As Jacob looked on, he had to face his enemy through new eyes. They weren't the heartless blood suckers he was led to believe they were. They didn't want to steal Bella and make her one of them, in fact they were doing everything possible to prevent that from happening. It was all too much for him and he couldn't take it anymore. He left Bella's hospital room, left the image of his friend lying there, lifeless and walked home. Alice held Bella's hand, Jasper held Alice and Carlisle kept checking her obs.
"Dad…" She screamed out inside her head.
"Bella." Carlisle whispered, "Can you hear me?" Bella looked at him, she couldn't speak. "Blink if you can hear me." Bella blinked.
"That's the girl. Bella you're all right. We had a little emergency but that's all over now. Just rest." Bella started looking around, she could see Alice and Jasper and Carlisle.
"Hey Bells." Emmett came up and gave her a big hug,
"Careful Emmett." Carlisle reminded him.
"I know."
"Edward, did you hear, Bella's awake. She's going to be okay." Edward didn't respond. Carlisle sensed her distress. Carlisle brushed his hand across her face and whispered, "Don't worry about him, he'll come around."
Edward stepped away from the window, he wanted to run. He couldn't look at her. No. He'd made up his mind he was leaving, for Bella's sake he had to go. Careful not to look at her he walked towards the door, he was almost there when fate pulled him and he spun around and saw her lying there, so fragile looking.
"Edward" she mumbled, she knew exactly what he was thinking and it frightened her.
"Bella I…" Alice reached out and grabbed Edward's hand, then pulled him closer. He tried to resist.
"Emmett, Jasper. Help me get rid of this body before someone sees it." Carlisle requested, sensing the need for some privacy. The three of them grabbed the nurse and left.
"Alice, I need you to change me, now."
"Bella no.
"Alice please." She looked at Edward, "It's the only way."
"To what Bella?"
"To end all of this suffering." Bella looked at Edward,
"No." was all he said,
"I can see it on your face Edward. Don't tell me you weren't about to walk out, to leave me here. You are hurting and that's never going to change until I am safe from danger. Yesterday it was a car, today it was a needle what will it be tomorrow?"
"Bella!" Alice cried,
"NO. You can't live like this and I can't live like this."
"It's not living Bella." Edward pleaded,
"We'll I wont live without you. Look at you, you can't even look at me." Edward pulled all his strength together just so he could prove her wrong. Lifting his head slightly, eyebrows raised he looked at her, his eyes hollow.
"You want me to stick with you for better or worse, well this is the worse…"
"I…. have never felt such pain…"
"How do you think I felt when you left last summer."
"Edward." Alice didn't know what to do, "I can't stand to see you this way. Maybe Bella's right?"
"No." He picked up Bella's hand and looked into her eyes, "I'll figure this out, I promise. I just need some time."
"Well I don't have forever." Edward went to respond, but turned and walked away.
"Edward is in a lot of pain Bella." Alice tried to explain, "He blames himself for the car accident, and now this when he was right outside the room. Everything he believed in, everything he cares about is upside down. You should see Thompsons clearing."
"Thompsons clearing really… why?"
"Edward was quite angry when he found you. He lost his temper. He ripped out all of the trees and threw them around. Emmett called it Hurricane Edward.." Bella smiled, "Edward feels things intensely, so it takes him a while to calm down that's all. You'll see."
"I don't know if I could take him leaving again Alice."
"Edwards not going anywhere Bella. You and him are destined, I've seen it."
"Liar."
"No really. We have a wedding to plan remember." Edward walked back through the door, with an extra large bouquet of roses in his hands. Bella's face lit up.
"I'm sorry Bella."
"I'll go get started on those plans shall I?" Alice joked then left the room.
"You told me you'd never leave."
"I'm here aren't I?"
"If you want me human I'll stay human, but you can't go running away every time things get bumpy."
"I'm not going anywhere." Edward pulled out a sparkling ring and placed it on her finger. "I'm here to stay." Bella reached out and kissed him,
"Edward Cullen, will you marry me." Bella jumped in first.
"I will be yours for all eternity Bella Swan." He leaned forward, his temple pressing against her temple. "I will fix this." He promised.
