The Impasse

"Bella!"

The sound of my mother's worried voice sounded through the phone. I felt relief flood through me instantly.

"Mom, calm down okay," I replied.

"Bella where are you?" She demanded.

"I'm safe. I'm going to be heading to Portland soon then my destination is unknown but I'll call you when I find out," I tried to assure her.

"Your father is worried sick," she snapped.

"I know and I'm sorry," I replied.

"Well just call me at this number when you get to Portland okay," she said.

I was about to reply when the line went dead. 'That's weird,' I thought. I put my phone in my pocket and gathered up my suitcase. I was heading towards the door when I got a notification. It was a text message from Paul.

We lost him! Fuck! Please tell me you're safe?

I stared blankly at the screen for a moment. What did he mean they lost him?

I'm safe. What happened?

I impatiently waited for a reply.

He figured it out!

My body began shaking as I made my way downstairs. 'He knows I'm not there.' I thought.

"Everything okay Bella," Alice asked as we exited the elevator. Thank goodness Jasper wasn't there to catch my lie.

"Everything is fine. It's just my mom knows I left," I said.

"Once we take care of the tracker, you will be reunited with both of your parents," she assured me.

I nodded my head. Something in my gut didn't feel right. Something was definitely off, like something bad was going to happen. We headed straight for the car already waiting for us at the valet. Jasper was still inside checking out.

"Are you okay Bella," Alice asked. "You're looking a bit green."

"Yeah I'm fine," I lied. "Probably something I ate."

"Humans are so weird sometimes," Alice replied.

"Yeah, weird..." I said in a peculiar manner.

I nestled down in the back seat and closed my eyes. We had a long six hour drive ahead of us and no way was I going to miss my only chance at a good nap. I was starting to get sleepy when Jasper finally got in the car.

"You okay darlin'," he asked.

I just nodded and closed my eyes trying to clear my head. I couldn't wait for this all to be over. I wanted to see Paul again and soon. Finally we were on the road and just before we were outside of the city limits, I fall asleep.

I'm shaken awake by Jasper. We've made it to a small town about halfway to Portland.

"Thought you could use a break from the car," Jasper stated. "You know stretch your legs, take a bathroom break."

I nodded sitting up and stretching. I headed straight for the bathroom with Alice while Jasper refueled.

"Don't worry I'll give you as much privacy as I can," she said smiling sheepishly.

"Thanks," I mumbled, still sleepy.

I made quick work of the bathroom break and washed up some. When I got back to the car, Jasper was waiting patiently with a bag full of a variety of snacks. Usually I wouldn't eat gas station sushi, but beggars can't be choosers. I chugged the large water bottle and then watched the trees go by as we sped towards our destination. I ended up dosing off again, to be woken up being carried inside by Jasper.

"Hey darlin'," he smiled at me. "I think we should be safe for a few days here until our next leg of the journey," he said placing me in a large oversized bed.

It was very comfortable for something owned by vampires. I looked around the room. There was a lot of civil war memorabilia decorating the walls. This was obviously Jasper's bedroom.

"Hope you don't mind staying in my room. I don't think the guest room has sheets on the bed," he said.

"This is fine," I smiled sleepily.

"Get some rest, we're going to find out what's going on in the morning," he smiled.

"Jasper," I whispered.

"Yes darlin'," he asked curiously.

"Am I going to be running from this tracker for the rest of my life," I asked.

"Hopefully not. Hopefully we can get this taken care of soon before the Volturi catch wind of it," he sighed.

"The Volturi?" I asked.

"They are the royalty of my kind. They regulate the laws and such," he replied.

"Vampires have laws," I asked raising an eyebrow.

"Well only one they regularly enforce," he said.

"Like what," I was curious.

"Keeping the existence of my kind a secret. Every now and then an old vampire will get bored and almost expose us to all humans," he replied.

"What other kind of laws are there," I asked.

"We can't turn children," he said, his expression becoming hard.

"Children?" I asked.

"Yes, we call them immortal children. They are unteachable little creatures. A tantrum could devastate an entire town," he said.

"What do you mean," I know children get angry but what did he mean by that?

"They would go off on a rampage and thirst for blood. Killing thousands who were unlucky enough to be near," he replied. "The Denali's mother created an immortal child. They're unnaturally beautiful and their creators quickly grew attached," he said.

His world was so interesting. I wanted to learn more.

"What happened to her," I wondered.

