Jessica. It was a good two years.

It was, she sighed, and sniffed. Then she dropped her arms. Lauren! she squealed, waving over her head and pushing through the massed yellow gowns. Families were beginning to converge, pressing us tighter together.

I caught sight of Angela and Ben, but they were surrounded by their families. I would congratulate them later.

I craned my head, looking for Alice.

Congratulations, Edward whispered in my ear, his arms winding around my waist. His voice was subdued; hed been in no hurry for me to reach this particular milestone.

Um, thanks.

You dont look like youre over the nerves yet, he noted.

Not quite yet.

Whats left to worry about? The party? It wont be that horrible.

Youre probably right.

Who are you looking for?

My searching wasnt quite as subtle as Id thought. Alice  where is she?

She ran out as soon as she had her diploma.

His voice took on a new tone. I looked up to see his confused expression as he stared toward the back door of the gym, and I made an impulse decision  the kind I really should think twice about, but rarely did.

Worrying about Alice? I asked.

Er . . . He didnt want to answer that.

What was she thinking about, anyway? To keep you out, I mean.

His eyes flashed down to my face, and narrowed in suspicion. She was translating the Battle Hymn of the Republic into Arabic, actually. When she finished that, she moved on to Korean sign language.

I laughed nervously. I suppose thatwould keep her head busy enough.

You know what shes hiding from me, he accused.

Sure. I smiled a weak smile. Im the one who came up with it.

He waited, confused.

I looked around. Charlie would be on his way through the crowd now.

Knowing Alice, I whispered in a rush, shell probably try to keep this from you until after the party. But since Im all for the party being canceled  well, dont go berserk, regardless, okay? Its always better to know as much as possible. It has to help somehow.

What are you talking about?

I saw Charlies head bob up over the other heads as he searched for me. He spotted me and waved.

Just stay calm, okay?

He nodded once, his mouth a grim line.

In hurried whispers I explained my reasoning to him. I think youre wrong about things coming at us from all sides. I think its mostly coming at us from one side . . . and I think its coming at me, really. Its all connected, it has to be. Its just one person whos messing with Alices visions. The stranger in my room was a test, to see if someone could get around her. Its got to be the same one who keeps changing his mind, and the newborns, and stealing my clothes  all of it goes together. My scent is for them.

His face had turned so white that I had a hard time finishing.

But no ones coming for you, dont you see? This is good  Esme and Alice and Carlisle, no one wants to hurt them!

His eyes were huge, wide with panic, dazed and horrified. He could see that I was right, just as Alice had.

I put my hand on his cheek. Calm, I pleaded.

Bella! Charlie crowed, pushing his way past the close-packed families around us.

Congratulations, baby! He was still yelling, even though he was right at my ear now. He wrapped his arms around me, ever so slyly shuffling Edward off to the side as he did so.

Thanks, I muttered, preoccupied by the expression on Edwards face. He still hadnt gained control. His hands were halfway extended toward me, like he was about to grab me and make a run for it. Only slightly more in control of myself than he was, running didnt seem like such a terrible idea to me.

Jacob and Billy had to take off  did you see that they were here? Charlie asked, taking a step back, but keeping his hands on my shoulders. He had his back to Edward  probably an effort to exclude him, but that was fine at the moment. Edwards mouth was hanging open, his eyes still wide with dread.

Yeah, I assured my father, trying to pay enough attention. Heard them, too.

It was nice of them to show up, Charlie said.

Mm-hmm.

Okay, so telling Edward had been a really bad idea. Alice was right to keep her thoughts clouded. I should have waited till we were alone somewhere, maybe with the rest of his family. And nothing breakable close by  like windows . . . cars . . . school buildings. His face brought back all my fear and then some. Though his expression was past the fear now  it was pure fury that was suddenly plain on his features.

So where do you want to go out for dinner? Charlie asked. The skys the limit.

I can cook.

Dont be silly. Do you want to go to the Lodge? he asked with an eager smile.

I did not particularly enjoy Charlies favorite restaurant, but, at this point, what was the difference? I wasnt going to be able to eat anyway.

Sure, the Lodge, cool, I said.

Charlie smiled wider, and then sighed. He turned his head halfway toward Edward, without really looking at him.

You coming, too, Edward?

I stared at him, my eyes beseeching. Edward pulled his expression together just before Charlie turned to see why he hadnt gotten an answer.

No, thank you, Edward said stiffly, his face hard and cold.

Do you have plans with your parents? Charlie asked, a frown in his voice. Edward was always more polite than Charlie deserved; the sudden hostility surprised him.

Yes. If youll excuse me. . . . Edward turned abruptly and stalked away through the dwindling crowd. He moved just a little bit too fast, too upset to keep up his usually perfect charade.

What did I say? Charlie asked with a guilty expression.

Dont worry about it, Dad, I reassured him. I dont think its you.

Are you two fighting again?

Nobodys fighting. Mind your own business.

Youare my business.

I rolled my eyes. Lets go eat.

The Lodge was crowded. The place was, in my opinion, overpriced and tacky, but it was the only thing close to a formal restaurant in town, so it was always popular for events. I stared morosely at a depressed-looking stuffed elk head while Charlie ate prime rib and talked over the back of the seat to Tyler Crowleys parents. It was noisy  everyone there had just come from graduation, and most were chatting across the aisles and over the booth-tops like Charlie.

I had my back to the front windows, and I resisted the urge to turn around and search for the eyes I could feel on me now. I knew I wouldnt be able to see anything. Just as I knew there was no chance that he would leave me unguarded, even for a second. Not after this.

Dinner dragged. Charlie, busy socializing, ate too slowly. I picked at my burger, stuffing pieces of it into my napkin when I was sure his attention was somewhere else. It all seemed to take a very long time, but when I looked at the clock  which I did more often than necessary  the hands hadnt moved much.

Finally Charlie got his change back and put a tip on the table. I stood up.

In a hurry? he asked me.

I want to help Alice set things up, I claimed.

Okay. He turned away from me to say goodnight to everyone. I went out to wait by the cruiser.

I leaned against the passenger door, waiting for Charlie to drag himself away from the impromptu party. It was almost dark in the parking lot, the clouds so thick that there was no telling if the sun had set or not. The air felt heavy, like it was about to rain.

Something moved in the shadows.

My gasp turned into a sigh of relief as Edward appeared out of the gloom.

Without a word, he pulled me tightly against his chest. One cool hand found my chin, and pulled my face up so that he could press his hard lips to mine. I could feel the tension in his jaw.

How are you? I asked as soon as he let me breathe.

Not so great, he murmured. But Ive got a handle on myself. Im sorry that I lost it back there.

My fault. I should have waited to tell you.

No, he disagreed. This is something I needed to know. I cant believe I didnt see it!

Youve got a lot on your mind.

A