January 18, 2005

As I stepped into the cafeteria lunch line, my best friend Steve Palmer moved in behind me.

"Did you see her?" Steve asked, with a huge grin on his face.

"See who?" I replied, deciding to play ignorant.

"The Police Chief's daughter, you ass," he said while rolling his eyes.  I loved pushing Steve's buttons.

"I can't say that I've had the pleasure," I responded, feigning disinterest.  But the truth of the matter was; I was very interested.

"Well, I have... and let me tell you, she's fucking hottie personafied."

"How hot?" I suddenly challenged. "Hot like Rosalie Hale or Alice Cullen?" I asked, signaling out the two hottest girls at Fork's High.

"Let's just say that she's major league eye candy," Steve said with a smile.

"Hell, Steve. If I didn't know better, I'd say you have a crush on her."

"The whole fucking school has a crush on her," Steve replied with a chuckle.

"Then it's a damn good thing I've already got myself a hot girlfriend, isn't it?" I said with a grin.

Steve laughed as we paid for our food and headed off to our table.

Steve and I were juniors, but being we were stars on the varsity baseball team, we sat with the seniors. Steve stood about 5'10" and played shortstop. He was mostly known for his good bat and golden glove, but he did have his share of throwing errors. I stood about 6'2" and was the team's star pitcher. I could throw a baseball well over ninety miles an hour. I should also mention that my grandfather played pro ball in the late sixties, early seventies, and according to him, I possessed greater talent.

"There she is," Steve said, nudging me.

I turned and... was blown away.

Isabella Swan was a vision of pure loveliness.  She possessed long brown hair... a slender, yet shapely body... and she filled out her jeans nicely.  I found myself entranced with her as she walked towards the back tables.  Her beauty was unearthly in a subtle way.  She didn't possess the classic beauty associated with Rosalie Hale... nor the adorable beauty of Alice Cullen... but there was something undeniably attractive about her.

Suddenly, I felt a strange anger when I saw her sit down at a table with Jessica Stanley, Lauren Mallory and Mike Newton.  I had to suppress a need to rush over there and protect her from them.

"Speechless, eh?" Steve commented with a chuckle.

"She's... amazing," I replied, still finding myself mesmerized. But then I remembered Lisa, so I quickly snapped out of it, and shot a glance towards the lunch line.  I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw her chatting away with her best friend, Cassie.  The last think I wanted to happen was for her to catch me gawking at the new girl.

"Her first day and she's already sitting with the jerks," Steve commented as we took our seats.

"Unfortunate," I replied, but purposely didn't look over at them.  I remembered Lisa telling me that Lauren was a backstabbing bitch and Jessica her disciple. Newton was harmless, but a total perv.  I could only imagine what he was fantasizing about. Don't get me wrong... there's nothing wrong with guys lusting over girls, but Newton verbalized it, bringing it to a brand new level.

"Is that ass really trying to hit on her?" Steve asked, and this time I did shoot a glance over at them.

"He's doesn't stand a chance," I mumbled.

It was then that our attention was drawn to the blonde goddess, Rosalie Hale.

The best way to describe a Rosalie Hale entrance is to point to one of those slow motion scenes in a teen flick where the hot chick makes an entrance. Fortunately, the attention Rosalie drew didn't seem to bother her, and nor did it bother her live-in boyfriend, Emmett Cullen.

Rosalie Hale was not only the most beautiful girl in school, but by far the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. She was hypnotically breathtaking, possessing long wavy blonde hair, large shapely breasts, and a well rounded ass. But even with all that, her most alluring feature was her beatific angelic face. It baffled me as to why she hadn't been discovered yet, given she could grace the cover of any glamour magazine in publication.

Despite their last name of Hale, Rosalie, and her twin brother, Jasper, were Cullens. They were all adopted by Doctor Cullen and his wife, Esme.  They were very highly respected people in the Fork's community. The Cullen family was not only mega rich, but mega generous, and the rumor had it that he had already donated thousands to the hospital.

The one thing the gossipers had a field day with was the fact that Emmett Cullen and Rosalie Hale were adopted siblings, just like Jasper Hale and Alice Cullen, and yet they were couples.  They lived together under the same roof. Personally, given they weren't blood related, I didn't have a problem with this. In fact; it made perfect sense that the Super Models of Forks High were dating the other Super Models of Forks High.

As Rosalie passed my table, I purposely breathed through my nose, and as always, her scent aroused me.  I could feel myself grow hard with desire underneath the lunch table. To this day, I wasn't sure if Rosalie's scent was from some expensive perfume... or it was her natural scent, but every time I breathed it in, I couldn't get enough of her.

"Better snap out of it, Lisa's coming," Steve commented.  I quickly shifted my attention to the approaching girls.

"Hey," I greeted them, but I could tell from Lisa's face that she wasn't fooled.

Cassie sat down next to Steve while Lisa sat next to me. I watched as Lisa glanced over at the Cullen table knowingly.  Thankfully, she was kind enough not to say anything.

Lisa was a hottie herself.  I knew being the star pitcher of Fork's High baseball team that I would have the cream of the crop to pick from and the first time I ever set eyes on Lisa, I made it my mission to be with her. Not only for her sexiness... or her beauty... but also for her feisty personality.

Lisa and I had started seeing each other at the tail end of last summer. Given we resided only a few blocks from one another, it made our relationship convenient. Just recently we celebrated our six month anniversary.  I wouldn't have mentioned this if Lisa hadn't made a big deal out of it.

A mere minute later, Jasper Hale and Alice Cullen entered the lunchroom, garnering pretty much the same share of attention as their adopted siblings. It was pretty much agreed upon that Alice Cullen epitomized the words adorably sexy, and out of all the Cullens, she appeared the friendliest.  Lisa and Cassie thought she was weird. Unfortunately, Alice's live-in boyfriend appeared to be even more intimidating than his bigger brother.  Even I felt a dangerous vibe from him.

Then the last Cullen entered the room, and this time every girl in the lunch room turned to stare. I wondered from time to time if he ever noticed. Even Lisa and Cassie weren't immune, and a quick glance at the Swan girl told me she was staring as well.

Edward was the only Cullen that didn't have a girlfriend.  But that was only because of him. Lisa told me how Edward Cullen could get any girl he wanted... bar none. I chose not to go there. Lisa even admitted to me once that it was very hard for her to concentrate during her English class because she sat close enough to him where she could smell his scent. 

"There's something about the way he smells," she once told me, and this had me wondering if Lisa reacted the same towards Edward's scent as I did towards Rosalie's scent.

I found myself reflecting to the day the Cullens arrived two years ago. Emmett Cullen and the Hale twins entered the school as Sophomores, while Edward and Alice Cullen entered as Freshman. Now they were seniors and juniors respectively.

I remembered how pissed off all us guys were when Rosalie and Alice didn't try out for the cheerleading team.  Coach Clapp wasn't at all happy either when Emmett and Jasper refused to join the football team.

"Ouch!" I cried when Steve kicked me in the shin. I glared at him, wondering what his problem was.  But then I realized I had been staring at Rosalie Hale, and this time Lisa wasn't impressed.

"Hey, did you girls see Isabella Swan yet?" Steve asked, trying his best to distract.

"Bella," Cassie mumbled.

"Huh?" Steve said.

"She prefers Bella," Lisa replied.

"Whatever," Steve replied.  Then asked; "Don't you think she'd make the perfect cheerleader?"

"Why would you say that?" Cassie asked with a look of confusion.

"Because she's fucking hot," Steve argued and I winced when I realized where he was going with this.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Lisa demanded, glaring.

"Hello...? Cheerleaders are hot... she's hot... no brainer if you ask me," Steve replied with a grin.

I swear he could be clueless at times.

"Are you saying all you need to be is hot in order to be the perfect cheerleader?" Cassie asked.

"Did it ever occur to you that you need to be a good athlete to cheer?" Lisa asked, sounding angry.

"Come on. Do you seriously think we give a fuck if you can't do a cartwheel?" Steve asked in response.

"Damn it, Steve!" I snapped, and this time it was my turn to kick him in the shin.

"Fuck!" he yelled out in surprise.

I turned to Lisa to show her my support when I noticed her eyes riveted on the Cullen table. I followed her gaze and sighed when I saw that she was staring at Edward specifically. But then I realized that Edward was staring at someone across the lunch room.

"I don't believe it," Lisa mumbled.

Cassie turned around to have a look for herself.

"What?" Steve asked, not understanding.

"Edward Cullen is staring at Bella Swan," Cassie whispered.

I shifted my attention to Bella and saw that she was staring right back at Edward and wore the same perplexed expression as he did.

"Of course he's staring at her... she's the new girl... and like I said before... she's fucking hot," Steve pointed out.

"But you don't understand," Cassie mumbled.

"Then fucking enlighten me," Steve suggested as he rolled his eyes.

"Edward Cullen has never paid the least bit attention to any girl in school before," Lisa offered up.

I paused to consider this. How would Bella Swan's presence affect Edward Cullen? And then I wondered why I cared.


January 26, 2005

Lisa and I had just stepped out of my beat-up old Civic when we heard the screeching sound. I turned and saw Tyler Crowley's van skidding across the icy parking lot sideways and heading straight for Bella Swan.

"Oh God!" I gasped as I took off in a sprint, but seconds later I heard a loud crunching crash, and knew there was no way Bella could survive this.

When I reached the other side of Bella's truck, I found her half lying on the cement and half lying in Edward Cullen's arms.  "Thank God," I thought to myself in relief, but then wondered where the hell had Cullen come from.

"Be careful," Edward told Bella, prompting me to shift my attention to Crowley to see if he was alright. I saw him through the passenger side window and it looked like he was bleeding from a head wound.

"Don't move!" I heard Coach Clapp yell out, but then I heard someone else say, "Get Tyler out of the van!"

I darted over to driver's side to make sure nobody moved Tyler until Coach Clapp arrived.

"Coach says not to move him," I warned a rather large looking kid.  I remembered seeing him on the football team.

"I'll take it from here, Ray," Coach Clapp said, so I quickly rushed back to where Bella and Edward were.

"But it's cold," Bella complained, and was that Edward I heard laughing?  I was just about to offer my assistance when Lisa rushed to me.

"Is everyone alright?" she asked with a look of panic on her pretty face, and then I saw her eyes light up with shock when she saw Bella in Edward's arms.

"Yes, as incredible as it is to believe, they appear to be alright," I replied.

Two ambulances arrived and the place was swarming with EMTs.  I watched Edward refuse medical help but then point to Bella, and within minutes the EMTs had a brace wrapped around her neck and forced her to lay back on a stretcher. She looked outright pissed.

Something suddenly dawned on me.  I turned to the parking lot where the Cullens usually parked their car and saw how far it was from Bella's truck.  Why was Edward so far from his car?  Were the two of them already in some sort of secret relationship?

When Chief Swan showed up, and realized his daughter was involved in the accident, he rushed over screaming her name.

"There's nothing wrong with me," I heard Bella respond and I overheard the EMT tell Chief Swan Bella was going to the hospital strictly for precautionary reasons.

Then my eyes lit up when I saw Edward climb into the back of Bella's ambulance, but I wasn't sure if that was Edward's doing or on the EMT's insistance.  Moments later, Chief Swan was back in his cruiser and providing police escort.

