A/N: Next chapter is finally up! This chapter has alot of new info in and a big surprise. So enjoy!

I can't stress how important it is to review. I need to know what you think of the story, how it's unfolding and where you want/think it should go. PLEASE REVIEW! I know how many people are reading it, and out of 86 people, only 4 left a review! Please! The feedback is needed!

It makes me happy to know people are still reading this and i know you'd want your work reviewed, if it were you. I ask because if you don't like something i can't make it better unless i know something is wrong!

oh, and Jessie, it was Carlisle talking in the previous chapter at the end! Sorry I wasn't able to message you!

Chapter Six

That Complicates Things

I was midway through a blood drive form when a soft knock came from the front doors of the moon dorm. I look at Ray next to me and Lucas slouching by my feet on the floor. They both shrugged and I stood to answer the door. When I pulled the heavy door open I found Dr. Carlisle Cullen looking back at me, smiling gently.

"Isabella, a pleasure."

I fought a giggle and welcomed him inside, "Hey Lucas, can you go get the Cullen's, tell them their dad's here to see them."

"No, no! I have no doubt I shall see them before my visit if over, but I actually came to talk to you Isabella, if you don't mind."

Surprise filled me, "Uh, sure. Um, follow me."

I walked him up the grand staircase towards my room where we could have more privacy. Well, as much privacy as you could in a vampire dorm. He shut the door behind me and I placed the form in my hand on the bed.

"What can I do for you Dr. Cullen?" I asked, very confused.

He smiled charmingly, "Isabella, I believe we've known each other too long for you to call me such a formal name."

I grinned, "I could say the same to you sir."

He returned my bright smile, "I'm here to ask you about your eyes. It has been intriguing me since I saw you several days ago and I must confess I have no theory to explain the phenomenon."

I bent beside my bed and pulled out a heavy black box, which barely fit under the frame. Keying in the code I lifted the lid and pulled out a thick folder which lay at the top. I promptly closed the box and shoved it under the bed again.

"I believe this is everything you'll need. It's numerous medical forms and observations that have been written since I became a vampire. It appears that there is a unusually high venom count in my system which causes me to have such abnormal eye colour. There is a hormone produced in my body that increases the production of venom in my body."

Carlisle flicked through the papers, taking in the information, "Extraordinary! I wonder how your body continued to produce the hormone. Does this mean your feeding must be more regular?"

I nodded, watching him read, "Feeding was an issue at first but when I realised what was happening I just upped my feeding habits and since have had no problem."

Carlisle nodded slowly, still reading. I mused at his studious expression. A thought occurred to me.

"Would you like a sample?"

"Mmm? Pardon?" he asked, half gone in the research.

"Of my venom? A sample?"

He looked up at me in surprise, "Is that possible?"

I chuckled. The amount of time I had had venom taken for research or observation, it was more than possible. I pulled a black box from my writing desk and took out the syringe. I stood in front of the mirror to make sure I had the right part of my neck. The venom glands reside in the neck and is the prime place to withdraw some from. Slowly I drew back the compressor and sharp blue liquid filled the vile. When the vile was half full I removed the needle and released the vile, handing it to Carlisle. The entire time he'd watched me with vivid interest.

"Extraordinary…I've never seen anyone do that themselves. You are very skilled with a needle."

I smiled, "Just had a lot of practice sir."

He held the sample in his hands, enraptured by it, "This will prove to be most interesting, I'm sure." As he placed it in his back carefully, with the thick file, his gaze caught the form on my bed. He raised an eyebrow, "A blood drive? I thought the students were vegetarian."

I picked up the form, studying it, "They are, we have a very strict policy. I should know, I wrote it myself and am responsible for anyone who doesn't follow it. No, the blood drive isn't for us to feed, that would be far too dangerous with the live donors walking around and sitting beside us in class. No, the blood is to replace blood we take from a local hospital, as an emergency store for any passing visitors who don't care for our diet. It's proved wiser to keep both varieties of blood on hand then simply keeping animal blood."

He gazed at the form once more, "Mmm, quite interesting. Would you need help with the donating?"

I looked up, shocked, "That would be…amazing, thank you! It would be brilliant to have someone with as much experience as you, and patience, helping with it all. Thank you Carlisle, thank you very much."

He smiled and kissed me on the forehead, leaving the warm ghost of the sensation with me, "Anytime Izzy, just call me when you have a date secured and I shall make myself available. Right, I really must see my children before I return to Esme. It's been delightful to talk with you Izzy. You've become a wonderful woman."

I feel silent under his warm compliments. All I could do was shrug and murmur a thank you to his kind words. He left to see his children, promising to see me again soon and I felt, for the first time in a long time, happy to have the Cullens here.

I sat on the bed heavy, eyes drooping. Loosing that much venom really took the fight out a gal. It was half an hour before Lucas knocked on the door, I didn't even bother uttering an invite, I knew he'd enter sooner or later. When he did open the door he stopped short, taking in my frame leaning against the bed post.

"Izzy! What's wrong? Did Dr. Cullen do something to you?" He fell to his knees in front of me, trying to look in my downcast eyes. I smiled reassuringly.

"No, no. I gave him a sample of my venom…maybe I gave too much…I'm not sure…" My words drifted off as I grasped for the thought. I closed my eyes and cuddled into the pole, "Maybe a little sleep…"

Firm hands grasped my arms, pulling me upright, "Oh no you don't. Ray! Get in here, and bring a pint!"

He held me in a stronger upright position and the bed dipped beside me. He pulled my head to the hollow of his neck gently but sure.

