It's a bright horizon and I'm awakin'

I see myself in a brand new way

The sun is shinin', the clouds are breakin'

Cause I can't lose now, there's no game to play

Don't Look Back / Boston

. . .

June 2008

Day One: Hanover, NH - Buffalo, NY

Today was the day. Bella was finally getting out of Hanover, out of her relationship with Edward. In a few hours' time, she'd be on her way to Texas. Shit. Quickly, she locked down those thoughts. If she thought about it too long, then Alice would catch wind of it. Burrowing herself down into the covers, she snuggled her face into her pillows, sniffling softly. A soft knock came on the door, and Bella poked her head out of the covers, rubbing her eyes, feigning tiredness. In all truthfulness, she was miserable, and she was sick, but all the same.

I finally see the dawn arrivin'

Esme's head poked into the room, her delicate brows pulled up and together in concern for her daughter. A pang of guilt went through Bella, but she quickly ignored it. Although she would most likely cut Edward out of her life for the time being, there was no way she would completely ignore the rest of the family. Shit, she had to stop thinking about this. Alice was going to catch on.

"Hi, Bella," Esme said softly. "Alice and I are going out to get some things for chicken noodle soup."

"You don't have to do that." Bella knew that she was laying it on thick, but she had to be convincing.

"Nonsense. We'll be back in a little bit."

With a smile, Esme walked in and kissed Bella's forehead. Bella couldn't help but smile, letting her eyes close again as she burrowed herself back into the bed, pulling the covers over her head. A soft pat came to her hip through the covers and Esme tucked the blankets closer to her ill daughter's frame. A quiet goodbye came from both Esme and Alice and the bedroom door closed. Although Bella did want to succumb to sleep, she kept herself aware, just thinking how miserable she was. That's all Alice needed to know about her future. The sound of Alice's car driving away was heard, and Bella peeked out from the covers.

The road is calling, today is the day

Exactly 900 seconds later, Bella tossed her covers back and quickly leapt to her feet. Under the covers, she had been completely dressed in a pair of jeans and her favorite pair of converse with a white tank top. Moving with speed and grace she didn't know she had, Bella practically sprinted down the stairs. She didn't need anything, save the clothes on her back. Everything was replaceable, or she could easily get it back when she was in the clear and everything her cooled down. Pulling her note from her bra, she put it on the door with a bit of electrical tape. Grabbing the keys to the motorcycle and pressing the button to open the garage door, she ventured into the deep recesses.

She silently thanked Rosalie, who had been with her since the beginning. They'd spoken in writing while Edward was away hunting, and she - more so than any of the other Cullens - was adept at keeping Edward out. Bella honestly had no idea why Rosalie would help her, but it didn't matter to her. Sliding into the leather riding jacket, Bella stuffed the helmet over her head and quickly started the motorcycle, speeding out of the garage at a breakneck speed. Thank God for Jake teaching her. Unable to help herself, a bright laugh bubbled from her lips as she tore out into the interstate. Free. She was free. Finally.

Now I see what I am is holding me down

I'll turn it around

x x x

Day Two: Buffalo, NY - Barrackville, WV

The previous night, Bella had spent the night in a suburb of Buffalo in this cheap little motel. She'd taken only cash that was in the pack on the back of her motorcycle. There would be no trail of her; she hadn't even taken her phone with the knowledge Edward would try to track it. Furthermore, she was staying to a southern route and would forgo all kind of highways. She would change her direction often and with spontaneity. Alice would not find her. Even her destination was hazy. Maybe she'd stay in a southern state. Maybe she'd find Jasper. Who knew? Bella refused to let herself decide until the time was right.

I finally see the dawn arrivin'

I see beyond the road I'm drivin'

But for the time being, she was going to have her fun. Practically skipping her way down the shallow stone steps, Bella eagerly sought out a better view. Niagara fucking Falls. It was absolutely gorgeous. Coming to a stop at the railing, she let herself get lost in the rhythmic roar of the water, absolutely enamored by the color blue it flowed. Absolutely stunning.

