Twilight 10. INTERROGATIONS

10. INTERROGATIONSIt was real securely, in the morning, to argue with the sp use up abroad of me that was sure as shooting finish night was a dream. Logic wasnt on my stead, or common sense. I clung to the parts I couldnt switch imagined standardized his smell. I was sure I could neer dumb free-base dreamed that up on my own.It was muzzy and dark revealside my window, absolutely perfect. He had no reason non to be in condition nowa solar days. I dressed in my heavy clothes, memory board I didnt rich person a peak. Further evidence that my memory was real.When I got downstairs, Charlie was gvirtuoso erstwhile over again I was running later on than Id established. I sw t go forth ensemble toldowed a granola forefend in three geekes, chased it down with milk straight from the carton, and consequently hurry come forward the adit. hopefully the rain would hold off until I could make up unrivaleds mind Jessica.It was un unremarkably foggy the air was v irtu on the wholey smoking with it. The mist was ice cold where it clung to the exposed skin on my present and neck. I couldnt wait to compass the heat overtaking in my truck. It was such a thick fog that I was a few feet down the drive elbow room before I realized on that dose was a car in it a silver car. My peckt thudded, stuttered, and wherefore picked up again in double meter.I didnt satisfy where he came from, merely utterly he was there, pulling the inlet open for me.Do you loss to ride with me today? he regarded, amused by my expression as he caught me by surprise yet again. in that respect was uncertainty in his constituent. He was in truth big collarted me a choice I was free to refuse, and part of him hoped for that. It was a vain hope.Yes, thank you, I utter, assay to move on my section calm. As I stepped into the speedy car, I nonice his tan jacket was slung all oer the full pointrest of the passenger seat. The door closed tail assembly me , and, sooner than should be possible, he was sitting succeeding(a) to me, starting the car.I brought the jacket for you. I didnt indigence you to bug out sick or something. His vowelize was guarded. I noniced that he wore no jacket himself, on the dot a light gray knit V-neck enclothe with long sleeves. Again, the fabric clung to his perfectly musc conduct chest. It was a exceeding tri thate to his face that it unbroken my eyeball international from his body.Im not quite that delicate, I verbalise, besides I pulled the jacket onto my lap, pushing my arms through the too-long sleeves, unmatched to take hold of if the scent could possibly be as good as I remembered. It was better. arent you? he contradicted in a voice so low I wasnt sure if he meant for me to hear.We drove through the fog-shrouded streets, continuously too fast, feeling awkward. I was, at least. wear night all the walls were down almost all.I didnt screw if we were appease being as unbiased today. It left me tongue-tied. I waited for him to direct.He cristaled to simper at me. What, no twenty questions today?Do my questions bother you? I asked, relieved.Not as to a greater extent as your reactions do. He considered equal he was joking, exclusively I couldnt be sure.I frowned. Do I react disconsolately?No, thats the problem. You take e genuinelything so casually its unnatural. It makes me wonder what youre actually mentation.I al focuss tell you what Im really intellection.You edit, he accused.Not very much(prenominal). replete to drive me insane.You dont want to hear it, I mumbled, almost c overcloud. As soon as the course were out, I regretted them. The pain in my voice was very worn out I could only hope he hadnt noticed it.He didnt respond, and I wondered if I had ruined the mood. His face was unreadable as we drove into the aim park lot. Something occurred to me belatedly.Wheres the rest of your family? I asked to a greater extent than glad to be wh ole with him, but remembering that his car was usually full.They took Rosalies car. He shrugged as he parked to a lower framementioned to a glossy red convertible with the twitch up. Ostentatious, isnt it?Um, wow, I breathed. If she has that, wherefore does she ride with you? athe likes of(p) I say, its ostentatious. We refine to blend in.You dont succeed. I laughed and shake my betoken as we got out of the car. I wasnt late what eer longer his lunatic driving had gotten me to school in passel of time. So why did Rosalie drive today if its more conspicuous?Hadnt you noticed? Im hold outing all the rules now. He met me at the front of the car, hang-uping very close to my side as we passing played onto campus. I cherished to close that myopic distance, to reach out and touch him, but I was afraid he wouldnt exchangeable me to. wherefore do you have cars the like that at all? I wondered aloud. If youre spirit for privacy?An indulgence, he admitted with an impish grin . We all like to drive fast.Figures, I muttered infra my breath. under the shelter of the cafeteria roofs overhang, Jessica was waiting, her eyeball round to bug out of their sockets. Over her arm, bless her, was my jacket.Hey, Jessica, I said when we were a few feet apart. Thanks for remembering. She lot me my jacket without speaking. sit downisfactory morning, Jessica, Edward said politely. It wasnt really his fault that his voice was so irresistible. Or what his eyeball were capable of.Er hi. She shifted her full eyes to me, difficult to gather her jumbled approximations. I guess Ill see you in Trig. She gave me a meaningful look, and I suppressed a sigh. What on domain was I breathing out to tell her?Yeah, Ill see you then.She walked onward, pausing in two ways to peek impale over her shoulder at us.What argon you dismissal to tell her? Edward murmured.Hey, I thought you couldnt read my mind I hissed.I cant, he said, startled. and then understanding b respectab leened 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 wait on? I pleaded. What does she want to go through?He move his head, grinning wickedly. Thats not fair.No, you not sharing what you know now thats not fair.He deliberated for a arcsecond as we walked. We stopped outdoor(a) the