Authors Note:

I started writing this chapter while watching Twilight on a cloudy/rainy day, it was heaven. This chapter finally hits the first book. More Sam and Ana fluff but some tension as well. Sorry for the major late post. This chapter decided to give me a writer block. I hope I appeased you guys with this chapter.

Forsythia

Sam POV

(December 31st, 2004)

My life seemed to be amazing since Ana had accepted the imprint. Although we had gotten to know each other before she had accepted me and the imprint, I started to learn even more about her, the little things really. For instance, when she's annoyed, like when the Hawks lose or if something she makes doesn't turn out perfectly, she'll crinkle her little nose, and her eyebrows would furrow together. She's also less reserved around me now. Before she was holding herself back, trying not to get close. But now, she was her true self around me. She was silly and would say the first thing that popped into her head no matter how strange, which would be annoying to other people, but to me, it was cute. She's caring, I knew this already, but the extent was still endearing. Whenever I would come off patrol, and she was around, she would check me over for injuries, even though I told her over and over that, I heal fast, and always have something for me to eat, which was heaven. She was content just being around me and never asked me to be anything but myself.

"Sam, do you think Allison will like this?" I heard Ana ask. We were watching a hockey game, well I was watching she was paying half attention. But it was perfect because she was in my arms. I looked down to see a half-finished scarf. It was dark green with black horizontal stripes.

"I'm sure mom will love it. Like she loves you." It was true. Mom was over the moon when she found out we started dating. She got off of work early and found us lying on the couch together watching a cheesy horror movie. After then, we decided that Ana would park her car at mom's and then walk over to my house. This way, if Leah ever came by and spotted Ana's car, she would think she was seeing my mom, not me. Like Ana, I was a bit nervous about letting Leah find out about us so soon. I didn't want to destroy their friendship.

"I thought so too. It's her late Christmas present. I wasn't able to finish it in time. Still feel bad about it." She said, looking up at me through those sky blue eyes framed with her thick black lashes. She started playing with her necklace. I had bought it for her for Christmas. It's a simple silver necklace with a crescent moon pendant. She always wore it around me. She said it brought her peace.

I kissed her forehead and turned off the tv. "That's alright, she'll understand. Now I have to go patrol, and you missy have to go to work." It still bothered me that she was working with a Cullen. But she loved her job, and I wasn't here to make choices for her. She was her own woman, and I loved that about her. I would never try and control what she did with her life.

"Can't we play sick. Just stay here for the rest of the night. The game isn't even over." She half-heartedly pleaded.

I just laughed and pulled her off the couch. She weighed nothing compared to my strength. "You know we can't. I have my responsibilities, and you have yours."

She sighed and nodded slowly "You're right. We're still on for tomorrow, right?"

"Yeah, we are. I'm still a bit nervous, to be honest." I was more than nervous. Tomorrow was the night I was finally going to meet Chief Swan. I needed to make a good impression.

"You'll be fine. He already likes you." She replied while bending over to put away her knitting into her bag.

"I made you cry, Ana. No father likes a man who makes their daughter cry."

She quickly stood up and looked me in the eye. "You didn't make me cry, Sam. I made myself cry by being a stubborn fool."

I just shook my head. "You were crying over me, Ana. It still doesn't make the greatest impression."

Ana just walked up and wrapped her arms around me. Her body was that of a tiny porcelain dolls. Her head barely reaching my chin. "Sam, it's fine. Really don't stress yourself out. Dad was the one who helped me see sense. You two will get along just fine."

I just sighed and proceeded to return her embrace. "I'm the first man you've introduced to the Chief, Ana. He's going to want me to be perfect for you."

Slapping my arms, she replied. "No one is perfect, Sam, and he won't expect that of you. He just wants me to be happy, and you make me happy."

"Do I, though? I can't take you on dates due to the treaty or even spend time with you outside of this house." I said as I rested my forehead on top of her head.

"I know it's hard for us right, but I'm happy whenever I'm with you, no matter what we are doing."

I smiled and leaned down to kiss her lips "I love you."

She smiled into the kiss, "I love you too."

I pulled away from the hug, "Now, you better go before I take up your offer of playing hooky."

Sam POV

(January 1st, 2005)

"Samuel Uley, you better not be leaving smudges on my windows."

I turned away from the window. I had been keeping watch for Ana's mustang for probably the past 20 minutes. "I'm not even touching the glass, mom."

"Sure, you're not." Mom said with an eye-roll. "When are they supposed to be here anyway?"

"Anytime now," I responded as I turned my eyes back to the window.

