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Inspirational Song: Lifehouse – Broken

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I had been sitting there for who knows how long, too scared to look up and see who had come after me.

The shadow came over and sat next to me. I pulled away from their warmth, turning my back to them so that I could keep the tears somewhat hidden.

I had always heard the cliché silence is golden, I never knew it could actually be worth that much. I did now.

My companion kept quiet, but I could hear them shifting and then I felt the weight of a large, warm jacket across my shoulders.

I bit down on my lip harder as the tears grew worse.

I was angry and upset, and I hated myself for what I had said. I shouldn't have said it, and yet I knew there was truth in it, cruel though it had been.

"Why are you still here?" I asked my companion.

"Because I'll never leave you." They answered instantly.

And that was when I chanced a glance at them. The sad part was that I wasn't surprised by who my companion was, I was actually a bit relieved that it wasn't anyone else.

"Brady." I sighed, turning to look down the driveway as the rain hit the ground mercilessly.

I started to fidget with my sleeve, "Do you...do you ever...regret the imprint?"

"You mean in the twenty-four hours I've known about it?" Brady said, leaning back against the stairs. He closed his eyes and just let the rain fall onto his face.

I nodded, a small smile threatening to break across my lips. I won't let it though; I was sad and angry and I wanted to stay that way.

"No." He replied, sitting up to look at me.

"It's not like you had a choice though, doesn't that kind of suck?" I asked, my brows knitting together as I pulled hard on a string. I don't know why but I wanted the shirt's sleeve to be just as unraveled as I felt.

Brady shrugged, "I think of it like this...well, first, what do you think of soulmates?"

I gave a slight huff as I thought of it. Imprinting werewolves, jealous vampires, Mike Newton still not giving up.

"I'm not sure anymore." I said honestly, crossing my arms over my chest as the rain grew worse. I shivered against the cold.

Brady stood and offered me his hand. I accepted it, letting him help me up. I pulled my arms into the large sleeves of his jacket as we moved to the porch swing. We were out of the rain, but close enough to still enjoy its beauty. I buried myself in his jacket, inhaling the strong bergamot smell. I closed my eyes; it was comforting.

Brady's long legs swung us back and forth with ease as he let me think.

"I was the new toy when I first came to Forks," I said, looking down at my feet that barely touched the ground, "Then I met Edward and...well, he was attracted to me, and not just by my blood but by me, even though I was still human, even though I was still weak...I figured that meant I was his mate...but then you come along and imprint on me...but you're good with being friends, so...I just don't know how it works anymore...I just don't..."

Brady nodded, letting his eyes wander across the porch, "Paul thinks imprinting is like getting a ball and chain attached to you for life...everyone else sort of has their own opinion." He sighed, "Has Jake ever explained what imprinting is like?" He looked to me with open eyes.

I turned away, trying not to get lost in the different shade of amber, and nodded, "He said that it's like gravity gives way and it's only that one person holding you to the earth. The imprinter would do anything, be anything, for their imprint." I smiled back, remembering back to that time with Jacob. It had been a good day.

Brady nodded, his smile lighting up his face, "Well, to me it's finding the one person that brings the very best out of you, and vice versa. You aren't alone anymore because you have finally found the one who really gets you, and you can take care of each other and...and love each other through the hard times." He ran a hand back through his tousled hair as he looked out across the porch, "All those romance movies and such...well, that hypes up the soulmate aspect and gets everybody all mixed up as to what a real soulmate is. But imprinting is a sure-fire way to find your other half."

A light blush lit up across my cheeks. My hair fell in front of my face, trying to hide it.

"But sometimes that other half is just a friend, a companion of sorts." Brady said, I felt him shift in his seat to look at me, but never once did he invade my space.

I looked up to him, "So that is...that is all you feel for me?" I tilted my head, look up to him curiously.

Brady shrugged and looked out across the drive, "Well, I'm just good with whatever you need...whatever you want from me. Apparently, our imprint is stronger than anyone else's."

I nodded, not sure what to say.

"I want to be your friend, Bella." He finally said, looking over to me with his mom's smile.

