Chapter Three - Moments

Say oh, got this feeling that you can't fight
Like this city is on fire tonight
This could really be a good life
A good, good life

One Republic - Good Life

-0-

After our first day, the rest of the week passed by quickly. Edward hadn't shown his face after Monday and I sensed Bella's disappointment. She'd told me about her desire to confront Edward about his strange behavior and whilst I was proud of her determination to stand up for herself, I also didn't think she should have been allowing it to bother her as much as it was. Still I supported her in what she was doing, even as the days continued to pass and he didn't show.

Saturday was finally here and for that I was thankful. The week had taken it out of me, the moving, unpacking and trying to settle into a new school had all caught up with me. As much as I was enjoying school, I, like any student reveled in the fact I didn't have to get up, right now I didn't have any responsibilities, except school and now it was the weekend I was free to spend it how I wanted to. There was no alarm set, no clothes picked out, no homework to hand in, just me, my bed and a lazy morning. Or at least it was supposed to be.

"Hey move over."

Peeking out from under my duvet I grumbled and shifted back, closer to the wall and pulling the covers back to let Bella climb in. The left side of the bed dipped slightly as she wormed her way beneath the duvet, getting comfortable before finally stilling. For several minutes we just lay there in silence, eyes closed, not really sleeping but just enjoying the quiet and comfort of not having anywhere to be.

"I don't think I'll ever get used to this cold." Bella muttered, eventually breaking the silence. She shifted around again, seemingly wrapping the duvet tighter around herself and I couldn't help but chuckle at her dramatics. Sure it was cold, but strangely I liked cold mornings it meant I got to bury myself deeper in bed. It was a hell of a lot better than waking up in Phoenix, where most mornings the sheets were on the floor and you were quite literally laying sprawled out, upside down on the bed just trying to get comfortable because you were that hot.

"You're just a freeze baby." I said my voice heavy with sleep. Blinking against the light filtering in through the crack in my blinds I sighed softly. "I wish you slept later though." I joked, hearing Bella chuckle. "You manage to sleep any better last night though?" I asked, more than aware of her sleeping habits over the last couple of nights. She was struggling and it had me worried, I couldn't understand why it was so hard for her, I knew the move had been a lot but I never expected her to struggle this much settling in.

Bella though, didn't answer, she stayed quiet and I knew last night had been the same. She'd had the strange dreams again; the one's she never quite knew how to describe. When she had tried, she'd said they were dark, confusing, sometimes terrifying with the constant fear she was being watched. Me, personally I had to wonder if it was the move. Keeping everything inside instead of vocalizing what she was really feeling. Bella hated to disappoint, so there was no way she'd tell Dad how she felt and there was no way, despite what I'd told her, that she'd tell Mom she wasn't happy.

"Jacob and Billy are coming over today." She said by way of changing the topic. Instead of pushing her like I wanted, I smiled and went along with it. "5 dollars says the first thing Jacob does is check the truck." She joked and I laughed lightly, nodding my head against the pillows.

"I'm not taking that bet because it's pretty much a given that he's goin' to make sure it's still got four wheels." I replied, smiling when Bella laughed lightly. Stifling a yawn behind my hand I shifted again, peeking past Bella's shoulder to the clock on the bedside cabinet. "It's way too early to be awake." I sighed, wanting nothing more than to drift back to sleep but knowing it'd never happen now I was awake.

"I'm sorry." She said, but her tone said anything but. Rolling onto my back I covered a yawn with my hand again and let my mind wander to the day ahead. "Dad thinks he's got a crush on you." Bella said, once again breaking the silence and I groaned. Shooting her a glare that didn't quite have the effect I wanted it to, instead all it did was make Bella's eyes sparkle in mischief, once again showing a side she didn't really show many. "You do know he's two years younger don't you Grace…he's innocent."

"Oh wow." I laughed, covering my mouth with the duvet and laughing. "We're friends, nothing more, you and Dad are terrible." I chuckled, the idea of corrupting Jacob's innocence still tickling me. Bella laughed lightly and stuck out her tongue.

