Human Instincts

No I still don't own any rights.

EPOV

Bella hadn't changed at all over the course of the year, well perhaps in some ways she had, but her stubbornness was still persistent. Sometimes her inflexibility was maddening to the point of making me crazed with fury and frustration. Why couldn't she stop taking risks, why must I always explain that she was being petulant? She claimed I was treating her like a child…what could she expect when she was clearly acting as one.

Last night we had discussed everything very clearly and she expressed her desire to be treated as an adult, yet today she insists on seeing that boy. The very thought of it makes me numb with rage, if only there were a way for her to see the vision that has haunted me…her lifeless body laying on the ground in the park. Perhaps a healthy dose of fear would help her understand the seriousness of the situation.

I thought her panic attack would have been evidence enough to make her realize the severity of that boy's actions. When she was having the attack I was sure afterwards she would have an appreciation of the unpredictable nature that human lives balance upon. Yet she still insists on granting him an opportunity to explain himself. What could he possibly tell her, that he's insane…her charm and beauty have claimed any common sense he may have had at some point in his life.

As I waited in the entryway for her to come back downstairs, my anxiety was mounting. I've given in to her request and will drive her to the police station, but I'll be on my guard every moment we are there. My cell phone vibrated in my pocket, looking at the caller ID I smile – just the person who can assist. "Good Afternoon Alice."

Giggling she responded, "Oh don't play nice now Edward. I'm calling for Bella's benefit…I'm on her side. But I thought you should know they won't allow her to see him, so you can calm down."

"Alice, I will never take you for granted, of course knowing in advance of our argument would have been nice."

"Now Edward that wouldn't have been educational. How will you ever learn what Bella's needs are if I warn you?" She giggled thoroughly pleased with herself.

"Thank you very much Alice." Flipping the phone shut quickly as I heard Bella come down the stairs I grabbed her poncho holding it out for her. My relief was evident; I couldn't restrain my satisfaction in knowing that she was safe and would remain so – for this afternoon at least.

Having Bella in my car again gave me such a strong surge of peace, the aroma just the thing I had craved for a year. Her scent permeating the confined space, once again overpowering the leather and flowing around me, making me both thirsty and satisfied at once. She seemed to become reflective in the car, I didn't know if it was my fast driving or something else that caused this stillness in her.

Soon we were at the police station and when we exited the car Bella immediately tensed. Her fear came off her in potent waves, if she wanted to leave that would be fine. Conducting the interview in her home would be easier on both of us. Once again though her stubbornness won out, she was determined to prove something to herself if not me. Shaking my head, I grabbed her hand and we entered the building.

The tension inside Bella reminded me of a caged cat. She appeared to be ready to pounce in a moment's notice. Rubbing her back to get her calm I heard Detective Hammond and Ian coming our way. Fortunately we wouldn't have to wait out here any longer, the various scents and thoughts were wreaking havoc on me, and I was tempted to stop breathing but couldn't risk someone noticing.

As I stood I heard Ian's thoughts clearly across the room, 'Great…just what I need. I came here intentionally so I wouldn't have to see the two of them. All I want to do is get to New York State and find a way to put some perspective on this.' I was empathetic to his emotions, knowing if Bella had fallen for him and the situation was reversed, my thoughts would be very similar to his.

Detective Hammond was exactly what Bella needed for her interview, he was kind yet thorough. Her ability to glaze over details due to her forgiving nature would be brought to light with him in a manner that wouldn't be misconstrued as being accusatory. 'She's the same age as my niece, and so petite. I hope she never learns how lucky she was that Ian arrived when he did.' Yes, he was the right man for this task. Bella's fear lessened when he shook her hand, but she was still anxious about something.

The request to speak with Ian surprised me slightly and I stiffened, but of course I shouldn't have been taken off guard. Bella always put everyone's needs above her own, even in this environment she pushes past her own fears to address this boy's hurt. Her incessant need to make everyone around her happy and comfortable was one of the reasons I adored her and one of the reasons she frustrated me so.

'No, I can't talk to her yet…I need time to gain some clarity on how I'll continue to live in the same house with her; especially if he's going to be around. Look at her though, she's been through so much I can't leave her hanging like this while I hide out in NY.' Ian's thoughts mirrored his response to Bella; at least she would have some closure on this.

Based on Detective Hammond's thoughts I would have to remain out here while they took Bella's statement. Waiting in the car would be more suitable for me; there was too much stress and fear in this building and it caused me to be on edge. Having the reassurance from Alice that Bella would not be able to confront that boy made the decision easy.

