p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""No."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Alice stared at me blankly, obviously trying to hide her disappointment and outrage. "What?" She asked slowly, shaking her head as if she thought she didn't hear me correctly./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I said no," I confirmed icily, folding my arms tightly across my chest. "But…" Alice stuttered, squeezing her eyes shut tight. "But…I was…counting on you, Bella. Our whole family was counting on you! If you don't help us…Edward…he will die!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"em"Edward," /emI drew out his name emphasizing the fact that I didn't care about it any longer. "Isn't my problem anymore. I know it may seem…harsh, but it's the truth. Walking straight into Volterra as a werewolf is too dangerous for me to risk for one… vampire that has broken my heart more times than it can be mended./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Besides," I began a little more pleasant, an embarrassed smile playing at the corners of my lips, "He left so that I could have a chance at a emnormal/em human life and emobviously /emthat isn't going to happen now. He wanted me to take a try at love one more time, to fall in love with someone who could love me back without fear of hurting me…and I have." I wrapped one arm around Jake's waist to elaborate that he was the only one for me./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Bella," Alice whispered, clearly trying not to lose her temper. "I don't really think that you understand the problem here."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"I groaned a little bit. "I completely understand what is happening. Edward didn't get what he wanted so he ran away like a child, like a…hormonal teenager who lost a love that he would die to have. He has gone to some freak vampires and is going to try to kill himself and, of course, emI /emam the only one that can save his life, and, of course, emI /emhave the choice to ignore the whole issue and emthat /emis what I choose."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"She nodded slowly and then her eyes went blank. I knew what was happening there- she was having a vision. Jacob looked at me strangely and I could feel his lovely unasked question hovering in the air. I stood up on my toes and craned my neck to his head but still couldn't reach him. He bent his knees and crouched down as I cupped my hands against his ear./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""She's seeing the future."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"His eyes popped open a little but he nodded stiffly, just now remembering that Edward wasn't the only vampire with abnormal skills in the Cullen family. Alice's eyes were far away, staring at the wall but not seeing it. By the horribly pained look on her face, I could tell that the vision was about Edward. Suddenly, her eyes focused and darted around the room. Her expression was indescribable, horrified, hopeless, wounded./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""He…" she choked, her voice was dry and cracking, "He is in…" she swallowed hard, avoiding the obvious lump in her throat, "Volterra."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Jacob sniffed. "Good to know." He mumbled sarcastically, waiting a moment before speaking again. He looked sourly at Alice, "What are you still doing here?" he asked inexorably. Alice didn't move./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Get out! Bella gave you your answer so what are you waiting for?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Alive dropped her knees staring at the wood paneling. "Please." She whispered. "Please save him." There were tears in her voice but nothing came out of her eyes. "I'm begging you…I'm kneeling."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"It took me a moment to answer her, recovering from the tone she used was not easy. The words I spoke came out unclear and unsure, "No…no I can't…I can't do it…"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The worn, abused door burst open for what seemed to be the thousandth time. It slammed into the wall. Rosalie was crouched in the doorway, Jasper hiding behind her commanding form. Her soaking beach blonde hair was swirling menacingly in the air like an untamed snake; small beads of rain flew off them only to be replaced again. Her eyes were black and the grave purple shadows under her eyes were startlingly pronounced. Her mascara was running down her cheeks making black streaks cross her face; her rain-dampened eyelashes were dull and ghastly. Her perfect eyebrows were pulled down making a deep, well-defined crease between her hateful eyes./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""How dare you." She growled the mere power in her tone made me flinch back in fear. Jacob took a small step in front of me to slightly hide me from her view. Rosalie stepped in time with him, bringing her inside the house. Cracks of infuriated thunder could be heard outside and lighting flashed for a blinding second. The rain poured from the sky on an angle, the relentless wind forcing it to the side./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""How dare you deny Edward's life, how dare you reject his life after the countless times he's saved yours."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"I spoke in a small, fearful voice. "Need I remind you," I took a step to the right behind Jacob to hide me further from her view. "That nearly every time I was in a life-threatening situation, Edward was to blame for the event happening? Think about it."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"She paused for a second and when she found only truth in my statement there was a flash of thought on her once-beautiful face as she tried to think of another reason to be mad./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Even if that is the truth you cannot deny that he was the heart and soul of your life."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Until he broke my heart."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"She growled in frustration running her hand through her tangled mess of hair. Finally, I saw resolve flicker on her face before she attacked. Her body flashed forward through the air and I cringed, preparing for her to hit me. I was not the only one surprised when I realized that she wasn't aiming for me. She directed her assault at my soul mate./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Jacob, who was eager to finally get a fight with the drama queen, leaped forward too. I wasn't sure if the crack I heard was a nearby lightning strike or just Jake and Rosalie's bodies colliding. Swiftly, Jasper stepped into the room and calmness and tranquility swept over the room like a wave of water washing away all harsh intentions. Everyone's flaming eyes cooled and I was abnormally relaxed./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help to you." I avowed truthfully, directing my sorrowful words to Alice./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I'm sorry too, Bella. This is a dark day for the Cullen family but we will not force any decision upon you."