-Chapter 11-
(Recap)
His smile faded. "You should go home, Bella."
I looked at him, puzzled. "What? Why?" I didn't want to leave him.
"Your father's home. He's looking for you."
(Bella's POV)
We walked back to my house in silence. I had assured Edward I would be fine walking myself, but he insisted, and to be honest, I wanted him there. He made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It was all so confusing. I didn't understand how Charlie and Jacob could so openly despise him. All he had ever done was be nice to me. Charlie had told me numerous times how Edward mistreated me, but I just couldn't see it. How anyone so kind and gentlemanly could be a monster is beyond me.
While we walked, I let my mind wander. Now I was free to think without interference, a few things I hadn't paid any attention to sprung to mind. How had Edward known Charlie was looking for me? And now I thought about it, I realized there were other occasions when he seemed to know what was coming before it did. I shook my head, trying to rid my mind of such thoughts. I was really starting to lose it...
When we reached my doorstep I paused. I knew I had to go in and face Charlie, but I was loathe to leave Edward. Sensing my distress, Edward spun me gently to face him. His eyes shone with some unfathomable emotion.
"Can I see you tomorrow?" I flushed with pleasure at his words. I had to bite my lip to stop myself squealing. I had already done that once tonight, no need to make him think I'm insane. I nodded shyly, scuffing the ground with my toe. A low chuckle reached my ears. I grinned at the sound. I loved his laugh.
I raised my head, my eyes widening as I noticed how close Edward was. He leaned down towards me. My eyes locked on his lips. How I wished he would kiss me. He had kissed me on the cheek, but I longed for him to kiss me properly.
He reached towards me, resting his hands lightly on my waist. I shivered at the sensation, trying to worm my way further into his arms, but before I had the chance to move, Edward froze. I glanced up at him, confused. His jaw was tense, and his eyes were burning. I pressed my hand gently against his cheek.
"Edward, what's wrong?" I murmured, my other hand rubbing his arm soothingly. His golden orbs met my brown ones.
"Bella, I think it would be best if you went inside now." His voice was carefully distant, and my face must have betrayed my shock and hurt because his eyes softened. He took my hand gently. "Charlie is planning on coming out here and trying to physically separate us if you don't go in now."
Sure enough, Charlie was standing in the window of the front room, the light illuminating his hard features. I flinched away from the fury in his eyes, cowering into Edward's chest. "It'll be ok." He stepped to the side slightly, his back to the window, blocking me from view. "Call me before you go to bed, ok? I need to hear your voice. Just so I know you are ok. If you want me to come over, I will be here in a heartbeat." He rambled before I placed a finger over his lips.
"I'll be fine." I assured him, giving him the best smile I could muster. "I'll call you, don't worry." He sighed heavily, kissing me briefly on the forehead. I closed my eyes as his cold lips touched my skin.
And then he was gone.
I spun around in a circle, searching, but he was nowhere in sight.
How did he move that fast?
I reluctantly turned towards the house and what was awaiting me inside.
As soon as the door clicked shut behind me, I was accosted by Charlie.
"WHERE THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE BEEN YOUNG LADY?" He roared, spraying spit in my face. I jumped at the abrupt loud noise, meeting his glare with what I hoped was wide-eyed innocence.
"I went for a walk! I couldn't sleep and I wanted some fresh air!"
"Don't give me that crap! You were meeting him weren't you? Don't lie to me Isabella, I saw you out there with him!" He hissed, shoving his face in mine. I cringed away from him in fright.
"N-no, I wasn't meeting him. I just went out for a walk and he was there! I promise!" I let a tear drip down my cheek. Maybe if he thought I was crying he would believe me. I held my breath as his glare wavered upon seeing my tears-I very rarely cried. It didn't last though.
"I don't want you anywhere within 10 miles of that boy, do you understand? He is trouble and I will not have you spending time with the likes of him!"
"But dad-"
"NO BUTS! If I find out you have been meeting with him in secret, I will ground you for a month!" I gaped at him. He couldn't do that! He wouldn't do that. I realized with a start. Because if he did that then I wouldn't be able to go out on dates with Jacob like he wants. Win-win situation.
"What are you smirking at?" Charlie demanded, startling me. He didn't give me chance to reply. "Just go to your room and stay there!" He grabbed a fistful of my hair, and practically threw me into the hallway. I yelped as I fell face first on floor. I was sure to have bruises there tomorrow. Whimpering in pain, I picked myself up off the carpet and stumbled up the stairs to my room.
Under the covers of my blankets, I pressed the numbers I had now memorized. He picked up before the first ring died.
"Bella?"
"Hi." I breathed, making sure to keep the noise down. I didn't want to alert Charlie to my actions. He would be furious.
"Are you ok?" I smiled into my pillow. His concern warmed my heart.
"I'm fine."
"Do you want me to come over?"
"I do, but it might be best you don't. I think Charlie would kill you if you do." I admitted, downtrodden.
"Silly Bella." He chuckled. "Charlie won't find out. Open your window."
"But Edwa-" He had hung up. I stared at the phone in shock. What the hell was he talking about. I crawled out from under my blankets, and began to work my window open. It was stiff with age, and I thought I wasn't going to be able to do it for a moment.