"I'm teasing you. Besides, it's pretty obvious Tyler likes you…" she said and I stilled, looking at her. Tyler had been dropping hints about maybe going out this weekend and if I was honest I was somewhat flattered. He was good looking, funny, smart, pretty much the whole package but the truth was I was still settling in and not really attracted to him in the way I thought I should be. The good thing was though, we were friends, we'd been quick friends and I liked that.

"He's great, but I think he knows we're just friends." I replied, frowning slightly as I entertained the idea of ever possibly being more. Looking at Bella as I sighed, I decided it was time to get up but not before I shot a mischievous smile at Bella. "Besides, stop trying to turn all of that on me. You think I haven't noticed the way Mike hovers around you…you ask me, you two would be the most adorable…."

Before I had the chance to finish my sentence Bella hit me in the face with her pillow, her cheeks reddening as she hid beneath the duvet. Laughing lightly I threw the pillow back at her and sat up, "No denying it then ducky." I carried on, climbing over her and swiftly dodging the pillow she once again threw at me. "Really, Bella and Mike…Mike and Bella…a nice ring to it…"

"That's it!" Bella exclaimed, throwing back the covers. Laughing I turned and ran out of the room and the bathroom locking myself inside. "I'll get you back Grace." She warned through the door, the pair of us laughing as she returned to her room and I turned on the shower.

Catching a glance of myself in the mirror and the light color in my cheeks I shook my head before stripping out of my clothes and stepping under the hot stream of water, readying myself for the day ahead, looking forward to seeing Billy and Jacob again.

-0-

"Billy and Jacob are…"

Before Dad could even finish I was opening the front door and stepping outside to greet the two. Dressed in skinny jeans and an over-sized jumper I shivered from the chill in the air, but headed down the steps with Dad in tow, returning Jacob's bright smile which he aimed my way. "Hey guys!" I said happily, as Billy was helped by Jacob into his wheelchair. I quickly reigned in my excitement, especially when I caught sight of Bella peeking out her bedroom window.

"Hey old man," Charlie said, his arm draping over my shoulder as I rolled my eyes at his comment. Billy though chuckled in good humor. Their friendship made me smile, the way they tore into each other always made me laugh; I enjoyed seeing this playful side of my Dad.

"I'll show you old man." He replied, before I leaned down to press a kiss to his cheek. "How you doin' Gracey?" he asked and I shrugged,

"Happy it's the weekend. Dad's been raving all week about this fish fry." I commented, indicating to the bag on Billy's lap. It was true, since it had been arranged that the Blacks were coming around, Dad had been promising Bella and I that we were in for a treat. That Harry's fish fry was the best around. Bella wasn't so enthusiastic about trying it but since I'd never had it before I figured it wouldn't hurt to try.

"Well let's get this heated up…" Billy announced, already being pushed past Jacob and I as Dad wheeled him to the stairs. Smiling I slipped my hands into the back of my jeans as I watched them converse before turning back to Jacob who was eyeing the truck. Rolling my eyes I laughed and lightly tapped his arm.

"See, like I promised not a mark on her." I said, crossing my arms. Jacob ran a scrutinizing eye over the truck, before looking at me and smiling that infectious smile of his.

"Fair enough but come on, can you blame me for worrying?" he asked and I huffed indignantly. Falling into step with him and as we followed after our Dad's, Jacob crouching to grab his Father's chair and help Charlie get him up the steps. "I do wanna know why no one trusts you behind the wheel though.

"No you don't." I said at the same time Dad groaned, obviously remembering the hour long phone call he'd shared with Mom the night after my accident. Scowling at him as he moved inside the house I turned to Jacob, seeing him watching me expectantly. With a dramatic sigh I waved at him to follow me. "Fine, but just for the record it was a total accident. Everyone just blew it way out of proportion." I said, giving Dad a pointed look when I took the bag of fish fry from him.

"I think we can agree that's not true kid." He said, his eyes twinkling in amusement when I stuck out my tongue at him childishly. Turning I grabbed Jacob's arm and led him into the kitchen, glad he came with willingly.

