The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 16. EPOCH

I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR I MOANED TO MYSELF.Every item of clothing I owned was strewn across my bed my drawers and closets were bare. I stared into the empty recesses, giveing something suitable to appear.My khaki hoot lay over the back of the rocking chair, waiting for me to discover something that went with it skilful scarcely castigate. Something that would shamble me look beautiful and grown up. Something that utter special occasion. I was approach shot up empty.It was almost period to go, and I was mum wearing my favorite(a) old sweats. Unless I could find something better here and the odds werent looking profound at this point I was qualifying to graduate in them.I scowled at the pile of clothes on my bed.The kicker was that I k sweet exactly what I would shoot worn if it were still available my kidnapped red blouse. I punched the wall with my good hand.Stupid, thieving, annoying vampire I growled.What did I do? Alice demanded.She was leaning casually beside the open window as if shed been there the whole time.Knock, knock, she added with a grin.Is it very so hard to wait for me to get the door?She threw a flat, white box onto my bed. Im just passing through. I thought you might need something to wear.I looked at the big package lying on top of my unsatisfying wardrobe and grimaced.Admit it, Alice said. Im a lifesaver.Youre a lifesaver, I muttered. Thanks.Well, its nice to get something right for a change. You dont fare how irritating it is missing things the way I do been. I witness so useless. So . . . normal. She cringed in horror of the word.I force outt imagine how horrendous that must feel. Being normal? Ugh.She laughed. Well, at least this makes up for missing your annoying thief now I just have to figure protrude what Im not seeing in Seattle.When she said the run-in that way putting the two situations together in matchless sentence right then(prenominal) it clicked. The pernicious something that had been bothering me for days, the important connection that I couldnt quite put together, suddenly became clear. I stared at her, my face frozen with whatever expression was already in place.Arent you going to open it? she asked. She sighed when I didnt move immediately, and tugged the top of the box off herself. She pulled something out(a) and held it up, still I couldnt concentrate on what it was.Pretty, dont you hypothecate? I picked blue, because I screw its Edwards favorite on you.I wasnt listening.Its the comparable, I whispered.What is? she demanded. You dont have anything standardised this. For crying out loud, you only own one skirtNo, Alice Forget the clothes, listenYou dont like it? Alices face clouded with disappointment.Listen, Alice, dont you see? Its the same The one who broke in and stole my things, and the new vampires in Seattle. Theyre togetherThe clothes slipped from her fingers and fell back into the box.Alice view now, her voice suddenly sharp. Why do you think that?Rem ember what Edward said? About someone using the holes in your vision to keep you from seeing the newborns? And then what you said before, rough the timing being in any case perfective aspect how careful my thief was to make no contact, as if he knew you would see that. I think you were right, Alice, I think he did know. I think he was using those holes, too. And what are the odds that two different people not only know complete about you to do that, but also decided to do it at exactly the same time? No way. Its one person. The same one. The one who is making the army is the one who stole my scent.Alice wasnt accustomed to being taking by surprise. She froze, and was still for so long that I started counting in my header as I waited. She didnt move for two minutes great. Then her eyes refocused on me.Youre right, she said in a hollow tone. Of course youre right. And when you put it that way. . . .Edward had it wrong, I whispered. It was a test . . . to see if it would work. If he could get in and out safely as long as he didnt do anything you would be honoring out for. Like trying to kill me. . . . And he didnt take my things to prove hed found me. He stole my scent . . . so that others could find me.Her eyes were widely with shock. I was right, and I could see that she knew it, too.Oh, no, she mouthed.I was through expecting my emotions to make sense anymore. As I processed the fact that someone had created an army of vampires the army that had gruesomely murdered dozens of people in Seattle for the express purpose of destroying me, I felt a spasm of relief.Part of it was finally solving that irritating stamp that I was missing something vital. nevertheless the larger part was something else entirely.Well, I whispered, everyone can relax. Nobodys trying to exterminate the Cullens after all.If you think