Ch 35 - Sweetest Goodbye

How does it feel to know you never have to be alone
When you get home
There must be someplace here that only you and I could go
So I can show you how I…
Dream away everyday
Try so hard to disregard
The rhythm of the rain that drops
And coincides with the beating of my heart
I'll never leave you behind Or treat you unkind
I know you understand
And with a tear in my eye
Give me the sweetest goodbye
That I ever did receive

“Sweetest Goodbye” – Maroon 5

I had no idea what Edward meant by “It’s starting”, and he certainly wasn’t elaborating. He was silent the entire drive back to the Cullen house, zipping through the streets at speeds that would frighten any human.

He pulled up in the driveway and slammed on the breaks, jolting me forward roughly. I yelped as the seatbelt dug into me. I unclicked it and rubbed my chest—there was definitely going to be a bruise.

Edwards eyes shot to me quickly and widened. “Oh God, Bella, I’m so sorry,” he said. “Did I hurt you?”

“I’ll be fine,” I said. I opened up my door to get out and Edward was at my side in an instant, holding his hand out to help me. I smiled weakly and took it, allowing him to pull me out. My chest burned slightly but I tried to ignore it, not wanting to make him feel bad. He was glancing at me apologetically. “Really, I’m fine.”

He nodded once, not convinced but not pushing the issue thankfully. He led me into the house, where the rest of the family waited.

“How long?” he asked instantly, glancing at Alice.

“11 hours give or take 30 minutes or so. Around sunrise.”

He nodded, frowning. “We need to get Bella out of here. I can have her on a plane to Jacksonville within the hour.” I shot an incredulously look at him, while Rose huffed loudly as if she were going to say something rude. Before either of us could speak up, Carlisle spoke.

“No, Bella should remain close by where she can be guarded.”

Edward looked skeptical, obviously not agreeing. “How are we going to guard her and take them on at the same time?”

Carlisle’s eyes met Edward’s and Edward growled loudly, absolutely furious. His eyes darkened. “Absolutely not!!”

“It’ll work, she’ll be safe,” Carlisle said calmly.

“No!” Edward growled again.

“It’s the best way. They have the numbers to do it.”

Edward shook his head frantically. “I said no, Carlisle! There’s no way I’m letting her go there with them,” he spat.

The rest of the family watched their conversation with confusion.

“Wait, what’s going on? Where am I going?” I asked.

“Nowhere!” Edward yelled, his eyes meeting mine. There was fury in them, his rage boiling over. I flinched, the tone of his voice frightening me. “I’m so sorry Bella!” he said instantly, his expression softening. “I didn’t mean to yell, it’s not your fault.”

“Uh, it’s okay,” I said. “But really, I’m confused.” I looked at Alice, hoping she could clue me in, but she shrugged. She was just as in the dark as me.

“I’m simply saying that the safest place for Bella to be is on the reservation,” Carlisle said. I gasped, turning to him.

“With the wolves?” I asked. Carlisle nodded.

“That makes sense,” Jasper said. “Better some of them stay behind and keep guard than for us to. I’d prefer us to be on the front line.”

Edward growled, shaking his head no, but didn’t say anything.

“Front line? What’s going on, seriously? Someone please clue me in here. Why are you talking like there’s a war?”

“Because maybe there is,” Rosalie said, her voice cold.

“It’s not a war,” Edward said sharply. He turned to me and sighed. “Victoria has built up more than I anticipated. It looks to be about twenty or so. Alice had a vision; they’re coming this direction. We’re going to head them off before they hit Forks.”

“Twenty?!” I felt myself starting to panic. If Victoria were coming with nearly two dozen vampires, that meant the Cullen’s would definitely be way outnumbered.

“Don’t worry, Bella, we’ll be fine,” Alice said, sensing my panic.

“Yeah. They have the numbers but they’re all mostly newborns. We have experience on our side,” Jasper said confidently.

“It’ll be easy. Too easy, honestly,” Emmett chimed in with.

I smiled lightly at their attempts to calm me, even though it didn’t do much to quell my panic. I was afraid of what was going to happen, afraid for them. They’d gone against James and it took most of them to take him down—it hadn’t been easy. They were going again Victoria, who was just as experienced as James, and a dozen other vampires.

