14. ERROR

My plan had a flaw. A minor detail I overlooked. Secrets — like the ones I were keeping from everyone — are always bound to resurface. I just sat at the picnic table across from my dad, staring into space, not breathing, and not moving an inch. Everyone had finished their lunches and were having side conversations with one another. I kept quiet as I tried to stay under control. Too many people were around me and someone would easily get hurt if I lost my temper. I clamped each hand into balls. Putting all my energy into tightening my fists only helped a small margin. I tried concentrating on other lesser important things. I curiously wondered if it was as nice of a day in Forks as it was in Portland. However, my mind kept refocusing back to what Jacob had probably figured out. My dad had slipped and now I was pretty certain Jake realized I told Charlie absolutely everything there was to tell. Every werewolf, by default, now knew. I was angry not at my dad, not at Jake, but solely myself.

I didn't want to believe my confession had been an actual mistake. I thought about it for a second and I didn't see a problem with the werewolves knowing because Aro wouldn't dare touch one of them. Probably, in fear of getting ripped apart. Aro wouldn't see through their memories that I had broken the one rule he and his brothers instated. I was sure that as long as the Volturi had no reason to visit my family, I had nothing to fear.

I doubt it mattered to the wolves whether or not my dad knew. None of them were aware of any vampire restriction. It was precaution that Jacob and Renesmee wouldn't find out. Nessie was smarter than her age and she would know that because I told Charlie, I, inevitably, put risk on her grandpa's life. I didn't need her worrying. I sure as hell didn't need Edward figuring it out through Jacob's thoughts. That would create just more of a mess.

The smell of leftover slices of tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and the rest of the components that make up a burger, and then the uneaten slivers of meat attached on the bones of the barbecue chicken from the trashcan were starting to aggravate me. Usually, I can handle being in proximity of human food without it really bothering me. I could cook for Jake and Ness without wanting to dry heave. Today, it was humid and with the air already heavy, I started to feel nauseous.

I wanted to go. I still couldn't believe my dad had turned what was suppose to be just the two of us and Nessie into some huge gathering just because Sue found out there was a sale on beef patties while shopping two days ago at the market. Ridiculous.

How easily the smell of disgusting food could distract me from what currently plagued my mind. I quickly thought back to my dilemma. If I told Edward the truth, there was bound to be some sort of disagreement. He'd be angry at Alice for telling me about the vision for starters. Either he would forbade me to see Greg in fear I would slip up or encourage me to continue with my plan. There was no telling what Edward would say. If I did make a wrong decision and what Alice had seen of me biting Greg came true, I could never forgive myself.

I remembered the conversation I had with Edward a few nights ago in the living room vividly. It was a long talk mainly about visiting Forks. I had to use every ounce of my being to convince him that Charlie truly did not want to see him. It wasn't the case at all. In fact, Charlie nervously asked if everything was okay between us. I had only been there for a little over a half an hour when my dad pulled me aside to find out. I had simply replied, "Fine. He just had to help his brothers with something." It was the best lie I could come up with.

Our conversation hadn't been just about Charlie that night. Edward clearly picked up on the weirdness that was Alice. He specifically asked me if I had any idea why she would want to translate Hamlet into Mandarin. I nodded my head sideways as I tried to hold in a laugh. Only Alice could come up with converting a difficult, Shakespearean play from old English into Chinese symbols as a way of keeping Edward out of her head.

"Bells?" It was my dad's voice. From across the table I saw his concern through his wrinkled forehead and worried brow. I suddenly looked around. Quil and Embry had already left. I could hear the voices of Sue and Leah from inside the house. Billy and Jake were talking while Nessie just listened. How long had I been deep in thought? However, I hadn't really missed a thing. The events that just transpired quickly rushed back to me. I remember waving my hand goodbye to Quil and Embry and noticing Sue get up to walk inside with Leah trailing behind her three minutes later. "Bella?"

I blinked. "Yeah?"

My dad stared at me intently. His eyes were following the outlines of my perfect, angular face. "Don't mind me asking, but are you okay?"

I formed an unconvincing smile. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"I've been trying to get your attention for the past five minutes."

Oh. The corners of my mouth curved downwards. "Sorry, I must have been thinking too hard. It's just been a long week."

His brow furrowed. "Well, when you get home try and get some sleep."

"Dad..." I trailed off.

"Oh right, right. You mentioned that part to me."

I looked up at the darkening sky and then back at Charlie. It had to have been around five and I still needed to make my pit-stop. "I should probably get going." I said. "It's getting late and..."

"No problem." He stood up and I followed as we walked toward the driveway. Nessie and Jacob noticed my absence at the table and hastily met up with me and Charlie. I saw Billy being wheeled by Jake as I got into the car.

"You be safe now." Charlie had said as Nessie and Jake slipped into the backseat of Edward's Volvo.

"Thanks. I promise to see you soon." With that, I started pulling out of the driveway, waving to Billy and Charlie as I drove pass the house.

---

I sped pass two red lights when Jacob eventually realized we were on Main Street Forks.

