Author's Note: Hi everyone! I'm so sorry for the late update, life has been rather hectic but I hope it was worth the wait! Thank you so much to all of you spectacular individuals who have followed, favorited, reviewed and are reading this story! You are all so magical and I want to thank you with all my heart! I'll leave another author's note at the bottom and review responses too! Happy Reading and Enjoy!

Sweat trickled down my arms and legs as I collapsed on the ground – my heart hammering against my splintering rib-cage as I attempted to capture my breath and steady my pleading lungs. The gym floor was slippery against my skin as I lay there – a gasping, sweaty mess whose hair had messily fallen out of my braid in gentle waves. I could feel the flush in my cheeks, the stray strands of hair that stuck to my forehead in exhaustion. Today was the last day we had in class to practice our dance which we would be graded on. Placed into groups of three, our task had been to choreograph a new piece that intertwined multiple dance forms.

The gym lights blurred my vision as I gazed upwards, my fingers limp against the floor as my lips parted in a feeble attempt to swallow more oxygen. The air was sweet, yet tinged with a heated saltiness. My toes clicked as I moved them in tiny wave motions - the sound of other students dancing pulsed through my ears. Our group had decided on a contemporary dance with elements of ballet and gymnastics – but as my heart and lungs quivered in me, I was starting to ponder whether we had taken on too much. The group I had been assigned to were strong in their ability and I couldn't help but feel slightly timid. They had greater strength than I, greater blondness yet…the fluidity and vulnerability of their movements were too sharp, too confident and almost…arrogant.

I turned my head slightly, gazing up at my two team members who conversed lightly amongst themselves. Felix and Wilder – despite being in the same group as them, our discussion drifted no further than choreography and wrestling tactics as they practiced in-between breaks. The grey tops that clung to their chests were darkened with misshapen leaks of sweet. And as I lay there…I couldn't help but squint my eyes before widening them with sweet amusement at how the sweat on Felix's shirt looked like a map of Asia. Sighing, I gracefully got to my feet – my movements gentle and graceful as my bare feet glided over the floor. Ghosts of dance and music still lingered in my blood, in my ears and bones and dreamer's pulse.

Feeling the dryness in my throat, I padded over to the bleachers and lightly plucked up my water bottle before taking a deep and desperate drink. Music still swam through the air as I drank, as my eyes scanned the room for the individual who held and caressed the secret key to my undoing. Removing the water bottle from my lips, I licked my lips lightly as my eyes captured sight of him. I wanted to dance with him, to feel his fingers tease the tips of mine as we spun and twirled and intertwined in our own secret and heated friendship. He had not a single bead of sweat, not a single stray hair as he leaned against the gym wall and stared up at the ceiling. He looked bored, as if he was a stranger to practice and a lover of spontaneity and improvisation. The seriousness that decorated his features pulled at my heart in some strange way, as if I wanted to whisk it away and conjure that smile that I had come to know well.

His eyes suddenly flicked to mine, and my fingers hiccupped against the bottle that I held. I felt nervous, guilty as if I had been looking at something I shouldn't. His eyes bore into mine, swam inside me as if untangling each and every one of my deepest secrets. My lips parted but my body remained still. I wanted to go to him, to take his hands in mine and allow our sweet whisperings of our pasts, wishes, dreams, desires and whatever words our voices could conjure to fill the air and drown out all the noise. His gaze was intense, as if he were longing for the same thing but…I quickly snapped my gaze away, placed my water bottle down and returned to my group. Yet as I danced with Felix and Wilder…I had only one memory that blinded me completely, only one person…

Night claimed the sky in its delicate hands as I ran towards him – my feet bare and naked as my soul had become in his presence. His stiffness faded when he saw me, when he captured sight of my bright smile and wide eyes. He was dressed in a white shirt and dark navy jeans and I…a delicate dress of pastel yellow. My hair waved behind me in loose curls as before I could take another breath, I collided into him. His arms wrapped around me, no longer hesitant nor shy as he lifted me up in his embrace and spun me around precisely once as if I were but a feather to him.. Settling me down on the ground, the question and reason behind my race towards him fled me.

"Did you bring the book?" I gasped, my fingers dancing over his shoulder before I searched behind him in a hurried and desperate need. I circled him like a small ballerina mouse, as he followed my movements with amusement glimmering in his eyes. Managing to grasp my hand in a sly and almost cheeky manner, a small gasp echoed through my throat as he lightly pulled me towards him. His grip was delicate and light, as if in that moment my hand was made of glass. I met his eyes with enchantment as he brought my hand up to his lips.

