Chapter 3

BPOV

The next day Edward wasn't at school, although the rest of his family was. They were all looking at me when I arrived. The big guy, Emmett, watched me with clear amusement and curiosity. Jasper's gaze was assessing, calculative, as though I was a threat, which considering what I was capable of, I guess I was. Rosalie's glare was outright hostile, and kind of scary. And Alice, Alice just looked like she was the cat that ate the canary. Creepy as hell.

But one thing I needed to do was figure out if I would react to his family, the same way I did Edward.

Throughout my morning classes I attempted to come up with a fairly simple plan, unfortunately I came up with nothing. When lunch came around, I sat with Angela, who was quickly becoming a friend, and her friends, who I wasn't to keen on. Honestly, the boys kept hitting on me, Jessica kept pretending to be nice, and Lauren just glared at me and acted so much better. I think the only other person that didn't bug was Ben, he seemed to be shyer than the other boys.

The rest of the week was pretty much the same. By the end of the week I definitely counted Angela as a friend, and had come to the conclusion that Jessica and Lauren were jealous bitches. What they had to be jealous of, I have no idea. It wasn't as though they had to be in constant control of their temper and even panic. But that was beside the point.

That Saturday I went down to La Push with Charlie and spent time with Jake while my uncle and Billy went fishing. He showed me the car he was working on, a Volkswagen Rabbit. I also met his two friends Quil and Embry. They were great, and I was tempted to join in when the boys started wrestling, but I was afraid to hurt them. I really cursed my strength at times. I went down to La Push on Sunday as well, after doing a bunch of house chores.

It was then that I first saw Sam Uley. He showed up at Billy's house while I was in the Garage with Jake. My first impression was that he was on steroids, the man was ripped. Seriously, he had an eight-pack, and massive pectorals. And he had to not wear a shirt and show it off. Not to mention the guy was tall, over six feet at least.

And Jacob began talking again about holier-than-thou Sam Uley. Although, after seeing the way Billy talked to him, and the way he watched Jake, I have to admit that I may agree with Jake. It was creepy as hell.

We goofed off and joked around. And I watched him work on the Rabbit for a bit, before finally going home. Jake was quickly becoming a friend, although it did appear that he had a small crush on me.

When I went back to school on Monday, I was surprised to see Edward standing in the parking lot with his family. Throughout the day, I dreaded biology, knowing I'd already had a reaction to him. Lunch didn't help my fears at all.

Not only did I notice Edward watching me at lunch, but his sister, Rosalie, kept casting glares in my direction. Of course since she had been doing that throughout the previous week, it wasn't unexpected.

I was surprised when Edward greeted me when I sat down next to him in Biology, doing my best to keep my eyes away from his, or anyone else, eyesight, as I felt myself react to his presence once again.

"Bella right?" he asked as I put my hair between us.

"Yes," I said uncertainly.

"I'm sorry if I seemed angry at you last week," he apologized. "I wasn't feeling well."

"It's okay."

I was saved, momentarily at least, from further conversation by Mr. Molina.

"Good afternoon class," Mr Molina greeted. He went on to explain the lab we had today, and that we would be working with our desk partner, oh joy. Through out the lab, and subsequent sharing of the microscope, Edward kept trying to make small talk, while I tried to merely communicate the minimum amount necessary to complete the lab, it was very frustrating.

The rest of the day passed normally. I returned home to find Charlie was still at work, no surprise there. I sorted through the mail and was happy to find a letter from my Aunt Betty, she wasn't really my aunt, but she was a close friend of my fathers, and the daughter of the general hunting him. I was excited because she'd only send my a letter if something involved my father, she'd e-mail me otherwise. She was also my godmother. Dr. Betty Ross worked as a professor of cellular biology at Cullver University, and was one of the few people to know that I was Bruce Banner's daughter. I quickly opened it.

Dear Bella,

I hope you well. I'm sorry that I haven't written recently, but my classes this year have been hectic as the college has also had me teaching a few other science courses than I normally do, due to the retirement of one of my colleagues. I recently saw your father several weeks ago. He was doing well, even if he looked a bit scruffy. You think he'd learn how to cut his own hair and shave what with being on his own most of the time.

