"Shhhh… It'll be okay"

"I'm so sorry Bella, I thought it would be better this way"

Those were some of the things Edward had mumbled to me as he attempted to soothe me. I wasn't sure how long he cradled me while I sobbed into his chest. It felt good to be able to cry for once. To be able to just let all my emotions pour out of me.

When I finally grabbed a hold of myself and realized what I was doing I jumped out of Edward's iron grip, surprised at how I actually managed to do so. Hurt flashed across his features as he looked from me to the now empty space between his arms. "Leave me alone" I managed to say through clenched teeth. Again I could feel the anger flare up and boil inside me but this time I knew better. I glanced down at my fists which were now covered in purplish-blue splotches from my previous attack on him. Instead of repeating the process I pivoted around and stalked off, leaving him alone on the ground. Just as he had left me in the forest. What can I say? Karma's a witch with a capital B.

I walked down the streets mindlessly just taking in all of the damage that could happen in such a short time span. Dead walkers scattered the streets, leaving blackish puddles all over the place. Deceased neighbors too were littered across roads and sidewalks from the breach. It would truly be a horrifying site if I hadn't seen it so many times before. But I had so I found myself somewhat desensitized by it all. It wasn't that I didn't care. I really did but it all seemed to be part of my life now. Large massacres like this were no longer an unusual, terrible situation but now only merely expected to happen.

Someone's oddly familiar voice suddenly broke through the silence speaking through what sounded like a bullhorn. "Everyone report to the front gates"

My feet unconsciously took me there and soon enough I was standing among the crowd which had definitely decreased since the attack. I then recognised the voice, it was Sam. A red and white bullhorn was in his grasp as he scanned the crowd of people that had formed.

"Bella!" A voice called which I knew to be Charlie.

"Hey Dad," I replied meekly.

He made his way through the crowd until he was directly before me. That's when I noticed his puffy red eyes, he had been crying. But for who was the question. "I heard about your mother, Bells I'm so sorry" He told me in a shaky breath. So that's who he was crying for. "Things happen..." I replied, not knowing what to really say. News travelled pretty quickly around here. He pulled me into an awkward side hug. I really didn't feel like having anybody comfort or pity me right now, that was one thing I didn't want to deal with in this current state. I let him hug me however, I felt like it helped him to somehow comfort himself by feeling as though he could comfort me. Finally he pulled away, giving me a small, sad smile.

"Is that everyone?" Sam's booming voice questioned. This time without the bullhorn, his voice seemed pretty loud anyways considering not much chatter was going on. Everyone appeared to just be silently morning. People scanned through the crowd before giving a nod his way.

"Alright then," He stated before he began. "It appears as though a large number of us didn't make it. There appears to be only 36 of us that survived" Nobody dare spoke. Dead silence passed through the crowd, an unspoken way to commemorate the losses. Even Sam stopped speaking for a few moments to acknowledge what happened.

"Due to the damage inflicted and population decrease we need others to help us run the perimeter. Anyone willing to volunteer please raise your hand"

Before I realised what I was doing I raised my arm along with a few others. I could feel Charlie's gaze boring into me. I was sure Edward would be staring too but I honestly couldn't care less.

"Okay, thank you for those of you who raised their hand. Everybody else can go and those who wish to volunteer please stay behind" The crowd soon dispersed leaving around 10 people behind including me. That's when I noticed him. The one and only Mike Newton. "Hey Bella!" He stated in his typical cheery tone but it seemed to be mildly saddened. He was dressed in a plain white, filthy t-shirt and brown cargo pants. His left arm seemed to be wrapped up in gauze. I eyed it suspiciously. He noticed my gaze and stated, "Battle wounds" In a proud voice as if to say 'Yep. I'm just that awesome'. Still just as cocky as ever I noticed.

Sam took the momentary silence as a way to start his ramble. "Since there's an even number of volunteers I think we should have five of you on day shift and five on night. The wolves do day and Cullens do night shifts. Currently there are seven wolves including myself and 3 people. At nights there are the seven vampires and 3 people. Perfectly even."

"James, Kayla, Greg, Scott and Julia can do mornings and Liz, Zack, Tony, Bella and Mike will do night" Sam pointed to each of us as he spoke our names. I held back a wince as I heard 'night shift' and 'Mike'. Just great, an annoying Mike and an ex-boyfriend. Fantabulous.

I could just imagine the smile on Newton's face right now. "Guess we'll be working side by side partner" Speak of the Devil and he shall appear. Mike nudged me in the arm playfully. I placed on my now signature fake smile. "Guess so"

"Bloody Fantabulous" I stated under my breath in a rather monotonous voice, more for myself than anyone else.

"Did you say something?"

"Nope, nothing"

Not very long of a chapter I realize, sorry about that. Poor Bella can't get a break. What's up with her wanting to be part of the army? Anyone have any idea as to why Bella can suddenly move granite a.k.a Edward? Does Mike really have 'Battle wounds'? You'll all find out soon enough, just hang in there! Let me know what you thought in the reviews! (: