Bella?" a different voice called from the distance. No! Please let me be imagining that horribly familiar voice.

Jacob's little smirk became a full-blown grin, and I knew he was picturing Charlie showing up to arrest him. This grin was too bitter, too full of mocking to satisfy me. This wasn't the smile I'd been waiting to see.

I figured if I played nice, I’d get more time with you.

Nice girl who knew cars. Wow. I stared at her face harder, wishing I knew how to make it work. C’mon, Jake – imprint already.

Mostly I dream about being with you forever.

The absence of him is everywhere I look.

He was silent for a moment, staring out the window into the rain; I imagined he was contemplating the fact that his family's presence was turning the locals into giant dogs.