I nodded again, biting down on my lower lip.

"I want to be your friend because I feel that is what you need from me." Brady said, his eyes never leaving my face.

I sighed, looking up to him with a taut smile, "I want to be your friend too, Brady."

He tilted his head as he studied me, "Do you ever smile because you want to? Or do you do it just to convince everyone that you are alright?"

I was both offended and amazed that he had noticed that.

I stood up, trying to avoid the question, "I'm just—just...confused right now. It's just a lot to take in with...with...everything."

Brady stood up and nodded, digging his hands into his short's pocket. I had to lean my head all the way back to look up at him.

"Understandable." Brady said, having to drop his head all the way down to look at me, "So, I'm guessing you don't want to go back to the bonfire?"

I pursed my lips and shrugged.

"I didn't think you would. Though, I'm pretty sure it's canceled anyway." Brady looked across the porch as the rain came down, "Well, we could go hangout at my house but my mom might be there, and she really wants to officially meet you and I've think you've had enough of...new...for today."

I nodded, giving a slight shiver as the cold got to me.

"Why not hangout here, I'm sure Emily wouldn't mind." Brady offered, lifting his shoulder towards the house.

I thought about it then nodded. That would work.

Brady moved ahead of me and opened the door. I smiled as I walked pass.

"I'm going to run home to get some dry cloths, you think you'll be able to find something of Emily's to wear?" Brady asked, looking at me with genuine concern.

I nodded and smiled, "I'll be fine."

Brady started to go but stopped, he started to say something but decided against it. The door dropped closed behind him, and then I was alone...again.

I sighed and walked around the house, not knowing what to do but knowing I needed to get warm.

I walked into one room after another trying to find the bedroom.

Once I did, I started to dig through Emily's things, trying to find something warm that would fit.

I found a pair of black sweatpants and a sweatshirt with a wolf, the school mascot on the rez.

"Guess it will have to do." I walked into the bathroom and turned the shower on. Emily had said I didn't need an invite to come over, I was crossing my fingers that that extended to shower use as well.

The water was perfect, making me relax and replacing my emotions with an enjoyment of the present.

A fifteen minutes later I was shower, changed, and in the living room. My leg bouncing as I waited for Brady to come back.

Trying to kill time, I flipped the TV on and started through the channels. Nothing. I pulled my phone out and tossed it onto the coffee table.

I stood up and walked around the room, searching for a book. The bookshelf had a few interesting novels but then I realized I wasn't in the mood to read.

I wanted to be with someone, I didn't want to entertain myself.

My phone buzzed and I just stared at it.

With a shrug I picked it up, I had gotten what I asked for, "Hello?"

"Bella?"

I sighed in relief, "Hey Emily, what's up?" I was relieved that it wasn't Alice, but I was still embarrassed from my performance earlier.

"I just wanted to call and check on you." She said, the concern in her voice pouring over the phone.

I nodded, "Yeah, I'm at your place. I hope it's alright I took a shower...and sort of borrowed some clothes, I…I kind of got caught in the rain."

Emily laughed, "Of course it's alright Bella, make yourself at home! We'll be home in a bit, our bonfire got rained out as you can probably tell."

I looked out the window, I didn't really need to since I could hear the rain pounding on the roof.

"Alright, thanks Emily. See you soon." I said.

"See ya then." She replied and hung up.

I sighed, dropping my phone onto the table yet again. Back to entertaining myself.

The door flew open, and I jumped, falling forward and hitting my head on the table.

I really needed to stop wishing for company.

"Bella?" A voice asked.

I groaned, "Oww..."

"Bella?" Brady was by my side in a couple seconds, kneeling next to me and checking for blood, "Oh gosh! Sorry I took so long, my grandmother was over and she just kept talking and talking and..."

I chuckled, stopping once I realized it only made the cut throb, "It's alright Brady...just...just next time knock...I think I've reached my quota for jump-scares."

Brady smiled, thankful that I wasn't annoyed at him, "Here, sit on the couch and I'll go get a Band-Aid." He helped me back onto the couch before going to the kitchen.

