I'd told Charlie about the wolves. He'd immediately told everyone at the police station what to look for. I'd waited that night with a mixture of fright and hatred. I was ready to beat Laurent if he came back. I had an aluminum bat underneath my bed, a taser in my dresser drawer, and a knife under my pillow. I didn't know what help it would do but it sure made me feel good that I wasn't going to sit around like a wimp and wait for someone to come and get me or Charlie. I waited two more days. Debating whether to visit Jacob or tell my dad about the gang thing Jacob had been telling me about involving Sam Uley.

I decided I was over reacting. Jacob was avoiding me that didn't mean he was involved with a gang. He could just be playing video games with his friends. Just because he wasn't talking to me didn't mean he was in a gang! I would've been stupid to think that unless he was hanging with Sam Uley and I had no proof whatsoever of that. Though the gang part I would tell Charlie. "Hey dad. It's been a while since I've seen Jacob but I'm worried about him. He mentioned a gang one time we were together involving Sam Uley."

"I think you've got something wrong Bells. Sam Uley is a good boy. Billy is always praising him."

"Dad I don't trust him. I just want you to check into Sam Uley. I'm scared for Jacob dad. That's it. See you." I ran out to my car and started up the engine. I brought the aluminum baseball bat under my seat not willing to deal with Laurent if he was still alive. I took off for La Push, a woman on the edge. I had the phone next to my ear waiting for Billy's call as I drove though I knew that talking while driving was hell and I might get in a crash but oh well… maybe I just have a fear of cars. Maybe that's why I can't speed and why talking on the phone makes me freak. Of all stupid things to be scared of. And like hell I'm going back to that shrink. Two rings and I heard a click of someone answering. "Hey Billy." I didn't even have to hear his voice to know it was him. It was always him now.

"Let me guess Jake's not there?"

"Nope. I'm sorry Bella but-"

"Listen can the bullshit Billy I know something's up," I replied bitterly. I wasn't stupid. "If Jacob wanted to break up with me you should tell him to be a man and do it."

"Bella its not that-"

"Well is he with Quil?"

"No but Bella-"

"Embry?"

"Yes but-"

"Ah then that means Sam is nearby then huh," I murmured. No answer. "I know more than you think Billy. Bye bye." I clipped the phone shut giving that man something to think about though I honestly knew nothing. I was just pissed and wanted to lie to think about them squirming. However as I sped on I noted a familiar figure in La Push and pulled to the side of the road rolling down the window.

"Hey handsome. Need a ride?" Quil looked back at me with a small smile.

"Sure," he said numbly. Quil looked bad. Like an abandoned pup as he scrambled into my car and murmured some directions.

"Seen Jake lately?"

"From a distance," he murmured banging a fist onto the desk of the car angrily.

"Easy on the car. Save that for Jacob."

"I would if I could see him. But I lost him in the woods. I went chasing after him when he was walking around with Embry and then I just found the road after an hour."

"So he's with Sam now," I gritted my teeth. Embry looked at me quite taken aback.

"You know about that?"

"Yeah. So Jacob's their pet?" Embry nodded. "Drugs? Anything like that?"

"I don't think Jacob could possibly do that."

"You never know."

"Well he did pose with you in those photos."

"So did you and their gang," I hissed. "Though I regret that now."

"The one time where Sam acted civil," hissed Quil. "But then again you wanted revenge on the Cullens. Personally I think Sam is crazy considering his grudge against the Cullens. All they ever tried to do was fit in." I dropped Quil off.

"Wish me luck," I breathed.

"Why?"

"I'm going to piss of Jacob," I replied revving the engine making a hint of a smile appear on Quil's face before it feel back to sadness. How could Jacob leave behind Quil like that? Friends one day and then drops him the next. And what about that frigging promise? So much for being crazy about me. I stopped in front of Jacob's house, revved the engine to give full warning, rolled down the window facing the house, and sat out there with my crossword puzzle. "I'll wait," I called out to the dark figure I saw behind the curtains in the house, "even if I have to sleep out here!" Maybe I was crazy… at least I could admit it… 3 letter word that is something a cow mutters?…. hmm…

A knock on my window had me jumping and bringing out my bat in one swift movement. I turned to face Jacob who was standing outside my car with two raised eyebrows. "Jacob? Is that really you?" His hair was cut short, he seemed older, and somewhat more muscular if that was possible, like he'd taken steroids or hit the gym everyday of his life, his hands were bigger, his eyes more tired. Unsmiling. Unwelcoming. Bitter. Jacob. Then I noticed the guys behind Jacob. They all looked alike. Like clones. Embry. Sam. And a few others.

I pushed the door open, Jacob stepped away from the car about 2 feet away far enough from me for me to get the hint that he wasn't going to be as friendly as he used to. I clutched onto the bat in my hand not daring to drop it. I was angry and if I had to I'd beat the crap out of Sam to get back Jacob. I wasn't going down without a fight nor would I leave Jacob without one. I'd let Edward leave but like hell I'd let someone close to me desert me again. I bit my lips a moment and banished back the tears that wanted to spill out. I was hurt but dammit I was defiant too.

