January faded into a dreary February and the first week of the month was upon her. The first weekend she decided to give herself a much-needed break. Adley ventured down to the reserve to First Beach where she'd been told to visit by a few of her coworkers. The trails were beautiful regardless of the cold weather. She'd enjoy the coast line, and ancient life that filled the forest. A certain beauty haunted the west northern coast.

She stopped in the Newton's sporting and camping goods store. It was on the edge of the downtown strip. One of her regular twelfth graders was working the register. Mike Newton, a blond-haired boy with big eyes and a brighter grin. A normal football jock.

"Morning Ms. Choi, what brings you in?" Mike asked.

"I'm here for some hiking boots, a backpack... actually a few things now that I think about it..." she paused pulling her list from her pocket and a golfing pencil.

"Going camping? Bit out of season isn't it?" He laughed.

"Yes, it is, I'm actually wanting to go hiking. Some walking of the trails being from Seattle I didn't venture often out to the ocean as much as I should've. The Cascade Range just southeast of the city were my stomping ground for hiking and climbing." She replied.

"Up to Second Beach trail?" He asked.

"Yes! It's apparently a beautiful trek. I quite enjoy good nature shots my camera is just itching to see it. I may not go too far in from First Beach but it's worth the trip. First boots, a pair of wool socks and long johns... maybe even hot pocket things the ones you wear in your gloves for warmth? Granola for the trip and water bottles and a backpack." She listed off.

During this Mike brought up most of the things and pointed back to the boots. She went searching for a size six. She found a pair she liked, a light tan colored Timber pair of hiking boots. Then she found long johns and socks. She paid for it all and headed back out to her Jeep. She smiled patting the thing before taking off for La Push the First Nation reserve.

The drive wasn't more than twenty minutes, and she was pulling into the trail parking. There was a bit of slush and snow around the many trees. She realized she was the only one as she parked in the empty parking lot. Adley slid into the back of her warm Jeep and slid off her pants. She hurried to get her Long johns on to give her some heat in the biting cool air. Her windows were tinted but she still did not want to chance some cop coming in and seeing her in only a pair of bikini underwear. They were a grey color too. No lace. She didn't have anyone to impress with under things.

She hurried to redress and lace up her boots. Her normal pants flared over nicely and did not get caught in anything. She did up her coat and reached over for her camera and slid on the backpack she'd stuffed with the things from the store. Once she was done she got out and went to the driver's seat turning off the vehicle. All locked she headed off to the trail in front of her.

All around her the overhanging trees stood. Large thousand-year-old beasts amongst the smaller ones of a few centuries. She took her camera out and immediately started clicking away. Her Canon EOS-1 DS Mark ii had been a graduation gift to herself.

She smiled heading inwards on the trail. She'd head to the beach later. The empty trail was wonderful to photo graph. A few she realized she would want to blow up to have on her walls at home and classroom. She trailed along a bit enjoying the sound of the wind through the tree tops. The distant sound of waves crashing against rock. It was utterly peaceful.

Her hike had her red cheeked and happy she'd brought the pocket glove warmers once she paused from taking photos. The serenity of it all made her feel at home. The wilderness always had. She sighed reaching back for a sip of water.

Snap!

She stiffened glancing around the trail in front of her. Nothing more than more dirt and gravel and puddles. She slowly pivoted to her left taking in the forest. Her dark eyes squinting to get a better look in the underbrush. There she let a small gasp escape her lips. In amongst the trees, she could see the outline of a black beast.

She slid her bottle of water into her bag. She then quietly turned on her camera still hanging around her neck and let the thing snap some rapid-fire shots without aiming it. The flash was off mentally she thanked the heavens. She rarely got animals on camera. Especially wolves. Were those common here in Washington? She really didn't remember when hiking and climbing Mount Rainier… She thought. Surely, they weren't common. She paused trying to remember. Didn't they nearly go extinct here?

She shook her head realizing she shouldn't question a gifted horse in the mouth. She shot a few more as the dark beast came out from the trees. It stepped into the trail before sitting on the path quite a bit away from her. The beast was breath taking. She bit back the urge to go pet it.

