Chapter 6: Temptations
Renee was on the couch sleeping around a pile of trash, including leftover fastfood and used tissues. She lay awkwardly, with her leg wrapped around the back of the couch, and she was clinging to something as if her life depended on it. I crept forward, and caught a glimpse of what it was: a picture of me.
I saw her stir, and I quietly retreated. I could tell she was struggling, but I had no idea what I could do about it. I was desperately fighting the urge to go wrap my arms around her, but there was something more that kept me away. I knew I would wake her up but that wasn't what really terrified me. I was afraid of what the monster inside me would make me do. I was afraid I would try to murder her.
That thought sent a shiver down my spine, and at the same time, a wave of pleasure. I wanted to kill her; wanted her blood.
Stop that! I commanded myself. Oh mom! Stop, stop, stop! I covered my ears with my hands, hoping it would make everything go away. This was worse than leaving without getting to say goodbye. I knew I had to leave immediately, but I didn't know if I would ever get the chance to see her again. I knew I had to do what I could to not erase her.
Mom, I started, keep sleeping. Have good dreams and don't worry about me anymore. Would this work? I surely hoped so. Mom, I'm still here. Don't let them believe that I'm dead. I know you don't believe it. I'm still here! Don't let go.
Again, came awkward sobs. It had been completely silent for so long, the sound of it startled me. My mom was a silent, light sleeper. She stirred again, and I knew that I had pushed my luck. She sat up and stretched her legs out, brushing all the crumpled tissues onto the floor. After she rubbed her eyes, she jumped up and ran to the phone.
I used her distraction as my chance to leave unnoticed. I was out of sight just after I heard her say, "Charlie! She's alive!"
All I could think to do was run. I knew Edward would be fuming when I showed my face again, and I couldn't even imagine the danger that I had just created with my worthless pleas. I was as good as dead to her; I even wished I were dead. I could never face her again being the monster that I was.
I tried to think about nothing at all as I turned into the almost familiar path that led to the hideaway room. I could hear Edward muttering angrily to myself and I stopped in my tracks.
Edward, don't be mad at me. You would have done the same. I didn't know if the last were true, but it didn't matter. He wouldn't be angry with me anymore. I was beginning to love this ability of mine.
He met me by the door and I half expected to see angry features sprawled across his face, even though I had told him not to be frustrated with me. My manipulation had worked though. His face looked gentle, but also worried.
He pulled me to him and cupped my face in his hands. His face was only inches away from mine, but he didn't lean in to kiss me. "Why?" was all he said.
"I'm sorry Edward. I had to…"
"I'm not mad at you, Bella. I'm just worried. You could have…" I was glad he hadn't finished his thought. I had already tried to push that possibility out of my head.
"Edward, I did something terrible. I don't know why, it just sort of happened." I finally met his gaze and wished I hadn't. He looked very confused and even more worried than before.
"I told her that I was still alive." I buried my face into his chest after I said that, trying to hide myself from the shame that I felt. "I commanded her to believe that it was all a misunderstanding." Edward was still silent, and it was scaring me. The seconds ticked by before another word was shared between any of us.
"Where's Alice?" I finally asked, reluctantly being the one to break the silence.
"She's staying with the rest of them. Carlisle gave me permission to disappear with you until we figure out what's going to happen." I glanced up at him again but he was looking away. His arms had somehow found their way to my waist.
"Edward, I can't stay here much longer," I squeaked. Please never keep your eyes off me, so I will not be tempted to try to find her again. This tactic seemed more proficient.
He just nodded, and leaned in to kiss me. Even though he was fretting about the predicament we were in, his kisses were getting more and more passionate. Our lips molded together with perfect movement. One of his hands caressed my cheek and the other was on the small of my back. Everywhere he touched me seemed to feel alive.
Ironically enough, I was the one to break the kiss this time. I was usually complaining about how abruptly they usually end. But I couldn't think straight when his lips were pressed against mine. I needed to figure out how I was going to get myself out of the new mess I had just created for myself.
I retreated and sat down on the ground with my back against the wall, hugging my knees and putting my face down. He sat down right next to me and was suddenly perfectly still. He closed his eyes and it seemed as though he was asleep, though I knew better. I wish I could sleep, but I knew that it was sadly impossible.
If I wanted to be anywhere but here, I had to think fast. Daylight would be coming soon, and it wouldn't be a good idea to waste a day that we could have been escaping and becoming even more invisible.
"Edward, could you help me please? If we want to leave before the sun comes out, we have to think of a plan!"
"Bella, honey, we have as much time as we need. Don't worry about anything. Alice will call me if something is going out of order." He tapped his head symbolically and smiled that crooked little smile that made me melt.
"Can you at least start thinking about how we could get out of this mess?" I was still worried, but I allowed my voice to get calmer. I smiled at him, wondering at how I could have ever fretted about anything when he smiled at me like that.
He took note of my relief and took advantage of it. When his lips were against mine, moving with mine, I let all my worry and grief flow out of me. It was unnecessary and unneeded.
"I love you," he breathed, making my lips shift with his when he whispered.
"Love you too," I gasped, and I let my hands travel through his reddish brown tresses.
I heard some sort of buzzing noise, and it caught me off guard. Then I felt Edward's phone vibrating through his pocket. He reluctantly let his face fall from mine, and answered the cell.
"Hello," he answered in an annoyed tone. I tried to listen to the other side, but I could tell whoever it was on the other line was deliberately making it impossible for me to hear. Even Edward played along, and he was beginning to talk back in hushed tones. He stood up and walked over to the other side of the room.
"They what?" Edward asked incredulously, a little louder than I expected. Furious lines took their place on his face again, making me shudder in fear. His nostrils flared as he took in the information that he apparently did not want to hear.
"I don't know, Carlisle. I'll have to figure that out myself. What do you want us to do then?" There was a long pause, as Edward waited for Carlisle's response. He didn't even bother to say goodbye, and he clicked the phone shut.
"Bella, I have more bad news."
I stood up instantly, wishing that he was only kidding, and he had good news to share.
"The Volturi are holding Alice hostage until you and I show our faces." He gracefully and swiftly swept across the room, and caught me just in time, before I could allow myself to collapse on the floor.