Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Claws

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 08:

I never understood humans’ excitement in regard to weekends. I heard many of our keepers talk about what they planned to do on their weekend and those who took over for them complaining about working the weekend but it simply didn’t matter to me. We never got time off. We had some light training days with more time at night and had days of rest before missions but no specific day was ever set. What would we do with weekends anyway? Keepers flew by helicopter to Lima, Peru when not on duty. We had nothing but more of the same surroundings. Only the Rainforest offered us any sense of freedom and I knew it was a false freedom. The shock collar clued me in to that fact early on.

Now after a week at school I could finally appreciate the weekend. The rest of the week after my discussion with Edward has went… not well but not bad. I was still stared at by the Cullens occasionally but left alone at lunch and during class. Edward and I completed whatever pathetic assignment we were given within the first five minutes and he gave me space while I checked news sites from my phone for any strange murders or missing persons in my area.

My hair may have also still stunk a bit which possibly was another reason for him to sit as far away as possible at our small table.

While Rosalie didn’t exactly smile at me, she did not scowl either so I suppose Edward passed along my message.

Humans were a different story. After their curiosity about me on the first day and the cautiousness they showed me on Wednesday, they had lost their fear and began attempting to drag me into their world, or more to the point, their lunch tables which I refused to do.

Ty suggested I stop eating outside alone and try to socialize.

I had many skills, but socializing was not one of them. My growing knowledge of movies, television and music was helping me blend in a bit but subtly was something I was still lacking.

There was also the Tyler Crowley incident.

One does not touch a wild animal by surprise.

Tyler learned this when he placed his arm around my shoulders from behind in the hallway and I threw him to the floor a bit harder than I should have.

No one has touched me since the incident so I suppose it did have a positive benefit.

Thankfully he told his friends he had tripped and no strange teeth, eyes or claws had made an appearance on my part. The incident was witnessed by a crowded hall though and I am fairly certain everyone knew Tyler did not hit the ground due to his clumsiness.

Charlie and I had come to a sort of comfortable routine. He gave me space but we did eat Thursday night together in relative silence. I only ate with him as a matter of efficiency. There was no point in preparing two meals and he had competent cooking abilities. The man had thankfully given up any awkward attempts at conversation revolving around my childhood and his absence in it. Perhaps he had finally decided there were things it would be best for him not to know and that whatever he hoped we could become was unlikely to happen.

The end of the week felt amazing except for one small thing.

That woman. Whatever she powers she had attacked me with were stronger than I anticipated. I still had the dull pain in my chest. Her name was Leah. Her boyfriend, Sam something. I had lost focus on many things around me because of her. I should have been thinking of a million other matters of importance. Supernatural creatures killing humans, my back up team deciding they were going to be my saviors, the humans and vampires I had to spend the day with. Instead my thoughts always drifted to her and I felt a near constant ache inside since the moment I left her and that man in the parking lot. I had an urge to find her which was ridiculous. She had to be a witch of some sort. I had scoured my laptop and came across no mentions of witches were in the Organization’s records. Perhaps I had been attacked by an unknown assailant while I was speaking to her and some sort of physical bond was forced on me and her since she was near.

But that was impossible. I would have sensed a supernatural creature near. What would be the point of making me distracted by some human?

I didn’t know her, didn’t want to know her. Why did I care? Why did my thoughts constantly fall on her? I think her boyfriend said her father and Charlie hunted together. He would know who the girl was but if I asked, he would want to know why. So far, we had avoided conversations of that nature. Why was not something I wanted him to become accustomed to asking.

But now the first week of school was over. I spent last night running the forest, making a twenty mile perimeter around Forks, finally seeing the coast and beaches of La Push for the first time, albeit in the dark.

I was also drawn to one house constantly. I sat in a tree near it for a few minutes watching, seeing nothing. I detected no threats in the immediate area but I circled back twice. It was ridiculous. Whoever had been inside were humans and they were soundly sleeping. The rain made scents difficult to track but there were no vampires or any other creatures of the night in or around that residence besides me.

It did have the benefit of relieving some of the pressure in my chest but I was not going to constantly stay perched over some unknown residence just to feel better. I was used to pain and this would be no different.