A pale hand closed around the rim of the window, pulling it open. I screamed in fright, but the sound was muffled as Edward leapt through the window, clamping a hand over my mouth.
"Shhhhhh!" He whispered urgently, listening carefully for any signs Charlie had heard. After a long time, he relaxed, uncovering my mouth.
"You scared the hell out of me!" I whispered angrily. "How did you get here so quick? And how did you get up here?"
"I never left, Bella. I was waiting until you called me so I could be here quicker if you wanted me to come. And as for how I got up here, what can I say? I'm a good climber." I shook my head in disbelief. He caressed my cheek gently with the back of his hand, making me melt into his body.
His arms wound around me, and it was probably a good job. My legs felt like jelly and I would have fallen if he hadn't been holding me up. His fingers brushed softly across the side of my face, from my temple to my jaw, frowning. "What happened to your face?" I flushed, pressing my burning skin into his cool hand.
"I fell." I lied unconvincingly.
"Bella," He warned, but I ignored him, pulling away and grabbing my pajamas. I changed quickly in the bathroom, shouting a quick goodnight to Charlie before returning to my room and Edward. He was sitting on my bed when I walked in, a frown marring his beautiful face. It abruptly changed to a smile when he saw me though, so I thought nothing of it.
I climbed onto the bed beside him, snuggling into his side. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me securely against him.
"You should get some sleep." He advised, stroking my hair gently.
"I don't want you to leave."
"I'm not going to leave you."
"But Charlie..."
"Don't worry about it." He stood up, picking me up gently, and pulled back the blankets of my bed, laying me down and tucking them tenderly around me. He took a step backwards.
"Stay with me." I pleaded, my hand searching for his, pulling him back towards me. He hesitated, then climbed onto the bed beside me, wrapping his arms around me from behind.
"Sleep now, love." He cooed in my ear. I turned in his arms so I was facing him. His lips were so close. All I had to do was lean a little, and we would be kissing. I leaned forward slightly. Edward's eyes widened. I chickened out. I pressed my lips to his jaw instead, burying my face in his neck to hide my blush.
Edward's arms tightened around me, pulling me closer, and I could feel him smiling into my bare shoulder. He began humming softly. The tune was vaguely familiar but I couldn't place my finger on it. It sounded like a lullaby. I found myself quickly becoming drowsy, and within a few moments, I was fast asleep.
(Carlisle POV later that night)
"Dr. Cullen? Chief Swan here to see you." A nurse called, poking her head round the door to the cubicle. I sighed. It was pretty easy to guess what he was here for.
"Tell him I will be out in a few minutes, Maria." I said, turning back to my patient. "Ok, Chris, you should be free to go tomorrow morning. I will send someone in with the paperwork first thing, and then you will be good to go." I slid the clipboard into the box on the foot of the bed, patting the boy's leg, gently. "But no extreme sports just yet, ok? Let that leg heal before you try all those stunts again."
"Yes, Doc." He grinned at me cheekily. I should my head in amusement. I knew he would be back on his skateboard before the day was out.
I turned towards the door, and moved in the direction Charlie was in.
"Chief Swan. How may I help you?" I kept my voice level and friendly, while inside I was furious with the man. He turned to me, his face a mask of anger.
"I'll tell you what you can do, you can keep your good-for-nothing son away from my daughter!" He yelled, attracting the attention of several people in the room.
"Chief Swan, I would appreciate it if you refrained from talking about my family that way. How about we discuss this in my office?" I watched as Charlie's face slowly turned purple.
"There's nothing to discuss! You will tell your son to keep away from my daughter and that is final!"
"I will do no such thing." I growled, letting some of my anger seep into my voice. "Edward loves Bella with all his heart and would do anything for her. He would never hut her. You on the other hand have repeatedly hurt her. I think you should carefully consider your own actions before you come to criticize my son's." The venom was now prominent in my voice, and Charlie paled a little.
"How dare you pick fault with how I raise my own child! I don't care what you say, if he comes within 10 feet of Bella, I will be forced to take out a restraining order against him." I sighed.
"Charlie, I am not trying to pick fault with anyone. I am merely trying to point out that, as Edward so aptly put it yesterday, Bella is a legal adult, and it is up to her who she spends her time with. And you know very well, you can't take out a restraining order without Bella's consent, and I know as well as you do that she wont agree to it." Charlie blanched, as if he only just realized that.
"Just keep him away from Bella." He hissed before abruptly turning on heel and marching out the door. I sighed. When was this going to end?
(Bella POV)
When I woke up it was still early. The first few rays of sun were peeking through my window, and I could hear birds chirping quietly.
Memories of last night came flooding back to me. I shot up in bed, glancing around frantically. At last, I found him. He was sitting in the old rocking chair in the corner of my room, smiling at me. I found myself grinning back goofily. I jumped up, running into his outstretched arms. He chuckled softly as I curled up on his lap, burying my head under his chin.
"Morning, love." I blushed at his endearment, mumbling something back, snuggling further into his chest to hide my face. His arms wound round me and he pressed his nose into my hair. My eyes drifted shut. I could easily fall asleep here. I was just so comfortable. I forced myself to stay awake though.
