Chapter 4

Edward – Every Breath You Take – The Police

EPOV

"Okay, Eddie, spill!" Emmett demanded. I took the short stretch of highway home at a brisk 95 mph, turning sharply around the last turn. Our home here was, as always, large and beautiful. We had a lovely piece of property just out of town nestled against a large wooded expanse. The area was dotted with lakes and had plentiful wildlife.

"I will," I conceded, "just wait until we get home, so I don't have to repeat everything to Carlisle and Esme." I would have enjoyed the scenic view, if I hadn't been so agitated. I pulled into the large garage and slammed the brakes two inches from the wall. Carlisle and Esme knew something was going on, because they were waiting for us in the living room. Alice must have called them from school. We all took our seats as Carlisle looked pointedly at me, waiting for me to begin.

"Well, okay, you all know about the trouble I've been having with Bella."

"Yes, Edward, six freaking years' worth! How could we not?" Rosalie hissed.

Esme looked over to her. "Please, Rose, let Edward talk."

Rosalie looked over at me and rolled her eyes. I looked down, unable to look at anyone.

"So, yeah, I tried to approach her today, and it didn't go well." This was hard. I decided to skip the more painful details. "She got a phone call from Jacob Black, you know, the son of Billy Black, and he basically informed her of Billy's passing. She's going to go back over the Thanksgiving break for the Quileute sendoff." I paused.

"So?" Rose spat.

"Rose, please!" Carlisle said, glaring at her.

Alice decided to interject. "I got a vision of Edward in Forks, and suddenly everything goes black. In fact, a large percentage of Bella's time there is blank. Just nothing. I'm concerned, and I agree with Edward's decision to follow her for her protection."

Jasper was looking panicked. "Alice, you know we can't risk breaking the treaty with the wolves. Whatever is going on obviously involves them. Bella may not know their secret, and if we were forced to intervene, things could get complicated." I didn't care what Jasper thought, or anyone else, for that matter. I was decided.

"I know that, Jasper. I realize the risks, but I don't really have a choice. I just wanted you all to know I won't be going with you to Africa over the break, so you may want to arrange your plans accordingly." I looked up warily to see six sets of eyes watching me with various expressions.

Carlisle chose to speak first, "You sound decided, Edward. I would tell you not to worry about it, but with Alice's vision maybe it would be best for you to go to Forks. You know we'll miss you, and you're welcome to join us should you change your mind."

"Thank you."

Rosalie huffed impatiently and pushed herself up off the couch. "Well, this was a solid waste of time. I know I'm not changing my plans to run around with a pack of smelly wolves! Bella did just fine the last six years, I'm sure she can survive a Thanksgiving weekend without you." And with a final eye roll she stomped her way to the garage. Emmett followed after her giving me an apologetic glance.

Dude. Giving up a good go-round with huge African cats for a pack of shifters? That's messed up. Thankfully, he didn't give me any more grief.

Rose was right. I was being melodramatic. If I was being honest, the real reason was the thought of not seeing Bella for five days made my stomach clench. I looked up at Esme.

"I'm overreacting again, aren't I?"

She stepped over to me and put a hand on my shoulder. "Yes, but you do what you feel is best, Edward. If it will only make you feel better, then do it. You've been in too much pain for far too long."

Everyone had already left the room. I knew Jasper and Emmett were disappointed. We spent months planning this trip, and had a great time talking about how fun it will be to hunt big, wild game.

I turned to Esme and looked into her lovely eyes. This woman was truly a mother to me in every way that counted. Her thoughts were filled with love and concern.

"I tried to approach her again today, Esme. I've been waiting for an opportunity for a while, and I really screwed it up. I'm losing hope she'll ever want anything to do with me again. But, even if that were to happen, I can't allow her to be in danger. I just can't." Her eyes searched my face.

"You're a good man, Edward. Watching your mate every day, but being unable to be close is a pain I cannot imagine. Giving up your happiness to ensure her safety requires a strength most men have no concept of. Although your desires and intentions are noble, they are still flawed. As far as I'm concerned, you've proven your worthiness. You've been miserable far too long, and Fate owes you happiness. Don't lose hope."She gave me a small smile as I felt her hand squeeze my shoulder, and she walked past me to Carlisle's office.

I cringed. I appreciated Esme's kind words, I really did, but I did not agree with her. I had lied to Bella. Yes, I did it to protect her, but in doing so I disrespected her and the love between us. Fate would not be so kind to me again. I didn't deserve her, and I knew it. My family didn't know about the lies. If they did, they would know how truly and thoroughly I deserved this torture. Even knowing this, I simply had to be around her, and I couldn't allow her to be in danger.

