Just like the day before and the day before that I showered, dressed in comfortable clothing, went down for a breakfast of oats and fruit and some juice, packed my lunch, and then headed off to school.

And like the day before Bella showed up with Edward, and stayed by his side the entire day. She was alienating herself from everyone except Edward. Furthering the belief that he was planning to incorporate her into his world.

Before I knew it, the bell rang, and I was driving home. It was mid-March now, there was still time for snow, but the weather was taking a turn for the better.

When I got home, I realized, again, that my mom was gone.

There was something going on at work, something out of the ordinary for the small town of Forks. Something that I wasn't being told, something that I don't think anyone really knew about. Eve was home, but I knew she would be flying out of town tonight, her friend's wedding was this weekend.

True to my word Eve was walking down the stairs a suitcase in her hands. At least she would get a good weekend with Mark.

"hey Al, how was school?"

"it was okay, nothing new."

My aunt chuckled slightly "I told you not to read ahead"

"couldn't help it, besides why does it take so long to explain something. I could understand if it was so complex but it's not"

Eve only smiled "it's because you're so smart... your mom was the same way when she was a kid. At least you have your creativity to keep you occupied."

I nodded; she was right. I loved learning, unlike some of my peers. English though, I really didn't enjoy much – I thought Romeo and Juliet was stupid... I was far too scientific to believe it. When I was a kid, my dad used to call me his little Leonardo. Obviously, no one calls me that now, usually because I wouldn't let them. That was my dad's thing.

"okay, I am leaving. I won't be back till about Monday. So have fun this weekend..." she gave me a hug before turning to walk out of the house, she stopped suddenly "shit"

"what's wrong?" I asked as she walked back over to the kitchen her hand hovering over a manila envelope.

"I told Val I would drop this off at Charlie's."

She looked hesitant and stressed. I knew it would take an hour for her to get to the airport and she didn't have time to spare. "I can drop it off"

"would you? I would but I'm already running late" she rambled.

I chuckled placing a hand on her shoulder "don't worry I can handle it. Besides I don't have anything better to do. It's the weekend"

Eve smiled gratefully, before engulfing me into another hug. "thank you"

Then she was gone. I shook my head with a smile, picking up the envelope. It had to be work related since it was sealed. I wondered if there was some sort of accident recently. It wasn't uncommon for tourist of hikers to get hurt or go somewhere they shouldn't and get attacked by an animal.

Or they drove too fast and crashed.

It had to be big enough that my mom was working more, and the newspapers were becoming more scarce in the home.

Either way I left the house and began the journey to the Swan residence. It was a quaint 2 story home, perfect for Charlie. A man who works more than anything and usually isn't home. Though since he and my mom started dating, he's been working less.

As I pulled up, I noticed the silver Volvo in front of the driveway, the passenger side door open and Bella was scampering out of it. In front of them was another car, this one darker and I couldn't tell who it was, but I had a good guess as Edward peeled out of there, his car out of sight in seconds.

Then Charlie's cruiser appeared from around the corner. I got out of my car and pulled the hood of my rain jacket up. As I approached Bella, I saw Jacob climbing out of the driver's seat, his father Billy older man, a heavyset man with a memorable face — a face that overflowed, the cheeks resting against his shoulders, with creases running through the russet skin like an old leather jacket. And the surprisingly familiar eyes, black eyes that seemed at the same time both too young and too ancient for the broad face they were set in.

He was staring at Bella, scrutinizing her. She smiled, sorta it looked more like a grimace, and Billy, his eyes were wide, as if in shock or fear, his nostrils flared. It was clear Billy believed the legends and he knew what Edward was.

Billy turned from Bella to look at me and it was as if she just realized I was there.

"Alex, good to see you"

I smiled "you too Billy"

But before we could talk more Charlie's voice rang out "Billy!"

