I wasn't even worried about having to jog 800 meters in the elements today. Angela and I had a plan and we were using gym class as reconnaissance. The only issue we had were the thick, black clouds threatening to burst. The last thing I needed was to catch the cold.

The more my suspicions about Edward grew the more they did about the whole family. I wasn't going to let the fact that one of them happened to be exactly my type blind me to it.

Their pale skin, not unusual to this part of the world, was beyond anything else. The feeling of unease when any of them go to close told me that something wasn't right. I was self-aware enough to know that.

I hadn't shared my suspicions with Angela. Blaming Edward for the note was enough at this stage.

It was time to play detective. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Isn't that what they say? Ang and I had always been great at sucking information from people as kids, we should be professionals at it by now.

The words on the note were burned into my head. I know you saw...

Mike and Tyler were bent double laughing at the starting line. Whatever was going on with them the past few days must have been a thing of the past. I still hadn't told Angela about it, we had bigger things to worry about.

Tyler scanned the crowd. When he spotted me he nudged Mike.

A smile lit up his face. "Hey Ang, Bella!" he called. "We're planning a trip this weekend. You up for it?"

"Where you going?" Angela called back, jogging on the spot.

"La Push. Going to do some surfing, maybe have a barbecue. You'll love it there, Bella. There's some pretty cool tide pools."

I raised an eyebrow at him.

The idea had merit I had to say. It was the perfect excuse to be out of the house on a Saturday.

I nodded eagerly at Angela. "Sounds great, guys. We're in." Maybe I could do a side investigation and figure out what was going on with them two.

Alice, Emmett and Jasper were just ahead of them, joking around with a group of seniors. I held onto my arms, the chill in the air seeping through my cotton t-shirt as I considered them.

Angela was still jogging on the spot, trying to warm up. "You should be doing this too, Bella. Your legs won't cramp as easy."

"I'd rather not, thanks. You look like an army cadet."

Coach yelled at us all to start already. I gave Ang a firm nod, we were going to do this.

Our first target was Alice. She did kind of scare me, I wasn't sure what kind of reception we were going to get from her, considering she was Edward's girlfriend.

Angela didn't trust me to be able to speak to Jasper without slurring my words. I scoffed at her, I hadn't even shown any indication that I had a crush on him. Besides, he has a girlfriend.

We were attempting to catch up to the littlest Cullen. I didn't realize I was whistling until Angela lightly punched my arm. Casual, I got it.

She chuckled and called, "Hey, Alice!" Alice flicked her head around, slowing to match our pace. "Have you had a chance to meet Bella yet?"

Alice beamed at me. "Hey Bella!"

"Hi," I smiled, slightly taken aback from her positive reaction. Her short black hair was shining, even in the dull weather.

"How're you liking Forks?" she asked.

"It's cool. I'm not used to having to run this much."

Alice didn't even look like she needed to take a breath. She was ten times more beautiful up close. She had a tiny nose with big amber eyes and a little mouth.

My mind started to race. She had the same color of eyes as Jasper? How is that possible? They can't both be wearing the same color of contacts. That would be so weird.

She giggled. "You'll get used to it."

I shook my head, unsure of what she was replying to.

Angela piped in. "Where's Edward? I missed him in Biology." I did a mental fist pump. I knew I could count on her.

Alice's face went blank for a second before her contagious smile came back. "Well, at lunch the other day he started to feel sick. I just hope I don't get it," she grimaced.

Sick, is he? "I hope he feels better soon. I didn't get a chance to properly introduce myself. Angela, you should take notes for him." She nipped my arm. "Ow!"

Alice looked between us confused, but chuckled at our interaction.

We weren't getting anywhere with her. She seemed nice… it kind of annoyed me. Why couldn't she be the bitch that I thought she was going to be? It could've gotten me some answers. Of course she wasn't going to tell on her boyfriend, I should've expected a defense.

"So, you and Edward are together?" I pried.

"Yep." A big grin overcame her face, larger than any she'd been sporting this whole conversation. She had pearly white teeth, so white they were mildly terrifying. "It feels like we've always been together. In a good way."

"That's sweet. So he's good enough to be the one?"

She paused, looking at me quizzically. I glanced at Angela. "Is that too personal?"

Alice giggled. "Of course not! He's the best man I've ever met. I know he'll take care of me forever."

My inner girl felt extremely romantic in that moment. I had to shake myself out of it, remembering who she was talking about.

"Do you have a boyfriend, Bella?"

I coughed. "Me? Um, no. I don't."

"Do you have a type? Ooh, maybe you'll find the love if your life here," she clapped. This girl was endless bounds of energy. "I already know a few guys that have their eye on you."

Not the guy I want.

Angela cleared her throat. "Yeah, Bella. Maybe you've already fallen into the arms of your one true lo – wait, who has their eye on her?"

I laughed but it had a threatening edge. "I don't know about that." I hadn't even processed her second question.

