(A/N: TM Twilight Girl, I am using part of your idea for bits of this chapter. Thank you so much! And thanks for the help, ThunderMoon'sRising. Kudos to the both of you! Whoever reads it, enjoy the chapter.)
Before I knew it, August was more than halfway over. Charlie regarded the end of the month and the beginning of the next dismally.
"I'm really going to miss you, Bells," he sighed late one afternoon as we were eating dinner. "I can't believe that you're already going to college to make your way in the world. It seems like only yesterday when you were a baby."
I rolled my eyes in embarrassment. "Oh, Dad," I groaned. "Please don't mention it. But I'm going to miss you too. I know that we don't spend much time together, but it's true. I will...very much. And I'll try to visit whenever I can."
Charlie smiled a little. "I hope so. I don't want you to stay away for too long. I would want to know how you were doing."
"Yeah."
I shifted uneasily as I continued my meal. I was lying to him, and felt terrible for doing so.
I was going to Alaska, but I would not be going to college at all. At least, not any time soon. The truth was that I would (hopefully) be starting my new life with Carlisle.
Jacob had revealed to Sam that I was Carlisle's soul mate the day after I had told him. To my complete amazement, he had asked Sam if he would allow Carlisle to change me. I knew that Jacob still didn't like Carlisle, for obvious reasons, but I was touched when he explained to me that he asked him because he wanted me to be happy.
"He's better than his son, anyway," Jacob concluded with a shrug.
Sam was unsurprisingly taken aback by his plea of allowing me to be turned into a vampire. He told Jacob that he would consider it, but has not gotten back to him with a response, so far.
Besides all of this, I had spent some time catching up with my mom Renée too. It had been a long time since I had seen her. She and her husband Phil meant to come to my graduation, but Phil had broken his thigh bone trying to demonstrate a slide in baseball practice, so they were unable to attend the event. He had completely recovered by now, though.
"When are we going to see each other again?" she inquired one day while I was speaking to her on the phone.
"I'm not sure," I responded. "But if I'm lucky, I can visit you on Thanksgiving or Christmas."
"Couldn't you visit sooner?"
"No. I'm going to be so busy with everything that I'm not going to have much time to visit anyone much."
Mom sighed. "Okay. Well, listen, call or Skype me whenever you can," she pleaded.
I felt depressed all of a sudden. "I will," I mumbled.
She noticed how sad my voice was. "Honey, what's the matter?"
"Nothing. I just miss you, that's all."
"Aww, I miss you too."
We chatted some more, and then I said good-bye and hung up the phone.
(One early Saturday afternoon)
Jacob and I were taking a walk on the La Push beach. The sun was shining brightly on the ocean.
Normally, I would be spending time with Carlisle, since he never went to work on a day like this. But he and the rest of the family had went on another hunting trip. Because there was nothing else to do, I decided to hang out with Jacob. It would probably be one of the last times I would see him before I was changed into a vampire.
"It's going to suck not having you around for a while," Jacob remarked, breaking the silence.
I chuckled. "Yeah, it is. It was nice of you to ask Sam if I could visit you even after Carlisle changes me. I'm amazed that he said yes-if he allows him to change me-even though he hasn't permitted Carlisle to change me yet. Thank you," I grinned.
Jacob smiled too. "No problem. Anything for my best friend. Lifetime of servitude, remember?"
I punched his elbow lightly. "I guess when I am able to see you again, I'll have to challenge you to a race."
"Hey, you're on!"
"I bet I'll be faster than you."
"Yeah, in your dreams!"
We shared a laugh, then grew quiet once more as we continued our stroll.
Presently, Jacob queried, "Does Alice still have trouble seeing Edward?"
I nodded. "Yes. Sometimes she sees Tanya-the bitch that he cheated on me with-but she still doesn't know where she or he is. Alice just sees her in that one room, waiting for Edward," I replied.
"Any more strange letters?"
"Just five, but no more than that."
"You still don't know who mailed them?"
"No, and I wish that whoever is sending them would stop. It's not like they could expect me to like them."
Jacob pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes. "Mmm. Did you ever think that maybe...Edward...sent you those letters?"
I blinked; I had never thought of that before. "No. If he had, we would have known by now. Carlisle and the others would have been able to smell his scent on the mail."
"...That's true. But who else do you know would send you love notes like that?"
I shrugged. "I don't know to be honest, unless Carlisle did mail them and he doesn't want to tell me. But if he did, then I don't mind or care."