As Bella realized I couldn't join her she began having another minor panic attack, due to his compassion Detective Hammond created accommodations to suit her wishes. As we walked through the hall towards the area where she would relive this nightmare, I could feel her body tensing. My desire to take her place in this process was threatening to rip me to pieces. If only she didn't have to provide a statement…but then the boy would get out. That wouldn't be so bad though, I could personally see to it that he never came near her again. As much as this thought pleased me I knew Bella would be disappointed, so I pushed it aside.

She entered the room and was left to address her nightmare head on, the only comfort I had was the detective's kindness…and the fact that the door could easily be dislodged in seconds. Sitting in the chair while I listened to him begin the process, I closed my eyes and adjusted my breathing so I could hear every utterance within the room.

I felt a surge of pride as she recounted in detail the events leading up to the attack. She was so brave, yet had so little perspective on what she offered everyone who was blessed to have her in their lives.

As I listened to the discourse in the room closed to me, I became impressed with Detective Hammond's ability to listen attentively. He was asking questions of Bella that specified Derrick's guilt, taking notes throughout without steering her off course. His mind was sharp and on point with ensuring Derrick remained in custody until he was dealt with by the judicial system.

I became tense when hearing Bella claim responsibility for the events, my fists balled at my side and I quickly wrapped my arms around my torso so as not to cause any damage to city property. The last thing needed was for me to be put in lockup with the human that caused all of Bella's misery. My jaw tight, teeth clenched it was taking everything within me to remain seated as she continued to cry telling the detective why she felt it was her fault. The tension lightened as I heard him consoling her and explaining her guilt was illogical.

Sitting back in my seat and closing my eyes feigning boredom, the detective came out of the room informing me of the details I already knew. While he walked away to get tissues, I stood and paced quickly to dispel some of the rage building inside me. How could she take blame for his actions? How would I make her understand she held no accountability for what happened?

Taking a seat quickly before Detective Hammond came back I scowled and luckily he thought it was impatience for the process. After closing the door behind him, I heard Bella begin again approaching the part that would most likely cause the greatest stress and leaned forward in the chair listening intently. As she articulated the final moments of the attack my body tensed, I felt myself becoming rigid as a stone waiting for her to finish.

Then the questioning began, he asked all the questions I knew were coming. He waited patiently as she hesitantly answered providing him with all the information on the encounters she had with the boy. She had never told me, nor had anyone else, the confrontations she had previously had with him, so I was extremely interested in her answers. I listened attentively as she explained his interest early in the school year, this was not a surprise to me only to Bella; she would never understand how much her beauty drew people to her.

I found myself smiling lightly as she told her account of the escapade she concocted to mislead him, but the laughter quickly died when she voiced how the episode got of hand, his ungentlemanly act of sticking his tongue down her throat. Jumping from the chair I threw it against the wall in rage – how dare he make advances on her without her invitation. My hands were molded into claws, if his neck were anywhere near me right now I'd snap it. My vampire instincts were not the prevailing force right now – human instincts were taking over in this case.

Quickly adjusting the chair into a heap against the wall before Detective Hammond opened the door, I stood remolding my face into a mask of remorse. He glanced at the chair and then back at me, for a very brief moment his expression registered shock, 'What on earth was he doing in that chair? That's not broken it's mutilated – almost as if it was thrown into a pit with a bunch of angry gorillas.' "Are you alright?"

I was preoccupied with the indignation I felt thinking of that boy's lips anywhere near Bella's and hoped my explanation would be convincing. "Yes, sorry I was leaning back in the chair, it fell and somehow fell apart. I'm fine though, sorry about the chair."

Then he looked back at me perplexed, apologized and informed me they were nearly done.

Just as I was gaining control again, she continued telling the boy's warped attempt to win her. He wanted to watch her eat ice cream; I was outraged. What a sick twisted boy, surely I had to find a way to dispose of him – perhaps after this was over I would. Stomping on the chair crushing it completely beneath my foot imagining it was his face, I listened to make sure the detective didn't come back to check on me.

It was over; I paced quickly to collect myself before she came out. My emotions needed to be intact – she had been through enough she certainly didn't need my antagonism for the boy to upset her further. Enthralled with the conversation as she asked Detective Hammond if she could see Derrick I heard him explain not only the law, but also why she should avoid any future contact with him. I was grateful for his lecture; perhaps if she wouldn't listen to me she may just heed his advice.

