I pulled Melanie to my chest and pressed my lips to her hair, inhaling her familiar aroma. She’s going to be okay, I told myself, tightening my arms around her waist. I’ll make sure of it. Melanie buried her face in my chest, her tears soaking the front of my blue t-shirt. I stroked her back gently; I hated when she cried. It caused me more pain than anything I had gone through. Emotionally and physically.

She rested her head on my chest, breathing heavily. “Jamie’s still a boy,” she murmured. “Please, please keep him safe.”

“I’ll make you a deal,” I offered lightly. “You keep yourself safe, and I’ll do my best. Otherwise, no deal.”

“No matter what happens,” she insisted.

“Nothing’s going to happen,” I reassured her, trying to keep the anxiety out of my voice.

“Okay.”

I pull her to face me, tightening my grip around the small of her back. I was content to stay here forever, holding her in my arms. That was an impossibility. “You and I won’t lose each other. I will always find you again.” I squeezed her gently and smiled. “No matter how well you hide. I’m unstoppable at hide-and-seek.”

She shook her head, smiling. “Will you give me to the count of ten?”

“Without peeking.”

“You’re on.” I heard the sadness that caught in her throat.

“Don’t be afraid. You’ll be fine. You’re strong, you’re fast, and you’re smart.”

She sighed. “And you?” Her eyes narrowed in sorrow. “Will you be safe?”

I pulled her closer and whispered in her ear, “Neither heaven nor hell can keep me apart from you, Melanie.”

Sorry for the extreme shortness of this, but I couldn't think of anymore to put into it.

Basically, it's Melanie's departure to Chicago from Jered's POV. You can so tell that he loves her with a burning passion, although his ethics sometimes get in the way of their relationship.

Melanie, Jered, and Jamie are property of Stephenie Meyer