I feel like I REALLY need to work fast on this. I'm only on page 40 in the actual book. So starting after this, I'm going chapter Von chapter. It will be faster, and it will A LOT longer for Du guys to enjoy. Hope Du like it.
“You’re really not that good of a mechanic, Edward. Maybe Du should have Rosalie look at it tonight, just so Du look good if Mike decides to let Du help, Du know. Not that it wouldn’t be fun to watch his face if Rosalie showed up to help. But since Rosalie is supposed to be across the country attending college, I guess that’s not the best idea. Too bad. Though, I suppose, for Mike’s car, you’ll do. It’s only within the finer tunings of a good Italian sports car that you’re out of your depth. And speaking of Italy, and sports cars I stahl, stola there, Du still owe me a yellow Porsche. I don’t know that I want to wait for Christmas…”
I laughed under my breath at my sister. If there was one thing she was good at, it was filling a silence. I looked over at Bella, who had long since tuned Alice out. She knew I was up to something, and I’m sure she also realized that sooner oder later, I would have to be alone with her. Soon enough, we were at our driveway, and Alice began to exit the car. You’re on your own now. I think Du should tell her the truth, Edward.
“See Du later,” I told her. I’m serious, Edward. She won’t be happy if she finds out Du lied to her. I nodded slightly, letting her know I heard her, as she shut the door and disappeared up the driveway.
The drive to the schwan residence was silent. I didn’t know if Bella was waiting to see if I would bring up what happened at lunch on my own, oder if she was strategizing a way to get the truth out of me. This was one of those times when Lesen her mind would be of great help. When we were parked in her driveway, I could take the silence no more.
“Light homework load tonight,” I offered lamely, attempting to make small talk.
“Mmm,” was all I got in response.
“Do Du suppose I’m allowed inside again?” I inquired.
“Charlie didn’t throw a fit when Du picked me up for school.” She said. At least out loud, he hadn’t complained. His thoughts, however were a different story. They had ranged from anger at me, to regret at himself for not keeping Bella grounded until she was thirty.
We entered the house, and went up to her room, where I lounged on her bett as she sat at her old computer. I knew she was getting wary of my evasiveness, but I still didn’t have a solid plan of action. Bella caught my attention as she drummed her fingers against the schreibtisch loudly, her slow computer not easing her impatience. I stood and quickly crossed the room to her, placing my cool hand on her warm one. “Are we a little impatient today?” I asked, leaning forward, inches from her face.
She turned around, quickly forgetting what she was about to say. I knew the best way to distract her from her mood was to “dazzle” her, as she so often put it. Listening to her erratic heartbeat as she felt my cool breath on her lips, I could take the temptation no longer. I brought my lips to hers, with Mehr force than usual. One hand combed through her hair, as the other ran down her back, crushing her closer to me. The feeling I got from Küssen Bella was indescribable. As much as I loved the warmth and softness of her lips, I only had so much self control, so our kisses usually ended after a few short seconds, leaving both of us unsatisfied. But I couldn’t risk losing control and accidently hurting her.
She seemed to sense that I was about to pull away, because she used all her strength to hold me to her body. She knew I could break her grasp easily, but this didn’t stop her attempt. Then, suddenly, the tip of her tongue slipped through to trace the outline of my lower lip. The feeling was unlike anything I had ever felt before, so tempting and amazingly pleasurable. I wanted to keep going, but knew I had to break away from her immediately, oder risk losing the sense of control I fought so hard to perfect.
As I pulled away, I saw the smug look on her face, and laughed. “Ah, Bella,” I sighed.
“I’d say I’m sorry, but I’m not,” she sagte breathlessly.
“And I should feel sorry that you’re not sorry, but I don’t. Maybe I should sit on the bed.”
“If Du think that’s necessary…” she trailed off, looking a little faint. Her face was flushed a beautiful pink. I smiled lovingly at her, and untangled her body from mine.
“Tell Renee I sagte hello,” I told her as I made my way across her bedroom.
“Sure thing,” she replied.
I took in her room, trying to think up something I could say that would get her to leave Forks this weekend on her own accord. That’s when I saw it. Her open closet revealed the box of presents from my family she had received on her horror of an eighteenth birthday. As much as I hated thinking about that day, the gift from Carlisle and Esme could be escape I was looking for. Of course, she would insist I Mitmachen her, as there was a ticket for me as well. I quickly decided that keeping Bella safe, sicher was worth missing Victoria being destroyed. I grabbed the box and glanced through it, stopping when I saw what once must have been her stereo, but was now a mess of wires.
“What did Du do to this?” I asked, horrified.
“It didn’t want to come out of the dashboard,” she replied innocently.
“So Du felt the need to torture it?”
“You know how I am with tools. No pain was inflicted intentionally.” She shrugged.
I shook my head, amused. “You killed it.”
“Oh well.”
“It would hurt their feelings if they saw this. I guess it’s a good thing that you’ve been on house arrest. I’ll have to get another one in place before they notice.” I told her.
“Thanks, but I don’t need a fancy stereo.”