………………….a second passed……………another cricket died…… the cricket population was slowly decreasing now……………………………….. and then he spoke………………………………..

"What do you want?"

"What do you think asshole? I want to talk."

"Then talk." He glared at me viciously. He'd never looked at me like that. The only other eyes that had ever hurt me like that were the ones that were detached, Edward's. And Jacob's didn't look like he cared which wasn't the same but rather close to detachment.

"With an audience," I hissed glaring over his shoulder at Sam. "Like hell. I deserve to speak to you alone Jacob. At least I did when I was your girlfriend. But then again maybe that's just a sick game you like to play. Date me one day leave me the next," I hissed, "though I never knew you to be so sick." I saw Jacob wince at that. Finally an emotion. Finally something that had broken through the robot that had replaced my friend. "Let me speak to you. Please. Or should I be asking Sam? Come on Sam. Can I speak to my boyfriend so he can break up with me in person?"

Sam nodded, unemotional. The ringleader of the group. The godfather of the La Push gang. He spoke in another language, Quileute undoubtedly. He turned and walked into the house followed by the others. Jacob was a little bit more like Jacob when the others left. Or at least it seemed that he was a little calmer. "I want to know whats up." I began walking into the woods away from the house. "Walk with me," I hissed. He didn't respond, just followed me while the bat swung in my hand tiredly. I felt better when I knew Sam couldn't see me. That creepy son of a. GARH!

"Lets get it over with," he hissed picking up the pace. I waited. "Its not what you think. Nor what I thought. I'm way off. Incredibly way off." He replied looking out at the trees his mind distracted with his words.

"What is it?" I asked and he finally turned to face me staring at me for a long time. There was anger in his eyes.

"I can't tell you."

The grip on my bat tightened and I spoke with anger in every dripping word that came out of my mouth. "I thought we were friends. No, correction. I thought we were more than friends. I thought I was your girlfriend," I breathed tears leaking out of my eyes and I rolled my eyes and tried to blink them away.

"We were." There was emphasis on the word and Jacob had to look away before he said it.

"So you are a sicko. You gave a mighty good chase after me and than bam! We finally get together, I start to get the beginnings of feelings for you, and you desert me," I hissed emphasizing the last part as I thumped the end of the bat into the ground and leaned on it staring into his eyes bitterly. "But what the hell? You have Sam don't you. You don't need friends anymore or a girlfriend it seems."

"Bella its not like that."

"Then what is it Jacob? Because you seemed pretty caring last time I saw you though I should be used to men changing their feelings so easily by now."

"Don't compare me to him," he hissed his hands clenching at his sides.

"Why? He deserted me. And so did you. No matter how you try to approach the words that's what you did and that's what he did… Jacob." I cried. I couldn't help it. "Why can't you tell me what happened? I want to help."

"Bella I wish you could," his voice broke and I could see he was shaking just standing there. I stepped towards him with my arms out wide wanting to hold him.

He cringed away and held up his hands. "Don't touch me."

"Why? Is Sam catching?"

"Don't blame Sam." The words were like a reflex and now his fingers were running back in his hair aggravatedly.

"Who should I blame?"

"You don't want to know."

"Tell me Jacob. I need to know," I breathed trying to wipe away the tears.

"Those bloodsuckers you loved so much!"

I was frozen in place. Pain twising through my body. Jacob's face wasn't indecisive. He was angry. More than angry. Furious.

"The Cullens. Edward! You hate me saying it!"

"No… I don't," I said taking a deep breath as a wave of relief flooded over me. I came to terms with myself in that one moment. "Not anymore at least. Not since we… Jacob. I don't care about them anymore. I had loved them and I don't regret it but its not them I care for anymore," I looked at him with obvious meaning. He was angry at himself now. I could see it as he went and leaned against a tree clutching at it. A growl came thought my ear. Bella be careful. Don't push him. Since when have you sided with him? Since it's a danger to you if you don't agree with him.

Jacob was fuming now. He was livid and quivering angrily. For a moment I feared he was having a seizure.

"You finally decide you like me when things turn like this! Dammit!"

"I can't help my feelings or when I feel them. Sorry I'm not a droid like you," I breathed. He shook some more and gripped my bat tightly. Let him calm down.

"It doesn't matter. Its not like I can change anything now."

"Its your life you can do whatever you want unless you've signed your soul over to Sam already. I thought you cared for me." he walked away. Why should that matter to you Bella? Because I care for him though not as much as I did you. Now shut up and stop listening in! I feel like you're stalking me!

"We've got nothing more to talk about." I felt so rejected but like hell I was going without getting his attention. I slammed the bat into the tree angrily knocking off the bark on the side of it letting out a loud ringing noise as Jacob turned around to face me. "What're you doing?" Bella you'll hurt yourself with that bat! Bella you'll get hurt, Bella you shouldn't walk you'll get hurt! Dammit when am I ever safe enough for you? Is that why you left?! No… I'm sorry. I'm just protective of you. Give me some leash here! This is my head I need some leash! I wish you were still in my life but not in my mind!

