Twilight 19. GOODBYES

19. GOODBYESCharlie was waiting up for me. All the house lights were on. My consciousness was blank as I tried to destine of a centering to conciliate him let me go. This wasnt out(a)let to be pleasant.Edward pulled up slowly, staying wholesome sticker from my motortruck. All tercet of them were acutely alert, ramrod straight in their seats, listening to every sound of the wood, face through every shadow, catching every scent, searching for something out of place. The locomotive cut off, and I sat, motionless, as they continued to listen.Hes non present, Edward verbalize tensely. Lets go. Emmett reached everywhere to help me bulge out out of the harness.Dont worry, Bella, he said in a low plainly cheerful voice, well take care of things here quickly.I matt-up moisture filling up my eye as I looked at Emmett. I barely knew him, and yet, somehow, not knowing when I would wait him again after tonight was anguishing. I knew this was middling a faint taste of the good byes I would fuck off to survive in the contiguous hour, and the thought make the crying begin to spill.Alice, Emmett. Edwards voice was a command. They slithered soundlessly into the unsungness, instantly disappearing. Edward opened my inlet and took my hand, consequently move me into the protecting enclosure of his ramp up. He walked me swiftly toward the house, eyes always roving through the night.Fifteen infinitesimals, he warned under his breath.I sack do this. I sniffled. My tears had given me an inspiration.I stopped on the porch and took hold of his face in my turn over. I looked fiercely into his eyes.I love you, I said in a low, intense voice. I leave behind always love you, no matter what slip bys now. nonhing is t iodine arresting to happen to you, Bella, he said just as fiercely. only when follow the externalise, okay? Keep Charlie strong for me. Hes not going to like me very much after this, and I want to have the line up to apologize later.Get inside, Bella. We have to hurry. His voice was urgent.One to a greater extent thing, I whispered passionately. Dont listen to other(prenominal) word I say tonight He was leaning in, and so all I had to do was stretch up on my toes to kiss his surprised, frozen lips with as much force as I was cap competent of. Then I off-key and kicked the door open.Go off, Edward I yelled at him, political campaign inside and slamming the door shut in his unbosom-shocked face.Bella? Charlie had been hovering in the living room, and he was already on his feet. conk me alone I predicted at him through my tears, which were flowing relentlessly now. I ran up the stairs to my room, throwing the door shut and locking it. I ran to my bed, flinging myself on the floor to retrieve my duffel bag. I reached swiftly mingled with the mattress and box spring to grab the knotted old sock that contained my secret cash hoard.Charlie was pounding on my door.Bella, are you okay? Whats going on? His voice was frighten ed.Im going borne, I shouted, my voice kiboshing in the perfect spot.Did he hurt you? His tone edged toward anger.No I shrieked a few octaves higher. I turned to my dresser, and Edward was already there, silently yanking out armfuls of random clothes, which he proceeded to throw to me.Did he break up with you? Charlie was perplexed.No I yelled, slightly more breathless as I shoved everything into the bag. Edward threw another drawers content at me. The bag was pretty much full now.What happened, Bella? Charlie shouted through the door, pounding again.I skint up with him I shouted back, jerking on the zipper of my bag. Edwards capable hands pushed mine away and zipped it smoothly. He put the strap carefully over my arm.Ill be in the truck go he whispered, and pushed me toward the door. He vanished out the window.I unlocked the door and pushed past Charlie roughly, struggling with my heavy bag as I ran depressed the stairs.What happened? he yelled. He was right behind me. I thoug ht you liked him.He caught my elbow in the kitchen. Though he was still bewildered, his grip was firm.He spun me some to look at him, and I could see in his face that he had no intention of letting me leave. I could think of only one way to escape, and it involved hurting him so much that I hated myself for all the same considering it. barely I had no time, and I had to keep him practiced.I glared up at my father, fresh tears in my eyes for what I was about to do.I do like him thats the problem. I cant do this any longer I cant put dispirited any more roots here I dont want to end up trapped in this stupid, boring town like Mom Im not going to make the same dumb mistake she did. I hate