"Come on Iz."

I shook my head, fighting back, "No…"

I opened my eyes and glared as hard as I could, which wasn't very hard at all. He studied my eyes and surprise flashed in his, before sharp determination overtook them again, "You're weak, you need to boost your system, right now. Yours isn't going to do it fast enough."

I continued to fight, "No, I don't need it. The pint is enough. I'll be fine."

He took my firmly by the chin, "Iz, your eyes are turning."

Fear struck me. It was too soon. There'd been no signs. No, it wasn't time. Not yet. It couldn't be. There was too much to do. No!

I fell limp under his hands and rested my head on his neck. My fangs ached. The skin was soft and cool, and I could feel the venom sack beneath my lip. I didn't hold back any longer. I sunk my fangs into his neck and drew the thick liquid into my mouth. It tasted sharp but sweet, full and satisfying on my tongue. I bit deeper and Lucas winced, causing me to suck harder. I grabbed the back of his neck. Drew the delicious liquid into my mouth. So sweet. Just like blood. Blood…

I ripped away violently. My last thought struck me. Blood. Human blood. I know that's what I'd been thinking of. Prey beneath me struggling for air. The thick hot blood. No, I wouldn't be that person. I shook the thoughts from my head, disgusted with myself.

Ray entered the room as I was wiping my mouth and handing Lucas a wad of material to hold to his neck until the bite healed. He handed me the pint, confused but concerned, and went to attend to Lucas. I gulped the cool blood, enjoying the taste of the pig blood, trying to kill off the last memory of the bite. I shivered at my brutality.

"I'm sorry Lucas, I never should have bitten you."

He took my hand and tugged me towards him, resting my head lightly on his shoulder while he rubbed my arm, "Hey, I asked you, hell I even demanded it. Besides, it's completely healed now and you feel ten times better, right?"

I nodded.

"Good, see, everything's fine."

Ray fussed over Lucas's neck as I lent there, "What happened?"

Taking a deep breath I sat back up and inspected Lucas's neck. Completely healed, not even a ghost of the bit. I really must have been low to not leave a scar.

"I gave Carlisle a sample of my venom, I guess I drew more than I thought. Lucas was trying to help me boost my system."

Ray studied me for a moment, a look that said he'd be talking to me about this later. I offered a small smile but it did little to shift the look he gave me.

Lucas and I shared the pint as we walked to Trig together, the liquid thankfully hidden in a black sports bottle. We slopped through the doors and slumped in our seats next to one another, still chugging on the bottle.

Lucas leaned over and whispered to me, "Why do I feel like we just got scolded?"

I giggled in my seat and shrugged, stealing the bottle off him. At the front of the classroom Ms. Bond sat at her desk, reading a trashy romance novel. The whiteboard had a long complicated sum written on it and at the top is said 'solve it!'. And who said lessons weren't enriching! I flicked open my notebook and began to jot down the sum, trying to wrap my head around the mass load of numbers and shapes. What the hell was this anyway?

Over the other side of the room the Cullens, all five of them, sat staring at their own notebooks, bored out of their tree. Lucky bastards had probably done this sum a million times. Stupid old vampires. Jasper looked round and gave me an apologetic smile and for a moment I wondered if I had projected the thought. But then Edward would have heard it, so maybe not. Maybe my feelings made it obvious under the current situation.

It made me muse about how Edward would react to the knowledge that he would now be able to hear my thoughts if I wanted him too. Since becoming a vampire I had discovered I had my own ability. I had the power to shield. It meant I could create a shield around my mind and others', and form a physical shield in a certain space and use it to push someone back. I'd spent a great deal of time practicing my power, controlling it and learning to use it properly. Experimentation had allowed me to learn my limits of what I could do. It had let me discover that with the right power, working side by side, I could use another person's power with my own. For example Ray has the ability to manipulate the earth, encourage plants to grow, commune with the trees, which gave him advantages such as finding people who are lost or hurt. With my power I could push his further, allowing him to scan longer distances, or grow a field of flowers. You get what I mean. It's amazing how far our powers stretch, when you know how to hone them correctly.

I wonder what extent our powers would reach to together, I pondered gazing at Edward. When his neck twitched my eyes flew to my sheet guiltily, feeling stupid for staring. I tackled the math problem in front of me to keep my thoughts distracted and hoped the rest of the class go quicker.

When the bell finally rang I shoved my notebook in my bed and legged it out the door, sighing heavily, "Finally!"

Lucas followed me, groaning, "Trig is not my friend."

"Thank God that is over. Let's go dump our bags and meet the others. Oh, wait."

I backtracked to where the Cullens were walking the opposite way down the corridor. I raced after them, pulling to a halt in front of them.

"Hey, um, we're going to hunt. Most of the moon dorm is, it's sort of a tradition. You won't have any more classes today, we make sure we book them off. Do you want to join us?" I tried not to hop from foot to foot nervously.

Silence ensued. Jasper and Emmett instantly brighten and looked ready to accept, but Rose's face remained stormy and Alice looked hesitant and distant. I couldn't read Edward's expression, I didn't know what he was thinking. I guess the frustration went two ways. The question hung in the air and my hopes began to sink.

I signed, "Never mind, it was a stupid idea, of course you'd want to hunt privately."

Pulling my bag in tight to me I walked away, disheartened. I stared at the grey floor as I walked feeling stupid for getting my hopes up. They'd been hunting together for decades, there's no way they'd want to hunt with a crowd. Stupid, stupid.

