The Twilight Saga 2: New Moon Chapter 24 VOTE

HE WAS NOT PLEASED, THAT MUCH WAS EASY TO READ in his event. motionlessness, without further argument, he took me in his arms and sprang lithely from my wind upow, landing without the slightest jolt, interchangeable a cat. It was a com time of dayd bit farther down than Id imagined.All right then(prenominal), he give tongue to, his darkice buzz with disapproval. Up you go.He helped me onto his foul, and took off running. Even later on all this time, it felt routine. Easy. Evidently this was something you never forgot, same riding a bicycle.It was so very peace of head teacher and Cimmerian as he ran through the forest, his breathing slow and evendark liberal that the trees flying past us were nearly invisible, and only the rush of air in my face truly gave a route our speed. The air was damp it didnt burn my eyes the way the wind in the big plaza had, and that was comforting. As was the night, too, after that wonderful brightness. Like the thick reliever Id playe d beneath as a child, the dark felt familiar and protecting.I think roughed that running through the forest uniform this used to frighten me, that I used to consecrate wizard crossways to close myeyes. It come upmed a silly reaction to me now. I kept my eyes wide, my chin resting on his shoulder, my crust against his neck. The speed was exhilarating. A hundred times founder than the motorcycle.I turned my face toward him and pressed my lips into the cold stone skin of his neck.Thank you, he said, as the vague, black shapes of trees raced past us. Does that mean youve decided youre awake?I laughed. The sound was easy, natural, effortless. It sounded right. Not really. More that, either way, Im non laborious to wake up. Not tonight.Ill wee-wee your trust back somehow, he murmured, mostly to himself. If its my final act.I trust you, I as acceptedd him. Its me I dont trust.Explain that, pl soothe.Hed slowed to a walkI could only govern because the wind ceasedand I makeed that we werent far from the house. In fact, I model I could make out the sound of the river rushing somewhere close by in the darkness. head I strugg guide to find the right way to phrase it. I dont trust myself to be enough. To deserve you. Theres nothing about me that could brook you.He stopped and reached most to pull me from his back. His gentle hands did not release me after hed set me on my feet again, he wrapped his arms tightly around me, hugging me to his chest.Your hold is permanent and unbreakable, he verbalise. Never doubt that.But how could I not?You never did tell me he murmured.What?What your greatest problem is.Ill egest you one look. I sighed, and reached up to touch the tip of his nose with my index finger.He nodded. Im worse than the Volturi, he said grimly. I guess Ive earned that.I rolled my eyes. The scald the Volturi can do is kill me.He waited with tense eyes.You can leave me, I explained. The Volturi, Victoria theyre nothing compared to that.Even in the darkness, I could see the twisting twist his faceit reminded me of his expression under Janes torturing gaze I felt sick, and regretted speaking the truth.Dont, I whispered, touching his face. Dont be sad.He pulled one corner of his address up halfheartedly, just the expression didnt touch his eyes. If there was only some way to make you see that I cant leave you, he whispered. Time, I suppose, result be the way to convince you.I liked the idea of time. Okay, I agreed.His face was unflustered tormented. I assay to distract him with inconsequentials.Sosince youre staying. Can I stand my stuff back? I asked, making my tone as light as I could manage.My attempt worked, to an extent he laughed. But his eyes maintained the misery. Your things were never gone, he told me. I knew it was wrong, since I promised you peace without reminders. It was stupid and childish, but I asked to leave something of myself with you. The CD, the pictures, the ticketstheyre all under your floorb oards.Really?He nodded, apparent slightly cheered by my obvious pleasure in this trivial fact. It wasnt enough to heal the pain in his face completely.I think, I said slowly, Im not sure, but I wonder I think maybe I knew it the whole time.What did you make love?I only trusted to trail away the woe in his eyes, but as I spoke the words, they sounded truer than I expected they would.Some part of me, my subconscious maybe, never stopped believing that you comfort cared whether I lived or died. Thats probably why I was audition the voices.There was a very bass silence for a moment. Voices? he asked flatly.Well, on the nose one