I really need to try and figure out a schedule for these but I know for a fact I'll end up breaking it. But anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter!

Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing! Only thing I own is Nessarose and a Switch!

It was one of those rare sunny days, one in a million in Forks. Everyone was outside for lunch enjoying the suddenly nice weather (Well, if you can call 50 degrees nice) But a few key players were missing the frolicking. I found myself surveying the area around me for the third time since I walked out, but still couldn't find any trace of Edward, or any of the Cullens for that matter.

I sighed softly to myself, 'Why should I care? He's just some boy...right?' I chastised myself while my inner monologue laughed at me. 'Oh come off it Swan, you definitely have feelings for him!' 'I do not, he just… interests me, that's all.' She laughed a bit. 'You go on and keep telling yourself that.'

I sighed again and twirled my Cheshire Cat ring around my finger while I continued to look around. I barely noticed Jessica sitting on the table until she cleared her throat.

"He's not here." I heard Jessica say. She closed her eyes and bathed in the sun. "Whenever the weather's nice, the Cullens disappear."

I looked up at her, "What? They just ditch?" 'Never took them for the trouble making type.'

She shook her head. "No, Dr. and Mrs. Cullen yank 'em out for hiking and camping and stuff. I tried the idea out on my parents. Not even close. They're apparently a very active family, even though their kids aren't in gym class." She noted. 'How odd when their youngest is fucking Hercules.'

Angela ran up to us before I could ask anymore questions, "Guys! I'm going to the prom with Ben!"

I smiled widely and hugged her. "That's awesome! He finally asked you?"

She shook her head excitedly. "Nope! I took your advice and asked him!"

I bumped her shoulder with mine. "I told you! Who knows, maybe you will be prom queen this year!"

She rolled her eyes and frowned, "Do you really have to go out of town? You'll miss my coronation!" She added jokingly.

I nodded, 'Now I kinda wanna go but I should keep up the lie for now. I'll think of some excuse later.' "Yeah, family thing."

Jessica jumped off the table. "Oh my God, we need to hit the stores in Port Angeles before the good dresses get cleaned out." I looked up. 'Wait, I need to go to Port Angeles! And I'd rather not go alone.'

"Hey, can I come with?" I asked.

Angela smiled, "Well duh! ! I need your opinion!" The bell rang and we went off. "Besides, I don't wanna go alone with Jess. She'd probably put me in a dress that's better suited in a Penthouse magazine." I laughed as we entered the building.

"What about pink?" I heard Jessica ask as I sat by the mirror. This was not what I had in mind. I sighed and kept my head out the window or on my phone. I grabbed the paper that I wrote the address on again and looked it over, 'Now I just need an excuse to get out of this god forsaken store!' Jessica came out in a hot pink dress that barely covered her breasts and Angela came out in a light blue, more conservative dress.

"Oh my god! I love how my boobs look!" Jessica laughed.

Angela giggled, "And so will Mike!" I giggled a bit as well. I could just imagine his ogling, gross.

Suddenly, we heard a sharp knocking, we looked over and saw what looked like a couple frat guys ogling Jessica from the window behind me. They whistled at her, making obscene gestures while she rolled her eyes. "Pervs." she muttered. I rolled my eyes as well then got an idea. I banged on the window hard and they jumped away, giving me the stink eye before finally leaving. Jessica smiled, "Thanks Bella." I gave her a thumbs up.

"I'm gonna go find some shoes!" Jess smiled and walked off, leaving Angela and I alone.

"So Bella, what do you think?" Angela asked, twirling around to give me a 360 view.

I looked over and nodded, "It looks great."

Angela nodded understandingly, she could always read me like a book. "You're not really into this, are you?"

I shook my head "Not really, shopping was never really my thing, unless it's Hot Topic." I smiled.

She nodded, "Honestly, same. That's why I wanted you with, for moral support." We laughed a bit as she sat down next to me, "So, how are you and Edward?"

I sighed, 'This again?' "Angela, for the last time, Edward and I have nothing going on."

She smiled, "Sure sure." Angela looked around and saw we were alone. "Need a mini karaoke session?"

I smiled, "You know me so well!" I grabbed my phone and played a karaoke track. She smiled at the first few notes, knowing what she was getting into.

BELLA:

I met a boy called Frank Mills
On September twelfth right here
In front of the Waverly
But unfortunately
I lost his address

ANGELA:

He was last seen with his friend,
A drummer, he resembles George Harrison of the Beatles
But he wears his hair
Tied in a small bow at the back

BELLA:

I love him but it embarrasses me
To walk down the street with him
He lives in Brooklyn somewhere
And wears this white crash helmet

ANGELA:

He has gold chains on his leather jacket
And on the back are written the names
Mary

BELLA:

And Mom

BOTH:

And Hell's Angels

ANGELA:

I would gratefully
Appreciate it if you see him tell him
I'm in the park with my girlfriend
And please

BELLA:

Tell him Angela and I
Don't want the two dollars back

BOTH:

Just him!