I wasn’t worried. It was Saturday. I would clear my head, play video games, watch television and later I would go to Ty’s house where he had promised to provide a large amount of ice cream. Dan Hawk would be baking an apple pie which apparently went well with vanilla ice cream. We would also be having what Ty called a Star Wars marathon. This series of movies was something I needed to have knowledge of so I could blend in with the human world.

These activities would take my mind off that girl. Whatever had happened to me, I was determined I would end it this weekend. Stay away from La Push and do not think of her. By Monday I will have forgotten all about her. Whatever happened cannot last forever.

I decided to wear cut off shorts today and a tank top. Charlie had never seen the scars on my legs but I wasn’t wearing these to shock him for once. I was just tired of being completely covered up all the time. At the Organization we had no need to cover our scars. They were battle scars, reminders and messages to other Jaguars that we had fought and won.

Here, my arms were hard enough to explain to humans without going into knowledge of my torso and lower body. I was fairly certain I had heard Charlie on the phone make plans to leave for the day. I should have a relaxing day of just being alone and free until it was time to see Ty.

“Bella?” Charlie called, knocking at my door. I needed to get my head clear. I should have heard him coming.

I opened the door and to his credit he didn’t stare at my legs, only giving them a quick glance. The thin pale scars that traced my upper body were fewer but still there as well as two bite marks on my left thigh and a bite mark on my right shin.

“Good morning.”

“Hey. I’m uh… my friend Harry is here… we planned on hunting today. I was wondering…”

“Would you like me to kill an animal and save you the trip? I could have fresh venison for you in an hour, though I would prefer to hunt at night.” I offered. As I said he was an adequate cook so I felt I could do my part.

“No but thank you for the offer. I think I will just get out, give you some space… from me. I’ll be gone all day. Harry… his daughter came with him. She said she met you? Do you know Leah? Anyway she figured you might not have many friends being new and wanted to know if you would like to hang out with her today? She is downstairs. I can tell her you are sick if you don’t feel like it. I know you don’t like… people very much.”

Leah.

She came here?

It could be a trap. I should leave, get away from her before she had a chance to do whatever she did to me again. I always learned from my mistakes. I would not open myself up to danger.

“Of course we can hang out.”

I’m a damn idiot.

Better to face this threat head on. That was my reason. Once her father and Charlie were away if she tried anything, I could force her to tell me what she is and what she had done to me.

I went downstairs and saw her again. Harry introduced himself I think but I paid no mind. I couldn’t stop looking at her. At some point they left and it was just the two of us.

It didn’t escape my attention that the ache I had been feeling for days was gone. Perhaps she had come to undo whatever magic she had performed in the first place. Perhaps she wanted to wait until we were alone.

We were alone.

“Hi.” she greeted me, smiling shyly. Our eyes had been locked for what seemed like hours.

“Hi Leah.”

Neither of us said anything for a moment until her eyes looked away from mine and traveled to my arms, then my legs.

She looked concerned. Why would she be…

Damn it! My scars! I must look like a monster to her. I could feel my skin burning from embarrassment, something that had not happened in a very long time.

“I… I’ll put something else on.” I told her quickly.

“No.” she told me, stopping my retreat.

“I, uh, I realize they are not easy to look at.”

“Who hurt you?” she asked. Her question didn’t seem one of curiosity, more anger? But that was ridiculous. Why would she be angry?”

“I… I turned over my motorcycle and went through a barbwire fence and then… a glass window… of a truck… parked on the other side of the fence and some other stuff. Sharp stuff.”

My skills at deception could still use some work.

“Someone bit you. A lot. Did you have some abusive boyfriend?” she asked. I recognized this was an invasive question, one not fit for social interactions with someone a person did not know and saying it wasn’t something I liked to talk about would be a good answer.

Her legs were amazing.

I shook my head. Stop looking at her tanned, long bare legs. Stop it.

“I got attacked by a pack of wild dogs.”

I don’t think she believed me. I definitely have to get better at deception.

Leah’s face at least softened and she smiled. “You have had a lot of bad luck, haven’t you?”