*****Back at the reservation Jacob had filled Sam and the others in, not that there was much explaining as they had seen it all, but they all agreed that until Victoria showed herself it was not there concern. Disappointed Jacob decided to seek out Edward. Enemy or not they had the same goal, Bella's safety. He decided to walk to the Cullen's house. He needed the time to contemplate what he would say, and to find the strength not to overreact. It was almost night. The air was sweet with the scent of the afternoon mist that enveloped everything in sight. Even though the sun's warmth had long gone Jacob was not cold. He could see the Cullen's house in the near distance, the lights were on and it lit up the house like a giant tea candle. There was no sign of anybody around, but the hairs on his back of his neck stood up as he approached. The front door was like an old oak panel with cast iron handles. Jacob stepped up to the door, grabbed the cold iron knocker and knocked three times. Emmett answered the door with Rosalie right behind him at the base of the stairs, clearly unhappy with their visitor.
"What do you want Wolf?" Emmett asked, as Rosalie sniffed the air in disgust.
"Is Edward in?"
"No." Emmett just stood there, hanging on the door. "Okay. Look I'm as unhappy about this as you are, but Bella is my friend and I want to help."
"How can you help us?" Rosalie said sharply,
"Rosalie." Carlisle scolded her, "That is no way to treat our guest." Rosalie looked insulted, Emmett stepped back. "What exactly did you have in mind?" Carlisle asked, opening the door wider to let him in.
"I'm not entirely sure. Maybe if I knew more about what was happening…"
"Then I suppose you had better come in then." Carlisle motioned for Jacob to join them in the parlor. Jacob was impressed by the size and style of the house, it was so elegant with its long clean hallways and modern furniture. Not like he'd expected, the images in his mind all dark and gloomy. He took a seat on the sofa, Emmett kept standing behind the couch.
"I'll go check on the others." Rosalie excused herself.
"Please." Carlisle agreed. Rosalie went upstairs, she was in no mood to be in Jacob's presence.
"Ok." Jacob sensed, noting that Carlisle was a man of his word and someone who he should be able to trust, "I know that someone is sending out these humans to gather information on Bella. I know you've captured several of them and that you are torturing them for information but that so far none of them has talked."
"You know a lot."
"So what do you plan to do?"
"Well Jacob." Carlisle shifted his weight, "We have come to the conclusion that Victoria, the person we believe is sending these drones to Forks, is residing just outside of Seattle."
"Seattle?"
"Alice's vision, we found an old automotive factory just ten miles south of Seattle. We think she's hold up there waiting for word back from her informants."
"So what are we waiting for?"
"My question exactly." Emmett smiled, obviously feeling the same way.
"Let's not be too hasty. We still don't know what we are walking into to. It could be a trap for all we know."
"So let me go. I can scout it out and let you know what I find."
"Absolutely not." Edward spoke as he made his way down the staircase. Jacob was startled, he stood up.
"I thought you said he wasn't home." Had Carlisle lied to him? Why?
"A precaution. You understand." Jacob didn't respond, he turned back to focus on Edward.
"Why not." He continued their previous conversation, "I thought you'd jump at the idea. It would get me out of your hair and who knows I might not even make it back."
"Oh believe me, there is nothing I would enjoy more." Edward smirked.
"Edward." Carlisle warned him about his manner.
"But Bella cares for you and until she tells me otherwise I've been instructed not to let anything happen to you."
"I don't need a babysitter blood sucker."
"Perhaps we can find a compromise?" Carlisle suggested. Jacob continued to stand in a defensive manner. Edward ignored him and came to sit beside Carlisle. Only after Edward sat down did Jacob take his seat again.
"You were saying." Jacob looked at Carlisle.
"We were thinking of setting a trap of our own."
"A trap." Jacob asked, noticing Edward shift uncomfortably in his seat,
"I still don't like it." Edward declared,
"It was Bella's suggestion." Carlisle continued, "She'd tired of sitting around waiting for them to come to her. She suggested that we set a trap of our own. We will set it up so that her next informant will learn that Bella is to be unprotected next weekend while we are away hunting. It will be the perfect opportunity for them to try to kidnap her."
"I hate to say this but I agree with Edward, I don't like this one bit."