“It’s not for your sake that I’m going to replace it,” I said, and she sighed. “ Du didn’t get much good out of your birthday presents last year,” I continued, fanning myself with the plane tickets to Florida my “parents” had bought her. “Do Du realize these are about to expire?”
She looked at me, becoming visibly upset as she thought of her disastrous birthday party. “No. I’d forgotten all about them, actually.”
She didn’t seem happy. I tried to be positive, but not overly eager so she’d suspect what I was up to. “Well we still have a little time. You’ve been liberated…and we have no plans this weekend, as Du refuse to go to prom with me. Why not celebrate your freedom this way?”
“By going to Florida?” She gasped.
“You did say something about the continental U.S. being allowable,” I joked. She glared at me, as if trying to see through me to my true motivations. This would be Mehr difficult than I originally imagined. “Well? Are we going to see Renee oder not?”
“Charlie will never allow it,” she tried.
“Charlie can’t keep Du from visiting your mother. She still has primary custody.” I countered.
“Nobody has custody of me. I’m an adult.”
“Exactly.”
She seemed to think it over, her face conflicting. I knew how badly she wanted to see her mother, and I hoped the temptation would make her accept my proposal. She sighed. “Not this weekend.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t want to fight with Charlie. Not so soon after he’s forgiven me,” she said. I really couldn’t argue with that.
“I think this weekend is perfect.”
“Another time,” she said, shaking her head.
I resorted to being desperate. “You aren’t the only one who’s been trapped in this house, Du know.” I knew that wouldn’t work. She knew that I loved being trapped anywhere as long as I was with her.
She gave me a suspicious look. “You can go anywhere Du want.”
“The outside world holds no interest for me without you,” I told her. It was true, if not over the top, but she rolled her eyes at me. “I’m serious.”
“Let’s take the outside world slowly, all right? For example, we could start with a movie in Port Angeles…” she hinted.
I groaned. “Never mind. We’ll talk about it later.”
“There’s nothing left to talk about,” she countered.
I shrugged, letting it drop for now. I knew that with some careful guidance on my part, she would eventually agree. I didn’t like having to use my power of persuasion to convince Bella to do things my way, but desperate times…
“Okay, then, new subject,” she said, breaking my chain of thought. “What did Alice see today at lunch?”
I kept my face composed, a mask. She was measuring my expressions as I spoke. “She’s been seeing Jasper in a strange place, somewhere in the southwest, she thinks, near his former…family. But he has no conscious intentions to go back. It’s got her worried.”
I wasn’t exactly sure where that story had come from. It was not even close to the truth, and I instantly regretted lying to her, but I quickly pushed those thoughts to the side. If it meant keeping her safe, then I had to do it. She seemed to believe me. “Oh. Why didn’t Du tell me before?”
“I didn’t realize you’d noticed,” I lied. “It’s probably nothing important, in any case.”
I could tell she felt guilty for thinking I was hiding something from her, which in turn made me feel guilty because I was hiding something from her. But once again, I had to push those thoughts to the side to keep her safe.
We went downstairs then, doing homework until Bella decided to make Charlie’s dinner. I helped the best I could, trying not to look as thoroughly disgusted as I felt handling human food. Bella laughed at my expressions. Charlie was much less hostile towards me than normal when he came home, his thoughts on an upcoming fishing trip. I excused myself to the family room while they ate, my mind plotting the Weiter phase of my plan to get Bella to Florida.
“That was great, Bells.” Charlie’s voice rose from the kitchen. They had apparently finished their meal, both of too Lost in thought for conversation while eating.
“I’m glad Du liked it,” she replied. “How was work?”
“Sort of slow. Well, dead slow really. Mark and I played cards for a good part of the afternoon. I won, nineteen hands to seven.” His thoughts shifted then, to my chagrin. “And then I was on the phone with Billy for a while.”
“How is he?” Bella asked, seeming disinterested. I knew what she really wanted to know was how Jacob was.
“Good, good,” Charlie replied conversationally. “His joints are bothering him a little.”
“Oh. That’s too bad.”
“Yeah. He invited us down to visit this weekend.” I stiffened as he spoke. “He was thinking of having the Clearwaters and the Uleys over too. Sort of a playoff party…” he trailed off.
“Huh,” Bella replied, knowing I would be listening. I stood then, heading to the kitchen. I was now even Mehr determined that Bella would be out of town this weekend. I walked to the kitchen, standing in the doorway. I knew Bella would be irritated with me after this, but I also knew it wouldn’t be too hard to be forgiven.
“Charlie,” I said, as he stood from the table.
“Yeah?” What does he want?
“Did Bella ever tell Du that my parents gave her airplane tickets on her last birthday, so that she could visit Renee?”
The plate Bella had been washing clattered to the floor, her eyes growing wide as she looked towards me like a deer caught in the headlights. I was going to be in trouble later, but she needed to go, and she really did miss her mother.
“Bella?” Charlie asked her, surprised. Why wouldn’t she have mentioned that earlier? I know she wants to see her mom. He wondered.
“Yeah, they did,” she replied, not meeting his eyes.