We stayed there for ages, just happy being together. After what felt like hours, Edward's head shot up. I watched him worriedly. His neck was strained, his brow furrowed in concentration. I smoothed my fingers over his forehead, trying to erase the lines.
"Charlie's awake." His whispered. "He's coming to check on you." He shot up, keeping his arms tight around me so I was barely jostled. He set me safely on the ground, and I spun towards the door, listening carefully. The faint creak of floorboards could be heard down the hall.
"Edward!" I panicked, my voice hushed. I turned to face him. But he was gone. How did he do that? Just appear and disappear? I spun in a circle, trying to spot him but I jumped when a voice hissed at me from somewhere near my wardrobe.
"Lie down!" I obeyed, clambering under the sheets and pulling them up to my chin, then closed my eyes and slowed my breathing, feigning sleep.
A knock sounded on the door, and it opened.
"Bella, wake up." Charlie called cheerfully. I grunted softly, pretending to only just have woken up. What in God's name was he doing waking me up this early? Whether I was awake or not is not the point. I scrubbed at my eyes with the heels of my hands, looking up at him blearily. "Come on, up you get! Jake will be here soon." I groaned loudly, rolling onto my stomach and pulling my pillow firmly around my head. Maybe if I couldn't hear him he would go away. Or I would wake up.
The pillow was yanked from my grip, and my hands flew up instinctively to shield my face. "We'll have none of that, missy." Charlie growled, towering over me, brandishing the pillow like a weapon. "Jake is going to be here in 30 minutes, and I expect you to be up and ready by then for your date. Do you understand?"
"Yes, dad." I sighed, shoving myself up onto one arm. He shut the door with a snap, and I buried my head in my hands. A pair of cold arms were around me in a second. I pulled myself closer to Edward, seeking solace only he could provide.
"I don't want to go." I whispered into his shirt.
"I know. I don't want you to go either." He smoothed my hair down tenderly, pulling back slightly and lifting my head so he could meet my eyes. "I don't think Charlie was giving you a choice though."
"I hate this!" I cried indignantly. "I hate that he thinks he can order me around and tell me what to do all the time!" We sat in silence for a few moments, neither of us feeling the need to speak. The silence was broken by Edward's sigh.
"Charlie is getting impatient. If he doesn't hear you getting ready soon he's going to come up here again."
"How do you know that?" I demanded, befuddled.
"It's a guess. But my guesses are generally right." He pecked my forehead gently moving to open the window. "Take care of yourself, ok? Be careful around Jacob." I nodded uncomprehendingly as he swung his legs though the window. "And promise me something." He added, swiveling to face me. "If Jacob starts getting mad and shaking, run."
"Run?"
"Yeah." Before I could stop him, he pushed himself out of the window, landing with a soft thud on the grass below. I darted to my window. No-one could drop that far and come out unscathed...
No-one except Edward by the look of it. He was standing by the tree in the front garden, grinning at me. I stared at him in disbelief. That idiot. He could have been hurt. Abruptly, his head snapped round and his eyes narrowed dangerously at something in the distance. Suddenly, he turned back to me, waved, and then he was gone, running in the opposite direction to whatever he had been watching.
Perturbed, I stared after him, but was pulled back to reality by a car pulling up in the drive. Jake was early. He climbed out of his car, keeping his eyes fixed firmly on the spot where Edward had disappeared. How could he know?
Bringing myself back to the matter at hand, I dashed around my room like a whirlwind, dressing, then I dashed into the bathroom for a quick wash. To some it may seem I was rushing because I was excited about my date, but in reality, I just didn't want to have to face them if I took longer than they wanted me to getting ready.
I finished in record time, and practically fell into the kitchen.
"Hey Bells!" I grimaced. Charlie and Jacob were sitting at the table, both staring at me expectantly.
"Hi." Jacob frowned at my hesitation, but was quickly out of his seat, pulling me into a hug. I fought not to shiver in disgust as his hands wandered a little too low. I pushed him back awkwardly, giving him a tight, forced smile, but he lapped it up.
"You ready to go?" I opened my mouth to tell him I wanted to eat first, but he was already dragging me out the door, calling goodbye to Charlie.
In short, the date was a disaster. First he took me to the theatre to watch some film he really wanted to see. Never mind that it was something I would never willingly watch in a million years. Some blood and guts film with vampires being chopped to pieces. Throughout the whole film, Jacob laughed loudly whenever a vampire was killed, saying things like 'that will teach those bloodsuckers', and 'take that leech'. I meanwhile was curled in my seat, my hands over my eyes, trying to tune out the screams and trying to escape Jacobs groping hands. It was a torturous two hours, and by the end I was ready to throw up.
After that, he took me for a picnic on First Beach in La Push. Now, I know what you are thinking. A picnic on the beach is so romantic. It wasn't. It was freezing cold, and Jacob was way too close for comfort. When I let on that I was cold, he offered to 'warm me up'. I politely declined, but he didn't listen. He crushed his lips onto mine, forcing me onto the rocks, his hands wandering in places they were not welcome. He was practically molesting me. I managed to get him to back away though, but then he was in a sulk for the rest of the afternoon. I was thoroughly relieved when he pulled out the picnic basket. Eating would give me something to do so I didn't have to try and make small talk with him. The jerk didn't pack anything I liked though, so that plan was out. I'm not normally one to get annoyed over food, but he had dragged me out the house at an unreasonable hour without letting me have breakfast, forced me to sit through a film that made me want to vomit (and he didn't even buy me a drink or anything), then he tried to get it on with me! I was freezing cold, hungry and more than a little pissed, so I felt I had an excuse to get annoyed at him.
