Chapter Twenty-Three

It's amazing how your whole world can come crashing down in a matter of seconds. I had no idea what to say to Jacob. Would he believe that I had nothing to do with the kiss? That there was no affection in that kiss from me?

I ran down the stairs as fast as I could, yet it was not fast enough to catch Jacob. Once I reached the door, I could see the trees swaying from where he had ran between them; his clothes were laying at the opening to the woods. He had phased.

"Jacob!" I ran through the woods, passing trees and shrubs that tore at my skin. Because I'm half vampire, I don't feel the pain, but my human side still makes it possible for that to happen. I continued to trip over fallen limps and tree trunks as I ran, tears slipping down my cheeks.

"Jacob, come back! It's not what you think! He kissed me! I had nothing to do with it! Please, Jacob! I love you!" after screaming and calling his name for what seemed like hours, I could no longer form my words. He was gone. But he didn't understand. I loved him; more than anything! The strong connection we have is undeniable. We can basically tell what the other is thinking when we are together. How could he leave without letting me explain? Doesn't he love me enough for at least that?

I finally could no longer run; using my vampire speed tires me out. I had been running and calling his name for hours now. He was nowhere near here. I fell to the ground, pulled my legs against my chest and rested my head on my knees. How could this happen? Only a few hours ago, everything was perfect. We were together. We were getting married. We felt as if nothing could tear us apart again.

What would I do next? Continue to run, not knowing where to run to? Go home and wait till he comes back? Or sit here and continue to cry, hoping for a miracle to happen? I chose the latter of the three. I couldn't run because I couldn't move. I couldn't go home because I couldn't wait. This was my best option.

I lay down over onto the mossy patch under the trees. I could no longer feel anything. Physical or emotion. I was completely numb. My source of life had completely disappeared; I had no idea when it would return.

I must have fell asleep because the next thing I remember is waking up and I was moving. I wasn't moving my legs, so I soon discovered someone was carrying me, but we were only moving at human speed. I forced my eyes to open and I looked into the golden eyes of my dad. He was whispering softly to someone walking beside him. I glanced over a saw that Grandpa Carlisle was with him.

"Can you hear him, Edward? Do you have any idea where he could be?"

"No, he's already too far away. I could hear him earlier and that's how I found out what happened. But now I can't. He has run too far out."

"Well, continue to try. Do you see what she looks like? It will kill her if he doesn't come back."

Dad paused a few moments before responding. "I know. I tried so hard to make things not happen; but now that I have that, I feel horrible. What will I say to her when she wakes up?"

"I don't know, son. She's your daughter. You know her better than anyone. She is just like you. What would you want to hear?"

"I don't know. It was always me doing the running away. Not I being ran away from."

He must have read my thoughts and realized that I was awake. He looked down at me. I could tell this was hurting him. Seeing his only daughter feeling so much pain.

"Dad, I'm sor—"

"Not now, Nessie. Sleep. We can talk later, I promise."

I nodded. I would not be able to fight it. My weariness was consuming me, pulling me deeper into slumber.

As I slept, I began to dream. Of what my life should be like. Of the life I longed for.

Jacob and I were sitting in a living room. I did not recognize it. It must be ours. Ours. Our own home. We were married. We were smiling affectionately at each other and reminiscing about happy times. Then a little girl ran into the room and jumped between us. She was holding a folded piece of paper in one hand.

"Hey, Mommy! Hi, Daddy! I finished my painting for you!" she handed me the paper. When I opened it, I saw she had drawn a forest. Down the middle was a line, yet the middle of the line was erased. On one side stood a man, on the other a woman. In the center where the line was erased, stood a little girl.

"I love it sweetie! Who is this?" she looked at me and rolled her eyes, as if I should already know the answer.

"That's us, silly! There's Daddy on one side of the line and you on the other. I'm in the middle 'cause I'm the one that officially broke the line between werewolves and vampires! Duh!"

"Oh, really? Sweetheart! I love it!" I laughed.

She smiled at both of us, looking proud. "Great! Can I run and show it to Grandpa Edward and Grandma Bella?"

"Sure, honey. But hurry back soon!"

The dream ended as she jumped off the couch and raced out the door.

When I woke up, I was laying on the couch, Uncle Emmett at my feet. He looked over and smiled at me.

"Feeling better?" he asked.

"Not much." I said as I sat up and curled under his arms. "Where is everyone at?"

"In the kitchen. They're having a meeting. Are you sure you've slept enough? You're not tired?" he looked at me with concern in his eyes.

"I'm fine. I've been sleeping for what seems like eternity. What are they meeting about? And why aren't you in there with them?"

"They're talking about what happened. I was given baby-sitting duty till it's over. I tend to get stuck with that job a lot. But good thing about you is, you're clumsy but nothing like your mom was. It was ridiculous! Every time Edward had to go hunting and Alice went with him or wasn't around, guess who got stuck with Bella?" he pointed to himself, laughing. "Me. And was it ever a big job! I always thought I could handle anything! But your mom, she was a handle full! I'm glad she can take care of herself now. And I'm also glad you're not that bad!"

"It couldn't have been that bad, now could it, Uncle Emmett?" I raised my eyebrows as I laughed.

"You didn't know your mother then." he blow out and made the movement as if wiping sweat from his forehead.

I glanced back over to the kitchen, trying to listen. They must know that I'm awake now because they are all talking quietly. I strained hard to listen, but it was no use.

What was I going to do? Jacob was gone. I had no idea where he was. And wherever he was, part of me was with him. I felt like I was torn down the middle. I might never be put together again.

I impulsively made a decision. I was going to find him, no matter what it took. I had to be with Jacob. If he wouldn't take me back, he would at least listen to me. I would get my chance to explain.

"What?!" yelled Aunt Alice from the kitchen. "Oh, no you're not!" She was now running in to the living room where I was. I had forgotten about the physic thing. She already knew my plan.