A/N: I have been working on this chapter for days, but I have not updated very quickly because… well… you guys aren't reviewing. Please, please, if you read this chapter, take a little time out of your very busy schedule and REVIEW. It'll make my day. Chapter title from Switchfoot's "Dare You to Move".

Part Fifteen

Welcome to Existence

"Excuse me, Ms. Swan?" the officer, whose name plate read "Steve Jackson" asked, peering through the front door.

"Yes?" I said tiredly, as he closed the front door behind him.

"I need to have a word with you, if I may," he stated, pulling a notepad and a black pen out of his front pocket. "Privately."

I looked up at Edward, standing beside me, his hand in mine, hesitantly. "I… I don't think… well, you see… er… I'm…"

"I think what Bella is trying to say is that she isn't allowed anywhere without me," he quickly saved me. "Doctor's orders." Steve looked skeptical for a moment, but eventually answered,

"Very well then. May I?" He pointed to the couch positioned in the middle of the room, and Edward nodded.

"Of course."

Edward and I sat together, obviously, and Steve sat on the arm chair opposite us. "So, Ms. Swan," he began. I fidgeted nervously, avoiding his curious gaze. "Can you tell me about the recent… events that have taken place here at the Cullen residence?" I didn't bother asking how he knew the Cullens lived here. Being the chief's daughter, I knew fully well that in a little place like Forks, they knew everyone.

"Bella," I corrected him timidly. "And yes… You see… Jacob has always had a thing for me…. Though I couldn't tell you why. He's not a bad person, per say… He's just been a bit troubled ever since Edward and I started… seeing each other…" A lump rose in my throat, and Edward looked at me, concerned. "And Emmett… Emmett… I love Emmett like my own brother, officer… but he… it was just…"

Apparently, Edward knew why I was indecisive. "Emmett shot Jacob," he offered. "Purely out of defense for Bella. He held a gun to her head. I… I would have done it, too."

I smiled, despite the many tears that were rapidly rolling down my cheeks. "Handker-" Steve started to offer, but Edward was already clearing them away with his thumb. "Erm… anyway… You said Emmett was Edward's brother?"

When had I said that? "I… yes, he is? But how is that relevant?"

He shook his head, as if mulling over the question silently. "Nothing, I suppose. That will be all for now. I'll let you know if we have any leads."

"Thank yo- WAIT!" I gasped slightly. "Leads on what. That's the whole story, what I just told you!"

"Surely you've heard," he stated matter-of-factly.

"Heard what?" Edward demanded, jumping to his feet defensively. I stood up slowly behind him.

"Well about… about the stalker…"

My breath caught. I looked to Edward for answers, but he looked as awestruck as I felt. "What are you talking about?"

"There have been… calls to the station, asking for… for you, Bella…" His hand wandered to my shoulder, and I shuddered, feeling Dr. Collins's touch all over again. Edward growled. "They go by… let's see…" He flipped through his official-looking notebook. "'Jack and Jill'. That's what they call themselves. They call every few hours or so, demanding that we tell them your location."

A chill raced up my spine. I shivered, my knees buckling. "But that means… Jacob… before he… he knew that Emmett would…"

Steve nodded understandingly. "That's the conclusion we keep coming to as well. But don't worry, Bella." Suddenly I regretted asking him to use my first name. it sounded so… creepy when he said it that way. "I will personally ensure that you are safe at all times."

But of course, I didn't need his help. I knew that Edward would stop at nothing to find these perpetrators, and once he did find them, there would be some major explaining and possibly… a bit more. I felt the sudden urge to dismiss the police immediately. I needed to be alone with Edward, to feel his comforting presence, undisturbed by this outside force. I wanted him gone.

Fortunately, I did not have to ask him to leave. Moments later, I could see that Edward, too, was growing weary. "Please, feel free to stop by anytime," he said, pressing him out the door even as he spoke. "Our door is always open. Goodbye, then. Thanks for your help. See you later. Thanks again!"

I swallowed, heaving a huge, wet sigh as soon as he was gone. Edward's arms closed around my shoulders as he sat me down at the kitchen table. I did not blame him. I must have looked much too unstable to stand unaided, let alone walk a straight line.

"Are you all right, love?" he asked, as if he knew the officer's questions would upset me.

I shook my head. "No," I admitted. "But I will be. As soon as all of this is over."

"Tired?" he said knowingly.

"Now that, I can honestly say, I am," I giggled as he swooped me up, carrying me bridal-style into the guest bedroom.

A/N: Please, for the love of all that I good, I beg you, REVIEW this chapter. It is so encouraging to get a lot of reviews for each chapter, and it makes it so, so much easier to update quickly. I already have an idea of what the next chapter will be about, so if you're curious, you liked this part, or even if you loathed it, please let me know. Also, if you have any suggestions for the upcoming chapters, please feel free to REVIEW and tell me. Much thanks,

C.J. : )