The Better Swan (J. Black)

The Calm before the Storm

We were speeding down the highway. Rosalie was damn near breaking my hand with her hard grip and Bella and Edward were arguing in the front of the vehicle.

"...We have to go home!"

I caught the last of the conversation and decided to say something.

"Edward." He glanced back at me through the rear view mirror, telling me to continue. I looked him straight in the eye so he could tell that I am serious.

"We have to go home. If we don't, Charlie won't stop until he finds us. If we go home, we can at least make up an excuse to why we are leaving so he will leave us alone."

Edward looked doubtful. "What if he doesn't?"

I put on an emotion less facade. "Well then Bella and I have to hurt him mentally enough to where he lets us go. James is smart. No doubt, he's there already waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. If he sees us have an argument with Charlie and leave, then he won't go there and harm Charlie."

Everyone was quiet as they analyzed my idea. Even I was shocked that I came up with that.

"Edward, it could work." Rosie spoke up and I gave her a small smile to which she returned.

Edward sighed. "Alright, that's all we have right now. But if I even hear a branch break, I will go in there and carry you out of that house myself. Do I make myself clear?"

Bella sighs, "Crystal. Now can we go home?"

~

"I said leave me alone!" Bella dramatically goes into the house and I follow behind her.

"Bella, please, don't do this." Edward pleaded. I got into his face and yelled. "You heard her Cullen. She said get fuck out!" I sneered in 'rage.'

He glared down at me and I raised an eyebrow, challenging him.

Bella came up beside me and slammed the door in his face, breaking up the tension.

"Bella? Ella? What happened?" Oh god, this is what I dreaded. I never wanted Charlie apart of this and now we have to emotionally hurt him so he won't get physically hurt. What has become of us?

"Ella and I need to get out of here. We're leaving. Now." She grabbed my arm and we rushed upstairs, where we went into our designated bedrooms to pack our shit.

I heard Charlie knock on Bella's door. "Did he hurt you and Ella?" My heart broke for him.

"No." Bella stuttered out in false frustration.

"Did he...break up with you or something?" I made my way out of the room. "No. She broke up with him."

Bella and I both went into the bathroom to pack our toiletries.

"I thought you liked him."

"That's why I have to leave. I don't want this. I have to go home." Bella said and tears nearly broke through my eyes.

We went downstairs with Charlie trailing us.

"Home? Your mother's not even in Phoenix. And Ella, I thought you liked it here?" I looked away from his pleading gaze.

"She'll come home. I'll call her on her cell." Bella took the attention from me, thankfully.

"You can't drive now. I'll take you two to the airport in the morning." Charlie tries and I have to force a sob down.

"I want to drive. I-I need time to think. We'll pull into a motel I promise."

We're nearly out the door but Charlie blocks us off.