Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight, the New Moon dialogues, parts of the plot and character names. All other plotlines, characterizations, and details belong to the author: Bronzehyperion. No copying or reproduction of this work is permitted without the author's authorization. ©2009-2010 Bronzehyperion. All rights reserved worldwide.

CHAPTER 8: TEXAS

"Well it really doesn't matter
Which way I wanna go
'Cause the night is fallin'
And I'm a long long way from home
I am a long long way from home, yes I am"

I pushed the off button with force, almost breaking the radio. Why was country music so darn depressing...

I should've enjoyed the silence instead of wanting to break it with some generic music but the time after hanging up on Alice in Dallas and driving to Sulphur Springs, had been spend in so such silence it had started to drive me mad. For a change of thoughts and sounds I had tried the old radio, believing it would probably not work.

I had been surprised it actually did.

As I had turned it on, I heard a lot of static at first, but when as I started to tune it, I'd found some radio stations, probably all local because they were all playing country and blues music.

So befitting for a broken heart.

I had managed to listen to one entire song, but it was so sad, so incredibly haunting, I had to turn the darn radio off. This was obviously not going to work.

And so now I was dragged back into unwanted muteness, the kind of serenity that allowed my mind to wander and the hole in my chest to burn. Always a reminder of where I had left my heart.

Normally, I would welcome the calm atmosphere of having no minds to attack me and drive me into small insanity. I should have savored it even, since it wasn't easy for me to find this kind of peace.

But the calm and quiet gave me too much time to think about what Alice had said. She was certain I was on the verge of losing my mind and I couldn't completely disagree with her, though for obvious reasons I'd never admit it. I didn't want Alice to be right.

Not just because my sister loved rubbing people's faces in the fact she was all knowing, but also because if she was right, if I was allowing myself to snap, I couldn't be certain what the consequences of that would be for the ones around me.

The longer I was away from Bella, the more I was starting to allow my mind to bend and stretch the lines of sanity.

The border between being sensible and going crazy. There was definitely a fine line there and it was becoming more delicate with every time I allowed my mind down a certain path of memories.

It had started with one vision, many weeks ago, back in the coolness of the Denali air, where I had heard her voice calling for me. It had been such a surprise, such a wonderful surprise which had thrown me. It had been the beginning of stretching out that one vision, - ironically it had been forced upon by Alice, hoping I would snap out of my depression and leave my solitude behind – to a never ending film of memories and desires.

Alice's intentions had worked in the complete opposite way of what she had tried to accomplish. I had snapped out of one mood and went straight into the other. From basic catatonia to practically hallucinating.

Shrinks would have a field day with this type of thing. I should provide for an interesting case study in more ways than one.

After that one vision Alice had stuck me with I had cheated constantly. It had been easier than I thought. All I had to do was allow the pain to rip me apart first and then, after the worst nagging bite tearing through my insides had subsided I would get my reward. It was so sweet, so incredibly sweet and worth the torment.

The Bella in my mind was almost as perfect as I had remembered her, though never as accurate and radiant as the reality I had come to know. But at least it was something to keep her close to me in a way. Hallucinatory Bella would whisper to me, her soft full lips always keeping my eyes lingering on them. It was glorious up until the point where she asked me to stay.

That was always my reality check, because if I allowed anything beyond that, I'd lose my mind. That's where it usually ended. That's where I would normally snap back into reality. The moment her voice and her pleas would echo inside me, begging me to never leave her, I knew it was my cue. My new reality.

Because I had left her and although that had been solely to protect her, it was still difficult to deny myself the sight of her image, her mirage in my desert of depression, the need for me to stay with her. I couldn't even stay in the moment with a hallucination.

I sighed. The more I cheated, the more my mind poked at the barriers that held together the final pieces of my sanity. The more my thoughts kept bringing her to me. So every moment I was not distracted – and up until I had formed the plan to hunt Victoria I had not had a distraction at all – I saw her.