"Carlisle I'm sorry but I can't allow it. Bella has been through enough in the past few days…"
"Edward, you promised Bella you would let her have a say, Bella is a sensible girl. She knows what she doing."
"Bella feels like the weak link, she wants to pull her weight around here but we both know that what you are asking her to do is far more than that."
"Bella is family now Edward. I would never let any harm come to her."
"You know as well as I do that you can't promise that."
"Let's get back to the plan shall we, not that I don't enjoy watching you put Edward in his place.." Jacob interrupted.
"Jacob you are a guest, but I don't want to have to remind you of your manners now do I?"
"My apologies."
"We're going to take Bella to Seattle. We feel that the closer we are to Victoria, the less of a need to kill or incapacitate her to transport their prize."
"How are you going to get her there?"
"Well. That's where you come in, that's if you're willing." Carlisle looked at Edward, who looked away, clearly unhappy about the situation. "You can take Bella out on the streets, two friends out on the town just having fun. They're only human so they won't sense you, and if anything happens we can be hiding in the shadows ready to assist."
"Assist, huh. So Bella and I would be on a date?"
"NO!" Edward forgot himself for a moment, rising from his chair almost ready to throw the werewolf out. Emmett also shifted in his stance ready to assist him.
"No Jacob." Carlisle reintegrated, "It will not be a date. Take her to the movies, to a restaurant somewhere where you are out in the open. Make yourselves seen."
"Dinner and a movie. Sounds like a date to me." Jacob was brave that's for sure. Edward snarled at him, Carlisle motioned for him to calm down. "I'll do it." Edward didn't hear the last part, he was too busy concentrating on something in the distance. He could hear Rosalie's thoughts.
"Excuse me." Edward stood up and went to leave, "I'll be back in a moment. Bella would like some dinner."
"Bella. Is Bella here?" Jacob asked. Edward let out another growl.
"Watch him." He ordered Emmett. "Don't let him move until I get back."
"No worries. He ain't going nowhere." Emmett grinned. Carlisle let it slide. Edward disappeared into the kitchen and returned moments later with a tray containing one plate of toast with scrambled eggs and cheese, a glass of orange juice and a single red rose. Edward walked up the stairs effortlessly with the tray and vanished around the corner only to return again shortly after empty handed.
"Is she up there?" Jacob asked standing up, "Let me see her."
"Sit down." Emmett placed his hand on his shoulder and pushed him back down. "Let's not get sidetracked."
"Emmett is correct. We have many details to consider if we are to keep Bella safe." The four of them sat down and discussed the finer details of their plan. Knowing Edward could read his thoughts Jacob conjured up many explicit thoughts about his and Bella's upcoming date. Putting his arm around her, kissing her. He even imagined what she would look like in a nice low cut dress at some fancy French restaurant. It made Edwards blood boil and he knew it. Carlisle was oblivious to what was happen, but Emmett knew exactly what was going on, and relished in the thought that Edward would definitely not let this slip by without retaliation.
*****Three days past. Bella was still at the Cullen's residence but she was up and about, as much as Esme and Edward would let her be. He wounds were starting to heal and her strength was quickly returning to her. As she sat on the couch by the fire, wrapped in a glorious antique throw, covered in images of purple flowers and blue butterflies, she read one of Carlisle's many books. Looking through his library she had chosen the story full of love and passion, of a man who had gone to the America's to make enough money to marry his sweetheart only to find that she had become gravely ill. Bella sympathized with the young woman, waiting helplessly for her love to come so she can see him one last time before she dies. She also had a little more insight into Edwards character, and his turmoil at being helpless in his pursuit to keep her happy and well. She was fully engrossed in her novel, so much so that she hadn't notice the front door open, or the woman who now stood mere inches from her.
"Bella." The old woman looked her over,
"Oh." Bella jumped in her seat and turned white, before realizing who she was, "Frieda."
"What are you doing sitting like that child? You'll catch a death of cold." Frieda grabbed the blanket and pulled it up over her shoulders. Bella winced when it placed weight on her arm, "Oh dear me I am sorry. How are you feeling my dear?"
"Fine I guess… What are you doing here?"
"Carlisle told me what happened, he thought you might like a visitor."