voice. Yours. Its a long story. The wary look on his face made me wish that I hadnt brought that up. Would he think I was crazy, like everyone else? Was everyone else right about that? But at least that expressionthe one that made him look like something was burning himfaded.Ive got time. His voice was unnaturally even.Its pretty pathetic.He waited.I wasn t sure how to explain. Do you remember what Alice said about extreme sports?He spoke the words without inflection or emphasis. You jumped off a cliff for fun.Er, right. And before that, with the motorcycleMotorcycle? he asked. I knew his voice well enough to hear something brewing behind the calm.I guess I didnt tell Alice about that part.No.Well, about that See, I found that when I was doing something perilous or stupid I could remember you more clearly, I confessed, feeling completely mental. I could remember how your voice sounded when you were angry. I could hear it, like you were standing right there bordering to me. Mostly I tried not to think about you, but this didnt hurt so muchit was like you were protecting me again. Likeyou didnt want me to be hurt.And, well, I wonder if the yard I could hear you so clearly was because, underneath it all. I constantly knew that you hadnt stopped loving me.Again, as I spoke, the words brought with them a sense of conviction. Of rightne ss. Some deep value inside me recognized truth.His words came out half-strangled. You were risking your spirit to hearShh, I interrupted him. Hold on a second. I think Im having an epiph any(prenominal) here.I thought of that night in Port Angeles when Id had my first delusion. Id amount up with two options. Insanity or wish fulfillment. Id seen no third option.But what ifWhat if you sincerely believed something was true, but you were dead wrong? What if you were so stubbornly sure that you were right, that you wouldnt even consider the truth? Would the truth be silenced, or would it try to break through?Option triple Edward loved me. The bond forged amongst us was not one that could be broken by absence, distance, or time. And no matter how much more special or beautiful or brilliant or perfect than me he might be, he was as irreversibly altered as I was. As I would forever blend in to him, so would he always be mine.Was that what Id been trying to tell myself?OhBella?Oh. Ok ay. I see.Your epiphany? he asked, his voice uneven and strained.You love me, I marveled. The sense of conviction and meanness washed through me again.Though his eyes were still anxious, the crooked smile I loved best flashed across his face. Truly, I do.My heart inflated like it was dismissal to crack right through my ribs. It filled my chest and blocked my throat so that I could not speak.He really did want me the way I wanted himforever. It was only fear for my soul, for the human things he didnt want to take from me, that made him so desperate to leave me mortal. Compared to the fear that he didnt want me, this hurdlemy soulseemed almost insignificant.He took my face tightly between his cool hands and kissed me until I was so dizzy the forest was spinning. Then he leaned his forehead against mine, and I was not the only one breathing trickyer than usual.You were better at it than I was, you know, he told me.Better at what?Surviving. You, at least, made an effort. You got up i n the morning, tried to be normal for Charlie, followed the pattern of your life. When I wasnt actively tracking, I was tout ensemble useless. I couldnt be around my familyI couldnt be around anyone. Im embarrassed to admit that I more or less curling up into a ball and let the misery yield me. He grinned, sheepish. It was much more pathetic than hearing voices. And, of course, you know I do that, too.I was deeply relieved that he really seemed to understandcomforted that this all made sense to him. At any rate, he wasnt expression at me like I was crazy. He was looking at me like he loved me.I only heard one voice, I change by reversal him.He laughed and then pulled me tight against his right side and started to lead me forward.Im just humoring you with this. He motioned broadly with his hand toward the darkness in front of us as we walked. There was something pale and bulky therethe house, I recognise. It doesnt matter in the slightest what they say.This affects them now, t oo.He shrugged indifferently.He led me through the open front door into the dark house and flipped the lights on. The room was just as Id remembered itthe piano and the white couches and the pale, massive staircase. No dust, no white sheets.Edward called out the names with no more majority than