Chapter Number:  20

Chapter Name: Compromise

Page Numbers: 434 – 460

Date of Chapter:  June 13, 2006

Summary:
The chapter opens with Bella preparing to spend the night at the Cullens.  She is concerned about the others left in Forks but is grateful that her loved ones are out of harm’s way.  Edward has made arrangements for Bella and him to be alone at the house.  He just wants her to relax.  Bella has decided there is something she wants before she is changed but is nervous about talking it over with Edward.   

Bella arrives at the house and is greeted with several kisses from Edward who is excited about giving Bella a hand me down present.   Edward gives Bella a “crystal” heart that reminds her of him for being hard and sparkly.  Edward places the charm on the bracelet that Jacob gave her.  

Bella decides to negotiate with Edward.  She tells him that she wants him before she is changed and Edward doesn’t quite understand her meaning until she tries to take his clothes off.  Edward refuses to compromise, afraid he would hurt her.   Bella feels dejected.  She pleads with Edward that she just wants to try.  The pleading breaks Edward’s resolve and he offers a new compromise.  He is willing to try but only after they are married.  Bella realizes that the reason Edward wants to wait is to protect her virtue, which she finds very funny.  Edward also realizes that he can use her hormones to speed up the marriage process.  

Edward shows her the ring and explains that it was his mothers.  Bella is not overly enthused at trying it on but does to make Edward happy.  Once the ring is on her finger Edward drops to one knee to propose properly.  In spite of her reluctance, Bella agrees.

Characters Involved: Bella Swan, Edward Cullen

Character Mentioned: Charlie Swan, Renee Dwyer, Emmett Cullen, Carlisle Cullen, Esme Cullen

Places Visited: Cullen House

Memorable Quotes:
“I promise to love you forever—every single day of forever.  Will you marry me?”  ~ Edward to Bella

“Would you please stop trying to take your clothes off?”  ~ Edward to Bella

“No silly girl, I am trying to protect yours.  And you are making it shockingly difficult.”  ~ Edward talking about Bella’s virtue  

Important Information learned:
Edward plans a night alone with Bella before the battle.

Bella decides there are some things she has to do before she is changed.

Bella tries to seduce Edward, and he has trouble resisting her but does to protect her virtue.  

Edward asks Bella to marry him and shows her the ring.  Bella agrees but only if they promise to try having sex before she is turned.

Bella and Edward are officially engaged.

Chapter Prepared By: Be My Escape

Chapter Number: 19

Chapter Name: Selfish

 Page Numbers:  410 – 433

 Date of Chapter: June 12

 Summary:
After staying out all night to watch the Cullens’ battle exercises, Bella sleeps late into the following afternoon.  When she wakes, Edward reminds her that she could — and should — have stayed behind, but she insists that she is now part of the family and should be included.  While she’s getting breakfast, Edward notices Jake’s wolf charm dangling from Bella’s wrist.  He asks to see it and for a fleeting instant Bella worries he might break it.  But he only points out the inequity: Jake is allowed to give her presents and he is not. Bella shrugs and says that Edward has already given her more than she could ever deserve: himself.  Each reflects for a moment on the other’s ridiculous inability to see themselves clearly.  Edward asks if she would accept a charm from him too.  Nothing expensive: a hand-me-down.  Bella agrees, relieved that his reaction was no worse.

 When Alice calls Edward, Bella nervously guesses that she’s going to warn him about her intention of sneaking off to join the Cullens in battle.  But Edward has all ready guessed it from things she said in her sleep and insists it’s out of the question.  When she suggests that Seth will help her defy him, he retorts that Jake will forbid it — and Seth will have to obey, because Jake is Sam’s second-in-command.  This is news to Bella.

To distract her, Edward talks about the discoveries he’s made while listening to the pack mind last night.  For one thing, one of the wolves isn’t a Quileute boy at all — it’s Leah Clearwater.  Bella reflects how painful it must be for her and Sam to be in such intimate mental contact.  Edward unsympathetically replies that Leah is making life as difficult as she can for the rest of them. 

But Bella persists: if Edward is going into danger, she refuses to be left behind.  She considers asking him to stay safely with her instead.  Her better part is appalled by her own selfishness, but her instincts for self-protection are stronger. Ignoring her guilt, she tells Edward the one thing she knows will keep him at her side: if he leaves her alone worrying about his safety, it will overset her mental balance again, as it did when he left her last autumn. 

Edward tries to convince her that her fears are totally groundless and that it will be an easy victory.  Playing off his confidence, Bella suggests that since it’s going to be so easy that he could sit out.  One way or the other, she insists, she needs to be with him. After a long, guilt filled moment of consideration, Edward agrees saying that Bella is his first priority.  Bella feels even worse, that she is asking him to choose between her and his family.   But he replies that she has offered him two alternatives — to stay together at the site of the battle or to sit it out together — and he has chosen the one that he can live with. 

Alice arrives to keep an eye on Bella while Edward goes to talk with Jasper about the strategic implications of his decision to sit out.  She reiterates Edward’s reassurances that the battle will be a piece of cake.  Charlie returns home, and Alice takes this opportunity to maneuver him into suggesting that Bella keep Alice company Friday night and Saturday, while the rest of the Cullens are away on a supposed camping trip.  Bella can now take part in the battle plans without Charlie being any the wiser.

 When Bella retires to bed, Edward is waiting for her.  He reveals to her one small change in Alice’s plans — he will be the one staying with her at the Cullens’ Friday night, while the others are hunting.  The thought of a night alone with Edward in an empty house is appealing.  Edward brings her back to the clearing to watch the night’s exercises; now that she knows Edward will be safe, she is no longer paralyzed with terror about the upcoming battle. 