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Thank you." Jacob nodded gratefully and gave Alice a gentle push out the door, Jasper and Rosalie following her close behind. Alice looked back and gave me a heartbreaking wave and then disappeared into the blackness of the tempestuous night./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Alice stared at me blankly, obviously trying to hide her disappointment and outrage. "What?" She asked slowly, shaking her head as if she thought she didn't hear me correctly./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I said no," I confirmed icily, folding my arms tightly across my chest. "But…" Alice stuttered, squeezing her eyes shut tight. "But…I was…counting on you, Bella. Our whole family was counting on you! If you don't help us…Edward…he will die!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"em"Edward," /emI drew out his name emphasizing the fact that I didn't care about it any longer. "Isn't my problem anymore. I know it may seem…harsh, but it's the truth. Walking straight into Volterra as a werewolf is too dangerous for me to risk for one… vampire that has broken my heart more times than it can be mended./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Besides," I began a little more pleasant, an embarrassed smile playing at the corners of my lips, "He left so that I could have a chance at a emnormal/em human life and emobviously /emthat isn't going to happen now. He wanted me to take a try at love one more time, to fall in love with someone who could love me back without fear of hurting me…and I have." I wrapped one arm around Jake's waist to elaborate that he was the only one for me./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Bella," Alice whispered, clearly trying not to lose her temper. "I don't really think that you understand the problem here."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"I groaned a little bit. "I completely understand what is happening. Edward didn't get what he wanted so he ran away like a child, like a…hormonal teenager who lost a love that he would die to have. He has gone to some freak vampires and is going to try to kill himself and, of course, emI /emam the only one that can save his life, and, of course, emI /emhave the choice to ignore the whole issue and emthat /emis what I choose."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"She nodded slowly and then her eyes went blank. I knew what was happening there- she was having a vision. Jacob looked at me strangely and I could feel his lovely unasked question hovering in the air. I stood up on my toes and craned my neck to his head but still couldn't reach him. He bent his knees and crouched down as I cupped my hands against his ear./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""She's seeing the future."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"His eyes popped open a little but he nodded stiffly, just now remembering that Edward wasn't the only vampire with abnormal skills in the Cullen family. Alice's eyes were far away, staring at the wall but not seeing it. By the horribly pained look on her face, I could tell that the vision was about Edward. Suddenly, her eyes focused and darted around the room. Her expression was indescribable, horrified, hopeless, wounded./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""He…" she choked, her voice was dry and cracking, "He is in…" she swallowed hard, avoiding the obvious lump in her throat, "Volterra."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Jacob sniffed. "Good to know." He mumbled sarcastically, waiting a moment before speaking again. He looked sourly at Alice, "What are you still doing here?" he asked inexorably. Alice didn't move./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Get out! Bella gave you your answer so what are you waiting for?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Alive dropped her knees staring at the wood paneling. "Please." She whispered. "Please save him." There were tears in her voice but nothing came out of her eyes. "I'm begging you…I'm kneeling."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"It took me a moment to answer her, recovering from the tone she used was not easy. The words I spoke came out unclear and unsure, "No…no I can't…I can't do it…"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The worn, abused door burst open for what seemed to be the thousandth time. It slammed into the wall. Rosalie was crouched in the doorway, Jasper hiding behind her commanding form. Her soaking beach blonde hair was swirling menacingly in the air like an untamed snake; small beads of rain flew off them only to be replaced again. Her eyes were black and the grave purple shadows under her eyes were startlingly pronounced. Her mascara was running down her cheeks making black streaks cross her face; her rain-dampened eyelashes were dull and ghastly. Her perfect eyebrows were pulled down making a deep, well-defined crease between her hateful eyes./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""How dare you." She growled the mere power in her tone made me flinch back in fear. Jacob took a small step in front of me to slightly hide me from her view. Rosalie stepped in time with him, bringing her inside the house. Cracks of infuriated thunder could be heard outside and lighting flashed for a blinding second. The rain poured from the sky on an angle, the relentless wind forcing it to the side./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""How dare you deny Edward's life, how dare you reject his life after the countless times he's saved yours."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"I spoke in a small, fearful voice. "Need I remind you," I took a step to the right behind Jacob to hide me further from her view. "That nearly every time I was in a life-threatening situation, Edward was to blame for the event happening? Think about it."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"She paused for a second and when she found only truth in my statement there was a flash of thought on her once-beautiful face as she tried to think of another reason to be mad./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Even if that is the truth you cannot deny that he was the heart and soul of your life."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Until he broke my heart."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"She growled in frustration running her hand through her tangled mess of hair. Finally, I saw resolve flicker on her face before she attacked. Her body flashed forward through the air and I cringed, preparing for her to hit me. I was not the only one surprised when I realized that she wasn't aiming for me. She directed her assault at my soul mate./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Jacob, who was eager to finally get a fight with the drama queen, leaped forward too. I wasn't sure if the crack I heard was a nearby lightning strike or just Jake and Rosalie's bodies colliding. Swiftly, Jasper stepped into the room and calmness and tranquility swept over the room like a wave of water washing away all harsh intentions. Everyone's flaming eyes cooled and I was abnormally relaxed./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help to you." I avowed truthfully, directing my sorrowful words to Alice./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I'm sorry too, Bella. This is a dark day for the Cullen family but we will not force any decision upon you."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Thank you." Jacob nodded gratefully and gave Alice a gentle push out the door, Jasper and Rosalie following her close behind. Alice looked back and gave me a heartbreaking wave and then disappeared into the blackness of the tempestuous night./p