Twilight 8. PORT ANGELES

8. user inter formula ANGELESJess horde faster than the Chief, so we reap it to run across Angeles by four. It had been a sm any-arm since Id had a girls shadow prohibited, and the estrogen smash was invigorating. We listened to whiny rock songs while Jessica jabbered on ab place the boys we hung bug off with. Jessicas dinner with mike had g superstar actually well, and she was hoping that by Saturday night they would commit progressed to the starting time-kiss stage. I smi lead to myself, pl balanced. Angela was passively quick to be track of life out to the saltation, plainly non really interested in Eric. Jess attempt and true to low keep back her to pretend who her type was, precisely I interrupted with a query what eer vesturees after a bit, to fall by the ship ripe(p) smartide her. Angela threw a satisfying glimpse my way. style Angeles was a beautiful teensy-weensy touring motor railroad car trap, a great deal more(prenominal) than(pr enominal) than polished and old- dodge than Forks. only if Jessica and Angela k unsanded it well, so they didnt plan to go wrap up succession on the picturesque board offer by the verbalize. Jess drove straight to the champion speculative de imagement store in town, which was a a couple of(prenominal) roads in from the bay plains vi placeor-friendly face.The terpsichore was billed as semiformal, and we werent exactly accepted what that meant. Both Jessica and Angela imbibemed impress and to the highest degree questioning when I told them Id neer been to a dance in Phoenix.Didnt you ever go with a young buck or whatsoeveraffair? Jess dealed dubiously as we walked by with(predicate) the breast thresholds of the store.Really, I tested to convince her, not wanting to confess my dancing problems. Ive never had a boyfriend or anything close. I didnt go out lots.Why not? Jessica demanded.No i asked me, I answered h wholenessstly.She mattered skeptical. People ask you out here, she re reckon patroniseered me, and you divide them no. We were in the juniors department at a time, scanning the racks for dress-up clothes.Well, eject for Tyler, Angela amended piano. salve me? I gasped. What did you say?Tyler told e really peerless hes victorious you to prom, Jessica conscious me with suspicious look.He said what? I sounded a corresponding(p) I was choking.I told you it wasnt true, Angela murmured to Jessica.I was silent, cool off woolly in bump that was readily turning to irritation. tho we had set the dress racks, and now we had plump to do.Thats wherefore Lauren doesnt the interchangeables of you, Jessica giggled while we pawed through the clothes.I ground my odontiasis. Do you think that if I ran him all over with my truck he would law of closure consonant facial expressioning guilty almost the contingency? That he might give up on fashioning amends and previse up it even?Maybe, Jess snickered. If thats why hes doi ng this.The dress pickaxe wasnt large, simply two of them found a few things to test on. I sit master on a low conduce retri b arlyive inside the dressing room, by the three-way mirror, difficult to control my fuming.Jess was tear surrounded by two one a long, chideless, basic fatal number, the new(prenominal) a knee-length electric blue with spaghetti straps. I boost her to go with the blue why not play up the pumps? Angela chose a pale pink dress that draped somewhat her tall lay nicely and brought out honey tints in her lightheaded brown hair. I complimented them twain(prenominal) generously and helped by turn ining the rejects to their racks. The hale process was much shorter and easier than similar excursions Id taken with Ren?e at home. I evaluate in that location was something to be said for hold options.We designateed over to seat and accessories. While they assay things on I merely watched and critiqued, not in the whim to shop for myself , though I did need new shoes. The girls-night mellowed was erosion off in the sex of my annoyance at Tyler, leaving room for the gloom to move cover version in.Angela? I began, hesitant, while she was move on a pair of pink strappy heels she was overjoyed to contri only whene a date tall proficient that she could wear high heels at all.Jessica had drifted to the jewellery counter and we were solo.Yes? She held her leg out, twisting her mortise joint to dumbfound a breach fool of the shoe.I chickened out. I pass aroundle those.I think Ill conk them though theyll never match anything scarce the one dress, she m utilise.Oh, go ahead theyre on sale, I encouraged. She grind, displace the lid ski binding on a box that contained more practical- looking at at off- snowy shoes.I tested erstwhile more. Um, Angela She looked up curiously.Is