I took this moment to walk back to Bella's truck.  I saw a huge dent in the rear fender where Bella had been standing.  Tyler's van also had a huge dent in the rear fender which made sense.  Then I looked at the huge dent on the van's front fender and paused.  The front fender of Bella's truck didn't even have a scratch, never mind a dent. This confused me.  If there was no dent on Bella's truck, then what did the van hit to cause that much damage?  I then closed my eyes to try and visualize what I saw moments before the crash and for the life of me, I couldn't place Cullen.  

*** *** ***

"Hey, Tyler. I called to see if you're alright," I said over the phone.

"Yeah... ah, sure.  But, who is this?" Crowley asked in response.

"Ray Kulp," I replied.

"Kulp?" Crowley repeated, sounding even more surprised.

"Yeah, are you alright?" I asked again.

"Oh... uh... yeah... well... I have some stitches and a slight concussion but Doctor Cullen doesn't think it's anything serious.  He just wanted to keep me in overnight for observation."

"What about Bella?" I asked.

"He sent her home with a couple of aspirin," Tyler replied with a chuckle.

"What happened, anyway?"

"I was going too fast and hit the ice wrong."

"I meant; how did you not kill Bella Swan?"

"Edward Cullen pulled her out of the way."

"Really?" I asked, wondering if he had witnessed this.

"Yeah, at least that's what Bella said."

"So, you didn't actually see him do this...?" I responded.

"Nope, but why would she lie?"


January 30, 2005.

I actually came down with a flu that kept me home for the two days after the accident so by the time I got back to school, the talk regarding the accident had died out. Given Bella Swan was the eye witness, why would anyone doubt her?  I decided I wouldn't pursue the accident, but instead pay much closer attention to the Bella and Edward show.

February 14, 2005

Valentine's Day proved eventful... at least for some of us. I still couldn't understand the lack of a relationship between Bella and Edward, especially since Edward saved Bella's life. It looked to me like they were purposely avoiding each other.

Meanwhile my own relationship with Lisa had progressed to a more intimate stage, and she was hinting at having sex on the special date I had planned for us after school but I would insist on taking it slow.  I lost my virginity in the summer between middle school and high school, but I was well aware that Lisa was still a virgin, and I would make sure she was absolutely ready before I would deflower her.

Oh... after much back and forth banter, Steve and Cassie finally became a couple and I knew it would make the four of us inseparable.


March 4, 2005

Normally, nobody notices when a student decides to sit at a different table during lunch period. I mean... who cares, right? But when the student is Edward Cullen... everybody notices.

The Cullens were known as the Cullen five because they always sat together during lunch period. But not today. Upon entering the cafeteria; Edward sat alone at a table near mine.

Then I noticed Edward staring at the girls up in front of me, and it was then that I realized Bella was just a few students ahead of me. I was close enough to overhear Jessica tell Bella that Edward was staring at her.  That was when I saw Edward gesture to Bella to join him. Every pair of eyes watched as Bella sat down at Edward's table, directly across from him.

"Look over at the Newton table," Steve said with a chuckle.

With the exception of Angela Webber, everyone at the table looked livid about Bella and Edward sitting together.  Angela Webber, on the other hand, beamed with happiness.  Lisa's opinion of Angela was spot on.

Then I shifted my attention from the Newton table to the Cullen table and saw similar expressions. In fact, if looks could kill, Rosalie Hale would have been up for murder with the way she was glaring at them. Jasper didn't look at all pleased either, while Emmett looked confused. Alice, on the other hand, looked just as happy as Angela did... if not happier.

As I passed Edward and Bella's table, I overheard Edward.

"I told you - I got tired of trying to stay away from you. So I'm giving up."

"Giving up?" Bella asked.

"Yes - giving up trying to be good. I'm just going to do what I want now and let the chips fall where they may."

"You lost me again," Bella replied, but then Lisa interrupted me, forcing my attention.

"What's up?" I asked her with a smile.

"I don't know," she replied with an inquisitive look. "You tell me," she added.

"Oh... I... I guess you caught me daydreaming," I lied.

"Really?" Lisa asked, not buying it. I figured if I was going to lie, I'd better lie better.

"I'm just wishing I didn't have indoor baseball practice today."

Lisa studied my face but didn't say anything. I glanced over at Steve who looked at me like I was crazy.

How could I explain my fascination with the Bella and Edward show when I didn't understand it myself? Discreetly, I returned my attention to my obsession.

"So, as long as I'm being... not smart, we'll try to be friends?" Bella asked. 

I paused to think about this.  Had I been right about them?  Had they been more than just friends? Was this discussion they were having a breakup?  I wished I hadn't missed anything.

Unfortunately, there was a barrage of interruptions; mostly from Steve, so it took nearly ten minutes before I could return to the show.

"You've got a bit of a temper, don't you?" Edward asked her.

"I don't like double standards," Bella replied.

I risked a peak and saw Bella glaring at Edward. Was Edward glaring back at her? I couldn't see his face. I then saw Edward shift his attention to the Newton's table.

"What?" Bella asked him.

"Your boyfriend seems to think I'm being unpleasant to you. He's debating whether or not to come break up our fight," Edward told her.

'What boyfriend?' I thought to myself.

"I don't know who you're talking about," Bella replied, convincing me that Edward was talking figuratively. "But I'm sure you're wrong anyway," she added.

"I'm not. I told you. Most people are easy to read."

"Except for me, of course," Bella interjected.

"Yes, except for you... and I wonder why that is."

"Come on, Ray... we need to get going," Lisa told me as she tapped me on the shoulder. I reluctantly got up and grabbed both our trays and was glad Steve followed suit. Cassie had been complaining lately that Steve needed a course in proper etiquette.

While I walked past the Bella and Edward show, I heard Bella say; "Um, well, bitten by a radioactive spider."

"That's not very creative," Edward replied, and if I hadn't been confused before, I most certainly was now.


** ** **

Just before my last class, I ran out to my car to get my baseball bag from the front seat and in doing so I spotted Edward and Bella walking towards the parking lot.

Were they ditching their last class? I wasn't sure what to think as to why they were together.

I saw Bella turn towards her red pick-up but before she could get far, Edward grabbed her coat and jerked her back to him.

"Where do you think you're going?" he demanded of her.

"I'm going home," Bella replied.

"Didn't you hear me promise I would take you safely home?"  This had me confused. "Do you think I'm going to let you drive in your condition?" he asked.

"What condition?" Bella snapped. "And what about my truck?"

'Yeah, what condition?' I asked myself.  I had to admit I was impressed with Bella's feistiness. Here, at least according to Lisa and Cassie, Cullen could get any girl he wanted and Bella Swan was giving him a hard time.

"I'll have Alice drop it off after school," Edward told her while he pulled Bella along by her jacket.

"Let go!" she snapped, and I considered intervening.  But no sooner had I thought this, Edward turned to me and smiled. How did he know I was observing them from my car?

Edward then led Bella to the passenger side of his Volvo and opened the door for her, but instead of ushering her inside, he allowed her to make up her own mind.  While Bella debated, Edward walked around to the driver's side and although I couldn't hear them, I could tell there were words exchanged.  What I knew for sure now was that Edward was allowing Bella to make up her own mind, and I couldn't help think that he was doing this for my benefit.

Edward climbed into his Volvo as the rain picked up, and I watched Bella stand there getting soaked.

"I am perfectly capable of driving myself home!" she yelled at him, but then I smiled when I saw her climb into his car.

Clearly, they were a couple.  If that had been a secret break-up inside the lunch room, it was obvious they patched things up.  Only a couple would argue the way they did.  At the moment, this relationship they had wasn't known... and I would be damned if I would tell anybody.


March 5, 2005

During lunch, I saw Bella back at her usual table and Edward nowhere in sight. The only Cullens in school were Rosalie, Alice and Jasper.

"Did you hear how many losers Bella shot down this past week?" Steve asked me.

"Shot down?" I replied, confused. "You mean she was asked out on a date?"

"To the school dance," Steve clarified.

"But that's girls choice," I argued.

"Like I said; losers," Steve said, causing both of us to laugh.

"How many?" I finally asked.

"Newton, Crowley and Yorkie," Steve responded with a grin.

"Losers," we both said again eliciting more laughter.


March 10, 2005

I was in homeroom when a discussion broke out about Rosalie Hale's red convertible BMW M3. Someone used their cell phone to do a Google and discovered it was worth fifty grand.

Then between first and second period, I heard a rumor about Edward and Bella that made me smile. If what I heard was true, they were going public. Jessica Stanley was telling everyone who would listen that Bella and Edward had themselves a secret rendezvous at a restaurant in Port Angeles last night and that not only did Edward drive Bella to school this morning, but she was wearing his jacket.

I saw Edward and Bella in the hallway on my way to the cafeteria and noted that they were as close as two could be without actually touching each other. It was as if their bodies gravitated towards one another subconsciously.

Steve and I were a few kids behind them in the lunch line, so I eavesdropped on their conversation.

"What are you doing?" Bella asked Edward when he filled his tray up with a variety of food. "You're not getting all that for me."   Why Bella was saying this didn't make sense to me.

"Half is for me, of course," Edward replied, and then paid for all the food. I smiled.  This was another sign that they were a couple.

Steve and I sat down at our usual table while Edward and Bella sat at the same table they were at yesterday, but this time there was a few seniors that sat at the end of it.

Again, Edward's back was to me so I couldn't see his face.  I did see him reach over and pick up a slice of pizza, and for some reason, Bella looked shocked when he took a bite from it.  I happened to glance over at the Cullen table and saw they had similar expressions on their face as well.  Was Edward allergic to pizza or something? 

"No one has tried to do away with me yet," Bella commented.

"Not yet," Edward agreed and I shook my head at their strange dialogue.

"You know, I haven't forgiven you for the Tyler thing yet," Bella remarked.  Was she talking about her near death experience from Tyler's van? "It's your fault..." she continued, but I couldn't make out the rest of it. How could that have been Cullen's fault? Then I recalled Tyler telling everyone that he was taking Bella to the prom. Nobody believed him but I could see where Bella would be upset about it.  But why would this be Edward's fault?

"That wouldn't be a problem," I heard Edward reply, but then Cassie distracted me. It seemed like forever before I could return to the show.

"Can I drive?" Bella asked Edward, and I wondered where they were going.

"Why?" Edward asked, but I didn't catch her answer.

"Phoenix is three times bigger than Seattle," Bella suddenly declared.

"Your number wasn't up in Phoenix," Edward responded, and this had me wondering if Bella was in some sort of danger.

"As it happens, I don't mind being alone with you." Bella told Edward, and the second my mind registered those words, I felt myself relax. What was I doing? This wasn't any of my business, so I returned my attention back to my own table.

"Absolutely not!" Cullen said in a loud voice later on and this not only drew my attention, but several others as well. I decided it was time to leave.


March 11, 2005

The whole school was talking about Bella and Edward; except for me. I even chose to ignore them when they sat together for lunch. Although, I did perk up when I saw Alice Cullen approach them. It looked like Edward was formerly introducing her to Bella.

During my next class, I happened to be glancing out the window when I saw Bella's pick-up truck pull into the student parking lot. Cullen's Volvo followed close behind it. I was surprised when I saw Alice step out of the truck. But then I smiled, realizing that Bella would need her truck if Edward and Alice were skipping.


March 15 through 19, 2005

The whole school was abuzz with rumors regarding Bella Swan and the Cullens. I even overheard some of the teachers talking about them... and given they were all out of school meant that something happened. The one consistent story was that Bella Swan was in a hospital down in Phoenix.  This shocked me.  I caved and had Lisa ask Angela Webber what she knew.