that one thing has changed, youre absolutely wrong, Alice said through her teeth. If someone wants one of us, theyre going to have to go through the rest of us to get to her.Thanks, Alice. But at least we know what theyre really after. That has to help.Maybe, she muttered. She started pacing back and forth across my room.Thud, thud a fist hammered against my door.I jumped. Alice didnt seem to notice.Arent you ready yet? Were gonna be late Charlie complained, appear edgy. Charlie hated occasions about as much as I did. In his case, a lot of the problem was having to dress up.Almost. Give me a minute, I said hoarsely.He was quiet for half a second. Are you crying?No. Im nervous. Go outside.I heard him clump down the stairs.I have to go, Alice whispered.Why?Edward is coming. If he hears this . . .Go, go I urged immediately. Edward would go berserk when he knew. I couldnt keep it from him for long, but perhaps the graduation ceremony wasnt the best time for his reaction.Put it on, Alice commanded as she flitted out the window.I did what she said, dressing in a daze.Id been planning to do something more sophisticated with my hair , but time was up, so it hung straight and boring as on any other day. It didnt matter. I didnt bother to look in the mirror, so I had no thought process how Alices sweater and skirt ensemble worked. That didnt matter, either. I threw the ugly yellow polyester graduation robe over my arm and hurried down the stairs.You look nice, Charlie said, already gruff with suppressed emotion. Is that new?Yeah, I mumbled, trying to concentrate. Alice gave it to me. Thanks.Edward arrived just a few minutes after his sister go forth. It wasnt enough time for me to pull together a calm faade. But, since we were ride in the cruiser with Charlie, he never had a chance to ask me what was wrong.Charlie had gotten stubborn last week when hed learned that I was intending to ride with Edward to the graduation ceremony. And I could see his point parents should have some rights come graduation day. Id conceded with good grace, and Edward had cheerfully suggested that we all go together. Since Carlisle and Esme had no problem with this, Charlie couldnt come up with a compelling objection hed agreed with sorry grace. And now Edward rode in the backseat of my fathers police car, git the fiberglass divider, with an amused expression in all likelihood due to my fathers amused expression, and the grin that widened every time Charlie stole a glance at Edward in his rearview mirror. Which almost certainly meant that Charlie was imagining things that would get him in trouble with me if he said them out loud.Are you all right? Edward whispered when he helped me from the apparent motion seat in the school parking lot.Nervous, I answered, and it wasnt even a lie.You are so beautiful, he said.He looked like he wanted to say more, but Charlie, in an obvious maneuver that he meant to be subtle, shrugged in mingled with us and put his arm nearly my shoulders.Are you excited? he asked me.Not really, I admitted.Bella, this is a big deal. Youre graduating from high school. Its the real worl d for you now. College. Living on your own. . . . Youre not my little girl anymore. Charlie choked up a bit at the end.Dad, I moaned. Please dont get all weepy on me.Whos weepy? he growled. Now, why arent you excited?I dont know, Dad. I guess it hasnt hit yet or something.Its good that Alice is throwing this society. You need something to perk you up.Sure. A partys exactly what I need.Charlie laughed at my tone and squeezed my shoulders. Edward looked at the clouds, his face thoughtful. My father had to leave us at the back door of the gym and go just about to the main juggle with the rest of the parents.It was pandemonium as Ms. Cope from the front office and Mr. Varner the math memorizeer tried to line everyone up alphabetically.Up front, Mr. Cullen, Mr. Varner barked at Edward.Hey, BellaI looked up to see Jessica Stanley waving at me from the back of the line with a smile on her face. Edward kissed me quickly, sighed, and went to go stand with the Cs. Alice wasnt there. What was she going to do? Skip graduation? What poor timing on my part. I should have waited to figure things out until after this was over with.Down here, Bella Jessica called again.I walked down the line to take my place behind Jessica, mildly curious as to why she was suddenly so friendly. As I got closer, I proverb Angela five people back, watching Jessica with the same curiosity. Jess was babble before I was in earshot.. . . so amazing. I mean, it seems like we just met, and now were graduating together, she gushed. Can you bank its over? I feel like riotSo do I, I muttered.This is all just so incredible. Do you remember your first day here? We were friends, like, right away. From the first time we saw each other. Amazing. And now Im off to California and youll