"It's charming to see you too tonight darlin'" He said with a crooked smile, before placing a small peck on my hand. His words were delicate and strong, laced in that Texan twang which plucked at my heart's strings. I took a dainty step towards him, taking my hand back before carefully going up on my tiptoes to place a fragile kiss on his cheek. I then whispered in his ear.

"Where's the book my darling enigma?" I pulled away with a sweet and mischievous smile before dropping back down to the palms of my feet.

He took in a deep breath, as if the next words he was about to say were a challenge – unwanted in coating his lips and tongue yet, he spoke them anyways. He walked towards me, towering over me like an albatross over a duckling. "There can be no peace for us," he whispered, his words deep with unsavory feeling, "only misery, and the greatest happiness."

I knew he was quoting the book I sought, yet those words... and the tone that laced and enchanted them…they felt too real, too possible as if in some way it was a warning that we would happily accept and cherish. We both gazed at one another, hypnotized and lost in thought at the words he had just spoken. Yet I had my response. I pressed a dainty hand against his chest – my fingers only just grazing the crisp fabric of his shirt as I backed him up into a tree. With his back pressed against the cool and pealing bark, I removed my hand and whispered my reply – keeping a few steps away from him as if to protect my own vulnerability.

"Something magical has happened to me: like a dream when one feels frightened and creepy, and suddenly wakes up to the knowledge that no such terrors exist. I have wakened up." My words were sweet and wistful, as if each commenced at the end of a breath. Anna Karenina, the book I sought and whose words stained our tongues was one dear to me. And Jasper, being the avid reader he was, shared my admiration for it. His lips parted at the words I quoted and after a few long heartbeats – he walked passed me, his shoulder grazing mine as if to say "please follow," and so I did.

We walked through the forest in silence. I trailed slightly behind him, talking in my surroundings, the soft breeze and – him. His back was straight and his muscles rippled underneath his skirt as he walked in a casual stride. We had done this nearly every night, and I was starting to fear for the safety of my heart as we grew closer and closer. When we reached the outskirts of the forest, his motorcycle appeared. He reached into the seat which popped open and retrieved a fist edition of Anna Karenina. My heart stopped when my eyes captured sight of it and for once in my life I had no idea in how to react. My eyes widened uncontrollably as an excitement I had not felt since I was a child claimed me. I became paralyzed as a whirlwind of emotions danced and chattered and screamed amongst my giddy bones. The brown leather, gold writing, crumpled pages…I could barely breathe. My hands went up to my lips as I tried to form a sentence. But I couldn't…my words had me captured as my eyes were solely fixed on the book. I wanted to touch it, to smell and feel it's pure words caress my mind.

"Would you like to borrow?" Jasper's question snapped me out of my trance, but only barely. His eyes looked warm with endearment.

"May…would…I…borrow…yes, oh yes please!" I exclaimed, as he carefully handed me the copy. My fingers caressed the cover and spine delicately, I brought it up to my nose, rested it against my cheek before bringing it to my chest to hold against my heart. "I promise on all the stars that have ever shone in the night sky that I will look after it."

"I have no doubt that you will." He replied, leaning against his motorbike as I fawned over the book.

"Thank you, oh thank you, thank you, thank you!" I said in a stream of absolute ecstasy before taking an excited step towards him. "Oh, my stars you are like a genie." His eyes adverted downwards as a bashful smile waltzed their way onto his lips. "But I'm afraid it is my turn to play genie, and I…" I took a deep breath as I conjured up my strength. "I was wondering if we could spend the rest of the evening at the children's ward and play them music, together."

He inclined his head and with a smile replied, "as you wish."

As I practiced with Felix and Wilder…memories of that night painted my pupils as I completely succumbed to them, succumbed to the way I had danced for the children and Jasper played the music that moved me. Seeing the smiles on those children's faces…it was the best gift I or anyone could ever have received because in that one moment, they weren't in pain, they weren't focusing on the reason they were hospitalized…they forgot. Jasper's father Carlisle hadn't been at the hospital that night, hadn't witnessed or felt the air in those rooms and we were both grateful.

