Well here we go again... the next chapter. Are you ready for the chaos? I had fun writing this so I hope you enjoy it ladies and gents :)
I'm sorry this is late by the way. I know, I suck.
You should all know that WiddleWombat is absolutely incredible and all my thanks go to her. She was my saviour when I was stuck. She gave me loads of her excellent ideas for this chapter, so without her you wouldn't be reading this right now.
Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer was on a roll when she wrote the Twilight saga...
As I sat in the empty classroom, with the buzzing sound of students echoing down the halls outside, I thought back to yesterday when I had seen Bella in the restaurant. I had known, as I waited impatiently in my seat, that Rosalie would vent her anger at Bella until she got everything off her chest.
It was far too late to stop my sister so I watched the door as though willing myself to see through it. A few minutes later Rosalie had emerged, walking briskly across the room towards me, her lips a thin line. I stood as she approached, grasping her wrist when she was within reach.
She had refused to tell me what transpired in the toilets but Bella was soon crossing the room to her boyfriend. Her head was bowed as she avoided looking at any of the people around her but my eyes didn't leave her. My gaze immediately landed on the pink tinge of her cheek when she finally looked at me. Anger at my sister flared through me, my mouth opened as I was about to call out to Bella but I had quickly stopped myself. My fists clenched tighter than before and Rosalie had pulled the wrist I had long forgotten out of my grip.
Bella then turned her head, letting her hair drop to shield her face from my view. She reached her seat and upon sliding into it Laurent smirked, as though he found it fucking amusing that my sister had hurt her. His lips moved but the smirk never left his lips. I was furious as I watched Bella duck her head, from what I assumed to be embarrassment.
Laurent's expression transformed into a sneer and I began to move towards him. How could he treat sweet, beautiful Bella like that? He was a shit. Just then he jerked his head towards us at the same time that Rosalie wrapped her fingers around my wrist. She yanked firmly to stop me from approaching the pair and I snapped out of it, I wasn't going to play the jealous ex. I had fled the restaurant, leaving Rosalie behind.
I jolted out of my recollections to see Bella shuffling into the classroom on her own. Half of the seats were already filled but I hadn't even noticed the students enter. When Bella took her seat she tucked her hair behind her ears before looking towards the door, watching the students walking in.
I assigned individual reading for the lesson so that it was less likely for my students to notice that I was much too distracted to think straight today. I now realised that there had been something so reassuring about knowing I could talk to and touch Bella but now that comfort was gone and it was impossible to remember how I had ever coped without it.
Out of the corner of my eye I watched Bella as her eyes scanned the text in front of her. Her fingers didn't turn the page, instead she continued to stare at the same one, her frustration was evident in her delicate features. I longed to smooth out the creases on her forehead but instead I tore my gaze from her and scanned the rest of the class.
The lesson was torturing me, my eyes flicking to Bella every few seconds, therefore preventing me from doing anything remotely productive. As a spur of the moment decision I decided to change the task for the class with only fifteen minutes of the lesson remaining in the hope of escaping early.
"Right everyone," I waited until all eyes were on me, "since you've all been working so hard this lesson there's a reward. If you write 200 words about the thing you regret most then you may leave early." My eyes met Bella's and I held her gaze until she looked away. Was getting involved with me her biggest regret? Would she write it if it was? "Place your work on the front desk on your way out when you have finished." I instructed as I observed the frantic speed at which all the students were writing.
Bella slowly pulled out her notebook and turned to a clean page. Her hand moved smoothly across the paper, leaving a trail of blue ink behind. She paused, sucking on her pen, while she thought. She eventually continued writing and a few minutes later she was putting the cap back on her pen before slipping it into her bag. The room was now empty except for a few stragglers dashing out of the door and Eric Yorkie who was checking his schedule at the front of the room.
Bella's plump bottom lip was taken between her teeth then her chest rose and fell and I could almost hear the sigh that passed her lips. I continued to watch as she tore the page out of her notepad before standing up and tucking in her chair, gathering up her folders in her arms.
