Chapter Number: Eighteen

Chapter Name: The Hunt

Page Numbers: 375 – 389 (Hardcover)

Date of Chapter: Sunday March 13th, 2005

Summary: As the visiting vampires emerge from the forest they are described in a way that makes them appear less sophisticated and more wild and animalistic than the Cullens. Although they wear normal clothes, they are barefoot and walk in a more predatory manner, always on edge and prepared to attack. To Bella their mannerisms and stance can be likened to that of cats.

The vampire in the lead introduces them. His name is Laurent, and with him are James and Victoria, who’s hair is a shocking shade of red. Although Laurent appears at this stage to be the leader, Bella notes that James is the one who seems the most vigilant.

In response to the introductions of the visiting vampires, Carlisle introduces his family, including Bella in his list. At this stage the conversation is friendly and polite.

As Carlisle and Laurent talk, it is revealed that the Forks vampires have a permanent residence and are unlike the visiting vampires who, because of their feeding habits, can have no permanent home. This shocks Laurent who nonetheless agrees to visit the Cullens’ home and to avoid hunting in the immediate area.

It is at this moment that events change dramatically. A sudden breeze catches Bella’s hair, wafting her scent over the field and alerting the visiting vampires to the fact that she’s actually a human. Although Laurent and Victoria tense at the smell, it is James who reacts the most. He immediately drops into a hunting stance  – one which is echoed by Edward in a move to protect Bella. Edward’s animalistic snarl that accompanies the changing circumstances scares Bella.

While Edward and James size each other up, Laurent expresses disbelief that the Cullens should have a human in their midst that they do not intend feeding from. Much to James’ obvious anger, Laurent agrees that Bella will not be touched by them.

As Carlisle takes the visiting vampires back to his house, accompanied by Jasper, Rosalie and Esme, Edward, Alice and Emmett take Bella off to the waiting jeep.

Once in the jeep, Edward drives extremely fast in a direction that takes them out of Forks. He is furious and ignores Bella’s irate demands to be taken home – even instructing Emmett to hold her hands to stop her trying to undo the straps holding her in the jeep.

Bella is afraid of what her dad will say or do if she fails to return from her evening with the Cullens. She worries that he might involve the police, causing the vampire family to leave Forks. As she continues to plead with Edward to pull over – supported now by Alice, Edward reveals the reason he is driving out of Forks so frantically. James is a tracker, and now that he’s got Bella’s scent he’ll stop at nothing until he catches her.

On learning this disturbing fact, Bella immediately thinks of her dad – if James has her scent it will obviously lead him to Charlie, and Bella is afraid of his safety. This fear eventually makes Edward stop the car, but he is adamant that he will not return to Forks, despite the views of Alice and Emmett. Emmett is also of the opinion that James is no match for the Forks’ vampires.

As far as Edward is concerned, if they return to Forks they will have to kill James and possibly the other vampires in his coven. At this point in the conversation, Alice interrupts to inform Edward that there is another option. What this other option is, Alice does not say, but whatever it is it causes Edward to loose his temper in a manner that seems out of proportion to both Bella and Emmett. Edwards reaction, however, does not appear to shock Alice in any way.

Bella breaks the stalemate between the vampires. She suggests that she returns to Forks briefly to tell her dad that she wishes to leave and return to Phoenix. In doing this she can protect him from James and then Edward can take her wherever he likes.

While initially reluctant to allow Bella back to Forks, Edward eventually agrees with the plan, but refuses to let Emmett and Alice come with him and Bella when they leave again. Another argument threatens to begin as Edward insists that only he accompany Bella while Alice insists that she will be going with them.

Once again, it is Bella who steps in to offer a logical solution – even if it is one Edward does not want to hear. Bella explains that if Edward is with her, Charlie will get suspicious about his links to her disappearance and James will know that they are together, further proving Bella’s disregard for her own safety when compared to Edward’s.

Eventually, Edward is persuaded to allow Bella to leave with Alice and Jasper while he remains in Forks for another few days to ensure that Charlie does not get suspicious and to lead James on a wild-goose chase. When he is certain that James is completely off Bella’s trail, Edward is to meet her in Phoenix where she will take a place of her own rather than go to her mum’s.

