?" Theres a look on his face, a very solemn look. "Yeah, seems to be a lot of that going around. Changes, weird things," he pauses. "You ever hear about those 'unexplained' disappearances, hikers gone missing?" I nod my head. "Wild animals," he scoffs, shaking his head. "That's just the tip of the iceberg. There's something...things out there that arent meant to be seen, known..."

"Did...did something happen? Is it Sam?"

He swallows hard with a look of distress; the car slows to a stop at a red light and I watch as he bites he's lip.

"You can tell me Quill. If something's wrong or bothering you, you can tell me. Does it...have to do with Sam?"

"It's not...Sam necessarily. It's just...something happened. Something Leah doesn't want me to talk about.."

"Quill, I can't try to help of you don't tell me. I won't say anything, I promise.

He nods weakly.

"I don't know, two, three days ago...I was out with Leah. We went on hike," another shake of his head. "She was so adamant about this. About finding this...this place. She said it was important to you..."

She went looking for the meadow?

"I don't even think she really knew what we were looking for. But she just kept saying we're almost there. We were walking for what seemed like hours. And, I don't know...something seemed off, and not just about her. It felt like we we're being followed, watched. Leah thought I was being paranoid..."

"Thought, huh?"

"Yeah, but I knew better. We decided to take a rest and...and well, I don't know what happened exactly but It all happened so fast. One minute we're talking and then in the next, my feet are dangling off the ground and I'm staring into red eyes.."

Red eyes?

I gasp then, mind immediately going towards the only source, the only possible explanation. A vampire and not the good kind.

"His skin was like ice. And Leah...she was trying to fight him off, but he was strong. Inhumanly so. She stabbed him with a pocket knife and it shattered. It shattered against his skin, Bella. His skin! How is that even possible?"

Its not possible, not humanly possible. And that's because he's not human.

"He threw her, like a ragdoll against a tree and it snapped like a twig. I thought I was done for, that we were done for but... I don't know. It all seems like a blur but something collided with him, the demon. I remember being thrown back by the force. I tried to focus but it was happening so fast. I think I hit my head and I was bleeding-"

"-The demon...did he smell it?"

"Y-yeah...he was attacking someone, a women? I don't know. But he said my blood was putrid, tainted. It was weird..."

"What happened to the women?"

He gives me a strange look, one I can't really dicipher.

"Something else was there with us. Something huge...and black. It look like a bear but bigger. I don't know what the hell it was. All I know is that the demon ran off and the girl. She...she was talking to the...the bear and trying to help Leah. Leah was unconscious. The women, she said something about her coven leader, a meeting, and that we would of been dead if she hadn't intervened. She knew the demon, that's for sure. Said his name was Lauren-"

"-Laurent?"

"-Y-yeah. I'm not sure how or why you know him, but he knew you as well. he was looking for you, Bella."

My foot settles on the break and its then that I finally take notice to my surroundings; Port Angeles. I don't dwell too much on that though, no, I dwell on the feeling in the pit of my stomach. The anxiety, paranoia.

"Stay away from that place, Bella. The woods...don't ever go in there," He warns, climbing out of the truck. "And never mention this to anyone," Is his afterthought. "Leah's going to kill me if she finds out I told you..."

"Quill, wait!"

He back peddles towards the truck and gives me a questioning look.

"The women...what did she look like? Did she have...red hair?"

"Hmm, no. She was blonde actually. Looked...kind of familiar now that I think of it. Why?"

"No reason."

*T.I.M*

"Aye Clearwater," comes deans voice, followed by a knock at the door. "If you're not too busy dropping the kids off, a little help out here would be nice."

"Fuck off," I mumble more to myself, flushing the toilet and wiping the excess vomit from my chin. I stand to my feet and lean against the sink. "Mano my ass," I scoff, admiring myself in the mirror. I look like shit and feel worse. Why the hell I continue to do this to myself is beyond me.

"Either work or be stalked by Sam and his drones." I splash water on my face and peer at myself again. "I choose the former, thank you."

"Former what," startled, I jump at the somewhat familiar voice.

"Jesus, Swan. What the fuck! You stalking me now too?"

"You're avoiding me," is cool nonchalant reply. She regards me with an unknown look as she takes purchase against the wall, blocking the exit.

"How did you even get in here?"

"Its a public restroom," she smirks," Not that hard to just walk down a few isles and make a right."

Smart ass.

"And Dean pointed me into the right direction."

"Of course he did," I retort dryly. "What do you want?"

"What...what do I want," she reiterates, as if the words are foreign to her. "Well for starters, how bout you tell me why you and Jacob for that matter, have been avoiding me?"

