The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 6. SWITZERLAND

AS I DROVE HOME, I WASNT PAYING a lot(prenominal) ATTENTION TO the road that shimmered wetly in the sun. I was thinking active the fill of information Jacob had sh atomic number 18d with me, trying to sort it out, to force it tout ensemble to force sense. Despite the all oerload, I felt wilder. bring ining Jacob smile, having all the secrets thrashed out . . . it didnt compel things perfect, except it make them better. I was even off to wel interject g atomic number 53. Jacob needed me. And obviously, I thought as I squinted into the gl atomic number 18, there was no danger.It came out of nowhere. superstar minute there was nonhing just now bright high representation in my rearview mirror. The next minute, the sun was seem off a property Volvo right on my tail.Aw, crap, I whimpered.I considered pulling everywhere. moreover I was similarly much of a coward to face him right away. Id been counting on most prep time . . . and having Charlie nearby as a buffer. At to the lowest degree that would force him to keep his piece shovel in.The Volvo followed inches behind me. I kept my eyeball on the road ahead.Chicken through and through, I drove unfeigned to Angelas without once meeting the gaze I could olfactory sensation burning a hole in my mirror.He followed me until I pulled to the curb in attend of the Webers ho expenditure. He didnt stop, and I didnt look up as he passed. I didnt want to see the verbalism on his face. I ran up the on the spur of the moment concrete walk to Angelas door as soon as he was out of sight.Ben answered the door sooner I could finish knocking, kindred hed been standing(a) right behind it.Hey, Bella he utter, surprised.Hi, Ben. Er, is Angela here? I wondered if Angela had forgotten our plans, and cringed at the thought of release home early.Sure, Ben said on the scarceton as Angela called, Bella and appeared at the top of the stairs.Ben peered somewhat me as we both gather upd the punishing of a car on the road the sound didnt s criminal maintenance me this engine stuttered to a stop, followed by the loud pop of a adventurefire. nonhing like the zoom of the Volvo. This must be the visitor Ben had been postponement for.Austins here, Ben said as Angela reached his side.A horn honked on the street.Ill see you later, Ben promised. Miss you already.He threw his arm almost Angelas neck and pulled her face down to his height so that he could fondle her enthusiastically. After a second of this, Austin honked again.Bye, Ang Love you Ben shouted as he dashed past me.Angela swayed, her face slightly pink, thusly vulcanized herself and waved until Ben and Austin were out of sight. Then she turned to me and grinned ruefully.Thank you for doing this, Bella, she said. From the bottom of my heart. Not sole(prenominal) are you saving my hands from permanent injury, you also exclusively spared me two foresightful hours of a plot-less(prenominal), corkedly dub cope martial arts fi lm. She sighed in relief.Happy to be of service. I was feeling a collation less panicked, able to breathe a little more evenly. It felt so ordinary here. Angelas easy human dramas were oddly reassuring. It was nice to receipt that deportment was normal somewhere.I followed Angela up the stairs to her populate. She kicked toys out of the way as she went. The house was unusually quiet.Wheres your family?My parents overlyk the twins to a birthday party in Port Angeles. I cant believe youre in truth going to help me with this. Bens model he has tendonitis. She made a face.I dont mind at all, I said, and then I walked into Angelas path and truism the stacks of time lag envelopes.Oh I gasped. Angela turned to look at me, apologies in her look. I could see wherefore shed been putting this off, and why Ben had weaseled out.I thought you were exaggerating, I admitted.I wish. ar you sure you want to do this?Put me to work. Ive got all day.Angela divided a pile in half and put her mothers address book surrounded by us on her desk. For a while we concentrated, and there was near the sound of our pens scratching quietly across the paper.Whats Edward doing tonight? she asked after a a a couple of(prenominal)(prenominal) minutes.My pen dug into the envelope I was functional on. Emmets home for the weekend. Theyre conjectural to be hiking.You say that like youre not sure.I shrugged.Youre lucky Edward has his brothers for all the hiking and camping. I dont know what Id do if Ben didnt have Austin for the guy stuff.Yeah, the outside thing is not really for me. And theres no way Id ever be able to keep up.Angela laughed. I prefer the indoors myself.Angela furled her look at me.See you at shoal, I said with a flighty laugh.She sighed. See you.I was jumpy on the way out to my truck, but the street was empty. I spent the whole poking glancing anxiously in all my mirrors, but there was never either sign of the silver car.His car was not in front end of the house, either, though that meant little.Bella? Charlie called when I heart-to-heart the front door.Hey, Dad.I