Suddenly an arm wrapped around me, "We'd love to join you. I'm certainly hungry enough, haha!" Emmett's laughter boomed down the hall and the weight of his arm was a strange familiarity. Jasper nudged my other side and smiled reassuringly. I looked behind me and saw Rose and Edward frowning at us, and Alice teetering on the edge of them, unsure, staring after us.

"Don't worry about them, they'll come around. They're just...a little confused I think. It's a big change and you were the last person we were expecting to see here." Jasper hooked his arm through mine and I found myself walking to our hunt sandwiched, surprisingly happily, between the two men I used to call brother.

Ray smiled pleasantly at our company and we went to the store room to dump our bags. When we walked out the front door, heading for the woods, Alice was sitting on the low stone wall besides the steps. She looked uncomfortable, staring at the floor and wringing her hands. She looked up at us, nerves clear on her face.

"Um...do you mind if I come too?" she asked, chewing her lips.

Jasper left my side to take her hand and stare at her lovingly, "You always welcome my love."

She melted into his side, then looked at me for confirmation.

As we walked to the forest it struck me how distant Alice had been. I expected it from Rose, and there was the clear division between Edward and I, but Alice had been my closest friend, my dearest sister. I thought when I'd changed my attitude that she would be the first to warm to me, to re-establish our connection. But yet it had been the very person I feared would keep his distance the most who had taken the leap and grown to like me once more. Emmett was just an endless pile of love; it didn't surprise me that he had wanted to become friends again.

Perhaps it was the fact that we had been so closed, that we had shared so much that meant being that close again was impossible. Too much had been damaged between us. The thought almost made me whimper, the pain of her rejection suddenly fresh in my heart.

I snuck a look at her. Since she'd arrived here, even over the weekend, her cheeks looked less shallow and the dark smudges under her eyes were beginning to fade, little by little. It was strange, to know how ill she had become. I couldn't think why. Had something happened? Her and Jasper seemed so happy, more so than ever, it couldn't be that. But yet the difference had been frightening. In that moment, that thought, I found myself vowing to do anything to make sure she never looked like that again.

Before I knew it we were in a clearing with half the moon dorm. They stood around, merrily chatting, waiting for us to arrive. When we entered through some oak trees silence fell.

"Hey guys. Jasper, Alice and Emmett will be joining us today. You all know the rules, blah blah blah. Now bugger off and eat well!"

My family laughed at me and raced off into the trees. My small entourage followed me as I whipped through the undergrowth, expanding my senses. The scent of deep earth and wild flowers overwhelmed me and I sought to pin point more specific smells. Like second nature my instincts broke away from the smells of nature and tuned into the thick scent of a stag. A growl rumbled in my throat. My body strained to keep control, instinct told me to feed, I was weak and I needed blood. I raced faster, flying through the forest and as the animal drew nearer I launched myself into the branches above, skipping with ease from tree to tree. I stepped more carefully as I neared my prey, silently running through the trees. Beneath me a large stag grazed, strong solid antlers producing from his proud head. I salivated as I watched him, then shifted my weight, preparing to spring forth. I leapt from my perch and landed on the back of the stag. It bucked, trying to throw me, but my nails extended and dug into it's thick skin. I struck before it could buck me again. My fangs funk heavily into it's jugular. Blood bubbled into my mouth. The animal jerk under me and I clenched my hands, snapping it's neck. I fell limp and I drank hard and deep, draining the beast in two minutes flat.

When I finished I stood, looking at the lifeless animal at my feet. A sadness filled me momentarily, feeling the loss of it's life. I stroked it's fine haired head.

Goodbye child. Thank you for your gift.

I took off back into the forest to find my sisters and brothers. I found Ray feeding from a boar two miles south of me. I leant by a tree and waited for him to finish, checking my clothes for blood. The great thing about experience with hunting is that you learn to keep the blood off your clothes. It's a hell of an inconvenience to get blood all over you clothes. It's a bitch to get out and walking around covered in blood never looks good. Thankfully my green skirt was untouched and my chiffon shirt undamaged. It had been a while since I'd been messy.

Ray mimicked the gesture I had with the stag and joined me by the tree. Taking the band from my wrist I pulled my hair into a ponytail, removing a twig that was lodged above my ear.

"Full?" I asked. He grinned at me, fangs on full display.

"Not a chance."

I returned his grin and took off into the trees with my beta on my heels. I took more joy in the run now that blood warmed my belly. The desire to take off my shoes and feel the soft earth beneath my toes was overwhelming, but I knew if I did I'd never find them again, and I particularly liked these flats. Vines with small white flowers wrapped around the old sturdy trees and blue song birds flittered above the trees. The wind brushed my skin softly; I revelled in the sensation of just running.

A roar rocked the forest. Ray and I looked at one another then took off after the sound. We flew into a clearing to find Emmett on top of his favourite prey – a bear. A huge, glorious black bear. Ray and I hung back, in the cover of trees, watching Emmett dance with his dinner. He sprang again and again, attacking the neck, slicing and ripping. The beast gave another roar before he sprang again, wrenching it's neck and it dropped heavy onto the ground. Emmett leapt on it immediately and began to drink, unaware of our presence. Ray and I regarded each other, impressed by Emmett's preditorial finesse. I guess decades of hunting brought a sort of perfection to the art.

Only when he was finished did we make our presence known. He loped over to us, wiping blood from his mouth, "You guys have some damn fine bears out here."

I grinned, "Only the best in Death Valley."