“We also have the Quileute’s on our side,” Carlisle said. I eyed him suspiciously and he laughed. “Yes, we’re working on the same side. Victoria and her coven of newborns is just as much a threat to them as they are to us.”

I nodded, knowing he was telling the truth. “And you want me to stay on the reservation?”

Carlisle said ‘yes’ the same time Edward said ‘no’. I almost laughed at how comical it was, but the seriousness of the situation kept me composed.

“Okay, I guess that’s okay. I mean I don’t know if they’d want me there though, they aren’t exactly happy with me,” I said. Edward shot me a look of disbelief at my agreement to go to La Push.

“I’m sure they’ll gladly allow you to stay with them. They know why Victoria is coming and regardless of personal feelings, the Quileute’s mean well and will do anything to protect an innocent.”

I nodded, uncertain but Carlisle seemed confident. Edward groaned, still not liking the idea.

“The dogs are so immature, Carlisle! They’re dangerous. What if one of them loses control?”

Carlisle sighed. “It’s the safest way to keep her protected. She’s in more danger from those coming than she is from the wolves.”

They stared at each other for a moment, obviously having a silent conversation. Edward sighed after a moment, seeming resigned. “Fine,” he grumbled.

I smiled, trying to reassure him. I personally wasn’t so sure of the idea. I trusted the wolves, I was well aware of their abilities in destroying vampires. What I wasn’t confident about was whether or not they’d stick their necks out to protect me. Sam had said it himself—I wasn’t an innocent, I knew what I was getting into when I associated with the Cullen’s. They’d obviously protect their people, but if it came down to it would they be willing to sacrifice anything to save me?

I desperately wanted to argue, wanted to demand that they allow me to help. But what could I do? I was a mortal, a lone human girl. I couldn’t face a bloodthirsty immortal and walk away alive. But I didn’t want the Cullen’s going up against them either. This fight was my fault and they were sacrificing everything to save me. It wasn’t fair.

The family disbursed, everything seemingly settled. Edward led me to the couch and pulled me onto it. He lay down and pulled me on top of him, my head lying on his chest. Our legs were intertwined together and he wrapped his arms around me, embracing me tightly. Edward rarely let our bodies touch so much—he often pulled my head to lay over where his heart sit inside his chest, but never did he allow our bodies to fuse into one with me completely on top of him. I always figured it was too difficult for him, too dangerous. If it became too much, it would be hard for him to get away quickly with me on top of him.

“My Bella,” he whispered, kissing the top of my head. “Oh how I love you, my Bella.” I moaned softly, closing my eyes. My eyes shot open swiftly a moment later when I felt something stir and harden underneath me, pressing into my stomach. Edward shifted me off of him quickly. I sat up and stared at him wide-eyed. He diverted his eyes away from me, appearing ashamed.

“Was that…?” I started, unsure of how to ask or whether or not I should. I blushed and looked away from him when he glanced in my direction.

“Yeah, sorry,” he muttered. He ran his hand through his hair nervously and sat up, pushing me off of him completely. “I can’t help it.”

“Don’t apologize,” I said. I let out a laugh, a mixture of embarrassment and surprise. I wasn’t at all upset about it or disgusted, as Edward seemed to think I was. I was quite shocked, honestly, having ignited such a response in him.

Carlisle chose that moment to walk in the room. He glanced between us, obviously sensing the slight awkwardness.

“No it’s fine, you’re not interrupting,” Edward mumbled to Carlisle. Carlisle smiled.

“I wasn’t sure… Anyway, Billy said they’d be glad to keep you on the reservation. They were going to have one or two of the wolves stay behind to guard La Push anyway.”

I nodded and Edward mumbled something I couldn’t make out.

“We’re going to meet with them in a few minutes to sort things out. Bella you should try to get a bit of sleep.”

I nodded, knowing he was right but not feeling the least bit tired. Carlisle offered me a sleeping pill, which I hesitantly took. When I started feeling the effects of it, Edward picked me up and carried me up the stairs to his room. I tried to fight him, tried to get him to put me down, but he refused.

