CHAPTER 34

BELLA POV

THE RAIN FELL IN sheets the next morning, the wind blowing hard, practically throwing water at the windshield. Jake was quiet and distracted as he drove down the familiar streets to the school. I studied his face for a while, the only sound coming from the water beating down on the truck and the tires splashing over the wet pavement… he didn't even seem to notice my eyes on him, which was unusual.

"Is everything okay?" I finally asked, my brow furrowed with worry.

"Huh?" He glanced over at me, looking as though he'd forgotten I was next to him, and gave me a sheepish grin. "Oh yeah, sorry, I've just got some pack stuff on my mind."

"You want to talk about it? Or is it stuff you can't talk about?"

"I'm not sure yet." He shook his head. "I at least don't want to worry you with it right now. It might be nothing. I should know more by the end of the day, I think."

"Okay," I said and laid my head on his shoulder. I knew he'd tell me when he could

Throughout the morning, despite my best efforts to focus, for some reason I found myself worrying about Jake and whatever was bothering him. The rain at least cleared off sometime during second period, though the sky remained overcast. I was still distracted as I walked through the courtyard, heading to the cafeteria for lunch, when I noticed lots of people walking slowly or stopped, staring in the same direction. I slowed my steps and followed their gazes then froze.

Edward.

He was standing well past the edge of the courtyard staring right at me, no expression on his face.

A wooziness came over me as my blood abandoned my head and my stomach turned. I didn't know what I had expected if I were to ever see Edward again, but the slight edge of fear that was there surprised me… I had never feared him before. I walked slowly toward him, stopping long before I reached him, but close enough to hear him.

"What do you want Edward?" I asked flatly. I knew that he had been following me and watching me, so I was pretty irritated at him. I thought about calling for Jake, but wanted to avoid that confrontation, if possible… especially here at the school. Plus, Jake seemed to have enough on his mind this morning.

"I want to talk," Edward said coolly. "Carlisle tried to keep it from me, but I know that you wanted to talk to me, but then you changed your mind. It seemed as though your mind might have been changed for you, so I thought I'd try to catch you when the mongrels weren't around."

"DON'T call them that!" I exclaimed fiercely as I jabbed my finger in his direction and glared at him, anger shooting through me. I just about turned and walked away from him right then, but something made me stay. "The choice to not speak with you was mine and no one else's," I continued. "Is that why you've been following me around?"

He looked briefly away from me then turned back before answering. "Yes. You don't seem to get a lot of time away from them. No doubt your decision was heavily influenced."

"Stop it!" My voice raised, but I was trying not to yell, considering how many people still had their attention on us. "You have no idea what's going on with us," I continued, acid in my voice. "You've already misjudged Jake once and caused us a lot of pain because of it. So, instead of throwing around unwarranted accusations, why don't you just say whatever it is you came to say."

Edward started to speak, but then his eyes moved to focus over my shoulder and his face turned menacing. Mike appeared next to me, and he was returning Edward's glare. I felt the presence of others behind me and was surprised to find Eric and Tyler standing there when I glanced back.

"You alright Bella?" Mike asked, not taking his eyes off Edward.

"Yes, thanks Mike, I'm fine." I wasn't 100% sure that was correct, but I feared Mike's life could possibly be in danger… Edward never really liked him much. I really appreciated these three coming to my aid, but I need to get them to back off.

Mike looked at me, uncertainty written on his face. I gave him what I hoped was a reassuring smile and he finally nodded. "Okay, I'll be watching in case you need help." He glared at Edward once again as he backed away.

When the three of them were gone, Edward looked to me again and his face finally softened. "Please come talk to me… somewhere more private." His tone had become gentle and held his hand out to me.

At the change in his demeanor and voice, I hesitated. He sounded like he always used to, alluring and perfect, and a twinge of something clenched inside of me. The memory of what all Carlisle had told us on that first visit to his home office came back to me. He didn't feel I would be in danger from Edward, and I trusted Carlisle's judgement, but then there was that whole manipulation thing. Jake was convinced that's what Edward was doing in the hospital, but Carlisle didn't seem certain, and I wasn't sure what to think about it. It also occurred to me that Alice would be able to see this interaction since none of the wolves were here. If Edward meant me harm, she'd already be here, so his intentions must be good. I also felt confident that she would be watching and would intervene if his intentions shifted and she saw any chance of a bad outcome.