I left for the solitude of my room, and found Jasper leaning against my door frame.

"Not gonna lie, Edward, not having you with us will be a major bummer, but if it makes you feel better, I support your decision."

"Does this have something to do with what went down in the cafeteria this afternoon?"

Jasper smirked. "Believe it or not, Edward, despite everything, Bella cares for you more than you think."

"I'd like to believe that, but after what happened at her birthday party, and the deplorable way I treated her, I find it easier to believe she could never want anything to do with me again."

"Jeez, Edward, if there was a prize for the most self-loathing, you'd win the gold." Jasper rolled his eyes. "Normally I wouldn't divulge private info," he pointedly looked at me, "And you know exactly what I mean, but we did promise to help you win Bella back, and I think I need to make an exception here." He had my undivided attention.

"Edward, Bella's feelings are all over the place. Yes, she's confused, worried, and anxious, but she was very clearly projecting jealousy. In fact, it occurred after she noticed Mandy sitting at our table." I could hardly believe what he was saying. "Well, next to you specifically." Interesting.

"Do with this info what you will, but know that even though her feelings were undeniable, Bella is in a very delicate place, so tread carefully. And lightly."

Noted. I certainly couldn't afford to mess anything up.

BPOV

Dinner and a movie with David and Jase was fun, and I really needed a distraction from the bad day I'd had. David was so patient with Jase and took his over-exuberance in stride. This is partly what made him such a good pediatrician. Jase, of course, knew this and took full advantage to monopolize David's attention most of the evening. I'm sure he didn't mind. They both got along well.

After a wonderful meal dining on McDonald's cuisine, we went directly to the multiplex to catch the latest Disney/Pixar flick. Jase rode in on David's back, laughing and whooping it up.

Popcorn and soda were always a must, and I had to chuckle a little as the two of them spent a good five minutes seriously debating the merits of Jr. Mints over Jujubes. Jase may only be five, but his palate for candy is as highly developed as any snobby food critic. Plus, he could barter as shrewdly as a horse trader. David finally realized his arguments were useless and relented. I chuckled and whispered in his ear.

"If you would just take Jase's expertise as a given and let him have the Jujubes right up front, we would save so much time." He looked at me and smiled.

"Yeah, but what fun would that be?" With a wink, he took my hand and we made our way into the theater to find seats. Finally settled with Jase happily munching his popcorn and candy, David turned to me and snaked his arm around the back of my seat. The lights had just gone dark, and he took advantage of the moment. He leaned in and ran his lips up my neck to my ear and whispered, "Finally. This is my favorite part of the movie." I giggled and countered his teasing.

"Oh, and what part would that be?" I could feel his smile against my neck as he reached up to gently suck on my earlobe. I couldn't help a small gasp, "The part where I get to whisper dirty suggestions in your ear."

"David!" I whispered. I sneaked a look over at Jase. His eyes were glued to the screen, oblivious, as he was focused on the first preview. I could feel the heat rise in my face. David grinned wider as he took my hand.

"You know I like spending time with the two of you, but I would love to have some time just for us." He looked into my eyes. "There's a big benefit coming up next weekend for the new wing of the children's hospital. It's a big deal, and I would love for you to come with me. Will you?"

"This is the event you've been helping to organize, right?"

"Yeah. We usually host a major event every year as well as a few smaller ones, but this one will specifically be for the new wing. We had to up the date a few weeks to accommodate some larger benefactors. I wasn't planning on asking you for another week or so, and I know it's rather soon, but would you like to go?"

"How formal is this event?" It would be wise to know what I was getting myself into.

"Black tie. Dinner, dancing, hobnobbing, the whole enchilada." He started nibbling on my ear again. "It's very important to me. Please say yes." The blush was back.

"Uh, y-yeah, ok," I stammered. Like I could say no! He continued to kiss my neck until the man sitting behind us cleared his throat. David nonchalantly glanced behind him, shrugged, and mumbled a "sorry." He wasn't sorry, because he had a huge grin on his face. I was going to have this blush through the whole film, and he knew it. I was grinning, too.

Jase's sugar high managed to get him through the movie, but he crashed on the way home. David carried him up the stairs and into his room. He was still half asleep as I spent a few minutes helping him with pajamas and teeth brushing. I smiled as I tucked him in bed and kissed him on the nose. "G'night, monkey. I love you!"