"I don't think so. You made me smell them too, remember? I didn't smell his scent or any other scent that I know on them either. So, I guess you're right that...Edward...didn't send them. At least, not personally."
"What do you mean?" I inquired with a puzzled frown.
Running a hand through his hair, Jacob implied, "I'm not saying that this is the case, but I think that...Edward...might have paid someone to mail them to you. Someone he knows or met."
I mulled this over pensively. "Huh. That's something that I've never thought of. Perhaps, you're right. But Carlisle says that none of his family had ever gone to Michigan. It doesn't rain much in that state. Why would Edward want to go there, if that's where he is now?"
Jacob exhaled deeply. "Not sure. But he wouldn't go out during the day, you know, unless he wants to get himself killed. And if he happens not to be in Michigan, then he's somewhere."
"You're right about that. I'm hungry. You want to head out for pizza?"
"Sure. That sounds fine."
After we had our lunch, we spent the rest of the day in his garage. Jacob mostly talked about his friends. Sam was planning to marry his imprint, Emily, later in the fall. I was happy for them. They had been engaged for a while.
When I asked Jacob to send along my congratulations, he smiled. "I will. He may let you come to the wedding, as long as you don't stink up the place. If you're a vampire, that is," he joked.
I rolled my eyes. "Oh, shut up," I huffed, smirking.
Jacob laughed loudly.
Hours later, sunset approached, and I was ready to go home. I embraced Jacob before leaving. "I'll see you soon," I whispered.
He patted my back. "I hope so," he murmured.
The ride home wasn't long. I made it there before Charlie arrived, so I cooked dinner before going upstairs to my room.
Carlisle was there, sitting on my bed. "Hello, sweetheart," he greeted, beaming at me.
"Hey! You're here sooner than I thought you would be," I exclaimed, hugging him tightly. Then I kissed him on the lips. "Did you knock out a mountain lion for me?"
"And two elk."
"Good going."
I laid down next to him and he did likewise. "How was your day with Jacob?" he questioned, pressing me into his side.
I rested my head on his chest. "It was okay. We talked about how Alice couldn't see Edward again, and he came up with an interesting idea."
Carlisle shifted. "Oh really? What was it?"
"He thinks that Edward may be paying someone to mail those letters to me, which is why you can't smell any familiar scents on the envelopes. Of course, he doesn't know for sure because he has no proof."
Tapping his chin, Carlisle nodded thoughtfully. "Jacob may be correct on his suspicious."
"What if he is right, though?"
"Then we'll have to see if we can find him in Michigan. That's where your mail is coming from."
I gazed at him. "You would do that?" I asked.
He kissed my forehead. "Probably, but I may have Alice, Jasper, Emmett, or Rosalie go there if they wouldn't mind. I would want to be here so that I can look after you and protect you if anything happens. But I'll have to consider this."
I snuggled into him. "You're cute when you care."
"Thank you for telling me. I didn't know."
"You're welcome."
He caressed my cheek. "Does Jacob know if Sam has come to a decision yet, or no?"
I made a face. "No. Jacob would have let me know right away. However, I think that Sam will let you change me, since I'm your mate. I'm certain that he knows that you wouldn't have asked this if I wasn't."
"Perhaps. We can only hope for the best."
Carlisle and I were in the middle of a TV show when he abruptly got to his feet. "Yes, Alice?" he inquired.
I jumped when Alice climbed through the window. "Hi Bella!" she declared, grinning cheerfully.
I smiled back. "Hey, Alice. What's going on?" I queried.
She turned to Carlisle, but was still directing the conversation at me too. "I spoke to the others about your plan. Jasper and I would be happy to go to Michigan for you. We could get airplane tickets to Lansing and travel all over the state and its upper peninsula in no time at all. We'll leave in a few days. That is, if it is okay with you. We won't go if you don't want us to," she added.
Carlisle peered at her intently. "Are you certain that this is what you would like to do? How do Emmett and Rosalie feel about this? Do they want to go as well?"
"Yes, but I told them that it would be better for them to stay here in Forks. If we do find Edward in Michigan, it will be easier for us to get through to him than anyone else. You know how Emmett is, and you know that Edward doesn't get along with Rosalie very well half of the time. He's too furious with you, and if Bella goes with you, he could harm her."
"That sounds reasonable. You may go, but I advise you to be careful if you manage to locate him. Edward may try to hurt you as well. I believe that you should take Emmett and Rosalie with you, just in case it comes to a fight."
