Childrens Social Work and its Key Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6500 words

Childrens Social Work and its Key Issues - Essay Example In relation to this, throughout this essay, I will discuss the implications this has on social worker’s best practice when working with children. I will also be discussing the possible problems that can occur when safeguarding children and examine the complex relationship between putting theory and frameworks into practice and promoting their welfare. As a result of this, I will identify relevant social work and UK legislation and policies when working with children, young people, families and their carers that need to be considered and adhered to. Abuse may consist of a single act or repeated acts. It may be physical, verbal or psychological and can be divided into main categories (Department of Health: No Secrets 2000); such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial or material abuse, discriminatory abuse and neglect (Department of Health, No secrets 2000). Whilst the first three types can be quite easy to describe, the term â€Å"neglect† is a complex phenomenon that is difficult to define, and the lack of clarity on this subject matter has personal implications especially on the children (NSPCC, 2007). This is because it can be so wide-ranging in the description. The Department of Health: Working together to safeguard children (2010) looks at the term neglect as continuously failing to encounter the emotional and physical needs of a child, which can interrupt, change or damage a child’s physical and psychological development and the effects may last well into adulthood. Neglect involves careg ivers or parents simply not providing the basic necessities to a child, not being able to ensure appropriate medical care or treatment is given, not being able to safeguard the child from physical harm, risk and danger and finally being unresponsive to a child’s emotional needs (Howe, 2005). Research has identified that the physical abuse of children and risk factors associated with this has been influenced by other issues such as domestic abuse, parental mental health issues and drug and alcohol problems (Cleaver et al., 1999; Falkov, 1996). Assessing neglect is a substantial responsibility that should be accomplished by the social services department as children are helpless and rely on the intervention of those assigned to support them.

Role of brand elements in developing brand equity Essay

Role of brand elements in developing brand equity - Essay Example Competition is immense in current business world and prominent companies are looking for every opportunity to increase their competitive power. Brand building is one way of increasing competitive power. Branding is a process intended for building awareness about a product or service. It enhances customer loyalty towards a particular product or service. It helps a product or service to distinguish itself from other products or services. Brands have different attributes which help them to cement their place in the minds of consumers. According to Kathiravana, et al., (2010) â€Å"Brand attributes consist of ‘bits’ of information that are linked to a brand name in consumer memory and that, when combined with the brand name, make up a brand’s image†( p.21) â€Å"Brand Equity is the value and strength of the Brand that decides its worth. It can also be defined as the differential impact of brand knowledge on consumer’s response to the Brand Marketingâ₠¬  (Brand Equity - Meaning and Measuring Brand Equity, 2013). It is the value that a consumer gives to a particular brand. For example, iPhone 5, Nokia Lumia and Samsung Galaxy S3 are some of the leading smartphones available in the market at present. Apple Inc. is the second largest company in the world in terms of market capitalization and they are the most valuable technology company in the world at present. Samsung on the other hand is one of the rapidly emerging consumer electronics company in the world and its products are well accepted in the market. Nokia was the leader in the mobile phone manufacturing industry until recent times. All these factors or brand elements will influence the consumers when they go for the purchasing of a smartphone. This paper analyses the role of brand elements in developing brand equity. Role of brand elements in developing brand equity Some of the major elements of brand equity are; changing market share, profit margins, consumer recognition o f logos and other visual elements, brand language associations made by consumers, consumers' perceptions of quality and other relevant brand values (Wilson C. 2008). Brand elements such as brand names, URLs, logos, characters, slogans, jingles and packaging are playing an important role in developing the brand equity. Brand names â€Å"Consumer behaviour blends elements from psychology, sociology, social anthropology and economics†(Zeb et al., 2011, p.225). For example, the name Apple actually represents a fruit. However, in consumer electronics industry, Apple represents Apple Company. A fruit stall owner may not be confused when a consumer asks for Apple. Same way, an electronics product dealer may not be confused when a consumer asks for Apple. The name Bill Gates remind us about Microsoft even through there are plenty of people in that name. Moreover, the name Microsoft reminds everybody about the computer OS whereas the name Android reminds about mobile phone OS. In shor t, brand names have the ability to touch the minds of consumers in one way or another. They play an important role in identifying the brand and building brand equity. According to Mishra & Datta (2011), â€Å"Brand  Name  (BN) was seen to have a strong impact on Customer Based  Brand Equity (CBBE),  Brand  Association (BAS) and Perceived  Brand Quality (PBQ) in case of students whereas for professionals brand  name  had a stronger impact on  Brand  Awareness (BA)†(p.109). Students and professionals interpret brand names in different ways. It should be noted that students or teenagers consider the opinions of others while taking any purchasing decision. In other words, they will purchase products based on the mouth publicity. Viral marketing or

Relationship Between Customer Satisfaction And Loyalty Business Essay