Mysteriously, I also felt a sudden need to speak with Edward that I couldn't explain, and it started to outweigh all other thoughts I was struggling through to make up my mind. Even though I really didn't want to speak with him, deep down I had a knowing that there was some reason this conversation needed to happen. That decided it for me, and I finally consented with a sigh and a nod.

Before I could take a step, a hand gently slipped into mine and held tightly. I turned to find Angela beside me, staring pale-faced at Edward.

"Hello Angela," he said to her, his voice kind. He had always seemed to like Angela. I didn't think the feeling was mutual.

"Don't do it Bella," she said quietly, then turned to look at me, pleading with her eyes. "You don't know for sure if it's safe." She was whispering now, fear evident in her eyes and voice.

I squeezed her hand and forced my voice to sound reassuring. "I'll be fine. This is something I need to do though. We're just going to talk, and I won't go far. And Alice can see us, since the wolves aren't here."

I started to work my hand free from her grasp, and she gripped me tighter, grabbing onto my forearm as well. "At least tell Jake. Let him know what you're doing."

"I will, I promise." I felt a twinge of guilt because I wasn't being completely honest, but I wasn't totally lying either. I had every intention of telling Jake, just not yet, wanting to avoid a conflict if possible… and if I felt the slightest bit threatened, I would call for him immediately. I wanted to get it over with quickly, though, so I didn't want to take the time to try to explain to Angela… especially since I didn't fully understand the need I had to do this myself.

I gave her a firm hug and gently extracted myself from her grip. Then, with a small apologetic smile, I left her standing frozen in fear and worry.

Edward and I headed toward the woods nearest the school. I definitely didn't take the hand he had offered, and I kept a large distance between us as we walked. I knew it really didn't matter how far away I stayed from him, he could do what he wanted to me, and I would never even see him move. It portrayed my aversion of being close to him though, and that was enough.

We stopped not far into the trees, and an odd stillness hung heavily in the air, as if the entire forest were holding its breath in anticipation of something. It was oppressive and pressed in on me, making me feel a little claustrophobic.

"Thank you, Bella, for agreeing to talk with me," Edward said, then he sighed and grasped the back of his neck as his expression saddened. "Well, I've gone about this all wrong since I got back to Forks." He began pacing a short distance back and forth in front of me. "I'm sorry about what happened in the hospital, but I thought I was helping you. I'm still not completely convinced…" he trailed off on that thought and shook his head.

His pacing came to a halt, and he faced me again, determination in his eyes. "My purpose in coming today is to let you know that you still have another path open for you. I need to make sure you know that I still love you, Bella. I never stopped loving you." Edward's voice was only gentle now and he allowed his emotions to fill his face, love and hurt clearly reflected there.

I had intended on asking him about the hospital and if it were true that he tried to manipulate me, but I was completely taken aback at his declaration. Of all the things I thought he'd say, that was not one of them. To say I was shocked would have been an understatement.

"Love me?" I exclaimed in disbelief and was surprised that the small amount of hurt that sounded in my voice. "You never stopped loving me? Why in the world did you leave then! You left me alone… you broke me. Do you even realize what you did to me?!"

"Yes, I have a good idea." He looked morosely down at the ground. "Alice showed me how you were when she arrived… and Jacob has shared his memories with me too." More pain creased his face.

That distracted me for a moment, wondering when Jacob would have ever had the chance to share his thoughts with Edward. Those would have been worse than what Alice saw. I don't think that I minded, Edward should know what he did to me, but I'd have to ask Jake about that later.

Edward continued, "If I had known how it would affect you, I never would have left. I was just trying to keep you safe from my world. Give you a chance at a normal human life."

I huffed out a harsh breath as I snapped at him. "What did you think would happen, Edward? That I would be sad for a few days or a couple of weeks and then just move on?" He began nodding, keeping his eyes cast down as I looked at him incredulously. "And now what? You realized the horrible mistake you made and want me back?"

"Yes, to both." His determination wavered a bit at my negative reaction, but he held firm. "I did want you to move on and I didn't dream that you would be so devastated by me leaving… and I'm so very sorry for that. But now," he gestured to me, "as you just stated, I have realized that I made a horrible mistake." He looked at me again and held my gaze. "Bella, I thought I could do it, I thought I could leave you, but I was wrong. I'm not strong enough to stay away from you and I am miserable without you. I never should have left… I was wrong to leave."