From what Angela told Lisa; Bella was in a Phoenix hospital recovering from a major accident. The word was that Edward and Bella got into a huge argument that sent Bella running off to Phoenix. Doctor Cullen, along with Alice and Edward, rushed down to Phoenix to try and talk to her and in the process, Bella fell down a flight of stairs and smashed through a huge window.

Shock and disbelief shot through me.  I doubted the plausibility of such a story. Although Lisa and Cassie insisted that Bella was the clumsiest, most accident prone girl in their gym class.

I didn't buy it.  I believed that Bella was involved in some life threatening situation where it took all the Cullens to save her.


March 22 through 27, 2005

With the exception of Edward and Alice, the rest of the Cullens returned to school on Monday. If they weren't down in Phoenix, why had they been out of school all last week? I might have bought that they were too distraught if I hadn't been paying attention.  Hadn't Alice just been formerly introduced to Bella the previous Friday?

The story going around now was that Bella was still in the hospital and Edward and Alice, along with Doctor Cullen, stayed down there with her. I approached Emmet in the hallway.

"Hey, Emmett.  How's Bella doing?" I asked, feeling strangely intimidated.

"She's a lot better than she was," Emmett replied with a smile.  He looked surprised that I approached him.


March 30, 2005

"Bella Swan is back," Steve informed me.  "Full leg cast, bandaged right hand, and that's all I could tell from a distance. Whatever happened did a number on her."

"Are you doubting their story?" I asked Steve. I doubted their story but hadn't shared that with anybody. I just wondered why Steve doubted it.

"I'm not sure what, but there's definitely something strange going on with them."

"Explain," I demanded, but he couldn't.

According to everyone that saw them, either Edward or Alice was with Bella all the time. Even Emmett helped from time to time.

Later on, I got to see Bella for myself when I saw Alice pushing her around in a wheelchair. I studied them for a bit and realized that the dynamics of their relationship had changed.  Not only was Bella and Alice extraordinarily closer, acting like best friends all of a sudden, but Bella almost appeared to differ to Alice in a passive sort of way.

"Hi Bella, welcome back," I greeted her with a smile. Would you believe that this was the first time that I ever spoke to her.  She responded shyly while thanking me as we passed.

Later on in the cafeteria, she was laughing and smiling.  For someone who just experienced a life-threatening accident, it would have been hard to rationalize.  But I saw the reason standing but a few inches from her... Edward Cullen.  As long as Bella and Edward were together, everything would be fine.

On my way home, I speculated as to what could have happened to have Bella run off to Phoenix. I didn't believe for a moment it was over a fight. Something happened - that I was sure of... and then I remembered the talk Bella and Edward had in the cafeteria.  Had Bella been in serious danger all along?  Had it taken the entire Cullen family to fight off whatever trouble she was in?

I knew this line of thought was crazy, but I thought it was crazier to think that she had run away from Edward. Edward and Bella were soul mates and it didn't take a Rocket Scientist to see this. I truly believed that without Edward, there was no Bella... and without Bella, there was no Edward... so, it only made sense that the Cullen Five turned into the Cullen six at lunch, and even Rosalie appeared to accept the new addition.


June 11, 2005 (Senior/Junior Prom)

It was the junior prom and the four of us were looking rather incredible. Lisa and I were getting along great. Steve and Cassie were also getting along great and it was looking like we were in for a terrific summer.

"Hey, did you hear about Tyler Crowley?" Andy Pinto asked. He was our second baseman.

"What's to hear?" Steve asked.

"He's bringing Bella Swan," Andy replied.

"Don't believe it," I replied with a chuckle.

"I have it on good authority he was seen at the Swan house."

"Trust me. If Bella does attend, she'll only be showing up with Cullen," I replied.

"Yeah, man... Didn't you see how close they'd become?" Steve asked.

"Just telling you what I heard."

I scanned the gymnasium and saw Jasper and Alice right beside Emmett and Rosalie. The four of them stood out like gods and goddesses.  There really was something very different about them.

"Well, it looks like the rumor is false," Lisa pointed out as she gestured towards the gymnasium's entrance.

Edward stood there with his arms around Bella's waist, and I found myself enthralled with her beauty. Even the walking cast didn't detract from her stunning looks, and the blue dress she wore hugged every contour of her hot body.

"God, is he ever hot," Lisa mumbled, and then she blushed when she realized she said the words out loud.

I smiled back at her to let her know it didn't bother me. How could it bother me when I knew Edward only had eyes for Bella... and vice versa.

As the two of them proceeded to the dance floor, I was curious as to how Bella was going to dance with her cast.  Then Edward picked her up and placed her on top of his shoes.

"No fucking way," I mumbled, and then my eyes lit up when I saw him begin to twirl Bella around the dance floor like a pro. How was this even possible?! I turned to Lisa and saw her watching them as well. In fact, most everybody was staring, and I had to admit, there was something magical about them.

"Would you care to dance?" I asked Lisa, who had been just entranced as I was.

"I thought you'd never ask," she replied, and we then made our way to the dance floor.

"Who's he?" I asked, not recognizing the Native American that approached Bella.

"I don't know why he's here, but that's Jacob Black," Lisa replied. "He goes to school on the reservation."

"How do you know him?" I asked, surprised.

"I don't, Angela pointed him out to me when we visited First Beach last month."

I was surprised when Edward relinquished his arm from around Bella's waist to allow her to dance with him.  Obviously, Bella and Jacob knew each other, and I couldn't resist listening in.

"Can you believe my Dad paid me twenty bucks to come to your prom?" Jacob asked her.

"Yes, I can," Bella replied with a sigh. Despite the fast song, they were going real slow.  "Well, I hope you're enjoying yourself. Seen anything you like?"

"Yeah, but she's taken," Jacob replied, and I chuckled thinking here was another kid who was smitten with Bella Swan.

I stole a glance at Edward and wondered if he knew Jacob was hitting on his girl.

"You look really pretty," Jacob told Bella.

"Um, thanks. So, why did Billy pay you to come here?" Bella asked, and I waited for Jacob's answer.  But then Lisa drew my attention and I couldn't ignore her.

"The music's loud, what did you say?" I asked.

"I said... isn't it nice that Edward is allowing that Quileute boy to dance with his girlfriend."

"Yeah, real nice," I replied, glad for an excuse to focus on them again.

"Look, Jacob. I know Billy probably won't believe this, but just so you know... Edward really did save my life. If it weren't for Edward and his father, I'd be dead."

"I know," Jacob replied, seeming to believe her.

"Hello, anyone home?" Lisa asked me.  I turned beat red at having been caught.

"I'm sorry, Lisa... I'm finding something very interesting and I promise I'll explain it to you later."

"So, should I tell him you said butt the hell out?" Jacob asked with a chuckle.  I frowned, realizing I had missed something important.

"No, tell him I said thanks. I know he means well," Bella replied.

The song ended and I wondered if they would dance another song, but suddenly Edward appeared and took Bella into his arms. Edward said something to Jacob, but I couldn't make out what it was, and then Jacob said something to Bella before he left.

"I want to talk to Cassie," Lisa told me as she broke free of me.  I pulled her back to my body and hugged her.

"I'm sorry... this song is slow and I'd really like to dance with you."

Lisa looked up at me and smiled. Fortunately, I was forgiven.

Later, when Lisa headed off to use the ladies room, I searched for Bella, but couldn't find her. 


July 18, 2005.

Every year, Steve and I hit two events on back to back nights. The town of Forks hosts a Fair at the same time La Push hosts their big event down at First Beach.

The Fair had about ten or so amusement rides, a fun house, and a bunch of games designed to rip people off. This was the first year that Steve and I felt pressure to actually play and win given we had steady girlfriends. The big prize was one of those huge stuffed animals.

One of the games that was new this year, but not new to most Fairs, was a game where I would be able to showcase my accuracy in my pitching arm. A clown sat on a bench waiting to be dunked into a large tank of water, and if I were to guess, the water was ice cold. The clown looked bored and probably didn't think anyone could dunk him.  I watched one person after another fail in dunking the clown.

"Rip off!" Steve yelled when one of the guys hit the target clearly, but not directly in the center which was needed to release the lever. Steve was right, the game was fixed to the average thrower, but I was far from the average.

As I approached the game, I noticed a crowd gathering. It didn't surprise me; given I had pretty much become a household name due to my star status on the team. So, if I hadn't felt the pressure before, I certainly felt it now.

"Just throw it to the mitt like you're warming up," I heard a male voice call out from behind me and I turned to see the voice belonged to Edward Cullen. He was standing there watching, with Bella Swan in his arms, and I smiled at them in response. I glanced over at Lisa, who was staring at them as if she were mesmerized. I chuckled before I turned back to the task.

"Come on, Kulp! This is a piece of cake," Steve shouted.

I smiled at Steve and Cassie, and then turned to Lisa again.  This time she was smiling right back at me as she pointed to the huge stuffed animal on the rack to my left. I again chuckled.

The game cost $5.00 to play, which would normally be a deterrent, given you had to dunk the clown twice with three balls. If you dunked the clown once, you only won a small stuffed animal and I knew that this wouldn't do.

The distance was about sixty feet which was about the same distance from the pitcher's mound to the plate, so I made like I was warming up on the mound to make a pitch. Of course, I would throw a fastball, but I decided to take a little off of it in favor of accuracy.

"Take your time and throw normal," I heard a voice shout and I turned and saw Edward Cullen standing there with Bella.  I wondered what type of ballplayer he would make.

I told myself I could easily do this and started my wind-up, but just before releasing the ball, I took a lot off my velocity, and this proved to be a mistake, for there was a loud clanging noise which meant I hit my target, but it fell shy of the center. The throw did not release the lever and the clown smiled.

"Rip off!" Steve yelled again, and I laughed, shrugging my shoulders.

While I picked up the second ball, I turned to see if Edward and Bella were still watching, and now saw that Alice and Jasper had joined them as well.

Suddenly, I felt a strong dose of confidence, prompting me to wind up and throw hard... real hard... right down the middle of the plate.  At least it would have been if there had been a plate.  The result was another loud clang, but this time the lever did release, dunking the clown into the ice cold water.

"Awesome!" Steve yelled out.

"Way to go, honey," Lisa shouted.

I turned and smiled at them, and then shifted around to see that not only had Alice and Jasper joined Edward and Bella, but Emmett and Rosalie had joined them as well.

"Come on, Kulp!" Emmett yelled.

"Yeah, one more time!" Bella shouted, and I saw her say something to Alice, who in turn said something to Jasper.

I picked up the final ball, feeling that weird burst of confidence again, and knew I was going to win Lisa her big prize. The clown settled back into his seat and I laughed when he started to taunt me. I guess his taunting might have gotten to me before, but I had no doubt whatsoever he was going down.

I wound up and threw with all my might and delivered another perfect strike, and if I were to guess, I would have said I threw that ball well over ninety miles an hour. There was a loud clang releasing the lever again and the clown dropped into the water once again.

"Great arm, Raymond," Edward called out from behind me and I turned just in time to see the six of them walking away. I smiled as I watched Bella cling to Edward in a very intimate way. I felt really happy for them and was glad to see Bella out of her cast.

As the evening progressed, Steve was becoming more and more frustrated with his inability to win a stuffed animal. He even went back to the dunking game, and although he hit the target, his accuracy couldn't put two throws together to hit the center. 

Then Steve had me keep the girls distracted while he made some arrangements. I rolled my eyes when he told me he was going to do his own fixing.

The game had nothing to do with skill and everything to do with luck, and I found out later that Steve coughed up fifty dollars to win a large stuffed animal for Cassie. So, there we were, walking around the Fair ground with the girls holding their prized possessions.