It was dark when he finally dropped me back home, and I was out of the car and running to the front door before he could even speak. I sighed with relief when the door clicked shut behind me. I was exhausted, and my feet dragged as I made my way to fridge, praying Charlie had been kind enough to make me something. No such luck.
With a sigh, I grabbed a granola bar from the cupboard. I was too tired to cook. Halfway through what was my breakfast, lunch and dinner, Charlie walked into the kitchen.
"How was your date?" He demanded with a smirk. I snapped. Everything had been building up, and Charlie's smug tone tipped me over the edge.
"Awful. Happy?" I snapped, stuffing the rest of the bar in my mouth, trying to shove past him. He grabbed my arm and threw me back into the kitchen. I slipped and fell, banging my head on the table leg. I groaned in pain.
"You listen, here." He snarled, jabbing a finger in my direction. "Jake has been nothing but good to you, and you have been nothing but ungrateful. If I hear one more complaint out of you..." He trailed off ominously.
"For God's sake, dad! Are you blind? How could you possibly think he does me any good? He forces me to do things I don't want to, he never listens to me, he dictates who I can and can't be friends with, I could probably have him arrested for sexual assault after what he did today, an-"
Crack.
I gasped, my hand flying up to my stinging cheek. Charlie's face had turned puce during my tirade, and he was breathing heavily, his hand clenched into a fist by his side.
"How dare you have the nerve to accuse him of such things! Jake is your boyfriend, and as has a right to want to-
"But that's the point! He's not my boyfriend!" I cried. Charlie slapped me again. Tears of pain sprung to my eyes.
"Jake is your boyfriend, and he knows what is best for you. Do you understand?" Charlie roared. I whimpered, nodding, all of my earlier strength evaporating in the presence of his anger. "He will be here again tomorrow, and he will be taking you out again, and you will not complain once. You will enjoy it, and you will let Jake do what he wants." Charlie turned and stormed out, leaving me crouched on the cold floor. When I was sure he was gone, I raced up to my room, slamming the door and collapsing on my bed, letting the tears fall.
I lay there for hours, unable to find sleep. I knew it was hours because Charlie had gone to bed some time ago, and now the house was silent. I needed to get out.
I don't know how I managed to get out of the house without waking Charlie, but next thing I knew, I was standing under the cover of the trees in the forest at the end of the street. I dropped down onto a fallen tree. My pants were getting wet, and the water was dripping from the canopy of leaves above, but I didn't care. The moonlight filtered down through the trees giving the forest an eerie feel that made my hairs stand on end.
The skin on the back of my neck prickled, and I had the sensation of being watched, but when I turned round, I was alone. A twig snapped somewhere to my left, and I shot up, bracing myself against a tree trunk, craning my neck to see. My heart was pounding in my chest, and I was beginning to hyperventilate. Why had I come out here?
A figure strode out from between two trees.
"You shouldn't be here." I let out a breath I didn't realize I had been holding as I recognized he velvety voice. My legs wobbled and gave way, but Edward was beside my in a heartbeat, keeping me upright. "Are you ok?" I nodded weakly as he lowered me to the ground, sitting beside me on the damp earth.
He tilted his head back, staring up at the moon. "Do you mind me asking what you are doing out here?" He kept his tone neutral, but I could sense the tension in his stance.
"I just wanted some fresh air. I couldn't sleep." His eyes met mine for the first time, seemingly staring into my soul.
"Well you shouldn't be in the forests alone. Not at night. It's not safe."
"Not safe?" He stared at me, trying to communicate something with his eyes, but I couldn't comprehend the meaning.
"Why couldn't you sleep?" He asked after a moment's hesitation. I groaned.
"You don't want to know."
"Can't I be the judge of that?" He smiled crookedly.
We talked for hours. I told him about the disastrous date, and he listened attentively. I couldn't help but feel he was a little smug that it hadn't gone well. After that, we talked endlessly about pointless things. I could talk to Edward for ever. Every so often, I caught him frowning when he had to tell me something I had known before. Insignificant, inconsequential things, but every time he had to remind me of something, it hurt him, and I hated hurting him. I wished I could just remember...
(Edward's POV)
"Goodnight, sweetheart." I whispered, pressing my lips to her forehead. While we had been talking in the forest, Bella and I gradually inched closer until she was resting her head on my chest, my arms around her. I couldn't be sure if the move was conscious or not, but I didn't care. Eventually, Bella fell asleep in my arms, and although I was reluctant to move, I knew I had to get her back into her bed. I didn't want her to get sick. She told me everything about her disastrous date with the mutt, and I didn't want her to be out in the cold any longer. I couldn't help but feel smug and a little relieved at her obvious distaste of him.
I carried her upstairs, careful not to jostle her or make any noise at the door or on the stairs. When we reached the safety of her room, I tucked her gently into her bed, grabbing a second blanket from the cupboard for her. Once I was sure she would be warm enough, I sat down in her rocking chair, my eyes latched onto her. I could watch her sleep forever.