Alice nodded. "You're right, and we will. That is one of the first things that are more likely to happen than anything else-Edward fighting us, I mean. I guess I better let Emmett and Rosalie know that they can come with us."
Carlisle pursed his lips in agreement. "Go ahead, then. I'll be here with Isabella, so you'll know where to find me," he stated.
She hugged him quickly. "Okay. I'll see you guys later," she proclaimed. Then she embraced me. "Call me if anything. Maybe we can hang out tomorrow?"
I wrapped an arm around her. "Alright, that sounds like fun."
When she was gone, Carlisle relaxed on the bed and held me close. "I hope that this works," he sighed.
I threw my arm across his waist. "So do I," I mumbled.
XXX
Over the next two days, Alice, Jasper, and the others prepared for the trip to Lansing. Carlisle gave them advice, telling them to search for Edward during the night, but not during the day, unless it was going to be cloudy or rainy. He also told them to stick to the outskirts, and never go into a city or town unless it was necessary. He didn't want them to draw any unwanted attention.
I helped Alice pack two overnight bags. She said that it might be useful if they had to stay at a hotel. "We might have to stay in Michigan longer than we think," she pointed out. "We'll want to change our clothes."
Finally, they were ready to leave the next day. Because it would be a nearly four-hour flight, they had to leave at three o'clock so that they could be early for their flight, which would take off at six thirty-five.
When it was time for Alice and the others to go, Carlisle and I said good-bye to them and embraced them as if it would be the last time we would would ever be able to do so.
"Have a safe journey!" I called out to them as they were about to step into their vehicles.
"Be careful and look out for each other!" Carlisle added. "If you smell Edward's scent anywhere, call me immediately. And don't forget my instructions. Do you understand?"
Emmett smiled and waved. "Don't worry, Pop! We will!" he yelled.
"We love you!" Alice and Rosalie shouted.
"Love you too!" Carlisle and I returned.
Jasper grinned. "We'll be back sooner than you know it."
Carlisle snickered. "I hope so."
Everyone stepped into their vehicles and drove away. Once their cars had disappeared through the trees, Carlisle and I went inside the mansion.
"It's going to be quiet without them around," I noted wistfully.
"You say that as if it was a terrible thing," Carlisle murmured with a smirk.
"No. I'm just going to miss them a little, is all. I hope that they'll be okay."
Patting my back, Carlisle whispered, "I'll miss them too, and I'm positive that they will be. I wouldn't have been very optimistic if I hadn't suggested to Alice that Emmett and Rosalie should go with her and Jasper, however." He slapped his palms together. "On the other hand, at least we have the house to ourselves for a bit."
I had to laugh. "That's true. What are we going to do all by ourselves?"
"Oh, I have a quite a few ideas. Do you have to go home later?"
"Yes, but not for long. Charlie's working another night shift, so I have to make his dinner before he leaves. After that, you could bring me back here, we can do whatever we want. Charlie won't mind."
He eyed me quizzically. "Are you certain that he won't?"
I bobbed my head. "Of course, I am. I wouldn't come back if I wasn't."
We spent the next couple of hours planning on what we would do over the next two days. At five fifteen, I left to cook Charlie's dinner.
After serving him his meal, I returned to the mansion. Carlisle surprised me by having fixed my own dinner.
"This looks good, babe. Thank you!" I exclaimed, inspecting the kielbasa sausage Jambalaya that he had made.
"I only hope that it tastes good," he remarked with a grimace. "I haven't had much practice when it comes to cooking."
"Well, I don't think that it tastes as bad as you're afraid that it does," I assured.
Much to his relief, the Jambalaya was delicious. It had just the right amount of seasoning. "You should cook more often. This is wonderful," I commented.
Carlisle gave a tiny grin. "Thank you, my dear. I'm pleased that you like it."
Once I had finished eating, we played a few games before heading upstairs to his room.
Hours later, while he and I were each reading a novel, his cell phone rang. Carlisle took it out of his pocket and answered it.
"Hello, Alice," he greeted. "Are you in Lansing, now?" He paused for a brief second. "Excellent. Are you all okay? Did you have a safe flight?" Another pause. "That's good. Call me with an update or if you need anything. Good luck...I love you all too...Good-bye, sweetie."
Then he hung up and put the phone on his side-table drawer.
Pretty soon, I grew tired and put the book that I was reading away. Carlisle noticed and did the same thing.