Relationship Between Customer Satisfaction And Loyalty Business Essay Customer loyalty is an emotional rather than a rational thing. It is typically based on customer interest in maintaining a relationship with one organization. Often, customer interest is created and maintained through one or more positive experiences which lead to a relationship. Relationship is built on trust the most important thing to remember about trust is that without it, one have no relationship. This applies to all human situations, not just the customer service environment, for customers to continue long business with one and ones organization, trust has to be earned, and it does not happen overnight. Only through continued positive efforts on the part of everyone in organization can anyone demonstrate to customers that one can be worthy of their trust and thereby positively affect customer retention. Through actions and deeds, one must deliver quality products, services, and information that satisfy the needs of ones customers. Even when one wins trust, it is very fragile. And inappropriate one, a missed appointment, failure to follow through on a promise, a lie, of misleading statements to a customer are just some of the ways one can destroy trust quickly. (Robert W. Lucas, 2005, p.318) Customer satisfaction In general, satisfaction is a persons feelings of pleasure or disappointment resulting from comparing products perceived performance (or outcome) in relation to his or her expectations. If the performance falls short of expectations, the customer is dissatisfied, if the performance matches the expectations, the customer is satisfied, if the performance exceeds expectations, and the customer is highly satisfied or delighted. Relationship between customer satisfaction and loyalty The link between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty is not proportional suppose customer satisfaction is rated on a scale from one to five, at a very low level of customer satisfaction (level one), customers are likely to abandon the company and even bad mouth it. At levels two to four, customers are fairly satisfied but still find it easy to switch when a better offer comes along, at level five, the customer is very likely to repurchase and even spread good work of mouth about the company. High satisfaction or delight creates an emotional bond with the brand of company, not just a rational preference. For example, Xeroxs senor management found out that its completely satisfied customers are six times more likely to repurchase Xerox products over the following 18 months than its very satisfied customers. (Philip Kotler, Keven Lane Keller, 2003 p.60) Up to Level four there is a chance of customer to leave the brand but from level five customer satisfactions is proportional to the customer loyalty The disloyalty at current rates would stunt the corporate performance by 25 to 50 percent, and sometimes even more, by contrast, the business enterprises that concentrate on finding and retaining good customers, productive employees and supportive investors still continue to generate superior results the loyalty factor remains one of the day elements in the success of a business enterprise. In fact, the principles of loyalty and business strategy. Loyalty Effect In simple terms, loyalty is best defined as a state of mind, a set of attitude, beliefs, and desires. Most of the companies benefit from the customers loyal behavior, which is an end-result of the positive state of mind shown by the business enterprises in serving their customers. To make customer loyal to the product company should focus on some significant things. Consumers can be divided into steps of a ladder. More marketing effort should be given for the people on the top step of the ladder. These kinds of peoples are who are more likely to spend huge money for the product. (Shahjahan, 2004, p.125) Profitability of the Loyal Customer Several reasons could be pointed out to show why the loyal customers repurchase a high proportion of their needs from the same source are much more profitable. Lower costs of service The loyal customers are easier and cheaper to service. Since they are familiar with the products and services, because they would not have as many questions are less likely to make mistakes, and would have adjusted their behaviour to simplify their relations with the supplier. Increased purchases: The loyal customer tend to buy more as the time progresses, either because they learn about part of the product line of they give a higher proportion of their spending to the favoured source. Less price Sensitivity: They tend to become fewer prices sensitive and may pay a premium. Al the relationship strengthens over time, they are less susceptible to the competitors appeal, and since they are satisfied by what they are receiving from the enterprise, they are prepared to pay more. Favorable word of mouth: Finally, the loyal buyers are more likely to pass on favourable recommendations to others who also tend to be higher quality prospects. This helps in reducing the high costs of new customer acquisition. Sustainable Advantages: Another reason for the rising interest in the market relationship is the durability factor involved in a committed relationship. In fact the proper chemistry of positive relationship is hard to understand copy or displace, this is a persuasive argument, in cases where the product-based advantages are short-lived and new competitors are posing challenges on all sides. Furthermore, with network technologies that could enable the addressability, interactivity and demand chain coordination, business firms are currently better equipped with both the motive and means for moving closer to their customers. (Shahjahan, 2004, p.126) Degree of Loyalty The degree of customer loyalty varies among three levels (Shahjahan, 2004) Overview of Nestlà © company Nestlà © is the worlds largest food and beverage company, founded and headed puartered in vevey, Switzerland. It employs in excess of 250,000 has almost 500 factories situated in around 90 countries and its products are on sale everywhere. It has contract with many co-manufactures, some of whom wouk exclusively for Nestlà ©. In recent years, Nestlà © has focused on becoming a nutrition, health and wellness company through its existing brands and knew acquisitions. The Nestlà © brand portfolio covers practically all food and beverage categories, milk and dairy products, nutrition (infant, healthcare, perfomadnce and weigaht management), ice cream, breakfast cereals, coffee and beverage, culinary products (prepare dishes, cooking aids, sauces, etc.) chocolate, confectionery, pet care, and bottled water. Many brands have category leadership, both globally and in local markets. The best known global brands include Nescafe, Nesta Maggi,Buitoni Purina, and, of course Nestlà © itself. In 2007, Nestlà ©s revenues exceeded 107 billion Swiss France (about 100 billion USD at prevailing exchange rates) Nestlà © is run as a decentralized group of companies which foster and rely on organizational learning within the Group. Headquarters provides leadership, guidance, and consultancy to the regional and local organizations. Central competence units identify opportunities within market and Business and assist local management in improving business performance. Supply chain management Organization Corporate operation- Supply Chain is one of the corporate functional units hosted at Headquarters and is responsible for Global Supply Chain Strategy Governance Best Practices Compliance Market Assistance and Guidance, and Reporting Standards and Guidance, and Reporting Standards and Guidance (http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=L8nLFFt5G1MCpg=PA180lpg=PA181ots=8_SlcjIvPDdq=Nestlà ©+companies+chain+management+system#v=onepageqf=false) Contribution to the society as a part of corporate Social Responsibility As the part of corporate social responsibility Nestlà © took parts in the sixth Womens Forum Global Meeting on October 21, 2010 and deliver their opinion to the discussion and exchanged ideas on important social and economic issue. Participation in many Seminar On world Development Issue Nestlà © took part both the sponsorship and various debates, brainstorm meeting and session highlighting on this years theme change; make it happen. On combat against malnutrition On Thursday, October 15.  