"Willa!" Wilder's warning snapped me out of my thoughtful trance as I accidentally stepped on his foot and spun the wrong way.

"Oh, my stars I'm sorry!" I exclaimed, my cheeks flushing an embarrassed red as he gripped my hand harder in frustration. There was no fluidity in our motions, no sense of losing one's self. It was all…forced.

I sighed with relief when the bell signalled the end of class and automatically went over to where Otto and Josie were hunched over with their hands on their knees as they tried to re-gain their strength and ability to move.

"Hey troopers," I spoke, placing a hand on Josie's back. Her shirt was soaked through, and her breathing was ragged and uneven. "Breath my angel," I told her gently, getting on my knees so I could look her in the eyes.

"I…I don't think that's possible." She gasped.

"Yea," Otto chimed in, "I mean why is this even mandatory? Do they want to hospitalize me?"

"I look like a beetroot, and not even a cute beetroot but one that's been stepped on and mushed up." Josie sighed, as I handed her a bottle of water and gently brushed aside the stray strands of hair that clung on her cheeks and forehead. I knew I probably looked exactly the same as her, and knowing I had a History test next period, I gave both Otto and Josie a kiss on the forehead before fast-walking to the changing rooms. I was nearly there when suddenly a shoulder grazed mine and a piece of paper fell into my hand. I looked up, gazing as Jasper walked past me without a single look or recognition. The piece of paper felt heavy in my hand, as if it pulled at my mind and heart to be its keeper and protector. I allowed my fingers to tightened their grip around it, to hold it gently but firmly until I reached the girl's locker room. Pressing my back against the wall, I willed myself to seep into the walls and shadows. Slowly, I uncurled my fingers and peered down at the crumpled paper. I could see threads of his curly writing in black pen, and when I knew no one else was paying attention to me, I opened the note and read his letter with a fluttering heart that wasn't sure if it wanted to stay or fly away in confusing fear.

Willa,

'He stepped down, trying not to look long at her, as if she were the sun, yet he saw her, like the sun, even without looking.' – Anna Karenina.

Jasper


I always hated multiple choice tests. Some people flourished in them, some became leaking vessels of information and I…I became a day dreaming mess who fell and faded into the different worlds my imagination conjured. The end of my pen tapped against the test-paper as I peered out the window. It was a Friday, a weeping wet Friday whose cool touch was no longer soothing but…I sighed, drifting my gaze back to my test. The letters and small empty circles that I was supposed to color in seemed to fade together. I always ended up doing poorly in these tests, for I couldn't write, couldn't blossom…

There were two minutes to go and I, unfortunately, still had quite a few empty spaces. Quickly, I read over all the questions and filled them out as I best as I could. When the bell rang to signal the end, I couldn't help but sigh with relief as I knew I was no longer trapped in this cage. I blew stray strands of hair away from my eyes as I impatiently waited for my test to be collected and my freedom granted.

As I waited, I felt a fingertip brush my knuckle, it was soft and cool – delicate and calming as I looked up at Jasper who seemed to be the perfect embodiment of tranquillity. We couldn't talk, couldn't look at each other for long but in that moment…it was as if everything was alright. I entwined my finger with his and bit back a small smile. No one was watching us…we were invisible at the back of the room, shrouded in shadow as rain fell and swept away any fear…any worry. Not wanting anyone to see, we slowly moved our hands away in a motion that showed that had never touched, that we had never acknowledged one another as our tests were collected and we left class as fake strangers.


As the day bleed into darkness and the moon ruled the sky, I sat in the children's hospital wing with a nine-month old baby nestled in my arms. Finlo gazed up at me with big brown eyes – his small hand wrapped around my finger as I sang him a sweet lullaby. Finlo had a tracheostomy to help him breath, his voice stolen from him so he could live. And as I looked down at him, as I held him and sang him to sleep whilst his parents went to get some food…I couldn't help but want to heal him, to fix him. I knew my blood could but…a part of me thought it unethical. I didn't know how this was done, how this was practiced and if there were different ways and procedures. I continued to sing, to let the words soften and glide as the lights dimmed and his eyes misted over. He was such a precious child. His skin was soft and tan, and his hair was fluffy and dark. He didn't deserve this, no children nor parent did.

I leaned down and placed a single kiss on his forehead, allowing my lips to linger before I cradled him gently and sang until his parents returned. I had grown to know Finlo and his family. He was their first child, and all they wanted was for their little boy to be safe and healthy. And despite not being a doctor or nurse, I strangely…felt responsible for him.

