Bella, Chapter 11

This chapter picks up at the time that Bella and Edward are driving to see her friends.

Thanks to all of my readers for sticking with me and reviewing. Special thanks to Camilla for her good eye, and to my husband who's always glad to extra-beta.

The sedan sped along I-80, sure and steady in the way that a $200,000 auto can afford to be. And I, a middle-class youth from New Jersey who is not in the mob, was behind the wheel of this Mercedes with my vampire more-than boyfriend as my passenger, his cool touch glancing over the back of my hand. Things had certainly changed since I lived in this state.

The afternoon at my sister's house went well. It was everything I hoped for, and everything I expected. Edward was silent at the moment. I didn't think I could love him any more for the way he'd handled this "meet the family" adventure. My worry over how Edward would react to my dad's reticence was unfounded. It occurred to me that maybe Edward's mind-reading ability helped him discern the things I knew my dad couldn't say very well, but Edward told me my dad's thinking was a challenge for him to read. Apparently I inherited more than my father's brown eyes. All he heard from Charlie were bursts of thoughts whose meanings were not always obvious. Somehow, I was not surprised.

We were headed to see my friends Colleen, Lisa, Kim and David for a short time before returning to the hotel. I was less nervous about this introduction, guessing they'd fall in love with Edward almost as much as I did. Because Edward knew their importance to me was in some ways greater than my family's, I thought he might feel more apprehensive about this rendezvous. He was old-fashioned enough to consider the introduction to my dad and sister as an important part of our courtship, to use a term he would like. But he knew that my fractious relationship with my parents had driven me to seek refuge with my college buds, and thus their judgment would carry great weight with me. So although I was confident about our next visit, Edward was less so.
But he charmed them effortlessly, as I knew he would; the conversation flowed easily, from the memories we recounted of school -- most of them embarrassing for me, to Edward's delight -- to work and sports. The dimness of the bar was an advantage; it helped keep Edward's visage in shadow so his pale skin did not stand out, particularly next to the olive hue of David's Italian pigment.
Colleen, my dearest friend, most valued partner in admittedly low-level crime, and shoulder-to-cry-on extraordinaire, leaned over and whispered, "What a find. God, Bells, he's amazing." After another few seconds of staring, she added, "And you deserve every bit of him."
Edward, David and Kim were talking about working in hospitals; Kim had recently received her master's in social work and was employed with the Social Services department in St. Joseph's of Paterson. I watched as my man -- not merely my vampire, boyfriend, or lover (yet) -- listened intently to her observations about the difficulties of finding appropriate resources for the people who came to the emergency room as a last resort. The unemployed, the drug addicted, the domestically abused, the uninsured -- Kim tried her best to help these forgotten ones, and I saw Edward's quick assessment of her compassion and the lines of concern that drew across his face. Certainly he was reading her thoughts, but that helped prove she was sincere.
Lisa grabbed my arm and jerked her head in the direction of the women's restroom. "Come with me," she instructed.
The space was so tight, the two stalls must have been fashioned out of a janitor's closet. I nearly jammed Lisa's elbow as she reapplied lip gloss.
"How are you doing, girl?" I asked, trying not to sound excessively concerned. Lisa had her own problems with men; although she was far more outgoing and adventuresome than I and therefore had many more prospects, she'd often wound up in the same place. I knew she'd recently broken up with a longstanding boyfriend, and even though it had been on-again off-again, she was devastated. I could understand that kind of loss even as I tried to avoid remembering how it felt.
"I'm not too bad, actually," she replied, twisting the lid back on the gloss. "Mark and I talk every so often."

I watched her as she dug inside her purse and I knew she wasn't meeting my eyes for a reason. It was odd, being on this end of sympathy. Normally, my friends were propping me up after another round of relationship ruin. "But the two of you aren't together?" I asked.

"No, not right now. Not sure if it's ever gonna happen again." She sighed, then brightened. "Any more out west like Edward? I'll move to Washington if there are."

