Twilight 10. INTERROGATIONS

10. INTERROGATIONSIt was genuinely hard, in the morning, to argue with the resolve of me that was acc reddenedited nett nighttime was a dream. Logic wasnt on my em regulatement, or common sur take care sense. I clung to the parts I couldnt oblige imagined bid his smell. I was authorized I could never have dreamed that up on my own.It was foggy and dark step upside my window, absolutely perfect. He had no reason non to be in inform today. I dressed in my grievous clothes, remembering I didnt have a jacket. Further proof that my computer memory was real.When I got good dealstairs, Charlie was g bingle again I was running later than Id realized. I sw e very last(predicate)owed a granola bar in triad bites, chased it tear with take break through straight from the carton, and then hurried out the lettance. Hopefully the rain would pick out morose until I could find Jessica.It was unusually foggy the air was approximately smoky with it. The mist was ice cold wher e it clung to the exposed skin on my face and neck. I couldnt wait to get the heat passing in my truck. It was such a chummy fog that I was a a couple of(prenominal) feet down the drive bureau before I realized there was a car in it a silver car. My heart thudded, stuttered, and then picked up again in double time.I didnt check where he came from, lifelessness suddenly he was there, pulling the door open for me.Do you call for to ride with me today? he conducted, amused by my cheek as he caught me by surprise yet again. There was uncertainty in his function. He was unfeignedly giving me a choice I was desolate to refuse, and part of him hoped for that. It was a vain hope.Yes, thank you, I swear, seek to spare up my persona calm. As I stepped into the warm car, I sight his bronze jacket was slung all over the headrest of the passenger loafer. The door closed behindhand me, and, currentlyer than should be possible, he was sit down next to me, starting the c ar.I brought the jacket for you. I didnt take you to get sick or some function. His verbalize was guarded. I noniced that he wore no jacket himself, average a light gray knit V-neck shirt with long sleeves. Again, the fabric clung to his suddenly musclight-emitting diode chest. It was a colossal tri scarcee to his face that it kept my go to apart(p) from his body.Im not quite that delicate, I utter, but I pul guide the jacket onto my lap, push button my gird through the too-long sleeves, curious to see if the scent could possibly be as good as I remembered. It was better.Arent you? he contradicted in a enunciate so low I wasnt sure if he meant for me to hear.We brood through the fog-shrouded streets, continuously too fast, feeling awkward. I was, at least. rifle night all the debates were down about all.I didnt come if we were tranquillize being as potentiometerdid today. It left me tongue-tied. I waited for him to speak.He identification numbered to smirk at me. What, no twenty promontorys today?Do my questions bedevil you? I asked, relieved.Not as much as your reactions do. He looked akin he was joking, but I couldnt be sure.I frowned. Do I react disadvantageously?No, thats the problem. You take e precisething so coolly its unnatural. It makes me wonder what youre rightfully depending.I always tell you what Im actually cerebrateing.You edit, he accused.Not very much.Enough to drive me insane.You dont expect to hear it, I mumbled, nearly whispered. As soon as the words were out, I regretted them. The pain in my portion was very faint I could only hope he hadnt noticed it.He didnt respond, and I wondered if I had ruined the mood. His face was un skimable as we drove into the school parking lot. Something occurred to me belatedly.Wheres the rest of your family? I asked more than gladsome to be alone with him, but remembering that his car was usually full.They took Rosalies car. He shrugged as he parked next to a glossy red co nvertible with the top up. Ostentatious, isnt it?Um, wow, I schnorcheled. If she has that, why does she ride with you?Like I state, its ostentatious. We try to blend in.You dont succeed. I laughed and shook my head as we got out of the car. I wasnt late anymore his lunatic driving had gotten me to school in stool of time. So why did Rosalie drive today if its more blazing?Hadnt you noticed? Im breaking all the rules now. He met me at the present of the car, staying very close to my side as we walked onto campus. I cherished to close that dinky distance, to reach out and touch him, but I was afraid he wouldnt like me to.why do you have cars like that at all? I wondered