Do I even want to know where this is going? “No, she never mentioned it.” He sagte to me, glaring.
“Hmm,” I replied passively, watching Bella as she nervously tried to gain her composure.
What’s he trying to get at? “Was there a reason Du brought it up?” He asked me, agitated.
I shrugged, feigning passivity. “They’re about to expire. I think it might hurt Esme’s feelings if Bella doesn’t use her gift. Not that she’d say anything.”
As much as Charlie despised me as of late, he insgesamt liked and respected my family, particularly Alice and Esme. I knew he wouldn’t want Esme’s feelings to get hurt.
Bella should go see Renee. Renee misses her. And it was pretty thoughtful of the Cullens to get her the tickets…”It’s probably a good idea for Du to visit your mom, Bella. She’d Liebe that. I’m surprised Du didn’t say anything about this, though.” There must be a reason she didn’t want to tell me.
“I forgot,” she sagte simply.
“You forgot someone bought Du plane tickets?” Not likely, he thought.
“Mmhmm,” she replied, obviously wanting the subject to drop as she turned back towards the sink.
Wait a minute…”I notice Du sagte they’re about to expire, Edward. How many tickets did your parents give her?” Charlie asked.
So he had caught that. I knew that Charlie would get angry when I told him I was going as well, which in turn would make Bella angry, and she would then insist on going. I was playing dirty, but it was necessary.
“Just one for her…” I started. “And one for me.”
Bella dropped another plate, this one landing in the sink. I saw her neck heat up with anger, directed at me. I would have to deal with that later. Her herz rate sped up as she started to panic.
Charlie glared at me, his thoughts an intangible jumble of words and curses as he grew angrier. Letting out an exasperated breath, he yelled at me, “That’s out of the question!” If he thinks I’m going to let my daughter run off to Florida with him, he’s sadly mistaken. I’ll…I’ll…lock her in her room for a year…for ten years!
I had to stifle a laugh at his thoughts, and composed my face into a mask of innocence. “Why? Du just sagte it was a good idea for her to see her mother.”
Smug little…”You’re not going anywhere with him, young lady!” This time his anger was directed at Bella.
Just as I knew she would, Bella got immediately defensive. “I’m not a child, Dad. And I’m not grounded anymore, remember?”
“Oh, yes Du are. Starting now.”
“For what?!” She practically screeched. I knew this would end badly, but what else could I do?
For having bad taste in boyfriends. “Because I sagte so!” He sagte in an equally aggressive tone.
“Do I need to remind Du that I’m a legal adult, Charlie?” Bella asked acidly.
She called me Charlie. She must be pretty mad. But, damnit, she can’t go with him! “This is my house – Du follow my rules!”
She glared at him. “If that’s how Du want it. Do Du want me to Bewegen out tonight? oder can I have a few days to pack?” She knew that was a low-blow, but Bella could be stubborn, and it was her natural reaction as a human teenage girl. I leaned against the counter, watching amusedly.
She wouldn’t…she has nowhere else to go. Right? She’d probably Bewegen in with the Cullens. Then I wouldn’t have any say in how much time she spends with him. At least here I can keep my eye on them. And use force, if necessary. Why does she always play the move-out card? Okay, calm down, Charlie…
”I’ll do my time without complaining when I’ve done something wrong, Dad,” Bella continued. “But I’m not going to put up with your prejudices.”
I’m not…she can’t…what can I… Charlie’s thoughts were becoming incoherent.
“Now, I know that Du know that I have every right to see Mom for the weekend. Du can’t honestly tell me you’d object to the plan if I was going with Alice oder Angela,” she countered.
“Girls,” Charlie replied. Girls can’t get Du in the trouble that he can.
“Would it bother Du if I took Jacob?” At the sound of his name, my jaw clenched shut. Of course she had to pick the dog, out of everyone, to prove her point. I saw her glance at me with worry etched on her face, and quickly composed myself.
Jake didn’t hurt you. Jake actually deserves you. If it got Du away from Edward over there, I would be completely okay with it. “Yes,” he replied in a flat tone. “That would bother me.”
“You’re a rotten liar, Dad.”
“Bella –“ he started, but was cut off.
“It’s not like I’m headed off to Vegas to be a showgirl oder anything. I’m going to see Mom,” she emphasized. “She’s just as much my parental authority as Du are.”
Maybe…but I know Renee and she isn’t exactly observant. The things they could get away with behind her back…
“Are Du implying something about Mom’s ability to look after me?” Bella threw out.
Charlie winced. Perceptive.
“You’d better hope I don’t mention this to her,” she warned.
“You better not. I’m not happy about this, Bella.” He said, giving up. If I hear about any inappropriate actions from Renee, it’s over. I’ll shoot him, I swear to God.
“There’s no reason for Du to be upset,” she stated, pulling the plug out of the sink. “So, my homework is done, your abendessen is done, the dishes are done, and I’m not grounded. I’m going out. I’ll be back before ten-thirty.”
Getting a little attitude, isn’t she? I never sagte anything about going out. “Where are Du going?” he asked, his face red, again with anger.