Bella was scurrying passed my desk and towards the door when Eric Yorkie turned around, without looking, and crashed into her. Various folders, papers and books were scattered at their feet, all of them being Bella's. I was relieved when Eric bent to help her gather her things, which is more than many other students would have done.
After she rearranged things in her bag to make room for some of the items she had dropped, Bella took Eric's offered hand and he helped her back to her feet. As she was standing I noticed a silver chain around her neck, hanging down in front of her top. Looped through the chain was a simple key, one that looked similar to the key I had given her for my apartment.
I tried to shake the ridiculous thought from my mind but it wouldn't budge. Was she really carrying my key with her? If she was, why? Out of habit? These were things only she knew the answer to and of course I couldn't walk up to Bella and question her. Presumably in reaction to a comment from Eric, Bella's fingers reached for the key, rubbing the metal between them before slipping it back under her clothes. Eric's eyes lingered momentarily on the neckline of her top and a flame of anger licked at my insides.
Eric jerked his head towards the door before walking towards it. Bella slid her sheet of paper onto the pile on the desk beside her and as she turned to sling her bag over her shoulder, her eyes met mine. I wished they hadn't. Her usually warm, brown eyes were glassy and haunted. This wasn't the Bella I knew. It wasn't the Bella I loved. She was as pale as she always seemed to be these days.
Bella quickly span around and dashed towards the door, moving as quickly as she could without running.
"Bella wait!" I called out to the fleeing girl but she didn't stop. She turned left down the corridor and I ran to the door. By the time I was there she was already out of sight but by no means out of mind. I kicked the door jamb on my way back into the room, slamming the door shut behind me.
I immediately went to the papers at the front where I could see Bella's familiar scrawl taunting me from the top sheet. Snatching the paper up, my eyes roamed desperately over the words, half hopeful and half afraid.
Laurent's real name is James. He threatened to tell the police about our relationship if I didn't do what he said. Please don't do anything stupid, just trust me. I'm so sorry.
The thing I regret most is lying to you.
The paper floated to floor behind me as I sprinted to the door and out of the classroom. I didn't stop running until I reached reception and a surprised looking Mrs Cope.
"Could you please tell me what lesson Isabella Swan has?"
"Of course, just one second." She clicked away on the computer before her nails scattered against the keys. "There we are. She has gym right now. Is there anything else?"
"No, thank you." I skidded along the corridor towards the gym building, desperate to find Bella and make sure she was safe. Once I found her I wouldn't let her out of my sight until James was dealt with.
I slammed through the doors to the gym, looking around frantically. The students were in the middle of games of badminton but I couldn't see Bella. I located the teacher and strode purposefully over to coach Clapp.
"I was wondering whether Miss Swan was here?" I asked, my eyes still searching the groups of people. When my eyes landed on my brother his expression was concerned and questioning but I ignored him.
"No, she didn't show up for class today. Was it important?"
"She didn't? Any idea where she might be?" The coach now had my full attention as I waited for the response.
"Not a clue, nobody has seen her since last period."
"Okay, thanks." I left as quickly as I arrived, looking around for Bella as I made my way back to my classroom.
When I returned, without having seen Bella, I searched through my things until I found my phone. I cursed myself for never having taken Bella's mobile number. My thumb tapped at the keys as I typed out a text to Jasper.
Have you seen Bella?
I paced the room impatiently with my phone in my hand as I waited for a reply from my brother.
Not since lunch. What's up, Edward?
Fuck.
She's not safe. Has Alice seen her?
I crossed my fingers, praying that Alice was with Bella and that they were safe. Bella should know better than going anywhere on her own when that fucking rapist prick was after her. Why hadn't she told me earlier? Why wait until now? The phone buzzed in my hand.
Alice says she hasn't. What's going on, Edward?
The door clicked open and my head snapped up in surprise and hope flickered inside me momentarily before I saw Alice's face. She slipped into the room, closing the door behind her and edging towards me, her usual bounce absent.
"She told you?" Alice asked, her voice quiet and unsure.
"You knew?" I countered.
"She explained everything last night."
"Why didn't she tell me sooner, Alice? She had so many opportunities."
"Bella was protecting you. She didn't want your career to be ruined because of her mistakes so she kept it to herself. She assumed you would do something rash and selfless, which you would have. She's scared, Edward."