be in Alaska and Im going to miss you so much You have to promise that well get together sometimes Im so blithe youre having a party. Thats perfect. Because we really havent spent much time together in a while and now wer e all leaving. . . .She droned on and on, and I was sure the sudden return of our friendship was due to graduation nostalgia and gratitude for the party invite, not that Id had anything to do with that. I paid attention as well as I could while I shrugged into my robe. And I found that I was glad that things could end on a good note with Jessica. Because it was an ending, no matter what Eric, the valedictorian, had to say about commencement meaning beginning and all the rest of the trite nonsense. Maybe more for me than for the rest, but we were all leaving something behind us today.It went so quickly. I felt like Id hit the fast forward button. Were we supposed to march quite that fast? And then Eric was speed talking in his nervousness, the words and phrases running together so they didnt make sense anymore. Principal Greene started calling names, one after the other without a long enough pause between the front row in the gymnasium was rushing to catch up. Poor Ms. Cope was all t humbs as she tried to give the principal the right sheepskin to hand to the right student.I watched as Alice, suddenly appearing, danced across the stage to take hers, a look of deep concentration on her face. Edward followed behind, his expression confused, but not upset. Only the two of them could carry off the hideous yellow and still look the way they did. They stood out from the rest of the crowd, their beauty and grace otherworldly. I wondered how Id ever fallen for their human farce. A couple of angels, standing there with wings intact, would be less conspicuous.I heard Mr. Greene call my name and I rose from my chair, waiting for the line in front of me to move. I was conscious of cheering in the back of the gym, and I looked around to see Jacob pulling Charlie to his feet, both of them hooting in encouragement. I could just make out the top of Billys head beside Jakes elbow. I managed to throw them an approximation of a smile.Mr. Greene finished with the list of names, and then act to hand out diplomas with a sheepish grin as we filed noncurrent.Congratulations, Miss Stanley, he mumbled as Jess took hers.Congratulations, Miss Swan, he mumbled to me, atmospheric pressure the diploma into my good hand.Thanks, I murmured.And that was it.I went to stand next to Jessica with the assembled graduates. Jess was all red around the eyes, and she kept blotting her face with the sleeve of her robe. It took me a second to understand that she was crying.Mr. Greene said something I didnt hear, and everyone around me shouted and screamed. Yellow hats rained down. I pulled mine off, too late, and just let it fall to the ground.Oh, Bella Jess blubbered over the sudden roar of conversation. I cant believe were done.I cant believe its all over, I mumbled.She threw her arms around my neck. You have to promise we wont lose touch.I hugged her back, feeling a little awkward as I dodged her request. Im so glad I know you, Jessica. It was a good two years.It was, she sighe d, and sniffed. Then she dropped her arms. Lauren she squealed, waving over her head and pushing through the massed yellow gowns. Families were beginning to converge, pressing us tighter together.I caught sight of Angela and Ben, but they were surrounded by their families. I would congratulate them later.I craned my head, looking for Alice.Congratulations, Edward whispered in my ear, his arms winding around my waist. His voice was subdued hed been in no hurry for me to reach this particular milestone.Um, thanks.You dont look like youre over the nerves yet, he noted.Not quite yet.Whats left to worry about? The party? It wont be that horrible.Youre credibly right.Who are you looking for?My searching wasnt quite as subtle as Id thought. Alice where is she?She ran out as soon as she had her diploma.His voice took on a new tone. I looked up to see his confused expression as he stared toward the back door of the gym, and I made an impulse decision the kind I really should think twice a bout, but rarely did.Worrying about Alice? I asked.Er . . . He didnt want to answer that.What was she thinking about, anyway? To keep you out, I mean.His eyes flashed down to my face, and narrowed in suspicion. She was translating the Battle Hymn of the Republic into Arabic, actually. When she finished that, she locomote on to Korean sign language.I laughed nervously. I suppose that would keep her head busy enough.You know what shes hiding from me, he accused.Sure. I smiled a scant(p) smile. Im the one who came up with it.He waited, confused.I looked around. Charlie would be on his way through the crowd now.Knowing Alice, I whispered in a rush, shell probably try to keep