"Damn you're a big boy aren't you?" She breathed. "Very photogenic though. Thank you, Mr. Wolf, however I have a trail to finish hiking and I'm sure you have things to eat and other wolves to manage."

She backed away slowly from the trail. The wolf made no move to follow. Big eyes stood out amongst its dark fur, but he didn't follow. She kept him in sight until she was around a bend and out of sight. Adley exhaled harshly realizing she'd been neglecting her lungs too much. She turned and hurried out of the woods.

She headed down another way and found Second beach and took more photos. She enjoyed some food and returned to the trail. The second time through she was thankfully alone from any other wolf encounters. One big furry boy was more than she felt like experiencing for a life time.

It was another hour or so and she was back to her Jeep and driving off as the sky began to darken. She sighed knowing the sun would be back eventually for the evenings. It was only early February. She returned home that night around five and stopped at the diner for dinner. Once she finished an amazing burger and shake, she was back home uploading her photos to her computer.

"Huh, he was pretty big." Adley murmured working in her adobe working to highlight the photos and the animal. "Probably lots to eat in there."

She googled the beasts of the surrounding area. Wolves were common and seemed to get bigger the more north they went. Something about ancient grey wolf and Dire wolf DNA. She decided the photo of the wolf in her way of the path, she'd love to hang on her wall with his beauty. She grinned before turning in for the night. Knowing in the next few days she would go to the photo gallery down town to have the film blown up on a bigger print.

Sunday morning Adley found herself after her morning run, stopped in front of the diner. The Sun was just coming up at seven that morning. A few men were eating around the bar of the cafe. She ordered sunny side eggs and bacon with hash. She set her laptop and began finishing the transferring of the photos to a memory card. She had done some edits in Adobe Photoshop all night. She was satisfied with what she had. She'd surprised herself with already finishing the many photos. She was sure she usually took a few more days. However, the photos were amazing and required little touching of light, or a filter.

"Ms. Choi," a deep voice greeted.

She looked up from her laptop and saw Chief Swan. He was dressed not in uniform this time but a plaid button up and outer warm jacket. His moustache pulled while he smiled. She had to admit if Isabella were healthy, she would look just like her father.

"Surely the school doesn't have you working so hard you're needing to work through your meals?" He asked, a jovial tone in his words.

Adley smiled shaking her head. "I'm just doing some final bits to some photos I took yesterday. Got this great shot of a wolf."

She pointed to her current photo of the black wolf. Chief Swan whistled low before standing back up to his full height. Her cheeks warmed at the appreciation. She didn't share her photographs often. When she did she made sure few knew they were her works.

"That's a large wolf. How close did you get to it?" He asked.

"Oh, I wasn't I have a good camera and set of lenses." She shrugged taking a sip from her tea. "He just sat there and watched me. The wolf was a beautiful specimen. I'm having this one blown up to be a photo in my living room. Maybe a few to add personality to my classroom."

"You've got some talent with a camera." He agreed. "That would be a beautiful decor item. I've heard some folks talking about big wolves in the trails this really confirms it."

"You aren't going to do something about them are you? You wouldn't have full authority in La Push…" Adley paused frowning. She didn't even wish to consider the fact he woud

"Only if they become an issue with the people. Then I may have no choice." He sighed. "Well, I should go join my friends down a bit. Enjoy your day Ms. Choi."

"You as well," she turned back to her computer.

She watched above it as the chief sat down with two men one in a wheel chair. They were laughing and talking about something. She went back to editing the photos.

After breakfast around an hour and a bit later she walked down the street to the small photography and gallery store. A middle age man was working the counter flipping through a magazine. He looked up smiling to her.

"Welcome,"

"Hello, I was wondering if you develop photos? Digital preferably." She asked her SD cards in hand.

"Of course, what kind of shop would we be if we didn't?" He chuckled. "You enjoy photography?"

"I do, it's a hobby of mine. I'm glad to find a local place to support." She commented looking around at the many photos of wilderness from around the country.

He had city views she realized of New York all the way to Alaska. He came around following her eye. "I took these photos myself over time. New York was the latest stop. My daughter is attending NYU, she's a very intelligent girl that one. I wanted to get some scenes for the shop."