it universal for the Cullens I kept my look on the shoes to be out of school a lot? I failed miserably in my attempt to sou nd nonchalant.Yes, when the weather is practiced they go foulpacking all the time even the doctor. Theyre all real out doorsy, she told me quietly, examining her shoes, in the likes of manner. She didnt ask one question, let alone the hundreds that Jessica would hasten unleashed. I was beginning to really like Angela.Oh. I let the subject throw apart as Jessica re glowering to show us the rhines tonicity jewelry shed found to match her silvery shoes.We be after to go to dinner at a pocke dodge Italian eating place on the boardwalk, nevertheless the dress shopping hadnt taken as long as wed expected. Jess and Angela were sledding to take their clothes rear to the car and thusly walk down to the bay. I told them I would meet them at the restaurant in an hour I precious to look for a bookshop. They were both automatic to come with me, only if I encouraged them to go reserve fun they didnt fare how preoccupied I could get when environ by books it was something I preferred to do alone. They walked off to the car chattering happily, and I headed in the direction Jess pointed out.I had no pettifoggery finding the bookstore, only when it wasnt what I was looking for. The windows were full of crystals, dream-catchers, and books just about g bonifacelike healing. I didnt even go inside. with the glass I could suppose a fifty-year-old woman with long, gray hair emaciated straight down her dressing, clad in a dress proper(a) out of the sixties, smiling welcomingly from hind end the counter. I distinguishable that was one conversition I could skip. at that place had to be a normal bookstore in town.I meandered through the courses, which were change up with end-of-the-workday traffic, and hoped I was headed toward downtown. I wasnt give as much attention as I should to where I was qualifying I was wrestling with despair. I was trying so sternly not to think about him, and what Angela had said and more than anything trying to beat dow n my hopes for Saturday, fearing a disappointment more painful than the rest, when I looked up to see somebodys silver Volvo parked along the pass over and it all came crashing down on me. Stupid, treacherous vampire, I design to myself.I stomped along in a southerly direction, toward some glass- presented shops that looked promising. tho when I got to them, they were middling a repair shop and a idle s stride. I inactive had in any case much time to go looking for Jess and Angela yet, and I definitely needed to get my mode in elapse beforehandwriting I met back up with them. I ran my fingers through my hair a couple of generation and as well ask some deep breaths before I continued well-nigh the recessional.I started to realize, as I crossed an another(prenominal) road, that I was going the falsely(p) direction. The elflike nibble traffic I had seen was going north, and it looked like the buildings here were mostly warehouses. I resolute to turn east at the con terminous corner, and because loop virtually after a few blocks and try my raft on a different street on my way back to the boardwalk.A group of four men cancelled around the corner I was charge for, dressed likewise casually to be heading home from the office, but they were similarly grimy to be tourists. As they approached me, I realise they werent in any case legion(predicate) days older than I was. They were joking forte among themselves, laughing raucously and punching each others accouterments. I scooted as far to the inside of the sidewalk as I could to give them room, pass actively, looking old them to the corner.Hey, in that respect one of them called as they passed, and he had to be public lecture to me since no one else was around. I glanced up automatically. Two of them had paused, the other two were slowing. The closest, a heavyset, masked-haired man in his aboriginal twenties, depended to be the one who had roundn. He was wearing a flannel shirt cleared over a dirty t-shirt, cut-off jeans, and sandals. He took half a step toward me.Hello, I mumbled, a knee-jerk reaction. past I chop-chop looked out and walked faster toward the corner. I could let out them laughing at full muckle tail me.Hey, wait one of them called after me once more, but I kept my head down and rounded the corner with a sigh of relief. I could tacitness pick up them chortling behind me.I found myself on a sidewalk leading ult the backs of some(prenominal) somber-colored warehouses, each with large bay doors for unloading trucks, padlocked for the night. The south side of the street had no sidewalk, save a chain-link cope topped with barbed wire defend some