Paul Bulcke, Nestlà © CEO, deliver a keynote speech about how to combat malnutrition during changing in Global health. On how to become successful in green revolution to ensure food security Nestlà © also took place another brainstorming session highlighting on how can Africa succeed in its green revolution against the challenges of food security on the continent. What are the potential obstacles, political, social, environmental and ethical, and how can these be overcome? On how to decrease gender discrimination Nestlà © also participated in the forum and highlighted about gender balance in order to promote the environment, culture and leadership to facilitate a balanced gender mix. of activities Nestlà © tried to transfer that their objective of doing business is not only create value for the shareholder but also for society at large. Presenting new pump: Nestlà © presented a new water pump to the community of Deputekro in Cà ´te dIvoire to ensure safe drinking water to the community. On September 18 in the Deputekro village 40 kilometers from the countrys capital Yamoussoukro Nestlà © donate this. Previously the villagers had to collect clean water from two hours journey distance but now around 400 members can collect this from around their area. Providing huge amount of coca seeds During the crop season of coca in this year Nestlà © has given premium of 300 tonnes of good quality coca. Nestlà © keep on donating to the organizations work for people nutrition and safe drinking water. As the part of this activity they donate 1.5 million to the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) over the next three years in order to improve access to clean water in plantations and basic sanitation in rural schools. (http://www.Nestlà ©.com/MediaCenter/NewsandFeatures/AllNewsFeatures/New-water-pump-in-Cote-dIvoire-to-sustain-The-Cocoa-Plan.htmheath) Good Food, Good Life is main strategy of Nestlà © Nestlà © strategy directs its Nutrition, Heath, and wellness. Their motive is to make aware people about their healthy choices of food and beverage.(http://www.Nestlà ©.com/NutritionHealthAndWellness/Introduction/NutritionHealthAndWellness.htm) Nestlà ©s goal is not only make consumer life more pleasurable by providing tasty food but also make their life healthy by providing nutritious food. Reference Book Philip Kotler and Keven Lane keller (2003) Marketing Management, 11th Edition, Pearson education publication, India, p60-p88 Robert, W.Lucas (2005) customer service, 3rd Edition, Mc Graw Hill Irwin, India, p318-p322 Shahjahan (2004) Relationship Marketing, Tata McGraw Hill 2nd Edition, p125-p135 Building customer satisfaction, value and retention Internet http://www.nestle.com/ (20 October 2010) Women Welfare (17 October 2010) http://www.nestle.com/MediaCenter/NewsandFeatures/AllNewsFeatures/Nestle-presence-at-the-2010-Womens-Forum-Deauville.htm Giving water plan as a corporate social responsibility(12 October 2010) http://www.nestle.com/MediaCenter/NewsandFeatures/AllNewsFeatures/New-water-pump-in-Cote-dIvoire-to-sustain-The-Cocoa-Plan.htm Heath (20 April 2010) http://www.nestle.com/InvestorRelations/Events/AllEvents/NHS.htm Nestle nutrition and health (22 October 2010) http://www.nestle.com/NutritionHealthAndWellness/Introduction/NutritionHealthAndWellness.htm Research and development (20 October 2010) http://www.nestle.com/NestleResearch/NestleResearchHome.htm Supply chain management (17 April 2010 ) http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=L8nLFFt5G1MCpg=PA180lpg=PA181ots=8_SlcjIvPDdq=Nestle+companies+chain+management+system#v=onepageqf=false

Warfare :: Essays Papers

Warfare Warfare is a prominent theme in Beowulf . The reasons and conduct for and during warfare are mentioned and displayed throughout the poem. The reason for warfare is usually for retribution. As an act of revenge, battles are fought. The conduct is also very standard and prevalent. All warfare fought by honorable men had to be fought fair. If the opposing side bore no weapons, then the other side also used no weapons. The author of this poem depicts himself/herself to be an advocate of warfare. By idolizing Beowulf because of his heroic deeds during warfare, the poet makes armed conflict courageous and noble. The reasons for bloodshed are spelled out quite well when noble Beowulf consoles his sad friend, Hrothgar concerning his friends demise. He tells him: " Sorrow not wise warrior. It is better for a man to avenge his friend than much to mourn" (Norton 45). Beowulf advocates and promises to avenge Aeschere’s death during warfare with the slayer, Grendel’s mother. The act of battle is given a reason and purpose which is to avenge a death. Conduct in warfare might be "every man for himself" in today’s world however, during Beowulf’s time, the poet shows that honor was the most valuable asset. Upon knowledge that Grendel used no weapons, just bare flesh, Beowulf immediately put his weapons aside and promised to fight empty handed, so the fight would be fair. "I have also heard say that the monster in his recklessness cares not for weapons......I scorn to bear sword or broad shield, yellow wood, to the battle, but with my grasp I shall grapple with the enemy and fight for life, foe against foe " (Norton 32). An unfair fight, as the poet implies, has no glory or distinction. This proves Beowulf to be a worthy hero and role-model. The poet gives the impression that warfare is honorable and exciting. This does not imply that the poet likes bloodshed; it refers to honorable warfare. Honorable warfare includes a good reason and virtuous conduct. The poet can not be a pacifist because he/she describes Beowulf as a savior and hero. If the poet was a pacifist he/she would have described him as an egotistical bully. The poet makes Beowulf an icon and noble warrior. Beowulf is described as " †¦survived every combat, every dangerous battle, every deed of courage†¦" also called ".