And every time I believed it couldn't hurt more, it did. I was a junkie, in desperate need for a shot of Bella and the substitute of her mirage image was not enough to hold me over for long. So I summoned her again and again, to satiate the need to see her. The need to numb my pain. But the intervals got smaller. I couldn't hold myself together for long when I didn't have a proper distraction and the more time I had to get lost in my own mind, the more the lines between what was real and what was not began to blur and mesh.

Alice was right, it only made me worse. It had made me want to sniff that young woman's hair at Vancouver International Airport. I had wanted to get close to her because she had reminded me of Bella. I knew it was bad to even allow such thoughts into my mind, but I had no choice. It couldn't be stopped when there wasn't something else to occupy my mind.

But it wasn't like I was a danger to my surroundings. I had been aware that girl was not Bella, no matter how much she looked like her from a distance. And although other people's quirks and characteristics now reminded me of Bella, I wasn't about to go down a slippery slope between what was real and what was surreal.

The fact I saw Bella in my mind at every moment my thoughts would allow her in, didn't change anything. It was mostly very painful to have to deal with the after pain, though so far it hadn't stopped me from going there.

The worst feeling of all was that she was never really with me. That I could never stay in the moment and that I was always alone when I snapped out of it. I could not even hold on to something that was not real.

Not to mention the fact that deep down inside there was a part of me that feared Bella had already gotten over me. It was ludicrous and selfish, because after all, the entire purpose of my departure had been to offer Bella the chance to have a normal life.

I should not even allow these thoughts of jealousy and yet, I couldn't help myself.

Such an odd concept since I had been the one who had left her. Even if she was with someone else now – I really couldn't phantom that thought, that was more painful than the aftermath of a vision – than I had no right to be jealous. I had made my (death) bed and now I needed to lie in it.

This resulted in a need to go back to Forks; it grew bigger with every second that passed and every thought of jealousy and "what would Bella be doing now" that entered my mind.

I knew it was wrong, but it took me every ounce of restraint to stay away. I was not certain how much longer I could keep it up. That's why it was a good thing I was in Texas. Here, I was far enough away from Forks. Going back now wasn't as tempting as it had been in Vancouver. I was sure the change of scenery helped a little. Though my mind was still filled with the desire to go home.

Since the radio had proved to be no distraction and my mind took me places I really shouldn't be traveling, I had been almost happy and definitely relieved to have arrived in Sulphur Springs. At least my prominent distraction was back. For now.

The City of Sulphur Springs was located within Hopkins County, 80 miles East of Dallas.

It had a population of about 15000 and the town centre was small and crowded.

I had been in Texas for a few hours. I had reached Sulphur Springs in an hour, but then, it wasn't easy to track down the mysterious man from Alice's vision.

The vision in which Victoria seemingly had hitched a ride from a trucker.

As soon as I reached the town limits, there was a stir, a different scent in the air. Something foreign, but easily recognizable to my senses.

The smell was undoubtedly not distinguishable for humans, but I knew better.

Victoria was in the area, or had been anyway.

This was a small victory. At least I was on the right track.

The scent was still just a hint in the air but it was strong enough to lead me somewhere.

I drove around for a bit, following the scent, but never it remained a hint in the air, I never found a stronger, more penetrating fragrance to lead me.

Someone, more specifically a vampire – likely to be Victoria- had been around town but had not stayed long enough for me to find a proper lead.

I realized it was better to continue afoot if I wanted to catch a stronger smell.

I parked the old Nissan at a crowded parking lot in front of a Piggly Wiggly supermarket - which was situated close to the town centre- finding it fitted in quite well between the other slightly rusted and dusty cars. At least it would probably not get stolen here.

I briefly missed my Volvo.

The parking lot was crowded with people; old and young and I tried to blend in and act casual. The last thing I needed was to draw attention to myself, I already stood out here with my "pale" complexion and I caught a few people staring as I walked by.

