Disclaimer: (man do i get sick of this...i own NOTHING)

well, here you have it. the twenty-fourth chapter. nothing special i guess.
enjoy
sorry sam, but the re-occurrence of a character was not that of the washing machine repair man
i know how much you wished it had been
i still don't understand why you love him so much though?

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Still Fighting

Slowly as he continued to walk toward me, I hesitated on the piece of driftwood. I didn't know if he was here to kill me or to just talk. Nothing in his movements proved either. He was simply walking. With a feeling of regret I brought myself off from the bench, pulling down my coat I tried to cover my now chilled legs as much as possible. Closing my eyes I tried to think of something to do. Some action that would save me from whatever was to come. An electric current caught my heart and it started to beat against my chest heavily. A small sliver of heat rushed up my neck and across my cheeks. I could feel him getting closer. When I finally forced my eyes open I was shocked at his proximity. He had cut the distance in half. He was so close and still I had no ideas on what to do. So, dumbly I stood there like a rock, not able to move for the life of me. And possibly that was exactly the problem. My stupid legs and my stupid brain was going to probably be the life of me. Killing me because of their lack of function. Bella Swan was an idiot. He stepped up closer and paused. Apparently he wanted some sign from me that he could continue. Biting my lip I gave him a nod of approval. It didn't matter what I had for ideas now, he had already gotten too close. Once he was all but a foot from me I closed my eyes and let out a deep breath filled with regret. Why had I let this happen? Why hadn't I run? After a moment of silent stares he opened his arms and pulled me into a hug. Without resistance I fell into his welcoming arms. Against his chest I felt the familiar ecstasy that had always taken me over when I'd been this close to him. It felt like a piece of me was back. Like I had been restored. Quietly a whisper escaped from his lips and bounced against my neck.

"Bella"

I fluttered my eyes open to the mention of my name and nuzzled my face against his chest, hiding my tears in his shirt. I wasn't quite sure what I was feeling right then, but I knew it wasn't fear for my life. Edward wasn't here to hurt me. If anything he had come to fix me. A shiver shot across my body and from the look in his eyes it seemed as if it had shot through him too. Deep emotion showed through his look, it was like he had been hurt and then hurt some more. He just seemed so innocent in pain with his expression. With slight hesitation I attempted to pull back, this resulted in him holding on even tighter. Now our bodies had smoldered into one and I could feel every inch of him. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't get my brain to think of anything other than him. All of my senses had become invaded by his sweet, inhuman scent. It was like he was unknowingly fixing my whole being by his presence. Again he spoke through his stern shaped mouth.

"Bella, I've missed you". His hands slowly worked their way along my back and motioned comforting circles.

"Edward I…-". He cut me off with his lips. Pressing his against mine I soon felt the sensation of a chill breaking across my mouth. Slow and deep he continued and pulled me closer as he intensified the connection. My brain wasn't working correctly because for some reason I was kissing back. Edward started to slowly flood my every thought, my entire being. Then just as I thought I'd gone too deep a glimpse of the sun twinkled in the corner of my eye. Jacob. Just then I stopped all that I had begun. Now it was only him involved in the kiss. Gently placing a hand on his chest I pulled myself off his face and stepped back. For a brief second his eyes caught mine and it looked as though he wasn't going to allow this tiny distance of separation. Without another second to wait he pulled me back in, but before he could kiss me again I spoke.

"No Edward"

"Bella, I need…-". I froze my expression and tried my hardest to look as convincing as possible. I couldn't let him kiss me again.

"I love Jacob". Instantly his arms dropped and the shine in his eyes faltered into blank indifference. Whatever feelings that had possessed him before were vacant in that look. Realizing that he was still holding on to me, he quickly let go of my arms and took a step back. Dropping his gaze to the ground he took in a silent breath and ran a hand through his already tousled hair.

"Sorry". Straightening my coat and brushing back my hair with my fingers, I let out a breath of relief.

"It's fine". Then a thought shot at me and I instantly asked. "Edward, why are you here?" With a look of hesitation he seemed to have fought over his answer. Clearly he wasn't exactly positive on his reasons either.

"Well…I kind of got a phone call…and I just assumed that…well". His face contorted in nervousness. Something that I had never seen before in him. Then he dropped the odd behavior and looked back up at me. "Did you call me?"

My voice cracked. "Yes, I called you". Relief seemed to have shot through him at my answer. With hurt filled eyes he looked right through me.

"Why?" Remembering back at the conversation with Jacob I pulled out my answer.

"Jacob let it slip that you were back at home". His gaze dropped and his feet shifted back towards the beach. With that he started to walk, without thinking I slid up beside him and took his hand. For a second his hand hesitated within mine, but I didn't let go. No words were passed, one another's presence was enough for us. He understood that I was with Jacob and I understood that Edward was no longer mine. The way we walked was different than before. We were simply holding on to one another for comfort. As the minutes passed and the length of the beach stretched out behind us our pace slowed. Breaking the silence he spoke.