“I’m not sure. I’ll keep it within a ten-mile radius though, okay?”
No, not okay. Damn teenagers and their hormones. She’s so stubborn, just like her mother. Charlie’s thoughts trailed off as he stomped out of the küche to watch the game.
I looked at Bella, who was staring at me, irritation evident in her eyes. “We’re going out?” I asked, not able to contain the enthusiasm I felt.
She glared at me. “Yes. I’d like to speak to Du alone.”
I maybe should have felt apprehension at the prospect of being yelled at, but she was quite adorable when she was angry, and I couldn’t help the slight smile that graced my face with her words. We walked out the door and to the Volvo in silence. Once I was in the driver’s seat, she turned to me, feuer in her eyes.
“What was that?” She demanded.
“I know Du want to see your mother, Bella – you’ve been talking about her in your sleep. Worrying actually.” That much was true. Bella was used to taking care of her mother, and she needed to see first-hand that she was alright with Phil.
“I have?” She asked, her anger dissipating.
I nodded. “But, clearly, Du were too much of a coward to deal with Charlie, so I interceded on your behalf.”
“Interceded? Du threw me to the sharks!”
I rolled my eyes at her overdramatic outburst. “I don’t think Du were in any danger.”
“I told Du I didn’t want to fight with Charlie,” she stated, as if it were my fault she had decided to argue with her father, rather than having a mature conversation.
“Nobody sagte Du had to,” I pointed out.
She sulked, knowing I was right. “I can’t help myself when he gets all bossy like that – my natural teenage instincts overpower me.”
I laughed. “Well, that’s not my fault.”
She stared at me, but I stared out the windshield, pretending not to notice. She would eventually figure out that I had deceived her, and I was hoping that I could make her understand when that time came.
“Does this sudden urge to see Florida have anything to do with the party at Billy’s place?”
Now it was my turn to get defensive. “Nothing at all. It wouldn’t matter if Du were on the other side of the world, Du still wouldn’t be going.”
She clenched her teeth together, and I knew she was trying exceptionally hard to bite her tongue. I didn’t want her to think I was trying to control her, but with all the danger surrounding us right now, I didn’t have much of a choice.
However, I didn’t want to fight with her either. I sighed, hoping to change the subject. “So what do Du want to do tonight?”
“Can we go to your house?” she asked. “I haven’t seen Esme in so long.”
I smiled, Esme would be ecstatic to see Bella. She had been asking about her frequently, waiting for Charlie to set her free so she could come bond with the family. Esme considered Bella another daughter, and the fact that she had been “locked up”, so to speak, was heartbreaking for Esme. “She’ll like that. Especially when she hears what we’re doing this weekend.” She groaned, and we were off.
We spent a relaxing evening with my family, Bella catching up with everyone, as no one other then Alice and myself had seen much of her since we had returned from Italy. Esme was, as expected, exceptionally happy when she heard of our plans to visit Renee in Florida over the weekend. She knew the real reason I was taking Bella away, and was thankful her gift was of good use. After playing chess with my siblings, we headed back to Charlie’s. The lights were on when we arrived, and I listened for his thoughts, gauging his mood.
“You’d better not come inside. It will only make things worse.” Bella sighed.
Charlie’s thoughts interrupted her.
Good they’re back. I can’t believe I have to do this, but if they’re going away together for the weekend, I guess I don’t have a choice. She’ll need to know the facts, so she doesn’t do anything stupid. Why me? Well, might as well get it over and done with.
I almost Lost it when I realized that Charlie was planning on giving Bella a sex talk. But I composed my face, not giving away anything. “His thoughts are relatively calm.” I smiled, suppressing laughter.
She glanced at me suspiciously, as she opened the door to leave. “See Du later.”
I laughed at her expression, and kissed the oben, nach oben of her head. She looked like she was headed to the gallows. “I’ll be back when Charlie’s snoring.”
She got out of the car, and I briefly considered listening in on her and Charlie’s conversation. Although it would most definitely be entertaining, I decided against it, figuring Bella was going to have Mehr than enough embarrassment for one night, without the knowledge that I had heard every word.
It was still relatively early, and I wasn’t sure how long Charlie’s “talk” would last, so I decided to go hunting in the woods a few miles north of Forks to pass the time. I parked the Volvo on the side of the deserted road and started running into the dense forest. I thoroughly enjoyed hunting. Letting my senses take over was exhilarating. I had just picked up the scent of a pack of deer when the phone in my pocket vibrated. I growled, annoyed, under my breath. I considered not answering, but it was Alice, and there was too much going on at the moment to not be informed of any important visions.
“Yes, Alice?” I replied, not bothering to hide the irritation in my voice.
“Edward? Where’s Bella?” She sounded slightly panicked.
“She’s at home, Alice. Charlie is still awake. I’m hunting. Is there something Du needed?”
“Edward, I was watching out for Bella’s future just like Du asked me to, but it just disappeared! I don’t know if the Wölfe showed up at her house, oder what. I can’t see anything!”