As I buried myself under the covers, he pulled me close. "Good-night, darling," he murmured, kissing my pulse point.
"Mmm. Night, Carlisle," I whispered, holding my head higher to give him better access to my throat. He laid smooches all over my neck.
It didn't take long for either of us to become aroused. Carlisle ground into me, his erect cock rubbing against my hip. Our breathing grew shallow.
"Isabella," he hissed, sliding an arm around my waist. "I need to be inside you."
Trailing my fingers down his bare chest, I mumbled, "And you have me."
Carlisle kissed me deeply before tearing off my pajamas. Then he removed his boxers before hovering over me.
Just before he could enter me, however, I shook my head. "No. I want to fuck you," I stated.
So he laid down instead. I climbed on top of him, then straddled his legs and slid onto him with a moan. He grasped my waist as I began to ride him.
We made love all night long.
(Next day)
I woke up to the sound of Carlisle's voice the following morning. At first, I thought that he was talking to me, but when I opened an eye, I saw that he was speaking to someone on the phone.
"...do you mean you haven't smelled Edward or Tanya's scents anywhere on the state's lower peninsula? The letters clearly said that they came from there...They were never in Michigan?...Well, have you found the people who sent them to her?...You found the postal worker who had delivered them to Forks, but the scent of the person who mailed it is six days old, and he or she isn't there? I see...Have you checked the state's upper peninsula yet? Oh okay. Do you know when you be able to get there? Tonight. That's good...Everything is fine here. Isabella has just woken up...I'll be expecting your call then...I love you too, Rosalie. Good-bye."
Carlisle pressed the end button and turned around. He looked confused and disturbed, but smiled somewhat at me. "Good morning, love. How are you feeling?" he queried.
I shrugged. "I feel great," I responded with a croaky voice. "But that's your doing."
He laughed loudly. "Oh, really? You're welcome, then."
I slapped his arm lightly before sitting up. "What was the phone call about?"
Carlisle ran his palm over his face. "It appears that Edward and Tanya may have never gone to Michigan at all. The person who has mailed your letters turned out to be in Grand Rapids, as well as the postal worker. However, the scent of the person who mailed you is six days old, so they have no idea where he or she is. And if they cannot find that person, I don't know what more we can do. There would be no telling where he or she is."
"And Alice still can't see Edward or Tanya?"
"No. I'm afraid not."
Sighing, I buried my face in my hands. This was making me crazy. "I guess that we'll have to wait until Alice sees him."
"Unfortunately, you may be right about that."
After a while, I took a shower and got dressed. "I should be back in less than an hour. I'm just going to see if there's any mail at my house."
Carlisle nodded. "Hurry back, my dear."
I kissed him before leaving the mansion and stepping into my truck. Charlie's police cruiser was in the driveway, signalling that he was home.
When I entered the house, I heard him snoring, so I tried to be quiet so as not to wake him up. I fixed him two sandwiches, jotted a note telling him that I had done so, and that I would call him later. After putting the sandwiches in the refrigerator, I went outside and opened the mailbox.
There was only one letter in it, and it was for me. I looked it over; this one had no return address either, but the stamp still said Michigan. Whoever mailed it must have sent it before he or she left Grand Rapids. I tore it open and pulled out a card. This one was of the poem Annabell Lee that I saw in the book Nevermore by Edgar Allan Poe, except that it was titled "Isabella Marie."
Why in the fuck would Edward tell the person my name!?
It was many and many a year ago,
In a kingdom by the sea,
That a maiden there lived whom you may know
By the name of Isabella Marie;
And this maiden she lived with no other thought
Than to love and be loved by me.
I was a child and she was a child,
In this kingdom by the sea;
But we loved with a love that was more than love-
I and my Isabella Marie;
With a love that the wingèd seraphs of heaven
Coveted her and me.
And this was the reason that, long ago,
In this kingdom by the sea,
A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling
My beautiful Isabella Marie;
So that her highborn kinsman came
And bore her away from me,
To shut her up in a sepulchre
In this kingdom by the sea.
The angels, not half so happy in heaven,
Went envying her and me-
Yes!- that was the reason (as all men know,
In this kingdom by the sea)
That the wind came out of the cloud by night,
Chilling and killing my Isabella Marie.
But our love it was stronger by far than the love
Of those who were older than we-
Of many far wiser than we-
And neither the angels in heaven above,
Nor the demons down under the sea,
Can ever dissever my soul from the soul
Of the beautiful Isabella Marie.
