Chapter Thirty Four

Bella

When he came back he was all apologies for his bad temper and beyond reasoning with. The plans were all made and we were due to fly out within a couple of days. He spent those days coaxing me into buying new clothes and getting my hair done, "No hairdressers on a desert island" he'd joked. I realised I was in deep trouble now. I appreciated what Edward was doing for me but I doubted his real motives, he would keep me safe but at some time he was going to want a return on his investment and was I prepared to pay that price? I'd thought long and hard about the answer to that question and it was No. It didn't matter what Jasper had done to me or why I just couldn't get him out of my mind or my heart and I made the decision to leave and try to make my own way.

I had some money that I'd been given by Edward when I had to go shopping, it wouldn't last long but I thought I'd head back to the States, working my way like so many students on gap year. All I needed before I could go was my passport but getting that was proving difficult. I had to get it soon, once on this private island I would be trapped with Edward and I couldn't bear the thought of that. If I had to I'd leave without it and contact Jake for help. I finally got my chance on the last evening, as Edward had to go and pick up money and sign papers for the lease of the island with a lawyer in the nearby town office.

"I wont be gone more than a couple of hours Bella so don't worry. You get some sleep and in the morning we'll leave. You'll be able to breathe easy once we get to the island, no one will find you there, you'll be safe. I'll be back soon" and he was gone.

I forced myself to give him fifteen minutes before I moved. I didn't want to walk into him in the hall or outside the hotel and give the game away.

The clothes I had I stuffed into the flight bag Edward had bought me and pulled on my thickest jacket before opening the door to his room and looking for my passport. The place he kept it was empty and I cursed before shutting the door again and cautiously opening the door into the courtyard. It was empty and I walked quickly terrified of being seen. The foyer was busy as usual and I mingled with a large party that was leaving for the evening. Once outside I headed towards the train station with no idea where I was going except as far from here as I could without leaving the country. There was a train leaving North within twenty minutes, too long a wait but again I had no alternative.

While I waited I found the phone booths and prayed for good luck as I rang Jake's place. Eventually I had to accept no one was there so I phoned the only other number I knew where help was possible, The Cullens. Esme answered and I asked to speak to Carlisle but he was out so I got her to put Emmett on the phone. He'd been friendly and I really needed a friendly voice now. As soon as I heard him the barrier broke and I gabbled out everything at such high speed and so incoherently that I was sure he only got part of the story. When I'd finished I looked at the station clock,

"Emmett I only have a few minutes. I'm getting the train away from Edward headed North from Chamonix but I have no idea what to do, I'm alone, and terrified."

"As soon as you get somewhere ring again and I'll arrange something for you. Don't worry the others are already on their way. I'll speak to you soon Bells. Don't worry you'll be fine."

I heard the last call for the train and had to put the phone down and run, almost missing it even so.

Emmett

I couldn't believe that Edward had snatched Bella and dragged her half way round the globe to keep ahead of us. If she could just stay away from Edward for a day they'd be there and she would be safe. I didn't understand all that she'd said but it seemed she was under the misapprehension that Jasper and Alice were married and I wondered if that was the line Edward had fed her. It sounded like the kind of thing he might make up to keep Bella dependant on him. I explained the situation to Rose and Esme and we agreed it might be a good idea if I flew out too, while Esme contacted Peter and Charlotte to let them know the news. I was amazed when Rose volunteered to go with me.

"Look Emmett I wasn't prepared to get involved with the Volturi but that doesn't mean I wouldn't help her or Jazz at any other time. I don't like what Edward has done, he shouldn't be trying to influence her into becoming dependent on him so let's go."

Bella

The train journey wound through some beautiful countryside but I couldn't really appreciate it. I was too nervous about Edward catching up with me somehow and what I was going to do when I got to my destination. I'd felt better talking to Emmett although I had no idea what he meant by the others, were Carlisle and Rose coming for me? Was Jake on his way? All I knew was that I had to trust someone and Emmett seemed the right person. I hardly knew him but he felt like a friend, even his huge bulk had never frightened or intimidated me. I got myself endless coffees to keep me awake. I daren't relax and sleep in case Edward had a way to race the train. If I fell asleep and woke to find him leaning over me with his smug grin I'd scream.

He was beginning to make my skin crawl with his little caresses and pecks on the cheek, I just didn't see him that way at all. At every station the train stopped I would look anxiously out of the window ready to grab my bag and run if I glimpsed him, but station after station went by and he was no where in sight. Eventually I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer and I started to doze. As I jerked my head up in panic a young couple looked over and spoke to each other in what I assumed was French then the girl came over,

"Sorry but you are frightened?"

Her English was a great deal better than my French and I nodded.

"You sleep we watch. Anyone look for you we wake you."

I smiled gratefully and she patted my shoulder before going back to her seat bedside her friend. He looked at me and nodded and smiled too as I closed my eyes with relief.

I shot to my feet when someone touched my shoulder expecting to see Edwards topaz eyes staring at me but it was my two friends from the train. They were waking me because we'd reached our destination. I looked out of the window and saw it was snowing, great that was all I needed! I grabbed my bag and stumbled onto the almost deserted platform looking round wildly but still not seeing my nemesis. The couple approached me

"You in trouble?"

I nodded wearily

"You have someone meeting you? Somewhere to stay tonight?"

I shook my head biting my lip to stop the tears from falling

"There is a Youth Hostel we are going to. You could come with us, only if you want of course"

I didn't have much choice really so I agreed and walked with them through the thickening snowfall. Sure enough I saw a Youth Hostel sign in the distance and was happy to get out of the snow and in to the warmth of the hall.