*Addi's POV*

I stood at La Push beach while the salty breeze was whipping through my blonde hair as I watched the waves crash against the shore. The overcast sky cast a muted light over the landscape, giving the ocean an almost ethereal quality. Beside me was Bella, who was leaning against the weathered railing, with her gaze lost in the distance where the sea met the sky. We thought we could hang out for a couple of hours since we don't really get a chance to do so and she might as well need some time away from Edward.

"Hey, Bella." I spoke after a moment, breaking the silence that had settled between them. "How long do you think they'll be gone for?" I asked, gesturing toward the woods, knowing the Cullens were out hunting—well, more like feeding, as they preferred to call it. Bella turned her head slightly with her expression being thoughtful. "It depends on what animal they're tracking." She replied, calmly and steady. "Sometimes it takes a while if they're going after something elusive. Plus, it's getting to that time of year when some animals are harder to find. But I'd say a couple hours at the most." She explained, with me nodding back in response and, then, I turned my gaze back to the ocean.

As we stood together, the waves crashing rhythmically against the shore, I turned to Bella, with a curious smile. "So, how are you and Edward doing? Have you made a decision about the whole marriage thing?" I asked. Bella's face lit up, chuckling with a mixture of excitement and affection washing over her features. "Yes, I have! We're engaged. It feels surreal, but I couldn't be happier." She answered.

My eyes sparkled with joy. "That's amazing, Bella! I'm so happy for you both. You deserve this. But how is Jacob taking it? You know, from what you had told me, he's always had strong feelings for you." I questioned. Bella sighed, hinting of concern in her expression as she responded, "It's been complicated. He's supportive, but I can tell it's tough for him. He cares deeply for me, and I think he's still trying to come to terms with everything." I nodded, understanding the delicate dynamics at play. "I can imagine. It must be hard for him to see you moving forward with Edward, especially since they're so different." I said. "Yeah, exactly." Bella agreed. "But I believe in being honest with him. I want him to know that he'll always be an important part of my life, no matter what." "Absolutely." I replied.

A comfortable silence settled between them for a moment as I gazed out at the ocean. After a while, I sighed and spoke again, "I can't believe it's already been over a month since I moved to Forks. Time has flown by so fast." "Yeah, it really has." Bella replied, while she was glancing at me. "So, how are you doing with everything?" She asked. I hesitated, with my expression shifting as I contemplated my answer. "I'm loving my new life here. The Cullens have been incredible, and I feel like I finally belong somewhere." But, then, my expression changed to worry. "But...I still fear that my father might be looking for me." I added.

Bella's brow furrowed with concern. "Addi, you don't have to worry about him. The Cullens are protective and they won't let anything happen to you. You're safe here." "I know." I started to say, with my voice tinging with uncertainty. "But I can't shake the feeling that he's out there, searching for me. I mean, he's a cop and he'll do anything to search for me. It's hard to completely let go of that fear." I said. "Just remember, you're not alone anymore." Bella reassured me. "You have me, the Cullens, and everyone who cares about you. We'll figure this out together." She added. A small smile appeared on my face, feeling slightly comforted by Bella's words. "Thanks, Bella. It helps to talk about it." I thanked her.

Just then, Jacob approached from the path that led to the beach, with his tall frame blocking some of the dim light with his presence. He raised an eyebrow, curiously. "What are you two talking about over here? Sounds like you're sharing secrets." Jacob asked, attentively. I exchanged a glance with Bella, with a playful spark igniting in my eyes. "It's just girl business, Jacob. Nothing you need to worry about." I told him. Jacob crossed his arms as a teasing smirk formed on his lips. "Girl business? What's that supposed to mean? Is it about makeup tips or something?" He questioned.

I grinned at him, leaning into the joke. "Well, unless you're willing to give it a try, I don't think it's your kind of conversation." I said. Jacob laughed, shaking his head in mock horror. "No way! You can keep your secrets. I'm not about to dabble in any of that." He said. "Smart choice." I shot back, with my laughter bubbling up. The sound felt good, a lightness returning to my heart, even if just for a moment.

Bella joined in as her laughter mingled with mine as we watched Jacob pretend to shudder at the thought of discussing anything remotely related to girl talk. The moment felt grounding, a reminder that even amidst the chaos of my life, there were still flashes of normalcy and laughter to be found. "Seriously, though." Jacob began to say, his tone returning to a more serious note. "If you ever need anything, you can count on me. Just remember that." He finished. I nodded, appreciating the sentiment. "Thanks, Jacob. I know I can." I said.

As we stood together, the waves crashing in the background, I felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, I could find a way to navigate my past while building a new life here. With friends like Bella and Jacob by my side, I felt braver than I had in a long time.

Jacob leaned against the railing, looking out at the waves with a thoughtful expression. "You know, it's not every day that a Cullen visits La Push. It's kind of a big deal." He mentioned. I looked at him, with a smirk while I was crossing my arms. "Well, I'm still human. Does that not count? Besides, Bella is dating Edward. Shouldn't that make her a part of the 'big deal' too?" I told him. Bella rolled her eyes, but a smile crept onto her face. "I suppose I'm a special exception," She said, pretending to flaunt her status. Jacob chuckled for a moment before he replied, "Yeah, but it's strange that out of all people, the Cullens brought a human into their house just like that. You have to admit, that's not typical for them."

