OMG. I'M SUCH A BAD PERSON. I know, I know it's been about 11 months since I've updated this story. I probably lost most of my readers, and it's my own fault. I so so so sorry I haven't updated in so long. It's been a stressful year, and well I'm just not used to all of this stress.

I know a lot of readers used this excuse, but yeah, I've had the LONGEST writer's block.

I also know this chapter is really short, and I'm sorry if it seemed rushed, but this is all I can write right now. I'm trying my best to balance school, sports and writing. I used to be so good at it in middle school; high school just isn't as easy…

Thanks to my wonderful Beta Garbzulz.

Anyways, here's Chapter 23. If you don't remember what happened so far in the story, here's a quick summary:

Bella used to work for the Volturi, but she fell in love with Jacob Black, a werewolf. Bella had to pick the love of her life, or her job, she picked Jacob. She and Jacob were about to get married, but someone in her past, Chris, got in the way. He kidnapped Jacob and in Bella's vision, she believes she saw Jacob get murdered. Bella's back in San Francisco because she wants to get revenge. She's trying to get to Edward Mason before the Volturi takes him. Currently, she is with her blood family and is cooking up a plan to get to Edward before the Volturi.

Chapter 23 – Step One

Elizabeth's POV (Elizabeth is Bella's sister)

-Ringggg!-

The last bell rung. All of my classmates left the classroom quickly. I stayed behind. I was on a mission for my dead sister.

I don't even know where to begin with Bella. I'm still in shock. I mean, she abandoned us for ten years. But she still is family, and I would do anything for my family.

"Mr. Mason, I was wondering if I could do the extra credit assignment." I asked sweetly. It was so hard to be serious when you're around Mr. Mason. With his sexy hair, his dreamy eyes, and that super sexy smile… I could just stare at him all day.

"Splendid! Here are the essay topics." Mr. Mason handed me a small stack of paper. "It also includes the instructions and helpful ideas if you are stuck with your essay. Do- "

"Lizzie?" I heard my sister say. Just in time too. "You ready to leave?"

Mr. Mason looked up and saw my sister. She wore a brown overcoat, a white turtle neck, dark jeans and black high heel boots. Her hair was down, but her bangs covered a part of her side of her head, and just barely hid her left eye. She looked like a mysterious women. And Mr. Mason was hooked on her.

Exactly how she planned it.

"Yeah, just a second Bella." I faced Mr. Mason and said, "Thanks Mr. Mason." I turned back around to my sister and said, "We're going to look for condos right?"

"You two are looking at real estate?" I heard Mr. Mason ask as we were about to walk out his classroom. We both looked at each other and smiled.

"Yes, I am. I just moved here and, well I can't sleep on Elizabeth's couch forever." Bella said politely.

"Well, I actually have a spare bedroom at my house. Would you like to stay there until you have a place for yourself? It's free of charge." Mr. Mason smiled flirtatiously. Bella walked toward Mr. Mason, pretending like she had to think about it.

She finally said, "Okay, Mr. Mason, I will take you up on your offer. Only because you're Elizabeth's teacher."

"Then it's settled, Bella will move in with you tomorrow after school." I said. Edward, uh I mean Mr. Mason and Bella shared a moment, then Bella turned around and we walked out of the classroom.

"Step one done." She said as we climbed into the car.

"What's step two?" I asked.

"Step two does not concern you. You are going to school tomorrow and you are going to forget I ever came back." She said with a flat voice.

"But-" I tried to protest.

"No buts. You, mom and dad are already in risk because you know I am a vampire. I am not risking my family anymore." She put the keys into the car and drove toward sunset. "You have no idea what they will do to you if they knew I was here."

"Who are they?" I asked.

"Doesn't matter. Just other very powerful vampires." She said. "Very powerful vampires."

I didn't know what else to say, so I just stayed quiet throughout the rest of the ride.

We got home and she dropped me off. I got out of the car, but she stayed in the car. "There are some things I need to take care of before I go inside. I'll be back in a few hours." She said. I looked at her and I knew there was something she wasn't telling me.

"Okay…" I said slowly.

"See you in a few." She said quickly as she drove away.

I walked back to my house and got a text. It was from James. He's so sweet. He texted me, I miss you babe. Call me soon. Love you. I smiled. He's just the best.

I got into the house and went straight to my room. I dialed James' number and he picked up after the first ring. "Hello?" He said.

"Hi babe, I miss you." I said sweetly.

"I missed you too. What did you do today…"

Yes I know it's short, but tell me what you think in the review box please! I'll be inspired to write more if I know my readers are back! :D