How we cite our quotes: (Chapter. Paragraph)
Quote #19
And suddenly it hit me. My mother was safe. She was still in Florida. (22.94)
Bella is relieved that her mother is fine and not actually at risk from James, regardless of where that leaves Bella. The most important thing to Bella is that her mom is safe.
Quote #20
[James to Bella:] "How odd. You really mean it." His dark eyes assessed me with interest. The irises were nearly black, just a hint of ruby around the edges. Thirsty. "I will give your strange coven this much, you humans can be quite interesting. I guess I can see the draw of observing you. It's amazing – some of you seem to have no sense of your own self-interest at all." (22.99)
James is amazed that Bella puts her family ahead of herself. Does this mean that most vampire families don't act the same way? Are they not as self-sacrificing?
Quote #21
[Bella:] "Wait, Mom!" I interrupted. Edward still had his eyes closed, but he looked too tense to pass as asleep. "What are you talking about? I'm not going to Florida. I live in Forks." […]
[Bella:] "Mom." I hesitated, wondering how best to be diplomatic about this. "I want to live in Forks. I'm already settled in at school, and I have a couple of girlfriends" – she glanced toward Edward again when I remaindered her of friends, so I tried another direction – "and Charlie needs me. He's just all alone up there, and he can't cook at all." (24.104, 106)
Instead of wanting to live with her mother, Bella now prefers to live in Forks. This probably has more to do with Edward than it does with Charlie. Is Bella placing her romantic relationship above her family?