Chapter 9

"You're an enigma." Edward said through a grin.

It was an awkward ride to the border in Carlisle's car. Edward's car was severely damaged so it was sent to the junkyard. Carlisle gave me the once over and of course, the two crescents on my neck were the only damage he found.

"You swallowed your venom."

"Of course I did."

"Venom?"

"It's what turns someone into a vampire. It's incredibly painful and I didn't want you to change so..."

"Oh, okay." We said awkwardly.

"D-Dad..."

"I know you're sorry Edward. I'm relieved Bella is alright, we all are. But we still have the Forks police to settle with."

"What will happen."

"I said you called me from the cabin, that you said you two were eloping but changed your minds, that you were apologizing and asking me to come get you. Charlie of course said Bella wouldn't do that, adamant that you took her, but I said I thought I knew you too. Because you're a minor you won't be sent to jail. This will be a case of runaway lovers." I couldn't help but blush.

"I'll keep Charlie away from you."

"Thank you. We can only hope there isn't a price we can't pay to keep all of the news outlets from covering the story and that it blows over."

"It should, in school at least." I said.

"We'll pretend until it does."

"R-right." For some reason that was depressing.

"Let's get going, everyone is waiting for you."

"I need you to stop at the cabin."

"Why?"

After cleaning up the cabin, Edward and I told the lady a bear broke in and Edward handed over an envelope full of cash before we got back on the rode.

Rosalie seemed to me like a spitfire but more often in a bad mood. Emmett was a playful boy, the perfect antidote. Alice took me by surprise, I wasn't expecting a hug or to be called a friend despite this being the first time we met. Honestly I was happy about it. Jasper on the other hand was very tense and silent. Alice assured me he was louder than that. I don't know if it was because of the naked men or the experience of being bitten but I took it the wrong way and blushed. I would love to be bitten again.

Carlisle was the leader obviously, the protector, but as loving and soft as Mrs. Cullen. Esme Cullen hugged Edward for a few minutes and talked to him as Edward patted her back. Her lips moved rapidly and I couldn't pick up a sound. They must have super-hearing as well.

It was sweet seeing Edward like that. I looked up and saw him resting his head with his eyes closed. He was sandwiched between Rosalie and Emmett, while I sat next to Emmett, with Carlisle being the driver and Esme next to him. Apparently the others were a bit new to the diet and they also thought I smelled good.

"At least I don't stink." I joked. Emmett found that extraordinarily funny as well, while the others, except Rosalie, chuckled awkwardly. It was a serious situation but it was still funny.

"No kidding, those dogs stank!" Emmett said. He carpooled with us in case I said something hilarious again.

At the border we told the officers our family came to drive us home because we were in a car accident. 'All of the kids wanted to come, now they want to go home.' Carlisle said. Edward and I sat next to each, after I had switched seats for the facade, with him stroking my hair ; he had his face in my hair, smelling my scent. The others acted like bored teenagers, Rosalie had sunglasses and headphones on while Emmett bounced a small ball. I think I would like to have a family like theirs.

Or do I want to be part of it?

"Come, switch back." Esme said kindly.

"No, we're fine...right?"

"Yeah." Edward sighed.

"So how long till we get to Forks?" I asked Carlisle.

"Fourteen hours. Charlie ordered me to bring you back within twenty four hours." I looked up at Edward.

"You'd tell me if you had to move right?"

"I'll steal you away again if I had to." He said. I smirked.

"Alice said everything will blow over so try not to worry too much."

"Alice? Oh right; you're not lying to me are you?"

"I won't ever lie to you." With that and Alice's vision, I could believe it. After all the worrying and action I could finally rest.

I must have fallen asleep because when I woke up, the sun was up.

"What time-oh, sorry." I apologized and took my legs off of Emmett's lap.

"Don't worry about it." He assured me.

"It's five pm. Are you hungry?" Esme asked. My stomach answered for me. I humbly accepted the plastic bag she handed over. A burrito, filling and portable.

"Hurry eating that. I had to smell that since the border."

"Rosalie." Edward admonished.

"If it weren't for you we wouldn't be in this mess!"

"Exactly, so don't take it out on her."

"Rosalie Lilith Hale, we are in this together." Esme scolded. Rosalie was still in a sour mood but she turned her body away from us. No wonder she rode in the car. Still I made sure to finish it quickly.

"You should call your father Bella," Carlisle said. I really didn't want to but I took his phone anyway. Hopefully it would make our arrival easier.

Just as I anticipated Charlie was yelling and asking over and over if I was okay, if Edward had touched me. To the latter I had said 'yes' which elicited a blush. Charlie was shocked. I took the opportunity to play my part which wasn't hard at all. In the end, it seemed like he believed me. It seemed like everyone else in the car was believing it considering how awkward it was after that.