Author's Note: Okay, so I said that I was currently working on the final chapter of this story, but I'm not so sorry to say that it turned out that I couldn't end it there. I have fallen in love with my own story, especially Carlisle. Although I am currently on Chapter 24, and I thought that 23 was going to be my final chapter, I don't have any plans to wrap it up any time soon.

That being said, I will be updating more slowly because I am writing new stuff and revising the old stuff at the same time. The new stuff will have lemons in it, and I feel awkward writing lemons, so it might be awhile before I finish. I have no schedule. I just have to write the stuff I'm feeling at the time, so I hope that you can be patient with me.

Chapter 7 – Watching

Alice kept her promise to refrain from watching the future to see which outfits I would pick, but she did bring by fifty-eight different outfits to choose from. I happily tried them all on, knowing that for once I could choose my own clothing. She did seem a little put out that I only chose two of them because I already had one I wanted to wear, but she was placated when I told her that to make up for it, I would keep all of the outfits she had bought me. For once, Alice looked truly shocked.

Three days after I destroyed all of the original senior pictures, Alice took me back to the portrait studio for the appointment that I should have had in the first place. I had three outfits, and several of my finished sculptures including the ones of Alice and Rosalie. I didn't ask Carlisle for the one I had given him. Though it was my favorite, I didn't feel that one was appropriate for a happy senior picture.

Alice did my hair which looked only slightly fancier than normal, which is what I wanted, and my makeup, that this time didn't make me look like I was five years older. My outfits and backgrounds were much more me.

I had the grey smock which I wore when I sculpted. It was even one that had remnants of old projects still stuck to it. It wasn't normal, but it was who I am. The background we chose was simple white. It really contrasted the sculptures I had chosen. Alice even brought some spare clay, and had the photographer snap shots of me while I worked. I saw the digital images, and thought they were wonderful.

The second outfit I wore was a simple black long sleeve silk shirt with skinny jeans. It wasn't something that I would usually wear, but when I tried it on, I fell in love with it, and I swear, I had never seen Alice as happy as she was when I picked that outfit, and that's really saying something considering how happy Alice normally is. I teased her by telling her that I wanted this look in my second favorite pastime, emergency room visits. She thought that was silly, and pointed me toward the red backgrounds. She thought it would go great with my outfit. Although I agreed, I had a hard time deciding between a cloudy sky with roses strewn all around or the apple orchard with a barrel of real apples.

Alice gave me the good points on both of them, but refused to pick for me. I ultimately went with the roses because for some reason, I couldn't get that saying out of my head; an apple a day, keeps the doctor away, and I really didn't want to keep a certain doctor away… Why in the world would I think that now? I was embarrassed and blushed furiously, but Alice never asked me why. I'm not sure what she actually thought I was embarrassed about, but I was sure that it wasn't the real reason. When I inspected the proofs of this session, I was blushing in many of the pictures, but I thought that it was normal, for me anyway, and I loved them.

My last outfit was a large print, brown and white sun dress that went just past my knees and had spaghetti straps. When I put that dress on, Alice quickly did my hair in a messy-ish updo. My background was the beach. I don't know how they did it, but it looked just like First Beach in La Push. I even let them use the fan to blow my hair a bit at the end. It looked great. It truly was perfect. I was really glad that I had Alice as my friend to share this with me.

Before we left the studio, she asked me if it was okay to pay the guys to destroy all of the proofs from the original set so that Edward couldn't ever get a hold of them and replace the ones I had destroyed. I heartily agreed. She even paid extra so that they would send the digital copies of these to the yearbook staff today. Even thought I knew it was a real possibility that Edward might flip out and destroy my new pictures, I was happy that I had the chance to do it my way. I had gotten the senior pictures I had wanted in the first place, and Alice managed to control herself enough to help without taking over.

