Disclaimer- See other chapters.
A/N- Pardon me for slipping off-schedule. I need to stop downloading one-hour free trials of games. And I need to quit cruising .
A/N 2- From now until the end of this story. I will answer any questions you have about this story or its author. I will not give out spoilers for future installments. I'll put my answers at the end of each chapter.
A/N 3- This will answer the question of why Bella's mom is in the hospital.
21. Telephone
God, I am such an idiot. Bella thought, running back inside the hotel. I'm just a mere girl. I can't go up against mercenaries. Which room was mine again? Oh, yeah. This one. She pushed open a door. Yep, it's my room. Further away, Jasper and Alice were in the midst of conversation.
"Another premonition?" Jasper asked.
"Apparently, James has been to Renee's house," Alice replied.
"But how can he get through locked doors?" he asked.
"Don't underestimate the abilities of a mercenary," she said. She paused. "Oh, Bella. Come here please."
I don't know why I'm in a room with a Chinese Vampire and a Ghoul. But it's better than being dragged into protective custody by a trio of black-clad freaks. Bella walked over. "So, what's up?"
"Edward will be picking you up later," Alice commented.
Which is worse, Flesh-eating demon and his undead girlfriend, or oversexed, bat-winged demon? I'd go with the latter. But why the hell has James followed us all the way here?
"The others will be here any minute," Jasper said rather ominously. Suddenly the phone rang.
"I'll get it!" Alice said cheerily. She picked up the receiver. "Oh, hi."
"Is Bella there?" a dry voice said.
"Um, who are you exactly?" Alice asked.
"Renee," the voice replied. "I'm Bella's mother."
Alice fell silent for a brief moment. "Oh, she's right here." She handed the receiver to Bella.
"Mom, how are you doing?" Bella asked.
"Fine, I'll be discharged in a few days."
"I've been wondering. Why are you even in the hospital?"
"Um, I had problems."
"What kind of problems? You didn't tell me anything."
"Serious problems."
"Could you please elaborate?"
"Okay, I admit. I checked myself into a mental institution."
Bella almost dropped the phone out of shock. Great. Just Great. I'm the daughter of a psychiatric inmate. "I'm sorry to hear that." Bella paused. "Hey, wait a second. How did you know which number to call?"
"Oh, a fine young man is letting me use his cell phone. Ah, James is so nice."
James abruptly interrupted Renee. "Come to the old ballet studio. I'll be waiting."
I'll provide the answer to why Bella's mom had to put herself in the loony bin, mid Last Rays.