17

The next morning I woke up in bed, Nessie not there like yesterday. I went out of the room to go next door. Sara-Bell was still sound asleep in her room, so I walked down stairs. Nessie was sitting on the couch, a huge blanket around her as she looked out the window, tracing shapes from the mist on the window. It was raining a bit and there was thick fog outside, too much of a coincidence if you ask me. I went over to her, sat down and kissed her on the forehead.
"Good morning."
"Good morning," she said, kissing me.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Oh. Nothing really. I'm just remembering the great times we've had together."
"We have had some great times, haven't we?"
"Yeah. You remember that night at the bonfire on the beach? The night we had our first kiss together?"
"Of course I remember."
"Not that I'm not grateful for having a daughter, but I just wish, sometimes, we could go back to that time where we didn't have to worry about things like this. Fighting with the Volturi, or anything. Of course then I think I couldn't be happier because I have a family. A husband and a daughter who loves me." Her voice broke when she said the last sentences. The tears flowed down her cheeks as she sobbed. I took her in my arms and kissed the tears away.
"Shh, sh. It's going to be okay."
"I'm scared."
"I know. But you know what? You don't need to be, because I'm here for you and nothing's going to happen to you, me, or Sara-Bell. I promise."
"You promise?"
"I promise."
"I love you."
"I love you, too."
***
We were over at the house, making sure everyone was ready so we could leave. Nessie was carrying Sara-Bell, because she didn't want to let go of her until it was time. Everyone was ready a soon as Leah and Jessie got here. Nessie and I both gave Sara-Bell a kiss on the cheek and a long hug before giving her to Leah.
"Take good care of her."
"I will. Good luck. And when the battle's over, Jacob, make sure you give a howl so we know it's safe."
"Got it."
"Bye."
"Bye!"
***
We got to the clearing five minutes before the Volturi was supposed to be here. We took those last few minutes to give our luck to everyone and, of course, kiss our husbands and wives.
"I love you," Nessie said to me.
"I love you. And don't worry, we'll get through this."
"Okay."
"It's time!" Alice said to everyone.
This was it. This was the moment. Our lives were going to change. I tried my best to breathe as tall, dark figures emerged from the trees in the distance.