Jasper Hale Love Story

Chapter - 67

I was prepared to wait for you. But then your mom came home after she received a very worried call from your dad. It all worked out quiet well said James.

Bella's eyes are wide with fear.

I must say, Forks high school doesn't protect it's student's privacy very well. It was just too easy for Victoria to find your previous address said James with a vicious smile.

Bella ? Bella ? said Rene.

Leave my mother out of this said Bella.

You're protective of her. That's nice you can still save her. But you need to get away from your friends can you do that ? asked James.

I... don't think so said Bella.

If your mother's life depends on it ? asked James.

Where should I meet you ? asked Bella.

The old ballet studio. And I'll know if you bring anyone along. Poor mommy would pay the price for the mistake said James.

Bella walks through the lobby, scanning for Jasper and Adelyn. She spots them outside under the porte cacher, loading the Mercedes, deep in a heated discussion. She slips out the opposite door, rushes toward a Taxi and jumps in, closes the door. The driver is an elderly woman with a hacking cough.

8th and Palo Verde, please said Bella taking a breath for courage.

The taxi pulls out. Bella watches the hotel disappear. Off her face in the rear window.

Bella climbs out of the taxi. It pulls away, leaving her on the curb facing the deserted building. Bella twirls her mother's ring around her finger, then reaches for the pepper spray. She slips the pepper spray into her jeans pocket. She wraps her purse strap around her wrist. She takes a breath, approaches the school. Peers in the windows. The blinds are drawn.

Bella cautiously enters this grand, empty room of mirrors. A ballet bar wraps around the walls.

Bella, where are you? asked Rene

Bella whirls, trying to find its source. She follows the sound to a cleaning supply closet. She throws open the door to find - A T.V. - on screen a video plays - Bella, age 7, hides in the very closet the T.V. is in now.

Don't you want to dance, baby? asked Rene.

Little Bella shakes her head stubbornly as Rene hands someone the camera. Rene, ten years younger, appears on screen and kneels next to Bella.

Everyone makes fun of me said Bella.

But you're a wonderful dancer said Rene.

Mom, I suck said Bella.

Laughter behind Bella the mirrors. She spins, trying to locate James.

That's my favorite part. Stubborn child, weren't you? asked James.

Bella's face flushes with rage... and relief.

She's not here said Bella.

Sorry. But you really made it too easy said James

Visible in the mirror, he sighs, disappointed. Then he steps up next to her and points a video camera at Bella.

So to make things more entertaining, I'm going to make a little film of our time together. Borrowed this from your house. Hope you don't mind. And... action! said James.

Bella FLINGS her purse at him, and runs for the door.

Excellent!. An escape attempt said James. Suddenly, he's right behind her. She freezes.

It'll break Edward's little heart said James as he smells her hair. Touches her throat.

Edward has nothing to do with this said Bella.

He will. His rage will make for more interesting sport than his feeble attempt to protect you. He's having too much fun to notice -- the peppers spray in her hand. She spins around and sprays him. Then she runs, as James reels back briefly. But he leaps over her and lands right in front her.