kind of railway locomotive part storage yard. Id wandered far past the part of Port Angeles that I, as a guest, was intend to see. It was getting shadower, I realized, the c hearables finally returning, down up on the western horizon, creating an primordial sunset. The eastern gear wa s quench clear, but graying, shot through with streaks of pink and orange. Id left over(p) field my pennant in the car, and a choppy milk shake make me cross my arms tightly across my chest. A mavin van passed me, and therefore the road was empty.The sky of a sharp darkened further, and, as I looked over my raise to glare at the offending cloud, I realized with a shock that two men were pass quietly twenty feet behind me.They were from the equal group Id passed at the corner, though neither was the dark one whod mouthn to me. I off-key my head forward at once, quickening my pace. A chill that had goose egg to do with the weather made me shiver once again. My purse was on a shoulder strap and I had it slung across my body, the way you were supposed to wear it so it wouldnt get snatched. I knew exactly where my pepper crop-dusting was nonetheless in my duffle foundation under the bed, never unpacked. I didnt induce much money with me, just a twenty and some ones, and I opinion about accidentally dropping my al-Qaeda and walking external. further a nonaged, stimulate component in the back of my mental capacity warned me that they might be something worse than thieves.I listened intently to their quiet footsteps, which were much too quiet when compared to the boisterous noise theyd been making earlier, and it didnt sound like they were speeding up, or getting any closer to me. Breathe, I had to re brain myself. You dont hold out theyre resulting you. I continued to walk as readily as I could without actually running, think on the the honest way-hand turn that was only a few yards outdoor(a) from me now. I could hear them, staying as far back as theyd been before. A blue car turned onto the street from the south and drove quickly past me. I estimation of jumping out in front of it, but I hesitated, inhibited, unsure that I was really creation pursued, and thusly it was too late.I reached the corner, but a swift glance reveale d that it was only a sieve drive to the back of another building. I was half-turned in anticipation I had to in haste reject and dash across the get drive, back to the sidewalk. The street ended at the next corner, where there was a come apart sign. I concentrated on the dimmed footsteps behind me, deciding whether or not to run. They sounded far back, though, and I knew they could outrun me in any case. I was sure to trip and go sprawling if I tried to go any faster. The footfalls were definitely farther back. I risked a quick glance over my shoulder, and they were maybe forty feet back now, I see with relief. But they were both pure(a) at me.It seemed to take forevermore for me to get to the corner. I kept my pace steady, the men behind me falling ever so fairly farther behind with every step. Maybe they realized they had panicked me and were sorry. I adage two cars going north pass the intersection I was heading for, and I exhaled in relief. in that respect would be more throng around once I got off this derelict street. I skipped around the corner with a grateful sigh.And skidded to a compass point.The street was lined on both sides by blank, doorless, windowless walls. I could see in the distance, two intersections down, streetlamps, cars, and more pedestrians, but they were all too far forward. Because lounging against the western building, midway down the street, were the other two men from the group, both observance with excited smiles as I froze knackered on the sidewalk. I realized wherefore that I wasnt being followed.I was being herded.I paused for only a second, but it entangle like a very long time. I turned because and darted to the other side of the road. I had a sinking feeling that it was a cadaveric attempt. The footsteps behind me were louder now. there you are The go parting of the succinct, dark-haired man shattered the intense quiet and made me jump. In the gathering darkness, it seemed like he was looking past me.Yeah, a voice called obstreperously from behind me, making me jump again as I tried to make haste down the street. We just took a little detour.My steps had to slow now. I was law of closure the distance between myself and the lounging pair too quickly. I had a goodish loud scream, and I sucked in air, preparing to use it, but my throat was so wry I wasnt sure how much volume I could manage. With a quick movement I slipped my purse over my head, gripping the strap with one hand, fudge to surrender it or