I drifted off into a dreamless sleep quickly.

Someone shaking me awakened me. I groaned and tried to pull away from them, grumbling about getting a few more hours of sleep. The sound of Edward chuckling brought me out of my slumber. I turned over and peeked my eyes open to see him sitting on the edge of the bed, smiling.

“It’s still dark out,” I muttered. He laughed again, nodding.

“It is. But you’re going to have to head to the reservation soon. We need to be in place before sunrise.”

I groaned, realization of what was to come shortly hitting me. Edward smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry, it’ll all be over with soon. Go ahead and get dressed, Alice put some clothes out for you. Esme’s making some coffee for you downstairs.”

I nodded, forcing myself up. Edward chuckled again, exiting the room to give me some privacy. I went into his bathroom and washed up quickly, throwing on the black velour yoga pants and hoodie with the white tank top that Alice had sitting on the couch for me. I threw my hair back in a ponytail and slowly made my way downstairs.

Esme indeed had a thermos of coffee waiting and I took a sip of it the moment she handed it to me. It was exquisite and I moaned as the hot liquid coated my throat. I heard Jasper laugh behind me and turned to see him looking at Edward. Edward groaned and was shaking his head.

“What’s so funny?” I asked. Jasper smiled mischievously.

“Nothing, love,” Edward said, glaring at Jasper. Jasper shrugged and winked at me before turning to walk away, still laughing lightly and shaking his head. It wasn’t like Jasper to be so downright chipper and playful, it caught me off guard.

I intended to question Edward about it but Carlisle stepped into the room and Edward sighed loudly. “Time to get going Bella,” he said softly. I nodded, forgetting about everything except for the situation at hand.

I slipped into the passenger seat of the Volvo as Edward got into the drivers side. I was startled when Carlisle and Jasper slid into the backseat of the car.

“In case the transfer gets intense,” Edward said softly, answering my questioning look.

“Transfer?” I asked, slightly confused.

Edward laughed dryly. “Yeah. We’re meeting some of the Quileute’s at the line. I can’t exactly deliver you to Billy’s house because of the treaty, so I have to hand you over to them at the line.”

I snorted. “I feel kinda like a prisoner being extradited.”

Carlisle and Jasper laughed but Edward just smiled sadly. It was evident he wasn’t happy about this situation at all. I smiled reassuringly at him.

Edward slowed the vehicle and came to a stop a few yards from the “Welcome to La Push” sign. I watched as 2 cars pulled up and stopped beside the sign.

“So this is the line?” Edward nodded. His frowned deepened. He hesitated briefly, but opened the door and sprinted to my side to help me out. I smiled lightly and glanced over across the field to see Sam and Jacob standing in front of the cars.

“You be careful, okay? You gotta come back to me.” There was panic evident in my voice. Edward sighed and nodded.

“I’ll be back to get you the first moment I get. I promise you that.” I smiled and nodded. I started taking a few steps toward where Jacob and Sam stood, my heart beating rapidly. I was frightened, uncertain of the future.

Edward called my name, his voice frantic. I swung around to look at him and his eyes were wide with heartbreak. I smiled sadly and he sprinted to my side quickly. I saw Carlisle and Jasper tense up out of the corner of my eye.

When Edward reached me, he pulled me to him and captured my lips with his. The kiss was slightly forceful and caused me to gasp in surprised at the intensity. I kissed him back with all I had, lacing my fingers through his hair. He pulled away after a moment and smiled.

I heard swearing coming from the Quileute’s side and Edward growled. I looked over to see Sam tensed up and Jacob cursing, his expression furious.

“Get him under control, Sam,” Edward yelled. I watched as Sam said something to Jacob. Jacob looked at him with disbelief before running off toward the wood. A moment later I heard a loud howl coming from the direction Jacob had just gone. Edward sighed, shaking his head.

“Go, before I change my mind,” he said softly. I nodded and started walking toward Sam. Edward retreated backward, stopping at the front of his car. He stayed there and watched as I climbed in the backseat of Sam’s car and we drove out of sight.