Chapter Thirty One

Alice

Jake and I were closing in on Peters place when I got another vision and made him pull over.

"Jake she's not there any longer. I think Peter felt us coming and they've sent her away to be safe."

"So what do we do now?" he asked brushing my cheek with his scorching fingers.

I leaned into his touch and sighed,

"That feels so good Jake but we have to get going. They've made it easier for us, we don't have to deal with Peter or Jasper now. I wasn't looking forward to that in any case."

"So where are we going?"

I pursed my lips as I tried to get a clear view of where they would be,

"Denver I think, One of the bigger hotels in the city centre, its more anonymous."

"OK but which one?"

"You drive and I'll try to get a better fix on them".

He started the engine once more and pulled back out into the flow of traffic as I leaned back, closing my eyes and resting my hand on his jeans clad thigh.

Charlotte

I'd booked us in to the Curtis in down town Denver because I thought Bella might like its quirkiness, it would perhaps take her mind off The Major for a little while. When we arrived she gasped at the size of it, "Its huge",

"Its fun Bella, come on"

I dragged her in and once the porter had taken our luggage I dragged her over to see the on site store. We had fun laughing at all the retro stuff which she didn't remember obviously, but I did. I bought her some candy and we giggled our way up to our room which she also exclaimed over,

"Charlotte its huge. Is it really just for the two of us?"

"Unless you find some hot guy you want to invite up to try the beds with"

She slapped my arm and cursed, forgetting how hard I was.

"Right, you want to go to the Restaurant or use room service?"

I had to smile when she looked at me,

"Room service. You don't want to sit there watching me eat, Charlotte".

I laughed, "OK Bella, its Char by the way, Charlotte is such a mouthful".

Bella

I ate quickly, eager to see the city and Char had loads to show me, excited to have someone to show the sights. We went to the Belvedere Belgian Chocolate shop first and she bought me some to try. It was delicious and I was still talking about it when we arrived at our next destination. I looked at the name and smiled,

"Ranch wear?"

She nodded, "I'm making you an honorary cowgirl, now come on" and she dragged me inside.

When we left I was the proud owner of new denim skirt and shirt plus a Stetson which I refused to wear back to the hotel.

"Cowboy dream Char?"

"Hey The Major is going to love you in that, you'll be in his dreams for sure."

I groaned but secretly hoped she was right. He was in my dreams all the time, it would be nice to think I was in his. although they would have to be day dreams as he never slept! He rang that evening to see what I'd been doing and I told him about the chocolate shop,

"Sounds good. Did it taste good too?"

"Not as good as you taste" I said a little boldly, as he couldn't see me.

I heard a deep chuckle and cursed as I realized Peter had heard too. When we finished the call Charlotte looked at me,

"Why didn't you tell him about the clothes?"

"I'm saving them as a surprise"

She smiled, "Good idea Bella."

While I slept that night Charlotte went to hunt and I tried not to think about what she was doing. I slept badly, it was a strange city, a strange room and lonely. I was missing Jasper already. He had become such an integral part of my life so quickly that even breathing became a struggle while I was away from him.

The next day I was dragged round more shops, this time a sweet shop called Nysroms where Char insisted I try the almond toffee which was out of this world, then we went to the Tattered Cover Book Store. This was wonderful and I immersed my self in the book shelves while Char left me to do some shopping of her own. For a little while I even forgot I was alone but the ache in my chest at being away from Jasper reminded me how far away from him I was. When Char got back she was smiling suspiciously and wouldn't tell me where she'd been, even when I grilled her over my lunch. As we walked around in the afternoon I noticed a place called John Fielders' Colorado which intrigued me. Char wasn't interested in this so she went off once more doing whatever it was she did to pass the time while the human browsed!

I found a photo that I thought Jasper might like, it was called Peanut Lake Sunrise and I ordered a copy, while I waited I looked around to see if I could find one for Peter and Char too as a thank you for having me as a guest. Longs Peak Sunset caught my eye so I ordered one of those too. While I waited I sat outside enjoying people watching when I felt someone sit beside me then a voice I recognised. I turned shocked to see Jake.

"Jake what the heck are you doing here? How did you find me?"

"Oh that would be me"

I turned to the other side to see Alice. Jake and Alice together? Something was definitely wrong with that picture.

"Alice why are you here? You told me to leave. Is there a problem? Is Charlie OK?"

She frowned, looking upset.

"Yes he is and no he won't be. Bella you have to leave The Major"

"Why? You told me I had to run away with him. What's changed Alice?"

"Two things Bella, I've been watching your future and there are some terrible things coming if you don't get away Bella."

"What? Alice tell me?"

"Charlie is looking for you, he's asking awkward questions and he's found out something about Jasper that puts him at risk. It's also going to come to the attention of the Volturi."

"So I tell Charlie to stop digging and Jasper changes me. Problem solved."

Alice shook her head,

"No Bella it's too late for that. Things have been put in motion that can't be stopped. You have to go now and we have to persuade everyone that you are dead. If not both Charlie and Jasper will be murdered by the Volturi. They only need the smallest excuse to rid themselves of the Major. He scares them and he won't join them. You are that excuse and they'll jump at it. Charlie won't stop looking while you're alive and he's already caused a ripple. If he doesn't stop they'll kill him too, to keep the secret"

"But die? Alice!"

"Bella do you trust me? Have I pointed you wrong before?"

"No but I can't just leave Jasper..."

"Leave now, or be responsible for his death. It's your choice Bella but you have to decide quickly. Charlotte will be back in under an hour and we have to be moving well before that."

I looked at Jake, "What do I do Jake?"

He put his arm round me, "You don't have a choice Bella if you want to save Charlie and if you love Jasper."

I thought quickly but the decision was made for me. I couldn't be responsible for both the men I loved losing their lives and Alice's story was just too plausible. I nodded and they got up and almost ran down the street with me.

"Where are we going?"

"Don't talk, just listen"

Alice said as she pushed me into a truck that was illegally parked.

"We'll take you to the airport."

"I don't have any money..." I began but she glared,

"LISTEN BELLA" she shouted in my ear,

"At the airport I'll give you a sealed envelope. Inside it is a new identity, one even I don't know and a bank account. Every month money will be paid in, enough to live on. Change your home at least every six months and don't contact anyone, I mean Anyone from your old life. There's cash in there for a plane ticket. You choose where. Just open the envelope after we drop you off so you know the name you'll be travelling under. There are all the papers you need to get a job or enrol in college, forget Bella Swan she's about to meet a fiery end. Do you understand what I've just said?"

"Yes but Alice I..."

"Did you get it all?"

"Yes but"

"No buts Bella, we don't have time for them. I won't be looking for your future any more, it might give something away. We'll look after Charlie and as long as you do exactly what I've told you it will work."

"You mean Charlie and Jasper?"

"They'll be safe but you have to follow my instructions to the letter. Can you do that Bella?"

I nodded crying soundlessly. I hadn't realized we were at the airport until Jake opened the door for me. "Good Luck Bella" he whispered,

"Break a leg" Alice smiled and they were gone.

I was alone at the airport with just my wallet, an envelope and a bag from the sweet shop.