Chapter Two

I smiled at Bella's shock, the way her heart stopped for a moment then began to race as she stared at me. Perhaps I was smiling too widely, because suddenly she was backing up against her headboard. "Bella?" I asked softly. She was staring at me with her mouth slightly open.

"Jasper?" she asked me, her tone somewhat accusatory. I cringed slightly. I suppose I deserved it, after breaking my promise. I stood up slowly and walked cautiously over to her bed, sitting down as far away from her as I could. "You weren't here this morning," she whispered.

I grimaced. "Forgive me, Bella. But I wasn't sure if my staying was truly the right thing to do."

"What changed your mind?" Ever the perceptive one, I thought. Edward was right; you couldn't hide anything from her.

"You." She was confused. "Your emotions, your…well being," I tried to clarify. I sighed, unable to find the right words. "Bella, you're desperately unhappy." She flushed, ashamed, and I had to clench my teeth against the delicious scent of her blood. She was silent for a few moments, her emotions swirling around with such intensity that I had to focus my energies so as not to react to them. Therefore it was a few minutes before I realized she was crying. "Bella!" Humans were so fragile, I thought, so unpredictable.

"I-I'm sorry," Bella said thickly, trying to wipe away her tears, to no avail. She focused on her breathing for a few moments, while I watched in horror as her tears continued to flow. Bella gripped her chest as she began again, "I'm r-really happy to see you, Jasper. I'm just upset because I miss them so much." There was no need to say Edward's name, we both knew who she missed the most. A little sob escaped her lips and I was hit with the intensity of her feelings once more, my head reeling. Out of habit I reached out towards her, grasping her arm, and she pulled herself closer to me.

A new scent hit me, one not very pleasant at all. I sniffed at her curiously; the scent was so disgustingly strong that it even masked Bella's own enticing scent this close. I had to hold her at arms length, unable to make out an apology as I felt her rejection, and I wrinkled my nose. "Where were you today?"

"La Push," Bella answered, looking up at me with a little furrow in her brow.

Ah, now it all made sense. "I'm sorry Bella, would you mind taking a shower first?"

"What?" she asked, blushing. She sniffed herself. "Do I smell bad?"

"It's not you, exactly," I tried to explain. "Bella, it isn't my place to tell you. Please, just take a shower." I used my most convincing and reassuring tone, and it worked. Bella nodded and gathered up her things, throwing me another look as she walked out the door. I took in a deep breath when it closed behind her, trying to clear the repulsive scent out of my mouth. Well, if there was one way to keep Bella safe around me, I think I'd just found it. Just have her play with werewolves all day. I shuddered at the thought.

I casually looked through Bella's backpack, opening her binder to see what her homework was. Calculus again. I'd already taken the subject more times than I could count, so it was easy for me to scrawl out the correct answers in Bella's hand. She would probably forget about it before the actual class, anyway. I tucked it back into her bag and sat cross-legged on her bed, gauging the emotions around me. Charlie first. Calm, for the most part, a bit tired. A sense of pleasure and hope that was overshadowed by the worry he felt for Bella's state of mind and health. Understandably so, I agreed. Bella really was not coping well.

Then Bella herself. Mostly low feelings, I noted with a frown. Worthlessness, sadness. Yet there was some excitement, a tiny bit of joy. I wondered if that had anything to do with me, but shook my head. Bella should be furious with me, not ebullient at my return. She made no sense at all, and I felt myself grow frustrated at my lack of understanding. This is surely how Edward must have felt. I stopped that thought before it went any further, and focused on the small details of her room while I waited for Bella to return. It was exceptionally neat, an effort to keep herself distracted in idle hours, I knew. So tidy, the room felt uninhabited, though I knew this was where Bella spent most of her time.

The door creaked open and Bella stepped inside, dripping hair, sweatpants and a fluffy sweater. She tugged self-consciously at her clothes and I smiled at her. The night was going to get a lot worse before it got any better. I patted the bed next to me and she sat down obediently. Again I waited as she picked through her own thoughts and feelings to ask me her questions.

"You weren't here this morning," she finally said.

"I needed time to think things through," I replied. "I'm sorry I broke my promise." Bella nodded, picking at her bed cover and refusing to meet my eyes.

"You're alone?" The words screamed, Is Edward with you?

"Yes."

"Do they know you are here?"