"I'd do anything to keep her safe, Alice, whatever it takes."
"I know, me too. She hates herself for hurting you, she never wanted to. It was all James. You have to understand that."
"But everything she said that night was true."
"That's not how she sees it." I shook my head in disbelief. The onslaught of information was tangling itself up in my head, making it difficult to make sense of anything.
"I don't know where she is."
"You need to call Chief Swan and tell him about James. If you're the one to tell him then if James tries to tell the police about you and Bella then they won't believe him. They have no evidence and James is clearly unstable, it would look like a desperate attempt at revenge on his part." Alice instructed, her reasoning sounded promising and I just hoped that she was right.
Alice scrolled through her phone until she brought up Chief Swan's mobile number. Handing me her phone she nodded in encouragement and I clicked the call button. There were several rings before someone answered.
"Hey, Alice." I was baffled until I remembered I was on Alice's phone. I cleared my throat nervously, a last ditch attempt to prepare myself for what I had to do.
"No, Chief. It's Edward Cullen, Isabella's English Literature teacher." I informed him. Alice mouthed the words speaker phone at me and I complied, pressing the necessary button so that she could hear the conversation.
"Right... well, what can I do for you?"
"I have just been informed that Laurent Dubois isn't who he says he is and I am concerned for Isabella's safety, sir."
"Who has told you this?" Alice held up a finger to silence me as my lips parted to speak.
"I did, Charlie." She piped up, her voice soft.
"Alice?"
"Yes, it's me."
"What's going on, Alice?" Charlie's tone had become professional, the cop in his coming out.
"A few weeks ago Bella was almost raped by Laurent, who was calling himself James at the time, and now he is in town, as you know, and he is threatening Bella so that she keeps quiet about who he really is."
"Where's Bella now?" Alice looked at me, her expression afraid, "Alice?"
"We don't know, sir. She disappeared after my lesson and nobody knows where she went." I confessed.
"You need to track her down," Charlie's tone was authoritative but he paused, his breath expelled in a frustrated huff, "I left town a day earlier than I had planned." I looked at Alice, silently questioning her.
"Charlie was due to go out of town on business tomorrow and Bella was going to stay with me and Emmett." She explained quickly.
"I read about a case," Charlie began, "it was from Seattle last month. There were several reports of rape on young women. Some of the victims managed to provide a name for the police, all of them giving the same name, 'James'. However, each of the victims gave a different description of his appearance, apart from the height. It should have clicked, I should have realised when Laurent came back after a day with Bella with different hair and eye colour."
"You weren't to know, Charlie. Don't blame yourself. None of us knew." Alice comforted.
"James is a psychopath. He toyed with his victims. He has been manipulating people for a long time, it would seem, and is an experienced liar."
"Bella said that he had told her that he would frame her and fabricate lies that would get her into a lot of trouble so that he could save his own skin."
"The other girls said similar things. He blackmailed them with his lies."
"We'll find her, Charlie. She's going to be okay." Alice assured him, her voice sounding more confidant than she appeared.
"When you find her can you stay with her, make sure she's safe, Edward. I know it's a big responsibility and it is a lot for me to ask but I don't want to alert James to the fact that we know about him by sending her to the police. Who knows how he would react. In the mean time I will get in touch with my colleagues at the station and see what I can do. I won't be able to make it back to Forks for at least a day."
I blinked at the phone, believing I had misheard Charlie's request. He wanted me to look after Bella? If only he knew. Alice smacked my arm, bringing me back to our current situation.
"Of course, Chief. I will make sure Isabella is safe."
"She will have to go to school tomorrow but please keep your eye on her, make sure somebody is with her at all times."
"We will do, Charlie." Alice promised sincerely and without thinking I nodded my head in agreement.
"Thank you both, so much. I will get there as soon as I can."
"Goodbye." We chorused and Alice hung up before clicking a couple of buttons and bringing the phone to her ear. I could hear it ring from where I stood but Alice's expression was blank. She waited until the voice mail picked up and proceeded to leave a message.