"So what happened?" Jacob asked, dropping down into a chair at the kitchen table. Leaving the bag on the counter I turned to face him and crossed my arms again.

"I got distracted, pressed down on the accelerator instead of the brake and crashed Mom's brand new car into a fire hydrant…" I explained, wincing slightly as I thought back to that day. Glancing at Jacob I saw him biting down on his lip obviously trying to hold back his laughter. Narrowing my eyes at him playfully, my hands migrated to my hips. "It wasn't funny; I had to wear a neck brace for 3 weeks…" I added trailing off as he let out what I could only say, was a bark of laughter.

"Understand now why they won't let you behind the wheel of the truck." He said once his laughter had died down. Sticking out my tongue I turned to begin making dinner. "So what had you distracted?" he asked, now standing beside me at the counter, leaning back against it. Blushing I focused on the fish fry, feeling his eyes burning into the side of my head, waiting patiently for me to answer.

"Competition on the radio, my friend and I entered and won. All day pass to 'Castles N Coasters'. Sadly because of the neck brace I couldn't go…" I said pouting as I looked at him, the sting of having to give up my ticket still fresh. I'd be the first to admit there were times when I felt like a child, the things that I got excited over were completely different to Bella. She was a lot more mature in many ways; amusement parks didn't interest her, whereas me, well I loved them.

"Adrenaline junky then?"

"I like the speed, the height, the adrenaline, that weightless feeling you get…what's not to love?" I asked him, daring him to argue. I met his gaze and Jacob shrugged, making me frown. "Have you ever been to an amusement park?" I asked curiously, watching his cheeks darken before he shook his head.

"We don't usually get anything like that around here." He answered and almost immediately a smile broke out onto my face, an idea hitting me.

"Then we'll put that on a list of things we can do. You have to go to an amusement park at least once, seriously missing out if you don't." I said, already making mental notes to look into the closest park. Shooting Jacob a smile I shooed him out of the way as I reached for the pan. "So what is it you do for fun around here?" I asked letting my eyes flicker to the doorway, the sounds of our Dad's conversing loudly drifting through into the kitchen.

"Well there's First Beach…" he answered, causing me to pause. A small flicker of a memory trying to push to the forefront of my mind, though as quick as it had appeared it was gone again. First beach did sound incredibly familiar. "We spent a couple summers there, when you guys used to visit your Dad." He said by way of reminding me and I smiled brightly. The memory wasn't clear but it was there.

"I remember!" I said, frowning as I tried to pick out something from the memory. "I remember marshmallows and being caked in mud…?" Jacob laughed loudly and nodded his head,

"Yep. That was my fault, Old Quil chewed me out for weeks after that…" he said, wincing slightly and I chuckled, leaning a hip against the counter.

"Why did he do that?" I asked, meeting his gaze. I couldn't remember Old Quil, I didn't even understand why me being covered in mud would have offended him but just as Jacob opened his mouth to reply another voice sounded in the kitchen.

"Please say there's something I can help with."

My focus shifted from Jacob to Bella as my sister entered the kitchen, an amused smile on her face as she shook her head. She waved her hand in Jacob's direction, her hands then slipping awkwardly into her pockets of her jeans. "Dad and Billy not interesting enough for you?" I asked watching Bella roll her eyes as she opened the cupboard.

"They're talking baseball strategies…may as well be talking latin." She said, causing Jacob and I to laugh a little. Another reason Dad and Bella were so different, she hated sports, had never been able to get her head around them. Whereas I loved baseball and football, another thing Dad and I had in common.

"Not a baseball fan Bella?" Jacob asked his focus now on my sister as I carried on making dinner. I heard Bella scoff and smile,

"Not a fan of sport in general, I just…don't get it." She said pulling a face, making me roll my eyes, reminding me yet again how many times I'd had to sit there and try to explain the rules of the game.

"Yeah, Bella's more of a tortured romance novel kind of girl." I joked,

Glancing over my shoulder I watched as she sat at the table, opposite Jacob and I smiled. 'It's strange' I thought as I looked at him. How at ease I already felt, how at ease Bella felt around him. There was something about his mere presence that just radiated warmth. There was no awkward getting to know you stages, it was just easy like we'd always been friends. I hadn't felt the usual need to fill any silence or search for something interesting to talk about. We just talked, I liked that.

