In The Right Key

Chapter 18: Save Me

Chapter 18: Save Me

Tuesday. Wednesday. Thursday. It took too long for them to pass. Then again, every time I thought of the coming Friday, butterflies appeared in my stomach. I was nervous and scared and hopeful all at the same time. Then I would look at the situation from a new perspective and the butterflies went away and there was nothing to be feared.

And that perspective was Edward. Just by holding my hand, kissing me and never saying a word, he gave me all the hope in the world. We had an unspoken understanding that I needed someone and it didn't matter what the reason was. Andthat's what proved to me that he loved me and that he would keep me safe no matter what he had to do.

And that was why, as I got dressed on Friday morning, I wasn't afraid. I wasn't ashamed to lie to Charlie about where I was going that day. I didn't regret my actions that took me to that day. I was excited at the fact that, maybe, after all of this was over, I could still be with Edward. Maybe, just maybe, things would be okay again.

I personally couldn't wait to play the piano again, hopefully finish the song inspired by Jacob. I needed a few more lessons, though, and technically Edward was still my piano teacher, so I could use that excuse for not only education, but to spend more time with him.

But first, James.

I entered the kitchen with my backpack slung over one shoulder, even though it was just a prop. Due to my preparation, I was early and had plenty of time to eat breakfast and act like today was any other normal school day. I made breakfast for me and Charlie and waited for him to come downstairs. When he did, he gave me an odd look, as if he hadn't seen me in a long time. And I could imagine why he would feel that way; suddenly, I'm awake on time and making him food again as opposed to my previous irresponsible stint. I really felt like I was coming back, too.

Charlie didn't say anything about it, just hugged me and kissed my head. He sat down and tucked in to his food, and I joined him. I finished first and went to clean my dishes. Charlie cleared his throat and I knew he was going to say something.

"So, Bells, how're you and Edward?" he asked. Didn't he know we'd broken up? I could've sworn I'd told him before.

"Um . . . We-We're not together." I didn't elaborate, hoping he'd remember now that I'd said it again.

"That's not what I heard." I turned slowly to look at my father with a confused look on my face. He winked. "Word gets around."

I scoffed lightly. "Yeah, it does." I didn't know anyone had seen me and Edward's recent . . . interactions. For all I knew, someone could have seen us kissing, but I didn't notice because I honestly didn't care about anything else at that time. Well it really didn't matter because after today, things would be better.

I just knew it.

I picked up my backpack and headed towards the door. Anymore 'parent-child' talk with Charlie would just be disastrous. I was just about to make it out alive when Charlie called out my name.

"Where are you going?"

"School," I said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"You better be," he said, police chief written all over his face.

"Dad. I am. I'm going to school, I promise." I'm so going to hell for this.

"Good." His features softened. "It's just that I've been worried about you lately. You haven't been going to your classes and you seem, well, different." He stood up and walked towards me, and I knew this was serious. "Bella, I don't want whatever you're going through to change you. I know it's hard to deal with all of the deaths happening, but I want you to know it's okay to talk to me about it." He shifted uncomfortably. "I want you to go to school and learn the best you can. You're my little girl, Bells, and I want you to stay that way."

I gulped at the lump in my throat. "Dad . . ." He hugged me, patting my head, comforting me. "I promise. I'll be better," I whispered. But what would I do now? Could I break my promise and go after James anyway? I just . . . needed more time.

We broke away, me sniffling like a fool, before I smiled and walked towards the stairs. "What're you doing?" he asked.

"I forgot something upstairs," I improvised. I bolted up the staircase and closed my door behind me. I leaned against the door, contemplating my choices. Should I just go to school like Charlie wants me to or lie to him again and fight James? Should I make Charlie think everything's okay, or actually protect him?

I bit my lip in nervousness and frustration. I didn't have time to rethink this. What do I do?

Before I could decide, I heard the phone ring downstairs. It's probably Jacob, I thought, wondering where I am. But I didn't move from my spot; what would I say to him? What?

"Bella!" Charlie yelled. "Jake's on the phone!" What choice did I have? I had to tell him something. With a heavy heart, I opened the door walked into the hallway, holding the railing on my way down the stairs. I kept my eyes down as I entered the kitchen and took the phone from Charlie. I couldn't look him in the eye while not knowing if I was going to betray him.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Bella," Jake said quickly. "Listen, I'm really sorry –No, Rach, in a minute –I'm so sorry –Hold on!"

"Jacob, Jacob, slow down. What's going on?" He sounded . . . I don't know, excited? Who else was he talking to?

"Rachel's here," he exhaled. There was loud talking in the background and Jake shushed them. Rachel was at Jake's house? Rachel Black, one of Jacob's distant sisters?

"Wait, Jacob, your sister?" I asked, straining to hear him.

"Yeah, she's –just a minute," he told me. When he returned, there was quiet on his end. "Yeah, she just showed up this morning, or last night, I don't know. I haven't seen her in forever."

"That's great. But, why are you calling? You could've told me later," I added, since Charlie was standing next to me.

"Well, that's the point. Rachel's here. I-I just can't leave now. She hasn't been home since she left for college and I need to be here. I'm so sorry."

I felt betrayed. I needed him to help me face James, and my best friend wouldn't do it. I knew it was irrational to feel that way, but I couldn't help it.

At least I knew I would be going to school that day.

"Bella? I know this is bad, but I'll try to make it up—"

"It's okay, Jake. Be with your family. I'll . . . figure it out," I said quietly, shaking my head. I sounded calm, but inside I was falling apart. What the hell was I going to do? "I'll see you soon."

"Bye Bells," he whispered. Then I hung up the phone, grabbed my keys, and walked out the door without looking back.

I spent the day not learning a thing, feeling completely alone, and ignoring everybody. Edward wasn't there to comfort me, and it hurt even more to know I wouldn't see him for over a week since next week was spring break.

And during Biology, I came to terms with the fact that I was going to die. I was never going to beat James and he was going to chase me till I died. And I hoped that at least I wouldn't go completely crazy before then.

When I got home, I continued on with my normal routine, but I knew Charlie noticed my empty eyes. He thought he'd lost me, the one thing I promised him I wouldn't let happen; and I couldn't find it in me to deny it.

All I knew that night as I lay in bed was that the only bit of hope left was with Edward. I needed him to save me.