That night was one of the worst nights I d had since I had become a vampire. Throughout the night I wondered if this night would turn out to be number one on my list of Worst Nights in the Life and Existence of Isabella Swan-Cullen . It was, in my opinion, higher than those first few nights during my transformation. Even higher than the agonizing nights of torture before the Volturi came, when I was wondering how many hours I had left to live. That was when I remembered that glorious night before the Volturi arrived, when Edward and I spent the whole night in each other s arms, and our heads were filled of thoughts about each other, Nessie, and our families. That, I then realized, was up there as one of the best nights of my existence. This night, however, was definitely not even an ink drop on that list.
After I turned off the computer, Edward and I retreated into our bedroom. I couldn t keep the thoughts about my future -- our future, my family s future -- out of my head, and for once, I was glad I couldn t sleep anymore. Otherwise sleep would have been invaded by nightmares of Lyle Grayson turning into a big furry animal and invading my cozy cottage.
Edward must have decided that I was too deeply immersed in my thoughts to be bothered, because he had resorted to reading a book. He didn t even respond when I changed into the dreaded lace outfit Alice had given me, and I knew then that he didn t want to upset me. I wouldn t have worn it, but everything I usually wore at night was dirty. I had left it in the large closet when we moved out.
I was so busy, I hadn t bothered doing any laundry since we had arrived at Forks. That was when I realized that laundry would occupy the hours of the night, and would hopefully scare my conscious nightmares away. Esme had installed a washer and dryer in our cottage, just in case the machines in her house were occupied. I put a load of laundry in the washer with all the fixings, and turned it on. The loud sound interrupted my thoughts for the moment, and I was temporarily happy.
I returned to my bedroom. As the sounds of the clothes tumbling and water churning in the washer faded, those terrible thoughts returned to my head. I felt sick. I laid in bed and lightly pushed Edward s book away. He looked at me questioningly, and I kissed him. It was only a short kiss, because my head felt too heavy to let it linger. I rested my head on my husband s chest, and I felt his fingers run through my long hair.
I think we should go back to New Hampshire in a couple of days, he said after a few minutes.
I can t, I said.
I can t bear to let you stay here, Edward said.
I can fight the werewolves, Edward, I said.
I wasn t talking about that, Bella, Edward said, I can t bear to watch you like this. Ever since you learned about the werewolves, you ve been in a foggy stupor.
If I leave, I said, I ll be worse.
Bella, Edward said, Listen to me.
No! I exclaimed, You listen to me.
I lifted my heavy head off of his chest, and looked up at him.
If I leave, I said, I will be too worried. I would be worse than I am now. I d be unbearable. You know that, right?
Edward sighed.
I couldn t bear to think about being so far away from the people I love, I said, Especially now that I know those monsters are in the area.
Bella, listen to yourself, Edward said. Monsters? What would you call us?
We don t kill people and their pets, Edward! I said, raising my voice.
It was then that I wished I could cry. I needed to cry. I needed to let it out some other way then I was doing now. If I raised my voice any longer, I would wake up Nessie.
We ll take a vote tomorrow, Edward said, Carlisle and everyone, I mean. They ll decide if we should leave or not.
That s not fair! I said, You re using my old plan against me!
Should have known it would come back to bite you, Edward said, grinning.
I ll bite you, I muttered lowly.
I need to book tickets then, Edward said, I figured we could go in three days. Tomorrow s the party, then the next day we can hunt, and we ll leave the day after.
You don t even know how the vote will go! I said.
I thought you said the vote wasn t fair, Edward said.
It isn t, I said, gritting my teeth.
I m just going to book the tickets in case it is decided, Edward said, Which I know it will be.
I groaned and got out of bed. At the moment, I couldn t stand being in the same room as my husband. He wouldn t listen to me tonight.