She wasn't sure how long she stood there, watching the water flow, listening to the families ask other people to take their pictures, but eventually, she knew that she would need to move. As much as she wanted to stay, she was pretty much on the run, and needed to keep moving so that Alice wouldn't pinpoint her placement. Even though she'd put a good amount of space between them, she knew that for the Cullens, her eight hour drive to Buffalo would be two and a half, three tops with their breakneck speeds. Quickly, she made her way back to her car and sent out on her journey again.

Don't look back, a new day is breakin

It's been so long since I felt this way

. . .

Another seven hours later, Bella was pulling into a small motel in the town of…well, she actually wasn't sure where she was…or what state she was in, but that was all right with her. After paying the needed amount, Bella was traipsing down to the left hallway, trying to ignore the creepy guy who was leering after her. Ugh. No matter, though.

Unlocking the door to her room at the end of the hall, she walked in. It really wasn't as bad as the last one, but it wasn't exactly the Hilton, but she couldn't care. It was just a place to sleep for the night. Tossing her duffel bag onto the bed, she stripped off the comforter, disgusted by the plastic-like feel, and dumped it on the floor. Picking up the phone, she dialed Jasper's number, chewing lightly on her lip while she waited for him to answer.

Finally, his deep, southern drawl sounded in her ear. "Hello?"

"Hi, Jasper."

"Kitten!" he exclaimed, his voice half annoyed and half pleased to hear from her. A small smile tugged at Bella's lips. "I thought you were dead. The whole family's been ringin' my phone off the fuckin' hook wonderin' if you're with me."

"Nah. I'm in…um…Barrackville," she said, studying the hotel service card that was on the desk she sat at. Propping her feet up on it, she looked at her nails. Ugh. Her fingertips were numb. She would definitely have to invest in some leather gloves.

"And where the fuck exactly is that?" Definitely annoyed, now.

"I'm not actually sure. I'm just dodgin' and weavin' all over these back country roads." Her tone was relaxed, and she put little effort into properly pronouncing the Gs at the end of her verbs, much like Jasper.

I don't mind where I get taken

The road is calling, today is the day

Pulling the map from her inside jacket pocket, she flattened it out, running her fingers over the half-route she'd marked at lunch. With the sharpie she'd accidentally taken from said restaurant, she started to pen in the rest of the route, tapping the end of the marker against her bottom lip. Had she gone left or right? It made a world of difference.

"Well?"

Bella slowly finished drawing out her route. "West Virginia."

"Are you comin' to visit me, darlin'?" If she wasn't completely dumb and numb from sleep deprivation, Bella was pretty sure that she heard a bit of hope in his voice.

"You know that if I make a decision, Alice will know that."

A dramatic sigh came from his end of the phone. "You sound exhausted."

"Yeah," she agreed. "I haven't really been sleepin' for the past few weeks. But it's all right. I should get some more sleep tonight."

"You sound sick." A bit of worry seeped into his voice.

"Yeah, I am. Have been for the past few days. It sucks, especially while I'm trying to drive eight hours a day. But whatever. Just a second." Pushing her hair from her face, Bella got to her feet, going and turning on the shower. Returning to her duffel bag, she pulled out her shower caddy, then went back to the phone. "Okay, I'm back."

"Get some cold medicine; I don't need you sneezing and coughing all over me." His deep laugh sounded, and Bella's heartstrings tugged in the slightest bit. Ugh. What? No. No they did not. She refused to believe that. It was just her being tired.

"I will. I need to get some gloves anyhow. But now, I need to get in the shower and get some sleep. I've got a long…well, I'm not sure how long, but I've got at least a long day ahead of me." Absently, while she spoke, Bella doodled on the pad of paper, just absent little flowers and stick people.

"All right. G'night, kitten." His voice was a quiet purr.