"How is Charlie?" Crumpling my face in surprise, I found that I didn't know how Charlie was doing. Since I'd fought with him, we hadn't really spoken. Then it hit me that I hadn't even told him where I'd been the past week. A squeeze in my hand brought me back to the question. "It's okay if you don't want to tell me"

"No, it's not that. It's just….we don't really talk anymore"

"Oh, sorry". Watching our feet I distinctly remembered walking along this exact strip with Jacob. The weather had been the same, but this time it was a totally different experience. Instead of a warm hand, I was holding a cold one. Although I missed Jacobs touch at this memory, still it comforted me to know Edward was here. He was safe. Wrapping my arms around his waist, I comforted myself in this thought. With a shock Edward stepped back. Still I clung tighter, I just couldn't let go. Not now. Realizing this he fully embraced me and allowed me to nuzzle my face against his chest.

"It's okay Bella. You'll work through it"

"That's not why…-". Then I realized that he thought I was breaking down because of Charlie, when that was not the reason at all. "Edward…what happened?" He seemed taken off guard by this as he slightly pulled himself back.

"What?"

Pushing myself back into his arms I shuddered in response. "What happened to us?" With a deep breath he answered.

"Life happened". That seemed true enough. He then continued after the brief pause. "Things change". Letting go of his hand and stepping back so there was a safe distance between us, I spoke.

"I don't like how it ended". A twinkle in his eyes caught my attention. Apparently something I'd said caught his interest.

"Ended?" Caught off guard by this question, I couldn't say anything other than the truth.

"I'm with Jacob now, of course it's ended. I love him". He let out a sigh of distress.

"But you love me too". Agreeing with him I nodded my head. It was true. I did love him. Just not enough to leave Jacob.

"I do"

"Then it hasn't ended Bella. This is just the start". Opening my eyes to their furthest extent, I took this in with awe. Had he just called this the start? Was he planning on interrupting my life? Now? I had to tell him that no, it was the end. He had lost and I was forever with Jake. It was a harsh truth, but none the less it needed to be said.

"No Edward, this is the end". Shaking his head, he showed his disapproval.

"No Bella, you can't decide that. Only I say when it's over". A tear started to form above my cheek and slipped down my eyelashes. Catching it with his finger, he stroked my chin. A whisper formed out of my distressed breathing.

"Don't do this Edward. Please". He continued circling my chin and brought up his other hand to hold against my neck.

"How can I not? I said I'd fight for you". He leaned in closer. "So here I am, fighting". Slowly he lowered his face to mine and pressed his lips to my forehead. Cold chills rushed through my body and along my fingers. But the chill on my fingers was not from the kiss, it was from the pale skin that I now pressed under them. Edwards bare chest heaved with his risen breaths. I wasn't sure why he had reacted so to me? Never did he usually act so human? Pressing harder I tried to push him away. I was not going to let him kiss me again. Jacob was the only person I wanted. No one else. The next thing I said came with a more strong voice.

"Let me go Edward". He stood still, showing no reaction to these words. "Let me go". Dropping his arms to his sides he gave in to my request. Quickly I took two steps back, almost tripping on a stray tree branch.

"I only let you go now because you asked me to. But I'm not giving up on you Bella. Not yet". I hated to hear his words. They stung at me like a thousand knifes. No matter how much I loved him, I couldn't stop myself from feeling a deep sense of detest towards his words. He had gone too far. Taking another step back, he seemed to be fine with the growing distance.

"I won't chase you Bella"

"Why are you doing this to me?" With pleading eyes, I hoped that he would just leave me alone. Let me live my life the way I chose to. But then I knew it would have been too easy. I didn't deserve easy, but I couldn't help thinking that I didn't deserve this either. Life was playing a cruel trick on me.

"I'm going back Edward. Please don't come after me". With that I turned and marched through the muddy sand towards the opening in the woods. I would take the path this time and walk the road back to my truck. If anything in the world wanted to smile down at me then he wouldn't follow. He would just let me go. Finally reaching the break of the forest I turned back to see if he was still there. Sure enough a dark yet sparkling figure stood just along the shore, watching back at me. With a shudder I turned and continued my way into the woods. After twenty minutes of mindless walking, I finally made it to the road. At the moment my thoughts were numb. I didn't know what to think? Edward had just sworn to keep fighting for me, when there was nothing left for him to win. Or was there? Was there something in me that he saw which I couldn't? Had I been hiding something from myself? No. Jacob was all I wanted or needed. He was my everything. I just needed to see him again to feel it. Surly everything would work out then. On that thought I started to pay attention to the pavement in front of me. My truck was just a little further down the road. Once I got back in it I would be safe. I would be that much closer to Jacob.

…

When I drove up Billy and Jake's driveway, I parked the truck with shaky hands. Stepping out, I took notice of the garage door. For some reason it was open. After all the emphasis for keeping it shut was expressed, still it hung open. Walking past it, I decided it just didn't matter to me. There were more important things in life than Mike Newton. Pushing open the door, I stepped in and pressed my back against the door as it closed. I shouted Jacobs name, but heard no response. Sliding down to the floor I used it to steady myself. I was breaking. I could tell. It was coming soon. In attempt to hold myself together I wrapped my arms around my knees and lightly rocked myself. Where was Jacob? Why wasn't he here? Then with a burst the door swung open, forcing me to the floor. Once he realized what was holding the door back, Seth quickly shut the door and kneeled down to me.