My head was reeling from these totally unexpected declarations, and I rubbed my hand across my forehead. This was more than I ever would have expected to deal with during this conversation, and I was confused by the sudden uncertainty that I felt. Seeing the hurt on Edward's face, hearing his voice again, and knowing the truth of why he left and how he still felt about me; I took a minute to truly analyze my feelings. Did I still love him as I once had? The memories of the feelings I'd had for him came flooding through my mind—the thrill, the passion—it gave me pause and I drew in a shuddering breath. I guess I did still love him, but I was also aware that it was not the passionate love that it once was… not the all-consuming love that I was willing to trade everything else in my life for. That love had died and no longer held any power over me to bring me any happiness or pain. Jacob held my heart now.

"Edward, you were my first love, and you will always have a special place in my heart because of that, but you aren't the one I want to spend my life with anymore. You broke my heart. No, you broke me. When you left, it nearly destroyed me. I would have been destroyed if it weren't for Jacob. He was there for me—he helped me pick up the pieces and put me back together again. And because of him I was able to do what you hoped for. I moved on."

A small breath of a breeze touched me through the oppressive air of the forest, caressing my skin and causing wisps of hair to dance around my face.

"But he could leave someday." Edward took a step toward me, a hint of arrogance in his tone. "Did you know that? Did he tell you that he could be forced to leave you someday?"

I stepped back from him to keep the distance. It occurred to me that he thought he was going to be the good guy, telling me the big dirty secret he was sure Jake had kept from me.

"Yes, I know all about imprinting." I smirked at him smugly, so thankful to be with Jake, and that he was nothing like Edward.

A look of surprise and defeat flashed over Edward's face.

"Jake doesn't keep things from me or try to control and lie to me. He told me, and I made a choice to stay with him. I will not abandon him, or what we have, because someday he might be forced to leave me. That's a big difference between the two of you… he would never leave me by choice, but that's exactly what you did."

As I spoke, my voice had become louder with a harsh edge. The air around me again started to gently move, and I took a deep breath, enjoying the soft touch on my face as I tried to calm myself. Getting mad at Edward wasn't going to help anything. When I spoke again, my voice was calmer and quieter.

"I know you think that Jake is the bad guy here, but you're wrong. If he showed you my pain, I am certain that he also showed you my healing… how he loved me through it and how much I love him now and how connected we are. He may not have imprinted on me in their usual way, but there is too much between us to ignore our special bond. Carlisle has seen it. Surely, he has shared it with you, or you have seen glimpses of it in his thoughts if nothing else."

Edward looked away and didn't say anything in response. If I hadn't already been sure that Jake would show him my happiness and love, his lack of response would have confirmed it.

"Edward, I appreciate you revealing your feelings for me and making sure that I know I could return to you if I wanted to, but you're going to have to accept that I no longer want that path."

Another breeze touched me, gently swirling my hair. I became vaguely aware that the air kept moving around me in short bursts, gaining in strength each time, but the forest continued to be still and heavy otherwise.

I didn't have time to further consider that thought as Edward suddenly appeared right in front of me, his scent invading my senses for the first time. I jumped slightly at his unexpected closeness and took a couple of steps backwards, but he stepped with me, staying close. A chill slithered up my spine, reminding me of the feeling I had in the hospital, and I abruptly felt uneasy being alone with him.

"Please Bella," he said softly, "you have to remember."

His scent became stronger, seeping into my consciousness and I panicked a bit… perhaps Jake was right about the manipulation thing. I tried to ask Edward about it, but my words were slow and slurred, like I had been drinking.

"Be at peace, Bella," was his only response.

My thoughts became fuzzy, and I couldn't process what he'd just said, however my thoughts were still all my own… not like what happened in the hospital when foreign thoughts entered my mind. The anxiousness in my mind calmed. Only inches away from him, I was still uncomfortable, but I was not afraid anymore.

He reached out a tentative hand and gently touched my face. I flinched slightly at his touch, but I didn't move away. "Please remember…" he whispered. "I just need you to remember."

The memories of what I used to feel for Edward were forced to the surface again, stronger than when I had brought them to mind a few minutes before. They were boring into my mind, as if they were trying to become reality again. I closed my eyes and let them flow through my consciousness, allowing myself to fully experience them once more… that feeling of knowing was telling me that this was important. Right on the heels of the memories of my love with Edward, however, were the memories of pain and loss, and a single tear slid down my face at those memories—all the pain caused by the loss of that love.