Smiling to myself I turned around, shaking the thoughts from my head and collided with another body, feeling a strong grip on my waist. "Watch yourself." Jacob said, smiling down at me and I felt myself unable to do anything but respond in kind. When Jacob let his hands drop from my waist, he stepped through to the living room to see if Billy and Dad wanted a drink. All the while my eyes followed him taking in the physical aspects of him. He stood at around 5"10, his frame somewhat lanky and then his hair, it was long for any guy I'd met and it was tied back in a ponytail. An irrational part of me craved to reach out and play with his hair, to run my fingers through it but I fought it away.

A snigger forced my focus away from Jacob's retreating form and back to Bella. Frowning I looked at her, seeing my sister hiding an amused smile behind her hand and looking at me knowingly, "He's so innocent." She whispered and I narrowed my eyes at her playfully before throwing the kitchen towel at her. Making her laugh as it hit her square in the face.

"Shut up. Or I'm going to tell Dad you want to learn more about baseball."

-0-

"He's back."

Looking up from my assignment I brushed away a stray curl and let my eyes linger on Bella as she moved to sit beside me. It was a new week and we were back at school, the day wasn't the best as it was snowing. I was excited, looking forward to the snow ball fight after I'd finished here, but Bella despised the weather having already fallen over twice. I was sporting a giant bruise on my knee from her little stumble this morning after I'd tried to catch her.

It was only when I was looking at Bella closer that I noticed the sparkle in her eyes, noticed the way her cheeks were flushing a bright red. "Who's back?" I asked, closing over my chemistry book and packing away my things into my back pack, chancing a glance at the clock above the library door, noting I was set to meet Mike and the others outside in 5 more minutes.

"Edward. He was in biology and we, well spoke." She explained and I looked at her in slight surprise, mainly because of how excited she seemed. She was a far cry from the girl who only last week had been trying to get her head around why he was being so horrible. Personally I don't think she should have been bothered, and still didn't understand why she was still talking about him. I didn't know him but the guy sounded like a real jerk, not worth her time.

"What happened to you confronting him about being a giant jackass to you last week?" I asked, already seeing the spark of infatuation. Bella smiled and shrugged, her expression making me frown again. At this rate I was going to get wrinkles.

"Something's still bothering him but we spoke at least." She said a little breathy, staring off into the distance as I rolled my eyes before fastening my bag. On the one hand her having an interest in someone of the opposite sex was good, it was about time but still, she could have chosen someone who hadn't been such a jerk to her for no good reason.

Combing my fingers through my hair I sighed and pushed my chair back, shrugging on my coat and picking up my bag. "You coming or you going to sit here drooling over Mr Bi-Polar?" I asked, not bothered by the slight scowl she sent my way before she stood. Without another word the pair of us left the library, me pulling on my gloves and fastening my jacket. I was both looking forward to the snow fight and getting home. Jacob was set to call later about hanging out at the weekend.

"Where's your scarf?"

I looked at Bella and then down to the front of my jacket and groaned, realizing I'd left it in the library. Telling Bella to go ahead without me I turned and hurried back to the library, snatching up my green scarf from the back of my chair. Wrapping it around my neck I smiled, adjusted my bag and turned into the hallway, heading back towards the main doors. Almost unable to contain my excitement, I pulled on my hat and pushed my way through the doors only to come to a stumbling stop, disappointment flooding through my body.

"Damn it!" I exclaimed, fighting down the urge to pout like a three year old. It was raining; the snow from this morning washed away but the ice was still in place. Shaking my head I tightened my coat around me, crossing my arms over my chest and began my way down the steps to the car park. My eyes sought out Bella, half-hoping she'd made it to the car without falling but not banking on it. When I did find her standing next to the truck I noticed her staring behind her, across the car park. Curious I followed her like on sight to find her staring at none other than Edward Cullen.

