Place of the Lost

A/N: Oh we're getting so close. Hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: Twilight and all of its Characters belong to Stephenie Meyer

Chapter 24: The Escape

BPOV:

I didn't think it was possible, but Seneca was hotter than Nashville. We stepped off the train around five in the afternoon, and the heat just fell on me like thick veil. The last few days had been absolutely torturous. I was forced to look in the eyes of a betrayer and bury my anger. It was starting to become too much. I couldn't sleep; I could barely eat, and my nerves were absolutely shot. The pent up rage was churning inside me, threatening to explode at any moment.

We stopped for dinner at a little diner on main street in Seneca. Jacob walked close behind me, his hand resting on the small of my back. He seemed to have gotten over most of the worried anxiety that plagued him just a few days ealier. He spent nearly every waking hour with me, and it was all I could do to hide my annoyed rage. Every time I looked into his eyes, all I could see was an arrogant liar. Nothing he said meant anything to me anymore. Nearly every word out of his mouth had been a lie, and there would never be anything between us. I just hated that it took me so long to figure that out. At this point, I was just using him the same way he used Edward. Now that we were so close, I didn't know how I was going to make it to Jocassee, but I would take the first opportunity available, even if it meant following Jacob's dad home from lunch the next day.

We walked into the diner, and the smell of fried food filled my nostrils. My stomach began to rumble. The walls were a dingy white and light wooden booths lined the walls. I followed Charlie to the cash register, where a young blonde girl stood, twirling her hair in her fingers. I saw Jacob's eyes widen, and he licked his lips. He quickly moved his hand from my back, and stepped out from behind me. I scoffed internally, he was actually looking at another girl. After all the lies, deceit and betrayal, I wasn't even that special to him.

"Hey there." The girl spoke to us collectively, but her eyes were glued on Jacob. "What can I get you?"

Charlie spoke up first, "I'll have a cheeseburger, no onions, fries and a coke."

My mouth watered at the words. "I'll have the same." I said.

Jacob's face turned up in a little half smile that I had once found attractive. But then it only made my blood boil. "Chicken fried steak." He said in an inappropriately seductive tone.

She grinned sheepishly at Jacob. Charlie paid her and we took our seat in a booth. I waited patiently for my father to sit down, and I slid in next to him. I glowered at Jacob, as he stared across the restaurant at her. I hoped he would interpret it as jealousy, but it was a good opportunity to release some of my anger. I don't think he even noticed, which only made me feel worse. How could anyone be so careless and indecisive?

"So Jake," Charlie broke the silence. "Are you looking forward to seeing your father?"

He smiled. "Yeah, this is the longest I've been away from him in years. I hope he's making it all right without me."

Charlie looked at him in adoration. It made my stomach turn. I wish I could tell my father what a terrible judge of character he truly was. "You're a thoughtful kid, Jake. But I wouldn't worry, I'm sure he'd tell you if he couldn't get by on his own."

"Yeah, you're right Charlie." He replied. "But I've had it easier than him. He's been all alone, and I've practically joined a new family." He chuckled lightly. "You're like my second father." I thought I was going to vomit.

"Would you excuse me please." I couldn't hide the anger in my voice any longer. Charlie nodded, and I got up from the table. There was a sign in the corner labeled restroom, so I walked towards it and found myself in a dank closet with a sink and toilet. I splashed some cool water on my face and took deep breaths, trying to calm down. "Not yet." I told myself. "Not yet. He'll get what he deserves in good time." I collected my muddled thoughts and returned to the table.

Jacob was still drooling at the blonde behind the counter and shamelessly buttering up Charlie. It was disgusting. "Are you feeling all right?" Jacob asked, staring deep into my eyes.

"Fine, thank you." There was no sincerity in my voice.

"We'll find a hotel after dinner." Charlie said. "Then you can go lay down. You really don't look well."

"Thanks dad!" I replied sarcastically.

"Oh I didn't mean it like that. You just have dark circles under your eyes, like you haven't been sleeping well, and your skin is slightly paler than usual."

"I'm fine dad, really! I just don't sleep well away from home. I'm not used to all this traveling."

"Yeah, it does take a lot out of you." He replied. "Well we'll turn in early tonight, and hopefully you can get some extra rest." I nodded and out of the corner of my eye, saw the blonde moving in our direction, her arms full of plates.

"All right." She said in a cheerful voice. "Cheeseburgers for you two." She laid two steaming plates in front of Charlie and I. "And chicken fried steak for you, sweetheart." She emphasized the word sweetheart. Jacob grinned from ear to ear, and I really thought I was going to vomit that time.

I didn't speak for the rest of dinner. Charlie shot worried glances in my direction every few minutes, but he was too hungry to care. I guess he just thought I wasn't feeling well. I ate the entire burger, and that seemed to help my mood.

"All done Bells?" Charlie asked.