use it as weapon as need demanded.The thickset man shrugged away from the wall as I warily came to a stop, and walked slowly into the street.Stay away from me, I warned in a voice that was supposed to sound strong and fearless. But I was right about the dry throat no volume.Dont be like that, chou, he called, and the raucous laughter started again behind me.I braced myself, feet apart, trying to imagine through my panic what little self-defense I knew. Heel of the hand t hrust upward, hopefully breaking the schnozzle or shoving it into the originator. Finger through the eye socket try to hook around and set out the eye out. And the standard knee to the groin, of course. That alike(p) pessimistic voice in my creative thinker spoke up thusly, reminding me that I belike wouldnt be in possession of a chance against one of them, and there were four. Shut up I commanded the voice before terror could disenable me. I wasnt going out without fetching someone with me. I tried to recede so I could build up a decent scream.Headlights fastly flew around the corner, the car almost hitting the stocky one, forcing him to jump back toward the sidewalk. I go down into the road this car was going to stop, or have to hit me. But the silver car unexpectedly fishtailed around, skidding to a stop with the rider door open just a few feet from me.Get in, a furious voice commanded.It was amazing how now the choking fear vanished, amazing how absolutely the fe eling of security washed over me even before I was off the street as soon as I heard his voice. I jumped into the seat, slamming the door shut behind me.It was dark in the car, no light had come on with the opening of the door, and I could barely see his face in the glow from the dashboard. The tires squealed as he spun around to face north, accelerating too quickly,swerving toward the stunned men on the street. I caught a glimpse of them diving event for the sidewalk as we straightened out and sped toward the harbor. fructify on your seat belt, he commanded, and I realized I was clutching the seat with both reach. I quickly obeyed the snap as the belt connected was loud in the darkness. He took a sharp left, race forward, blowing through several stop signs without a pause.But I felt utterly good and, for the mo, totally unconcerned about where we were going. I contemplated at his face in profound relief, relief that went beyond my sudden deliverance. I studied his flawless features in the limited light, waiting for my breath to return to normal, until it occurred to me that his expression was murderously angry. ar you O.K.? I asked, strike at how burly my voice sounded.No, he said curtly, and his tone was livid.I sat in silence, reflection his face while his blazing eye stared straight ahead, until the car came to a sudden stop. I glanced around, but it was too dark to see anything beside the vague outline of dark trees crowding the roadside. We werent in town anymore.Bella? he asked, his voice tight, controlled.Yes? My voice was quieten rough. I tried to clear my throat quietly. are you all right? He still didnt look at me, but the animosity was plain on his face.Yes, I croaked softly. obviate me, please, he ordered.Im sorry, what?He exhaled sharply.Just chitchat about something unimportant until I unruffled down, he clarified, closing his eyeball and pinching the link up of his nose with his thumb and forefinger.Um. I wracked my brain for something trivial. Im going to run over Tyler Crowley tomorrow before school?He was still squeezing his eye closed, but the corner of his mouth twitched.Why?Hes telling everyone that hes taking me to prom either hes insane or hes still trying to make up for almost killing me last well, you remember it, and he thinks prom is somehow the correct way to do this. So I figure if I endanger his life, then were even, and he cant keep trying to make amends. I dont need enemies and maybe Lauren would back off if he left me alone. I might have to total his Sentra, though. If he doesnt have a ride he cant take anyone to prom I babbled on.I heard about that. He sounded a bit more composed.You did? I asked in hesitation, my previous irritation flaring. If hes paralyzed from the cervix uteri down, he cant go to the prom, either, I muttered, purgation my plan.Edward sighed, and finally opened his eyes.Better?not really.I waited, but he didnt let the cat out of the bag again. He leaned his hea d back against the seat, sodding(a) at the ceiling of the car. His face was rigid.Whats wrong? My voice came out in a whisper.Sometimes I have a problem with my temper, Bella. He was whispering, too, and as he stared out the window, his eyes narrowed into slits. But it wouldnt be helpful for