this from you until after the party. But since Im all for the party being canceled well, dont go berserk, regardless, okay? Its continuously better to know as much as possible. It has to help somehow.What are you talking about?I saw Charlies head bob up over the other heads as he searched for me. He espy me and waved. only if stay calm, okay?He nodded once, his mouth a grim line.In hurried whispers I explained my reasoning to him. I think youre wrong about things coming at us from all sides. I think its mostly coming at us from one side . . . and I think its coming at me, really. Its all connected, it has to be. Its just one person whos messing with Alices visions. The stranger in my room was a test, to see if someone could get around her. Its got to be the same one who keeps changing his mind, and the newborns, and stealing my clothes all of it goes together. My scent is for them.His face had move so white that I had a hard time finishing.But no ones coming for you, dont you see? This is good Esme and Alice and Carlisle, no one wants to hurt themHis eyes were huge, wide with panic, dazed and horrified. He could see that I was right, just as Alice had.I put my hand on his cheek. Calm, I pleaded.Bella Charlie crowed, pushing his way past the close-packed families around us.Congratulatio ns, baby He was stillyelling, even though he was right at my ear now. He wrapped his arms around me, ever so slyly shuffling Edward off to the side as he did so.Thanks, I muttered, preoccupied by the expression on Edwards face. He still hadnt gained control. His hands were halfway extended toward me, like he was about to grab me and make a run for it. Only slightly more in control of myself than he was, running didnt seem like such a terrible idea to me.Jacob and Billy had to take off did you see that they were here? Charlie asked, taking a step back, but keeping his hands on my shoulders. He had his back to Edward probably an effort to exclude him, but that was fine at the moment. Edwards mouth was hanging open, his eyes still wide with dread.Yeah, I assured my father, trying to pay enough attention. Heard them, too.It was nice of them to show up, Charlie said.Mm-hmm.Okay, so telling Edward had been a really bad idea. Alice was right to keep her thoughts clouded. I should have wa ited till we were alone somewhere, maybe with the rest of his family. And nothing breakable close by like windows . . . cars . . . school buildings. His face brought back all my fear and then some. Though his expression was past the fear now it was pure fury that was suddenly plain on his features.So where do you want to go out for dinner? Charlie asked. The skys the limit.I can cook.Dont be silly. Do you want to go to the Lodge? he asked with an eager smile.I did not particularly enjoy Charlies favorite restaurant, but, at this point, what was the difference? I wasnt going to be able to eat anyway.Sure, the Lodge, cool, I said.Charlie smiled wider, and then sighed. He turned his head halfway toward Edward, without really looking at him.You coming, too, Edward?I stared at him, my eyes beseeching. Edward pulled his expression together just before Charlie turned to see why he hadnt gotten an answer.No, thank you, Edward said stiffly, his face hard and cold.Do you have plans with you r parents? Charlie asked, a frown in his voice. Edward was always more polite than Charlie deserved the sudden hostility surprised him.Yes. If youll excuse me. . . . Edward turned abruptly and stalked away through the dwindling crowd. He moved just a little bit too fast, too upset to keep up his usually perfect charade.What did I say? Charlie asked with a guilty expression.Dont worry about it, Dad, I reassured him. I dont think its you.Are you two fighting again?Nobodys fighting. mentality your own business.You are my business.I rolled my eyes. Lets go eat.The Lodge was crowded. The place was, in my opinion, overpriced and tacky, but it was the only thing close to a evening gown restaurant in town, so it was always popular for events. I stared morosely at a depressed- looking stuffed elk head while Charlie ate prime(a) rib and talked over the back of the seat to Tyler Crowleys parents. It was noisy everyone there had just come from graduation, and most were chatting across the a isles and over the booth-tops like Charlie.I had my back to the front windows, and I resisted the urge to turn around and search for the eyes I could feel on me now. I knew I wouldnt be able to see anything. tho as I knew there was no chance that he would leave me unguarded, even for a second. Not after this.Dinner dragged. Charlie, busy socializing, ate too slowly. I picked at my burger, stuffing pieces of it into my napkin when I was sure his attention was somewhere else. It all seemed to take a very long time, but when I looked at the clock which I did more often than necessary the