Mom must have seen the tense look on my face because she placed a hand on my shoulder. "You're going to give yourself grey hairs if you keep up stressing about tonight."

I laid my hand on top of hers. "I know I know it's just I can't help stress. She's my world mom. His word means a lot to her, and therefore he means a lot to me."

"It'll all turn out alright. Just be your regular charming self, and everything will be fine. Now come with me to set the table."

I nodded and went to the kitchen. It seemed like only seconds when I heard the sound of tires rolling over crunching rocks. A look of panic crossed over my face. Do I wait outside? Do I wait in the living room? How do I address him? Should I call him Chief Swan? Should I call him Charlie? My mind started swirling. I felt my hands go up and grip my short hair.

"Sam, calm down, Go stand in the living room and take a deep breath." Mom said, while guiding me into the living room. I felt my breathing pick up, and I felt lightheaded. I stood there, trying to relax my mind while mom ushered them into her home. The second I saw Ana, the war in my head eased, and my mind snapped into focus. She was shivering.

I walked forward and wrapped Ana in a hug. Hoping to lend some of my body heat to her. "Ana."

"Sam." She sighed while responding to my hug. I don't know how long we stood there, wrapped in each other's arms. But it wasn't long because I heard a deep throat clear behind us. Ana stepped back, "Sam, this is my father. Dad this is Sam"

I stepped forward with my hand outreached. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Chief Swan."

He grabbed my hand, squeezed it, and replied with a deep voice, "It's nice to meet you as well."

The was a moment of awkward silence before my mom broke it. "Well, I don't know about you guys, but I'm starving."

Ana agreed, and we headed into the kitchen. "Chief, would you like a beer?" I said as I headed to the fridge to get my own. Alcohol didn't affect me anymore, but I still liked the taste.

"Sure. What do you have? And go ahead and call me Charlie." I heard him say as he sat down

"We have a dark stout or an American lager."

He looked pleased with the choices and took a second before responding, "I'll take the stout."

I smiled and grabbed the stouts. After opening them, I placed one in front of the chief and then sat myself in the seat next to Ana. I felt her grab my hand under the table and give it a squeeze.

Charlie took a sip of his beer. "So, what do you do for a living, Sam."

"I work for a construction company right now. I hope someday I can have my own company." I answered

"So, you like working with your hands?"

Mom laughed and set down the bowl of pasta. "Always has. He used to spend hours playing with Legos and sketching 'blueprints.' I think I still have some somewhere."

Charlie smiled. "Same thing with Lily. She used to love playing doctor with her stuffed animals. Of course, that was when she wasn't doodling all over papers."

I turned to see Ana with her face flushed. I smiled and leaned over to kiss her cheek. "So how was work, Ana?" Charlie raised his eyebrow at the nickname and the kiss on the cheek.

After swallowing a bite of food, she responded. "It was good. A little tiring but good. Glad I have tomorrow off."

Mom turned to Lily. "We're still on for going to go see Phantom of the Opera at the cinema, right?"

Lily enthusiastically nodded her head. "I can't wait. I've been excited since the film was announced."

"And that Gerald Butler. What a sexy man that one is." Mom started. Charlie choked on his bite of pasta, and I just groaned.

"I know what you mean." Lily agreed. It was my turn to choke on my water.

"So, Sam, what's your favorite hockey team? Lily mentioned you two were watching a game yesterday." Charlie said, hoping to move the conversation onto something else.

I sighed in relief. "I'm personally a fan of the Minnesota Wild with Philadelphia Flyers being a close second."

Charlie chuckled. "I don't know how I feel about my daughter dating a Wild fan."

I faked gasped. "No, don't tell me you are a Colorado Avalanche fan."

Charlie raised his eyebrow. "And if I am?"

I took a moment to think while taking a sip of my beer. "Well then, we're going to have a difficult time watching games together."

Charlie smiled and raised his beer toward me. "50 bucks on Avalanche winning the Stanley Cup this year."

I grinned. "Oh, it is on."

The rest of dinner was spent with Charlie and me talking about sports and planning an upcoming fishing trip together. We were having coffee when Lily stepped out to have a cigarette. Mom could sense that Charlie wanted to speak to me alone, so she stepped out as well.

Charlie cleared his throat. "Sam, you seem to be a good guy, but I don't know how much I can trust you not to hurt my Liliana. I mean, you were engaged to her best friend. Who's to say you won't leave Liliana one day?"

I sighed. "I know what it looks like. That I got tired of Leah and traded her in for something new. I promise that it wasn't like that. Leah and I were falling apart, so I ended it. I didn't mean to fall for Ana as hard as I did, but I couldn't help myself. I swear to you on my life that Ana is my world. I would rather kill myself than hurt her in any way."