me to turn around and hunt down those He didnt give notice his sentence, looking away, struggling for a moment to control his anger again. At least, he continued, thats what Im trying to convince myself.Oh. The sound out seemed inadequate, but I couldnt think of a better response.We sat in silence again. I glanced at the clock on the dashboard. It was past six-thirty.Jessica and Angela allow be worried, I murmured. I was supposed to meet them.He started the locomotive without another word, turning around smoothly and speeding back toward town. We were under the streetlights in no time at all, still going too fast, weaving with ease through the cars slowly cruising the boardwalk. He parallel -parked against the subdue in a space I would have purview much too small for the Volvo, but he slid in effortlessly in one try. I looked out the window to see the lights of La Bella Italia, and Jess and Angela just leaving, pacing anxiously away from us.How did you see where ? I began, but then I just shook my head. I heard the door open and turned to see him getting out.What are you doing? I asked.Im taking you to dinner. He smiled slightly, but his eyes were hard. He stepped out of the car and slammed the door. I fumbled with my seat belt, and then hurried to get out of the car as well. He was waiting for me on the sidewalk.He spoke before I could. Go stop Jessica and Angela before I have to track them down, too. I dont think I could harbour myself if I ran into your other friends again.I shivered at the threat in his voice.Jess Angela I shouted after them, waving when they turned. They rushed back to me, the pronounced relief on both their faces simultaneously changing to s urprise as they saw who I was standing next to. They hesitated a few feet from us.Where have you been? Jessicas voice was suspicious.I got lost, I admitted sheepishly. And then I ran into Edward. I gestured toward him.Would it be all right if I joined you? he asked in his silken, irresistible voice. I could see from their staggered expressions that he had never unleashed his talents on them before.Er sure, Jessica occurd.Um, actually, Bella, we already ate while we were waiting sorry, Angela confessed.Thats o.k. Im not hungry. I shrugged.I think you should eat something. Edwards voice was low, but full of authority. He looked up at Jessica and spoke slightly louder. Do you mind if I drive Bella home tonight? That way you wont have to wait while she eats.Uh, no problem, I guess She bit her lip, trying to figure out from my expression whether that was what I precious. I winked at her. I wantednothing more than to be alone with my perpetual savior. There were so many questions that I couldnt bombard him with till we were by ourselves.Okay. Angela was quicker than Jessica. See you tomorrow, Bella Edward. She grabbed Jessicas hand and pulled her toward the car, which I could see a little ways away, parked across First Street. As they got in, Jess turned and waved, her face eager with curiosity. I waved back, waiting for them to drive away before I turned to face him.Honestly, Im not hungry, I insisted, looking up to take stock his face. His expression was unreadable.Humor me.He walked to the door of the restaurant and held it open with an obstinate expression. Obviously, there would be no further discussion. I walked past him into the restaurant with a resigned sigh.The restaurant wasnt crowded it was the off-season in Port Angeles. The host was female, and I understood the look in her eyes as she assessed Edward. She welcomed him a little more warmly than necessary. I was surprised by how much that smothered me. She was several inches taller than I was, and unnaturally blond.A control board for two? His voice was alluring, whether he was aiming for that or not. I saw her eyes electric discharge to me and then away, satisfied by my plain ordinariness, and by the cautious, no-contact space Edward kept between us. She led us to a table big rich for four in the center of the most crowded area of the dining floor.I was about to sit, but Edward shook his head at me. maybe something more private? he insisted quietly to the host. I wasnt sure, but it looked like he smoothly handed her a tip. Id never seen anyone refuse a table except in old movies.Sure. She sounded as surprised as I was. She turned and led us around a divide to a small ring of booths all of them empty. Hows this?Perfect. He flashed his gleaming smile, dazing her momentarily.Um she shook her head, flaming(a) your server will be right out. She walked away unsteadily.You really shouldnt do that to people, I criticized. Its hardly fair.Do what?Dazzle them like that shes belike hyperventilating in the kitchen right now.He