Twilight is owned by Stephenie Meyer, Bella and the Beastward is all mine.

kdillin has graciously offered to beta for me again : )

"I heard he's a basket-case," Alice whispered, glancing quickly over at the blonde guy coming towards us.

"He sends that guy into town every now and then to get him things, but I heard he like…never leaves the house. I heard he's like…deformed or something."

"And let me guess you heard all of this from Jessica?" I rolled my eyes and pulled a bottle of shampoo from the shelf.

I hated shopping, even grocery shopping. Even if I make a list, I always seem to forget something. It's not like they don't have shampoo in Europe, Bella. I shook my head as we continued down the aisle. Alice diverted her eyes to the floor when the guy passed us. She was always convinced people knew when you were talking about them but it never stopped her from gossiping with Jessica.

Blonde guy smiled slightly, nodded as he passed us and continued on with his cart full of groceries.

"Anyway, what the hell am I going to do without you this whole time? I mean why do you want to go to Europe anyway?" She crossed her arms in front of her and scowled.

"Alice, do you really have to ask me why I'm going to Europe?" I stopped the cart and cocked my eyebrow at her.

"Okay well there's the food…and the sights…and the accents…and the…boys. You're not allowed to elope with a European unless he has a brother."

"Okay I promise." I laughed and glanced through the toothbrushes. "You know I am backpacking right? I mean it's not going to be this glamorous European vacation. I just need some time to sort things out."

"Just because you graduated college six months ago and haven't found a job yet does not mean you're totally hopeless. I mean it definitely doesn't warrant going insane and spending all of your money on a solo trip through Dracula country."

"I don't know if I'll ever have the chance or the money again." I shrugged. "I'd rather spend it on something I'll enjoy than just sitting here and watch it dwindle away. Life's too short." I bit down on my lip and glanced through my list one last time. "Okay I think I have everything let's go."

I waited for Alice to peruse through the magazines while I stood in line. I found myself looking around and people watching, a symptom of my restless mind. My breath hitched in my throat when I noticed Blonde guy in the line beside us. He was loading the last contents of his cart onto the belt. It looked like he was stocking up for the apocalypse.

I'd heard all the rumors about him, the guy Blondie supposedly works for. Edward Cullen. He lives up in the hills in his family's huge mansion, or so I heard. He hasn't been seen in years and hasn't been into town since his parents died. I wasn't sure I believed all the hype about him. There was definitely something mysterious about him, but I'd never met the guy. He's just about as real to me as the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus.

"Miss?"

I shook away my thoughts and turned back to the cashier.

"I'm sorry?" I asked, smiling apologetically.

"Your total is $52.45."

I nodded and handed her my credit card as Alice organized the bags in our cart.

We made our way out to my piece of shit truck and loaded the groceries in the back. I pulled open the squeaky door and was just about to get in when I heard the only sound that could completely ruin my day.

"Bella!" Alec yelled. I groaned and turned around, planting a fake smile on my face before he saw me. "I was hoping I'd run into you before you left." Alice cleared her throat and jumped into the truck. "Have you thought about what I asked you?" He leaned closer.

"Yeah I just…I don't think I'm ready for a commitment right now. I'm leaving for a few months and I just…" I trailed off. Alec was a nice kid but we'd gone out on two dates and he won't stop calling me. I think he already went and picked out an engagement ring. He seems like the perfect guy, just not perfect for me. I haven't had the nerve to be a complete bitch to him so I thought this little separation would help him move onto someone else. Or, perhaps to another city.

"Maybe when you get back then?"

"I don't think so Alec. I just don't think we'd work. I'm sorry." I nodded apologetically. "I'll see you around." I hopped in the truck and gunned it out of the parking lot. I'm pretty sure I cracked the shit out of Charlie's eggs.

"Okay Bella that guy is creepy," Alice turned around and glanced back at the parking lot. I looked up in the rearview mirror and grimaced when I saw him pacing back and forth in the parking spot we'd just vacated.

"He's nice." I gulped.