Edward was holding my gaze and I couldn't look away from his mesmerizing amber eyes. His hard cold finger brushed over my skin as he wiped away the tear and his hand caressed my cheek. He was being gentle, but the contact brought no comfort or pleasure and it made me long for a warmer, softer touch… Jacob's touch.

The memories of the lost love faded because that's all they were—memories. While they could bring back the feelings and emotions, there was no strength to them any longer and my mind rejected them from becoming reality again. They were no match against the true reality of the love that existed in my heart for Jacob. I needed no memories to feel that love because it was rooted deep inside of me and flowed through every fiber of my being. It had become a part of me, as vital to my survival as the heart that beat in my chest or the lungs that gave me breath.

Shaking my head, I was able to clear most of the fog away and I opened my eyes again. I took Edward's hand from my face and slowly lowered it, then let go. Taking two steps back I gave him a sympathetic look for his pain.

"Please don't try to force this Edward," I said gently, registering the gentle command he had made for my peace, and realizing he had indeed been trying to manipulate me into feeling something for him again. Just like in the hospital, it hadn't worked. "I do remember our love, but that is all it is now… a memory. My human life with Jake is more than I ever could have imagined it to be, so full of friendships, family, and love. I can't believe I almost missed out on all of it, that I almost gave it all up."

A great depth of conviction grew in my voice as I continued to speak. "I know that I have found my true soulmate in Jacob, the one who I was born to love and live my life with. I am in love with him, and I completely and unreservedly belong only to him. With everything that is in me I have chosen Jake and will continue to choose him for the rest of my life."

As I spoke those final words, time seemed to slow. A strong warm breeze blew and swirled around me, lifting my hair, hugging my face and body, causing my jacket and clothes to flutter. Though Edward stood so close in front of me, the movement of the air did not touch him. As the breeze curled and flowed around me my love for Jacob surged through me with a new force. I gasped and closed my eyes at the intensity of it and felt a powerful shift inside of me—like my true destiny was whispering to a piece of my soul… a piece that had been forced in the wrong way and was finally being put right. The breeze continued for a few more moments, tapered off slowly, and then the forest was still again. The heaviness of the air was gone, however, and time began moving at a normal pace once more.

Edward seemed to be completely oblivious of what I had just experienced. As I had made my declarations of loving and choosing Jacob, the tortured, lost look from the hospital had returned to Edward's eyes, void of any of the hope or tenderness that had been there a moment before.

I didn't have a chance to contemplate anything that had just happened as Edward grabbed me roughly by the arm, all the gentleness gone, and spoke in desperation. "No, you're wrong Bella. You do still love me. You have to remember Bella."

The shift in Edward's demeanor was so sudden it was staggering. This was not the man that I had once loved, but a tormented soul who had lost all hope. He was a broken creature who was trying everything he could to win back the person he threw away… and realizing he was losing. The calm feeling of a few moments before vanished and I was terrified of this creature in front of me. I called frantically for Jake, praying that I hadn't waited too long.

What in the world have I done?

"Let go Edward, you're hurting me," I cried fearfully. I pulled uselessly against his grip, only managing to bruise my arm. The ache in my back and side flared and I stopped struggling so I didn't hurt myself anymore, and I was trembling with dread.

Through a haze, I realized that Edward's scent was enveloping me much more deeply than before, and my brain was once again a foggy blur.

Oh no, no, no, no. JAKE! Please hurry! I silently cried to him in terror.

Edward had wrapped his arms around me, and I began struggling against his stone embrace again, even though I knew it was useless and I would hurt myself if I fought him, I couldn't just stay still… I had to at least try to get away. His scent was everywhere and continued to cloud my mind, my vision blurring. Then his hand was in my hair, and I felt his cold, hard lips on my skin… my cheek, my forehead, my neck, my mouth. His lips did not hurt me, but they were not gentle either.

Growling sounded from a distance, rapidly closing in on us. After a few moments, it was a loud constant rumble right beside us and a little relief cut through my fear. I was still trying to struggle, but my body had stopped obeying; both my vision and breathing were still being affected by Edward and not functioning properly.

"Edward!" cried Carlisle's familiar voice in shocked horror and the nearest growling cut off suddenly. Then more gently and closer Carlisle said, "If she hasn't responded to you by now son, she isn't going to."