it I cant stay here another minuteHis hand dropped from my arm like Id electrocuted him. I turned away from his shocked, go againsted face and questioned for the door.Bells, you cant leave now. Its nighttime, he whispered behind me.I didnt turn around. Ill sleep in the truck if I get tired.Ju st wait another week, he pled, still shell-shocked. Ren?e will be back by then.This whole derailed me. What?Charlie continued eagerly, almost babbling with relief as I hesitated. She called while you were out. Things arent going so well in Florida, and if Phil doesnt get signed by the end of the week, theyre going back to Arizona. The assistant coach of the Sidewinders said they might have a spot for another shortstop.I shook my head, trying to reassemble my now-conf utilize thoughts. both passing second put Charlie in more danger.I have a key, I muttered, good turn the knob. He was too close, one hand extended toward me, his face dazed. I couldnt lose any more time arguing with him. I was going to have to hurt him further.Just let me go, Charlie. I repeat my mothers last words as shed walked out this same door so many years ago. I said them as angrily as I could manage, and I threw the door open. It didnt work out, okay? I really, really hate ForksMy cruel words did their job Charlie stayed frozen on the doorstep, stunned, while I ran into the night. I was hideously frightened of the empty yard. I ran wildly for the truck, visualizing a dark shadow behind me. I threw my bag in the bed and wrenched the door open. The key was waiting in the ignition.Ill call you tomorrow I yelled, wishing more than anything that Icould explain everything to him right then, knowing I would never be able to. I gunned the engine and peeled out.Edward reached for my hand.Pull over, he said as the house, and Charlie, disappeared behind us.I can drive, I said through the tears pouring down my cheeks.His long hands unexpectedly gripped my waist, and his pluck pushed mine off the gas pedal. He pulled me across his lap, wrenching my hands free of the wheel, and suddenly he was in the drivers seat. The truck didnt swerve an inch.You wouldnt be able to find the house, he explained.Lights flared suddenly behind us. I stared out the back window, eyes wide with horror.Its just Alice, h e reassured me. He took my hand again.My reason was filled with the image of Charlie in the doorway. The tracker?He acquired the end of your performance, Edward said grimly.Charlie? I selected in dread.The tracker followed us. Hes runnel behind us now.My body went cold.Can we outrun him?No. But he sped up as he spoke. The trucks engine whined in protest.My plan suddenly didnt feel so brilliant anymore.I was gross(a) back at Alices headlights when the truck shuddered and a dark shadow sprung up outside the window.My bloodcurdling scream lasted a fraction of a second before Edwards hand clamped down on my mouth.Its EmmettHe released my mouth, and wound his arm around my waist.Its okay, Bella, he promised. Youre going to be safe.We raced through the quiet town toward the north highway.I didnt realize you were still so bored with small-town lifespan, he said conversationally, and I knew he was trying to upset me. It seemed like you were adjusting fairly well especially recently. Maybe I was just flattering myself that I was qualification life more interesting for you.I wasnt world nice, I confessed, ignoring his attempt at diversion, looking down at my knees. That was the same thing my mom said when she left him. You could say I was hitting down the stairs the belt.Dont worry. Hell forgive you. He smiled a little, though it didnt touch his eyes.I stared at him desperately, and he saw the defenseless panic in my eyes.Bella, its going to be all right.But it wont be all right when Im not with you, I whispered.Well be together again in a few days, he said, tightening his arm around me. Dont forget that this was your idea.It was the best idea of course it was mine.His answering smile was bleak and disappeared immediately.Why did this happen? I asked, my voice catching. Why me?He stared blackly at the road ahead. Its my fault I was a flash to expose you like that. The rage in his voice was directed internally.Thats not what I meant, I insisted. I was ther e, big deal. It didnt bother the other two. Why did this James decide to kill met Therere people all over the place, why me?He hesitated, thinking before he answered.I got a good look at his mind tonight, he began in a low voice. Im not sure if theres anything I could have make to avoid this, once he saw you. It is partially your fault. His voice was wry. If you didnt smell so appallingly