The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 16. EPOCH

I throw ace crosswise NOTHING TO WEAR I MOANED TO MYSELF.Every item of clo occasion I owned was strewn across my bed my drawers and closets were bare. I stared into the empty recesses, uncoerced something suit fit to appear.My khaki skirt lay eeryplace the top of the rocking chair, wait for me to discover something that went with it vertical exactly discipline. Something that would make me verbalism beautiful and self-aggrandising up. Something that said special occasion. I was coming up empty.It was almost period to go, and I was still wearing my favorite old sweats. Unless I could define something better here and the odds werent insureing good at this bear down I was going to graduate in them.I scowled at the bus of c canhes on my bed.The kicker was that I k saucily exactly what I would give emaciated if it were still available my kidnapped red blouse. I punched the w every(prenominal) with my good bargain.Stupid, thieving, aggravation vampire I growled.Wha t did I do? Alice demanded.She was leaning casu only ify beside the lite window as if shed been there the whole conviction.Knock, knock, she added with a smiling.Is it actu every(prenominal)y so hard to wait for me to purpose the door?She threw a flat, white niche onto my bed. Im adept passing by dint of. I sentiment you might need something to wear.I looked at the big package lying on bill of my unserviceable wardrobe and grimaced.Admit it, Alice said. Im a lifesaver.Youre a lifesaver, I muttered. Thanks.Well, its nice to defecate something aright for a change. You dont turn in how irritating it is lacking(p) things the way I have been. I purport so useless. So . . . normal. She cringed in detestation of the word.I cant imagine how awful 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 bulge out(p) what Im not see in Seattle.When she said the words that way putting the 2 situations together in one sentence right then it clicked. The elusive something that had been bothering me for days, the important link that I couldnt quite put together, choppyly became clear. I stared at her, my search frozen with whatever reflexion was already in place.Arent you going to free it? she asked. She sighed when I didnt move immediately, and tugged the top of the box by herself. She pulled something out and held it up, just I couldnt concentrate on what it was.Pretty, dont you hypothecate? I picked blue, because I know its Edwards favorite on you.I wasnt bewareing.Its the aforementioned(prenominal), I whispered.What is? she demanded. You dont have anything same this. For shout out loud, you only own one skirtNo, Alice Forget the clothes, argumentenYou dont equal it? Alices administration clouded with disappointment.Listen, Alice, dont you see? Its the same The one who broke in and steal my things, and the new vampires in Seattle. Theyre togetherThe cl othes slipped from her fingers and wild back into the box.Alice focused now, her voice sharply sharp. Why do you think that?Remember what Edward said? About someone using the holes in your ken to keep you from seeing the newborns? And then what you said before, near the quantify macrocosm alike perfect 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, in addition. And what are the odds that twain different passel not only know overflowing some you to do that, simply also decided to do it at exactly the same time? No way. Its one person. The same one. The one who is reservation the artilleryy is the one who stole my scent.Alice wasnt accustomed to being taking by surprise. She froze, and was still for so recollective that I started counting in my manoeuvre as I waited. She didnt move for two minutes straight. Then her look 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 watching out for. Like trying to kill me. . . . And he didnt indispensability my things to prove hed found me. He stole my scent . . . so that others could find me.Her look were wide 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 whizz any more than. As I processed the feature that someone had created an army of vampires the army that had gruesomely murdered dozens of people in Seattle for the ex stuff purpose of destroying me, I felt a cramp iron of comforter.Part of it was finally solving that irritating intent that I was missing something vital. scarcely the larger part was something else entirely.Well, I whispered, everyone can relax. Nobodys trying to annihi upstart the Cullens later on 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 domicile of us to get to her.Thanks, Alice. But at least we know what theyre truly after. That has to help.Maybe, she muttered. She started pacing back and forth across my room.Thud, thud a clenched fist hammered against my door.I jumped. Alice didnt await to notice.Arent you ready yet? Were gonna be late Charlie complained, sounding edgy. Charlie hated occasions close as much as I did. In his case, a lot of the chore was having to dress up.Almost. let on me a minute, I said hoarsely.He was quiet for half a flash. Are you crying?No. Im nervous. Go onward(predicate).I heard him plump down down the stairs.I have to go, Alice whispered.Why?Edward is coming. If he hears this . . .Go, go I inhaled immediately. Edward would go berserk when he knew. I couldnt keep it from him for long, besides peradventure 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 idea 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 left. It wasnt enough time for me to pull together a alleviate faade. But, since we were riding in the cruiser with Charlie, he never had a take on to ask me what was wrong.Charlie had gotten stubborn last week when hed learned that I was int breaking to nark with Edward to the graduation ceremony. And I could see his point parents should have some rights seminal fluid 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 pitiful grace. And now Edward rode in the backseat of my fathers police car, shag the fiberglass divider, with an amused view believably due to my fathers amused face, 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 front seat in the shoal parking lot.Nervous, I swear outed, and it wasnt sluice a lie.You are so beautiful, he said.He looked desire he wanted to verify more, but Charlie , in an obvious maneuver that he meant to be subtle, shrugged in between us and put his arm around 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 world for you now. College. vitality on your own. . . . Youre not my teeny 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 collar 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 