A/N: Okay so Bella is going to be a little out of character because, well, she's too weak. I'm sick of her not being able to stand up for herself and being 100% perfect. She's still a pretty 'goody-goody' type of girl but she can also stand up for herself. Also I just wanted to say that if there is anyone out there (I know there's at least two because I got story alerts) please review! I really don't know what I'm doing sometimes and I just need a push in the right direction. Bella meets Edward in this chapter and I hope it's not too disappointing because it's not some big moment like some people might expect. Also sorry for not updating sooner, I haven't been able to even touch my computer for the last couple of days. Plus school sucks so... yeah. One more quick note: this story is rated M because I'm paranoid and also because of later chapters when we get deeper into the inner workings of Edward's psyche. It might be a little disturbing. Plus the fact that he's a killer... so ... yeah. No lemons. Anyways REVIEW! It only takes like two seconds. Love y'all and enjoy!

-Taylor'sgirl15

Chapter Three: Mystery

The next morning I woke up to the sound of a very frustrated Charlie arguing with someone on the phone. I went downstairs to find out what was bothering him. I didn't like it when he was stressed out.

"Good morning dad." I greeted him

"Morning Bells. Hey listen, I know I was supposed to be off today but I just got a call to go down to the station. I'm sorry Bella, I know we were supposed to hang out today but this sounds pretty important.

"Don't worry dad. I understand. What's going on that's getting everyone so worked up? If you can tell me of course."

"Yeah, well there's some stuff going on with hikers and hunters in the forest. We don't really know what though, at first we thought it was bears or wolves, but I got a call yesterday morning about a murder. Bells there might be a serial killer loose in the forest. Just promise me you'll stay out of the woods."

"Wow Dad, it seems like they really need you for this one. We can hang out some other time. And I promise to be careful." I hoped he didn't notice that I didn't promise to stay out of the woods. I needed to see that strange boy again. I needed to find out what he was doing out there. And I needed to find out why he was so mad at me.

"Okay, well I have to go now. Oh, and do you mind going to the store a little later, we're pretty much out of food."

"Sure, good luck at work dad." He grabbed his gun and left.

I raided the fridge for a while before I realized that we really didn't have anything to eat. Oh well, I was up now, might as well get to the store.

I quickly went upstairs to shower and get ready. I grabbed my phone and my wallet and I was out the door. I went to the store and started shopping for the week. About half way through I got a brilliant idea. I grabbed some cereal bars, an apple, and a few treats and threw them in with the rest of the food.

After I checked out I went home to put the food away before I went through with my plan. I would only have a few hours, so I had to get going. I finally got everything put away and jumped in my truck with the bag of snacks and took off towards the highway. I turned off onto the familiar road to La Push and was practically speeding because of my excitement.

I finally got to the familiar hiking path and started my long journey to the meadow. Usually the hike took about two hours, but since I was practically running there it took an hour and a half. I would have been there sooner if I hadn't had to get up and wipe the dirt off my pants every five minutes or so. I finally reached the meadow with only minimal damage to the food. I began wandering around looking for that strange boy again.

After about a half an hour I realized that I hadn't eaten at all today. I took out one of the cereal bars and started unwraping it when my stomach growled, fairly loudly I might add. I burst out laughing, unable to control myself. My stomach always grew talkative at the weirdest times. Just then I saw something move out of the corner of my eye. I tried to control my laughter until it was a giggle so I wouldn't scare the poor kid.

I stepped forward slowly and held out the cereal bar. I figured he must be starving. Slowly but surely he started walking towards me. I smiled and gestured that he should take the bar. After a few minutes he stopped about five feet away from me. I held out the bar to him again and he hesitantly reached out to take it. He grabbed it quickly and stepped back again. I had to bite my cheek to keep myself from laughing. I couldn't believe that this guy was scared of me. I was probably the weakest, least threatening person you could ever meet. Of course I knew how to defend myself pretty well to, but I knew nothing about offensive fighting.

