"Are you feeling better?" Angela asked when Edward and I sat down with her for lunch on monday.

The plane from Chicago was delayed and only reached Seattle late this morning. We had missed the first three periods because of it. Regardless, the time in Chicago had done us good. We had the time to visit all the important places of our past. Sadly my old school and the park Edward and I usually took a walk in where no longer there. Fortunately the church where we got married was still exactly as we remembered it. We had spent time in all three houses and went to visit my parents' graves as well. We informed them of what happened and promised to bring their grandchild the following year.

"Better?" I asked her, furrowing my brows.

Angela blushed slightly. "I just thought- Never mind."

"If I understand correctly, Angela thought we had been sick because we were missing on Friday and this morning." Edward informed me.

"Oh!" I reassuringly smiled at her. "No, we were on a trip to Chicago."

"It was my birth mother's death date on friday and we visited her grave." Edward chimed in. "Our flight got delayed, that's why we were late today."

"Oh, that is better?" She said while blushing and looking down at the table. "I mean, not that it was your mothers- I just meant to say that I am glad you are not sick. I was a bit worried when I didn't see you."

I placed my hand on her arm, brushing over the thick sweater fabric. "It's alright, Angela."

"But thank you for your concern for Bella." Edward smiled brightly at her.

"So," I swiftly changed the topic, "the Halloween dance is approaching. Has anyone asked you?"

Angela looked relieved at the change of topic. She sighed softly and twirled a strand of her hair around her finger. "Well, Tyler asked me, but I turned him down."

I raised an eyebrow. "Why did you decline?"

She looked down at her lunch tray. "Honestly, I think he only asked me to make Lauren jealous. And I don't want to be part of their drama. Besides, I was hoping someone else might ask me."

I leaned closer and smiled. "And who might that be?"

Angela blushed brightly but shook her head.

"Edward and I won't tell anyone. And he can be your informant. After all, he has unrestricted access to the boys locker room. Just think of all the information he is privy to." I wiggled my eyebrows. "He is the perfect spy for your mission."

Angela laughed and leaned closer. "Ben." she whispered.

"Cheney?" I asked for confirmation.

She nodded shyly. "I'm hoping he'll ask me to the dance. We have been talking a lot lately."

"That sounds great, Angela." I smiled. "I hope he asks you soon. I'm sure you will have a nice time with him."

Edward nodded in agreement.

Angela's smile brightened, and she seemed more hopeful. "Thanks. What about you? Are you planning to attend the dance?"

I turned to look at Edward.

He glanced at me with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Well, love, would you do me the honor and attend the dance with me?"

"Of course, Edward. I'd be delighted to attend the dance with you." I smiled at him and kissed his cheek.

"Bella, could we go dress shopping together?" Angela asked nervously.

I nodded enthusiastically. "That would be nice."

"Sorry to bud in like this," Jessica Stanley giggled annoyingly, "but I heard you want to go dress shopping?"

I nodded reluctantly.

"Do you want to join us?" Angela said kindly.

"Hm," Jessica feigned a pause to think over Angelas offer, "Yeah, why not?"

"Great." I said as nicely as I could push myself. I would not knowingly alienate Angela from her friends.

"I am sure Alice would like to join you as well," Edward said while meeting her eyes across the cafeteria.

"Oh, how nice!" Jessica exclaimed. "She will know all the best shops! Your sister always has the best outfits. She puts in a lot of effort."

Edward nodded. "I am sure Alice would appreciate your compliments."

"So, Angela, would you like to come over on the day of the dance? We could prepare at my house." I offered.

She nodded enthusiastically. "I will have to ask my mother, but I'm sure that would be fine."

I liked talking about ordinary teenage topics with Angela. It made me feel more human to chat about her crush and the upcoming dance.

Thankfully, Angela and I were the first ones in the girls locker room when Mr. Banner ended the Biology lesson early.

"Bella, can I ask you something?"

I nodded nervously as I turned around to change into my uniform.

She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "It just- I don't know if you even want to talk about it. I hope it's not too personal and I don't want to pry."

"Angela, just ask me. What's on your mind?"

"I mean, you are still so young and I don't want to sound mean. But- And I don't want to jump to conclusions but-" she stammered with flushed cheeks. "Well, I am just wondering."

"Spit it out." I smiled at her.

"Are you- are you pregnant?"

I sighed softly and nodded.

Her eyes widened with a mix of surprise and joy. "Congratulations!"

"Thank you! We are both very exited." I smiled at her. Somehow it was a relief to have her in the know. "I suppose my stomach is growing too big to hide for much longer. Alice and I always tried to cover it with Edwards sweaters." I gently brushed over the growing bulge.