"The Volturi had to intervene. The young child had gotten upset and killed an entire village. The sisters were spared because of their ignorance of the child's existence," he said.

"So they killed her," I asked.

"Yes, the sisters were forced to watch as she was burned alive," his voice was strained by this. "Thousands of lives were lost. Many of my kind went into hiding after that."

"That's terrible," I whispered.

"It was a dark time for my kind," he replied.

"I bet," I said.

We sat in silence for a moment, the story playing in my head like my own personal movie.

It was getting late. I was tired and I couldn't help but yawn.

"You should get some sleep," Jasper said, standing to leave.

"You don't have to go," I whispered.

I didn't want to be alone.

"I'll stay until you fall asleep Darlin'," he smiled at me.

I laid down and finally began to fall asleep. I woke with a start to the sound of my phone ringing. It was the unknown number from earlier. Jasper was no where to be seen. Only a note was sitting in his place.

Went hunting darlin'. Alice is downstairs if you need anything.

I put the note back and picked up the phone.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Bella? Bella where are you?" The sound of my mother's panicked voice sounded through the telephone.

"Mom? I'm okay. I'm safe," I replied.

"Where are you," she demanded.

"I'm in Portland," I replied.

Suddenly the line went quiet. I began to worry just a little more.

"Mom," I called out to her.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. You humans are so easily fooled," a male voice I didn't recognize said over the phone.

I instantly felt my blood run cold. It was obvious that it was the tracker on the other end of the phone.

"What do you want? How did you get this number," I asked.

"Your father is particularly fond of keeping old memories in a box. Did you know that?" the tracker asked.

"Yes he keeps them in the garage," I replied. He was stalling

"I got your number from the little list of numbers by the kitchen phone," he replied.

"What do you want," I asked again. "Is my father okay," I asked.

"That's a need to know bases Isabella," he said in a menacing tone.

"What did you do to him? Where is he?" I was beginning to panic. I was thankful that Jasper wasn't in the house as my feelings were out of control.

"He's safe for now. As long as you do exactly what I say Isabella," he threatened.

I took a moment to think before answering. "What do I have to do?"

"Very good Isabella," he replied. "Do you remember your father's old lake house in Vancouver?" He asked.

"Yes, I remember it. I know how to get there," I sighed in resignation. I was not going to get out of this.

"I'm surprised there's still boats on the pier. You humans and your obsession with materialistic things," he said.

"The people who use the pier, that money pays for the house and the property," I explained. Although, I wasn't sure why I was explaining it to him.

"Oh Isabella what shall I do with you," he said with a wicked voice.

"I don't know, you tell me," I tried to stall.

"Well I think you need to figure out how to get away from your friends," he said.

"How am I supposed to do that," I asked.

"You seem like a smart girl. Figure it out. Until then I'll be having some good old fun with dad," his voice was dripping with venom.

"Don't hurt him," I begged.

"Then I guess I'll see you at sunset my pet," the endearment didn't match his tone.

"I'll be there," I replied.

"Good," was all he said before the line went dead.

I was unsure of how I was going to follow through. How was I supposed to get away from Jasper and Alice. I got up and dressed quickly to head downstairs. Alice was reading a large stack of cosmopolitan magazines.

"Hello Bella," Alice smiled.

"Hey Alice," I gave a half hearted smile.

"Carlisle called. They're going to take the first flight here tonight," she said trying to lighten the mood.

"They?" I asked.

"Yes, and your wolf as well as his pack," she smiled.

"Paul is coming here?" I asked in bewilderment.

"Is something wrong Bella," she asked.

"No, nothing's wrong," I lied easily.

Alice set her magazine to the side before she spoke again.

"When Jasper gets back we'll get ready to go to the airport. Then we'll discuss the next plan," she smiled brightly.

"What is the next plan?" I wondered.

"Well Carlisle and Esme are going to loan you and Paul an island," she smiled even bigger if that was possible.

"An island," I was a little shocked at that. They owned an entire island?

"We own a few here and there but this one has the provisions to hold you over for a few years if necessary," she replied.

"Okay," I was at a loss for words.

I made my way into the kitchen. I was surprised to find things to make a sandwich. 'They must've done a grocery run while I was sleeping,' I thought with a weak smile. I quickly made a sandwich and grabbed a bag of baby carrots and a fruit cup. Then I balanced my plate on a glass of iced lemonade.

"So Bella, what do you eat when you're in full tail," Alice asked with an awkward smile.

"Raw fish," I answered simply.

She scrunched up her nose at that.