When the door opened I never felt more relieved to see Bella, well perhaps that was an overstatement of the truth; but the comforting feeling swept through me as her scent surrounded me. We could leave; I could finally hold her again in my arms and help her heal.

There was something else Bella wanted to address, I could sense her reluctance. I knew she was exhausted, but this was different she had a slight edginess about her. Then she asked the question…she wanted to know what would happen to that piece of filth. Controlling my desire to turn her to face me and explain how ridiculous her concern was, I let the detective do it for me.

The drive back to the house was silent I let her reflect on the evening giving her the space she most likely needed. Bella knew if she wanted to talk, I would listen and provide whatever comfort I could. The frustration I felt at not being able to hear her thoughts was inconsequential in comparison to what she needed at the moment.

When we approached her house she turned to me, "Edward I need to speak with Ian, this won't be a problem will it?" At first I was stunned that she felt I would pose a problem, but in reflection of my recent behavior she was entitled to think this.

I earned this, taking her in my arms I sighed, "Bella, take as long as needed to work out your relationship with Ian. He deserves my gratitude and much more for protecting you when I couldn't. I won't interfere." Pulling her from my embrace I kissed her on the forehead. "I'll wait out here."

"No, you don't need to…why don't you come inside. Roxanne can entertain you while I speak with him." She pulled my hand leading me into the house.

When we entered the common room, it was crowded but everyone stopped talking once they saw us. The topic of discussion was Derrick's attack on Bella, I had the advantage of hearing everyone's thoughts and knew what they were discussing, although she couldn't hear their thoughts Bella also knew – the blush on her face clearly indicated her awareness. "Hey" she said softly to her friends.

"Bella, how did it go?" Roxanne asked anxiously as her eyes darted between Bella and I. 'She looks exhausted; I hope they didn't have another fight. Did she get to see Derrick?'

As if hearing her thoughts Bella replied, "Fine, they wouldn't let me speak to Derrick though." Frowning slightly and looking around the room she asked, "Do you know where Ian is? He said he'd wait for me before heading home."

"He's downstairs, playing pool." Sam answered quickly, briefly looking up from the textbook in his hands. 'I hope she doesn't intend to drag him along with her when she talks to Ian, that would be too much. It's like they're attached at the hip or something…'

"Oh, is he…alone?" pulling the poncho over her head as she asked.

"Yes, he asked us to let him know when you came home." Roxanne said standing to go tell him.

Touching Roxanne's arm lightly she said, "No, I'll talk to him down there." She turned to me and smiled sweetly. "I'll be back soon, make yourself at home."

Taking the poncho from her hand I took it out to the coat rack, perhaps I should just leave. This was awkward enough without my presence to complicate it any further. My hand was on the door when I heard her thoughts, 'Where's he going? Bella will freak if she thought we chased him away.'

"Hey, where are you going? Didn't Bella just tell you to make yourself at home? It looks to me like your leaving."

Turning slightly I smiled, "I thought waiting in my car would be best, considering…"

She put her hand out and motioned for me to follow her, "No way. Come on, let's get a beer and sit outside. It's a bit more private; if you're going to be around Bella, we should get to know each other better. I am her best friend and if I don't approve well, you'll be gone buddy." She started laughing trying to ease my discomfort.

Smiling at her I replied easily, "Thank you, that would be nice. But no beer for me, I'm driving."

I followed as she went into the kitchen and grabbed herself a beer. "Can I get you anything to drink or eat?" she asked graciously.

Shaking my head no, "I'm fine while Bella was giving her statement I grabbed something to eat. She'll need something to eat, but I'm fine." The excuse would work well, she would never find out and she would make sure Bella ate – my more immediate concern.

Shrugging she said, "Okay, let's go sit outside." She walked through the common room while I followed. As we crossed the room I heard Anne's curiosity gnawing at her, but she remained by Sam's side.

Once we were settled in, Roxanne looked up to the sky, "What a beautiful evening, look at all those stars…it will be a nice day tomorrow, not a cloud in the sky. I love fall, don't you? Summer is too damn hot for me, spring and fall are my favorite seasons."

Reading her thoughts to determine if she was making small talk to build up to something else, I agreed with her easily. Although there were advantages to all seasons, one season or another didn't matter to me since I didn't get hot or cold.

"Edward, does Bella know we met before…I mean prior to…" she was struggling to find the words to describe Bella's attack.

