Hello Everyone!
It feels good to be back! I am so excited with the amount of reviews, story alerts, fav story notifications and hits for Crescent. I hope this pleases you just as much. By the way, I reached 28,000 hits for it!
I'd like to thank Joy for her amazing help with this chapter, too – seriously, she works miracles!
Enjoy and please review!
Love,
Chelsea
-------------------------------------Edward and Bella-----------------------------------
The Dark Side of the Moon
Chapter 1.
The familiarity of the moist air and constant cloud coverage was refreshing to me for once in my life. The city that I had once despised with a passion couldn't have made me happier at the moment.
When you've spent the last three months on the road traveling to different countries – for business, definitely not pleasure – it was nice to be home, especially when one has been gathering allies to fight in what could probably be considered World War 3 – except it was a war between two immortal armies.
According to Alice, the situation on the home front looked safe for the time being. Nothing detrimental was in our future for the next few days – which would give us some leeway and time to rest and gather our thoughts more clearly.
"Do you want me to come with you, love?" Edward asked, caressing my long brunette hair.
"No. I think I should do this by myself." I haven't spoken to Charlie since we left on our "honeymoon"—that's what we were going to pass off our three-month disappearance as. I needed to give Charlie a proper goodbye—this might very well be the last time I ever see him.
"Are you certain you don't want me there?"
"Edward, I always want you with me. I just think that Charlie will have an easier time accepting my leaving if it's just me and him."
"Okay. But if you need me, just call and I'll be over as fast as I can."
"Thank you." I kissed him. Kissing Edward was one of the few pleasures I had left in my life – it seemed like everything else was ripped right out from underneath me. He was the only thing left I had to hold on to. "I love you. Don't worry, I'll be okay."
****
I picked up Edward's keys from the kitchen counter and slid into the driver's seat of the silver Volvo. Memories of our car rides from my house to school flooded my mind; how I had missed that car. Though I was just as capable as the other Cullens to drive well above the speed limit, I refused—I always maintained a reasonable 70 mph.I parked behind the cruiser, as usual—he was watching baseball and eating something foul smelling. I sighed deeply and giggled to myself at my dad's signature behavior. I got out of the car, slamming the door shut behind me, and went around to the trunk to gather the gifts I had bought for him overseas. The front door screen creaked open and Charlie's heavy boots were making there way down the steps towards me.
"Bells! Oh my God, kiddo! I've missed you!" His arms wrapped around my cold body in a tight hug.
"Hi, Dad. I've missed you, too!" I kissed his cheek, breathing in his scent. After three months of separation his scent affected me more now than ever. There was a fire that was burning at the back of my throat – but as usual, I kicked my shield into gear.
"It's great to finally hear your voice again. Come on… let's get inside and talk. Need help with your things?"
"Actually, Dad, these are all for you. Just a few things I picked up for you on our travels."
"Thanks, I can't wait to see them."
I followed Charlie into the house, removing my unnecessary winter parka. I was still getting used to keeping up the human appearances that the rest of my family had perfected. On the mantel above the fireplace were several new pictures—Charlie must have put them up sometime after we left. One was of him and me before he walked me down the aisle; the other was of my entire family—the Cullens, Charlie, Renee and Phil.
"So," Charlie began awkwardly, rocking on the back of his heels. "Where the heck have you been Bells? No phone calls, no letters, you had me worried sick. I knew Edward would take care of you but still… you could have called."
"Yeah, about that… I'm sorry. I should have called. After we got back from our honeymoon Edward and I went on a missionary trip with Carlisle and Esme around Asia. It was sort of a spontaneous last minute decision and when we got to our first site, there was no way to communicate with the outside world. And actually… that's the reason why I'm here."
"What is?"
"I have decided that I want to continue working with Carlisle. We're leaving in a few days. First Asia then Africa. I don't know how long we'll be gone."
"A few days? You only just got back."
"I know. I'm sorry." I felt dirty lying to him but I had no choice—I had to protect him – and not only him – but also my family. No one could know the exact location of where we were going.
"Isn't it dangerous?"
"Yes. Very. But we have… protection—bodyguards. You don't have to worry, Dad. We're well taken care of." I assured him with the best capability of my lying.
"Well, you are a married woman now and I can't keep you here. How you and your husband decide to spend your time is entirely up to you. I have to say… I'm pretty proud of you. It's a very brave, noble thing you're doing." His eyes were filled with genuine.
"Thanks, Dad." I smiled, completely and utterly thankful that he believed my lie so easily—so completely. Ugh, I hated being deceitful.
"So, where is that husband of yours?"
"At home, packing a few things. We leave in two days."
"You can stay here if you want."
"And Edward?"