"I guess it's better than starving," she shrugged.

"I don't usually get hungry when I'm in my tail. I actually get really thirsty," I said.

"I understand that," she mumbled.

"I have to find fresh water when I need it. So generally speaking mermaids, at least half mermaids, stay closer to land," I said.

"Hmm, interesting," she said.

After a few minutes I put on a movie and we sat in waiting for Jasper to return. After a few hours Jasper came bounding into the house, his face lighting up at the sight of me sitting on the couch.

"Ready to go darlin'," he smiled.

This was it. This was the only chance I had. I would have to come up with a plan. The airport was approximately forty five minutes from the lake house. I could figure out how to get away from there.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I said trying to suppress my emotions.

He gave me a curious look as we headed out to the car. I didn't want to give anything away so I kept my mouth shut. I shook my head hoping that he understood that I didn't want to talk about it.

The drive to the airport was quiet. Jasper parked in the nearest parking area. The sun was hidden behind some clouds, creating a great cover for Alice and Jasper. It was crowded. We made our way to the gate and sat to wait patiently for everyone. It was getting later and it was almost sunset. Suddenly a thought came to mind. I watched as the janitor closed the women's bathroom.

"I have to go to the bathroom," I said suddenly.

"I can escort you," Alice offered.

"No," I nearly shouted. I cleared my throat and tried again. "No, it's okay. I'll be fine," I said standing up.

"Don't be long darlin'," Jasper whispered.

I made my way through the crowd and headed towards the next women's room. It was a little ways down from our gate but the crowd was thick enough to cover me. They wouldn't risk themselves exposure to stop me from running if they did see me. As soon as I was at the entrance, I turned to check if the coast was clear. They were well out of sight. Now was my chance.

I made a run for it as I headed to the nearest exit. I hailed the first taxicab and jumped in.

"Where to," a balding middle aged man asked.

I quickly gave him the address of the lake house. It took forty five minutes to get there. By now they were discovering that I was no longer at the airport. But that wasn't what was important to me at the moment. At the moment all I could think of was saving Charlie. And my mother if he had her too.

I tossed a few twenty dollar bills at the man when he finally pulled up to the house.

"I hope this enough," I said. "Keep the change."

"Uh, thanks. Are you sure," he asked. It was obvious that I over paid but I didn't care.

"Yes," I replied, quickly exiting the car.

I didn't wait for the taxi to drive off as I made my way towards the front door. I wasn't surprised to find the door unlocked. I entered the house with caution. It was eerily quiet. Leaves from the front porch blew in through the door and a light breeze whistled past. It made it seem like a horror scene straight out of the movies. I quickly and quietly shut the door. Still no tracker.

I walked through the large foyer and under the stairs into the large living room. The back wall was two stories tall with several full length windows over looking the water and the beautiful hills and mountains. I was standing directly in the center of the room when I heard a loud whooshing sound. I turned rapidly looking for the tracker that I knew was in the room.

James.

He stood in the dark corner and to a human eye he would have been invisible. However, what he didn't know, was that I wasn't any mere human girl.

"So you can see me, I see," he snickered arrogantly.

"Yes," I whispered, my voice shakey.

He was the perfect predator for a human. Everything invites them in. His looks, his face, even his smell. But I was so much more than he knew.

"How is that little pet, that you can see me," he asked curiously.

Maybe he would think I'm crazy if I told him. I gulped not wanting to answer the question. I stood there unmoving and unable to answer anyway.

"Answer me," he hissed as he charged at me.

I turned to run towards the double doors that lead to outside. I barely made it two steps before he had me by the back of my neck. His grip was firm.

"Where do you think you're going pet," he hissed in my ear.

I could feel his nails digging into the skin at the nape of my neck. Tears began to smart my eyes. Then I remembered the reason for even coming here to begin with.

"Where's my father," I croaked.

He let out a menacing laugh before he threw me like a rag doll directly out the top of the window. The glass shattered into millions of tiny crystals. I landed with a thud on my back. Smashing my head against the concrete. I let out a groan as I tried to get up.

James stood on the window panel watching me closely. It looked like he had some sort of camera in his hand.

"Hope you don't mind. I borrowed this from your house," he smiled a wicked smile.

"Where's... my... father," I let out with each breath.

"He's not here" he replied nonchalantly.

"Wha..."

Of course I should have known. It was a trap this whole time. He had set me up from the beginning.

I gently stood, swaying as I did. I was a bit dizzy from the landing. By now the plane was probably landing. Paul was going to be so upset that I didn't even say goodbye.