The end of Chapter One.

September 15, 2005

I was on the computer when Lisa called.

"Did you hear about Bella Swan?"

"Huh? No," I replied as I glanced at the clock. It was after 11:00 at night.

"She's missing... has been since this afternoon."

"Missing?"

"Yeah, her father is organizing a search party to comb the woods behind his house. My father just left to join them."  I remembered seeing Bella in school today but nothing struck me as strange in her demeanor.

"I'll call Steve and head over there."

After filling Steve in on what was happening, I told him I'd meet him at the Swan place in fifteen minutes.

When I arrived, there was already a decent size crowd gathered, and I immediately looked around for Cullen. I didn't see him, and I wondered if Bella and him had run off together.

In addition to Chief Swan, practically every police officer in Fork's was here, along with twenty or so volunteers. Strangely, it wasn't the Chief that was leading the search party, it was his Quileute friends.

Anyway, armed with flashlights, we proceeded into the woods.

"Where's Cullen?" Steve asked me. I nearly jumped because I hadn't noticed him arriving.

"The Cullens left town," we heard someone say.

"All of them?" I asked, not understanding.

"Yeah," someone else answered as we walked deeper into the woods. I tried digesting this new information and found it difficult. Had she run off with the whole family?

"I've got her!" we heard a voice shout from up ahead.  We took off in a sprint towards the voice, and about eighty or so yards, we spotted a huge Quileute kid carrying Bella in his arms. 

Chief Swan ran up to him and said something, but I couldn't make out what he said.

"No, I don't think she's hurt," the Quileute kid replied, adding, "She just keeps saying he's gone."

I felt a stab of fear rush through me.  Edward Cullen... gone?  

"Bella, honey.  Are you alright?" I heard the Chief ask her.

"Charlie?" Bella answered in a far away, soft voice.

"I'm right here, baby," the Chief replied and then he insisted on carrying her himself.

"Maybe I should hold onto her," the kid suggested when he saw Charlie struggle.

"I've got her," the Chief snapped and then proceeded to carry her.

A group of us went ahead of the Chief to light up a trail for him. I wished I knew the Swans better so I could ask Bella where Edward went. I couldn't imagine him being alright with this.

"We're almost home now, honey," the Chief told Bella as we neared the clearing of his backyard. Bella didn't respond.

I, along with a bunch of others, stayed outside the Swan house waiting to hear how Bella was. I saw more Quileute people enter the house along with Doctor Gerandy. 

After a few more minutes, the Quileute kid that had found Bella, along with an older native, walked out of the house. It just dawned on me that I hadn't seen Jacob Black here and I wondered if he knew Bella had gone missing.

"Folks.  My name is Harry Clearwater and I'm a close friend of Chief Swan's. He asked me to thank you all for coming out tonight.  Bella is physically fine and needs to rest now."

Steve and I took that as a sign to leave, along with everyone else, and as I got into my car, I dreaded tomorrow.  Not only would Bella have to deal with life without Edward, but I could imagine what kind of rumors that this night would bring her.


September 16, 2005

It was Friday and no Bella. No Edward, nor Alice either. It didn't take long for the rumors to start circulating and it was impossible to ignore them. The most popular was that Doctor Cullen had dropped everything to accept a prestigious job in LA. Yeah, right.  The Doc uprooted his entire family to work in LA.  It didn't make sense. Maybe a story like this might have made sense before Bella, but after witnessing her relationship with the entire Cullen family, it most certainly didn't make sense now. So then I pondered what would make sense.  The only thing that would have made sense is if Edward had run off with Bella.

There was another rumor going around that Bella was on suicide watch. I hated to think that Bella was capable of such a thing but without Edward, there was no Bella, and there was no telling what she would do.


September 26, 2005.

Bella Swan came back to school today... or at least her body did. I caught a glimpse of her in between periods and trust me; nobody was home. Her eyes looked absolutely lifeless. I asked Lisa to find out everything she could from Angela, and learned later that Angela was in the dark like everyone else. Whenever someone tried talking to Bella, she either ignored them or answered like an emotionless automation. 


October 2005 thru January 2006.

I watched helplessly as Bella walked through school like a zombie. It was by far the most heart-wrenching thing I've ever seen in my life. It was like she was a walking corpse, but yet she still managed to do her schoolwork.  I heard the teachers were cutting her slack by not calling on her in class.

I still couldn't understand it.  I was also developing an unhealthy hatred towards Edward Cullen. Then something dawned on me that I hadn't taken into consideration before.  Bella obviously couldn't exist without Edward, but hadn't I thought the same about him?  Had I been wrong?  I didn't think so, remembering that there was no Edward without Bella.

"Earth to Ray," Lisa whispered into my ear.

"Sorry, I... I was just thinking about Bella."

"It's a good thing I understand, otherwise a comment like that wouldn't sit too well with me," Lisa replied.  I turned to her and smiled.  "I feel bad for her, too," she added.

"We all do," Cassie contributed.

"I knew she was in love with Cullen but wouldn't you agree that her response is rather extreme," Steve commented.

I sighed, figuring that was what most everyone thought.


February 10, 2006

"My girlfriend made me proud today," Steve told me as we made our way to the gymnasium.

"Okay, I'll bite... why?" I responded.

"She just told Jessica Stanley and Lauren Mallory off in front of an entire classroom."

"No way," I replied with a grin.

"They were badmouthing your favorite Swan, so Cassie threatened to go to the Chief if they didn't stop talking trash about her."

"What were they saying?" I asked in surprise.

"They were telling everyone she is suicidal."

"I thought that rumor died back in September."

"Thanks to an incident last Friday night in Port Angeles, those bitches resurfaced it again.  From what I hear, Bella and Jessica went to the movies and afterwards, Bella purposely put herself in danger."

"I swear she sets herself up for this shit by hanging out with her," I snapped.

"I agree.  Bella supposively approached some low life scum and began flirting with them."

"According to Jessica."

"I know... a bit weak, if that was all."

"You mean there's more...?"

"Ben Cheney told Newton that one of the Marks brothers helped Bella load two motorcycles into the back of her pick-up truck."

I sighed. Motorcycles were obviously dangerous and would support the suicidal story.

"Cheney's trying to retract the story, but Marks already confirmed it."


March 21, 2006

I stopped dead in my tracks. I looked at the car in front of me with shock, recognizing it as Cullen's Volvo.  It was parked right along side Bella's pick-up truck.  Was he really back? I rushed to my homeroom to talk to Steve. 

"They're back," Steve responded when I saw him.

"I saw his car," I replied.

"And he didn't waste time either.  They're already back together again.  I saw them in the hallway acting like the last seven months never happened."

"I'm glad he's back and that they're back together," I replied, convinced of my original thoughts regarding Edward.  He couldn't survive without her.

Later on, when I saw Bella and Edward in the hallway, they clung to one another like their lives depended on it.  I smiled, as I was genuinely happy for Bella.  But I discovered that I was in the minority.  Some of the words coming from both teachers and students stunned me.

"I can't believe she took him back."

"The nerve of that asshole."

"Poor girl is setting herself up for a fall again."

"Damn him, I'll never get a chance at her now."

"I swear their relationship is unhealthy."

"He must have some sort of hypnotic power over her."

I actually paused to consider that last comment, but then brushed it off.


** ** **

"Hey Lisa," I greeted my girlfriend at lunch.  I glanced over and spotted Bella, Edward and Alice sitting with Ben and Angela. Further down the same table was Mike Newton and his crew.

"Those two certainly draw their share of attention, don't they?" Lisa commented when she saw me looking at them.

"There is something addictive about them," I responded with a chuckle.

"Let's just hope Cullen doesn't take off on her again," Cassie interjected.

"That won't happen," I replied.

"What makes you so sure?" Lisa asked me.

"There's no way he would make the same mistake twice," I replied, and when I shifted my attention to Edward, I saw him looking at me.  Of course I knew it was impossible for him to hear me, but it almost seemed like he was waiting for me to finish. 

I turned back to everyone. "I'm sure because there's no way they can live without the other. He tried and failed... and we saw what it did to Bella. There's no way he would ever do that to her again."

"You can't know that for sure," Steve argued.

"Yes, I can," I answered, and was that a nod I saw from Edward?


May 8, 2006

I had been preoccupied so I hadn't noticed him right away, which was kind of strange given how huge the kid was. A Native American was standing on the sidewalk right next to a motorcycle. The kid stood about 6'5" and despite the chill in the air, he wore a tight black tee shirt which accentuated his bulging muscles.

I looked around and noticed that everyone was aware of him, but they were also keeping their distance.  Some of the female students openly displayed an interest, and I was kind of glad Lisa picked today to be home with a cold.

As I walked closer, it suddenly dawned on me.  This was Jacob Black that had his arms folded across his chest like some Indian Chief.  Then my eyes lit up with alarm.  I remembered a rumor that Bella was seeing Jacob Black before Cullen returned.  I had dismissed it, but if it was true, was Jacob here to pick a fight with Cullen?

"He's looking to kick someone's ass," Steve said as he stepped beside me.

"I think he's looking for Cullen," I replied.

"He looks dangerous," Steve added.

"He certainly doesn't look like he's here to smoke a peace pipe," I agreed.

"I'll be right back, I need to talk to Cassie for a second," Steve told me, and then darted off.

It slowly sunk in that I was probably in over my head here.  Knowing Steve, I figured he was trying to recruit some of our baseball team to assist if needed. Steve knew it was my nature to break up fights, and in the past I've always proven I can handle myself.  But the prospect of getting in the middle between Edward Cullen and Jacob Black sounded like something that could land me in the hospital.

When I saw Cullen pull into the parking lot, I saw that Bella was with him.  Edward Cullen stood about my height, and I guessed from his demeanor he could handle himself.  But I think Edward's older brother Emmett was more equipped to take on Jacob Black.

As Edward approached Jacob, I saw that he was holding Bella's hand and had his body positioned like a shield in front of her. This confused me, given that Black was clearly gunning for him and not Bella.

"Where'd you go?" I asked Steve when he returned.

"I sent Cassie to go get the principle," Steve replied, and I looked back at him like I was stunned.  Had my best friend really sought out help from authority?

I scanned the gathering crowd and saw Mike Newton and his group of friends creep closer.

"You could have called us," Edward told Jacob and this told me these two had some history. What it was, I had no idea.

"Sorry, I don't have any leeches on my speed dial," Jacob responded, sarcastically.

"You could have reached me at Bella's house, of course," Edward pointed out and this seemed to piss Jacob off more. "This is hardly the place, Jacob. Could we discuss this later?"

"Sure, sure. I'll stop by your crypt after school," Jacob replied, still sounding sarcastic. "What's wrong with now?" he asked.

I saw Edward take a quick glance to where Newton stood. Tyler Crowley, Austin Marks and Ben Cheney stood next to him. It looked like Newton was hoping for a fight.

"I already know what you came to say... message delivered. Consider us warned." Huh? Warned?! What had I missed?

"Warned?" Bella asked, and I had to smile. Apparently, she was as much in the dark as I was. "What are you talking about?" she asked Edward, sounding feistier than I ever saw her.

"You didn't tell her?" Jacob asked in disbelief. "What are you afraid of... that she'd take our side?"

"Please drop it, Jacob," Edward threatened.

"Why?" Jacob asked.

"What don't I know, Edward?" Bella demanded with apparent frustration. It was obvious that Edward was keeping something from her.

"Jake?" Bella asked, when Edward didn't answer her.