Sport Should Be Compulsory at School

Sport Should Be Compulsory At School Imagine a school without sport, just school work the whole day, every week, every month and every year. How boring would that be and how will the students look? They would be obese, unhealthy and they tend to get weary and bored of school routine, and studies become a drag. Now, what will happen if sport was compulsory at every school? If sport was compulsory at every school, students would be healthy, active and have more concentration at school. They wouldn’t be sitting down doing work the whole day, but they would go out and play sport.They will have a break from work and have fun running around and playing sport. Then everybody would be healthy and fit. An obesity graph for children and adults has been growing in the past few years. Students may not know this but if you’re not fit and healthy when you’re young, you will be even worse health when you get older. Students would also learn to work as a team and cooperate with each other when playing sport. They can then also cooperate in class as well. A research showed that students participating in sports will have better academic performance than the ones who were not exposed to physical sports.Sport also seemed to give a boost in character building and preparing the children for student leadership boards. Outdoor sport allows students to breath in fresh air, which they might not get at home because they are expose to the television or the computer. Playing sport does not only give you better health and body, it also allows you to learn more skills and develop better coordination for the eye. Another benefit when you play sport is that you can experience both defeat and victory and accepting both as a part of life so that they are prepared for the real world.When your applying for a job, they would rather choose a fit person whose slightly less smarter than the obese one because when your obese people will think that you aren’t active and somet imes you will have to run around in the office for whatever reason and if you aren’t active then you won’t last very long running around. One the other hand the fit person can run around much longer because he is fit and much more active. Now that I’ve given all my reasons, I strongly recommend that you agree with me because those students are the future generation of this world.

The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn 1. ENGAGED

No one is staring at you,I promised myself. No one is staring at you. No one is staring at you. But, because I couldn't lie convincingly even to myself, I had to check. As I sat waiting for one of the three traffic lights in town to turn green, I peeked to the right – in her minivan, Mrs. Weber had turned her whole torso in my direction. Her eyes bored into mine, and I flinched back, wondering why she didn't drop her gaze or look ashamed. It was still considered rude to stare at people, wasn't it? Didn't that apply to me anymore? Then I remembered that these windows were so darkly tinted that she probably had no idea if it was even me in here, let alone that I'd caught her looking. I tried to take some comfort in the fact that she wasn't really staring at me, just the car. Mycar. Sigh. I glanced to the left and groaned. Two pedestrians were frozen on the sidewalk, missing their chance to cross as they stared. Behind them, Mr. Marshall was gawking through the plate-glass window of his little souvenir shop. At least he didn't have his nose pressed up against the glass. Yet. The light turned green and, in my hurry to escape, I stomped on the gas pedal without thinking – the normal way I would have punched it to get my ancient Chevy truck moving. Engine snarling like a hunting panther, the car jolted forward so fast that my body slammed into the black leather seat and my stomach flattened against my spine. â€Å"Arg!† I gasped as I fumbled for the brake. Keeping my head, I merely tapped the pedal. The car lurched to an absolute standstill anyway. I couldn't bear to look around at the reaction. If there had been any doubt as to who was driving this car before, it was gone now. With the toe of my shoe, I gently nudged the gas pedal down one half millimeter, and the car shot forward again. I managed to reach my goal, the gas station. If I hadn't been running on vapors, I wouldn't have come into town at all. I was going without a lot of things these days, like Pop-Tarts and shoelaces, to avoid spending time in public. Moving as if I were in a race, I got the hatch open, the cap off, the card scanned, and the nozzle in the tank within seconds. Of course, there was nothing I could do to make the numbers on the gauge pick up the pace. They ticked by sluggishly, almost as if they were doing it just to annoy me. It wasn't bright out – a typical drizzly day in Forks, Washington – but I still felt like a spotlight was trained on me, drawing attention to the delicate ring on my left hand. At times like this, sensing the eyes on my back, it felt as if the ring were pulsing like a neon sign: Look at me, look at me. It was stupid to be so self-conscious, and I knew that. Besides my dad and mom, did it really matter what people were saying about my engagement? About my new car? About my mysterious acceptance into an Ivy League college? About the shiny black credit card that felt red-hot in my back pocket right now? â€Å"Yeah, who cares what they think,† I muttered under my breath. â€Å"Urn, miss?† a man's voice called. I turned, and then wished I hadn't. Two men stood beside a fancy SUV with brand-new kayaks tied to the top. Neither of them was looking at me; they both were staring at the car. Personally, I didn't get it. But then, I was just proud I could distinguish between the symbols for Toyota, Ford, and Chevy. This car was glossy black, sleek, and pretty, but it was still just a car to me. â€Å"I'm sorry to bother you, but could you tell me what kind of car you're driving?† the tall one asked. â€Å"Urn, a Mercedes, right?† â€Å"Yes,† the man said politely while his shorter friend rolled his eyes at my answer. â€Å"I know. But I was wondering, is that†¦ are you driving a Mercedes Guardian?