TWILIGHT SAGA BOOK CLUB: BALANCING, CHAPTER 12

Welcome to the Twilight Saga Book Club Chapter 12 Balancing. TA Staff member Emily is back with Chapter 12. Enjoy:

In Chapter Twelve, “Balancing”, Bella and Edward begin to realize just how difficult it will be to have a relationship together. Not only do they have to deal with Edward’s thirst for Bella’s blood, but they must also deal with the opinions of their friends and family. With what seems like the world against them, Bella and Edward head out on their ‘first date’ together and what will most likely be a pivotal moment in their lives.

Although he doesn’t say anything directly to Bella, Billy Black’s intense, anxious stares let her know exactly what he thinks about her involvement with the Cullens. She is tense about the possibility of him telling Charlie, but luckily, Charlie is only concerned about her anti-social behavior by not going to the school dance.

In the morning, Bella is feeling cheerful that it is Friday and only a day away from an entire day alone with Edward. She is disappointed to hear that he will be leaving school early in order to hunt and that things are just as tense for Edward at home with his siblings, except for Alice, regarding their relationship. They fear the consequences should this not work out. Understanding this fear, Bella wishes Edward a “fun” hunt as she continues trudging through the rest of the school day, only to be harassed by Mike Newton yet again.

To help quell the Cullens’ fear, Bella keeps up the pretense that she began with Mike about her plans to go to Seattle being cancelled and tells Jessica and Charlie the same. Keeping her promise to Edward to ‘be safe’, Bella does some perilous laundry to pass her time and contemplates her choices.

Saturday morning arrives and Bella is anxious about her day with Edward. As promised, Edward lets Bella drive, taking the passenger seat and giving her directions. The light mood that started with the mocking of Bella’s old truck darkens when Edward finds out that no one knows where Bella will be today. The tension softens slowly as they hike deeper and deeper into the forest towards the Meadow. Bella is awestruck by the beauty of the Meadow until she remembers a promise that he had made to her; to show her the enigma of Edward and the sun.

Characters Involved:
Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, Charlie Swan, Jacob Black, Billy Black, Alice Cullen, Mike Newton

Characters Mentioned:
Renee Dwyer, Jessica Stanley, Angela Weber, Rosalie Hale, Emmett Cullen, Jasper Hale

Places Visited:
Charlie’s house, Edward’s Volvo, Forks High, Bella’s truck, the Meadow

Significant events
Bella is cautious about Billy Black and his suspicions

Edward and Bella deal with scrutiny by friends and family over their relationship

Edward and Bella have their first date in the Meadow

Memorable Quotes
Bella Swan: “I’ve never minded being alone – I’m too much like you.” pg 241

Bella Swan: He grinned his crooked smile at me, stopping my breath and my heart. I couldn’t imagine how an angel could be any more glorious. There was nothing about him that could be improved upon. Pg 241

Edward Cullen: “If I’m going to be alone with you tomorrow, I’m going to take whatever precautions I can.” pg 243

Edward Cullen: “They don’t understand why I can’t leave you alone.” Pg 244

Edward Cullen: “I told you – you don’t see yourself clearly at all. You’re not like anyone I’ve ever known. You fascinate me.” pg 245

Bella Swan: I realized slowly that his words should frighten me. I waited for that fear to come, but all I could seem to feel was an ache for his pain. Pg 246

Bella Swan: “Safe in Forks – what a challenge.” Pg 247

Edward Cullen: “For you it is a challenge. Promise.” Pg 247

Bella Swan: “I promise to try to be safe. I’ll do the laundry tonight – that ought to be fraught with peril.” Pg 247

Bella Swan: Because there was nothing more terrifying to me, more excruciating, than the thought of turning away from him. It was an impossibility. Pg 248

Mike Newton: “Are you going to the dance with Cullen?” pg 248

Edward Cullen: Be safe. pg 249

Charlie Swan: “You’re sure easy to live with, Bella.” Pg 251

Edward Cullen: “Were you planning to make it out of Forks before nightfall?” pg 253

Bella Swan: “This truck is old enough to be your car’s grandfather – have some respect.” pg 254

Edward Cullen: “So you’re worried about the trouble it might cause me — if you don’t come home?” pg 255

Edward Cullen: “Are you so depressed by Forks that it’s made you suicidal?” pg 255

Edward Cullen: “I can be patient – if I make a great effort.” pg 257

Bella Swan: I knew he thought it was fear that upset me, and I was grateful again that I was the one person whose mind he couldn’t hear. Pg.257

Bella Swan: Edward seemed to take a deep breath, and then he stepped out into the bright glow of the midday sun. pg. 259

Questions for consideration:
Is there something you noticed about this chapter that you’d like to discuss with the book club?

Did you see any particular symbolism or little detail you have never noticed before while re-reading this Chapter?

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