Chapter Two: Open Book (Discovering His Weakness)

This chapter begins with Edward still off somewhere (as we learn from Midnight Sun in Alaska blowing off steam. And Bella is trying to forget him. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done. Bella was forever changed by sitting next to him. It only seems right that she spend every waking moment thinking about him. She even tells us that she can’t not be suspicious that his absence is due, in part, to her.

It is also during this chapter that Bella notes that the Cullens’ clothes are designer clothing, but it’s very subtle. Unlike Bella who is an outsider because of where she is from, and how she looks; the Cullens subtly alienate themselves in order to protect themselves. Bella even becomes aware of this and tells us: “The isolation must be their desire”. For being so observant of the Cullens and Edward, she is still doesn’t see herself clearly.

And then Edward returns. He decides to face his weakness and overcome it. How amazing. Not that I’m not really am surprised. But I honestly love that Edward is trying to overcome and I think that is the best part of him and what makes him so strong. He knows and admits his weaknesses and then attempts to overcome.

It was also in this chapter that I found one of my favorite quotes from the book.

When he touched me, it stung my hands as if an electric current had passed through us.

That one line gives me chills every time I read it. I know I’ve never felt that way about anyone, and I don’t take this line to mean that’s how it will be, but it’s just a good line.

Secondly, we see how frustrating it is for Edward not to be able to hear Bella’s thoughts. He has to ask questions. Which is more frustrating to him because he wants to kill her. Yeah. Not exactly a great plan for someone trying to avoid her. But he’s overcoming his weakness. Edward tends to see the world in black and white and because he gets to know Bella he sees the horror in his desire to drink her blood.

When Elizabeth comes to visit Jane and nurse her back to health, she spends her evenings talking with the Bingleys and Darcy has an opportunity to learn more about her. He begins to ask questions, and she in turn questions his assumptions, accusations, and knowledge. Darcy has never been second-guessed before and that puts him on his toes. In fact, that seems to annoy him. I love the part in the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice, after Jane and Elizabeth leave, Darcy helps Elizabeth into the carriage then abruptly turns and walks away while clenching and unclenching his fist. It shows the tension between what is his duty to his name and fortune and what his heart wants.

And there again is Edward’s dilemma. Does he do what’s morally, ethically right and leave Bella be? Or does he let himself desire her and act upon those desires?