found him in the living room, in front of the TV.So, how was your day?Good, I said. Might as well tell him everything hed hear it from billy club soon enough. Besides, it would make him happy. They didnt need me at work, so I went down to La Push.There wasnt enough surprise in his face. Billy had already talked to him.Hows Jacob? Charlie asked, attempting to sound indifferent.Good, I said, just as casual.You get over to the Webers?Yep. We got all her announcements addressed.Thats nice. Charlie smiled a wide smile. He was strangely focused, considering that there was a game on. Im glad you spent some time with your friends today.Me, too.I ambled toward the kitchen, sounding for busy work. Unfortunately, Charlie had already cleaned up his lunch. I stood there for a few minutes, staring at the bright patch of light the sun made on the floor. But I knew I couldnt delay this forever.Im going to go study, I announced glumly as I headed up the stairs.See you later, Charlie called after me.If I survive, I thought to myself.I leave out my chamber door carefully before I turned to face my room.Of feed in he was there. He stood against the rampart across from me, in the shadow beside the plainspoken window. His face was hard and his posture tense. He glared at me wordlessly.I cringed, wait for the torrent, but it didnt come. He just continued to glare, possibly too livid to speak.Hi, I lastly said.His face could have been carved from stone. I counted to a hundred in my head, but there was no change.Er . . . so, Im tranquillise alive, I began.A growl rumbled low in his chest, but his expression didnt change.No harm done, I insisted with a shrug.He moved. His eyes closed, and he pinched the bridge of his nose between the fingers of his right hand.Bella, he whispered. Do you have any idea how close I came to crossing the stock certificate today? To brea king the treaty and coming after you? Do you know what that would have meant?I gasped and his eyes opened. They were as cold and hard as night.You cant I said too loudly. I worked to modulate the volume of my voice so Charlie wouldnt hear, but I wanted to shout the words. Edward, theyd use any excuse for a champion. Theyd love that. You cant ever break the rulesMaybe they arent the only ones who would enjoy a fight.Dont you start, I snapped. You made the treaty you stick to it.If hed scathe you -Enough I cut him off. Theres nothing to worry about. Jacob isnt dangerous.Bella. He rolled his eyes. You arent exactly the best judge of what is or isnt dangerous.I know I dont have to worry about Jake. And neither do you.He rationality his teeth together. His hands were balled up in fists at his sides. He was sleek over standing against the wall, and I hated the space between us.I took a deep breath, and crossed the room. He didnt move when I wrapped my coat of arms around him. Next t o the warmth of the last of the afternoon sun drift through the window, his skin felt especially icy. He seemed like ice, too, quick-frozen the way he was.Im sorry I made you anxious, I muttered.He sighed, and relaxed a little. His arms wound around my waist.Anxious is a spell of an understatement, he murmured. It was a very ample day.You werent supposed to know about it, I reminded him. I thought youd be hunting longer.I looked up at his face, at his defensive eyes I hadnt noticed in the stress of the moment, but they were too dark. The rings under them were deep purple. I frowned in disapproval.When Alice saw you disappear, I came back, he explained.You shouldnt have done that. today youll have to go away again. My frown intensified.I can wait.Thats ridiculous. I mean, I know she couldnt see me with Jacob, but you should have known -But I didnt, he broke in. And you cant expect me to let you -Oh, yes, I can, I interrupted him. Thats exactly what I expect -This wont happen aga in.Thats right Because youre not going to overreact next time.Because there isnt going to be a next time.I understand when you have to leave, even if I dont like it -Thats not the same. Im not risking my life.Neither am I.Werewolves constitute a risk.I disagree.Im not negotiating this, Bella.Neither am I.His hands were in fists again. I could feel them against my back.The words popped out thoughtlessly. Is this really just about my safety?What do you mean? he demanded.You arent . . . Angelas theory seemed sillier now than before. It was hard to finish the thought. I mean, you know better than to be jealous, right?He raised one eyebrow. Do I?Be serious.Easily theres nothing remotely humourous about this.I frowned suspiciously. Or . . . is this something else altogether? Some vampires-and-werewolves-are- always-enemies nonsense? Is this just a testosterone-fueled -His eyes blazed. This is only about you. All I care is that youre safe.The swarthy fire in his eyes was impossible to do ubt.Okay, I sighed. I believe that. But I want you to know something when it comes to all this enemies nonsense, Im out. I am a neutral country. I am Switzerland. I disapprove to be affected by territorial disputes between mythical