Chapter 13: Fear Itself

I awoke to the sound of my alarm blaring. It was cut short as I heard someone turn it off. I opened my eyes and found Bella's watchful eyes on me.

"Good morning" Bella whispered musically as she kissed me lightly.

"When did you wake up?" I asked. She laughed and I stared at her confused.

"What?" I demanded.

"Silly Edward, vampires don't sleep" she said in a matter of fact tone.

"Oh! Then what did you do while I slept?" She shrugged, "I watched you sleep."

"Sounds entertaining!" I replied sarcastically. Bella was about to say something else when Connor knocked on my door.

"Edward, Charlie wanted me to make sure you were awake."

"I'm awake" I replied. I heard Connor's retreating footsteps and Bella kissed me.

I'll see you at school" she said and disappeared out the window. I got ready for school and headed downstairs. Charlie was reading the paper while Connor stared inanimately off into space. I began to eat my breakfast when I noticed Charlie's face, which was drawn into a worried frown.

"Something wrong dad?" I asked curiously.

"There's an article in here about some disappearances in Port Angeles." Suddenly my glass of orange juice tipped over as Connor accidentally knocked it over.

"Sorry" Connor muttered and he started to clean it up. I gathered my stuff together and speed off to school. Bella was leaning casually against her car when I pulled up.

"Hello!" she greeted happily.

I wrapped my arm around her waist and we walked inside the school. First period was terrible since Bella wasn't in my class. I practically ran to second period and took my seat next to her. Under the table we held hands as the teacher droned on about something I didn't catch. When lunch came around Bella and I didn't eat we just sat enjoy each other's company.

We received some stern looks from a few teachers who were going to warn us about PDA, but Bella would just smile her brilliant smile and they would scurry away. After about the third time I leaned closer and whispered in her ear, "you're going to give one of those old fools a heart attack if you keep that up."

Bella bit her lip trying to stifle her laugh. We walked off to Biology and I had to control myself as Bella walked over to her table where Mike was waiting. I hated the fact that I hadn't been in this school when they picked lab partners. Mike was looked so smug every time I glanced over my shoulder at Bella. I breathed a sigh of relief when that class was over.

Once school was finished Bella followed me home. We entered the house and Connor rushed down the stairs.

"Your back! I've been so bored!" Connor said. Before he had spoken a sudden flash of emotion had been on his face. Fear. Bella apparently had caught it too by the way she was looking at him. We walked into the living room where Connor and I began talking about the things we had done back when we were in Phoenix.

Even though I was listening I was watching Bella who seemed to be trying to figure out something important. A small breeze rolled into the room from the window that was slightly open and Bella stiffened. I wrapped my arm around her comfortingly but she remained on edge. I didn't get a chance to ask her what was wrong; since Charlie got home at that moment. Bella stayed by my side until around 9:00 when she had to go.

I walked her to the door and kissed her on the lips.

"Are you coming back tonight?" I asked. Bella pursed her lips, "I can't tonight but tomorrow."

"Ok" I said and kissed her again. She wouldn't let me walk her to her car so I just watched from the front door as she drove away. I walked back inside and got started on my homework. Connor was trying to carry on a conversation with me while I worked. Suddenly his phone rang and he checked the ID. His face seemed to drain of color when he read the name.

"I'll be right back" Connor said and ran upstairs. I glanced suspiciously in his direction. Connor was acting so much weirder than normal and that was saying something. Connor could be pretty annoying but he was never so secretive before. The last night when I asked him about his dad Connor had quickly changed the subject and when I mentioned our old friend Kyle, Connor left the room.

Bella's POV

Emmett was outside when I arrived home. "What's wrong?" Emmett asked in his brotherly tone. I didn't answer as I burst into the house.

"Carlisle!" I said in a normal tone.

"Yes" he appeared at my side.

"We have a big problem," I warned. He studied my face searching for an answer. The others joined us when they heard my news.

"Bella tell us" Jasper encouraged. I tried to remain calm but panic was creeping all over me.

"I was at Edward's and we were in the living room," I took a gulp of unnecessary air, "and I smelled a vampire. It was new and it came very close to the house."

Esme wrapped her arms around me trying to sooth me, "Bella it's alright." Carlisle turned around and whispered something so low to Emmett and Jasper that I couldn't even hear. They nodded and disappeared out the door.

"Where are they going? What did you tell them?" I questioned frantically. "Bella calm down" Carlisle said, "I told them to go and watch the house, that's all."

"I should go back" I said and tried to leave but Esme held me back.

"Bella dear, you need to hunt, last night was very risky and you know that," Esme explained. "I'll go with you Bella" Rosalie offered.

"I'll keep watch," Alice said and Esme and her hurried upstairs. Rosalie placed her hand on my arm, "It'll be alright."

Carlisle went after Emmett and Jasper to help. Rosalie and I ventured into the forest but I was practically sick with worry. It took me longer than usually to hunt since I was so distracted, which made me even more upset. We finally returned home I waited for Emmett, Carlisle, and Jasper to return.