Emmett approves of Bella’s scheme as it gives him and Edward time to get rid of James without Bella being at risk.

As they drive back into Forks, Edward cautions Bella to be careful, warning her that he will hold her personally responsible if anything happens to her. Revealing the depth of his concern for Bella and the forthcoming situation, Edward checks firstly that Jasper can handle being so close to Bella and secondly that Alice can, too. While Alice reminds Edward that Jasper has been doing very well considering, her reply to his enquiry about her self control is a less than lady-like snarl that once again succeeds in scaring Bella as it serves as another reminder of how dangerous her new friends actually are.

The chapter finishes with Edward suddenly, and rather cryptically, telling Alice to keep her opinions to herself.

Characters involved:  Bella swan, Edward Cullen, Carlisle Cullen, Esme Cullen, Alice Cullen, Emmett Cullen, Jasper Hale, Rosalie Hale, Laurent, James, Victoria.

Characters Mentioned:  Charlie Swan

Places visited: a field near Forks, a road to the south of Forks.

Memorable quotes:
‘Their eyes were different, too. Not the gold or black I had come to expect, but a deep burgundy color that was disturbing and sinister.’
~Bella upon seeing the red eyes of James, Victoria and Laurent

‘James, suddenly whipped his head around, scrutinizing me, his nostrils flaring.’
~James when he caught Bella’s scent

“He’s a tracker, Alice, did you see that? He’s a tracker!”
~Edward to Alice about James

“There-is-no-other-option!”
~Edward to Alice about Bella

“Once he commits to a hunt, he’s unshakeable. We’d have to kill him.”
~Edward about James

Important Information Learned:
Vampires who feed on humans appear less sophisticated and more wild than the Cullens – making them seem more threatening.

The eyes of Laurent, James and Victoria are a different colour to those of the Cullens’  They have red eyes.

Bella does not just smell irresistible to Edward.

James is a tracker, a vampire who can follow and catch humans over great distances.

Chapter Number:  Seventeen

Chapter Name:  The Game

Page Numbers:  348-374 (Hardcover)

Date of Chapter:  March 13, 2005

Summary: Edward takes Bella home so she can change into clothes that are more appropriate to watch baseball on a potentially wet night.  When he pulls up to her house, Jacob and Billy are on the front porch.  Edward leaves and Bella invites Jacob and Billy inside. Billy sends Jacob to the car so he can talk to Bella alone. Although their conversation is indirect it is obvious that Billy is warning Bella to stay away from the Cullens. Bella, in the same roundabout way, lets Billy know that she knows what the Cullens are,  the Cullens have not broken the treaty, and that he should mind his own business and not say anything to Charlie.

After Jacob and Billy leaves Charlie comes home and Bella lets him know that she spent the day at Edward’s house and that he is her boyfriend. Charlie doesn’t take that news too well at first, well thinking that Bella was talking about Emmett and not Edward. He thought Emmett seemed too old for Bella. Once he realizes which one Edward is he seems ok with the idea.  Edward comes over and he and Charlie have a brief and polite chat where Edward assures Charlie that he will have Bella home early.

When Bella and Edward go outside, Bella and Charlie are stunned at the car they see. Instead of his Volvo, Edward has brought Emmett’s SUV that has been outfitted for off-roading.  They travel to the outskirts of town and park the truck. Edward then carries Bella piggyback the rest of the way. As soon as the storm starts over the town, the Cullens begin there game. Bella watches alongside Esme, who acts as the umpire.

The game is very spirited and physical. The thunder in the valley covers the intense noise of their game. Suddenly, during a change in positions, Alice lets out a yell. She realizes that the visiting vampires that she foresaw have now changed their direction. Apparently, they heard the game and now are coming to join them immediately. 

It is quickly realized that if they have to carry Bella, they’ll never outrun the incoming vampires. Under Carlilse’s leadership the following actions are taken: they are to act like nothing odd is happening, the resume positions for the game only now Edward is the referee with Bella near him, and Bella’s hair is taken out of the ponytail to try to disguise her scent.

