Disclaimer: I do not, in any way, own Twilight. If I did, I would have already accomplished my goal to be a best-selling, well-known author.

AN: I know that it's been entirely too long, and I have no excuses. Well, no excuses that you'd actually care about and so I see no need to explain. Anyway, life has been very busy lately, and I've been feeling particularly uninspired. However, I had a day off and there was also a blizzard. I've been putting writing this story off for a while, but I figured that this was a perfect opportunity to get moving once again.

Acknowledgements: Before we get on with the story, I would just like to say thank you to everyone who reviewed, favorited, and followed! I know this has been a long time coming and that the uploading has been very sporadic, but I'm gonna try to stick to a schedule and prioritize my writing. And now, on to the story.

Chapter 5: The Third Hand

Monday's are rarely the day of the week people look forward to, unless there's some special event or you have no responsibilities. Monday's suck the life out of you, and they make you wish the day was over before it's even really started.

From the moment Bella woke up, she knew the day would not be one she'd enjoy. While getting dressed, she debated going back to sleep, but she knew that she shouldn't, that she had things to do today.

She had to go to school.

But do I really?, she wondered as she gathered her things.

I mean, I'm kinda ahead in my classes, and they're probably not even doing anything but reviewing anyway, she reasoned to herself.

It was decided; no school today.

Charlie'd already left for work, so there was no need for explanations.

Bella felt a little giddy as she got back into her pajamas, which she felt no shame about. It's like when you're a kid and you don't don't have to go to school for some reason, or when you got an early release, and you just feel happy. You feel like something amazing is happening and like your day could be an adventure.

After getting settled and back in bed, Bella faced the facts.

"Okay, not going to school today. Didn't really feel like it; could use a day off. Need some time alone to think. And I don't feel stupid talking to myself because no one's around to hear me," she said out loud, feeling a little awkward just talking to no one.

Realising this, she grabbed her phone and picked a playlist of more laid back songs. They were better for thinking or just zoning out.

"Okay," she sighed. "Now I don't feel as weird. So, back to what I was saying. Didn't go to school, need to think. Need to think about Paul. The new guy in my life, who just so happens to be a werewolf. And something happened that means we're destined to be together in some way, shape or form for the rest of our lives. It's looking like it's going to end up being in the romantic sense instead of us being like family or BFF's. I only met him one time, but it didn't seem like he was eager to plan a slumber party."

She paused.

"Well, not that kind of slumber party," she said under her breath. Which made her wonder.

She'd heard more than enough of Jacob's complaining about Paul. How he was an asshole and a psycho, how Sam played favorites. He said he didn't know what Paul did when he wasn't on patrol or with the rest of the pack, only that he was told it was 'none of his damn business'.

She'd also heard a lot about how Paul didn't like her. Hated her, actually, if Jake was to be believed.

However, Paul had seemed like he was more than comfortable with her presence and the quickly unfolding situation. So the question was, how could he be so comfortable having imprinted on a "leech lover"?

Jake had always told her not to worry bout it, that Paul was an ass and that his opinion didn't matter.

It seemed it mattered now, though.

Bella gave a heavy sigh and twisted around into her blankets, feeling a little sleepy. It was still early, and she had a feeling she'd need to be well rested for the coming conversation.

LRLRLR

Bella woke gradually, in no rush to leave her bed.

There was nothing she needed to do, and her scheduled talk wasn't until much later.

Well, not much, she corrected after looking at the time. A few hours, depending on what time he shows up.

She'd told him to come by after school. She usually got home around a quarter to four, and he might want to give her time to prepare or whatever, so that might mean he could get there around four thirty or a little later.

On the other hand, he probably didn't know what time she got out of school at all, so he might not get there until a lot later, just to be sure he wasn't interrupting anything.

Or, on a totally random third hand, he could have somehow known that she didn't go to school today, ignored all sense of propriety and be walking into her bedroom.

Just in case you were wondering, it was the third hand.

AN: So... How's it going? I don't really know what to tell you; this chapter was really just to ease myself back into the groove of writing this story. I kinda forgot where I was going with this. Anyway, chapter 6 should be out on Saturday.

AN 2: I find myself wanting to write one-shots, but I'll feel kinda guilty because I haven't finished this story. Would you guys be okay if I post something different every now and then, or would you rather I just focus on this?

If anyone was curious, Bella's thinking playlist is my chill playlist:

Calvin Harris – My way

Crystal Castles – Empathy

ASTR - Blue Hawaii

Kyla La Grange – Cut your teeth (kygo remix)

Purity Ring – Stranger than earth

Just a few of my faves…