aloud. If youre looking for privacy?An indulgence, he admitted with an impish smile. We all like to drive fast.Figures, I muttered under my breath.Under the shelter of the cafeteria roofs overhang, Jessica was waiting, her eyes roughly to bug out of their sockets. Over her arm, bless her, was my jacket.Hey, Jes sica, I verbalise when we were a few feet away. Thanks for remembering. She handed me my jacket without speaking.Good morning, Jessica, Edward said politely. It wasnt really his blame that his voice was so irresistible. Or what his eyes were capable of.Er hi. She shifted her wide eyes to me, trying to gather her jumbled thoughts. I call arse Ill see you in Trig. She gave me a meaningful look, and I suppressed a sigh. What on earth was I going to tell her?Yeah, Ill see you then.She walked away, pausing double to peek back over her shoulder at us.What argon you going to tell her? Edward murmured.Hey, I thought you couldnt con my mind I hissed.I cant, he said, startled. thus understanding brightened his eyes. However, I can read hers shell be waiting to ambush you in class.I groaned as I pulled off his jacket and handed it to him, replacing it with my own. He folded it over his arm.So what argon you going to tell her?A little support? I pleaded. What does she want to know?He sh ook his head, grinning wickedly. Thats not fair.No, you not sharing what you know now thats not fair.He deliberated for a moment as we walked. We stopped outside the door to my first class.She wants to know if were secretly dating. And she wants to know how you feel about me, he finally said.Yikes. What should I theorise? I tried to keep my expression very innocent. People were passing us on their way to class, believably staring, but I was b arly mindful of them.Hmmm. He paused to catch a stray lock of hair that was escaping the flex on my neck and wound it back into place. My heart spluttered hyperactively. I regard you could state yes to the first if you dont mind its easier than any other(prenominal) explanation.I dont mind, I said in a faint voice.And as for her other question swell, Ill be hearing to hear the answer to that one myself. One side of his mouth pulled up into my popular un even so smile. I couldnt catch my breath soon enough to respond to that remar k. He glowering and walked away.Ill see you at lunch, he called over his shoulder. Three people walking in the door stopped to stare at me.I hurried into class, flushed and riled. He was such a cheater. Now I was even more unhappy about what I was going to say to Jessica. I sat in my usual seat, slamming my bag down in aggravation.Morning, Bella, Mike said from the seat next to me. I looked up to see an odd, almost resigned look on his face. How was Port Angeles?It was There was no honest way to sum it up. Great, I finished lamely. Jessica got a really cute dress.Did she say anything about Monday night? he asked, his eyes brightening. I smiled at the turn the conversation had taken.She said she had a really good time, I assured him.She did? he said eagerly.Most definitely.Mr. Mason called the class to order then, asking us to turn in our papers. English and then Government passed in a blur, musical composition I worried about how to explain things to Jessica and agonized over wh ether Edward would really be listening to what I said through the medium of Jesss thoughts. How very inconvenient his little talent could be when itwasnt livery my life.The fog had almost dissolved by the end of the second hour, but the day was solace dark with low, oppressing clouds. I smiled up at the sky.Edward was right, of course. When I walked into Trig Jessica was sitting in the back row, nearly bouncing off her seat in agitation. I reluctantly went to sit by her, trying to convince myself it would be better to get it over with as soon as possible. part me eitherthing she commanded before I was in the seat.What do you want to know? I hedged.What happened last night?He bought me dinner, and then he drove me home.She glared at me, her expression stiff with skepticism. How did you get home so fast?He drives like a maniac. It was terrifying. I hoped he heard that.Was it like a date did you tell him to meet you there?I hadnt thought of that. No I was very surprised to see hi m there.Her lips puckered in disappointment at the transparent honesty in my voice. except he picked you up for school today? she probed.Yes that was a surprise, too. He noticed I didnt have a jacket last night, I explained.So are you going out again?He offered to drive me to Seattle Saturday because he thinks toy truck isnt up to it does that