For the next couple of weeks, I try to visit Bella as much as possible. Apparently, the day she got lost in the woods, Edward broke up with her and left her. Right in the middle of the woods! She tried to follow him and got lost. I swear if I ever see Edward again, he is so dead! Bella is extremely depressed and all she does is, is to go to school and come home. She doesn't want to go anywhere or do anything. According to mom, who heard from Charlie, she has lots of nightmares and screams in the middle of the night. I'm trying to be a good friend and help her, but she doesn't listen to me. I tried to invite her to a Halloween party my dance partner is throwing at his house in Port Angeles, but she refused to come. After that she stopped responding to my calls, texts, and emails. So, I kept my distant. I know that she will come to me once she is ready to face the world.
I've been so busy lately too. Between online school, homework, dance rehearsals with Adam and Andy, helping mom with her dance classes, and volunteering at the animal shelter in Port Angeles, I haven't had a day to myself. Thankfully, I didn't have any more weird dreams. I completely forget about Sam Uley and his strange tattoo. November and December flies by, and Bella doesn't call or text me once. Mom and I go to Florida for Christmas and New Year to see Papa and Nana. It is late January, and the weather is getting warmer. I'm leaving the house for my afternoon run, on a Thursday, when Bella calls my name. I walk across the street to her house.
"Hey, what's up?" I ask with a smile.
"Do you want to go shopping with me and Jessica tomorrow?" Bella asks unexpectedly. Shopping? I think to myself as I look at her in surprise. Bella hates shopping.
"Sure. Sounds fun! What time are you going? Are we going to Port Angeles?"
"Yeah. After school? So around 3 o'clock."
"Sounds good. I'll meet you there. I have rehearsal tomorrow morning. Just text me once you and Jessica get there."
Bella nods her head and I go for my run. I run all the way to Forks High School and come back. On my way back I hear a wolf howl. I stop and look around me. Dusk is approaching and I run faster. I finally get home and I'm out of breath and sweating. I lock the fence gate and the door behind me. Mom and I just close the gate at night and lock the front and back doors when no one is home. Forks is pretty safe, and we never had any break-ins ever since we moved here. I start to laugh once I realize I'm locking the door to prevent a wolf from entering. As if it can turn the doorknob using its paws. I drink some water and take a shower. I dress in my PJs and blow dry my hair.
I'm listening to music and humming to myself. I hear honking outside and my phone rings. It's mom!
"Why is the gate closed?" she asks as soon as I answer.
"Sorry mom! Be right out!" I end the call and go outside to open the gate. I go back into the house through the garage door.
Mom parks her 2004 Jeep Wrangler into the garage and comes into the kitchen from the garage.
"Hey hon. What's going on? Why did you close the gate?" she asks while carrying some groceries. I get the groceries from her and put the items away.
"Ummm…I wasn't sure when you'll be home. I thought I heard a wolf's howl on my run." I say lamely.
Mom is taken back and says, "Honey we live in Forks near a forest. You will hear or may even see a wild animal or two. If a wild animal wants to attack you, a wooden gate isn't going to stop it. The fence is there to stop bears from getting into our trash or deers from coming into our backyard. You used to be braver. What's gotten you so shaken up?"
I sigh and say, "It's nothing." I walk into the living room and turn on the TV. The news shows someone from Forks has gone missing. A Riley Biers, 19 years old, and a student at Oregon University in Portland. He has been missing for months and his family has requested all news outlets to report this.
"His poor family. The Biers live a couple of houses down from us you know." mom says as she sits on the coach next to me.
I'm surprised at the revelation. When we first moved here five years ago, mom and dad made it their mission to know everyone in Forks. I didn't have the same desire. I kept to myself and my close friends in Seattle and Port Angeles. Bella is my first friend in Forks. And she is more of a neighbor's daughter than a friend.
"Are you okay with pizza tonight?" mom asks me.
"I am. Andy won't be happy if he hears that." I say with a smirk.
"Let me worry about him." mom says as she grabs the house phone to place an order.
Andrew‑Andy for short, is my dance instructor and also my godbrother. He and mom run the Port Angeles dance studio. The main location is in Seattle and his dad, mom, and brother manage that location. After dad passed away, Andy decided to move to Port Angeles to help mom. His parents and my parents attended Juilliard and our dads decided to open their own dance studio. After mom left the Rockettes she moved to Seattle and took a job at dad's studio. They fell in love and got married. I was born three years later, and our dads decided to expand the business.