Characters Involved:  Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, Carlisle Cullen, Esme Cullen, Emmett Cullen, Alice Cullen, Rosalie Hale, Jasper Hale, Charlie Swan, Jacob Black, Billy Black, Jessica Stanley

Characters Mentioned:  Rebecca Black,  Harry Clearwater

Places Visited:  The Swan Home, The Cullen Home, The Baseball Meadow

Memorable Quotes:
“It appeared that Charlie was having an aneurism.”
~ Bella describing Charlie’s reaction to hearing she is dating Edward (thinking she means Emmett)

“It sounded like a bear choking.” 
~ Emmett referring to Edward’s laugh.

Important Information Learned:
Edward can tell that Billy believes that he is a vampire, but that Jacob still doesn’t believe this.

Emmett is the strongest hitter of the Cullens.

Edward is the fastest of the Cullens.

Emmett has an SUV intended for off-roading.

Billy doesn’t agree with Bella’s relationship with Edward, but he won’t tell Charlie what the Cullens are.

Edward is continually angry at himself for putting Bella at risk.

Edward says “I love you” to Bella for the first time.

Chapter Number: Sixteen

Chapter Name: Carlisle

Page Numbers:  334-347 (Hardcover)

Date of Chapter: Sunday March 13th , 2005

Summary: While at the Cullens’ house, Edward takes Bella to Carlisle’s office to learn more about his very ancient past. He starts by showing her a picture of London in the sixteen – fifties, which was when Carlisle was growing up, and asking Carlisle to tell Bella his story. In a comment that reminds Bella that these particular vampires have a life amongst normal humans, Carlisle declines Edwards request as he has been asked to cover for a colleague at the hospital who is sick.

When Carlisle has left the room, Edward continues his story and succeeds for almost the first time, in shocking Bella with the information he gives her. He describes how on discovering what he had become, Carlisle tried to destroy himself by jumping from great heights and drowning, but as a new vampire he was just too strong. Edward also describes how Carlisle tried to kill himself through starvation, which must have taken great presence of mind, as the feeding instincts are so much stronger when a vampire is first ‘born’.

In response to a question from Bella, Edward explains that there are very few ways a vampire can be killed, and continues to explain how Carlisle eventually discovered that a vampire can survive on blood from animals rather than humans.

After making this discovery, Carlisle rediscovered himself and turned his attentions to developing his education. In the search for knowledge, Edward explains that Carlisle swam to France – an easy feat for Vampires, as they don’t really need to breathe. Once again, Bella registers shock at this fact, although the shock turns to curiosity as she questions Edward about how long vampires can go without breathing. He replies that there is no time scale to it, but without breathing they have no sense of smell.

Bella’s reactions to Edward’s information cause him to pause in his narration. He is still worried that there will come a point when he tells Bella something she cannot take in and that she will run screaming from him. Despite her continued reassurances, Edward is still not entirely convinced that Bella will stay with him.

Returning to his narration of Carlisle’s story, Edward directs Bella’s attention to a new painting of a scene in Italy. Carlisle had travelled there to continue his medical studies – an area in which he found he had a calling, one where he could atone in some way for what he had become. In describing this, Edward expresses his own high level of respect for Carlisle and the strength that was required for his ‘father’ to repress his natural instincts as a vampire.

While in Italy, Carlisle met with other vampires – more sophisticated and educated than those Carlisle had initially hunted in London. While there Carlisle, along with the other vampires Aro, Marcus and Caius, was immortalised in the painting that Edward and Bella were standing in front of in his office. Edward explains that, despite enjoying the more civilised company, Carlisle ultimately left Italy for the New World because the Italian Vampires insisted on trying to ‘cure’ Carlisle’s dislike of feeding on humans and Carlisle desperately wanted to find other vampires like himself.

Living in America, Carlisle discovered that he was able to interact with humans as if he was one of them and was working as a doctor in Chicago when the influenza epidemic struck. It was there that he discovered Edward, orphaned and dying of the illness. It is also at this point that Edward ends his story without entering into any details of how Carlisle changed him.

As they leave Carlisle’s office and head towards Edward’s own room, he tells Bella that he has not always stayed with Carlisle. Edward explains that about ten years after Carlisle ‘made’ him, he went through a rebellious period where he went off on his own and turned to feeding from humans – like a traditional vampire.