"I don't think I would call texting, emailing and face booking you within the span of one hour nice."

"He'll get over it. It's not like he can't find someone else." I knew all of the girls used to follow him around like fricking lap dogs. Maybe he'll adopt one of them.

She laughed under her breath and stared out the window. "Oh Bella…"

"What?"

"You don't see yourself clearly. All the guys in town completely fall all over you and you're completely oblivious."

"Am not. I'm just not…I don't care about it. Ali you know I love you, but you like all this small town gossip shit. It's not me. I'm not into it." I pulled into Charlie's and turned the truck off.

Alice started running her fingers along the armrest on my door and bit down on her lip. "So I guess this is it now right? You're leaving?"

"I'm not leaving forever."

"Yeah." She nodded and glanced at me from the corner of her eye. "Well I guess I'll see you in a few months then." She forced a smile and reached across the cab to give me a hug. The seats made an awkward sound and we both started laughing, thankfully breaking the tension. "Send me a postcard if you can!"

"I'll try!" I hopped out of the truck and carried the groceries inside.

"Hi honey." My dad Charlie sat on the couch drinking a beer while he watched an old Mariner's games on ESPN.

"Hey. I'm just going to pack some of my stuff up and take off." I put Charlie's groceries away and started upstairs.

"Are you sure you don't want me to take you?" He yelled in between batters.

"Yeah it's fine. Jake's friend has an old barn right down the road from the small airport. I'm just going to park it there and I can get it when I come back. I don't want to be a hassle."

"You're not a hassle."

"I know, but…It's fine." I threw my new supplies into my bag and stomped back down the steps.

"Well alright. You better get going though it looks like a blizzard is coming in. I hope your flight gets out okay. Will you call me from the airport?"

I glanced down at my phone and sighed when I saw the 'low battery' light blinking. "I don't know if I'll be able to, my phone is going to die. I'll see if I can find a payphone." I shook my head and stuffed it into my back pocket.

Charlie stood from the couch and shuffled awkwardly towards me. We were never really big on affection, but we definitely understood each other. To be honest I was a little worried about him being here all alone for the winter. Alice promised to stop in every now and then just to make sure he was eating something other than Hungry Man dinners every night so that made me feel a little better.

"I know you might not have access to a phone and I'll be worried sick the whole time, but try to call me or something if you can okay? Europe's a big place for my little girl, but I know you can do it baby." He reached out and gave me the one armed hug as we headed for the door.

"I'll try Dad. Just…don't worry okay? I know what I'm doing."

"I know, I know. Just like your mother." He rolled his eyes and opened the door for me. "I love you Bella."

"Love you too Dad. Alice will be by next week, please at least be showered."

He laughed and gave me a slight wave as I threw my bag in the back of the truck. I looked around the house one last time before hopping in and pulling out of the driveway.

I passed through town and didn't feel one ounce of sadness for leaving it. I'll miss Alice and my Dad but this town isn't home to me. I've never felt it. I've never belonged. I want more.

The snow started before I was halfway through town and I was hoping that my piece of shit truck would hold up. You'd think since it was a truck it'd be fine, but saying that it was a little rough around the edges would be the biggest understatement in the history of man.

I came to a fork in the road and contemplated before taking the road on the left. I hadn't driven to the airport in such a long time that I had to look at the map. Aside from my stubbornness, I also inherited the need to do things on my own just like my father. I was such a guy when it came to asking for directions.

I continued the journey to the airport, becoming more and more anxious about the weather. No wonder that Cullen guy sends Blondie in for winter supplies. I wouldn't want to trek through this whenever I needed candy or some milk either. I could barely see the road in front of me and there were already drifts starting to form along the sides of the road.

I bit down on my lip and tried to tell myself to calm down. I hated driving in nasty weather and Mother Nature was turning into a downright bitch. I half contemplated turning around and having Charlie drive me, but there's no way I'd make my flight if I did that.

I jumped when something started sputtering from the hood of my car.

