Chapter Thirteen – Confessions

Chapter Number:  Thirteen

Chapter Name:  Confessions

Page Numbers:  260-285 (Hardcover)

Date of Chapter:  March 12, 2005

Summary: Edward steps out into the sunlight in the meadow and sits on a rock. In the sunlight his skin glitters like millions of diamonds are imbedded in it. Bella is able to touch his skin for awhile, which Edward enjoys.  When Bella suddenly leans in close Edward has to jump away. He then makes an elaborate show of his speed (laps around the meadow), and strength (pulling up and destroying saplings) to again prove to Bella how dangerous he is.

When Edward again sits next to Bella and apologizes for his outburst they discuss his feelings. Edward tells Bella that at first he was angry when she came to town because she was this “unexpected demon” sent to torment him. He had never had a reaction to anyone like he did to Bella, and was angry because if he failed to resist her it would ruin the lives the Cullens had in Forks.  Part of why Edward can resist her now is that he knows her as a person, but if he had met her alone in a dark alley, it would have been different.  He describes being addicted to Bella’s scent as a heroine addict being lured by the finest of heroine.

Edward and Bella talk about relationships in general. They have never fallen in love with anyone but each other (they don’t directly say the word love it is heavily implied). They explore the physical boundaries of what they can do without endangering Bella’s life. Bella is able to trace her fingers along Edward’s arms and face if she warns him ahead of time. Edward, if he warns Bella to stay still, can bring his face close to her neck and rest his head on her chest.  The fact that they want to be close to each other, and that this causes an inner turmoil in Edward, saddens Bella.

When they leave the forest, Edward gives Bella a piggyback ride back to the truck. He travels so fast that Bella is dizzy and almost motion sick.  Just before they get in the truck, Edward wants to kiss Bella because he is now sure he can resist the urge to drink. What surprises them both, is Bella’s reaction to Edward. When Edward kisses her, Bella flings herself on him. They then get back in the truck which Edward drives back to Forks, because he thinks Bella is in no condition to drive due to the aftereffects of the run and the kiss.

Characters Involved:  Bella Swan, Edward Cullen

Characters MentionedEmmett Cullen, Jasper Hale, Carlisle Cullen, Ms. Cope, Esme Cullen, Jessica Stanley, Rosalie Hale, Alice Cullen

Places Visited:  The Swan Home, A Meadow Outside of Forks

Memorable Quotes:
"I don’t scare you.”
“No more than usual” 
~ The first words between Edward and Bella before he steps into the sun.

“Tell me what you’re thinking. It’s still so strange for me, not knowing.”
“You know the rest of us feel that way all the time.”
~ Edward and Bella discussing his appearance in the sun.

“Would you understand what I meant if I said I was only human?”
~  Edward explaining why he had to suddenly leap up from the log he was sitting on next to Bella.

“You are exactly my brand of heroine.” 
~ Edward describing why Bella is so irresistible to him.

“And so the lion fell in love with the lamb…”
“Stupid lamb.”
“”What a sick, masochistic lion.”
~ Edward and Bella summarizing the road to their relationship.

“I have human instincts—they may be buried deep, but they’re there.” 
~ Edward realizing that he’s still capable of human emotion.

“Will you turn into a bat?”
“Like I haven’t heard that one before!”
~ Bella and Edward discussing how they are going to quickly return to Bella’s truck.

“Hah! You’re as white as a ghost—no, you’re as white as me!”
~ Edward telling Bella how she looks after their run through the forest.

“Oops.”
“That’s an understatement.” 
~Bella and Edward discussing her intense reaction to his kiss.

“Are you still faint from the run, or is it my kissing expertise? Friends don’t let friends drive drunk.”  
~ Edward regarding Bella feeling woozy walking towards the truck.

Important Information Learned:
Vampires’ skin sparkles like diamonds in direct sunlight.

Edward can sing in tones so low that no human can hear.

The Cullens have friends in Alaska.

Jasper, Emmett, and Rosalie were angry after Edward saved Bella from Tyler’s truck. Carlise and Alice were supportive. Esme told Edward to do what he had to do in order to stay with the family.

Edward never fell in love before meeting Bella, and Bella has never fallen in love with anyone but Edward.

If Bella touches Edward the warmth is momentarily absorbed into is skin.

It’s harder for Edward to resist Bella if she makes a sudden, close movement towards him.

Bella is the only person whose scent has ever affected Edward. In general this strong scent attraction is a rarity. It has never happened to Jasper, who everybody smells the same to, bcause he hasn’t abstained from humans all his life. It has only happened to Emmett once, and on that occasion he was unable to resist.

Bella enables Edward to experience his humanity.

Edward wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he harmed Bella.

Part of why Edward finds Bella attractive is that she sees through his pretenses.

When they kiss, Bella has an overwhelming physical reaction that makes her want to lunge towards Edward.

Edward typically travels through the forest by running at break-neck speeds.