“Since the day I was born.” I admitted. “Kind of the story of my life. So, Charlie said you wanted to hang out? Shouldn’t you be doing something with your… boyfriend today?”

Leah shrugged her shoulders.

“He is hanging with his friends today. I needed some space. We didn’t really get a chance to talk the other day so I thought we could get to know each other. If you don’t want to, I understand. I’ve never been a people person myself. Sam is kind of the Homecoming King of La Push but I guess I can be a bit shy. So what do you like to do for fun?”

Climb trees and run through the forest at superhuman speeds, fight monsters out of nightmares, eat raw meat and pizza, and practice with conventional weapons when I have the chance. Sharpening my knife with my claws is always relaxing.

“I like video games?” I settled on.

That was probably the wrong thing to say. Was I supposed to say that?

“A gamer girl, huh? That’s cool. My brother plays a lot but I have a little experience. You got a system?”

“Of course. It’s attached to my television in my… bedroom.”

“Great! Lead the way. I will do my best to keep up with your gaming skills. Seth, that’s my brother, he isn’t fun to play with. He mostly beats the crap out of me and tells me I suck.”

I held back a roar. “He beats you?!”

Do not… calm down. Stop being an idiot! You are going to turn in front of her and give her a damn heart attack!

“Whoa, calm down there Bells. I meant he beats me at video games. I guess you could say I beat him a bit physically if anybody does. I’m stronger than I look.”

“Me too.” I admitted, calming quickly. Did she call me Bell? Was she confused or was it some pet name? Why did I like it? This was getting ridiculous. I had planned to spend the weekend forcing her out of my mind and now we are steps away from my lair, I mean room.

I stepped aside and allowed her to enter my den, I mean room. Wait, this was my room. I haven’t had a chance to camouflage it, appear to belong to a teenage human.

“Not much for wall decorations huh?”

I followed her eyes across my blank walls. The color was hideous. Purple? I never noticed before but how did I never notice? I suppose the purple did make it darker and I did love the dark. Maybe purple wasn’t that bad.

No, I hated it. Maybe. I wasn’t sure of anything at the moment.

“I haven’t had a chance to settle in I guess.” I hadn’t been here long. What the hell should I put on walls? Why couldn’t I stop looking at her?

Why was the dull ache in my chest gone?

She sat down on my bed.

“Big change from Phoenix, huh? Do you like it so far?”

No.

Yes.

Maybe.

I really had no idea. So long as I could keep Wendigo blood out of my hair, I think I was alright.

“Its a nice area.” I settled on. We fell into an uncomfortable silence. I should say something.

I had no idea what to say.

“So what games do you have?” she asked me, finally breaking the awkward silence.

“The kind where you shoot people. I have a lot of those. Are there other types of games?” If there were Ty hadn’t shown them to me.

Leah laughed. She had a beautiful laugh. No she didn’t. This woman did something to me. Focus Bella.

“It seems like those are the only video games my brother plays. So…”

“Yeah… so…” I should sit down. Next to her? In that hard wooden chair in the corner? Across from her, other side of the bed?

“Tell me about yourself, Bella? What was your school like in Phoenix? Probably huge right?”

I nodded my head. I could do this. Ty calls it bullshit. Hawk said Ty was a master at it. It didn’t seem hard. She bought the motorcycle story.

“I went to a reasonably sized school. Only about a hundred or so students. It was a girl’s school. Sort of a school for gifted individuals.”

Leah’s eyebrows rose. “So you are kind of a genius huh?”

I shrugged my shoulders. “Kind of I guess.” It was true, I had a high level of intellect and could assimilate information much quicker than humans. We all could so I never thought of myself as a genius until I entered Forks High School.

“You are a junior?”

She asked a lot of questions. I still hadn’t decided if she was an enemy gathering intel or just an extremely gorgeous woman with long raven hair, exotic deep chocolate eyes, beautiful skin and an incredibly toned body.

Of course she could be both.

“Yep. You?”

“Senior. Almost out of Hell.”

She had no idea what Hell was. Though I admitted High School was close to what could be considered Hell by humans.

“So did you play any sports or dance?” she asked.

Sports? Dance?