Cullen was stood beside his silver Volvo with his family, his gaze also locked on Bella. They continued to stare at one another with such a strange intensity that it set me on edge. Shaking my head I stepped onto the tarmac to head to the truck and pull Bella up on what was going on with her and Edward when a high-screeching sound made me stumble to a stop.

Turning my head to the side I found the sound to be coming from Tyler's black truck. The same truck was moving at an unbelievable fast pace and skidding out of control. I could only watch in horror when I realized that the black truck was heading straight for our truck, with no signs of slowing or stopping. My sister was still stood in the same place, still not realizing the danger heading her way. People called out, ducked out the way, watched in horror. As for me, my body froze in fear, I was paralyzed, unable to do anything but scream out. "Bella!"

One second she was there, the next she was gone. There was a loud crash, then silence. No one spoke, no one moved; every one stared at the truck for what felt like an eternity. It only lasted for a few seconds though, still I paid no mind to the screams around me. Almost in a trance, with my heart in my mouth I took one step, then another, my bag dropping from my shoulder onto the tarmac before I began running towards the accident. My heart was pounding erratically against my chest, every worst case scenario passing through my head. Bella was dead, how could she have survived this? If she was dead…

"Bella?" I cried out, seeing Edward moving away from the truck but paying him no mind. My body was shaking; tears were streaming down my face as I rounded Tyler's truck, not sure if I was prepared for whatever sight would greet me. What I saw though made me stop, a choked cry escaping my mouth as I watched Bella standing shakily, looking stunned but unharmed. Pushing my way past the growing crowd and climbing between the trucks I pulled Bella into my arms, holding her tightly and burying my face into her shoulder, finally allowing myself to cry. "Oh my god…I was…I thought…oh my god."

"I'm okay." She breathed, her voice sounding distant as she hugged me back. Someone cried out they'd called an ambulance but I didn't pay them any attention, my entire focus was on Bella and how close I'd come to losing her. "I'm okay." She whispered again at the same time I was thanking God for whatever had happened to save her life.

-0-

"So she's okay?"

"Yeah thank goodness. I don't know how but yeah she's fine…" I said with a shake of my head, still in a kind of shock. Once I'd managed to let go of Bella earlier on in the day I'd looked at Tyler's truck, seen the huge dent in the driver's side like something had held it back from hitting Bella. I didn't linger on it though, I was just thankful my sister had come out of what could have been something horrific, alive.

"The how doesn't matter, I'm just happy she's alright." Jacob said on the other end of the line and I smiled at the sincerity in his tone. He'd been the first one I'd text earlier this afternoon whilst waiting in the hospital for Bella. "What about you?" his concern for me warming my chest.

"I'm fine now, a little worn out from the excitement though." I admitted, laughing lightly. On the end of the line Jacob laughed, the sound strangely becoming my favorite sound. In such a short time he'd become more than a friend, he was becoming my best friend, just like he had been when we were younger according to what my Dad had told me anyway, my memories were slightly fuzzy.

"Forks isn't the quiet town you were hoping for I'm guessin?" he asked, making me laugh and nod my head again as I climbed into bed.

"Turns out looks can be quite deceiving." I replied, my eyes drifting to my bedroom window as the rain continued to batter down against the glass pane. "I like it though, weather and all." I paused, glancing over at my bedroom door, "I'm actually trying out for the school volleyball team on Friday…" I said quietly, having not told my Dad or Bella yet.

"Really? That's great; I didn't know you were into that…" Jacob replied making me smile as I shrugged my shoulders, playing with the buttons on my pajamas. I wasn't setting any hopes on making the team, I mean, if I did that'd be great but it wasn't I felt the need to shout about. Bella wouldn't be really interested and Dad, well, Dad didn't really get volleyball but I knew he'd be happy if I made the team.

"I played on the team back in Phoenix, pre-season games don't start for a couple months but one of the girls dropped out so there was an open slot. I figured why not try out." I explained, thankful Jessica had thought of me when try-outs had been mentioned

"I'll have to come and watch you play." Jacob said and I could hear the smile in his voice if that were even possible and it only brought about my own. Chuckling to myself I shook my head.