We arrived back at school just as lunch was starting. I was still wearing my sun dress but now it was semi-covered with a brown jacket. I got some pretty interesting comments about the way I was dressed, and my makeup, most of them from the guys. But the icing on the cake was the fact that Edward decided to come to school today even though he clearly didn't stay away for a few weeks like Carlisle had asked. He was livid and became increasingly so every time I smiled or laughed. Maybe he had seen what I was up to through Alice's mind. Maybe it was because he knew I had destroyed all of the pictures that he had approved. Maybe he didn't want me to be happy. I shrugged it off for the time being. My life no longer revolved around what did and didn't make Edward Cullen happy.

"Something has upset poor Edward." Alice laughed. It looked like she thought it was funny. "He's thinks that I had no right to take your pictures out of his room. He considered them his personal property."

"They might as well have been," though I knew that I was being petty, I smiled and waved at him, "because the girl in those pictures was not me. She was the mindless marionette that Edward used to control."

While I spoke, Edward's control started to slip. I swear that I saw the table he was gripping crack. I snickered, but immediately felt bad that I was relishing someone else's misery, even if that someone was Edward.

Edward made a face like he was growling, though I heard no sound.

"I just told him that you destroyed all of the pictures, and I paid to have the proofs destroyed as well." She explained, giggling. I laughed.

"Let's eat outside." I suggested, trying to be the bigger person. Just because Edward tormented me for many months and unceremoniously dumped me, I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of stooping down to his level.

Weeks ago, I ate outside merely to avoid being in the same room with him for fear that seeing him would bring up the hurt that I so carefully kept inside myself. Now, I actually wanted to give him a break, not really caring whether or not he decided to reciprocate. For me, forgiving is all about what I choose. It has nothing to do with what Edward has chosen. Don't get me wrong. I don't trust Edward any more than I could beat him in a footrace, and I still disliked him quite a bit, but I could no longer call what I felt for him, hate. When Alice took me to the portrait studio today, I had a blast, but I also had an epiphany. I couldn't let what Edward did to me change me into a cold, unforgiving person, any more than I could go back to him and be marionette Bella again.

After school, I went to the basement to sculpt. I didn't change. I simply put my smock on over my dress. I started working on a new sculpture for Esme. It was a reflection of the motherly love I feel coming out of her. I hadn't been down there very long when I heard a loud knocking on the door. Usually, it wouldn't interrupt my work, but this was the loudest knock I had ever heard. I was surprised that whoever was doing it didn't break the front door. Taking off my smock, I went up to see what was going on.

To my surprise, it was Jacob. He looked rather upset about something. I assumed it was because it had taken me awhile to hear him.

"I thought I was going to have to break down the door to get your attention." Jacob pushed past me angrily.

"I don't always hear the door when I'm working." I admitted, sheepishly. "Is something wrong?"

"Other than the smelly bl…" Jacob looked like he was choking on his words before he changed topics. I had no idea what was so smelly that he was talking about. Nothing smelled bad to me, unless he was talking about the sculpting smell. "No, I just wanted to see you. You look amazing, by the way."

Jake looked me up and down, kind of creeping me out a little, and pulled me into a bone-crunching hug. Before I could tell him to knock it off, an earsplitting roar erupted in my living room. Edward was here. Jacob started shaking uncontrollably and snarling. Jacob tried to push me behind him, but accidentally knocked me across the room into the coffee table. I landed wrong on my left ankle and twisted it. I screamed out in pain. Maybe one day I would learn to land more gracefully when someone pushes me out of harm's way, but I kind of doubted it.

I knew that Jacob didn't like the Cullen's but this was ridiculous. I briefly wondered what Jacob's problem was. Then, I remembered my sculpture of the half Jacob, half wolf. If Jacob was a werewolf, he and Edward were mortal enemies. Even though Jake had just hurt me, and Edward was being an ass, I still didn't want either of them to be hurt by the other, and I didn't want Charlie's house to be destroyed as collateral damage. I decided to call for back up. I couldn't understand why Alice hadn't already shown up. I tried to hobble to the phone, but I gave up after a few steps when I nearly screamed in pain. I decided crawling was safer. I crawled backwards so that neither of them could see up my dress.