I raised an eyebrow, curiously. "Is there a problem with that? I mean, they've been nothing but welcoming to me." I said. Jacob's expression turned more serious, and he shifted slightly, looking at her with a mix of concern and curiosity. "It's not that it's a problem, but I just think it's...odd. The Cullens are protective, especially about their own. They don't just take a human in without a reason. It's not normal for them. I can't help but think there's more going on here than you realize." He responded.

I felt a chill run down my spine at Jacob's words. "What do you mean? You think they're hiding something from me?" I questioned. Jacob shrugged with his brow furrowing. "I don't know for sure. It just seems like they're always keeping secrets. You've seen how they are—mysterious, like they're living in a different world. It's just something to think about."
My heart raced as I was processing of what he was saying. "You really think they have an agenda or something? I mean, they've been so nice to me. I can't imagine they'd want to hurt me." "I'm not saying they want to hurt you." Jacob began to say quickly, sensing her worry. "But you should be aware of the dynamics. Their world is complicated, and sometimes the truth can be hidden behind smiles and charm." He added.

"Jacob, I appreciate your concern, but I've spent time with the Cullens. They've been nothing but kind to me. Why can't you just trust my judgment?" "Oh, come on, Addi. Let me ask you this. Didn't you find it strange that the Cullens took you under their wing just like that when you arrived in Forks? They don't just show up out of nowhere and take you, a human, into their family. I just think there's more to it than what you think." Jacob said.

I crossed my arms, hurt by his words. I understand that he was looking out for me, but it was frustrating to hear his suspicions about the ones that have accepted me into their family. "Jacob, stop!" Bella intervened. "No. It's okay, Bella. I can handle Wolf Boy." I said, as I cooled down my frustrations and tried to be calm as I could. "Look, Jacob, I understand how you feel, but you need to lay off the suspicions about the Cullens. You don't know them like I do. They've been nothing but good to me." I said.

"I'm just looking out for you." Jacob insisted, with his tone sounding earnest. "You can't be too careful. They're not like other people." He added. "Yeah, well, I can take care of myself." I shot back, firmly. "Again, I appreciate the concern, but maybe you should focus on your own pack instead of fixating on your suspicions." I told him. Jacob shrugged, with his expression being unreadable. "Believe what you want, Addi. Just remember, I'm looking out for you. You might think everything's fine now, but that could change in an instant." He said.

I opened my mouth to reply, but Jacob turned away, beginning to walk down the beach. "Jacob!" I called after him, but he just waved a dismissive hand, continuing on his way. With a sigh, I turned back to Bella, who was watching the exchange with a mixture of concern and amusement. "He really doesn't know when to quit, does he?" I said, shaking my head. Bella chuckled softly. "No, he doesn't. But he cares about you, even if his delivery is a bit rough around the edges. Just remember, everyone has their own perspective on things." She said.

I nodded, though I still felt a lingering tension from Jacob's words. "I get that, but I know the Cullens. They're not like what he thinks. I just wish he'd trust me to make my own decisions." "Fair enough." Bella replied, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "Just stay true to yourself. That's all that really matters." She added. "Absolutely." I responded.

As we stood together, watching the waves lapping at the shore, I felt a mix of gratitude for Bella's support and frustration at Jacob's warnings. I was determined to carve out my own path, but I couldn't shake the feeling that the shadows of my past—and the complexities of my new life—were always lurking just beneath the surface.

Jacob's words echoed in my mind, creating an unsettling ripple of doubt. What if he was right? What if the Cullens were hiding something from me? The thought gnawed at me, and I felt a flutter of anxiety in my stomach. "Do you think Jacob has a point?" I asked, with my voice barely above a whisper. "What if there really is something they're not telling me? I mean, they're so secretive sometimes, and I don't want to be caught off guard."

*Third Person's POV*

Without Addi looking, Bella shot her a knowing glance, as if she understood something deeper—something Edward had confided in her when the Cullens first brought Addi into their lives. Bella quickly masked her expression, turning back to Addi with a gentle smile. "You know, don't let it bother you too much. Just be glad that you have the Cullens in your life now. They've chosen to support you and welcome you into their family." She said.

*Addi's POV*

I looked at Bella, appreciating her attempt to reassure me. "You're right. I shouldn't let Jacob's suspicions cloud my judgment. I'm grateful for the Cullens—what they've done for me. It feels good to finally be somewhere I belong." I replied. "Exactly." Bella responded, encouragingly. "Just focus on the positive. You're building new relationships, and that's what matters most." She added. I nodded, allowing my worries to drift away like the tide pulling back into the ocean. "Thanks, Bella. I really needed to hear that." I thanked her.

As we both continued to watch the waves, a sense of calm began to settle over me. While Jacob's words lingered in the back of my mind, I reminded myself of the kindness the Cullens had shown me and the warmth that had filled my heart since arriving in Forks. For now, I would embrace this moment and the people who had become a part of my life. After all, I was determined to create my own path, regardless of the shadows that loomed in the background.