We hunted together for another good hour, sometimes joining others to take down a larger herd of prey or to share a large kill. The sensation of being surrounded by family was fulfilling, comforting almost. It was interesting to see our new members hunt, to see their technique and grace. Most of us were relatively young vampires in comparison so their experience and practice was intriguing to study. It was hard not to be in awe of the effortless power they used. Though I think it became clear we were staring after a while, so we had to quit it.

Only when the sun began to sink from it's peak did I break away from the hunting party. I said my goodbyes and head to the largest village in the reserve. I was well acquainted with the natives of the land and we had a strong friendship. When I had been given leadership of the Moon dorm and become responsible for the vampire student's eating habits I had quickly formed an understanding with the chief of the tribe. They knew of our supernatural nature and I didn't want the same unstable situation the Cullen's had with the La Push tribe here. We had been quite lucky, however, because it became clear when I approached the tribe that they were a brother tribe of the Blacks. Jacob had spoken to them on his end of things, having taken over from his father the previous year, and help create an understanding that we were safe to have on their land. Now we had a healthy relationship and I like to visit Issac often to keep him updated and see if I could help with anything.

It only took me minutes to reach the bustling village. When I walked from out of the trees I was greeted with the smell of fresh baking bread and people chatting happily. As I passed people I recognised I stopped to ask how they were. I was well received in the village and had made a lot of friends. One of Issac's little boys came running down the path and threw himself into my arms. I laughed and swooped him up.

"Hey little man! What are you doing out of school?"

He giggled as I kissed his nose, "It's teacher twainy day, 'member!"

I balanced him on my hip and smacked my head comically, "Duh, how silly of me. Hey, where's daddy?"

Sean pointed towards the vegetable patch on the far left of the village, "Cabbage!"

I laughed and walked over to the garden, looking for Issac. I found him wrist deep in cabbage, just as Sean had predicted. When I chuckled he looked up and grinned. He wiped his forehead which left a long thick streak of dirt on his face. Sean was in hysterics by this point.

"Um, you've got a little dirt, just here." I said, trying not to succumb to laughter too.

He grabbed a rag from his belt and wiped his face properly this time. I placed Sean on the ground and whispered to him, "Can you find me a pretty bunch of fire lilies to take home? They're my favourite flower."

Sean nodded eagerly and ran off as fast as his little legs could carry him. I grinned, watching him go in his dirty dungarees. When I turned back to Issac I caught him watching me with a small smile.

"What?"

He tucked the rag back in his belt chuckling, "Sometimes I worry you're going to steal him from me."

I rolled my eyes, "I'd never do that."

All he did was huff and begin to walk out the garden towards his house. I kept pace easily, though I knew had I been human I could have been jogging to keep up.

"So what's up Izzy?" Issac asked me, sitting at his table with two glasses of peach ice tea.

I looked at him innocently, "Can't I just visit my dear friend?"

He raised an eyebrow at me, not buying it, "Sure, you can, but you usually bring cookies when you're just visiting, and you obviously don't have any cookies."

What is it with the cookies?

"I'll remember that in future. How about I bring cookies and cake next time?"

He leant back in his chair, the wood creaking a little under the weight, "That would be acceptable, I guess."

I rolled my eyes again, "You're right though, I'm not just here for a visit. We've got 5 new students, and their parents, living on the reserve. They're already on the same diet as us, have been for longer than the existence of most of our students. Their parents live in the cottage north of the school. Carlisle is a very experienced and patient doctor and would more than happy to help anyone who falls ill. Esme is equally patient, she's an interior designer. I thought perhaps you could ask her help with the youth hall you're building."

Issac sipped on his ice tea for a moment, turning over the information. He tapped the glass thoughtfully, "And the students?"

"They're in no hurry to create any chaos or be of a hindrance to anyone here. They may…keep their distance. They're the Olympic coven, from Washington State, who created the treaty with the Black tribe. I believe they will avoid the village and contact with your people, for fear they will be in breach of a similar treaty. Old habits die hard, and they took a lot of care to maintain the peace with the Blacks." I told him.

"Vampires from your neck of the woods? So you're well acquainted with them?"

I grimaced, "Yes, I guess you could say that."

He drained is tea and clunked the glass back on the table, "Then I've got nothing to worry about. Friends of yours are friends of mine, but thank you for informing me, I'll be sure to let everyone know. Should they pay us a visit we will not be alarmed."

"Thank you Issac, we're in debt to your kindness."

His laughter shook the table, "I believe it is us who are in debt to you, or at the very least lucky to have such considerate predators living with us."

"We do make very strange neighbours, don't we?" I grinned in return.

Suddenly Sean came bounding in the door, both hands clasping flowers, roots and all. Chunks of dirt dropped to the clean floor. He thrust the flowers at me.

"I couldn't find da wiwies, so I got you bwuebews." He beamed at me, and I laughed, scooping him into my lap and kissing him loudly on the cheek.

"They're lovely, thank you, but maybe we should clean up all the mud, mm?" He hoped down and ran over to the broom, then attempted to sweep up the mess. It was actually spreading the dirt further around. I took the broom from him and began to sweep the dirt into a tidy pile, then swept it out the door.

Behind my back Issac sat watching me carefully, enthralled by my domestic activity. Only when I turned around did he blink and spring to life. He refilled the glass with more iced tea and handed a carton of apple juice to Sean.

"Izzy, would you stay for dinner?" He suddenly asked, stroking his son's dark hair.

I chewed my lip, thinking I should get back to the dorm and check everything was ok.

"We're having steak."

I prepared to reject the invitation, thinking of my responsibilities.

"It'll cook yours extra rare."