Knowing my shift was over, I slowly walked out of the children's ward – my violin case slung over my shoulder as I wiped sleep away from my eyes and said goodbye to the children. After all those evenings spent with Jasper, discovering my past and who I was…I felt rather exhausted. I had just rounded the corner when I accidently bumped into someone.

"Oh, my stars!" I exclaimed, my hands pressing against their hard chest as I steadied both him and myself.

"That's alright, Willa." Looking up, my eyes widened and my cheeks flushed with embarrassment as I looked up at Doctor Cullen.

"Oh, bless you heart," I swallowed deeply, straightening his coat as surprise moulded my features. "I'm so sorry, I must have slipped away to my own fantastical world."

He smiled sweetly, watching my hands as they dropped from his coat to my sides. "That's quite alright. I was actually on my way to find you."

"To, to find me?" I asked gently, surprised and slightly anxious about his reason. I had never spoken to Doctor Cullen before. I had seen him through the halls, had marvelled at his skill and technique and aura but…I had never met his eyes, never spoken and asked him the range of questions that my heart begged to ask. He was a Doctor, not a healer but…

"I wanted to thank you. It's not often that we get volunteers who are so committed as you." He spoke with a gentle ease, with maturity beyond his years and suddenly my desire to ask him the questions that I did could no longer be sealed behind my lips.

"Would it," I paused, smiling shyly as I hesitated in thought. It was rather late…and I couldn't supress the guilt that nipped at my heart. Surely, he wouldn't want a student like me to pester him, to distract him and take away his time? Yet when I looked up into his eyes, when I saw how they looked into me…it was suddenly as if my guilt faded away, as if tranquillity claimed me and I knew he wouldn't reject me. "Would it be alright if I asked you some questions?"

His face softened and warmed, as if he had wanted someone to show an interest in him and what he did. My enthusiasm for his profession shone from me and he gave me one of those rare smiles that promised he would love to answer whatever I had stored up in my mind.

"Of course," he said, holding out an arm as he gestured towards the hospitals café, "I've just finished for the night."

"Well, that's, that's wonderful." I enthusiastically told him, my tiredness a distant memory as I walked beside him with a skip in my stride as my pony-tail swung happily from side to side.

"Would you like something to drink?" He asked politely, his hands folding behind his back like Jasper would do.

"I would love some hot chocolate, just give me one second to get my money and –" He rested a hand on mine that had just reached into my pocket. His expression was endearing and soft as he shook his head.

"It's quite alright, I'll get it for you." I shook my head in disbelief, resting my other hand over his in delicate protest.

"Oh no, I couldn't –"

"I insist." His words were firm with graciousness and before I could part my lips to reply, he had left to order. With a bewildered smile, I walked over to a spare table and seated myself down. I tried to calm the guilt in my heart as I watched him purchase the hot chocolate for me. As he was paying, he looked over his shoulder at me – giving me a crooked smile that made my guilt sting. And by the time he had arrived at our table and sat down, I couldn't help but pull out the money and lay it in front of him.

"Willa –"

"You save lives every-day, you give so much of yourself to everyone always." I held his gaze, let all my emotion and admiration seep into him. "Please." I slid the money closer towards him. I had given him more than the beverage, far more but it just seemed…worth it. I let him study me, allowed his eyes to swim and dance in my blood before he smiled and tapped my knuckle in surrender before taking the money.

"You're very generous." My cheeks flushed a bashful pink and shook my head. "I'm nothing compared to you. How do you do it, what drives you. I've seen you work, you work more hours than anyone in this hospital. I'm curious as to why." I suddenly felt afraid, felt afraid that I had went one step too far yet…the way he looked at me, it seemed alright.

"It gives me happiness." He said, sweet and simple, honest and factual. "Human-life, it is indeed one of the most precious things and seeing the way I can heal them, protect them…" He looked down, as if he was embarrassed by what he was saying. "Surely you must understand and know my answer before you asked it, or else why would you be volunteering so many hours?"

His question caught me of guard, I had been so lost in his answer, so drawn in and attentive to his words that when he directed the attention onto me, I was not prepared. I sat back in my chair, pondering his words before leaning forward with passion shining in my eyes. "Exactly the same reason as you. I just feel like I need to be here, to help others, to heal them and bring them happiness. I suppose it does bring me happiness in helping them but I prefer to see their happiness. I don't care how tired I am, as long as I can see them smile and know in that one brief moment that they are alright…then it is all worth it."