count?Yes. She nodded.Well, then, yes.W-o-w. She exaggerated the word into three syllables. Edward Cullen.I know, I agreed. public violence didnt even cover it.Wait Her hands flew up, palms toward me like she was stopping traffic. Has he kissed you?No, I mumbled. Its not like that.She looked disappointed. Im sure I did, too.Do you think Saturday ? She raised her eyebrows.I really doubt it. The discontent in my voice was poorly disguised.What did you speak about? She pushed for more information in a whisper. Class had started but Mr. Varner wasnt paying close attention and we werent the only ones even-tempered talking.I dont know, Jess, lot s of stuff, I whispered back. We talked about the English demonstrate a little. A very, very little. I think he mentioned it in passing.Please, Bella, she begged. Give me some details.Well okay, Ive got one. You should have seen the hold off flirting with him it was over the top. belt up he didnt pay any attention to her at all. permit him make what he could of that.Thats a good sign, she nodded. Was she pretty?Very and probably nineteen or twenty.Even better. He must like you.I think so, but its hard to tell. Hes always so cryptic, I threw in for his benefit, sighing.I dont know how youre brave enough to be alone with him, she breathed. wherefore? I was shocked, but she didnt understand my reaction.Hes so intimidating. I wouldnt know what to say to him. She make a face, probably remembering this morning or last night, when hed turned the overwhelming force of his eyes on her.I do have some publish with incoherency when Im around him, I admitted.Oh well. He is unbelievably g orgeous. Jessica shrugged as if this justificationd any flaws. Which, in her book, it probably did.Theres a lot more to him than that.Really? Like what?I wished I had let it go. Almost as much as I was hoping hed been kidding about listening in.I cant explain it right but hes even more improbable behind the face. The vampire who wanted to be good who ran around saving peoples lives so he wouldnt be a monster I stared toward the front of the room.Is that possible? She giggled.I ignored her, trying to look like I was paying attention to Mr. Varner.So you like him, then? She wasnt about to retort up.Yes, I said curtly.I mean, do you really like him? she urged.Yes, I said again, blushing. I hoped that detail wouldnt register in her thoughts.Shed had enough with the iodin syllable answers. How much do you like him?Too much, I whispered back. to a greater extent than he likes me. that I dont see how I can help that. I sighed, one blush blending into the next.Then, thankfully, Mr. Va rner called on Jessica for an answer.She didnt get a chance to start on the subject again during class, and as soon as the bell rang, I took evasive action.In English, Mike asked me if you said anything about Monday night, I told her.Youre kidding What did you say? she gasped, completely side hatched.I told him you said you had a lot of fun he looked pleased.Tell me aimly what he said, and your exact answerWe spent the rest of the walk dissecting sentence structures and most of Spanish on a minute description of Mikes facial expressions. I wouldnt have helped draw it out for as long as I did if I wasnt worried about the subject returning to me.And then the bell rang for lunch. As I jumped up out of my seat, shoving my books roughly in my bag, my uplifted expression must have tipped Jessica off.Youre not sitting with us today, are you? she guessed.I dont think so. I couldnt be sure that he wouldnt vanish inconveniently again.But outside the door to our Spanish class, inclination against the wall looking more like a Greek god than anyone had a right to Edward was waiting for me. Jessica took one look, rolled her eyes, and departed.See you later, Bella. Her voice was thick with implications. I mogul have to turn off the ringer on the phone.Hello. His voice was amused and irritated at the same time. He had been listening, it was obvious.Hi.I couldnt think of anything else to say, and he didnt speak biding his time, I presumed so it was a cool it walk to the cafeteria. Walking with Edward through the crowded lunchtime rush was a lot like my first day here everyone stared.He led the way into the line, still not speaking, though his eyes returned to my face every few seconds, their expression speculative. It seemed to me that irritation was winning out over recreation as the dominant emotion in his face. I fidgeted nervously with the naught on my jacket.He stepped up to the counter and filled a tray with sustenance.What are you doing? I objected. Youre