I would love to thank my continuous reviewers… You have been great and helped my build the confidence to continue writing this story. Now….. on with the storey.

-Edward-

I left when Bella began to stir. It was still early; I thought teenagers loved to sleep in. But then again…Bella isn't the typical teenager. I ran through the forest, back home. Spending the night with her scent swirling around me had built up some tolerance, but it was still close to agony, with the fire burning in my throat. We still had a couple hours before school, so II asked the family to go hunting with me. Carlisle had already left, but the others agreed.

We all looked for big game… but a few bears –which Emmitt and I drained one each- and one mountain lion –which Alice had taken out before we even smelt it- were the only big game around. Even with the lifeblood of a bear as a meal, We all hunted some more deer. So with a bear and a few deer I stopped and watched the others hunt.

We all went home together…full. We each looked at the time. 10 minutes until school. We all in my Volvo in an inhuman speed, all of us changed into different clothes. Time for school, and today, I was going to try and get Bella to open up, even if it was just a little. But imagine my surprise when We arrived at school, I heard my name flow in a voice I knew too well.

My head snapped up and I caught Bella's eye. She smiled at me, got out of her car and started walking over. What was happening?

-Bella-

I awoke in the morning with newfound determination. I wasn't useless, I wasn't a broken tool. I called myself a protector. I protected others from Charlie. That was my purpose, no matter how much I disliked it. I had dreamt of sweet nothingness…death but I couldn't, now I can't die, lest I want my pain to grip others. No…I promised myself I would protect the people from Charlie… I wasn't going to break that promise with my death. No matter how much I want it.

I was going to be the one to protect others from Charlies rage, no matter the cost. I would be useful. Then a thought occurred to me…I wanted to know for sure about the Cullen's. With my new determination and courage I came up with a risky plan.

I thought hard for a long time….who looked like they had the most control around people. Well Jasper always looked pained… I couldn't have him there. Edward…who was I kidding Edward had to be there. He was now the closest thing to a friend I had…they all where. But I reminded myself to choose carefully. Well…Emmitt needed to come, but then again.

Emmitt would be good if someone got out of control, he looked so strong. But if he was the one to lose control then I would be in trouble. I swallowed as I decided he would be one to come. He looked like he was always in control...he even played sport so yes…he should be in control of his supposed thirst.

Rosalie…. No Rosalie always looked ready to tear my head off before…but then that look changed recently, even though it changed I didn't risk it. Alice was…well Alice. She will come, she's never showed any signs I thought meant bloodlust. I thought carefully about the three supposed 'vampires' I had chosen….I would do it today. If I didn't do it today I would lose the courage I had just found.

I set my resolve and packed my bag, I carefully removed the razor from a sharpener in my pencil case. I wrapped it carefully in a tissue and placed it in my pocket. It was time for school…it was time to figure out what the Cullen's were….it may even be my death day. But I wasn't afraid, I had lost all instincts of self-preservation years ago, after the years of abuse my body and instincts came to expect the pain.

As I walked downstairs, Charlie shoved a bowl of cereal in my hands. I looked at the clock, surprise it was only 6.30 in the morning, it wasn't time yet? I felt like it. I ate slowly, stalling. I knew what came after I ate. When I finished I washed my bowl, I didn't even get time to turn away from the sink. Charlie grabbed my arm, I was half expecting it, and half hoping he would stop.

He didn't slap my face, after the doctors he decided the less I had to hide on my face the less it looked like I was being abused. If someone found out, I would be taken into foster care etcetera and he would have no one. He got a good kick and slap at my arms and legs, and he even hit my collarbone. I didn't cry out, I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction.

When he was done, I went back upstairs and checked in the mirror that I looked ok. I ignored the pain and brushed my hair again, adjusted my shirt and slid my pair of gloves on. I walked down the stairs, doing the morning routine, leaving Charlie's room out as always. I wasn't ever going in there, who knew what skeletons he hid in that closest of his, he could had had a disturbing fetish for all I knew, I didn't want to find out.

I drove slowly to school, ready to face what lay waiting for me. When I arrived I stayed in my car until the shiny Volvo drove into the lot and the Cullen's got out. Time to test something.
"Edward" I whispered so low no even a human would hear….but his head snapped up. His hearing really was good. I smiled at him, and he smiled back.

I got out of the car, walking over to him. When I was about 2 meters away from them I stopped, I could smell blood…and the sickly sweet scent that seemed to cling to them, strongly. Their golden orbs a shade lighter than normal. The had fed, very recently, was the only explanation that came to mind.

"I need to talk to you, Alice and Emmitt. In private" and saying no more, I walked into the nearby forest that seemed to engulf the town. I felt rather than heard them follow. I walked for a while, surprised my hip didn't give me much trouble and I didn't trip. 20 minutes later, I stopped and turned. Emmitt, Edward and Alice stopped behind me. I forced a smile.

"So…what exactly are you?"

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