I fell for the bait, smiling at how easily he knew to win me over. Ray could take charge for the evening, besides, he'd expect me gone all afternoon anyway.

I stayed until the sun set and the moon began to rise in the sky. Issac and I laughed over dinner, watching Sean spoon beans into his mouth, getting juice all round his mouth. The steak was divine, perfectly bloody and rich. We curled up in front of the large hearth and talk for hours, Sean cuddled up on my lap. Issac told me more of Sean's mother, who'd died in childbirth, of how much she had loved growing her own vegetables and dreamed of children. I stroked the small boy's hair as he fell asleep, thinking of how sad it would be to dream of something and die trying to get it. To think of Sean never seeing his mother. It made me think of my own thoughts on children. I had been convinced I never wanted children when I had been in high school, but now I wasn't so sure. And now I couldn't carry a child within me. The irony was painful.

When I glanced at my watch it had gone 1am. Yawning I lifted Sean from my lap and carried him to bed. The quilt had been made by his mother, thick and sturdy. I wrapped it tightly around him, watching him cuddle into it and pop his thumb in his mouth. However bad the habit, it was still adorable. Stroking his hair one last time I kissed him on the cheek and went back downstairs, where Issac sat, gazing at the fire.

"Going already?" he asked, as I shrugged on my jacket.

I smiled lazily, "It is past midnight, Issac."

He stood, stretching like a big cat, muscles stressing the black t-shirt he wore. His dark eyes fixed on me, "It never feels late when you're here."

"Well, I am damn fine company." Laughing I pulled my hair out the band, scratching my crown.

Suddenly he was right in front of me, "Yes, damn fine…"

I looked up, surprised by his tone. His deep brown eyes bore into mine and his face was inches away from mine. My lips parted in confusion. He licked his own, eyes flicking to mine. Then they were on mine, soft but insistent. Like he couldn't find the air to breathe, like I was the air. His large hand held the side of my face, fingers buried in my hair. The other sat on the small of my back, pulling me close against him, fitting my form to his. For a moment I stood there stunned, unresponsive. My lips moved, trying to speak, to break free, but he took this for me kissing him back and deepened the kiss.

Lost for what to do I pushed back, hard. He staggered away from my body, breathing hard, looking at me in confusion. Then realisation began to dawn on him. Humiliation slammed into his expression. He sat down on the couch heavily, not looking at me.

"God, I'm…I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have, I'm sorry. I just – I'm sorry."

I held my lips, shocked by what had just happened. What had just happened? I mean, this was Issac. He'd never even given me the impression that he liked me. Or had he. The smiled, the intimate touching, those looks. I thought we were just close, friends. God, I'm such a fool! I'd even been leading him on, giving all the wrong impressions. So stupid.

"Issac –"

He cut me off, "Don't, please."

I ignored him. Kneeling in front of him I tried to gain some eye contact, "Issac, I…I didn't know. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been so…so…I don't know, just how I was. I should have made it clear. I'm sorry."

He exhaled heavily, rubbing his hand over his face, "It was so stupid. I'm sorry. I just thought you might be, and you're so good with Sean, and it's so hard him not having a mother, and he loves you. Everyone loves you here, and I know you're a vampire but it just doesn't matter to me. You're so beautiful Izzy, such an amazing woman. I just thought…you could be my woman. My beautiful Izzy.

"I know who the Cullen's are. Jacob told me, a long time ago. I was confused about how you knew all that information about them and us and so I asked. I know who Edward is. When you said they were back earlier I panicked. I thought…I know how much you love him, I remember seeing it in your face, how much you missed him. I didn't want you to choose him."

My mood turned stormy as he spoke. Jacob was going to die for divulging that much information.

"I can guarantee I will not be re-establishing my relationship with Edward Cullen."

Issac looked up at my stony voice. He frowned as I stood and grabbed my wrist, "What did he do to you?"

Maybe Jake hadn't told him as much as I'd thought. I shook him off, the urge to leave suddenly very great.

"Nothing."

He held onto both my arms and turned me around, then he took my chin in his hands and made me look at him, "What did he do?"

I stared into his eyes, the concern and protectiveness swirling around the darkness. Finally I stopped tensing against him and gave in.

"He broke my heart."

He stared at me for a moment, no doubt expecting something much more severe. The he enfolded me in a giant hug. After a moment I rested my head on his large shoulder and let him stroke my hair. When I pulled back her stroked my cheek and then kissed it lightly. I tensed slightly, wary after what had just happened, but then I relaxed under his tender expression.

"You're welcome here, any time of the day or night, if you need to get away. And I'm sorry, about, you know. Rest assured it won't happen again. I definitely understand now."

I bit my lip, the pain evident in his voice, "Issac."

He shook his head, gripping my arms, "No, Izzy. I won't lose you, our friendship is too important to me. And not to just me, to Sean and everyone here. We love you Izzy, and I won't lose you because of a silly mistake. So lets forget about it and please, keep coming here as normal. I couldn't bare it if I ruined everything."

His pain was so loud in his voice that I took his hand, "I wouldn't stop coming here for the world."

He beamed and his face transformed into a much younger one, very much like his son's. I squeezed his fingers then let go, "Now I really do have to go home. Thank you Issac, for your friendship, for just being you."

He walked me to the door and hugged me again then let me go. As I walked into the dark forest, melting into the blackness I called back.

"I'll be back with cookies and cake!"

By the time I got back to the dorm the lounge was dead and the halls quiet. I went straight to my room, dropped my bag at the end of my bed (it had been sat by the front door waiting for me) and began to strip off my clothes. I tugged on my Snoopy nightie and crawled into bed. I set my alarm for 5am and snuggled into the warmth, falling asleep thinking of dark skinned men and cookies.