"He didn't tell you that his big brother crossed the line Saturday night?"

What line?! What was Jacob talking about... and which brother?

"Paul was totally justified in--" Jacob started to say.

"It was no-man's land!" Edward snapped, cutting him off.

"Was not!" Jacob replied, and I braced myself for a fight.

"Emmett and Paul?" Bella asked.  That brother.  "What happened? Were they fighting? Why? Did Paul get hurt?"

I could understand why Bella would automatically assume it would be this Paul that got hurt. Emmett Cullen was literally a force a nature.

"No one fought," Edward told Bella. "No one got hurt. Don't be anxious." He tried soothing her.

"You didn't tell her anything at all, did you?" Jacob accused. "Is that why you took her away? So she wouldn't know that--"

"Leave now," Edward demanded.

"Why haven't you told her?!" Jacob asked again.

I saw Cheney draw closer and Newton grab him. It looked like little Ben Cheney wanted to help Edward and although I gave him credit for his spirit, he got a huge demerit for his lack of intelligence.

Suddenly, I heard Bella gasp... and then struggle breathing. I couldn't see her face so I wasn't sure what was going on.

"She came back for me?!" she choked out.

Edward drew Bella in close to his body protectively, and I could see that he was whispering to her. Then he glared back at Jacob. "Does that answer your question, mongrel?"

"You don't think Bella has the right to know?" Jacob asked in defense of his actions. "Better frightened than lied to."

I was stunned when I saw Bella crying and now understood why Edward hadn't said anything to her. Whoever this lady was, she seriously frightened Bella. I watched as Edward wiped her tears away, and I felt a strong desire to protect Bella as well.  Did she have a stalker?

"Do you really think hurting her is better than protecting her?" Edward asked Jacob.

"She's tougher than you think," Jacob replied. "And she's been through worse."

I wondered from Edward's rather painful expression if Jacob was referring to when he left Bella.

"What are you doing to him?!" Bella demanded of Jacob.

"It's nothing, Bella," Edward replied in a soft voice. "Jacob has a good memory, that's all."

Jacob was out right grinning in response, while I grew more and more confused.

"Stop it! Whatever you're doing," Bella demanded of Jacob. What was Jacob doing?

"Sure, if you want," Jacob replied with a shrug. "It's his own fault if he doesn't like the things I remember, though."

"Let's get to English, Bella, so you're not involved," Edward said, and I looked to see if the Principal was coming.  I didn't see him.

"Overprotective, isn't he?" Jacob asked Bella with a chuckle. "A little trouble makes life fun... but let me guess... you're not allowed to have fun, are you?"

"Shut up, Jake," Bella snapped, glaring at him. If Jacob was trying to win any points with her, he was failing.

Jacob just laughed. "That sounds like a no."

I once again looked for the principal and wondered what was taking him so long.

"Hey, if you ever feel like having a life again, you could come see me. I've still got your motorcycle in my garage." This confirmed the motorcycle rumor.

"You were supposed to sell that. You promised Charlie you would."

"Yeah, right... like I would do that.  It belongs to you, not me. Anyway, I'll hold on to it until you want it back," Jacob told her.

"Jake..." Bella started to say but Jacob interrupted her.

"I think I might have been wrong before. You know, about not being able to be friends. Maybe we could manage it on my side of the line. Come see me."

Did this line begin at the Reservation?

"I don't know about that, Jake," Bella replied.

"I miss you every day, Bella. It's not the same without you."

"I know and I'm sorry, Jake. I just..."

"I know. Doesn't matter, right? I guess I'll survive or something. Who needs friends?"

I smirked at Jacob's game. If they had been real close, then he was purposely pulling on Bella's heartstrings.

"Okay, get to class," a stern voice declared and I sighed, finally the principal. "Move along, Mr. Crowley."

"Get to school, Jake," Bella said.

Edward pulled his arm away from around Bella's waist and took her hand. He still kept her positioned behind him as the principal pushed his way through a circle of spectators.

"I mean it," the principal threatened. "Detention for anyone who is still standing here when I turn around again.

"Ah, Mr. Cullen. Do we have a problem here?" the principal asked as he approached.

"Not at all, Mr. Greene. We were just on our way to class," Edward replied in a respectful tone.

"Excellent," the principal replied and then turned to Jacob. "I don't seem to recognize your friend. Are you a new student here?" the principal asked Jacob.

"Nope," Jacob replied with a smirk on his face.

"Then I suggest you remove yourself from school property at once, young man. Before I call the police."

Jacob grinned before snapping a military salute. "Yes, sir," he said as he climbed onto his motorcycle. He kicked started the bike and sharply spun out as he disappeared out of sight.

"Mr. Cullen. I expect you to ask your friend to refrain from trespassing again."

"He's no friend of mine, Mr. Greene... but I'll pass along the warning,"

"I see. If you're worried about any trouble, I'd be happy to--"

"There's nothing to worry about, Mr. Greene. There won't be any trouble."

"I hope that's correct. Well, then. On to class. You, too, Miss Swan."

Bella blushed as Edward ushered her away, but before he did, he took a brief moment to nod at me. I remembered that nod... was it possible? I nodded back at him in response.

As I was about to head off to class, the principal called me and Steve over.

"Thank you, Mr. Kulp and Mr. Palmer. A very concerned Ms. Stevens came to my office to warn me of what could transpire out here and I appreciate your role in this."

"Yes, sir," I replied, respectfully, while Steve nodded.

"Mr. Clapp speaks highly of you two and I appreciate your concern," the principal added and with that we headed off to our class.

Later in the day, I heard there was a bet going around the school as to who would win in a fight between Jacob Black and Edward Cullen. Despite Jacob's size, I think my money would have been on Cullen... for there really was something unearthly dangerous about him.


June 5, 2006

"Are you kidding me?  The number of victims just passed thirty, and you're suggesting going there?!" I responded to Steve's idiocy.  How could he even think of taking them there?

"Oh come on, what are the chances of--"

"That's just it, nimrod. You don't take chances!"

"What are you guys talking about?" Lisa asked as she and Cassie approached.

"Seattle," I replied, and I saw a flicker of fear cross their faces. "Don't worry, I'm not going there."

"Did you hear about that boxer?" Cassie asked. "I read where he went missing in a movie theatre and turned up burned beyond recognition in a dumpster a few hours later."

"Yeah, and the dumpster was twenty miles away from the movie theatre," I added.

"Were you talking about going there?" Cassie asked Steve.

"Nah, we were just talking about how dangerous it is," Steve lied with a smile, and I just rolled my eyes and left it alone.

*** *** ***

I spotted the envelope on the kitchen table. My eyes lit up when I saw that it was from Alice Cullen.  Before I could open it, my cell phone rang.

"What's up?" I asked, seeing it was Steve.

"Did you check your mail yet?"

"You mean did I see the letter from Alice Cullen?"

"Yeah, wise ass," Steve replied.

"Your phone call distracted me from opening it."

"Then open it now!" Steve demanded.

"Ah... an invitation to a Graduation Party," I commented with a smile. The graduation party was being put on by Bella, Edward and Alice.

"Do you see where they're holding it?!"

"Yes, I do... and I must admit I find that interesting."

"I know we were planning on going to Port Angeles after the ceremony, but I'm thinking we should change our plans."

"Well, I know Lisa wouldn't pass up an opportunity to go to a party at the Cullen residence and I'm sure Cassie wouldn't either."

"I heard they live in a mansion," Steve commented.

"Who told you that?" I asked.

"Newton bragged once about seeing their place."

"Since when do you pay attention to Newton?"

"Hey, the kid's a sap, but he has no reason to lie about that."

"Whatever," I replied.

"Why would a private family like the Cullens host a huge graduation party?"

"Bella," I answered without hesitation.

"So, you're saying this has nothing to do with Edward or Alice."

"Think about it...  Was there a party for the other three last year?"

"No, but why would the Cullens go to this extreme for Edward's girlfriend?"

"Haven't you paid attention to anything I've said this year?"

"What do you mean?"

"Bella is more than just Edward's girlfriend."

"So, you're saying they'll eventually get married...?"

"I have no doubt they'll get married, but that's not my point. They can't live without the other."

"Whatever.  I just hope Rosalie is back from Dartmouth, so we get to see her."

"Don't you remember Emmett's name coming up during that confrontation Cullen had with Black?"

"That's right, I forgot.  Now all we have to do is to figure out how we can ogle Rosalie without being caught."

"That shouldn't be too hard.  We'll make sure we ogle Rosalie at the same time our girls are ogling Edward."


Monday, June 11, 2006 - Graduation Party


"God damn it's dark out here," Steve commented.

"Are you sure we didn't miss the turn?" Cassie asked. I was in the backseat cuddling with Lisa, so I hadn't been paying attention. I glanced out the window and saw...

"Oh. My. God!" Cassie exclaimed, and even Lisa shifted around to take a look.

Lights... thousands of them... flanked both sides decorating the trees and acted as a beacon.

"There's the turn," Steve announced out loud.

"Can you imagine how long this took?" Lisa asked in awe.

"Rich fucks have nothing better to do with their money," Steve declared.

"You should be thankful.  You would have missed the turn otherwise," Cassie snapped.

It was another mile before we reached the house, where we saw a couple dozen cars parked in an open field in front. Steve pulled up beside the last one.

"This place is incredible," I declared as I stepped out of the car.

"Rich fucks," Steve mumbled, and I was surprised at how jealous he sounded.

"Shall we?" I asked Lisa, and then proceeded on up to the house.

Bella Swan met us at the front door, smiling politely. Having seen her at her happiest and most depressed, I sensed something was bothering her. I wondered if Edward not being at her side had anything to do with it.

The interior of the Cullen living room blew me away. It looked like a freaking nightclub, and as I scanned the huge living room, I smiled upon seeing Alice Cullen, looking breathtakingly sexy in her tank top and red leather pants. I then searched for Rosalie but didn't see her.

I saw Jessica and Lauren talking with Mike, Tyler and Austin at one corner of the room while Ben and Angela talked with Eric and Katie at the other corner. I steered our group towards the latter.

I noticed that Bella was playing the gracious hostess, briefly visiting with everyone, and I looked forward to telling her how happy I was for her and Edward. But before she reached us, Lisa asked me if I would get her a plate of food and that was when I saw Emmett standing behind the food table.

"Hey, I remember you," Emmett said as I approached. "You're the star pitcher of Fork's High, right?"

"I was, I guess," I replied with a smile... and then I extended my hand to formally introduce myself.  "I'm Ray Kulp."

"I know," Emmett replied with a smile as we shook hands. "You'll have to excuse my hand, I just handled some ice.  So, have you been drafted yet?"

"No, but Seattle Pacific gave me a full scholarship to pitch for them."

"Awesome," Emmett responded with a smile.

"And this summer I'll be pitching in a summer league in Port Angeles."

"Good move," Emmett remarked. "Incidentally...  Are you related to Ray Kulp of the Boston Red Sox back in the early seventies?"

I smiled. "He's my grandfather... Are you a Red Sox fan?"

"Not really, but I am a sports fanatic and had a fascination with Yaz.  I remembered that your grandfather pitched for the Sox during some of Yastrzemski's career."

"Wow, you're the first person I've ever talked to that recognized the name," I responded. 

"If I recall, he was the top pitcher during those days... him and maybe Sonny Siebert."

I smiled, looking forward to telling my grandfather about this.

"Incidentally, how is Dartmouth treating you?" I asked.

"Not bad, I guess.  But a bit boring.  We were hoping for more of a challenge," Emmett said, and then added, "But then again the less time Rose and I have to study, the more time... well, I'm sure you get the picture."