"So I hope you don't mind me making a little farewell video for your precious Cullens," he smiled.

"Why," I asked.

"It'll make it all the more fun. And then they'll try to avenge your death my pet," he sneered.

I had to keep him talking. As long as he keeps talking the Cullens and the pack will get here in time. He was in front of me before I could blink.

"You see, I chose this place to get a more visual dynamic," he grinned a sickening grin.

"You don't scare me," I replied.

"See, now you really shouldn't have said that," he sneered.

He grabbed me by my upper arm and yanked hard before kicking me. His blow hit with a force that had me flying through the air. I landed on the deck, crushing a few of the floor panels in the process. I went to stand up, and released an earsplitting scream. James covered his ears instantly.

My arm was definitely broken. I stood up anyway. I wasn't going to back down so easily.

"Oh we have ourselves a little fighter ladies and gentlemen, Isabella," he smiled maliciously at me.

I gulped trying to keep the tears from brimming. I carefully set my arm and whimpered when the bones ground together. It was extremely uncomfortable.

James watched me curiously for a moment before breaking the silence between us.

"You know what surprised me when we entered that field?" he asked.

I didn't bother looking at him.

"No, but I'm sure you're just dying to tell me anyway," I said trying to sound unmoved by him.

"The little pixie like vampire. Ah yes, Alice was her name? You see she was my singer and I thirsted for her blood, but she had a protector you see. A vampire who was her doctor, he grew a little too attached to his patient. I dare say he even fell in love with her. He was a fool to intervene in my little game, but it made it more fun of course," he was going on in his monologue.

Finally I could hear someone approaching from a distance. James froze for a second listening.

"Time is of the essence Isabella," he said.

"No, your time is up," I replied loudly.

I turned and made a run for the pier. I sent a large ball of water in his direction. He was suprised, but continued to charge me. Finally I had enough. I brought enough water forth to stop him. Not enough to keep him from talking. Then I released him.

Finally the hunter became the hunted.

I never really thought about how I would die. I only know that today wasn't that day. Though the idea of dying for someone I cared about was surely the best way to go out.

I stood on the abandoned pier, with the ocean to my back. I could smell the all familiar salty air, whipping through my tangled hair. James, the vampire before me is taunting me in his monologue still. Slowly backing me towards the water. He has no idea what I am. My feet have found the edge of the pier, and though I could escape easily, I wasn't giving him the satisfaction of his game.

He stalked towards me with a purpose, and before I could blink, he grabbed my arm and lunged for my neck. He was quick, but I was quicker, knowing exactly what he was going to do. I raised my arm and blocked him from tearing out my throat, when the piercing pain shot through my arm. The silence was broken by my high pitched screams. I stepped back missing the edge, and descended towards the water below. I could hear multiple growls before I was submerged completely. I knew he wasn't gonna win that fight.

I could feel the venom work it's way through my blood. I was sinking slowly to the bottom. Suddenly I was wrapped in a pair of warm arms.

"C'mon Bells. Stay with me," Jacob's voice said as our heads broke the surface of the water.

I couldn't speak. The venom was too painful. Jacob dragged me to the shore. Alice and Carlisle rushed over in a hurry.

"Carlisle, her blood," Alice pointed out.

"Quickly Alice. Make tourniquet with your belt," Carlisle advised.

Alice quickly wrapped her belt around my wounded arm.

"Her arm's already healing from the break. I'm going to have to rebreak it to set it right," he said.

Suddenly I let out a scream as Carlisle rebroke my arm. I could hear Paul growling somewhere.

"The doc is helping her right now. You need to let him help her Paul," Sam's voice rang out.

"She needs me," Paul argued, growling.

"Carlisle, her blood," Alice reminded him.

"We're not too late. We can suck out the venom," he said.

"Jasper, you're the one who has to do it," Alice said confidently.

"What if I lose control," he said.

"You won't. I've seen it," she assured him.

Jasper leaned over me and apologized before sinking his teeth into the bite James just recently gave me. I could feel the venom recede as he sucked it out.

I could feel a darkness creep over me. I was tired of fighting. As I let myself fall into unconsciousness I whispered out "Paul."

I was woken up by the sound of a strange beeping noise. I knew where I was. 'The hospital,' I thought with disgust. Finally I opened my eyes and looked at the sterilized room around me.

