The Morning's Dusk

Chapter 16

I had gotten home at 10 the next morning and Rose was sitting on the couch with Emmett, gripping his arm. I walked in with Jake's hand in mine. Rose jumped up and asked, "Where have you been?" I rolled my eyes and said, "Far from your accusations. We only slept in the woods." Emmett said, "Yeah, I'll believe that when Jacob stops grinning like an idiot." Jake laughed and said, "Arrest me for smiling."

Both Em and Rose gave us a cold stare and Jake chuckled nervously at the floor. Edward and Carslisle came downstairs, talking about physics. They stopped talking the second they stepped into the room and Edward said, "Emmett, if you don't think you can control yourself, leave. Injuring Jacob would hurt Renesmee. And Bella." Carslisle asked Emmett, "Why are you upset?" I answered, "Because he's a little baby who gets upset when he isn't in my business!"

Edward said quickly, "They only slept and named stars." Rosalie nodded and left the room, saying loudly, "God, it stinks in there." Emett followed closely behind her and muttered, "When will that kid ever get some action?" I blushed and cleared my throat. Jake said, "I'd better go. The pack is wondering where I am. See you later?" I whispered, "Yeah," and kissed him. Then he left and I took a shower for Rosalie's sanity.

Alice had put out an outfit for me to wear when I got back to my room. A black mini-skirt, red and white striped tank, and a dark jacket. Did she know where I was going later? We were going to the movies to see a gore-y horror movie that Jake would love. He would probably like the look on my face-the one of a freaked-out girlfriend. He had told me it was weird to see my face look scared because I always acted so brave and fearless. I got dressed and Alice did my hair and makeup in under three minutes. Then Jake was there. It felt like I had never gone an hour without him in my life. Which was probably true; I had caught him hanging out in the tree next to my room about 8 or 9 times. We waved to Bella and Esme, who always watched us leave. And we drove off on his motorcycle.

Jake didn't stop at the movie theater. Instead he kept going to a dark-ish place behind it with a wire fence and an alley where cars made U-turns. We got off and he pulled me by the hand to part of the fence half-enveloped by tree shadows. He said, "Hey." I laughed and said, "What're we doing here?" He shrugged and said, "I just thought this place was kind of cool." I nodded and said, "You were right. But it's kind of weird..and quiet." He nodded and said quietly, "Nessie, I have to tell you something...and it isn't something you'll want to hear." My breath shortened and my heart sped up. I tried to pull my hands from his, but he held them tighter. I could barely breathe. This felt like one of those horrible break-up scenes. I had said these words to lots of boyfriends before-from the age of 12-14 (before I realized I loved Jacob as more than a friend). I said, "Don't do this, Jake. Don't break up with me." He shook his head and said, "Ness, what the hell are you talking about?"

I murmured, "So..what is this about then?" He said, "The police..they didn't believe your dad. They thought it was suspicious and they decided to investigate the far point of the woods, opposite to where we were yesterday. That's why we slept there; I wanted to keep you safe. And the police found a couple of footprints. They said it's a bear. The pack has to leave Forks." I tok a deep breath and said, "What are you saying?" He said, "You can go with us. But it could only be you. Your family can't go or else it will seem like they're leaving because of the murder. But it's your choice. The catch is that if we go to a place without a vampire, eventually we'll become normal humans."

I said, "And the aging process starts again." He nodded. I said, "So if I go with you and the pack, there isn't a possibility of you dying." He said, "Yeah, and if you go with us you'll have to leave your family behind. And you'll end up resenting me for making you leave them." He sighed and let go of my hands. He walked away a few steps and put his hands on his head. I caught his hand again and said, "I would never resent you. I love you too much. So much that.." He looked at me and I caught my breath. He lifted an eyebrow and said, "You would run away with me?"