For the moon never beams without bringing me dreams
Of the beautiful Isabella Marie;
And the stars never rise but I feel the bright eyes
Of the beautiful Isabella Marie;
And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side
Of my darling- my darling- my life and my bride,
In the sepulchre there by the sea,
In her tomb by the sounding sea.
By the time I had reached the end of the poem, I was fuming. I wanted to tear the mailbox off of the wall, hurl it across the street, and scream Edward's name in rage. However, if I did that, I would awaken Charlie and then have to explain why I was disturbing the peace. I haven't told him about this yet, and didn't understand how I could without mentioning that Edward-and not to mention that Carlisle and the rest of the family-were vampires. That idea of it was hilarious.
I put my head in my arms and calmed myself before getting in my truck again. Twenty minutes later, I was back at Carlisle's. The said person was waiting for me in the garage.
The burning anger that lingered inside of me must have shown in my expression because he frowned in concern. "What is the matter, love?" he inquired.
Without a word, I brandished the letter at him. Carlisle took it gently. As he read the poem, his scowl grew deeper and more profound. His eyes turned as black as pitch so fast that I jumped.
"That scheming motherfu-...he must have had this mailed before having the person that sent this leave Michigan. His or her aroma, along with the postal workers' and the mailman's, are on the envelope," he growled lowly. He took out his cell phone and dialed a number. "Hello? Alice? Oh, you saw this already...Yes, that is what I figured...Let the others know what has happened...Thank you...Call me after your search in the upper peninsula...Good-bye, love you too."
After hanging up, he shoved the phone and the letter in his pocket. "Let's go, Isabella," he declared, holding out his hand. I took it and followed him to the living room.
I sat on the couch, but Carlisle did not join me. Instead, he paced back and forth, deep in thought. I kept silent, knowing that he would be exasperated if his inner monologue was brought up short.
Minutes later, he came to a halt, nodding to himself. "Isabella. I need you to do me a favor, if you please," he announced.
"Yes?" I questioned.
Carlisle began to pace once more. "I would like for you to call Jacob right now and deliver a message for me. Tell him that it would be advisable to be on the lookout for Edward. He's not in Michigan, and therefore, we don't know where he is, so he may come back here. I don't know if he'll come close to their boundary line, but we are better safe than sorry. Tell him that if he and the pack comes across his scent, do not hesitate to call you immediately. Would you do that for me, please?"
"Sure," I replied, taking out my on cell phone. Jacob answered on the fourth ring.
"Hi Bella," he half-shouted.
"Hey, Jake. Are you busy?"
"No, why? Did something happen? Did Alice and the others find...Edward?" I had told him that they were going to search for Edward.
"No, but I received another letter this morning. Alice found the scent of the person who mailed it, but he or she left Grand Rapids-where the person was-after sending it."
There was a pause. "What about...Edward...and that bitch's scents?"
"They haven't smell them in Michigan's lower peninsula, and if they don't find them anywhere in the upper peninsula, then we're stumped. Alice still can't see him, so it would be almost impossible to find him without any leads, which brings me to the reason why I'm calling you."
"And...? What is it?"
I took a deep breath. "Carlisle believes that you should watch for Edward. If you smell his scent anywhere near your line, please call me right away so that I can let him know. Please?" I begged, hoping that he would agree with his warning.
Jacob was quiet, then replied, "Okay, no problem. Thanks for the heads-up."
I sighed in relief. "Don't mention it. I'll see you soon?"
"Of course. Bye, Bella. Call me when you hear more news."
"Don't worry, I plan to. Bye, Jacob."
There was a click on his side, and I pushed the end button. I turned to Carlisle and grinned a little. "He says he'll do it."
He pursed his lips. "Good. And now, I have something to ask you."
I cocked my head to the side. "What is it?"
"I need to look after and take of yourself. For the time being, I would prefer it if you didn't go anywhere alone. If you have to go to Port Angeles or Seattle, have Alice or Jacob accompany you if I'm at work. But if you do go somewhere by yourself, use extreme caution and watch your surroundings. Never go in an alleyway or any other place where there is no one around. Use the highway and stick to people. I love you with everything that I am, and if something happens to you, I swear that I shall lose it. All right, sweetheart?"
I nodded. "Yes, Carlisle. I understand."
He kissed my forehead. "Thank you, my dear. All I want is for you to be safe."
Embracing him tightly, I whispered, "I know, baby. I know."