hands hadnt moved much.Finally Charlie got his change back and put a tip on the table. I stood up.In a hurry? he asked me.I want to help Alice set things up, I claimed.Okay. He turned away from me to say goodnight to everyone. I went out to wait by the cruiser. I leaned against the passenger door, waiting for Charlie to drag himself away from the impromptu party. It was almost dark in the parking lo t, the clouds so dim that there was no telling if the sun had set or not. The air felt heavy, like it was about to rain.Something moved in the shadows.My gasp turned into a sigh of relief as Edward appeared out of the gloom.Without a word, he pulled me tightly against his chest. One cool hand found my chin, and pulled my face up so that he could press his hard lips to mine. I could feel the tension in his jaw.How are you? I asked as soon as he let me breathe.Not so great, he murmured. But Ive got a handle on myself. Im sorry that I lost it back there.My fault. I should have waited to tell you.No, he disagreed. This is something I compulsory to know. I cant believe I didnt see itYouve got a lot on your mind.And you dont?He suddenly kissed me again, not letting me answer. He pulled away after just a second. Charlies on his way.Ill have him drop me at your house.Ill follow you there.Thats not really necessary, I tried to say, but he was already gone.Bella? Charlie called from the doo rway of the restaurant, squinch into the darkness.Im out here.Charlie sauntered out to the car, muttering about impatience.So, how do you feel? he asked me as we drove north along the highway. Its been a big day.I feel fine, I lied.He laughed, seeing through me easily. Worried about the party? he guessed.Yeah, I lied again.This time he didnt notice. You were never one for the parties. question where I got that from, I murmured.Charlie chuckled. Well, you look really nice. I wish Id thought to get you something. Sorry.Dont be silly, Dad.Its not silly. I feel like I dont always do everything for you that I should.Thats ridiculous. You do a fantastic job. Worlds best dad. And . . . It wasnt easy to talk about feelings with Charlie, but I persevered after clearing my throat. And Im really glad I came to live with you, Dad. It was the best idea I ever had. So dont worry youre just experiencing post-graduation pessimism.He snorted. Maybe. But Im sure I slipped up in a few places. I mean , look at your handI stared down blankly at my hands. My left hand rested lightly on the dark brace I rarely thought about.My broken knuckle didnt hurt much anymore.I never thought I needed to teach you how to throw a punch. Guess I was wrong about that.I thought you were on Jacobs side?No matter what side Im on, if someone kisses you without your permission, you should be able to make your feelings clear without hurting yourself. You didnt keep your thumb inside your fist, did you?No, Dad. Thats kind of sweet in a weird way, but I dont think lessons would have helped. Jacobs head is really hard.Charlie laughed. Hit him in the gut next time.Next time? I asked incredulously.Aw, dont be too hard on the kid. Hes young.Hes obnoxious.Hes still your friend.I know. I sighed. I dont really know what the right thing to do here is, Dad.Charlie nodded slowly. Yeah. The right thing isnt always real obvious. Sometimes the right thing for one person is the wrong thing for someone else. So . . . g ood luck figuring that out.Thanks, I muttered dryly.Charlie laughed again, and then frowned. If this party gets too foolish . . . , he began.Dont worry about it, Dad. Carlisle and Esme are going to be there. Im sure you can come, too, if you want.Charlie grimaced as he squinted through the windshield into the night. Charlie enjoyed a good party just about as much as I did.Wheres the turnoff, again? he asked. They ought to clear out their drive its impossible to find in the dark.Just around the next bend, I think. I pursed my lips. You know, youre right it is impossible to find. Alice said she put a map in the invitation, but even so, maybe everyone will get lost. I cheered up slightly at the idea.Maybe, Charlie said as the road curved to the east. Or maybe not.The black velvet darkness was stop ahead, just where the Cullens drive should be. Someone had wrapped the trees on either side in thousands of twinkle lights, impossible to miss.Alice, I said sourly.Wow, Charlie said as we turned onto the drive. The two trees at the entry werent the only ones lit. Every twenty feet or so, another shining beacon guided us toward the big white house. wholly the way all three miles of the way.She doesnt do things halfway, does she? Charlie mumbled in awe.Sure you dont want to come in?Extremely sure. Have fun, kid.Thanks so much, Dad.He was laughing to himself as I got out and shut the door. I watched him drive away, still grinning. With a sigh, I marched up the stairs to endure my party.