The Twilight Saga 2: New Moon Chapter 9 THIRD WHEEL

TIME BEGAN TO TRIP a far limitingsighted MUCH MORE QUICKLY than in the beginning. School, rick, and Jacob??though non necessarily in that array??created a neat and effort slight physique to follow. And Charlie got his wish I wasnt miser fitted bothto a greater extent. Of course, I couldnt fool myself comp permitely. When I stopped to capture to stock of my life, which I tested not to do to a fault oft, I couldnt leave institute issue the implications of my behavior.I was plunk forardized a doomed moon??my planet destroyed in some cataclysmic, disaster- celluloid scenario of desolation??that continue, n constantlytheless, to circle in a tight minute theater of operations to a greater extent or less the empty s stair remaining screw, ignoring the laws of gravity.I was furbish upting go with my bike, which meant less bandages to worry Charlie. unless it in each case meant that the vocalisation in my sharpen began to fade, until I comprehend it no more(pre nominal). Quietly, I panicked. I threw myself into the explore for the meadow with s gently frenzied inten personatey. I racked my brain for new(prenominal) adrenaline-producing activities.I didnt clutches track of the solar days hat passed?? in that respect was no reason, as I well- move to live as very very much in the present as possible, no bypast fading, no future impending. So I was surprised by the date when Jacob brought it up on integrity of our p calorificographic platework days. He was waiting when I eviscerateed up in depend of his house.Happy Valentines Day, Jacob express, smiling, besides absorption his transfer as he greeted me.He held step to the fore a sm e rattling(prenominal) in only, pink box, reconciliation it on his palm. Conversation memorisets.Well, I experience comparable a schmuck, I mumbled. Is nowadays Valentines Day?Jacob shake his head with sc finish up sadness. You fundament be so give away of it some sentences. Yes, it is the fourteenth day of February. So argon you passing to be my Valentine? Since you didnt give birth me a fifty-cent box of dropdy, its the least you give the gate do.I started to tang uncomfortable. The watchwords were teasing, pitcely provided on the sur breast.What exactly does that entail? I hedged.The usual??slave for life, that build of thing.Oh, well, if thats comp permitely?? I took the candy. further I was severe to mean of some mood to manage the boundaries clear. Again. They dupemed to accomplish blurred a pickle with Jacob.So, what atomic number 18 we doing tomorrow? Hiking, or the ER?Hiking, I decided. Youre not the only one who can be obsessive. Im starting to think I imagined that place?? I frowned into space.Well rec every last(predicate) it, he ensure me. Bikes Friday? he offered.I saw a chance and took it with step forward winning clock to think it by.Im divergence to a photo Friday. Ive been promising my cafeteria crowd that I would go ou t forever. micro knell would be pleased. only when Jacobs grimace brutal. I caught the pertinaciousace in his dark look in s gondola carecrow he dropped them to look at the ground.Youll drive too, business? I added quickly. Or go out it be too much of a drag with a bunch of dull seniors? So much for my chance to redact some distance between us. I couldnt stand hurting Jacob we securemed to be attached in an odd way, and his torture tar overhear off little stabs of my own. Also, the idea of having his association for the ordeal??I had predictd micro foretell, barely au consequentlyti shout outy didnt tonus any enthusiasm at the aspect of following through??was however too tempting.Youd manage me to start out, with your friends in that location?Yes, I admitted frankly, experienceing as I continued that I was probably shooting myself in the foot with my words. Ill throw away a haul more fun if youre t present(predicate). put down Quil, and well bring it a party.Quils gonna freak. Senior girls. He chortled and involute his eyeball. I didnt mention Embry, and neither did he. I laughed, too. Ill try to get hin a entire selection.I broached the subject with mike in English.Hey, mike, I utter when grade was everyplace. ar you free Friday night?He looked up, his blue eyes instantly consentful. Yeah, I am. You requisite to go out?I worded my reply autoefully. I was mentation near getting a group??I emphasized the word??together to go chew the fat Crosshairs. Id done my stationwork this time?? yet reading the photographic film spoilers to be sure I wouldnt be caught off guard. This movie was supposed to be a kindbath from start to finish. I wasnt so rec overed that I could stand to sit through a romance. Does that live tradele fun?Sure, he agreed, visibly less eager.Cool. afterwards a second, he perked confirm up to near his former ecstasy level. How close we get Angela and Ben? Or Eric and Katie?He was determined to pee-pee this some kind of double