A/N: This chapter is a bit shorter (it may not seem that way, but in a word document it is lol), it's a bit of fluff to introduce a new character. I also wanted to take a minute to thank all of the reviewers, but one in particular that absolutely meant the world to me. It was anonymous though, the nickname was 'Me' so, whoever you are thank you SO much because what you said meant so much to me and I really appreciated that. Alright, enjoy :)

7. What's Best

His words stung me. I wrapped my arms around myself and rocked back and forth, trying to make sense of all of this madness. Was I in love with Edward? Tears began to well up in my eyes, but I wiped them away before they could fall. I hated crying. It was such a useless bodily function that leaves your eyes red and crusty, which leads to the nuisance of people asking you what's wrong.

I wasn't in love with Edward. Sure, I liked him...a lot, even. But it isn't love. At least, I don't think so. Even if I did love him, I can't. It doesn't matter how I feel because he belongs to Bella and Bella to him. I should just drop this before I get in too deep. It's clear that I can't stay with the Cullens any longer, that's not even an option anymore. I'll have to go back home. As much as I hated that idea, it was better than to tear apart a love that was obviously destined to be. I can't play around with destiny. I'll miss Edward, but leaving will be the best solution for everyone.

I began feeling trapped in this hospital room. I had to get out and follow through with my plan to leave the Cullen's for good before I changed my mind. I held on to the iv tube that was in my arm, closed my eyes and pulled it out. I threw the blanket away from me and noticed my dress in the corner. I lifted it up and realized there is no way I could walk out of here wearing this. It was shredded and severely blood stained. I couldn't walk out in a hospital gown either. I fell to the floor with the gown in my lap feeling frustrated and confused. How am I going to get through this? Can I really just walk away and forget all about it?

The door opened and Alice walked in with a garment bag in her hand. She threw it on to the bed and rushed over to me as soon as she saw me curled up in the corner. Alice; I barely got to know her or spend any time with her while I was staying with her family. It was such a shame, I really liked Alice.

"Elina, are you okay?" She said as she rushed to my side.

"Yeah, but my dress is ruined." I began to sob. "I can't leave now..."

"Sh...it's okay. I brought you a dress." She said, holding on to my arm to lift me up. She walked me over to the bed and unzipped the garment bag. The dress inside was identical to the one that now lay shredded on the floor.

"Alice, you're amazing!" I smiled, wrapping my arms around her. "How did you know I needed this?"

"Edward told me, but I had already seen it anyway."

"He...of course. So he knows I'm leaving, then?"

"Yes. It's for the best. We'll still be great friends." She smiled.

"Alice?"

"Yes?"

"Have you seen what happens when I leave?"

"Yes. Edward and Bella will be fine and you'll move on. Everyone will be happy, trust me."

"And if I didn't leave?"

"Everyone's feelings have changed so many times, it's hard to say." She said as she removed the gown from the hanger.

"What was the most recent vision? Would Edward and Bella still be together?"

"Yes...but, Edward would be...distracted by you. Bella can only handle it for so long." Alice confessed.

I took a deep breath. "So this is good, then."

"It really is, Elina. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I should have left long ago."

"Here, I'll be in the hall." Alice handed me the gown and was out of the room in a split second.

"It's going to work out" I whispered to myself as I slipped into the dress. I went to the bathroom to examine the damage to my hairstyle. There was a leaf and some dirt in it that was easily shaken out. But, surprisingly my hair was pretty much intact. The curls were a bit looser, but it was still presentable. I held on to my shoes and decided to go barefoot. The clacking of my shoes against the hospital floor was not a sound I was in the mood to hear. Plus, the less attention I attract to myself, the better. Although, how could I not attract attention in a bright red gown? With my shoes dangling off my finger, I opened the door to meet Alice.

"Stunning!" She smiled when I opened the door.

"Thanks" I mumbled, attempting to smile. "He's gone, isn't he?" I asked, although I already knew the answer.

"Yes. I know this is difficult, but it gets better." Alice tried to comfort me, but it didn't help the tug I felt in the pit of my stomach. Knowing I would have to go back home and put on a fake smile as if nothing happened made me feel sick. If only there was a way for me to sneak upstairs to my room without anyone knowing.