"That's all well and good Sam, but it still doesn't ease my nerves. I'm hesitant about you two because this will tear apart Lily's and Leah's friendship. You know this, right? All this sneaking around won't end happily. They've considered each other sisters since they were pint size."

"We know, but neither Ana nor I am ready to tell Leah. We will cross that bridge at some point when it comes, but for right now, we are content."

Charlie took a deep breath and ran his hand through his head. "I understand that."

"I swear to you that you'll never have to worry about her. I'll always be there to protect her." I asserted.

Charlie nodded and gave me a small smile. "My daughters are my life, Sam. So I'll trust you to keep your word."

"I will," I responded with a single solid nod.

Lily POV

(January 17th, 2005)

"I know, dad, I'll take it slow on the way home. Look, Bella's flights going to be in any moment now, so I have to go. I'll see you when we get home. Love you." I said as I hung up the telephone.

I looked around with my leg bouncing; a small sign with Bella's name sat by my side. Would I be able to spot her immediately? While dad said we have a resemblance, he also says that you wouldn't be able to fully tell we were sisters just at a glance. I sighed and shook my head. No need to worry right now, everything will turn out fine. I keep my eye on the flight board and felt time slow down. Was it just because I was nervous that time was moving differently, or was it a time paradox.

Buzz. Buzz.

Everything is going to go fine. Don't stress. I love you. – Sam

I felt a peace wash over my body. I don't know how he knew I needed reassurance, but I was so glad he did.

I love you too. – Ana

"Um, Liliana?" I hear a soft, spoken voice call above me. I look up from my phone. Standing in front of me was a girl around my height. She had similar fair skin and a heart-shaped face. Her long chocolate brown hair was falling around her face like a curtain.

"Bella?" I ask.

"Yes. What are you doing here? I thought Char-Dad was picking me up? Shouldn't you be at work?" Bella questioned.

"I wanted to pick you up, so I took the day off. Besides, would you rather be riding back to Forks in a police cruiser?"

Bella quickly shook her head. "I apricated it."

I laughed. "It's no problem. Is this all your stuff? You didn't bring that much."

Bella blushed bright red and mumbled out, "I'm not really a stuff kind of person."

Smiling, I stand up and grab one of her duffle bags. "That's alright, we can always go shopping together. We'll have a girls' day."

"I'm not really a shopping kind of girl, either." She confessed.

I started walking towards the exit. Bella matched my pace. "Not even for books?"

"That's different. I just don't like it when people spend money on me. Besides, I need to save my money to buy a car."

"I think you'll find yourself having enough money for a girls' day," I say cryptically. We quickly made it to the car, and I open the trunk for Bella to place her stuff in.

"What do you mean? Also nice car."

"I'll tell you when we're closer to Forks, and thanks, it's been my baby for years now. But I'm probably going to trade it in at some point soon. I need a larger vehicle. Plus, it would soothe dad's nerves for me to have a safer car." I get into the car fully and start the engine. Cranking up the heat to help stave off the chill. After closing the trunk, Bella quickly got in the car, and I started the long drive back to Forks. "So how is Renée? Is she happy with her new husband?"

"Mom's great. I think she's happy that I'm going to spend time with dad. Phil is great. He is able to balance mom's energy easily. I'm going to miss her." Bella frown and gazed out the window longingly.

I quickly scrabbled for a new topic. Not wanting to let Bella be sad for the rest of the drive. "So are there any cute boys that you left behind? You're 17. You had to have had a boyfriend. Especially with how cute you are."

Bella flushed a bright red and bit her lip. "No, there's no one. No one noticed me in Arizona. What about you? Shouldn't you be spending your day off with a boyfriend instead of picking up your dorky little sister?"

It was my turn to blush. "I don't think your dorky, Bella. And no, I don't have a boyfriend. I'm far too focused on work right now." I wanted to think that I could trust Bella to keep my secret, but I wasn't sure enough. "We were thinking of ordering pizza for dinner unless you want me to cook something for you?"

"No pizza sounds great."

We fell into an awkward silence. Just letting the radio play and not talking. There was so many things I want to ask her, but I felt too nervous to bring up. It truly felt like we were strangers, not sisters. How do you reach out to someone who you don't know? Bella turned her attention out the window and rested her head against the window. I found myself opening and closing my mouth numerous times, but the words just wouldn't come out. It felt like an entirety. We were about ten minutes away from the house when Bella finally broke the quiet.

"You said that I would have money. What do you mean by that?"