Cutting her off so she wouldn't have to finish the sentence, "No, I didn't tell her anything. She's mad enough at me for being in town and not letting her know, the last thing she needs to find out is that you and I had joined forces. That might not fare well, so my recommendation is to let that bit of information stay between you and I."

She studied my face for a brief moment, 'Bella must have really let him have it.' "So are you protecting yourself or her…or me for that matter?"

"Bella of course, she's my only concern. Not that you aren't impotant; I like you Roxanne, but Bella really isn't in the right frame of mind to find out we were collaborating behind her back. She's dealing with enough things at the moment." I replied looking down at my hands as I thought about what she was currently addressing.

Looking out in the yard, "Humph…you're probably right. So will you still come to the party?" she asked casually. 'In a way I hope he doesn't, it could get sticky with Ian and Drake. But Bella won't come if he doesn't, ugh, it's so complicated now.'

Smiling slyly, "That's up to Bella. If she wants me to come, I will. If she determines that it's best I stay away…then..." I held my hands out palms up.

Nodding her head, 'He really does love her, I'll give him that.' "Sooo, now that you and Bella are back together and you're out of the slump. What will you do? Are you going to enroll in school?" she asked curiously watching my face closely. 'I wonder if he's one of those spoiled kids that live off their parents money?'

Controlling my facial expressions it was insulting that she would think of me in this way, "Most likely when the new semester begins, in the meantime though I'm taking private courses for my music studies. It's my passion…I play piano, having the opportunity to pursue this is an advantage and the courses can be converted to credits when I do enroll." I lied.

"Oh." 'Wow beauty and talent – nice find Bella.' "Okay, I've been nice enough! What are your intentions with my friend? I know, I know, we've been through this already but where do you see it going. When we had this conversation last time it was to bring the two of you together…now it's different. So spill!" she said sighing. 'Holding back on that was killing me, so what if he thinks I'm nosy.'

After a brief laugh I replied, "Well, our future hasn't really been discussed Roxanne. I've only been back one night. There are a great number of things I don't know. These are details that Bella and I need to discuss, I'd like to understand where she sees herself in a year, two years, five years." Looking down at my hands, I frowned slightly thinking about everything we would need to talk about. I needed to know if she's still as persistent in me changing her into a monster.

Looking back at her, "As her friend you are entitled to ask questions regarding my intentions, I'm not insulted…it's just the answers are not clear at the moment."

'Wow, this guy is too good to be real! He actually cares what she wants in life, it's not all about his needs. I wonder if there are anymore where he came from.' She continued staring into my eyes; I broke my gaze hoping I wasn't dazzling her. Sighing lightly she asked, "Fair enough, but that's about what Bella wants…where do you see yourself in a year, two years, five years. Last time I checked it took two people to be in a relationship."

"That's not as complicated, by Bella's side, of course. You see Roxanne, it doesn't matter what course my future takes as long as Bella's in it."

She looked at me exasperated, 'He is a spoiled rich kid…using the family fortune as a crutch.'

Continuing quickly before she had me squandering our family fortune further, "I'm very fortunate, Carlisle and Esme have invested my parent's estate wisely and my future is financially secure. Aside from the economic advantages, I also have a vast number of interests and my schooling has been excellent. What I'm trying to say while maintaining some modesty is my future is adaptable because of my advantages. So molding mine to Bella's is not a problem."

'His parent's money…so he's rich, he doesn't need to live off of the doctor's fortune – he's got his own!' "Oh come on Edward, there has to be something you want out of life, other than Bella's happiness that is." She smiled broadly.

"I can honestly say in a year, two years, five years my only dream is having Bella by my side – hear her heart beating in my ear, see her blush coloring her cheeks. Helping her to achieve her dreams, making sure her life is full and rewarding, those are the things I think about when imagining the future." My face portrayed my sincerity when I looked at her. I knew she wouldn't grasp my subtle nuisances.

'What am I missing here, who puts someone else's dreams above their own? No one – that's who! This guy can't be real…no wonder Bella couldn't get over him. It's like he was created from a dream.' She was staring at me full of concentration trying to figure out what made me react this way. Although she didn't understand my subtle nuisances, she was getting suspicious of me. I needed to quickly reverse her thinking somehow.

In order to sound convincing I summoned my ability to convey my desires to my prey. "Well I've always had an interest in psychology, the idea that I could get into someone's head and help them work out any issues they may be burying is appealing. I sometimes picture myself with a small private practice, but that's very far away and requires years of education." My voice dripped with uncertainty and a small amount of longing. "Of course Carlisle encourages me, his desire to see me enter the medical field makes him proud." I finished sighing.

