19. Power Play

     “Hello?” A female voice answered.

“Hi, this is Bella, Bella Cullen,” I said. “Can I speak to Jacob?”

“Um…well…I don’t…just a minute,” the voice said.

“Oh, is this Leah?” I asked as innocently as I could.

“Yes Bella, this is Leah.” Her voice was emotionless, almost sarcastic.

I found it more than a little difficult to speak with a straight face, but I knew I had to hold it together.

“How have you been Leah? I haven’t seen you since, well since the war.” I acted very casual.

“Well…ah…yes it has been a long time Bella” she said with just a little terseness.

After a short, uncomfortable silence, I asked again, “Could I speak to Jacob Leah?”

There was no response, but I heard a muffling of the phone, and distorted voices behind it. It sounded like there was a debate going on. I waited patiently.

Then the phone became clear and Jacob answered. “Hey Bells,” he said weakly, “What’s up? Ah…how are you feeling?”

“I’m really good Jacob,” I said. “I’d like to talk you about something I’ve been thinking about. Could you come over for a visit today?”

“Um…well…sure, I can come for a visit.” The inflection in his voice seemed to indicate he was telling Leah he was coming at the same time he was answering me.

“Ok, then I’ll be expecting you ok? I said, and added, “Oh, why don’t you bring Seth Clearwater, I’m sure Edward would like to see him, and vice versa.”

“Sure, sure, I know Seth would love to come.” He didn’t sound convincing

“Good Jake,” I said as sweetly as I could. “I can’t wait to see you, bye!”

I hung up before he could answer, and laughed uncontrollably.

     I suddenly remembered Edward who had been watching me the whole time. I looked up at his worried face and knew I had to let him in on the joke, especially with the tactics I was going to use.

I explained my successful connection with Jacob’s head and what I had overheard. I then laid out my plan for mock revenge, and started laughing again.

Edward looked at me with a disapproving frown. “Bella Marie Cullen” he said, “That is truly evil!”