I hesitated. If I answered this question, things would definitely take on a different turn. I stared at Bella, taking in her emotions, and I knew that if I still had my heart it would be in anguish. I soaked up her emotions, leaving a calm nothing in their place before I answered. "No."

Bella was silent for a few moments. "Huh," she muttered to herself. "How long have you been here?" she asked.

"A while," I replied. Bella wanted a more definite answer. "Since October."

"Three months," she said to herself. Suddenly Bella sighed, a little frustrated. "Jasper, are you doing this?"

"Doing what?"

"This! I don't feel any sort of emotions at all. I thought maybe I would feel surprised or at least upset, but its just numbness. Like it has been for…oh!" Her face lit up in sudden comprehension. "For the last three months." Bella looked at me then, her face soft. "Jasper, have you been following me around?"

I swallowed nervously, another human habit I had learned to perfect. "Yes." Her eyebrows lifted slightly, and I could feel myself letting her emotions seep into her again. My next words followed in a rush. "Your emotions have been so strong, so painful. I was worried about you, Bella. And I thought that no feelings would be better than all these intense ones," I confessed, waving my hand about the air as though I were showing her tangible replicas of the emotions she usually felt. "It was so painful, I couldn't let you suffer like that."

Bella reached out and took my hand in hers, tears slipping down her face again. "Thank you," she breathed. She held my hand up to her face, exposing her bare neck so casually that I froze.

"Bella," I cautioned, trying to convey to her that being so close was beginning to become a problem.

"Oh!" She dropped my hand instantly and scooted back a bit further from me, pink splotches appearing on her cheeks. "I'm sorry, I forgot how hard it was for you."

I sat there for a few minutes, forcing myself to take in her scent and forcing back the venom that pooled in my mouth. I gave her a weak smile when I was ready, trying to lighten the mood. "So you're not mad that I've been stalking you?"

Bella laughed, a somewhat strange and unfamiliar sound now. "I've had my share of vampire stalkers," she replied. "You're not the first. So no, I'm not mad." She pulled up her legs to rest her chin on her knees as she stared at me. With triumph I realized that she was calm, content. "What are you going to do now?" she asked me. "I mean, I'm sure Alice has had a vision by now of this, and that means Edward," again the name was a bit forced but she continued, "will have read her mind and figured it out too. I don't think he'd be too happy about that." She tried to sound nonchalant and failed miserably.

I gave her a pained smile. "Edward has told Alice not to see you anymore," I explained. "And Edward has also taken a vacation by himself."

I could feel the hurt once again swirling around Bella, but she shook her head, trying to clear it. "But she can still see you," Bella pointed out. My eyes narrowed a little in annoyance. Must she always remember every single detail? "Jasper? Is everything okay with you and Alice?" Hesitant now.

I gripped my jeans tightly in my hand, not wanting to break any part of Bella's bed. "Lets just say that I've asked for a little privacy for the time being," I replied. Bella fluctuated between curiosity, hesitance and acceptance. The latter soon won out, but she grew even more still.

"You didn't answer my other question."

I closed my eyes for a moment. Why did she have to think vampires were omniscient? Honestly, none of this would have happened if she had just stayed out of trouble. Indeed, I would probably still be happily, what? Stalking her? Yes, stalking her until she grew old and no longer was bothered by our disappearance from her life. "What do you want me to do?" I countered, staring down at her curiously. In truth I was a bit frightened. For the past several months my whole existence had been contingent upon this one human girl, and I didn't know what I'd do if she asked me to leave. Go back to Alice, I suppose, but it would be strained. I couldn't very well be on my own; the feelings of depression and hopelessness that Alice always smoothed away would resurface. If I stayed with Bella, at least for the time being, then I would be able to focus on taking her pain away instead of my own.

"Stay," Bella said, firm and hopeful. She looked up at me expectantly, and I could hear her heart thudding loudly in her chest in anxiety.

"Stay," I repeated, and she smiled in relief, adjusting herself more comfortably on her bed. I moved closer to her, close enough to place my hand over hers and intoxicate her with lethargy. "Sleep Bella," I told her softly.

And this time there was no worry or hesitation, only a sense of relief and trust. "Night, Jasper," she mumbled into her pillow, while her hand curled around my own.

"Sleep well," I responded, clicking off the light and grinning to myself. For now, at least, I had a purpose.