† The man said the name with reverence. I had a feeling this guy would get along well with Edward Cullen, my†¦ my fiance (there really was no getting around that truth with the wedding just days away). â€Å"They aren't supposed to be available in Europe yet,† the man went on, â€Å"let alone here.† While his eyes traced the contours of my car – it didn't look much different from any other Mercedes sedan to me, but what did I know? – I briefly contemplated my issues with words like fiance, wedding, husband, etc. I just couldn't put it together in my head. On the one hand, I had been raised to cringe at the very thought of poofy white dresses and bouquets. But more than that, I just couldn't reconcile a staid, respectable, dull concept like husband with my concept of Edward. It was like casting an archangel as an accountant; I couldn't visualize him in any commonplace role. Like always, as soon as I started thinking about Edward I was caught up in a dizzy spin of fantasies. The stranger had to clear his throat to get my attention; he was still waiting for an answer about the car's make and model. â€Å"I don't know,† I told him honestly. â€Å"Do you mind if I take a picture with it?† It took me a second to process that. â€Å"Really? You want to take a picture with the car?† â€Å"Sure – nobody is going to believe me if I don't get proof.† â€Å"Urn. Okay. Fine.† I swiftly put away the nozzle and crept into the front seat to hide while the enthusiast dug a huge professional-looking camera out of his backpack. He and his friend took turns posing by the hood, and then they went to take pictures at the back end. â€Å"I miss my truck,† I whimpered to myself. Very, very convenient – too convenient – that my truck would wheeze its last wheeze just weeks after Edward and I had agreed to our lopsided compromise, one detail of which was that he be allowed to replace my truck when it passed on. Edward swore it was only to be expected; my truck had lived a long, full life and then expired of natural causes. According to him. And, of course, I had no way to verify his story or to try to raise my truck from the dead on my own. My favorite mechanic – I stopped that thought cold, refusing to let it come to a conclusion. Instead, I listened to the men's voices outside, muted by the car walls. â€Å"†¦ went at it with a flamethrower in the online video. Didn't even pucker the paint.† â€Å"Of course not. You could roll a tank over this baby. Not much of a market for one over here. Designed for Middle East diplomats, arms dealers, and drug lords mostly.† â€Å"Think she's something?† the short one asked in a softer voice. I ducked my head, cheeks flaming. â€Å"Huh,† the tall one said. â€Å"Maybe. Can't imagine what you'd need missile-proof glass and four thousand pounds of body armor for around here. Must be headed somewhere more hazardous.† Body armor. Four thousand pounds of body armor. And missile-proof glass? Nice. What had happened to good old-fashioned bulletproof? Well, at least this made some sense – if you had a twisted sense of humor. It wasn't like I hadn't expected Edward to take advantage of our deal, to weight it on his side so that he could give so much more than he would receive. I'd agreed that he could replace my truck when it needed replacing, not expecting that moment to come quite so soon, of course. When I'd been forced to admit that the truck had become no more than a still-life tribute to classic Chevys on my curb, I knew his idea of a replacement was probably going to embarrass me. Make me the focus of stares and whispers. I'd been right about that part. But even in my darkest imaginings I had not foreseen that he would get me two cars. The â€Å"before† car and the â€Å"after† car, he'd explained when I'd flipped out. This was just the â€Å"before† car. He'd told me it was a loaner and promised that he was returning it after the wedding. It all had made absolutely no sense to me. Until now. Ha ha. Because I was so fragilely human, so accident-prone, so much a victim to my own dangerous bad luck, apparently I needed a tank-resistant car to keep me safe. Hilarious. I was sure he and his brothers had enjoyed the joke quite a bit behind my back. Or maybe, just maybe,a small voice whispered in my head, it's not a joke, silly. Maybe he's really that worried about you. This wouldn't be the first time he's gone a little overboard trying to protect you. I sighed. I hadn't seen the â€Å"after† car yet. It was hidden under a sheet in the deepest corner of the Cullens' garage. I knew most people would have peeked by now, but I really didn't want to know. Probably no body armor on that car – because I wouldn't need it after the honeymoon. Virtual indestructibility was just one of the many perks I was looking forward to. The best parts about being a Cullen were not expensive cars and impressive credit cards. â€Å"Hey,† the tall man called, cupping his hands to the glass in an effort to peer in. â€Å"We're done now. Thanks a lot!† â€Å"You're welcome,† I called back, and then tensed as I started the engine and eased the pedal – ever so gently – down___ No matter how many times I drove down the familiar road home, I still couldn't make the rain-faded flyers fade into the background. Each one of them, stapled to telephone poles and taped to street signs, was like a fresh slap in the face. A well-deserved slap in the face. My mind was sucked back into the thought I'd interrupted so immediately before. I couldn't avoid it on this road. Not with pictures of my favorite mechanic flashing past me at regular intervals. My best friend. My Jacob. Thehave you SEENthis boy? posters were not Jacob's father's idea. It had been my father, Charlie, who'd printed up the flyers and spread them all over town. And not just Forks, but Port Angeles and Sequim and Hoquiam and Aberdeen and every other town in the Olympic Peninsula. He'd made sure that all the police stations in the state of Washington had the same flyer hanging on the wall, too. His own station had a whole corkboard dedicated to finding Jacob. A corkboard that was mostly empty, much to his disappointment and frustration. My dad was disappointed with more than the lack of response. He was most disappointed with Billy, Jacob's father – and Charlie's closest friend. For Billy's not being more involved with the search for his sixteen-year-old â€Å"runaway.