This time, only Jake, Quil and Embry have come to watch.  Bella is stricken with guilt afresh when Edward explains that tonight they’re practicing handling two enemies at once — a reminder that the Cullens are still outnumbered, and Edward’s absence will reduce their numbers further.  Gazing at the werewolves, she feels a further wave of anxiety.  Jake catches her agonized glance and trots over to her side. It’s stupid to worry, he tells her impatiently — Edward translating — but Bella isn’t wholly reassured. Edward goes to join his family in practicing, and Jake settles down beside Bella.  After some hesitation she settles against his warm, furry flank to watch the Cullens exercise. 

Characters Involved: Edward Cullen, Bella Swan, Alice Cullen, Charlie Swan, Carlisle Cullen, Esme Cullen, Jasper Hale, Emmet Cullen, Rosalie Hale, Jacob Black, Embry Call, Quil Ateara

Characters Mentioned:  Seth Clearwater, Leah Clearwater, Emily Young, Sam Uley, Quil Ateara Sr., Joshua Uley, Billy Black

Places Visited: the Swan home, the baseball clearing

Memorable Quotes:
 “You know, you need to start accepting the fact that I’m part of the family now.”  ~ Bella to Edward

“Jacob Black can give you presents.”  ~ Edward to Bella.

 “The way you regard me is ludicrous.”  ~ Edward to Bella

 “You worry too much Bella.  You’re going to go prematurely grey.”  ~ Alice to Bella

 “I’m the only one with permission to hold you hostage, remember?”  ~ Edward to Bella

Important Information learned:
Edward is aware of Bella’s plans to run off and intends to stop her if she even tries.

Leah Clearwater is a werewolf.

Bella asks Edward to sit out the battle and he agrees.

Bella and Edward will spend a night together alone at his home.

Alice, Edward, and even Jacob believe that the battle will be an easy one.

Bella finds it very comfortable to be around Jake in his wolf form.

Jake is Sam’s "second in command" of the wolf pack.

Chapter Prepared By:  December

Chapter Name:  Instruction

Page Numbers:  383 – 409 (hardcover)

Date of Chapter:   Monday, June 11th, 2006

Summary:  

As Alice’s graduation party ends, Bella is anxious that Jacob’s pack has aligned themselves with the Cullens against the newborns. Everyone reassures Bella there is no danger but she remains worried, agonizing over why her bad luck continually puts other people in harm’s way.  

The wolves and the vampires intend to meet for a training session at 3:00 AM.  Bella tells Edward she wants to accompany him.  Edward notes that she is tired and says he doesn’t want her present for any tensions between the two groups if the training experiment does not go well, but she insists.  Ensured that Charlie is asleep for the night, Bella and Edward wait in her bedroom for the time to pass.  Bella thinks seriously about forming a plan to keep her bad luck from affecting others.  

Edward makes one last effort to coax Bella into staying, but she refuses.  He runs, carrying her on his back, to a large field, which Bella recognizes as the baseball clearing she visited with the Cullens over a year previously.  The familiar place brings back memories of James and his coven. Thinking about Victoria, Bella suddenly makes a connection between all the recent events.  She tells Edward about her realization, rejecting his former theory that the Volturi are at the heart of the trouble.  Edward considers her new impressions, and agrees that it’s a possibility.

Bella notices that Alice looks frustrated and Edward explains that she is uncomfortable being “blinded” by the wolves’ involvement.  The pack finally enters the clearing, arriving in wolf form.  There are more wolves now than Bella last knew about, and the vampires are both fascinated and careful.  Carlisle welcomes them and Edward acts as translator, using his mind reading abilities to speak for the pack.   The wolves agree to watch and listen, but are not comfortable doing more.  Jasper takes center stage to begin the instruction.

Jasper calls Emmett forward first, noting that his reliance on brutal strength is what makes Emmett the closest example of a newborn attack.  Jasper easily catches Emmett from behind and ends the mock skirmish.  He engages Alice next, wishing specifically for Bella to see why Alice can take care of herself.  Sure enough, Alice effortlessly outmatches Jasper, finally swooping up from behind and planting a quick kiss on his neck.  Edward claims the next turn, and Alice takes his spot next to Bella.  Alice surprises Bella, stating she knows of Bella’s semi-formed plans to spare her loved ones from danger.  Alice declares she will warn Edward if Bella continues to scheme.  Bella ignores her and tries to focus on Jasper and Edward.      

Jasper’s expertise is equally matched by Edward’s agility and mind-reading, and they finally agree to call it a draw.  Each of the Cullens take a turn with Jasper, and as the night goes on Bella is finally overcome by exhaustion.  The meeting is called to a close, all agreeing to meet again the following night.  Before the wolves leave, they request to familiarize themselves with the particular scents of the Cullens, so that during battle there are no mistakes.  Each wolf, in turn, approaches the individual members of the Cullen family, smelling and sniffing them all.  

Bella recognizes Jacob as the reddish-brown wolf.  She realizes he seems the most relaxed of the pack.  Jacob meets her gaze and comes closer. Bella notices that Edward is measuring her reactions, clearly hoping to find her afraid or disgusted by what she sees.  But instead of being afraid, Bella reaches out and runs her fingers through Jacob’s fur.  She is surprised by how it is both rough and soft.  Suddenly Jacob licks her across her entire face, laughing and jumping out of the way when she yells and smacks at him playfully in response.  Both vampires and werewolves, and especially Edward, are all shocked and bewildered by the encounter.

The wolves leave, but Jacob stays behind.  Jacob speaks to Edward through his mind, eventually turning back into his human form to openly discuss Bella’s safety during the newborn battle.  Edward is reluctant to involve Jacob initially, but is pleasantly surprised by the ideas Jacob presents.  They agree to work together, making a plan to mask the scent of Bella’s trail with Jacob’s.  They decide to place Seth Clearwater with Bella in hiding, using Seth’s and the pack’s mind reading as a way to communicate with the others.  Edward and Jacob end the conversation on pleasant terms, remarking their disbelief at the turn of events that has caused them to work together.