No one had called until one o'clock the next morning. I had fallen asleep long before then, but I woke up when I heard Carlisle's phone ring.
"Hello?...You've traveled all over the Upper Peninsula? Have you found his or Tanya's scents? Or the person who mailed Isabella the letters?" he asked.
I did not hear a response, but they must not have discovered them because Carlisle pinched the bridge of his nose and groaned. "I see. No, it's fine. Thank you for doing this for me...You'll be in Forks by five o'clock tomorrow morning? All right, I'll see you then. Give the others my love...Good-bye, Jasper."
"They didn't find them?" I grunted.
He stroked my hair. "No. There wasn't a trace of Edward, Tanya, or the person who sent your mail anywhere on the Upper Peninsula." He exhaled deeply. "I have no idea of what to do now. Tracing Edward and Tanya's phone calls are impossible. They had to have purchased new ones."
I clutched his arm gently. "Don't worry, Carlisle. Perhaps we'll find them sooner than we think."
"We can only hope that we will, my dear."
XXX
Disappointment and frustration was rolling through the air when I woke up at Carlisle's house the morning after next. I went to the living room to find Alice, Jasper, Emmett, and Rosalie slumped on the furniture. Carlisle was there too, speaking softly to them in a comforting voice. When I approached them, however, they turned to me.
"Hi Bella," Alice murmured tiredly, standing up to give me a hug.
"Hey. I'm sorry that you guys couldn't find them," I sighed.
She rubbed my back, and we perched on the sofa. "It's not your fault that we didn't. But this isn't right! I was so certain that we would find them in Michigan."
It was then I realized something that I hadn't realized before. "Edward knew. He must have known that you would try to find him there, if he is the one who had those letters mailed to me. And if so, he wasn't going to make it easy for you to locate him. Edward must be farther away from Michigan than we had suspected, to make sure that he wasn't found."
Everyone stared at me with dawning comprehension.
"Of course," Jasper whispered. "Of course! Bella is right. Unfortunately, however, this discovery doesn't help us. How the hell will we find them if we don't know where to look?"
"We could track him on foot," Emmett suggested.
"But none of us are good at tracking," Rosalie pointed out.
Alice huffed. "Well, we have to do something. We can't just sit here and wait for Edward to attack us, if that's what he is planning to do."
Carlisle raised his hands. "Settle down, everybody. Bickering will get us nowhere. I'm certain that we can reach a decision that we will all agree on."
It seemed like quite a long time before anyone could. Emmett still believed that they should track Edward down, but Alice and Carlisle told him that it would be more favorable if they remained in Forks. Everyone would be able to keep a close eye on me in case something happened; my safety was their main priority, as well as Charlie's. I didn't want him to get involved with this. If someone has to hunt, one of the others can take their place in scoping the outskirts of the town. This meant that I would spend less time with Carlisle for now, even though he would keep me company for more than half of it, but it was for the best. When they weren't hunting, I would spend some days with Alice, Emmett, or Jacob if Carlisle was unavailable.
"It would be preferable if Isabella goes to La Push more often for the time being. Edward wouldn't be imprudent enough to break the treaty," Carlisle concluded.
Emmett saw that they were right and agreed with them, and so did Jasper and Rosalie.
"What will we do if Edward does show up?" Rosalie demanded.
Carlisle frowned pensively. "I don't want us to have to fight him unless it is strictly necessary, which I pray doesn't happen at all. However, that may be the only other option for us, if Edward refuses to speak to us rationally and above-board. You know he chooses not to when he feels threatened or provoked, so don't get him a reason to began an argument which could turn in an all-out riot. And while this is happening, one or two of us has to protect Isabella. I don't want Edward to harm her in any way possible, be it physically, mentally, or psychologically."
Everybody else inclined their heads.
"That's a wise idea," Jasper mumbled, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
"Yeah, it is," Emmett coincided.
"I'm all for it," Rosalie added.
"Me too," Alice proclaimed.
XXX
For the rest of the week, I volunteered to spend my days and afternoons with Jacob. Because he patrolled the Quileute boundary at night, I didn't have to be left alone while his friends were on duty. There wasn't much for us to do, other than hanging out in his garage and strolling along or swimming at the beach. We made the best of it though, since after a few weeks, I wouldn't be coming back for quite some time.