I couldn't hold back the growl as an all too familiar scent wafted in through the open window, making my nose scrunch up in disgust.
Mutt.
I tuned into his thoughts. He had been watching us the entire time, and he was furious. He had heard Bella's opinion on his date. I snickered, but was cut off by a choice curse in his mind. How could I have not noticed him there all the time? I should have been able to smell him a mile off.
I peered out the window. He was standing by the entrance to the forest, glaring at me. He motioned to me sharply. I rolled my eyes, moving to kneel beside Bella. She was sleeping soundly, her breathing soft and even.
"I'll be back, my love." I breathed, caressing her cheek with my fingertips briefly, before leaping out of the window. I landed in a crouched position, my fingertips pressing into the damp grass, tuning out Jacob's murderous thoughts. They were getting a little tiresome.
"Hell, will you be back." He growled as I drew even with him. "You stay the fuck away from my girlfriend, leech." His choice of words irked me, and he knew it.
"Girlfriend?" I sneered. "Don't delude yourself. I know you eavesdropped on our conversation earlier, and from what I see, she doesn't much like you." He opened his mouth to retort, but I cut him off, thoroughly irritated. "And I will stay with my fiancée unless she tells me otherwise. Understand? I may be a fool, but I don't make the same mistake twice. I will never leave her again." Jacob was shaking with fury. "I think you should leave, Jacob. It is clear you are not wanted here. Bella only plays along with the dates to satisfy Charlie, you heard that yourself tonight. You know I've never thought much of you, but you really have amazed me. You really have stooped to levels I didn't think even you could manage. To prey on a girl with amnesia...an engaged girl who hates your guts at that..." I shook my head solemnly. I smirked at the thoughts running through his head. I had never been able to tell him what I truly thought of him before because the only times we had met was when Bella was present, and I would never act this way in front of her. It was good to finally let it out.
Jacob leapt at me with a roar of fury, but I easily deflected. He was weak and uncoordinated compared to a vampire. It was laughable really. I grabbed his arm, trapping it behind his back before pushing him up against a tree, pinning him there. The tree shook and groaned with the impact, but remained upright.
"You really should rethink that action." I hissed in his ear. "It would be so easy to get you and the rest of your flea-bitten friends out of my family's and Bella's lives. You know the Volturi don't take well to humans knowing our secret." I mused in an offhand voice. "They have only two options for those cases. Either you are changed, or you die. Neither prospect looks very good. I believe vampire venom is poisonous to your kind. And don't even think you could outrun them. They recruit only the most elite of our kind. They have vampires who know your exact location every second of every day. They have vampires who can make your body burn with agony like you have never imagined by a simple look. They have vampires who can cut off all your senses, making it only easier to kill you." I hissed in his ear. I felt him shudder, but he quickly masked it, fighting against me with renewed strength. "So I would give your actions some serious thought next time. I really wouldn't want anything...unfortunate...to happen to you..."
I yanked him away from the tree, throwing him roughly into the forest. "Be sure to warn all your friends. Next time I might not be so willing to look past all this." I called after him as he bounded into the forest, transforming mid-stride. "And if I hear you have so much as laid an unwanted finger on my Bella again, I will be sure to hunt you out."
(Bella POV)
"-from Cullen."
My head snapped up at Edward's name. I was sitting opposite Jacob in a small booth in the corner of a café. He had picked me up again today for another 'date'-heavy sarcasm-at 11:00, and the entire time I had been daydreaming. I'm pretty sure Jacob noticed, I wasn't exactly being conspicuous with my staring into space. He had tried repeatedly to engage me in conversation-I had to hand it to the kid, he was persistent-but half the time, I wasn't even aware of my response. I tuned out to his drabble, offering the occasional 'hmmm' or 'oh' whenever he paused. It irritated him to no end, but I couldn't find it in myself to care. My mind was other-wise occupied. Occupied with Edward.
I couldn't stop thinking about last night. What had he been doing in the forest? It couldn't be coincidence. The forest wasn't exactly small, and the chances that he just happened to be passing the exact spot I was in were remote. Did he follow me? I knew I should be worried, but I couldn't help but flush with pleasure at that thought.
And then what he said: 'You shouldn't be in the forests alone. Not at night. It's not safe.' Not safe? What on earth could be so dangerous out there? Was he being deliberately confusing?
Even more than those though, I couldn't stop thinking about the hours we had spent together. Just talking. We didn't need more. It was the most unusual feeling. Like we weren't really two people. We were one. I physically ached when he wasn't around, and it scared me stiff. I felt so comfortable around him. I really couldn't see why Jacob and Charlie hated him so much.
I couldn't remember what happened after that. I just know one minute we were talking, and then the next I was in my bed, and Charlie was hammering on the door, yelling at me to get up. I was disoriented and confused, and at first I thought I had dreamed it all, but then I realized I was still in my clothes from yesterday. I never slept in my clothes, so the only fitting conclusion was that all of it was real.
My eyes met Jacob's irritated ones. "I'm sorry, what was that?" I really should be paying more attention. I may not like the kid, but it was impolite to ignore him so obviously-I could at least disguise it!-plus, I could miss something really important, and end up in a very sticky situation because of it.