The walk down the hallway of the hospital seemed long and dreary. My feet against the cold floor reminded me of Edward's touch. I quickened my pace. I couldn't wait to get out and run home. The automatic door opened in front of me and the fresh air hit my face. I was free.

"Your car is right over there" Alice said, pointing to my car.

"Thanks, Alice, but I think I want to run home."

"Oh, well I can drive it to your house then."

"It's alright, I can pick it up later. I just need to clear my head."

"I'll see you soon." Alice said as she ran off into the trees. I looked around me to make sure no one was around and walked into the woods. Once I was surrounded by the trees I tightened my grip on my shoes, picked up the bottom of my dress and sprinted towards home. It felt good to run away, but it didn't make the hurt I felt go away. I was too caught up in my feelings to realize I was on my property and didn't slow down early enough. I stumbled on to my driveway and dropped a shoe. I brushed myself off and stepped into my shoes, hopping around to buckle them quickly. I heard a chuckle and looked up. A man stood before me, watching my silly attempt to buckle my shoes. He had light brown hair, shaggy hair that was nicely styled, but in that 'I spent an hour on this hairstyle that looks like I just rolled out of bed' kind of way.

He had bright, light blue eyes and an inviting smile.

"Do you need help?" He said, mid-chuckle.

"um..." I looked down at my buckle, which was still undone. "I guess so" I laughed.

He bent down on one knee and lifted my foot up. I placed my hand on his shoulder for balance. I held my dress up so that he could buckle it. When he was done he gently lifted my foot off of his knee and stood up.

"Thank you" I smiled.

"It was my pleasure. I'm Jeff." He held his hand out and I shook it. "And you are?"

"Elina."

"Pretty name...it suits you." He said sincerely.

"Hm...how long have you been standing there, Jeff?" I asked, concerned about how much he saw.

"Long enough to see you stumble out of the woods. What were you doing in there, anyway?"

"Er...to get some fresh air." I said, trying to make it sound like it was common sense.

"In the woods?" He asked, not buying it.

"Yes." I said firmly. "It's quiet in there."

"Well, some silence would be nice compared to the ruckus in there." He said, tilting his head towards my house.

"Yeah, you should try it some time."

"I think I will."

"I should get back; I've been gone for quite a while." 'A while' being an understatement. Being swept away by a vampire, attacked by a werewolf and almost dying can take quite the chunk of time out of the day.

"Yes, I should make an appearance. I made an excuse to come late so that I wouldn't have to stay long."

"Good plan" I smiled and walked towards my front door. Jeff followed. "What time is it?" I asked, having lost all concept of time today.

"10:30" He said, glancing at his watch. That's it? It felt like it was past midnight. I mustn't have been out for very long in the hospital. It felt like an eternity. I stopped in front of the door, placing my hand on the knob but not turning it.

"Shall we?" Jeff asked behind me. I opened the door and walked into the pool of black that awaited me. Black – I hate that color. Is it even a color? I mean, it's just black. It's nothing.

"Dad!" Jeff called out to a tall, slender man standing at the bar with a glass of brandy in his hand. Jeff walked past me to meet him. Coincidentally, Ronald was talking to Jeff's father. I followed Jeff through the crowd to the bar.

"Jeffrey, there you are son! Ronald, this is Jeffrey." He said, wrapping his arm around Jeff and smiling at him. He seemed very proud of his son, not something you see at these parties very often.

"Ah yes. I hear you're studying to be a doctor..." Ronald said, taking a sip out of his drink.

"Yes, sir." Jeff replied.

I stood a few steps behind him, admiring him. My father tilted his head to the side and noticed me. I can't believe it took him this long; I was the only one in red.

"Elina, there you are! Where on earth have you been? It's been hours, we have guests!" He said, pulling me into the conversation.

"Nice to see you too, Dad." I mumbled, apparently loud enough to hear because Jeff laughed.

"This is Stephan and his son Jeffrey. Gentlemen this is my daughter, Elina." He said, pushing me towards Jeff.

"We've met" Jeff smiled, his blue eyes looking directly into mine. I couldn't help but smile at him. Maybe this would be easier than I thought it would be. Edward who? Vampire? What?