“No. I was never much for athletics. I’m a bit uncoordinated I guess.” That was definitely a lie.

This seemed to surprise her.

“Wow. I’m surprised. You are in incredible shape.”

“You have an amazing body too.”

I closed my eyes and clenched my jaw. That was something I definitely should not have said. I needed to retreat. That was embarrassing. What the hell are you thinking Bella? You aren’t! I should apologize maybe. Or hope she lets it go without comment. Perhaps I could bullshit my way out of that comment?

“I didn’t mean you had an amazing body, like you have… not to say you don’t, you do, I just meant that you seem very fit. That’s all I meant. I’m sorry if that came out wrong. I should probably shut up now. How is your boyfriend? Sam, right? Let’s talk about him. You probably think he has an amazing body, right? Not in the way I was talking about your body though, I mean in the manner of girl talk? Girls talk about this, right?”

I held my breath for a moment, waiting for the fallout. Thankfully she laughed.

“Sam is… a great boyfriend. I’ve known him since childhood but we only started dating six months ago. He is a perfect gentleman. Never pushy, or handsy. My Dad loves him. Like I said he is a popular guy in La Push. Dad says he will probably be on the Tribal Council one day, assuming he comes back here after college. He is pretty smart. He is nice, I guess. What about you? Do you have a boyfriend back in Phoenix?”

My eyes immediately went to the small table by my bed. Leah noticed and picked up the photo.

“She’s pretty. Who is she?”

The only person I ever loved, the one I should have protected, fought by her side so I could get her out alive or die with her. Instead I lost myself into a rage and took my eye off her. Just like that, she was gone.

“Her name is Julie. She is my girlfriend. I mean… she was.”

Leah raised an eyebrow. I forgot she had no reason to know I was gay. I certainly had never talked to her before. Still as close to Forks as La Push was, I would have thought word had reached every county for a hundred or so miles. My classmates were quite the talkers.

I realized that comment about her body would have a new meaning in her mind and hoped she didn’t bring it up again.

“Was it because you moved?”

That sounded like a good reason. I didn’t want to talk about this now. I felt an ache in my chest again but this was one I had become familiar with since Julie died. Yes, we broke up because I moved.

“She died.”

What the hell was wrong with me? Who the hell was this damn woman? Why was she asking so many questions? Why was I answering them?

Leah was beautiful but I hated the look of pity on her face. I didn’t want pity.

“I’m sorry…”

“Thank you. Are you hungry? Would you like to watch television? I don’t think either of us are in the mood for video games. I can cook… I can start a fire in the grill and cook meat at least. I have… we can order pizza. That sounds good, right?”

“Yeah, pizza sounds great. I have had a difficult time eating the last few days. For some reason I seemed to have developed indigestion. Ridiculous. I blame it on the spicy meatballs my Mom cooked Wednesday. It went away for a bit last night but kept coming back. I can hardly sleep. I feel better now though.”

Last night? Now?

“You say indigestion? What does it feel like?”

Leah shrugged her shoulders. “I can’t really describe it. Mom thought I should go to the doctor but I brushed it off. Its just weird. Its like this pressure on my chest, kind of an ache. It doesn’t really feel like indigestion but I can’t think of anything else to compare it to. I haven’t had an appetite, I feel restless. I hope it ran its course.”

She looked at me for a moment as if trying to determine what to say next. I should have practiced more social interaction at school.

“You are kind of shy, aren’t you?”

I shook my head. Shy? That didn’t matter right now. From the moment I met her we were both struck with the same symptoms. Symptoms that stopped when she arrived. I would guess symptoms that stopped at the same time for both of us. I needed to know more but if she was confused and suffering the same pain, it was obvious she had no part in it. She was human. Humans had no abilities like this and if I couldn’t find anything on witches, I doubted they existed. She belonged to a tribe. Perhaps some shaman did something to us?

“Yes, I guess I am kind of a loner. Julie and I we had a close group of friends we had known forever but I was never very social outside of them. I haven’t met new people in a long time. I’m sorry if I’m not good at it.”

Leah placed a hand on my shoulder. I nearly jumped away. Her touch felt… different than others touches. Something was going on. I had to find out what it was. This would be a distraction until it was taken care of.

