I sighed and flopped backward on the couch, flipping through channels, and then I heard a light knock on the door. I wasn’t expecting anyone but Edward, and he wasn’t due for another half an hour. I went to the window and peeked out through the blinds, and a man in a wheelchair waved at me.

I dropped the blinds, threw myself against the wall and panicked. Of course he wasn’t going to harm me, right? Famous last words. I thought I was jumping to conclusions yesterday and it turned out that I risked my life almost twenty-four seven with vampires. Anything was possible.

I dug my cell phone out of the pocket of my jeans and went through my contacts until I found Edward and hit ‘call’. He picked up in the middle of the first ring.

“Bella?” He sounded alarmed.

“Thank God. Edward, there’s a man outside of the house!”

“I’m on my way.” I heard the purr of a car over the phone. “What does he look like?”

“I don’t know. He’s in a wheelchair.” He sighed. I wasn’t sure if it was irritation or relief.

“That’s just Billy.”

“Billy?”

“I’m almost there, Bella. Just let him in and I’ll explain everything to both of you when I get there.”

“Thank you, Edward.”

“I love you.” He responded, and hung up the phone. I didn’t know how I would have responded to that if he hadn’t. I know that I loved him before, but now…

Billy knocked on the door again and I came back to reality. There was no time for those thoughts at present.

“Coming!” I shouted. I pulled the door open and attempted to look enthusiastic about seeing him.

“Hi!” My fake smile probably made me look more mentally disturbed than happy.

“Hey there, Bella! How are ya, honey?”

“I’m good. You?” I answered, exasperated.

“I’m doin’ okay, thanks.” We stood in silence for a few seconds until I realized he was waiting for me to let him in.

“Oh, hey, do you want to come in?”

“Well sure! Thanks.” I moved out of the way and he wheeled himself toward the living area. “I don’t have much time, Bella. Sue Clearwater is waiting for me in her car. Ever since Jake ran off I’ve had to hitch rides with the neighbors.” He laughed to himself. Jake? Sue? The memory of campfires, beaches and driftwood briefly came to mind, but it didn’t make any sense. “So anyway, I’ll get right to the point-”