There was no way I was going to be stealthy and use my super speed to follow the scent. I need to walk and act like a human. Fortunately it was easier to pick up the scent here, despite the fact the air was tainted with CO2 emissions, dust and lots and lots of voices. Most of them impatient and layered with thick Texan accents.

I crossed a street following the scent of something barely traceable by the human senses but prominent and threatening to me. My mouth was already filling with venom and I needed to repress the need for my muscles to stretch into defense and force my body to spring into a crouch.

That would probably draw lots of attention to me, so I berated myself to concentrate on the scent and not on the automatic signs and warnings my body gave me.

My concentration was growing, as I tried to ignore the sounds around me. The scent led me to the south side of the town centre, where it grew stronger.

Of course, then my phone rang. I briefly contemplated on hitting the ignore button or just switching it off again.

It kept ringing and the sound was causing people to look my way, some curious, others irritated that I wasn't picking up.

I was drawing attention to myself now, that was for sure.

I sighed and pulled my phone out of my pocket, checking the display to learn it was my father.

"Hello?" I picked up, my voice strained. I wasn't in the mood for this, plus, now that I finally had a lead, it was bad timing as well.

I knew exactly why he was calling. I was certain he had spoken to Alice.

"Hello Edward. How are you son?" Carlisle asked pleasantly.

I had the strong urge to tell him I was fine, because it was easiest to keep it at that and not elaborate any further. I knew he was just exchanging pleasantries to get to a certain point – which probably had everything to do with whatever Alice had told him about my difficulties at YVR.

I decided the best way to prevent him from asking me about my well being, was to distract him and redirect the question back to him.

"How's the family?" I asked, hoping I would sound sincere enough.

"We are near Ithaca, a few more hours before we reach the house. Your mother can't wait to start decorating," I could hear the smile in his voice and the love for my mother was radiating, even through the phone. "She is driving with Alice for a while, Jasper is driving with me."

"That's nice," I said quietly.

"She will decorate your room exactly like it was in Forks," he assured me.

Exactly like it was in Forks

Nothing would ever again be exactly like it was back in Forks. Besides, I had no idea if I would ever use the room Esme was planning to decorate for me. Except I couldn't tell my father that right now. Not just because I didn't want to hurt his and my mother's feelings but also because I truly had no idea on what I was going to do after I had dealt with Victoria. It was truly a bridge I would cross in given time. Or jump off it in hopes it would crush me. That was always an alternative.

"Have you found any leads to Victoria yet?" Carlisle asked curiously.

"I am following a trace now," I said, keeping my voice low as I tried to find a place where I could have this conversation without the speculating looks from people passing me.

I found a small nook in one of the buildings I passed; it was a back alley, leading to another street. The scent was stronger here, much to my surprise and so I decided to try and find some clues here as soon as the conversation with my father would end. Which might take a while, I was aware.

"She was in Sulphur Springs, which is where I am now. According to Alice's vision some driver with a Dallas Cowboys cap picked her up near Dallas and drove her here. If I can't find Victoria, I might try and find him to find out where he took her."

"You are being careful, aren't you?" he asked warmly.

'We worry about you, you know that," he added before I could answer or redirect the question.

Yes, I was aware of how much everyone seemed to worry about me. This was a family trade, especially for us Cullens. It was always family first for us and Bella had been a part of that. We protected out family against outside threats. And Victoria was definitely an outside thread.

But I couldn't give them the promise I would be careful, since I wasn't certain I wanted to be careful. More than anything I wanted to do the opposite and be very reckless.

After all it was not like I had anything left to lose.

"I'll be fine," I assured him.

"Esme worries, Edward. She is hoping you'll come to Ithaca soon," my father told me.

Not this again. They could wish for my presence all they wanted and liked, but what I needed right now was the space to deal with this. To deal with Victoria and then figure out where I was going to go from there. It made me as selfish as ever, but there wasn't much I could actually take.