Although this should have frightened Bella, as it is proof that Edward is capable of giving into his vampyric urges, she finds herself more curious than anything else. Edward is surprised that this information does not repulse Bella and goes on to try to reassure her that he only killed humans who were truly evil. He would follow them in their pursuit of their victims and then kill them before they could commit the crime they were planning. It was in circumstances like this that Edward’s ability to mind read came in useful. However, as Edward explains, it was his mind reading that prevented him from leaving Carlisle for so long as he could understand exactly why he lead the life he did and how much it would hurt Carlisle if Edward were to leave.

Bella finds herself thinking about the reaction the potential victims would have had to Edward’s interference. She questions whether they would have felt grateful or just more frightened by him; it is possible that she sees herself in this role and questions whether she should feel more frightened or safe with Edward. She does not answer the question.

Edward continues to explain that he ultimately decided to return to Carlisle and Esme because he realised that he was nothing more than a monster, he refers to seeing the ‘monster in my eyes’, a reference to how the eyes of a vampire go red after feeding on humans.

Entering his own room lifts Edwards’s spirits.  As with the rest of the rooms on this side of the house, Edward’s has a window across one entire wall. Bella is overwhelmed by the amount of music CDs and the size and sophistication of his sound system. She also notices that the walls are covered with a thick material to improve the acoustics.

As Bella looks at his CD collection, she realises that Edward is not concentrating. He has realised that in revealing all his family secrets to Bella he feels so much more than the relief he expected. Knowing that Bella knows everything now has made him happy, and despite still expecting Bella to run screaming, his behaviour following this realisation reveals this happiness. Bella is pleased with his reaction as she was worried he might regret telling her these things, once again not worrying about her own safety.

In response to Bella’s slightly fraudulent comment that she doesn’t find him the least bit scary, Edward proceeds to leap at Bella and propel her through the air and into his sofa. Once settled on the sofa, Edward holds Bella a lot more closely than normal, proving through his relaxed expression that he is more than comfortable and happy in her company. As they are curled on the sofa they are interrupted by Alice and Jasper. While Alice finds nothing strange in seeing a vampire in an embrace with a human, and makes a joke about Edward sharing his food, (a comment that actually succeeds in alarming Bella), Jasper initially seems a little startled.

Alice and Jasper inform Edward that, because of the storm Alice has predicted for that night, Emmett has decided that he wants to play baseball. She also says that Bella could come although Edward points out that she will not be playing but will watch.

While the vampires are all excited about the prospect of a ball game, Bella is left slightly bemused at the image of vampires playing baseball. This comment reveals Edwards sense of humour as he replies that of course they play baseball as it’s ‘the American pastime.’

Characters involved: Edward Cullen, Carlisle Cullen, Bella Swan, Alice Cullen, Jasper Hale

Characters Mentioned: Aro, Marcus, Caius, Esme Cullen, Emmett Cullen

Places visited: The Cullen residence

Memorable quotes:
“I’m not running anywhere.”
~ Bella after Edward explains that he is waiting for her to run away screaming.

“There are very few ways we can be killed.”
~ Edward answering Bella’s question.

“Technically we don’t have to breathe.”
~ Edward explaining more of vampire physiology.

‘I was intrigued rather than frightened, as I perhaps should have been.’
~ Bella describes her reaction to Edward’s revelation that he hunted humans.

“It sounded like you were having Bella for lunch, and we came to see if you would share.”
~ Alice upon entering Edward’s room.

Important Information Learned:
There are very few ways Vampires can be killed.

Vampires do not have to breathe, however, without breathing they have no sense of smell.

Edward spent a number of years away from Carlisle and Esme, living as a normal vampire and feeding off humans – but only those who were evil.

Edward believes he didn’t deserve to have been welcomed back so easily by Carlisle and Esme as he sees himself as a monster.

Edward does not have a bed. 

Edward takes his music really seriously, having his room designed to achieve better acoustics from a particularly sophisticated sound-system.

Edward is becoming increasingly more comfortable being physically close to Bella.

The Cullens like to play baseball.

This section is not yet finished. 

Chapter Number: Fourteen

Chapter Name: Mind over Matter

Page Numbers: 286 – 311 (Hardcover)

Date of Chapter: Saturday March 12th, 2005

Summary: Driving home from the meadow, Bella asks Edward to tell her exactly how old he is. Although slightly reluctant, Edward informs her that he was born in 1901 and Carlisle changed him into a vampire on finding him dying of influenza in 1918 at the age of 17. Edward goes on to explain that his parents had already died from the disease.