My eyes opened to glittering lights. The smell of pine overpowered my nose and I could feel dirt between my toes. Water clung to my skin in tiny droplets. My eyes slid sideways, escaping from the dancing lights and around me I saw the forest floor. Millions of bluebells. The earth smelt damp. The lights waltzed across the ground, spotlighting each flower, who danced to the rhythm.

Through a patch of ferns came a snuffle and I saw the nose a russet wolf peek through, sniffing. I reached towards it, smiling on the warm dirt.

"Jakey."

He snuffled again, inching closer, nose in my palm. His eyes slid beyond me. I turned my head, slow and lazy. Beside me lay the glittering body, smiling gently. How odd that diamonds should smile. His hand took mine and I watch me stare.

"My Bella, forever my Bella."

A rustle came from in front of where a lay but I was slow to look and missed what made the noise. Maybe it was Jakey. No, my hand's still on his nose. Maybe a rabbit.

My toes sunk into the earth and I tried to remember why the man's words confused me. No, not confused…annoyed. The emotion was strange in such a still place. Why did it annoy me? I tried to remember who he was. I stared at his face longer, then his copper coloured hair caught the light and recognition fluttered through me.

"Edward."

He beamed at me, sparkling lips parting to reveal white teeth and two long fangs.

"My Bella."

I frowned again. Why did I not like that? Jakey huffed in my palm and I looked at him, feeling comforted by the fur under my fingers.

Another rustle came from behind me. This time I moved faster, just catching a glimpse of red before it disappeared behind a tree. A bird.

Something wasn't right. Things didn't feel right. Why was I on the forest floor? How did I get here?...Who am I?

Something's coming.

I woke with a start, the last memory of the dream ringing in my head. Looking at the bright red digits of my alarm clock I groaned. Ugh, 3:52am. Dreams sucked.

Edward's POV

Sleep. God, it was bliss. It was so hard not to use up all the hours. It was just so amazing we could sleep. To feel so rested. To rest at all! I was really beginning to love this place.

As I lay in bed I thought of how dramatically our lives had changed since we'd started here. It hadn't even been a week yet so much had changed. I'd never felt so at peace with what I am. Maybe it was because the effects of being a vampire were far less here, we could do things a vampire shouldn't be able to do, but it felt like more than that. Sometimes it felt like I was drawing energy from the very earth around me. I guess that was possible, given the special qualities of this earth particularly.

I thought back to the first night we had arrived here where Izzy had transformed into…something. Someone. She said she was the land, the spirit of the land. And that she had been calling us here. But it just seemed too absurd that I couldn't quite grasp it, though I suppose it was a little silly to say that wasn't possible but vampires are. I guess I couldn't ask for more proof, I mean everyday was swimming with evidence that this land was, well, magic. The sleep, the sunlight, the food. How did we not know this place existed? Diane and Izzy must have worked so hard to keep this place secret.

I rose from my bed, throwing on a shirt and sweatpants, and then headed downstairs with a book. I found a smaller common room through a door off the main foyer, filled with couches and a small piano in the corner. The piano surprised me, I didn't know there was one in the dorm. My fingers itched to stroke the keys and for once I didn't deny the desire. I sat down on the cushioned stool and let my fingers drift lightly over the keys, nostalgia filling me. Pressing down firmly a soft note rose up to greet me.

"Do you play?" I nearly jumped out my skin at the voice. I hadn't even heard them enter. At the door stood a slight young woman, with rosy skin and strawberry blonde hair. She wore a huge fluffy dressing gown and bunny slippers and leant against the doorframe, rubbing her eyes.

"I'm sorry," my fingers fell off the keys, "I didn't mean to wake you."

She smiled sleepily, "You didn't. Lucas is talking in his sleep, I came down to make some warm milk."

The name sprung a bell. Lucas. And so did her face, thinking harder. I remembered seeing them at lunch with Izzy last week. It seemed having a human companion here wasn't uncommon.

"So you stay with Lucas here?" Curiosity burned at me.

She shuffled into the room and perched on the arm of a couch near me.

"Anyone is welcome to stay with their mate in their room. Izzy believes that everyone here has enough control to not be tempted into attacking the guests. So I practically live here all term."

I was stunned to hear her talk about it so head on, and to use the word mate, which often proved to much of a primitive term for humans. She seemed at ease in the lion's den it was slightly unnerving. Bella had never looked like that when she'd been around other vampires. She'd always looked cautious and scared. I remembered the day in we'd met James, Victoria and Lauraunte. She had been oozing with terror. Suddenly I was very unsure of what Bella and I had experienced. It seemed like a lifetime ago, a lifetime of heartache and pain. If she hadn't looked like that sitting in the most dangerous place in the world, looking like she belonged there, like it was her home, then had we really had what I thought we'd had? Would she have ever accepted me being a vampire fully? Had she looked that scared around my family?

Now she was a completely different woman. Now she was Isabella de Barbaron. A vampire, a woman made to lead. I was beginning to believe what she had said. Maybe my Bella truly was dead. I had thought I could bring her back out, prove she still lived, but I couldn't find a shred of her in this new woman. She spoke different, she held herself with true confidence and grace and she was no man's prize. Maybe I never would see Bella Swan again. The thought filled me with an aching grief that rocked me. I drew in a breath, vividly aware of how fragile my memories were.

The girl interrupted my thoughts, "I'm Grace by the way," She smiled warmly, unaware of my heartache, "Would you play, while I heat up my milk?"

