All characters belong to Stephenie Meyer

I woke up twice in the middle of the night covered in sweet from nightmares, well the same one really. My dreams were so vivid; each time I awoke it took me a while to realize where I was and to calm down.

I was in the middle of the forest at night running. I wasn't sure what I was running from but once I broke through the tree line I noticed I was in a meadow of sorts. It was quite beautiful and it had turned to afternoon. The sun was shinning and I watched as the grass flowed like waves in the breeze. My head turned abruptly to my left as I heard a fierce howl. There stood a very large wolf. It was so large it almost looked like a bear.

Slowly, I backed away trembling as its growls grew in intensity. I felt myself hit something hard and turned to see Edward standing behind me. His face looked ferocious, and I gasped at the sight. He laid a hand on my shoulder to steady me. "Get back in the forest Bella." He had commanded in a low stern voice.

I heard an earth-shattering howl come from behind me and knew it had come from the wolf. I trembled keeping my eyes on Edward. His eyes narrowed murderously. I should have been afraid, but oddly I felt comforted that he was there. I stepped back into the tree line as directed and ran. Soon I heard loud snapping and growling. I feared for Edward and ran back to the meadow but got lost. I could hear fighting but I couldn't find him. I cried out to him, but there was no answer. I searched and searched to no avail.

That's where I always woke up. I was not willing to risk having the nightmare again and decided to stay up for the day. It was a little past five in the morning, but I could always nap later if I got tired.

I grabbed my bag of toiletries and walked down the hall to the bathroom. I took a quick look at myself in the mirror. I was a complete mess. My hair was slightly matted from tossing and turning, and you could still see a cool sheen of sweat on my forehead.

I shook my head in disapproval turning to get into the shower. The hot water felt good and soothed me. I was reluctant to get out, but the water was staring to get cold so I had no choice. I decided to wear sweats since I wasn't going anywhere. It was sunny again today, but there was a nip in the air.

I carefully made my way downstairs to find that Charlie was already gone. He was out fishing with Billy. He left a number where he could be reached if I needed anything.

I ate some cereal as I contemplated all that I had learned last night, trying to shake the feelings of unease that still surrounded me.

I wondered idly if I should call him. But what would I say? 'Hey Edward so I heard you might be a mythical creature, what do you have to say for yourself?' Part of me felt like a fool for even entertaining such thoughts. There was no such thing as vampires or werewolves. I knew that to be true, but something inside of me begged me to believe. Edward was something that was clear, but what? He was too perfect to be human, but a vampire, and a moral one at that?

I exhaled sharply in aggravation. I needed to get out. I decided to go for a short walk and enjoy the sunshine while I could. My truck was still at the school so I couldn't go far. I would have to stick to the forest surrounding the house.

I grabbed my jacket just in case it started to rain and put my shoes on. I easily found a trail near the back of the house and decided to follow it for a little while.

My mind raced as I walked deeper into the canopy of trees. I searched for proof that he was anything but human, no matter how small, something I might have over looked. He had never eaten in front of me, in fact I had never seen him or his siblings eat at all. They could just not like the food in the cafeteria, but they always purchased full trays of food that remained untouched. There was something in the way they moved. I never really focused on it before, but now that I thought back--it was like their beauty--too perfect to be true. They were so graceful in their movements they put ballerinas to shame. All of their voices seemed so smooth like honey and attractive, seductive in a way.

I shook my head, but what did all this prove?

My head started to hurt as it swarmed with questions. If Edward was a vampire was I willing to accept that? What should I do? Whether Jacob's story was true or not, Edward was something other than human, he was something more, that I knew for a fact.

I had only two options. I could stay away from him, as I knew I should. Go back to ignoring him but for good this time. The mere though caused my heart to sink and I quickly moved onto my next option. Or, I could remain his friend, and accept him no matter what.

He had proved time and time again that he was not out to hurt me. He had insisted I take care of myself until his return just last night. If he truly was a threat to me he would have done something by now. He was willing to accept me despite my condition, and I decided to accept him no matter what he turned out to be. I was simply in too deep. I needed him too much to turn my back on him now. I had already tried to expel him from my life; I wasn't willing to go through that again, not while he still wanted me in his.

I felt a sense of relief as I finally came to a decision. Good or bad, I knew what I was going to do. I smiled as I finally stopped to look around at my surroundings. I had been so lost in thought I had not realized how far I had traveled. I was deep in the forest at this point. The sky above looked dark, but I wasn't sure what time of day it was, the tree cover was very thick.

I swallowed hard as the feelings I had during my dream resurfaced. Fear gripped me as I turned to look for the trail, but it was gone. I must have veered from it without realizing.

My breathing increased as panic set in. I tried re-tracing my steps, but still there was no trail. How long had I been gone? What time was it now? I willed myself to walk faster as I searched frantically for any sign of a way out.

My legs began to ache as I pushed them further and harder. I had left without taking my pain medication, and I was feeling it now. Without warning I tripped over a root and fell forcefully to the ground. I gasped loudly as I made impact with the hard compacted dirt. Tears welled in my eyes as pain coursed through my body. I curled up into a ball wrapping my arms around my legs willing the pain to subside even for a few seconds.