I watched him rummaging around, studying his movements. I felt like a child again, waiting for her father to get her a Band-Aid after she fell off her bike for the umpteenth time.

I smiled, it was nice to be cared for instead of having to give the care. A frown pulled at my lips as my thoughts ran through all that had happened today.

I looked to Brady who was still opening and closing drawers, feeling as though I didn't deserve to be taken care of so well. Not after what I had done, comparing him to Edward and vice versa.

I bit on my lip and closed my eyes, holding the tears back. Maybe it was that time of month. I really just couldn't stop crying and feeling sorry for myself.

"Ah-ha!" Brady smiled triumphantly as he held the blue and white box up. I heard him grab a few things before he was back in the living room, "Here, can you hold your hair back."

I nodded and complied. Brady's smile turned to a grimace as he dabbed the antiseptic on the cut. I winced as the medicine cleaned my cut, but I didn't pass out from the smell of blood, so I considered it a win.

"Well, you aren't going to die, but it's still pretty nasty." He said, finishing up and putting some Neosporin on the cut before the Band-Aid.

I smiled a pitiful thanks.

He cleaned up the table just as my phone buzzed again. Brady stopped to stare at it before looking to me.

I reached for it and flipped it open, sighing in relief when I saw it was a text not a call.

Can you please come home? Edward wrote.

My shoulders dropped as I flipped the phone closed. I was going back into turtle mode.

"Who was it?" Brady asked as he washed his hands.

I stood up and walked into the kitchen, "No one. I'm going to call my Dad. Tell him where I am." I headed out the door after Brady gave an agreeing nod.

I sighed in relief, thankful that he wasn't one to push me.

The phone rung four times before Charlie picked up, "Hello?"

I smiled, "Hey Dad, it's just me."

"Oh, hey Bells, what's wrong?" He asked, instantly going into overprotective Dad mode.

I rolled my eyes, "Nothing Dad, I just wanted to tell you that I am staying at Emily's tonight."

"Yeah, Jake told me." Charlie said. I heard a game going on over the phone and laughed.

"Well, just wanted to let you know that everything is alright. Have fun, Dad." I said, clearing my throat a bit. I was sort of thirsty, even though it was pouring out.

"Yeah, yeah, you too. Love you, Bells." He said, giving me his full attention as the game played in the background.

I pulled back, that was odd. He barley ever shared his feelings, let alone when some sports game was on, "Love you too, Dad. Bye."

And with that I hung up and walked back inside, my eyes wide in surprise.

"What's wrong?" Brady asked as he ransacked the fridge.

"My Dad just said he loves me." I said, taking the water Brady offered me.

Brady grabbed one for himself and closed the fridge, "I'm guessing that doesn't happen a lot?"

I shook my head and headed towards the living room, "No, especially not when there is a game on."

"Maybe he realized his time with you is limited. You aren't going to be his little girl forever." Brady said, following me into the living room. I didn't have a change to respond, or even really think about what he said, because at that moment the door flew open and in walked the pack, imprints in tow.

I fell back into Brady, spilling the water all down Emily's sweatshirt.

Brady's hand caught my shoulders. He smiled down at me as I blushed up to him.

Someone gave a wolf whistle. I chuckled a bit at the thought, causing Brady to raise an eyebrow at me as he smirked.

"Go, Brady!" Embry called, "Whoot, whoot!"

I jumped back, the blush running from the roots of my hair to the tips of my toe.

"S-so-sorry Emily, I sort of...sort of spilled some water on...on y-your sweatshirt." I stuttered, standing up straighter and moving away from Brady.

Emily walked over to me as she laughed, "It's alright Bella, it's just water, and that's Sam's sweatshirt anyway."

The blush grew worse.

Everyone continued to laugh as they made their way in, lounging wherever there was room. Emily was close to Sam and Jared's imprint, I think her name was Kim, sat down on his lap. The smile never once leaving her face.

Brady smiled at me and just gave a shrug as he moved over to the floor in front of the TV.

I just stood by the kitchen, not sure what else to do.

"Would you like to help me set up the food?" Emily asked, giving a sigh and a smile, "Again?"