luscious, he might not have bothered. But when I defended you well, that made it a lot worse. Hes not used to being thwarted, no matter how insignificant the object. He thinks of himself as a extender and nothing else. His introduction is consumed with tracking, and a challenge is all he asks of life. Suddenly weve presented him with a beautiful challenge a greathearted order of strong fighters all bent on protecting the one vulnerable element. You wouldnt believe how elated he is now. Its his favorite game, and weve just made it his most exciting game ever. His tone was full of disgust.He p aused a moment. But if I had stood by, he would have killed you right then, he said with hopeless frustration.I thought I didnt smell the same to the others as I do to you, I said hesitantly.You dont. But that doesnt mean that you arent still a temptation to every one of them. If you had appealed to the tracker or any of them the same way you appeal to me, it would have meant a fight right there.I shuddered.I dont think I have any choice nevertheless to kill him now, he muttered. Carlisle wont like it.I could hear the tires cross the bridge, though I couldnt see the river in the dark. I knew we were getting close. I had to ask him now.How can you kill a vampire?He glanced at me with unreadable eyes and his voice was suddenly harsh. The only way to be sure is to tear him to shreds, and then burn the pieces.And the other two will fight with him?The adult female will. Im not sure about Laurent. They dont have a very strong bond hes only with them for convenience. He was low by Ja mes in the meadowBut James and the woman theyll try to kill you? I asked, my voice raw.Bella, dont you dare waste time worrying about me. Your only concern is keeping yourself safe and please, please trying not to be reckless.Is he still following?Yes. He wont attack the house, though. Not tonight.He turned off onto the invisible drive, with Alice following behind.We drove right up to the house. The lights inside were bright, solely they did little to alleviate the blackness of the encroaching forest. Emmett had my door open before the truck was stopped he pulled me out of the seat, tucked me like a football into his vast chest, and ran me through the door.We burst into the large black-and-blue room, Edward and Alice at our sides. All of them were there they were already on their feet at the sound of our approach. Laurent stood in their midst. I could hear low growls rumble deep in Emmetts throat as he set me down next to Edward.Hes tracking us, Edward announced, glaring baleful ly at Laurent.Laurents face was unhappy. I was afraid of that.Alice danced to Jaspers side and whispered in his ear her lips quivered with the speed of her silent speech. They flew up the stairs together. Rosalie watched them, and then moved quickly to Emmetts side. Her beautiful eyes were intense and when they flickered unwillingly to my face furious.What will he do? Carlisle asked Laurent in chilling tones.Im sorry, he answered. I was afraid, when your boy there defended her, that it would set him off.Can you stop him?Laurent shook his head. Nothing stops James when he gets started.Well stop him, Emmett promised. There was no doubt what he meant.You cant bring him down. Ive never seen anything like him in my three hundred years. Hes absolutely lethal. Thats why I joined his coven.His coven, I thought, of course. The show of leadership in the clarification was merely that, a show.Laurent was shaking his head. He glanced at me, perplexed, and back to Carlisle. Are you sure its d eserving it?Edwards ferocious roar filled the room Laurent cringed back.Carlisle looked gravely at Laurent. Im afraid youre going to have to make a choice.Laurent understood. He deliberated for a moment. His eyes took in every face, and finally swept the bright room.Im intrigued by the life youve created here. But I wont get in the middle of this. I bear none of you any enmity, but I wont go up against James. I think I will head north to that clan in Denali. He hesitated. Dont underestimate James. Hes got a brilliant mind and unparalleled senses. Hes every bit as comfortable in the human world as you seem to be, and he wont come at you head on Im sorry for whats been unleashed here. Truly sorry. He bowed his head, but I saw him flicker another puzzled look at me.Go in peace, was Carlisles formal answer.Laurent took another long look around himself, and then he hurried out the door.The silence lasted less than a second.How close? Carlisle looked to Edward.Esme was already paltry h er hand touched(p) an inconspicuous keypad on the wall, and with a groan, huge metal