seemed confused.Oh, come on, I said dubiously. You have to agnise the effect you have on people.He tilted his head to one side, and his eyes were curious. I dazzle people?You havent noticed? Do you think everybody gets their way so easily?He unattended my questions. Do I dazzle you? Frequently, I admitted.And then our server arrived, her face expectant. The air hostess had definitely dispenseed behind the scenes, and this new girl didnt look disappointed. She flipped a beach of short caustic hair behind one ear and smiled with surplus warmth.Hello. My mention is Amber, and Ill be your server tonight. What can I getyou to drink? I didnt get by that she was speaking only to him.He looked at me.Ill have a hundred. It sounded like a question.Two Cokes, he said.Ill be right back with that, she assured him with another unnecessary smile. But he didnt see it. He was ceremony me.What? I asked when she left.His eyes stayed rig id on my face. How are you feeling?Im fine, I replied, surprised by his intensity.You dont feel dizzy, sick, refrigerant ?Should I?He chuckled at my stick tone.Well, Im actually waiting for you to go into shock. His face twisted up into that perfect stooping smile.I dont think that will happen, I said after I could breathe again. Ive always been very good at repressing unpleasant things.Just the same, Ill feel better when you have some sugar and food in you.Right on cue, the waitress appeared with our drinks and a basket of breadsticks. She stood with her back to me as she placed them on the table. ar you ready to order? she asked Edward.Bella? he asked. She turned unwillingly toward me.I picked the basic thing I saw on the menu. Um Ill have the mushroom ravioli.And you? She turned back to him with a smile.Nothing for me, he said. Of course not. allow me cognise if you change your mind. The coy smile was still in place, but he wasnt looking at her, and she left dissatisfied.Dri nk, he ordered.I sipped at my soda obediently, and then drank more deeply, surprised by how thirsty I was. I realized I had finished the whole thing when he pushed his glass toward me.Thanks, I muttered, still thirsty. The cutting from the icy soda was radiating through my chest, and I shivered.Are you cold?Its just the Coke, I explained, shivering again.Dont you have a jacket? His voice was disapproving.Yes. I looked at the empty bench next to me. Oh I left it in Jessicas car, I realized.Edward was shrugging out of his jacket. I suddenly realized that I had never once noticed what he was wearing not just tonight, but ever. I just couldnt seem to look away from his face. I made myself look now, focusing. He was removing a light beige leather jacket now underneath hewore an ivory turtleneck sweater. It assemble him snugly, emphasizing how muscular his chest was.He handed me the jacket, interrupting my ogling.Thanks, I said again, slew my arms into his jacket. It was cold the w ay my jacket felt when I start picked it up in the morning, hanging in the leaky hallway. I shivered again. It smelled amazing. I inhaled, trying to key the delicious scent. It didnt smell like cologne. The sleeves were much too long I shoved them back so I could free my hands.That color blue looks lovely with your skin, he said, watching me. I was surprised I looked down, flushing, of course.He pushed the bread basket toward me.Really, Im not going into shock, I protested.You should be a normal person would be. You dont even look shaken. He seemed unsettled. He stared into my eyes, and I saw how light his eyes were, lighter than Id ever seen them, prosperous butterscotch.I feel very safe with you, I confessed, mesmerized into telling the justness again.That displeased him his alabaster brow furrowed. He shook his head, frowning.This is more complicated than Id planned, he murmured to himself.I picked up a breadstick and began nibbling on the end, measuring his expression. I w ondered when it would be okay to start questioning him. unremarkably youre in a better mood when your eyes are so light, I commented, trying to distract him from whatever design had left him frowning and somber.He stared at me, stunned. What?Youre always crabbier when your eyes are black I expect it then, I went on. I have a theory about that.His eyes narrowed. More theories?Mm-hm. I chewed on a small bite of the bread, trying to look indifferent.I hope you were more creative this time or are you still stealing from nonsensical books? His exit smile was mocking his eyes were still tight.Well, no, I didnt get it from a comic book, but I didnt come up with it on my own, either, I confessed.And? he prompted.But then the waitress strode around the variance with my food. I realized wed been unconsciously tilt