"Getting you to notice me and letting out some anger issues! If you don't care about me what about Quil? I ran into him today. You remember him don't you if not me? He's scared for you and misses you. He looks like a rejected puppy he's so alone!" Jacob's face looked pained for once. Jacob stared at me for a moment with saddened eyes. "Is he next?"

"Luckily he won't be. This shouldn't be happening still," he hissed angrily. "Why dammit? Why?" He pounded on the tree and it actually snapped under his fist. I gripped my bat protectively.

"I can't hang out with you anymore. I'm sorry."

"Why can't you have anymore friends? Jacob you promised me," I walked up to him until I was standing in his way. Jacob looked away.

"Bella let me by."

"Let me have something then in return. A small favor. So small you won't miss it."

"What?"

"A hug," I breathed reaching out. Jacob looked as if he were debating for a moment with a voice inside his head until he nodded.

"Fine." I wrapped my arms around him feeling warmth radiate off of Jacob's body. I nuzzled my head into his neck, tears dripping onto his skin with a sizzle. I worried he was still sick. And then as I leaned away Jacob turned to go. I reached out and pulled him back placing a hang on his cheek and leaned forward to kiss him. Really kiss him. My feelings for him weren't as strong as they could've ever been for Edward but at least I was trying. Though I knew I wouldn't be able to see Jacob again I might as well give him something he'd always wanted and something that I was confused about giving. If I was confused now I would never have a chance to figure it out so why not? I brushed my lips against his once and pulled away from the warm embrace that I'd been standing rather stolidly in. "I'm sorry it was rather awkward," I breathed, "but if you gave me time I know I can change. I've already got some feelings for you Jacob." The tears ran down my cheeks solemnly. "Just… please don't break your promise… don't quit on me like he did." Jacob looked like he was in pain.

"Don't blame yourself Bella. This is all my fault."

"It's not you. It's me," I breathed. "That's original isn't it? No Jacob… I know its my fault. I've always done something wrong though I hate the fact you can't work through this problem with me," I breathed.

"I'm not good enough to be your friend," he said his voice getting huskier as if he were restraining himself.

"Why not let me be the judge of that? I've had worse Jake than you and you are not evil," I admitted. "You're a good person Jake and if Sam's told you that…" My voice trailed off as I lifted up the bat threateningly and walked out of the woods to gaze at the house angrily.

"No one told me anything. I just know what I am."

"You're my boyfriend and friend Jake that's what you are," I breathed looking back at him.

"I'm sorry Bella," he breathed and ran back into the house as if he needed to get somewhere safe. As if I were a monster and he the village person.

"Sam," I glowered at the house. "Dammit," I shrieked slamming the bat into a bike thinking it was Jacob's. It reverberated so much that it shook me, my hands hurt, and I feel to the ground on my bottom with a thump like a child learning to walk. Then I realized it had been mine, the one that Jacob had fixed up for us to pose in. Garh! I dented it with the aluminum bat and then I swung ready to hit Jacob's bike but couldn't do it. I fell to the ground as the rain began to pour around me leaving me in the mud. I felt battered and beaten. The bat slipped out of my fingers. If only my bike had been Sam in that one moment. I slowly picked myself up and glared at the curtains in the house that had moved. "Dammit I cared about you!" I didn't love him. But I cared about him. And this felt worse than when Edward had left. I didn't want revenge. I just wanted my friend back.

When I finally got home Charlie said, "I heard you two had a fight."

"No. Sam talked to Jacob. He can't be my friend anymore. He can't be my boyfriend anymore. Charlie either somethings wrong with me or just men in general," I hissed. "But don't talk to Billy. Charlie this is our situation… just don't worry Charlie."

"I'm going to keep an eye on them," he hissed angrily though I knew he would talk to Billy despite my warning. I wasn't a child anymore. I had grown up and I had to deal with my own fights. I couldn't let Charlie fight them for me. How childish would that be if I let him?

I slept. A nightmare in my head. And not the kind where I'm a little boy and Michael Jackson is in the room but something far worse than that. It was Jacob turning slowly into Edward and leaving me behind. Maybe I shouldn't deal with men anymore. Maybe I should join a nunnery or date women… I awoke in the dark to the sound of glass scraping along my window and immediately had my bat in my hand. The window opened from the other side somehow and I swung hearing someone yelp in pain.

"Bella! That hurt!" I'd just hit Jacob with a bat. Not just a bat… an aluminum bat. And it kind of felt good to hit him like that… regardless of him possibly getting a concussion or getting brain damage. As far as I could think I thought all men had brain damage at the moment.

And with a thud Jacob fell into my room on the floor groaning. I heard Charlie walking up the stairs and Jacob immediately rolled with a groan under my bed as Charlie opened the door to see me standing there with a bat.

"Bella?"

"Sorry Charlie… I was um… there was a spider. A really big spider… and I used the bat."

"Um… just be careful Bella," breathed Charlie. "I think I should take this." He took my bat and left the room. As soon as he did Jacob rolled out from under my bed rubbing his head which oddly enough didn't have a knot on it.

"I'm trying to keep my promise and I get hit by a back," he breathed. I felt very much the woman spurned. So I kicked his leg. "And I get kicked," he grunted.