"How are Rose and Emmett? Have you heard anything from them?" I asked, hoping to change the subject back to my family instead of having to deal with these comments and feelings my family had. I had no answer and no comfort for any of them, so I might as well keep things abstract and polite. It was all I had to offer.

"They are fine. Emmett wants to come back, especially how that he knows you are chasing after Victoria. You know how eager he always is for a fight," Carlisle chuckled.

I sighed. The last thing I needed was Emmett's help and uncanny ability to say the wrong thing and be completely tactless around me. I was sure I would not be able to take any accidental comments about Bella or Forks and not snap at him. Plus, it was much easier for me to concentrate when I was alone and didn't need to worry about my family.

"I don't need any help," I stated firmly. "I told Alice and Jasper the same. You just stay in Ithaca and Emmett and Rosalie in Europe for as long as they want. I don't need any help." I repeated.

"Well Rosalie is refusing to come back anyway, much to Emmett's dismay. It might take a month or six weeks before they come to Ithaca."

"Good," I murmured.

"Edward," my father started. I knew that tone. That was the tone he used when he was about to tell me something in all seriousness. He let go of all general pleasantry exchanges and was finally getting to the point.

"I understand you need to do this for yourself and your mother and I, and even Alice and Jasper understand you might need this distraction and also the guarantee Victoria won't go back to Forks. We know you want to do this by yourself. But Victoria is strong and you don't know if she has back-up," he said.

"What if Laurent or any other vampire is with her?"

"Don't," I warned. "Don't start this again. I know what I am doing," I assured him with a low growl. "I don't need assistance or baby sitters."

I knew exactly what my father was getting at. This wasn't just another set of vampire muscle he offered, this was a set of vampire eyes, ears and hands to keep me from getting into deliberate trouble.

"Don't you?" Carlisle countered gently. "Alice said you struggled at the airport," he told me.

Traitor. Of course she had informed them about my little almost mishap at the airport. I knew she would. I just wished my father would not have brought it up.

"Nothing happened," I muttered. "There were a lot of people there, a lot of minds I couldn't escape. It got a little overwhelming to deal with."

More than a little. The woman, the brown haired one who had reminded me of Bella. I would've gotten much too close to her, only to get a small whiff of a past I had given up on if I hadn't snapped out of it in time.

But like I had assured Alice, I would have never hurt her. I mean, I wasn't stupid to get into trouble like that. I knew how to keep my distance. I had done that most of my existence. I would have been able to rein myself in on time.

Or would I? Was I really losing it?

"Edward," my father woke me from my reverie. "If you need help, please ask for it. We don't want to make things difficult for you, we don't want to hound you by asking you how you feel constantly, but we can't just leave you be either," he explained.

"I don't want or need you to worry. It's not like I have never been out on my own," I reminded him.

There had been a time where I had strayed from my family. Where I had defied Carlisle's philosophy and went about immortal life on my own and in my own way. I had been tired of the diet of animal blood and chosen to play judge and executioner for those who committed vile crimes against humanity by taking their lives and indulging in my own need for the thick sweetness of human blood.

That time had been the darkest in my life, well before now. What I had done back then was inexcusable but my family had welcomed me back regardless, just like they would now if I did end up in Ithaca, I was certain of it.

"I remember that time, yes," Carlisle said. I could hear the way he nodded, the flex of muscles in his neck and chin filtering through the phone.

"You think I'll go down that road. That I will go that mad and hurt someone innocent?" I grumbled, getting angry now.

I could hear the sharp intake of air, knowing I was probably not far off with that assessment.

"Of course not. I know you would never hurt someone deliberately," he spoke swiftly, trying to reassure me of his faith in me.

It fell on deaf ears because although I knew my father didn't believe me to be a monster, nor a murderer; he did seem to believe I could accidentally slip into one because my mind was so fragile.

"You think I will slip." I accused, seething.