"If I make the team you're free to come watch us play, but stay away on Friday." I warned him, not needing the distraction, even though I knew he'd be the ever supportive friend. Glancing at my bedside clock I groaned, not wanting to hang up but knowing that I needed the sleep if I wanted to have any chance of getting up in the morning, Jacob too. "You do know we've been on the phone for two hours." I pointed out as I pulled my phone away from my ear to glance at it.

"Nah we haven't….oh, crap…didn't even realize." Jacob replied and I knew that he to, had just checked his phone, surprised at how long we'd been talking when in reality it felt like less than that. "Guess we best call it a night…talk tomorrow?"

"You know it." I answered, the last few nights it had almost become routine to talk to each other, whether it be by text or a call. I had to admit I liked that. Pausing I sighed softly, "Goodnight Jacob."

"Night Grace." He said and there was another brief pause before we both hung up the phone. For a few moments I stared at the screen, before smiling again and laying it on my bedside cabinet, letting the silence and stillness of the room surround me.

I couldn't wait for Friday, wait for the weekend. Burrowing deeper down into my covers I let my eyes flicker back to the window as the rain continued to hammer against it. It was calming but there was also something setting my nerves on edge, like a restless dread in the pit of my stomach. From out of nowhere that feeling hit me, like something wasn't right and without hesitation I had thrown back my covers and climbed out of bed, hurried to my door and left the safety of my room.

The house was quiet and still as I listened carefully, moving through the darkness to the source of my worry. It was hard to explain why I was heading to Bella's room, in the middle of the night but I couldn't shake off what I was feeling, so I pushed on and opened her door quietly.

Peering into the bedroom I held my breath and looked around, my eyes locating my sister sleeping peacefully in her bed. Satisfied but still unable to shake off whatever this was I scanned the room, my steps quiet as I made my way to the window which was surprisingly wide open. Grimacing from the slight damp beneath my feet from the rain soaked carpet I carefully pulled down the window, sliding the catch into place before stepping back.

As I stared through the glass and outside into the darkness I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Swallowing down the lump in my throat I fought to squash down the feeling that I was being watched and shut the curtains closed, closing myself off from the outside and Bella too. Wrapping my arms around myself I looked at Bella again before quietly making my way out of her room and back into my own, craving the safety of my own bed.

Curling up beneath the duvet, I shuffled back till my backside was against the wall, feeling more at ease with my back now covered. Still as I began to slip into a restless sleep, trying to ignore my paranoia, I couldn't shake off the feeling that we weren't alone and none of us were particularly safe….

-0-

Been a long while, I know and all I can do is apologize. I let work get on top of me and in truth I've been way too stressed to even feed the muse for this story. I'm getting back into it now though, slowly but surely and I had a question or two for you guys.

How do you feel about maybe me fiddling with the timeline a bit? Like having certain things happen sooner than they originally occurred in the books?

Also how are you guys liking the relationship between Bella and Grace? See instead of going down the familiar route and having them at odds, I wanted to show how close they actually are as sisters and twins, so that when everything starts happening we see how things can start to fall apart. Grace loves her sister but she won't agree with her decisions and definitely won't support them. Bella's actions are going to cause serious damage to the Swan family that's for sure.

Until next time! Let me know what you guys think! Remember reviews encourage faster posting!

ReikeMe – Happy to hear you like Grace and I'm glad you think she makes Bella seem better. I always imagined she'd be a bit better if she'd had a sister. That's not to say I like her, truth is I don't but I wanted their relationship to be real, it'll be more dramatic when Bella starts cutting cords. Grace and Jacob already have the building blocks to their friendship; things will get very dramatic for them around the time of New Moon. Keep reading and I'd love to know what you think of this chapter.

Lola Tudor – Oh this story is going some dark places trust me. Things are set to get complicated and painful for all characters…there's a lot of growing up set to happen.

TwiFan- Everyone's loving the Bella…so happy to hear you like Grace too she is by far my favourite OC as her journey is set to be incredibly bumpy. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.