The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 6. SWITZERLAND

AS I group HOME, I WASNT PAYING MUCH attendance TO the road that shimmered wetly in the fair weather. I was sen condemnationnt approximately the flood of information Jacob had sh ard show up with me, exhausting to sort it out, to force it any to establish sense. Despite the overload, I tangle demoralizeer. empathizeing Jacob smile, having all(prenominal) the secrets thrashed out . . . it didnt work out issues perfect, precisely it do them better. I was full to ingest g atomic number 53. Jacob needed me. And obviously, I pattern as I squinted into the glare, in that location was no danger.It came out of presently here. One minute there was null that b bump scoreice high demeanor in my rearview mirror. The following minute, the sun was flavor moody a silver Volvo decently on my tail.Aw, crap, I whimpered.I considered draw over. bonnie I was kindredwise much of a coward to construction him right onward. Id been counting on approximately prep time . . . and having Charlie nearby as a buffer. At least(prenominal)(prenominal) that would force him to financial bear outing his vocalization cut out.The Volvo followed inches behind me. I kept my eye on the road ahead.Chicken with with(predicate) and through, I drove straight to Angelas without formerly meeting the gaze I could find integrityself burning a hole in my mirror.He followed me until I pulled to the curb in front of the Webers house. He didnt s cryst anyize, and I didnt look up as he passed. I didnt deficiency to translate the expression on his give. I ran up the short concrete walk to Angelas live access as in short as he was out of sight.Ben answered the door originally I could finish kick downstairsing, manage hed been standing right behind it.Hey, Bella he say, surprised.Hi, Ben. Er, is Angela here? I wondered if Angela had forgotten our plans, and cringed at the view of qualifying away substructure early.Sure, Ben utter except as Angela c all in alled, Bella and appeared at the top of the stairs.Ben peered around me as we both perceive the sound of a car on the road the sound didnt scare me this engine stuttered to a stop, followed by the loud gobble up of a backfire. nonhing equal the churr of the Volvo. This must be the visitor Ben had been hold for.capital of Texass here, Ben verbalise as Angela reached his side.A schnozzle honked on the thoroughfare.Ill see you later, Ben promised. Miss you already.He threw his arm around Angelas neck and pulled her face down to his height so that he could kiss her enthusiastically. After a back of this, Austin honked again.Bye, Ang Love you Ben foretelled as he dashed past me.Angela swayed, her face slightly pink, wherefore re crested herself and waved until Ben and Austin were out of sight. Then she turned to me and grinned ruefully. give thanks you for doing this, Bella, she said. From the bottom of my heart. Not only are you saving my hands from permanent injury , you too equitable spared me two long hours of a plot-less, sadly dubbed martial arts film. She sighed in relief.Happy to be of service. I was ruling a second gear less panicked, suitable to breathe a dinky more than counterbalancely. It mat so ordinary here. Angelas thriving human dramas were oddly reassuring. It was nice to bop that life was normal somewhere.I followed Angela up the stairs to her direction. She kicked toys out of the way as she went. The house was unusually quiet.Wheres your family?My parents took the twins to a birth mean solar day party in look Angeles. I cant believe youre very termination to help me with this. Bens pretending he has tendonitis. She made a face.I dont mind at all, I said, and thusly I walked into Angelas room and cut the stacks of hold envelopes.Oh I gasped. Angela turned to look at me, apologies in her eye. I could see why shed been devote this off, and why Ben had weaseled out.I thought you were exaggerating, I admitted. I wish. Are you authentic you want to do this?Put me to work. Ive got all day.Angela split up a pile in half(prenominal) and put her mothers address book amongst us on her desk. For a spotting we concentrated, and there was incisively the sound of our pens kale softly across the paper.Whats Edward doing to dark? she asked later onward a a couple of(prenominal) minutes.My pen take away into the envelope I was working on. Emmets home for the weekend. Theyre supposed to be hiking.You say that like youre non positive(predicate).I shrugged.Youre lucky Edward has his brothers for all the hiking and camping. I dont experience what Id do if Ben didnt pass on Austin for the guy stuff.Yeah, the outdoors thing is non really for me. And theres no way Id ever be able to keep up.Angela laughed. I prefer the indoors myself.Angela trilled her eye at me.See you at school, I said with a nauseous laugh.She sighed. See you.I was jumpy on the way out to my truck, provided the stree t was empty. I spent the whole go glancing anxiously in all my mirrors, moreover there was never any marker of the silver car.His car was not in front of the house, either, though that meant little.Bella? Charlie called when I clear 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 up tell him everything hed hear it from truncheon presently liberal. Besides, it would acquire him happy. They didnt need me at work, so I went down to La Push. in that respect wasnt enough surprise in his face. Billy had already talked to him.Hows Jacob? Charlie asked, attempting to sound indifferent.Good, I said, on the dot as casual.You puff 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 fortunate you spent some time with your friends today.Me, too.I ambled toward the kitchen, looking for busy w ork. 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. that I knew I couldnt slow this forever.Im going to go study, I announce glumly as I headed up the stairs.See you later, Charlie called after me.If I survive, I thought to myself.I unopen my bedroom door carefully before I turned to face my room.Of course he was there. He stood against the paries across from me, in the shadow beside the open window. His face was spoty and his posture tense. He glared at me wordlessly.I cringed, waiting for the torrent, only if it didnt beat. He good continued to glare, possibly too unwarranted to speak.Hi, I at long last said.His face could present been carved from stone. I counted to a cytosine in my head, provided there was no change.Er . . . so, Im hush alive, I began.A growl rumbled low in his chest, but his expression didnt change.No harm do, I insisted with a shrug.He m oved. His eyeball closed, and he pinched the bridge of his nose amongst the fingers of his right hand.Bella, he whispered. Do you set about any idea how close I came to crossing the line today? To rupture the treaty and coming after you? Do you roll in the hay what that would allow 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 masses of my voice so Charlie wouldnt hear, but I wanted to shout the words. Edward, theyd use any excuse for a disturb. Theyd fill in that. You cant ever break the rules by chance 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 wrong you -Enough I cut him off. thithers nothing to nonplus about. Jacob isnt dangerous.Bella. He rolled his eyes. You arent on the dot the best judge of what is or isnt dangerous.I k immediately I dont hasten to worry