Jacob huffed, clenching his teeth. "I said I want you to stay away from Cullen." My jaw dropped open.
"What?"
"You heard me." He growled. "He is nothing but trouble. He did nothing but hurt you before, and he wouldn't let you have any friends."
"Yeah, you should know all about dictating who I can and can't be friends with." I muttered angrily. I really was getting sick of this possessive crap. He didn't own me for God's sake! I pitched my words so only I could hear, but somehow Jacob heard too.
"I know what's best for you though!" He roared, slamming his fist down on the table, making it tremble under the blow. I flinched away from him, cringing into my seat as the café turned deathly silent, and every head turned to face us. Jacob was oblivious though. "You will do as I say, and you will stay away from him, do you hear me?" I should have just agreed and went along with it, but I was getting truly sick of this, and was feeling a little rebellious.
"No." I whispered.
"What. Did. You. Say?" He demanded, in a deathly quiet voice that instilled fear in my very core. I set my jaw defiantly though, straightening my back, aware that we were the central attention of the building. I was never one to show weakness. I would not let him humiliate me like this.
"I said no. What is your problem with Edward anyway? You don't own me. You can't tell me who I can and can't spend time with. And Edward would never hurt me. He cares about me. Which is more than I can say for you! Edward never orders me around. He respects me and my choices." I could feel the angry tears sliding down my cheeks as I stared into his cold eyes. I took a deep breath, calming myself. I could not let him have this power over me. It was what he wanted. "I just want to know why you hate him so much Jacob. Edward's so caring and sweet an-"
"Sweet?" He sneered. "Oh, he's sweet alright. Everything about him is sweet. Sickly sweet. This is part of his plan, Bella! You can't fall for it! Of course he acts all nice, and loving at first, but as soon as he's got you where he wants, BAM! It's too late. He's already got you trapped in his web of lies, and you can't escape. He's like a drug...a poison, Bella, slowly killing you. I won't let him do that to you!" I could believe my ears.
"Jacob, please! He's not like that!"
"How can you know that?! You can't remember, can you?" I flinched as his reminder struck me hard. He knew how much I wanted to remember. "You should be thankful for the amnesia, really. It's helped you escape him. If this didn't happen, you would still be trapped! You have to stay away from him! Do you understand?"
I stared at him frozen. What could I say? There was no point in fighting, but I couldn't stay away from Edward either. I needed him. Jacob was right in one thing. Edward was like a drug to me. I was addicted to him. I couldn't live without him.
"Do. You. Understand?" Jacob repeated. I sighed. There was no other way round this.
"Yes."
What Jacob didn't know wouldn't hurt him...
-
I finalized and refined my plan during the drive back home. The day hadn't been as big a disaster as yesterday-meaning I wasn't starving and freezing-but Jacob mistook my relief over this to be excitement at spending more time with him, seemingly undeterred by my lack of participation in conversations. Idiot.
As a result, it was dark when he finally decided to take me home. I was a little thankful that it was so late. I would have to wait less to put my plan into action. I didn't think I could sit around for that long. I would be going stir crazy.
When he dropped me off, the same as yesterday, I bolted out of the car the second he stopped, and dashed up the path to the front door. I made up an excuse to Charlie, and then withdrew to my room, mentally preparing myself for the long wait ahead.
I passed the time meticulously tidying my room, making sure to keep as quiet as possible so Charlie didn't catch on that I was still awake. I then passed the time pacing my room like a caged animal. When was Charlie going to go to bed? Even my thoughts were exasperated, but eventually, at around 11:00, I heard footsteps on the stairs. The footsteps stopped for a moment, and I listened carefully with bated breath. After a moment, they started again, moving in the direction of my room. Startled, I jumped into bed, pulling the covers up to hide my clothes, shutting my eyes firmly.
The door creaked open and a shadow fell across my room from the light in the hallway. I didn't move, trying to keep my breathing slow and even. The shadow eventually withdrew, and my door clicked shut again. I sat up in bed, confused. Since when did Charlie check on me? I listened as his footsteps faded as he finally went to bed.
I only had to wait a few minutes before I could hear his snores echoing through the house, then I was up in a flash, donning my coat and shoes, and opening my door a fraction, slipping through into the pitch black hall. I crept down the stairs, watching out for the creaky bottom step, and padded across to the front door.
I breathed a sigh of relief as the front door clicked shut behind me. I turned into the wind, bracing myself as it battered me, whipping my hair around my face and stinging my eyes. I kept my head down as I made my painstaking way towards my truck. Hopefully Charlie was too far gone to be woken up by its deafening roar.
I squinted as a particularly vicious gust of wind blew dust into my eyes, and turned my face to the side, hiding behind the shelter of my hair. I was nearly at my truck my now, and stuck my hand out so my lack of vision wouldn't cause me some serious damage.
I yelped in shock, jumping half a mile into the air as my hand struck something hard, but soft, and hot. I tripped over my own feet, stumbling backwards, but something wrapped around my waist before I could make contact with the floor, pulling my back to my feet.
"Just where do you think you're going?" Growled a horribly familiar voice.