"-Jacobs a tool...just like Sam," I spit out in disgust.

"Is that an excuse?"

"No. It's a fact. He's a lost little lap dog to Sam now. Taking orders, following him around like a robot..."

"And you, what's your deal? Apparently the 'Mano' hasn't effected you too badly if your at work. So why, why haven't you been answering any of my calls?

"Ha, Mano...I wish. And I wasn't aware that I was obligated to you," I reply coldly, shrugging my shoulders.

"-What," she starts in a whisper," what have done...what did I do that was so bad that has you and Jake hating me?" She shouts, pleadingly. My stomach drops at her words; it seems as if she just may cry. I hate this.

"I don't...hate you, Bella. And you haven't done anything-"

"So why don't you want to be with me-be my friend?"

"I'm not friend material right now. I'm not a good...person."

"You are good person, Leah," she insists, reaching out for me. I welcome it, her touch. Her hands feel soft against my own. "You're doing the same thing Jacob did, pushing me away but for what?"

"I'm not Bella," I shy away from her touch, avoiding her eyes. "Somethings happening. Somethings wrong with me. Im angry all the time, there's voices screaming in my head, I don't even know who I am anymore. I don't...want to hurt you..."

"You won't. Just let me help you...tell me what to do?"

"Leave, Bella. Forget about me. If you really want to help, forget about Jake, both of us and just leave...there's nothing here for you. You can't help me.." I say with little emotion, creeping towards the door. I need to get out of here.

"No," she hisses forcibly, pushing forward, trying to block the exit. " I won't leave and I won't forget. Jacob already pushed me away but I refuse to let you do the same..."

"-Why?" I shout, my anger starting to rise, getting the better of me. "Why are you so adamant about this! Why do you even care? You got what you wanted. What you've been so desperately searching for. You're precious Cullen is back, so why keep doing this? Pretending like me or Jake actually mattered?" I'm hurting her but its a must. I just want her to leave, I need her to leave.

"You...you do matter, Leah." She recovers, regarding me with a look, as if shes been slapped in the face. "You both matter dearly to me. You're my friends-"

"-No we're not, Bella. We were convenient. Something you use to fill the void. But you don't need us, me anymore...and I don't need you."

"Leah, please. You're all I have left. I want...no, I need this to work. I really need a friend right now.

"-So go cry to Jacob. Cause I don't care about what you want or what you need. I don't care about you."

"You're lying," is her almost instant reply. I raise challenging brow in response." If you didn't care, if you don't care at all then why'd you go out there that day with quill? Why'd you go looking?"

My mouth opens to say something but nothong comes out.

"You care about me, just as much as Jacob. You're just afraid for reasons I dont understand. So you push me Away. You're always running!" She spits my words right back at me and I tense, backpeddle. "And im the weak one?" She tisks, shaking her head; her words hit home and before i can stop myself, ive got her pinned to the wall by her shoulders. She winces, at both the result of her back hitting the wall and the feeling of my hands over her shoulders.

"What the fuck do you know, Bella," I snarl viciously, tightning my grip, "What the fuck do you want from me...?"

"I need you," she whispers, in nothing but kindness, despite the tension in the air. Visibly my face screws up and i slightly step back, confused. "You are so fuckin' selfish, Bella," I find myself whispering, chest no longer heaving. "All you think about is yourself..."

"I know," she says so softly, I almost didn't catch it. "I need to know, Leah," she continues," I need to know what's happening..."

I don't know what's happening.

"-I need to know why you and why Jake are running, pushing me away..."

It's better this way, that's why.

"-I need to know what happened that day in the woods...with you and Quill.."

"Get out of here, Bella," I manage through clenched teeth; I feel that anger coming back. "There's nothing here for you.."

"-But..!"

"-Get the fuck out of here," with each word, my fist connects with the wall beside her face. I feel the tiles crack under my force and briefly I register the fact that there is no pain, but I don't dwell on it too long. "You wanna know what happened in the woods? Go ask your pretty fuckin' princess, Rosalie. She was there, talking to that...that thing!"

"L-Leah."

Fuck, those voices are echoing in my head!

Only half aware of my actions, I stagger backwards as the harsh feeling in both my stomach and head intensifies.

"L-Leah," I hear someone say, whether it was Swan or the voices in my head, I'm not too sure. I feel her at my side, just as the pain gets to be too much to bare and I begin wretching in a nearby trash can. "Its okay, Leah. I'm here.." I feel her hand glide soothingly against my back. "Leah, you're really burning up," she comments with worry," you need to see a doctor-"

"-Get out of here, Bella," I hiss half-heartedly for the third time. Instantly I feel her tense by my side, those soothing hands slowing their pace at my back.