The story was different when it came to Carlisle and my family. I didn't get to see them much during the evenings that week, although they would pop in and check on me at my house every once in a while. I was lucky that I spend three nights with him that week; after work, he would drop his medical bag off at the mansion before starting his guard duties. He was often the stand-in for the others, who had to hunt at least twice a week, which was why I could only see him for three nights. I missed him, and the others, but it didn't matter much. I would be able to see them almost all of the time when we moved to Alaska, even if I couldn't be changed into a vampire.
In the beginning, my family, Jacob, and his pack took to their duties eagerly enough. However, by the middle of the next week, the zest in their search had started to diminish a bit.
Thankfully, no more mysterious letters had arrived, but everybody was still cautious.
Meanwhile, the weather had began to grow slightly cooler. September would be starting in only a couple of days, which meant that I would be in town for only five more.
"I can't believe that it's almost time for you to leave already," Jacob groaned while he was fixing Paul's Honda.
"I know. I'm going to miss you, and Charlie, and your friends so much," I sighed.
He smirked. "The next time I'll see you, you'll probably be a vampire, huh?" he teased halfheartedly.
I chuckled. "Maybe. Sam hasn't decided anything yet."
"No, but I'm sure that he will before you leave next week. Hey, that reminds me. My friends and I are having a party slash bonfire on Sunday evening, and you're invited. Do you want to come? We have to do something fun on your last night in town."
"Sure, I'll come. A party doesn't sound too bad. Just don't expect me to dance or anything."
"Ha ha. I won't."
On Saturday, Charlie and I had one last dinner together at the Lodge. We were originally going to have it the next day, but we changed our plans after I told him about the party. He was surprised that I was going at all, knowing that I hated them.
"Do you have everything packed? Your clothes and other personal belongings?" Charlie inquired as we were eating.
I bobbed my head. "Yeah, but I have to get a new backpack in Seattle before I go to the party tomorrow. One with wheels that you can drag behind you," I replied.
Charlie grunted. "Oh okay. Be careful out there."
With my family and werewolves protecting me I don't have much choice but to, I thought. "I will, Dad."
We continued to eat before he spoke again.
"It's going to be much quieter without you around, Bella. And goodness knows, I probably won't have a decent meal at home for a good bit. What am I going to do without you?" Charlie queried.
"You'll manage, Dad. Just don't burn the house down if you can help it," I joked.
He and I shared a laugh.
Once we had finished our dinner, we left the restaurant and drove home. Carlisle was lying on my bed, reading a newspaper, but glanced at me as I entered the room. It was mostly bare now except for the bed, my lamps, and the desk, which would remain here.
"You're not on duty tonight?" I whispered to him in a optimistic voice.
Carlisle shook his head. "No. Alice and the others are patrolling the edge of Seattle tonight. She said that you were planning to buy a book bag there?" he hissed.
"Mm-hmm, but I'll be back in time for Jacob's party. I won't stay long, though, since we have to get an early start on Monday." I sighed sadly. "I'm really going to miss everybody."
Carlisle hugged me. "I know you will, sweetheart. But we will be able to come back someday, and you can see you father again."
I buried my face in his chest. "I hope that I can. It would break my heart if I could never see him again because I couldn't control my thirst."
He kissed the top of my head. "It will be all right, in the end. You shall see. Will you be going to Seattle by yourself?"
"Yes, but I might bring Jacob with me if he isn't involved in planning the bonfire and the party."
"Well, if you go to Seattle alone, remember what I told you. Do not use alleyways or walk through places that are devoid or people."
"I haven't forgotten, babe. Don't worry."
I kissed him on the lips and snuggled into him.
(The Following Morning)
Carlisle was already left for the hospital when I woke up the next day. I slunk out of bed and took a shower, then had a quiet breakfast with Charlie. After I had finished putting our plates and cups in the dishwasher, I called Jacob.
"Hey, it's me," I remarked when he answered the phone.
"Oh, hi Bella. What's up? Did they find the scumbag or the slut yet?" Jacob questioned.
I snorted. "I wish that they did. I was only calling to see if you were involved in the party planning."
"Yeah, I am. I have to drive to Hoquiam soon to buy some stuff and set up a few things. Why?"
"Because I was going to Seattle to buy something and I wanted to know if you could come along. It looks like your hands are full, though, so never mind. I'll be okay."
Jacob was dubious. "Are you sure? I can get someone else to..."
"No, no! It's fine. I'm just going to buy one thing, and then I'll be back in time for the party."
He sighed. "If you say so. Where are Alice and the others patrolling today?"
"Port Angeles."
"Oh, all right. I'll see you later then, Bella."