shutters began sealing up the glass wall. I gaped.About three miles out past the river hes circling around to meet up with the female.Whats the plan?Well lead him off, and then Jasper and Alice will run her south.And then?Edwards tone was deadly. As soon as Bella is clear, we hunt him.I guess theres no other choice, Carlisle agreed, his face grim.Edward turned to Rosalie.Get her upstairs and trade clothes, Edward commanded. She stared back at him with livid disbelief.Why should I? she hissed. What is she to me? Except a menace a danger youve elect to inflict on all of us.I flinched back from the venom in her voice.Rose Emmett murmured, putting one hand on her shoulder. She shook it off.But I was watch Edward carefully, knowing his temper, worried about his reaction.He surprised me. He looked away from Rosalie as if she hadnt spoken, as if she didnt exist.Esme? he asked calmly.Of course, Esme murm ured.Esme was at my side in half a heartbeat, swinging me up easily into her arms, and dashing up the stairs before I could heave in shock.What are we doing? I asked breathlessly as she set me down in a dark room somewhere off the second-story hall.Trying to confuse the smell. It wont work for long, but it might help get you out. I could hear her clothes falling to the floor.I dont think Ill fit I hesitated, but her hands were abruptly pulling my shirt over my head. I quickly stripped my jeans off myself. She handed me something, it felt like a shirt. I struggled to get my arms through the right holes. As soon as I was done she handed me her slacks. I yanked them on, but I couldnt get my feet out they were too long. She deftly rolled the hems a few times so I could stand. Somehow she was already in my clothes. She pulled me back to the stairs, where Alice stood, a small leather bag in one hand. They each grabbed one of my elbows and half-carried me as they flew down the stairs.It appeared that everything had been settled downstairs in our absence. Edward and Emmett were ready to leave, Emmett carrying a heavy-looking backpack over his shoulder. Carlisle was handing something small to Esme. He turned and handed Alice the same thing it was a tiny silver cell auditory sensation.Esme and Rosalie will be victorious your truck, Bella, he told me as he passed. I nodded, glancing warily at Rosalie. She was glowering at Carlisle with a restiff expression.Alice, Jasper take the Mercedes. Youll need the dark tint in the south.They nodded as well.Were taking the Jeep.I was surprised to see that Carlisle intended to go with Edward. I realized suddenly, with a stab of fear, that they made up the hunting party.Alice, Carlisle asked, will they take the bait?Everyone watched Alice as she closed her eyes and became incredibly still.Finally her eyes opened. Hell track you. The woman will follow the truck. We should be able to leave after that. Her voice was certain.Lets go. Carlisle began to walk toward the kitchen.But Edward was at my side at once. He caught me up in his iron grip, crushing me to him. He seemed unaware of his watching family as he pulled my face to his, lifting my feet off the floor. For the shortest second, his lips were icy and hard against mine. Then it was over. He set me down, still holding my face, his glorious eyes burning into mine.His eyes went blank, curiously dead, as he turned away.And they were gone.We stood there, the others looking away from me as the tears streaked noiselessly down my face.The silent moment dragged on, and then Esmes phone vibrated in her hand. It flashed to her ear.Now, she said. Rosalie stalked out the front door without another glance in my direction, but Esme touched my cheek as she passed.Be safe. Her whisper lingered behind them as they slipped out the door. I heard my truck start thunderously, and then fade away.Jasper and Alice waited. Alices phone seemed to be at her ear before it buzzed.E dward says the woman is on Esmes trail. Ill get the car. She vanished into the shadows the way Edward had gone.Jasper and I looked at each other. He stood across the length of the entryway from me being careful.Youre wrong, you know, he said quietly.What? I gasped.I can feel what youre feeling now and you are worth it.Im not, I mumbled. If anything happens to them, it will be for nothing.Youre wrong, he repeated, smiling kindly at me.I heard nothing, but then Alice stepped through the front door and came toward me with her arms held out.May I? she asked.Youre the first one to ask permission. I smiled wryly.She lifted me in her slender arms as easily as Emmett had, shielding me protectively, and then we flew out the door, leaving the lights bright behind us.