As Bella listens, Edward tells her more details about his vampire family. He explains how he was the first member of Carlisle’s family, and that Carlisle changed Esme soon after as she lay dying from a suicide attempt. Rosalie was brought into the family in the hope that she would be to Edward what Esme was to Carlisle, but this did not happen and eventually Rosalie found Emmett, who was almost killed by a bear. Through his current situation with Bella, Edward has only just come to understand how difficult it must have been for Rosalie to carry Emmett more than 100 miles back to Carlisle whilst resisting temptation.

Alice and Jasper came to the Cullen family in a very different way. Neither were ‘made’ by Carlisle. Jasper had once belonged to a normal vampire family but had left them to wander on his own. It was Alice who found him and lead them to the Cullens.

At this point in his narrative, Edward breaks off to describe to Bella how Alice is very like him in that she possesses a gift – the gift of premonition. Alice, he explains, is able to see things that might happen. When describing this gift, however, Edward is very careful to state that things can change as the future is not set in stone. As he says this, he glances at Bella so quickly she thinks she may have imagined it.

In response to more questions from Bella on the subject of vampires, how many of them there are, and where they live, Edward explains that they very rarely settle in any one place, those vampires that do tend to be like the Cullens as they can manage to live among humans more easily. Because of the affect of sunlight on them, Edward explains that Vampires mainly live in the north so they occasionally meet.

As the conversation returns to his family, Edward explains that no one really knows where Alice came from. She has no knowledge of who made her, only knowing that she was alone when she woke as a vampire.

By this point in the conversation, Edward and Bella have reached Bella’s house. Sitting in the driveway, Bella confesses that she doesn’t want Edward to leave so he comes in and sits watching her make dinner.

When they entered the house, Edward confessed to spying on Bella at home out of curiosity. As she gets her dinner, Bella quizzes him about this and he is forced to confess that he comes to her house almost every night. This fact mortifies Bella as she knows she talks in her sleep and is afraid of what he might have heard. Edward tells Bells that she talks about her mother and is restless when it rains. He also tells her that she says his name – a lot. Edward reassures Bella by saying that if he could dream, it would be about her.

When Charlie comes home, Edward disappears. At his request, Bella makes her father dinner, eating the rest of hers quickly as she does so. Anxious to get away from Charlie, Bella gulps down her milk very fast, causing Charlie to observe her actions more astutely than usual.

As she turns to make her escape up stairs, citing tired ness for her haste, Charlie asks Bella about her plans for the night, obviously suspicious about her plans to stay in. he wants to know if any of the local boys have caught her eye. Bella is quick to deny any developing friendship with the local boys – particularly Mike Newton whom her dad particularly mentions.

Once upstairs, Bella goes to her bedroom window to see if Edward is out there, but is surprised, almost to the point of collapse, to hear his voice coming from the bed – where she discovers him lying.

After rushing through a shower, Bella dashes downstairs to say goodnight to Charlie before returning to her bedroom and Edward. Once back in his arms, they discuss how it appears to be getting easier for Edward to be so close to Bella. Edward explains that it’s not necessarily easier, he’s just finding the strength to cope better. He adds that it will be harder again the next day when he has been away from Bella for a time. Bella’s solution to this is that Edward stays the night. This pleases Edward, who claims he is Bella’s prisoner, however, it is his hands that trap Bella’s wrists like shackles, effectively making her his prisoner.

As they sit, Edward tries to explain to Bella the range of new emotions he is experiencing as a result of falling in love with her, jealousy, he explains, is the most painful, particularly with so many boys at school having lustful thoughts about Bella.

In response, Bella explains that she feels jealous towards Rosalie, knowing she was meant for Edward. He says there can be no competition between Bella and Rosalie but Bella automatically agrees from the point of view that she can never be as attractive as Rosalie.

Whist Edward and Bella are talking, Charlie comes to check on his daughter. As he does, Edward disappears again and Bella pretends to be asleep. When Charlie’s gone, Edward comes back to the bed and offers to sing Bella to sleep. Bella declares that she doesn’t want to sleep while he’s there. As she thinks about what she does want to do, Edward describes the way she smells as being floral – like lavender or freesia.