"Good night, Jasper."

x x x

Day Three: Barrackville, WV - Louisville, KY

Bright and early the next morning, Bella awoke to the sound of her alarm. Forgoing calling Jasper, she changed into a pair of jeans and her leather jacket with her converse and tied up her hair. As there wasn't a Wal-Mart in town, Bella settled for the local hunting supply store. The leather gloves she found there would suffice. Finally, she was back on her bike, speeding toward an outer road that sounded appealing.

. . .

For lunch, Bella stopped at a tiny diner in quite literally the middle of nowhere. While she ate her cheeseburger, she traced the route that she'd taken thus far, refraining from planning further, simply noting the choices she had. Left would take her toward Charleston, and right toward Memphis. Hm. Decisions, decisions. After she'd eaten her lunch and mapped her path, she got to her feet, heading back to the pay phone in the corner, dialing Jasper's number.

Instantly, he picked up. "Kitten?" he questioned hopefully.

"What would you have done if it wasn't me? What if it was Edward and he knew that you were talking to me?" Bella reprimanded.

"Ooh. Sassy, are we? Still sound like shit."

Grumbling incoherently, Bella pushed her hair from her face, adjusting her helmet under her arm. "I'm just stopping to tell you that I'm alive. Have you heard anything from the family?" She couldn't help herself, as much as she knew that it was not wise to ask. She just couldn't help it.

"They're freaking out. Esme was hysterical; Emmett's pissed you didn't bring him along; Alice is pissed that she didn't see it. Oh, and Edward's in a fit of rage. You didn't talk to him did you?"

A forced laugh left Bella's lips. As terrible as she felt about Esme, she really couldn't bring herself to care about Edward's rage. "I tried. I did, but he just decided that he'd use sex as a way to shut me up. I decided it was better to say nothing. He runs after sex because of my blood and stuff."

"Ah," Jasper said simply. Bella knew he was holding something back, but no matter. "Well, I hope I'll see you, soon."

"Mhm," Bella murmured absently. "Maybe." She honestly still wasn't sure. Maybe she would see him soon. She, too, almost hoped, but if she hoped, she'd make a decision. So she would stay indifferent, even to herself, and would make no conscious decision until it was absolutely necessary. "Bye, Jasper," she managed to get out before her time ran out.

With that, she went back to her bike and turned left out of the road. Toward Memphis. Maybe she'd like the barbecue.

x x x

Day Four: Louisville, KY - Memphis, TN

By the end of the eight and a half hour drive to Memphis, Bella was in hell. Literally. Her ass was numb, she could hardly walk, her head throbbed, and she could hardly breathe. She had learned the hard way that a human was not naturally supposed to straddle something for that long. Jesus. Practically limping into the hotel room that she'd booked for the night. Medicine and junk food were in the bag that the carried with her duffel bag and helmet.

Carefully, she lowered herself onto the bed, groaning quietly. Everything hurt. While she dialed Jasper's phone number, she dumped the bag out. Balancing the phone between her shoulder and her ear, she tore open the pain medication's box and struggled for a while with the lid.

"Hi, kitten."

"Hi."

"Ooh. Foul mood today?"

"I am sore in places that I didn't know I could be sore in."

"Aw, poor kitten. Need me to loosen those muscles up for you."

And the raunchy fucker that was Jasper was back. Good. "Don't even tease me," she said with a quiet groan, cracking her water bottle open and taking double the dose she should have. It might have been in vain, but she hoped that it would completely take away the pain.

"Oh, kitten, but you know I love to tease. Always makes things better in the end."

She was already feeling better. A small smile tugged at her lips, and she took the cold medicine quickly. Instead of getting medicine that would help her sleep, she decided to get a cold medicine that would make her drowsy; she really didn't feel like OD'ing on medicine and sleeping for forty-eight hours straight.

"I wouldn't know," Bella responded petulantly, taking the cold medicine with a quiet sigh. If the back of the box was right, she had about twenty more minutes of coherency before she was completely out of it.

"I can teach you all these things if you come to visit me, kitten."