Her thoughts became much less doubtful, 'Now that makes sense, and he probably would be good at it. He has an uncanny ability to put people at ease somehow…' "You would be a good psychologist, why do you sound uncertain?" she queried finishing her thoughts aloud.

Keeping my expression serious, "It will take years of continuous schooling and building a practice won't be easy. I've never discussed this with Bella and we'd need to work out the details. Based on previous conversations, she feels I should stick with my musical interests – but that too would require complete dedication." Shrugging, I hoped the tale I was spinning quelled her fears.

Sighing lightly, she leaned back in her chair and looked out into the yard. She spoke in a far away voice, as if speaking her thoughts aloud, "You are good together, almost like two pieces of a puzzle. I knew she was in deep based on her dreams; remember I told you she talks in her sleep. It's like she's incomplete without you…watching you during her panic attack it was amazing the way you two were. I've never seen anything like it, it was like you were the air she needed to breath." 'Edward is interesting – nothing like the guys I've ever met. I really hope one day I find someone that completes me the way he does for her.'

Remaining quiet I listened to her thoughts and words and couldn't help but smile. "From the day I met her, Bella has intrigued me. The way her mind works, she always surprises me by her actions. Learning her habits and discovering how she reacts – I treasure everything about her. Since the day she captivated me, there has been no choice – I knew my existence without her would be incomplete. That is why when you first met me I was in a state, her absence in my days made the thought of any future inconsequential. Every day was just a repeat of the day prior, now that she's back – there will never be a moment in Bella's life when she doesn't realize how much she means to me." I had been staring off into the night, thinking of what she meant to me when the realization hit me, if Bella requested I change her; I would. As much as I knew it would be for very selfish reasons, I knew I couldn't continue to exist without her.

"Wow! You have it bad kid! I thought Bella was in deep, but you're over the edge. You two really are Odysseus and Penelope, only a real life version. It's funny, I'm a cynical person most days but you make me wonder if there really isn't one person for each person out there. The way you two are together it's amazing and actually makes me optimistic. Don't get me wrong, Drake's great, but we don't have anything even close to what you two have." She sighed heavily.

"You're right, Bella and my relationship is unusual. But somehow I don't think you have anything to worry about Roxanne," I gazed into the common room searching out Drake's whereabouts. "What little I've seen of you and Drake, I think you'll be together for awhile. He seems pretty enamored by your charms." I chuckled.

"You think?" she questioned. She really didn't have as much confidence as she wanted everyone to believe. She was a strong individual, but what made her such a good person is her self-assurance wasn't arrogance.

"I don't think, I know. He watches you when you aren't paying attention – it appears he thinks about you often and wants you to be happy. But as I stated, I haven't witnessed you together that often, I'm just commenting on the times I've observed." I replied shrugging.

She smiled happily and sat back in the chair again looking up at the sky. "From your lips to God's ears."

I chuckled slightly, if she only knew. God wasn't listening to anything coming from my lips.

Sitting back in the chair, my mind wandered back to what Bella was currently addressing. Tempted as I was to tune into Ian's thoughts, I kept them blocked. If Bella wanted me to know what they discussed she would tell me. Sighing heavily, the anxiety started to mount again.

Sensing my change in mood, Roxanne tried to reassure me. "I'm sure, they'll be done soon. Ian knows that you belong together – I don't think he'll give her a hard time, especially after what she just went through."

Just then the sliding glass door opened and I turned to see Bella coming through the door.
She looked exhausted, her eyes were moist, her cheeks were red but not from the lovely blushes that usually highlighted them – this color that tainted her cheeks was from crying. Standing I went to her and pulled her into my arms.

She crumbled against me and sighed. "Thanks." Pulling away, she took my hand and led me back to the chair. Taking the seat first, I pulled her into my lap and she laid her head on my chest, I could hear her heart hammering in her chest, pounding slightly faster than normal. I wrapped my arms around her and kissed the top of her head, stroking her hair and back trying to ease the tension in her body.

Roxanne looked over at us and stood, "I'll leave you two alone. Have a good night kids." She patted Bella's hand lightly and left.

"Are you okay?" I whispered. I was anxious to hear what happened, but knew she was exhausted.

"Uh huh, let me just stay here in your arms for a minute. Okay?" Her body was relaxing and her words were slurring – any minute now she'd be fast asleep. I was fine with that, as long as she was in my arms – our conversation could wait. It could wait for all of eternity as long as she remained right where she was.