I knew I wasn't angry because he was wrong about that sentiment. I was mad because he was right and it was confronting to realize my father, a man whose trust wasn't easily earned but permanent once you had it, wasn't certain if I was strong enough to keep it together.

And I was not convinced he didn't have a point.

But then, the idea hurting someone who was innocent was quite ironic anyway?

It was really not a possibility anymore, since I was way passed hurting someone who was innocent. I had already committed the worst crime already by getting close to Bella. Someone who was innocent and who I had hurt time after time because of what I was. It was way past time to worry if there would be innocent casualties involved.

"Edward, we all trust you and know you are honest and fair and that you know better than anyone how to keep your distance," Carlisle started.

"But?" I interrupted, knowing he had more to add.

"But, "Carlisle sighed, like he wasn't very happy with what he was about to tell me, "But, you spend weeks avoiding any kind of contact when we were in Denali, you wouldn't even hunt. I know you have your own way with dealing with things and I would never tell you to do anything differently, but what had changed? The fact Victoria is still alive isn't that much different from months ago, it is just that you are aware of the danger now. And while that danger and the desire to protect Bella might hold you over for the time being, every moment you spend alone is a moment you allow Bella to enter your mind."

He was certainly getting straight to the point now, but then I expected no less from my father. He didn't think it to be healthy that Bella occupied my mind and my actions and naturally – rationally – I knew he was right. It was not healthy.

"I am not wrong about this, am I?" he said. "You have been seeing her, even trying to get to see her in your thoughts, for quite some time now, no?' he wondered.

"Yes," I whispered.

"Edward, I don't want to deny you your ways of dealing with your feelings. But the more you think about her, the more you long to see her. This – if that's what you end up doing – going back to Forks I mean – is something you know the family will support no matter what."

"But Edward, we were all under the impression you had no intention of ever seeing Bella again," he told me.

I could hear the caution in his voice. I knew he didn't want to hurt me by bringing this up. But he had a point to get across and if it meant he had to poke at my broken insides to do so, he wouldn't shun that kind of inflicted pain to make sure I was listening.

"I won't," I whispered flatly, while my insides burned with agony. "I made her a promise and I have every intention of keeping it. But I can't sit back and allow Victoria to get close to Forks. That would defy the entire purpose of why I left."

"I understand," Carlisle said solemnly. "Please don't misunderstand me. I wasn't implying you would slip and go back to Forks, or that it would be wrong or bad if you did. It's just, we all worry about you, son. That's what it all comes down to."

"I need to get back to tracking. I found a good lead here in an alley. I know Victoria isn't here anymore, because Alice said she wasn't lingering in town. But I might find another lead as to where she went," I explained.

"Go on then, I hope you'll be successful. I am certain Alice will call as soon as she finds out something new."

I shut my phone before we could exchange goodbyes.

I took a moment to recollect my thoughts, one deep sigh to get back to what was important. I sniffed the air and found that hint of vampire fragrance again. I followed it through the back alley, which led to a smaller street. The scent continued to get stronger, though it wasn't extremely potent which meant Victoria wasn't close by herself, like Alice had already told me, but she had been around in one way or the other.

The scent was more second hand. Like someone else was carrying it. The question was: who could it be and what did they know?

As I followed the trail, my phone buzzed and I was about to leave it the first dumpster I'd find, there was one coming up on my path, when I saw it was a text from Alice.

Let this be a new lead. Not a new way to keep tabs on me.

I keep getting Big Smith's Bar-B-Q. Must be a bar in the area. Hope you are alright.

Thank you, Alice. This was useful. And maybe luck finally decided to be on my side, as far as I believed in luck anyway, because as I crossed the smaller street behind the alley, I saw a red neon sign with the words "Big Smith's Bar-B-Q." on them. And the scent was very strong here. Still second hand and not Victoria herself I was catching, but certainly something or someone who had been in contact with her.