“Its okay. I’m kind of a loner myself. You don’t have to be nervous around me. You seem really cool. I hope we can become friends.”

Mark her.

What the fuck? Where the hell did that come from?

“Yeah of course. I feel comfortable around you too. I’m not great at conversation though.”

I suspected she had already figured this out.

“No problem. I’ll be good enough for both of us. Let’s go downstairs, order pizza, watch stupid reality shows and you can tell me all about life in a big city.”

I would have to institute Ty’s bullshit strategy again. It was fine. I had seen enough video and studied enough of human culture to have a good idea about life in various cities around the world.

We sat on the couch on our respective sides. Unlike Jacob, Leah apparently respected personal space. I was glad about this. Her touch, even through my shirt bothered me. I liked it too much. She didn’t talk much, just asked questions and the more I answered the more comfortable I felt around her. My nerves went away.

I felt guilty that most of what I was telling her was a lie. It was all a lie.

I could imagine her reaction if she saw me, the real me. This is the reason I told Connolly I would never be out. I would never be normal. Leah was a human, with a nice, attractive human boyfriend and had a nice life. She would never understand what I am or want to. I could imagine her reaction if she saw my teeth bared, my eyes change and my claws come out. She would run in horror. Even if I somehow escaped the Organization, what would be the point? I would still be living in hiding the rest of my life, hiding from them, hiding what I was from humans and probably having a constant desire to fight.

Julie was the life I lost and Leah was the life I could never have.

She was kind, beautiful. Her eyes were hypnotic and I could listen to her voice for hours. It soothed me which made no sense.

I noticed her texting and realized she must be preparing to go. That thought bothered me more than it should. It shouldn’t bother me at all. I knew the ache would return. Whatever had happened to us, we were somehow physically connected. Had I done this, whatever this was?

“Hey Bella? Have you ever been to La Push?”

I thought through my lies quickly and my time here. No one had ever seen me in La Push.

“No. Do you need a ride home?”

Leah shrugged her shoulders. “Not really. Sam offered to come pick me up but I was thinking maybe we could get out of the house tonight. Sam and some of his friends are setting up a bonfire on First Beach tonight. Its kind of a party, people hanging out, eating, drinking, standing around a huge fire. I’d like you to come. Maybe we could take your bike? I know Sam would love to get to know you better.”

Sam? Around Leah? Leah riding behind me twenty miles to La Push. I wanted to kill the man for touching her seconds after seeing her for the first time. I couldn’t be near him. He could be hurt, I could be outed if I lost control. The ride alone would drive me crazy. There was no way in hell I was doing this.

“Okay.”

I’m a damn idiot.

“Great! You are even dressed for it. It’s very casual, beach and all…”

“I think I should change. It gets cool at night and I am kind of cold natured.”

There was no way in hell I would be around a bunch of strangers showing my scars. School was one thing but this was different. I didn’t know why. It made no sense but it just was.

I moved quickly upstairs and through on a long sleeved flannel shirt and blue jeans. I thought of wearing a jacket but it wasn’t that cold.

“Hey Bell, you ready?” Leah asked, running into my room.

“Yeah, you okay? You seem excited. Probably missing Sam, right? You’ve probably spent too much time with me, right?”

Leah shook her head and tried to push my shoulder playfully. I forgot to tip backwards. She may have noticed since she was rubbing her shoulder now.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Hanging out with you is fun. I’ve probably been driving you crazy with all the questions this afternoon. I’m just excited because I have never been on a motorcycle before. You are going to be my first.”

“I’ll be right there. I have to call my friend. I was supposed to hang out with him this afternoon. I should tell him about the chance in plans.”

Leah looked a bit curious but nodded and left.

I scrambled. I needed help. Picking up my phone I called for backup.

“Ty?”

“You on your way or what?”

“I have a situation.”

“Yucky, goo filled monster we need to kill situation?”

“I wish. I’ve been invited by a new friend to go to some beach party that revolves around a giant fire. It’s on First Beach in La Push. How should I handle it? I’m not sure of the demographics of the crowd. Should I be mature and casual? Typical teen and drink alcohol? Peppy, brooding, mysterious or friendly to everyone? Is flannel okay? A lot of people wear flannel around here, right?”