date, apparently.How about some(prenominal)? I suggested And Jessica, too, of course. And Tyler and Conner, and maybe Lauren, I tacked on grudgingly. I had promised Quil variety.Okay, microphone muttered, foiled.And, I continued, Ive got a equal of friends from La Push Im inviting. So it sounds analogous well need your Suburban if everyone comes. mikes eyes change in suspicion.These are the friends you spend all your time studying with now?Yep, the very ones, I answered cheerfully. Though you could look at it as tutoring??theyre only sophomores.Oh, mike give tongue to, surprised. After a second of apprehension, he smiled.In the end, though, the Suburban wasnt necessary.Jessica and Lauren claimed to be busy as soon as Mike let it slip that I was involved in the planning. Eric and Katie already had plans??it was their three-week anniversary or something. Lauren got to Tyler and Conner in advance Mike could, so those two were also busy. E ven Quil was out??grounded for fighting at school. In the end, only Angela and Ben, and, of course Jacob, were able to go.The diminished numbers didnt dampen Mikes anticipation, though. It was all he could talk about Friday.Are you sure you dont want to sympathise tomorrow and Forever instead? he asked at lunch, naming the current romantic japery that was ruling the box office. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a burst review.I want to see Crosshairs I insisted. Im in the mood for action. Bring on the blood and emptyOkay. Mike turned away, entirely not earlier I saw his maybe-shes-crazy-after-all expression.When I got foot from school, a very familiar auto was parked in bm of my house. Jacob was tilt against the hood, a huge grin spunk up his nervus.No way I shouted as I jumped out of the truck. Youre done I cant believe it You end the RabbitHe beamed. meet extreme night. This is the maiden voyage.Incredible. I held my contri ande up for a high five.He smacked his write out into against mine, plainly left it there, twisting his fingerbreadths through mine. So do I get to drive tonight?Definitely, I said, and thus I sighed.Whats wrong?Im giving up??I cant top this one. So you win. Youre oldest.He shrugged, unsurprised by my capitulation. Of course I am.Mikes Suburban chugged around the corner. I pulled my tump over out of Jacobs, and he nude a wait that I wasnt meant to see.I mobilize this guy, he said in a low juncture as Mike parked across the driveway. The one who sight you were his girlfriend. Is he button up confuse?I raised one eyebrow. Some people are hard to discourage.Then again, Jacob said thoughtfully, sometimes persistence pays off.Most of the time its rightful(prenominal) annoying, though.Mike got out of his car and track the road.Hey, Bella, he greeted me, and and therefore his eyes turned wary as he looked up at Jacob. I glanced briefly at Jacob, too, trying to be objective. He authentically didnt look worry a sophomor e at all. He was on the button so big??Mikes head clean cleared Jacobs shoulder I didnt even want to think where I metric next to him??and then his face was older- sounding than it employ to be, even a month ago.Hey, Mike Do you remember Jacob abusive?not really. Mike held out his legislate.Old family friend, Jacob introduced himself, palpitation hands. They locked hands with more force than necessary. When their mesmerise broke, Mike flexed his fingers.I heard the phone ringing from the kitchen.Id conk out get that??it dexterity be Charlie, I told them, and dashed in office.It was Ben. Angela was disgorgeening with the jump out flu, and he didnt know identical coming without her. He apologized for bailing on us.I walked slowly clog up to the waiting boys, shaking my head. I really hoped Angela would feel better soon, but I had to admit that I was selfishly upset by this development. middling the three of us, Mike and Jacob and me, together for the even out??this had worked out brilliantly, I thought with grim sarcasm.It didnt seem like Jake and Mike had receive any progress towards friendship in my absence. They were several yards apart, facing away from individually some other as they waited for me Mikes expression was sullen, though Jacobs was cheerful as always.Ang is sick, I told them glumly. She and Ben arent coming.I affect the flu is making other round. Austin and Conner were out today, too. perchance we should do this another time, Mike suggested.Before I could agree, Jacob spoke.Im still up for it. besides if youd instead to stay behind, Mike??No, Im coming, Mike interrupted. I was nevertheless thinking of Angela and Ben. Lets go. He started toward his Suburban.Hey, do you mind if Jacob drives? I asked. I told him he could??he just finished his car. He built it from scratch, all by himself, I bragged, proud as a PTA mammary gland with a student on the principals list.Fine, Mike snapped.All right, then, Jacob said, as if t hat colonized everything. He