Prologue

It was quiet then, except for the gentle thrum of the engine. I must have fallen asleep,because it seemed like seconds later when the door opened and Edward was carrying mefrom the car. My eyes wouldn't open. At first I thought we were still at the airport.

And then I heard Charlie.

"Bella!" he shouted from some distance.

"Charlie," I mumbled, trying to shake off the stupor.

"Shh," Edward whispered. "It's okay; you're home and safe. Just sleep."

"I can't believe you have the nerve to show your face here." Charlie bellowed at Edward, hisvoice much closer now.

"Stop it, Dad," I groaned. He didn't hear me.

"What's wrong with her?" Charlie demanded.

"She's just very tired, Charlie," Edward assured him quietly. "Please let her rest."

"Don't tell me what to do!" Charlie yelled. "Give her to me. Get your hands off her!"

Edward tried to pass me to Charlie, but I clung to him with locked, tenacious fingers. I couldfeel my dad yanking on my arm.

"Cut it out, Dad," I said with more volume. I managed to drag my lids back to stare atCharlie with bleary eyes. "Be mad at me."

We were in front of my house. The front door was standing open. The cloud cover overheadwas too thick to guess at a time of day.

"You bet I will be," Charlie promised. "Get inside." '"Kay. Let me down," I sighed.

Edward set me on my feet. I could see that I was upright, but I couldn't feel my legs. Itrudged forward anyway, until the sidewalk swirled up toward my face. Edward's armscaught me before I hit the concrete.

"Just let me get her upstairs," Edward said. "Then I'll leave."

"No," I cried, panicking. I hadn't got my answers yet. He had to stay for at least that much,didn't he?

"I won't be far," Edward promised, whispering so low in my ear that Charlie didn't have ahope of hearing.

I didn't hear Charlie answer, but Edward headed into the house. My open eyes only made ittill the stairs. The last thing I felt was Edward's cool hands prying my fingers loose from hisshirt.

A/N: I know this is actually from New Moon but I wanted to use it as it links it with my story