I was extremely tense because I had no idea what I should do. I was trying to keep calm and figure out if I could help somehow, when everyone decided to charge at once, forcing Victoria to jump out of my window. I froze with terror as I suddenly saw a red blur coming towards me. But a pair of freezing cold hands yanked me away and in no time I was flying through the woods on Edward's back. I thought I heard a wolf howling, most likely Jacob but I was helpless at the moment. I had no clue where Edward was taking me. I figured somewhere far away from Victoria and the no doubt vicious but necessary punishment by death she was surely receiving right about now. I waited until I was positive we were far enough away from the danger then I yelled, "Edward, stop!"

He gradually slowed down, eventually came to a full stop then carefully set me down. I was still feeling pretty panicked about the situation as a whole but I knew Edward would never have let anything happen to me. After I had finally caught my breath, I inhaled to speak but he didn't even let me get the first word out. He was in my face in a flash and his icy lips were locked on mine way before I could even think of protesting. I could not believe this was happening and for a split second I forgot where I was and with whom. My body was having a natural reaction to Edward Cullen but I quickly regained my senses. Charlie's last few words of advice were now flooding through my mind. Although I was grateful to Edward for saving me yet again, I decided that this behavior could not continue. I tried pushing him off of me, much to my avail. I couldn't break free from the kiss either, because his hands were tangled in my hair and he was holding me against him. So I held perfectly still hoping he would get the hint and stop.

But he didn't. His mouth found its way to my jaw line and he began kissing me all the way to my neck and collar bone. His breath was extremely ragged, and I had to admit I was feeling slightly nervous with him that close to my jugular and apparently losing his self-control. "Edward.." I began, careful that my tone wouldn't be perceived as threatening. But he muttered, "Oh Bella, you don't know how I've longed to have you back in my arms again. I know you feel the same; I can hear your heart pounding with adrenaline." I paused and managed to back up enough to give him a serious face. "Edward, please let me go." I held my breath as I waited for him to react, good or bad. He let me go, but not before he kissed me on the cheek. For once he seemed like he might know what I was thinking.

"Bella no matter what happens now, I will be satisfied for the rest of my existence. Vampires require proper closure. You have now given me that. Unless you change your mind, in which case I can promise you that you would not regret it." Now was the time for brutal honesty. I paused for a moment then said, "Edward, you destroyed me when you left. And whether it was true or not, when you told me that you didn't love me, it broke me. Just the fact that you could be so cold and say that to my face without batting an eyelash tore me to pieces. Jacob was the glue that put me back together. He has been my sun and moon and I love him unconditionally and he loves me the same, if not more. What you and I had was toxic. We both knew it could never become anything real. Jacob snapped me out of wanting to become what you are before it was too late. Now I truly have a real chance at life. And you can't fault me for wanting that."

I studied Edward's face carefully and waited in silence for his response. Suddenly a bright stream of liquid spilled down his face. It was coming from his eyes, both of them now. This vampire that stood before me was crying. I was stunned, but mostly because I had no idea that that was even possible. "You are completely right, Bella. I have been so selfish. Here I am only thinking of correcting the wrong I have done to you when the reality is that the only way to do that is to let you live your life in peace. I will let you go now. But I beg that you find it in your heart one day not to hate me." I sighed. "I already told you that I don't hate you, Edward. But this behavior has got to stop or we simply cannot be in each other's lives anymore. The choice is up to you."

He smiled at me gently and I got the feeling that we were finally on the same page. He shook his head in agreement and motioned for me to lead the way for our hike back. "Can you see what's going on with Victoria?" I asked. "No, we're too far away for me to read anyone's thoughts. Although, if we hurried back.." He stopped midsentence because I was already reaching for him, anxious to get a head count. We flew back through the woods but stopped right at the edge. I panicked. "What's wrong?" Edward looked gravely at the ground. "It's Jacob." I was practically shrieking. "WHAT? Is he ok? What happened?"

"We got her! That's what happened!" Jacob was making his way towards me with his usual sunny disposition, not what I expected at all considering I had practically been kidnapped from right underneath his nose not too long ago. Nevertheless, the sight of him made my heart leap. But I was now wondering who had finished the job, since Edward had initially vowed to do it himself. I gave Jacob a curious look and he chuckled to himself. "Would you believe it if I told you it was a team effort between Paul and the big Cullen that took that red-headed leech down?" That didn't shock me. Emmett was always ready for major action. Justifiably killing a murderous vampire was right up his alley. And Paul was, well..Paul.

I suddenly noticed that everyone had joined us but the pack. "I'm kind of disappointed I didn't get to help at all, but I'm glad it's over. Maybe now we can resume a normal life!" Everyone laughed at what I said and Jacob squeezed me tight. "Really, Bella? What could you possibly have done? Another Evil Knievel stunt?" He paused. "Actually.." Jacob's attention now turned towards Edward, who was not too far behind me. I tensed up as he let me go and walked over to Edward, doing something totally unexpected. But then Jacob had been full of surprises lately. I was shocked to see him actually extend his hand towards Edward. Edward smiled and returned the gesture. The serious look on his face told me that whatever Jacob had to say to Edward, he was saying in his thoughts and Edward politely said, "You are more than welcome." When it came to vampires, Jacob's pride had little to no budging room. In any case, I was anxious to get on with our Spring Break trip. And I knew Jacob would tell me what he had said to Edward later.

As Jacob made his way back to me and began leading me back to my house, I managed to peek around Jacob at Edward. He was still smiling which made me smile instinctively and I gave him yet another gracious, "Thank you." He remained silent but bowed his head in acceptance. Somewhere in the distance I saw smoke and smelled that sweet burning smell which reminded me of that agonizing night in my old dance studio. Victoria's pieces were being destroyed. That explained where the pack had run off to. A sudden wave of tranquility came over me and I wanted to celebrate. It's not often you have a serial-killer vampire stalking you. And it's not often every single one of your friends team up to kill her and save your hide.

I looked up and Alice was already bouncing up and down. "We can throw a soirée here at your house, Bella! After all, it IS Switzerland!" Jasper eyed me curiously. That explained the calm feeling. Ahh, things were getting back to my kind of normal, I said to myself, as I settled into my Jacob's ever warm embrace. I figured I should give up on my life being normal. After all, I was in love with a werewolf. "What do ya say, Jake? Think the pack would be up for it?" Jacob groaned. "It never hurt to ask! Your little friend Alice is entirely too happy for a vampire. Just saying." I pursed my lips at him and he let out a chuckle. Everyone started to disperse but John walked over to us. I felt Jacob tense up again, but he didn't move. "Bella, my work here is done. I must be going now. Take care of yourself, my clumsy friend." I took a step forward to hug him. "Goodbye, John. Thank you for everything." He beamed at me and took off before I took my next breath. "Yeah, I could never get used to that. He looks EXACTLY like James." Alice squealed out of her window, "Get some sleep, Bella! I'll be here bright and early to plan the party!" She too took off faster than was probably legal in any country. "Like I said..oof!" I playfully punched him in the gut but he grabbed me and said, "Easy there, Edward-Breath." and eyed me suspiciously. I laughed awkwardly. "Umm, about that…" And I thought Victoria was going to kill me…