“I’ll take care of it, Alice,” I sagte hotly, slamming the phone shut. I ran all the way back to Bella’s house, figuring I’d get there faster than I would in the Volvo.
“You’re really not that good of a mechanic, Edward. Maybe Du should have Rosalie look at it tonight, just so Du look good if Mike decides to let Du help, Du know. Not that it wouldn’t be fun to watch his face if Rosalie showed up to help. But since Rosalie is supposed to be across the country attending college, I guess that’s not the best idea. Too bad. Though, I suppose, for Mike’s car, you’ll do. It’s only within the finer tunings of a good Italian sports car that you’re out of your depth. And speaking of Italy, and sports cars I stahl, stola there, Du still owe me a yellow Porsche. I don’t know that I want to wait for Christmas…”
I laughed under my breath at my sister. If there was one thing she was good at, it was filling a silence. I looked over at Bella, who had long since tuned Alice out. She knew I was up to something, and I’m sure she also realized that sooner oder later, I would have to be alone with her. Soon enough, we were at our driveway, and Alice began to exit the car. You’re on your own now. I think Du should tell her the truth, Edward.
“See Du later,” I told her. I’m serious, Edward. She won’t be happy if she finds out Du lied to her. I nodded slightly, letting her know I heard her, as she shut the door and disappeared up the driveway.
The drive to the schwan residence was silent. I didn’t know if Bella was waiting to see if I would bring up what happened at lunch on my own, oder if she was strategizing a way to get the truth out of me. This was one of those times when Lesen her mind would be of great help. When we were parked in her driveway, I could take the silence no more.
“Light homework load tonight,” I offered lamely, attempting to make small talk.
“Mmm,” was all I got in response.
“Do Du suppose I’m allowed inside again?” I inquired.
“Charlie didn’t throw a fit when Du picked me up for school.” She said. At least out loud, he hadn’t complained. His thoughts, however were a different story. They had ranged from anger at me, to regret at himself for not keeping Bella grounded until she was thirty.
We entered the house, and went up to her room, where I lounged on her bett as she sat at her old computer. I knew she was getting wary of my evasiveness, but I still didn’t have a solid plan of action. Bella caught my attention as she drummed her fingers against the schreibtisch loudly, her slow computer not easing her impatience. I stood and quickly crossed the room to her, placing my cool hand on her warm one. “Are we a little impatient today?” I asked, leaning forward, inches from her face.
She turned around, quickly forgetting what she was about to say. I knew the best way to distract her from her mood was to “dazzle” her, as she so often put it. Listening to her erratic heartbeat as she felt my cool breath on her lips, I could take the temptation no longer. I brought my lips to hers, with Mehr force than usual. One hand combed through her hair, as the other ran down her back, crushing her closer to me. The feeling I got from Küssen Bella was indescribable. As much as I loved the warmth and softness of her lips, I only had so much self control, so our kisses usually ended after a few short seconds, leaving both of us unsatisfied. But I couldn’t risk losing control and accidently hurting her.
She seemed to sense that I was about to pull away, because she used all her strength to hold me to her body. She knew I could break her grasp easily, but this didn’t stop her attempt. Then, suddenly, the tip of her tongue slipped through to trace the outline of my lower lip. The feeling was unlike anything I had ever felt before, so tempting and amazingly pleasurable. I wanted to keep going, but knew I had to break away from her immediately, oder risk losing the sense of control I fought so hard to perfect.
As I pulled away, I saw the smug look on her face, and laughed. “Ah, Bella,” I sighed.
“I’d say I’m sorry, but I’m not,” she sagte breathlessly.
“And I should feel sorry that you’re not sorry, but I don’t. Maybe I should sit on the bed.”
“If Du think that’s necessary…” she trailed off, looking a little faint. Her face was flushed a beautiful pink. I smiled lovingly at her, and untangled her body from mine.
“Tell Renee I sagte hello,” I told her as I made my way across her bedroom.
“Sure thing,” she replied.
I took in her room, trying to think up something I could say that would get her to leave Forks this weekend on her own accord. That’s when I saw it. Her open closet revealed the box of presents from my family she had received on her horror of an eighteenth birthday. As much as I hated thinking about that day, the gift from Carlisle and Esme could be escape I was looking for. Of course, she would insist I Mitmachen her, as there was a ticket for me as well. I quickly decided that keeping Bella safe, sicher was worth missing Victoria being destroyed. I grabbed the box and glanced through it, stopping when I saw what once must have been her stereo, but was now a mess of wires.
“What did Du do to this?” I asked, horrified.
“It didn’t want to come out of the dashboard,” she replied innocently.
“So Du felt the need to torture it?”
“You know how I am with tools. No pain was inflicted intentionally.” She shrugged.
I shook my head, amused. “You killed it.”
“Oh well.”
“It would hurt their feelings if they saw this. I guess it’s a good thing that you’ve been on house arrest. I’ll have to get another one in place before they notice.” I told her.
“Thanks, but I don’t need a fancy stereo.”
“It’s not for your sake that I’m going to replace it,” I said, and she sighed. “ Du didn’t get much good out of your birthday presents last year,” I continued, fanning myself with the plane tickets to Florida my “parents” had bought her. “Do Du realize these are about to expire?”