We moved to Port Angeles when I was six years old, and my parents opened the second studio. Mom and dad didn't like the houses in Port Angeles, so they decided to build their own. They bought a land in Forks because it was cheaper and bigger than the lots in Port Angeles. I've known Andy all my life and I love him to death, but he likes to think he is my nutritionist and personal trainer.
Once the pizza gets here, I grab a couple of slices and a coke from the fridge. Mom does the same and we put on a movie. I tell her about my plans with Bella and Jessica tomorrow. Mom is super excited that Bella is going out again but shocked at her choice of plans. The movie starts and we watch it in comfortable silence.
"This is fun! We should do it more." mom says as she is finishing up her ice cream pint. I laugh and say, "Just as long as Andy doesn't know about it."
"If he asks, we had salad with grilled chicken and no dessert." mom says with a wink.
I nod my head and finish eating my ice cream cone. The movie ends and we go up to our rooms. I get my laptop and finish my history paper. I'm uploading the file online when my phone beeps. It's a text from Bella.
Hey Diana, change of plans. We are going to a movie tomorrow. Are you still in?
I smirk as I'm typing a response, Yes girl! What movie? Time?
Dead End. There is a showing for 5:15 and another at 6:50.
Zombie movie? Seriously Bella?
6:50 is a bit late for me. 5:15 good?
Yes. I can buy your ticket if you want.
Sure! But please let me pay for it.
Okay. See you tomorrow!
I get up to tell mom the good news. I don't have to spend all afternoon going from store to store. I get my credit card and knock on her door.
"Mom I'm saved! We are going to see a movie tomorrow." I say as I come into her bedroom after she grants entry.
She laughs and looks up from her book.
"Is that so? What made her change her mind?"
"No idea, but I'm not complaining."
"It's at 5:15 so I'll meet her and Jessica at the theater. Can I use my card?" I ask as I show her my credit card. Mom doesn't want me to use it all the time. Since she is the one paying the bill.
"Sure honey. Just keep the receipts." I kiss her cheek goodnight and go back to my room.
As I'm getting ready for bed, I can't help but smile. I was right! Bella just needed her space for a bit. I hear a howl and then two more. I rest easy knowing the gate and the doors are all locked.
That night I dream about the russet-colored wolf again, but this time there are three others. I'm standing in a clearing and a large black wolf is leading two wolves. The russet-colored wolf is standing next to me and as they approach, he stands in front of me and growls. The black wolf growls louder and continues to approach me. I start to run and I'm fast. Just like a vampire! I jump from a cliff and dive into the ocean below.
I jump awake gasping from the dream, and I see that it's only 5:30 in the morning. I groan and try to fall asleep again. These wolf dreams have got to stop! After tossing and turning for an hour, I give up and go downstairs to make breakfast. As I finish with the eggs and bacon strips, mom steps into the kitchen.
"Hey, why are you awake so early?"
"I couldn't sleep anymore. I thought I get breakfast started." I say while I put her food on a plate and hand it to her. I put some on a plate for myself and pour my coffee into a mug. I add sugar and milk to it and join her at the table.
"Yummy! Thanks hon! Hey, are you at the studio today?"
"Yes ma'am. Adam wants to practice the Quickstep and Rumba. Andy said he'll drop by our session later."
"Don't forget to bring lunch then. You know how Andy feels about fast food."
I grumble and say, "I know…trust me."
After breakfast I put the dishes in the dishwasher and prepare my lunch. I make a turkey sandwich and put it in my lunch bag with an apple and a banana. I grab two water bottles and stick them in the bag too. I go to my room and get my dance bag. I change into skinny jeans and a cashmere sweater. I brush my teeth and I put my hair up in a ponytail. I grab my phone, charger, and car keys and dump them all in my purse. I zip up my brown booties and grab all three bags and head to my car.
It's a red brand-new Honda Civic that mom bought me once I got my license. I turn on the car and connect my phone to the charger. I get out to open the gate and I see Chief Swan leaving his house. I waive to him, and he waives back with a small. I get back into my car and reverse out of the driveway. It takes about two hours to get to Port Angeles with the morning traffic. I park my car in the studio's parking lot and open the studio. I'm putting my bags in my locker when I hear another car pull up.
I go to the front desk, and I see two women and a little girl enter.
"Hello. How may I help you?" I say politely.
"Hello. I wanted to enroll my daughter into your ballet class." Both women and the little girl look to be Native American. I'm surprised to see one of the women have scars on her face. I immediately avert my eyes and smile at the little girl.
"Is that so? I'll be happy to help you ladies. Here is the application and the class schedule. The dates with asterisks are required sessions for the recital. She doesn't have to be in the recital but if she wants to be, she must attend all of those sessions." I explain while I hand her a clipboard and a pen.