Characters Involved:   Bella Swan, Charlie Swan, Edward Cullen, Jasper Hale, Emmett Cullen, Esme Cullen, Rosalie Hale, Alice Cullen, Jacob Black, Sam Uley, Embry Call, Quil Ateara, Seth and Leah Clearwater, Jared, Paul, Collin, Brady

Characters Mentioned:  James, Laurent, Victoria, Aro and the Volturi, Tanya, Irina, Billy Black, Angela Weber, Ben Cheney

Places Visited:  The Swan home, the baseball clearing

Memorable Quotes:

“I wished my bad luck would focus a little more carefully.  I felt like yelling up at the empty sky:  It’s me you want – over here!  Just me!”    ~ Bella’s thoughts

“You’re very perceptive today.  It’s impressive.”  ~ Edward to Bella

“Gotcha.”  ~ Alice to Jasper

“I’ve got my eye on you, Bella.”  ~ Alice to Bella

“Ew!  Gross, Jake!”  ~ Bella to Jacob

“Well, crap!  There goes your graduation present.”  ~ Bella to Edward

“How do you stand that?”  ~ Jacob to Bella

“Best two out of three?”  ~ Jasper to Alice

Important Information learned:

Bella has starting to think of ways to  keep herself the focus of her bad luck, so as to not endanger others.  

Bella’s plans have caught Alice’s notice and Bella is being watched carefully.

The pack has grown, and they’ve been keeping it quite secret.  

When in wolf form, the pack can still communicate to the vampires (and to humans) through Edward’s mind reading.

The Cullens and the wolves plan to divide the newborn army, leaving half to the werewolves and half to the vampires.

Edward and Jacob will work together to protect Bella..  

Chapter Prepared By:   LisaCullenAZ

Chapter Number: 17

Chapter Name: Alliance

Page Numbers: 365 – 382

Date of Chapter:

Summary:
As Bella arrives at his house, Edward rushes out to kiss her in a tense, uneasy way that makes her nervous.  He promises that nothing will happen to her and leads her into the house for the party.  Alice has transformed the house into an amazing nightclub, which Bella finds a bit over whelming.  In the moments before the party, the Cullens discuss their plan for attacking the newborns in Seattle while Bella listens on.

Everyone invited to the party arrives.  The normalcy of the event keeps Bella somewhat distracted as she goes from guest to guest to guest with Edward glued to her side.  When he did leave her side, it left Bella suspicious.  Bella follows him to find that Alice has seen something and no one is telling Bella about it. 
At the same time, Jacob and a few others from La Push have arrived, much to Alice and Edward displeasure.  Surprised that Jacob would come after she hit him, Bella asks him why he came.  He says that he has a gift for her – one that he didn’t get at the store.  They argue a moment, but Bella takes the gift.  It’s a silver bracelet with a tiny wooden wolf charm made by Jacob.  Bella thanks him for the gift and lets Jacob put it on her wrist.

Jacob asks why she is distracted and tries to get her to explain what’s going on.  He pulls Embry and Quill over to hear the details just as Alice steps in.  A fight nearly breaks out when Jacob blocks Alice from moving and Jasper immediately comes to her side, but Bella stops them.  Alice explains that she has seen something and that the Cullens are heading to Seattle. 

In the discussion, Jacob steps in and demands an explanation.  Upon hearing all the details, Jacob insists that the wolves be involved.  Alice sees what he means and thinks it’s excellent.  After a big of arguing, Jasper tells them that if they really want to be involved, there is a “strategic meeting” later on that night they can come to.  Jake agrees even though Bella protests.

Characters Involved: Edward Cullen, Bella Swan, Alice Cullen, Jacob Black, Jasper Hale, Quill Ateara, Embry Call

Characters Mentioned: Emmet Cullen, Lauren Mallory, Ben Cheney, Angela Webber, Jessica Stanley, Mike Newton, Eric Yorkie, Conner, Austin, Lee, Samantha, Katie, Sam Uley

Places Visited: The Cullen home

Memorable Quotes:
“Alice will be Alice.”  ~ Edward about Alice.

“Who invited the werewolf?”  ~ Alice about Jacob

“Unless my right hook was too subtle for you, let me translate: that was me uninviting you.”  ~ Bella to Jacob

“Keep your hands to yourself, Jacob!”  ~ Bella to Jacob

“You’re giving me a much better gift than the one I gave you.”  ~Jacob to Bella

Information Learned:
Everyone came to the Cullen’s party – most out of curiosity since no one had ever been invited over before.

Alice has seen the next move from the Seattle newborns.

Jacob has a talent for woodcrafts.

An alliance is formed between the wolves and the Cullens for the sake of protecting Bella.

Chapter Number: 16

Chapter Name: Epoch

Page Numbers: 346 – 364

Date of Chapter:

Summary:
Unable to find something to wear to graduation thanks to the fact that her red blouse was stolen, Bella mopes around her room until Alice shows up with a new outfit.  Alice makes a comment about the thief followed by a comment about the activity in Seattle.  Hearing the two placed together like that makes something click in Bella’s brain.  She realizes that the two situations – the thief in her room and the newborn vampires in Seattle are related.  She also figures out that the thief only broke into her house as a test to see how easy it was to get in and that he only stole things with her scent on them so that others could find her.  Determined to keep the information from Edward, Alice darts off just as Edward arrives to go with Bella to the graduation ceremony. 

At the ceremony, Edward and Bella are separated.  Bella listens to Jessica ramble on and on about their time in school.  The ceremony goes rather quickly and Bella receives her diploma while Charlie and Jacob cheer for her from the audience.  Even through the rest of the graduates are celebrating, Bella is left feeling awkward.  Edward questions her about it and she passes it off as being nervous about the party.  He knows Alice is hiding something from him due to the way her thoughts were filled with foreign languages, and now Edward is suspicious that Bella knows exactly what is bother Alice.  With the hope that the news would make Edward cancel the party, Bella tells him what she figured out about the thief and the newborns.  Edward does not take the information well and he does not go with Charlie and Bella out for dinner. 