"What the hell?" I pushed down on the gas a little harder and it sputtered again. "Come on. Just stay with me for a little while longer." There was a loud pop and the truck shuddered before slowing to a complete stop. I slammed down on the gas pedal hoping it would somehow come back to life but I was sorely disappointed. "Damnit," I whispered.

I cursed again and reached in my pocket for my phone. It was completely dead. Not even enough juice to tell me that it was almost out of juice.

I looked behind me to see if there was any sign of life, but of course there wasn't. It was way too deserted up here. And plus with the horrible weather it didn't surprise me I was the only one up here. Well almost the only one.

I passed by his gate about a half mile back. I knew it was his because of the large "C" twisted in the metal at the entrance. I couldn't see the house as I drove by; it was too far back. I don't think it could even be seen on a clear day. It looked like the driveway twisted and curved back up the hill and through the trees.

"He can't be that bad right?" I whispered, trying to convince myself. I can't just stay out here. I have a bottle of water, candy bar and a truck that refuses to cooperate. I'll freeze to death before morning.

I took a deep breath and gathered up my things. I opened the door to the truck and blinked out into the blizzard that surrounded me. The cool air caused a shiver to run through my entire body, almost down to the bone. I yanked my bag from the back and slammed the door before starting to trek back down the way I just came from. The tire tracks were enough to guide me back, but they were already starting to disappear under the blanket of falling snow.

The howl of a wolf echoed out from the darkness and I cowered back into my coat, wrapping it closer around me as I continued back towards the gate. I had no idea what I planned on doing once I got there, but it was better than sitting in the truck. Maybe they had a phone I could use or something. Charlie could come and get me and I could just take the first flight out once the storm clears.

I sighed in relief when I saw the shadow of the towering gate in front of me. I took the last few steps and grasped onto the ice cold metal. Should I scream for help? I didn't see any kind of intercom or button to let them know I was here. But why should there be? No one comes up here anyway. It's not like they're expecting someone.

I leaned forward against the gate and was surprised when it creaked open. I hesitated before pushing harder against it, forcing it open against the wet, heavy snow. I trudged up what I thought was the driveway. In all honesty I couldn't really tell one way or another, but there was a small break in the trees so I assumed that's where it was.

Ten minutes later I could see the shape of the mammoth house forming in front of me. I squinted in the falling snow as I approached. There was a large fountain in front, looking completely neglected and abandoned. Several statues either stood straight or were completely toppled over by the entrance. It seemed dark…cold. And not from the weather. There was one window on the second story that glowed faintly in the dreary gray weather.

I took a deep breath before stepping up to the front door and knocking. The front door slipped open, just like the gate had. I was a little more hesitant to step into the house so I peeked my head inside and looked around. It looked completely deserted. I was looking into what looked like an entry hall with impossibly high ceilings and an unlit chandelier. There was a grand staircase in front of me that split halfway up and ascended in opposite directions.

"Hello?" I called. I took a tentative step inside and closed the door behind me. I shook the snow off me and looked around. "Hello?" I called again.

"What are you doing here?"

I jumped and grabbed at my chest as I turned towards the voice. I instantly recognized the guy from the grocery store earlier and was slightly relieved that it wasn't Edward.

"I…" I stammered. "I'm so sorry to intrude, the door was open." I pointed behind me. "My car broke down; I was on my way to the airport. I just need to use a phone."

"I'm sorry we don't have any phones."

My brow furrowed in confusion. "I'm sorry?"

He nodded to my left and I noticed a phone laying on the floor, cords splayed out around it. Almost like it had been ripped from the wall.

"Um…okay. Do you have a cell phone or something I could borrow?"

He shrugged apologetically and I began to understand how isolated they really were up here. I wonder what could make someone want to live like this. Completely cut off from the world.

"Okay well I'm sure you have electrical outlets right?" I sighed.

"That we have." A slight smile formed on his lips as he crossed his arms.

"Do you mind if I plug my cell phone in? It's dead."

"Of course."

I smiled and started digging through my bag looking for my phone. I grew more and more panicked when I couldn't find it. "Damn it," I whispered. I glanced behind me at the door, wondering if I'd dropped it somehow along the way. I must have.