I walked to Nessie s bedroom and opened the door quietly, then walked in. Nessie was sleeping peacefully. I felt jealous of her. Her dreams were probably filled with happy thoughts and sunny days. I hoped she was dreaming of a day where there was peace in the world and nobody would care if we were vampires. I sat in the wooden rocking chair and watched my daughter as she was sleeping. She looked so innocent sleeping there. Her questions from earlier that night rang through my mind again.
Why would anyone want to hurt you? Would they hurt me?
I wanted to climb into her bed and never let her go. But I didn t want to wake her up. When she was asleep, she was safe. No thoughts about a future where she might not exist. Kind of like the thoughts racing through my mind at that moment.
A couple hours of laundry and deep thinking later, I realized Edward might have been right. I returned to my bedroom, where Edward was reading again.
We don t need to hear a vote, I said, stopping in the doorway.
What? Edward asked.
We can go back to New Hampshire, I said.
What changed your mind? Edward asked.
When I was sitting in Nessie s room, I said, I thought of a future without me in it. I couldn t bear it, Edward. Our daughter needs us. She needs us more than I need anyone in the world. If we stay here --
Okay, Edward said, sighing.
His tone surprised me. It was different than his last argument.
What s wrong? I asked.
Well, I too did some thinking, Edward said, It seems that in the past couple of hours, both of us unknowingly agreed with the other s earlier arguments and it doesn t help us one bit.
You want to stay? I asked.
It s just, Edward said, we would solve both of our worries if the werewolves were gone. I don t care how, but I want them far away from here. Bella, if that is your decision, you can leave with Nessie and go back to New Hampshire. But I need to make sure that when I leave, I don t regret it.
My eyes widened.
You re right, I said, These past couple of hours haven t helped us one bit.
I m sorry, Bella, Edward said, I was so sure you wouldn t change your mind.
I closed my eyes. My next decision would decide the future of everyone I loved.
I guess I haven t, I said.
You re staying too? Edward asked.
Yes, I said, opening my eyes.
Why? Edward asked.
If I remember correctly, I said, You told me once that you couldn t bear to be too far from me. Well, I m giving you that same response. I couldn t bear to be too far from you either.
I walked over to the bed and climbed into it. I kissed my husband on the lips, and this time I lingered. I didn t want to back away. I was afraid that if I did back away, Edward wouldn t be there anymore. He took me in his arms and I felt strangely warm against his cool body. I felt truly connected with him again, like I had that first fateful, wonderful night. Except this time, it was much different than that night. This time, I was only in his embrace. But even then, I felt closer to Edward than I ever had.
So we re staying? I asked, At least until this whole ordeal is over?
Yes, Edward said, nodding. We re staying.
I smiled and he kissed me again. For the first time all night, I felt very light-headed.
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For once, I was looking forward to the party the following day. I needed something to make me happy, and definitely needed something to ward off those dark, depressing thoughts.
However, Alice wasn t happy. She was about to kick me out of the house, when Edward stopped her, and told her that it was all right. She only agreed after she made a deal with Edward. Nessie and I were to be locked up in a room with a television and a super-fast computer until it was time for the party. I was about to argue, but Edward told me we should have considered ourselves lucky.
I avoided the computer at first, but I found out that the television only made things worse. First of all, there was yet another breaking news story. This time, there was no missing pet. The animal, a cocker spaniel, was found a few feet away from its owner in a log cabin in Clearwater, another town to the south of Forks. Both were dead. I knew what the police must have found, and didn t need to hear it from the reporter, so I turned the channel. The next channel I landed on had a werewolf movie. The next channel was a movie where a vampire, who I realized looked nothing like the real thing, was fighting another vampire. Another channel was a children s show with a very annoying theme song. I groaned and went to the computer, letting Nessie watch the show, which she was, apparently, thoroughly enjoying.
I logged in, surprised at the speed of the computer. Perhaps I would let Edward buy me a new one after all. I logged onto a site that was far from anything that had to do with vampires and werewolves. It was only a few moments later before the inevitable happened. Across the screen, an ad popped up about a new movie that had to do with (surprise surprise!) werewolves and vampires. I had to fight the urge to throw the computer across the room and curse to the high heavens. I still cursed under my breath.