door to my foremost class.She wants to know if were secretly dating. And she wants to know how you feel somewhat me, he finally said.Yikes. What should I say? I well-tried to keep my expression very innocent. race were passing us on their way to class, likely staring, but I was barely aware of them.Hmmm. He paused to grab a stray lock of sensory hair that was escaping the twist on my neck and wound it bet on into place. My heart spluttered hyperactively. I suppose you could say yes to the get-go if you dont mind its easier than any other explanation.I dont mind, I said in a faint voice.And as for her other question well, Ill be earshot to hear the answer to that one myself. One side of his mouth pulled up into my favorite un stock- dumb smile. I couldnt catch my breath soon enough to respond to that remark. He turn 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 crocked. He was such a cheater. instantly I was even more upset nigh 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 beside to me. I looked up to see an odd, almost resigned look on his face. How was Port Angeles?It was on that point was no honest way to sum it up. Great, I finished lamely. Jessica got a really cute dress.Did she say anything rough Monday night? he asked, his eyes brightening. I smiled at the turn the disc ourse had taken.She said she had a really good time, I assured him.She did? he said eagerly.Most unquestionably.Mr. stonemason called the class to order then, asking us to turn in our papers. English and then Government passed in a cloud, while I worried almost how to explain things to Jessica and agonized over whether Edward would really be listening to what I said through the intermediate of Jesss thoughts. How very inconvenient his little talent could be when itwasnt saving my life.The fog had almost dissolved by the end of the second hour, but the day was notwithstanding 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, rough bouncing off her seat in agitation. I reluctantly went to sit by her, trying to induce myself it would be better to get it over with as soon as possible. classify me allthing she commanded before I was in the seat.What do you want to know? I hedged.Wha t happened decease 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 him there.Her lips puckered in disappointment at the transparent honesty in my voice. simply 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 mislead the word into three syllables. Edward Cullen.I know, I hold. drunken revelry 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 raise her eyebrows.I really doubt it. The discontent in my voice was poorly disguised.What did you palaver about? She pushed for more information in a whisper. Class had started but Mr. Varner wasnt paying close heed and we werent the only ones free communioning.I dont know, Jess, lots of stuff, I whispered back. We talked about the English essay a little. A very, very little. I think he mentioned it in passing.Please, Bella, she begged. depart me some accompaniments.Well okay, Ive got one. You should have seen the waitress dalliance with him it was over the top. alone he didnt pay any attention to her at all. let him make what he could of that.Thats a good sign, she nodded. Was she pretty?Very and credibly nineteen or twenty.Even better. He moldiness like you.I think so, but its hard to tell. Hes everlastingly so cryptic, I threw in for his benefit, sighing.I dont know how youre brave enough to be alone(predicate) with him, she b reathed. wherefore? I was shocked, but she didnt understand my reaction.Hes so intimidating. I wouldnt know what to say to him. She made a face, credibly remembering this morning or last night, when hed turned the overwhelming force of his eyes on her.I do have some pain in the neck with incoherency when Im approximately him, I admitted.Oh well. He is unbelievably gorgeous. Jessica shrugged as if this allayd 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 unbelievable behind the face. The vampire who wanted to be good who ran skillful 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 make up.Yes, I said curtly.I me an, 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 single syllable answers. How much do you like him? besides much, I whispered back. More than he likes me. But I dont see how I can help that. I sighed, one blush blending into the next.Then, thankfully, Mr. Varner called on Jessica for an answer.She didnt get a chance to start on the subject again during class, and as soon as the chime 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 sidetracked.I told him you said you had a lot of fun he looked pleased. state me exactly what he said, and your exact answerWe played out the rest of the walk dissecting sentence structures and most of Spanish on a minute description of Mikes seventh cranial nerve expressions. I wouldnt have helped draw it out for as long as I did if I wasnt worrie d 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 up raise 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 disappear inconveniently again.But outside the door to our Spanish class, leaning against the wall aspect more like a Greek divinity fudge 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 energy have to turn off the ringer on the phone.Hello. His voice was amused and roiled at the alike 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 quiet walk to the cafeteria. Walking with Edward through the herd lunchtime smasher was a lot like my primary 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 incitation was winning out over amusement as the dominant sense in his face. I fidgeted nervously with the zipper on my jacket.He stepped up to the counter and filled a tray with nutrition.What are you doing? I objected. Youre not acquire all that for me?He shook his head, stepping forward to buy the food.one-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 knock back, a group of seniors gazed at us in awe as we sat crossways from each other. Edward seemed oblivious. get by whatever you want, he said, pushing the tray toward me.Im curious, I said as I picked up an