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

Chapter 3-

Sam's POV-

"Here." I expressionlessly stated, depositing the little girl in her father's open arms, another chore ticked off my list. Being a protector meant protecting anyone and everyone in need of protection. Of course, my main responsibility lied towards protecting my tribe from bloodsuckers, yet in my own small way I believed that I was making a difference. "You might want to cover her up in several blankets. She was rather cold when found."

"Ye..s…y..es." The man stuttered in worry and helplessness, Joy Swan quick to grab a bunch of blankets from the bedroom upstairs, wrapping the thin girl in them, her shivering finally coming to a pleasant stop.

Yet, she seemed no closer to gaining consciousness than she did fifteen minutes ago.

"I should get going."

I had to get back to my patrolling.

There was no one out there that I could rely on.

"Sam."

I stopped mid-walk, waiting for Chief Swan to continue speaking.

"Thank you."

I offered him a brief shrug, walking out of the house. I hadn't done this for the 'thank you'. This was my job. I was simply doing it well.

Bella's POV-

I felt my eyes opening, the several loud sounds ringing all around me becoming clearer with every passing second. I frowned in annoyance. Why were they talking so damn loudly?

Didn't they know the meaning of the word 'quiet' or 'shh'?

A good time to learn it!

"Argh." I groaned out, taking my head in my hands, forcing my eyes open. Great. I was still here in this warped up universe!

I could see Joy feeding the twins by the dining table. How old were they; couldn't they eat on their own?

A boy- I presume Quil- sat on the couch playing video games, at a volume that could rival the dropping of utensils in a silent room filled with people mourning! Charlie seemed to be missing from action.

Great.

I could definitely do with one less of them!

"Belly, you are awake."

Unfortunately.

I smiled at the twin who had noticed my state of being awake, her name long forgotten in my memory.

"How are you feeling now, dear?" Joy enquired, worry shining in her kind eyes as she slowly approached me, as if afraid to make any sudden movements. It made me feel a pinch of guilt.

She probably did not deserve the cold shoulder.

"I am…okay, I guess. I don't exactly remember the events of last night."

I remembered not being able to locate the tunnel, giving up and shouting for Edward to come and help me out…

It was so damn cold out there. Had I fainted?

"Sam found you."

Okay?

"You were shivering and cold. It wasn't a sight we wish to witness ever again." She folded her arms over her chest, her eyes indicating that I was in big trouble. "What made you do this; I would like to know!" It seemed to be an innocent question, yet it felt like an order not one could deny fulfilling.

"I…got lost."

I couldn't exactly tell her the truth now!

"I was walking and…just couldn't find the way back."

It seemed convincing to me, at least.

"Are you sure that's it?"

"Well, yes, of course."

She stared at me for a second longer, finally nodding her head in agreement. "You might want to thank Sam. I will give you his address. He would simply love the chocolate brownies you make."

Well…

I don't know any Sam, and definitely don't want to bake brownies for him!

"Actually…"

"Bella," she paused, "I don't know what is gotten into you, but had Sam not found you, you could have died yesterday. We need to thank the fates that you did not get hypothermia. Sam's body heat stopped that from happening." I shuddered in fear on listening to that. "Do you still think a batch of brownies is too much to give to that man as a thank you?"

"No."

Never.

I may not like this universe I was stuck in…but taking my own life was no solution.

I did not want to die!

He had saved my life; the least I owed him was thanking him for it!

"I will go and convey my gratitude." I offered my agreement.

"That's my girl." She smiled, walking away, back towards her daughters.

Actually…I wasn't her girl.

Sam's POV-

"Sam, there is a girl here to see you."

My mother knocked on the door of my room, her tone no more friendly than it had been in the past year. I was a burden on her head; she made that clear as water every time she spoke to me.

"I have not invited anyone over."

I hardly knew any girls these days…wait…had Leah come to talk?

I ran up the stairs, forgetting everything for a long minute. I needed to talk to Leah. Maybe…she had realized that it was crazily just a phase? As insensitive as that sounds! We could get back together; I would take her back in a heartbeat…

"Oh."

It wasn't Leah.

Of course.

Last I had heard, she was in a satisfying relationship.

"Hi."

The meek girl responded with a wave. "Here."

She offered me something, her hands outstretched. I stared at the Tupperware in question.

"I haven't ordered anything."

My mother did often indulge in online shopping…but not me. Never me.

"I don't want any free gifts."

I wasn't falling for that trap either!

"So, just take it back."

I was about to shut the door on her face…when a whisper caused me to stop mid-way.

"I wanted to thank you."

Excuse me?

"I baked some brownies for you…to thank you for saving me last night."

Oh. Okay.

I hadn't expected that!

"You don't need to thank me." I rolled my eyes in annoyance, refusing to even look at her face. I had not done it for her.

"Please. It would make me feel better."

Fine.

I looked up, meeting her eyes as I offered to take the brownies from her…when it happened.

How had I not looked into her eyes any before? I regretted every second that I had wasted. Her eyes were beautiful…the smoothest chocolate brown that I had ever witnessed…or ever would. I could see my soul in those eyes of hers. I could see my past, the mistakes and the cherished moments, the dreams long forgotten and the desires unaccomplished. I could see my future, the hopes that remained and the moments that were yet to come. I was going to be a happy man. I would have children, passing my knowledge and legacy over to them, and one fine day I would sit at the porch of a well-lived house with this beautiful woman by my side.

"Bella."

It felt surreal to say her name.

She was my life from now on.

She was mine, and I was hers.

She was my imprint.