Id use in regular conversation. Carlisle? Esme? Rosalie? Emmett? Jasper? Alice? They would hear.Carlisle was short standing beside me, as if hed been there all along. Welcome back, Bella. He smiled. What can we do for you this morning? I imagine, cod to the hour, that this is not a purely social visit?I nodded. Id like to talk to everyone at once, if thats okay. About something important.I couldnt help glancing up at Edwards face as I spoke. His expression was critical, but resigned. When I looked back to Carlisle, he was looking at Edward, too.Of course, Carlisle said. Why dont we talk in the other room?Carlisle led the way through the bright living room, around the corner to the dine roo m, turning on lights as he went. The walls were white, the ceilings high, like the living room. In the heart of the room, under the low-hanging chandelier, was a large, polished oval board surrounded by eight chairs. Carlisle held out a chair for me at the head.Id never seen the Cullens use the dining room table beforeit was just a prop. They didnt eat in the house.As soon as I turned to sit in the chair, I aphorism that we were not alone. Esme had followed Edward, and behind her the rest of the family filed in.Carlisle sat down on my right, and Edward on my left. Everyone else took their seats in silence. Alice was grinning at me, already in on the plot. Emmett and Jasper looked curious, and Rosalie smiled at me tentatively. My resolventing smile was just as timid. That was going to take some acquiring used to.Carlisle nodded toward me. The floor is yours.I swallowed. Their gazing eyes made me nervous. Edward took my hand under the table. I peeked at him, but he was watching th e others, his fate suddenly fierce.Well, I paused. Im hoping Alice has already told you everything that happened in Volterra?Everything, Alice assured me.I threw her a meaningful look. And on the way?That, too, she nodded.Good, I sighed with relief. Then were all on the same page.They waited patiently while I tried to order my thoughts.So, I have a problem, I began. Alice promised the Volturi that I would become one of you. Theyre going to send someone to check, and Im sure thats a bad thingsomething to avoid.And so, now, this involves you all. Im sorry about that. I looked at each one of their beautiful faces, saving the most beautiful for last. Edwards mouth was turned down into a grimace. But, if you dont want me, then Im not going to force myself on you, whether Alice is involuntary or not.Esme opened her mouth to speak, but I held up one finger to stop her.Please, let me finish. You all know what I want. And Im sure you know what Edward thinks, too. I think the only fair way t o decide is for everyone to have a take. If you decide you dont want me, then I guess Ill go back to Italy alone. I cant have them glide slope here. My forehead creased as I considered that.There was the faint rumble of a growl in Edwards chest. I ignored him.pickings into account, then, that I wont put any of you in danger either way, I want you to vote yes or no on the issue of me becoming a vampire.I half-smiled on the last word, and gestured toward Carlisle to begin.Just a minute, Edward interrupted.I glared at him through narrowed eyes. He raised his eyebrows at me, squeezing my hand.I have something to add before we vote.I sighed.About the danger Bellas referring to, he continued. I dont think we need to be overly anxious.His expression became more animated. He put his free hand on the shining table and leaned forward.You see, he explained, looking around the table while he spoke, there was more than one reason why I didnt want to shake Aros hand there at the end. Theres som ething they didnt think of, and I didnt want to cine them in. He grinned.Which was? Alice prodded. I was sure my expression was just as skeptical as hers.The Volturi are overconfident, and with easily reason. When they decide to find someone, its not really a problem. Do you remember Demetri? He glanced down at me.I shuddered. He took that as a yes.He finds peoplethats his talent, why they throw him.Now, the whole time we were with any of them, I was picking their brains for anything that might save us, acquiring as much information as possible. So I saw how Demetris talent works. Hes a trackera tracker a thousand times more gifted than Jarres was. His expertness is loosely related to what I do, or what Aro does. He catches the flavor? I dont know how to describe it the tenor of someones mind, and then he follows that. It works over immense distances.But after Aros little experiments, well Edward shrugged.You think he wont