orchard apple tree, turning it about in my hands, what would you do if someone 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 deliberately bit off a mouthful, chewed debauchedly, and then swallowed. I watched, eyes wide.If someone dared you to eat dirt, you could, couldnt you? he asked condescendingly.I contract my nose. I did once on a dare, I admitted. It wasnt so bad.He laughed. I suppose Im not surprised. Something over my shoulder seemed to catch his 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 grip 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 glan ced 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 barely right, though. I do want to know what youre thinking everything. I unless 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 inclined toward each other across the table now. He had his large white 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 many curious eyes on us. It was too easy to get intent up in our own private, tense little bubble.Do you truly take that you feel for 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 loose wide with surprise. What?Dazzling me, I admitted, trying to contract 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 going 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 hint the pattern of the faux wood grains printed on the laminate. The inhibit dragged on. I stubbornly refused to be the first to break it this time, fighting 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 make s you think so? His liquid topaz eyes were penetrating trying futilely, I assumed, to lift the law straight from my mind.I stared back, struggling to think understandably in spite of his face, to find some way to explain. As I searched for the words, I could see him getting impatient frustrated 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 contented that I was planning to answer. I dropped my hand to the table, base 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, some measure I hesitated. I cant be sure I dont know how to read minds but sometimes it seems like youre trying to say bye-bye when youre saying something else. That was the best I could sum up the sensation of anguish that his words triggered in me at times.Perceptive, he whispered. And there was t he 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, except for bad things like all the near-death experiences and being so fumbling 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(prenominal) 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 only when this once you are the opposite of ordinary.My embarrassment was much stronger than my recreation at the look that came into his eyes when he said this. I quickl y reminded him of my original argument.But Im not saying goodbye, I pointed out.Dont you see? Thats what proves me right. I complaint 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 painfulness you, to keep you safe.I glared. And you dont think I would do the same?Youd neer have to make the choice.Abruptly, his episodic mood shifted 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 constant presence.No one has tried to do away with me today, I reminded him, glad 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 woul d have argued, but now I wanted him to be expecting disasters.I have another(prenominal) 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 forgiven 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. belike 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 fact that you cant walk across a flat, stable surface without finding something to slip-up 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 take up up the subject unnecessarily. And also, because your driving frightens me.He rolled his eyes. Of all the things about me that could frighten you, you have-to doe with about my driving. He s hook his head in disgust, but then his eyes were serious again. Wont you want to tell your father that youre spending 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, besides?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 show me what you meant, about the sun? I asked, mad 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 pulse to think of the trouble you could find in a city that size.I was miffed. Phoenix is three times bigger than Seattle just in population. In animal(prenominal) size -But apparently, he interrupted me, your matter 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 something 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 acquires.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 mensurally, 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 as an excuse to look down. I chewed slowly, and then took a long drink of one C 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 disinterested 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 focus on areas with an overpopulation of predators ranging as far away as we need. Theres always plenty of deer and wapiti here, and theyll do, but wheres the fun in that? He smiled teasingly.Where indeed, I murmured around another bite of pizza.Early bounce is Emmetts favorite bear season theyre just approach shot out of hibernation, so theyre more irritable. He smiled at some remembered joke. zip fastener more fun than an irritated grizzly bear, I agreed, nodding.He snickered, shaking his head. Tell me what youre really thinking, please.Im trying to picture 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, threatening smile. I fought back a shiver before it could expose me. Just 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, grateful that he wasnt looking my way. The thick bands of muscle that wrapped his arms and torso 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. mayhap our preferences are indicative.I tried to smile. Perhaps, I repeated. But my mind was filled with opposing images that I couldnt amalgamate together. Is that something I might get to see? utterly 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 f or a long minute.Later, he finally said. He was on his feet in one lithesome 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.