Bella decides that she wants to know more about Edward. She starts by asking why he does not feed on humans. He explains that just because he is a vampire, it does not mean he can’t strive to rise above his inhuman desires – retaining as much of his humanity as he can.

In response to a second question from Bella, Edward describes the other strengths of his family and Carlisle’s theory that on becoming a vampire people bring some of their strongest human traits with them and that these become magnified.

According to Edward, Carlisle is particularly compassionate, Esme loves with a passion and Emmett is immensely strong. Rosalie is tenacious, or as Edward puts it ‘pigheaded,’ suggesting that the traits do not have to be particularly positive ones. Jasper, like Alice and Edward, has a more magical gift; he is able to manipulate the emotions of those around him.

As she has with so much of the information Edward has told her, Bella takes these latest revelations completely calmly and is happy to move straight on to another question, asking where vampires ultimately come from. Edward suggests that evolution may have been the cause, or that whatever made the rest of the world also made creatures like him.

Despite Edward’s reassurances that she has many days ahead of her for questions, Bella cannot resist asking one more very personal one. Knowing that Rosalie and Emmett have lived as a married couple, Bella wants to know if the physical side of vampire relationships can be the same as human. Edward assures her that it can, but in response to Bella enquiring about their relationship, firmly tells her that they cannot go that far as he may crush her without meaning to if he lost control for even one moment.

Bella’s questions make Edward curious about her past, revealing his more human side. Her explanation that she’s not had a physical relationship with anyone, pleases him as it makes them both equal and he finishes their conversation by revealing that, despite the fact that he is no longer human, he is a man with a number of human instincts still present, so he does find Bella attractive in a sexual manner.

Finally, Edward lulls Bella to sleep by humming a lullaby to her that she does not know.

Characters involved: Edward Cullen, Bella Swan, Charlie Swan,

Characters Mentioned: Carlisle Cullen, Esme Cullen, Alice Cullen, Jasper Hale, Mike Newton, Rosalie Hale, Emmett Cullen

Places visited: Forks, The Swan residence

Memorable quotes:
“I was born in Chicago in 1901.”
~Edward revealing his true age.

“I come here almost every night.”
~Edward confesses to visiting Bella in the night.

“You did say my name.”
~Edward tells Bella that she dreams of him.

“Mind over matter.”
~Edward explains how it now appears easier for him to spend time so close to Bella.

‘I’d never seen him struggle so hard for words. It was so…human.’
~Bella about Edward struggling to explain something

‘His long hand formed manacles around my wrists as he spoke.’
~Edward has Bella trapped, she’s his prisoner – no matter what he might say.

“The feeling that coursed through me then was unnerving, staggering.” 
~ Edward describes how he felt the first time he head Bella say his name in her sleep.

“You’re resurrecting the human in me, and everything feels stronger because it’s fresh.”
~Edward Cullen to Bella

"I may not be human, but I am a man."
~Edward on his physical attraction to Bella.

Important Information Learned:
Edward is 104 years old.

Edward won’t tell Bella how a person becomes a vampire.

Edward is not the only member of his family who has a gift.

Edward has been watching Bella sleep.

Bella smells like a flower to Edward.

No-one knows what happened to Alice before she became a vampire.

Edward states that he can never have a physical relationship with Bella because he is afraid that he could kill her if he lost control.

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 Mentioned:  Emmett 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.

 Chapter Number: Twelve

Chapter Name: Balancing

Page Numbers: 236-259 (Hardcover)

Date of Chapter: Thursday March 10 – Saturday March 12, 2005

Summary: Billy and Jacob have decided to visit Charlie and Bella to watch the game on television.

While making Charlie something for tea, Bella confesses to Jacob that Edward had given her a lift home. This makes Jacob laugh as it explains why his dad has been acting strangely and watching Bella with particular severity. Jacob still believes that the stories about the Cullens are all superstition.

As they leave, Billy tells Bella to take care, but says nothing about his beliefs regarding the Cullens to either Bella or Charlie.

The following day Edward drives Bella to school again and continues to ask her numerous questions, focusing in particular on people.

Over lunch, Edward informs Bella that he is going to be ditching afterwards to go hunting with Alice in preparation for being alone with Bella the following day.

