Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Growing Up

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 15:

BPOV

That was an extremely long flight spent in extreme comfort. Peter and I flew first class to New York under assumed names. He then chartered us a private jet under a different name. James Bond took no chances.

Still joining the mile high club six times made the trip very enjoyable. He let me lick champagne off his abs. Yummy. I was pretty tipsy by the time we landed. Still I admit I had some nerves. Part of it was I kept expecting Garrett’s face to appear outside the airplane window and ask to be let in. Another part was simple nerves about what was coming. I would miss the dreams of my past lives with Peter. That was it. Everything else I could do without. He would feel different to me. He told me that other vampires feel to each other what humans feel like to each other. That would be nice. But I was so used to his cold body. Still the idea of feeling his warm body on top of me was one I could get used to.

Africa was… hot. Very damn hot. There were insects I didn’t recognize. They looked mean. I wish Amber was here. Bitch could catch Malaria. I never was able to knock her out but we did learn a lot from each other. Mostly she learned what it was like to pummel someone and I learned how to take an ass beating and get up. Maybe after I am turned I can go back and spar with her then. Or drink her blood.

Guess it would depend on what kind of mood I would be in.

One great thing about being turned was when I woke up I was going to kick the hell out of Garrett.

We landed in Bandundu Airport. Peter challenged me to say Bandundu five times really fast. I couldn’t. After this we drove 6 hours with a shady looking man in a very old jeep. I caught myself in the rear view mirror occasionally and still couldn’t get over my brown hair. I felt more natural. It had grown past my shoulders in the past year. We finally arrived at the edge of the rain forest. We got out and I was about to say how beautiful the jungle canopy was when a large insect bit me. I had a feeling if I wasn’t being turned I would probably be dead of a rare virus in a few days thanks to that bite.

I turned to Peter to see if he needed help with our two bags when I saw our driver drop at my feet dead.

“What the hell Peter?” Talk about a buzz kill.

“Sorry. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to feed before I bit you. I researched this guy through some local black arms dealers Jenks hooked me up with. He pretty much will tell anyone anything he knows for the right price. He is also a pimp if it makes you feel any better.”

I shrugged my shoulders. Amazing the things you can get used to. I mean after Peter killed my last date and I participated in the cover up, I really was not in a position to take the moral high ground here. Sister Susan would be so disappointed in me. She spent so long helping me memorize the Ten Commandments.

“So how far tell we get to our jungle love shack?” I asked.

“If you will wrap the bags over your shoulders I will grab the tent and supplies and we can be there in thirty minutes or so.”

“Thirty minutes? At vampire speed? Where the hell are you taking me?” I had a feeling I was going to puke after this trip.

“About 100 miles northwest. Hold on a second.”

Peter picked up the body and placed it in the Jeep. He then took the jeep and launched it into the air. I heard it hit the ground somewhere deep in the jungle.

“Alright then. Cover our tracks good enough, Cowboy?” I asked him grinning.

“Yeah. I suppose.” He wiped his hands on his jeans. Men. There was a towel in the back of the Jeep. He could have kept it.

I grabbed the bags… damn they were heavy… and threw them on my shoulders, crisscrossing the straps. I was already beginning to get that muggy damp feeling all over my body. Kinda like August in Texas.

Dammit!

“Peter another damn bug just bit me. This one had white teeth. Can you get me to our jungle love shack and turn me before I start bleeding out of my eyeballs?”

“Yeah tough girl. Hop onto my back.” He grinned.

“I can’t. The bags are too heavy for me to hop. You bend down. How did you find this place anyway?”

“Google Earth.”

“Oh.”

Thirty minutes later he sat me down. I had seen flashes of green go by. I think I saw a gorilla with a what the fuck look on his face for a brief second. That was pretty much my one hundred mile trip through the Congo. Now we were in a clearing. The kind of clearing you always see in movies that explorers set up in, right before the tribe of natives jumps out all around and attacks them. I dropped the bags and took a step, nearly falling down. Peter had the tent up in a minute. He also had a cot set up. A cot for two.

“You planning on turning with me baby?” I grinned.

“No. But I am planning on holding you the whole time.” He wasn’t smiling.

“Thanks.” I whispered.