I smiled back and nodded before heading into the kitchen.

"No gore." Emily called out to the living room. A few groans erupted with Paul complaining to Sam about his imprint. There was a smack, an ow, and laughter.

Emily chuckled, "We decided to come back and do a movie, I hope you are alright with that."

I took in a shaky breath, "Surprisingly, I'm good with it."

Emily looked at me approvingly, "I'm glad you are still so comfortable with the pack."

I leaned against the counter, my brow knitted together, "Yeah. Me too."

"You might want to grab some food, Bella, I'm just about to call the boys in." Emily said, heading to the door with a playful roll of her eyes.

I grabbed a plate and added one of Emily's sandwiches with a bit of my casserole. I shrugged, might as well try it. See if it's a recipe worth keeping or not.

I had just made it out the door when the pack charged in.

I smirked at Emily, who was seated next to Sam on the loveseat. I walked over and took a seat on the floor.

The rest of the pack piled in. Jake plopped down next to me while Brady took the chair Jake had been sitting in earlier. I tilted my head as I looked at him. I had assumed he'd come join me.

Brady must have felt my eyes because he looked up and smiled. I smiled back and turned to my plate, trying not to feel disappointed.

Cautiously I stabbed a piece of my casserole and stuck it in my mouth. I had originally closed my eyes, expecting the worse, but I was pleasantly surprised.

"So, how are you?" Jake asked as I went in for my second bite. He had already finished his whole plate.

I covered my full mouth with my hand and swallowed before answering, "Where do you even put it all?"

Jake leaned back and patted his stomach.

"So, do I get my question answered?" Jacob said, throwing an arm around my shoulder.

I bit down on my lip, not sure what to say.

"Movie time!" Jared yelled, jumping up with a DVD in hand.

I exhaled loudly. Thank you, Jared.

"What is it?" Quil asked, sprawling out in his chair. I smiled, it must be past Claire's bedtime.

"The Mummy!" Jared said in a scary voice, holding up claw-like hands at Kim who just laughed.

I smiled as I watched the two of them interact. Once Jared had placed the DVD in the player and pushed play he went back to the recliner and picked Kim up, placing her in his lap after he sat down. She had squealed at first but cuddled into him the moment he was comfortable. They whispered to each other as their eyes shone with love.

I sighed; I use to feel that way about Edward before he had left. Even though he was back, and I had forgiven him for leaving, things just weren't what they had once been. I knew a relationship wasn't just based on the easygoing romantic moments, but this was something else.

I didn't trust him anymore and he didn't trust me.

And I knew this wasn't a new feeling.

"Jacob."

Jake got up and gave me a smile before he walked over to Sam. They exchanged some words and then left.

I sighed. They were going to my house, I just knew it.

The movie had just finished with the back story of Imhotep, and everyone settled in for the night.

I pulled my knees up to my chin, wrapping my arms around them, as the boys moved to get more food every couple of minutes.

Jared and Kim moved to the couch as Emily moved to the kitchen to clean up. She bopped me on the head when I had started to get up to go help.

"Just relax." She whispered and walked off with a smile. I had returned it and then looked around to everyone.

Paul was asleep in his chair, just like Quil was in his, while Embry and Seth sat so close to the TV I thought about pulling him back. They looked like little kids watching a big kid movie for the first time, mouths and eyes opened wide.

I leaned back against the couch, catching sight of Leah, who was glaring at the TV with crossed arms.

I quickly turned back around and bit down onto my lip. She looked so mad, and all I felt was pity for her.

"Mind if I sit here?" A voice pulled me from my thoughts.

I looked up to see Brady and smiled. He had already taken his place, but I nodded anyway.

"So, what do you think of the movie?" He asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

I shrugged, "Eh, I'm just not really in a movie mood."

"A movie mood?" He looked at me with an eyebrow raised.

I nodded, "Yeah, I think I'm going to go for a walk." I hadn't been planning to, but it sounded good anyway.

"Can I join you?" He asked.

I looked to him, smiling as I saw the pleading look in his amber-eyes. He looked like a puppy, and I couldn't say no to him.