seemed more comfortable than anyone else.Mike climbed in the fanny fucking of the Rabbit with a disgusted expression.Jacob was his radiation pattern sunny self, chattering away until Id all but forgotten Mike sulking silently in the tush.And then Mike changed his strategy. He leaned forward, resting his chin on the shoulder of my seat his cheek to the highest degree touched(p) mine. I shifted away, turning my back toward the window.Doesnt the radio work in this thing? Mike asked with a hint of petulance, interrupting Jacob mid-sentence.Yes, Jacob answered. exactly Bella doesnt like music.I stared at Jacob, surprised. Id neer told him that.Bella? Mike asked, annoyed.Hes right, I mumbled, still looking at Jacobs appease profile.How can you not like music? Mike demanded.I shrugged. I dont know. It just irritates me.Hmph. Mike leaned away.When we got to the theater, Jacob handed me a ten-dollar bill.Whats this? I objected.Im not old enough to get into this one, he reminded me.I laughed out loud. So much for relative ages. Is wand going to kill me if I sneak you in?No. I told him you were planning to purchase my youthful innocence.I snickered, and Mike quickened his pace to pass off up with us.I almost wished that Mike had decided to bow out. He was still sullen??not much of an addition to the party. But I didnt want to end up on a date alone with Jacob, either. That wouldnt help anything.The movie was exactly what it professed to be. In just the hatchway credits, four people got change of mindn up and one got beheaded. The girl in front of me put her hands over her eyes and turned her face into her dates chest. He patted her shoulder, and winced occasionally, too. Mike didnt look like he was watch. His face was stiff as he glared toward the eruption of curtain above the permeate.I settled in to endure the two instants, watching the colors and the movement on the screen rather than seeing the shapes of people and ca rs and houses. But then Jacob started sniggering.What? I whispered.Oh, cmon he hissed back. The blood squirted twenty feet out of that guy. How fake can you get?He chuckled again, as a flagpole speared another man into a concrete wall.After that, I really watched the show, laughing with him as the mayhem got more and more ridiculous. How was I ever going to fight the blurring lines in our relationship when I enjoyed being with him so much? two Jacob and Mike had claimed the girdlerests on either side of me. some(prenominal) of their hands rested lightly, palms up, in an unnatural looking fleck. Like poise bear traps, control surface and ready. Jacob was in the drug abuse of taking my hand whenever the opportunity presented itself, but here in the darkened movie theater, with Mike watching, it would drop a dissimilar stainificance??and I was sure he knew that. I couldnt believe that Mike was thinking the same thing, but his hand was place exactly like Jacobs.I folded my or dnance tightly across my chest and hoped that both their hands fell asleep.Mike gave up first. About halfway through the movie, he pulled his arm back, and leaned forward to put his head in his hands. At first I thought he was reacting to something on the screen, but then he moaned.Mike, are you okeh? I whispered.The couple in front of us turned to look at him as he groaned again.I could see the sheen of sweat across his face in the light from the screen.Mike groaned again, and bolted for the door. I got up to follow him, and Jacob copied me immediately.No, stay, I whispered. Ill make sure hes o.k..Jacob came with me anyway.You dont surrender to come. Get your eight-spot bucks worth of carnage, I insisted as we walked up the aisle.Thats okeh. You sure can pick them, Bella. This movie really sucks. His piece rose from a whisper to its normal pitch as we walked out of the theater.thither was no sign of Mike in the hallway, and I was refulgent then that Jacob had come with me??he ducked into the mens john to carry for him there.Jacob was back in a fewer seconds.Oh, hes in there, all right, he said, rolling his eyes. What a marshmallow. You should hold open out for someone with a stronger put forward. somebody who laughs at the gore that makes weaker men vomit.Ill keep my eyes open for someone like that.We were all alone in the hallway. Both theaters were halfway through the movie, and it was deserted??quiet enough for us to hear the popcorn popping at the concession issue in the lobby.Jacob went to sit on the velveteen-upholstered remove against the wall, patting the space beside him.He sounded like he was going to be in there for a while, he said, stretching his long legs out in front of him as he settled in to wait.I joined him with a sigh. He looked like he was thinking about blurring more lines. Sure enough, as soon as I sat down, he shifted over to put his arm around my shoulders.Jake, I protested, leaning away. He dropped his arm, not looking bothered at all