On the jet I had groomed myself the way Peter likes. I don’t know why. Peter said body hair kind of takes care of itself. I didn’t eat much. Some chicken at the airport before we left. I guess you could say I was preparing myself. As much as I could anyway.

“So Garrett and Kate are bringing the rest of our stuff?”

“Yep. This will be a fully functional campsite by the time you wake up.”

“Great.” I said quietly. I was getting nervous. Very, very nervous. I guess Peter sensed this because he walked behind me and placed his arms around me. He knows that makes me comfortable.

“You want to wait for a while?”

“No. I won’t lie to you. I am scared. Now that we are here I guess it is hitting me how real this is. But I do not want to wait. I just want to get it done. So we can be together forever. No more dying this time, right baby?”

“Right darlin. How do you want to do this?”

“What?”

“I mean where do you want me to bite you? What do you want to… I don’t know. How would it make it better for you?”

I hadn’t given it much thought. Suddenly though, I knew.

“Make love to me. When I have an orgasm, bite me on the neck.”

I guess that wasn’t the answer he was expecting.

“You are serious?”

“When do I joke about sex?” I asked. “I want to be bit while you are inside of me.”

“Okay. I love you. You know that right?”

“You think I would go through Hell if I didn’t know you loved me?” I laughed. It was a nervous laugh but I was proud of it.

I kissed him gently. “I love you too Peter. Now undress me. Make love to me. Then bite me. I’m yours. Its time you took your Mate.”

He didn’t say a word. He grabbed the bottom of my shirt and pulled it up. I raised my arms so he could peel the sweat soaked material form my body. I hadn’t bothered with a bra. I unlaced my boots and took them off, followed by my socks. Peter had taken his shirt off as well. I got on my knees and pulled his jeans down. Taking him in my mouth he immediately began moaning. My man. So easy to please. He finally stepped out of his jeans. I stopped sucking his cock and stood up. He pulled my shorts and panties down. Now we were both standing in the middle of a jungle naked. I had to go through with this now. I was going to catch Ebola for sure.

Peter kissed me. I felt his cool tongue in my mouth and realized these would be the last times he felt cool to me. I pressed my sweat soaked body next to his. He felt so good in this heat. Damn this heat. It was like a fucking sauna. No wonder there is so much war in this part of the world. The heat and humidity have to get on peoples nerves. Still it was kind of sexy. I bet this sweat is making me stink. Oh God. What if I stink? His last experience with me as a human and he will remember how my armpits smelled. When was the last time I put on deodorant? The jet. Secret may be strong but I doubt it was designed for this place.

“Do I stink?” I blurted out before I could bring the words back in my mouth.

“What?” He asked. Funny since he has perfect hearing how often I have to repeat myself.

“Do I stink?”

“No. Why?”

“Because I am drenched in sweat.”

“I think it’s hot.” He grinned.

“Liar.”

“I do. I swear. You know how I like seeing you after a shower. This is like that. Kind of. Only in a hot jungle girl sort of way.”

I took a deep breath.

“You ready?” Peter asked softly.

“Yes. Yes I am.” I told him with conviction. I would not be afraid. No amount of pain was too much to be able to spend eternity with him.

He offered his hand and I took it. He walked me to the tent. I stopped at the door and took a last look at the world through human eyes.

I was ready.

---

I guided her in the tent and placed her on the cot. I got one made of reinforced steel so we should be good. It was pretty comfortable, I thought.

I think comfort on the cot was the last thing on my woman’s mind right now. This was going to suck. It went against everything in my nature to cause her pain.

She lay down on her back. Her body was drenched. Her nipples were like rocks from the air brushing over them. She was flushed. All over. Always a sign that she is ready.

She looked at my sign that I was ready and grinned.

I have loved her for eternity.

She spread her beautiful legs and I lay between them, pressing my face in her breasts. I licked her breasts especially the underside she liked so much. I could tell she was nervous. Instead of telling me what to do like she usually does she just wrapped her arms around me and tried to press herself closer to me.

Her hair was wet from the humidity. Her body was slick with sweat. She wasn’t wearing makeup. She had never been sexier. I stared into her beautiful brown eyes for probably the last time. They would be red after this.

I slipped inside her and she moaned. No matter how nervous she was, she still responded to me. She trusted me. Her body heat was higher than I had ever felt her. I was glad she was turning. She was going to catch Ebola or something if she didn’t.