How do I answer that one? "No, unfortunately. Edward is pretty rare." This is true.

"He's great, Bells. You're entitled to be happy." Her sadness tugged at the corner of her lovely eyes, preventing her smile from reaching them.

"You are too, you know. I mean, if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone." I hope you find someone who is as wonderful as Edward, with slightly less immortality. Duller teeth, too. "Hey, you should come out to visit me, though. It'd be great, and it's so beautiful there. The scenery alone will make you forget your problems." That's about 80 percent correct.

"Okay. Maybe you can take me to the reservation and introduce me to some nice native guys."

Maybe not...."Uh, sure." Then I perked up: I could get her together with John Blackhorse. It would get his attention off of me, and Lisa's attention off of Mark. That might work out well. I'd just have to explain why Edward stays at my apartment throughout the night despite the fact that we aren't sleeping together, technically or otherwise; why he never eats or drinks; why his entire family has those unique eyes and that other-worldly beauty, and, oh, about half a dozen other oddities.

I really wanted to find a way to comfort my friend. She would do the same for me, and in fact, she had, on many occasions. I couldn't count the times when Lisa made me laugh through my tears. Now that I was happy, I wanted my friends to have the same good fortune, for despite all the difficulties we had as a couple, Edward was giving me more love and peace of mind than I'd ever had in my life.

It was even enough to make up for the loss I'd feel if I could no longer be part of the lives of all the family and friends I'd seen today. More and more, I thought about my own immortality, knowing that was the only realistic way I could stay with Edward. Reunions like this would be nonexistent under those circumstances. It was difficult being a continent away from my loved ones. How hard would it be if we were separated by life and death?

As Edward and I prepared to leave, I felt tears in my eyes. He looked quickly in my direction and smiled indulgently, certain that I was sad about leaving. And I was, but not for the reasons he assumed. I gave silent thanks again for his inability to read my mind. I was certain that the idea of changing me would provoke an intense argument. We'd spoken of it only briefly, but I figured out Edward's opinion from his posture, tone of voice, and the forbidding thin-line set of his mouth. Although I was prepared to ultimately win by wearing him down, I didn't want to discuss the issue tonight. I was emotional enough as it was, having spent a long day in the company of people whose effect on me ranged from irritating and stressful to joyous and soothing. I threw a hissy fit when a driver almost hit our exceedingly expensive rental car by running a stop sign at the hotel, though Edward thought it was amusing. I don't lose my temper often enough. It felt good.

Once in the room, I changed into my sleepwear while Edward excused himself for a mysterious trip to Alice and Jasper's room. Why didn't we stop there on the way to our own suite? What did they need to talk about that excluded me? He returned looking a bit pensive, and I remained worried until I saw the Tiffany gift box in his hand.

That little sneak Alice had remembered my offhand comment about pearls, and how a single-strand choker was among the few items of jewelry I coveted. And she'd told Edward.

How could I refuse? The necklace was perfect; it was exactly the kind of thing I might actually buy for myself if I had cash to spare. More than that, it was the look on his face: excited, childlike, expectant, nervous, hopeful. I couldn't bear to say anything negative; I wouldn't hurt him, never mind that he'd disregarded my request to forgo expensive gifts. Abstinence seemed to apply to only one area of his life...two, if you count the fact that he was a vampire who didn't feast on human blood.

So, yes, it was the kind of over-the-top gesture I'd mock any other time, but I would make an exception tonight. His generosity touched me, and it obviously meant a great deal to him. Plus, I was still feeling fairly melodramatic from today's events -- it was like PMS without the bloating.

"I will wear this proudly, and as often as possible," I said emotionally. "I'd keep it on while I sleep, but I'm afraid I'd ruin it." A quick image flashed by: me wearing the string of pearls...and nothing else. How could he refuse?

I mulled that over while Edward kissed me. It would be an interesting way to turn his compulsive generosity on its head.

"Feel like talking more about your family?" Edward stretched out on his side along the bed, watching me while propped up on his elbow.