"Well, why don't you two go on and get to know each other. Stephan and I have some business to attend to." Ronald said.

Jeff placed his hand on my back and led me towards the kitchen.

"This is better. It's so loud out there. I can't stand it." Jeff said.

"Neither can I."

"So...tell me about yourself."

"Uh..." Well, my father was a vampire, my mother was human, I'm adopted and I'm kind of liking the way your blood smells. "What do you want to know?" I asked.

"Anything... I just don't want this to end up in an awkward silence."

"I hate those." I laughed

"Well, there's one thing, you hate awkward silences." His smile never left his face. "Favourite color?"

"It varies."

"What is it right now?"

"Topa..." No! Not topaz. And I thought this would be easy. I looked up into his eyes and it wasn't hard to answer his question anymore. "Light blue" I smiled. "And yours?"

"I'm a fan of green."

"Oh green, good color." He would just love Forks.

"How old are you?"

"Eighteen, you?"

"Twenty-two." He said, as if embarrassed. "So, you're in your first year of college, then?"

"No, actually I decided to take a year off."

"Oh, how did your parents take that?"

"Ha, not well. But it's just something I needed to do. Now, I'm not so sure." I confessed.

"Why is that?"

"It leaves me too much time with my thoughts. School offers a distraction, without it all I have is time."

"I'd kill to have all of that free time. Med school has pretty much taken over my life."

"Oh right, you're a doctor. Your dad must be proud."

"He wasn't at first, actually. He wanted me to follow in his footsteps and be a lawyer. But, I really wanted to be a doctor so I can help people in the best way possible."

"That's really nice. Good for you for going your own way."

"Thanks." He said, fidgeting with his fingers. "Hey, um...would you want to, I don't know...dance? You don't have to if you don't want to." He asked, staring at the floor. I smiled. He was so perfect, yet he had his quirks. Could I really be so lucky as to find a guy like him so quickly? No, I wasn't lucky. The last thing I wanted was something else to potentially fall in love with. But, Jeff was so sincere and nice. I really liked him as a person.

"I would love to" I said, inching closer to him. He placed his hand in mine. It was sweaty. Then he placed his hand on my side. I had almost forgotten about my injury. The light pressure he put on my stitches was all it took to hurt. I pulled away, letting out a slight 'ouch'.

"I'm sorry, did I hurt you?"

"No, it's not you. I'm sorry, I totally forgot..." Of course Edward and Jacob would come back to haunt me. I felt so bad for Jeff, he looked horrified.

"What is it?" He said, staring at my hand that hovered over my side. Crap. What do I say? He's a doctor, he'd probably know this was a fresh wound. I blurted out the first thing I could think of.

"Dog bite." Close enough.

"Oh...do you mind if I take a look?" He asked, taking a step forward. I took one back.

"Uh...it's fine, really. It's just a bit soar."

"When did it happen."

"It's...recent."

"Are you sure you don't want me to take a look?" He asked.

I was about to say no when I felt something warm and wet slide down my skin. I pulled my dress away, hoping it wouldn't seep through. I had to unzip it before it did. I took Jeff's hand and dragged him upstairs.

"Unzip me" I called back to him as I rushed to the bathroom. He hesitated but then unzipped my dress in one quick pull. I shoved him into the bathroom and closed the door behind us, slipping my dress off of my shoulder to expose my side and the stitches the held it together. There was a strip of blood down my side that had trailed from a tiny opening in the wound. Jeff tipped the toilet seat down and sat on it so that he could get a closer look. I stepped over to him, looking down at the long lines of stitches along my side.

"Ah, that's a nasty bite. You said a dog did this?" He said, placing his fingers gently around the wound as he examined it.

"Yeah"

"It looks like you tore one of the stitches. I have a kit in my car, I'll be right back. Stay here." He said as he hurried out of the bathroom, closing the door behind him. I hadn't even really looked at my side yet. I was afraid to see the damage, but curiosity took over me. I stepped in front of the mirror and looked up. My side was covered in dry blood and stitches. The sight of it made me shiver. Jacob did this to me. It was sickening to look at. I turned away from my reflection, holding back the emotions that so desperately wanted to escape.