Her pussy was spasming around my cock. She was whimpering. Now her mouth was closed and she was humming in rhythm with my thrusts.

“Peter I want you to cum when you bite me.” She whispered.

I picked up the speed. Despite the heat she was moving harder against me.

“Harder Peter. Please.”

I did as she requested before she yelled at me. I felt her legs wrap around my back and lock. She did that when she was about to cum. I could read her body like a book. Her breathing just picked up. The flush started in her cheeks and spread to her breasts. I would miss that flush but it was a small price to pay. God she felt so good. I couldn’t wait until I wouldn’t have to hold back any longer.

“Peter. I love you.”

“I love you Bella.”

“Are you close? I can feel you getting ready.” She whispered. Our faces were inches from each other. It seemed like every inch of our skin was touching.

“Yeah.”

“So am I.”

I felt her orgasm. Her body began shivering and her eyes glazed over. She was moaning loudly. I came as well and without a second thought I laid my lips on her neck and bit.

She screamed. It wasn’t a scream of pain.

“Yes…” she finally said, after her scream was gone. I was gone to. The minute her blood hit my mouth it hit me.

A bright light filled my vision. I couldn’t see the inside of the tent. I couldn’t see her. But I could feel her. I was still inside her. She was thrashing into me.

Then the visions came. I saw. I saw everything.

Every life we had ever lived. The memories crashed in. Watching her marry me, watching her give birth, watching her fight beside me, watching her die in battle. Watching her die of old age. She was there. With me since the beginning of time. I saw our souls as one in the afterlife, waiting to be reborn. I saw our last life before this. I saw what split us apart. Before we had always died within days of each other if not at the same time. Except the last time. She lived after one war. She took care of our child. I died in that war. I couldn’t wait though. I had another war to fight. At least until Jasper became involved. The Wars were too close together. She was still alive when I was born again. She couldn’t go with me. I had to wait. Wait until now. The damn Alamo.

I don’t know how long I lay there holding her. I know it was longer than two days. When my vision came back to me, when the memories had seared into my head, I found myself still lying on top of her. Still hard inside her. She was moaning. Not screaming. I could tell she was in pain. I also knew. Her dreams she told me about were just the tip of the iceberg. So many lifetimes. So many events. Through everyone I loved this woman.

I pulled out of her and lay on her side. After 6 hours I finally stopped touching her long enough to pull a dress from her bag. A strapless white cotton dress. Simple. She said it would be easy for me to put on her. I threw on a pair of worn jeans and lay back beside her, wrapping her in my arms while she writhed on the cot.

The sun set and rose and set again.

Finally her heart stopped racing. It slowed down to almost no beats. She took a deep breath and no sound came from her any longer.

I was gazing into her eyes when they opened. We locked eyes and I felt the mating pull stronger than I did when I first touched her in that studio.

“Peter?”

“Yes.”

“Did you see?”

“Yeah darlin. I saw everything.”

“Me too. The fucking Alamo. You told Travis it was a death trap. You stayed and fought anyway. You made me hide in the cellar with the other women.”

“You had our child.”

“You were born again right after, weren’t you? I was still alive.”

“Yeah.”

“The Civil War called you. I should have killed myself after that battle to be with you. I’m sorry. I’m sorry it took me this long to get back to you.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t wait. But we are together now. Nothing will break us apart.” I told her truthfully.

“This time we don’t die Peter. Everyone who crosses us dies. Not us.”

You’re damn right Bella.” I picked her up in my arms and set her feet on the ground. She was staring at me with her new eyes.

“This is kinda freaky.” Bella said.

“How do you feel?” I asked already knowing.

Bella was silent for a moment. Then she looked me in the eyes.

“I am fucking hungry.”

BPOV

“I figured you might be. There are guerilla camps around here. We can take off in any direction and find one within minutes.” He said. What the fuck?

“I am not eating Gorillas, Peter.” I told him firmly. I said I was hungry. Not that I wanted to pick fur out of my teeth for the next century.

“You would rather kill animals? We can do that.” He whispered caressing my cheek.

“No! I thought you said there were soldiers around here? Rebels that harass travelers and tribes?”

“Yeah there a… Oh I see. C’mon babe. Let’s go get you some bad guys.”