After a long, dragging dinner, Edward appears to follow Charlie and Bella back to his house. In the car Charlie expresses his feelings about not being able to do for Bella everything that he should do for her.  Bella assures him that he is a great dad and tells him how happy she is that she chose to move to Forks to live with him.  They arrive at the Cullen home to find the trees lining the drive covered in white lights.  Charlie drops Bella off and drives home.

Characters Involved: Alice Cullen, Edward Cullen, Bella Swan, Charlie Swan, Ms. Cope, Mr. Varner, Jessica Stanley, Eric Yorkie, Principal Greene, Jacob Black, Billy Black

Characters Mentioned: Esme Cullen, Carlisle Cullen, Lauren Mallory, Ben Cheney, Angela Webber

Places Visited: The Swan House, Forks High School, The Lodge Restaurant. 

Memorable Quotes:
“Stupid, thieving, annoying vampire!”  ~ Bella about the unnamed thief.

“She was translating the Battle Hymn of the Republic into Arabic, actually.  When she finished that, she moved on to Korean sign language.”  ~ Edward about Alice

“She doesn’t do things half way, does she?” ~ Charlie about Alice

Information Learned:
The vampire that stole the items from Bella’s bedroom is connected to the newborn vampires in Seattle.

Bella graduates High School.

Alice can speak Arabic and knows Korean sign language.

Chapter Number:  Fifteen

Chapter Name: Wager

Page Numbers: 328 – 345

Date of Chapter: Friday, June 8th 2006

Summary:
Jacob waits for Bella to respond to his declaration of love, but she can’t think of anything to say.  She stutters and tries to leave, but Jacob pulls her back attempting to explain that he knows how she’s feeling.  He asks her point blank if she wants him to go away and never see her again.  Bella admits that she wouldn’t want that.  She says she misses Jacob when he’s not around, but only when he’s happy.  She goes on to say it’s because he’s like family, and that she only loves him… and is not in love with him.

Jacob is pleased enough by this, and says he’ll “stick around.”  Bella feels uncomfortable, especially when Jacob affectionately touches and caresses her.  She asks him to behave himself, but Jacob replies that she’ll have to take him or leave him the way he is, since he will not change his behavior claiming Edward is no longer her whole life.  He wants Bella to understand that Edward isn’t her only choice.  Jacob suddenly turns serious, taking Bella’s chin in his hand.  He tells her he’s not going to stop fighting until her heart stops beating.  Bella remarks that her time as a human is limited, which causes Jacob to become yet even more serious. He declares this is only more motivation for him to fight, “fight harder now, while I can.” 

Jacob kisses her angrily and aggressively, and Bella fights back without success.  After realizing that her efforts are useless, she shuts herself down and stands still as a statue, hoping this will finally stop him.  And it works.  He pulls away, smiles and shuts his eyes, and after answering Bella that he is indeed finished, she punches him in the mouth as hard as possible, injuring her hand in the process.  Once he realizes what’s happened, Jacob tries to soothe her but she yells at him to get away saying she’s leaving at once. 

Jacob stays calm, offering her a ride home.  She refuses and thinks to herself that if she can just get to the treaty line Alice will be able to “see” her and send Edward to pick her up.  Jacob insists on driving her, and she finally accepts. 

During the entire drive back to Forks Jacob repeatedly frustrates Bella with references to the kiss, saying even that it was incredible and professing that she doesn’t have to change anything to be with him.  No matter how many times Bella asserts that she can’t – and doesn’t want to be – happy without Edward, Jacob relentlessly urges her to “just think about it.” 

Bella is surprised, and annoyed, when she realizes Jacob is taking her to Charlie’s house instead of to Edward’s, where she’d hoped to have Carlisle look at her hand.  Jacob offers to drive her to the hospital, but she refuses.  Once at the Swan home, Bella tells Jacob to go home.  He of course follows her inside anyway, where Charlie asks what the fuss is about.  Jacob explains without reservation.  Charlie responds only with pleasure over Jacob’s actions.  This irritates Bella.  She silently gets herself some ice for her hand, and dials Edward on the phone. 

Bella tells Edward what happened.  Edward speeds over to the Swan home at once, while Charlie worries that perhaps Jacob should leave beforehand.  Jacob chooses to stay, completely at ease.  When Edward arrives, his first concern is only for Bella’s hand.  He examines it and affirms that it is most likely broken.  He attempts to confront Jacob, but Charlie steps in quickly, afraid of a fight. Edward takes Bella and leaves, heading to the car and planning to take her straight to Carlisle, but Jacob follows them outside.  After helping Bella into the Volvo, Edward turns to finally address Jacob, and they engage in a brief and seemingly calm yet intense altercation concerning Bella and both their intentions to fight for her.  Bella never says another word to Jacob, refusing to even return his smiles or acknowledge his well-wishes for her injured hand.

As they arrive at the Cullen home, Edward pulls around to the garage where Bella sees Rosalie and Emmett working on the Jeep.  Emmett notices Bella’s hand and asks her about it, bursting into laughter when she admits to punching a werewolf in the face.  Rosalie, however, brings his laughter to an abrupt halt when she mentions merely that “Jasper’s going to win the bet.”  When Bella asks about the comment, Edward grudgingly explains that Jasper and Emmett are betting on how well Bella will be able to handle her first year as a vampire, and on how many people she will lose control over and kill.  Edward also affirms that Jasper is betting high, since it would make Jasper feel better about his own struggles with sticking to the Cullen’s diet. 

Carlisle treats Bella’s broken hand.  She is able to escape with only a brace, and she promises Carlisle she will keep it on.  But all the while she is really only thinking about this disturbing new development concerning the bet. 

Bella thinks to herself about what she will be like as a newborn vampire.  She hopes to be beautiful, but worries she will also be wild and possibly weak.  She comforts herself with thoughts of Edward, however, saying that she trusts him enough to keep her a good person.  Still, she begins to be seriously troubled about her sense of self, and if it will be the same once she is changed.  She wonders if she’ll want the same things that she does now, as a human. Bella realizes that Edward’s desire for her to have all her human experiences doesn’t seem so silly after all.  She considers the possibility that there may be a human experience she isn’t willing to forfeit.

