The Little Things

31. Graduation

A few days after the confrontation at school, Bella snuck along with me as I went to see Jacob at a pack bonfire.

The evening went fine and Bella made a few discoveries. First, that the pack had grown. Second, that Quil imprinted on Claire. Third, that she wasn't liked very much in the pack.

Billy once again told the legends and included the one about the Third Wife. I always wondered why she had to kill herself. Couldn't she just cut her finger or something? It would cause the same effect. But in times of panic, it could be hard to think straight.

I drove home in the Rabbit and Bella brought the subject up again. "I just find it so strange. Why should someone be tied to someone else just because of a wolfy magic?"

I shrugged. "It's not that strange. And they don't mind. They are happy."

"Even Quil? He's like, sixteen and chasing after a toddler. Don't you find it a little messed up?" Bella asked.

I thought, then laughed. "You do realize that Edward is a like century old, right? That's a way bigger age gap. Theoretically, he could be your grandfather. Also, Quil isn't in love with her. He just wants to make her happy."

Bella frowned. "I guess so. But Edward is actually younger than me. He's seventeen."

"Oh, really?" I snorted. "However will you manage?"

Bella grimaced. "By not aging anymore."

I slammed my foot on the brake. "Uggh! I hate it when you say that! Just stop will you?"

"But it's true. I'm going to change after graduation."

I pressed my lips together and stayed silent for the rest of the trip. I realized later that we had had an almost normal sort of conversation.

That evening I took a shower and as I got out I heard Bella's giggles. I marched to her door and yanked it open, but by the time I looked in Edward was gone. The window was shut and Bella stood watching it.

I growled in protest. "I will catch him here!"

Bella raised her eyebrows. "He's too fast. But good luck."

I threw my towel at her and she batted it to the floor. I huffed and trotted back to my own room.

Stupid Edward.

School came to an end and I managed to pass all my courses, though some of them were close.

A strange thing happened when Bella couldn't find some of her clothes. My towel, the one I had thrown into her bedroom was also missing.

"A vampire's been here." Edward hissed. I froze at the bottom of the stairs. Edward and Bella were already at the top and he disappeared into her room.

"What? When?" Bella gasped.

"Today." He sounded dark.

I shivered, I wanted out of here. I no longer felt safe in my own home and I desperately wanted the security of the pack.

It was found out that Bella's red shirt was missing as well as my towel. Then Alice apparently had a vision of new bloodsuckers smelling them. Gross. Alice also said that they would be coming to attack them to get to Bella. Unfortunately, since they also had my bath towel, I was also a target.