"Leah," she begins to protest, but I cut her off. Taking a deep breath, I will my body to do what I say. Using the wall, I turn so that Im facing her and stare her straight in the eyes. There's no more anger, just pure kindness and hope, hope that she understands how badly I'm pleading, begging her to leave.

"Go, Bella," I damn near choke out. "Please leave..." She blinks a few times with a few emotions playing across her face, and she hesitates for a moment but then nods. Wordlessly I watch as her hands begins to wring at her sides before she turns and walks towards the exit; each step is like a weight lifted off my chest.

I can breathe now that shes not so close, I can breathe so much more deeply.

She pauses briefly at the door, and gives me a sad look over her shoulder before the door opens and closes.

"And don't ever come back," I add as an afterthought, slightly sobbing.

*T.I.M*

"So," Rosalie begins through the phone as I kick off my shoes and climb into bed. "How was your day at the Rez?" I without both a sigh and an eye roll; she knows exactly how my day was. Exhausting, confusing, and completely chaotic.

"You know exactly how my day was, Rosalie. You always know.." I say in annoyance. That's all I've been feeling since I got home, annoyed. Poor Charlie didn't even get an Hello; I just walked right in, feet dragging, and gave him the ugliest look when he asked how my day was. At least he knows when to back off. Can't say the same for Rosalie though.

"Actually, I don't know. I never really know what's happening when you're around those," she pauses, seemingly thinking of the right word to say. "Around Jacob," she finally says after clearing her throat.

"Strange," I comment, not too interested. "Wonder why that is..."

"As do I," she mutters and this time I can't help but roll my eyes. I really am all too annoyed with her. But not even just her, the whole situation. Jake, Leah, the answers they all refuse to give, everything!

"So, I ran into Quill and Leah, today." I say offhandedly, picking at my nails. I get the desired reaction I was looking for as she inhales rather deeply.

"Oh yeah," she says, trying to mask her previous reaction. I'm not at all convinced.

"Yeah. Had a pretty interesting conversation. Something about a hike in the woods, ya know, nothing out of the ordinary," I wave off. "Oh wait, there was something a little strange about the mention of red eyed demons and talking, giant bears," comes my sarcastic tone. "Now, if I was any normal teenager I could wave all that off, ya know...just blame drugs or think maybe they just hit their head a little to hard on something. But as luck would have it, I'm not ordinary. I like to spend my free time, chasing after voices and illusions in my head. Not to mention, I like to hang with Vampires..."

"-Bella.."

"-Where are you, Rosalie, really? Cause honestly, I'm starting not to believe anything that comes out of your mouth..."

"...I'm," she sighs," a couple states over..."

"Why'd you lie to me, Rose?"

"Because. If I told you where I was, you would of came looking. Now am I wrong?"

"That's...beside the point.."

"Is it? Then what's the point, Bella?"

"The point is, if you we're here, if you had stayed in the first place, I wouldn't need to come looking, now would I?"

"-Bella, I've told you plenty of times, I'm sorry. Things are extremely complicated right now and if I could, I'd give you all the answer you want. But I can't.."

"...Thats not good enough, Rose..."

"-What do you want me to say, Bella?"

What do I want her to say?

"I want the truth! I want to know why you're not here. Why Quill claims he saw you talking to a damn bear and I'd ask why Laurent is out and about, but its pretty damn clear that he wants to kill me. Not that you don't already know.."

"Yes, I am aware, okay? I've been trying to handle that, but things are getting in the way."

"-Oh, Yeah? And what things are those exactly, the giant bear?" I can't help but shake my head at how ridiculous it sounds, but then again, who knows the hell else is out there if vampires exist.

"...I was coming to talk to Sam, about...some things," she begins in an exasperated tone after the silence becomes too much. "Things I can't mention for certain reasons..."

Of course.

"I caught Laurents scent, along with Leah and Quills. That's it. Thats all. Are you happy now?"

No.

"And the bear? And what does Sam have to do with any of this?"

"-Bella, you know-"

"-You can't tell me, yes I know."

"I'm just trying to protect you," she says for like the a millionth time.

"Yeah, by lying to me and god knows what else. But ya know what? It doesn't even matter anymore. If you, Leah, or Jake wont give me answers, then maybe ill go find them myself..."

That seems to get her attention.

"Bella, no! Don't do th-"

"-Goodnight, Rose."

A/N: Still not too sure how I'm gonna go about the rest, but ill figure something out. Really don't get why y'all like this so much but whateves, thanks for the reviews, and just like sex, im hoping for some more. And then crying afterwards cause it was so good, I came too fast lol smh j/k