Even now, I was surprised at how strong the memory was. As I recalled the warmth of her body next to mine, I selfishly let the remembered sensations fill my head. I indulged completely until her remembered scent became too uncomfortable to ignore. Just the memory of her spurred a fresh wash of venom. I disposed of it down the back of my throat of in a fraction of a second, ignoring the searing pain. Two down, one thousand to go.

My focus shifted to the human conversation.

“Well, that’s kind of where I was heading with this…” Charlie said.

“I’m confused, Dad. Are we talking about Jacob, Edward, or me being grounded?” she asked.

“Sort of all three?”

“And how do they relate?” her voice was unsteady, wary even.

“Okay!” he sighed. “So, I’m thinking maybe you deserve a parole for good behavior. For a teenage you’re amazingly non-whiney”

“Seriously? I am free?” she was cautious, yet just as surprised I was…

Yes! A thousand possibilities sprang forward. I wanted to take her to our meadow, again. We could have at least three hours alone there. Was she thinking the same thing? I felt some magnificent, strange sensation flowing through me a that thought. Was it joy? Joy at the prospect of having her with me, in the sunshine, alone, watching the clouds pass and speaking freely with no interruptions…did she feel the same way? I felt warm for once as the sensation passed through me. I hoped it was joy and I hoped she felt it too. I wished I could see her face, but…wait…I didn’t see this coming…

This must be his ploy…I thought quickly about Charlie’s new offer. The reasons he’d provided for his leniency were shaky at best. Surely, he would set in place some provision?

Ah. In a stroke of inspiration, I understood. Ever the angler, Charlie was using this leniency as bait. It was simple, yet effective. I was impressed.

“Conditionally…I…well, I am hoping you will use some of that freedom…judiciously,” he said.

“What does that mean?” she asked.

Bella, it means conditionally and judiciously, as in, unequivocally with Jacob Black…

“I know you’re satisfied to spend all of your time with Edward…” he started.

I heard his feet move. His thoughts sounded harsher with the very mention of my name. I grimaced at the reminder that I would probably never convince him that I love her.