"Oh, it's not so bad." Angela tried to sooth me. "That's why I was so hesitant to ask. I mean, my stomach gets super bloated whenever I am on my period and I was worried I was just reading too much into it. But I am really happy for you two." She grinned. "And if you need any help, you can always ask me. Ok?"

I appreciated her offer. "Thank you."

"Uh- Bella," the flush returned to her cheeks. "Can I ask you something else?" she questioned with a cautious yet genuinely inquisitive tone.

"What is it?"

"How did you know you wanted to... you know, do it with Edward?"

"Well," I said slowly, choosing my words carefully. "I knew I loved him. We were cou- dating for a long time and I knew there would never be anyone else for me. I knew that I would want to give him everything. My present, my future, my mind and my body. It was all his anyway."

"And how do you know that he is the one?" she asked.

I took a moment to think. "I mean, he is just perfect for me. He tells me the things he tells no one else. His fears and his hopes. And I can do the same. I know many girls, here and everywhere else, look at him and only see the beautiful facade but there is an incredibly thoughtful, wise and idealistic young man underneath that cares so deeply. I think most girls would instead be dissatisfied and disenchanted once they hear some of the darker thoughts in his head. But I love him all the more for sharing them with me."

"It's probably not my place to ask, but he always seems so kind to me. How would a relationship with him be dissatisfying to other girls?"

I pursed my lips. "I won't share any of the more personal-"

"You don't have to say anything." She stopped me hastily.

"I know." I smiled at her. "You know, Edward is quite old fashioned. A true gentleman. I don't think many girls today would appreciate all the aspects that entails."

"Right." Angela seemed confused before her eyes widened and flickered down to my stomach. "Then how- Is it not Edwards?"

"What?" I asked confused.

"Well, if Edward is old fashioned…" Angela said thoughtfully. "Is the baby by someone else?"

"No." I shook my head vehemently. "I would never. Of course not!"

"Then how?"

"You will keep this for yourself?" I asked cautiously.

She nodded. "I won't tell anyone about anything you told me."

"Edward and I are already married. Obviously both Esme, Dr. Cullen and my parents were against it but after many arguments they allowed us to marry."

Angela was quiet for a moment. "So you were married when the Cullens moved to Forks? At fifteen and sixteen?" She looked at me in disbelief.

"No," I shook my head and spun the tale farther. "We were engaged then. But when they returned to visit we had argued with both our parents until they agreed. In return Edward would have to return with his family and I would stay with my parents until I turned eighteen. Esme and Dr. Cullen thought it best to keep our marriage from the gossip of Forks." I shrugged. "So, we know the truth but the public version is that we are engaged."

Our conversation ended abruptly when some of the other girls threw open the door. I was grateful Angela understood and swiftly put on my running shoes to leave for the gym.

Edward and I went for a quick hunt after school. We ventured deep into the forest where only the earthy scent of the woods surrounded us. Our heightened senses were focused on prey only, as we moved silently through the trees. That is until something caught our attention. Edward's eyes met mine, and we shared a moment of unease. Both of us knew the scent.

But we did not attempt to run. There would be no use. They would catch up before we could reach the others.

"Well, well, isn't this a delightful surprise." Laurents voice sent a shiver down my back and I pushed myself closer into Edwards side.

"Two Cullens away from their herd." The blond man mocked us.

We found ourselves face to face with all three: Laurent, James, and Victoria. Their sinister grins and predatory gazes sent a wave of dread through me. We were outnumbered. And their taunting laughter echoed through the trees.

Edward moved to position himself in front of me, his body tense. "What do you want?"

"Just a little fun." James grinned and looked me up and down.

Laurent stepped forward. "This is just a little reunion, young one. Isabella and I had so little time to talk back in the clearing."

"Stay back." Edward demanded, his voice a low growl.

"Oh, touchy." James laughed.

"I want nothing to do with you, Laurent." I said, my voice surprisingly steady while my eyes never left the trio.

"Little Mary Alice once said the same thing to me." James chuckled, a low, menacing sound.

In a blur of movement, Edward lunged for him and the forest erupted into chaos. I needed a moment to understand what had happened and in that time Laurent had launched himself at me. All I could do was throw out my shield, sending him crashing into a tree with a resounding thud.

My heart lurched as I turned to see Edward dance around James, trying to find a point of attack.

I wanted to rush to his side, but before I could reach him, Victoria was upon me. Pinning me down. Her fingers closed around my throat, squeezing relentlessly before my shield pushed her back. Her eyes widened in shock, and she involuntarily released her hold on my throat as my shield flung her against a nearby tree.