My face broke out into a smile. "Well." I paused. "Dad and I decided that you probably wouldn't want to be carted around, so we both chipped in and got you a car."

"What kind of car." Bella stuttered.

"It's not top of the line in any means. It was actually Billy Black's old truck. You remember that Blacks, right?"

"Yes."

"Billy became disabled and didn't have use for it anymore. And Jake likes to tinker with cars and got it all up and running like new, so you don't have to worry about it. It's a 1953 Chevy. We thought it would be a great homecoming present. Trust me, you're going to love it."

Bella stammered "You guys really didn't have to do that. I was fully ready to get my own car."

"It was the least we could do Bella. We know this move is hard on you." I sent a sympathetic smile towards her. "Besides, I'm sure you'll come to like Forks in your own way."

We finally arrived at the house, and I parked on the street. I noticed that Bella's sight was immediately on the towering red/orange behemoth. Her face grew into a small smile. "So, do you like it?"

She turned to me, "It's perfect."

Dad must have heard the car because he was on the front step within an instance. Bella and I quickly got out and went to retrieve her stuff.

"How was the drive, girls?" Dad asks while opening the front door for us.

"It was alright, dad." I responded while Bella simply said it was "okay."

Dad shuffled his feet a little and rubbed his chin. "Well, why don't I show Bella her room while you order the pizza?"

I handed Bella's bag to dad and pulled out my phone. "That sounds okay to me, dad. Any special requests, Bella?"

Bella nodded and simply stated, "A pepperoni pizza with mushrooms would be great."

"Alright, then." I headed over to the living room to make the call.

Pizza showed up 30 minutes later, and we all sat down to eat.

"So, Bella, are you nervous about tomorrow?" Dad asked

Bella took a second before responding, "A little bit, I guess."

"You'll be fine, Bella," I said while patting her hand.

"The Newton's have a second son about your age Bella. They're a nice family, right, Lily?"

I tensed up at the name. I had no proof that Michael was the same as his brother, but I wouldn't let Bella make the same mistake in trusting him. "Oh yeah. They own the local sporting goods store. They always have a good deal on surf equipment. When the weather warms up, I would love to take you out and teach you. There's nothing better than a good day on the waves, Bella."

"I'll take you at your word Lily. I'm far too clumsy to even attempt. But a leisurely day at the beach does sound great." Bella responded.

I laughed. "You never know unless you try Bella."

Dinner wrapped up quickly, and Bella bid us goodnight. Claiming that she wanted to shower and then head to bed. I followed her upstairs and went into my room. I checked the time on the clock. Sam was off of patrol. I picked up my cell phone and dialed his number.

"Sam Uley." I heard his deep smoky voice come through the speaker and felt waves of comfort radiate over me.

"Hey, Sam. It's Ana."

"Hey, baby. How did the drive go? Is your sister settling in?"

I laid down in my bed and stared at the ceiling. "The drive went okay. It was a little awkward, but I mean I guess I can't expect to mend a 15-year rift in only a 3 and half hour drive. She seems sad and nervous, but that's to be expected, I guess. It feels like a dream that she's actually here."

"Give it time, Ana. You two will get there."

"How is it you always know the right thing to say."

"Because one of my purposes in this life is to be there for you in any way you need." I could hear his smile, and it made me feel warm and bubbly.

"How did the patrol go tonight?" I asked, dropping my voice just in case.

"It went alright. No unusual activity. Paul was being Paul."

"When am I going to meet them anyway?" I ask sincerely.

Sam sighed. "Not yet. I'm not sure I can trust Paul to keep his mouth shut. He's my brother, but he's also a giant hot head. But they are suspicious that there is someone. It's kind of hard not to have you in my head."

"You're always in my head if it makes you feel any better." I cooed.

Sam chuckled. "I should let you go to bed. You have to be up early tomorrow."

I frowned. "I guess you're right. I love you."

"I love you too, Ana. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"Talk to you tomorrow." I hung up the phone. I noticed that the shower wasn't running, meaning that Bella was in her room.

I quietly went and knocked on her door. "Bella? You still up? Can I come in?"

I heard a soft "yes. You can come in."

I opened the door and saw Bella sitting on her bed, drying her hair. "Dad said you picked out the bed set. Thanks"

I smiled. "I saw the purple and thought it would be a good fit with the wall color."

There was a brief moment of silence. "So, did you need to talk to me?" Bella asked.

"Yeah. I just wanted to say be careful around Newton. His brother is a creep." I said, looking her in the eye.

Bella looked a bit confused but nodded, "I'll be careful."

"Good. Well, I'll let you sleep. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Lily POV

(January 18th, 2005)

"Here are the charts for Miss Hall in room 210, Helen."