I was laying on my back with my head on the pillow, staring at the ceiling. "Okay."

"Are you sure?" He touched my right cheek. "If you're too tired..."
"No, I'm fine." I turned on my side so I was facing Edward. I figured that until he could look in my face, he'd doubt I was telling the truth.
"I really did enjoy myself today. I was very concerned about how they would react to me, but I think it went well." His eyes shifted toward mine for confirmation.
"Oh, they liked you. I think they saw how good we are together." My phrasing was intentional. "I think it was the right amount of time to spend at Pat's, especially since it was your first experience with them."
Edward chuckled. "Come on. They're not that bad."
I raised my eyebrows. "No," he insisted, "I really like your sister and brother-in-law. I can see they're fine people." He smiled wryly. "I'm very pleased that the woman I love comes from such good stock."
Now I laughed. "And Charlie? He definitely liked you."
"How do you know that?"
"Twenty-plus years of living with him. Believe me, I can tell when he doesn't like something...or someone," I replied.
Edward noticed I had looked away, and he cupped my face with his hand. "He loves you. He just can't express it. You're right when you say things come out all wrong with him. He's very proud of you."

"I know. It's easy to forget that, when he's so harsh. It's easy to forget that's his way." Edward stroked my arm, knowing I would continue, just waiting.

I hesitated even though I wanted to tell him this. "I think what made me feel worse is that I'm not sad that I left New Jersey. Some part of me feels good because I'm not around him all the time. It's like I'm relieved." I frowned and looked up to see Edward watching me intently. "Is that horrible? Charlie misses my mother terribly, and that hasn't made things easier for him. Maybe I should be more understanding. I can't help it, though." I sighed.
He pulled me to him and stroked my hair. "You are the farthest thing from horrible. You've found the way to have a relationship with your father on your terms. Some people go through an entire lifetime and never figure that out," he said reassuringly. "Besides, he will love you no matter what."
"He probably misses me."
"He does. He was happier to see you than he could possibly tell you."
"But I don't miss him that much," I whispered against Edward's chest. "I mean, I love him because he's my father, and I want to see him happy, I just...don't want to see him that often." I frowned. "I like my life now. I like things the way they are now."
"That's nothing to feel guilty about. You're an adult, and a mature, loving and compassionate one, I might add. Somewhere along the way, you turned out fine - more than fine. He did his job; you're fulfilling your role as a responsible adult daughter. You're certainly entitled to live your life as you want." He hugged me tightly. "Though I wonder what they would say if they knew all the details of your choice in a partner. They might wonder about your sanity, among many other things... "

"Don't start. It's too late to argue about how wonderful you are," I groaned.

I could feel Edward's smile against my hair. "But-" he continued. I silenced him with a kiss.

"I love you," I said, and though this was hardly a revelation at this point, I wanted him to know how much his efforts today, and his words tonight, meant to me. "Thank you for coming with me. Thank you for taking the chance of meeting my family. I know you jeopardized your safety by meeting them, because you opened yourself up to a lot of scrutiny." I toyed with the collar of his shirt. "And thank you for saying the perfect things to help me sort all this out. You knew I couldn't walk away from today without dwelling on it. And you knew the right words for pulling me out of that hole. You really are the antidote to Charlie's, um, venom."
Edward chuckled as his cool hands rubbed my back. "I love you too," he said firmly. "And I'm very proud of you, as always." I reached up to kiss him, running my fingers through his hair around the back of his head. He'd given me great comfort today. Did I dare seek more from him? A little hesitant, I gently ran my tongue along his lower lip. I turned my head slightly so I could go for his upper lip in the same manner without looking like a toddler licking an ice cream sundae.

I could feel his response throughout his body. His kisses intensified, the pressure of his lips increasing against mine. I knew he wished he could open his mouth and take me in, join his tongue with mine, but he was too afraid for that. Still, we kissed as hard as we could.
We were still lying side by side, pressed together. Edward brought his right knee up and rested it on top of mine while his hand explored my side, soothing yet exciting me. I wore only sweats and a baggy tee shirt, which was loose around my middle. Edward slowly moved his hand along my lower back and rested it there while we continued kissing. My hips were flush against his, and I could feel his erection. It was both erotic and frustrating, knowing I could arouse him like this while unable to do anything about it.