"Have you ever thought about studying medicine?" He asked gently and calmly, nodding at what I had just told him.

"I," I sighed shyly. "I would love to but, I'm afraid I may not have the brains for it." I tapped my head before hiding my face in my hands and separating two fingers on each hand so my eyes could peek through them.

"I'm sure that's not true." He shook his head, taking my hands away from my face.

"No, I…I'm not the best student at school." I told him honestly. "My heart…it lies in music, and dance and helping others but in the classroom…I falter."

"It sounds to me that you need a purpose to flourish." He told me, his fatherly tone catching me of-guard. It was warm, soft and promised something that I wasn't familiar with.

"But it may be too late." He shook his head, giving me a new sense of hope as I stared into his courageous eyes.

"It's never too late, I promise you." I took a sip of hot chocolate as he asked me, "what colleges have you applied for?"

Swallowing I replied, "I haven't. My mama passed during the time applications were due and I think I would just like to volunteer in hospitals or third world countries whilst I figure out what I'd like to do with my life."

He nodded, "what if I were to offer you a training position. With me as your mentor?" Hearing his words, I instantly chocked on the warm chocolate liquid. It sprayed all over the table as I coughed and gagged and tried to stifle it with my hand. My eyes were wide with horror as my face went red. My body shook as I coughed, as Doctor Cullen rushed to get some water and kneeled in front of me – his hand rubbing my back as I sipped at the water.

"I…I'm sorry I think my ears must have taken a trip of to never never land, would…" I took another sip of water as I tried to calm myself. 'Would it be alright if you repeated yourself?"

He looked worried and concern, but an endearing smile pinched his lips upwards. "Of course. Willa, what if I were to offer you a training position. With me as your mentor?"

I shook my head in disbelief. "But…you barely know me."

"I think I know and have seen enough of you to know that you have a rare heart and extraordinary potential in this field of work." His hand steadied on my back, applying the lightest of pressures as his fatherly presence clamed me.

"I don't know what to say." And for once, I truly didn't. He had stolen my ability to speak, my ability to think and I was truly rendered speechless.

"You don't need to, have a think about it but know that my offer will still stand." He stood up and returned to his seat. When I saw he began cleaning my hot chocolate mess, I quickly found myself and brushed loose strands of hair behind my ear.

Grasping a napkin, I said, "let me." He simply smiled as we both cleaned up the mess.

"I believe you had a few questions for me Willa?" He asked once the mess was gone. He leaned back in his chair casually.

"My stars my mind is slippery today, I do." I told him, biting back all my questions as I selected the most important one I wanted to ask him. "If you could heal someone, save their life so they and their family could be happy, would you do it even if the way to achieve that would be unethical?"

He paused at that, as if the question was one that he had never expected and I couldn't blame him. I waited patiently as his features moulded into a serious, deep and conflicted portrait. It was as if he was mulling over a fact that I did not know, something personal to him but then…" If it ensures that the individual with be healthy, happy and their life saved without question or possibility of failure…then it could not be unethical."

I had my answer. Yet I still felt afraid. Still felt afraid as Doctor Cullen and I talked about medicine and life and art and music. I felt afraid when we said goodbye and I walked back into the children's ward – my footsteps nimble and light as I made my way to Finlo's crib and picked him up in the gentlest of ways. The night-time staff didn't look at me twice as I held him in my arms – his parents must have gone home to sleep. He was beautiful and sweet and so innocent. He had a voice and I needed to give it to him, I had to…The words that Doctor Cullen told me sang strongly in my ears, mind and heart. I could save him, I knew I could. Singing softly to him as he slept in my arms, I carefully and nearly slit my wrist without hesitation. I could save him, I could save him. Balancing him in one arm, I opened his mouth and dripped my blood past his lips. When I thought he had enough, I quickly removed his tracheostomy, wiped his mouth and placed him in his crib with the tracheostomy next to his neck for it to appear as if it had just 'fallen out."

I stepped back in fear, my whole body shaking and pleading and begging as I watched Finlo. He woke up, gasping and I wanted to cry. Fear and guilt claimed my heart and I could feel myself collapsing until…the whole in his neck healed completely as his breathing…. he became steady. Relief flooded me as I heard him cry, heard his voice before I screamed for a nurse, for a doctor, for anyone to make sure he was alright and that this wasn't a dream.