be able to find me, I said flatly.He was smug. Im sure o f it. He relies totally on that other sense. When it doesnt work with you, theyll all be blind.And how does that solve anything?Quite obviously, Alice will be able to tell when theyre planning a visit, and Ill hide you. Theyll be helpless, he said with fierce enjoyment. It will be like looking for a piece of straw in a haystackHe and Emmett interchange a glance and a smirk.This made no sense. But they can find you, I reminded him.And I can take care of myself.Emmett laughed, and reached across the table toward his brother, extending a fist.Excellent plan, my brother, he said with enthusiasm.Edward stretched out his arm to smack Emmetts fist with his own.No, Rosalie hissed.Absolutely not, I agreed.Nice. Jaspers voice was appreciative.Idiots, Alice muttered.Esme just glared at Edward.I straightened up in my chair, focusing. This was my meeting.All right, then. Edward has offered an alternative for you to consider, I said coolly. Lets vote.I looked toward Edward this time it would be better to get his opinion out of the way. Do you want me to hook up with your family?His eyes were hard and black as flint. Not that way. Youre staying human.I nodded once, nourishing my face businesslike, and then expunged on.Alice?Yes.Jasper?Yes, he said, voice grave. I was a little rampdI hadnt been at all sure of his votebut I suppressed my reaction and head for the hillsd on.Rosalie?She hesitated, biting down on her full, perfect bottom lip. No.I kept my face blank and turned my head slightly to move on, but she held up both her hands, touchs forward.Let me explain, she pleaded. I dont mean that I have any aversion to you as a sister. Its just that this is not the life I would have chosen for myself. I wish there had been someone there to vote no for me.I nodded slowly, and then turned to Emmett.Hell, yes He grinned. We can find some other way to pick a fight with this Demetri.I was still grimacing at that when I looked at Esme.Yes, of course, Bella. I already think of yo u as part of my family.Thank you, Esme, I murmured as I turned toward Carlisle.I was suddenly nervous, wishing I had asked for his vote first. I was sure that this was the vote that mattered most, the vote that counted more than any majority.Carlisle wasnt looking at me.Edward, he said.No, Edward growled. His jaw was strained tight, his lips curled back from his teeth.Its the only way that makes sense, Carlisle insisted. Youve chosen not to live without her, and that doesnt leave me a choice.Edward dropped my hand, shoving away from the table. He stalked out of the room, snarling under his breath.I guess you know my vote. Carlisle sighed.I was still staring after Edward. Thanks, I mumbled.An earsplitting crash echoed from the other room.I flinched, and spoke quickly. Thats all I needed. Thank you. For wanting to keep me. I feel exactly the same way about all of you, too. My voice was jagged with emotion by the end.Esme was at my side in a flash, her cold arms around me. Dearest Bel la, she breathed.I hugged her back. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Rosalie looking down at the table, and I realized that my words could be construed in two ways.Well, Alice, I said when Esme released me. Where do you want to do this?Alice stared at me, her eyes widening with terror.No No NO Edward roared, charging back into the room. He was in my face before I had time to blink, bending over me, his expression twisted in rage. Are you insane? he shouted. Have you utterly lost your mind?I cringed away, my hands over my ears.Um, Bella, Alice interjected in an anxious voice. I dont think Im ready for that. Ill need to prepareYou promised, I reminded her, glaring under Edwards arm.I know, but Seriously, Bella I dont have any idea how to not killyou.You can do it, I encouraged. I trust you.Edward elusive in fury.Alice shook her head quickly, looking apprehensionked.Carlisle? I turned to look at him.Edward grabbed my face in his hand, forcing me to look at him. His other hand w as out, palm toward Carlisle.Carlisle ignored that. Im able to do it, he answered my question. I wished I could see his expression. You would be in no danger of me losing control.Sounds good. I hoped he could understand it was hard to talk clearly the way Edward held my jaw.Hold on, Edward said between his teeth. It doesnt have to be now.Theres no reason for it not to be now, I said, the words coming out distorted.I can think of a few.Of course you can, I said sourly. Now let go of me.He freed my face, and folded his arms across his chest. In about two hours, Charlie