Trapped in Twilight, Help!

Chapter 31

As I went to bed for a second time at 1 o'clock that morning, I mulled over what Carlisle said. He wasn't worried about anyone else but me. It put a warm feeling in my chest. I thought about what my own father would have said "Take care of it yourself, Edythe, if you need help; ask but don't expect people to go out of their way for you. Don't put yourself in that situation if you don't like the outcome." Carlisle was more protective of me-a girl who he's hardly known for more than two weeks-than my dad ever has or ever claims to be. I wasn't sure how I liked that fact.

*

Alice got me up at 4, had me do everything I needed to before presenting me with today's clothes; a light pink, black-collared skater dress with matching pink ballet flats with a strap around my ankles. She handed me a black bow to pull back my hastily (but styled) straightened hair. My locket was, of course, worn; I would never take it off. Rose had a blast matching my eyeshadow and lipgloss with my dress.

"There you go," Rose finished with my thin strip of black, liquid eyeliner.

"Thanks," I said, standing to go downstairs. I grabbed my books and backpack before heading downstairs. Rose and Alice were already down there in the living room I was heading to the kitchen. My smoothie was already waiting for me and I noticed that I was down here three minutes later than usual.

Edward wasn't here like he usually was and I wondered if he was still out from having run off after arguing with Carlisle last night. As I sipped my smoothie, I thought about directions and angles and charts that I had created in my head while reading Twilight. I quickly realized that whether I went to the clearing with them in March or not, James, Victoria and Laurent would still pass the house.

Their scent would be stronger here; the nomads would be sure to check it out and if I was here when they did... I shuddered to think about what would happen. I finished my smoothie and rinsed it out. I made my way to the living room to read, pulling out my new copy of The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. I preferred to read my battered copy from home but I loved the new-book smell.

"What's wrong, Edythe?" I looked up to find Carlisle still here I would have thought he had left for the hospital already. He had just walked into the living room, fixing his tie.

"Nothing really; I'm just thinking." I said, glancing at my book to make sure I wasn't staring at it upside-down. I wasn't.

"What about?" Carlisle walked over and sat next to me on the couch.

"James, Victoria and Laurent." I admitted; last night he told me not to worry. I couldn't help it.

"You know that you are safe," Carlisle reminded softly.

"No, I know," I said; wondering how I could explain it. "I guess I'm just thinking geographically; they'll still pass by here even if you all are in the clearing."

"Ah," Carlisle nodded in understanding. "This was what I meant last night about your choice. But remember you have a few options; you could stay here and we'll do our best to divert them, you could come with us, or we could take you to Alaska for the weekend. But remember that you also have time to think about it, Edythe."

I nodded and before I could stop myself, I said "Thank you."

"For what?" Carlisle smiled kindly.

"Everything," I said after a moment's silence. Carlisle wrapped me in what I assumed a fatherly hug. But I wasn't sure because it was never the kind of hug my own dad gave me.