The women sit on the chairs in the lobby and the little girl is looking around. I walk over to her and smile.
"What is your name?"
"Chloe Young."
"Nice to meet you, Chloe. I'm Diana. My mom will teach your class and I'll help from time to time." I walk over to the desk and turn on the office's systems.
She smiles at me, and the phone starts to ring. I answer the phone and it's Andy saying he will be here in ten minutes.
The women bring back the application and I look over it. I see that they have added two people for pick-up and drop-off.
"I just need to make a copy of your IDs and take the first session's payment. You can pay as you attend, or you can pay ahead for the whole term. Shoes and outfit can be purchased, or you can rent it. My mother, Regina Allen will teach the class and I'll help from time to time. My name is Diana Allen. Do you have any questions?"
"Nice to meet you, Diana. I'm Mary Young and this is my sister-in-law, Emily. She will bring Chloe to class once in a while." Mary says as she takes out her license and debit card from her wallet. I see Emily taking out her ID too.
I take the IDs from the women, and I shake Mary's and then Emily's hand. I scan the IDs into our computer system. I ask Mary to swipe her card and put her PIN in. I give the receipt and their IDs back and I see Andy walking in.
"Hey Andy. We got a new enrollment. This is Mary Young and her sister-in-law Emily. Chloe wants to be a ballerina." I say with a wink to Chloe.
Chloe blushes and looks down. Andy walks over to the ladies and introduces himself. They talk for a few minutes about the studio and the class. Shortly after the Young family leave and Andy turns to me.
"Great job on the enrollment! One day you'll be running this place."
"Thanks. Have you heard from Adam?" I say as I check my phone for messages.
"No. But I'm sure he'll be here. Do you want to dress and start a warmup?" Andy asks as he goes to the locker room.
I follow him and change into my dance outfit and shoes. I put my clothes in the locker and start a warmup. About thirty minutes later Adam comes and we start our practice. For the rest of the day my mind is distracted from the dream. As I'm about to leave the studio at 4:45 I hear a wolf howl again. Wolves in Port Angeles? I think to myself as I unlock my car door. I get in quickly and drive to the movie theater. Bella and another girl are standing outside. I waive to them as I walk over. We get in the ticket line and Bella orders our ticket. Bella takes some cash from her wallet, and I push her hand away. I give my card to the cashier and pay for our tickets. Bella shakes her head and tries to give the cash to me, but I refuse to take it.
"You invited me here and got us the tickets. The least I can do is pay for it." I say as I go inside the cinema. I get candy, popcorn, and a large drink. Bella and Jessica don't buy anything, and we make our way to the auditorium. Bella leaves to buy popcorn and it's Jessica and I for a bit. We talk for a bit, and I discover she is a Senior at Forks High School and I tell her I'm Bella's neighbor. She thinks I'm pretty cool for 16 years old and we exchange numbers.
The movie is terrible but I'm glad Bella is going out again. Jessica screams a lot and I gasp and cover my eyes during the gruesome scenes. Once the movie ends, we make our way outside and start to walk towards our cars. Jessica is complaining about the movie and I'm texting mom letting her know the movie is over and I'll be home soon.
I look up when I hear Jessica calling Bella to come back. I see Bella in an alley and at the end there is a group of guys on motorcycles. She talks to one of them and gets on the back of his motorcycle. I start to run towards them but by the time I get there, they are gone. A guy approaches me, and I step back and run back to Jessica. I hear them laughing at me as I run up the alley.
"We need to do something." I say as I reach her. She turns to me and rolls her eyes.
"Like what? She just walked over and got on the bike. I'm not going to get hurt because of her stupid mistakes. I don't know what's gotten into her. She is losing her mind. She said she knows one of them."
My eyes widen at that statement. "Maybe we should call the cops?" I suggest.
"And say what? Our 18 years old friend got on the back of a biker's motorcycle willingly. It's not like they forced her. I'm worried about her…don't get me wrong, but Bella chose to go."
I run my hand over my face and sigh. I hate to admit it, but Jessica is right. Cops will laugh at us if we call now. As I'm thinking about calling Andy or Chief Swan, I see that Bella comes back. I run over to her and grab her arm, dragging her away from the bikers.
"What the hell Bella?" I ask as I glare over my shoulder at the bikers.
"It was such a rush. You have no idea. You got to try it!" Bella says in excitement.
I shake my head at her and laugh sarcastically. "Mom will kill me."
"Hey…um…what the hell is wrong with you?" Jessica says as we approach her.