will be here looking for you. I wouldnt put it past him to involve the police.All three of them. But I frowned.This was always the hardest part. Charlie, Renee. Now Jacob, too. The people I would lose, the people I would hurt. I wished there was some way that I could be the only one to suffer, but I knew that was impossible.At the same time, I was hurting them more by staying human. Putting Charlie in constant danger th rough my proximity. Putting Jake in worse danger still by drawing his enemies across the land he felt bound to protect. And ReneeI couldnt even risk a visit to see my own acquire for fear of bringing my deadly problems along with meI was a danger magnet Id accepted that about myself.Accepting this, I knew I needed to be able to take care of myself and protect the ones I loved, even if that meant that I couldnt be with them. I needed to be strong.In the interest of remaining inconspicuous, Edward said, still talking through his gritted teeth, but looking at Carlisle now, I suggest that we put this conversation off, at the very least until Bella finishes high school, and moves out of Charlies house.Thats a reasonable request, Bella, Carlisle pointed out.I thought about Charlies reaction when he woke up this morning, ifafter all that life had put him through in the last week with Harrys loss, and then I had put him through with my unexplained disappearancehe were to find my bed empty. Charlie deserved better than that. It was just a little more time graduation wasnt so far awayI pursed my lips. Ill consider it.Edward relaxed. His jaw unclenched.I should probably take you home, he said, more calm now, but clearly in a hurry to get me out of here. Just in case Charlie wakes up early.I looked at Carlisle. After graduation?You have my word.I took a deep breath, smiled, and turned back to Edward. Okay. You can take me home.Edward rushed me out of the house before Carlisle could promise me anything else. He took me out the back, so I didnt get to see what was broken in the living room.It was a quiet trip home. I was feeling triumphant, and a little smug. Scared stiff, too, of course, but I tried not to think about that part. It did me no good to worry about the painthe physical or the emotionalso I wouldnt. Not until I absolutely had to.When we got to my house, Edward didnt pause. He dashed up the wall and through my window in half a second. Then he pulled my arms frc m around his neck and set me on the bed.I thought I had a pretty good idea of what he was thinking, but his expression surprised me. Instead of furious, it was calculating. He paced silently back and forth across my dark room while I watched with growing suspicion.Whatever youre planning, its not going to work, I told him.Shh. Im thinking.Ugh, I groaned, throwing myself back on the bed and pulling the quilt over my head.There was no sound, but suddenly he was there. He flipped the cover back so he could see me. He waslying next to me. His hand reached up to brush my hair from my cheek.If you dont mind, Id much rather you didnt hide your face. Ive lived without it for as long as I can stand. Now tell me something.What? I asked, unwilling.If you could have anything in the world, anything at all, what would it be?I could feel the skepticism in my eyes. You.He shook his head impatiently. Something you dont already have.I wasnt sure where he was trying to lead me, so I thought carefully before I answered. I came up with something that was both true, and also probably impossible.I would want Carlisle not to have to do it. I would want you to change me.I watched his reaction warily, expecting more of the fury Id seen at his house. I was surprised that his expression didnt change. It was still calculating, thoughtful.What would you be willing to trade for that?I couldnt believe my ears. I gawked at his composed face and blurted out the answer before I could think about it.Anything.He smiled faintly, and then pursed his lips. Five years?My face twisted into an expression somewhere between chagrin and horror.You said anything, he reminded me.Yes, but youll use the time to find a way out of it. I have to strike while the iron is hot. Besides, its just too dangerous to be humanfor me, at least. So, anything but that.He frowned. Three years?NoIsnt it worth anyrhing to you at all? I thought about how much I wanted this. Better to keep a poker face, I decided, and not let hi m know how very much that was. It would give me more leverage. Six months?He rolled his eyes. Not good enough.One year, then, I said. Thats my limit.At least give me two.No way. Nineteen Ill do. But Im not