by the minor rejection. He reached out and took my hand firmly, wrapping his other hand around my wrist when I tried to pull away again. Where did he get the self-assurance from? at a time, just hold on a narrow-minded, Bella, he said in a calm go. Tell me something.I grimaced. I didnt want to do this. Not just not now, but not ever. There was zipper lett in my life at this point that was more important than Jacob Black. But he seemed determined to ruin everything.What? I muttered sourly.You like me, right?You know I do.Better than that joker puking his guts out in there? He gestured toward the bathroom door.Yes, I sighed.Better than any of the other guys you know? He was calm, serene??as if my answer didnt matter, or he already knew what it was.Better than the girls, too, I pointed out.But thats all, he said, and it wasnt a question.It was hard to answer, to hypothesize the word. Would he get hurt and deflect me? How would I stand that?Yes, I whispered.He grin ned down at me. Thats okay, you know. As long as you like me the best. And you think Im well-favored??sort of. Im prepared to be annoyingly persistent.Im not going to change, I said, and though I tried to keep my voice normal, I could hear the sadness in it.His face was thoughtful, no longer teasing. Its still the other one, isnt it?I cringed. Funny how he seemed to know not to theorise the account??just like to begin with in the car with the music. He picked up on so much about me that I never said.You dont nourish to talk about it, he told me.I nodded, grateful.But dont get mad at me for hanging around, okay? Jacob patted the back of my hand. Because Im not giving up. Ive got dozens of time.I sighed. You shouldnt waste it on me, I said, though I valued him to. in particular if he was willing to accept me the way I was??damaged goods, as is.Its what I want to do, as long as you still like to be with me. I cant imagine how I could not like being with you, I told him honestly .Jacob beamed. I can live with that. scarce dont expect more, I warned him, trying to pull my hand away. He held onto it obstinately.This doesnt really bother you, does it? he demanded, liquidity crisis my fingers.No, I sighed. Truthfully, it tangle nice. His hand was so much warmer than mine I always felt too a algid these days.And you dont care what he thinks. Jacob jerked his thumb toward the bathroom.I guess not.So whats the problem?The problem, I said, is, that it means something different to me than it does to you.Well. He tightened his hand around mine Thats my problem, isnt it?Fine, I grumbled. Dont give it, though.I wont. The pins out of the grenade for me, now, eh? He poked me in the ribs.I rolled my eyes. I guess if he felt like making a joke out of it, he was entitled.He chuckled quietly for a minute while his pinky finger inattentively traced designs against the side of my hand.Thats a funny scar youve got there, he abruptly said, twisting my hand to examine it. Ho w did thathappen?The index finger of his free hand followed the line of the long silvery crescent that was barely macroscopic against my pale skin.I scowled. Do you honestly expect me to remember where all my scars come from?I waited for the memory to hit??to open the gaping hole. But, as it so often did, Jacobs presence kept me whole.Its cold, he murmured, touch lightly against the place where James had cut me with his teeth.And then Mike stumbled out of the bathroom, his face ashen and covered in sweat. He looked horrible.Oh, Mike, I gasped.Do you mind go away early? he whispered.No, of course not. I pulled my hand free and went to help Mike walk. He looked unsteady.Movie too much for you? Jacob asked heartlessly.Mikes glare was malevolent. I didnt actually see any of it, he mumbled. I was nervous ahead the lights went down.Why didnt you say something? I scolded as we staggered toward the exit.I was hoping it would pass, he said.Just a sec, Jacob said as we reached the door. He walked quickly back to the concession stand.Could I stupefy an empty popcorn bucketful? he asked the salesgirl. She looked at Mike once, and then thrust a bucket at Jacob.Get him outside, please, she begged. She was obviously the one who would bugger off to clean the floor.I towed Mike out into the cool, wet air. He inhaled thick-skulledly. Jacob was right behind us. He helped me get Mike into the back of the car, and handed him the bucket with a grievous gaze.Please, was all Jacob said.We rolled down the windows, allow the icy night air blow through the car, hoping it would help Mike. I kink my arms around my legs to keep warm.Cold, again? Jacob asked, putting his arm around me before I could answer.Youre not?He shook his head.You essential construct a fever or something, I grumbled. It was freezing. I touched my fingers to his forehead, and his head was hot.Whoa, Jake??youre burning upI feel book. He shrugged. Fit as a fiddle.I frowned and touched his head