Bella Goes Grocery Shopping, Chapter 3

Before you read this, the final chapter, I just would like to say that it is supposed to be silly and poke fun at Stephenie Meyer. I didn't write it because of my all-consuming love for Twilight or whatever. I was just bored and feeling clever. Just to clarify.

Chapter Three: INTENSE

"Thanks, Jacob!" I said brightly, setting the last bag on the seat with relief. The plastic straps of the bag had been rubbing into my hand and left angry red marks. It was as though even the bag was mocking my weak human state.

Jacob didn't notice how the thought panged me, reminding me of Edward and the inequality of both our love and our species. Instead he just looked at me with his black eyes, a smile still on his face. He could smile; he wasn't separated from a vital piece of himself, waiting for that piece to finish eating a bison.

I stood with Jacob at the end of the truck as he was turning to go. There was a sudden roaring sound as an old truck sped around the corner near us. It was heading straight for one of the large, perpetual puddles of rainwater in the parking lot.

Without warning I was swept up, off my feet and into the air. I shut my eyes in fright automatically, but I knew, without opening them, who had picked me up. I could feel his hard, cold arms holding me, and when I opened my eyes I saw his beautiful stony face. His burning, liquid-gold eyes stared into mine for only a moment before he set me down on my feet gently and he turned to Jacob.

"What were you thinking, dog?" he said angrily.

"I was going to save her," Jacob replied, looking defensive. "You just beat me to the punch is all, leech."

"Save me?" I asked. I'd been so distracted by Edward's appearance it took a moment for me to realize what was happening. "What are you talking about, Edward?"

"Didn't you see that truck?" he asked, swiveling to face me. He looked me over for a minute, as if checking for injuries. "The puddles...you would have been drenched. You could have caught a chill, developed pneumonia and died, Bella. Do you understand me? Died." He smoothed my hair with one hand. "You're fragile, my love."

"Oh come on!" Jacob protested. "I was going to block the water. She would have been fine. I had it all under control, bloodsucker."

"Don't argue with me about this, mutt!" Edward turned back to Jacob, his soothing tone gone. "You don't appreciate how delicate humans are, how delicate Bella is. I never should have left her.... This is the last time you'll put her at risk, hound."

Jacob scoffed. "I'm the one who was here to help her with the groceries. And I'll be here to help her next week too, mosquito." He gave me a last look and smile and turned away, hot dogs in hand.

As soon as Jacob had pulled out of the parking lot, Edward wrapped me in a tight hug, saying in a low voice, "What was I thinking? How could I leave you so defenseless?"

I was filled with a sudden irritation. I wasn't so fragile. I never caught colds. If getting wet made me sick, I would have colds every other day in Forks. Why did he think I was so defenseless? "Edward," I said crossly, "it's just water. You didn't have to come back and save me from splashing water."

"Poor Bella," he said, giving me a sad smile. "You just don't appreciate how fragile the human body is. One day, you'll understand."

With those words, my anger melted away like a fine mist of steam coming off asphalt streets. I sighed contentedly and thought of how soon I would be asleep and he would be there, watching me sleep.

Looking into his honey-colored eyes, I said, "Let's go home."