going anywhere near twenty. If youre staying in your teens forever, then so am I.He thought for a minute. All right. Forget time limits. If you want me to be the onethen youll just haveto meet one condition.Condition? My voice went flat. What condition?His eyes were cautioushe spoke slowly. Marry me first.I stared at him, waiting Okay. Whats the punch line?He sighed. Youre wounding my ego, Bella. I just proposed to you, and you think its a joke.Edward, please be serious.I am one hundred percent serious. He gazed at me with no hint of humor in his face.Oh, cmon, I said, an knock against of hysteria in my voice. Im only eighteen.Well, Im nearly a hundred and ten. Its time I settled down.I looked away, out the dark window, trying to control the panic before it gave me away.Look, mar riage isnt exactly that high on my list of priorities, you know? It was sort of the kiss of death for Renee and Charlie.Interesting choice of words.You know what I mean.He inhaled deeply. Please dont tell me that youre afraid of the commitment, his voice was disbelieving, and I understood what he meant.Thats not it exactly, I hedged. Im afraid of Renee. She has some really intense opinions on getting married before youre thirty.Because shed rather you became one of the eternal damned than get married. He laughed darkly.You think youre joking.Bella, if you compare the level of commitment between a married union as opposed to bartering your soul in exchange for an eternity as a vampire He shook his head. If youre not brave enough to marry me, thenWell, I interrupted. What if I did? What if I told you to take me to Vegas now? Would I be a vampire in three days?He smiled, his teeth flashing in the dark. Sure, he said, calling my bluff. Ill get my car.Dammit. I muttered. Ill give you eig hteen months.No deal, he said, grinning. I like this condition.Fine. Ill have Carlisle do it when I graduate.If thats what you really want. He shrugged, and his smile became absolutely angelic.Youre impossible, I groaned. A monster.He chuckled. Is that why you wont marry me?I groaned again.He leaned toward me his night-dark eyes melted and smoldered and shatter my concentration. Please, Bella? he breathed.I forgot how to breathe for a moment. When I recovered, I shook my head quickly, trying to clear my suddenly clouded mind.Would this have gone better if I d had time to get a ring.No No rings I very nearly snouted.Now youve done it, he whispered.Oops.Charlies getting up Id better leave, Edward said with resignation.My heart stopped beating.He gauged my expression for a second. Would it be childish of me to hide in your closet, then?No, I whispered eagerly. Stay. Please.Edward smiled and disappeared.I seethed in the darkness as I waited for Charlie to check on me. Edward knew exac tly what he was doing, and I was willing to bet that all the injured surprise was part of the ploy. Of course, I still had the Carlisle option, but now that I knew there was a chance that Edward would change me himself, I wanted it bad. He was such a cheater.My door cracked open.Morning, Dad.Oh, hey, Bella. He sounded embarrassed at getting caught. I didnt know you were awake.Yeah. Ive just been waiting ior you to wake up so I could take a shower. I started to get up.Hold on, Charlie said, flipping the light on. I blinked in the sudden brightness, and carefully kept my eyes away from the closet. Lets talk for a minute first.I couldnt control my grimace. Id forgotten to ask Alice for a good excuse.You know youre in trouble.Yeah, I know.I just about went crazy these last three days. I come home from Harrys funeral, and youre gone. Jacob could only tell me that youd run off with Alice Cullen, and that he thought you were in trouble. You didnt leave me a number, and you didnt call. I di dnt know where you were or whenor ifyou were coming back. Do you have any idea how how He couldnt finish the sentence. He sucked in a sharp breath and moved on. Can you give me one reason why I shouldnt ship you off to Jacksonville this second?My eyes narrowed. So it was going to be threats, was it? Two could play at that game. I sat up, pulling the quilt around me. Because I wont go.Now just one minute, young ladyLook, Dad, I accept complete responsibility for my actions, and you have the right to ground me for as long as you want. I will also do all the chores and laundry and dishes until you think Ive learned my lesson. And I guess youre within your rights if you want to kick me out, toobut that wont make me to go to Florida.His face turned bright red. He took a few deep breaths before he answered.Would you like to explain