"I can see where that would be a benefit," I replied with a grin.  "And speaking of Rosalie...?"

"She's upstairs helping Edward with something," Emmett replied with a smile.

"How did you like dorm life?" I asked, keeping the conversation going.

"Couldn't tell you," Emmett replied.  "My family owns a house in Hanover."

"How convenient," I remarked with a smile.

"Are you looking to live off campus?" Emmett asked.

"I won't be able to my first year, but I'm hoping to have enough money by the start of my second year.  It depends on this awesome job I'm shooting for."

"What job is that?" Emmett asked.

"As a Maitre d at the Pacifico Restaurant in Union Lake near Seattle."

"Sounds important, but even better it must pay well," Emmett responded.

"It does and I have a good shot at getting it.  Now, all I need is for the murders to stop."

  Emmett smiled, nodding his head.

"Anyway, I better get this food to my girlfriend.  It was great talking to you."

"For me too, Ray... and good luck with your baseball career."

"Thanks," I replied and then headed off to find Lisa.

As the party progressed, it seemed like the entire senior class and half the juniors were in attendance. The music was loud and infectious. I felt a little disappointed that I missed Bella and Edward, who had already made their rounds. 

I scanned the crowd to see where they were and saw Bella talking to Alice.  They stood near the entrance to the kitchen by the staircase, and Alice looked angry about something.  I followed their gaze to the front doorway where three huge kids stood, and my alarm bells went off when I realized one of them was Jacob Black.

"Hey, Bella!" I heard Jacob shout out to her, and Bella didn't look the least bit happy.  I saw Alice dart up the stairs, and I guessed she was going to find Edward.

I figured I'd also give Emmett a heads up, but when I looked for him he was nowhere in sight.

I saw Jacob grab Bella by the wrist and lead her off to the side. Bella responded by pulling herself free.

"I'll be right back," I told Lisa and headed closer to where Bella was.

"Don't be a poor sport. I brought you a graduation present and everything," Jacob told her.

"Take it back to the store, Jake."

"Huh?"

"I've got to do something," Bella told him, clearly looking distracted.  Jacob stepped in front of her and blocked her path.

"I can't take it back. I didn't get it from the store."

Bella looked at him as if she was surprised about something.

"I made it myself. Took a really long time, too."

I watched Bella glance towards the stairwell, obviously expecting Edward to show, and I wondered what was holding him up.

"Oh, c'mon, Bell. Don't pretend like I'm not here!"

"I'm not. Look, Jake, I've got a lot on my mind right now," Bella told him.

Jake got Bella's attention by placing his hand underneath her chin.

"Could I please have just a few seconds of your undivided attention, Miss Swan?"

Bella jerked her head away. "Keep your hands to yourself, Jacob," Bella scolded him.

"Sorry!" Jacob replied, raising his hands in surrender. I would have gone over to offer some assistance but I sensed Bella could handle this.

"I really am sorry... about the other day, I mean. I shouldn't have kissed you like that. It was wrong. I guess... well, I guess I deluded myself into thinking you wanted me to--"

"Deluded? What a perfect description!" Bella snapped.

"Be nice. You could accept my apology, you know." Jacob replied.

"Fine, apology accepted. Now, if you'll just excuse me for a moment."

Jacob sighed. "I guess you'd rather be with your real friends."

"Why are they so fascinating to you?" Lisa asked me.

"That's Jacob Black."

"So?"

"Remember the kid I told you about that came to school to fight Cullen?"

"Ohhhhhhhhhh," Lisa replied as she eyed him.

"Alice just went upstairs to get Edward, so I want to make sure everything stays civil in the meantime."

"Okay, you're forgiven... this time," Lisa replied, and then she walked off to talk with Cassie.

I returned my attention to Bella and saw her pull something out of a small bag.

"You'll wear it?" Jacob asked her, who was looking at her wrist.

"Of course I will," Bella replied, and it was obvious to me that she still cared for Jacob. I wondered if she was the center of a love triangle.

"Why are you so distracted?" Jacob asked her.

"It's nothing," Bella replied. "Thanks for the present, really. I love it."

"Bella? Something's going on, isn't it?" Jacob asked.

"Jake, I... no, there's nothing."

"Don't lie to me! You suck at lying!"

My heart started pounding when I realized something really was going on.  The stress on Bella's face and Edward's lack of presence bled trouble.

"You should tell me what's going on. We want to know these things."

'We?' I asked myself.

"Jacob, I will tell you. Just let me figure out what's happening, okay? I need to talk to Alice."

"What caught your attention?" Steve asked, interrupting me.

"Damn-it!" I snapped, pissed. Steve ignored my pissy fit and shifted his attention from me to where I was looking.  Then his eyes lit up.

"Well, I'll be damned... Got to admit the kid has balls," Steve remarked.

"I don't think he's here to fight him," I pointed out.

I saw Bella head over towards the kitchen, and Jacob and his two buddies followed her.  I discreetly made my way closer to thgem so I could listen.

Then all of a sudden, Jacob and his two buddies cornered Bella, physically blocking her way.  I was about to offer my assistance, thinking Steve had my back, but when I turned around he was across the room talking with Cassie. Then I turned back just in time to see Alice descending the stairs.

Alice's face suddenly turned from someone deep in thought to someone extremely angry, and never had I seen someone move so fast and graceful before, as she now held Bella around her waist and shielded her from the Quileute boys.  I marveled at how docile Bella responded towards Alice in allowing the petite girl to protect her.

"Tell us what's going on," Jacob demanded as he blocked their path with his thick arm.  Then quite suddenly, Jasper appeared out of nowhere.  I mean one second he wasn't there and the next he was up close and personal with Jacob Black.  Jacob might have been a few inches taller and much broader, but he appeared intimidated by Jasper. I couldn't hear what Jasper said to him, but Jacob's arm dropped.

"We have a right to know," Jacob insisted, preferring to stare at Alice rather than Jasper.

Jasper stepped in between the Quileute boys and positioned himself in front of the girls. The three Quileute kids stepped back, nervously.

"Hey, hey, this is a party, remember?" Bella declared but nobody responded to her.

"Its okay, Jasper.  He actually has a point," Alice stated.

"What did you see, Alice?" Bella asked her.

Alice took her eyes off Jacob to address Bella. "The decision's been made."

"You're going to Seattle?" Bella asked with a look of fear in her eyes. Did this have something to do with all the murders?

"No," Alice replied, and I'll admit I felt relieved.

"They're coming here?!" Bella asked with panic, and Alice must have said yes because there was suddenly a lot of tension.

I wanted to get closer but something kept screaming at me that this was none of my business. I also recognized that this was something unnatural and out of my league.

"Then I have to go meet them! If they find what they're looking for, maybe they'll go away and not hurt anyone else!" Bella cried.

"Bella!" Alice shouted at her, trying to calm her down.  Then I saw Alice shoot Jasper a glance.

"Hold it!" Jacob demanded. "What's coming?"

Alice turned her icy gaze on Jacob. "Our kind. Lots of them."

Who the hell was their kind?!

"Why?" Jacob asked, apparently knowing what Alice was talking about.

"For Bella. That's all we know."

"There are too many of them for you?" Jacob asked with surprise.

"We have a few advantages, dog. It will be an even fight," Jasper responded.

"No," Jacob declared with a fierce half-smile on his face. "It won't be even."

Then suddenly Alice's face lit up with excitement. "Excellent!" she cried out.

I wasn't sure what just transpired between Jacob and Alice, but whatever it was it appeared to alleviate the tense atmosphere. Jacob and Alice now openly grinned at each other for god only knows what reason.

"We'll have to coordinate," Jacob stated. "It won't be easy for us. Still, this is our job more than yours."

"I wouldn't go that far, but we need the help. We aren't going to be picky," Alice replied, still grinning.

"Wait, wait, wait, wait!" Bella interrupted them.

Alice and Jacob were still smiling at one another and the only one that seemed upset now was Bella.

"Coordinate?!" Bella shrieked.

"You didn't honestly think you were going to keep us out of this?" Jacob asked her with a grin.

"You are staying out of this!" Bella shouted at him.

"Alice - tell them no!" Bella demanded. "They'll get killed!"

The Quileute boys all laughed hard at her in response.

"Bella?" Alice said, "Separately, we all could get killed... Together..."

"...it'll be no problem," Jacob finished Alice's sentence. This prompted another round of laughter from the Quileute boys.

"How many?" one of the Quileute boys asked.

"No!" Bella shouted again, still upset.

"It changes... twenty-one today, but the numbers are going down," Alice answered.

"Why?" Jacob asked.

"Long story," Alice replied and then she glanced in my direction. "And this isn't the place for it."

"Later tonight?" Jacob asked.

"Yes," Jasper answered, and then said something more but it got drowned out by the music.

"No!" Bella shouted again, clearly not liking whatever was said.

Alice wrapped her arms tightly around Bella in an attempt to calm her friend.

"This will be odd," Jasper pointed out. "I never considered working together. This has to be a first."

"No doubt about that," Jacob agreed with a chuckle.

I remembered how Jacob and his friends almost fought against the Cullens because of crossing some territorial line, so I somewhat understood what they meant now.

"We have to get back to Sam. What time?" Jacob asked.

"What's too late for you?" Jasper asked.

"What time?" Jacob insisted, seeming insulted.

"Three o'clock?"

"Where?"

"About ten miles due north of the..."

"Damn-it, Raymond! I've been trying to get your attention for the last five minutes!" Steve shouted at me.

"What's the matter?" I asked, pissed again at his bad timing.

"Lisa's pissed off at you?"

"Why?"

"Because you're more concerned about Bella and Jacob than you are about her!"

"Oh," I replied, feeling like a heel. I turned around just as the Quileute boys were leaving.

"Wait, Jake!" Bella called after him. "Please! Don't do this!" she cried.

Jake turned back to Bella with a huge grin on his face. "Don't be ridiculous, Bells. You're giving me a much better gift than the one I got you."

"No!" Bella shouted in response but the electric guitar drowned her voice out.

I saw Alice roll her eyes and pull Bella into her arms. Then Alice passed her off to Jasper, and something weird happened. Bella suddenly went limp in Jasper's arms and then she submissively allowed him to lead her up the stairs.  I turned to see if anyone else had noticed but nobody had.

It was weird.  Regardless whether it was Edward or Alice or Jasper, each Cullen appeared to have some sort of power over Bella where they could render her passive. It was like they were protecting a eight year old instead of an eighteen year old.

"Hi," Alice greeted me from behind.  I'll admit, she made me jump.

"Hi Alice," I replied after collecting my composure. She smiled at me but I could tell she was seeing something else altogether.

"Enjoying the party?" she asked me.

"Very much so."

"Why aren't you with Lisa?"

"Oh... I saw how upset Bella was and I thought I'd offer my assistance. Is she alright?"

"Bella's had herself a very emotional day, so Jasper took her upstairs so she could be with Edward."

"Speaking of Edward, I haven't seen him much tonight."

"He was helping Rosalie with something, but now I'm sure he's with Bella."

"Oh," I replied.

"Anyway, enjoy the rest of the evening," Alice told me.

As I watched her walk off, I had to admit I had new respect for the adorable pixie-like beauty.  Here she stood all of five feet, yet she received a tremendous amount of respect from everyone she met.  There was something very commanding about her persona.

About twenty minutes later, Edward and Bella descended the stairs.  I saw that Edward had his arm wrapped around Bella's waist.  It looked like she might have been crying and obviously she was tired. If Edward hadn't been holding her up, I had no doubt she'd drop where she stood.