Charlie sighed, puffing his chest and exhaling warm air. "He can stay, too. But he's on the couch. I don't care if you are married. This is still my house."
I laughed. It was the first real laugh I had in what seemed a long time. "It's a wonderful offer Dad, but we have a lot of things to do before we leave – we're going to stay with Carlisle and Esme." We couldn't stay with Charlie – it could be potentially dangerous for him – not to mention, we didn't need any last minute decisions that Alice couldn't see coming.
"Okay, just come by once… or a couple more times before you leave, would you?"
"I will, Dad," I smiled, "So, did you pack up my room and make it into an office or something like most parents do when their child flies the coup?"
"Actually, I didn't touch any of your stuff in your room. It's still all there and always will be, Bells. Anytime you want to come home, it'll be waiting for you."
"Thanks, Dad," I hugged him, "I need to pack up a few things."
"Well, I'll let you get to it then. I'm gonna watch the game."
"'Kay, Dad." I ran up the steps, opening the old door to my room. The air was musky and stale, as if the room hadn't been entered in months. I opened the curtains; the orange, glowing sun was starting to set behind the hazy evening clouds. The lighting between the sun and the moon gave off a beautiful array of luminescent lights, giving the sky an extremely intriguing sight. The scent of wood burning in fireplaces could be smelled in the distance. I stood at my window for a while, staring out into the woods behind the house. From the corner of my eye, I saw a large brown animal darting through the trees. My vampire curiosity kicked in, so I decided to investigate.
I didn't want to have to go downstairs to explain to Charlie why I was about to wander off into the woods at night so I used my window as an exit. I landed on the green moss silently—gracefully—in a defensive, crouched position. I could smell the animal from my location. It was off to the east, traveling very fast. Its heavy paws hit the ground much harder and faster than any other animal I had ever hunted before. It had been days—maybe a week—since my last hunt. I took off in the direction of the heartbeat, leaping over fallen tree trunks and dodging low-hanging vines. I was gaining on the animal. It smelled like a wolf. I stopped in a clearing, breathing in its warm scent – but it had disappeared.
"That's funny." I murmured to myself. If Emmett had been here, he would have been making fun of me for losing the animal's trail. I could picture him breaking out into furious fits of laughter; mocking me.
I might have lost the scent but I did pick up on something new—something human. This new scent was oddly familiar—too familiar.
"Who's there?" I spun around, peering into the darkness of the woods. "I know someone is there. Show yourself. I am not afraid of you."
"Of course you're not," the voice spoke, "you're one of them now."
"Jacob?" I hissed, peering into the trees.
"Of course, who else would it be?" He emerged from behind a small gathering of trees– shirtless. His hair had grown longer; his skin tone was much tanner.
"It's so good to see you," I went to embrace him in a hug – but he backed away, immediately offending me. "Why, Jake?"
"Bells, you know why. You know the treaty, we're enemies now." He backed off. He looked down on me as if he were revolted; his eyes were filled with disgust. It was as if I was someone with a disease that needed to be quarantined.
"I am fully aware of the treaty, Jacob. Aren't you breaking the treaty by being here? You've crossed the boundary." I said firmly. He looked shaken. I lightened my tone, "Jake, this doesn't mean we can't be friends. We used to be so close, Jake. You were my best friend."
"And I thought you were mine, Bella. Really, I did – but now I've come to the realization that all you ever were was one of them. It's all you ever wanted to be since the Cullens brainwashed you. Bella, you're only attracted to him because it's in his nature. You are supposed to be attracted to him – and now look at you. You're one of them – a leech just like them, Bella."
His harsh words cut through me like a knife. I had never heard him this insensitive before. Sure, I figured he'd be mad – but not to the extent of his actions now.
"Jake," I took a step forward, but with every step I took, he took two more back. Finally, I just gave up on trying to be sympathetic. What was his problem anyway – this was my life and I was going to live it whichever way I pleased.
"Well, don't worry. I'll be gone soon. Maybe for good. Who knows, maybe I'll be dead in a month and you'll never have to think of me ever again."
Instead of backing away, he moved towards me. Worry was brimming in his eyes. I felt a sense of pride for being able to turn the guilt around.
"What do you mean? What's that supposed to mean?" He asked, panic-stricken.
"There's a war brewing, Jake. Between us and the Volturi."
"Who?"
"The vampire royal family. They're out to destroy us—me, Edward… the rest of our family. They want us dead. We've gathered an army. We don't know if it's enough. That's why we… made a treaty with the werewolves."
"You mean like wolves like me? I didn't know their were any other packs around here." He scratched the back of his head – his muscles were glistening in the sunlight as he did so.
"No, these wolves are nothing like you. They can't control their transformations. They're real werewolves, Jake."