She looked so sweet in her giant fluffy robe I couldn't refuse her. She snuffled off to the kitchen as I began the melody. A song that would express my pain and grief. I began to play Bella's lullaby.

My fingers remembered it well and it came flooding back to me. Sitting for hours composing the song, a bottle cap and moments with her as my only inspiration. The times I'd turned that cap over and over in my fingers, thinking of the next note. Her chocolate eyes, her flowing hair, her burning blush. Her floral scent, the sweet taste of her blood. The way she would gaze off into the distance while thinking of unknown things. Every feature, every habit, every aspect of her burnt into my soul ached with misery. Now more than ever I was convinced I had been mistaken. Me leaving really had been the best thing for her. This is who Isabella really was, who she was destined to become. I had simply stood in the way of that.

As the melody ended I closed my eyes, trying to hold onto the beautiful things I remembered. I couldn't hear the hob going in the kitchen anymore, I think Grace had long since returned to her mate. I began the lullaby again, closing my eyes and losing myself in my memories.

I didn't even realise Izzy was stood on the other side of the door.

Thankfully I only had one class today. I knew as soon as I was done with it I'd go hunt. I was beginning to regret not feeding yesterday, it had made me cranky and on edge. Though it was a welcome changed to find all my siblings in the same physical class as me.

Today was a workout. I wasn't exactly what the workout entailed; only that it was three hours long in a huge dance studio and whatever common sense told me the workout would be. A lot of students took the class, at least 30 in the studio already. My siblings and I had come dressed in exercise gear on a limb. We dumped out bags in a corner near everyone else's, along one wall and sat, waiting for the teacher.

I scanned the room, seeing if I knew anyone in the room. I immediately saw Grace chatting to Lucas across the room, and Ray sat a little way away from them. A good group of vampires I recognised from the dorm were already here and humans were arriving by the second. I noticed Izzy standing closer to the front, taking off her flats and throwing her long hair into a band. Avoiding my thoughts from earlier I distracted myself with my siblings.

Jasper seemed invigorated to begin the class, full of Alice like energy. Which was strange considering Alice seemed withdrawn and the excitement had seemed to drain from her over the weekend. Her cheeks weren't as shallow as before, but she seemed pale and distant. She didn't speak much anymore. Emmett looked unimpressed, he didn't take any dance classes and this was far too close to one for his liking, though I knew he wouldn't pass up the opportunity to do any sort of workout. To my left Rose sat, studying her nails. Since arriving we'd grown much closer, a closeness I hadn't felt with her since she had first changed. We both felt the animosity of the other students and Izzy's new found kindness didn't rub well with either of us, it was too suspicious. I didn't know what it was, but I couldn't give in and play house. I didn't want to give up, I didn't want to be best friends. There was too much going unsaid. It stumped me how Jasper and Emmett could just let it all wash over them and be her new best friends. It just wasn't that simple – even if I wanted it to be.

"Alright, everyone up and running, let's start our warm up." The voice came from the front but I couldn't see the teacher. I frowned but never the less stood and began jogging in a large circle with everyone else. We weaved in and out of people, sometimes over taking, other times falling back. Most people seemed to know the sequence so those who didn't copied them. We side stepped and rolled along the floor, stretched tall then kept running again. The patterns were easy to pick up and soon there was no need to look for the other students' guidance.

After 15 minutes of running a command came to move into our lines and so everyone split into a grid formation, each person in their own space to stretch and move in. and there, at the front of the class, facing us all, was Izzy. Confusion flittered through me, and then she began to talk.

"Alright everyone, keep running." She instructed, voice full of authority, running with us, "Most of you are well accustom to this workout class. For those of you who aren't this is an intense workout course that will last three hours a session each week. Every student is required to take this class, to keep you in shape and enhance your other classes. Outside of this class you will know me as, hopefully, a welcoming and friendly person, but while you are in this room, under my direction you will do as your told and if you don't like it you can take it up with the principal. There will be no cheating, of any description."

Her voice slid under the human limits of hearing and her lips moved too fast for the none vampire students to notice, "That means you can not use your powers or abilities as vampires within this workout, you are to participate on the same fitness level as your fellow human students. If you are caught cheating, and I will catch you, you will have to answer to me. And if that is not incentive enough you will answer to Diane who will remove you from this course and that will make majoring here impossible. Understood? Good."

I ran on autopilot but had to stop myself from letting my jaw drop. Her cold persona was chilling to watch but there was no denying that her authority was absolute. I swallowed hard and for the first time in decades became very conscious of how easy vampirism makes physical tasks. I watched every step I took, not wanting to be the person to incur Izzy's wrath…more so than usual. This harder Izzy was not someone I wanted to cross.

She then began to lead us through various stretches, so many that I lost count, one song blurring into another. I pushed muscles I hadn't paid conscious attention to since I was human. The workout certainly did what it was meant to, and I could see Emmett getting into the flow of it, despite the fact he hated dance. We rolled to the floor and sweated out way through 50 sit up and 50 press ups, then repeated cycles of the plank, held for a minimum of 2 minutes. She drilled us, hard and continuous, with little or no mercy, yelling for us to push harder, to keep in time, to straighten out legs, to point our toes and extend our limbs. By the end of the first hour I actually ached. Then the floor work began.