Jase mumbled around a huge yawn, "Night, Bella. Love you, too." I made my way back down the stairs and sat next to David on the couch. He was casually flipping through channels on my flat screen. I needed to find out more about this formal event.

"So, about this next weekend," I started. David settled on a football game and looked over at me.

"Black tie?" I questioned.

"Yeah, is that ok? You got something to wear? If not, I could give you my card, and you could go shopping…"

"No, really," I interrupted, "I have something to wear, I just wanted to make sure. You're wearing a tux, right?"

"Yes."

"Okay, that actually helps me a lot. I think the dress I have will work fine."

Fashion was never my strong point, and I didn't want to embarrass David. I'd never tell him that, though. My dress was actually one of the nicer ones I owned, and was fancier than the church-types I wore to teach in. I bought it to wear at Dad and Sue's wedding reception. I loved it, and it would be nice to wear it again.

"Dinner and dancing, too," David reminded me. He waggled his eyebrows. "It will be nice to hold you close all evening." I rolled my eyes.

"Like you needed an excuse before!" He chuckled and scooted closer. He looked at me with a wolf grin.

"Yeah, but this time I get to show you off. I'll be the envy of every man there. You need a sitter? I have a niece that we could call."

"Thanks, but my neighbor will love an excuse to keep him overnight. Her boy, Trevor, and Jase are joined at the hip. I think she likes him to come over because they keep each other entertained." I had to smile. Trevor's mother watched Jase during the week after his preschool class, and Jase and Trevor had both been asking about a sleepover. I looked up at David and noticed his eyes had darkened.

"Jase out all night, huh?" Oh, boy.

"Yeah, but don't get any ideas."

"Me? Of course not." He was nibbling my neck again.

"Uh, David…"

"Yeah, I know. I need to get home and do a bit of work, anyway." He flashed a brilliant smile at me. "Someday, Isabella Swan, you won't be able to resist my charms, and then you'll be in serious trouble."

"Jeez, that was cheesy. All that's missing is the maniacal laugh." So, of course, he had to give me the maniacal laugh.

"BWA-HAHAHAHA! How's that?"

"Better." I walked him to the door and was about to turn the knob when he gently pushed me against the wall and molded his lips to mine. I felt the slight tremor in his hands as he broke from the kiss. He sighed deeply as his dark gaze seared into my eyes.

"I'll call you tomorrow." And with that, he was out the door.

I sighed. It's not that I wasn't attracted to David. I definitely was. He was kind, attentive, and easy on the eyes. Most importantly, he adored Jase, and he seemed to be crazy about me. Any woman would be certifiably nuts not to latch on to him with both claws, so what was I doing? It's not that I had never been with a man before. There was Jacob the summer I graduated from high school, and the few college men I had dated.

I really liked David. I had told him upfront three months ago, however, that I did not do casual intimacy. Especially since Jase had come into my life. I needed to be in love and in a committed relationship before I headed down that road, to create an atmosphere where Jase would feel secure. Casual relationships would only confuse him. I knew that would scare David off immediately, but surprisingly, he agreed with me and told me he respected my decision. Most men my age wouldn't put up with it, but David was nearly ten years older, and had a bit more patience and perspective, which I greatly appreciated. Even so, he seemed to struggle a bit lately, and I was having a harder time maintaining limits myself.

If I was being honest, I had to admit that Jason's security was only part of the reason. I still struggled with the aftermath of Edward's rejection, and had set these rules in place to protect my heart. It wasn't fair to David to have to deal with baggage from my past relationship, but there it was.

I locked the door and turned off the TV and lamps. As I made my way up the stairs, I reflected on how hard the first few months were after Edward had left. I had stumbled through each day on autopilot, not really being an active participant in my own life. I was a zombie. The struggle to get through the day feeling like a huge hole had been punched through me, and battling the nightly terrors drained me. I honestly didn't know what I would have done without Jacob comforting and warming me. I will always love him for getting me through the worst time of my life. All the wolf brothers did. They gathered me in, comforted me, protected me, and gave me a family in which to belong. I think that did more to facilitate my healing than anything.

Jacob was an absolute saint. He was so patient and kind as I dealt with the pain. He was there the day I almost jumped over the cliff. Thank goodness he stopped me in time. I was so desperate to hear Edward's voice, I wasn't thinking. Only after Jake had grabbed my arm and shook some sense into me did I notice the black clouds and churning water. That realization scared me, and I finally could see how selfish I had been. I decided right then I would stop dragging Jake through my emotional drama, and start being the friend he deserved.

