2. Favors
Early in the morning, Edward called to tell Charlie that Bella would be traveling with the Cullens for the weekend, including the esteemed Dr. Cullen and Mrs. Cullen of course, and would Charlie mind? Charlie's brain, foggy with want of sleep, slurrily consented, and, before he could change his mind, Bella was scooped out of her room in a dazed confusion into Edward's blue Volvo, and whizzed away.
Within minutes, Edward was speaking earnestly with his adoptive father, Carlisle, in the main room of the Cullen's sweeping mansion, his words too fast and low for Bella to understand. For her, Edward slowed down to enunciate, "…wings and flying…I've got to find it, talk to it…how can I…?"
Jasper, overhearing the conversation as he idled down the stairs, whistled in wonder, but his presence did little to ease Carlisle's concern. "Humans don't get into heaven by chasing angels, Edward," said the doctor. "The fact that you saw one—isn't that enough to prove—" Alice, Esme, and Emmet appeared like spirits.
"What's this?" said Emmet.
"Just because I saw something that looks like an angel," said Edward to Carlisle, "doesn't mean there's a God. I need to know if there's something more. And if there's something more for us."
"Some things aren't meant to be known, Edward," Carlisle replied, his brow furrowed with rare doubt. "I don't like what you want to do."
"But I have to," Edward murmured. His gaze fell to the ground. "You know where I will be then," he said at last. "I am sorry that you…do not like the idea, but please understand, at least, and forgive me." He turned to Bella, standing numbly by his side. "Will you come with me?"
She surveyed the Cullens' expressions grave expressions, dismayed. "Yes!" she declared fervently, almost madly. "Off course I'll come with you. It's never going to be any other way." She grabbed his hands and he towed her away from his silent family.
The pair slid back into Edward's car, and the engine roared to life. Edward eased the Volvo out of the driveway and onto the wide, black road. They headed toward the hazy horizon.
"Um, wait—" said Bella, rather belatedly. "Just where are we going—what are we doing?"
Edward's eyes fixed upon her with fiery intensity. "I saw an angel last night," he said. "I have… questions to ask of it." And then more softly, without looking at her. "Questions, and favors."