The idea was becoming more and more appealing each time they talked. No. No decision making. It would only screw her over in the end. "You're going to make me make decisions, and then I won't be able to visit," she warned.

"Fine, fine," he relented, sighing much like a petulant child.

Getting to her feet, Bella put the phone on speaker and changed into pajamas before sliding underneath the covers with a quiet sigh. The food in the bag with the medicine went forgotten, as she tried to get comfortable. Everything just hurt.

"Heard anything else from the family?" she asked. She could feel the cold medicine kicking in. Dear God, that was fantastic.

"Not really. Just the usual. Esme's worried about you."

"I know."

"Call her," Jasper coaxed. And just like that, a complete 180. Bella was starting to feel uneasy. She had a feeling that his beast that had been - unwisely - caged was out and prowling around. She had no idea what to expect, but that was all the more thrilling.

"And if Edward somehow tracks the call?"

"Just call her."

"Fuck you."

"Oh, darlin', now who's teasing?"

"Ugh. I'm not even coherent. Go away."

With that, she hung up. Almost instantly, she was dead asleep. So much for barbecue.

x x x

Day Five: Memphis, TN - Alexandria, LA

The medicine had certainly done its trick. Bella didn't wake up until noon. Fuck. Shoving back the covers, Bella scrambled around, trying to get herself ready, pushing a comb through her messy, dark locks, brushing her teeth, washing her face, pulling her hair back, changing into acceptable clothes. As it was growing hotter as she went deeper into the south, she opted for a pair of shorts that reached her knee, a tighter-fitting shirt and her typical converse. Before she went out, she was careful to put on a heavy layer of sunscreen. No fucking sunburns. She refused.

Not putting on her helmet just yet, she headed out of her hotel room and chatted for a bit with the woman behind the front desk, figuring out exactly where to go for lunch; she was absolutely starving. Central BBQ, evidently, was the best. Hm.

An hour later, she found herself extremely unsatisfied. Memphis barbecue was not her thing. At all. Too…watery. She preferred a smokier, sweeter sauce, but she could understand the value in it. All the same, she was on the road again - after, of course, adding another layer of sunscreen.

. . .

Why was it so fucking hot? Bella was dying, quite literally. How did people deal with this weather? Not only was it hot, but it was absolutely humid. By the time she was pulling into a tiny bed and breakfast near in Alexandria, Louisiana, her clothes were nearly glued to her with sweat. She felt absolutely disgusting. It wasn't as though the Super 8 had great standard, though. But still. Trudging inside, she got herself a room. She was running low on money. Gas was expensive, especially with the miles she was driving - and with a motorcycle - and food was getting higher, and the medicine had taken a hit from her cash supply.

Without going through her typical motions of calling Jasper or settling in, Bella went to the shower and turned it onto a cold setting. She was red on her arms where her tee shirt had not protected her and on the tops of her thighs. It wasn't as bad, though, as if she hadn't had put on sunscreen. Plus, the majority of her driving had been in the hours when the sun began sinking, so that had aided significantly; she hadn't been out in the intense light and heat of the day for too long.

Not bothering to gather anything and opting to use the provided soap and hair supplies. Her hair could loo like crap for all she cared. Hell, she could go bald and she wouldn't give a fuck. Just as long as she felt clean and wasn't this fucking hot.

Finally, she was out of the shower, and she was actually somewhat cool. Although the shower she'd taken was ice cold, she was still somewhat warm. She supposed that was from her sunburn. Dear God. Wrapping her towel around herself, she took up her duffel bag, settling for a gauzy tee shirt and a pair of simple cotton panties. Cranking on the A/C, she fanned herself, desperately trying to cool down. She probably needed some aloe vera lotion for her sunburn. Pulling on a pair of mesh shorts that barely even covered her ass - she'd slept in them, mostly - and clasping a bra on quickly so she wouldn't show too much.