I wanted so much to touch him but I also didn't want to shock or offend him. It bothered me that I couldn't even tell him that. More and more, I felt like I could talk to him about anything, and yet this one topic still provoked discomfort. My insecurity was less about my own experience and more about starting an argument. I didn't want to fight with Edward. I wanted for us to be able to talk this through as we were learning to do with everything else. Sometimes, like now, I didn't want to talk at all. I wanted to express myself physically with him.
So I did what had worked fairly well the last time. I gently took his hand and moved it north, just enough.
Edward moaned and I braced myself for a scolding that never came. Instead, he moved his lips along my jawline and down my throat. I wondered briefly if this was becoming difficult for him but I refrained from speaking. As if I could anyway -- I was moaning too, from his touch, his lips, and even the suddenly random movement of his legs.
"Bella," he said hoarsely, kissing the hollow of my throat. Then he stopped and lifted his head to face me. His gaze was full of sadness and longing, and reflexively, my expression mirrored his own. I knew what he was thinking.
He suddenly halted, determination firming his expression. I brushed my fingers against his temple and asked, "What is it?" Without answering, he laid me down on my back and took my hands, kissing each of my fingers as he held them.

Edward gave me one more quick glance and then moved down around my stomach. He laid his head there for a few seconds, and then, much to my suprise, slowly lifted my shirt and started to kiss his way up. Soft, languorous, slightly wet kisses were left in random places near my navel, the center of my stomach, and my ribs. I shivered with the thrill of it, of feeling Edward's lips on a part of me where they'd never been. A familiar refrain in my head clanged that he had to be stopping soon, but he didn't.

Slowly, more gently than ever, he reached the underside of my breast. I tried to stifle my gasp because I didn't want him to think I disapproved; if anything, I wanted to encourage him. I trailed my fingers through his hair, rubbing softly along his scalp in rhythmic, slow circles. That purring growl, an incredibly sensual sound that was pure Edward, was my reward. He stopped kissing me long enough to reach his hand under my shirt and cup my right breast, running his fingers over the top and gently massaging my nipple with his thumb.

Without giving him the chance to stop me, I sat up quickly and yanked off my tee shirt. For once in my life, I was able to do it in one fluid motion without getting it stuck around my head like an idiot. He stared at me, wide-eyed, and I kept my gaze locked in his, challenging him to protest.
But he didn't. "You're so beautiful," he said in anguish. "I'm tired of trying to stay away from you, tired of denying myself your body..."
"Then don't," I replied, cutting him off.
Edward closed his eyes and breathed, as if in concentration, then lowered his head to my breast. I said a quick prayer that he could retain some of his control while loosening it at the same time, and then all thought fell away as his cold lips kissed me. He dragged his mouth across my breast, then shot his tongue out and licked my nipple. The sensation went right to the pit of my stomach. I didn't realize how deeply I was gasping and moaning, my voice an unfamiliar keening of desire.
"Edward, Edward," I cried. It was impossible to keep my lower body still, and Edward placed his right hand just below my navel to steady me. He resumed kissing and licking my breasts, carefully sucking my nipples. The sensation of his mouth was light, but it ignited me completely. I treasured any touch from him like this. It heightened the pleasure because it was unexpected and rare.

Gradually, Edward kissed his way up my collarbone and neck. The look in his eyes when he met mine was pure passion, made brighter and more delicious by triumph.

I held his face in my hands and kissed him reverently, my eyes and their tears conveying my pleasure. Slowly, I moved my hand down his chest and rested it on the top of his jeans, my gaze now a question. His eyes widened as he guessed my intent, and he whispered, "Not tonight." Instead, he pulled off his own shirt and rolled me over on top of him. Soon, I vowed silently. Soon.

