Chapter 10 – Day Seven

Bella's POV

All day I felt eyes on me. No matter where I went, whether is was school or home I was always being followed and watched. Last night I even spotted Caius pacing under my bedroom window. Why though? He was never this shy before. He seemed to do things on impulse. He marked me on impulse. He didn't have to think about marking me at all. So why was he over thinking things now? Did he regret it? Did he not want me any more?

Why are you even bothered? I asked myself. You should be happy about this development! I tried to push Caius out of my mind and go on with my daily routine. Arriving at school the other students stared at me like they did when I had first arrived in Forks. To them I had been their shiny new toy to play with. The girls had envied me because of all the attention I received from the boys and the Cullens. Now they stared at me with caution. I was the chick that ran with vampires. Not that you could run with vampires.

The week was nearly up and soon I would be forced to leave Charlie and Jake. Jake would understand. He knows that the pack couldn't take on the Volturi. But Charlie was a whole different story. He will want to fight for me. Even if fighting for me caused his own death. I could not let that happen. I will have to leave him a note and get Jake the explain to him properly. I may even be able to visit him in a few years after I have my thirst under control. If they will let me leave Italy that is.

Looking back on my time in Forks I have realised that I should have spent more time with Charlie. I mean, that was the reason I came here anyway. As soon as I arrived I spent all of my time with the Cullens. I knew Charlie missed me but I was just too selfish. And now I regret it because at the end of this day I am going to have to leave him for good. I had to think of what I was going to say to Charlie without hurting him.

That day I spent all my time with Angie because everyone kept on asking me questions that I wasn't sure if I should answer or not. Angela knew that I would tell her what was bothering me when I was ready even though I knew she was curious. I wanted to tell her about my history with vampires and the Cullens. I wanted to tell her all about James, Laurent and Victoria. I had wanted to tell someone, anyone who would listen just after it had happened. But would she judge me? I didn't want her to think any less of me. So I settled with telling her that I would be leaving.

"Angie" I spoke quietly, breaking the silence as we walked through the parking lot. She looked up, encouraging me to continue. "I am leaving tonight."

I didn't have to even wait a second before I received a reply. "What!? You cannot leave." Angela insisted, shocked by my sudden admission.

I looked down to the ground shuffling my feet before I softly spoke again. "I have to. I have to go to Volterra with the royal vampires." I didn't want to think about leaving Angela. My only true friend here in Forks apart from the Cullens.

"But why? I don't understand." She was talking to herself now more than me.

"I don't fully understand either but I won't question it because I know what they can do. I have witnessed their strength and their powers and I don't want you or any of my family being hurt because of me making a stupid decision to rebel against their orders." My fingers automatically traced the cold crescent shaped scar on my wrist. Angela glanced down, her eyes becoming wider by the second as she realised what it was.

"D-did they do this to you?" She spoke in an almost whisper. Her breathing becoming heavier by the second.

"No, no, no this wasn't them. This was someone else." I explained quickly. "A sadistic nomad who the Cullens saved me from. He is dead now."

Memories of that night flooded back through my mind. Thinking that he had my mother, so much glass, his horrible smile, and fire. Lots and lots of fire. I shuddered, pushing the thoughts away, not wanting to scare Angela.

"I guess this is goodbye then?" She said sadly. A small tear escaped from her eyes falling down onto her cheek. I brought her into a massive hug squeezing her tightly. I didn't want to leave her but I won't have her or anyone else being hurt because of me. I pulled away and walked towards my truck. "Goodbye," I said one final time before driving home.

That evening I made dinner for Charlie and then went up to my room and packed up most of my stuff. I made sure to pack pictures of everyone I loved. There was a picture of Edward and I at my 18th birthday party that Alice had planned. The dreaded Birthday party that had Jasper nearly killing me because of a stupid paper cut. I missed Edward sometimes but we were never meant to be. I loved that photograph because we both look happy.

Charlie would be working late tonight and I knew I would not get to to see him before I leave. I didn't want to leave him without saying good bye so I wrote a note and left it by his dinner. It explained that I was leaving and why I wouldn't see him for a while. Maybe in the future, once I have controlled my thirst, I could come see him. Would he even want to see me though? Jake and I can never be friends again. We will be mortal enemies.

I lay in bed, waiting. Waiting to start my new life. The new life I didn't want. Closing my eyes I let these thoughts take over. I must have been caught up in my thoughts because I didn't notice a figure looming over me with a piece of cloth until they forced it over my mouth. I tried to scream but it was too late. Darkness took over.

~SophieAngel69