I faked a smile. "Yeah dad, let's go." We all slid out of the booth, and I saw Jacob give a little wave to the blonde. She giggled at him and blew a kiss. I sighed angrily, and Jacob shot me a wary glance. When we made it outside, his hand returned to his usual spot on the small of my back.

Our hotel room wasn't as nice as the one we stayed at in Nashville. It wasn't big enough for all three of us. So Charlie and Jake shared a room, and they gave me one to myself. Charlie kept the joining door open, as a safety precaution. It was only eight thirty when I slipped into my night gown and climbed into bed, but I was exhausted, not physically but emotionally.

I stared at the white ceiling for a long time, trying to slow my racing mind. The sunny yellow walls made it difficult to sleep. Rage, excitement and anticipation coursed through my veins. This was as close as I'd been to Edward since the last time I saw him in the hospital, and maybe tomorrow… I would see him again. I tried desperately not to get my hopes because I knew there was a good chance that Edward wouldn't be there, or that I wouldn't be able to find him. But I couldn't stifle the last shred of hope that burned inside of me.

I pulled the thin white duvet over my body, and closed my eyes. Sleep was no where to be found. I heard Charlie's loud snores rumbling from the other room. I laid there for nearly two hours, trying to figure out how I was going to ditch my father tomorrow, or convince Jacob to take me to his house. I was even prepared to bargain with sex. He lied to me, so I figured it was my turn.

Someone's bed creaked in the other room. Someone's feet hit the floor with a loud thud. Charlie was still snoring. I closed my eyes and laid perfectly still, someone poked their head into my door…Jacob. He walked back into the room. His suitcase unzipped slowly; he was trying to suppress the noise. He was going somewhere. Edward's words came to me again "Follow him to me." I had no idea where he was going, but this was my first opportunity to possibly make it to Jocassee, and I wasn't about to let it go. So, I slid silently out of bed, and slipped my dress and shoes back on. I holed up by the door, waiting for him to leave. I stared through the peephole, until I saw him creep into the dim hallway. Then I made my move. Opening the door as quietly as possible, I slipped out of the hotel room and walked slowly after Jacob.

I cringed as the floor groaned loudly with each of my steps. I strained to hear Jacob, he was already at the front door of the hotel. It creaked, as he pushed it open. Breaking out into a run, I hurried to make it to the door. I peered out the window. He went left and turned the corner. When he was out of sight, I crept out the door. It wasn't until I was outside, in the dark, that I realized I was walking alone in a strange town, at night. My hands began to tremble, but I swallowed my fears and pressed on. This was for Edward, and I couldn't be afraid.

Jacob ducked through a dark alley, but I couldn't see which way he turned. My heart was pounding, and my breathing was heavy and labored. I had to keep up, and my heels were not conducive to quiet running. Getting through the alley made me nervous. Only a few feet of light spilled into the brick corridor on the other side. An ominous figured loomed in the middle. I wouldn't have even known they were there if hadn't been for the faint glow of their lit cigarette, I had to go anyway.

I broke out into a run, and as I passed the figure, an icy hand reached out and grabbed my arm. It was too dark to see their face. I wanted to scream but they wrapped their arm around my shoulder and covered my mouth. I began to shiver at their icy touch. "Calm down." The voice whispered in my ear. It wasn't deep like that of a man, but instead high like the ringing of bells and strangely familiar. But it couldn't have been a woman, their grip was much too strong. I felt as if I was wrapped in steel bars. "He turned right." They whispered. "Go. Find him." The hand dropped from my lips, and the cold arms relaxed around me, freeing me from their strong bonds.

I raced out of the alley, scared and confused. I turned right as the voice had told me, just in time to see Jacob climbing into a Model T. He pulled away, and the feeling of defeat washed over me. My heart sank, there was no way I could follow him now. As they turned back on to main street, I saw a sign on the side of the car. It was a taxi, and it occurred to me. I needed a taxi, and I needed one right away. I dug my hand into the pocket of my dress. "Ah." I sighed. I had a five dollar bill. Surely I could make it to Jocassee on that.

I walked to where Jacob had stood and waited. It took several minutes but eventually an older man pulled up beside me in a taxi, just like the one he had taken.

The man had a confused expression his face. "Do you need a ride young lady?" He spoke with a heavy southern accent. He had tiny round glasses and thick gray eyebrows. His pale bald head almost shined.

"Yes sir." I replied, trying to act as confident as possible.

"Hop on in." I walked to the other side of the car and got in. The interior smelled like tobacco and peppermint. "Where are you headed this time of night?" He said as he touched my forearm lightly. His skin was freezing, just like the person in the alley. It made my hands tremble.

"Jocassee please."

His eyes grew wide. "Jocassee! That's twenty miles from here."

"I know sir."

"Do you mind if I ask why you're headed there?"

"To see a friend sir, they're very sick." That was kind of the truth, maybe. Edward could still be sick.

"All right then, if it's a emergency."

"It is sir."

"There's only one problem. The road is too rocky for me to make the entire trip in this thing." He pushed his glasses back up his nose. "But I can get you within two miles, and you can follow the road on foot into the valley."