† For Billy's refusing to put up the flyers in La Push, the reservation on the coast that was Jacob's home. For his seeming resigned to Jacob's disappearance, as if there was nothing he could do. For his saying, â€Å"Jacob's grown up now. He'll come home if he wants to.† And he was frustrated with me, for taking Billy's side. I wouldn't put up posters, either. Because both Billy and I knew where Jacob was, roughly speaking, and we also knew that no one had seen this boy. The flyers put the usual big, fat lump in my throat, the usual stinging tears in my eyes, and I was glad Edward was out hunting this Saturday. If Edward saw my reaction, it would only make him feel terrible, too. Of course, there were drawbacks to it being Saturday. As I turned slowly and carefully onto my street, I could see my dad's police cruiser in the driveway of our home. He'd skipped fishing again today. Still sulking about the wedding. So I wouldn't be able to use the phone inside. But I had to call___ I parked on the curb behind the Chevy sculpture and pulled the cell phone Edward had given me for emergencies out of the glove compartment. I dialed, keeping my finger on the â€Å"end† button as the phone rang. Just in case. â€Å"Hello?† Seth Clearwater answered, and I sighed in relief. I was way too chicken to speak to his older sister, Leah. The phrase â€Å"bite my head off was not entirely a figure of speech when it came to Leah. â€Å"Hey, Seth, it's Bella.† â€Å"Oh, hiya, Bella! How are you?† Choked up. Desperate for reassurance. â€Å"Fine.† â€Å"Calling for an update?† â€Å"You're psychic.† â€Å"Not hardly. I'm no Alice – you're just predictable,† he joked. Among the Quileute pack down at La Push, only Seth was comfortable even mentioning the Cullens by name, let alone joking about things like my nearly omniscient sister-in-law-to-be. â€Å"I know I am.† I hesitated for a minute. â€Å"How is he?† Seth sighed. â€Å"Same as ever. He won't talk, though we know he hears us. He's trying not to think human, you know. Just going with his instincts.† â€Å"Do you know where he is now?† â€Å"Somewhere in northern Canada. I can't tell you which province. He doesn't pay much attention to state lines.† â€Å"Any hint that he might†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"He's not coming home, Bella. Sorry.† I swallowed. â€Å"S'okay, Seth. I knew before I asked. I just can't help wishing.† â€Å"Yeah. We all feel the same way.† â€Å"Thanks for putting up with me, Seth. I know the others must give you a hard time.† â€Å"They're not your hugest fans,† he agreed cheerfully. â€Å"Kind of lame, I think. Jacob made his choices, you made yours. Jake doesn't like their attitude about it. ‘Course, he isn't super thrilled that you're checking up on him, either.† I gasped. â€Å"I thought he wasn't talking to you?† â€Å"He can't hide everything from us, hard as he's trying.† So Jacob knew I was worried. I wasn't sure how I felt about that. Well, at least he knew I hadn't skipped off into the sunset and forgotten him completely. He might have imagined me capable of that. â€Å"I guess I'll see you at the†¦ wedding,† I said, forcing the word out through my teeth. â€Å"Yeah, me and my mom will be there. It was cool of you to ask us.† I smiled at the enthusiasm in his voice. Though inviting the Clearwaters had been Edward's idea, I was glad he'd thought of it. Having Seth there would be nice – a link, however tenuous, to my missing best man. â€Å"It wouldn't be the same without you.† â€Å"Tell Edward I said hi, ‘kay?† â€Å"Sure thing.† I shook my head. The friendship that had sprung up between Edward and Seth was something that still boggled my mind. It was proof, though, that things didn't have to be this way. That vampires and werewolves could get along just fine, thank you very much, if they were of a mind to. Not everybody liked this idea. â€Å"Ah,† Seth said, his voice cracking up an octave. â€Å"Er, Leah's home.† â€Å"Oh! Bye!† The phone went dead. I left it on the seat and prepared myself mentally to go inside the house, where Charlie would be waiting. My poor dad had so much to deal with right now. Jacob-the-runaway was just one of the straws on his overburdened back. He was almost as worried about me, his barely-a-legal-adult daughter who was about to become a Mrs. in just a few days' time. I walked slowly through the light rain, remembering the night we'd told him___ As the sound of Charlie's cruiser announced his return, the ring suddenly weighed a hundred pounds on my finger. I wanted to shove my left hand in a pocket, or maybe sit on it, but Edward's cool, firm grasp kept it front and center. â€Å"Stop fidgeting, Bella. Please try to remember that you're not confessing to a murder here.† â€Å"Easy for you to say.† I listened to the ominous sound of my father's boots clomping up the sidewalk. The key rattled in the already open door. The sound reminded me of that part of the horror movie when the victim realizes she's forgotten to lock herdeadbolt. â€Å"Calm down, Bella,† Edward whispered, listening to the acceleration of my heart. The door slammed against the wall, and I flinched like I'd been Tasered. â€Å"Hey, Charlie,† Edward called, entirely relaxed. â€Å"No!† I protested under my breath. â€Å"What?† Edward whispered back. â€Å"Wait till he hangs his gun up!† Edward chuckled and ran his free hand through his tousled bronze hair. Charlie came around the corner, still in his uniform, still armed, and tried not to make a face when he spied us sitting together on the loveseat. Lately, he'd been putting forth a lot of effort to like Edward more. Of course, this revelation was sure to end that effort immediately. â€Å"Hey, kids. What's up?† â€Å"We'd like to talk to you,† Edward said, so serene. â€Å"We have some good news.† Charlie's expression went from strained friendliness to black suspicion in a second. â€Å"Good news?† Charlie growled, looking straight at me. â€Å"Have a seat, Dad.† He raised one eyebrow, stared at me for five seconds, then stomped to the recliner and sat down on the very edge, his back ramrod straight. â€Å"Don't get worked up, Dad,† I said after a moment of loaded silence. â€Å"Everything's okay.