She looked at me, becoming visibly upset as she thought of her disastrous birthday party. “No. I’d forgotten all about them, actually.”
She didn’t seem happy. I tried to be positive, but not overly eager so she’d suspect what I was up to. “Well we still have a little time. You’ve been liberated…and we have no plans this weekend, as Du refuse to go to prom with me. Why not celebrate your freedom this way?”
“By going to Florida?” She gasped.
“You did say something about the continental U.S. being allowable,” I joked. She glared at me, as if trying to see through me to my true motivations. This would be Mehr difficult than I originally imagined. “Well? Are we going to see Renee oder not?”
“Charlie will never allow it,” she tried.
“Charlie can’t keep Du from visiting your mother. She still has primary custody.” I countered.
“Nobody has custody of me. I’m an adult.”
“Exactly.”
She seemed to think it over, her face conflicting. I knew how badly she wanted to see her mother, and I hoped the temptation would make her accept my proposal. She sighed. “Not this weekend.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t want to fight with Charlie. Not so soon after he’s forgiven me,” she said. I really couldn’t argue with that.
“I think this weekend is perfect.”
“Another time,” she said, shaking her head.
I resorted to being desperate. “You aren’t the only one who’s been trapped in this house, Du know.” I knew that wouldn’t work. She knew that I loved being trapped anywhere as long as I was with her.
She gave me a suspicious look. “You can go anywhere Du want.”
“The outside world holds no interest for me without you,” I told her. It was true, if not over the top, but she rolled her eyes at me. “I’m serious.”
“Let’s take the outside world slowly, all right? For example, we could start with a movie in Port Angeles…” she hinted.
I groaned. “Never mind. We’ll talk about it later.”
“There’s nothing left to talk about,” she countered.
I shrugged, letting it drop for now. I knew that with some careful guidance on my part, she would eventually agree. I didn’t like having to use my power of persuasion to convince Bella to do things my way, but desperate times…
“Okay, then, new subject,” she said, breaking my chain of thought. “What did Alice see today at lunch?”
I kept my face composed, a mask. She was measuring my expressions as I spoke. “She’s been seeing Jasper in a strange place, somewhere in the southwest, she thinks, near his former…family. But he has no conscious intentions to go back. It’s got her worried.”
I wasn’t exactly sure where that story had come from. It was not even close to the truth, and I instantly regretted lying to her, but I quickly pushed those thoughts to the side. If it meant keeping her safe, then I had to do it. She seemed to believe me. “Oh. Why didn’t Du tell me before?”
“I didn’t realize you’d noticed,” I lied. “It’s probably nothing important, in any case.”
I could tell she felt guilty for thinking I was hiding something from her, which in turn made me feel guilty because I was hiding something from her. But once again, I had to push those thoughts to the side to keep her safe.
We went downstairs then, doing homework until Bella decided to make Charlie’s dinner. I helped the best I could, trying not to look as thoroughly disgusted as I felt handling human food. Bella laughed at my expressions. Charlie was much less hostile towards me than normal when he came home, his thoughts on an upcoming fishing trip. I excused myself to the family room while they ate, my mind plotting the Weiter phase of my plan to get Bella to Florida.
“That was great, Bells.” Charlie’s voice rose from the kitchen. They had apparently finished their meal, both of too Lost in thought for conversation while eating.
“I’m glad Du liked it,” she replied. “How was work?”
“Sort of slow. Well, dead slow really. Mark and I played cards for a good part of the afternoon. I won, nineteen hands to seven.” His thoughts shifted then, to my chagrin. “And then I was on the phone with Billy for a while.”
“How is he?” Bella asked, seeming disinterested. I knew what she really wanted to know was how Jacob was.
“Good, good,” Charlie replied conversationally. “His joints are bothering him a little.”
“Oh. That’s too bad.”
“Yeah. He invited us down to visit this weekend.” I stiffened as he spoke. “He was thinking of having the Clearwaters and the Uleys over too. Sort of a playoff party…” he trailed off.
“Huh,” Bella replied, knowing I would be listening. I stood then, heading to the kitchen. I was now even Mehr determined that Bella would be out of town this weekend. I walked to the kitchen, standing in the doorway. I knew Bella would be irritated with me after this, but I also knew it wouldn’t be too hard to be forgiven.
“Charlie,” I said, as he stood from the table.
“Yeah?” What does he want?
“Did Bella ever tell Du that my parents gave her airplane tickets on her last birthday, so that she could visit Renee?”
The plate Bella had been washing clattered to the floor, her eyes growing wide as she looked towards me like a deer caught in the headlights. I was going to be in trouble later, but she needed to go, and she really did miss her mother.
“Bella?” Charlie asked her, surprised. Why wouldn’t she have mentioned that earlier? I know she wants to see her mom. He wondered.
“Yeah, they did,” she replied, not meeting his eyes.
Do I even want to know where this is going? “No, she never mentioned it.” He sagte to me, glaring.
