Certain Things || L.C.

Chapter Nine

May 29th, 2006

The rest of their weekend alone was amazing to say the least, but it had come to an end all too soon. Sometime during the night on Sunday, the red head had been spotted near the treaty line and one of the Cullens had jumped across trying to catch her. Nothing came of it and the red headed vampire got away, but Leah had to leave to join the pack, and hadn't been able to return that night. He hadn't heard from her during the day, as he had work and he was sure she had been catching up on the sleep that she had lost.

After the weekend had flown by, his shift that Monday had seemed to drag on forever. Hours slugged along and all he could do was think of Leah, especially after how they had spent the last few days. He wanted so badly to be back by her side, but he also didn't want to interrupt her rest, so after his shift had ended, he had reluctantly driven home. He had taken a quick shower and then settled down in the living room with his father.

He was flipping absent-mindedly through the pages of his book, as Charlie paced the room. Bella hadn't returned home after school and he was beginning to grow antsy. He had begun mumbling under his breath, when finally, Bella came in clamoring through the front door. "You know... Edward could at least respect meal times." Charlie called out to her, leaning on the doorway to the kitchen, his voice dripping with annoyance.

Bella looked to him, slightly startled. "I was just with Jake." She said pointedly. Conner smirked, hearing the conversation from his spot on the couch. The whole dynamic between the two had always been humorous to him. Charlie wasn't very good with discipline and the two siblings rarely needed any, so the situation was fairly entertaining to watch. In reality, Bella was an adult now, ands didn't have to listen if she didn't want to, but he suspected she knew how badly she had fucked up, and that was why she was playing along.

Charlie rose his eyebrows in shock at her words. "Oh... Good." He said, his happiness soon diapering as a nock on the front door interrupted him. He rolled his eyes, instantly knowing who it was. "I'll just give you two some privacy then." He mumbled irritatedly, making his way to his room.

Bella turned the knob, sucking in a breath before opening the door. Edward stood in front of her, eyes looking panicked. "Hey." She said, trying her best to sound nonchalant.

His eyes softened, seeing that she was safe. "Do you understand how worried I've been?" He asked incredulously, concern coating his voice.

She sighed, slightly irritated. "I was perfectly safe." She said, brushing his comment off, trying to ease his stress of the situation. She knew she was safe with Jacob, but it was clear that Edward wasn't as confident in the wolf's control and composure.

"I almost break the treaty to make sure of it." He rambled, suddenly stopping as he sucked in a breath of air finally, his eyes widening as his body went rigid.

Bella hung her head. "I know, I smell like a dog. I'm sorry." She said dismissively.

Edward pushed his way gently past her into the house. "No, no. Something's wrong." He said, eyes flickering around the room, a concerned look on his face. He rushed upstairs, and in a moment he was standing back in the living room, causing Conner to flinch by his sudden appearance, his heart leaping into his throat.

Bella ran, stumbling to his side. "Edward, what's wrong?" She asked, placing her hand on his cold stone arm.

Edward turned to the girl, eyes wide with panic, addressing the two siblings. "Someone's been in here." He said eerily.

It hadn't taken long for Leah to arrive after hearing about the intrusion. She had showed up, anxiety filling her chest as she smelled the unfamiliar scent. She had rushed upstairs, Jacob by her side as she searched around for any clues as who it had been.