"Jacob?" My heart dropped as I took in his hulking form, towered over me, his stony eyes boring holes into me. This would make things more difficult. There was no way I was going to get to Edward's house now. I shook my head, gathering myself, letting the irritation shake off the shock. "Frankly, its none of your business where I'm going." I snapped irritably. "And what the hell are you doing at my house this late at night?" I moved to step around him, but found myself blocked by his bulk. I stepped back to stop myself from bouncing off his chest, raising my head to glare at him furiously. "Get out of my way, Jacob! Are you stalking me or something? GET OUT OF MY WAY!" I cried, shoving him as hard as I could as he blocked me again, but he didn't falter. Odd. I know I'm not exactly strong, but I'm not weak either. He didn't even move an inch!
"Cullen is no good for you, and you shouldn't be sneaking out to see that freak. I won't let you. I'm trying to save your life here." He spat, hid tone completely contradicting his words.
"Edward is not a freak!" I yelled furiously. He could say what he liked about me, but he would not talk about Edward that way. Not while I was still living and breathing. "And it's not up to you what the hell I do! I don't like you, and you don't own me! And it's my life, Jacob. Mine! Not yours! So stop trying to control me all the time!" I shoved him with all my strength, but yet again he didn't move. I was getting frustrated beyond belief. My pride was very important to me, and he was humiliating me.
There was a strong gust of wind, and then suddenly we were not alone. Edward stepped in front of me, pushing me behind him, blocking my vision with his body, keeping his eyes locked on Jacob's.
"Did you not get the idea yesterday, mutt?" He demanded. I tried to move so I could see what was going on, but Edward grasped my wrist gently, but firmly, keeping me behind his body. I huffed exasperatedly-I was not a child who needed taking care of!-but relented when his thumb began rubbing soothing circles into my palm. I melted into his touch, suddenly glad of his grip on my arm. It was the only thing holding me upright now.
"I believe my instructions were perfectly clear, as were the repercussions. Or do you need a repeat performance to get it into your thick skull?" I frowned. Edward and Jacob had talked yesterday? Well...argued is probably the better word from the sounds of it. Jacob growled in warning across from us, and I shrunk into Edward's back, peeking under his arm. Jacob was shaking violently, and Edward's words came back to me. Promise me something. If Jacob starts getting mad and shaking, run. I shuddered at the warning in his voice, debating whether I should follow his instructions, but I doubted I could break Edward's grip even if I wanted to. Which I didn't.
"You're not her keeper, dog, and Bella can do what she likes. If she wants to see me, she will see me. If you keep trying to control her, I will make sure you are running on three legs." I shivered. Even if I didn't fully understand, the implications were crystal clear. "Now I'm telling you to leave. Now."
"I'm not going anywhere, leech. I'm talking to my girlfriend." I cut Edward off before he could even open his mouth.
"I AM NOT YOUR GIRLFRIEND! I am not your anything! Stay away from me! You are such an obnoxious pain in the ass! I didn't even want to go on those dates! The only reason I did was because Charlie forced me to!" Jacob stepped to the side slightly so he could meet my furious gaze. He leered down at me, and I fought the urge to cringe away from him.
"It's ok, sweetie." He cooed, condescendingly. "You don't have to lie for his benefit. Everything will be ok, Babe. I won't let him hurt you. Come on babe, just walk round the leech. I won't let him touch you."
"DONT CALL ME SWEETIE OR BABE!" I growled between my teeth, shaking with anger. I really was going to hit him if he didn't shut the hell up. From past experience it probably wouldn't hurt him, but it would do me a world of good. Thankfully Edward stepped in for me.
"Jacob," His voice was calm and authoritative. "Bella has made herself perfectly clear, as have I. It is clear that she does not want you around. Now you will leave, now, or we may have to look into the treaty about you not being allowed near OUR land. Only fair seeing as we aren't allowed on yours. And I think that would make matters a lot more difficult if you want to see Bella. After all, it is obvious that she won't willingly come to YOU, seeing as you are the one making all the moves. And don't even think you could attack us. My threat from yesterday is still standing. Don't even think for a second I didn't mean it. I am deadly serious. Now leave." I was a little astounded at the authority in his voice. Jacob would be an idiot to do anything now. I was pretty sure Edward would carry through with whatever threat he made. I would have to remember to ask him what it was...
Jacob's face contorted with barely suppressed fury. He was shaking furiously now, and I felt Edward brace himself as if he was expecting some sort of attack. Nothing came though. Jacob turned on heel and bounded away.
"This is not over!" He shouted over his shoulder. "Don't think this is the end!" Then he was gone.
Edward spun to face me, letting go of my wrist. My legs shook underneath me, threatening to buckle. He gripped my waist carefully, pulling me against him. I buried my face in his shirt, letting every inch of my body mould into his as his strong arms wound round me. I breathed in his calming scent as he stroked my hair from my head to my waist, whispering softly into my ear.
When I felt like I could stand on my own again, I pulled back slightly. I would have gladly stayed there forever if I could, but I was getting a little cold. His hands slid down my arms as I pulled away, seemingly not wanting to lose contact with my skin.
"Are you ok?" He asked after a moment's silence. I nodded weakly, not trusting my voice. "What were you even doing out here? I told you yesterday, it's not safe at night." I flushed, scuffing the ground nervously with the toe of my shoe.