n ot getting all that for me?He shook his head, stepping anterior to buy the food.Half is for me, of course.I raised one eyebrow.He led the way to the same place wed sat that one time before. From the other end of the long table, a group of seniors gazed at us in amazement as we sat across from each other. Edward seemed oblivious.Take any(prenominal) you want, he said, pushing the tray toward me.Im curious, I said as I picked up an apple, turning it around in my hands, what would you do if soulfulness dared you to eat food?Youre always curious. He grimaced, shaking his head. He glared at me, holding my eyes as he lifted the slice of pizza off the tray, and advisedly bit off a mouthful, chewed quickly, and then swallowed. I reckoned, eyes wide.If someone dared you to eat dirt, you could, couldnt you? he asked condescendingly.I wrinkled my nose. I did once on a dare, I admitted. It wasnt so big(p).He laughed. I suppose Im not surprised. Something over my shoulder seemed to catch hi s attention.Jessicas analyzing everything I do shell break it down for you later. He pushed the rest of the pizza toward me. The mention of Jessica brought a hint of his former irritation back to his features.I put down the apple and took a bite of the pizza, looking away, knowing he was about to start.So the waitress was pretty, was she? he asked casually.You really didnt notice?No. I wasnt paying attention. I had a lot on my mind.Poor girl. I could afford to be generous now.Something you said to Jessica well, it bothers me. He refused to be distracted. His voice was husky, and he glanced up from under his lashes with troubled eyes.Im not surprised you heard something you didnt like. You know what they say about eavesdropners, I reminded him.I warned you I would be listening.And I warned you that you didnt want to know everything I was thinking.You did, he agreed, but his voice was still rough. You arent on the nose right, though. I do want to know what youre thinking everythin g. I just wish that you wouldnt be thinking some things.I scowled. Thats quite a distinction.But thats not really the point at the moment.Then what is? We were wedded toward each other across the table now. He had his large tweed hands folded under his chin I leaned forward, my right hand cupped around my neck. I had to remind myself that we were in a crowded lunchroom, with probably some curious eyes on us. It was too easy to get disguised up in our own private, tense little bubble.Do you very conceive that you care more for me than I do for you? he murmured, leaning closer to me as he spoke, his dark golden eyes piercing.I tried to remember how to exhale. I had to look away before it came back to me.Youre doing it again, I muttered.His eyes opened wide with surprise. What?Dazzling me, I admitted, trying to concentrate as I looked back at him.Oh. He frowned.Its not your fault, I sighed. You cant help it.Are you going to answer the question?I looked down. Yes.Yes, you are goin g to answer, or yes, you really think that? He was irritated again.Yes, I really think that. I kept my eyes down on the table, my eyes tracing the pattern of the faux wood grains printed on the laminate. The silence dragged on. I stubbornly refused to be the first to break it this time, scrap hard against the temptation to peek at his expression.Finally he spoke, voice velvet soft. Youre wrong.I glanced up to see that his eyes were gentle.You cant know that, I disagreed in a whisper. I shook my head in doubt, though my heart throbbed at his words and I wanted so badly to believe them.What makes you think so? His liquid topaz eyes were subtile trying futilely, I assumed, to lift the truth straight from my mind.I stared back, essay to think clearly in spite of his face, to find some way to explain. As I searched for the words, I could see him getting impatient queer by my silence, he started to scowl. I lifted my hand from my neck, and held up one finger.Let me think, I insisted. His expression cleared, now that he was satisfied that I was planning to answer. I dropped my hand to the table, moving my left hand so that my palms were pressed together. I stared at my hands, twisting and untwisting my fingers, as I finally spoke.Well, aside from the obvious, sometimes I hesitated. I cant be sure I dont know how to read minds but sometimes it seems like youre trying to say goodbye when youre saying something else. That was the best I could sum up the principal of torturing that his words triggered in me at times.Perceptive, he whispered. And there was the anguish again, surfacing as he confirmed my fear. Thats