The transition was easy, effortless. It was almost as though Bella and I had known each other our whole lives. The first few days were rough. Bella still had nightmares, but now that I was within reach of her physically I could ease them, and she would turn over in her sleep, calm, and smile into my palm. The first three mornings when she awoke she would glance around wildly until she found me sitting in her rocking chair, whereupon she would smile at me, and my heart, if it was still alive, would have swelled with joy. Then the embarrassment of having to take care of her human needs.

I picked out some clothes for her while she freshened up, and politely turned away while she changed. I would wait until Charlie left the house before joining her downstairs, watching in amusement as she swallowed down her cereal. She was eating again, for that I was glad. Another quick run upstairs to brush her teeth while I warmed up her truck for her. She was surprised the first day when she saw me sitting in her antique, but I smiled at her and explained, "What else am I going to do all day? Someone has to make sure you don't accidentally meet your fate."

She snorted at that, but climbed in anyway and drove at an excruciatingly slow pace to the high school. "Are you sure you're going to be okay? I mean, I'm sure you could be doing a lot of other things, and-"

"What do you think I've been doing these past three months, Bella?" I asked, amused. Again she colored slightly and huffed haughtily. It was early still, but I could hear the line of cars starting to trudge their way to another day of school. With my normal speed I exited the truck and opened the door for Bella, offering her a hand to ensure she wouldn't slip on the slick ground. "Be safe," I teased.

"I'll do my best," Bella said sarcastically as she let go of my hand. She was in a good mood for most of the day.

After school was another matter. I waited patiently in her truck, bent low so as not to be seen, but looked up curiously when I felt Bella's strong irritation charging towards me. I leaned over and opened the door for her, taking her backpack and setting it on my lap. "What's wrong?" I asked, curious.

She glared at me and I held my laugh in check. "You did my homework again," she said instead.

I couldn't help chuckling now. "You're not angry about that. What happened Bella?" I asked again, ducking lower as we pulled out of the parking lot. Once we were on the road I rolled down the window, needing the fresh air to clear my mind of her blood. What torture Edward must have gone through.

"Boys!" she cried suddenly. "They think that just because Edward left that suddenly I'm all available and just dying to forget about him," she fumed.

It was an outburst, but once the words were out she realized what she had said and her grip on the wheel tightened. I sent a wave of calm over her, and she smiled weakly at me. "Mike Newton again?" I asked to distract her from my brother.

"And Tyler," Bella grumbled.

I laughed again and Bella shot me a dirty look. "I could always take care of them for you," I replied, flashing my teeth.

Bella gave me a horrified look. "But then there would be such a lack of fine men to choose from," she replied in mock horror.

I feigned hurt. "You seem to have forgotten both Jacob Black and myself," I replied charismatically.

Bella laughed darkly. "Do forgive me," she muttered, and then was silent.

After that our routine became more defined and predictable. I would find her some clothes while she hurried about in morning routine, make her some breakfast if Charlie had left early, then let her drive us to school at snail's speed. After school she would quickly do her homework, which I always insisted on helping her with. If time allowed I would lead her through the woods, pointing out various herbs and wildlife and giving her various information on them. She seemed quite surprised by my knowledge, but enjoyed the little lessons nonetheless.

The only change in our schedule happened about two weeks in. Bella had just gone out to check the mail, and I was engrossed in reading the current novel of her English class. It happened so suddenly that I was taken off guard. There was a slight sound of flesh being torn, a gasp from Bella, the sound of her heart skipping a beat, and then the mouthwatering smell of blood. Bella stuck her finger in her mouth, dropping the half opened letter to the floor and staring at me with wide eyes. I could feel the thirst clawing at my throat, and I cursed myself for not having hunted the entire time. Bella had argued that I needed to, that my eyes were getting too dark, but I just kept putting it off; and now it might be the end of her.

I gripped the table so hard that I heard it crack, and I shut myself off from all breathing or smelling. The monster inside me roared with desire as I stared at Bella hungrily, warring with myself. I stood up quickly and she took a step back, her eyes widening in fear. I clutched at my throat and pushed past her, out into the cold air, the whole time the monster within me raging and trying to convince me to just go right back in there and drink her dry. I ran as fast as I could with the little bit of rational thought I had left, far north, into the remote regions of Canada. I grabbed the first animal that crossed my path, a fox, and then followed it with a moose. I was full by now, though my thirst was not quite quenched. I could hear the monster within me trying to persuade me to just go back to the house. No one would know, and I could make it look like an accident.

