We were near the parking lot now. I veered left, toward mytruck. Something caught my jacket, yanking me back. "Where do you think you're going?" he asked, outraged. Hewas gripping a fistful of my jacket in one hand. I was confused. "I'm going home." "Didn't you hear me promise to take you safely home? Do you think I'm going to let you drive inyour condition?" His voice was still indignant. "What condition? And what about my truck?" I complained. "I'll have Alice drop it off after school." He was towing me toward his car now, pulling me by myjacket. It was all I could do to keep from falling backward. He'd probably just drag me alonganyway if I did. "Let go!" I insisted. He ignored me. I staggered along sideways across the wet sidewalk until wereached the Volvo. Then he finally freed me — I stumbled against the passenger door. "You are so pushy!" I grumbled. "It's open," was all he responded. He got in the driver's side. "I am perfectly capable of driving myself home!" I stood by the car, fuming. It was raining hardernow, and I'd never put my hood up, so my hair was dripping down my back. He lowered the automatic window and leaned toward me across the seat. "Get in, Bella." I didn't answer. I was mentally calculating my chances of reaching the truck before he could catchme. I had to admit, they weren't good. "I'll just drag you back," he threatened, guessing my plan. I tried to maintain what dignity I could as I got into his car. I wasn't very successful — I looked likea half-drowned cat and my boots squeaked. "This is completely unnecessary," I said stiffly. He didn't answer. He fiddled with the controls, turning the heater up and the music down. As hepulled out of the parking lot, I was preparing to give him the silent treatment — my face in full poutmode — but then I recognized the music playing, and my curiosity got the better of myintentions. "Clair de Lune?" I asked, surprised. "You know Debussy?" He sounded surprised, too. "Not well," I admitted. "My mother plays a lot of classical music around the house — I only knowmy favorites." "It's one of my favorites, too." He stared out through the rain, lost in thought. I listened to the music, relaxing against the light gray leather seat. It was impossible not to respondto the familiar, soothing melody. The rain blurred everything outside the window into gray andgreen smudges. I began to realize we were driving very fast; the car moved so steadily, so evenly,though, I didn't feel the speed. Only the town flashing by gave it away. "What is your mother like?" he asked me suddenly. I glanced over to see him studying me with curious eyes. "She looks a lot like me, but she's prettier," I said. He raised his eyebrows. "I have too much Charliein me. She's more outgoing than I am, and braver. She's irresponsible and slightly eccentric, andshe's a very unpredictable cook. She's my best friend." I stopped. Talking about her was makingme depressed. "How old are you, Bella?" His voice sounded frustrated for some reason I couldn't imagine. He'dstopped the car, and I realized we were at Charlie's house already. The rain was so heavy that Icould barely see the house at all. It was like the car was submerged under a river. "I'm seventeen," I responded, a little confused. "You don't seem seventeen." His tone was reproachful; it made me laugh. "What?" he asked, curious again. "My mom always says I was born thirty-five years old and that I get more middle-aged everyyear." I laughed, and then sighed. "Well, someone has to be the adult." I paused for a second. "You don't seem much like a junior in high school yourself," I noted. He made a face and changed the subject. "So why did your mother marry Phil?" I was surprised he would remember the name; I'd mentioned it just once, almost two months ago.It took me a moment to answer. "My mother… she's very young for her age. I think Phil makes her feel even younger. At any rate,she's crazy about him." I shook my head. The attraction was a mystery to me. "Do you approve?" he asked. "Does it matter?" I countered. "I want her to be happy… and he is who she wants." "That's very generous… I wonder," he mused. "What?" "Would she extend the same courtesy to you, do you think? No matter who your choice was?"He was suddenly intent, his eyes searching mine. "I-I think so," I stuttered. "But she's the parent, after all. It's a little bit different." "No one too scary then," he teased. I grinned in response. "What do you mean by scary? Multiple facial piercings and extensivetattoos?" "That's one definition, I suppose." "What's your definition?" But he ignored my question and asked me another. "Do you think that I could be scary?" Heraised one eyebrow, and the faint trace of a smile lightened his face. I thought for a moment, wondering whether the truth or a lie would go over better. I decided togo with the truth. "Hmmm… I think you could be, if you wanted to." "Are you frightened of me now?" The smile vanished, and his heavenly face was suddenly serious. "No." But I answered too quickly. The smile returned. "So, now are you going to tell me about your family?" I asked to distract him. "It's got to be amuch more interesting story than mine." He was instantly cautious. "What do you want to know?" "The Cullens adopted you?" I verified. "Yes." I hesitated for a moment. "What happened to your parents?" "They died many years ago." His tone was matter-of-fact. "I'm sorry," I mumbled. "I don't really remember them that clearly. Carlisle and Esme have been my parents for a long timenow." "And you love them." It wasn't a question. It was obvious in the way he spoke of them. "Yes." He smiled. "I couldn't imagine two better people." "You're very lucky." "I know I am." "And your brother and sister?" He glanced at the clock on the dashboard. "My brother and sister, and Jasper and Rosalie for that matter, are going to be quite upset if theyhave to stand in the rain waiting for me." "Oh, sorry, I guess you have to go." I didn't want to get out of the car. "And you probably want your truck back before Chief Swan gets home, so you don't have to tellhim about the Biology incident." He grinned at me. "I'm sure he's already heard. There are no secrets in Forks." I sighed. He laughed, and there was an edge to his laughter. "Have fun at the beach… good weather for sunbathing." He glanced out at the sheeting rain. "Won't I see you tomorrow?" "No. Emmett and I are starting the weekend early." "What are you going to do?" A friend could ask that, right? I hoped the disappointment wasn't tooapparent in my voice. "We're going to be hiking in the Goat Rocks Wilderness, just south of Rainier." I remembered Charlie had said the Cullens went camping frequently. "Oh, well, have fun." I tried to sound enthusiastic. I don't think I fooled him, though. A smile wasplaying around the edges of his lips. "Will you do something for me this weekend?" He turned to look me straight in the face, utilizingthe full power of his burning gold eyes. I nodded helplessly. "Don't be offended, but you seem to be one of those people who just attract accidents like amagnet. So… try not to fall into the ocean or get run over or anything, all right?" He smiledcrookedly. The helplessness had faded as he spoke. I glared at him. "I'll see what I can do," I snapped as I jumped out into the rain. I slammed the door behind mewith excessive force. He was still smiling as he drove away.