We giggled as the song ended. Everything seemed so easy with Angela around. I couldn't wait until her and Nessa met, I could tell that they would become fast friends. I was seriously so grateful to have her with me. I didn't think I would've survived without her.

Jessica ran, or at least attempted to run to us in the shoes she picked out. They were at least 6 inches high with a very slim heel. 'She's gonna try and dance in those? Now that I gotta see.' "Angela! Bella!" She cried out, I sighed and looked up, coming almost face first into her breasts. "What do you think?!" She smiled as she unsteadily twirled around.

"Jess, can you even dance in those, let alone walk?" Angela asked.

She pouted, "Yes! They just need some breaking in!" She turned to me quickly. "What do you think, Bella?"

I smiled a bit and used my safety line, "It looks great."

"You've said that about the last 5 dresses though!" Jessica groaned, turning her pouting to me.

I shrugged. "I really just wanted to check out this book store. I'll meet you guys at the restaurant okay?"

Angela looked shocked and worried. "You sure? I could go with if you want!"

Jessica shook her head, "Oh no you don't! You still have more dresses to try on!"

I shook my head, "It's okay Ang. Besides, someone needs to regain Jess in before she buys out the store."

"Hey!" Jess shouted.

"Okay, be careful! Let me know if you see Frank Mills!" Angela and I laughed while Jessica looked confused.

"Have a good night, miss!" The store owner yelled as I walked out of the book store.

"You too!" I yelled back. I walked through the parking lot, kinda unsure of where I'm going. I opened Google Maps but of course as I looked up the restaurant my phone died. I shoved it in my purse "Great, just fantastic!" I mumbled and kept walking. 'If I can just find my way to the next street I should be fine! Maybe I should've stayed with Jess and Angela.' I kept thinking to myself. I sighed and took the book out of my purse, "Quileute Legends and Art." This has to give me at least some answers for the Cullen's if nothing or no one else will.

Suddenly, I heard some noise. I walked towards it, hoping it was the street I needed but quickly realized my mistake. I saw the frat guys that were at the dress shop coming at me. "Wanna beer, pretty girl?" One of them asked.

I shook my head, "No thanks." I turned around and quickly walked back but was at a dead end.

"Wait, isn't that the girl from the store? The one that banged us?" Another guy asked.

The first one nodded, "Oh yeah! Nice to see you again!" He smiled wickedly.

I saw two more boys on the other side of me, I was fully trapped. I took my purse off my shoulder, "Look, I don't have much money but just take my bag!" I said softly, better the bag than me.

"We don't want the bag, baby!" The second guy chuckled. I could tell from the look in his eyes exactly what he wanted.

Alright, bring it on! I grabbed the strap of my bag and when one of the boys got closer to me, I swung it at him, the weight of my book hit his groin. He doubled over in pain and the others closed in on me. I swung my bag again but the first guy caught it. 'Great! Now I'm gonna get raped! What a fun way to spend a Thursday night!' I screamed loudly but knew it was fruitless.

Suddenly, we saw blinding headlights, a savior! Thank god! A silver Volvo screeched up to us. Wait, silver Volvo? It couldn't be! Sure enough, the driver door flew open and Edward 'Hercules' Cullen jumped out.

"Get in!" He yelled at me, he did not look in the mood to argue so I did as he said quickly. Edward faced the men for a second and they backed off quickly. 'What the hell? He isn't saying anything! Is he that intimidating?' The guy that had my purse dropped it while he and the others ran away. Edward quickly grabbed my purse, turned and jumped back into the car. He quickly tore out of there and got on the main road.

I could tell he was still pissed but I had to get answers. "Okay - no, how the hell did you find -?" I couldn't even finish a sentence, guess I was too shaken.

"I should go back and rip their heads off!" Edward gritted through his teeth.

"No, that's a bad idea!" I said quickly. The last thing I needed was to be anywhere near him if he was gonna commit a murder.

"You don't know the vile, repulsive things they were thinking." He said angrily.

"And you do?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

He looked at me slightly, "Not hard to guess." 'What the hell is that supposed to mean? Can he read minds? No way!' I sighed and looked out the window, not bothering to ask. Like I would get a cohesive answer from him. "Say something." He blurted out.

"What?" I asked.

"Distract me so I don't turn around and kill them!" He slightly yelled. I winced slightly, he seemed to notice and whispered, "I'm sorry, please distract me."