“Calm down Bella. What the hell is wrong with you? Its just a little beach gathering. No big deal. Be yourself… okay be the you we have been working on. Mixed crowd so tune down the hardcore cussing. Keep it to say PG 13 until you get a feel for the crowd. Who are you going with? How do they act? Is it those losers from school?”

I wish it had been. I would have turned them down instead of putting myself through this torture.

“No, its a girl from La Push. She has been hanging out here all day. Her father and Charlie, look it doesn’t matter. She asked me to go. Should I wear makeup? I’m not good at it. She said I could wear shorts, but there is no way in hell I am doing that.”

Ty cleared his throat. “Bella girl calm your ass down. You are rambling. Relax, wear what the hell you feel comfortable in. What’s this girl wearing?”

“I’m not attracted to her!” I stressed.

Ty said nothing for a moment.

“I never said you were.”

Oh, right. Probably shouldn’t have said that.

“Bella, this is me. What’s wrong girl? I ain’t ever heard you panicked. Cold, sarcastic, bitchy, smartass and ungrateful yeah, but I’ve never heard you panic. You want me to come with?”

Ty sounded sincere. I was in worse shape than I thought. It would be difficult to explain though why my history teacher was with me.

“I’m good. Forget I called. I’ll wing it.”

Sure I would.

I walked slowly downstairs, knowing this had to be a bad idea. It just was. Sam brought out a reaction in me I didn’t understand. Like Leah said, from what little I had talked to him the man seemed genuinely nice.

And I wanted to rip his throat out, chase him threw the forest, enjoy the scent of his fear as I stalked him, played with him and finally attacked, claws shredding his perfect flawless skin, the blood gushing forth from his jugular…

Stop it! Nice guy, he is a nice guy. Okay, just calm down. I got this, no doubt. I will find my center and relax.

Leah was waiting for me on my bike.

“You ready?”

No.

“Yep.”

I sat in front of her and her hands found my waist immediately and dug in. Damn it, how was I supposed to concentrate for twenty miles? I didn’t have a helmet for her. Why would I? I never needed a helmet.

“I’ll take it slow.” I assured her. “Just hold on and lean into turns with me. If you become scared let me know and I can have a friend pick you up and take you to La Push.”

Before she could answer I took off. I wasn’t sure if I was going too fast at first but she was laughing behind me so I suppose she was having fun. I hoped she didn’t burn her legs on the engine.

The ride seemed to last forever, but in actuality was only fifteen minutes or so. I think. It was over too soon. When she got off the bike I wanted to whimper. The whole thing was ridiculous. I had to figure out what was wrong.

It was still daylight when we arrived, at least for a few more hours. I stepped away from her when she walked off towards a group of friends. I knew I had to socialize but the sight of the ocean during the day mesmerized me. I had seen oceans before but never from a beach, always a plane high above. The largest body I had ever stood in front of was the Amazon and that was for swimming lessons and stalking prey underwater.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Leah asked, walking up closely beside me.

“Yeah you are.” I said quietly and shut my mouth. Don’t say that. She didn’t hear it. The wind from the ocean surely covered it up.

“I am?” she asked, sounding humored. Maybe interested. Not offended I think.

“No, I said Yeah it is. Not you. Not that you aren’t, but I wasn’t saying you I meant it. The ocean I mean. It’s… anyway. I’m rambling again, aren’t I?”

“I kind of like when you ramble.” she told me. I looked at her and realized it was a mistake. She had the most beautiful smile on her face and I didn’t want to look away.

“Do you like living here?” I asked her.

She nodded her head and her eyes looked back to the ocean.

“I love it here. Sam is going off to college but I plan on staying. I’m thinking of taking nursing classes in Port Angeles and driving back and forth. My Mom is a nurse. There is a local clinic and Forks Hospital is always looking for nurses. I just can’t see myself leaving. It isn’t much, but its home.”

That was a surprise. I would have thought she would go to college with her boyfriend. She did look genuinely happy here.