“Hmm,” I replied passively, watching Bella as she nervously tried to gain her composure.
What’s he trying to get at? “Was there a reason Du brought it up?” He asked me, agitated.
I shrugged, feigning passivity. “They’re about to expire. I think it might hurt Esme’s feelings if Bella doesn’t use her gift. Not that she’d say anything.”
As much as Charlie despised me as of late, he insgesamt liked and respected my family, particularly Alice and Esme. I knew he wouldn’t want Esme’s feelings to get hurt.
Bella should go see Renee. Renee misses her. And it was pretty thoughtful of the Cullens to get her the tickets…”It’s probably a good idea for Du to visit your mom, Bella. She’d Liebe that. I’m surprised Du didn’t say anything about this, though.” There must be a reason she didn’t want to tell me.
“I forgot,” she sagte simply.
“You forgot someone bought Du plane tickets?” Not likely, he thought.
“Mmhmm,” she replied, obviously wanting the subject to drop as she turned back towards the sink.
Wait a minute…”I notice Du sagte they’re about to expire, Edward. How many tickets did your parents give her?” Charlie asked.
So he had caught that. I knew that Charlie would get angry when I told him I was going as well, which in turn would make Bella angry, and she would then insist on going. I was playing dirty, but it was necessary.
“Just one for her…” I started. “And one for me.”
Bella dropped another plate, this one landing in the sink. I saw her neck heat up with anger, directed at me. I would have to deal with that later. Her herz rate sped up as she started to panic.
Charlie glared at me, his thoughts an intangible jumble of words and curses as he grew angrier. Letting out an exasperated breath, he yelled at me, “That’s out of the question!” If he thinks I’m going to let my daughter run off to Florida with him, he’s sadly mistaken. I’ll…I’ll…lock her in her room for a year…for ten years!
I had to stifle a laugh at his thoughts, and composed my face into a mask of innocence. “Why? Du just sagte it was a good idea for her to see her mother.”
Smug little…”You’re not going anywhere with him, young lady!” This time his anger was directed at Bella.
Just as I knew she would, Bella got immediately defensive. “I’m not a child, Dad. And I’m not grounded anymore, remember?”
“Oh, yes Du are. Starting now.”
“For what?!” She practically screeched. I knew this would end badly, but what else could I do?
For having bad taste in boyfriends. “Because I sagte so!” He sagte in an equally aggressive tone.
“Do I need to remind Du that I’m a legal adult, Charlie?” Bella asked acidly.
She called me Charlie. She must be pretty mad. But, damnit, she can’t go with him! “This is my house – Du follow my rules!”
She glared at him. “If that’s how Du want it. Do Du want me to Bewegen out tonight? oder can I have a few days to pack?” She knew that was a low-blow, but Bella could be stubborn, and it was her natural reaction as a human teenage girl. I leaned against the counter, watching amusedly.
She wouldn’t…she has nowhere else to go. Right? She’d probably Bewegen in with the Cullens. Then I wouldn’t have any say in how much time she spends with him. At least here I can keep my eye on them. And use force, if necessary. Why does she always play the move-out card? Okay, calm down, Charlie…
”I’ll do my time without complaining when I’ve done something wrong, Dad,” Bella continued. “But I’m not going to put up with your prejudices.”
I’m not…she can’t…what can I… Charlie’s thoughts were becoming incoherent.
“Now, I know that Du know that I have every right to see Mom for the weekend. Du can’t honestly tell me you’d object to the plan if I was going with Alice oder Angela,” she countered.
“Girls,” Charlie replied. Girls can’t get Du in the trouble that he can.
“Would it bother Du if I took Jacob?” At the sound of his name, my jaw clenched shut. Of course she had to pick the dog, out of everyone, to prove her point. I saw her glance at me with worry etched on her face, and quickly composed myself.
Jake didn’t hurt you. Jake actually deserves you. If it got Du away from Edward over there, I would be completely okay with it. “Yes,” he replied in a flat tone. “That would bother me.”
“You’re a rotten liar, Dad.”
“Bella –“ he started, but was cut off.
“It’s not like I’m headed off to Vegas to be a showgirl oder anything. I’m going to see Mom,” she emphasized. “She’s just as much my parental authority as Du are.”
Maybe…but I know Renee and she isn’t exactly observant. The things they could get away with behind her back…
“Are Du implying something about Mom’s ability to look after me?” Bella threw out.
Charlie winced. Perceptive.
“You’d better hope I don’t mention this to her,” she warned.
“You better not. I’m not happy about this, Bella.” He said, giving up. If I hear about any inappropriate actions from Renee, it’s over. I’ll shoot him, I swear to God.
“There’s no reason for Du to be upset,” she stated, pulling the plug out of the sink. “So, my homework is done, your abendessen is done, the dishes are done, and I’m not grounded. I’m going out. I’ll be back before ten-thirty.”
Getting a little attitude, isn’t she? I never sagte anything about going out. “Where are Du going?” he asked, his face red, again with anger.
“I’m not sure. I’ll keep it within a ten-mile radius though, okay?”