I sighed deeply. The thought of a two mile hike in these shoes was excruciating, but I had no choice. "That's fine." He pulled forward slowly.

"What's your name dear?"

"Bella." I replied.

"Oh that's a lovely name. I'm Eleazar."

"You don't sound like you're from here, Bella." He said. I could already tell it was going to be an awkward trip. He didn't seem like the kind of person who appreciated silence.

"No, actually I'm from Chicago." I replied.

"Oh Chicago." He smiled. "Lovely city. I went there once as a boy. How do you like South Carolina?"

"I've only been here a few hours." I giggled falsely. "But what I've seen has been nice. It's just very hot."

"Why yes, that is the truth." He said as he turned off main street and away from Seneca. He grew quiet for sometime after that. The road ahead became very dark, the small headlights on the car were the only things separating us from the blackness. The farther we got away from the town the more the forest seemed to take over. Eventually we bumped along on a one lane gravel road lined with trees. "I do apologize. From this point on, the trip will be rather uncomfortable."

"That's okay." I smiled.

"I rarely leave Seneca in this car, but you did look so awfully desperate."

"Thank you sir. I really appreciate. I need to get to my friend as quickly as possible." I couldn't hide the eagerness in my voice.

"This friend, he wouldn't be a young man would he?"

I smirked. "Yes sir."

"I figured as much, and a special one no doubt, for you to be making trips at this hour."

"Yes sir, I haven't seen him in a while."

"Aw, well I'm sure your reunion will be the most joyous of occasions." I giggled lightly and nodded. Who actually talked like that? We came to an abrupt stop. "All right dear, this is where I have to stop." I swallowed hard trying to push the lump that formed in my throat. There was nothing outside but a rocky road, and the trees. There were no lights. I didn't have a candle, or a lantern.

"So it's two miles from here?" I asked.

"Yes dear just follow the road, it'll lead you straight into the village."

I nodded, "How much do I owe you?"

He smiled. "Consider this one on the house. It was wonderful to meet you Bella. Best of luck to you and your friend."

"Thank you sir. Have a good evening." I slid off the seat and shut the door.

He rolled down the window and shouted to me "Oh, and Bella."

"Yes?"

"Please be careful. I'm rather worried about leaving you. Stick to the road. Don't get lost. Good night dear." And with that he pulled away.

When those headlights disappeared down the road, I felt utterly alone. I had the urge to cry, I don't think I've ever been anywhere that dark before. Being from the city, I expected street lamps, house lights…anything. But there was only the faint glow of a half moon to light the way. The sounds of the night forest echoed around me.

I stumbled along the rocky road in my heels. They clicked loudly on the stones. Jacob was no where in sight. I was beginning to wonder if he even came here. But where else would he be? Not that it even matter, I wasn't there for Jacob. I was there for Edward, and that's what kept me going despite the dark, the eerie sounds, and my total lack of a plan once I actually reached Jocassee.

My feet were aching after only a few hundred yards of walking. The gravel road was steep and full of pot holes. So I slipped off my shoes and walked in the damp grass by the road. It was cool against my toes and I covered the distance much more quickly. Every few yards I stuck my foot out to the side to feel for the stony road.

A furious animal roared in the distance. It sounded like the ferocious groan of a distressed mountain lion. I shuddered and tried not to panic, but my heart raced. I suddenly noticed every sound: every rustle of the leaves, every hoot of the owls, every flutter of the moths wings. The fear was overwhelming. I dropped my shoes and took off running.

I sprinted for several minutes until my chest burned and my heart thudded in my chest. I doubled over trying to catch my breath. I reached my foot out searching for the rocks that told me I was still beside the road…nothing. My toe sank into mud. I took a few steps over and searched for the stones with my feet. Eleazar's words echoed in my mind "Be careful. Stay on the path." I scolded myself internally. Why couldn't I keep it together? Now I was lost in a strange place, with no idea where the road was! There were wild animals out here for God's sake.

I sat down. I didn't know what else to do. I hated just giving up and waiting to be rescued, but I had exactly zero ideas. My dress became damp from the wet grass. I buried my head in my hands, feeling defeated. I remained silent and still for several minutes.

Then I heard it, a familiar sound, rushing water. It was exactly what I heard in my dream that night on the train, except distant, fainter. I immediately picked myself up off the ground and ran towards the sound. The rushing river wasn't too far in the forest, but it was still very dark. I decided this was my only chance. I had to follow it.

I took slow steps making sure I wasn't going into the bank. Walking for what felt like hours, I finally saw some signs of civilization. I smelt wood smoke, and saw the faint glow of lanterns in the distance. After a hundred more yards. I could make out the silhouette of tiny cabins against the blackness. I breathed in a deep sigh of relief. I was finally in Jocassee.

A/N: The next chapter is the big one. I can't believe I'm almost finished. I've had fun writing this story. Thanks for reading. Please review!