The Doctor ran over to Finlo's crib, his eyes wide when he captured sight of him. I watched with tears in my eyes as I spoke in a hurried and panicked way. "I…I just came over to his crib and he was crying and –"

"This is impossible." The Doctor said in completely disbelief. "He's completely healed he's-" I didn't hear the rest he said, I couldn't focus as I stumbled out of the children's ward and ran outside. I needed to breath, to feel and see and become a slave to nature. When I reached the entrance to the hospital I collapsed and vomited. My whole body shook and quivered in fright and relief as emotions flooded and drowned me. I had saved him, he was alright…I began laughing, laughing in ecstasy and I knew I must have looked like a crazy person but I didn't care. I could save people, I did it. Looking up to the stars, tears wetted my cheeks as I thanked the stars. He was alright, he was safe.

And without another moment or thought or look at passer-by's who regarded me with concerning bewilderment, I got to my feet and ran the rest of the way home.


Closing the front door, I allowed my back to collapse against it as I breathed in and out with a strange smile. I was happy and relieved and shocked and…I closed my eyes. Savouring the sweet air and the safety of my home before opening them and wandering into the kitchen with a skip in my stride. Searching the cupboards, I plucked up some chocolate bars and with my mouth, I bit down on the plastic packaging of pre-popped popcorn and headed up to my room. I had found that after I had given blood, no matter how little or how much…I felt weak and dizzy, hungry and I suppose that was something I loved. I had always adored food, no matter what culture it was from and to have an excuse to eat…

Opening my door, the popcorn bag fell out of my mouth when I found Bella curled up on my bed waiting for me. Seeing me, she slowly sat up, her hair an endearing mess as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

"Hey, I stayed up to talk." She said, shuffling over to make a stop for me to sit. "Got enough food?"

I gave her a wide smile and threw the pop-corn at her which she failed to catch. "Only just!" I exclaimed happily before sitting next to her. "Oh! And since you're awake, maybe we could watch a movie together?"

She stretched her arms out, trying her best to appear awake. "I'd love that, and that way you won't eat all the food."

"So, my darling, what would you like to talk about?" I rested my head against her shoulder, snuggling into her as if she were my only source of warmth.

"Edward." I felt her stiffen and I couldn't help but mimic her. For the past month, Edward had been a constant on her mind and it wasn't in a good way. It made me unsure of my feelings towards him. Seeing the distress and then curiosity and then happiness that he brought Bella…He made me feel more protective over Bells and I couldn't help but hold her hand and give it a reassuring squeeze. "I invited him to come to La Push with us tomorrow."

"Oh?" I asked gently, raising an eyebrow as I waited for her to continue – my fingers caressing her hand in a soothing manner.

"Well, he's not coming." I felt her chest rise and fall with deep annoyance and frustration. But from all of the past experiences she had with him, I couldn't help but wonder is this was a good or bad thing.

Licking my lips, I looked up at her as I asked the question that pondered my lips. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing sweetheart?"

She shook her head, slouching further down as she wrapped her arm around me and rested her chin against my hair. "I don't know. It's weird, when I invited him…I felt this weird twinge of enthusiasm that he may say yes."

Wanting to give Bells my full attention, I sat up, faced her cross-legged and took both of her hands in mine. "He's truly put you through a roller coast, hasn't he? As your cousin, and someone who loves you more than any other person in this world…I can't help but feel very protective over you. He seems dangerous, like he's battling something personal and I…I know it's none of our business but I don't want you to get hurt. You're too, you mean too much to me." I reached forward, caressing her cheek before letting my hand fall into my lap.

"I know, but don't worry. He won't hurt me. If anything, he seems rather protective in a strange way." I tilted my head to the side in bewilderment. Hoping it would be enough to encourage her to keep talking. "When I left him yesterday he told me not to fall into the ocean or to get run over or anything."

A small smile pinched my lips upwards and in a way, I was thankful for what Edward had said. "And knowing you my darling you snapped at him."

"Yes but –"

"I'm starting to wonder if this confusion of emotions is a two-sided thing." I smiled easily at her, tapping her nose in a cheeky manner.

She scrunched her nose up at me before continuing. "I just wished he came today, for us to talk."