† Edward grimaced, and I knew it was in objection to the word okay. He probably would have used something more like wonderful or perfect or glorious. â€Å"Sure it is, Bella, sure it is. If everything is so great, then why are you sweating bullets?† â€Å"I'm not sweating,† I lied. I leaned away from his fierce scowl, cringing into Edward, and instinctively wiped the back of my right hand across my forehead to remove the evidence. â€Å"You're pregnant!† Charlie exploded. â€Å"You're pregnant, aren't you?† Though the question was clearly meant for me, he was glaring at Edward now, and I could have sworn I saw his hand twitch toward the gun. â€Å"No! Of course I'm not!† I wanted to elbow Edward in the ribs, but I knew that move would only give me a bruise. I'd told Edward that people would immediately jump to this conclusion! What other possible reason would sane people have for getting married at eighteen? (His answer then had made me roll my eyes. Love. Right.) Charlie's glower lightened a shade. It was usually pretty clear on my face when I was telling the truth, and he believed me now. â€Å"Oh. Sorry.† â€Å"Apology accepted.† There was a long pause. After a moment, I realized everyone was waiting for me to say something. I looked up at Edward, panic-stricken. There was no way I was going to get the words out. He smiled at me and then squared his shoulders and turned to my father. â€Å"Charlie, I realize that I've gone about this out of order. Traditionally, I should have asked you first. I mean no disrespect, but since Bella has already said yes and I don't want to diminish her choice in the matter, instead of asking you for her hand, I'm asking you for your blessing. We're getting married, Charlie. I love her more than anything in the world, more than my own life, and – by some miracle – she loves me that way, too. Will you give us your blessing?† He sounded so sure, so calm. For just an instant, listening to the absolute confidence in his voice, I experienced a rare moment of insight, i could see, fleetingly, the way the world looked to him. For the length of one heartbeat, this news made perfect sense. And then I caught sight of the expression on Charlie's face, his eyes now locked on the ring. I held my breath while his skin changed colors – fair to red, red to purple, purple to blue. I started to get up – I'm not sure what I planned to do; maybe use the Heimlich maneuver to make sure he wasn't choking – but Edward squeezed my hand and murmured â€Å"Give him a minute† so low that only I could hear. The silence was much longer this time. Then, gradually, shade by shade, Charlie's color returned to normal. His lips pursed, and his eyebrows furrowed; I recognized his â€Å"deep in thought† expression. He studied the two of us for a long moment, and I felt Edward relax at my side. â€Å"Guess I'm not that surprised,† Charlie grumbled. â€Å"Knew I'd have to deal with something like this soon enough.† I exhaled. â€Å"You sure about this?† Charlie demanded, glaring at me. â€Å"I'm one hundred percent sure about Edward,† I told him without missing a beat. â€Å"Getting married, though? What's the rush?† He eyed me suspiciously again. The rush was due to the fact that I was getting closer to nineteen every stinking day, while Edward stayed frozen in all his seventeen-year-old perfection, as he had for over ninety years. Not that this fact necessitated marriage in my book, but the wedding was required due to the delicate and tangled compromise Edward and I had made to finally get to this point, the brink of my transformation from mortal to immortal. These weren't things I could explain to Charlie. â€Å"We're going away to Dartmouth together in the fall, Charlie,† Edward reminded him. â€Å"I'd like to do that, well, the right way. It's how I was raised.† He shrugged. He wasn't exaggerating; they'd been big on old-fashioned morals during World War I. Charlie's mouth twisted to the side. Looking for an angle to argue from. But what could he say? I'd prefer you live in sin first? He was a dad; his hands were tied. â€Å"Knew this was coming,† he muttered to himself, frowning. Then, suddenly, his face went perfectly smooth and blank. â€Å"Dad?† I asked anxiously. I glanced at Edward, but I couldn't read his face, either, as he watched Charlie. â€Å"Ha!† Charlie exploded. I jumped in my seat. â€Å"Ha, ha, ha!† I stared incredulously as Charlie doubled over in laughter; his whole body shook with it. I looked at Edward for a translation, but Edward had his lips pressed tightly together, like he was trying to hold back laughter himself. â€Å"Okay, fine,† Charlie choked out. â€Å"Get married.† Another roll of laughter shook through him. â€Å"But†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"But what?† I demanded. â€Å"But you have to tell your mom! I'm not saying one word to Renee! That's all yours!† He busted into loud guffaws. I paused with my hand on the doorknob, smiling. Sure, at the time, Charlie's words had terrified me. The ultimate doom: telling Renee. Early marriage was higher up on her blacklist than boiling live puppies. Who could have foreseen her response? Not me. Certainly not Charlie. Maybe Alice, but I hadn't thought to ask her. â€Å"Well, Bella,† Renee had said after I'd choked and stuttered out the impossible words: /Worn, I'm marrying Edward. Tm a little miffed that you waited so long to tell me. Plane tickets only get more expensive. Oooh,† she'd fretted. â€Å"Do you think Phil's cast will be off by then? It will spoil the pictures if he's not in a tux – â€Å" â€Å"Back up a second, Mom.† I'd gasped. â€Å"What do you mean, waited so long? I just got en-en . . .† – I'd been unable to force out the word engaged – â€Å"things settled, you know, today.† â€Å"Today? Really? That is a surprise. I assumed †¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"What did you assume? When did you assume?† â€Å"Well, when you came to visit me in April, it looked like things were pretty much sewn up, if you know what I mean. You're not very hard to read, sweetie. But I didn't say anything because I knew it wouldn't do any good. You're exactly like Charlie.† She'd sighed, resigned. â€Å"Once you make up your mind, there is no reasoning with you. Of course, exactly like Charlie, you stick by your decisions, too.