7. REFERENDUM

It was like an itch I couldn't scratch. I couldn't sit still without my mind tracing back to him. His smell. His blood.

If Edward was my antidote, he was my poison.

I was back at the cottage trying to distract myself by considering the options I had to go anywhere in the world. The unlimited bank account of the Cullens could send me to the remotest island in South America or an igloo in Antarctica. However, the only place I truly wanted to be was here in Forks.

Edward was in the other room with Rosalie. A few moments ago, she had dropped off Nessie, who was still fast asleep, from the hospital. Once I saw Rosalie wrap her with a secure blanket and place her on the couch, I left to go into my bed-room to clear my head. I smiled as I pictured Nessie on the couch, looking like a cocoon with her head barely popping out. Edward and Rosalie began a conversation very quietly, but I still heard everything with my sensitive ears.

"The best possible thing to do right now is to leave Forks." Edward had said.

"Right, because that is what's best for Bella! You never consider me." I imagined Edward rolling his eyes after that comment. Rosalie continued, "I'm not starting over as a sophomore again in some new place. I won't do it! I like it here. The sun is always covered by clouds so we rarely have to worry about being out in the daytime."

"And how many more years do you think we can keep up the charade? Carlisle can't pass for the age he's pretending now. Of all people, I thought you would want to protect this family."

"I do! It's not my fault Bella keeps putting this family in jeopardy every chance she gets." It was strange hearing a malice undertone in such an angelic voice.

I didn't want to continue listening after that comment. I knew I wasn't Rosalie's biggest fan but I thought we grew an understanding towards each other when I was carrying Renesmee. Now a year later, she was back to giving me the cold shoulder.

I still love her like a sister and we have our moments. I also can't deny how much she has cared for Renesmee. She completely adores Nessie just like any other vampire who has ever come into contact with her. And, Nessie loves her Aunt Rose just the same.

It's hard for Rosalie. I do feel sympathy. Her one wish, her only wish, is to be human again. She would give up just about everything if it could be done.

I heard a knock on my door. "Come in, Edward."

The door slightly opened. Through the crack, I saw blonde hair. "It's me, Rosalie."

"Oh, what is it?"

She opened the door all the way up and shut it behind her. Edward must have been watching over Nessie. "I wanted to ask you a question."

This was a surprise. Five seconds ago she was practically telling Edward I was the Anti-Christ. "Sure, go ahead."

Rosalie was barely as loud as a whisper as she sat on the edge of my bed. She cupped her hands in her lap and faced me. "I don't want to leave, Bella. It's nice here. I know it can't last forever and we will eventually move, but for right now…"

I didn't exactly follow what she was asking me since it wasn't really a question. I decided it was probably better if I just told her the truth. "I just-I can't be in Forks anymore. I can't face Charlie after what happened today. There's also no way of me going into town for fear the new police officer will be around. If we stay here, there is a chance of exposure. I don't want to give the Volturi a reason to be near us ever again. I know I'm being selfish in asking every to leave, but it would only be a few years earlier than scheduled."

Rosalie thought for a moment. It almost seemed like she was agreeing with me. "I see your point. I'm not going to change my decision, but we should put it up to a vote."

"What if it comes to an even number?"

Rosalie looked at me weird. "There's nine of us."

"Jacob."

Rosalie wrinkled her nose. "The mutt shouldn't count. He's here because of association."

"He counts and he will vote tomorrow with the rest of us."

"Whatever." Rosalie sighed and then walked out the room. A minute later I listened to her engine rev. Her Mercedes was out of sight the second I looked out the window.

---

"How are you feeling, love?" Edward asked as he sat beside me on the bed. He stroked my cheek. An hour had passed since Rosalie's abrupt departure.

"Fine." I breathed. "How's Ness?"

"Asleep, still."

"So, um, Rosalie and I decided we should put it up to a vote. You know, if we should stay here or move." I paused. "I was thinking Alaska. We could spend some time with our cousins in Denali."

All of a sudden, Edward chuckled.

Did he think my suggestion was a joke? "What's so funny?"

"Didn't I tell you? I went to Denali right after I met you for the first time three years ago."

I smiled. "I faintly recall you mentioning that." So our escape routes were the same. I guess, that's a nice thing to have in common with your husband. Especially, if you both are planning to escape from something.

"Listen, Bella, where ever you decide you want to go, I'll always be there with you."

His words soothed me like a soft melody. "Forever." I bent up to reach his lips.

For the rest of the night, I cuddled up against his chest and listened as Edward hummed my lullaby.

---

Edward was already up, taking care of Nessie. I, however, couldn't move. I just laid on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. The light that flickered through the window told me it was around eight in the morning.

I knew today was the referendum. Everyone would vote whether or not to stay in Forks or travel to some other location, possibly having to start all over again. Carlisle no matter what would have to. He was born to be a doctor. Carlisle had more compassion for living things than any human I had ever met. He would have to find a new job. Of course, that shouldn't be hard with all his credentials. If the meeting ended with us moving, it could possibly lead to my first time repeating high school. My first repeat of many. I shuddered at the thought.