My surprised laughter delighted him before we dissolved in another series of kisses. The cold planes of his chest and muscles drew my lust right back to the surface. Okay, so I couldn't touch him where I wanted to - yet - but this was good. No, this was great. I was lying directly along the length of his body, and the chill of his skin kept my nipples firm and waiting. I was aroused and amused at the same time. He slid his hand between us and gently palmed my breasts, head down, staring at them intently. I moaned again and rested my head on his shoulder. Watching him touch me this way, in the intimate places where he'd finally kissed me, was itself as erotic as any moment we'd had. He lifted his gaze to mine again and stared at me, his eyes half-lidded. Sighing, he kissed me softly and murmured his love over and over again.

Several minutes passed before Edward stretched his arm and grabbed my shirt from where I'd thrown it to the corner of the bed. He pulled it over my head and helped guide my arms through the sleeves. I snuggled into his chest, thrilled that he made no move to put his own shirt back on, and kissed his own nipples mischievously. He shuddered in pleasure before groaning, "Bella, I think it's time for you get some sleep."

"You think I'll be able to fall asleep that easily?"

He laughed. "Well, it is getting late."
"Give me a few minutes here." I tilted my head back so I could see his face. "I just..." and then I couldn't complete my thought.

"What?" He stroked my face with his index finger.

"Thank you. I know that sounds silly, but I'm not sure what else to say."

"You don't have to-"

"No, please," I insisted. "You have to fight against so much for this. I love you, I really do."

His eyes softened. "I love you too. And you have no idea how much more I'm fighting at this point," he said, ending with a smirk.

"Really? I can help you with that."

"Another time." That was the biggest concession I'd obtained from him so far. I tucked that way for future reference and lay back down on the pillow. Edward hummed a lullabye, his voice sure and soft, while I drifted off to sleep.

The Cullen coven plus one convened in the lobby at 9 a.m. the next morning, Edward having successfully roused the human in enough time to be ready for our trip to New York. Still, we were the last ones to meet up with the family. My nervousness spiked the moment I saw Rosalie.

She was impatiently tapping her foot, her arms crossed over her chest. "This is ridiculous," she fumed. "We could have stayed in Manhattan and just walked out of the hotel on to Fifth Avenue." Although she wasn't looking at me, it was clear she was addressing me.

"Yes, it is somewhat ridiculous," I acknowledged, taking a step over to her. She looked at me sideways, still facing where Emmett was standing next to her. "And I appreciate your willingness to come here instead. It meant a lot to me to have Edward meet my family. I know that's why you're all here instead of at The Plaza. Thank you." I meant it, but I thought it was also a way to defuse her. The last thing I wanted was to set a bad tone for the entire day.

Edward came up and put his arm around me, looking at Rose meaningfully. "Oh, all right," she grumbled, snatching her scarf up from a chair. "Let's just stop wasting time and go."

As we turned to leave, Edward whispered, "I think that's about the most you can expect from her." Of course Rose heard him: she chose to ignore him. Carlisle let out a soft sigh, and Esme shook her head in annoyance.

We rode with Alice and Jasper, who drove the Mercedes. I wondered briefly who decided on the travel arrangements today, then decided not to let it bother me. Second to Edward, I preferred Alice's company anyway. She laid out about a dozen possibilities for the shops that she definitely wanted to take me through today.

"Alice, she's only human," Edward warned.

She stuck her tongue out at him. "She can take it. She's already proven that."

"Maybe there are a few places Bella would like to go," he said pointedly, turning to me.

"I really want to stop in Argosy Books on 59th Street. Other than that, I'm flexible," I assured him.

"Well, good, that's right in midtown, where we'll be most of the day anyway," Alice said.

We parked in a garage on Fifth Avenue near 42nd Street, and began our trek north. The weather was perfect: completely overcast, almost drizzly, and about 65 degrees. "Did you want to stop anywhere...go to a museum or something?" I asked Edward.