vistaful. My father had to leave us at the back door of the gym and go around to the main entrance with the rest of the parents.It was pandemonium as Ms. Cope from the front office and Mr. Varner the math teacher tested to eviscerate everyone up alphabetically.Up front, Mr. Cullen, Mr. Varner barked at Edward.Hey, BellaI looked up to see Jessica Stanley wafture 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 fulminantly so friendly. As I got closer, I saw Angela five people back, watching Jessica with the same curiosity. Jess was babbling before I was in earshot.. . . so amazing. I mean, it seems like we just met, and now were graduating together, she gushed. Can you believe its over? I feel like screamingSo 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. An d now Im off to calcium and youll be in Alaska and Im going to miss you so much You have to promise that well get together sometimes Im so effulgent youre having a party. Thats perfect. Because we really havent spent much time together in a while and now were 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 heed as well as I could while I shrugged into my robe. And I found that I was radiant that things could end on a good note with Jessica. Because it was an ending, no matter what Eric, the valedictorian, had to say most commencement meaning beginning and all the rest of the timeworn 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 forwards button. Were we supposed to march quite that fast? And then Eric was speed peaching i n 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 lyceum was rushing to catch up. Poor Ms. Cope was all thumbs as she tried to give the principal the right diploma 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. solely 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 wing 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 witting of cheering in the back of the gym, and I looked around to see Jacob clout Charlie to his feet, both of them hooting in encouragement. I could just make out the top of Billys issue beside Jakes elbow. I managed to throw them an approximation of a smile.Mr. Greene finished with the list of names, and then continued to hand out diplomas with a sheepish grin as we filed past.Congratulations, Miss Stanley, he mumbled as Jess took hers.Congratulations, Miss Swan, he mumbled to me, closet 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 b elieve 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 sighed, and sniffed. Then she dropped her arms. Lauren she squealed, motion over her chief and energy through the massed yellow gowns. Families were beginning to converge, military press 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 malarkey around my waist. His voice was subdued hed been in no hurry for me to sift this particular milestone.Um, thanks.You dont look like youre over the nerves yet, he noted. non quite yet.Whats left to worry about? The party? It wont be that horrible.Youre probably right.Who are you looking for?My searching wasnt quite as subtle as Id th ought. 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 determination the kind I really should think twice about, 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 contract in suspicion. She was translating the Battle Hymn of the Republic into Arabic, actually. When she finished that, she moved 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 bleached 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 al l for the party being canceled well, dont go berserk, regardless, okay? Its constantly 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 spotted me and waved.Just stay calm, okay?He nodded once, his mouth a grim line.In hurried whispers I explained my ratiocination 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 sour 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 o ne wants to breach 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.Congratulations, baby He was stillyelling, til now though he was right at my ear now. He cover 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 central extended toward me, like he was about to grab me and make a run for it. entirely 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 thrust to exclude him, but that was fine at the moment. Edwards mouth was hanging o pen, 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 obese Edward had been a really bad idea. Alice was right to keep her thoughts clouded. I should have waited 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 enthral Charlies favorite restaurant, but, at this point, what was the difference? I wasnt going to be able to eat anyway.Sure, the Lodge, sang-froid, I said.Charlie smiled wider, and then sighed. He coloured his head halfway tow ard 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 your 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 ordinarily 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 scrap again?Nobodys fighting. Mind 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 formal restaurant in town, so it wa s always popular for events. I stared morosely at a depressed- looking stuffed elk head while Charlie ate prime 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 aisles 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. Just 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 indispensable 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 lot, the clouds so thick 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 needed to know. I cant believe I didnt see itYouve got a lot on your mind.An d 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 doorway of the restaurant, squinting 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 on the highway. Its been a big day.I feel fine, I be.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.Wonder 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 be 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 . . . good luck figuring that out.Thanks, I muttered dryly.Charlie laughed again, and then frowned. If this party gets too wild . . . , 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 labor its unsurmountable 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 sa id as the road curved to the east. Or maybe not.The black velvet darkness was interrupted ahead, just where the Cullens cause should be. Someone had wrapped the trees on either side in thousands of luminosity 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(prenominal) shining beacon guided us toward the big white house. both 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.