Unraveled

I was waiting for Jacob. He wanted to visit his father, beyond the border, where I couldn't follow. I felt the sting of guilt as I thought about what I was doing. I'd lied to everyone, even Jacob, especially Jacob. He thought we were running off the be the heroes, to stop Ambrosi and save the girl. Jacob wanted to be a hero, he wanted it so bad he could taste it. Not me though, I was no hero. I was a vampire that had seen my future, tied to the future of one ordinary brown-haired girl.

I shook my head, clearing the images before they had time to properly form. Edward was still stalking my thoughts, had been ever since I said I was leaving. I could almost feel him poking and prodding every time I was around him. My knew found purpose had made me confident, and even Edward Cullen didn't scare me. Nothing scared me, nothing save what'd I seen in Bella's mind. Again, I guarded my thoughts.

I had to get away. What was taking Jacob so long? I heard footsteps behind me. Turning over my shoulder I saw Alice. She plopped down gracefully next to me. She, like Edward, knew something was up. With her little power she should have had no problem discerning what I was planning, but she'd let slip a weakness her visions had. I was glad Jacob was accompanying me, but for more than one reason.

“You're hiding something from me,” accused Alice. I gifted her with a smile, but I didn't look at her. I stared at the tree line, waiting for Jacob to break through into the meadow. Alice gave me an exaggerated sigh. I had to laugh.

“Why would you think that?” I finally turned to look at her. She was smiling, but her eyes were sad. I returned the smile, with much more enthusiasm than I actually felt. “Oh Alice you worry too much.”

“You should stay. You could be happy here.” She was whispering. I think she knew that there was no use. Edward and Bella had ambushed me right after I announced I was leaving. They'd pleaded and yelled. They said they were worried about Ambrosi, that he could hunt me down. I assured them I'd be safe with Jacob. Neither seemed to take that too well.

“I have things to take care of Alice,” I said softly.

“Things you won't tell us about?” she asked. Then she lowered her voice, “Or can't tell us?” I smiled a slow, sad smile and stared at the forest. Silently, I answered her question. We sat there on the porch, for what I hoped wouldn't be the last time. Jacob broke the trees then, in human form, but running toward the house.

I stood as I said, “Tell them I said goodbye.”

“You won't say it yourself?” she asked.

“I can't Alice. It would just be too hard.” I began to walk toward Jacob. He had slowed to a brisk walk and it didn't take me long to meet him. He held out his hand. As I grasped it I turned back to Alice and smiled. The sun was setting behind the big white house and I had to squint to make out the tiny girl on the porch.

“Don't worry,” I said with a wave. “I'll be back. I saw Bella's dress. I wouldn't miss that for the world.