I entered the bar, which reeked with disgusting stale beer and old nuts, mingled with the scent I had been tracking. The bar was nearly empty. It was barely past noon, so it made sense most people weren't getting drunk yet. There were a few people at the bar; including a man who was definitely carrying the scent I was looking for. And he was wearing a cap. Though I couldn't see the front to check it was a Dallas Cowboys cap, I was almost certain it was.

His story, which was easy to follow from where I was standing thanks to my super hearing, proved my suspicion that this was the man who had given Victoria a ride.

"She was a fine piece, I tell ya. Purdy red hair and very pale. Like she aint getting enuf sun and all. Not from around the area. Quiet as a mouse, didn't say a word. I felt like a hick in the city by rambling at her. She did smile aplenty though, those chompers were the whitest I'd ever seen," he told his audience.

Alright, so this man had been with Victoria and she hadn't killed him, which was odd. Though, I couldn't be bothered with her sloppiness, since it was proving to be helping me.

I walked closer to the bar and the bartender instantly noticed me, frowning as he took me in. I supposed I wasn't his regular customer with my designer khakis and deep blue v-neck sweater. Not to mention I looked like 'I ain't getting enuf sun' either.

The bartender wore jeans and a simple black t-shirt with the bar's name printed on it. He took me in and then alerted the man whose tall tales were entertaining his customers.

What the hell do we have here? Pretty boy looking lost.

Good, at least the bartender would believe my charade. Now that I had his attention, I pointed at this Joe person, hoping the bartender would realize I was looking for him.

He did.

"Uh, Joe. I think someone is here to see you," he said while his eyes flickered back and forth between me and 'Joe.'

I approached the bar and stopped right in front of Joe, who eyed me suspiciously.

Huh, this guy looks like Pretty Red. Wonder if they are family…

He was much like I imagined a genuine trucker to be, medium build, a belly toppling over his belt, checked dirty blouse, a t-shirt with "keep on truckin' " underneath, his face red with a light stubble.

Joe was about forty years old, I guessed. And definitely the sceptical type. I gathered from his mind that he worked within the Dallas area. His Dallas Cowboys cap told me he liked sports, though more as a spectator than a participant. I wasn't certain on where he lived, but I figured he was from Sulphur Springs since he seemed to be a regular here.

I felt a small tugging at the hole inside me when I realized he reminded me of Chief Swan in a way. He seemed to be very straightforward.

"Whadda ya want?" he asked brusquely. Joe was not the friendly type, especially not with strangers. This was a good thing. It would keep him safe.

"Joe, is it?" I started carefully, "I couldn't help but overhear you talking. I think you met my sister earlier and gave her a ride somewhere," I explained.

Figured he was family.

Good, Joe bought that.

Though he kept silent and his dark blue eyes tried to determine whether or not I was really telling the truth.

"Look, sir," I pressed, hoping it would help if I addressed him more formally, "it's important I find my sister. She has run off and we need to get her help," I explained, trying to give off the right amount of worry and anxiety.

I could see the internal struggle Joe had and assessed that he was a good man, because he was willing to protect Victoria from this stranger in front of him. Of course he didn't know the one he was protecting was a vicious monster who could have ripped him to shreds after sucking him dry, but he was a good man, though lacking definite natural charisma.

Joe's brow furrowed as he turned to the bartender. This man, taller than Joe and more athletically build looked at me as if he was wondering if he could take me. Joe was silently asking him to help 'beat my ass up' if the need should occur.

"Joe," I tried again, "I am not here to cause trouble, but my sister, she...she has this disease and needs medication for it. I don't know how long she can go without the pills, but it is very important I make sure she takes them. I am not out to do anything against her will," I blurted out, hoping to sound human enough, but I do need to get to her."

Not so long ago I didn't have any problem with convincing people of my intentions, but now, as I was barely able to keep myself distracted from the pain, the desire to cheat and the longing to end my torture and go home, I was certainly not very convincing. I needed to press, try to poke the barriers of his one tracked barely accessible mind.