creatures. Jacob is family. You are . . . well, not exactly the love of my life, because I expect to love you for much longer than that. The love of my existence. I dont care whos a werewolf and whos a vampire. If Angela turns out to be a witch, she can join the party, too.He stared at me silently through narrowed eyes.Switzerland, I repeated again for emphasis.He frowned at me, and then sighed. Bella . . . , he began, but he paused, and his nose contract in disgust.What now?Well . . . dont be offended, but you smell like a dog, he told me.And then he smiled crookedly, so I knew the fight was over. For now.Edward had to make up for the missed hunting trip, and so he was divergence Friday night with Jasper, Emmett, and Carlisle to hit some reserve in N orthern calcium with a mountain lion problem.Wed come to no agreement on the werewolf issue, but I didnt feel guilty calling Jake during my apprise window of opportunity when Edward took the Volvo home before climbing back in through my window to let him know Id be coming over on Saturday again. It wasnt sneaking around. Edward knew how I felt. And if he broke my truck again, then Id have Jacob pick me up. Forks was neutral, just like Switzerland just like me.So when I got off work Thursday and it was Alice rather than Edward wait for me in the Volvo, I was not suspicious at first. The passenger door was open, and melody I didnt recognize was shaking the frame when the bass played.Hey, Alice, I shouted over the wailing as I climbed in. Wheres your brother?She was singing on to the song, her voice an octave higher than the melody, weaving through it with a involved harmony. She nodded at me, ignoring my question as she concentrated on the music.I shut my door and put my hands over my ears. She grinned, and turned the volume down until it was just background. Then she hit the locks and the gas in the same second.Whats going on? I asked, starting to feel uneasy. Where is Edward?She shrugged. They left early.Oh. I move to control the absurd disappointment. If he left early, that meant hed be back sooner, I reminded myself.All the boys went, and were having a slumber party she announced in a trilling, singsong voice.A slumber party? I repeated, the suspicion finally settling in.Arent you excited? she crowed.I met her animated gaze for a long second.Youre kidnapping me, arent you?She laughed and nodded. Till Saturday. Esme cleared it with Charlie youre staying with me two nights, and I will drive you to and from school tomorrow.I turned my face to the window, my teeth grinding together. risky, Alice said, not sounding in the least bit penitent. He paid me off.How? I hissed through my teeth.The Porsche. Its exactly like the one I stole in Italy. She sighed h appily. Im not supposed to drive it around Forks, but if you want, we could see how long it takes to get from here to L.A. I bet I could have you back by midnight.I took a deep breath. I think Ill pass, I sighed, repressing a shudder.We wound, always too fast, down the long drive. Alice pulled around to the garage, and I quickly looked over the cars. Emmetts big jeep was there, with a lustrous canary yellow Porsche between it and Rosalies red convertible.Alice hopped out gracefully and went to thump her hand along the length of her bribe. Pretty, isnt it?Pretty over-the-top, I grumbled, incredulous. He gave you that just for two days of holding me hostage?Alice made a face.A second later, comprehension came and I gasped in horror. Its for every time hes gone, isnt it?She nodded.I slammed my door and stomped toward the house. She danced along next to me, still unrepentant.Alice, dont you think this is just a little bit controlling? Just a tiny bit psychotic, maybe?Not really. She sniffed. You dont seem to grasp how dangerous a one-year-old werewolf can be. Especially when I cant see them. Edward has no way to know if youre safe. You shouldnt be so reckless.My voice turned acidic. Yes, because a vampire slumber party is the pinnacle of safety conscious behavior.Alice laughed. Ill switch you a pedicure and everything, she promised.It wasnt so bad, except for the fact that I was creation held against my will. Esme brought Italian food the good stuff, all the way from Port Angeles and Alice was prepared with my favourite(a) movies. Even Rosalie was there, quietly in the background. Alice did insist on the pedicure, and I wondered if she was working from a list maybe something shed compiled from watching bad sitcoms.How late do you want to stay up? she asked when my toenails were glistening a bloody red. Her inspiration remained untouched by my mood.I dont want to stay up. We have school in the morning.She pouted.Where am I supposed to sleep, anyway? I t hrifty the couch with my eyes. It was a little short. Cant you just keep me under watch at my house?What kind of a slumber party would that be? Alice shook her head in exasperation. Youre sleeping in Edwards room.I sighed. His black leather sofa was longer than this one. Actually, the gold carpet in his room was probably thick enough that the floor wouldnt be