Characters Involved: Bella Swan, Jacob Black, Charlie Swan, Edward Cullen, Emmett Cullen, Rosalie Hale, Carlisle Cullen

Character Mentioned: Alice Cullen, Jasper Hale

Places Visited: Jacob Black’s home, The Swan home, The Cullen home

Memorable Quotes:

“You decide, Bella.  You can have me the way I am – bad behavior included – or not at all.”  ~ Jacob to Bella   Pg. 329

“Are you done now?”  ~ Bella to Jacob after he stops kissing her.  Pg. 331

“I hate you Jacob Black.”
“That’s good.  Hate is a passionate emotion.” ~ Bella and Jacob  Pg. 332

“Maybe you should pick on people your own size.” ~ Charlie to Bella   Pg. 338

“I’m not going to kill you now, because it would upset Bella.” ~ Edward to Jacob  Pg. 340

“And if you ever kiss her again, I will break your jaw for her.” ~ Edward to Jacob  Pg. 340

 “Yes, may the best man win.”
 “Sounds about right… pup.” ~ Edward and Jacob   Pg. 341

“I punched a werewolf in the face.” ~ Bella to Emmett   Pg. 342

Important Information learned:

Jacob has decided to put all the cards on the table and fight openly against Edward for Bella. 

Jacob believes that Bella has more options than she realizes, and wants her to think things through before she gives up everything for Edward.  

Jacob and Edward confront one another plainly about their intentions.
 
Jasper and Emmett have a bet on how many times Bella will slip up during her first year as a vampire, and that Jasper is betting high. 

Chapter Prepared by: LisaCullenAZ

Chapter Number: 14

Chapter Name: Declaration

Page Numbers: pp. 310-327

Date of Chapter: June 6-7*

Summary:
Bella, Edward, and Alice are in the school cafeteria discussing their upcoming graduation party. Bella thinks the planned assault on the newborns makes a party inappropriate. Alice counters that they need time to get a few things in order before the battle, and commemorating Bella’s first (and only human) high-school graduation is entirely appropriate.

Edward informs Bella of Jasper’s concern that they get help in their fight against the newborns. Jasper and Carlisle are trying to track down old friends to join the fight including Maria, but nobody wants to involve the southerners. Edward is convinced that someone will help them: no one wants a visit from the Volturi. Bella feels physically ill at the thought of the Cullens putting themselves in harm’s way, and can’t even consider the possibility that Edward might be hurt, or worse.

Edward’s confidence does nothing to quell the terror building inside her at the thought of losing “the core of her existence.” In her panic she suggests that in the week it will take to prepare for the fight she could be changed into a vampire and be ready to help them. Edward turns rigid at the suggestion, and Alice quickly puts the thought to rest, reminding Bella that as a newborn, she would not be an asset in a fight. Edward would feel the need to protect her, and that would put him in danger. Edward reminds her that he won’t let her go through the change out of fear.

Alice ”sees” that Renee has to cancel her trip to Forks for Bella’s graduation: Phil’s leg has been broken during a baseball training session and she cannot leave him. Bella is relieved that her mother will not be in Forks with the newborns close by. When Bella and Edward return home from school, she calls Renee to talk about graduation and Phil’s injuries.

Edward has planned a hunting trip for the next day and Emmett and Jasper are to look after Bella in his absence. Not wanting to be “babysat,” Bella suggests to Edward that she could go to LaPush for the afternoon and he agrees.

In an attempt to change the subject, Bella asks why he needs to hunt, given that his eyes are still a deep gold and the shadows beneath them are faint. He explains that hunting makes them stronger — and human blood makes them the strongest. Bella is horrified to realize she would be willing to have a stranger die if it meant it would help protect Edward.

Edward explains to Bella the process by which the newborns use up their human blood and why it makes them so much stronger. Bella considers her own strength as a vampire and Edward assures her she will be stronger than both he and Emmett.

Edward brings Bella to the La Push boundary line the next day and his mood darkens as they see Jacob waiting in his car. Edward has apparently heard Jacob’s thoughts but doesn’t share them with Bella knowing Jacob will tell her. Jacob honks the horn impatiently, irritating Edward. Bella walks to Jacob’s car and when she turns to wave at Edward, she thinks he looks truly upset. She surmises that he must be angry over the honking incident, but in reality it’s Jacob’s thoughts that have upset him.

When Bella gets in Jacob’s car she notices how tired he is and suggests they go back to his house to hang out. Jacob explains his sleepiness: he has been doing double shifts on his nightly patrols because of the threat to her. Bella chides him, but he dismisses her concerns.

The discussion turns to Bella’s graduation and Jacob is obviously thinking about the significance of that date for her impending change. Bella doesn’t tell him that her plans have been put on hold for fear that he will read too much into her reluctance. They talk about the upcoming graduation festivities instead, and Bella issues Jake an invitation to the party.

Jacob falls asleep on the couch while Bella sits next to him. She looks at Jake’s relaxed expression while he sleeps, and thinks how it reminds her of her friend before he became a werewolf.

She reflects on her life and how she feels about leaving her humanity behind. She thinks about how Edward is right—she isn’t quite ready to make the change.  She also realizes that when she is ready, she wants Edward to be the one to do it. She wants it to be his venom to poison her system. Bella feels that this would make her belong to him in a tangible way. She continues to ponder marriage and how her mother and friends will react to the news of a wedding.

When Jacob wakes up, he is angry with himself for wasting his time with her by sleeping. He takes her outside to clear his head and tells her that although he wanted to handle this differently, he has run out of time. He needs her to know he is in love with her. He acknowledges that she doesn’t feel the same way, but he wants her to realize she has other options besides becoming a vampire.