We shared our first kiss that night, and we knew everything between us was changing. Jacob was ecstatic. I had finally let the pain go, and for the first time in months, I was functioning. We all got through Harry Clearwater's funeral and the mess with Victoria and her "army." I was a wreck, but we came through together.

Our relationship had blossomed the summer after graduation. Leaving for college was hard. I was tempted to stay at UW, or to make do at a community college so we could stay together, but Jacob insisted I go to Arizona State like I had originally planned. He refused to allow me to settle for less, and we made all kinds of plans for holidays and long weekends.

We tried the long distance thing for the first year, but as is often the case, we grew apart and broke up the first summer I came home. I remembered the day he called me to tell me about the great new girl he was dating, Julie, and celebrated with him when he called months later to tell me they were getting married.

I met Julie the weekend of their wedding and instantly loved her. She was bright, funny, tenacious and absolutely perfect for him. I was happy for Jacob, and he and I remained best friends.

I peeled off my jeans and sweatshirt, not bothering to hang anything up. Jase would call me out on it, but I was too intent on getting into bed to care. I searched through the middle dresser drawer to find my comfiest yoga pants and stretchy t-shirt, but then remembered the orange juice Jase had accidentally spilled on me that morning. I made a mental note to do some laundry. Waiting too long between loads was becoming a problem.

I picked through the other drawers to see what was left. Staring at me from the back of the drawer was a form-fitting lacy red panty-camisole set. I bought it only because my college roommate insisted I upgrade my wardrobe for employment prospects. Why she thought this included my sleeping attire, I had no idea, but I obediently bought it anyway. She was the fashion design major, and I knew zip. All dressed, I headed to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face.

My mind was too keyed up for sleep, so I decided to get a little work done. I had planned a test for my sophomores for the next week, and I still needed to format it. I slipped my reading glasses on and looked over the template I had chosen for this particular exam.

I vaguely remembered Jase snuggling in bed next to me. He did that sometimes when he had nightmares. I knew all about trying to ward off nighttime terrors, and so I didn't have the heart to send him back to his own bed. I rolled over and looked at the digital clock on my nightstand. 4:32. It was crazy early, but I really needed to finish that test format. I stretched and pushed myself off the bed. I located my laptop and glasses on the floor. Jase must have set them there last night. I wasn't thrilled about wearing the glasses. I only recently needed them, but only for TV and computer use. I was still vain enough though, to hate them just the same. I put both items on my desk and turned around to head to the bathroom and noticed the window was open just a fraction. I distinctly remember making sure it was closed shut before I slipped into bed. My eyes snapped open.

Oh, no!

Why did I ever think a second story window didn't need a lock? I felt panic rising in my chest.

Did he? Would he? I wasn't sure what to think, but the panic was still rising.

Why in the world would he want to? What could he possibly want from me?

Edward had requested meetings with me for a while, and had even, on occasion, tried to corner me. I had no idea what he could possibly need to tell me, but whatever it was, it couldn't be good. After six years of trying to heal a broken heart, I knew there was no way a private one-on-one conversation was going to be good for me. I could hardly stand to see him in the halls and classroom every day without falling apart. He no longer had feelings for me, but I was too much of a chicken to find out what he could want. If it was that important, he could explain what he needed in an email. Which he hasn't done yet, my mind retorted.

So far, I had successfully avoided him, but would he seriously invade my home?

He has before, my mind shouted at me. He spent countless nights with you, holding you and lying beside you. The panic increased, and I was having difficulty breathing. My heart gave a twinge, and I knew I had to squash the feeling. I reminded myself that Edward had many more important things to do besides stalk me and watch me sleep. Plus, what reason would he have?

I chuckled a little at my ridiculousness. Freaking out over something that most likely did not happen couldn't be healthy. I quickly looked over to Jase still in my bed sleeping peacefully, grateful my outburst hadn't wakened him. I decided to put all of this foolishness behind me and stop worrying so much. I stripped off my sleep set and turned the water on in the shower.

You've stopped being a part of Edward's life for quite some time now, I told myself. He made it clear he didn't want you anymore, so there is nothing to worry about. Put your big girl britches on and deal. You're a fulfilled, confident woman.

I continued to self-affirm all through my morning routine. I sipped the last of my second cup of coffee and smiled as I closed my laptop. My earlier panic attack seemed so silly. I looked over to the stairs as Jase bounded down in his clean school clothes. I chuckled as I noticed his shirt and pants clashed spectacularly.