I snarled viciously, uprooting the nearest tree. Yes, I wanted Bella's blood, but I wanted Bella alive more than anything now. To hear her heartbeat, whether too fast, skipping or just firm and strong, for her to grasp my hand at night, for her to accept me, despite the monster I was.

I stayed away for three days, until I was able to convince myself that I really did not want Bella's blood at all. When I finally returned to Forks, late on Thursday night, I was immediately hit by the sad state that Bella had been reduced too. I tapped softly on her window, gaining her attention although it was already well past midnight and she should be asleep. She flew to the window, throwing it open and launched herself at me.

"I'm sorry!" she wailed, and I was afraid Charlie would wake up. But no, he was still snoring soundly in his bed. She clutched onto me with relief, apprehension and joy emanating from her, and I walked slowly to her bed to settle her down.

"No, I am sorry, Bella. I didn't mean to leave you for so long. Look at me." I waited until she fixed me with her watery stare before continuing. "I should not have waited so long to go hunting, I should have had better control around you. I should have been able to return much sooner than this, and I'm sorry."

New sobs erupted from her chest and she buried her face in my shirt. "I thought you weren't coming back," she gasped out.

I sent calming waves at her, and Bella's hysterics calmed. "I won't leave until you want me to," I promised, lifting her off my lap and going to tuck her into bed. She pulled me down next to her and grasped my hand in what I figured was a death grip for her.

She wiped her eyes and gave me another wet smile. "I hope you don't mind staying for forever, then," she sniffed, her eyes drooping now as I forced lethargy upon her once again.

I smiled at her warmly, touched by her words, but a new worry beginning to form in the back of my mind. Bella's forever did not seem long enough in contrast with my own definition. "I don't mind," I told her gently as her eyes drifted closed. I moved to brush some hair off her face and was once again assaulted with the disgusting scent of dog. I growled slightly in spite of myself and Bella peeked open an eye to look at me, confused. "You've been to La Push?" I asked, forgetting for a moment to keep Bella sleepy.

She squirmed slightly, a bit of color returning to her face, that I determinedly ignored. "I'm not so sad when Jacob's around," she confessed. Through her hazy thoughts, something seemed to occur to her. "You don't like the way he smells," she guessed.

Better a half-truth than a lie. "I don't," I affirmed. Bella struggled to get up.

"I can take a shower," she suggested, trying to find her way out of the blankets.

I squeezed her hand gently. "It's already one o clock, go to sleep," I responded, and sent another wave of exhaustion over her. Her eyelids drooped willingly this time, and she held my cool hand up to her face.

"Night Edward," she mumbled, and fell into unconsciousness before I found the time to revive myself from the shock.

The pang of jealousy was new to me, well it's source anyway. I brushed the feelings aside though and carefully tried to extricate my hand from Bella's without waking her. I glanced down at the sleeping girl next to me and sighed unhappily. Perhaps I was getting too involved in her life. My thoughts took me away to Alice and I felt another stab of loneliness. I missed her terribly, but couldn't bring myself to face her. She had tried to hide the strength of the sadness she felt from me at leaving Bella, but it failed miserably. I knew her inside and out, and the guilt was eating me up.

So I left during one of her hunting trips, leaving everything and a note. Please don't look for me. I need some time, I don't know how long. I love you. I miss you. Jasper

I knew she deserved more than a note. She was my mate after all. But I couldn't help but feel guilty and resentful at the desolation and undertones of accusation that she tried to hide from me so desperately, that everyone did. So I up and left while they all went on a hunt together. Edward had been long gone, so there were none the wiser. I could only imagine what pain I must have caused them, caused Alice. Only she would understand the deeper meanings of my note, to know how the others' superficial forgiveness and kindness only served to exacerbate the problem, and for that I truly loved her. Alice knew me best, and I only hoped that she could someday forgive me for the mess I had caused, and the pain I inflicted for leaving her.

The sky was already lightening to another dismal morning, and I knew Bella would be exhausted but still insist on going to school. Luckily she hadn't had any nightmares and slept peacefully for the few hours she was allowed. By the time six rolled around I roused her gently, and she fought with the sleep still lying over her system.

"Bella, you have to get ready for school," I said softly. "And take a shower."