Naturally my father found out. Don't worry, your father managed to get away, for once he didn't even become Hulk for once, I think he's beginning to gain some semblance of control over his transformation. The General was furious naturally. I would come and visit, but I'm pretty sure that Dad has got me under surveillance, again.

On another note, I must admit that I have an ulterior motive for sending this letter. I know that it's about the time for you to begin considering what college you attend. And while I don't care what you study, I do hope to convince you to come and attend Cullver. It would be so great to see you so often. And you could even stay with me to save money if you wished, though if you want to live on your own that would also be fine. If your interested, I can send you information on any and all of the programs offered here. I may even be able to help you get a scholarship to help pay for your tuition, no guarantees however.

I might add that your father really wanted me to make sure you did attend college, but my offer isn't because of that. I don't see nearly enough of you, what with living on the other end of the country, and I miss you.

With Love,

Betty.

I smiled. I would definitely be looking at Cullver University as I considered colleges, even if I didn't yet know what I wanted to study. Betty was like a big sister to me. Though I was kinda worried about General Ross putting up surveillance. Of course he did it whenever dad showed up around his daughter, it still worried me.

As the phone rang, I decided that I'd e-mail Betty later. I quickly picked up the phone. "Swan residence," I answered.

"Bella?" Jacob's voice asked.

I smiled. "Yes, it's me Jacob."

"Dad was wondering if you and your dad wanted to come down to a barbeque down here with us."

I mentally sighed. Apparently Charlie hadn't even told his friends that I'm actually his niece, despite him and Renee adopting me. "I love to come, but I don't know about Charlie, he's not home yet. Do you want me to call him or will you?"

"You'd better, that way if he can't come you can ask permission. I really hope you do come, Sam and his gang will be here."

"Billy invited them?" I asked.

"Along with their girlfriends, the Clearwaters, and the Ateras. Unfortunately, Quil and his parents won't be coming, he's grounded for being caught sneaking his father's beer. So without you, I'll be all alone."

I smiled. "I call Charlie than call you right back."

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Charlie couldn't go, one of his officers had called in sick, so he was staying to cover the shift, he did give me permission to go however.

Arriving at the Black's I noticed that most everyone else was here. Billy was over with a man I recognized as Harry Clearwater, an older man I didn't recognize, and Sam Uley over by the grill. Two large boys were tossing a football, one had his back to me and I didn't recognize the other. A girl and a younger boy I recognized as Leah and Seth Clearwater were sitting at a picnic table with Jacob. I didn't see any others, though I supposed they could be in the house.

Sure enough, just as I was climbing out of the truck, a girl I didn't recognize came out of the house carrying several dishes out to a free picnic table.

"Hey," I said as I approached Jacob.

He turned and smiled. "Hey Bells, glad you could make it."

I raised an eyebrow. "I thought you said you'd be alone, yet here I find Seth and Leah sitting with you." I turned to the fore mentioned Clearwaters. "Hi Leah, Seth, long time no see."

"Isabella," Leah greeted coldly.

"Hey," Seth greeted.

I turned to Jacob for an explanation. "Well Leah's um..."

"A bitch," Leah finished for him, a light smirk on her face.

I snorted. "Way to build self esteem there Leah."

She shrugged. "What self-esteem would you have left if you fiancee left you for your own cousin?"

I narrowed my eyes. Leah, despite being a year or two older, had been one of my best friends before Renee and Charlie divorced. "Who was your fiancee?" I asked.

"Sam."

I leveled a glare in the direction of the man, before turning back to Leah. "I would say I'm sorry Leah, but if he was that shallow, it's a good thing you didn't marry him."

She smiled weakly. "You know, I hadn't thought about that. All I saw was the man I loved leaving me for the girl I considered a sister and my dad happy for my cousin and Sam."

"Gee, if any guy did that to me, they'd never find the body," I said, honestly surprised.

Seth interjected at this point. "You really think your dad would kill a guy if he hurt you?"

I remembered that they all thought that Charlie was my dad. "You have no idea," I told him.