"Why should I be tellin' you anythin'? You could be stalkin' that girl for all I know" he finally muttered.

Joe was not stupid, it seemed. His mind may not allow much penetration and wasn't filled with much apart from his fascination with the Dallas Cowboys and spareribs and beer during happy hour in the bar I had just found him. Plus some random titbits I had no use for, but the one thing Joe was definitely not telling me was where he had left Victoria and where she was headed. He was protecting her.

Some family if they have that girl runnin' off.

"What's it to you anyway?" Joe grumbled.

Lie, Edward. Just lie. Lie and convince him already. You are a pro at this, I chided myself.

"Look, sir, she is my sister," I tried. "And my family and I are very worried about her," I added. "Because of her pills, like I just explained. She needs them to function. She is usually fine and my family doesn't mind if she travels the world, but without her pills she could die and it has all of us very worried. "

"Why ya assume I saw her, boy? I don't even know what ya talkin'bout." Joe stated, his thick Texan accent making him sound more accusatory than his words actually meant to be. He knew I had overheard him before when he was bragging to his friends.

Joe didn't trust me and while that was nothing new – humans were simply not very trust worthy of anyone looking like us. Although Victoria probably played nice with him. I was convinced she had no trouble being charming if she wanted to be.

That was probably my real problem. Getting Joe to talk would lead me a little further but so far, I had no way of knowing what Victoria would do. Alice's visions were as helpful as they could be, but I was still more than a few steps behind.

I should have paid more attention back when my family and I had first encountered Victoria, but I had been too busy protecting Bella by focusing on James.

Victoria's had been a wild mind, chaotic and hard to follow. Which was probably why I had a difficult time to find her now. She didn't want to be found.

Besides, since she had been around James for so long, she probably knew how to hide.

Self preservation. She was very very good at that. She would do whatever it would take to stay alive.

I wasn't sure on why she would have chosen Texas to hide. She could have gone to Europe or South America. Why would she be lingering here? What would Texas have to offer, besides a few humans she could kill as snacks?

She was a nomad. During her time at James' coven she had probably seen many places. But right now, being here in rural Texas, it wasn't the place I had pictured her to go to.

"Joe," I spoke," I don't need details, I just need to know where you left her, where she wanted to go," I coaxed.

Joe huffed disapprovingly. "Fine, but this is on yur head, boy, if she gets mad. I left her at Murphy's Oil, a gas station on 1760 S Broadway St. She probably got a ride there with another trucker."

"Thank you, that's helpful."

He gave me a stern look that told me to take a hike now, that he had told me more than enough.

I turned around to leave when Joe called after me. "You better not be hurting her, boy," he warned me.

Sorry, Joe, I thought, but hurting her is going to be the least of what I'll do when I find her.

The very least.

First things first. If you want to when I update, you can follow me on twitter: twitter (dot) com (slash) bronzehyperion

The song at the beginning is by Stevie Ray Vaughan: "Long Way from Home"

Big Smith's Bar-B-Q and the mentioned supermarket and gas station are real locations in Sulphur Springs, TX.

Joe is fictional of course and I apologize if I made him a little too stereotypical with the looks and accent. It's fiction and not meant as an insult.

Edward in Texas is still a wrecked Edward, but he is trying. He really is not very good at tracking and as much as he hates it, will need his family to help him. We know he won't find Victoria, but his attempts are genuine, even though he is not very resourceful when depressed.

The feel I am going for is that while Edward is occupied now, his mind is wavering. He keeps seeing Bella, conjuring her up deliberately, which can only mean his mind, will snap and he'll decide to go back to Forks. Until of course….well…that's where New Moon as we know will kick in again. I am trying to keep the same amount of chapters as new Moon has maybe one or two less because I can't drag everything on forever without it getting tiresome.

By all means review :)

I wish you belated Happy Holidays (though it still counts today ;) and an amazing 2010.