JPoV

I woke up before the sun rose and not by my choosing. Bella's yelp of surprise brought me out of my peaceful lull and back to our scary reality.

"I'm so sorry, Jacob," Bella mumbled shamefully, "Edward tells me I move in my sleep when I'm stressed out. When I woke up, I was here." She was lying in bed, tucked under my lanky arm.

"It's okay," I said, "Are you?"

Bella's face scrunched up, and she shook her head. I pulled her into my chest. Tears streamed down her face and wetted the shoulder of my white t-shirt. I pet her mahogany hair.

"I'm sorry. I'm just really worried about my mom and dad. What if they come here?"

"They won't. And if they did, we'd have someone shadowing them all the time."

Bella sniffed. "Really?"

"Of course. Alice can see her future clearly. Your mom is extremely safe."

"I trust you guys-it's just that- she's my mother. And the roles have always been reversed for us. I'm so worried about her."

"I miss my dad too. He likes a fight. I'm worried he'll get himself hurt if he gets near James," I admitted.

"Oh, Edward. He's so angry. If James is near him, what if he freaks on him and doesn't use his head?" Bella whimpered.

"Trust me," I said, "Nobody uses their head more than Edward. Also, vampires' minds work different than ours. They can focus and think on a million things at once when they're able to stay in control. Luckily for us, old vegetarian vampires are the most focused. But the people-eaters are stronger so it's kind of a strategy against strength thing. Good thing Dad's huge. It would be an even fight, but I think the mind-reading would tip the scales in our favor."

"Thank you Jacob," Bella whispered, "for being so kind to me."

"That's what friends are for," I said, "Cheer up. Edward's going to be here soon." Bella smiled with excitement. Alice and Jasper told us last night that Edward and Dad would be here after we woke up.

"I can't believe I almost forgot!" Bella hopped out of bed and went to the door.

"Again, I'm sorry for being a liability," she said.

"Like I said, Bella, you're worth it."

Bella smiled. She looked better than she had in days. Edward was like her medicine or her drug. Withdrawal wasn't pretty.

My cell-phone rang on my bedside table. The caller ID was Gwen's house. Her parents didn't let her use her cell a lot so she often used the house phone. This was strange though. What teenager was awake this early? Wasn't it a weekend?

"Gwen? Hey, I'm glad to hear from you," I said. I needed to talk to her. It wasn't good when your boyfriend disappears without a text.

The answer was a muffled scream.

"Hello?" I asked.

"Don't speak, Jacob. It could be very bad for your little girlfriend," a smooth female voice said. The sound was high-pitched and rang. The speaker sounded like a little girl.

"There is no need for Gwen to die if you cooperate with us," the female said. The threats made my skin prickle.

"Make sure you're alone," the woman paused, "Now, Jacob, please say this as naturally as possible. Repeat after me, 'I'm fine, Gwen.'"

"I'm fine, Gwen," I said obediently.

"I assume you're still in hearing range. Answer yes or no," the woman said.

"Yes."

"Now say, 'Don't worry about me.'"

"Don't worry about me," I whispered. My throat was tight. A million awful scenarios played through my head.

"Very good, Jacob," the female purred, "I must admit Gwen was a sweet surprise. Does your family always take such romantic interest in the humans around you?"

I stayed silent.

"I suppose not. You did leave her here where just anyone could find her. It was more than easy to figure out you had a little sweetheart. Those internet profiles are really insecure. Anyone could find you, even if you don't have one. Of course, putting your boyfriend in your profile picture seems innocent when you haven't met his bloodsucking family. Now tell me you'll be home soon."

"I'll be home soon," I said quietly.

"You're going to have to act better than that if you're going to save this young lady's life. Can you get away from your family?" The woman sneered the last word.

"Remember to answer yes or no," she sing-songed.

"No," I said. It was impossible.

"Please, Jacob, try harder. Gwen's just quivering with fear," she said.

"Please Jacob," Gwen said. There was more terror in her voice than I had ever known.

"Yes, I'll try," I said quickly.

"Oh, good!" Victoria said cheerfully, "Here's what I want you to do. Look out your hotel window. There is a baseball stadium in your view. Go there. Come alone. Don't tell anyone where you're going. Gwen doesn't have much time." The vampire hung up. I closed my phone with shaking hands.

What was I going to do? I didn't love Gwen. I cared about her a lot, but we had only been dating a couple weeks. I still couldn't let her die. Every human life was valuable-it was the principle my family was founded on. If James was in Phoenix, he wouldn't leave until he had me. If I didn't go, he would find me with my family and Bella. Someone might get hurt.

I was going to have to go. I'd send my family a message when I got there. I'd tell them I love them and thank them for being the best and taking me in. I'd tell them where to collect my body and that Gwen was in the stadium somewhere so they could find her. Maybe they would find James and kill him. Mom would want revenge. She would be in so much pain. Could I do this to her? If I didn't, it would be Gwen's parents feeling the same way.

Just to clarify: I'm sure the Cullens or Bella wouldn't have profiles, but it's 2005 and I'm sure a normal high-schooler would have a MySpace….

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday. Happy New Year!