(22) Escape

The morning brought more worry and confusion as I remembered Jacob's stories about werewolves and human sacrifices. He couldn't be a werewolf? Could he? That was not possible. My mind could not grasp the image of Jacob transformed into a scary creature ripping vampires apart. A warning crept through me and I knew that something was wrong. I had to find Jacob and make him explain himself.

I glanced across at Lily sitting on her bed with her headphones on listening to her IPod. She was engrossed in a book and didn't notice as I walked to the dresser pulling out a new outfit. I was still wearing my jeans and sweater from the night before. I saw her glance at me briefly and smile. I smiled back and left the room.

I went into the bathroom and changed into my outfit putting the blue sweater over my white undershirt. I pulled on another pair of jeans and stuffed the previous night's clothes under the sink. I splashed cold water on my face relishing the coolness on my skin.

I walked down the hallway and cursed each creaky floorboard. If I was lucky no one would hear me in the living room or see me grab my coat from the rack by the door. I felt like a burglar sneaking around a house at night.

I carefully opened the front door and gently closed the screen behind me. I wished I had my cell phone but they confiscated it when I came here. I stood off to the side of the house hiding near the bushes trying to think of what to do next. I quickly put my coat as the first ice cold breeze blew hair across my face. There must be a storm coming because the sky was a slate gray with no yellow streaks marring it.

I shivered and thought of a plan. I glanced at the empty road and realized hardly any cars drove down the highway. So hitchhiking would be out of the question. I saw an old ten speed leaning up against the wall. But the tires were rusted out and some of the spokes were bent. I saw the kitchen light go on. I had to move fast before Lily reported me missing. Then I would have little chance of making it.

I knew my only chance of making it was to walk until I came to a gas station or bus stop. From there I could figure out the rest. I looked at the window to make sure no one was looking out. I quickly ran across the lawn noticing the tall evergreens leaning over the driveway.

The forest was to my left and the highway was to my right. I turned right and started the long walk to Forks. I tripped over a couple of rocks and almost twisted my ankle on a left over branch. I had to be more careful I couldn't afford to get hurt.

I heard a car coming but I was too chicken to hitch a ride. I felt the urge to stick my thumb out but at the last second I shoved my hands into my pocket. I heard the motor getting closer. I put my head down and continued walking.

I saw the truck approaching and moved a little faster. If I had to I would run into the forest and hide from the stranger. I jerked when the car stopped. My fears were going to come true. I was afraid to move. I pretended to look at a bird perched on a log. The sound of the door opening made my heart drop. I was paralyzed.

"Bella?" Footsteps approached heavy under the crackling branches.

I peeked at the person from the side. "Jacob." I said relieved and went to him.

He opened his arms and I ran into them.

"Hey, I was just going to visit you." He said playfully and stared at me. "What's wrong?"

I thought I was hiding my emotions better but I guess I wasn't.

"I remembered the story about the Quileute legend." I whispered and glanced at him. His smile left his face and his dark eyes bored into mine.

"Oh I see." He shrugged his shoulders and gestured to me. "So were you running away? Did I ruin your plans?"

"What?" I shook my head. "No, don't be crazy. I was coming to see you."

He sighed in relief and hugged me again. "Are you crazy? You were going to walk all the way to the rez?"

"Not all the way." I said defiantly.

"It doesn't change anything?" He questioned our relationship.

"Jacob I would still like you if you told me you were a vampire." I said weakly and Jacob's face hardened.

"But I'm not a precious Cullen. Bella, I was serious before when I told you they were dangerous. It's better to keep your distance."

"They wouldn't hurt me." I whispered. Jacob shook his head and leaned down.

"They are monsters who feed off of human blood." He spat. "I don't want them anywhere near you."

"Jake they don't kill people. Carlisle is a doctor for goodness sake." I pleaded and he remained still.

"So did you come to tell me all the glorious reasons why you love the Cullens so much?"

"No." I said and glared at him. "I came to make sure that you were okay and talk to you."

"Consider it done. So do you want to hang out at the rez for a bit before you go back?" He asked switching topics. Just like that old Jacob was back.

"Yes. I've been dying to get back to normalcy." I said facing him again.

"Funny I've been dying to see you, Bella." Another voice said. I whirled around and came face to face with Laurent.