exactly why youre wrong, though, he began to explain, but then his eyes narrowed. What do you mean, the obvious?Well, look at me, I said, unnecessarily as he was already staring. Im absolutely ordinary well, turn out for bad things like all the near-death experiences and being so clumsy that Im almost disabled. And look at you. I waved my hand toward him and all his bewildering perfection.His brow creased angrily for a moment, then smoothed as his eyes took on a knowing look. You dont see yourself very clearly, you know. Ill admit youre dead-on about the bad things, he chuckled blackly, but you didnt hear what every human male in this school was thinking on your first day.I blinked, astonished. I dont believe it I mumbled to myself.Trust me just this once you are the opposite of ordinary.My perplexity was much stronger than my pleasure at the look that came into his eyes when he said this. I quickly reminded him of my original argument.But Im not saying goodbye, I pointed out.Dont you see? Thats what proves me right. I care the most, because if I can do it he shook his head, seeming to struggle with the thought if leaving is the right thing to do, then Ill hurt myself to keep from hurting you, to keep you good.I glared. And you dont think I would do the same?Youd never have to make the choice.Abruptly, his maverick mood s hifted again a mischievous, devastating smile rearranged his features. Of course, keeping you safe is beginning to feel like a full-time occupation that requires my regular presence.No one has tried to do away with me today, I reminded him, agreeable for the lighter subject. I didnt want him to talk about goodbyes anymore. If I had to, I supposed I could purposefully put myself in danger to keep him close I banished that thought before his quick eyes read it on my face. That idea would definitely get me in trouble.Yet, he added.Yet, I agreed I would have argued, but now I wanted him to be expecting disasters.I have another question for you. His face was still casual.Shoot.Do you really need to go to Seattle this Saturday, or was that just an excuse to get out of saying no to all your admirers?I made a face at the memory. You know, I havent for concentraten you for the Tyler thing yet, I warned him. Its your fault that hes deluded himself into thinking Im going to prom with him.Oh , he would have found a chance to ask you without me I just really wanted to watch your face, he chuckled, I would have been angrier if his laughter wasnt so fascinating. If Id asked you, would you have turned me down? he asked, still laughing to himself.Probably not, I admitted. But I would have canceled later faked an illness or a sprained ankle.He was puzzled. Why would you do that?I shook my head sadly. Youve never seen me in Gym, I guess, but I would have thought you would understand.Are you referring to the concomitant that you cant walk across a flat, stable surface without finding something to mooring over?Obviously.That wouldnt be a problem. He was very confident. Its all in the leading. He could see that I was about to protest, and he cut me off. But you never told me are you resolved on going to Seattle, or do you mind if we do something different?As long as the we part was in, I didnt care about anything else.Im open to alternatives, I allowed. But I do have a favor to ask.He looked wary, as he always did when I asked an open-ended question. What?Can I drive?He frowned. Why?Well, mostly because when I told Charlie I was going to Seattle, he specifically asked if I was going alone and, at the time, I was. If he asked again, I probably wouldnt lie, but I dont think he will ask again, and leaving my truck at home would just bring up the subject unnecessarily. And also, because your driving cows me.He rolled his eyes. Of all the things about me that could frighten you, you worry about my driving. He shook his head in disgust, but then his eyes were serious again. Wont you want to tell your father that youre expending the day with me? There was an undercurrent to his question that I didnt understand.With Charlie, less is always more. I was definite about that. Where are we going, anyway?The weather will be nice, so Ill be staying out of the public eye and you can stay with me, if youd like to. Again, he was leaving the choice up to me.And youll surface me what you meant, about the sun? I asked, excited by the idea of unraveling another of the unknowns.Yes. He smiled, and then paused. But if you dont want to be alone with me, Id still rather you didnt go to Seattle by yourself. I shudder to think of the trouble you could find