Chapter 25 – (Michael's POV)
It's about ten thirty in the morning and me, Claire, Shane, and Eve are all in one car, with the Cullen's split into two cars and following close behind us. We're on our way to Richard and Hannah's house; they now live together because they started dating a few years back. I don't know if Claire knows quite how popular she has become. Some people overheard Oliver and Eve talking about Claire being the only human who can save the town ad it spread like wildfire… and I think Claire's about to find that out.
'So…' Eve says, filling the silence, 'who were you on the phone to earlier?'
'Um… Jack,' Claire says slowly.
'You going out with him?' Shane asks.
'Um… no, not that it's any of your business… any of you.'
Shane, who's just relaxed back into his seat, goes rigid again.
'I know it's not, CB, not anymore. I shouldn't have asked.'
The rest of the car journey's in complete silence, with nothing but the car engine to break it.
Shane stays rigid, Eve looks a little shocked, I don't really know what to make of the whole situation, and Claire looks pissed, and maybe a little… scared?
(Claire's POV)
Okay… so I know it was a little unfair, but what else was I supposed to do? I can't get close to them again, not even Eve, because if I do… I know I won't be able to leave them again. And I definitely CAN'T fall for Shane again… I need to keep my distance. And… I'm scared, because I don't think I can. No. I HAVE to keep my distance. I've made a new life for myself in Forks… a safer life… a better life.
But deep down, Claire knows that that last part isn't exactly true.
(Eve's POV)
There's something wrong with Claire, she looks… confused. I'm going to find out what's wrong, but not right now, now I have to think about how a handful of humans can save this town. And I'm not sure if I know the answer to that… I'm great at many things, but this just seems a little out of my control. I hope Amelie's right; I hope Claire knows what to do, because if she doesn't… then we're screwed.
(Bella's POV)
Claire's gotten herself into some real deep shit, even if she hasn't realised it yet. It's obvious that she's still in love with Shane, and it's obvious that Shane's still in love with her. So she has two choices really, choice one: Come home with us and pretend to love Jack, and choice two: Stay here in this evil town and have the happily ever after with Shane that she wants so much. Why do I get the feeling that the end choice will be the more dangerous option?
(Alice's POV)
I'm having another vision. I see Claire; she's alone, only… she's not really alone… There's something there, something I can't see. Claire's crying, silent tears of hurt, loss, and realisation are running down her cheeks.
'No, not him, anyone but him,' she gasps.
I don't know what else is there with her; whatever it is it's not quite human… but it's not quite not either. I can sense it, but can't actually see it. It's so annoying.
Claire's stood outside on a field of grass; I think I saw it earlier on our way to Common grounds.
There's a noise from behind her… behind me. But my vision won't sway an inch from Claire so, when she turns around, I can't turn with her.
'Oh my God, Shane!' Claire cries out. The sense of the not quite human is much stronger now, but I still can't see who it is. My only guess is…
Shane, no!' Claire screams. And the vision fades. I'm back in the car with Bells, Edward, Jasper, and Nessie. Nessie's sat on my lap, Jazz is in the back with me, Bells is driving, and Edward is in the passenger seat. Edward is watching me, his face full of the same confusion that I'm feeling. I open my mouth to say something but he shakes his head, my mouth snaps shut and we spend the rest of the ride in silence. If there's one thing I'm sure of then it's this… There's something more going on in Morganville than meets the eye.