Edward goes onto explain that Alice is the most supportive of his family where Bella is concerned. He describes the rest of his family as ‘incredulous’ as they cannot understand why Edwards seems unable to leave Bella alone. Bella agrees with Edward’s family on this point, despite Edward telling her once again that she doesn’t see herself very clearly. He explains that he finds her intriguing, as she never does what he expects, taking him by surprise.

Rather than pleasing Bella, Edwards words make her feel ‘embarrassed and dissatisfied.’ She feels that he is viewing her more as an experiment, although as she thinks about this she realises it is to be expected. This is indicative of Bella’s continuing view of herself as uninteresting and unattractive; she struggles to accept that someone like Edward could possibly be genuinely attracted to her.

Catching the eye of Rosalie, Bella is shocked at the intensity of her glare and the animosity held within it. Edward explains that she is concerned because he is not the only one who would be in danger if things were to end badly between him and Bella. Talking of this causes Edward pain. He clearly worries about spending so much time with Bella, a human, knowing of the temptation he represses when he is with her.

Although Edward’s words should scare her, Bella is unafraid, and thinks only about comforting Edward. Once again, this is further proof of Bella acting in a way completely opposite to what is expected of a human coming into contact with a vampire.

Edward and Bella are interrupted by the arrival of Alice, whom Edward introduces to Bella. Edward is obviously annoyed by Alice’s greeting of Bella, as she says ‘It’s nice to finally meet you.’

After Edward leaves to go hunting, Bella has Biology and then Gym. Without Edward there, she seriously considers ditching the rest of the day but doesn’t want to make things any more difficult for Edward than they already are. She realises that if she ditches, others will assume she’s with Edward and, if things should go wrong later, suspicion would fall on him.

In Gym, Mike is feeling friendly towards Bella again. Bella tells him she is not going to Seattle now, making Mike think she must be going to the dance with Edward, however, Bella assures him that is not the case. Mike continues to jump to conclusions about Bella’s plans when she tells him she will be doing the laundry and studying. Once again he asks if Edward will be involved in her plans and sounds rather too relieved when Bella says that he isn’t.

Continuing his role as admirer to Bella, despite going to the dance with Jessica, Mike suggests that Bella comes to the dance with rest of the group anyway, and that they would all dance with her. Encouraged by the thought of Jessica’s opinion of that idea, Bella firmly repeats her previous statement that she is not going to the dance – leaving Mike to sulk.

Leaving school at the end of the day, Bella finds that Edward has been good to his word and left her truck for her. Sitting on her seat is a note from him that reads: ‘be safe’.

That evening, Bella tells Charlie that she isn’t going to Seattle after all, but she doesn’t tell him she’ll be spending Saturday with Edward.

Wound up and nervous about the following day Bella has to keep reminding herself that Edward wants her to be safe and that all this was her choice. She realises that she is worried about what would happen if things ended badly, but that she is incapable of distancing herself from Edward.

Unable to sleep, Bella takes cold medicine to ensure she gets a peaceful night.

The following day, Edward turns up to Bella’s house. Although he initially looks serious, his mood lightens as he points out that they are both wearing the same outfits.

As they drive, Edward informs Bella that they’ll be hiking for about five miles – a fact that sends Bella into a panic. Knowing her clumsy nature, she is painfully aware of how dangerous outdoor activities can be for her.

As the conversation moves onto what Bella has told Charlie about her plans, Edward becomes angry when she is forced to reveal that nobody knows where she is or who she is with. He is incensed at the idea of Bella being more concerned about the trouble he could get in, rather than the trouble she could get in.

Bella is given further cause for panic when she realises that they aren’t using a marked trail, but a fears on this score are quickly wiped when she sees Edward with his jumper off and his shirt unbuttoned. Once again Bella feels that he is too perfect to want to be with her. Bella’s rapidly changing expressions and tone of voice as she tries to hide her thoughts from Edward confuse him but he doesn’t pursue the matter.

The hike through the forest takes most of the morning and Bella and Edward spend most of it in silence. When they do speak, it is because Edward has asked Bella another question left over from the previous two days interrogations.