No, not okay. Damn teenagers and their hormones. She’s so stubborn, just like her mother. Charlie’s thoughts trailed off as he stomped out of the küche to watch the game.
I looked at Bella, who was staring at me, irritation evident in her eyes. “We’re going out?” I asked, not able to contain the enthusiasm I felt.
She glared at me. “Yes. I’d like to speak to Du alone.”
I maybe should have felt apprehension at the prospect of being yelled at, but she was quite adorable when she was angry, and I couldn’t help the slight smile that graced my face with her words. We walked out the door and to the Volvo in silence. Once I was in the driver’s seat, she turned to me, feuer in her eyes.
“What was that?” She demanded.
“I know Du want to see your mother, Bella – you’ve been talking about her in your sleep. Worrying actually.” That much was true. Bella was used to taking care of her mother, and she needed to see first-hand that she was alright with Phil.
“I have?” She asked, her anger dissipating.
I nodded. “But, clearly, Du were too much of a coward to deal with Charlie, so I interceded on your behalf.”
“Interceded? Du threw me to the sharks!”
I rolled my eyes at her overdramatic outburst. “I don’t think Du were in any danger.”
“I told Du I didn’t want to fight with Charlie,” she stated, as if it were my fault she had decided to argue with her father, rather than having a mature conversation.
“Nobody sagte Du had to,” I pointed out.
She sulked, knowing I was right. “I can’t help myself when he gets all bossy like that – my natural teenage instincts overpower me.”
I laughed. “Well, that’s not my fault.”
She stared at me, but I stared out the windshield, pretending not to notice. She would eventually figure out that I had deceived her, and I was hoping that I could make her understand when that time came.
“Does this sudden urge to see Florida have anything to do with the party at Billy’s place?”
Now it was my turn to get defensive. “Nothing at all. It wouldn’t matter if Du were on the other side of the world, Du still wouldn’t be going.”
She clenched her teeth together, and I knew she was trying exceptionally hard to bite her tongue. I didn’t want her to think I was trying to control her, but with all the danger surrounding us right now, I didn’t have much of a choice.
However, I didn’t want to fight with her either. I sighed, hoping to change the subject. “So what do Du want to do tonight?”
“Can we go to your house?” she asked. “I haven’t seen Esme in so long.”
I smiled, Esme would be ecstatic to see Bella. She had been asking about her frequently, waiting for Charlie to set her free so she could come bond with the family. Esme considered Bella another daughter, and the fact that she had been “locked up”, so to speak, was heartbreaking for Esme. “She’ll like that. Especially when she hears what we’re doing this weekend.” She groaned, and we were off.
We spent a relaxing evening with my family, Bella catching up with everyone, as no one other then Alice and myself had seen much of her since we had returned from Italy. Esme was, as expected, exceptionally happy when she heard of our plans to visit Renee in Florida over the weekend. She knew the real reason I was taking Bella away, and was thankful her gift was of good use. After playing chess with my siblings, we headed back to Charlie’s. The lights were on when we arrived, and I listened for his thoughts, gauging his mood.
“You’d better not come inside. It will only make things worse.” Bella sighed.
Charlie’s thoughts interrupted her.
Good they’re back. I can’t believe I have to do this, but if they’re going away together for the weekend, I guess I don’t have a choice. She’ll need to know the facts, so she doesn’t do anything stupid. Why me? Well, might as well get it over and done with.
I almost Lost it when I realized that Charlie was planning on giving Bella a sex talk. But I composed my face, not giving away anything. “His thoughts are relatively calm.” I smiled, suppressing laughter.
She glanced at me suspiciously, as she opened the door to leave. “See Du later.”
I laughed at her expression, and kissed the oben, nach oben of her head. She looked like she was headed to the gallows. “I’ll be back when Charlie’s snoring.”
She got out of the car, and I briefly considered listening in on her and Charlie’s conversation. Although it would most definitely be entertaining, I decided against it, figuring Bella was going to have Mehr than enough embarrassment for one night, without the knowledge that I had heard every word.
It was still relatively early, and I wasn’t sure how long Charlie’s “talk” would last, so I decided to go hunting in the woods a few miles north of Forks to pass the time. I parked the Volvo on the side of the deserted road and started running into the dense forest. I thoroughly enjoyed hunting. Letting my senses take over was exhilarating. I had just picked up the scent of a pack of deer when the phone in my pocket vibrated. I growled, annoyed, under my breath. I considered not answering, but it was Alice, and there was too much going on at the moment to not be informed of any important visions.
“Yes, Alice?” I replied, not bothering to hide the irritation in my voice.
“Edward? Where’s Bella?” She sounded slightly panicked.
“She’s at home, Alice. Charlie is still awake. I’m hunting. Is there something Du needed?”
“Edward, I was watching out for Bella’s future just like Du asked me to, but it just disappeared! I don’t know if the Wölfe showed up at her house, oder what. I can’t see anything!”
“I’ll take care of it, Alice,” I sagte hotly, slamming the phone shut. I ran all the way back to Bella’s house, figuring I’d get there faster than I would in the Volvo.