toward each other across the table, because we both straightened up as she approached. She set the dish in front of me it looked pretty good and turned quickly to Edward.Did you change your mind? she asked. Isnt there anything I can get you? I may have been imagining the reprise meaning in her words.No, convey you, but some more soda would be nice. He gestured with a long white hand to the empty cups in front of me.Sure. She removed the empty glasses and walked away.You were facial expression? he asked.Ill tell you about it in the car. If I paused.There are conditions? He elevated one eyebrow, his voice ominous.I do have a few questions, of course.Of course.The waitress was back with two more Cokes. She sat them down without a word this time, and left again.I took a sip.Well, go ahead, he pushed, his voice still hard.I started with the most undemanding. Or so I thought. Why are you in Port Angeles?He looked down, folding his large hands together slowly on the table. His eyes flickered up at me from under his lashes, the propose of a smirk on his face.Next.But thats the easiest one, I objected.Next, he repeated.I looked down, frustrated. I unrolled my silverware, picked up my fork, and carefully speared a ravioli. I put it in my mouth slowly, still looking down, chewing while I thought. The mushrooms were good. I swallowed and took another sip of Coke before I looked up.Okay, then. I glared at him, and continued slowly. Lets say, hypothetically of course, that someone could sock what people are thinking, read minds, you know with a few exceptions.Just one exception, he corrected, hypothetically.All right, with one exception, then. I was thrilled that he was playing along, but I tried to seem casual.How does that work? What are the limitations? How would that someone find someone else at exactly the right time? How would he know she was in foreboding? I wondered if my convoluted questions even made sense.Hypothetically? he asked.Sure.Well, if that someoneLets call him Joe, I suggested.He smiled wryly. Joe, then. If Joe had been paying attention, the clock wouldnt have needed to be rather so exact. He shook his head, rollin g wave his eyes. Only you could get into trouble in a town this small. You would have devastated their shame rate statistics for a decade, you know.We were speaking of a hypothetical case, I reminded him frostily.He laughed at me, his eyes warm.Yes, we were, he agreed. Shall we call you Jane?How did you know? I asked, unable to curb my intensity. I realized I was disposition toward him again.He seemed to be wavering, torn by some internal dilemma. His eyes locked with mine, and I guessed he was making the decision right then whether or not to simply tell me the truth.You can trust me, you know, I murmured. I reached forward, withoutthinking, to touch his folded hands, but he slid them away minutely, and I pulled my hand back.I dont know if I have a choice anymore. His voice was almost a whisper. I was wrong youre much more observing than I gave you credit for.I thought you were always right.I used to be. He shook his head again. I was wrong about you on one other thing, as well. Youre not a attracter for accidents thats not a broad enough classification. You are a magnet for trouble. If there is anything dangerous within a ten-mile radius, it will invariably find you.And you put yourself into that course of instruction? I guessed.His face turned cold, expressionless. Unequivocally.I stretched my hand across the table again ignoring him when he pulled back slightly once more to touch the back of his hand shyly with my fingertips. His skin was cold and hard, like a jewel.Thank you. My voice was desirous with gratitude. Thats twice now.His face softened. Lets not try for three, agreed?I scowled, but nodded. He moved his hand out from under mine, placing both of his under the table. But he leaned toward me.I followed you to Port Angeles, he admitted, speaking in a rush. Ive never tried to keep a specific person alive before, and its much more hard than I would have believed. But thats believably just because its you. Ordinary people seem to make it th rough the day without so many catastrophes. He paused. I wondered if it should bother me that he was following me instead I felt a strange rushing of pleasure. He stared, maybe wondering why my lips were curving into an involuntary smile.Did you ever think that maybe my number was up the outset time, with the van, and that youve been interfering with fate? I speculated, distracting myself.That wasnt the first time, he said, and his voice was hard to hear. I stared at him in amazement, but he was looking down. Your number was up the first time I met you.I felt a spasm of fear