"They are lovely, your angles and perspectives are quite unique." She hummed seeing the many other things in the store.

"Thank you, I enjoy this all. It's been my passion for years. Got into it after retiring from the fire station some years back. What of yourself are you a professional photographer?" He questioned.

"No, I keep myself afloat as a teacher. I teach physics at the high school." She informed him placing her cards down. "I would do photography full time if I could, but such is not for me. I still need to survive."

"So what sizes would you like?"

She laid out the few photos she wanted larger and the few she wanted done in some smaller portions for her bedroom and office. She left the store with his promise of it being completed in a few weeks. The bigger ones would need to be ordered from Seattle of course.

February was moving quicker than Adley cared for. It was about the second week into the month. The winter nip was in the air and she was shivering even with all her layers of long johns, a sweater, and parka. She was dressed in a sweater dress and leggings that were layered. She even slipped some snow pants on. She'd caved and bought a space heater for her class room despite her disgust for the things. Having one nearby burn her room down eight years ago did that.

She was standing holding her shawl around her while she wrote today's problems up on the board for her advance seniors. Her door opened and in slinked Isabella Swan. Adley didn't give her attention fully, as not to spook the girl. She'd done that more than she would have preferred to do.

"Afternoon Bella, early from lunch I see." She greeted.

The girl only hummed in response staring out the window. Outside was just a dreary as her mood. Adley capped her white board marker and focused in on the girl. She dared to drop her wall mentally she'd always shielded herself from the onslaught of emotions that were other people. It'd been years of learning how to control herself enough not to be engulfed by the emotions around her. She had troubles as a child doing so and would amplify any of the surrounding emotions if she was not careful.

The same darkness emanated from the petite girl. Her pale aura wasn't as bright as it had been and the dark spot near her heart seemed to be increasing. It hurt. The familiar palpitations she had come to know when observing Isabella. It took a lot of strength to push that all-consuming darkness away. Adley looked to the clock and back to her student. She had a few minutes before her students were expected. She took a deep breath letting peaceful emotions flood out of her. She didn't like to use her emotional manipulation parts of being an Empath, it defeated the purpose of help and being genuine she believed.

She kept her mind clear as the aura of her own in light began to reach out and message Bella's aura. In mere seconds from the pale yellow touched her grey one it lightened. Bella's brows furrowed. Adley saw her brown eyes lost the glaze on them.

"What?"

Adley crossed the distance and stood increasing the peace, the light increased. Bella sat up, fixed her gaze upon her teacher. Adley didn't see the pulsing of fear most felt when she did this. Only her sister and family really got this close and personal with her talent, but even they for the first time got freaked out. It wasn't something that went unnoticed to the person she was manipulating.

"You're an empath?" Bella croaked.

Adley paused. She knew what was happening to her, this was new. Most felt the switch in emotion but never realized too well it was her influence.

"You knew what that was?" Adley pondered.

Bella nodded only twisting her face up more. "How? I thought... I thought only certain beings could use gifts."

"You're aware of others?" Adley gasped, closing the distance to her desk. "Is this the cause of your pain Bella? Did you become reliant on an Empath? Being able to do this comes at a great risk. People can become addicted to it… The good feelings that Empaths can produce. I've only stumbled across people who are more sensitive to emotions. Not so much who could manipulate as I do. My Oma told me other Empaths do exist. Our effects can be addicting. A bad drug."

"Oh, so your human?" Bella deflated in her chair, the hole in her aura pulsed bigger. The outer grey fading more. Adley huffed, she hadn't been addicted?

Adley sighed pushing some peace and joy into the girl. Not too much because even the simplest of exposure could have someone going through withdrawals. A few times Oma told her was fine. A limited time and exposure. Not to over due it, least she ends up hurting the person more. She couldn't let her student fall to the hole in her chest. She paused.

Human? What else would she be.

"I'm not aware of what you refer to Bella. I am still human to most of my knowledge… Yet you seem to be so distressed, Bella, would it do you some good to talk about this?" Adley asked softly, touching Bella's hand.