He saw that I was struggling not to laugh and looked at me curiously. I blushed cimson and dropped my head. He was reluctant to eat the bar to say the least, but once he deemed it safe he swallowed it in two bites. I signalled for him to stay where he was and went back to grab the rest of the food I brought him. He looked at me stunned for a moment before he took another bar and ate it, a little slower this time.

I sat on the round leaning against the tree and invited him to sit down across from me. He hesitated and gave me a speculative look before he somewhat reluctantly complied. I grabbed a chocolate bar and tossed the bag over to him. He gave me another weird look before taking it and going through the contents. I peeled the wrapper off of my candy bar and began to eat it slowly, watching this odd fascinating boy who sat across from me.

"My name is Bella." I finally broke the silence. He looked back up at me.

"Why did you bring me food?" his velvet voice replied.

"Well, the typical answer would be telling me your name but I guess I just figured you would be hungry." He blushed a little at his outburst.

"I'm Edward... When did you see me?"

"Yesterday when I came here to hike with my friend. I thought you noticed me, you seemed pretty angry about something." He stared at me in confusion. I sighed realizing that I had actually worn make-up today. I never looked the same with make-up on.

I pulled out my purse and he tensed a little. I froze. He relaxed and I slowly took out my compact mirror and some make-up remover. He looked at me like I was crazy but didn't say anything. I realized that he never fully relaxed until I put everything away. Odd. When I finally finished taking off my make-up I tied my hair in a messy ponytail and looked back up at him. He seemed confused for a moment but there was a sudden realization in his eyes.

"Oh." he said in surprise.

"Yeah I know." Nobody ever recognized me when I had make up on. I'm serious, the first time I put on make up Charlie came home and almost kicked me out of the house thinking I had broken in before I explained that it was me. We stared at each other for a while in silence. Not sure if we should trust each other. Every once in a while I would see that unexplained flash of anger in his eyes. It always faded away though.

"So why were you so mad yesterday?" He looked down, contemplating his answer. He finally looked back up at me after a minute or two.

"I was mad at you really." I was shocked. Why would he be mad at me? I had only just met him.

"Wh-why would you be mad at me? I didn't do anything to you. Heck I just met you!" There was a long silence. When he finally answered it was so low I don't think he even thout I would hear it.

"You made me trust you."

I sat there stunned. I hadn't asked him to trust me. I hadn't even talked to him until a little while ago. I glanced at my watch and figured it was time to get back home. I didn't want Charlie to get home before me and freak out. I started to pack up my stuff when I realized that Edward had tensed and seemed to be slowly reaching for his waistband. Only then did I realize the dagger that was held there. I stopped, frozen in fear. He seemed to notice my discomfort because he quickly dropped his hands and stood leaning against the tree.

I returned to packing my things. I got up and brushed myself off.

"I need to get home before Charlie sends a search party out for me." I said trying to add some humor to the tense moment. He nodded, seeming shocked at the mention of the serch party. I started to walk back towards the meadow when I remembered something.

"Hey! I forgot something." I said reaching into my pocket. He tensed again but I didn't care this time. I threw the object to him.

"A lighter?" he said confused.

"Yeah, to make a campfire. I know how cold it can get here at night." I said smiling at him. He gave me another one of his signature confused looks before testing it and pocketing it.

"Er, thanks." He said kinda awkwardly. I figured he wasn't used to being given stuff.

"Of course." I said smiling. I turned and started heading back. "I'll see ya tomorrow!" I called over my shoulder. I couldn't resist the urge to turn around and see his reaction. It was priceless. He stood there open mouthed in complete shock. I smiled turning back around to continue the hike back to my truck.

I wasn't joking. I fully intended to come and visit him as much as I could. He would need supplies if he was going to survive out there, and I was going to help him.

That night I dreamed of trees and fires and mysterious green eyed strangers.