We stood there in silence watching the sun set over the water. Once again, I felt free for a moment. She was kinder than the other humans in my school. I felt relaxed and the ache in my chest was gone.

I had a suspicion it would be coming back.

Then there was Sam.

“Hey Bella! Glad you could make it. This is what passes for nightlife in La Push.”

He put his arm around her. Of course he did. She was his girlfriend.

A girlfriend who stiffened at his touch.

The sound of his heart as he ran in fear would be fun to track. Perhaps I could let him have a bit of room, think he had escaped, but I would definitely let him turn around and see me before…

Damn it! Just stop.

“Its really beautiful out here Sam. I’m glad Leah invited me.”

The man beamed at me and I hated it. Leah was right. He was most likely a really great guy. Damn it. He was handsome, pleasant, had a great smile that seemed genuine.

Leah slipped away from him to my great relief, excusing herself to greet a friend.

“So, fair warning. Jake is about to be here with two of his less mature friends. They will probably bug you. If it gets too much let me know. Would you like a drink, food? We have some dogs on the grill.”

“Dogs?” La Push feeding habits were strange.

“Hotdogs?” Oh damn. He was looking at me strangely. I knew hotdogs. I remembered this. I hadn’t tried any yet but I knew what they were. Dogs! Get it together Bella.

“Yeah, I mean no, not right now but thank you.”

“No problem. So did you and Leah have fun today? I know she was really excited to spend time with you. She doesn’t have many friends. She knows quite a few people but doesn’t have any close friends I mean. The two of you seem comfortable around each other.”

“Yes, she makes me feel comfortable.” This was true in part. Another part made me feel very uncomfortable around her. With every question she asked I fought a desire to tell her the truth which would never happen. The less people knew the better. She would be in danger if it was ever found out that she knew what I was. She was a nice girl. I didn’t want her looking at me like a monster. Seeing my scars were difficult enough but she didn’t seem to mind. Leah did look at my legs several times today and perhaps she thought I didn’t notice. “Not many people do.” I added for Sam’s benefit.

“I’m glad. I hope we can become friends. I like to think I’m easy to get along with.” he told me.

I want to rip your face off and cut into your chest, feel your hear beating before it stops in my hand, stare in your eyes as they glaze over with the fog of death, turning you into a pile of meat.

“You are very easy to get along with Sam. I’m sure we will be great friends.” I assured him with my best friendly smile. At least the best I can offer. Smiling was never my strong point but Julie always said I had a beautiful smile.

The thought of her sobered me. This Leah girl had been distracting me all day, I felt comfort in her presence and was physically attracted to her, most likely due to whatever happened to me when I met her. Julie had died barely two months ago. The whole thing was ridiculous.

Leah was back. She grabbed my hand and that damn tingle came back. She was trying to pull me somewhere and I forgot for a moment I was supposed to allow her.

“Come on! Let’s dance.”

Of course. She wanted to dance.

I couldn’t dance. Ty hadn’t shown me how yet.

“I’m not much of a dancer Leah. I don’t know how.” I admitted.

This didn’t seem to phase her. “I can teach you. Show you some moves.”

I could show you moves.

Stop it Bella!

“I would rather not do it around others.”

“Stop pressuring her Leah.” Sam said walking behind her. Why the hell did he follow us? Right, he was her boyfriend. Leah’s Dad really liked him. “Besides I bet a slow song is coming up. I haven’t seen you all day so how about it?”

Leah looked at me with what I thought was an apologetic face and took his hand. They walked a distance where others were dancing and I did my best to take my eyes off of them and think about how easy it would be to rip his hands off with my strength alone.

I couldn’t watch this.

I couldn’t stop.

He kissed her. She had turned her face away and he kissed her on the cheek but he still kissed her.

Stay calm Bella. I needed a distraction. I needed something to do, away from them. Everyone else was eating, drinking or staring at the fire like the secret of life was inside the flames.

Billy Black was here.

How the hell did he get his wheelchair though this deep sand?

I had three choices. Watch Sam grope Leah, watch this stupid fire or screw with Charlie’s best friend.

Like I had a choice.

“Billy!”

“Bella? Its good to see you! I wasn’t expecting you, Charlie said you didn’t like to go out much or I would have invited you myself.”