"I-I wanted to see you." I whispered, glancing up nervously to gauge his expression. "It's the only chance I would have. Charlie won't let me see you. I had to wait 'til he was asleep." I turned away, setting my jaw as I felt the hot, heavy tears pricking at my eyes. God this was mortifying. "Why are they doing this, Edward?" He tenderly brushed a lock of hair behind my ear, pulling my face up. His face would be smooth and expressionless to most, but I could see the underlying pain in his features. He gently wiped my wet cheeks with his thumb, looking on the verge of tears himself.
"I don't know." He whispered, his voice laced with the agony. His mask broke, and his face contorted with pain. "I honestly don't know. But if it's any consolation, they believe what they are doing is right. They aren't doing this to hurt you."
"But they are!" Fresh tears replaced the old ones, as I burrowed into Edward's arms. "I hate this! This is all my fault! If I could just remember-"
"Never blame this on yourself." Edward growled, pulling me tighter against his chest. "Never."
"I-I just wish I could remember." I whispered brokenly. "If I could remember, none of this would have happened..."
"Oh, Bella." He sobbed, pulling back. "I love you so much. I promise I will help you. All of us will. Me, Alice, Carlisle, Esme, everyone. We all want to help you get your memory back. I swear to you I will help you remember if it is the last thing I do." He whispered passionately before his lips descended on mine. I gasped into his mouth, too stunned to move as his lips moved frantically against mine. After a moments hesitation, I reciprocated feverishly, crushing myself closer to him, locking my arms around his neck to pull his mouth closer to mind. I needed him. I needed to be closer to him. For him to never let me go. I parted my lips, the tip of my tongue tracing his bottom lip.
All too soon, he pulled back with a sigh, a crooked grin on his lips. I flushed furiously, not believing what I had just done.
"Ah, Bella..." He sighed, still smiling.
"I'm sorry." I muttered, not the slightest bit repentant.
"Don't apologize. I started it." I smiled slightly at his teasing voice, worming my way into his embrace, pressing my cheek into his shirt. He raised one hand to cup my other cheek, angling my head slightly. He touched his lips to mine briefly. I sighed against his mouth. He pulled back, staring intently into my eyes.
"I will help you get through this." He vowed.
"But Charlie and Jacob won't let me see you." I pointed out sadly.
"Charlie and Jacob can go to hell. I don't care anymore. I'm sick of playing by their rules. I will help you remember, and they can just try and stop me." He set his lips determinedly, and for a moment, I believed that it was as simple as that. That we could just defy Charlie and Jacob, and nothing would come out of it.
If only it was that simple.
(Bella POV, later that night)
The familiar humming tune played again in my ear as Edward's arms tightened on my waist, my head resting on his shoulder.
"Um, Titanic?" I guessed. Edward was trying to help me remember, step by step. He said he would help me remember if it was the last thing he would do. And it scared me, because Edward seemed so positive and determined to get my memory back, that he seemed to forget about Charlie and Jacob. But when I reminded him a while earlier, he shook his head, "I told you already, love, Jacob and Charlie have no power against me." His lips making a perfect crooked smile, his features lighting up from the light from the moon, the only light in my room at the moment. "Or you." he added, his hand cupping my cheek and my eyes closing, letting myself lean into his hand.
I felt his head shake beneath me. "Not quite."
"Then I give up, what song could it possibly be?" Shifting in his arms, I responded. A quiet yawn escaped my mouth as I tried to cover it with my hand and I shivered. Edward took the covers from under us and placed them on top of me, feeling the need to separate his skin from mine. Why?
"You should sleep, Bella. You've had a long day." I opened my mouth to protest but he cut me off, "Don't worry. I will be here when you get up. I'm not leaving you, ever again." I smiled at him, and then sighed. Edward began to rub invisible circles on my shoulder as my eyes died down and I let sleep take over me.
But before I fully fell asleep, Edward's words ran through my brain. I'm not leaving you, ever again. When had he left me? My eyes shot open, destined to know the answer to his immediate recap. But the faint distant footsteps stopped me from speaking.
First things first. MrsCullen2992 did this entire chapter! I did not write it! Only the last few paragraphs! I know I said Bella would get her memory back in this chapter, but it would be too much, don't you think? If you are annoyed with my story than, feel free to stop reading it. Because if Bella gets her memory back, it's the end of the story! DON'T YOU GET IT?! :)
Okay and a few more things. EdwardlovesBella02 gave me the idea to do the dates and the part where Bella wants to sneak off to see Edward, so give credit to them both.
As I promised I said I would repay her in anyway, and this is what MrsCullen2992 came up with, I advertise her story on my chapter. I don't personally think that is enough, for all that....*Points up* Anway...... here it is
Read and Review MrsCullen2992's story: A new start, A new life, & I will have a surprise. She has 262 reviews right now, so I would like to see atleast...290 or 300! Make me happy, guy's!
Also Read and Review EdwardlovesBella01's story: Not a little girl anymore. Right now she has... 28 reviews so I would like to see...about...atleast 38 or 40 review. She didn't tell me to advertise her story but I thought it would be nice to giver her a thank you present. :)
Enjoy and please spread the news about there story's *^* Thank you TONS, to MrsCullen2992, EdwardlovesBella02 & ALL my readers! I love you all!
xoxo Natyy :)