"Yeah." I crawled around the couch before I stood up. Brady just stood and followed me, an amused look in his eyes.

"Why did you do that?" He asked, grabbing his now dry-jacket form earlier and handing it to me.

"I didn't want to block Kim and Jared's view." I said, struggling to get his large jacket over Sam's large sweatshirt. I might have been embarrassed at first, but the sweatshirt really was comfy and I was toying with the idea of claiming it permanently.

Brady looked to the couch and then to me with a confused expression.

"What—" My eyes widened as I saw Jared and Kim on the couch. Apparently, I wouldn't have been blocking their view because they weren't even looking at the TV. I turned away with a blush, "Never mind. Let's just go."

I opened the door and walked out, Brady right on my heels.

We walked down the road for a while, the sun streaking bright oranges and reds above us as the stars appeared.

I sighed and closed my eyes, letting the mist caress my face as I walked. Thankfully the downpour had stopped.

"What is your favorite time of day?"

I opened my eyes and looked at Brady, my brow raised. That was a random question.

But I answered anyway, "Early morning."

He nodded as if he were storing the information for a later day.

"Favorite movie?" He asked, continuing with his twenty questions.

"Don't laugh!" I said, looking to him with my hands in my pockets, "But I really like Titanic."

Brady rose an eyebrow, but didn't laugh, "Alright. Favorite animal?"

"A wolf." I said, surprising even myself with my answer. I shrugged, it was true. I had loved them ever since I was young.

He looked at me with a smug smile, a new spring to his step.

"So, what is your favorite class?" Brady asked, digging his hands into his own pockets.

"English." I replied, kicking at a dandelion as I walked. It exploded, sending its fluffy seeds everywhere.

"Not one of my bests." Brady said, a grimace on his face.

I smiled, "I could help you if you want."

Brady looked to me with surprised eyes, "Really?"

I nodded, "Sure, it will give you time with me so that you won't...won't..." I bit down on my lip, not wanting to finish my sentence.

"Go crazy." Brady said with a shrug, "I'm not embarrassed by the imprint so there is no need to tread carefully. You can say anything you like about it."

I looked at him with a playfully raised brow, "Anything?"

Brady looked down at me with a smirk, "You're going to ask something really weird now, aren't you?"

I smirked and shrugged my shoulders, "Maybe I will, maybe I won't."

With a nod Brady chuckled a bit, "Guess I'll just have to wait and see?"

I gave a slight skip, and looked at him playfully, "Guess you will." I burst out laughing, and Brady joined in.

I was laughing so hard I had to stop walking. Once I could breathe, I looked up to Brady while wiping at my eyes, "Oh, gosh, I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard."

Brady smiled, "Well, you should laugh more often."

I looked up to him with a thankful smile.

And then my phone rang. Again.

It was starting to become the ring of death.

I pulled it out and flipped it open.

Call me.

I sighed and was just about to turn my phone off when I realized I had been hiding long enough.

"Do you want some privacy?" Brady said, picking up on my habit and biting down on his lip.

I pursed mine and nodded.

"I'll start back, yell if you need me. I won't be too far ahead." He zipped his jacket up and headed back towards Emily's with one last smile. He didn't look back once.

I smiled, thankful for his quick consideration. Taking a deep breath, I hit the call button.

The phone barley got in one ring before someone picked it up.

"Bella."

It wasn't a happy sort of Bella.

"Yeah, just me...so...what's up?" I said, trying to sound as normal as possible.

I failed.

"What do you mean what is up? Why did you blatantly ignore Alice's warning? We're all worried about you! Carlisle is pacing, Esme is dry-crying, Alice is twitching, even Rosalie is nervous!" He stopped and I cringed, waiting for more guilt to be poured onto me, "Why are you being so selfish?"

And there it was.

I bit down on my tongue, not sure how I was feeling.

"I'm with Jake, I'm completely safe." It wasn't a complete lie.

"Is he there?" I could hear the venom in his voice.

I swallowed, "Brady?"

Silence.

"Well, he is here, but not here here." I said, looking off down the way. Again, not a complete lie.