"Have you seen someone you like already?"

I looked at her suspiciously. "No? What makes you think that?"

She threw her head back in a laugh. "Ooh, you have! It's written all over your face! I'm just asking to see what guys have a chance with you." She looked up at me with her owlish eyes, trying to distract me I bet.

How did the topic of conversation turn to me? She was a master manipulator.

"What is your type Bella? Brown hair or blond?" Angela taunted.

Why was she encouraging this? Has she completely forgotten we came here to interrogate this tiny little human? For all we know Alice sent the note, or she assisted Edward. Every psychopath needs an accomplice.

"I like all kinds of men," I said in my most seductive voice. "So is Edward quarantined while he gets better? Does that mean no kissing?"

"No kissing, no touching and he's not allowed to leave his bedroom," she shrugged.

Angela and I looked at each other. "Poor guy."

Alice nodded her head slowly. "Esme, my mom, text me earlier to say it's just a cold and not the flu, thank god. Gross."

We nodded our head in agreement. I wasn't sure if I was convinced.

"Have you met Emmett?" Alice asked.

I shook my head. He was massive, I kind of didn't want him near me. His t-shirt was straining against his muscles. He had black hair just like Alice. They could've been actual brother and sister.

I knew I had to talk to him if I wanted to wrestle any more information out of them.

Alice called him over to us. "Meet Bella. She's new."

A few girls called Alice. "I'll catch up to you guys soon," she said softly, running ahead.

"Hey, Bella," Emmett boomed. He was frigging huge up close. How was I supposed to even crane my neck up that high?

"What's up, man," I replied, attempting cool indifference.

Angela side-eyed me. I shrugged, how else do you get a jock to spill his secrets? Something tells me he's the weak link.

I was about to ask him a dumb question about sports when I noticed his piercing gold eye color. My mouth dropped open. A tugging sensation in my stomach was telling me to turn around and run the other way. How could it be?

It was moments like these that I felt very aware of my surroundings. I could hear the wind beating through the leaves, each crunch of gravel underneath our shoes and the undeniable feeling that someone was watching me. I glanced towards the large trees, peering between the branches.

"You OK, Bella?" he asked.

I cleared my throat, pulling myself together. "Yeah. Sorry, I was just going to say you're like huge. Do you play sports?"

He smirked. "I dabble. I'm not on any of the teams here." He seemed to preen at my compliment which I thought was adorable. He had little dimples which made him look like a huge baby.

I don't think he noticed my speculation. I was starting to feel worse about the whole situation. Something really wasn't right.

"Alice was telling us that Edward's sick." Emmett nodded. "Do you think I should take notes for him?" Angela asked.

Perfect. I wanted to high five her.

Emmett shook his head. "Don't worry about him. It's just a cold. He loves the attention." He was smiling on the outside but I could see in the twitch of his brow he wasn't comfortable with the conversation.

"He seemed like he was getting pretty sick on my first day. It seemed to hit him like a ton of bricks as he was talking to me," I hinted.

Emmett cleared his throat. "I uh, I don't know. I got home and he was already in bed."

Angela was giving me the eye. Had I been too obvious?

I tried to change the subject. We could come back to it. I had to take a few breaths. I was starting to get a sore throat from the cold air hitting it.

"You should really join the football team or something. You're not even out of breath." I accused him.

His face twisted in shock, his eyes piercing mine looking for something behind them.

I glanced at Angela, confused. She didn't seem to notice. Again. "Do you do a lot of running outside of school?" What was with the look on his face? I almost snapped my fingers in front of him.

"Oh, um, yeah." He coughed. He looked flustered. Did he think I had a crush on him or something? I hoped he didn't tell Rosalie that.

"Hey," an uncomfortably familiar deep voice contributed.

My heart sped up impossibly further as Jasper joined our little group.

Angela giggled. "Hey Jasper." She gave me the smuggest look. I wanted to slap it off her face.

"What are you guys talking about?" he asked. I was finding it harder to jog. I could feel a stitch coming on. I didn't even glance at him, I looked straight ahead at Alice's dainty jog.

"Edward and stuff," Angela shrugged. Her breaths were coming heavier and her shoulders were hunching slightly. OK, if the fittest girl I know is getting tired, why weren't this bunch?

Jasper and Emmett glanced at each other.

They were in on it.

Of course they were. I wanted to roll my eyes. How stupid could I be?

Impatience rushed through me. I was never going to get to the bottom of it with this secretive lot.

I was staring at the ground watching the gravel scatter under our feet when I noticed there were only one pair of sneakers beside mine.

Jasper was peering down at me, his honey blond hair was bouncing as he jogged. "You must have a lot going on in there. Try not to trip this time, I might not catch you."

"Ha, ha," I said, sarcastically. "I've had a funny few days, Jasper." I sighed loudly, staring out along the expanse of the forest.