† And then she'd said the last thing that I'd ever expected to hear from my mother. â€Å"You're not making my mistakes, Bella. You sound like you're scared silly, and I'm guessing it's because you're afraid of me.† She'd giggled. â€Å"Of what I'm going to think. And I know I've said a lot of things about marriage and stupidity – and I'm not taking them back – but you need to realize that those things specifically applied to me. You're a completely different person than I am. You make your own kinds of mistakes, and I'm sure you'll have your share of regrets in life. But commitment was never your problem, sweetie. You have a better chance of making this work than most forty-year-olds I know.† Renee had laughed again. â€Å"My little middle-aged child. Luckily, you seem to have found another old soul.† â€Å"You're not†¦ mad? You don't think I'm making a humongous mistake?† â€Å"Well, sure, I wish you'd wait a few more years. I mean, do I look old enough to be a mother-in-law to you? Don't answer that. But this isn't about me. This is about you. Are you happy?† â€Å"I don't know. I'm having an out-of-body experience right now.† Renee had chuckled. â€Å"Does he make you happy, Bella?† â€Å"Yes, but – â€Å" â€Å"Are you ever going to want anyone else?† â€Å"No, but – â€Å" â€Å"But what?† â€Å"But aren't you going to say that I sound exactly like every other infatuated teenager since the dawn of time?† â€Å"You've never been a teenager, sweetie. You know what's best for you.† For the last few weeks, Renee had unexpectedly immersed herself in wedding plans. She'd spent hours every day on the phone with Edward's mother, Esme – no worries about the in-laws getting along. Renee adored Esme, but then, I doubted anyone could help responding that way to my lovable almost-mother-in-law. It let me right off the hook. Edward's family and my family were taking care of the nuptials together without my having to do or know or think too hard about any of it. Charlie was furious, of course, but the sweet part was that he wasn't furious at me. Renee was the traitor. He'd counted on her to play the heavy. What could he do now, when his ultimate threat – telling Mom – had turned out to be utterly empty? He had nothing, and he knew it. So he moped around the house, muttering things about not being able to trust anyone in this world___ â€Å"Dad?† I called as I pushed open the front door. â€Å"I'm home.† â€Å"Hold on, Bells, stay right there.† â€Å"Huh?† I asked, pausing automatically. â€Å"Gimme a second. Ouch, you got me, Alice.† Alice? â€Å"Sorry, Charlie,† Alice's trilling voice responded. â€Å"How's that?† â€Å"I'm bleeding on it.† â€Å"You're fine. Didn't break the skin – trust me.† â€Å"What's going on?† I demanded, hesitating in the doorway. â€Å"Thirty seconds, please, Bella,† Alice told me. â€Å"Your patience will be rewarded.† â€Å"Humph,† Charlie added. I tapped my foot, counting each beat. Before I got to thirty, Alice said, â€Å"Okay, Bella, come in!† Moving with caution, I rounded the little corner into our living room. â€Å"Oh,† I huffed. â€Å"Aw. Dad. Don't you look – â€Å" â€Å"Silly?† Charlie interrupted. â€Å"I was thinking more like debonair† Charlie blushed. Alice took his elbow and tugged him around into a slow spin to showcase the pale gray tux. â€Å"Now cut that out, Alice. I look like an idiot.† â€Å"No one dressed by me ever looks like an idiot.† â€Å"She's right, Dad. You look fabulous! What's the occasion?† Alice rolled her eyes. â€Å"It's the final check on the fit. For both of you.† I peeled my gaze off the unusually elegant Charlie for the first time and saw the dreaded white garment bag laid carefully across the sofa. â€Å"Aaah.† â€Å"Go to your happy place, Bella. It won't take long.† I sucked in a deep breath and closed my eyes. Keeping them shut, I stumbled my way up the stairs to my room. I stripped down to my underwear and held my arms straight out. â€Å"You'd think I was shoving bamboo splinters under your nails,† Alice muttered to herself as she followed me in. I paid no attention to her. I was in my happy place. In my happy place, the whole wedding mess was over and done. Behind me. Already repressed and forgotten. We were alone, just Edward and me. The setting was fuzzy and constantly in flux – it morphed from misty forest to cloud-covered city to arctic night – because Edward was keeping the location of our honeymoon a secret to surprise me. But I wasn't especially concerned about the where part. Edward and I were together, and I'd fulfilled my side of our compromise perfectly. I'd married him. That was the big one. But I'd also accepted all his outrageous gifts and was registered, however futilely, to attend Dartmouth College in the fall. Now it was his turn. Before he turned me into a vampire – his big compromise – he had one other stipulation to make good on. Edward had an obsessive sort of concern over the human things that I would be giving up, the experiences he didn't want me to miss. Most of them – like the prom, for example – seemed silly to me. There was only one human experience I worried about missing. Of course it would be the one he wished I would forget completely. Here was the thing, though. I knew a little about what I was going to be like when I wasn't human anymore. I'd seen newborn vampires firsthand, and I'd heard all my family-to-be's stories about those wild early days. For several years, my biggest personality trait was going to be thirsty, it would take some time before I could be me again. And even when I was in control of myself, I would never feel exactly the way I felt now. Human†¦ and passionately in love. I wanted the complete experience before I traded in my warm, breakable, pheromone-riddled body for something beautiful, strong†¦ and unknown. I wanted a real honeymoon with Edward. And, despite the danger he feared this would put me in, he'd agreed to try. I was only vaguely aware of Alice and the slip and slide of satin over my skin. I didn't care, for the moment, that the whole town was talking about me. I didn't think about the spectacle I would have to star in much too soon. I didn't worry about tripping on my train or giggling at the wrong moment or being too young or the staring audience or even the empty seat where my best friend should be. I was with Edward in my happy place.