*Bella mentions in the chapter that it feels more like February than May.  As in most of Eclipse, there is some inconsistency in the time-line due to the fact that Stephenie worked off of a 2007 calendar when the year in the book was really 2006.

Characters Involved: Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, Jacob Black, Alice Cullen

Characters Mentioned: Renee Dwyer, Phil Dwyer, Carlisle Cullen, Jasper Hale, Billy Black, Maria, Tanya, Peter, Charlotte, The Clearwaters

Places visited: Forks High School cafeteria, the Swan home, the Black home.

Memorable Quotes:

“You don’t get to be human again, Bella. This is a once-in-a-lifetime shot.” ~ Alice Cullen p.311

“I know you think that I have some kind of perfect, unyielding self-control, but that’s not actually the case.” ~ Edward Cullen p.315

It was as if I had those two stubborn magnets in my hands again, and I was holding them together, trying to force nature to reverse herself… ~ Bella Swan p.319

I liked the idea that his lips would be the last good thing I would feel. Even more embarrassingly, something I would never say aloud, I wanted his venom to poison my system. It would make me belong to him in a tangible, quantifiable way. ~ Bella Swan p. 324

“Bella, I love you. And I want you to pick me instead of him. I know you don’t feel that way, but I need the truth out there so that you know your options. I wouldn’t want a miscommunication to stand in our way.” ~ Jacob Black p. 327

Important Information Learned:
Jasper thinks it is essential that the Cullens get help to fight the newborns

Bella is terrified at the thought of Edward being hurt in battle

Despite the danger of the newborn army, Edward (and Alice) want Bella to celebrate the milestone of her graduation.

Bella has many grave concerns on her mind these days but she is never distracted from her intense attraction to Edward.

Bella is very clear that she wants Edward to be the one to change her, and that this is something personal and intimate between the two of them.

Jake feels like his time is running out and decides to declare his love for Bella asking that she choose him over giving her life up to become a vampire.

Chapter Prepared By: TrueLove1

Chapter Number: 13

Chapter Name:  Newborn

Page Numbers:  287-309

Date of Chapter: June 5, 2006

Summary:  
Once Bella realizes that Jasper’s arms are covered in scars from vampire bites, he tells her his history. He explains that vampires live differently in the south, only coming out at night and fighting each other for control of territories with larger human populations so that they won’t have any competition in feeding.

He tells the story of a young vampire named Benito that began using armies of wild, uncontrolled newborns to dispatch rival covens. These newborns destroyed each other as often as their targets, and had to be replaced. The other covens had to form their own newborn armies to counter Benito. The human population was also drastically reduced during the fighting, and eventually, the Volturi stepped in. The entire Volturi guard came from Italy and annihilated all the vampires found with newborns, virtually emptying the region of vampires for a time. The ones that survived began to stake claims again and the fighting resumed, though on a smaller scale. Newborn armies were again utilized, but with more care and control this time to avoid additional Volturi involvement.

Jasper then tells Bella about becoming a confederate solider in Houston when he was 16 years old by claiming to be 20. Having the ability to sway others around him, and was promoted quickly through the ranks. By the time of the first battle of Galveston, he was made the youngest major in Texas at the age of 20. His orders were to convey the women and children from Galveston to Houston to avoid Union mortar boats. After transporting the first group, he set out on his return journey to Galveston.

It was then he met up with three vampire women: Maria, Nettie, and Lucy, all survivors of recently lost battles. Incapacitated by their beauty and his own sense of propriety, he was unable to run from them. Maria, a petite brunette and their leader, sensed that Jasper was special and turned him rather than kill him. Maria wanted to reclaim her territory, and built a newborn army, putting Jasper in charge of the others. His ability to control the emotions of those around him enabled him to build a large, lethal group of newborns that could work together. They were very successful. Jasper lived this life for decades, training, fighting with, and then disposing of the newborns. As the years wore on, the violence and hate took their toll on him, but Maria had told him that there was no other way.

A newborn named Peter proved so useful that he was put in charge of watching over the others. Peter fell in love with a newborn named Charlotte, and they ran away together when it was time for Charlotte to be culled from the group. Five years later, Peter came back to tell Jasper of a better life with no warring; a life outside of the south. Jasper left Maria for this new life without a second thought, but as he continued to kill for food, his depression grew. Unlike Peter and Charlotte, he could feel the horror and fear of each kill, thanks to his gift, and was reminded of his last night as a human. He left his companions after a while to live on his own. He tried not to feed, but had to eventually, fueling his depression.

Then, in Philadelphia, he entered a diner to get out of the rain and met Alice for the first time. She was waiting on him; she had “seen” him. She told him of the Cullens, whom she had also “seen”, and the possibility of a life without all the killing. Together, they went to find Carlisle.

After Jasper’s tale, the other’s understood that the killings in Seattle must be from a newborn army. They try to discern a motive behind the building of the army, concluding that they must be the target as they are the closest and largest coven. Building upon what Edward saw in Aro’s mind while in Volterra, he surmises that the Volturi may ultimately be behind the army. Jasper dismisses this idea as being too sloppy for the Volturi, that it must be a first timer. The Cullens decide that Jasper needs to train them to fight the newborns and they begin preparations to go to Seattle and take care of the threat themselves. Bella realizes they are missing something important, but she can’t figure out what it might be. Carlisle calls the Denali clan to request help in dealing with the army, but he is told that Irina and Laurent had a relationship, and the clan refuse to help unless Carlisle gives them leave to destroy the werewolves in retaliation for Laurent’s death. Carlisle refuses. They all realize that if the Cullens fight alone they will win the battle, but not all will survive.  