I had to think for a bit, what the hell does he want me to say?!

"Thanks for grabbing my purse." He nodded stiffly. 'Well that did nothing.' I sighed and blurted out without thinking. "Put your seatbelt on!"

He laughed a bit, that worked? "You should put your seatbelt on!" I looked down and sure enough, I forgot to put mine on. I laughed softly and put it on.

Jessica and Angela walked out as soon as I walked up to the restaurant, great timing huh? "Hey guys!" I called as I got to them. "I am so sorry!"

Angela looked relieved when she saw me, she ran up and hugged me. "Bella! Thank God you're alright! Where were you!? We tried calling you!"

"My phone died." I answered as I hugged back.

She broke away from me, nodding but Jessica looked upset. "We waited, but we were starving, so-" Jessica looked behind me and quickly shut up. I looked as well and saw Edward standing behind me, suddenly very calm despite everything.

"Sorry I kept Bella from dinner. We ran into each other and got talking." He lied calmly.

Jessica smiled knowingly "I - we - understand. We were just... leaving, so Bella..do you wanna…?" She grabbed my arm. Guess I gotta go.

Angela hit her shoulder. "Jess! Bella hasn't eaten yet!"

I shook my head. "I'm okay, I can make a sandwich when I get home." I turned to Edward who looked like he was debating with himself. "Thank you Edward." I smiled a bit, hoping he caught my double meaning.

Jessica dragged me towards her car while Angela said something about picking me up something on the way home, I really wasn't paying attention. I kinda wished I could spend a bit more time with him. I had a lot of questions.

"I'd like to make sure Bella gets something to eat. It's my fault she missed out on dinner with you." We suddenly heard Edward say. We turned back and saw him smile a bit, our eyes widened. "If you'd like." He added, smiling at me. "Then I can drive you back myself."

Angela smiled at him, "That's so thoughtful."

Jessica nodded quickly "Really thoughtful!"

I nodded walking up to him. "I..I guess I could eat." I said softly with a smile. Edward smiled back.

"Please make sure she gets home safe!" Angela interjected.

Edward smiled softly. "I swear to you, I will be there."

Angela's and my eyes widened at his Les Misérables reference. Jessica just looked confused but smiled nonetheless.

Edward bowed slightly and walked me inside while the girls giggled behind us. I'm gonna get a lot of questions tomorrow.

We sat on the outside patio in silence while I ate, emphasis on I. He refused anything. I sighed and put down my fork. "Are you really not gonna eat anything?" I asked quietly.

He shook his head, "I'm on a special diet." He explained.

I raised an eyebrow, "Like Weight Watchers?"

Edward laughed a little bit, "Not exactly."

I sighed and took another bite. I looked up at him, feeling him staring at me. I put down my fork again, unable to keep it in anymore. "Alright Edward, you need to give me some answers."

He gave me a half smile "Yes, no, to get to the other side," 'Are you fucking serious?! You're gonna try and out-sass me? Game on!' My inner monologue challenged. "1.77245-" He added.

I cut him off, "I have no interest in the square root of pi right now!"

He looked shocked and asked, "You knew that?"

I glared at him a bit, "Do I look like an idiot? Don't answer that!" I added quickly. He smiled at me a bit.

I sighed, "How did you know I was down there?"

He frowned a bit, "I didn't."

I glared at him, "Fine, be like that." I got up and grabbed my purse. 'If you're gonna play me like this, I'm done with you. I don't have to deal with your bullshit! No matter how hot you are, it is not worth the lies and half truths!' My inner monologue lashed out at him.

"No! Bella, please don't go!" Edward stood up as well, begging slightly.

I sighed and sat back down. He sat down as well, relieved. I guess I had to stay. He was my ride home anyway. "So, were you stalking me or something?" I asked quietly.

He sighed, "I feel very...protective of you." I ignored my stalker alert for now. If he hadn't stalked me, I probably would've been raped.

"So yes?" I laughed a bit and took another bite.

He sighed again, "Yes, I followed you. I kept my distance until you needed my help. Then I heard what they were think- your scream and I knew you needed me."

I paused, wait, what?! This again?! "Wait," I sighed, knowing this was gonna sound stupid. "You were about to say you heard what they were thinking and what you said in the car…." He looked up at me, worried. "Edward, do you read minds?"

He shrugged a bit. "I'm thinking about getting a 900 number."

My eyes shot up, he admitted it?! I laughed a bit, is this boy for real?! "You..You can read minds? Oh my god! That's...Amazing!" I gushed. This boy should be sent to a psycho ward, well I guess I should too for believing him but that's not the point. He smiled at my reaction. "What am I thinking?! Wait!" 'You're insane, no. You need mental evaluation, no. You are smoking hot! Hell no! My favorite musical is Carrie The Musical. Perfect!' "Okay, go!"