He pulled me out by my hand. Every time we touched this low grade buzz covered my body. It felt so good.

We took off running. I was a little nervous about this. Until I ran. Holy hell I could run fast! I was faster than Peter! He was struggling to keep up but I could hear him laughing. I stopped after a minute. It hit me.

“Smell em?”

“Yeah. Two, no three. That way.” I pointed to our left.

“Try to save one for me okay?”

I nodded. If he wanted one he better get there before me. Damn I was hungry. My throat was killing me. It was on fire. It hurt. I didn’t want it to hurt.

I burst through the canopy onto a trail next to a river. The first guy didn’t have time to turn around before I hit him and sunk my teeth into my shoulder. He did have time to scream though. Peter took one of my meals and began feeding. It was so sexy watching him drink blood.

I suddenly realized no more blood was coming out of this guy. I threw him down annoyed and looked at Peter. He had finished his as well. I was very irritated.

“I want more.” I growled. I actually growled.

“There he is.” Peter pointed down the path. I looked and saw him running. Screaming. He had a gun on his shoulder and never tried to shoot us. I would have at least tried.

I moved to grab him and was on him before I realized it. I ran into his body knocking him twenty feet forward.

Oops.

Gonna have to get used to this speed. I would worry about it later. I needed to feed. Blood. Then sex. I want to see if this low grade humming can turn high grade. I felt Peter briefly when I woke up. I knew he felt different. He was warm. I wanted to see what else was warm. Honestly I didn’t know if I was hungrier for blood or his cock right now. But since I had already knocked this guy out it would be a waste to leave him here. I learned in Catholic School that wasting food is a sin.

Damn he tasted good. I took my time with this one. Savored it a little. Too soon though he was done.

“How’s your throat you cute little angle of death you?”

I attacked him.

I ripped his jeans off in the middle of the path. He ripped my dress off. I briefly noticed it was covered in blood.

I pushed him onto his back and this time he didn’t even have to let me.

I smiled.

“You thought I was a bossy demanding bitch before, you ain’t seen nothing yet lover.”

He was hard as a rock. That hadn’t changed. His skin was softer. Warm. Very warm. I started riding him. Faster, faster… now Peter was screaming. Slower, slower…

“Peter. I have a strong urge to bite you.” I breathed out while continuing to move on.

“You can…”

I hope he was about to give me permission. Because I just threw my head down on his neck and bit.

The shock took me by surprise and made me cum immediately. While I was still shaking Peter bit me on my neck. Nearly the same place he bit me for the change. Damn I came again. He was still coming. We were going to need a shower. This was going to get messy, because I had no intention of stopping.

Unless another meal walked by.

---

I damn near limped back into the campground. Naked. That’s okay. Bella was naked to. She didn’t blush anymore but I could tell she was a bit embarrassed.

“Peter I am sorry about some of the things I said.”

“Darlin I’m used to it. I like it. I think it’s sexy as hell. Don’t apologize.”

“Yeah… I’m sorry about some of the things I made you do.” She whispered.

“You didn’t make me do anything I didn’t want to already.”

“Even when I made you lick my…”

“Would you two put on clothes already? You are blinding me here.”

Bella jumped behind me yelping a little.

“Hello Garrett. Kate.”

“Peter. Congratulations Bella. On turning and, well…” Kate was looking at my junk. I placed my hand strategically as best as I could.

“You think you two could turn around?”

“Sure.” Garrett and Kate turned in the other direction. “So Bella, what did you make Peter lick?”

“Shut up Garrett.” Bella replied, one arm wrapped around her breasts and the other hand covering her… yeah.

We walked into the tent and I kissed her. That turned into a longer kiss. I was about to lay her down when I heard…

“It’s rude to ignore your friends, you know?”

Garrett. Why did I not kill him? He was right outside the door. Bella put her finger to her lips and slipped on a pair of shorts and a tank top. She then ran out faster than I could almost see. I heard the boom. I threw on pair of shorts and walked outside. Garrett was in a tree. Bella was on the ground smiling. Kate was laughing.

“Control your newborn Peter! She attacked me!”

“You deserved it Garrett. Get down.” Kate told him and then resumed laughing.

Garrett hopped down and with a smile, wrapped Bella in his arms.

“Glad everything came out alright Bella, You are even more beautiful. I didn’t think it was possible.”