Her eyes shot open when she heard my voice, panic immediately replaced with relief, and I smiled at her. She reached up to touch my face, staring into my eyes, and sighed sleepily, "So beautiful." Her head fell back against the pillow, and I was shocked into stillness for another moment. Had she just said I was beautiful? I shook my head at the weakness of human eyes; clearly she couldn't see all the scars marring my body.

This time I carried her over to the bathroom and set the water running. While it was still cold I took the showerhead in my hand and faced it at her. Bella spluttered awake and gave me a withering look. "Hey!" She took in the sight before her, then flung her arms around my neck, startling me into dropping the showerhead, where it hit the side of the wall with a loud thump.

A knock on the door alerted us to Charlie. "Everything okay in there, Bells?" he asked.

Bella called back, "Yeah, Dad. Just dropped the showerhead." I imagine Charlie shaking his head with a smile as he walked away. "Jasper!" she breathed, hugging me tightly. I wrinkled my nose against the smell of werewolf again, and she pulled back, noticing my stiffness. "Oh, sorry!" she said quickly, then struggled to get down.

"I'll wait in your room," I replied, turning around to let her shower in peace.

Before I turned the doorknob she called out, "You know, we're going to have to do something about your clothes. You've been wearing the same ones since you've been here."

I grimaced slightly at that. To Bella I'd only been wearing the same clothes for two and a half weeks. For me, it had been three months. I shut the door behind me quietly and stole back into her room to wait. Unfortunately for me, Bella had nothing my size.

Another week had passed by, and it was my time to hunt again. Normally I would have tried to go when Bella was at school, but Bella had decided that today was a good day to stay home sick. "Will you be okay?" I asked her, placing another glass of water on her bedside.

"I'll be fine," she told me. "Really, the worst of it was over by this morning, now I'm just congested."

I paced nervously around the room. "But will you be okay while I'm gone?" I asked again, trying to convey what I meant.

Bella sighed, catching on. "I think so. You are coming back, aren't you?"

I could hear the desperation creeping into her voice again, feel it in the way her body tensed, and I stiffened. "Of course, Bella," I practically crooned to her. She smiled, but I wasn't convinced. I closed my eyes for a minute, thinking quickly. I knew she would be in a sad state if I left her by herself, but I really did need to hunt, lest we have another replay of the last time. Last time…My eyes flew open and I ordered her, "Go visit Jacob."

Bella's mouth dropped open, and she stared at me. "What?"

"Didn't you say you were happy when you were with him?"

"Well, yes, I suppose," she said, flustered.

"Good. Now call him up and tell him you're coming down." I admit, I was using my persuasive powers just a little. Bella merely nodded and excused herself from the room, stumbling down the stairs to the kitchen. I heard her call the Black residence and greet Billy. I glanced at the clock. It was already two thirty, so Jacob should be home by the time she got there.

"Okay," Bella said, and I could detect the happy undertone that her plan had added to her persona.

I smiled at her tightly. As much as I hated to leave her in the wolf's den, I really didn't want her to have another regression. "Okay," I agreed, stepping closer to her window. Normally she would have touched my hand, anything really as a reassurance, but my eyes must have been dark enough for her to stay away. Bella's smile faltered a little bit as I moved to jump out the window, and I turned to give her another reassuring smile. "Don't worry, you'll see me in the morning," I soothed before leaping down.

I tried not to hunt too far away, in case I would have to come back. I knew that Bella would be safe with Jacob, for now at least. Luckily he still wouldn't be able to discern my scent as a vampire's, but I knew not to push my luck for too long. There was an old, stray bear that wandered near me about an hour into my hunt, and I took it down quickly enough. I grimaced as the blood, thin and sparse due to age and ill health, slid down my throat. I would definitely have to find something better.

The sky was beginning to transition from night to day when I finally food some more food. An adult fox, sliding smoothly through the underbrush, trying to evade me. No such luck. The fox was much more refreshing, his blood hearty and meaty, and when I finished my meal I was satisfied. I paused for a minute in the forest I found myself in and sat down to think.

I needed to make a decision eventually. I couldn't exactly keep following Bella around her whole life. Someday I would undoubtedly return to Alice and the Cullens, and Bella would be broken once again. Hopefully I could fix her well enough before then, wean her away from our lifestyle. She was so very attached to all of us, even myself, and that couldn't be healthy. I suddenly wished very much for the same thing Edward had asked of her, to move on and be happy, to forget. She would definitely be better off if she forgot all about us. But she didn't want to, and I couldn't blame her.