"I know better than to thwart my sister when she's got our day all planned out. So, in a word, no. I'm interested in seeing the bookstore you mentioned, though," he replied.

"You'll like it. They have a lot of rare books and maps." I thought for another minute. "There's always so much to do here. We'll have to come back some time when we can spend an entire weekend going to museums and parks and some of the more famous neighborhoods," I said.

He hugged my waist. "That sounds perfect. How about the Fourth of July?"

"Have Alice check the forecast."

Rosalie wanted to stop in the Louis Vuitton store, and Esme held the door open expectantly, waiting for me to follow. I didn't want to offend Rose, nor annoy Alice, but I also had no desire to waste my time today. "Um, I'm not exactly a fan of this stuff," I stammered. "I'd like to go to the Metropolitan Museum gift shop across the street instead. Mind if I meet you back here?"

"Fine, but you're coming into Henri Bendel with me later. We're buying you a dress or...something," Alice called back. Esme gave my arm a squeeze and added, "See you later, dear."

Edward grabbed my hand and we dashed across Fifth Avenue to Rockefeller Center. I was surprised to see myself surrounded by three more male vampires: Jasper, Emmett and Carlisle decided to come with us. "You provided us with the perfect out," Carlisle said, laughing.

I'd been to this store several times before, and I loved the unusual items they sold there. They stocked a ton of trinkets, but not the dollar-store stuff that was a waste of time and money. I'd always found a number of gorgeous picture books related to the numerous exhibits at the museum. Clothing from all around the world, posters that were more like original photographs, books on science and anthropology, even the coolest coffee mugs -- I could have stayed right here all afternoon.

Emmett walked around casually, slowly eyeing everything in each aisle. I watched in amusement as people subtly shifted to the side to let him pass with no argument, a rarity in New York. Carlisle seemed mesmerized by a display on butterflies. I found a table with lovely turquoise and silver jewelry, and Edward strolled over, followed by Jasper.
"See something you like?" Edward asked.
"It's all pretty, but it can't compare to this incredible necklace I just got last night," I replied, fingering the pearl choker around my neck.
"Really? The turquoise is so much more colorful, though," he said, smiling.
"I much prefer the elegance of a single row of pearls," I said. "I'm so fortunate that my love has such excellent taste."
"From what I understand, he was only following your wishes. Though I have to agree he does have excellent taste, particularly in women," he murmured, nuzzling my neck.
"Be careful. You're going to drive Jasper, and me, to distraction," I warned.
Jasper grinned and nodded in my direction. "Thank you, Bella."
When we left and stepped back out on Fifth Avenue, there was no sign of Alice, Rosalie or Esme. It was apparent that we'd have to meet up with them closer to Louis Vuitton. As we approached the crosswalk to the other side of Fifth Avenue, I saw the famous statue of Atlas on its pedestal in front of Rockefeller Center. I walked over and tilted my head up, staring into the somber face.

"Hey, Emmett," I said. "Have you seen this?"

"What, the statue? Not for a long time." Emmett circled the metal construct, gazing at the wire globe.

"He reminds me of you," I said. "I think he's about the only one who could possibly rival your muscle."

Emmett let out a guffaw. "That's the nicest thing anyone's said to me in years."

"Everyone else takes your strength for granted."

"Yeah, probably because I don't get the chance to use it as much as I'd like."

"Not even with the bears?" I asked, delighted with our exchange.

"They haven't been a challenge since I was human. Not much is."

I laughed. Edward was watching us, amused; he probably knew I enjoyed having a few moments with Emmett. I didn't get many opportunities to talk to him. He was always with Rosalie and she still intimidated me, frankly. Her dislike of me shimmered with her every movement.

Argosy Books occupies a townhouse on 59th Street between Park and Lexington avenues. It's in an area of prime real estate, but it has an informal atmosphere that welcomes anyone regardless of tax bracket, in the manner of a good library. I spotted the familiar green awning and pulled Edward along with me, excited to inspect the half-price used books they set on display right at the entrance.

