Note: This chapter contains two letters from Jacob: one to Bella and one to Edward.
Jacob's letter to Edward
Leech,
I read your letter, and no, I hadn't heard of your disengagement to Bella. As much as I want to act surprised or sad, I cannot. I have no pity to give to you, and I'm quite glad she denied your hand in marriage. And for future reference I have no intent on falling in love with my new "lady friend." Her name is Chandra, and she grew up in Bowie, Maryland. She isn't that old the same age as me – sixteen and a half – yet she's starting college next fall. The school year here isn't as long as our so she's already out of school whereas we have three more weeks.
Chandra had talked me out of staying in Maryland, and somehow managed to convince me to let her travel with me. I would be halfway home already, but the methods of travel we're using are uncommonly slow. I have half a mind to throw her on my back and run home, but I know that would be more trouble than it's worth.
The longer I stay with her I start to see little differences in her and Bella. She isn't as shy as Bella, nor does she blush as much as Bella does. Chandra is more headstrong, and is twice as stubborn. She also has slightly shorter hair then Bella, but if she stood next to Bella for a while I would be convinced that they were sisters.
I don't know what else to say to you… it's awkward trying to hold some sort of conversation with you even if it is through writing.
Jacob
Jacob's letter to Bella
Bells,
We're in Detroit now, and Chandra is asking a lot about you. She seems a lot more… stubborn than you, but I'm sure you'll love her. In two days we'll be in Kansas. Chandra has convinced me to stop to see some sites on our way back. After we land in Kansas we will be heading to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, and then Washington. I understand it will be at least two weeks until I return home, but I want you to know that we're moving with at least a small sense of urgency.
I heard about your disengagement to Edward in a previous letter he recently mailed me. I wish to say I am sorry for your loss, but I cannot bring myself to say it. I do not know if he informed you of his wish to mail me, but I know that at least I have told you.
As soon as I get back, the first thing I will do is visit you. I don't care if I get back at five in the morning; you can expect me to be standing on your porch with my suitcase in hand. Of course Chandra will accompany me to visit everyone, and later on I will drop her off to a hotel in Seattle unless Emily insists on housing her. We both know how generous Emily can be when she meets new people.
There is not much to do in Detroit, and I want to hurry up and fly to Kansas, but I understand that Chandra is actually excited about how many casinos there are. She loves blackjack and has given hints that she counts cards which worries me. It is in these moments I start to wonder the sanity of this girl. Even so I must accompany her to many of these nightly visits to the casino in case she manages to get herself in trouble. I find the events quite boring, but everyone in there seems to somewhat enjoy it.
Until next time,
Jacob