Bella felt more relaxed as soon as they were away from the house and out into the forest that surrounded Forks. Bella had always had a strange sort of relationship with the forest, she somehow felt at ease in it as though it was looking out for her. She loved the smell of the pine trees, their scent even stronger after a dose of rain. If she didn't have the threat of the most powerful vampire hunters, the Etheridge's, coming after the Cullen's she would have taken her time, sniffing the wild flowers, feeling the texture of the bark on the trees or breaking by a stream to watch the rush of water making its way out to sea.

Bella would often do these when walking with Edward. Edward seemed to enjoy watching her. Bella had asked him if he enjoyed the scent of nature as she held a wild flower up for him to enjoy. Edward had laughed at this, "let us just say that things don't smell quite the same when you're a vampire". Bella felt disappointed at this as she was unable to share something she loved so much with the one she loved. Edward must have noticed this, "don't worry" he said brushing her hair from her face, "you're my wild flower".

It took no time for the Cullen's to get ready to leave. Bella had barely thought about what she might need before they were at the door. The Cullen brothers all had large backpacks on. This had been Bella's suggestion; if they wanted to remain unsuspicious they would need to look like real trampers. Hopefully, to any outsider they would just look like a family going for a tramp, a remarkably beautiful perfect family that is. Jasper liked this suggestion as he thought it may give them a small but vital advantage.

Bella looked at the family. Jasper was in the lead, eyes focused ears listening for any suspicious sound or movement.

Next were Carlisle and Esme holding hands, the picture perfect couple. Carlisle was discussing the root they should take. "We need to head to the city; we'll be safe there until our trail wears off. They would never attack use in the crowded streets... but do we head straight there and risk being cut off or ambushed or do we make a detour..." he pondered.

Behind Carlisle and Esme walked Alice. Her head was hung low. Bella knew that she was trying arouse another vision of the future to no avail.

Following Alice, Emmett and Rosalie strolled unworried. Their arms were raped tightly around each other. Emmett barked out a laugh at one of his own jokes he had just told Rosalie.

Bella and Edward were the last to follow. Edward had his arm protectively around Bella's waist. His firm grip was comforting. Bella felt safe.

The day past so quickly that Bella was surprised to see that the sun was slowly descending. They had walked for almost the entire day, stopping on occasion to let Bella rest. This was one of the many days Bella felt ashamed of being a mere human. "Jasper" Edward said queuing him to stop for Bella. Jasper stopped placing his bag on the ground and walked off. "He's gone to hunt, to ease the temptation" Edward said darkly. Bella almost blushed in the rush of the moment she had almost forgotten "why is it worse for him now?" Bella asked not wanting to pry too much.

Edward gave a long a deep sigh. "Carlisle thinks it's because it's because its 160th anniversary of his transformation. It seems that every ten years after being transformed the lure of blood becomes stronger but it's hard to say if this is the truth. There's no evidence to support this." Edward sounded frustrated as he turned to look in the direction jasper had gone.

Bella sat down as her legs gave in. She hadn't realised how tired they were until she stopped. Edward grinned at her. "We we don't all had endless amounts of energy" she protested.

Edward sat down beside her, much more gracefully. He reached into his bag and retrieved a drink bottle and a sandwich offering them to Bella. "Have I ever told you I love you" Bella said almost drinking the entire drink-bottle in one go.

It didn't take long for jasper to return. He looked slightly more relaxed now but still making sure there was at least one vampire between himself and Bella.

"What did you get?" Emmett asked.

"A bear" jasper answered.

"What?! You know those are mine! We had a deal remember?!" Emmett complained.

"Don't worry Emmett he's just teasing you" Rosalie cooed. Both Carlisle and Esme laughed obviously enjoying the family interaction. Bella had to admit that she smiled too.

The moment was so perfect that Bella had almost completely forgotten the reason for them being here. It was Edwards voice that pulled Bella back to the reality and the danger of the situation that they were in.

"Alice?" Edward asked. Bella turned to where the smallest of the vampires was standing. Alice's hands were clutching her forehead as if she was in terrible pain. "Alice?!" Edward asked again more urgently this time. Alice slowly met his gaze. Her eyes were full of alarm. "They're coming now".

(Sorry just a short chapter this time. In the next chapter the attack begins. Please Review! I will love you for it.)

(Updated to fix some errors)