"Is there a problem?" He asked.

"Yeah. I must have dropped it. I'll go look for it." I started to turn around.

"Don't be ridiculous. There's no way you'll find it in this storm." His voice was a little less welcoming. Not mean, just slightly irritated. Maybe, scared? I didn't understand why.

Even though I knew he was right I didn't want to believe it. I needed to get out of here somehow. "Would you mind driving me back into town? I mean I saw you…at the grocery store earlier, so I know you drive." I bit my lip and looked around.

"I would, but there's no way we'd make it down into town in this storm."

"When it's cleared up then?"

He laughed a little under his breath and shook his head. "So you saw me at the store earlier right? I'm sure you know why, I'm not immune to the things people say."

"That you're getting supplies for the winter?"

He nodded. "Those roads out there, they're completely impassible during the winter. What were you even doing out there?"

"I was on my way to the airport."

"Well you took the wrong road." He laughed. "That fork you hit awhile back? You should have gone right."

"Are you serious?"

"Do I look like I'm joking?" He smiled and cocked his eyebrow.

"Shit." I clenched my eyes shut. "Now what do I do?" I opened my eyes again and ran my fingers through my hair.

He stared at me for a long moment as he tapped his finger against his chin. "I'm Jasper," he said. "And you'll stay here."

"I can't…I can't stay here," I stammered.

"Well we don't really have another choice do we?"

I shivered when I felt someone watching us and glanced up to the second story. I could almost see the shape of someone standing in the shadows and I knew it must be him.

"Jasper she can't stay here," he snapped. His voice was flat, monotone. There was no feeling or inflection. It was dead.

I squinted into the darkness trying to see him, but it was useless. He was blanketed in complete darkness.

"Excuse me for one moment." Jasper smiled and slowly made his way up the stairs. He disappeared as well as he stepped next to Edward, but I could hear them whispering. I looked away embarrassed because I knew they were talking about me. I ran my finger along the strap of my bag as my eyes danced around the room. I could tell this house was beautiful once. Hell it still is breathtaking, it's just been neglected. I guess it just isn't living up to its potential.

The next thing I knew Jasper was scurrying back down the stairs. "Can I take your bag?" I paused for a moment before handing it over to him. "I'm sorry about that," he continued. "He's not used to having strangers around."

"It's okay. I'm Bella."

"It's nice to meet you Bella." Jasper started up the stairs, willing me to follow. I chanced a glance over where Edward was standing and was a little relieved to find him gone. I had a feeling I wasn't welcome here, not by him anyway. I guess I'd have to avoid him as much as possible until I can get out of here.

We took the stairs that led away from where Edward had stood and started down a long hallway. Jasper stopped at the second door and stepped inside. He flipped on the lights and I noticed it was a bedroom, complete with a beautiful stone fireplace in the corner. The room almost looked like it'd never been used. It was completely untouched, unlike the rest of the house. It didn't even show the signs of neglect apparent everywhere else.

"This is the nicest guest room we have so I hope it will do." He set my bag down on the bed. "I can start a fire. I know it's really drafty in here. There's a small bathroom off this room which you'll have all to yourself. I live in a small guest house outside beside the gardens. Feel free to explore the rest of the house, but I would avoid the other side of the stairs. Edward is very…particular."

"He doesn't want me here does he?" I sat down on the bed.

Jasper smiled and started towards the door. "I'm going to get some wood for your fire." He opened the door and turned back. "Make yourself at home."

A/N: Hey guys! I realized I wouldn't be able to update SL for a little bit bc of finals so I figured I could at least put another chapter of this up so thank you for reading! And thank you for the amazing response to the prologue I was completely blown away : ) Glad to see there are other Disney pervs out there.

Please check out the blog and sign up for updates on it. Once I start posting more regularly I'll post teasers and things there as well as the Twilighted thread and twitter.

Thanks again. Good luck on final exams to anyone out there in the same boat I'm in. Now get off ff and go study : )