Immediately, I found a coffee table-sized book on Van Gogh's paintings from his stay in Arles. In perfect shape, it was a whopping five dollars. "Yes!" I chortled and tucked it under my arm, moving toward the door.
Edward chuckled and said, "One of the things I love best about you is how much you appreciate simple things, like finding an actual bargain on the island of Manhattan."

"Are you calling me simple?"

"I don't mean it in a bad way. You're simple in what gives you joy, and complex and nuanced in your thinking and emotions and judgments. It's a perfect blend, as far as I'm concerned."

"Wow. I feel like a prime cup of joe."

"Indeed. And I didn't even know that yet when I gave you the coffee maker."

Once we all were inside, each of us sought our favorite subject areas. Edward and I thumbed through old books on music theory and composer biographies. His absorption in this kind of background exceeded mine; I'm happy to simply listen to music.

I wandered away and found Carlisle in a small alcove at the back of the store, holding a large volume. Bending sideways to see the spine, I read the title: "Carroll's Maladies of the Human Body." The book could have easily been a century old, and he slowly thumbed through it, careful not to overly handle the pages.

"Taking a stroll down memory lane?" I teased.

He chuckled. "Yes, some of these techniques are an abomination, though they didn't seem so at the time. People died unecessarily, or lost limbs or blood they didn't need to. Thank God we've progressed so far." Closing the book gingerly, he added. "I emjoy collecting these outdated medical texts. I've been searching for this edition for quite some time."

His mention of blood gave me an open I wanted. "You seem to have such strong control, Carlisle," I said timidly. "How long did it take you to resist? I mean, confidently resist?" I'd been thinking about Edward's repeated warning that physical intimacy invited his loss of control. I wanted to discreetly sound out the rest of his family on how hard it was to deny themselves human blood, yet I knew I couldn't be direct about it or Edward would hear their thoughts and know what I'd been up to. But discussing blood with Carlisle was very logical, given his profession.

"I've always resisted. It's just become easier because I've been doing it for so long," he replied.
"When did it become easy for you?" I hoped he didn't suspect what I was after; Carlisle was no fool.
"To the point where I could do surgery without needed to excuse myself from the operating suite? Probably about a hundred years."
Great.
"You really are very committed to your work," I observed. I was trying to cover for myself, but I also meant it.
"I can't live any other way, so in a sense the decision was made for me."
"You're a good example for your family. They look to you for that strength, and for your leadership." Also true.
He regarded me, grateful and a little puzzled. "Why, thank you, Bella. That's a lovely compliment. I hope to live up to that."
"You already do."
Esme was walking toward us, smiling; she'd probably heard most of our little talk. She'd found some prints to show Carlisle that looked like French posters from the turn of the 20th century. I only recognized the name Moliere.
Alice and Jasper were on the second floor where the maps were located. I saw the look of awe on his face as he stared at a map that was nearly three feet wide. It was mounted on firm cardboard, and he ran his hands lovingly over its surface. Alice looked on as she rubbed his arm while standing next to him.
"What is it?" I asked, turning so I could see.
"It's one of the fields at Gettysburg. It's an original," Jasper said in a hushed tone. "See here? These ink marks show where different Confederate regiments were stationed. The handwriting belonged to General Amos Malloy. He was my commanding officer. I knew him and many of the other men he sent north."

My head snapped up. "Jasper, were you there?"
"No. He kept me behind with other officers. My specialties were strategy and training, not combat. I probably would have died if I'd gone." He looked at me, his eyes both sorrowful and grateful. "Thank you. Thank you for wanting to come here. I likely never would have found this map otherwise."
It was the longest conversation I'd had with Jasper yet. I was so happy that he derived something from my own interests, however unintentionally.