"It's Alice. I don't know where you've gone but you better get your cute little ass back here pronto and you better be safe and in tact or you'll have me to answer to. We called Charlie and he has told Edward to look after you so it looks like you're staying with him until Charlie gets back. I assume you know he had to leave early? Please call me when you get this message so that we can stop worrying about you, Bella." Well, that was one hell of a voice mail message. Clearly Alice has a way with words.
"Right, I will let Jasper know what's happening and call Emmett to find out if he has seen Bella. You know where she lives right?"
"Okay. Yeah, why?"
"Can you go and look for her there?"
"Of course. I'll go now. Call me if you hear anything." I snatched up a piece of paper from my desk and scrawled my number onto it, passing it to Alice. She tore off my writing and then jotted down her number for me.
"Same to you. I guess I'll see you later then." Alice nodded solemnly and turned towards the door before quickly spinning back and throwing her arms tightly around my waist. She released me almost as quickly with an apology.
"I hope nothing has happened to her." Alice mumbled, looking at the ground.
"Me too, Alice." She took a deep breath and smiled shakily at me. With a small wave she was leaving and after gathering up my things I followed, heading to my car.
I drove down the quiet streets of Forks towards Bella's house. I paid particular attention to any people I saw on my journey, squinting at them until I ascertained that they weren't my Bella. There was a weight in my chest, the fear that had settled in and would only leave when I had her safe in my arms. How could she disappear like this? She must know how worried I would be after the revelation she made at the end of class.
When I pulled up in front of her house the first thing I noticed was the lack of vehicles. Neither Bella's nor Charlie's cars were there. I launched myself out of the car and to her front door before fiercely pounding my fist against the hard wood.
"Bella?" I called out when there was no answer to my knocking. "Please open the door." I pleaded desperately. The signs all pointed to an empty house but I didn't want to give up so soon. I went to the nearest window and cupped my hands to my face so I could look in but there was no one there. I tried rapping my knuckles on the glass but there was still no response. I decided to try the door once more, hammering the side of my fist against it with as much force as I could before pausing to listen for any sound from inside but when Bella still did not appear I was forced to face reality, she wasn't in there.
I jumped back into my car and as I turned the key in the ignition I remembered the key I had seen hanging from a chain around Bella's neck. I thrust my foot down on the accelerator, ignoring the speed limit as I raced to my apartment as quickly as I could. Rain began to splatter against the wind shield, the onslaught of water getting heavier every minute. The roads were slick and puddles were quickly forming in the dips in the tarmac.
When I finally reached my apartment I launched myself out of the car, slamming the door closed behind me, and sprinted through the rain into the shelter of my building but I didn't stop running. My feet squeaked against the floor as they attacked the stairs with purpose. My fingers fumbled for the right key on my chain so when I reached my door I forced it into the lock, twisting it and then pushing the door open.
My breathing was heavy as I called out into the silence.
"Bella?" I looked in the lounge, my eyes scanning the open space. "Hello?" I stuck my head around the door to the kitchen but there was nobody there. My shoes were leaving wet footprints in my wake but that didn't matter to me then. I had to find her.
My mouth opened, prepared to call for Bella again, when I heard a noise from down the hall. I followed the sound to my room. My heart sank when all I found was the curtains flapping in the breeze that was blowing through my open window. My steps were heavy as I trudged to the final room, the bathroom, all hope of finding Bella here had evaporated. The door creaked open at my touch and I was once more met with an empty room.
I pressed my palms against the wall, leaning my forehead against it as I sucked in a ragged breath. My eyes closed and I lost myself in the silence, thinking of where else I could look for her.
As a last resort I decided I would go to my parents house, just in case she had sought out another familiar place for her safety and solitude.
Bella's POV.
I dashed out of Edward's classroom as quickly as I could, fighting back tears as I heard him call my name, his desperation evident in his voice. What if he didn't believe me? What if he ignored my plea and did something stupid, risking his career or even his safety. I turned the corner without slowing down, making a last minute decision to ditch my gym class. I pushed through the doors into the cold, April air.
I crouched on the floor, rooting through my bag until I found my phone. I brought up Emmett's number and clicked call.