"Ugh, Bella. You're going the wrong way," Jacob complained. "You were suppose to make a right to get out of town."

I didn't understand why Jacob would be in such a hurry to get back to Portland but I simply replied, "I know." I didn't feel like asking what was the big deal if I made a quick stop in town.

I parked in front of the supermarket. In the rear-view mirror, I saw Jacob's confused expression. I turned around and from inside the expensive, black leather purse, which I grabbed this morning from my closet, I handed Jake two fifty dollar bills. His eye brows raised.

Jacob glanced down at the hundred dollars in his hands. "What is this?"

I laughed. "Money. Just get whatever you want." I told him. "I bet you're still hungry." My body then shifted to face Nessie. "As for you...pick out things you actually find appealing. Not just chocolate." She rolled her eyes and when I scowled, Nessie's perfect imitation of Edward's crooked smile appeared on her face.

I opened the car door and got out at human speed just in case there were still people around. It was dark with little stars in the sky barely visible, but the street lights shined down illuminating the area where I stood. I had to be on guard at all times out in public.

"Where are you going?" Jake asked, as I headed away from the parking lot.

"I have to do an errand. I'll be back in ten minutes, promise."

Jacob and Nessie didn't say another word. They looked at me once more and then headed into the store. I knew I was in for some explaining to do later. At the moment, though, I didn't really care. Every day I was getting better at telling lies. One more couldn't hurt. I power-walked a few blocks down until I reached the police station. Inside, I saw Mark at the counter.

Crap. I glanced up at the clock. It was five-fifteen. Maybe, Greg had left for the night or he could have had the day off. I wish I knew his schedule. I was about to leave when Mark spotted me at the door.

"Well, isn't it Bella Swan or should I say Mrs. Cullen now. What do I owe this pleasure?"

I gave him a warm smile. "Hi Mark. Long time no see." I reluctantly forced myself forward. I heard his heartbeat accelerate as I got closer. He was able to see me clearer under the fluorescent lights that hung over the counter. My beauty left him awestruck. I think he was still picturing Bella Swan: the klutz who only wore jeans and t-shirt with her hair always in a pony-tail. However, my hair was down in soft curls done by a bored Alice this morning. I was also wearing a lavender cashmere top and a black, flowy skirt. My shoes were originally black pumps Alice made me put on, but I switched to flats before I left the door. It was a far cry from what I use to look like.

"Yes, so what brings you here tonight?"

Mark waited for my response. "I was visiting Charlie today and he asked me to pick up something he left in his office. Mind if I go check?"

"Nah, go on ahead."

I forgot how much I liked Mark. He never asked questions or seemed suspicious of my relatively new family. My dad and Mark were also the oldest at the station. He, of course, would most likely get invited to the bachelor's party — which I didn't like thinking about. Although, if I had to make one guess, it would probably just consist of a fishing trip and a few packs of beer.

My dad's office smelled of mahogany and dust. A small breeze rolled in and I noticed the window was open. I quickly shut in and started searching through Charlie's papers. He must have some sort of agenda that went over who's to come in and when. If I found it, I would know the exact days and hours Greg would be at the police station. I searched high and low for the information and finally, I found the file on his computer. I hit print and as I waited, I grabbed a manila folder and put a few sheets of blank paper in it. That way, to Mark, it would look like I had something to bring back to Charlie. I just hoped Mark would never ask my dad if he ever received what he was suppose to have forgotten. I didn't need my dad knowing I had snooped around his office after the barbecue that afternoon. After turning off the computer and putting everything in it's rightful spot, I grabbed the timetable and slipped it into the folder.

I came back into the lobby area where Mark still sat behind the counter. He looked up and saw me with the folder in my hands. "Wow, that was quick."

I should have realized that searching my dad's office entirely at vampire speed seemed to take only a minute. It felt much longer than that.

"Yeah, it was right on top of his desk. Anyway, it was nice seeing you, again." I headed towards the door.

"Wait one second."

I froze in place. "Is there a problem?" My mind went through eight different scenarios in the time it took for his reply of what he could possibly be thinking.

"Before I forget, how's college?" He asked. "Charlie told me you're attending Dartmouth."

That was a relief. My dad had been keeping up the human story for my own protection. He understood the need for secrecy when it came to the truth about what I had become. "Yes, and it's good. New Hampshire is lovely."

"That's great to hear."

I nodded and tried to express my urgency to leave. "Well, I gotta go."

"Alright. Visit again soon. I know how much your dad loves it when you do."

After Mark said his goodbyes, I sprinted back to the supermarket. Inside, I found Renesmee and Jacob at the cash register. Nessie was carrying a bag of Hershey Kisses and a carton of strawberries. I shook my head and crossed my arms as I walked up to them.

Nessie turned to face me. "Mom? You're back!" She then glanced down at my hands. "Why are you carrying a folder?"

"I had to run an errand." I paused for a millisecond. "We ready?"

Jake looked at me suspiciously. "Yeah.... Listen, when we get home..."

"I know, Jake. We'll talk."

He nodded and after he gave the cash to the clerk, we left. I drove faster than before wanting to get back to Edward as soon as possible.

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