My patience was weaering thin, so I begged off investigating every boutique we passed. Fortunately, everyone had plenty of opportunity to shop the day before, when Edward and I were with my family and friends, so I felt less guilty about that. I managed to get away with actually entering only Henri Bendel and Bergdorf Goodman. Alice found me a red suit at Bergdorf's that fit perfectly, and Edward loved it so much he insisted on buying it for me. The suit didn't have a price tag, and I know that's never a good sign, but I rolled my eyes and shut my mouth while a sales assistant willingly took his credit card.
The ride home was blessedly comfortable; I curled up in the back seat with Edward, tired from all the walking. Alice and Edward were talking about the books they'd bought and Rosalie's purchase of another set of luggage. I wondered how she'd get it back to Forks, naively thinking that it would put her over the luggage limit on the flight home, but Edward said she'd also paid to have it shipped home. I was certain that she could have found the same expensive set in Seattle, but I suppose Rosalie's interest had something to do with just being able to buy it in New York on a whim.
When Jasper parked the car, Alice halted her giggling conversation about the differences between Seattle and New York shopping, and sharply drew in her breath. For a second, I thought she was choking, particularly since she her hand flew up to her throat and Edward lunged forward in his seat.
"Here?" he demanded.
Jasper watched Alice with a worried expression. He seemed to know what was going on.
"What? Are you okay, Alice? Did something happen?" I asked, confused.
Edward ignored me and focused intently on his sister. I knew he was reading her thoughts. Whatever this was, they didn't want to speak of it out loud.

"Where? Close?" Edward asked in a dark tone. Alice nodded. He pulled out his phone and hit a few buttons, then spoke so quickly I couldn't make out the words.

I was growing more impatient. "Alice, what's going on?" I asked as Edward continued his conversation.
"Let's wait until he's off the phone," she replied, trying to sound soothing.
I signed and folded my arms until he ended the call. Turning my head, I looked at him expectantly without saying a word.
"Alice has seen that there are two men and a woman who are waiting for us at the end of the parking lot. They detected our presence and want to meet us," he said carefully.
"Detected...what do you mean? Who are they?"
His teeth clenched. "They're a few of our kind who are in this area -- nomads, but they stick to this region. They picked up our scent and are curious, so they decided to meet up with us tonight."
"They're not vegetarians, are they?" I asked, awareness gradually dawning.
"No, they aren't." Edward turned toward Jasper. "Is there a chance I could get Bella to the hotel entrance?"
Jasper shook his head. "They know we've returned. If you try to dodge them, it'll only pique their interest. They may follow you."
Edward exhaled in frustration. "I can't let Bella near them."

"We'll all be there. Nothing will happen, particularly with so many other humans around. But if you avoid them, they'll...become more curious," Jasper replied carefully. Before he finished speaking, Edward was shaking his head.

"I have to get her into the hotel right away and book the flight.'
I stared at him in shock. "Book a flight? What, tonight?"
"Yes. We'll have to get you home tonight. I want them around you as little as possible so they don't absorb your scent too much." His tone was grim.
"But we're supposed to leave tomorrow-"
"We need to change that. We'll head to Newark tonight. You're not going to stay here," he said firmly, shushing my protests.

Jasper broke into our disagreement. "Right now you don't have a choice, Edward. We'll all have to go meet them."
Carlisle, Esme, Rosalie and Emmett were waiting for us in the parking area. Emmett was tensed as if poised for a fight. The entire scene was surreal, like something was being choreographed without my input even though I seemed to be an integral part of it.
Edward dashed from the car and stood by the door, holding out his hand for me. Emmett moved over and as I stepped out, he and Edward positioned themselves on either side of me. The three of us walked together as if they were my bodyguards, and I realized that's exactly what they were. Jasper and Alice brought up the rear until we reached Carlisle, Esme and Rosalie. All the vampires fanned out in some odd reverse-"V" formation -- if we were geese, we could have been flying south.

Emmet and Edward tightly flanked either side of me. I nearly asked, "Is this really necessary?" but I bit my tongue. All I knew was that I was about to meet my first traditional vampires, and I had no idea what would happen.

A/N: There really is an Argosy Books: .. If you are in New York City , I encourage you to head over there. It's not as famous or large as The Strand, but it is a real gem.