From what I could gather, there appeared to be a whole army of people out to kill Bella, but there was also another army of people ready to protect her.  Who were these people that were coming for Bella?  It had to be the same people that were murdering everyone in Seattle.  Was Bella on some sort of hit list?  Did this have anything to do with her injury in Phoenix?

I remembered the very first day I saw Bella, and that overwhelming need to protect her.  Did she elicit this same reaction in everyone she met? From what I could tell, Bella was a magnet for danger, and Edward Cullen as much said so in one of those Cafeteria talks. Who was this gang of people that were so dangerous that it would take the entire Cullen family and the Quileute tribe to protect Bella? What had she gotten herself into?

I was convinced that whatever was coming were directly responsible for the murders in Seattle.  But I was also convinced this was out of my league.  I decided I wouldn't offer my help, which really went against my nature, but who was I to dispute Alice Cullen?

The party started to break up and people began leaving. The four of us walked together towards the exit where Bella and Edward were saying goodbye to Angela and Ben.

"Hope you enjoyed the party," Bella said to us and I swore she was so tired I thought she'd pass out on her feet.

"It was a great party and I really appreciate you inviting us," I told her and Edward.

"Thanks for coming," Edward replied and I almost believed his smile was to reassure me that everything would be alright.

I stepped outside and felt a chill in the air. It was getting cold - much colder than it should for June.  Part of me was glad that I didn't know where they'd be meeting because I didn't want the temptation to spy on them.  

I turned back to look at the Cullen house one last time and smiled. The evening proved incredibly fascinating. I then climbed into the backseat to join Lisa.

"What a fucking cool place," Steve declared as we made our way down their long roadway. You really couldn't call it a driveway.

"So, did you enjoy the rich fuck's party?" I asked, making a dig at Steve.

Steve laughed, probably shocked that I used profanity.

I went to place my arm around Lisa but she shrugged me off.  I looked at her and saw that she was hurt.  I sighed.  She had every right to be upset with me, but instead of thinking about how I could make it up to her, I thought about the upcoming fight. For a fleeting moment I thought about talking to Steve about it, but then I reeled it in and decided it was better I kept this stuff to myself.


July 2, 2006

I was sitting down in my living room reading the newspaper. My father had just sat down and shuffling through the various sections of the newspaper. His movements distracted me.

"What are you looking for?" I asked.

"The front page," he replied.

"Oh... I'm reading it... I'm almost done."

"Since when do you read something other than the sports section?" my father asked me.

"Well, I am going off to college, so I figured I'd learn more about what's going on around me."

My father stared back at me in shock.

I had been reading how the murders in Seattle had stopped. This brought on a whole variety of speculation as to why. The disadvantage of the people speculating was that they based their hypothesis on a narrower reality. Although I would never say anything, I truly believed that whatever had come for Bella were the same ones who murdered all those people in Seattle. I also believed that the Cullen family, along with the Quileute tribe, stopped them. Not only stopped them, but killed them.

I felt saddened when I read about the pretty fifteen year old. She was the last one that disappeared. Her name was Bree and had gone missing from a small town just west of Seattle. Yes, on the way to Forks. I remembered Alice saying; "They're coming here."

I knew that the Cullens and Quileutes were successful and that everyone was alright. The town of Fork's was small and if any of them had died in the fight, there was no way it could be hidden. How they all managed to survive was beyond me, especially given the numbers that had been discussed, but obviously the fight was over and everything was fine.

"Are you done with it?" my father asked me, gesturing towards the paper in my hand.

"Yeah, here," I replied and handed him the paper. He handed me the Sports section in return.

"So, what had you so deep in thought?" my father asked, and then a look of realization came to him.  "Ah yes, the murders in Seattle... it looks like its over.  Quite a relief with you moving out there in a couple of months.  I wonder if the F.B.I. will ever catch those that were responsible."

"I have a sneaking suspicion they're all dead," I replied, prompting my father to stare back at me. "I'm just saying... I guess I'm wishing."

"Me too," my father replied, and this surprised me given his liberal stance on politics.

I headed off to my bedroom when my cell rang. I saw that it was Lisa.

"Hey, sweetie," I replied, glad that she called.

"You're not going to believe what I heard...  Bella and Edward are getting married next month."

I smiled, feeling a rush of happiness for them. "Of course I believe it... I never doubted they're relationship, remember? How did you find out?"

"Angela Webber has an invite.  She and Ben will be going."

"Oh..."

"Jealous?" Lisa asked me.

"I would have loved to go, but it's not like we were ever really close to them."

"Do you think she's pregnant?" Lisa asked.

"No. I think they simply saw the inevitableness and figured, why delay."

"I suppose so, but you know what the rumors will be."

"I don't think they care."

"Anyway, what do you want to do today?" she asked, putting the ball in my court.

"How about we spend the day together doing nothing," I replied.

"I'll call Cassie... the four of us can hang out doing nothing."


August 7, 2006

Steve was right in the middle of singing Hotel California, a classic Eagles tune, when he suddenly pulled his Mustang over to the side of the road.

"What's the matter?" I asked with a look of alarm.

"Fucking look!" Steve exclaimed as he pointed to the gas station across the street.

I saw Bella Swan, and as usual, she was ever so hot.  But I didn't understand Steve's reaction. Bella appeared to be talking to a couple of guys, probably tourist from the looks of the Kayaks on the roof of their SUV. I still didn't understand what was so fascinating.

"Bella Swan is driving a Mercedes Guardian."

"Huh?" I asked, having never heard of the car.

"It's a Mercedes-Benz S600. I didn't even know they sold them here."

"Well, you know Cullen is going to buy her the best," I commented.

"You don't understand. That car is beyond the best. Don't you understand what she's driving?!"

"Apparently not.  So, why don't you fucking enlighten me," I asked, using his expression.

"The car is bomb proof! Never mind bullet proof. There's so much armor on that car that it could withstand a confrontation with a tank! It has fucking 12-cylinders, a twin-turbo engine with 510 horsepower and 612 lb-ft torque."

"When did you become such an expert on cars?" I asked.

"Since I bought my Mustang," Steve replied with a grin.

"Then it's safe to say she'll survive a car accident, right?"

"Huh...?  Yeah, but that car runs at half a million dollars!  Don't you think it's a bit excessive when it comes to Bella's safety?"

"Apparently not," I replied with a smile. I watched the guys take turns posing in front of Bella's new car, and I could imagine her rolling her eyes.


December 27, 2006

I was in Forks over Christmas with the intent of spending some quality time with Lisa when my cell phone rang. I flinched when I saw that it was Christine Burrell, the woman in charge of scheduling at the Pacifico Restaurant. She was also the woman responsible for landing me this lucrative job. I was a Maitre D, one of three, and not supposed to work until tomorrow night.

"Hate like hell to do this to you, Ray.  But with Carl three thousand miles away for Christmas and Nancy down with the flu, I need you to step up to the plate for me."

"But Chris, I'm a pitcher... pitcher's don't step up to the plate. We have Designated Hitters that do that for us."

Dead silence. Obviously, not a baseball fan. I sighed and then reluctantly agreed to go in. I called Lisa, who was very upset to say the least and then headed off to Seattle.

The first hour of my shift, I spent it familiarizing myself with the VIP names. The most expensive of the private rooms was reserved for 8:00 P.M. by Attorney Jason Jenks. I noted his guest went by the name of Ms. Cullen. For a fleeting moment I thought of Bella, but of course I didn't seriously think it was her... or any of the Cullens in Forks.

It was around 7:45 when I felt a presence standing in from of my podium. I looked up from the list I'd been looking at and nearly jumped. I hadn't even noticed her approach, but here was Bella Cullen, looking even more radiant than I ever remember seeing her.

"Mr. Jenks?" Bella inquired in a new musical voice.  

Bella Swan had always been beautiful, but in a unique, sexy, almost innocent way. She had never been on the same par as her new sisters-in-law, Rosalie and Alice, until now.

"Please, let me help you with your coat," I said, feeling nervous and not knowing why. I took her calf-length ivory trench coat and then paused to sink in the sight of her dressed in a oyster satin cocktail dress. I turned beet red when she caught me staring. I expected her to say something upon remembering me, but she didn't seem to recognize me.  So, after mumbling a compliment, I left, closing the door behind me. 

I leaned back against the door to collect myself.  The new Bella Cullen was incredible.  There was also something feral about this new her that I'd never seen before.  That once docile, passive Bella was a girl from the past.  This new Bella was stronger and utterly dangerous. 

I smiled as I reflected on her new beauty enhancements.  Bella has always been pale, but now she appeared even paler in a more beautiful way. Her long brown hair was styled perfectly while it fell down her back in waves.  I wondered if she were maybe getting beauty tips from her two new sisters.

Then I frowned.  I was genuinely hurt that she hadn't recognized me.  It made me feel small and insignificant.  I paused for a moment on something that didn't seem right.  There was something not right about her eyes.  They were brown, but not the brown I remembered.  Then it hit me.  She was wearing brown contacts!  But why would she wear brown contacts over brown eyes?

I wanted to say hello to Bella. I wanted to congratulate her on her marriage.  Then something suddenly occurred to me.  Where was Edward?

When I reached the podium, Attorney Jason Jenks had just arrived.

"My name is Jason Jenks."

"Yes, sir.  Ms. Cullen has already arrived.  Let me escort you to your room."

I saw Mr. Jenks frown upon hearing that Bella was already waiting for him.  I glanced down and noted he was carrying a briefcase.  I led him down the hall and entered the private room where Bella was standing by the fireplace. 

Bella really was a vision of loveliness, but having studied her for so long during those high school years, I could tell something was bothering her.  She looked sad for a fleeting moment and I wondered if Mr. Jenks was her divorce lawyer.  Then I rolled my eyes at my own stupidity, and then left the room. 

When I stepped outside, I intercepted the barmaid and told her I'd go in to take their drink orders myself.  When I entered the room, I saw Bella combing over some documents.

"I'm sure they are.  I truly appreciate what you've done for me, J." I overheard her say.

"It's been my pleasure, Bella. In the future, feel free to come to me for anything the Cullen family needs."

I smiled. This was all I needed to hear to know that this had nothing to do with a divorce.  Mr. Jenks noted my presence and gestured for me to leave.  I felt small again, feeling like a servant.

Less than ten minutes later, I saw Bella exit the room.  I was confused.  Why wasn't she staying?  Bella took a moment to glance up at me and smile before she exited the restaurant - never saying a word.

Mr. Jenks exited the room a few moments later and I was hoping he would give me some sort of explanation.

"Ms. Cullen wasn't feeling too well," Mr. Jenks said and then he handed me a one hundred dollar bill and said; "Merry Christmas."

"Thank you, sir," I replied, feeling numb.


April 29, 2010 (Nearly four years later)

After parking my Civic, I headed over to the trail leading to the Park. As I did, I noticed two fancy cars side by side. There was a black Aston Martin Vanquish and a Red Ferrari F430. I chuckled, realizing that the only reason I knew this was because Steve's obsession with cars rubbed off on me. 

I then felt a stab of guilt knowing that it had been awhile since I last talked to him.

A lot had happened in the past four years. Instead of being drafted by a major league baseball team, I would begin my work career right here in Seattle. I would graduate next month with a Bachelors Degree in Business Management and landed a managerial position with a large corportion.