"Oh, they're real, huh? And what am I? A pretend werewolf?"
"You're not a werewolf. You're a shape-shifter. There's a difference."
"Whatever. Why are you telling me this, anyway?"
I paused for a moment. Why was I telling him anything? "I don't know. I used to be able to tell you anything and everything."
"And the Volturi… are they coming here?"
"No, we're taking the fight to them."
"Are you crazy?" His voice was now filled with anxiety as he took another step closer to me.
"Maybe. What else are we to do? Stand around and wait for our deaths? Jake, there's no way around this."
"There has to be something you can do."
"Why do you even care?" I snapped, my temper was brewing over. Just ten seconds ago he was ready to tell me to drop dead and now all of a sudden he cared about my well-being? His mood swings were starting to give me whip lash. "I thought we were mortal enemies."
"I just… I don't… want you to get hurt."
"Don't worry about me, Jacob Black. I'll be out of your life in two days."
"Why two days?"
"That's when we're going back to Prague. We have to prepare."
"Is there any chance of them coming here?"
I didn't know the answer to that. I prayed not but… they know my father lives here. "I don't know."
Jacob stayed silent, staring at me for at least two minutes with a blank look on his face. He was thinking, formulating some plan in his head. "I have to talk to Sam. If there is any chance that your war puts this town in danger, the pack has a right to know."
"Jake, this doesn't involve you."
"Bella, what if they come here? Innocent people could die."
"Oh, yeah? You don't think I know that?! Why do you think we're leaving? Going to war? We're trying to protect everyone!"
Jake took off running into the woods, I followed easily. "I can keep up with you now. Where are you going?"
"Home. I have to talk to the pack! I will call you. I assume you and your husband are at the leech mansion?"
"Yes. And please stop referring to it as that."
"Sure, sure. I'll be in touch." He looked at me once more and then sped off in the direction of his house – his reservation – something I wasn't planning on crossing.
I quickly took off in the direction of Charlie's, hopping through the window once I reached it. I quickly finished my packing in an effort to get home as soon as possible – no doubt Edward was freaking out about my little encounter. Alice probably had a vision of it all happening and he was now most likely worried sick. – That was just what I needed on my plate at the moment.
I raced down the stairs – duffle bag in hand. I gave Charlie a quick peck on the cheek before hopping into the Volvo.
I drove down the little winding rode that exited my neighborhood – increasing the speed to above eighty – desperate times call for desperate measures, right?
Before I knew it – I was already home and as I had assumed, Edward was right outside waiting for me. He sped over to the car door, opening it for me gentlemanly.
"Thank you," I stepped out, straightening the wrinkles in my blouse.
"You're welcome," He said quickly; ready to get straight to the point. "What happened between you and Jake?"
"What, Alice didn't tell you every detail of it?" I said sharply – not intentionally meaning for my anger and frustration to lash out at him.
"Why don't you retract those claws, Bella." Emmet came outside. "He was just wanting to make sure you were alright."
I sighed, regretting my actions – everything was just getting to me. Everything was happening so quickly – I barely had time to grasp everything going on. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." I let me shield down for Edward.
"Babe, there's no need to apologize – I just want you safe and now that I know you are, I'm content. But, please do let me know what happened back there."
****
I told everyone the details of my run-in with Jacob. I told them about how he was going to talk with his pack about what was happening. Edward didn't like the sound of it at all – but I wasn't worried too much. Either they'd want to help or they'd just keep to themselves. I really didn't see any harm coming from either one of them.
After we had finished our 'family meeting' – Edward and I retired to our room – somewhere where we were actually going to get some peace. After travelling for so long – being in familiar territory felt amazing.
I crashed against the bed – enjoying the softness of the mattress. Edward smiled at me, climbing on top lying down next to me. He formed his body to mine, gently kissing up and down my bare arms. I shivered at his touch – not because he was cold – but because of the effect he still managed to have on me.
"I love you," I smiled, turning in his embrace.
He kissed my lips tenderly, slowly back away to speak, "I love you, too."
He brought our lips back together – we hadn't had much time for affection in the last few months either – I wanted to make up for it now – but sadly, we were interrupted once more by the sound of my cell phone ringing.
I pulled it out of my back pocket and looked at the caller id – which read 'Jake'
I quickly answered, "Hello,"
"Bella, its Jacob. We've got a proposition for you, might you be interested?" He asked me with a strange tone hidden in the depth of his voice.
Unaware of what to say and what was to happen, I listened on, "Go on,"
Well, there you go! I hope you like it so far! I'll try to update just as soon as I can!
Thanks!
Love,
Chels
Ps.
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Oh and Happy Early Easter!