Characters Involved: Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, Jasper Hale, Alice Cullen, Carlisle Cullen, Esme Cullen, Emmett Cullen, Rosalie Hale

Character Mentioned: Aro, Benito, Maria, Nettie, Lucy, Tanya, Kate, Eleazer, Irina, Victoria, Laurent, James, Peter, Charlotte

Places Visited: The Cullen home

Memorable Quotes:  
“…you must understand that there are places in our world, Bella, where the life span of the never-aging is measured in weeks, and not centuries.” ~ Jasper to Bella

 “For the first century of my life, I lived in a world of bloodthirsty vengeance. Hate was my constant companion.” ~ Jasper

“You held out your hand, and I took it without stopping to make sense of what I was doing. For the first time in almost a century, I felt hope.” ~ Jasper to Alice

“Jasper shows up, covered in battle scars, towing this little freak…who greets them all by name, knows everything about them, and wants to know which room she can move into.” ~ Edward about Alice
 
Important Information learned:
In the south, vampires have waged wars utilizing newborn armies in order to gain control of areas with large human population.

Newborns are extremely strong, though wild and undisciplined, in their first year of life.

Jasper can not only influence others’ emotions, but those emotions also affect him.

Edward discloses that he felt Aro‘s jealousy and fear toward Carlisle.

Irina and Laurent had a strong relationship and the Denali clan seeks vengeance for his death.

The story of Jasper meeting Alice.

Chapter Prepared By: Spooncha and Echo 1

Chapter Number: 12 

Chapter Name: Time 

Page Numbers:  pp. 267 -286

Date of Chapter:   June 4 – June 5 2006

Summary: 
Walking to the car after school, Alice discloses to Bella that she is planning a graduation party for her and it suddenly dawns on Bella that graduation is only a week away.  The deadline agreed for Carlisle to change her into a vampire is almost upon her — and she realizes in a panic that she isn’t ready to leave her human life behind, even though it’s what she’s wanted more than anything.  Without her realizing it, the time for preparing herself has slipped away. 

Alerted by Bella’s stricken silence on the way home, Edward drags an admission out of her that she is isn’t really ready, but Bella insists that the combined threat from Victoria, the Volturi, and the recent mysterious intruder in her room makes it too dangerous to postpone her transformation.  Edward insists that he won’t let her go through with this until she feels safe and can freely decide what she really wants.  None of the Cullens had a choice about becoming a vampire; he is determined that Bella’s decision should be unforced.  

Bella asks Edward why he doesn’t want her to be a vampire, thinking it has to do with the fact that she will no longer be soft and warm and tempting. Edward laughs and reassures her that she’ll be the same girl he has always loved — just a little more durable.  In spite of the human aspects that he will miss, he tells her it will mostly be a relief not to have to worry about killing her. But he hates the idea of changing her because staying human would be such a better choice for her.  It seems criminally selfish to him to allow her to become a vampire (and possibly lose her soul) just so he can keep her forever. If there were any way for him to become human for her he’d do it, whatever the cost.   

To Bella’s horror, Edward then asks Bella why she won’t marry him.  After many evasions, she admits that she finds the idea of getting married straight out of high school embarrassing and ridiculous.  It’s just not something intelligent, responsible girls of her generation do.  Edward is surprised by her answer — and relieved.  It never occurred to him that her reservations might be about marriage itself.  When he admits to worrying that perhaps she was more interested in immortality than in him, it’s Bella’s turn to laugh, assuring him that without him, she wouldn’t want to live even a day, let alone eternity.   

Reassured, Edward tells Bella that he understands her qualms about marriage; but he asks her to try to understand how natural getting married seems to someone of his own era.  For a moment she visualizes herself as a radiant, turn-of-the-century bride-to-be, before quickly returning to her own reality.  Edward, for his part, remains unwilling to relent and change Bella unless she marries him first.  They agree they are glad to understand one another’s perspectives better, but it is still an impasse.  When Edward arrives the next morning to take Bella to school, she is staring blindly at a newspaper report on the latest string of gruesome murders in Seattle.  The newborn vampire there is clearly getting scarily out of hand. Bella is terrified by the idea of the Cullens going to Seattle to deal with it, but also of the Volturi turning up to sort things out themselves.  And something is inexplicably blocking Alice’s vision of what is going on. Unexpectedly, Edward suggests that the two of them ditch school and go consult Jasper.   

They find the Cullens watching the latest murder reports on CNN, and debating whether the time has come to intervene.  Emmett is raring to go; Carlisle demurs, pointing out that it’s not their responsibility.  Edward is anxious to forestall an untimely visit from the Volturi.  And Jasper suddenly figures out what is behind the events in Seattle.  Before sharing his revelation, he insists that Bella should be included in the discussion, because she is now one of the family.  But if she is to understand, she will need to know more of his own history.  He rolls up the sleeve of his sweater to reveal row upon row of overlapping scars like the one Bella carries from the bite James left on her hand.   

Characters Involved: Alice Cullen, Edward Cullen, Bella Swan, Carlisle Cullen, Esme Cullen, Jasper Hale, Emmet Cullen, Rosalie Hale

Characters Mentioned: Charlie Swan, Renee Dwyer, Jacob Black, Victoria, Jane, Caius, Aro,  

Places Visited:  Forks High School parking lot, the Swan home, the Cullen home  

Memorable Quotes:   
“Not until you’re ready.  And definitely not while you feel threatened.” ~ Edward to Bella

“Not one of us had a choice…I won’t let it be that way for you.  You will have a choice.” ~ Edward to Bella

“There’s no point to forever without you.  I wouldn’t want one day without you.” ~ Bella to Edward 

“It’s the most selfish thing I’ll ever do, even if I live forever.” ~ Edward, about changing Bella.  

“You.  That’s what I’m keeping.  You’ll always be my Bella,  you’ll just be a little more durable.” ~ Edward to Bella

“I’m not that girl Edward.” ~ Bella to Edward

I was going for the wedding march, but it sort of sounded like a dirge. ~ Bella

“Jasper, what happened to you?” ~ Bella to Jasper
 
Important Information learned:   
The idea of leaving behind her humanity terrifies Bella. 

Edward is determined that Bella stay human until the danger is past, so her choice will not be made under duress. 