again. His skin blazed under my fingers.Your hands are like ice, he complained. perchance its me, I allowed.Mike groaned in the backseat, and threw up in the bucket. I grimaced, hoping my own stomach could stand the sound and smell. Jacob checked anxiously over his shoulder to make sure his car wasnt defiled.The road felt longer on the way back.Jacob was quiet, thoughtful. He left his arm around me, and it was so warm that the cold wind felt good.I stared out the windshield, consumed with sin.It was so wrong to encourage Jacob. slender selfishness. It didnt matter that Id tried to make my position clear. If he felt any hope at all that this could turn into something other than friendship, then I hadnt been clear enough.How could I explain so that he would actualize? I was an empty shell. Like a vacant house??condemned??for months Id been utterly uninhabitable. nowadays I was a little improved. The front room was in better repair. But that was all??just the one pocket-sized piece. He deser ved better than that??better than a one-room, falling-down fixer-upper. No amount of investment on his part could put me back in working order.Yet I knew that I wouldnt send him away, regardless. I ask him too much, and I was selfish. Maybe I could make my side more clear, so that he would know to leave me. The thought made me shudder, and Jacob tightened his arm around me.I drove Mike home in his Suburban, while Jacob followed behind us to accede me home. Jacob was quiet all the way back to my house, and I wondered if he were thinking the same things that I was. Maybe he was changing his mind.I would invite myself in, since were early, he said as we pulled up next to my truck. But I think you might be right about the fever. Im starting to feel a little?? rum.Oh no, not you, too Do you want me to drive you home?No. He shook his head, his eyebrows puff together. I dont feel sick yet. Just?? wrong. If I have to, Ill pull over. result you call me as soon as you get in? I asked an xiously.Sure, sure. He frowned, staring ahead into the darkness and caustic his lip.I opened my door to get out, but he grabbed my wrist lightly and held me there. I noticed again how hot his skin felt on mine.What is it, Jake? I asked.Theres something I want to tell you, Bella?? but I think its going to sound kind of corny.I sighed. This would be more of the same from the theater. Go ahead.Its just that, I know how youre unhappy a lot. And, maybe it doesnt help anything, but I wanted you to know that Im always here. I wont ever let you down??I promise that you can always count on me. Wow, that does sound corny. But you know that, right? That I would never, ever hurt you?Yeah, Jake. I know that. And I already do count on you, probably more than you know.The smile broke across his face the way the sunrise set the clouds on fire, and I wanted to cut my vocabulary out. I hadnt said one word that was a lie, but I should have lied. The truth was wrong, it would hurt him. I would let hi m down.A strange look crossed his face. I really think Id better go home now, he said.I got out quickly.Call me I scream as he pulled away.I watched him go, and he seemed to be in control of the car, at least. I stared at the empty street when he was gone, feeling a little sick myself, but not for any physical reason.How much I wished that Jacob Black had been born my brother, my flesh-and -blood brother, so that I would have some legitimate claim on him that still left me free of any blame now. Heaven knows I had never wanted to use Jacob, but I couldnt help but interpret the guilt I felt now to mean that I had.Even more, I had never meant to adore him. One thing I truly knew??knew it in the pit of my stomach, in the center of my bones, knew it from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, knew it deep in my empty chest??was how hump gave someone the power to break you.Id been illogical beyond repair.But I compulsory Jacob now, needed him like a drug. Id used him as a cru tch for too long, and I was in deeper than Id planned to go with anyone again. Now I couldnt bear for him to be hurt, and I couldnt keep from hurting him, either. He thought time and patience would change me, and, though I knew he was dead wrong, I also knew that I would let him try.He was my best friend. I would always love him, and it would never, ever be enough.I went privileged to sit by the phone and grip my nails.Movie over already? Charlie asked in surprise when I came in. He was on the floor, just a foot from the TV. essential be an exciting game.Mike got sick, I explained. Some kind of stomach flu.You okay?I feel fine now, I said doubtfully. Clearly, Id been exposed.I leaned against the kitchen counter, my hand inches from the phone, and tried to wait patiently. I thought of the strange look on Jacobs face before he drove away, and my fingers started drumming against the counter. I should have insisted on driving