The four of us continued to talk while food was being prepared. I learned that the two boys playing football were Paul Long and Jared Bronson. Jared was the one that I had yet to see the face of. The old man standing with Harry, Sam, and Billy was Old Quil Sr. And I also saw the other girls in attendance were Kim, Paul's girlfriend, and Emily, Sam's new fiancee and Leah's cousin. Sue Clearwater was also in attendance.

I was surprised, but didn't stare or react when I saw Emily, she was beautiful, except for several scars that marred the right side of her face. I wondered what had happened, but knew it could be worse. Hell, my dad had caused worse, he had killed.

When it was declared that the food was ready, everyone grabbed a plate and lined up to get their meal before sitting down. Partway through the meal, I made a sweep around the yard until my eyes feel on Jared.

It was as if nothing else in this world mattered to me anymore.

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JPOV

I was so happy that Sam was giving us a break from patrol to attend a barbeque at Billy's house. Not only did we get some food, always a plus for a wolf, but we got to relax for a bit. Not having an imprint, unlike Sam and Paul, I was one of the first people to show up, despite having dropped by my house to pick up a football.

When Paul showed up, we began to toss the ball back and forth, goofing off as we did so. Kim, the girl I had a crush on until Paul imprinted on her, went inside to offer Emily and Sue any help she could cooking. We prayed that she wouldn't ruin the food. Kim was a good girl, but honestly couldn't cook. Me and Sam enjoyed teasing Paul about the fact that he got stuck with the imprint that would burn water, while Sam got the girl that could cook anything.

I didn't turn around when I heard Bella Swan pull up. Billy had explained that he had given Jacob permission to invite her over, and that she didn't like the Cullens for some reason. That earned her points in our books, but Paul and I were enjoying ourselves too much. We did keep an ear on her however. She was apparently, Chief Swan's adopted daughter.

I winced when Leah told her about Sam and Emily. We all felt bad for her, but you couldn't fight the imprint, Sam tried. And it really hurt him to hurt Leah that way, Emily as well. They both still felt really guilty about what had happened.

I was surprised when Bella didn't react to Emily's scars. And then Sam, who had been manning the grill, and Sue announced that the food was ready. Out of courtesy, Sam, Paul, and I allowed everyone else to get their food first, as we would eat most of it.

I sat down with Paul and Kim and we began joking and talking. Then I looked up and met the eyes of Bella Swan.

It felt as if everything else had faded away. Nothing else mattered except for the brown-eyed goddess in front of me.

I had just imprinted.

"Jared...Jared!" Paul pulled me from Bella's eyes. "Dude, did you just imprint?"

"Please tell me you did," Kim pleaded. "Me and Emily will be so happy there's another girl around."

"I think I did."

I quickly got up and told Sam.

He smiled and said, "Congratulations. I'll tell Billy and the others. I assume you Imprinted on Bella?"

I nodded.

He smirked. "At least she already doesn't like the Cullens."

The rest of the evening, I kept stealing glance towards Bella. And I noticed that she was stealing the occasional glance at me. After she left, Sue took Leah and Seth home, and Billy sent Jacob inside the house, Leaving just the pack, elders, and imprints outside.

Old Quil spoke up first. "Are you sure you imprinted Mr. Bronson?"

I nodded. "It felt just like what Paul and Sam experienced in their memories."

Billy sighed. "While I am happy that you've imprinted Jared, I wish it had been on someone other than Charlie's daughter. She just moved back to forks and I am not sure how she will react to you and the others being wolves. And, I feel worse about her being stuck here than you guys. At least you lot had the stories to prepare you, even if you didn't believe them."

Harry put his hand on Billy's shoulder. "I am more worried about Charlie. I already know that he will be upset if Bella does not go to college, he's very proud and protective of his daughter."

"I thought you said that imprinting was rare," Paul pointed out. "But now all three of us have imprinted."

The elders all looked at each other, then shrugged.

"Maybe, if anyone else joins the pack, they won't imprint," Harry offered.

Quil snorted. "I think we need to look over the old stories again. It's more likely we missed something, or this is a fluke."

"I think, in the meantime, you," Billy pointed at me, "need to ask Bella out on a date. Once she has some time to get to know you, we can have a bonfire to tell her the stories."

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