Chapter Twenty-two – Flight

Chapter Number: Twenty-Two

Chapter Name: Flight

Page Numbers: 485-499

Date of Chapter: March 21, 2006

Summary: Bella, Edward and Alice must wait in the reception area of the Volturi castle until dark. It dawns on Bella that the noise she hears is her own hysterical screaming. Edward holds her protectively. Horrified by the killing of the tourists , Bella continues to cry while Edward comforts her.

After learning that Gianna is fully aware of the Volturi’s feeding practices and hopes to become one of them, Bella feels disgusted. Edward, who regards all vampires as monsters, responds to her comment with visual distress.

In the midst of the danger, Bella feels happy to be with Edward. They list reasons to be happy: they are alive, together and will be alive tomorrow. But Bella still fears that Edward will leave as soon as the opportunity arises.

Bella offers to move from Edward’s lap because he appears hungry. He assures her that, “I’ve never been in better control of  that side of my nature than right now.” Bella avoids asking questions, hoping that she can delay Edward’s exit.

Meanwhile, Alice and Edward plan the return trip. Edward explains that the Volturi call Bella his “la tua cantante” because her blood sings for him.

Alec arrives to release them. They hurry away through the festival crowd. Alice steals another car to get them to the airport.

Bella refuses to sleep, and on the airplane, points out to Edward that she will have nightmares if she sleeps. Alice calls Jasper to communicate their success and to arrange for the family to meet them at the airport.

Edward holds, kisses and touches Bella, which worries her. She fears the affect this will have on her when he leaves again. Edward doesn’t speak; he just holds and comforts her.

The Cullens greet them at the airport. Jasper, Carlisle and Esme wait for them inside. They express their gratitude to Bella for saving Edward and chastise Edward’s suicidal behavior. Emmett and Rosalie wait outside. Edward reluctantly allows Emmett and Rosalie to drive them home. Rosalie apologizes to Edward, then to Bella, who forgives her immediately. Bella notes that this is the first time that Rosalie has spoken directly to her.

They arrive at Bella’s house, where Charlie rages at Edward. Bella, so exhausted she cannot stand to walk, nearly falls. Edward catches her and carries her to her room, promising to return later. Bella falls asleep as soon as Edward lays her on the bed.

Characters Involved: Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, Alice Cullen, Demetri, Gianna, Alec, Jasper Hale, Carlisle Cullen, Esme Cullen, Emmett Cullen, Rosalie Hale, Charlie Swan, the flight attendant, assorted tourist on the streets of Volterra

Places Visited: Volterra, Italy; Bella Swan’s home

Memorable Quotes:
“I think she’s having hysterics. Maybe you shoud slap her.”
~Alice, pg. 486

“She wants to be one of them? … How can she want that?”
~Bella, pg.487-488

“Is it really sick for me to be happy right now?”
~Bella, pg. 488

“I’ve never been in better control of that side of nature than right now.”
~Edward, pg. 489

“They have a name for someone who smells the way Bella does to me. They call her my singer – because her blood sings for me.”
~Edward, pg. 490

“I don’t want to sleep… If I close my eyes now, I’ll see things I don’t want to see. I’ll have nightmares.”
~Bella, pg. 494

“I’m so very sorry, Bella. I feel wretched about every part of this, and so grateful that you were brave enough to go save my brother after what I did. Please say you’ll forgive me.”
~Rosalie, pg. 497

Important Information Learned:
Bella is afraid that Edward will leave once the exit the Volturi castle.

Bella is horrified by the Volturi feding on the group that Heidi brought in. She is disgusted that Gianna wants to become part of a vampire coven that feeds on humans.

Edward responds negatively, but without speaking. He clearly sees less difference in Gianna wanting to become one of the Volturi and Bella wanting to join his family because Edward views all vampires as monsters.

Edward establishes that he has never been in more control of his desire for Bella’s blood.

“La tua cantante” means “your singer” and is the way the Volturi describe Bella because her blood “sings” for Edward.

Rosalie apologizes to Bella. Bella notes that it is the first time Rosalie has addressed her directly.

Chapter Prepared By: silly_bella