Over the course of the next couple months, the gashes in my stomach healed and scarred. I also began to walk again. I kind of felt like a toddler, but whenever I got too upset Paul was always there to cheer me up. The whole incident only brought Paul and I closer together, instead of driving us apart like it would have to anyone else.

Quil Atera also phased, which meant I had all of my friends back together in one place. On top of being one of the newest members of the pack, he also imprinted on Emily's three-year-old neice, Claire.

The Cullen's were back in town full time now, which meant I saw Bella less and less as she hung out with them more and more. This, mixed with her grounding only caused more resentment to build up between us.

I was homeschooled for the better part of my junior year because of the incident. This allowed me to complete all my junior year credits, as well as catch up to Bella so I'd be graduating a year early. Luckily, I knew early enough that I could apply for scholarships, and I was accepted into Peninsula College with a major in Radiology. I'd have to get my associates degree and then off to work, but I would still be right here in Forks for at least the next two years. And I wouldn't have to worry about room and board or food.

Nothing supernatural happened again for a while. It was almost graduation when more pack members began to phase, meaning only one thing. Vampires.

One night, while Dad was passed out on the couch from working a cold case, I thought I heard something upstairs, but dismissed it as just a normal old house noise. Dad didn't even stir, so I just continued to lay on the couch, not worrying about it. Dad didn't wake up until Bella pulled into the driveway, and he met her at the front door.

"You know," he said. "Edward could at least respect meal times."

"I was just with Jake," she said nervously. That's why Paul had to cancel our plans. He had to cover Jake's patrol. I don't care who Jake's dad is, he should still be working the same patrols as everyone else.

The doorbell rang, and Dad agreed to give them some privacy. I didn't hear what was said, but I did see Edward take off up the stairs two at a time.

The next day, Jake and Paul were at the house. Apparently the noise I had heard was a newborn vampire in our house. Awesome. Not.

"Whoever it was, he left his stink behind. It'll be hard to miss when we come across it again. We'll handle it from here," Jake said as he and Paul came bounding down the front steps. Paul immediately walked over to me and hugged me, holding onto me as if I'd disappear the second he let go.

"At least you're okay," Paul said, holding me tightly against his chest.

"Yeah. Had I known," I said, but Paul cut me off.

"Don't even start," he said. "You didn't know and that's okay. I'm just happy that you're okay."