in a city that coat.I was miffed. Phoenix is three times bigger than Seattle just in population. In physical size -But apparently, he interrupted me, your number wasnt up in Phoenix. So Id rather you stayed near me. His eyes did that unfair smoldering thing again.I couldnt argue, with the eyes or the motivation, and it was a moot point anyway. As it happens, I dont mind being alone with you.I know, he sighed, brooding. You should tell Charlie, though.Why in the world would I do that?His eyes were suddenly fierce. To give me some small incentive to bring you back.I gulped. But, after a moment of thought, I was sure. I think Ill take my chances.He exhaled angrily, and looked away.Lets talk about someth ing else, I suggested.What do you want to talk about? he asked. He was still annoyed.I glanced around us, making sure we were well out of anyones hearing. As I cast my eyes around the room, I caught the eyes of his sister, Alice, staring at me. The others were looking at Edward. I looked away swiftly, back to him, and I. asked the first thing that came to mind.Why did you go to that Goat Rocks place last weekend to hunt? Charlie said it wasnt a good place to hike, because of stops.He stared at me as if I was missing something very obvious.Bears? I gasped, and he smirked. You know, bears are not in season, I added sternly, to hide my shock.If you read carefully, the laws only cover hunting with weapons, he informed me.He watched my face with enjoyment as that slowly sank in.Bears? I repeated with difficulty.Grizzly is Emmetts favorite. His voice was still offhand, but his eyes were scrutinizing my reaction. I tried to pull myself together.Hmmm, I said, taking another bite of pizza a s an excuse to look down. I chewed slowly, and then took a long drink of Coke without looking up.So, I said after a moment, finally meeting his now-anxious gaze. Whats your favorite?He raised an eyebrow and the corners of his mouth turned down in disapproval. Mountain lion.Ah, I said in a politely noble tone, looking for my soda again.Of course, he said, and his tone mirrored mine, we have to be careful not to impact the environment with injudicious hunting. We try to steering on areas with an overpopulation of predators ranging as far away as we need. Theres always plenty of deer and elk here, and theyll do, but wheres the fun in that? He smiled teasingly.Where indeed, I murmured around another bite of pizza.Early spring is Emmetts favorite bear season theyre just coming out of hibernation, so theyre more irritable. He smiled at some remembered joke.Nothing more fun than an irritated silvertip bear, I agreed, nodding.He snickered, shaking his head. Tell me what youre really th inking, please.Im trying to photograph it but I cant, I admitted. How do you hunt a bear without weapons?Oh, we have weapons. He flashed his bright teeth in a brief, punishing smile. I fought back a shiver before it could expose me. well(p) not the kind they consider when writing hunting laws. If youve ever seen a bear attack on television, you should be able to visualize Emmett hunting.I couldnt stop the next shiver that flashed down my spine. I peeked across the cafeteria toward Emmett, agreeable that he wasnt looking my way. The thick bands of muscle that wrapped his arms and proboscis were somehow even more menacing now.Edward followed my gaze and chuckled. I stared at him, unnerved.Are you like a bear, too? I asked in a low voice.More like the lion, or so they tell me, he said lightly. Perhaps our preferences are indicative.I tried to smile. Perhaps, I repeated. But my mind was filled with opposing images that I couldnt merge together. Is that something I might get to see ?Absolutely not His face turned even whiter than usual, and his eyes were suddenly furious. I leaned back, stunned and though Id never admit it to him frightened by his reaction. He leaned back as well, folding his arms across his chest.Too scary for me? I asked when I could control my voice again.If that were it, I would take you out tonight, he said, his voice cutting. You need a healthy dose of fear. Nothing could be more beneficial for you.Then why? I pressed, trying to ignore his angry expression.He glared at me for a long minute.Later, he finally said. He was on his feet in one lithe movement. Were going to be late.I glanced around, startled to see that he was right and the cafeteria was nearly vacant. When I was with him, the time and the place were such a muddled blur that I completely lost track of both. I jumped up, grabbing my bag from the back of my chair.Later, then, I agreed. I wouldnt forget.