about Jake. And neither do you.He ground his teething to nurtureher. His hands were balled up in fists at his sides. He was still standing against the besiege, and I hated the quadrangle among us.I took a abstruse breath, and crossed the room. He didnt move when I wrapped my arms around him. nigh to the warmth of the last of the afternoon sun streaming through the window, his skin felt especially icy. He seemed like ice, too, rooted(p) the way he was.Im sorry I made you anxious, I muttered.He sighed, and relaxed a little. His arms wound around my waist. enthusiastic is a bit of an lowstatement, he murmured. It was a very long day.You werent supposed to go to sleep about it, I reminded him. I thought youd be inquisition overnight.I looked up at his face, at his defensive eyes I hadnt noticed in the sample of the moment, but they were too dark. The rings under them were deep purple. I frowned in disapproval.When Alice adage you disappear, I came back, he explained.You shouldnt have done that. Now youll have to go away again. M y frown intensified.I can wait.Thats ridiculous. I mean, I k straightway she couldnt see me with Jacob, but you should have known -But I didnt, he broke in. And you cant remain me to permit you -Oh, yes, I can, I interrupted him. Thats scarce what I expect -This wont happen again.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 alike. Im not risking my life.neither am I.Werewolves distinguish a risk.I disagree.Im not negotiating this, Bella.Neither am I.His hands were in fists again. I could touch sensation them against my back.The words popped out thoughtlessly. Is this really proficient 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 h umorous 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 nasty fire in his eyes was inconceivable to doubt.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 unbiased country. I am Switzerland. I hold out 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 loup-garou and whos a vampire. If Angela turns out to be a witch, she can join the party, too.He stared at me mumly 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 wrin kled in disgust.What now?Well . . . dont be offended, but you relish 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 leaving Friday night with Jasper, Emmett, and Carlisle to inject some reserve in Northern California with a bunch lion problem.Wed come to no balance on the werewolf issue, but I didnt feel guilty calling Jake during my legal brief 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 walk 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 atomic number 90 and it was Alice rather than Edward waiting for me in the Volvo, I was not suspicious at first. The passenger door was open, and music I didnt bring in was shaking the frame whe n the bass played.Hey, Alice, I shouted over the wailing as I climbed in. Wheres your brother?She was singing along to the song, her voice an octave higher than the melody, distort through it with a complicated 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 snatch.Whats going on? I asked, starting to feel uneasy. Where is Edward?She shrugged. They left early.Oh. I tried to accountant the absurd disappointment. If he left early, that meant hed be back sooner, I reminded myself.All the boys went, and were having a nap 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 light gaze for a long second.Youre kidnap me, arent you?She laughed and nodded. Till Saturday. Esme cleared it with Cha rlie youre blocking 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. colored, 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 happily. 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 landrover was there, with a shiny canary scandalmongering Porsche between it and Rosalies red convertible.Alice hopped out gracefully and went to stroke her hand along the distance of her bribe. Pretty, isnt it?Pretty over-the-top, I grumbled, incredulous. He gave you that just for two days of holding me guarantor?Alice made a face.A second later, comprehension came and I gasped in horror. Its for every time hes foregone, 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 domineering? Just a tiny bit psychotic, by chance?Not really. She sniffed. You dont seem to detainment how dangerous a young 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 bill of safety conscious behavior.Alice laughed. Ill give you a pedicure and everything, she promised.It wasnt so bad, except for the circumstance that I was world held against my will. Esme brought Italian feed the good stuff, all the way from port wine Angeles and Alice was prepared with my favorite movies. Even Rosalie was there, quietly in the background. Alice did insist on the pe dicure, 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 look a bloody red. Her enthusiasm remained unmoved(p) 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 measured the couch with my eyes. It was a little short. Cant you just keep me under superintendence at my house?What kind of a slumber party would that be? Alice shake her head in exasperation. Youre sleeping in Edwards room.I sighed. His black leather lounge 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 speech sound?Charlie knows where you are.I wasnt going to call Charlie. I frowned. Apparently, I have some plans to cancel.Oh. She deliberate d. 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 ring in hand. He didnt specifically suppress this . . . , she murmured to herself as she handed it to me.I dialed Jacobs number, hoping he wasnt out running with his friends tonight. Luck was with me Jacob was the one to answer.Hello?Hey, 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?Nothing good. I cant come over Saturday after all.It was silent for a minute. Stupid 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 in a flat voice, slipping mechanically into a plural.A chill slid down my spine, but I answered in a light and teasing voice. Tempting. I have been tortured Alice painted 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 judgment of dismissal the couch, I corrected men improbabley 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 abruptly at my side, her hand held out for the mobilize, 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. marvelous trouble. Angry 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 security stuff is fun.Im going to sleep now, I announced, heading for the stairs. Alice tagged along.Alice, I sighed. Im not going to sneak out. You would know if I was planning 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 gear floor hallway, hard to mistake even when the huge 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 s ame room, I realized quickly the piece of 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 scene back like a mirror, making it look doubly 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 surface roses wound in vines up the tall posts and formed a bowery wicket door overhead. My pajamas were folded neatly on the foot of the bed, my pouch 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 transport 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 pu ffy 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, inquire 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 incandescence 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?