Jeff returned moments later with a black leather bag in his hand. He unzipped it hastily and pulled out a needle, thread, cotton balls and a bottle of peroxide.

"Okay, this might sting but I have to clean this before I close it up. Just squeeze my hand if you need to." He instructed, placing his hand in mine. He swiped the cotton ball along the drip of blood that had rolled down my side and then dabbed the area that needed to be re-stitched. It felt cold and stung. I squeezed Jeff's hand tightly.

"Okay, this will be quick, I promise." He said as he prepared the needle and thread. I felt a pinch as he pierced it through my skin and out to the other side. I closed my eyes, bracing for another pinch.

"Done." Jeff announced.

"Oh...that was quick." I said, relieved.

"I told you it would be. I still can't believe how bad that is. That dog must have been huge." Jeff said as he packed his things back up.

"Yeah, it was pretty big." I said quickly, hoping he'd stop with the questions.

"You don't have to talk about it." Jeff assured. Wow; cute, smart and sensitive to my feelings. What's the catch?

"I appreciate that." I smiled.

"Well, we should go before someone needs the bathroom and finds us in here together." He laughed.

I reached for the door handle and tried to turn it but it wouldn't budge. I jiggled it again but it still wouldn't turn. I turned around to tell Jeff the door wouldn't open and was startled by how close he was. I inhaled and good smell his cologne, but that wasn't the only thing that smelled good to me. That part scared me. He smelled so good I had to close my eyes. It was overwhelming.

"Elina?" he whispered. His breath even smelt good. I composed myself and looked up into his beautiful eyes.

"Ehm...the door won't open." I said, quietly. He reached his arm behind me and I heard a click.

"It was still locked." He chuckled.

"Oh" I laughed to myself. Jeff didn't move and I didn't want him to. I inched closer to him and he placed his hand under my chin, tilting it up. His lips lowered to mine and he pressed them gently against my lips. He kissed as sweetly as he smelt. He even tasted good. I pulled back, licking my lips.

"I should go" he breathed, yet still not moving.

"Me too" I whispered. I wrapped my arms around his neck, intertwining my hands into his hair and kissed him again. He wrapped his arm around my waist, opposite to the side of my injury. He held me close, but gently so that any pressure he put on my back wouldn't hurt me. A loud, feverish knock pounded through the door, but we didn't stop. Jeff left my lips for a moment.

"Just a minute" He yelled, returning his soft lips to mine. We stumbled to the other side of the bathroom. His back was against the wall and my hands were flat on his chest. His hands cupped my face as he pulled it away gently. He closed his eyes, as if it pained him.

"I really have to go" he whispered, kissing my forehead.

"'kay" I whispered back. I rested my head on his chest for a moment. I could hear his heart beat. It was comforting. I stepped back and smiled at him.

"Thank you for tonight." I said.

"The pleasure was all mine, really. I do hope we'll see each other again." He said as we stepped towards the door. I was still facing him, stepping backwards for every step he took forward.

"Me too. " I turned to open the door, realizing it was unlocked this entire time. We stepped out of the hallway and I watched as Jeff walked away. He looked back a few times, smiling, as if he didn't believe what just happened. He turned the corner and I could hear his shoes hit the marble steps. I turned and noticed his bag was still in the bathroom. I grabbed it and hurried to the banister, searching the crowd for him. He was gone. I hurried back down the hallway and prepared myself to run. If I gained enough speed I could make it through the crowd unnoticed. It was risky, but to see him again would be worth it. I flipped my shoes off, crouched and sprinted down the hall, down the stairs and out the door. He was outside, about to open his car door. I stopped directly behind him without a sound.

"You forgot this" I said, holding his bag up. Jeff jumped at the sound of my voice. He turned and held his hand to his chest.

"Whoa, how did you do that?" He said, catching his breath.

"Do what?" I laughed.

"You just appeared."

"Or you just didn't notice me run over here." I said, lifting my dress so he could see my bare feet.

"Ah, that explains it. Well, thank you." He said, taking the bag and throwing it in the back seat of his black Mercedes-Benz.

"Sure"

"I'll see you soon." He said, about to step in his car. He hesitated, then stepped forward to kiss my cheek.