Damn. Garrett was being serious.

“Thanks Garrett.”

Kate hugged her too.

“So what is going on? Did you tell your sisters, Kate?”

“Yeah…” she replied.

“And?”

“Tanya believed me but she said since she had been friends with Carlisle for so long she would stay out of it. She wouldn’t help him but wouldn’t go against him either. I think she doesn’t want to go against Carmen and Eleazar. She did believe me. She was disappointed. I didn’t tell her about you and Bella. I just said that Garrett told me.”

I nodded my head. I figured this would happen. As long as Tanya stayed out of it, it wouldn’t be a big deal.

“Your other sister?” I prodded.

She took a moment.

“Irina had become very fond of Laurent. He was one of the Nomads who hung around James and Vicki.”

“Yeah. I remember him. He left and went to Denali.” Bella said.

“Yes. For some reason, I am betting at Carlisle or Jasper’s request, he came to Forks. You were gone already of course. He may have been going to your father’s to see if anything could lead him to you. He may have been picking something up from the Cullen’s home. Either way he was apparently eaten by a pack of werewolves. Irina followed him to see why he was traveling to Forks and saw him being attacked. She believes me. She thought Laurent was acting suspicious and begged him to tell her what was going on but he denied any problems. Whatever the issue, she now wants revenge against the Cullens but is focusing her efforts on destroying the werewolves.”

“Hold up. Did you say werewolves in Forks?” Bella asked.

“Yes. She said they were giant wolves.” Kate confirmed.

“Huh. What are the fucking odds of that?” Bella whispered.

“Yes. My thoughts exactly. But they do not know about you or Peter. They think Garrett and I are alone. I didn’t want to give Jasper any more knowledge than I had to. I assume what I say will be passed on by Tanya if she asks Carmen and Eleazar about it.”

“Kate, I have to ask…”

“I’m with Garrett. He’s with you. I’m with you. Besides, Alaska was getting old. I needed to get out on my own. I guess fate had being a nomad in the cards for me.

I nodded. I could tell she was speaking the truth. If I couldn’t trust her I would know.

“Peter, I was thinking about something.” Garrett said.

“That would be a fucking change.” I said under my breath. Bella laughed. I guess it wasn’t as under my breath as I thought.

“Do tell.” I encouraged him.

“Jasper is building an army. We can pretty much agree he wants to take down the Volturi. Now I am not suggesting we help one side or the other. I hate the Volturi and I am not very fond of the Cullens any longer. I would suggest we speed this process up though. Let them kill each other. Make Jasper uncomfortable.”

“What do you mean, Garrett?” Bella asked. I knew where he was going though.

“What he means darlin, is that Jasper is gathering his pieces to strike when he is strong. But what if he had to fight now? When he isn’t dictating the action. He would be scrambling. He would have to attack before he was ready. His army would be hurt. The Volturi would be hurt. Jasper would be weak. The pieces around him would be in chaos. The Volturi would not be as strong.” I grinned, glad to see that Garrett and I were on the same page.

“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” Garrett smiled.

“Art of War. So you did read the book?” I asked.

“I may have looked at some of the sections you highlighted while Bella was getting ready to go to San Antonio.”

“So how do we start a war before both sides are ready to fight it?” Bella asked.

“Simple darlin. We let the Volturi know Jasper is building an army against them.” It would certainly throw a kink into things. “War is comin. We are just makin it a little fairer for both sides. Startin it a little early.”

“Rouse him, and learn the principle of his activity or inactivity. Force him to reveal himself, so as to find out his vulnerable spots.” Garrett added on.

“That’s all well and good but if we go strolling in the Volturi they are going to expect us to help them.” Kate said.

“So we call them. We all got untraceable phones. They won’t know where we are.” I said.

“Sure. Got there number?” Bella laughed.

“Yes.”

We all turned to Garrett.

“What? I’ve hacked their numbers for years. I like to prank call the assholes every six months or so. Tell them a werewolf army is on its way to destroy them in five minutes and then watch from the walls while they scramble their precious guard. That sort of thing. Once I told them the Italian Army knew of vampires and they were coming in minutes to bomb the castle. They all evacuated the castle. It’s more fun than touring the Roman Coliseum.”

I shook my head. Only Garrett would prank call the largest most powerful coven on the planet.