Edward's lips and arms disappeared, and I was falling backwards, unable to do anything to catch myself. Almost immediately though, another set of arms came around me, stopping my fall. These arms were searing hot in comparison to the ones that had held me captive a moment before, and the heat was most welcome. They gently lowered me to sit on the ground, a supportive arm around my shoulders steadying me. I took long deep breaths to draw in the new scent of forest and ocean, but it was different than the one I was so familiar with, and not nearly as potent. It still worked to clear my head, though the fear was not fading easily. As soon as I was able to move again, I quickly shifted closer to the person supporting me and turned my head into his chest… I didn't care which brother was there, he was my safety. His arms wrapped more securely around me, the heat comforting me.

"You're safe now Bella. Are you hurt?"

I recognized Sam's voice. I shook my head and whispered. "I don't think so." The world finally came back into focus and the fear was fading, but I was still trembling.

Sam gently took hold of my arm, turning it to examine it. "Yes, you are hurt."

I looked at my arm too and saw a giant bruise blooming the entire way around my forearm… much worse than I would have thought it would be.

Sam kept his arm around me as he addressed Carlisle and Edward.

"This is totally unacceptable!" The anger in his voice was almost palpable—no hint of his usual calm, serene tone—it made me shiver, though I knew it wasn't directed toward me. "He just forced himself on Bella and she is obviously scared… she's still trembling. I think you should all leave… go home and we can discuss your further presence here later."

I looked toward where Carlisle and Edward were standing and saw that Alice was there too. Alice and Carlisle looked mortified, each holding onto one of Edward's arms, who looked distraught and angry.

What in the world did he have to be angry about? I'm the one who was just assaulted!

"We're so sorry about this Bella… Sam," Carlisle said miserably. "We will of course go home and wait for you to contact us."

They left, Edward in tow. Sam helped me stand, continuing to support me as I swayed unsteadily.

"Are you in pain Bella?"

I took a deep breath and winced at the usual ache in my ribs. The trembling was nearly gone though, and I was feeling better now that Edward had left.

"It's not bad…no more than the usual I think." My voice was a little shaky and when I moved to look around, a sharp pain stab my side, making me grunt and wince. "Okay, maybe a little more than usual. I think I have a few new bruises around my back, but nothing like what I got from Victoria." I looked up at Sam as I gently touched where I was hurting, and then looked around me. Jared was standing nearby. "Where's Jake?"

"He's on his way, but he knew he wouldn't make it to you fast enough, so he sent us. Do you want to go back to class, or would you like to leave?"

"I just want to go home. Can you take me to Emily's?" There was no way I was going to be able to concentrate on anything else today.

Sam smiled when I referred to Emily's as 'home'. "Sure thing." He turned to address Jared. "Tell Jake that Bella is fine and we're taking her to Emily's, so he should just meet us there." Jared nodded then jogged away to phase.

"I need to get my books," I said.

Sam nodded and kept his arm around me as we headed back toward the school. Lunch was over and the next class period had started, so the courtyard was thankfully empty.

"Thanks for coming Sam."

"Of course! I will always be there if you need me."

I smiled up at him and saw that his nose was wrinkled up a little. "Oh, sorry, I must really stink to you now. He really breathed all over me." I frowned. I couldn't believe that it was true, and that Edward had tried to manipulate me with some vampire juju.

Sam relaxed his face and gave me a crooked smile. "It's alright. I can handle it."

When we got close to the cafeteria entrance, Angela came running out and threw her arms around me, hugging me carefully. "I'm so glad you're okay Bella. I was a nervous wreck." She fell in step with us as we started walking again. "Hi Sam," she said shyly.

"Hello Angela," he replied with a warm smile.

She gently picked up my arm and studied the new bruise there. "Edward did this to you?"

I nodded and had to look away from her concern filled face, guilt eating at me.

"I was afraid he'd hurt you," she whispered, no condemnation in her voice, only worry for me. "At least it's just a bruise, right?"

I nodded again. "That one and maybe some new ones on my back."

She gasped. "How…"

Sam answered before I could, clearly disgusted. "He forced himself on her… grabbing hold and not letting go, even though she was struggling to get away."

Angela turned away in stunned silence as we reached my locker. I quickly packed my things and Sam took my bag from me when I was done.

"How are you feeling now? Still feeling unsteady?"

The wooziness was gone, and my nerves had settled so the trembling had stopped as well. "No, I think I'm good now."

"Can I come with you guys?" Angela asked, looking at Sam. "I don't feel comfortable staying the rest of the day." A visible shiver went through her.

Sam's voice was understanding. "Sure, you can come with us."

Once we'd collected Angela's things, we headed toward the parking lot, Jared joining us at the front door. He gave me and Angela a smile of greeting before speaking to Sam.