I closed the internet window and opened a Word document. I started writing non-stop, not caring what I wrote. An hour later, after another annoying theme song on the TV interrupted my creative writing, I stopped and read what I had written. I realized, in horror, it was an If you are reading this, I am gone letter. I rolled my eyes.
At least it isn t a short story about werewolves, I commented to myself, as I closed the page without saving anything.
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Two hours later, the door opened. I turned and saw Edward standing in the doorway.
You may come down, he said, Your guests are here.
Guests? I said.
For a horrible split-second, I thought Alice had invited my high-school friends. Then I realized even she wasn t crazy enough to do that.
You ll see, Edward said.
Nessie and I walked out of the room and down to the bottom level. I quickly realized the guests Edward mentioned were just Charlie, Sue, Jacob, Billy and most of Jacob s friends. I noticed, though I wasn t surprised, that Leah wasn t there. Charlie was closest to me, and Jacob was on the far side of the room. I knew that he and my father were avoiding each other. Nessie immediately hugged Charlie, then ventured across the room full of vampires and shape-shifters to hug Jacob.
Hi, Dad, I said, walking over to my father and hugging him, Thanks for coming.
I wouldn t miss a party for my two favorite girls in the world, Charlie said, You know that.
As I looked around, I had to hand it to Alice. At least she didn t go out of her way to put this party over the top. There were just a few birthday decorations and balloons.
Are you going to tell me what you didn t tell me on the phone? Charlie asked in a whisper.
I ll make a deal, I said to Charlie, ready for this, What I am going to tell you concerns Jacob as well. I ll tell you, but first I want you and Jacob to make up. Shake hands with him. Please. There ll be no hard feelings here.
Bella, Charlie said, You can t expect me to --
Yes, I said, and I couldn t believe I was actually ordering my own father to do something, I can. And I do.
I turned and looked across the room.
Jacob! I called, Can you come here please?
Edward looked at me in confusion, and I smiled. Jacob nodded and walked over. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Charlie cringe.
We re all friends here, I said. That means the both of you as well. Jacob, please tell Charlie what I know you want to tell him.
Bella, Jacob said, and I heard pleading in his voice.
Do it, I threatened, softly so only Jacob could hear, Or I ll ask Edward to interpret your thoughts.
Jacob narrowed his eyes, but his expression went soft a moment later.
Charlie, he finally said, I know what you must think of me. You ve known me since I was born, and before I told you what I am, you didn t think any different of me. You saw me as your best friend s son. I m still that boy, Charlie. I m just a little different.
I looked at Charlie, who had his eyebrows raised.
Okay, Jacob said, I m a lot different. I admit it. But you need to know I would never threaten you, your daughter, nor anyone else in this room. I will admit that it was my pack who caused all that harm in the forests around here. For that, as the Alpha of my pack, I will apologize for everything we did and admit that I know I cannot change any of it. But, Charlie, I also want you to know this. My pack has had nothing to do with the recent events. I don t know if you ll believe me. I just want you to accept what we are. We re not, though, what you think we are. What we are, and what you think we are, are two very different things.
Which is exactly what I want to talk about, I said to Charlie, Only after you tell Jacob what I want you to tell him.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Carlisle react in surprise at what I had said. I also noticed that Edward was trying to give him a silent response. Charlie cleared his throat.
That was very brave of you, Jacob, he said, And I appreciate it. Despite what everyone believes, and as much as I want to believe it myself, I don t know everything that goes on in, and around, the town of Forks. I do know this though. I believe you, Jacob Black.
I was just as surprised as Jacob.
I m not sure if everyone in here knows, Charlie said, raising his voice a little, but there was an incident in Clearwater, Washington. The town is pretty far away from here. At least three hours or more. The incident happened only a few hours ago. And as far as I know, Jacob, there is no way you could have been in Clearwater, and able to come back to be here at the party in time.