"Hey, Bells. What's up? Shouldn't you be in class?"
"Erm well, I was wondering if you could come and get me from school?" I asked. I didn't want to drive right then, my truck wasn't very conspicuous.
"Sure thing. I'll be there in five."
"Thank you." He hung up and after turning my phone off I slumped against the brick wall, my eyes closed as brought my knees up to my chest, stuffing my hands between my legs to keep them warm.
I had thankfully escaped through one of the exits that nobody used during lesson hours which meant that I wouldn't be disturbed for a few minutes, although soon enough I would need to go and meet Emmett out at the front of school and try to make my departure go unnoticed by all members of staff.
When five minutes had passed I eased myself up off the uncomfortable concrete and slipped my bag onto my shoulder before hurrying around the building until I was in the car park. Emmett got out of the car when he saw me and I made my way quickly towards his car, keeping my head down and trying not to look suspicious.
Once I had begun moving towards Emmett he had climbed back into the car and pushed open the passenger door from the inside, ready for me to get in straight away. I pulled the door shut after me and smiled sheepishly at him.
"Hey, thanks for coming." I started as he cranked up the heater. His eyes were then raised to meet mine and they danced with humour.
"So Swan finally skips some school," He teased. "It's an honour to be your partner in crime."
"But daddy, Emmett made me do it." I batted my eyelashes, putting on my most innocent voice and Emmett's booming laughter filled the car.
"That shit was convincing but I'm wounded." He held a hand to his heart, his expression pained, "couldn't you blame Ali instead?" I rolled my eyes with a giggle.
"Are you crazy? Blaming Alice for anything, whether she did it or not, is deadly."
"You're saying I'm not intimidating?" Emmett pouted as he pulled out of the school parking lot.
"Pretty much. You're just a big, cuddly teddy bear." I patted him arm, smiling at him sweetly and he simply raised his eyebrows at me.
"So what's the deal?" He questioned.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"You should be in school."
"I just... needed to get out of there, you know?"
"Like you would not believe. You have to spice up your life a little. It's so predictable and repetitive to go to the same lessons, at the same time, Monday to Friday every single week. Seriously, where's the fun in that?" Emmett sounded genuinely put out by the true to life picture he had painted, his brow furrowed as he glared out of the wind screen.
"I know right? It's outrageous." My tone held mock scandal that Emmett didn't seem to notice.
"They need to rethink that. Change your classes around from time to time without warning. It would make school so much more fun." I couldn't hold back the giggle that burst from my lips at his ridiculous words and it caused Emmett to shoot me a puzzled look.
"I'm serious." He told me.
"I know, that's what's so funny." I answered with a grin.
"This is no way to repay my favour." He sulked as he parked up outside his house.
"I'm sorry, I really am grateful."
"I know, don't worry about it Bells. Did you want to come inside? I'll make pancakes?" He wiggled his eyebrows at me with an excited grin plastered on his lips.
"Emmett... you can't make pancakes." His face fell and he looked thoughtful.
"I forgot about that." He mused. "I make great vodka and coke though." He winked at me and I shook my head in disbelief. He sure was one of a kind and I loved him for it.
"Not today thanks, I'm just going to take a walk. Maybe I will pop in later, though."
"Okay, give me a call if you need anything."
"Will do, see you later."
Once out of the car I headed towards the nearby trees, winding my way through them as my feet crunched over twigs and leaves in the undergrowth. I was sheltered from the wind but the trees blocked out a lot of the light, which wasn't much, from the sky above.
Strangely, I felt safe in the middle of the forest. I guess it's because when you're surrounded by dim light and tree trunks it's difficult for anybody else to find you. There was no trail so it is unlikely that you will stumble across anybody. The bad side is that if you get lost it would take a long time for anyone to find you but I was safe enough. James wouldn't find me.
My thoughts strayed to Edward as I wondered what he was doing. Had he even read my 'assignment'? Maybe he'll think I am crazy. Perhaps I should have stayed. It's too late now, though. What's done is done. I know I was being a chicken by writing it down but it was so much easier, cowardly, but easier. I didn't have to see his face, hear the words drop from my lips. Admit to the truth. It had been hard telling Alice but I didn't want to watch Edward's expression as I finally revealed the truth. The lies broke everything but it doesn't mean the truth can fix them. That's just wishful thinking.
