As I closed the door behind us, Alice made her way down the steps, settling on the bottom one, her gaze fixated on the night sky above. I joined her, the silence thick and tense, weighing down the chilly air.

"So, what's the deal with Edward leaving Bella?" I ventured, breaking the quietude. Alice slowly turned her head towards me, her eyes meeting mine in the dim light.

"He left her to protect her," Alice replied softly, her voice carrying the weight of understanding. "He believes that as long as she's with him, she'll be in constant danger, always at risk of getting hurt." I nodded in comprehension, acknowledging the inherent danger of being involved with vampires, especially as a human.

"But life is full of risks, isn't it? Avoiding danger altogether won't lead to any progress. Even if it involves vampires," I added gently, sensing the complexity of the situation. Alice smiled in agreement, acknowledging the truth in my words.

"When did you meet Bella?" Alice inquired, her expression tinged with curiosity.

"I met her when I moved here a few months ago, starting at a new school. She was my first friend, and we just clicked instantly. Our bond grew stronger over time, and I trust her with my life," I replied with a heartfelt grin.

"I already feel like she's a part of the family, like a sister to me. I know we're going to be great friends," Alice spoke, warmth flooding through me as a smile appeared on my face. Alice chuckled in response, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

"But we've just met," I pointed out, my laughter fading as my gaze shifted. Alice's eyes unfocused as if she was seeing something beyond our surroundings. "Alice?" I called out, a hint of concern creeping into my voice as I reached out to her, unsure of what was happening.

"Edward," she murmured softly before swiftly rising from the steps and darting back inside. I hurried after her, the urgency palpable in the air as we made our way to the kitchen.

"Jake, who was that?" Bella's voice echoed from the kitchen as Alice rushed to her side.

"Bella! Bella, it's Edward," Alice exclaimed, halting beside Bella and turning her gaze towards her. I followed closely behind, witnessing Bella's shocked expression. "He thinks you're dead. Rosalie told him why I came here," Alice continues, her words hanging heavily in the tense atmosphere. We all turned our weary eyes towards Jake, awaiting Bella's response.

"Why would you... Why didn't you let me speak to him?" Bella's voice rose, her frustration evident as she confronted Jacob, stepping closer to him.

"He didn't ask for you," Jacob yelled, his voice matching Bella's intensity.

"Bella!" I interjected, reaching out to grasp her arm, seeking to ground her. Alice mirrored my actions, grabbing Bella's other arm.

"I don't care!" Bella exclaimed, her voice laced with defiance as she confronted Jacob.

"Bella. Bella! He's going to the Volturi," Alice interjected, turning Bella around by her shoulders to face her. "He wants to die too." We all stared at Alice in disbelief, the weight of her words sinking in as Bella processed the shocking revelation.

Bella rushed upstairs, grabbing a bag and her passport, she was back down in minutes. Jacob trying to stop her from leaving. All of us headed towards the door. Alice opened it, leading the way. She was already on the porch steps, but by the time I blinked, I saw her already in the car, starting the engine. We descended the steps, making our way towards Alice's car.

"He left you, Bella. He didn't want you anymore. Remember?" Jacob's voice trailed after Bella as he rushed to catch up.

"No, I'm not gonna let him kill himself out of guilt," Bella declared, determination ringing in her voice as she refused to let Jacob's words sway her. We reached the car, Bella went around the front of the car and to the passenger side, while I wasn't far behind.

"What about your dad?" Jacob interjected, hoping to appeal to Bella's sense of responsibility.

"I'm eighteen. I'm legally free to go, and I left a note," Bella replied firmly, her resolve unwavering, as she opened the car door. I held the door open for her, shutting it behind her as the window on her side automatically rolled down. I peered inside, just as I see Jacob lean through the driver's window, his hand resting on the keys to prevent Alice from starting the car.

"Please Bella," his voice began, soft and pleading. "Just stay here. For Charlie or for Charlotte... or for me," Jacob pleaded, his eyes pleading with Bella's.

"She can go. I fully support her decision," I interjected, meeting Bella's gaze with a reassuring smile. She returned it, and Alice also smiled at me, as if my comment was a good thing to hear.

"I have to go," Bella asserted, her voice resolute. Reluctantly, Jacob released the keys and stepped back, his hands resting on the window, his eyes locked with Bella.

