Chapter Thirty Six
Edward
I knew she was here somewhere and I would find her, the question was who else was on their way to find her? I didn't think anyone could get here in time to stop me taking her to our island retreat. She was just nervous, that's all, she wasn't really running from me or she would have made it much harder to track her. As it was she'd left me a clear trail to follow. I didn't want to make a scene at the Youth Hostel and upset her so I decided to wait until morning when she'd had a good nights sleep and would be happy to see me. As I faded back into the night I decided to hunt so we would be ready to leave for the Caribbean as soon as I picked her up.
Bella
Now what did I do? Edward knew I was here, or at least in this town but so did Jake who was coming to help me. I hated the thought of him confronting Edward but Esme had said 'they' so he must have a Cullen with him, perhaps Carlisle and I knew he would be able to handle Edward. I crept back to my room and curled up on the bed hiding childishly under the covers and cried quietly in my fear. Was my whole life going to be spent running from someone? I wanted to go back in time to when Renee and I were happy in our life together, before her death, before I found out I was living in a horror movie.
Emmett
"I don't think he knows were on his trail, maybe he's gone to hunt."
"So where are Jake and Jasper?"
We made our way slowly and cautiously to the rear of the building where we saw a huge shadow staring at the black sightless windows.
"Jake" I whispered and he turned fast, crouching
"It's OK its me Em and I've got Rose with me."
He stood and we walked over to his side.
"Where's Jazz?" Rose looked around.
"He's in the trees. He couldn't get any further and I have to tell you he's frightening the shit outta me".
Rose looked at me and as I nodded she ran into the trees in the direction Jake had indicated.
"Edwards been here" I pointed out.
"I know but he went off in the direction of the woods so I guess he went to hunt."
"Why didn't he just go in and get her?"
"Maybe he's playing it cool. If he frightens her more he's not doing himself any favours."
"True. So which room is she in?"
Jake jerked his chin to the end one on the second floor.
"How do we play it?"
"She trusts me so I'm going up."
He scaled the building with ease as I watched, then tapped on the window he'd indicated and we waited.
Bella
I heard a tapping on the glass and stiffened, stifling a scream with the blanket, Was this a friend or foe? I got up from the bed gingerly and tiptoed to the curtained window. Taking a deep breath and sending up a silent prayer I pulled the curtain back slowly and heaved a sigh of relief on seeing Jake at the window. I opened it as quietly as I could and he climbed in, taking me in his arms and crushing me to his huge chest.
"Its OK Bells. You're safe now."
"Edward...Edwards out there" I whispered panicking,
"Yeah we know. Don't worry though, Emmett's out there too."
I relaxed a little on hearing that, with my two body guards I felt a lot safer.
"Hurry and get your stuff"
"Let's go before he gets back. I don't want there to be a fight."
"Yeah well I think you're in a minority of one." Jake said with a gri,n
"Right, I'm going to lower you down to Emmett. You might have to fall a few feet but he'll catch you. OK?"
I nodded, eager to get away before Edward got back.
Jake pushed the window right up while I got my bag and went to his side. Looking out I saw Emmett's huge figure black against the white snow and saw how far it was to the ground. Jake felt my apprehension and took my hands,
"You will be fine. Just let go when I tell you."
I nodded and climbed out onto the window sill trying desperately not to look down. Jake braced himself against the wall and took my hands in his again, lowering me over the edge and down as far as he could. I heard him call to Emmett and then he looked down at me.
"Let go Bells."
I hesitated then closed my eyes and opened my hands. The fall was longer than I thought and I expected to hit the ground in a crumpled heap but then I felt cold arms around me and I was lowered gently to my feet. Emmett stood grinning at me,
"Fun eh?"
I burst into tears of relief and threw myself into his arms.
"Oh Emmett I'm so glad to see you and Jake. I was so frightened when I saw Edward here earlier. I really thought he'd come for me."
"Oh he'll be back, but you'll be gone. Come on girl let's get you away from here."
He took my arm and almost dragged me into the woods followed a few seconds later by Jake who was almost silent in the snow. We made our way to a small clearing where I saw two figures. One kneeling and the other standing over it and I assumed it was Edward who had just overpowered whoever they'd left to watch their backs. Then Emmett spoke,
"Rose. You ready? We need to go now. Edward could be back any time"
The standing figure turned and I saw Rosalie's beautiful face in the moonlight. She looked concerned,
"OK but I need help here."
Jake took my arm from Emmett,
"I'll carry her. You help him."
Before I could get a look at the figure on the ground I was in Jake's arms and being carried fast through the woods away from the hotel,
"Where are we going Jake?"
I gasped as the wind whipped my breath away.
To the airfield. Hopefully we can take off before Edward realizes where we've gone."
I wanted to ask about the figure on the ground but it was hard enough just breathing as the wind whipped past my mouth so I tucked my head into Jake's chest and closed my eyes. The heat from his body kept me warm although the melting snow dripped from his face onto my hair soaking it.
Emmett
I was strong but Jasper wasn't exactly a light weight and we fell behind the others so I made the decision.
"Rose catch the others up. Take off if we aren't there and Edward turns up. We'll get back as soon as we can"
She didn't like it but realized it made sense and soon she was lost to view too.
"Looks like it's just you and me Jazz."
He lifted his head and looked at me,
"Thanks Em. I'm sorry, you can leave me and catch the others up. I'll get back on my own."
"Hey we never leave a comrade behind, surely you know that."
He nodded, closed his eyes again and we struggled on, knowing we were going to be left.