Tying her hair into a messy bun, she headed out of the hotel through the door at the end of the hall, keycard tucked into the top of her shorts. The block down the road made at a lazy pace hadn't heated her up too much - and the temperature was cooler since the sun had gone down, so that helped. She made her way into the drugstore, pushing some hair back from her face. Walking back to the pharmacy, she picked up a bottle of aloe vera lotion. Wandering down the street, she found a little hole-in-the-wall diner and got herself a meatball sub. After paying, she started making her way back to the hotel, using all of her self-restraint not to eat her sub right then and there.

After the first block, she had a strange feeling that she was being followed. She slowed her pace slightly, listening carefully. Of course, if it was a vampire, she'd be dead before she figured out who it was or what was happening. And if it was a human, the situation would probably by the same. Yay. With the next block, the sensation of being followed, being watched, had not hindered in the least. She was still being followed. A quiet noise came from behind, and Bella froze, eyes widening a bit. Shit. Shit. Shit. There it was again.

…Was that a fucking meow? Turning around, Bella looked behind her, scanned the landscape. Something brushed against her leg, soft and velvety. Looking down, Bella's heart melted in a second. A tiny, grey and white kitten was wrapping itself around her leg, its tail flicking softly. Its feet, chest, and belly were white, and the color stretched around its mouth and eyes. It looked up at her with these big, wide blue eyes, and meowed again.

Reaching down, Bella hesitantly stroked her fingers over its forehead. A quiet mew came from it and it butted its head against her hand. The poor thing was mangy and looked like it hadn't eaten in days. Feral kitty? Bella thought so. Carefully, she wrapped a hand around the kitten's tiny frame and picked it up. Instantly, it mewed softly and cuddled against Bella's neck, licking lightly at her skin. Giggling softly, Bella kept a hand on it, making sure that it didn't fall or anything.

Once it had felt around her neck, it settled into the crook of Bella's neck, curling around her, resting its face against her collarbones, its back feet scrambling slightly against her back as it tried to steady. Scratching its ear softly, she took note of the fact that the other ear was only half there and it had a few patches on its face that were devoid of hair, scars from fighting. Aw. Poor kitty. Despite its energetic escapades on Bella, its eyes were tired, and it seemed to really need a decent night's sleep.

Finally, Bella was standing in front of the door to the end of her hallway. Looking to the kitten, she pouted.

"Okay, kitty. Ride's over," Bella said with a soft pout.

Picking it up again, she knelt down to gently put it on the ground, but the kitten clutched onto Bella's arm scrambling out of her grip to cling to her shirt. Eyes slightly wide, she reached up and cupped the tiny bundle, making sure it didn't fall. Feral kitty liked her. Heading into the hotel, she tucked the cat into her neck, stroking down its sharp spine. Needed a solid meal, poor kitten. Walking into her room, she attempted to let it onto the bed, but it simply clutched to her. Okay.

Lowering herself onto the bed instead, Bella brought out her sub sandwich, pulling out half of it. taking a large bite, she let out a loud moan. The kitten, mewled and stretched to get to the sandwich. Chuckling softly, Bella spread out her sandwich on the tinfoil and paper that it had been wrapped in. Taking out the plastic silverware, she cut a piece of meatball for the kitten and offered it out on the spoon. Eagerly, it scooped it into its mouth, chewing happily.

Ripping off a piece of tinfoil, she took out a meatball and cut it up, offering it out to the kitten, who eagerly went to it and started scarfing it down. "Careful," she reprimanded, stroking the kitten's spine softly.

Bella chuckled, petting the kitten while it scarfed down it's food. Pizza sauce on its face, it looked to Bella, licking the remnants of its small meal off of its face. Stroking it's forehead softly, Bella ate the half of she sandwich from which she'd shared the meatball and wrapped the other half up and put it in the tiny fridge.

Settling back on the bed, she picked up the phone. The kitten scrambled into her lap, nuzzling against her stomach. Giggling softly, Bella scratched behind its ear, dialing Jasper's number clumsily as the kitten demanded her attention every second.