"Hey, monkey, ready for preschool?"

"No, I still need breakfast. Can I have waffles and coffee?" He looked at me expectantly.

"Waffles, yes, coffee, no."

"Chocolate milk, then?" I had to smile at my little negotiator.

"Sure. You know we'll have to change your shirt to something that matches."

"But I like this one."

"We'll change your pants, then."

"Okay. "

I reached into the fridge to pull out the frozen waffles and milk. I pushed down the lever on the toaster and opened the cupboard to grab a glass.

"Hey, bud, what was that nightmare you had last night? You want to talk about it?"

"There was a scary monster in my closet."

"Another one? I thought we sent him away last time with some monster spray." I smiled as I remembered the Lysol we sprayed into his closet. He hadn't had nightmares in so long, I was sure it had worked.

"I guess he came back. We need to spray your closet, too, Bella. I saw one sneak out your window last night."

The panic instantly seized me, and the glass of milk crashed to the floor.

EPOV

I spent the evening hunting. Gorging myself on a small herd was a wonderful release, but I was still restless. I didn't like the thought of returning home to relax and listen to CDs, as was my normal routine. I thought about the small shock that went through my body when Bella had touched my hand. It pleased me to know it was still there. This thought distracted me. I suddenly had the urge to check on her. Without another thought, I turned and headed straight to her house.

Bella lived in a tight little subdivision in a newer part of town. The houses were straight, narrow and two-story. She shared fences with both neighbors on each side, and lucky for me, the end street backed into a large wooded expanse. The first time I came here was after the first day of school. After my family had convinced me that staying was the best option, I had immediately set about finding every bit of information about her that I could, her address and phone number being top priority. Bella had lived in this home less than a year, and had been the home's first owner after the subdivision's construction. It was small and the houses were too close together, but it was still very nice, and I knew she was proud to purchase this home all on her own. I was proud of her, too.

It was almost 1:30, and her street was very dark and quiet. This was very much a family neighborhood. The television was on in a house at the end of the street and I could hear a dog barking the next block over, but all thoughts were quiet. Bella's house was dark and peaceful. I jumped to my favorite perch, and looked at the back windows. The memory of me sneaking through her bedroom window in Forks hit me, and I wondered if the windows in this house didn't have locks as well. I quickly scaled up the side of the house and peeked in.

Bella was asleep in her bed and mumbling something about cupcakes and PTA meetings. I cracked a smile. I was thoroughly disgusted for what I was about to do, but I couldn't stop myself if I tried. I was pleased to find I could push the window up, and I silently eased myself through. The scent inside the room crashed into me, and the burn in my throat flared. I immediately stopped breathing and took a few moments to gather my senses. When I was sure I was in complete control, I took a slow look around. This was definitely Bella's room. In fact, it looked much like her old room back in Forks. The bed was bigger, and she had coordinated bedding, but the ever-present bookcase was there along with a desk and CD player. I recognized all her favorite books displayed on the shelf and smiled at the small stack on the floor next to her bed. She even had a worn set of trainers and a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt strewn across the floor.

Bella, however, wasn't in her trademark holey t-shirt and tatty sweatpants, or even a plain cotton top she used to wear when I would stay the night with her. She was wearing a beautiful stretch red lace camisole. Her comforter was pushed down low enough for me to see she had on matching boy shorts as well. Both contrasted beautifully against her white porcelain skin. Her dark hair was fanned out against the blue pillowcase and was the perfect backdrop for her pink cheeks and dark lips.

She was beautiful, sexy and innocent all at once, and I couldn't tear my eyes from her. Her rhythmic heartbeat calmed and centered me. I noticed she had her laptop folded and it was lying on the bed beside her with a folded pair of reading glasses on top. When did Bella start using glasses?

I could hear another heartbeat from down the hall. It suddenly became erratic and I could hear quiet whimpering. The boy's dream had turned dark, and I could sense he was preparing to wake. I quickly ducked inside Bella's closet. After a minute, I could hear the boy padding slowly down the hall and turn the knob. He stood in the doorway looking at Bella through half-opened eyes. His thoughts were foggy. He stumbled around the end of the bed, carefully placed the laptop and glasses on the floor, and turned back the comforter. He climbed up over the side of the bed and slipped inside, pulling the comforter over him. He snuggled close to Bella's side, and she slowly opened her eyes to look at him.

"Hey, Jase," Bella mumbled. "Have a bad dream, or something?"

"Yeah," he yawned. "Can I stay with you?"

