Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight.

A/N: Here's the next chapter. Hope you like it.

Pretend

"It is foolish to pretend that one is fully recovered from a disappointed passion. Such wounds always leave a scar."

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

He tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "You're so beautiful, Bella."

Blushing slightly, I retorted, "That's ridiculous. I'm not beautiful in comparison to you." I added in a whisper, "Or anyone else for that matter."

He exhaled sharply. "You don't see yourself clearly at all."

"Oh darn. Is it check-up time already?"

He laughed quietly, sending vibrations throughout the bed. "For you, yes. My eye sight is perfectly fine."

"I don't think so. You're the one who can't see the discrepancy between us. You look like a male model. I look like some unusual thing you found in the heap and just happened to pity enough to give your attention to."

He raised one eyebrow. "Now that is ridiculous. How could you possibly think so low of yourself?" He shook his head, but unexpectedly smiled a sly smile. "Actually, I do think you're unusual."

"I'm..glad you see it my way." I glanced suspiciously at him.

He only smiled my favorite crooked smile in return and I turned into Jello. "And now, it's time for you to rest. Tomorrow's another day." He kissed me lightly on the nose before we adjusted to a sleeping position. His cold arms wrapped around me as I cuddled with his marble body. The marvelous smell of his skin lulled me to sleep.

Fading in and out of consciousness, I heard one last murmur of his melodious voice before finally drifting off.

"Unusually beautiful."

Squeezing my eyes shut, I didn't want to wake up from my dream. I loved the way I felt so special to this.. unfamiliar person. At first, I thought it was Jacob but Jacob's touch wasn't cold; rather, the feeling of his russet skin was burning hot. And Jacob didn't have mesmerizing, golden eyes. Not that Jacob's eyes weren't mesmerizing either. But it was different with Jacob. I didn't know what to think, since I really didn't remember much. My mind settled with imagining Mr. Golden Eyes as my dream boy; the boy I would never meet.

Finally, I opened my eyes. Jacob was gently stroking my head. Nuzzling my head against his chest, I looked up into his loving, dark eyes. He grinned a wide grin. "Good morning, beautiful."

I felt the color rushing to my cheeks. "Good morning."

"Ready to find out everything today?"

"Of course. I'd love to be in the know about my own life." I scrunched my nose. "I'd also love to take a shower. How can you stand sleeping next to me? I stink."

He laughed. "'Cause I didn't want you to wake up and not find me here."

Jacob was such a sweet guy. He felt like my best friend. Maybe even more. I would find out today I suppose. But first, I was in desperate need of a shower.

After clearing my thoughts (and my filthy hair) with the smell of my strawberry shampoo, I was ready to find out everything that I didn't know. Downstairs, Jacob and Charlie were eating, waiting for me. They smiled at me as I entered the room. Loving people really.

My name: Isabella Marie Swan. 18 years old. Senior at Forks High School. Mother: Renee. Father: Charlie. Status: Taken. By Jacob.

All basic information. For some bizarre reason though, the ache in my chest twitched when they told me that Jacob was my boyfriend. My brain thought it was reasonable; my heart thought it was nonsense. Everything seemed to be accepted except for that one simple fact. The one fact that I wanted to believe the most. He was there for me when I was lost. I wanted to yell, scream even, at my heart for not being in the right place. For not being where I wanted it to be. For now, I would just have to go along with what they were saying; live this unfamiliar life until something clicked to reveal my inner memories.

"Are you alright?" Jacob's voice breaking my train of thought.

I nodded gently. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be when I with you?" His grin made me happy. I was glad that I could make someone smile, especially someone as important as him. Shut up, heart. I scolded the ache when it shuddered slightly. I held myself to keep the pain from spreading. I couldn't help but feel like I needed to go to an asylum. Internal holes; self-conversations; rebellious heart. Was I a nut case or what?

"You're sure you're alright, though? If you're not, you need to tell me. I want to help you."

Lifting up my face to meet his gaze, his devoted eyes never left mine. Slowly, his face inched closer and closer to mine. My breath quickened, realizing what he was about to do. Swiftly, his lips captured mine. He was gentle, afraid he might break me. I kissed back, pretending to feel the spark that never popped when his lips made contact with mine. Even though I didn't want to pretend, I had to in order for my life to make sense. Still, it upset me.

It upset me how I couldn't just know what was going on, I had to be baby-fed my life. It frustrated me that I could never love Jacob as much as he loved me, no matter how much I desperately wanted to return his affection. However, of all the things that angered me, one thing stood out the most. The reality that nothing seemed to compare to my imagination!

Nothing compared to the electrifying sensation of my dream boy's lips on mine.