"No, Bella, you absolutely cannot visit those dogs. I'm sorry, but it's just too dangerous."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I know there was a vague element of danger, but none so significant that it would prevent me from just seeing Jacob, at the very least. Edward knew this too, and I couldn't let him stop me from seeing my friend just because he saw the wolves through rose-tinted glasses. I was going to see Jacob, just not tonight, obviously.

"Just go away, Edward. Don't come round tonight."

Without another word, I walked away. I had some thinking to do. I saw Edward's face change as he realised he'd hurt me. His eyes became sad, but resigned.

"Okay."

I walked into my house, and Charlie greeted me with raised eyebrows.

"No Edward tonight?"

He was smiling.

"He had to go home."

Charlie smiled all the same, and relaxed into the sofa, satisfied that the house would be empty. I sprinted upstairs, and there was a note waiting on my bed.

I'm sorry. I only care about your safety. You have every right to be angry, but this doesn't change anything. You still can't go.

Anger took over. He wasn't in charge of what I could and could not do. This magical world of mortal enemies was too much for me, I didn't want to keep getting caught up in battles and rivalries. What I needed was a clean break. A separation from needless protection and werewolf prejudices, from vampire dangers and restraints. A separation from Edward. Could I? Would I? I decided to sleep on it. I would think about it in the morning.