First, I tried Alice's cell phone, but it went straight to voicemail. She must have gone hunting, or she was having private time with Jasper. I decided to call Carlisle's cell next. He picked up on the first ring. I was incredibly glad.

"Hello, Bella," his voice sounded pleased that I had called him.

"I think Jacob is a werewolf." I screamed. "And he's really angry."

"I'll be right over." He sounded upset.

I was kind of shocked that he accepted my crazy theory so easily.

"WAIT!" I shouted. "Edward's here as well. I think they're going to fight."

"I'll get Emmett and Rosalie." He told me. "We'll be there as soon as we can. Stay on the line and try to give Jacob a little distance. Teenage werewolves are somewhat unpredictable. Did he hurt you?"

"A little, but it wasn't really his fault. Jake was fine until Edward showed up and started growling." I explained, finding the need to defend my friend. It wasn't Jacob's fault that Edward was here. "I think that he only reacted to Edward's sudden appearance in my living room. I was a little upset myself."

"I see." Carlisle said thoughtfully. It sounded pleasant, but I was pretty sure that he was just controlling his anger.

I waited in the kitchen while Edward and Jacob snarled at each other in the living room. Carlisle chatted with me about meaningless things, pretty much making sure I was alright or hadn't gone into shock or anything. At the end, I sensed a change in his tone that made me really pay attention to what he was saying.

"I'm here. Hang up and cover your ears so that I don't damage your hearing." Carlisle commanded.

I immediately obeyed. I didn't have to wait long to figure out why he had me hang up.

"Edward Cullen!" Carlisle thundered. I had never heard so much authority in his voice before. I could even hear it very loudly and clearly though my hands had to be muffling at least some of it. Carlisle was usually so restrained and controlled, but I realized now that he was much more powerful than his human façade would suggest. "You will leave this house immediately and go home! Emmett, Rosalie, take him with you."

After the shouting had subsided, I hopped precariously on one leg to the corner and peeked into the living room and saw that Jacob had calmed down considerably, but was still not happy about Carlisle being there. Jacob looked conflicted but very concerned.

"I need to go home. I've been holding off phasing into my werewolf form as long as I could, but I don't think that I can anymore." Jacob's voice sounded like he was about to lose control. "Will you be okay with…"

I nodded, and he left, quickly. A few seconds later, I heard a loud howl.

"Are you alright, Bella?" Carlisle asked, looking nervously at me, rushing to my side.

"I think I sprained my ankle." I admitted.

Carlisle scooped me up and carried me to the couch and carefully took off my shoe. I fought to protect my modesty in my short dress. Carlisle retrieved me a blanket when he correctly interpreted my distress. He then proceeded to examine my ankle. His fingers were very delicate on my foot as he probed. It felt rather sensual having him touch me in even this very clinical way. I shivered but not just from the cold.

"It does look like a bad sprain. You'll probably need crutches for a few days. I'll have Alice bring you some later." He told me. His usual calm had now returned. He was still concerned about me though. "Did Edward attack you?"

"No. I think that Jacob was just surprised by Edward. He shoved me backwards, kind of like Edward did at my birthday." I rambled. "I am concerned; however, that Edward is apparently stalking me."

"Jacob suggested that Edward had been lurking around outside when he got here." Carlisle nodded. I cocked my head in confusion. I hadn't heard Jacob say anything to Carlisle. "You probably couldn't hear him. He spoke very softly. Werewolves can speak in low tones and have excellent hearing as well."

Great, that meant that another mythological creature that was more magnificent than me.

"Can you tell me what happened?" Carlisle asked, keeping his very cold hand on my foot to help prevent swelling. I very much preferred this to an ice pack.

"Jake was just hugging me. He's very friendly. He expresses himself physically. Edward had no right to charge in here like that." I told him, becoming angry at the memory.