While Bella feels that they are completely lost, Edward never falters as he leads her to the meadow. As they get closer, however, Edward lets Bella take the lead and she strides out into the meadow ahead of him.

Struck by the beauty of the meadow, Bella initially forgets why they had come, however, seeing Edward has paused in the shade of the trees, Bella is reminded of Edward’s promise.

The chapter ends with Edward taking a breath and stepping into the clearing in response to Bella’s encouraging smile.

Characters involved: Bella Swan, Charlie Swan, Jacob Black, Billy Black, Edward Cullen, Rosalie Hale, Alice Cullen, Mike Newton

Characters Mentioned: Jessica Stanley, Angela Weber, Jasper Hale, Emmett Cullen.

Places visited: The Swan residence, Forks High School, the forest, the meadow

Memorable quotes:
 “You take care, Bella.”
~Billy Black to Bella

‘ “Pleasant.’ His smile was amused; I felt like I was missing an inside joke.’
~ Edward’s response and Bella’s thoughts after she asks him how his night was.

“It’s nice to finally meet you”
~Alice to Bella

‘Edward flashed a dark look at her’
~Edward’s response to Alice’s greeting.

‘…concentrating instead on making things safer for him.’
~Bella’s preoccupation with keeping Edward safe.

‘There was nothing more terrifying to me, more excruciating, than the thought of turning away from him.’
~Bella on Edward

“Are you so depressed by Forks that it’s made you suicidal?”
~Edward feels that spending time alone with him could be fatal for Bella if no-one knows she’s with him.

Important Information Learned:
Alice seems to know quite a bit about Bella.

Bella feels as though she is incapable of ever leaving Edward.

Edward wants to keep Bella safe.

Edward and Bella are both wearing the same clothes, despite Edward being unable to read Bella’s mind.

Edward is able to find his way in the forest without the need of a map or trails to follow.

Edward’s eyesight is superior to Bella’s.

Stephenie has posted chapter one of New Moon at her web site.  You can access it here, but remember that you do need Adobe Acrobat in order to view it.  Please, if you don’t have access to Adobe, do not e-mail us and ask for a copy of the chapter.  The material is copyrighted and unable for reproduction in any way.  Feel free to discuss the chapter over on the message boards.  We ask that you do not start any new threads pertaining to the chapter so as to keep all spoiler informtion in one place. 

Have fun!

Alphie

A few days ago I was made aware of a book seller site that had a synopsis of New Moon listed that contained a few spoilers.  I called Stephenie and asked her what her opinion was.  Basically, what we determined was this.  There is nothing we can do about it since this is an official site and not some fan that’s gone crazy and posted the whole plot on a live journal or something.  Do you see the difference?  This is an honest site that is promoting the book and offering it for sale.  However, since I knew it was there, I keep my eyes out for anyone posting a link on our message boards. Well, it’s happened.  The link is posted and should you feel so inclined you can go and read a quick summary of New Moon that has a few spoilers in it. 

I have nothing against reading a spoiler that comes from such an official place.  Heaven knows that I had the last two Harry Potter books completely spoiled for me, so I can’t very well tell you not to go and read these things.  However, my concern as an admin of such a busy site is this – there are quite a few fans who are trying to stay spoiler free.  Should you want to make a comment about the spoilers in a post or in the chat room, I’m asking everyone to be very aware of others and make sure your comment is "safe."  Be careful with your subject lines in your posts.  Warn users that should they click on your post, they will read a spoiler.  Don’t put something in the subject line about the plot.  I’ve edited one post that did just that and gave them the benefit of the doubt since they hadn’t been warned.  Consider this your official warning.  Any posts that contain spoilers in the subject line will be deleted. 

Use the message boards at your own risk from now on.  If you really want to stay totally spoiler free, don’t click on anything that mentions New Moon.   We will be monitoring the posts to make sure all the spoilers are properly labeled.  From now on, it would be wise for all conversation pertaining to New Moon to stay in the already existing threads.

I’m sorry if this sounds like I’m being overly administrative about things.  I want everyone to have a fun time on the boards, but I need to protect the few users that want New Moon to be a surprise.  Thanks for your help in keeping the message boards as friendly as possible!

Alphie 

The discussion on Chapter Ten – Interrogations is now posted.  Visit the message board to chime in on your thoughts and reactions.

Alphie