him home.I watched the clock as the minutes ticked by Ten . Fifteen. Even when I was driving, it took only 15 minutes, and Jacob drove faster than I did. cardinal minutes. I picked up the phone and dialed.It rang and rang. Maybe billy goat was asleep. Maybe Id dialed wrong. I tried again.On the eighth ring, just as I was about to hang up, he-goat answered.Hello? he asked. His voice was wary, like he was expecting bad news.Billy, its me, Bella??did Jake make it home yet? He left here about twenty minutes ago.Hes here, Billy said tonelessly.He was supposed to call me. I was a little irritated. He was getting sick when he left, and I was worried.He was?? too sick to call. Hes not feeling well right now. Billy sounded distant. I realized he must want to be with Jacob.Let me know if you need any help, I offered. I could come down. I thought of Billy, stuck in his chair, and Jake fending for himself??No, no, Billy said quickly. Were fine. Stay at your place.The way he said it was almost rude.Okay, I agreed.Bye, Bella.The line disconnected.By e, I muttered.Well, at least hed made it home. Oddly, I didnt feel less worried. I trudged up the stairs, fretting. Maybe I would go down before work tomorrow to check on him. I could take soup??we had to have a can of Campbells around here somewhere.I realized all much(prenominal) plans were canceled when I woke up early??my clock said four thirty??and sprinted to the bathroom. Charlie plant me there a half hour later, lying on the floor, my cheek press against the cold edge of the bathtub.He looked at me for a long moment.Stomach flu, he finally said.Yes, I moaned.You need something? he asked.Call the Newtons for me, please, I instructed hoarsely. Tell them I have what Mike has, and that I cant make it in today. Tell them Im sorry.Sure, no problem, Charlie assured me.I spent the rest of the day on the bathroom floor, sleeping for a few hours with my head on a crumpled up towel. Charlie claimed that he had to work, but I suspected that he just wanted access to a bathroom. He left a chalk of piss on the floor beside me to keep me hydrated.It woke me up when he came back home. I could see that it was dark in my room??after nightfall. He clumped up the stairs to check on me.Stillalive?Sort of, I said.Do you want anything?No, thanks.He hesitated, clearly out of his element. Okay, then, he said, and then he went back down to the kitchen.I heard the phone ring a few minutes later. Charlie spoke to someone in a low voice for a moment, and then hung up.Mike feels better, he called up to me.Well, that was encouraging. Hed only gotten sick eight hours or so before me. Eight more hours. The thought made my stomach turn, and I pulled myself up to lean over the toilet.I fell asleep on the towel again, but when I woke up I was in my bed and it was light outside my window. I didnt remember moving Charlie must have carried me to my room??hed also put the glass of water on my bedside table. I felt parched. I chugged it down, though it tasted funny from sitting stagnant a ll night.I got up slowly, trying not to trigger the illness again. I was weak, and my mouth tasted horrible, but my stomach felt fine. I looked at my clock.My twenty-four hours were up.I didnt push it, eating nothing but saltine crackers for breakfast. Charlie looked relieved to see me recovered.As soon as I was sure that I wasnt going to have to spend the day on the bathroom floor again, I called Jacob.Jacob was the one who answered, but when I heard his greeting I knew he wasnt over it.Hello? His voice was broken, cracking.Oh, Jake, I groaned sympathetically. You sound horrible.I feel horrible, he whispered.Im so sorry I made you go out with me. This sucks.Im radiant I went. His voice was still a whisper. Dont blame yourself. This isnt your fault.Youll get better soon, I promised. I woke up this morning, and I was fine.You were sick? he asked dully.Yes, I got it, too. But Im fine now.Thats good. His voice was dead.So youll probably be better in a few hours, I encouraged.I could barely hear his answer. I dont think I have the same thing you did.Dont you have the stomach flu? I asked, confused.No. This is something else.Whats wrong with you?Everything, he whispered. Every part of me hurts.The pain in his voice was nearly tangible.What can I do, Jake? What can I bring you?Nothing. You cant come here. He was abrupt. It reminded me of Billy the other night.Ive already been exposed to whatever you have, I pointed out.He ignored me. Ill call you when I can. Ill let you know when you can come down again.Jacob??Ive got to go, he said with sudden urgency.Call me when you feel better.Right, he agreed, and his voice had a strange, bitter edge.He was silent for a moment. I was waiting for him to say goodbye, but he waited too.Ill see you soon, I finally said. Wait for me to call, he said again. Okay?? Bye, Jacob.Bella, he whispered my name, and then hung up the phone.