"Oh, yeah?"

"Yeah," I stated, looking back at him. Probably more serious than I needed to be. He looked far too pleased with himself. It pissed me off.

I eyed him for a moment. Maybe I should be more direct.

"Some people think it's been funny to mess with me. These people don't know me very well and don't know how hard I can hold a grudge. Do you know what I mean, Jasper?" I stared straight into the strange but undeniably beautiful golden eyes that everyone else seemed to share.

"Mess with you how?" He looked concerned but of course he would if he was going to cover for his stupid brother.

I eyed him speculatively. "I'm not sure if I know you well enough to trust you with it. For all I know it could be you."

I let it hang in the air. The air that was getting wetter and wetter by the second. My hair was clinging to my face and every time I opened my mouth to speak I felt like I was swallowing a drink of water. It didn't help my impatient mood.

"Oh!" He puffed out a laugh like he was offended; likely story. I didn't let up my gaze. "You think it's me?"

I shrugged. "It could be anyone. That's what I'm saying."

He had an annoyingly indulgent smile. I wanted to kiss it off his stupid face.

"Is there something you want to say?" I asked.

I glanced down at his arms. The veins were sticking out and they were unbelievably muscly up close. I wanted to hang off them like a monkey.

He appraised me. "You're quite tenacious."

I shrugged. "I'll get my answers."

His eyes narrowed, the thick lashes bunching up. A silent competition.

&TL&

"Bella!" Alice called. She caught up to us, her breathing still not an issue. My face felt patchy hot.

"You have to tell me who you've got your eye on, maybe I can help you," she clapped, dancing around.

I almost choked on my own saliva. "Um, no thank you, Alice."

"Who's the lucky guy?" Emmett called. Oh Jesus, it gets worse.

"No one," I spluttered. Why were they acting so interested all of a sudden?

"She won't tell anyone. Not yet, anyway," Alice huffed, her little arms crossing over as she jogged.

"How do you expect him to be able to make a move if you won't tell him?" Emmett scoffed.

I shot them a look. "I said I won't tell you not that I won't tell him."

This made them giggle. "Sure," Angela said.

"You have a lot of secrets, Swan." Jasper shook his head, amused.

That's rich coming from you, you flirty little girlfriend having psycho brother loving shit.

"Maybe I will tell him then."

That shut them up. I watched all of their shocked little faces as I jogged ahead of them and finished the 800 meters.

&TL&

Angela and I sat in the smoothie bar after school. I ordered a mango and passion fruit concoction. It was delicious.

"We got nowhere today, did we?" she asked. She stirred her drink, her glasses hanging low on her nose. "Maybe we're barking up the wrong tree?"

I looked out towards Main Street. Maybe we were. It's hard to take it all in in one day. I needed to sleep on it.

"We might be," I said. "But even if they didn't send me the note, there's something so damn strange about them." I took a bite of the pineapple on the side of my glass.

She pushed her glasses up. "Strange, how?"

I crinkled my brow. "You haven't noticed anything strange about the Cullens?" I took a long slurp of my drink, trying to find the right way to word it. "Their eyes?"

She rolled hers. "They wear contacts. I think."

"You think? Do you not think that's a bit strange? What about how pale they are or how they don't need to take a breath in gym class?"

Angela smirked. "You've watched too many movies, Bella."

That was fine if she didn't want to see it. I was going to work it out with or without her help.

My phone bleeped. I slurped away as I checked my emails. One new message from an address I didn't recognize. The subject bar was empty which I found strange for a spam so I clicked it out of curiosity. I gasped, holding my phone away from me.

"What's wrong?" Angela asked, pushing her glasses up further.

I put my phone in front of her face.

She read aloud: "I know what you're doing. They aren't going to help you, no one can."

"It has to be them," I said, slapping her leg.

I saw her gulp. "It is awfully strange."

I could feel my eyes getting wider. "After I so obviously tried to get information out of them, they're sending more threats." I glared out of the window, towards the bookstore. "Which one do you think it is?"

"I-I don't know," she stuttered.

"Do you think Edward was lurking in a bush watching us at gym? Or maybe it's Emmett. He was acting pretty strange. Although if you wanted to be sneaky, it's gotta be Alice."

"What if it's Jasper?"

I shrugged. "Then it's Jasper."

"Why would it say 'they can't help you'? That's clearly in reference to the Cullens."

I set my drink down, starting to feel kind of sick. "Because they're trying to throw us off the trail."

"Maybe," she said.

One thing was for sure. It was damn suspicious that I got a reaction out of both Emmett and Jasper today. The two of them were up to something.

This email, deflecting them from the blame, only further convinced me. Was it safe to ask them outright? Maybe I'll just get it over with tomorrow at school.

Wow, the Cullen's are sooo strange, whatever could be up with them?!

Please excuse any mistakes, I had a rough week, (ate bad chicken) we all know how that one goes lol