I had slowly begun wandering back towards my house as I thought and I pulled my phone out to check the time before realising I had turned it off after calling Emmett. I went through the process of switching it on only to be met with two voice mail messages.
The first was from Charlie:
"Bella, I just talked to Edward Cullen and Alice," He did what now? Oh, shit. What had they done? "They told me about Laurent... or James... and you need to be careful, Bella. I'm not in Forks, I had to leave early and I left a note at home but until I can make it back you're to stay with Mr Cullen. Call me to let me know you're safe and whatever you do, don't let James know that you've told anybody about him. He's wanted for rape and he's known to be mentally unstable, Bella. Just be careful, okay. I'll get there as soon as I can so see you soon."
Oh.
Fuck.
Edward read what I wrote, then. He doesn't realise what he's done. If they arrest James he will tell them about my relationship with Edward. Fuck. Shit. Fuck. I told him not to do anything stupid. I told him to trust me. But no. Alice, too. She has no excuse. She knew the whole story.
My breathing was shaky as the next message began to play, this one was from Alice. I could tell she was worried and mad but trying to hide it, trying to be calm. I didn't really think about them looking for me. It didn't even cross my mind.
It was odd hearing that I had to stay with Edward. A week ago that would have been excellent but right not I didn't really know where we stood. I know that I still love him. It had been horrible sitting in his class, I couldn't concentrate on anything and I felt his eyes on me frequently.
When he had set the assignment he stared straight at me, refusing to drop his gaze. had he known that I regretted ending things with him? Was it that he regretted starting things with me? I wouldn't be surprised.
I dialled Charlie's number first.
"Bella? Are you okay?" He questioned as soon as he picked up.
"Dad, I'm fine. I'm so sorry dad." My voice cracked as guilt and shame washed over me.
"Oh, Bella. I'm just glad you're okay. You should have come to me, we could have worked something out. You can trust me."
"I know, dad. I was scared. I didn't know what to do. He had me backed into a corner."
"Alice told me everything and Cullen has agreed that you can stay with him until I get home."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, Bella. You will be safe with him. James won't find you there." I bet he could if he wanted to.
"If you're sure, dad."
"Don't go anywhere on your own, okay? And be careful. James can't find out that anybody knows or he might panic and react without thinking. Remember he's dangerous Bella, he's not stable. Stay away from him."
"I will be fine, dad. I promise."
"See you soon, Bells. Call me if anything happens, okay?"
"Of course. I love you, dad."
"Love you, too, Bells."
Immediately after hanging up on Charlie I called Alice, feeling guilty for worrying her and needing to put her out of her misery. Now doubt she'd let me know how upset with me she is. She picked up on the first ring as though she had been waiting expectantly for the call. Obviously I wasn't the only one who had skipped class or at least some of it.
"Oh my God, Bella. Where are you? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Alice. I'm sorry, I just needed some time."
"How dare you go off on your own. What were you thinking? We were all so worried! Anything could have happened to you! You have a psychopathic stalker for Christ's sake! You could have been killed." I knew she was right and I deserved everything she said but I couldn't help the line that escaped my lips.
"Or worse... expelled." So what if I quoted Harry Potter at inappropriate times? It's just one of those things. There was silence on the other end of the phone for a few seconds and I didn't know what to say. Eventually Alice's musical laughter reached my ears and I smiled, relieved.
"I love you, Bella, but you have terrible timing." She trilled and I could imagine her rolling her eyes at my antics.
"I really am sorry, Al. About everything."
"Don't worry about it."
"What are we going to do, though? James will tell the police about myself and Edward. I can't let that happen."
"You underestimate my genius once again, B. I told Charlie that James threatened to frame you and then Charlie told me that other girls had reported that James used lies to blackmail them, saying that the police wouldn't believe them."
"But what if he has proof?"
"Evidence can be fabricated. Charlie won't believe what James says. Have faith, Bella. There's a light at the end of the tunnel."