half bad either.Can I go back to my place to get my things, at least?She grinned. Already taken care of.Am I allowed to use your phone?Charlie knows where you are.I wasnt going to call Charlie. I frowned. Apparently, I have some plans to cancel.Oh. She deliberated. Im not sure about that.Alice I whined loudly. CmonOkay, okay, she said, flitting from the room. She was back in half a second, cell phone in hand. He didnt specifically prohibit this . . . , she murmured to herself as she handed it to me.I dialed Jacobs number, hoping he wasnt out path with his friends tonight. Luck was with me Jacob was the one to answer.Hello?He y, Jake, its me. Alice watched me with expressionless eyes for a second, before she turned and went to sit between Rosalie and Esme on the sofa.Hi, Bella, Jacob said, suddenly cautious. Whats up? vigor good. I cant come over Saturday after all.It was silent for a minute. sneakn bloodsucker, he finally muttered. I thought he was leaving. Cant you have a life when hes gone? Or does he lock you in a coffin?I laughed.I dont think thats funny.Im only laughing because youre close, I told him. But hes going to be here Saturday, so it doesnt matter.Will he be feeding there in Forks, then? Jacob asked cuttingly.No. I didnt let myself get irritated with him. I wasnt that far from being as angry as he was. He left early.Oh. Well, hey, come over now, then, he said with sudden enthusiasm. Its not that late. Or Ill come up to Charlies.I wish. Im not at Charlies, I said sourly. Im kind of being held prisoner.He was silent as that sunk in, and then he growled. Well come and get you, he promised i n a flat voice, slipping automatically into a plural.A chill slid down my spine, but I answered in a light and teasing voice. Tempting. I have been tortured Alice multicolor my toenails.Im serious.Dont be. Theyre just trying to keep me safe.He growled again.I know its silly, but their hearts are in the right place.Their hearts he scoffed.Sorry about Saturday, I apologized. Ive got to hit the sack the couch, I corrected mentally but Ill call you again soon.Are you sure theyll let you? he asked in a scathing tone.Not completely. I sighed. Night, Jake.See you around.Alice was suddenly at my side, her hand held out for the phone, but I was already dialing. She saw the number.I dont think hell have his phone on him, she said.Ill leave a message.The phone rang four times, followed by a beep. There was no greeting.You are in trouble, I said slowly, emphasizing each word. Enormous trouble. wrothful grizzly bears are going to look tame next to what is waiting for you at home.I snapped the phone shut and placed it in her waiting hand. Im done.She grinned. This hostage stuff is fun.Im going to sleep now, I announced, heading for the stairs. Alice label along.Alice, I sighed. Im not going to sneak out. You would know if I was cookery to, and youd catch me if I tried.Im just going to show you where your things are, she said innocently.Edwards room was at the farthest end of the third floor hallway, hard to mistake even when the great house had been less familiar. But when I switched the light on, I paused in confusion. Had I picked the wrong door?Alice giggled.It was the same room, I realized quickly the furniture had just been rearranged. The couch was pushed to the north wall and the stereo shoved up against the vast shelves of CDs to make room for the colossal bed that now dominated the central space.The southern wall of glass reflected the diorama back like a mirror, making it look twice as bad.It matched. The coverlet was a dull gold, just lighter than the walls the frame was black, made of in an elaborate way patterned wrought iron. Sculpted metal roses wound in vines up the tall posts and formed a bowery lattice overhead. My pajamas were folded neatly on the foot of the bed, my bag of toiletries to one side. What the hell is all this? I spluttered.You didnt really think he would make you sleep on the couch, did you?I mumbled ununderstandably as I stalked forward to snatch my things off the bed.Ill give you some privacy, Alice laughed. See you in the morning.After my teeth were brushed and I was dressed, I grabbed a puffy feather pillow off the huge bed and dragged the gold cover to the couch. I knew I was being silly, but I didnt care. Porsches as bribes and king- sized beds in houses where nobody slept it was beyond irritating. I flipped off the lights and curled up on the sofa, wondering if I was too annoyed to sleep.In the dark, the glass wall was no longer a black mirror, doubling the room. The light of the moon brightened the clouds outside the window. As my eyes adjusted, I could see the diffused fall highlighting the tops of the trees, and glinting off a small slice of the river. I watched the silver light, waiting for my eyes to get heavy.There was a light knock on the door.What, Alice? I hissed. I was on the defensive, imagining her amusement when she saw my makeshift bed.Its me, Rosalie said softly, opening the door enough that I could see the silver glow touch her perfect face. Can I come in?