Dark eyes flashed with a bolt of fear as she sat back pulling her hands to herself. Her aura began to retract and pull in on itself. Adley sighed locking her ability off.

"I've already said too much. I'm fine."

She crossed her arms staring at the sagging teen. Like Hell she was. "Seriously, you're trying to lie to an Empath. Bella I will not force you to talk but it may do you some good to emerge yourself back into reality. We don't want to lose you."

"I don't need help." She snapped a bit louder. "I'm fine perfect."

Adley bit her tongue as the anger seeped around her. She'd run into the brick wall that was Isabella Swan's depression too much. This had been the longest conversation she had seen the teen have. She would not let that dark pit in her consume her.

"You are to stay after class," She breathed, trying to calm herself.

"I'm fine. Ms. Choi, I do not require therapy."

"You can be willing —"

"No."

"Consider it detention then." Adley tapped her desk moving to the front as others came in with the bell.

The class went relatively quickly, and all the students were trickling out for the evening. Bella was in her chair with a frown on her face. Adley did not wish to admit, it was one thousand times better to see some emotion on the girl, than the blank stare. Even if she could feel the anger rolling off Bella.

"Thank you for remaining," Adley sighed.

"It wasn't exactly a choice." Bella bit out.

"Consider it a wake-up call then. I don't know if any other teacher or of your peers has decided to face you head on, but I will. So, you can either participate with me or we can say it's detention for the semester." She offered her ultimatum.

Bella fisted her hands and glared up at her. She pressed her lips together, and her jaw tensed. The stare down was intense. Adley noted the grey aura pulsed and tinted pink and began to turn into the bright red she saw with very angry people about to explode. She smiled. It only added fire to Bella.

"What authority—"

Adley held her hand up to stop her.

"My Authority came with the job back in January. It is in my contract to care for all my students. I am in my right to be concerned. I looked at your marks from the beginning of last year and to this year." She retorted. "You've gone from honor roll student, to barely making sixty percent. You had an eight-six average Bella. Here you are barely passing my class. You have a fifty-one. I am in the right to remove you from Advance and put you in regular physics."

"You can't."

"Yes, I actually can. No, it's not often teachers expend such authority over a student's classes, but your performance is reflecting that something has happened. Either you work with me to change this and accept the fact I am putting a life line to you, or I go to the principal to hold you from graduation." She finished pulling up a stool to the table. "So, tell me, Ms. Swan, are you willing to work with me? I make no idle threats. You will repeat grade twelve. Something has happened to you, and it is time to face it."

Bella sighed rolling her eyes. Annoyance pulsed, Adley felt it in the air. Anxiety tinted green into her grey aura even if it was not major. What made her momentarily stop was the pulse the anxiety caused to her black spot on her aura.

"I can read your emotions Bella, don't fear me." Adley offered her hand to her, palm up waiting.

Fear simmered and anxiety grew. Adley did nothing to stop the pulsing colors in the girl. She needed this to continue. It build into physical signs from the shaking to her wobbling bottom lip. Minutes ticked by with the clock on the wall.

"Fine. I agree, I —I need help." Her cheeks turned bright red passing from her cheeks to her nose and neck.

Adley could feel the insecurity flaring and crashing upon her. She opened her wall up to the girl. She smiled at her, and let a calming wave hit her. It was to offer some reassurance before she leant back on the stool, she'd taken occupancy in.

"That's a big step for you, being brave enough to realize you need help. I promise you Bella anything you tell me will remain between us. Only if you show distressing signs or words of suicide will I report anything we discuss." She held out her pinkie to her.

Bella took it a small smile upon her face. "Okay."

"Now where would you like to begin?"

"Uhm... I'm not ready to discuss him... So maybe the feelings? It may sound stupid, but it feels like my soul has been ripped out." She admitted.

"I believe you. I can see it in your aura." Adley admitted, Bella sat up a spark of life in her eye.

"Really? It's not just in my head?" She asked.

"While the process of our emotions is mental, the feeling effects the body and aura. I wouldn't be able to do what I do without it. I can see and feel this giant pit in you. Like something was ripped out of you, hard... major... did a parent die?" Adley asked.

"No..." Bella crossed her arms.

