Chapter 8

Going down to the bay with Jessica was fun. She talked and I half-listened. She was on one of her unstoppable talks. The only thing she really wanted was a "yeah" and some expression once and while, and you could pretty much do whatever else you liked. I chose to look around at the booths located around the area. There was everything from jewelry to food. It was very beautiful, the water, that close to twilight.

I looked out into the distance, as Jessica continued to talk about Mike and the dance. I took in a breath of dense, salt air. I watched a fisherman catch a fish, just off the pier. It was so serene in my head that I almost cried when I felt a shock go through me. I had mumbled a spell. I wasn't too sure what it was, but it made me tense up and jump.

"Angela?" Jessica grabbed my arm. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," I tried to smile, but I was confused. What had just happened? What had I said?

I suddenly felt the urge to go meet Bella at the restaurant.

"Why don't we head over to the restaurant?" I asked Jessica. She didn't fight me, she held a worried look on her face, and she kept one hand on my arm the whole way.

When we reached the restaurant it was nearing dark, so we waited inside. The waitress offered us a table in the middle, and we took it. She brought us bread and we immediately started chomping on it. The shock ran through my body again. I paused in the middle of swallowing and began to choke. Jessica rushed to my side and began whacking my back. When I could finally breath, I decided I needed some air—alone, I made sure to tell Jess. She just stared at me as I walked out the doors.

The night air felt cold, but welcoming. I decided to go for a quick walk. It was dark out, so I couldn't really tell where I was going, but when I reached a dead end, I turned around and heard a shuffling of feet—running. There was no one else around me; I was far from the main part of Port Angeles. I froze in place, waiting to see an attacker appear in front of me. I realized that they held no power over me, as I could hurt them without even touching them. I thanked God for magic.

The running continued and I stood my ground. Suddenly, I saw a blur run past the opening of the alleyway. Bella. The shock came back again. I had said a safety spell. I said a spell to tell myself if Bella was in danger. I had no idea how, or why, but I had. I ran after her, but when I reached the mouth of the alleyway, I spotted to male figures walking quickly and carefully after Bella. I pressed myself against the wall of a building, and prayed that the shadows would hide me. They did, and the villains walked right past me.

What am I going to do? I didn't want to scare Bella anymore than she already was, but I wanted her safe. She had disappeared around a corner and the men were turning that same corner. Think, think think! I screamed in my head. His shiny silver Volvo popped into my head. Edward. I needed to call Edward. I had only done a summoning spell once, but I was pretty sure I remembered how to do it. I closed my eyes and took in a breath.

"Bella is in trouble,

She's being pursued.

Edward must save her

Or Bella will surely...lose."

I struggled to find something that rhymed with pursued. I wasn't sure if that would ruin the spell, but I had to hold onto faith. I walked around the corner just in time to see a car speed by. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I praised my mind. I didn't stick around to see the rescue. How would I explain it all?

I ran my way back to the restaurant. It was a long run, I hadn't realized how far I had traveled, but the lights were suddenly in my view, and that only made me run faster. Once inside, I noticed Jess waving me over to our table.

"Where have you been?!" She demanded.

"Sorry, I went for a walk and lost track of the time," I told her. "Let's order."

"But, Bella--"

"Well, we can eat now, and then just sit with her while she eats," I told Jess. She agreed, I heard her stomach talk.

When we'd finished eating, we paid and walked outside to watch for Bella. We paced a few feet from the restaurant when we finally heard her.

"Jess! Angela!" She called and ran to us, we met her halfway. I almost thought he'd just dropped her off, but then he stepped beside her. I wasn't sure of my expression, but I was sure Jess's was one of surprise.

"Where have you been?" Jessica worked up the courage to talk.

"I got lost," I knew she was lying, well, partially. "And then I ran into Edward."

"Would it be alright if I joined you?" He flashed a smile. Jess was overcome with lust. I still didn't know how I felt...but my face may have betrayed me and showed a sign of shyness.

"Er...sure," Jessica was still frozen.

"Um, actually, Bella, we already ate while we were waiting," I admitted, avoiding Edward's eyes.

"That's fine--I'm not hungry," She replied.

"I think you should eat something," This was not a suggestion. "Do you mind if I drive Bella home tonight? That way you don't have to wait while she eats."

I watched Bella's expression carefully as I chose my answer. "Uh, no problem, I guess..." I saw her wink at me. She did want to be with him.

"Okay." I said before Jessica could object. "See you tomorrow, Bella...Edward."

Thank you. I told him in my mind. For saving her. His returning smile was full of knowing, he knew I had been there, he knew I had called him. I quickly grabbed Jess's hand and pulled her towards the car.

As we settled into the car, I saw Jess give Bella a look that said "I want full details tomorrow". I rolled my eyes and swallowed a laugh.