But when I got up Laurent was already there to block my path. I would have to hurt them if I wanted to help Edward. Even though the thought seemed repugnant I fixed my glare on Laurent. I would help Edward, I decided. No matter what I would have to do for that.

I lunged forward with newfound determination.

Laurents predatory grin faltered when he saw me attack. And before he understood what happened I sank my razor-sharp teeth into his arm, just above the elbow. The sickening sound of tearing flesh filled the air. And then there was a scream. His scream. So full of pain and agony that I almost gave him back his arm and apologies.

But I did not.

I stood there and watched him stagger back and then turned, expecting another attack from Victoria. But she stood motionless, watching Laurents agony. James was much the same. Both him and Edward had stopped their fight to watch.

I whizzed over to Edward, grabbed his hand and pulled him away.

We ran as fast as we could back to the Cullen house. But at no point was there any indication that the trio had followed us.

Alice greeted us at the front door. "Thank god you are alright!" She hugged first Edward and then me. "None of us would have reached you in time and I saw no future in which you were injured but I was still so worried."

"Alice," Edward started.

"I know, I know," she stopped him before leading us into the living room. "We should speak with the entire family."

All the other Cullens had already gathered there.

"Thank god you are safe." Esme pulled both of us in a hug.

"You should thank Bella instead." Alice giggled as she bounced over to Jasper.

Edward nodded enthusiastically and pulled me to him, pressing his lips to my temple. "She was magnificent."

Selfconcious, I lowered my eyes. It was only then that I realized I still held Laurents arm in my hand. I could not help the hysterical giggles that escaped me as I hastily put it down on the coffee table.

"Laurent´s." Edward answered some unspoken questions.

"Will you tell us what happened?" Dr. Cullen requested.

Edward quickly explained how we stumbled into the arms of Laurent, James and Victoria and what happened after. His expression grew serious. "Their thoughts were not quiet as focused today. I learned two very important pieces of information."

"Go on," Dr. Cullen nodded.

"First, and that is what made me attack James in the first place, he knew Alice as a human. She was put in an asylum in Biloxi by her family and he smelled her. Apparently her blood was one of the sweetest he had ever smelled and he wanted her. He likes to play with his food. Especially the female kind."

Rosalie hissed furiously.

"He showed me his plans for Alice before he would have taken her blood." Edward shuddered and took a deep breath. "Fortunately, there was a different vampire working at the asylum and he took a liking to Alice. He changed and hid her from him. And paid with his life for it."

"Thank you for telling me, Edward." She told him and snuggled deeper into Jasper's embrace.

He nodded and gave her a soft smile before taking another deep breath to continue. "Secondly, Laurent was indeed interested in developing Bellas pregnancy after her change. We were right about that. I still don't know why. But Laurents thoughts were very clear that it was Irina's request. She changed Bella, because her blood was so sweet that Laurent worried he would kill her, and wanted her mate to be the one to introduce his venom so that the baby in Bellas stomach would be born."

Dr. Cullen furrowed his brows. "Why would Laurent care if Isabella died? There are countless pregnant women running around. What does it matter if he killed her specifically?"

"My questions exactly." Edward nodded. "I want answers. Was there any answer from the Denalis?"

"None." Alice said sadly.

"Good idea, Esme." Edward nodded at her.

"Do you think she will answer?" Esme asked cautiously.

Edward shrugged. "It does not hurt to try."

She nodded and stood up to retrieve her phone.

"Esme had the idea to contact Carmen personally. She has always been very close to Esme." Edward explained to his family. "Maybe she will shed some light on this strange behavior."

Esme returned to the room with her phone, her fingers dancing across the buttons as she dialed Carmen's number.

"Esme! How wonderful to hear from you," Carmen greeted warmly when the phone call connected.

Esme smiled. "Carmen, it's been too long. How are you and Eleazar?"

"We've been well, Esme, but we miss all of you terribly."

"We miss you too. And there is something important we need to discuss with you. We were hoping you could visit us soon but Tanya has not got back to us since we asked her a week ago."

"That is strange." She said. "I didn't know you had called. And the sisters are on one of their week-long hunting trips at the moment. But what is going on?"

"Edward has found his mate." Esme informed her excitedly. "We wanted you to meet his Isabella."

"Congratulations!" she said genuinely. "After all this time! I am so happy for him."

"Bella is fantastic for him." Esme praised me. "She completes him."

"Well, I'll discuss this with Eleazar, and we'll make arrangements to come and visit as soon as possible." Carmen told her. "I think you can expect us before the end of the week. Unless Eleazar wants to wait for the sister."

"I am looking forward to your visit." Esme smiled.

"Me too." She said.

The phone call ended and thoughtful silence settled in the room. All of us pondered the strange behavior of the three sisters.