"I know," I replied gently. "I saw the way you looked at their table. Where was he today if it's alright to ask?" I pondered allowed.

"He said him and his family are going hiking in the Goat Rocks Wilderness, just south of Rainer. Him and Emmett left early today."

I popped my lips, "that explains why his brother wasn't in physical education today."

"But what's strange is that when I asked Dad about the place this evening, he said it wasn't a good place to go camping. That there are too many bears there." Her sentence made my smile fade as a new sense of worry and fear snapped at my heart. But it wasn't just a friendly sort of worry for Edward's family…it was a deeper worry for Jasper. A strength of worry that I had never felt before. I knew he would be safe, that his family would be but suddenly…my heart had caught me off-guard.

"I'm sure they'll be alright. "I told her, suddenly unaware if I was trying to convince her or myself. "They have to be." I squeezed her hands tighter. "Now, shall we watch a movie?"


Sleep claimed me quickly once the movie had ended and Bella had left for her room. Dressed in a white nightgown made from light and dainty fabric, I let it pool around me like liquid as I slept with my window open. The cool breeze coated my face – as I fell into a world of bitter darkness who's claws caressed and dug viciously into my mind.

The room was dark –wet and cold as if all the warmth in the world had dissolved into the seeping stones. Flora's feet stumbled over the cobbled floor as she was dragged into the room. She wore nothing but a ripped, dirty sheet that had holes for a head and two arms. It appeared that it may have once been white, a long time ago before old blood and grime stained its unwashed surface for centuries. Her long hair fell over her eyes – she had no strength to fight, no strength to struggle or even speak as she was shoved onto the rusted metal grating that decorated a small section of the floor. Her broken fingers coiled around the grating in feeble desperation.

"Please," she begged, the word harsh against her throat as her cheek rested against the cool grating. She couldn't move, couldn't look up as she shook and trembled with crumbling fear. The bracelets that wove tightly around her wrists burned her, poisoned her blood as her magic, as her ability to heal herself was frozen. She felt like she couldn't breathe, as if her essence, her sweet, beautiful essence – it felt dead, she…despite her hope and blind faith, felt dead. She had no idea how long she had been here, how long she had been abused and tortured and drained by the monsters as if she was some play-thing. Her memories were blurred, just as her eyes were. Her dry lips, crusted with old blood and skin parted to speak. But before she could, before she could muster up all her strength to voice a single world…another broke the silence.

"Flora."

It was as if that one word brought her one mouthful of sweet oxygen, as if it gave her a single strong heartbeat but – her fingers coiled tighter around the metal grating as she tried to lift her head up. To see him, to lose herself in his eyes and know she was not alone. Every bone, every vein screamed within her, and it never stopped – that pain, it was constant…she couldn't heal herself, she couldn't…the bracelets were heavy around her tiny wrists, violent as small metal spikes pierced her wrist and robbed her of who she was.

"Flora." She had to look up, had to see him, she – flicking her eyes up and twisting her neck to the side…she was able to see him, to feel his heartbeat inside hers but…the sight of him, it broke her beyond repair. On the other side of the room he was on his knees, his arms spread apart and attached to two metal chains. His entire body, his chest…he was covered, not a single patch of skin was left without a bite mark, without a whip's slash. Yet he remained on his knees, remained strong and relentless as sweat shined against his exposed chest and his long hair hung over his eyes. She knew he would not give up, that he would not appear weak to their captors...Silas's masters but, she knew she couldn't be the same. She was weak, a crumpled mess who's back and entire body had been slashed and bitten and sucked and drained.

"Flora look at me, keep your eyes on me." The metal grating beneath both her and Silas was how the monster's collected their blood for future consumption. They would beat them, whip them and watch with watering mouths as their blood leaked from their bodies and down into the pit below where it was stored to mature whilst the healers were allowed to heal themselves once more.

"Silas." She managed to whisper before she was dragged up to her feet. Her back slammed against a hard chest as a smooth silky hand grabbed her chin and tilted her head back so she could look into those two red eyes.

"This is what happens when my possessions decide to take their lives into their own hands." His voice was light and giddy, as if he were playing hide and seek and had just found his prize. His dark long jet-black hair fell against Flora's shoulders as she was forced to look up at him. He had no empathy, no heart except for a black mass that lusted for power and hid whimsically behind his cheeriness and quirky optimism. "Do you know why I've decorated your pretty wrists with these bracelets my pet?" He asked lightly, stroking Flora's cheek as if she were the most precious thing to him. She squirmed at his touch, for it was too gentle, to careful and delicate…a touch only a lover would give and she felt repulsed.