"I don't want you to be around him, Bella." Edward said, his voice was colder than usual. I actually pulled back from the phone a bit, this wasn't his usual 'Mike-Newton-is-thinking-something-he-shouldn't' jealousy. This was something completely its own.

This was jealousy over the imprint.

The imprint that was meant to bind souls together.

The imprint that meant the wolf had found his perfect mate.

My breath caught as I realized what had happened.

I wasn't Team Switzerland anymore.

This wasn't just a choice between Jake and Edward anymore.

No, this was a choice not just between two guys who knew me and loved me.

There was another guy now. A young teenage boy whose wolf had knitted his soul to mine. A teenage boy who was alright with letting me go even if that wasn't what the wolf in him wanted. A teenage boy who just wanted me to be happy and taken care of.

I didn't deserve such an imprint, I barley felt like I deserved Jacob as a friend. I had long ago accepted that I didn't deserve Edward in his immortal perfection.

I let out a groan and kicked at a rock in frustration. Why was Fate always throwing things in my path? I tripped enough as it is.

"Bella, did you hear me? I want you home, now."

I swallowed; Edward had figure everything out. He, like Jacob, had seen the imprint. He knew it was strong.

I shook my head, forcing a smile, "I'm fine. Brady and I talked and we're just going to stay friends, he's really good with that." I was hoping that would be the end of it, but I knew better.

"Bella. I want you to come home. Now." He said into the phone. His demanding tone made my blood boil, "You're being stupid."

I might not deserve him, but I at least deserved to be treated like the human being I was, with thoughts and feelings.

"Edward, I'm staying with Emily tonight. I've missed seeing her." I said. I had won the argument last night and I was determined to win this one as well.

"Bella—"

"I'm staying with Emily." I repeated, firmly. I didn't know what it was, but he was really just starting to get under my skin. I was eighteen-years-old, and I wanted to be treated as such.

I didn't need to be told what to do every second of every day, I could take care of myself. I had been doing it for years. Hell, I had been taking care of my parents as well as myself for most of my life!

He might be perfect and out of my league because of Carlisle's venom, but I could still make my own decisions.

"Alright. Well, will I see you tomorrow?"

I knew this conversation wasn't over, but for tonight it was.

"Yes."

"I love—"

I hung up without another word. With a huff, I hit the off button and dropped my phone into my pocket. I was just mad.

It surprised me, really. Usually, I felt guilty or not good enough, but right now anger just seared through my veins.

My feet pounded on the asphalt as I headed back to Emily's. Before I knew it, I was outside her door. But for some reason I just couldn't go in.

I knew they knew I was here. But I was pretending that they didn't know.

Finally, I sighed, trying to let go of my frustration, and opened the door.

All of them played along except for Brady, who had a worried look on his face. His amber-brown eyes didn't leave my face once.

He started to open his mouth, but I just walked past him, shaking my head and holding my hand up.

"Just don't." I said, walking into the kitchen and picked up a rag to wipe of the counter.

Emily looked at me but said nothing.

When I realized I wasn't really doing anything productive I threw it down and groaned. I fell into a chair and just buried my face into my arms.

I heard Emily pull the chair opposite of me out and sit down.

I sat up, pulling my fingers through my hair, "I just don't know how I'm feeling anymore."

Emily gave a gentle smile and reached across the table to take my hand.

Tears started to fall as the frustration built.

"Emily...I...I think I need to talk...seriously talk." I looked up to her, my eyes red and scratchy.

She stood up as she nodded. I watched as she walked out the door.

"Hey guys, we're going to have to call it a night." Emily smiled. I dropped my head on the table, wanting to just dissolve into it.

"Bella?"

I stiffened at the voice.

Footsteps sounded on the white linoleum as Brady drew closer. I didn't have to look up to know it was him.

"Bella, if...if you need me." He placed something on the table and then left without another word.

The tears grew worse.

I don't know how long I sat there by myself, but it felt like a lifetime.

"Bella, come on into the living room? It's warmer." I felt Emily's mothering hands gently touch my hair.

I nodded and got up, moving like I was a zombie.

Emily led me to the couch and then placed a blanket over my legs.

