A/N: Set during New Moon when Bella chases Edward through the woods in an attempt to find him after he leaves her.

--

Chapter 18

Bella's POV-

"Bella? Are you okay?"

I smiled, waving Charlotte's concerns away. Yes, I had finally learned her name! And had also been informed that I often referred to her as mom in this universe. At times. Not always. Only when I wanted something expensive and completely unnecessary, and needed to butter her up. I was a pretty pampered brat, according to the several stories that they told me each day! Anyhow, Charlotte was mom, but Peter always remained 'Peter'. Since I had been a kid in this universe, my equation with Pete had always remained one of best friends, and truly, I could see why. Pete...was exceptionally witty and often borderline offensive….to the limit of people telling him to shut up! No topic was taboo with him. You could simply talk to him about anything and everything...without feeling embarrassed or the need to hide certain information. Also, he was fun to be around. And a great friend! One you could wholeheartedly trust! Anyhow, in the past few weeks- I had been here for a whole month now- I had come to appreciate Peter and Charlotte's presence in my life. They were nice people to have around. And in some ways, better than the Cullen's, too. There was no sense of hostility or hatred for this life of theirs. They loved their life, and it showed in their behavior! They had taught me the ropes of hunting and drinking. For now, I had followed them in their lifestyle of drinking from criminals and the bad of society, but had plans to switch to animal blood once I was more settled in my new life as a vampire. I needed more control for that, was what they had told me.

As for Jasper...we had certainly come close. As friends. As people. You could not avoid someone when you lived with them twenty-four hours a day-seven days a week! And either way, it would not be fair to him to do that. It was not his fault! I was not his wife; I had made that clear to him. But I could be his friend. And so, that is what we were!

Friends. Companions. Family.

It was strange.

I had always believed that family was essentially by blood. Charlie was my family. Renee was my family. I wanted the Cullen's to be my family, but there was always something missing. I could try all I wanted, but I wasn't one of them. And they reminded me of this at every nook and corner that we crossed. But with Peter, Charlotte and Jasper- the Whitlocks' as they referred to themselves as- it was different. I was one of them! I knew the stories and the reasons for the laughs. I knew the sad tales and theirs pasts. I knew them. It did not matter that I had known them for such less a time. They were my family. And so, my heart broke when I attempted to confess the truth to Charlotte of my sadness.

"I miss Sam."

"Oh." A low whisper emitted her lips. "I thought you were missing him less these days."

I shook my head, a sigh leaving my mouth. "I just wish I could find him."

"Bella." she mirrored my sigh. "You know that he could be a human...and you have just begun your life as a vampire. It could be very risky."

"I know." I gave my agreement. "And that is the only reason why I am not running across the country to find him. I can't take that risk of losing control in his presence."

"You are getting better." she smiled.

I shrugged. "Long way to go yet. According to Pete, I still lose control way too fast when faced with a human. I have to learn how to control myself- even if it means controlling my breath for however long it takes."

"Rome wasn't built in a day!" she winked.

I sighed. "Please can you do me a favor though."

"Of course."

"Can we track Sam? I just want to know where he is!"

I was desperate.

Pete and Charlotte had offered to change him for me...but I could not do that. First, I didn't even know whether he was the same Sam that I had known or not. And even if he was, this wasn't a decision I could take without consulting him! He had to consent to this! And I would have to be the one to ask him his choice. It could not be anyone else. And so, we waited. Soon, I would master being a vampire, capable enough to being in his presence without draining him dry.

X-X-X

The answer to my question came to me a week later, Jasper being the bearer of bad news.

"He is human."

Oh.

"Where is he?"

"Philadelphia. Just graduated high school. Lives with his parents and three younger brothers. Happy family. No need to worry."

Philadelphia?

I lived in Houston.

"Is he the same…"

He shrugged, his expression sympathetic. "I had no way to know that. Sorry. He seemed happy."

"That's...um...good." I forced a smile onto my face.

Sam...I wish I could come to you…

"Tell you what," Jasper attempted to cheer me up. "Let's go on a road trip. Just you and I. Across the country. We will refrain from the crowded places, but this will get your mind off Sam, and it would be a good lesson for you to improve your blood lust."

"Um, are you sure that's a good idea?"

A road trip across the country was certainly exciting...but could we really do that?

He smirked...that apparently being my answer.

Sam's POV-

"Bro."

Jackson, my annoying younger brother, entered my room uninvited, taking a seat on my bed- again uninvited, opening his mouth to utter something completely unnecessary.

At the young age of sixteen, he tended to be a bit brash and often immature.

"I am going to this cool party tonight." he smirked. "Sexy, available chicks. Free booze and no adult in. You want to come?"

Nope.

Not interested.

"Cool." he let out a breath. "The party is in Emily's place. You know the senior who confessed to the entire world that she likes you?"

I waved him off. I did not know any Emily. But she knew me. And that was a constant reason for worry in my life these days. I had jumped right into this crazy world, having come out of the tunnel. I had no time to adjust, or to look around me and take notes. I was a human in this universe. I had a loving family. And was doing good in high school. I had tried searching for Bella, but Pennsylvania was a huge state, and she could be anywhere! We weren't roaming around in the same social circle. Unfortunately.

"I can't." I falsely smiled. "I need to talk about something important to mom and dad."

"Your loss." he shrugged and left the room. Finally.

Tonight was an important night. Tonight was the night when I told my parents in this universe that I wanted to tour the country as a graduation gift. I had to find Bella. And this was the only way out.