We moved into the corners or the room, the class split in two and standing in opposite corners. Then we set off on leaps across the length of the room. The difficultly wasn't just getting the scissor leap to look graceful but to not hit the dancers going to other way midleap. A lot of stumbles and panic ensued, causing Izzy to start the entire thing over, until we got it right. Then came combo leaps, where we scissor leapt then twisted immediately after into a barrel roll. The barrel roll brought a whole new run of chaos, people twisting wrong, landing poorly or forgetting how to do it altogether. Though these problems let me glimpse into the soft side of Izzy's teaching persona, where she patiently helped each person to execute the roll correctly, guiding them smoothly. By the end of the leaping section we were doing four different leaps in quick succession while moving through other leaping dancers and I found myself proud of accomplishing the task.

"Alright everyone, we're going to show our new students what were made of. You all remember the routines we did at the end of last year? Good. Now, everyone who is new to this class please come to the front of the class where you can watch. These are the sort of routines you will be learning as part of this class, to exercise you skill of memory and movement. Now, ready?" Izzy moved to the large music system and took the remote, then flicked through a few songs until she came to 'Bonkers' by Dizzy Rascal.

All the girls came to the front of the floor and moved into a formation. As the music opened up they lifted their heads and began to move, bodies popping with the base and it was evident they we taking the piss out of gangsters and crew dance, thought they pulled of the breaking dance with surprising power and finesse. They grabbed their crotch and sulked down low, pulling a rude boy face. Then the song slipped into another base, picking up another tune, which welcomed the boys onto the floor. 'Tik Tok' blasted through the speaker and the men moved together just as the women had, but their movements were much more fluid and almost…feminine.

Then it dawned on me, this routine wasn't about taking the piss, but broadening the mind of stereotypes and making opposites perform out of their comfort zones and battle the masculine and feminine restraints of dance. The guys grinded and allowed their bodies to flow in a soft rhythm, then threw it back into strong sequence. I was shocked by the effectiveness of the aim, and laughed as the men challenged the women with their feminine dance. The girls re-entered the floor and the track switched again, into 'Love Today' and energy burst across the floor, each person exploding with enthusiasm and confidence. As the song finally ended they froze in their final positions, breathing heavy.

We all clapped, impressed by their performance. They folded out from their freeze and dispersed for water, or to sit for a moment. Izzy clapped, "Brilliant guys, good to know summer hasn't made you sloppy." She turned to the 15 of us at the front, "This is the standard you will be performing at by the end of this term. By the end of the year you will be performing above and beyond what talent scouts expect."

She retrieved her iPod from the dock and announced the class was finishing early due to it being the first week for the newer students.

"I know for those of you who are new here you have yet to be informed of our Festival days. These occur the last Friday of every month and is a day of celebration and music. Each month has a theme, which you must stick to. Every student must contribute in some form and there must be at least one witness to this contribution, otherwise your efforts will not be valid. Any student who fails to participate without permission to do so will be forced to give a solo performance before the school, the following Monday. You are given a whole month to prepare, so no excuses. All themes are decided by a student vote, so no complaints that the theme isn't desired. I would advise you to start preparing and to decide if you want to join a group performance. If you have any questions the front office will be happy to provide you with answers."

She dismissed us, returning to her belongings.

Her voice suddenly filled the room as we left, "Billy, can I speak with you a moment."

A young vampire with surfer blonde dreads blanched and turned on his heel to wait at the front of the class. If could hear him being scolded for his 'cheating' down the hallways, before seeing him leave, clutching his bag tightly. Izzy exited the dance studio with Ray, mouth pressed in a tight line. She hitched her bag and strode down the hall with her second in command, each step rigid and angry.

When a vampire jumped out in front of her she looked fit to burst.

"Izzy, you'll never guess who just got back!" they cried excitedly, oblivious to her livid expression. Then, before my eyes, it slid quickly into confusion and out again, joy radiating from her. Who on earth could it be for her to be that happy?

I shook my head as she raced down the hall, dodging students. Emmett shrugged at me and we went in search of our next lesson.

Ray's POV

I kept pace with Izzy easily as she dashed through the corridors and smashed through the front door. A grin spread across her beautiful mouth and I felt a moment of jealousy, wishing I could be the one to cause such happiness. Then I shook my head, I knew she needed me more for my strength and love, even if it could only be brotherly love. I'd take what I could get.

I focused on her again, stopping short and letting her race the rest of the way to the black Honda that was pulling to a stop on the front drive. The door opened to reveal a beautiful young woman, with long silver blonde hair and creamy skin, smiling broadly under her sunhat. Izzy screamed with joy and swung her into a giant hug, spinning her round. The woman laughed and waved to me as she spun in circles.

I grinned at her, "Welcome back Elle!" I happy to see her home safe and sound.

When Izzy finally placed her back on the ground she smiled and took off her hat. Behind me Jasper and Alice stepped out into the sunshine to see what the commotion was all about. They watched as Izzy spoke with Elle merrily, taking her suitcase from the trunk of the car. She placed it on the ground and embraced Elle again, then pulled back to look at her, and kissed her deeply, her fingers buried in her hair. Elle wrapped her arms around her neck and moulded herself against her lover. When they finally parted they grinned stupidly at each other and made their way towards the dorms, hand in hand.

I'm not sure when i'll be updating next, soon, i hope, but i really want to focus on the book i'm trying to write, so at the moment that's taking priority over this, sorry guys. But i'm not giving up on this fanfic, never! So stay tuned, i have alot planned for this story!

You see that button down there? Tell you a secret, that button has an amazing power. It has the power to make me a very happy woman! (Izzy: she's not lying you know, you should have seen the happy dance she did last time someone pressed it!)

Thank you to my faithful reviews and readers, i love you all!