"Goodnight" I said. Jeff got into his car, started the engine and drove away slowly. I waited until he reached the end of the driveway before I sprinted off into the woods to retrieve my car from the hospital. I heard a car screech as soon as I reached the trees and stopped in my tracks. Jeff's car was stopped at the end of the driveway and I could see his face in his rear-view mirror. It was like he was searching for something. Did he notice me run into the woods? Jeff shook his head and his car turned into the road. Even if he did, he shrugged it off so it didn't matter. I breathed and then continued running. I hit the pavement of the hospital parking lot and realized I was still barefoot. I opened the door to my car and sat inside. I gulped, knowing that I would have to return to the Cullen's to retrieve my things. I searched for my keys in the glove box and noticed a folded piece of paper taped to my keys. It read:

Elina, your things are in the trunk of your car. I thought it would be easier on you if you didn't have to come back to our home to retrieve your things.

Alice

Alice thought of everything. Still, I felt like I had to check the trunk to make sure that she got everything. Most importantly, I wanted to make sure the box with things from my birth parents was still there. I stepped out of the car, fiddling with my keys when I noticed Carlisle walking to his car. I watched him as he glided effortlessly to his car, opened the door and sped off. He didn't even notice I was there.

Suddenly I remembered the tattered red dress I left in the hospital room I was in. Curiosity got me once again as I found myself walking into the hospital to the room I was in. I opened the door and there it was, still on the floor in the corner where I'd left it. Would it be silly of me to take this shredded, bloody dress back with me? Maybe so, but it didn't stop me from doing it. I picked the tattered fabric up off of the floor, rolled it up and walked out with it. I wasn't entirely sure why I felt the need to keep it. I guess it was the last thing that connected me to Edward. Unfortunately, Jacob was a part of that connection, but I could live with that. The dry blood made the fabric crusty and hard. It wasn't a very pleasant feeling.

I opened the trunk of my car and threw the dress off to the side. A duffle bag with the clothes I had worn while I was staying at the Cullen's, my white gown and the box were all inside. I slammed the trunk shut and sat inside my car, staring out into the woods for a moment, wondering if there were any possibility of Edward being there. I shook my head. It was silly to think even for a second that after everything that happened tonight that he would be with me again. I laughed at myself and put the key in the ignition. I sped out of the parking lot and hurried home as quickly as I could.

I started to think about Jeff and how unbelievably perfect he is. I never imagined of meeting someone so incredible so quickly. And yet I don't think I could be with him, not yet. I'm not ready to jump into another relationship, if you can even call what I had with Edward or Jacob a relationship. Edward was more of a friendship and a crush than a relationship, but it doesn't excuse me feelings towards him and his supposed feelings for me. And Jacob...I don't even know what that was. Imprinting gone wrong? Thinking of Jake made my blood boil. Jeff was the complete opposite of both Edward and Jacob. He was sweet, kind, boyishly handsome and, most importantly, normal. He wasn't a vampire or a werewolf. He was just a regular guy. The fact that he's a doctor doesn't hurt, either. I smiled, recalling how he took care of me and the moments we shared in the bathroom. What an odd place to get romantic. But it still put a smile on my face. I felt anxious for the next time I'd see him. I hope it will be soon. He kept my mind distracted. I didn't even have a vision while I was with him, which is a rare occurrence with guys I meet.

I pulled in to my driveway and noticed a lot of cars were still parked there. The party was still going on. I looked down at the clock which beamed 11:47. It's almost midnight and they're still partying. I can't believe old people party this long. It's a formal gala, these things should be over by 10 PM, max.

I pulled out of my driveway and parked my car on the side of the road. I certainly was not going back in there, and I couldn't go anywhere else in this gown. I stepped out of my car and opened the trunk, unzipped the duffle bag and pulled out the blouse and jeans Alice had given me the day after I arrived at the Cullen's. There was a pair of sneakers in the trunk that I had in there from before and I grabbed those as well. I slipped into the back seat, changed into the clothes I'd chosen and then hopped back into the driver's seat. Where could I go at almost midnight? I tapped my fingers on the steering wheel as I thought of different places that would be open at this time. The only place I could think of was Starbucks on East 3rd street. I put my car in drive and sped off.