at his words, and the abrupt memory of his violent black glare that first day but the overwhelming sense of safety I felt in his presence strangle it. By the time he looked up to read my eyes, there was no take after of fear in them.You remember? he asked, his angels face grave.Yes. I was calm.And yet here you sit. There was a trace of disbelief in his voice he raised one eyebrow.Yes, here I sit because of y ou. I paused. Because somehow you knew how to find me straightaway ? I prompted.He pressed his lips together, staring at me through narrowed eyes, deciding again. His eyes flashed down to my full plate, and then back to me.You eat, Ill talk, he bargained.I quickly scooped up another ravioli and popped it in my mouth.Its harder than it should be safekeeping track of you. usually I can find someone very easily, once Ive heard their mind before. He looked at me anxiously, and I realized I had frozen. I made myself swallow, then stabbed another ravioli and tossed it in.I was keeping tabs on Jessica, not carefully like I said, only you could find trouble in Port Angeles and at first I didnt notice when you took off on your own. then(prenominal), when I realized that you werent with her anymore, I went looking for you at the bookstore I saw in her head. I could tell that you hadnt kaput(p) in, and that youd gone south and I knew you would have to turn around soon. So I was just wai ting for you, randomly look for through the thoughts of people on the street to see if anyone had noticed you so I would know where you were. I had no evidence to be worried but I was strangely anxious He was lost in thought, staring past me, comprehend things I couldnt imagine.I started to drive in circles, still listening. The sun was finally setting, and I was about to get out and follow you on foot. And then - He stopped, clenching his teeth together in sudden fury. He made an effort to calm himself.Then what? I whispered. He continued to stare over my head.I heard what they were thinking, he growled, his upper lip curling slightly back over his teeth. I saw your face in his mind. He suddenly leaned forward, one elbow appearing on the table, his hand covering his eyes. The movement was so swift it startled me.It was very hard you cant imagine how hard for me to simply take you away, and leave them alive. His voice was muffled by his arm. I could have let you go with Jessic a and Angela, but I was afraid if you left me alone, I would go looking for them, he admitted in a whisper.I sat quietly, dazed, my thoughts incoherent. My hands were folded in my lap, and I was leaning weakly against the back of the seat. He still had his face in his hand, and he was as still as if hed been carved from the stone his skin resembled.Finally he looked up, his eyes seeking mine, full of his own questions.Are you ready to go home? he asked.Im ready to leave, I qualified, overly grateful that we had the hour-long ride home together. I wasnt ready to say goodbye to him.The waitress appeared as if shed been called. Or watching.How are we doing? she asked Edward.Were ready for the check, thank you. His voice was quiet, rougher, still reflecting the strain of our conversation. It seemed to mountain her. He looked up, waiting.S-sure, she stuttered. Here you go. She pulled a small leather folder from the front max of her black apron and handed it to him.There was a bill in h is hand already. He slipped it into the folder and handed it right back to her.No change. He smiled. Then he stood up, and I scrambled awkwardly to my feet.She smiled invitingly at him again. You have a nice evening.He didnt look away from me as he thanked her. I conquer a smile.He walked close beside me to the door, still careful not to touch me. I remembered what Jessica had said about her relationship with Mike, how they were almost to the first-kiss stage. I sighed. Edward seemed to hear me, and he looked down curiously. I looked at the sidewalk, grateful that he didnt seem to be able to know what I was thinking.He opened the passenger door, holding it for me as I stepped in, ending it softly behind me. I watched him walk around the front of the car, amazed, yet again, by how graceful he was. I probably should have been used to that by now but I wasnt. I had a feeling Edward wasnt thekind of person anyone got used to.Once inside the car, he started the engine and turned the h eater on high. It had gotten very cold, and I guessed the good weather was at an end. I was warm in his jacket, though, ventilating system in the scent of it when I thought he couldnt see.Edward pulled out through the traffic, plain without a glance, flipping around to head toward the freeway.Now, he said significantly, its your turn.