I smiled at him innocently. I think it was an innocent smile. It wasn’t the smile I reserved for my prey when I knew I had them beat.

“Its fine Billy. I wasn’t expecting to come but Leah invited me and I couldn’t tell her no. Harry I think his name is? He and Char… Dad went hunting today so we hung out.”

Billy nodded his head as if he were happy about something I didn’t give a damn about.

“I’m glad you are making more friends Bella. There are a lot of good people in La Push. I hope to see you here often. Leah is a bit of a loner too. You two could be good for each other. Have you been making a lot of friends in Forks?”

That was a loaded question, poorly concealed. I thought I had issues with subtlety.

I shrugged my shoulders.

“Billy, I have some questions and I think you can help me.”

“I’ll help you anyway I can Bella.”

I knelt down next to his chair and lowered my voice.

“I know you and Charlie had an argument before I arrived in Forks, an argument about the Cullens.”

His face hardened though he did his best to hide it. I was better at hiding my feelings at least. For instance Sam was rubbing the small of Leah’s back and I hid my urge to murder him well.

“We have… different opinions. Why are you asking? Did that Emmett Cullen boy do something that made you uncomfortable? You said you met him, right?”

I shrugged my shoulders. “I get an uneasy feeling around all of them. They always seem to be watching me. Its so strange. Sometimes I feel like… its silly but I have these nightmares where I wake up and one of them is in my room. Every time I turn around at school one of them is there asking questions me personal questions. I swear one of them had black eyes. I have to know Billy, are they really dangerous?”

“You should stay away from them, Bella.” he told me, not answering my question at all.

“I can’t Billy. I can’t just quit school. I have to know. I trust you. If they are truly dangerous you would tell me, right? Like if they might be the type to want to harm me? You’re my Dad’s best friend. If anyone would tell me if my life was in danger it would be you. Could they… I know this sounds dumb… but none of them would kill me, right? They aren’t some cult who practices human sacrifice, right?”

The man looked a bit guilty. Of course he wouldn’t tell me they were vampires. He would have no reason to think I would believe him, probably tell Charlie that he was crazy.

The man opened his mouth and closed it without a word. He did this twice more.

“They are going to kill me, aren’t they?” I whispered, doing my best to sound fearful.

“No! I mean… just avoid them as much as you can after school and in school. You are safe with Charlie. If they keep bothering you, I will have a talk with their… father.”

“I thought you didn’t know him?”

Billy actually cringed at that slip.

“You are my best friend’s daughter. I will make the trip. You should tell Charlie about your worries. I’m sure he can make it clear to them to stay away. I doubt they will hurt you Bella, but it is best to keep your distance like you have been trying to do. I can guarantee you they do not come to La Push. I think spending time here may warn them off. They can be strange but I don’t think you have to worry about any cult sacrificing you.”

I shook my head. That wasn’t going to work.

“Billy I’m confused. If I should stay away from them that means they are dangerous, right? How can I be sure of anything they might do? They are strange Billy. They’re not related but all have golden eyes. They must wear contact lenses. That has cult written all over it, right? They are either dangerous or they aren’t. Swear to me Billy, that I have nothing to fear. That they couldn’t possibly hurt me. You are my Dad’s best friend. I trust you. Charlie likes them but hardly knows them. I know you know something. Swear to me that they won’t hurt me.”

Wow, he looked really guilty. Poor guy. He knows they are vampires but can’t say. I wonder if its just because he thinks I won’t believe him or tell Charlie his crazy theory. Could there be another reason?

I felt something weird and glanced towards Leah. She was still dancing with Sam.

He kissed her.

I had to get out of here. My damn teeth wanted to come out. My fingers and toes were tingling and my night vision was improving! My eyes must be changing.

“Never mind Billy. I’m sure if there was a real danger you would tell me. Tell Leah I had to go but this has been fun. See you later.”

I saw Jake on the way to the parking lot with two friends. He said hi and began introducing his friends. I kept my head down and brushed past them without a word. The last thing those children needed to see was my jaw unhinged and long fangs dropping.

I wasn’t two miles away from La Push when that damn pain came back.