where youve been?Oh, crap. There was an emergency.He raised his eyebrows in expectation of my brilliant account.I filled my cheeks with air and then blew it o ut noisily. I dont know what to tell you, Dad. It was mostly a misunderstanding. He said, she said. It got out of hand.He waited with a distrustful expression.See, Alice told Rosalie about me jumping off the cliff I was scrambling frantically to make this work, to keep it as close to the truth as possible so that my inability to lie convincingly would not undermine the excuse, but before I could go on, Charlies expression reminded me that he didnt know arything about thecliff.Major oops. As if I wasnt already toast.I guess I didnt tell you about that, I clotted out. It was nothing. Just messing around, swimming with Jake. Anyway, Rosalie told Edward, and he was upset. She sort of accidentally made it sound like I wa? trying to kill myself or something. He wouldnt answer his phone, so Alice dragged me to L.A., to explain in person. I shrugged, desperately hoping that he would not be so distracted by my slip that hed miss the brilliant explanation Id provided.Charlies face was frozen. Were you trying to kill yourself, Bella?No, of course not. Just having fun with Jake. Cliff diving. The La Push kids do it all the time. Like I said, nothing.Charlies face het upfrom frozen to hot with fury. Whats it to Edward Cullen anyway? he barked. All this time, hes just left you dangling without a wordI interrupted him. Another misunderstanding.His face flush again. So is he back then?Im not sure what the exact plan is. I think they all are.He shook his head, the vein in his forehead pulsing. I want you to stay away from him, Bella. I dont trust him. Hes rotten for you. I wont let him mess you up like that again.Fine, I said curtly.Charlie rocked back onto his heels. Oh. He scrambled for a second, exhaling loudly in surprise. I thought you were going to be difficult.I am. I stared straight into his eyes. I meant, Fine, Ill move out.His eyes bulged his face turned puce. My resolve wavered as I started to worry about his health. He was no younger than HarryDad, I dont want to move out, I said in a softer tone. I love you. I know youre worried, but you need to trust me on this. And youre going to have to ease up on Edward if you want me to stay. Do you want me to live here or not?Thats not fair, Bella. You know I want you to stay.Then be nice to Edward, because hes going to be where I am. I said it with confidence. The conviction of my epiphany was still strong.Not under my roof, Charlie stormed.I sighed a heavy sigh. Look, Im not going to give you any more ultimatums tonightor I guess its this morning. Just think about it for a few days, okay? But keep in mind that Edward and I are sort of a package deal.BellaThink it over, I insisted. And while youre doing that, could you give me some privacy? I really need a shower.Charlies face was a strange shade of purple, but he left, slamming the door behind him. I heard him stomp furiously down the stairs.I threw off my quilt, and Edward was already there, sitting in the rocking chair as if he d been present thr ough the whole conversation.Sorry about that, I whispered.Its not as if I dont deserve far worse, he murmured. Dont start anything with Charlie over me, please. Dont worry about it, I breathed as I gathered up my seat things and a set of clean clothes. I will start exactly as much as is necessary, and no more than that. Or are you trying to tell me I have nowhere to go? I widened my eyes with false alarm.Youd move in with a house full of vampires?Thats probably the safest place for someone like me. Besides I grinned. If Charlie kicks me out, then theres no need for a graduation deadline, is there?His jaw tightened. So eager for eternal damnation, he muttered.You know you dont really believe that.Oh, dont I? he fumed.No. You dont.He glowered at me and started to speak, but I cut him off.If you really believed that youd lost your soul, then when I found you in Volterra, you would have realized immediately what was happening, instead of thinking we were both dead together. But you did ntyou said Amazing. Carlisle was right, I reminded him, triumphant. Theres hope in you, after all.For once, Edward was speechless.So lets both just be hopeful, all right? I suggested. Not that it matters. If you stay, I dont need heaven.He got up slowly, and came to put his hands on either side of my face as he stared into my eyes. Forever, he vowed, still a little staggered.Thats all Im asking for, I said, and stretched up on my toes so that I could press my lips to his.