“Sounds like a plan. Make the call tomorrow, Garrett.”

“Of course. I was planning on feeding from that rebel army camp eight miles to the west tonight.”

“Soldiers?” Bella snapped up.

“Yes. Right that way.” Garrett pointed to the west.

Before I could stop her Bella took off.

I glared at Garrett.

“There are no camps in that direction..”

“I know. But can you imagine her face running around the jungle looking for them?” he smiled. Kate zapped him in the ass making him jump.

“Well I guess I better go find her. Kate, I appreciate you keeping me and Bella quiet but you don’t have to. I have a feeling right now Jasper knows exactly who Bella is with.”

“How would he?” Garrett asked, suddenly serious.

“I left him a note.” I smiled. I hope he liked the present I left him as well.

Jasper POV

“What do you mean they have disappeared, Emmett?”

“Charlie isn’t here Jasper. His bags are gone from his closet. I hacked in to the FAA database. He flew to Austin Texas yesterday. Rose checked Renee’s place. Her and her husband are gone. They also went to Austin. They met at the airport within an hour of each other. Rented a single car.”

“Fuck! I should have guessed they knew she was alive. Damn it! Find out where that car is Emmett!”

“Looking it up now Jasper. Chill bro. Those cars are equipped with GPS. There! I have the address. I’m texting it to you now. You want me to go check it out?”

“No. I can be there tonight. Stay where you are. I’m going to find this vampire, grab Bella and her parents at the same time. This is fucking perfect.”

I arrived just as the sun was setting. The house looked empty. No heartbeats inside. I smelt vampire but it was faint. Still it smelled familiar. The rental car was in the driveway. Walking up to the door of the house I ripped the handle out and gently pushed it open.

The house was empty. Nothing but a table in the middle of the living room. The table had an envelope on it. I walked over and picked it up. It was a simple envelope with my name handwritten on it with a smiley face next to it. I opened the envelope and read the handwritten note.

Major Whitlock,

I am betting you remember me. I am the guy that ripped your head off and left it in the dust in Mexico. Those sure were good times weren’t they? I still remember you. I want you to know you can stop looking for my Mate, Bella. Don’t waste the effort. We both know you have bigger things on your plate. The good news is, you are going to see Bella again. You are going to see both of us. I won’t say when. I want it to be a surprise. But you can relax. I promise you, you will see us. You and I have unfinished business. Take care Major. Enjoy the time you have left. Fuck that little mate of yours. Let yourself believe it when she tells you it was good. Live Jasper. Because your time is comin son. Look forward to it. I left you a gift in the back of the red car outside. I think you will appreciate it.

Warmest regards,

Peter

---

Bella said to tell you she is going to stick your little mate up Edward’s ass and then she is going to shove both of them up your pussy ass. She also said you had bad hair and you look constipated when you try to pretend to be human. Her words, not mine.

This was bad. This was very, very bad. I picked up my phone and called Carlisle.

“Yes Jasper? Did you find her?”

“No. Call off the search for Bella. We can’t get her. Tell Eleazar to find me another shield.”

“You think he hasn’t been trying? They are not out there. You know your history. Shields are rare. Very rare. Besides Renata who isn’t very powerful, Bella could be the only shield on Earth.”

I took a deep breath. “Gather everyone at your place. Everyone. The time has come to take an account of what we have, what we need and how to get what we need.”

“But Bella…”

“Fuck Bella Swan! We move on without her. I will figure it out.”

“Her parents?”

“Her parents are gone Carlisle. We aren’t going to find them. We are going to stop wasting time and resources on her. We prepare for battle without a shield. Gather everyone. Call Eleazar in as well. I want specific powers targeted. I figure we have a year before word slips to the Volturi and they attack. We have one year to be ready Carlisle.”

I hung up the phone.

So I wouldn’t get Bella Swan. So long as Peter was with her he would want her protected. That meant he wouldn’t come after me.

But what if he did? A shield blocking my powers while I battled Peter.

I walked outside to the rental car. I wondered briefly if Peter killed Bella’s parents and placed their bodies in the trunk of the car.

I ripped the trunk open. I saw the bomb a split second before it detonated.

That blast only knocked me back a few feet but my clothes were burned completely off.

Peter. Bella. This was going to be a problem.