I reluctantly got out of bed and walked into my closet. I sniffed past everything that was silk or satin and headed straight for a pair of jeans, which look like they were imported from France and probably were, and a plain blue t-shirt with cap sleeves. I dragged a brush through my hair and headed out the room.

"Morning." Edward whispered in my ear as he snuck up behind me.

I turned around. "And to you." Nessie then walked into view. She was wearing a purple sun dress. "Did you sleep well, honey?"

She nodded while she rubbed her eyes. "How's Jacob?"

Edward smiled. "Threw away the sling once he got home. He's healed completely."

"Good. Um, if we move, daddy…can we see Zafrina in the Amazon?"

Zafrina was one of the witnesses to Renesmee when she was on trial for allegedly being an immortal child about six months ago. Zafrina and others were there to prove she wasn't. The two of them during all the chaos had grown close.

"Maybe, if South America is the direction we're choosing."

That is if everyone agrees on leaving. I wasn't about to be the reason why our family splits up. It all comes down to what Alice sees. I'm sure she was looking into my future last night. If Rosalie didn't tell everyone else about the vote, Alice probably did. I hoped she saw us staying in Forks, me being able to control myself. Edward learned to around me; wasn't I capable? If I just somehow found a way to handle the blood-lust when I'm near the police officer, then I could still have Charlie for a few more years. And, that's the best case scenario.

He was just an average looking, early-twenties, police officer. Why would he smell so good to me? His hair was one shade of brown, flipped up a little in the front. His eyes were green, pretty, but probably his best feature. He had high cheek bones, small lips, freckles on his nose from being out in the sun. He was tall and in good shape. At least, when I had locked my eyes on him for just a second at the hospital, he looked like he had muscle. He was plain physically, but his scent was something entirely different. Fresh baked cinnamon and sugar cookies. There was no other way to describe the smell.

I wanted so badly to just have a taste. Maybe, someone could ask him to donate a pint of his blood when the Red Cross had it's annual blood drive in Forks and then I could steal the bag…

No! I wouldn't allow myself. It would be so easy if I stayed in Forks, just a few minutes away from town. I never slept. I would have so much time to think up plans and execute them to perfection. I had to get far away. I wouldn't be tempted as much if I was on a different continent.

---

We all sat at the unused dining-room table. Carlisle was at the head and spoke first. "In light of recent discoveries, we have to decide what is best for this family." He turned to me. I stood up from my chair and proposed the options. It was now time for everyone to vote.

Rosalie had her arms crossed when she exclaimed, "I still think the mongrel shouldn't have a say in this." She was staring at Jacob, scowling.

"Rosalie." Carlisle yelled. "He is a part of this family as much as you and I. The choices are either staying in Forks for a few more years as was planned or we leave now and avoid any risks that might arise with this police officer in town." He turned to face Alice. "Have you foreseen anything that might lean us in one direction?"

"I see us in Alaska with Tanya and the rest, but also at Charlie's wedding. So maybe…"

I looked at Alice. I couldn't believe there was an actual chance I wouldn't hurt this policeman. I still couldn't see or speak to Charlie as of right now. Not until he somehow forgets what happened at the hospital. Hopefully, by the time he does, it's before January and I'll be able to come to his wedding.

"It helps if you know his name, Bella." Alice added. "The more you know about him, I think, will help you control yourself. It's Gregory Abrams. I searched him up on the computer for more information. He's a transfer from two towns over. He just graduated the police academy last year. He's twenty-two. Born and raised in Washington."

"Is this suppose to help? I thought we were voting?" Rosalie hissed.

"I guess that makes a difference. If I think of him as someone with a family. He's young. I didn't think…" I trailed off. "Should we still vote?"

Rosalie raised her hand. "I think we should stay here."

Emmett was second to answer. "I agree."

Carlisle stood up. "Seeing that what Alice saw could always change, I think we shouldn't procastinate any further. My vote is to leave now."

"It not only helps out Bella's case;" Esme smiled towards my direction, "we would have to move in about four years, either way."

"We should go." Edward stated.

Jacob was next. "I think we should do what is best for Bella and everyone sitting at this table." In other words, he agrees with Edward. Jake seemed all too willing to leave everything behind for Renesmee. Sometimes, I wished he hadn't imprinted on Renesmee. Jake has given up so much for me and her. I wish I could pay it back.

Nessie looked undecided. She touched my face and I saw she kept flipping back and forth between Charlie, Sue and all of Forks and then pictures of around the world. She finally dropped her hand and said, "I like it here in Forks. I like grandpa. I don't want to leave just yet." She appeared sad and I hated that.

"I can protect you, Bella. If I see things change, then we can react." That was Alice's response. Jasper also wanted to stay for a little while longer.

"You know my vote. I can't face Charlie. He saw me at the hospital." I could always come back to Forks for Charlie's wedding if Alice sees I can handle myself. Leaving would be the best thing to do at this moment.

"Great. It's split down the middle. A lot this did!" yelled Rosalie, her melodious voice, less smooth.

Alice stood up. "Calm down, Rose. I'd like to change my vote." With that, Jasper automatically retracted his previous answer.

So, it was decided. We were leaving Forks.

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