In the corner on a small recliner was Paul sound asleep. Jasper laid on the couch appearing to be fast asleep. My mother was sound asleep with her head next to my arm. I looked myself over. No casts or splints. I must've healed. My right arm though, was wrapped in gauze. I lifted it up to inspect it further, waking Renee up in the process.

"You're awake," she whispered excitedly. "Oh honey what did you do?"

She gave me that sympathetic mom look with a half smile.

"What happened? Where am I?" I asked.

Exactly where was I? I had no clue at all. I tried to find a clue in the room around me.

"Oh honey, Jasper said that he and Paul came to talk you out of leaving. You were trying to fix a curtain in the old lake house and they said that they must've surprised you because you slipped off the ladder and fell out of the window," she replied in slight horror. "Thank goodness Dr. Cullen was there."

"I don't remember everything," I replied.

"You had a pretty bad concussion too," she said.

I blinked and looked over at Paul and Jasper.

"They never leave," she said with a tiny smile in their direction.

I watched as she pulled out her phone and started to type rapidly.

"You text," I teased.

She was never great at keeping up with the latest technology and she always seemed to lose her charger. But she was eccentric. My erratic hair brained mother.

"Yeah, I was just updating Phil," she smiled.

"Where's your charger," I asked with a teasing smile.

"Hey, I don't lose my chargers. They run away. I literally repelle technology," she replied smiling.

"It's good to see you mom," I said.

"Oh honey, it's good to see you too. Oh and we found the cutest little house in Jacksonville. You're going to love it there sweetheart. You'll have your own bathroom," she said.

"Wait. I'm not leaving Forks. No. I want to live in Forks," I started to panic some.

I felt the calm from Jasper's gift seep into me. I let it in as it slowly started to help.

"Shh shhh shh," she tried to calm me. "You don't have to. But are you sure that's what you want," she asked.

"Yes," I replied firmly.

"Okay. I'm going to go find your father. He went to get something eat from the cafeteria," she said standing up and heading for the door.

I waited impatiently as she shut the door. As soon as the door clicked shut Jasper was at my side.

"I'm not apologizing," I said.

"I wasn't expecting you to darlin'. I understand why you did what you did. But what I don't get, is why you couldn't tell me. We could've prevented all of this," he waived his hand around gesturing to me in the hospital bed.

"I know. I didn't realize he was tricking me," I said.

"We could have figured it all out darlin'," Jasper whispered.

"What happened to him? Where's James?" I needed to know that he was never going to hunt me again.

"He's gone. We took care of him," it was all he had to say.

"So now what," I asked.

"I'm not gonna tell you what to do darlin'," Jasper said.

"So don't," I replied.

"But I don't think my family is good for you. All we bring to you is trouble," he sighed in resignation.

"What? What are you talking about," I demanded. "You can't leave me. You're my best friend Jasper," the heart monitor started to speed up.

"Darlin' should I call for the nurse," he asked solemnly.

"No I won't take a sedative," I replied.

"I don't think you'd be swallowing anything darlin'," he smiled halfheartedly.

"Just promise me," I said.

"As long you want me here I'll be here," he sighed.

It wasn't exactly a promise but I wasn't going to be picky either.

"Thank you," I replied.

"I'm going to check in with everyone in the waiting area. Do you need anything," he asked heading to the door.

"No. I'm fine," I replied.

I watched his retreating figure disappear from view and then turned my head towards Paul. He sat looking at me with a withdrawn expression.

"Are you going to tell me to leave for my own good too," I asked him.

He stood and stretched before saying anything.

"No princess. I'm too selfish to do that," he said, sleep heavy in his voice.

"I was hoping that you'd say that," I grinned.

"But..." there it was.

"Please don't," I said dismissively.

"He's got a point babe," he replied.

"I know, but I still don't want to hear it," I almost snapped.

"Okay so I won't say anything further about it," he replied, trying to hide his disdain.

"I'm part of this world already. I was born a mermaid for crying out loud," I said. "You can't take me out of the supernatural when I was born into it."

"But you can still not associate with vampires," he replied.

"Jasper is one of my best friends. I'm not going to just let him go," I said.

"Fine. But if anything else happens to you, then they need to..." he trailed off.

"He's going to be in my life. You just need to learn to accept," I said.

"Fine. I'll do anything for you, you know that," I said.

"I do know. And I'm counting on that," I replied.

"You should rest," he said taking my hand.

I nestled into the bed and smiled at him.

"I love you Paul," I whispered.

"I love you too Isabella," he replied quietly.

And then the night closed over me.