"Hi, kitten," came Jasper's easy, honeyed voice. "Where are you today?"

"Mm. Louisiana." She laughed lightly, stroking the kitten's body softly, letting her finger curl its tail gently.

"New Orleans?"

"Nah. Alexandria."

"I really have no idea where that is."

Bella let out an easy laugh, letting the tiny kitten nuzzle against her face and bump its nose against her jaw. What a cutie. It needed a bath, though…and a gender. Hm. "I'm not really sure, either." The cat mewed softly, licking Bella's face lightly. Making a face, Bella pulled back a bit.

"What the fuck was that?" Jasper asked with a chuckle.

"I was walking home with food, and now I have a sudden kitty."

"A cat?"

"A cat," Bella affirmed.

"Well, okay. So, are you coming to visit me?"

Sighing lightly, Bella scratched the cat's forehead, letting it nuzzle and cuddle against her. "Maybe."

Jasper simply growled. "Kitten," he warned.

A shudder rolled down Bella's spine, and she let out a small sigh, pushing that to the side. "How long would it take Alice to get a plane to wherever you are?"

Another growl. He knew she was right. Stroking the velvety, striped fur of the cat's side, Bella frowned. Its ribs were too prominent. Lightly taking it by the armpits, she lifted it up. No testicles. Female.

"Oh, you're a female kitty."

"You're not talking to me, are you?"

"No. Sorry. I'm enamored with my kitty. She's so cute. Name her for me?"

A quiet chuckle came from Jasper's end of the phone, and Bella smiled. It was her favorite sound, deep and rich, like honey. It soothed her incredibly.

"Well, what does she look like?"

Bella knew that he was indulging her, and she was glad for it. "She's a tiny little thing and she has this soft fur coat. She'd dark and light gray striped with white paws, stomach, chest, mouth, and around her eyes. She has these pretty blue eyes."

"Hm," he murmured lightly.

"And she likes to cuddle."

"What about…Lady? Like Lady and the Tramp or something?"

"Where the hell did you get that from?" Bella asked with a barked laugh.

"Alice went through a Disney phase for a while. She loathed the movie, but it's my favorite."

"Mine, too!" Bella exclaimed excited. Practically everyone she met didn't like the movie, said it was boring. It was Bella's absolute favorite movie. Every time she saw it, she made these little squealing noises and acted like she was two. All the childhood feels that she had when she watched it were insane. She felt like she just had to watch it with Jasper, now.

"Well, maybe I should call you Lady, then."

"Yeah, but then if you call after me in the street, then people are going to think I'm a stranger." A smile tugged at Bella's lips and she petted the still nameless bundle who cuddle against her.

"Well, then when we're alone."

"Are you planning alone time for us?"

"Always, kitten, always."

"I think I much prefer that nickname."

"Me too."

"I should go," Bella said, glancing over at the clock. Nearly ten; she should be asleep.

"All right, kitten."

"And Jasper?"

"Yeah, kitten?"

"I'll see you soon."

With a small giggle, she hung up the phone, letting the still nameless kitty do what she pleased on the bed. Tossing her shorts to the side, she slid under the covers, smiling happily as the velvety fur ball curled against her stomach. Reaching down, Bella stroked it softly, letting them both fall asleep. It was nice to have a friend, a creature - literally - comfort. She had been getting lonely. She'd never properly been alone in the world, and it was getting boring…and lonely. And now she had her kitten. Yay.

And tomorrow?

Well, tomorrow was a mystery. Secretly, though, she was hoping that she'd end up with Jasper.

I finally see the dawn arrivin'

I see beyond the road I'm drivin'


A/N:

Howdy, guys. Um, so this was a proper road trip in this chapter. I know that it was kind of short - if it was with Jasper, i would have stretched it out over a few chapters, probably, but - but next chapter, Jasper comes back. :D

That's all, lovelies. I know I've been saying this a lot, but new story should be up soon. I'm just having difficulties. But no matter.

Until next time,

Claire