"All right, Jake. Bye."
"Bye."
I put the phone on the receiver, then went to check the mailbox. It was empty.
Because there was nothing else for me to do, I relaxed in my bedroom and watched movies until three thirty. I grabbed my keys and purse, then left my bedroom.
"Hey, Dad! I'll see you after the party!" I called to Charlie.
"Okay, Bella. Have fun!" he shouted back.
"I'll try to."
After saying this, I walked out of the house and stepped into my Chevrolet. When the engine roared to life, I backed out of the driveway and sped down the street.
The highway was filled with a good amount of vehicles this late in the day. Traffic wasn't bad, but it was still a little more than two hours when I reached the city.
It took another fifteen minutes to get to the store that I wanted to go to. I parked the truck, then went inside.
The shop was full of people who were buying school supplies at the last minute. I strolled through the aisles until I found the backpacks, lifted one that had wheels off of the shelf, and waited in line. When it was finally my turn, I paid for the book bag.
"Have a wonderful evening," the cashier smiled enthusiastically.
"Thanks," I muttered, leaving the store.
When I climbed into my truck, I laid the backpack on the floor under the seat next to me. Pretty soon, I was driving through and out of Seattle.
This time, the highway seemed much emptier. There were barely any vehicles in front of me going in my direction, and none at all behind me. It seemed odd, but I waved it off. I was just being paranoid. Instead, I thought about the stuff that there would be to do at the party that Jacob and his friends were throwing.
I had just cruised around a bend in the road when I saw a road worker holding up a stop. I immediately screeched to a halt. The man approached me, and I rolled down my window.
"What's the problem?" I inquired.
"The road is closed a few feet away. There was a major accident," he responded, leering at me in a frighteningly evil way. I suddenly felt uncomfortable. "Go to the nearest exit and use the other road until you get to Port Angeles. You can get back on the highway there."
I nodded and rolled the window shut as quickly as possible. I sped away, hoping that it wouldn't take too long to get to the bonfire.
As instructed, I drove to the next exit and coasted down the ramp. The streetlight at the end of the road turned yellow, then red. I stopped again.
What occurred after that happened so fast that everything was a blur. The door next to me was thrown open, and before I could do more than turn around, I was seized by a two pairs of strong hands. I was blindfolded and gagged, then slung onto a hard surface that I could not see. Then I felt someone tying my wrists and ankles together with a rope, and heard a door slam.
By this time, the shock had worn off and I screamed as loud as I could. However, my voice was muffled. No one would be able to hear me.
The floor shifted and I rolled into something; I must have been in a van. I struggled to free my arms and legs, but it was useless. The rope was tied too tightly.
Just then, I remembered Alice and called to her through my mind, telling her to bring help.
Either she couldn't see me, or didn't know where I was, because nothing happened as I was driven to who-knows-where. Fear welled up inside of me. Why couldn't Alice hear me? Was I about to die, and my future had gone blank? Or did she think that I was with Jacob? I prayed that it wasn't the first reason. I didn't want to die! What would my Mom and Phil and Charlie do if I turned up missing, and didn't find me until it was entirely too late? Jacob would go crazy, I knew. And when Carlisle found out that I was killed, he would destroy himself! Alice, Jasper, Emmett, and Rosalie would be heartbroken after losing two more pieces to our family. It hurt them bad enough when Edward had left us.
I bowed my head and wept stormily. I never wanted it to end like this for me, for my family.
In what seemed like days, even though I knew it was only a short time, I felt the vehicle come to a stop. I heard the door open and someone pulled me. My wrist and ankles were untied, and the blindfold was removed, but the person covered my eyes right away. He or she didn't remove my gag.
I kicked, squirmed, and hollered, trying to make him or her let me go. Nevertheless, the person was stronger and hoisted me over their shoulder as if I was nothing but a sack of chicken feathers. I felt him or her run a considerable distance and pause. Another door opened and I was thrown into another vehicle. The person removed the gag before closing the door.
I opened my eyes and took in my surroundings. I was inside of an expensive car, which was in the middle of an unrecognizable forest.
"Hello, Bella," a deep, dark, but familiar voice murmured next to me.
I pivoted, then gasped as I stared at its owner.
(A/N: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE REVIEW AND TELL ME YOUR OPINIONS! My, that was a chapter, wasn't it? I'll post the new chapter, by next Friday or Saturday at the latest. I promise. I know that you can't wait to see what happens next!)