"I got the message delivered to Jake. He's a little out of his mind with rage at the moment, so he's gonna go run it off with Embry and Quil before they head down to Emily's. He said he'd be there as soon as he could cool off."

"I don't blame him at all," Sam said sympathetically. "I can't imagine how I'd feel if it had been Emily. I had enough trouble seeing him doing that to you Bella.

"It's probably a good thing Jake wasn't here," I said. "He might have killed Edward."

Sam and Jared both grunted in agreement.

As Sam drove us out of the school parking lot, both guys rolled their windows down half-way.

"I'm so sorry I stink."

"Stop apologizing Bella," Sam said, "it's not your fault."

"It's a little my fault," I mumbled then sighed. "I just hope I'll have time to take a shower before Jake gets there."

I knew that I had to have that conversation with Edward, and I was positive now that I needed to do it alone. I still couldn't help but feel guilty that I had worried everyone so much, especially Jake. It had to be hard on him to see me like that through the pack mind and be unable to do anything about it.

"You should have time," Jared said. "Even if he headed straight to Emily's, it would be a good thirty minutes before he got there."

"Wow. I know you said he was far away, but I didn't realize it was that far. Why was he so far away?" My curiosity was piqued considering they could cover a lot of distance in thirty minutes.

"He went to Seattle to see what he could find out about all the unusual activity happening over there."

"Seattle? Why? What kind of unusual activity?"

"Sorry, I thought Jake already told you… though he did just find out yesterday."

I shook my head. "I noticed he was distracted this morning, but he said he'd tell me when he knew more."

"Ah. Well, he probably didn't want to worry you unnecessarily. So, before we took down the red head, we'd figured out that she may have been going to Seattle, or somewhere in that general direction, and there have been a lot of strange disappearances and murders happening there. It all gave Jake an uneasy feeling, so he just wanted to investigate a little."

"Oh, okay," was all I said, not understanding what kind of connection those things could have to Victoria that could still be an issue now that she was gone. I would just talk to him about it later… if he wasn't too upset with me.

After a short silence, Sam glanced down at me. "Bella, maybe it's not my place, but will you tell me what happened? How did Edward get so close to you? And why were you in the woods alone with him?"

I sighed and told them how everything had happened… they were all going to find out soon enough anyway through the pack mind. "I know what I did seems careless, but it was something that needed to happen. I am really sorry that I worried everyone so much though." I didn't want to get into details with anyone but Jake, especially considering I didn't fully understand it all myself. I did realize that I was probably fortunate all I got were some new bruises.

"Well, I think you got pretty lucky Bella," Sam said gently. "It all worked out okay, so don't beat yourself up about it, but please be more careful in the future. Jake isn't the only one who cares about what happens to you, you know."

"I know. I'm not used to having so many people in my life who I can rely on and who worry about me. I'm sorry for putting you all through that."

Sam mercifully left it at that and when we got to Emily's, I thankfully was able to take a shower. It was a good thing I had left some clothes there… the guest room had sort of become my room since I had stayed there so much.

Shortly after shutting off the water, I heard lots of quiet talking through the bathroom door and was pretty sure one of the voices was Jake. Butterflies of excitement and worry started fluttering around my stomach at the sound of him. I hurried to get dressed and dry my hair, anxious to see him and hoping he wasn't too upset with me.

When I came out of the bathroom everyone was there, even Kim. I grimaced inside… I guess they all knew what had happened already. I couldn't bring myself to meet anyone's gaze as I scanned the room, not seeing Jake or Sam.

"Is Jake back yet?" I asked Emily when she came over to me. "I thought I heard him."

She put her arm around me to give me a gentle side-hug and smiled. "You did. He and Sam are out back." She held onto me for a moment, studying me carefully. "Everything's going to be okay now Bella… it's all going to fall into place, so you don't need to worry anymore."

"Thanks Emily." I thought that was a strange thing for her to say, but I was too distracted and worried about talking to Jake to think much of it. Just as I stepped out the back door, Sam was walking up the steps.

"Hey Bella. He's waiting for you," he said quietly.

My heart began pounding in my chest and my mouth went dry from the nerves. I looked out over the yard and Jake was standing about a hundred feet or so away, his back to me. I couldn't help but feel like a child going to face her parent after disobeying. I knew that's not how Jake would treat me, but my guilt was weighing heavily on me.

Taking a deep breath, I headed out to him.