I smiled. It sounded like Charlie had definitely changed his beliefs about Jacob.
It is unknown, however, Charlie said, If this incident is connected with the incidents over the last few days, however similar both may be. When it comes to what I personally think of you, Jacob, you are also right. You still are the boy I knew years ago, even if you ve had more changes than the normal teenager. I can t change what you are, Jacob. I know that. And as long as your condition doesn t affect who I care about, I will ignore it and you will still be the boy I knew years ago. My priorities are with the safety of this town and the people in it, and I don t think it would be a good idea to publicly reveal what you are. But -- and I want you to understand this, out of everything I say -- that will all change if I get any word of any more criminal incidents that point your way. Do you understand?
Jacob nodded, apparently pleased with how the conversation how gone.
Then I think we re fine here, Charlie said.
Charlie extended his hand. Jacob hesitated then shook my father s hand.
Okay, I said, thoroughly pleased with my father and best friend, If you will come with me, I need to discuss a few things with the both of you. If Jacob s pack is okay with it, I would like Edward and Carlisle to come with me as well.
Jacob looked at his pack, who looked a little tense, and nodded. They all nodded in response, and I could tell how much power Jacob had over them.
Follow me, then, I said.
The five of us walked out into the privacy of the entrance hall.
So? Charlie said, What s going on, Bella? You sounded so frightened on the phone yesterday.
There is a reason Edward, Nessie and I left the Grayson s house early, last night, I said, Edward has this sixth sense
Edward laughed softly at the term.
He can read people s minds, I said, Or most of them. He can t read my mind. And he couldn t read Lyle Grayson s mind. But it isn t because Lyle and I have anything in common. We definitely have nothing in common, Dad. Let me assure you of that.
I don t understand, Bella, Charlie said.
Dad, I said, Lyle Grayson, and at least one of his children, possibly his whole family are werewolves.
Charlie snorted. Jacob raised his eyebrows at me.
You re joking? Charlie asked me, Right?
Charlie looked around at Edward and Carlisle. Both shook their heads.
Werewolves? Charlie said, Like Teen Wolf and all that -- oh! No offense, Jacob.
I heard a low growl come from Jacob.
Dad, I said, We re serious. They re as real as you can get.
Probably more real than you can imagine, Chief Swan, Carlisle said.
Great, Charlie said, raising his hands up, That s perfect! I am the sheriff of goddamn Transylvania!
Jacob snorted, and it was only then when I realized how funny Charlie s response sounded.
Charlie, Carlisle said, This is more serious than you can possibly imagine. The suspects of the crimes of recent days are anything but normal.
What am I supposed to do about it, Doc?! Charlie said, his voice raised, Invest in some damn silver bullets!
Edward rolled his eyes.
I know you re not going to believe me when I tell you this, Carlisle said, But there are ways to destroy these werewolves.
Edward and I looked at Carlisle? Was he about to do what I think he was going to do?
Unfortunately it has nothing to do with the police, Carlisle said.
I suppose you re about to tell me you know some Van Helsing wanna-be, right? Charlie asked.
Jacob scoffed.
Van Helsing wasn t real, he said, laughing.
Jacob, you re not helping, I scolded him.
I sighed. I had to keep this conversation from going too far. Then I thought of an idea. But would it work?
But I think I know of a way you can, I continued, Excuse me, Dad. I ll be back in a second. Come on, Jacob.
Edward looked at me with raised eyebrows.
Stay with our fathers, Edward, I said, Charlie might have more questions.
You better believe that! Charlie said.
Jacob and I walked up the stairs and out of hearing range.
What is going on, Bells? Jacob asked, What do you mean, werewolves? Like real, genuine werewolves?
Like the kind that doesn t have a choice what they turn into, Jacob, I said, rolling my eyes, Yes.
Exciting, Jacob said, So how can I help?