"Sam said you can keep the sweatshirt if you want." She said with a smile.

I gave a small laugh through the tears. Good ol' Sam, always the protector.

"So, what do you need to get off that pretty mind of yours?" She said, gently tucking my messy hair behind my ear.

I sighed and fell back into the corner of the couch, "I don't know whose who and what I'm feeling."

Emily smiled, waiting on my time.

"This...this...imprint is messing with me." I rubbed my eyes with the back of my palms, "I loved Edward, I really did...but he left...he left me. He made me feel like nothing, and even though he says he doesn't mean it...I...I just don't...trust him. And yet...I still do love him."

Emily nodded and then I did something I usually didn't do. I moved over to her side and just dropped my head onto her shoulder, breaking down.

She wrapped her arms around me and hummed until I calmed down enough to talk again.

"Jake is...he is just my best friend, nothing more. And then...then...then there is..."

"Brady." She said, brushing my bangs from my face.

I buried my face into her shoulder again, "You must think I'm pathetic."

"No, I don't." Emily pulled back so that I was looking at her, "Most people couldn't deal with a third of what you have gone through."

I wiped at my eyes, "Edward thinks I'm selfish for staying here."

Emily huffed, "Well, he's wrong. He isn't right for you if he doesn't trust your judgment."

I snorted a bit as I grinned, "You're just saying that because you're Team Wolf."

Emily took my hand, making me look right at her, the scares a horrid red in the light, "Bella, Jacob isn't right for you either."

I bit down on my lower lip.

"You deserve better." Emily said, pulling back with a sigh.

I shook my head, my hair flying all around me, "I don't deserve him."

"You might think that, but he doesn't. He wants you, Bella." Emily said, standing up and moving to the kitchen, "Would you like some tea? It might relax you." She smiled gently down to me.

I nodded and followed after her, keeping the blanket wrapped tightly around me in defense.

What was I going to do? I love Edward. I had picked Edward after he came back. I want to be with him. Didn't I? That hadn't changed, right?

How he acted today, showing just how much he didn't trust me, made me feel like I didn't want to be. How could I want to be with someone that wanted to control me when I didn't do what they wanted me to?

On the other hand, I had been acting weird, and wanting to be around the wolf who I knew had imprinted on me. So, Edward did have a reason to be jealous, in a way.

But he had gone a bit too far this time. Was it really selfish of me to be around Brady if I knew it would keep him from going crazy? That it would help the pack stay focused on their mission if Brady wasn't off? Was I really being stupid? It's not like I went out to the middle of the woods and started cutting myself up screaming come get me Vicky. I wasn't trying to hurt the Cullen's I was just trying to help the pack. The pack that had taken me in when my first family had abandoned me.

The pack. Gosh, Jacob was as cool as ice over this whole thing, and he had witnessed the imprint firsthand. Given, maybe Jake was just happier that there was chance of me staying human.

I sighed as I sat down, closing my eyes. For the first time since my life had been thrown into this supernatural tornado, I actually wanted to stay human.

I was enjoying my heartbeat and seeing my brown eyes that I had gotten from Dad. It wasn't until this morning, when I had really looked in the mirror, that I saw the small gold flecks in them.

But my eyes weren't enough to keep me human, I also loved the feel of the warmth that radiated off of Jacob and Brady.

I loved feeling the rain. I loved feeling the warm water on my cold skin. The softness of my sweatshirt.

Would that change if I were to become one of the Cullen's?

I signed and opened my eyes. Instinctively, they fell right onto the piece of paper Brady had left earlier.

A smile broke through my tears. I picked up the gum wrapper which he had used, my fingers gently running over the quick scratches.

Brady 360-332-9802

The kettle's whistle brought me back to reality. Emily poured us each a cup and then placed the tea-balls inside before walking over to the table.

I smiled at the wrapper before carefully stowing it in my pocket and taking my tea from Emily.

She sat down across from me, sipping her own tea, and letting me get lost in my thoughts.

I looked up to Emily, biting down on my lip. I was now more confused now than ever.

But I had a better idea of what I was going to do.

XxX