Rating/Warning(s)/Note(s): T, Shadows
Disclaimer: All copyrights, trademarked items, or recognizable characters, plots, etc. mentioned herein belong to their respective owners. No copying or reproduction of this work is permitted without their express written authorization.
Prompt: Farewell, propel

My car arrived a couple hours before my first class, causing quite the stir in the dormitory parking lot. At first I thought I could just ignore it, let them drop off and unpack the crate and slink away unnoticed by the crowd that formed to watch. Unfortunately as soon as it was put into a secure parking spot the driver, a middle-aged man with a truck-driver's build and a smile like Emmett's, began to yell, "Are any of you Isabella Swan? I need you to inspect the car and sign the invoice! Isabella SWAN?"

Slinking to the front, my face a vibrant shade of red, I took the clipboard from him. "You could have called my phone," I whispered angrily, barely glancing at the car before signing my name.

He started to laugh but sobered up when he caught my glare. "Oh, come on, don't tell me you don't want people knowing you drive this amazing car. The fact that you own it at all is gonna draw in the boys like bees to honey."

"Maybe I don't want to get stung?" He thought that was hilarious. After making a show of presenting me my keys he packed the crate back onto his truck and bid crowd farewell, getting waves from many of the students, along with calls that he could deliver them cars anytime.

Sure enough, as soon as he left I was surrounded by other freshman, predominately male, shouting out questions. "Who sent you the car?" "Can your parents adopt me?" "Can I drive it?" and "Isabella, can I have your phone number?" the most common ones. They crowded around me so close I could barely move, making escape almost impossible. The only route open to me was climbing into the car, starting it up, and beginning to back out. One guy thought I wouldn't hit him, but a bump on his knees and a pointed look convinced him otherwise.

The lightest touch on the gas pedal propelled me forward as I raced north out of town. I knew I should have a buddy, that Charlie would kill me if he found out I was wandering alone, but figured I'd be safe enough in my car. Within a few minutes I found myself on the interstate, following signs to Parker Reservoir. I hoped it was remote enough to get some quiet time, even if it was only a few minutes. After all, I couldn't miss my first class.

The lake was small, and largely deserted. I set an alarm on my phone; it had taken me almost fifteen minutes to reach it, and since I'd need that much time back, plus time to grab my bookbag, I figured I could safely spend about thirty minutes here before going back.

With the car parked I hopped out and walked out onto the grassy area on the west side of the lake. It was quiet and serene, and I relished in feeling alone, something I hadn't felt in quite a while. I wasn't much of a hiker but the idea of walking the circumference of the small reservoir called to me, so with a leap over the creek that fed the lake I began to walk. In minutes trees surrounded me, but it was still easy to see the water beyond them. I walked slowly and carefully to avoid tripping on any roots despite the well-defined trail.

When I was about halfway around the feeling of being watched returned. This time there was a difference, because I knew without a doubt that it wasn't my redhead. Whoever was observing me now caused the small hairs on the back of my neck to stand up. A glance both directions revealed nothing, but the skittering of a squirrel racing along a tree branch drew my attention up where I was sure I saw something that looked human.

My breathing accelerated as I started to berate myself for my stupidity. Continuing south seemed the best option so I headed in that direction, picking up my pace as much as I could without tripping over rocks or roots. Only the sound of the breeze followed me, but I was sure something malevolent was drawing closer.

Picking up my speed I hurried on, tears forming in my eyes in my fear as this place of tranquility turned into something sinister. Each rustle of branches increased my panic. Combined with the sight of the clearing trees and my car in the distance it spurred me on ever faster, causing me to trip more often. The fourth time I fell I landed on a rock, cutting open my palm and drawing a cry of pain from my mouth.

No sooner did I cry out than I heard a snarl behind me, followed by the slamming of a car door to my left. My car was only a few hundred feet away now, and the path mostly clear, so I stood and raced to it. A chuckle replaced the snarl right behind me as something cold wrapped around my arm, and I turned to see a beautiful woman with eyes blood red and a sneer on her face.

"Where do you think you're going?" she asked with a malicious smile, freezing me in place as effectively as a mouse in front of a cobra.

The next second a streak of light appeared and crashed into her, sounding like boulders ricocheting off each other, sending her flying and taking me along until she let go. I cried in pain as I hit a tree and fell face-first into the dirt. Lifting myself up I could see two people roll together into the lake, one with dark red hair, submerging like stones.

I stumbled to my feet, every inch of me hurting, and limped to my car as fast as I could. Nothing seemed to be broken, but I could tell I'd have bruises for weeks. I cringed at the thought of all the leaves and dirt in my car, but refused to take the time to brush myself off. The surface of the lake was roiling, like a battle was being waged underneath it. I stood rooted to the spot until Edward's head broke the surface and he yelled, "RUN!" I didn't need to be told twice. The term bat-out-of-hell was the best way to describe how I drove back to campus, and I barely registered the silver Volvo parked along the side of the road.

Thankfully a parking place was open close to my dorm room. I received a few odd looks as I limped into the building and toward my room. One person rushed to me, Marta, my neighbor from Spain, who was in most of my classes and whom I had met just the day before and seemed really nice. "Oh, Bella, what happened?" she asked as she began to brush leaves from me, stopping when I winced.

"I went for a walk around the reservoir and fell out of a tree," I told her. It was close to the truth.

"Alone?" she asked, one eyebrow raising high in a combination of concern and chastisement. We had agreed to be buddies but I didn't even think of that when I took off.

"Sorry, I just had to get away. Everyone was crowding my car," I tried to explain, only to be met with her shaking head.

"Well we have class in twenty minutes, do you think you can make it? I can pick up a syllabus for you," she offered, following me into my room and sitting on the edge of my bed.

"That might be a good idea," I said, breathing a sigh of relief. "I promise to make the next hour, but really need a shower and some ibuprofen."

She sighed and shook her head at me again. "I can get that one for you too. Just take some pain-killer and take a shower, then nap. You won't miss much, I promise." With that she hopped up and gave me a gentle hug. "Please don't go out alone again. What if you'd broken something, or worse, met up with that killer? Promise me?" When I nodded she gave me another hug, pointed to the shower with a look that would make my mother proud, and left.

Hours later, after a long, hot shower and an even longer nap, I woke to find two syllabi shoved under the door of my room, and a note on my bed. It was the note that drew my attention. I opened it, wondering how someone got into my room, and who would have such elegant handwriting. The answer both warmed and chilled me.

Bella,

You seem to be sleeping comfortably in spite of your encounter at the lake so I chose not to wake you. For the sake of your safety and my sanity, please do not venture forth alone. I may not be able to save you in time again. For now you are safe, as long as you don't go off campus or outside of city limits.

Edward

Looking up I saw a shadow move across my wall, opposite the window. I jumped up, then groaned as the bruises made themselves known, but hurried to look out. No one was in sight, but I was positive he was still nearby.

"I promise to stay safe, Edward," I said, and thought I heard a soft sigh of relief.

A little more Edward! Hooray! He's still holding back quite a bit, I know. Don't be too upset with Bella. Eighteen-year-olds aren't known for thinking things through (My fourth child is currently that age).

Night my lovelies!