"Of course, sorry. How rude of me."
"Think nothing of it my dear." Frieda cleaned off the coffee table and made sure Bella's feet were tucked under the rug. "Are you hungry? Can I get you anything?"
"I'm fine, thank you. Edward made me breakfast before he left." Frieda sat down in the chair opposite Bella and pulled out a knitting needle and wool. Bella realized that Frieda had been asked to babysit her while they were all out putting together their big plan.
"You know Bella." Frieda said, not looking up from her knitting, "When I first met you I though you were just a naive school girl who had romanticized everything… I can see know that you go into this with your eyes wide open. You are a very brave girl Bella, but bravery will only get you so far."
"I know. But I can't let them down."
"And what of Edward, I gather he isn't too keen about all of this."
"He worries about me, that's all."
"And what of out previous conversations?" She asked noticing the ring on Bella's finger, "I see we've made a decision."
"I decided that I love Edward, and that's all that really matters."
"Have you set a date?"
"Not yet."
"If I was you I would aim for June. The weather is beautiful then. In my day everyone wanted a spring wedding."
"I don't know if Edward wants it to be quite so soon."
"Oh, I didn't mean next year deary. If I was you I'd wait a year or two, you don't want to miss out on all that courting. I think that's the best bit." Bella laughed but it pulled at her stitches a little and she instinctively placed her hand over the area. "Are you ok my dear?"
"I'm fine, it just hurts a little still."
"Ah yes." She said, "Poor Edward, such a nice car too. So sad."
"Don't remind me. I told him I'd find a way to pay him back but he refused."
"Of course he would. Don't worry about it dear, I'm sure you'll make it up to him in other ways."
"Like what?"
"Use your imagination child." Frieda smiled, Bella thought about her and Edward, about how they would be together one day. The thought made her smile.
"Frieda."
"Yes dear."
"Did you ever regret not getting married, having children?"
"Sometimes. But I never let me get it down. I made my choices and for better or for worse I am quite happy with who I am."
"Rosalie does. That's why she isn't happy with me, she thinks I am a fool for giving up so eagerly what she lost against her will."
"Poor Rosalie. It was a hard time for her, so tragic."
"Do you think she's right?"
"No my dear. Love will find a way if it's meant to be. Things are different now days, there are more ways than one to create a family."
"No.. I would never.."
"Oh I don't mean that Bella, I mean adoption, fostering. If you and Edward decide to go down that path I'm sure you'll find a way."
"But what if he doesn't want to?"
"Would that be a problem for you?"
"No… maybe… I don't know?"
"Well maybe it's something you should think about Bella. After all, once you change there's no going back."
"I know."
"Now. How about that cuppa?" Frieda patted her on the knee. Bella smiled back at her.
"Thanks, that would be great."
Bella was lost in thought when Edward entered the room. He made his way swiftly to the couch where she rested and leaning over her shoulder from behind he kissed her on the lips.
"I didn't think you'd be back so soon." Bella was glad to see him,
"I couldn't stay away. I see Frieda is here, I hope she's been looking after you."
"Of course I have Master Cullen." Frieda appeared with the two cups of tea and placed one in Bella's hand. The cup was hot and it burned her hand a little. Edward grabbed her hand and blew a cool soothing kiss over the area.
"All right you two… Mistress Swan needs her rest. I suggest you go on with whatever it was you were doing." Edward grumbled,
"Hush Frieda, or I'll have you taken care of" He joked with her, flashing his teeth. Bella wasn't sure what to make of it until Edward bared his cheeky grin.
"Mr. Cullen put me in charge of looking after her, and until he says otherwise what I say goes now beat it young man before I take the broom to you."
"Oh dear." Edward blushed, "I'm going I'm going." But not before kissing her again until she almost ran out of breath. Bella was left giddy from the embrace. Edward started whistling as he walked down the hall towards the garage. Frieda smiled, it was about time she saw Edward happy, he'd been melancholy for too long. Bella obviously agreed with him.
"No." Frieda smirked, "It will never last."
"Oh bar humbug." Bella laughed, it was good to have someone to talk too. From down the hall Edward smiled, the smile of someone who knew he had the upper hand. He had read Frieda's mind.