I broke up with Lisa after my first year of college. Long distance relationships don't work when there is no true love and we weren't kidding each other. She didn't seem heartbroken about it and we still talk from time to time. I never took her virginity, although we did indulge in everything but. She thanks me for this now because she wanted her first time to be with someone she truly loved.

I played my last year of baseball for Seattle Pacific last year, but not as a pitcher. Would you believe I came down with a shoulder injury affecting my rotator cuff? Before my injury, my fast ball was clocked at 97 miles an hour, but now it hovered around the mid 80s. Cortisone shots didn't work, and I declined surgery. My grandfather offered to teach me how to throw a palm ball, but I declined that as well. So, my final year of playing ball was spent out in left-field. But even my once pin-point accuracy suffered due to my shoulder.

I took a seat on a bench to stretch out my leg before my jog. It was Saturday and overcast, and I was thankful the rain was holding up. As I was warming up, I heard a beautiful sounding bell like voice giggling. I looked up to see the most beautiful little girl I'd ever seen. She appeared to be about twelve and was giggling at something a huge man said. My eyes lit up when I realized the Native American in front of me was Jacob Black. He looked exactly the same now as he did back at that high school graduation party.

Then I looked at the couple trailing Jacob and the little girl and froze. Edward and Bella Cullen.  Edward looked exactly the same as he did at the graduation party, and Bella looked exactly the same as she did at the Pacifico Restaurant. The only noticeable difference about Bella now was that she looked extremely happy. Seeing them together brought a smile to my face.

Just then Edward's eyes locked on me, and I saw him take out his cell phone to answer a call. I had never been real friends with Edward, but I always felt there was a mutual respect between us. I remembered Bella not remembering me, so I wondered if Edward would. I did weigh a tad bit more, but my appearance hadn't changed drastically.

I turned my attention back to Jacob Black and the little girl as they passed me, and smiled at the girl when she smiled at me... and then I gasped, and my eyes lit up in shock.

How was this possible? Then I thought back to all the things that weren't possible and all the things that were strange when it came to the Cullens. I realized just then that I couldn't use normalcy as a barometer. All I knew was that the beautiful girl that had just passed me was the spitting image of both Bella and Edward.  But the math didn't add up.

"Good morning," I greeted Edward and Bella, and noticed right away that Bella's eyes were golden, just like Edward's.

"Raymond Kulp, how are you?" Edward answered with a smile.

"Ah, you remember me," I replied as I rose to my feet to shake his hand. His hand was just as cold as Emmett's had been four years ago.

"How could we not remember you?" Edward responded with a smile.  "You were destined for the Major Leagues."

"So much for destiny," I replied with a chuckle.  I looked at Bella, who smiled politely, but didn't say anything.

Just then the little girl skipped back to them and placed her palm on Bella's cheek. It almost looked like she was communicating with her.

"Raymond.  Bella and I would like to introduce our daughter, Renesmee."

My eyes lit up.  Suspecting the supernatual and having confirmation were two very different things.  I smiled and extended my hand out to shake Renesmee's hand and the breathtakingly beautiful little miracle girl shook my hand with a smile. 

"It's a real pleasure to meet such a beautiful girl, Renesmee."

"Thank you, Raymond," she replied in her magical voice.

I smiled back at her before turning to Jacob.  I nodded my head at him and he nodded his head back with a knowing smile.  It made me feel good that he was included in this specialness.

"I never had the opportunity to tell you two this, but I was always in your corner rooting for you.  It pleases me that you had yourselves a happily ever after."

"That's so sweet, Raymond.  Thank you," Bella responded, drawing my attention.  "I would like to apologize to you for not recognizing you that day I met Mr. Jenks."

"That's not necessary," I started to say, but she waved me off.

"Nonsense.  It was rude of me.  Edward has often had to remind me about certain things in my memory, but still... there is no excuse for my behavior."

"If I recall, you weren't in the proper state of mind to take notice," I responded.

"In addition to being gracious, you're very perceptive," Bella remarked with a smile.  "Anyway, please forgive me."

"Of course I forgive you, but again it isn't necessary," I replied.

"And Raymond...  I want you to know how much we appreciate something else," Edward stated.  I patiently waited for him to continue. "Your understanding and silence regarding Bella and my privacy during our high school years and beyond is something we both treasure."

I smiled; realizing that this was Edward's subtle way of reminding me to keep my personal thoughts to myself. "I assure you, there's nothing to worry about."

"Well, we must move on, but it has been a pleasure seeing you," Edward replied, and the way Edward and Bella's body gravitated towards one another still, reminded me of when I saw them in the hallway during high school days.

"It was my pleasure as well," I replied, and then I took a moment to smile at Bella, Renesmee, and Jacob.

"Come on, Nessie, we need a head start if we want to beat your Daddy home," Jacob told her, prompting the little girl to giggle.

"I'm in the mood to drive my Ferrari home, Jake.  So, it'll be me and my daughter racing you two for a change," Bella responded.

"I can come with you, Momma?" Renesmee asked with excitement.

"Of course you can, sweetie," Bella replied.

I realized just then that the two fancy cars in the parking lot belonged to Edward and Bella Cullen, and I wondered what happened to the Guardian.  Then something dawned on me.  Maybe before when Bella was still one hundred percent Bella, Edward needed Bella driving the Guardian for peace of mind... but now that Bella was indestructible, had he traded the Guardian in for the Ferrari?  

I finished my stretching and began to jog, smiling the whole way.  The Cullens were remarkable in every way and the former Bella Swan, who rocked Edward's world from the get-go, blessed the Cullens with a magical little girl.

The end of chapter two.

Epilogue - December 26, 2020

Visiting my parents for Christmas had been enjoyable, and it was always nice seeing the small town I grew up in. My parents absolutely adored my wife Julie, and they couldn't get enough of spoiling their two very beautiful granddaughters.

On the way out of town, I stopped by the Diner to get a coffee for the road. I never downplayed the importance of caffeine on this four hour trip back to Seattle.  Given I was traveling during the evening hours, I wouldn't have to deal with a lot of traffic.

As I waited for my coffee, I glanced around the Diner to see if I recognized anybody... or they, me.  My timing must have been off because the faces in a small town usually grew older, not changed completely. Had a decade really changed things this much? I turned around when I heard a jingling sound from the door opening behind me.

My eyes lit up.

"Hey Chief," the cashier called out from behind me.

Not only had Chief Swan stepped into the Diner, but a stunningly beautiful young woman did as well, and when our eyes met, I realized I was staring at the Chief's granddaughter, Renesmee Cullen.

"How are you Chief Swan?" I greeted him respectfully.  "I'm not sure you remember me, but I'm--"

"Raymond Kulp, of course he does," Renesmee answered for him.  I knew damn well that a little girl of twelve should not have been able to remember me.

"Yes, of course, Ray Kulp.  Forks best chance at producing a Major League baseball player."

"Sorry to let the town down, Chief.  A shoulder injury kind of put a damper on all those dreams," I replied with a smile.

"But you're not upset about that, are you?" Renesmee asked with keen perception.

"No, I'm not, actually.  I have a wonderful wife and two beautiful daughters... and this life never would have happened if I had run off to play baseball," I replied with a smile.

"I see you know my granddaughter," the Chief commented with a raised eyebrow. He looked at Renesmee like she was guarding a secret.

"Yes, Grandpa.  Daddy and Mom introduced me to Raymond about a decade ago," Renesmee replied with a wink.  The Chief looked even more mystified.

"Well, I'd love to talk more, but my family is waiting for me out in the car.  It was so nice seeing you both," I added, and then I turned to Renesmee. "Renesmee, please extend my best wishes to your parents for me.  Tell them that every time I think of them, I do so with a smile."

"I sure will, Raymond," Renesmee replied with a grin, and just then the door opened behind them again and in walked Jacob Back looking exactly the same again.    

"Jacob, have you met Raymond Kulp?" Chief Swan asked.

"Not formally, but our paths have crossed," Jacob replied with a grin.  We smiled knowingly at each other as we shook each other's hand. 

The Chief rolled his eyes and then headed off to one of the booths.

Then I watched as Jacob pulled Renesmee into his arms defining their relationship, and the way they touched each other reminded me so very much of Bella and Edward.

 "Take care of yourselves," I responded, and then left the Diner.

*** *** ***

As I was making my way east on the one oh one, Julie must have noted the perpetual smile on my face.

"What happened back there?" she asked, inquisitively.

"Huh?"

"You saw them... didn't you?" she accused me with a grin.

"Is my face giving me away?" I asked with surprise.

"It always does," Julie responded with a giggle.

"I ran into Chief Swan and his lovely granddaughter."

"Ah... the mysterious miracle child all grown up.  So, how is Renesmee Cullen?"

"She appears extremely happy and is as every bit as breathtakingly beautiful as her mother," I replied.

"And speaking of Renesmee's mother...?"

"Unfortunately, I didn't get to see her, nor Edward.  Renesmee must have been visiting her grandfather for the holidays."

"Well, do you still believe the Cullens are as magical as you once did?"

"Most definitely.  And you can add Jacob Black to the mix."

"Their Native American friend?"

"Yes, and he looks exactly the same as he did the last time I saw him," I replied.

Julie paused to digest these words.  Then she looked back at our children.  A quick glance in the mirror showed me that they were sleeping.  Jessica was five and Jennifer two, and they were both spitting images of their beautiful mother.

"Bella and Edward had a tremendous influence on your life, didn't they?" Julie stated.

"Yes, they have... and might I add in the best possible way," I replied.

"Did you know it used to bother me a little when you talked about Bella?"

"Yes, but I also remember how it stopped bothering you."

"I know it's silly to be jealous, but..."

"But now you're bothered a bit when I talk about Bella's daughter."

"I'm only human," Julie remarked with a sigh.

"Do you remember when I told you the dynamics of Jacob Black's relationship with the Cullens?"

"Close friend to Bella and Edward and an uncle type relationship towards Renesmee."

"Well, the dynamics of their relationship has changed."

"Oh...?"

"They're an intimate couple now and their relationship reminds me of Bella and Edward's."

"Wow, now that I didn't expect."

"There are a lot of secrets back in that small town and I have a feeling that they are meant to remain secrets. I don't know what they are... but I do know they are special.  I've always felt fortunate that they trust me enough to know how special they are, and the best way I can repay them is to honor their trust in me."

Julie paused to give my words some thought before smiling.

"So, when you say Bella and Edward influenced me, you're right... but not because they're supernatural.  But because of something they allowed me to witness from afar."

"Being...?" Julie asked.

"True love... and as a result, it allowed me to wait til you came along."

Julie smiled as she raised her eyebrow at me, much like Chief Swan had done to his granddaughter earlier.

"You see.  I understand what it means when Edward only has eyes for Bella... and when Jacob only has eyes for Renesmee."

"You do...?" she asked, hesitantly.

"Yes... because I only have eyes for you, my precious wife," I replied, shooting her a smile.

Julie leaned over and kissed me on the cheek.  Then leaned back and sighed.

"Do you think you'll ever see them again?"

"No.  I don't think so.  At least not by accident."

"I wonder how much the Chief knows."

"Probably just enough where he can have a relationship with Bella and Renesmee.  Knowing what they went through to get where they are, I'm pretty sure Edward does everything in his power to make sure Bella is happy."

"How do you think they'll react when Renesmee tells them she ran into you?"

"I suspect they'll do pretty much what I'm doing."

"Smiling?" Julie asked with a grin.

"Yeah, they've always been able to make me smile," I replied with a chuckle.

"I love you Raymond Kulp," Julie declared.

"As I love you," I replied.


The end.