Bella has been worrying that Edward won’t like her as much when she’s not human. 

Edward thinks that allowing Bella to become a vampire is the most selfish thing he will ever do.

Edward has been worrying whether Bella is more covetous of immortality than of him.

Bella is unwilling to marry Edward because it seems tacky to get married straight out of high school.

Jasper has a mysterious past which has left him covered in scars from dozens of vampire bites.   

Chapter Prepared By:  December

Chapter Number: 11

Chapter Name:  Legends

Page Numbers:  239-266

Date of Chapter: Sunday June 3^rd and Monday June 4^th

Summary:

Bella accompanies Jacob to a council meeting of the elders of the tribe, where she sees the rest of the pack, who welcome her as a friend. She is surprised to find Sue Clearwater and her two children, Seth and Leah, at the bonfire as well, and surmises that they must now also be in on the secret. After a lighthearted meal, Bella realizes it’s getting late and she needs to go home, but Jacob quickly lets her know the night is for more than fun.

The elders then tell the stories of the pack’s origins and legends that have been passed down for generations. While Emily takes notes, Billy tells the story of how the Quileutes came to be werewolves. They were originally spirit warriors, able to leave their bodies to defend their tribe, but when the last great chief, Taha Aki, merged his spirit with that of a wolf after Utlapa, a traitorous warrior, stole his body, the werewolves were created. They discovered that as long as a warrior chose to continue changing into his wolf form he would not age.

As Billy’s tale ends, Old Quil begins the tale of the third wife’s sacrifice. Taha Aki saw his third wife as his true mate and gave up his wolf form so that he could grow old with her.  After he had grown old, women in the neighboring Makah tribe began to disappear. The Makahs suspected the Quileutes because of their magic, so Taha Aki charged his eldest wolf-son, Taha Wi, to find the culprit. Taha Wi took five other wolves with him to search the mountains, but sent half the pack home when the trail they followed led them too far north. Tahi Wi and his two brothers never returned. Taha Aki went to the chief of the Makahs in mourning, and enmity between the tribes ceased. A year later, the disappearances started again. The wolves agreed to help the Makahs, and this time they found a male cold one feeding from a maiden. Only one wolf survived the attack, Yaha Uta, the oldest son of Taha Aki’s third wife. The cold one was hard as stone, fast, and deadly, and Yaha Uta lost his two brothers in the fight. He brought the Cold One’s corpse back to the village for the elders to see. The corpse tried to reassemble itself, so they set fire to it and separated the ashes into small bags, one of which Billy still possesses. The Cold One’s mate came to the village seeking revenge and killed the last wolf protector, Yaha Uta, as well as many of the tribe. Taha Aki turned into a wolf again in order to fight her, but he was old and she was too strong. The third wife saw his struggle and stabbed herself in front of the Cold Woman to distract her with her blood. The third wife died, but thanks to her sacrifice, Taha Aki was able to destroy the female. Afterwards, Taha Aki stayed with the body of his wife for one day, as a wolf, then and then ran to the forest and never returned. Over time, the warriors only changed into wolves if Cold Ones came to the area. As long as there were only one or two, the pack stayed small.

Old Quil tells of the coming of the Cullens and the pact made with Ephraim Black, saying that the number of wolves is greater due to their being more Cold Ones around than ever before. Bella feels an affinity towards the third wife and falls asleep thinking of her. Jacob calls Edward and Charlie for her, both to keep her out of trouble as well as ensure additional time with her as a reward for “playing nice.” Jacob takes Bella to meet Edward, who is pacing while he waits for her. Edward takes Bella home and stays with her.  Bella has a bad dream in which Rosalie is fighting Billy Black in his wolf form and sees the Third Wife’s knife in her own hand. She wakes to find Edward reading Wuthering Heights, a novel he previously claimed to dislike. As he lulls her back to sleep, he tells her that she is awakening human emotions in him, and that he can now relate to Heathcliff as he couldn’t before. The next morning, Bella remembers what Edward said, and finds her book open to Heathcliff’s declaration that he could never hurt Catherine by killing her husband, though he longs to do so. She talks herself into discounting the passage as being indicative of the change in Edward’s feelings.

Characters Involved: Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, Jacob Black, Sam Uley, Emily Young, Paul, Embry Call, Quil Ateara, Jared, Kim, Leah Clearwater, Seth Clearwater, Sue Clearwater, Billy Black, and Old Quil.

Character Mentioned:  Kaheleha, Taha Aki, Utlapa, Yut, The Third Wife, Taha Wi, Yaha Uta, Carlisle Cullen, Esme Cullen, Emmett Cullen, Rosalie Hale

Places Visited: La Push and Bella’s house

Memorable Quotes:

“I guess. I’m so full I’m about to puke, but I think I can force it down. I won’t enjoy it at all, though.” –Jacob in response to Paul’s asking if he was going to eat the last hot dog

“Hey, vampire girl!”  –Embry to Bella

“What’s the best part? You swallowing an entire cow whole?” –Bella to Jacob

“So that’s why Sam is all black. Black heart, black fur.”  –Quil

“And your chocolate fur reflects what? How sweet you are?” –Sam in response to Quil

“Yeah, he’s not so patient, is he?” –Jacob about Edward

Important Information learned:

The Quileutes were originally spirit warriors.

Taha Aki was the first Quileute to merge his spirit warrior with a wolf and thus begin the werewolf line.

The appearance of the wolf reflects the man they are inside.

As long as the wolves continue to transform they will not age.

The third wife’s tale is the tale of Taha Aki’s wife and how she sacrificed herself so that Taha Aki could kill the Cold Woman.

The sweet scent of a Cold One burns the noses of the wolves to the point of pain.

The Cold Ones must be torn apart and burned in order to ensure that they are dead.

Billy Black wears the ashes of the first Cold One burned by the Quileutes.

Bella identifies greatly with the third wife.

Edward identifies greatly with Heathcliff.

Chapter Prepared By: Echo 1 and Spooncha