"No." She told him, her voice soft and fearful.

"No that's right, you wouldn't would you because ah." He paused, smiling as he smelt her hair and neck and sighed as if he were intoxicated by her. "You're a rather new healer, aren't you? Compared to dear old Silas – an ancient relic isn't he but you…your healer's blood sings louder than his, it's so much sweeter. But," he tapped her nose, trailing his free hand down her arm to lightly caress her bracelet. "It can be so much more affective if it means you can't heal yourself. Look at it like sparkling champagne. The longer the cork is on, the longer you shake the bottle…the fizzier it gets before…pop." He released a slightly giggle. "You open the bottle and its magic comes shooting out, mature and saved – not wasted on you." He gave her one last smile before throwing her back to the grating. But she did not allow herself to collapse fully, she did not allow herself to scream or cry when her back was whipped to ribbons and her blood drained from her.

She focused on Silas, held his eyes and heart and soul in her as she fought to cling on to whatever sanity she still had left. And when the monsters left them, when she knew they were alone…she crawled to him like a stray, helpless puppy and draped her arms around his neck. He couldn't hold her back, he couldn't move due to being chained up but –

He nestled his face in her hair, breathing in heavily as he kissed her cheeks and neck and shoulder. He needed to feel her, to smell her and love her. It was his fault they were found and captured. He became to careless on their honeymoon, too lost in this ecstasy that he found in her that he didn't realize they were being tracked. He hated himself, hated the skin that draped over his bones and that she kissed with her cracked lips. He couldn't bare it, couldn't bare feeling her love for he knew he didn't deserve it.

Flora felt him stiffen against her touch and she knew why, she knew and wasted no time in grasping his chin and making him look her in her eyes.

"It was both of our faults, not yours alone. Never yours alone because we are in this together. Always and forever." She told him, her thumb running over his lip.

"I will get us out of here, I promise you." His words were deadly as he spoke, as he captured her lips with his and –

The door burst open, and before Flora or Silas could say another word she was ripped away from him and dragged by the hair into the black and bloody abyss.

My eyes flickered open as I sat up in bed with one fluid motion. My breathing was light and quick as I drew my knees up to my chest and rested my cheek against them. I was afraid to close my eyes as I gathered and steadied my heart and lungs. The night seemed calm, as if what I dreamt and saw could never have possibly happened. But despite it being a nightmare, I knew it was real and that despite how safe I was now…I knew it would not last forever.


Author's Note: Hi everyone! So there you have it! Next chapter will be La Push and a lot more discovery and Jasper and Willa moments together! What did ya'll think of this chapter?! I know it was rather dark in some places but I'd love to know what everyone thinks! Please review, follow and favorite and I can't wait to see what everyone thinks and for ya'll to read the next coming chapters too! Much Love, Lisette.

Littlecosma001: Hiya! Thank you so much for your review! I love reading them so much and jeepers! Some of your observations/feelings are well...as you can see from this chapter, correct! The one about the Volturi! For the others, I'm afraid I can't say! I hope you liked this chapter and I can't wait to show you more of Willa and Jasper's bond which will blossom more in the next chapter! As for when she finds out about Jasper becoming a vampire, that will happen very soon! I can't wait to see what you think!

BelgiumBear: N'aww thank you you amazing human being! I couldn't help but read your review over and over and goodness thank you so much! I hope you liked this chapter! And you're completely right about you what you said and I can't wait to write and show you more of Jasper and Willa's friendship and then relationship as things blossom and I hope you can tell but she's already starting to fell some things!

Snow Black: You're honestly the sweetest! I hope you liked this chapter and that it answered some of your questions! I can't wait to see what you think!

Secret Nerds: Oh my goodness you are so generous and sweet! I hope you liked this chapter and I can't wait to see what you think! You're such a sweetheart!

AmberinAshes: Hiya! I honestly love your enthusiasm so much! I hope you liked this chapter and I can't wait to see what you think! You're reviews make me smile so widely!

LoveKitaSoMuch: Thank you so much! That's so sweet of you to say! I hope you liked this chapter!