Meeting with the Enemy
My phone started to ring just after the wolves and I had gone in to eat. Quietly, I left the table and answered my phone. It was a number that had called me many times before, and I was surprised it was calling now.
"Edward, what do you want?"
"Bella, let me explain. Please, just give me a moment of your time."
"I have nothing to say to you. What the hell is the matter with you? Do you think that killing Jacob will make me come running back to you? That is not how it works."
"I cannot do this over the phone. Please, will you meet with me?"
I paused for a moment, considering carefully my answer. This sounded like a trap to me, but I knew Edward would never hurt me.
"Fine, be at the border in 5 minutes. Edward, don't keep me waiting," I hung up the phone and raced back inside. I told Jacob that Edward had called, and that I was going to meet with him. Though Jacob didn't seem to like the idea, Sam sure did.
"This is a good thing, Bella, maybe you can find out their plan. I am sure that Edward would tell you anything."
I rushed out the door and into my car. The borderline between Cullen and Wolf Pack territory was not 5 minutes from Emily's house. And as I could already guess, Edward was already there, waiting for me. The way he looked almost made me cry. His eyes, while still the same vibrant gold they had been, were now outlined by black circles that I was sure were from grief. He did not dress in his usual, fashionable way either. This time, he wore a dark brown jacket with a pair of worn jeans and a white t-shirt. This was what I had done to him, I had turned him from an angel into an average person. I felt horrible.
"Hello, Bella. It is nice to see that you are well."
"Cut the crap, Edward. What do you want?"
"I just want to explain. The only reason we are doing this is for your sake. I….I can't lose you. And there is always a risk with a werewolf. You could be standing too close and end up like Emily."
"So what, you think that killing my love will make me come crawling back to you? That is not how it works. If you really wanted me, you would fight for me, and against me."
"Bella, love, I just don't want you to get hurt. Like I said, there is always a r….."
"Please, Edward, spare me the talk of risks. There is always a risk with you, isn't there? You couldn't kiss me for too long, or you could risk hurting me. You couldn't turn me into a vampire, or you could risk destroying my soul. I've had it, Edward. If you really loved me, you wouldn't be doing this."
"Bella, you know I love you, but I have to try and fight to get you back. This seems to be the only way to do it. And if I have to kill Jacob to win your heart, then I will. We will meet in the clearing like always, but this time, we will be fighting the wolves and winning you back."
"My heart won't be won by killing Jacob, you will just tear it apart."
"Just like you tore out mine."
That was the last straw. Edward was angry, that much I could tell, but I was guessing by the tone of his voice that this was not his choice, he simply had to fight to protect his brothers and sisters, not to hurt me. Still, I had to get away from him. Being this close to him, feeling his cool breath on my face, was bringing back memories that I didn't care to remember. Besides, I had to be with Jacob for a short time, especially if the Cullen's were this hell bent on bringing me back to their side. I got into my car and sped away, watching Edward's sad face drop behind me in the distance.