"She wouldn't do that!" I said incredulously

"Are you willing to take that chance Edward?" Alice questioned me honestly

"She wouldn't dare leave me Alice. She's too petrified of Victoria & especially Mike, to just leave me." I chuckled again at the thought "After all Alice, she is only human!"

I heard an intake of breath outside my door. I turned to see Bella. She had heard our entire conversation. "Um- Alice, I need-" she began to stammer and then abruptly stopped, she looked like she was going to cry "Never mind." And she ran towards Alice's room.

I looked at Alice, and she seemed truly angry with me." Edward, you need to get in there and explain this to Bella right now." She demanded

"What is there to explain to her? I will not do it. I will not kill her." Once again stating my feelings clearly

"Then I'm done with you too! You are utterly hopeless!" she stormed off, going to check on Bella, I assumed.

I felt like breaking something, anything! Why couldn't they see, all I wanted was to protect Bella. I knew what they all thought. That I was just being stubborn, and stupid about this whole thing. But surly Bella would understand, everything I was doing was for her. To keep her safe.

Bella's POV

I was on my way to Alice's room but turned back to ask Alice if she had something for me to change into. I made my way back to Edward's room and heard them arguing. I couldn't help but hear them. The words shattered my heart.

"She wouldn't dare leave me Alice. She's too petrified of Victoria & especially Mike, to just leave me." He said with a slight laugh "After all Alice, she is only human!"

I had to catch my breath, I was stunned by his words and the coldness held deep within them. "Um- Alice, I need-" I stammered. I felt as if I were breaking apart inside. "Never mind." And I ran towards Alice's room.

I was too angry to think clearly. I shut Alice's door and looked around for anything of mine. As I took in the contents, I immediately recalled nothing was mine. All of the clothes Alice had bought for me, they weren't truly mine. I heard the door open and shut and Alice's voice resonate in the air "That brother of mine is too stubborn for his own good!" she huffed

"I'm not his problem anymore." I spoke silently "There is nothing here that belongs to me Alice. I should be going, but before I do please know how much your kindness and friendship has meant to me. I would have loved to be part of your family." I tried to hold the tears back as I spoke those final words, Alice hugged me and my tears flowed freely.

"Bella, please think this through. He doesn't always know what is best for him until it is too late. Please give him the chance to make things right."

"And what about next time, and the next. How many more times Alice? Edward is right. I am 'only human', which means I am nothing of significance."

"Bella, he loves you so much!" Alice proclaimed

"But not enough." I trailed off "You know Alice, the thing is Edward was right. I am petrified of Victoria & Mike, but I am also frightened at how easily it is for Edward to deceive me."

"Bella, I'm so sorry. If there is anything I can do-" she began

"Please, if you wouldn't mind taking me to La Push or at least to the border I would greatly appreciate it."

"NO! NO, you aren't going anywhere!" Edward's voice boomed in the hallway as he entered the room

"I am not your concern Edward, please don't give a second thought to my care. I am going to La Push, and once Victoria and Mike have been taken care of I will return home to my mother. With Charlie gone, she will expect me to come live with her." I said looking away from him.

"I will not let you go! This is utterly ridiculous Bella."

"I agree!" I yelled meeting his gaze "Honor your promise to change me and there is no issue."

I saw the hesitation in his eyes

"Goodbye Edward." I said quietly walking out of the room with Alice close behind.

"Wait!" Edward called

I didn't respond to his call. He would just put me off again; make another promise that I knew he couldn't keep. With my heart breaking I left with Alice as she drove me to the border. I used her cell phone to call Jake and he happily agreed to meet me.

The car stopped as we waited for Jake. I could sense Alice wanted to say something more, but what else could she say. She had tried to defend her brother's actions over and over again. The cell phone in my hand buzzed and I immediately handed it to Alice.

"No, Bella. It's for you." She smiled

"Alice, I cant –"

"Just please listen to him, then make your choice."

I answered the phone, and heard Edward's voice

"Alice, please tell me you still have her. Please tell me that she hasn't gone with him." He paused "Alice?"

"Edward." I breathed

"I'm such an daft idiot. Please forgive me." He spoke calmly, but I didn't answer. Alice had only asked me to listen to him; I wanted to know what he was thinking. "Bella, I wont promise anymore, just please come home. Trust me…. come home and I'll do it. I'll change you."

Edward's POV

"I'm such an daft idiot. Please forgive me." I spoke as calmly as I could. She was putting herself at an unnecessary risk all because of me. Because I was holding out the false hope that I could keep her human just a bit longer. But I've realized she was right. It is our only option "Bella, I wont promise anymore, just please come home. Trust me…. come home and I'll do it. I'll change you."

"Bella?"…."Bella? Hello?"

"It's me Edward." Alice spoke

"Where is Bella?" I asked uncertainly, but Alice didn't answer. I guess I already knew the answer anyway.