"Bella?" Wiping a tear from my face, I looked up to meet his worrying gaze.

"Hey Seth"

"What are you doing on the floor?"

"Nothing". He sent me a disapproving glace.

"It doesn't look like nothing"

"Really Seth, it's nothing. Just drop it". Then I noticed his face. It was marked with red that spread along his cheeks. It looked as if he'd been in a fight and hadn't cooled off yet. "What happened to you?" With a quick glance, he shifted his eyes with un-sureness.

"What do you mean?"

"Your face, you look like you were just in a fight?". Placing a hand on his cheek, he slid his fingers down and along his lips.

"Nothing happened. It's just cold out". His response seemed rushed, but I figured I'd leave it at that if he was willing to leave me at what I said.

"Yeah well, were is Jake?" Shifted his glance again around the house, he forced an answer.

"I don't know. Somewhere around here". Opening the door, he stepped out. "I'll see you later Bella"

"But you just came in?" But he was gone. That was weird. Seth didn't normally act this odd. Pushing the thought back, I brought the question back I'd asked earlier. Where was Jacob? Realizing that I was still sprawled out on the floor, I pulled myself up and headed for the living room. Taking a seat opposite to the window, I soon realized that I had a perfect view of the garage. With the door still open I felt the responsibility to go out and shut it. Sam had been pretty clear that it was to be shut at all times. So I got up off the couch and made my way to the door. Stepping out in the air a gust of wind blew against my face. It was cold. The smell was the same as it had been back at the beach. Stale and wet. Once I made it to the door I took it upon myself to pop my head in. Sitting in the corner was Mike, tooth filled grin and all.

"Hey Bella!"

"You seem happier than usual", I commented as I walked in. "Is the garage finally growing on you?"

He continued to smile. "You could say that". Not caring what he meant by it, I ignored his comment.

"So how about we talk?" He seemed shocked by this, but none the less pleased.

"Sure". With his agreement I grabbed a chair and placed it in front of him. Sitting down, I took notice of his facial expression. Happy as ever. But then again, when wasn't he happy?

"So how's life treating you?" He laughed at this question.

"Don't joke with me Bella. Just ask me what you want to"

"Fine. How is being a part of a nomad pack treating you?" Again he laughed.

"I can't tell you that Bella. You should know that secrecy is everything when it comes down to a war". Dropping my smirk I tried to think of something to say to this. He was right. We were in a war and on opposite sides.

"Why are you protecting them Mike? It's the wrong side"

"To you maybe, but you don't know everything. They are my people". I couldn't help myself, I had to laugh at that.

"Mike, they are not your people. Jessica, Eric, and your parents are your people. This is just something else. You weren't meant for this". His face showed something of panic, as if he fully believed or wished that this was the truth. Something in his eyes told me otherwise though. He was scared.

"They're just as much my people as Seth, Sam and Leah are Jacob's"

With a scowl I answered. "That's different"

"No it's not". Standing up in frustration I blew up in his face.

"Jacob has known them all his life! Tell me, how long have you know your supposed people?!"

Sternly he countered. "Long enough"

"LONG ENOUGH!" I crossed the line of personal space and brought his face right up to mine. "There are people that care about you! You don't need to be in this! There's nothing for you in this war!" Uncomfortably he shifted in his chair.

"I don't really have much of a choice". Calming down I took my position back at my seat, firmly pressing my hands against my knees.

"Yes you do. Just quit. Don't do it". His eyes filled with fear again. It was a quick flash, but definitely there.

"I can't do that Bella. It's complicated". With a sigh of defeat, I slumped back into my chair. Apparently he wasn't going to tell me what I wanted to know. So I guessed I would have to settle with something less interrogating.

"What happened to you Mike? You were suppose to be the normal one". Distance took over his eyes as he answered my question.

"Things change. People change"

"Sometimes I just wish it didn't have to be like that".

With a slight nod he answered with a smile. "Me too". Getting up from my chair, I started to walk out of the room. Mike perked up with my motion. "Where are you going?"

"Back in the house"

"Don't you want to talk some more?" With a brief smirk I knew that Mike would be alright. Even though he was on the opposite side of the war, he was still Mike Newton. He wouldn't be going anywhere. Somehow I just knew he'd always be there to hopelessly annoy me. Standing with the door open it hit me that I had a question to answer.

"Not if I won't be getting any good answers". With a scrunch of the nose he attempted to wave me out, catching himself just in time. Poor Mike, I thought to myself. Here was this regular boy taken from his regular life and his regular family and thrown into this. And now here he was, tied up in Billy Blacks garage. Life ceased to surprise me.

"See you later Mike". Then I shut the door and went back into the house.