He laughed a bit, "I have no idea. I can read every mind in there, except yours." I raised an eyebrow, 'Well this story got less believable. Wait, I believe any of this? Huh, maybe I should get the mental evaluation.' My inner monologue laughed.

Edward looked around and pointed at a guy in a 3 piece suit talking on the phone. "Work," He looked over at a young girl in the bar area talking to a man. "Sex," He pointed at the man hitting on the woman. "Sex," He pointed at a man clearly having his full of beer "Cat." I looked at him, bizarre. "You, nothing. It's very frustrating."

"What, something wrong with my brain?" I joked.

He smiled brightly and laughed, "I tell you I read minds and you think there's something wrong with you? You always seem to surprise me Bella."

I laughed as well, realizing how stupid I sounded. "Well I'm glad I amuse you." His smile faded and he looked down in his lap. "Edward, what's wrong?" I asked.

He looked up at me and said, "I... I don't have the strength…. to stay away from you anymore." His eyes went back to his lap. 'Ah ha! I knew he was actively avoiding me! Why though? I didn't do anything to him! At least, nothing that I knew of.' My inner monologue questioned. I was about to ask but when I saw the look on his face, I realized that was a question for another time.

I sighed softly, "Edward, look at me." He lifted his eyes, 'God I forgot how beautiful they are.' "You don't have to stay away from me, I'm not venomous." I joked, smiling a bit. His eyes widened and he stiffened a bit, what did I say now?! "Edward?" I asked worriedly.

He quickly got in control and sighed, "We should head out." I nodded and waited for the check.

We rushed down the highway like a bat out of hell. Edward turned on the heater as soon as we stepped in the car. I sighed looking back from the window, "Okay I think I'm warm." I went to turn off the heater the same time he did. Our hands touched, I gasped softly. His hand was still freezing, you'd think he'd warm up a bit. I looked at him, confused. "How is your hand still cold?" He moved his hand away quickly and put it back on the wheel. "Edward, are you okay?" His hand gripped the wheel. What the hell is wrong with this boy? God.

We almost passed the police station but I looked over and saw dad's cruiser. What the hell is he still doing here? I looked at the time, 9:30? "What's my dad doing here so late? Something's going on."

Edward pulled into the parking lot. "That's my father's car," He noted, I looked over at him "What is he doing here?" He pondered. We got out of the car as Carlisle walked out of the station. "Carlisle, what's going on?" He asked.

"Waylon Forge was found in the woods out near his place. I just examined the body." My eyes widened and gasped. 'I remember him! He was one of my father's best friends. Oh God, he can't be doing well!'

"How did he die?" I asked.

"Animal attack." He answered simply. Another animal attack?

"The same kind that killed the security guard down in Mason?" I looked at him. Edward and Carlisle looked at each other, did they know something?

Carlisle looked back at me. "Most likely."

I sighed, "It has to be getting closer to town."

"Waylon lived all the way down on Queets River. 52 miles south." Edward said quietly.

I looked at him, "But it's still-"

Carlisle put his hand on my shoulder. I noted his hand was cold, as cold as Edward's had been. Odd. "Bella, you should go see your father, Waylon was one of his friends."

I nodded, "I know." I turned to Edward, "Thank you again Edward." I smiled at him and walked into the office.

I walked up to his office and sighed, "Hey Dad."

He looked up at me, "Hey Bells."

I put my hand on his shoulder. "I'm really sorry about Waylon."

He sighed and put his hand on mine. "Known him for thirty years." I nodded and rubbed his shoulder. He sniffed and looked up at me. "Don't worry Bella, we'll find what did this." He opened his drawer, "In the meantime," He pulled out a can of pepper spray and handed it to me. "I want you to carry this on you."

I sighed, "I don't know-"

"It would give me some peace of mind." He begged. I smiled and took it, putting it in my purse. I wished I had that earlier in the night. "Let's get home." He turned off his computer and we walked out.

As Charlie locked up, two attendants hoisted a metal gurney into an ambulance. On it, Waylon's dead, pale, bloody bare feet peeked out from under the sheet, resting at a disturbingly unnatural angle. Pale? I suddenly thought of Edward and his family's pale bodies. They did look as pale as the dead. Charlie walked up to me and led me to the car. We got in and Charlie turned on the radio while a million questions ran through my head.

"Hello darkness, my old friend
I've come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence"

Whoop! There it is!

I'll see myself out. Please review as they give me life!

Until next time!

Songs:

Frank Mills- Hair

Sound of Silence- In my mind, it's the Disturbed one but originally by Simon and Garfunkel