"I'm begging you," he particularly was begging her to stay. "Please," his voice was gentle.

"Goodbye Jacob," Bella murmured softly before Jacob released the car door and walked away, disappearing into the woods. I turned my head to Bella offering a supportive smile.

"Please come home safe," I said softly, my words tinged with concern. Because if this went wrong, I didn't know what I would do with myself.

"I will," Bella replied, noticing my concern. Alice revved the engine, as I stepped away from the car, and watched as they drove off down the road. I hoped that they would reach Edward in time to save him.

.......................

The following day dawned, and with no word from Bella, worry gnawed at my insides, though I held onto the reassurance that Alice would ensure her safety. And that Edward was alive. Clad in the same attire as the day before, I made my way over to Emily's house, hoping to find Jacob and have a conversation with him.

As I approached the steps, the murmurs of the wolf pack reached my ears, likely discussing Bella's situation. I took a shaky breath and knocked on the door. Instantly, the chatter within the house ceased, replaced by an eerie silence. Moments later, I see Emily through the glass of  the door, her expression warm and welcoming despite the tension that lingered behind her.

"Charlotte, right?" She inquires, her tone gentle.

"Yeah," I respond, briefly avoiding her gaze as I scan my surroundings. "Is Jacob around?" I inquire, swiftly transitioning from the quiet that envelops the air.

"Yeah, come in," she invites, stepping aside to allow me passage. As I enter, she leaves the door behind me open and heads back to the kitchen where the others are gathered around the table. I observe Jake seated at the table, his gaze fixed on its surface, evidently aware of my presence but avoiding eye contact.

"Charlotte, why are you here?" He sounded irritated by my presence.

"I wanted to talk to you," I replied, feeling the weight of everyone's stares in the room. "Can we step outside?" I requested, meeting Jacob's eyes with a pleading look. He nodded and rose from the table. As he approached me, his hand rested gently on the small of my back, guiding us outside.

We walked a short distance away from the house, but I couldn't be sure if we were still within earshot of the others inside. Finally, we stopped at a safe distance.

"What do you want, Charlotte?" Though his tone was soft, I could sense a bit of irritation lingering in his words.

"To begin with, I need you to stop acting like a lovesick fool," I retorted sharply, catching him off guard with my directness. "Listen, I hate to be the bearer of harsh reality, but she's into Edward, not you. You're just setting yourself up for heartache," I stated bluntly, aware of some muffled snickering echoing from the house, indicating that my words might have been heard. "I'm saying this as a friend because I care about you and I don't want to see you get hurt," I added, hoping he'd understand my concern. "Second reason I'm here is because Victoria was outside my house the other night," I revealed, watching his body tense, his muscles coiling as he fought to maintain his composure.

"Are you ok?!" Jacob's words flowed with genuine concern, his face now etched with worry.

"I'm okay," I waved away his concern. "I just thought you and the others should be aware," I announced, nodding my head toward the house. "And no, I don't want a protective detail," I asserted. "I think she was looking for Bella. Maybe I smelled like her," I speculated, hoping that was the reason for Victoria's presence that night. Any other scenario seemed too alarming to consider.

"No protective detail, but I'll come over for a few days to make sure you're safe," he insisted, showing concern for my well-being. However, I knew I could take care of myself and didn't need his help. But I simply nodded agreeing to the arrangement.

Over the next couple of days, Jacob fulfilled his promise and visited the house regularly. Each time, we engaged in brief conversations, with him inquiring if I had received any news from Bella. Regrettably, I hadn't. His presence brought a sense of security, as he meticulously scanned the surroundings, using his heightened senses to detect any signs of Victoria's presence. But he never found her lingering.

As Jacob departed, I observed his figure receding into the distance, disappearing down the road leading back to LaPush. However, a gnawing sense of unease settled within me as I recalled the encounter with Victoria. Despite its brevity, the display of power I had unleashed left an indelible impression. I could still feel the resonance of the force that had sent her flying through the air.

Preparing myself for any potential encounters with Victoria, I realised the urgency of mastering control over my magic. Relying solely on Jacob and the pack for protection wasn't a sustainable solution. It was imperative that I honed my abilities and prepare to defend myself if she were to appear again. But in the back of my mind, I know she will be back. Either to threaten me or Bella.

I have to be ready...

****************