Bella turned toward the house, beckoning Jacob and I under the porch, I followed as Charlie greeted the others loudly. Bella unlocked the door and flicked on the porch light, before going inside leaving the door open.

I watched as Jacob and Charlie helped Billy into his wheelchair, I couldn't help so it wasn't necessary for me to stand in the rain waiting for them. I would more likely get sick and I had plans for the weekend, at least tomorrow morning.

I backed away from them as they entered the house, then I followed behind. Shaking the rain off.

"This is a surprise," Charlie was saying.

"It's been too long," Billy answered. "I hope it's not a bad time." His dark eyes flashed up to Bella again, their expression unreadable.

"No, it's great. I hope you can stay for the game."

Jacob grinned. "I think that's the plan — our TV broke last week."

Billy made a face at his son. "And, of course, Jacob was anxious to see Bella again," he added. Jacob scowled and ducked his head while I fought the snicker. It was unsuccessful as the others heard me.

"good to see you Alex, your mom said there was an accident" Charlie replied glancing at my wrist.

"oh, yeah nothing major. I'll be okay in a few weeks"

"well, good"

At that I remembered why I was here, so I grabbed the envelope that was in my pocket and handed it to Charlie. My finger caught on the side, in a split second of pain I looked at my finger. It was a paper cut, but I didn't mention it. "my mom wanted me to bring this to you... well she wanted Eve to, but she was running late."

Billy chuckled "that sounds like Eve"

Charlie took the envelope and confirmed my suspicions "thanks Alex, you're more than welcome to stay for the game if you'd like."

"thanks, but I still have some work to do. just thought I would take a break."

"Are you hungry?" Bella asked, turning toward the kitchen. I was unsure if who she was talking too but she glanced at Jacob.

"Naw, we ate just before we came," Jacob answered.

She then turned towards me "Alex?"

I shook my head "no thanks, I should probably get back. My mom will be home soon"

"well, you be careful out there and get home safe" Charlie replied.

"yes, sir" I smiled.

Jacob gave me a side hug while Billy only squeezed my uninjured hand "tell Val I said hi"

"will do"

After waving to the others, I began the journey home. I arrived home only minutes before my mom. She seemed a little confused.

"Hey Al, what're you doing out so late?"

"I just stopped by Charlie's"

My mom let out a breathy laugh "let me guess Eve forgot to take him the envelope"

I nodded with a smile "yeah, I offered to do it since she was running late"

"god, when will that woman learn to plan ahead"

"probably when she's old... maybe" the two of us laughed as we entered the kitchen. It was peaceful that night, just my mom and I. we cooked dinner watched a movie, I couldn't remember which one, I think it was a documentary. All in all, it was a good night.

"so, tomorrow's the dance..." she began

"mom, I'm not going to the dance"

"really? What are you going to do tomorrow"

"I was thinking of going up to the campground and kayaking a little bit"

"I don't know if I want you in the woods alone" my mom began.

"I'll take Toby, and there are no flash flood warnings, it hasn't rained, much and we already had our thaw."

"I could come with you" she replied.

"I'd like that. I think I might go on a hike Sunday... take Toby out. I don't really have any homework or anything else."

"Okay, tomorrow you and I will go kayaking, because I feel like we haven't got a lot of mother-daughter time recently. Then Sunday you are free to do what you want, as long you take Toby and are home before it gets late. It might rain"

I chuckled "okay"

After dinner, I went to my room and packed my gear for tomorrow. It was going to be relatively warm tomorrow, nearly 60, but the water was definitely going to be cold. I pulled out a wet suit (in case I get wet) it was grey with a chest zipper and was perfect for cold water, it would also be perfect for the weather tomorrow, but I pulled out a lite jacket just in case, along with some waterproof socks and shoes. I turned to my backpack, I didn't need a map since I was familiar with the river, but I would need water, snacks, first aid and maybe some gloves.

Once I was prepared for the day tomorrow, I took a warm bath, before settling into my bed.