"Just curious. I thought that I saw something." Bella explains.
"You're insane, actually. Or suicidal! That homeboy could have been a psycho. Diana and I were about to end up in a FBI interview room…like some lame TV show."
I stay silent while Jessica rants out her anger at Bella.
"Oh, that was such a rush." Bella says again in a daze. I frown at her and shake my head. She could have died tonight. What is wrong with her? I think to myself as I check my phone.
"Awesome! So, you're an adrenaline junky now? That's cool! You can go bungee jumping." Jessica says as she shakes her head, "You don't get on the back of some random loser's motorcycle! Crazy!"
I'm getting tired of Jessica's attitude and step in.
"Okay. That's enough! Bella made a stupid mistake. She is alive and well. We should just head home. Bella, do you need a ride?" I offer as I take out my car keys.
Bella looks between Jessica and I and nods her head. "Thanks for girl's night Jess. I'll see you in school on Monday. Diana lives across the street from me and it's easier for her to give me a ride. I'm sorry if I worried you tonight."
I'm surprised at her change of behavior but stay quiet. Jessica says goodbye to us and goes to her car. Bella and I make our way to my car, and I unlock the car. Once we get in and I start to drive away Bella turns to me.
"Sorry about tonight. I didn't mean to worry you."
I sigh and nod my head, "Apology accepted. But what's going on? Why are you acting this way? You aren't doing…you know…drugs, right?"
Bella's eyes go wide, and she shakes her head quickly. "No! Of course not!"
I look over to her and sigh again. I look ahead and turn on the radio.
"Can we listen to classical music?" Bella asks. I nod and she changes the station. I didn't know Bella listened to classical music. I hum quietly to Beethoven's Für Elise. The drive is very peaceful, and we talk about school and the hikers that have gone missing. Once we get to her house, I park in the driveway and turn to her. Bella opens the door to get out.
"Wait! Bella, you know you are my friend, right? If you ever need to talk or just hang out, I'll be there. Also, sorry for accusing you of being on drugs." I say with a smile small.
Bella returns my smile and nods her head. We say our goodbyes and I watch as she gets into her house. I reverse out of her driveway and go into mine. I close the gate behind me and enter the house carrying my bags.
"Mom I'm home." I say and when I don't hear a response, I go upstairs to my room. I drop my lunch bag on the kitchen counter on the way upstairs. I change into my PJs and brush my teeth. Mom comes into my room, and I see her hair is wet. I assume she was in the shower earlier.
"Hey hon. How was the movie?"
"Eh…not too bad." I say with a shrug.
She laughs and shakes her head. "How is Bella?"
I freeze as I'm brushing my hair. I turn to her and say, "Fine. Why?"
I hate lying to her, but I don't want her to worry about my friend's sanity.
"Oh…nothing. I was talking to Charlie this afternoon and he is worried about her."
"It's a parent's job to worry about their kids, isn't?" I joke trying to lessen the tension. Mom doesn't laugh but she doesn't probe further. Mom offers to heat up dinner, but I refuse. I ate too much popcorn, and I wasn't hungry. She kisses my forehead and says goodnight. I sigh and lie down on my bed.
I grab my phone and scroll through Facebook. I see a friend request from Jessica, and I hit accept. I get a text from Bella.
Hey, thanks for the movie and the ride. Do you want to come over tomorrow?
I raise my brow and type. Sure. What time?
Is 10 good?
10 AM on a Saturday? I try not to groan aloud and type. Okay. What are we doing?
I ask as I try to plan my outfit in my head.
It's a surprise. Dress casual.
Both my eyebrows shot up to my hairline. Surprise? It's a known fact that I hate surprises. Bella knows this…she hates surprises too. I groan and type.
You know I hate surprises. If you won't tell me what we are doing, can you at least tell me whether I should bring my car or not?
No, don't bring it. I'll see you at 10!
I roll my eyes and set my alarm for tomorrow. I put my phone on my nightstand and turn off my lamp. I lay in bed and try to fall asleep. All night I toss and turn, and I have weird dreams. I dream about Bella becoming a motorcycle racer and I'm her biggest fan. I also dream that I've become a zombie but instead of brains, I crave popcorn. Thankfully, I don't dream about the wolves again.
AN: Hi readers, thanks for reading chapter 2! The wolf at the beginning is Jared phasing for the first time. Yes, Diana met Emily! Chloe is Claire's older sister. Diana is homeschooled because she is a professional ballroom dancer. Her dreams aren't just nightmares, they are visions of some sort. At some point she must choose between the Cullens and the Pack. If you want me to continue with this story, please don't forget to review.