"Thanks, Lily. Was that your last patient?" Helen asked, checking over the papers.

"It sure was. I'm ready to go home and sleep." I said with a grin. It had been a busy 12-hour shift, and I was ready to climb into bed.

"How's your sister settling in by the way?"

"She's doing good. Can tell she misses Arizona, but she'll find her place here soon enough."

"Good. Well, I'll let you go and see you tomorrow." Helen said as she turned to talk to Carol, who also waved goodbye to me.

I took a deep breath of fresh air as soon as I cleared the doorway. The rain was coming down in a steady drizzle, so I walked briskly to my car. As I pulled out of the parking lot. I spotted Carlisle and threw up a friendly wave and started on my way home. It took little to no time to get back, and by the time I arrived, the rain had begun into a downpour.

"Great." I sighed. I got out of my car and ran into the house.

"Bella! I'm home!" I called out as I took off my raincoat.

"I'm in the kitchen." She responded.

I walked into the kitchen and saw Bella at the stove. Seasoning a piece of steak. "Bella, you didn't have to cook. I normally do when I get off of work when I have the day shift."

Bella looked up and smiled. "It's not a problem. Consider it my thanks for the truck. Oh, dad called by the way. He's going to be late." Bella then turned to preheat the oven and pulling out some potatoes. "How was your day at work, by the way?"

I gave a grateful smile back. "It was good. Busy but good. How was your first day at school? Make any friends?"

Bella scowled. "It was okay until last period."

I raised an eyebrow. "What happened?"

"Stupid Edward Cullen is what happened." She began to stab the potatoes with a fork aggressively.

"I'm going to need more information than that, Bella."

"I walk into Biology, and Edward acted like I had the plague and tortured him just by sitting there. He even tried to switch out of the class."

"Did you say something to him?" I asked calmly.

"No. But I wanted to run over his pretty little silver Volvo with my truck." She replied in a tense voice.

I walked next to Bella and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Next time you see him, call him out. He has no right to treat you like that."

She seemed to deflate under my hand and nodded. "I plan to. You work with Doctor Cullen, right?"

I gave a simple "Yes" in response.

"Is he unruly and rude like his son?"

"No, he's extremely kind. I'm sure it was just an off day for Edward. From what I've heard about his family, they are good kids."

Bella threw up her hands "Then why did he act like a complete asshole."

I shook my head. "I don't know."

"Could you ask Doctor Cullen?"

I paused. Other than work, I didn't really speak to Carlisle anymore. Not because I was scared of him and his family but because I want to lessen Sam's stress. But something was telling me I needed to talk to Carlisle. "I guess I could."

Bella gave me a smile. "Thanks."

I gave her a hug in response. "Now, tell me all about the rest of your day."

Bella began to describe in detail about the kids she sat with at lunch and how the guys were treating her as if she was a shiny new toy. I laughed in response. She felt a kinship with a shy, quiet girl named Angela Webber, even though she often repeated herself. But she also felt some friction with a girl named Lauren Mallory. "I doubt we'll be the greatest of friends, she seems to have a stick up her ass."

"Well, you can't please everyone, Bella." I simply stated.

We spent the remainder of dinner talking about our favorite books. Me arguing that the classics are the end all be all of books and Bella refuting that idea. By the time dad got home, we were having a full out debate about Romeo and Juliet.

"It is not a love story Bella. It's a tragedy. They knew each other for four days. FOUR days. I mean, they were stupid. You can't fall in love with someone that quickly and for superficial reasons. I mean, if they simply communicated, then they both wouldn't have had to die. Furthermore, the work itself pales in comparison to Hamlet."

"They weren't stupid, Lily. They knew that they were the ones for each other. They couldn't live without the other, and that's true love." Bella argued. "Besides, Hamlet is overhyped way too much."

"No, that's not true love. It's lust. Juliet was simply a rebound for Romeo, which is cruel." I pointed out.

"Girls, Girls. Do I have to separate you two." Dad chuckled.

"No, Dad, I'm just trying to make Bella see reason," I answered.

Bella huffed and remarked. "You can't change my mind on this, Lily."

I stood up and yawned. "I'll get you to see reason one day, Bella. But till then, I'm going to sleep."

A chorus of goodnights followed me up the stairs. I closed my bedroom door, plugged up my cell phone, and changed into my nightshirt and flannel pants. I crawled into bed and found myself in a dreamless sleep.

Well, I think that's the end of this chapter. I had planned to make it longer, but this ending felt right. Again sorry for the long wait. As always, feel free to comment.