"I owe you so much, Alice."
"We're going shopping when this is over. No complaints."
"It would be my pleasure." I knew she would appreciate a shopping trip more than anything else I could give her as thanks. She was strange like that.
"I can't wait. Where are you now, though, Bella?" You can't be on your own."
"I'm in the woods by my house." I confessed, ready for another rant from Alice.
"Oh you have to be kidding me? Have you never seen a horror movie? Everything goes bad in the woods, especially when you're alone! Sometimes I worry for your sanity, I really do. I can't even begin to understand what goes on in your head."
"Thanks." I answered sarcastically despite knowing she was only worrying.
"I'll come pick you up from yours and I expect you to be out of those trees in two minutes or I will drag you out kicking and screaming. Woods are bad news."
"I'm nearly out so I will see you in a minute." She hummed in satisfaction and I ended the call, slipping my phone into my pocket.
I wasn't lying when I said I was nearly back at mine so within a minute I was shying away from the wind that whipped at my hair. I groaned when I ran my fingers through my tangled strands, only to find leaves and pieces of twigs in it. I tried to pick them out as I waited for Alice but it wasn't long before she skidded to a stop in front of me, her brakes squealing.
I swung the door open and clambered into the warm car. Alice practically jumped on me, her arms were thrown around my neck as she all but sat in my lap. I hugged her back awkwardly in the tight space, taken aback by her reaction.
"It's Bella... not Jasper. In case you were confused." She swatted my arm before sliding back into the driver's seat and smiling.
"Well I'll be damned, you're right!" She stuck her tongue out at me before starting the car, turning around and driving back the way she had arrived.
"Where are we going?" I asked her and she smiled slyly at me. "Alice?"
"We're not going anywhere. You're going to a certain Mr Cullen's apartment. He's your new personal body guard," She winked at me, "and I'm sure your body is one he is dying to 'guard'." She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively and I frowned.
"Not any more, Alice." She scoffed, taking her eyes off the road to look at me as though I was crazy.
"Where you're concerned he's like a moth to a flame. He had a shit fit when he couldn't find you."
"I've already burned him, so to speak."
"You have a lot of making up to do, in theory, but I don't think he'll care."
We lapsed into contemplative silence until we arrived at our destination. Alice turned in her seat to grin at me like a kid at Christmas.
"Good luck, Bella." I took a moment to stare up at his building, thinking about backing out and demanding that Alice took me to her house instead. "Don't even think about it." Busted. Apparently I didn't have a choice.
I hopped out of the car and ran through the rain into Edward's building. My footfalls echoed off the walls as I launched myself up the flights of stairs, pulling the key out from under my shirt as I went. At last I reached his door and I fitted the key into the lock, without hesitation, before shoving the door open and barrelling through it.
My eyes immediately locked onto Edward who was just emerging from his bedroom at the end of the hall with a startled expression on his face. I paused, staring at him from where I stood. Within seconds relief flashed across his and then his gaze became intense as he began walking towards me. When I still didn't move he stopped, now only a few metres away from me.
I didn't care about the past any more, all I could think about was right here and now. I need Edward like I need air. Of their own accord my feet began moving, I was running to him and I didn't stop when I reached him. As though it was synchronised, Edward's hands wrapped around my legs as I jumped up into his arms, wrapping my legs around his waist and my arms around his neck.
Our lips crashed together in a heated kiss and tears cascaded down my cheeks.
"I'm sorry," I whispered against his lips.
"Bella." Edward moaned out my name, pulling my body impossibly closer to his. I fisted his hair in my right hand, still clinging to him with my other.
My tongue explored his mouth as our lips moved fervently together, making my thoughts go hazy as his taste intoxicated me. His fingers dug into my ass as he clung on tight.
"I love you."
Well heck, that's by far my longest chapter. Does it make up for missing last week? I worked hard on this over the past couple of days.
Thank you for all the reviews and that PM I received yesterday :)
I'm mentioning WiddleWombat again because she is truly awesome. I can't give her enough praise. Give her your thanks but no hatred because I take all responsibility for anything you didn't like.
As usual, I'm on Twitter- SoWoahNow