"You're right, and he will be dealt with." Carlisle looked rather annoyed himself. "Edward shouldn't assume that he will be allowed entrance into your home. He has lost that privilege. As for whom you date, that's your business, not Edward's."

"Jake and I aren't dating, Carlisle." I laughed, knowing that I really couldn't handle dating Jacob. After being with Edward and losing myself temporarily, I knew that I needed to be in a relationship with a more mature man. "I know he has a crush on me, but he's just a friend."

Carlisle looked fairly happy, briefly, then arranged his face carefully back to concern. What was that about? Why would Carlisle be glad that Jake and I weren't dating? That thought put a smile inside my heart. It looked like Carlisle might be interested in me. I was so happy!

I then remembered that I wasn't happy. I was angry and a little scared. If Edward wanted to become my shadow, there was nothing I could do to stop him. I wasn't even sure that Carlisle could restrain him if Edward really wanted to be here. And would Carlisle protect me from his son? I shook with fright at the thought. I could not go back to letting Edward control me.

"How am I supposed to feel safe in my own home, Carlisle?" I asked very worried. I doubt that I would be able sleep well for a few days because I would be afraid that Edward would show up. "I'm going to constantly wonder if he's outside listening to everything I do. He used to watch me while I slept. He said that it was to become more accustom to my scent, but I think it was because I talked in my sleep, and he could get insights into my mind that he couldn't get when I was awake. Do you think that he's doing that again?" That was actually the least of my worries. What if he…

Carlisle sighed and ran his hand through his hair.

"I don't know how often he has been watching you, but I assure you the problem will be taken care of. I'm going to limit his interaction with you to school and if you decide to visit our home. If he ever comes here again, he will be officially kicked out of my family. That means no protection from the wolf pack." Carlisle explained. "That will effectively force him out of the area."

"What do you mean, 'no protection from the wolf pack'?" I asked.

"Well, we have a treaty with them. We don't hunt or harm humans, and they don't destroy us, and they allow us to live on our land. We don't go on their territory, but either side can go into the neutral territory. That includes this house. If we kick Edward out, he won't be able to come here without risking being attacked by Jacob or one of his friends." Carlisle explained.

I felt somewhat safer, but still a little worried that Edward could find a way around Carlisle's edict. I was also happy, much happier than I had been in awhile because Carlisle was willing to lose his son over me. He really cares about me. For the first time, I hoped that we could one day be together. Before, I found him attractive, but I hadn't ever pictured myself with him. Now, I wanted nothing more than to be with him, to really get to know him intimately. I blushed. I was; however, a little concerned that we might be moving too quickly. Would he be patient enough to wait for me if I wasn't as eager as he was?

"As to whether or not he watches you while you sleep, we could either take turns watching him at night or you, until we can trust him again. I know that it's not ideal, but I'm afraid that's the best we can do right now.

"Watch him please." I begged. "I don't like the idea of having no privacy again."

I really didn't know how to feel about this whole situation. Edward didn't want to be with me, but he did feel the need to be near me. Why? I reviewed the things I knew or suspected about Edward. First, I knew that Edward had dated me because he wanted to eventually be able to hear my thoughts, and he couldn't stand that he couldn't hear me. Second, he thought that his gift gave him some sort of right to rule. But why would he continue to lurk outside my house and bust in when Jacob gave me a hug? Maybe even though he doesn't actually love me, he is still protective of me for some reason I can't understand. But maybe he wasn't so much protective as angry that I was getting over him. And now that I thought about it, why does he seem to be annoyed that I am happy? It's almost like he didn't really want me to get over him, like he was hoping to break me.

That led me to my second epiphany of the day. Edward did want to break me. He was hoping that I would be so heartbroken and have no friends or resources to get over him that whatever barrier I had in my mind that prevented him from hearing me would implode and he would finally be able to hear my thoughts. Luckily, I never react the way he expects. After much heartache, I didn't break; I became stronger. This led me to a terrifying thought.

What would happen to me when Edward realizes that he will never hear my thoughts?