"Edward." I cried. "Where are you? I need you now. I need you."

I lay on the forest ground for what seemed like forever. I was in too much pain to move again. I would have to wait for someone to find me. My heart sank and tears fell down my face as the realization sunk in; I could be here for days before they figured out where I was. In my haste I had left no note. There was absolutely no one who knew where I was.

It was getting colder and darker as night was falling. I shivered curling into myself further to protect myself from the cold. I tired to stay calm and relax, but I was too worried and the pain was starting to over come me. I tried stretching my legs, but screamed out in agony as I used my joints. I quickly curled them back up to my chest.

"Oh Edward, please find me." I begged in a whisper. I knew he, of all people, would be able to find me no matter what. I knew he was off camping with his family, but he would be home soon right? I had to be positive. As soon as he got home he would find me. I could survive one night in the cold.

I muttered over and over again, "Please find me," as my body quivered against the cold. I heard a sound near by and opened my eyes widely searching through the darkness for the cause. It was too dark to make anything out clearly. My heart pounded frantically in my chest as I hunted in vain.

I screamed out in fear as I saw a figure approach me.

"Bella. Shhh, it's me, Edward. Shhh." He approached me slowly as to not frighten me further.

A sliver of moonlight danced across his face and I instantly relaxed. "Edward?" I whispered.

He nodded as he knelt down next to me taking me effortlessly into his arms. "Ahhh." I cried out in agony as he positioned me against his chest.

"Are you hurt?" He asked freezing instantly. His voice was thick with worry.

I shook my head, 'no,' as I curled myself closer to his body. I wrapped my hands securely around the fabric of his shirt unwilling to let him go. Tears ran down my face and I closed my eyes burying my face in his chest.

He straightened out and began walking at a very fast pace. "I'm taking you to Carlisle." He said after a moment.

I didn't say anything as I clung to him with all the strength I had in me. I opened my eyes just once and noticed we were traveling very fast, too fast. The world was passing by at an alarming rate. It made me dizzy so I closed my eyes again keeping them shut.

After a few short minutes I felt him slow, only because the wind around us ceased. I glanced around and noticed we were at a very large white house. He flew up the front steps with ease and somehow managed to open the door with me still in his arms. The house was very quiet. I closed my eyes again as I felt him climb another set of stairs.

"Carlisle?" I heard him saw in an anxious tone.

"What's wrong Edward?"

"I found her like this in the forest. She must have gotten lost. I don't know how long she was there before I discovered her. She appears to be in pain, but claims she is not hurt."

He was talking so fast I almost didn't catch everything he was saying.

"Set her down on the couch and I'll take a look at her." Carlisle responded calmly.

Edward attempted to set me down on the couch, but I tensed clinging to him tighter. I refused to let go. He sighed, and sat down with me in his lap.

"Bella?" I heard Carlisle ask.

I turned my head to look at him and he smiled.

"You're safe now. Edward found you." He could see the naked fear still in my eyes and tried to calm me.

I nodded slightly, but did not relinquish my hold on Edward.

"Edward says you're in pain. Can you tell me what happened?"

I opened my mouth to talk but no words came out. I closed my mouth and tried again. "I-I got lost." I said in a low hoarse voice.

"Do you know how long you were in the forest before Edward found you?"

"No. I left early in the morning."

I felt a rumbling in Edward's chest and could have sworn I heard him growl. I looked up at him in confusion, but didn't say anything.

"I need to know if you got hurt. Edward said you were in pain."

"I fell, but that's not what's wrong. I forgot to take my pain pills. I have a …condition…and with all the running and then I fell…"

He smiled warmly. "I can help you with that. Would you mind letting go of Edward so that I could exam you quickly to make sure no damage was done?"

I paused briefly not wanting to let go, but eventually nodded my head. I released my hold on his shirt and attempted to slide off his lap, but as soon as I tried to use my legs I called out in pain.

Edward instantly pulled me back to his chest, and I saw Carlisle purse his lips. They exchanged a look that led me to believe they were having some kind of private conversation. Carlisle reached for his medical bag beside the couch and pulled out a small clear bottle with a needle.

I whimpered, and hid my face against Edward's chest. I hated needles. Even after all this time you would think I would be used to them by now, but just the sight of them still bothered me.

"Shhh, relax Bella. You will feel better in a few minutes. I promise." I heard Edward whisper. His lips were mere centimeters from my ear. His cool breath tickled my neck and sent shivers down my spine.

I extended my arm willingly to Carlisle and before I knew it he was done. Within minutes I could feel the pain medicine working as my body began to relax.

"Thank you." I breathed.

I was very tired and could feel my eyes lids getting heavier by the second. The pain medicine only proved to increase my sleepiness.

"Sleep now Bella. You're safe now." I heard Edward whisper as he once again lifted me in his arms. I did not know where he was taking me, nor did I care. I could not deny the security I felt being so close to him, or the relief I felt that he was back with me again.