I could always feel the way Emmett idolized Rosalie, adored her, and worshipped her even. He had just before he died, perhaps known her for an hour in his human life, and he was still head over heels for his wife. Bella had already known Edward for nearly a year; there was definitely no way she would forget him. Despite the rash behavior of my brother, although Bella had no physical tokens of their time together, she had her memories, and dreams. Nightmares, I corrected myself, because dreams should never cause anyone to scream and cry like that.

I ran a hand down my face, suddenly weary. What on earth was I doing, getting mixed up in all of this? I should have just let her be. But I couldn't. Despite what Bella claimed, I knew that it was my actions that set Edward off, had caused everyone such unhappiness, and I cringed to think of it all. Maybe that's why I couldn't leave her alone. I had brought some ruin into everyone else's life, was it so bad to try and bring some out of Bella's?

A bird screeched near me, startling me out of my musings. I could just see the sun on the horizon and knew I had to get back. Bella would undoubtedly freak if I weren't there when she woke up.

Bella was turning around in her sleep fitfully when I returned. Again, the stench of werewolf hit me full force, but I walked over to the rocking chair and sat down anyway. As usual I calmed her down, and she stopped struggling, her features smoothing out. "Jake," she breathed. Interested, I moved closer to Bella, searching through her emotions. There were bits of sadness and worry, but mostly happiness.

"You certainly have a natural affinity for mythical creatures," I told her sleeping form. Whether it was my breath blowing across her face or the sudden sound of my words, I'm not sure, but Bella's eyes slowly opened.

She stared up into my eyes for a moment, slightly confused, noting the light shade of gold they were. After a moment of two she brought her hand to my face and touched my cheek. "Welcome home," she smiled, then closed her eyes again. Such happiness; it was practically bursting forth from her. I wondered for a moment if perhaps she had once again mistaken me for Edward. After all, Bella and I were just barely friends; I doubted my return could mean so much to her. Then she smiled in her sleep again and said my name, and I was dumbfounded. Maybe this is why Edward had loved her so much.

I smiled in spite of myself then walked to her closet. There wasn't much inside; a few pairs of jeans and a handful of shirts, a jacket or two. I searched through the pile until I found one of Charlie's old flannel shirts. I grimaced slightly; flannel was definitely not one of my favorite styles of clothing, but it was either flannel shirt or no shirt, and I begrudgingly buttoned it up. It fit well enough, perhaps a bit small, and I unbuttoned the top two buttons to relieve the stress. Both Alice and Bella were right; I really did need new clothes.

I tossed my soiled shirt on top of Bella's dirty laundry and sat back down in the rocking chair. I waited out the next hour or so until Bella woke up reading one of her books. I heard Bella yawn and stretch eventually, and I looked up from over the top of the book to smile at her. Always smiling, I was sure I'd never so much as waved at her during the time she and Edward were together. "Good morning."

Bella bolted upright and stared at me, a grin finding its way onto her face. "Jasper!" she said excitedly. "I thought I was dreaming." I sat there as she gathered up her things to take shower; I guess she had noticed my scrunched up features after all. She paused to look at me on her way out, taking in the flannel shirt and dirty jeans. Bella pursed her lips thoughtfully, staring at me, and then looking quickly to her closet and back again. Finally she sighed. "Okay, we're going clothes shopping today. I can't have you running around stealing Charlie's clothes anymore. I'm glad it's finally Saturday."

I made a face to show my displeasure. At least it was the one thing that both Bella and I resented together, the torture of clothes shopping. "I only stole the shirt from your closet," I pointed out. "It was you who stole it from Charlie."

She grinned at me anyway. "We can get through shopping together, Jasper. You're a vampire, I'm sure you can survive anything."

"Right," I agreed sarcastically. Anything that wasn't shopping. I had just turned my eyes back to the book when it hit me, once again. The smell of Bella's blood.

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A/N: First off, thank all of you for showing an interest in this story! It's been difficult lately trying to set things in motion, so I truly appreciate all your suggestions and kind words! I hope that this chapter turned out well, I seem to have a continual problem of how to make the two realistically click. Still, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter and will continue to read! Thanks to all my lovely reviewers!