Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [162]
Did you consider the physical pain youre putting Bella through, even if she can resist? Or the emotional pain if she doesnt?
I couldnt imagine the pain of failure. My breathing turned to gasps.
Take her, I whispered, sliding Renesmee into Jacobs arms.
He nodded, concern wrinkling his forehead. He gestured to the others, and they all went to the far corner of the room. Seth and Jake slouched on the floor at once, but Leah shook her head and pursed her lips.
Am I allowed to leave? she griped. She looked uncomfortable in her human body, wearing the same dirty t- shirt and cotton shorts shed worn to shriek at me the other day, her short hair sticking up in irregular tufts. Her hands were still shaking.
Of course, Jake said.
Stay east so you dont cross Charlies path, Alice added.
Leah didnt look at Alice; she ducked out the back door and stomped into the bushes to phase.
Edward was back at my side, stroking my face. You can do this. I know you can. Ill help you; we all will.
I met Edwards eyes with panic screaming from my face. Was he strong enough to stop me if I made a wrong move?
If I didnt believe you could handle it, wed disappear today. This very minute. But you can. And youll be happier if you can have Charlie in your life.
I tried to slow my breathing.
Alice held out her hand. There was a small white box on her palm. These will irritate your eyes-they wont hurt, but theyll cloud your vision. Its annoying. They also wont match your old color, but its still better than bright red, right?
She flipped the contact box into the air and I caught it.
When did you-
Before you left on the honeymoon. I was prepared for several possible futures.
I nodded and opened the container. Id never worn contacts before, but it couldnt be that hard. I took the little brown quarter-sphere and pressed it, concave side in, to my eye.
I blinked, and a film interrupted my sight. I could see through it, of course, but I could also see the texture of the thin screen. My eye kept focusing on the microscopic scratches and warped sections.
I see what you mean, I murmured as I stuck the other one in. I tried to not blink this time. My eye automatically wanted to dislodge the obstruction.
How do I look?
Edward smiled. Gorgeous. Of course-
Yes, yes, she always looks gorgeous, Alice finished his thought impatiently. Its better than red, but thats the highest commendation I can give. Muddy brown. Your brown was much prettier. Keep in mind that those wont last forever-the venom in your eyes will dissolve them in a few hours. So if Charlie stays longer than that, youll have to excuse yourself to replace them. Which is a good idea anyway, because humans need bathroom breaks. She shook her head. Esme, give her a few pointers on acting human while I stock the powder room with contacts.
How long do I have?
Charlie will be here in five minutes. Keep it simple.
Esme nodded once and came to take my hand. The main thing is not to sit too still or move too fast, she told me.
Sit down if he does, Emmett interjected. Humans dont like to just stand there.
Let your eyes wander every thirty seconds or so, Jasper added. Humans dont stare at one thing for too long.
Cross your legs for about five minutes, then switch to crossing your ankles for the next five, Rosalie said.
I nodded once at each suggestion. Id noticed them doing some of these things yesterday. I thought I could mimic their actions.
And blink at least three times a minute, Emmett said. He frowned, then darted to where the television remote sat on the end table. He flipped the TV on to a college football game and nodded to himself.
Move your hands, too. Brush your hair back or pretend to scratch something, Jasper said.
I said Esme, Alice complained as she returned. Youll overwhelm her.
No, I think I got it all, I said. Sit, look around, blink, fidget.
Right, Esme approved. She hugged my shoulders.
Jasper frowned. Youll be holding your breath as much as possible, but you need to move your shoulders a little to make it look like youre breathing.
I inhaled once and then nodded