You can t, I said, But that isn t what your going to tell Charlie. You re going to tell Charlie that, even though you re not a werewolf, you still have the power to kill the werewolves.
Of course we do, Bells! Jacob said, We re stronger than those wanna-be s!
No, Jacob, I said, You aren t.
If you say that, Jacob said, You honestly underestimate our power.
No, you underestimate the werewolves, Jacob, I said, Look, there is only one true way to kill a werewolf: vampire venom.
Why doesn t that surprise me? Jacob said, Okay. So let s just say I believe you. What makes you think I want to lie to your father? I mean, we re buddies now. As long as he doesn t call me Teen Wolf again.
I rolled my eyes.
You want to tell him this, I said, Because you have a reason to be mad at the werewolves.
Uh-huh, Jacob said, doubtfully, And what is that?
Leah s imprint, I said, Is Louis Grayson. The other werewolf we know of.
Jacob laughed.
Haha, Bells, he said, Very funny.
Do I look like I m laughing, Jake? I asked, my expression very serious.
You re serious? Jacob said.
Leah s dating a wolf, I said.
How do you know? Jacob asked, narrowing his eyes.
Louis was at his father s party, I said, And Edward couldn t read his mind, just like he couldn t read Lyle Grayson s mind. Only, we don t know if the rest of their family are werewolves.
Why wouldn t they be? Jacob asked.
Because we re not sure if Lyle s wife is human or a werewolf, I said, If she s human, there is a chance that a few of her kids aren t werewolves. If she s a werewolf, the whole family is a pack.
Damn, Jacob said, Leah s not going to be happy. She s extremely happy she finally found her imprint.
Where is Leah, by the way? I asked.
Out with Louis, Jacob grumbled.
Oh, I said, wishing I hadn t asked, So you believe me?
Yes, Jacob said, sighed, I believe you. What do you want me to say to your father?
Explain to him that your pack aren t true werewolves, I said, But that you re pack is the mortal enemy of the werewolves.
You think he ll believe that? Jacob asked.
He ll believe that s the reason your pack exists, I said, And then he won t want to kill you for your past crimes in the forests around here.
I expected Jacob to react badly to that. He just laughed.
Well, he said, If it saves my hide and doesn t make Charlie and me enemies again, I ll do it.
Great, I said, Let s go back downstairs.
Jacob and I walked back into the entrance hall.
So? Charlie asked, What s going on?
Chief Swan, Jacob said, before I could answer, You ll be happy to know that the werewolves won t be around much longer.
Oh? Charlie replied.
While my pack and I are not werewolves, Jacob said, We are still humans who can turn into wolves. Because of this, it makes us mortal enemies of the werewolves. Basically what I m trying to say is, Chief Swan, it s my pack or theirs.
I was impressed. For a moment there, I actually believed him. I then noticed that Edward and Carlisle looked slightly surprised with what Jacob said.
Jacob, Edward said, clapping his hand on Jacob s shoulder, I will admit. You re a braver man than I am.
I could tell that Edward was trying his best to keep himself from cracking up. I admired that.
If you follow me, Jacob said, and I knew he was trying his best to keep the story believable, We can sit and discuss the future.
Charlie nodded, speechless, and walked with Jacob back into the living room.
What the hell was that all about, Bella? Carlisle asked, The shape-shifters are not mortal enemies of the werewolves.
Yes, do tell, Edward said, Explain to me why I basically just told that mutt he was the bravest man I ve ever known.
It was either that, I said, Or tell Charlie the truth and have the Volturi back in our woods.
Well, Carlisle said, looking impressed, Much better than I could come up with. I was this close from telling your father we re vampires.
Ha, Edward said, I m sure Charlie would definitely appoint himself as the official sheriff of Transylvania then. If he didn t try to murder me first for changing his only daughter into a vampire, anyway.
He laughed, and I had to laugh too.
Come on, Carlisle said, We re missing your party. If we delay any longer, Alice will kill us before the werewolves have their chance.
I couldn t help but agree with that.