"Ah," Adley hummed. "Relationship. It must've been intense for this much damage to strain on you... we will discuss it when you're ready. The main thing is tending to the wound. Let's start with a nice hearty meal and shower how about?"

Bella nodded slowly. "That... sounds good..."

"Excellent. We will stop for some groceries. Fresh veggies, fruit, and make some food. Your body needs to be tended to first physically. Then we will make bath bombs! It will relax you. Once you do this, we will work on maintaining your mind. Set goals..." she stood while she spoke, before she finished, she motioned for Bella to follow.

Adley and Bella came in arms loaded with paper bags. Bella got to putting away the fruit for dessert and Adley pulled out the required pots and frying pans. Adley was showing her how to make Samgyeopsal. She'd stopped by her own home for some things they'd need for cooking and afterwards care. She wanted to make sure she had all of what she needed for her plan without needing to rely on a single father and teen.

"I've never really cooked something like this," Bella mumbled looking over the simmering meet.

"There is always time to learn. I've been making this with my Oma since I was a child." Adley explained. "Cooking was one of the many ways we bonded at home."

"You're close to your family." Bella commented. Adley glanced over to her while she set to turning off the meal that was just about done. Bella had some sparks of green.

"I am blessed to have such a family. Being the youngest it was always busy in our home never stopping. Meal time was the one time it slowed. I know it's not always the same for others. Do not feel too anxious. Every family is different. Take everything as it comes." She assured. "Now plates please."

They were just plating everything when the front door opened. The table Bella set and Adley helped serve it. In came suited up Chief Swan. He was just taking off his bullet proof vest and belt off when he came into the room fully.

"Something smells really good, what's all this?" He asked seeing Bella setting the table. He eventually saw Adley. "Ms. Choi, what brings you here."

"Your daughter, we are working on a special project." She gave him a look that she hoped would send him to talk about it later.

"Glad to see you cooking again Bells. This, what is it?" He questioned while licking his lips.

"Samgyeopsal, traditional family meal in my house." Adley replied. "Now let's eat!"

She sat down at the one side between father and daughter. A few moments in silence passed beyond the scraping of forks and knives on plates. Adley didn't need to be an Empath to see how awkward both Swans were. Family meals were not common she gathered. That, or it had gotten to the point the depression Bella has been in has caused a rift between them…

"So, Chief Swan how was your day today?" Adley asked, before taking another bite.

"Please call me Charlie." He requested around a drink of his soda. "It's been eventful… a bit busier than really seen in Forks… people keep running into those wolves or bears out in the trails… We had a situation involving one of the missing cases on my desk."

"Missing people?" Adley queried.

"Yeah, a few hikers have gone up to the trails around Second Beach. They haven't turned up. Well one did today…" His brows furrowed. "Not the best talk for the table, Bells how's school going. You girls get up to anything?"

"Ms. Choi —Adley I mean, has offered to help me with my Physics marks and such. I've been struggling a bit." Bella blurted, cheeks reddening.

"Struggling?" He raised a brow taking another bite of food waiting on her.

"I'm not the greatest with math. Adley just makes sense…" She trailed off.

"We will be working on a schedule to help with her grades. Physics is hard, and if you don't have the right teacher sometimes it can be overwhelming. A few of my students needed help."

"Mr. Greene told me you weren't preforming as well this semester… Bells, do you think you'll graduate?" Charlie hedged, rolling his shoulders out.

"Uhm…"

"Another part to focus on then. There is still enough time to get her grades around. I'm sure I can work with my colleagues to help you Bella, as long as you show the initiative." Adley assured her.

"Thank you…"

They kept the rest of the conversation of topics of news for now. Eventually they finished and Adley had Bella help her with dishes.

"Do you girls need help?" Charlie asked once back from changing into more comfortable clothing.

Bella opened her mouth but Adley beat her. "Dessert! Please grab fruits."

"Fruit?" Charlie questioned.

"Yes, something sweet is always nice. Along with healthy. I did notice the lack of fruit here. now I'll show you how to make melon balls." She grabbed her small scoop.