"Of course." She closed her eyes and ran her fingers through his short brown hair. He then looked over towards the closet and frowned. The same "V" appeared between his eyes. I would have held my breath, if I weren't already doing so. He eventually closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep with Bella's arms around him.

I refused to be jealous of a five-year-old child. But I would have been kidding myself if I didn't wish with everything I had to be the one snuggled in with Bella with her hands running through my hair.

I waited until I was sure they were both dreaming and stepped out from the closet. Looking at them, I had to admit they were the picture of peace and comfort. Sighing, I decided to take a quick peek around Bella's home. I was curious, and didn't know if I would ever have the chance to be in here again.

I silently flitted down the hallway and noted it was only half painted. It looked as if she were in the middle of a home improvement project. There was a pile of crown molding propped in the corner. I stepped inside the boy's room and looked around. I smiled at the superhero theme he had going on. There were Batman themed sheets and a comforter on the small bed, and a grouping of Ironman and Hulk posters on the wall. There was even a picture of he and Bella at a theme park in a small Spiderman frame. His shelves were loaded with children's books and superhero action figures.

Continuing down the hall, I noticed the full bathroom and sparsely furnished guest room. I made my way down the stairs and took in the main living areas of the house. I instantly noticed the scent of someone other than Bella and the boy. Masculine. I knew who it belonged to, and my fists instantly clenched.

The room was furnished with a plush brown suede couch and a red leather recliner, and the coffee table was a nice reclaimed dark wood. There were more leaning bookshelves in the same wood against the far wall, an entertainment armoire with a flat screen, DVD player, sound system and an Xbox game console. Bella didn't seem like the type to do much entertaining, so this discovery surprised me. The Xbox was for the boy, I deduced.

The bookshelves and fireplace mantle were dotted with picture frames. I noticed quite a few featured Bella and the boy together. One had the boy and Charlie smiling holding up a freshly caught fish. One featured a group of men wearing only cut-off shorts, grinning and flexing for the camera. I assumed they were Quileute. One picture had Bella sitting next to a native boy around a fire with his arm around her shoulder and both laughing and smiling at one another. She looked to be about the age I had left her. This was a younger Bella, my Bella. The next frame showed the same boy, a man now with his arm around a woman with short blonde hair. Above the others on the top shelf was a larger black frame with a picture of Renee and a man I could only assume was Phil. They had their arms around each other and were smiling. It was clear these frames displayed people that held importance in Bella's life.

Bella had lovely abstract artwork above the fireplace and in the dining room. That surprised me, because I had no idea she enjoyed that kind of art. What else didn't I know about her? I sighed and moved on around the eating area to the kitchen. Her kitchen was small and looked as if she had extended her construction project in there as well. It smelled of freshly cut wood. It was completely unpainted and looked as if the granite countertops had just been installed. There was a small box of tiles pushed to the side that looked like part of the backsplash, and a thin layer of dust was piled in the corners. The hardwood looked like it still needed to be stained.

I paused to look at the new stainless refrigerator. It was covered with additional snapshots of the boy and artwork he had created. His drawings of Superman and Spiderman were out of proportion. They were obviously the creation of a small child, but I could see that the boy had some talent. He seemed to be very excited about his subject of choice.

I noted a small powder room off to the side, a pantry beside it and another door opposite that could only lead to the garage. I opened the door, made my way through the laundry/mud room to the final door and opened it. Bella's SUV was parked alongside a child's bike and a nice ten-speed bicycle.

The far wall was covered with a tall set of shelves loaded with bulk products, storage bins, and gardening implements. It was all very nice and orderly. I peeked around the far end of the SUV, and sucked in a breath. A motorcycle? Since when did Bella ride a motorcycle? An irrational surge of anger swept through me. Did Bella not promise she would keep herself safe? What was she doing on one of those death traps? She was a smart girl and had to know how dangerous they could be. Not only that, but the small red one currently leaning in her garage looked rickety. I hadn't personally witnessed her riding this motorcycle, but that meant little. Bella was attracted to danger like a magnet.

I stepped back inside the house and quietly made my way back up the stairs. I could go out the front door, but I wanted to look at her one more time. I made my way through Bella's bedroom door and around to the window. I took one last glance at her and the boy, both sleeping soundly, and slid out the window. Hopefully, she would never know I was here. I ran home thinking all I had learned about Bella's life. I didn't want to be surprised by new discoveries of her anymore. I wanted to share her life and discover these wonderful changes and evolutions as they happened. I spent the rest of the night pondering the best way to earn her forgiveness.