She did not give them time to argue her comment. How they functioned without the necessities was not her place to judge. Adley walked the two of them through properly preparing the fruit salad she always enjoyed. Especially topped off with the whip cream. Charlie took it along with a beer out to watch some sports. Adley and Bella turned to the other stuff she brought with her, as they ate.

"Now what are some scents you like?" Adley asked.

"Mint...orange..." she replied.

So, they got to work on the bath bombs with her oils in hand and molds as well.

"My sister and I used to make Bath bombs all the time when we were teens." Adley commented when finishing a bomb. "We spent hours making all kinds of shapes, and scents."

"Where is your sister?"

"She's in Seattle, my whole family is. She's doing her residency now."

"So, you came here, alone?" Bella asked brow raised.

"Yes, as shocking as that is Ms. Swan. I came for the scenery and position. I have a bachelor's in education physics and mathematics. Being a teacher, it's hard coming by full time positions. Especially as fast out of school as I did."

"Is it hard being in big crowds? Is that why you also applied to Forks?"

"In a way, people can be exhausting, and emotions run high. I've learnt to make a mental shield to protect myself. Smaller towns mean less emotions for an Empath." Adley agreed.

"You went to SU right?"

"I did. Thinking of applying?"

"I haven't given it much thought..." Bella blushed.

"Well then, we'll make it a goal to get some university applications done. You're a smart girl, with unfortunate grades right now. I'm sure a few extra credit assignments could help. I will even give you a reference." Adley advised. "As long as we are successful."

"Thank you, seriously. This has been nice. You don't mind if I go try one of these do you?" Bella asked.

"That's what they're for, now you've done great Bella. Go shower, bath and bed."

"Thanks," Bella smiles taking her bath bombs and backpack upstairs.

Adley smiled cleaning her things and putting them in her bag she'd brought. Her and Anna used to do this when either one of them was feeling down. She could not stop humming at the peacefulness that radiated through herself and she felt from Bella. A few minutes later a knock echoed on the wooden frame of the kitchen entrance. Charlie stood with red puffy eyes.

"I haven't seen Bella like this in months..." he coughed his admittance. "Ms. Choi—"

"Call me Adley," she interrupted. "It's nothing much. I could tell something was a bit off with Bella. Smart girl. If it is okay, I wish to help Bella through this."

"Don't feel obligated to now, she's only your student. You're already planning a lot…" Charlie rubbed the back of his neck.

"I care for all of my students. I'd do the same for them if they required it. Many I do meet after school or in my off time to help. However, Bella needs more than simple meetings. I do not know the full story, but I saw a girl close to giving out." She dismissed his bashfulness. She could sense the disappointment he felt in himself.

"I've been so busy here the past few months helping with a few state police cases that cross jurisdictions… I was contemplating sending her back to Florida with her mother, or a hospital..."

"Do not beat on yourself for this Chief Swan. I gather she is your only child and when we work full time and try to be a parent it can overwhelm us. You do a lot for your town. Let us help with Bella. I'm not privy to what caused this Chief Swan, what I do know is she needs a bit of therapy that may not be through a hospital. They would give her medications and make her numb. Her issue is not something medication can fix. Does she have any other issues I should know of? I know of the skipping meals and dropping grades and lack of care to herself."

Adley turned now to the red-faced man who stood uncomfortably clenching and unclenching his hands. She paid his discomfort no mind and let a small assuring wave of acceptance roll over him. Now she noticed the circles under his eyes and how he aged before her. He was exhausted. His own tolerance was crumbling inwards to fall into a blue ringed aura. He was at his end.

"She doesn't sleep well. Night terrors." He replied finally.

"Ah. I have something for that." Adley ran out to her Jeep and pulled out a heavy blanket. "I have anxiety this helps me sleep. It's a weighted blanket meant to help the body feel secure."

She returned with the blanket in haul. She handed it to him. He took it with a small huff not realizing its full weight.

"When she goes to settle down tonight after a bath. Wrap her in this. The lavender will help calm her. Speak softly and keep her company. You then should be able to rest yourself." She replied.

He helped her load up her things so she could return to retire herself for the evening.

A/N: Thank you for the reads and reviews especially bringing to my attention the issues with the chapters. hopefully it doesn't occur again :)