Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Narrative Structure In 'When I Whistle' By Shusaku Endo Essay

Narrative Structure In 'When I Whistle' By Shusaku Endo - Essay Example In When I Whistle, Shusaku Endo's narrative structure is apprehensive to draw a number of disturbing comparisons between period of war and contemporary Japan. Shusaku narrative structure is the inheritance of the war generation that explores the state of Japan that appeared from the destruction of World War II. This feature of the narrative structure is evident from the standard of living of Eiichi, the hardnosed young doctor of medicine of When I Whistle; unchanged by the disaster of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and incapable to see patients as anything but samples for own tests. Eiichi lengthens the imperialistic desire of prewar Japan by taking no notice of the past and worshipping the present. The accretion of substance belongings is the only source of meaning for the new generation. This striking thematic element of the narrative structure of the novel is made further powerful by its persistent medicinal and hospital imagery. This characteristic of Endo's narrative structure was the result of chronic heart and lung problems that plagued him all through the adult life.

Monday, October 28, 2019

Dance And Ethics In The Traditional African Philosophy Essay

Dance And Ethics In The Traditional African Philosophy Essay Chapter 2 LITERATURE REVIEW This section looks at various functions of dance in the Traditional African Society, especially its use for interpreting ideas such as ethics of (Twene KÃŽÂ µse) festival. 2.1 Dance and Ethics in the Traditional African Context Dance as a tool for perpetuating some simple ethics of the social values within the Ghanaian society has received some attention over the years. For example, an adowa  [1]  dancer begs his or her drummers to play a good rhythm for him or her to dance and thus seeks permission from the gods, elders and drummers before dancing.  [2]  By this, I am referring to simple gestures that portray a sense of respect and acknowledgement in the society. Dance is one of the effective tools for communication and nation building. These help in ensuring good behavioral change in the community.  [3]  According to Abà ­ÃƒÆ' °bà ¶là ¡ (2001), the term ethics as stated in the introductory section of this thesis are grouped into four areas; Normative ethics the basis and justification of moral rules and principles Meta ethics the meaning of moral terms Applied ethics the nature, content and application of specific moral guidelines Descriptive ethics accounts of how people actually behave in situations requiring moral action Abà ­ÃƒÆ' °bà ¶là ¡ points out that, contemporary thinking on ethics in African philosophy is concerned with normative and descriptive ethics. In justification to this, he argues that many African philosophers on the topic of ethics raise the question of the position of African ethics. The question is, do these ethics come out of religious doctrines (normative ethics), or are they results of reason (descriptive ethics). Ethics, as defined in the introduction of this thesis connote good human behavior in relation to other humans in a society. This is without the inclusion of a supernatural being or religion. It is humane, for every individual in a society to adopt positive characters to live peacefully in and out of the community without any religious intuition. On the other hand, the traditional African, by nature, is a religious being whose daily affairs are based on his or her relationship with divinities (God, gods, and or ancestral spirits, etc.). Therefore, the understandin g of ethics (which are found in the traditional beliefs and customs) will not depart from religion. The faith, trust, and fear for the divinity by the traditional African makes him or her submissive to the laid down rules and regulations of the community. In this contemporary era, many will perhaps appreciate the relevance of ethics, which is communicated through dance. Though, dance as a traditional activity, has suffered adulteration through the passing on from generation to generation, its usage in modern choreography with all the theatrical elements like sound, light, projections, costumes and make-ups, props and other technicalities makes it more educational and applicable to formal education. Realistically, some ethics in the traditional African context may not be applicable to the modern or contemporary society due to technological advancement, modernization, religious beliefs and disbeliefs and formal education. However, the attempt to use Ghanaian traditional dances creatively will shed light on old but yet beneficial traditional values. For example, the original benefit derived from the Dipo ceremony, may have lost its relevance to the Dangme girl today, because formal education has taken up some responsibility of the dipo rite. This is where choreography as a tool, can be used to promote some ethical values of the dipo rite and also serve as a preservative measure for the dipo dance as well. Some ceremonial dances positively affect the moral lives of people within the society when their themes are geared towards the endorsement of good conduct. The bragoro and dipo ceremonies and dance of the Dangme of Ghana is a typical example. Adinku (1994) notes that, dance for social ceremonies such as the dipo is restricted to girls in their puberty stage because the norms demand that, they must undergo initiation to inculcate in them the values of womanhood, and prepare them physically and emotionally to face their feminine responsibilities with confidence.  [4]  The performance of dipo and bragoro  [5]  help to simplify some of the ethical and moral lessons acquired in the entire ceremonies. The adowa dance of the Akan portrays some ethics. For example, a dancer may humbly plead with his or her drummers to play a good music as he or she dances by bowing and putting the right hand in the left hand, showing respect. The dancer bows to reverence a king in state and waves his right hand to greet and welcome spectators. These examples suggest that some dances are indicators and tools for bringing about ethical behaviors in the society. Dance as a non-verbal form of communication transcends ethnic and racial boundaries with fewer limitations.  [6]   Dance is fun, healing, joy, freedom, love, meditation, dynamic, an expression, emotional, magic and real and because of these qualities, it draws peoples attention when it is performed to an audience. These audiences are then exposed to and affected by the above irresistible qualities, thus, influenced by the symbolic movements carefully selected and used by the dancer or performer to express an emotional state.  [7]  This thesis uses the power of dance to address the findings of my research, which is the influence of the Twene KÃŽÂ µse festival on the practice of ethics. 2.2 The Relationship between Dance and Ethics Like ethical practices of the traditional African society, dance is one of the oldest traditions of man performed in all social gatherings such as festivals, naming ceremonies, funerals, puberty rites, and enstoolment and disstoolement of traditional leaders, because it graces every occasion in the life-circle of people. Within the life cycle of these people are their ethics and according to Nii-Yartey, a renowned Ghanaian choreographer, in Africa, dance serves as an index to the value systems that enable the community to interpret and express the various events of life.  [8]  Some of these events of life manifest the communitys reaction to areas such as work, to food and shelter, social and economic conditions, religious beliefs and disbeliefs, moments of joy and sadness. All these are captured in the dances of communities, thus, the Africans way of life in totality is reflected in his or her dance. To most Africans, dance is a habit formation, thus, one develops the interest and ability to dance as one participates in events associated with dance. He or she becomes familiar with the requirements and values of the dance, because the dos and donts of each dances learnt are also congruent to societal norms. For example, a fontonfrom,  [9]  nagila and adowa dancer, during state functions, will pay homage by bowing to the king, requesting for permission to dance. In the same way in our society, an Ashanti man will remove one of his footwear, lower the cloth on his left shoulder and bow to greet or shake hands with an Ashanti King. Furthermore, an $kyer1me will lower his cloth to the waist level, slightly place his right foot forward while stepping on the tail-end of his sandals before pouring libation. One is introduced to the societal moral requirements which form the ethical practices and principles of society as he or she studies through participation. Therefore, it is assume d that one becomes morally upright based on ones level of participation in dance, and his or her responds to its requirements. Morality is not ours originally, but learnt through socialization in the community. Hence, as the African grows, he or she learns through this habit formation to choose to do what is right from wrong. This is so because, to be morally right is not an in-born trait, but acquired with the choices one makes. One, consequently, bears the cost of the good or bad he or she purchases. One of the most important principles of the African is the family system the interdependency of the African. Thus, the challenge of one person is the challenge of all. This is not different in their dance performances. One does not perform in isolation because there will be no one to drum, sing, or hail the dancer and these are predominant in the African dance performance. Dancers mostly perform in groups at social functions, and admirers may hail them by clapping or walking into the dancing ring and fixing a coin on the forehead of the dancer. Gyekye (1996) opines that, the African is by nature a social being oriented towards others in a community of persons. Community life directly involves a person in social and moral roles, responsibilities, obligations and commitments that must be fulfilled. The Ghanaian is identified as a community member and therefore, seeks to uphold the values inherent in these obligations. These social obligations are the moral standards which sum up the e thics of the community. What Gyekye says is not different from the direction of this study because, the concern of the social being to live in an environment of peace, prepares him or her to adhere to ethical practices and principles of the community for posterity. Some of these ethical practices and principles can be found in the traditional dances and the festival activities of the African, while others are found in the day-to-day activities of people in the community, exist in isolation and therefore, are getting diminished. With changes that have occurred in our ethical life due to modernization, perhaps dance, through the medium of choreography can capture the essence of some of these values and bring them to attention of this contemporary community. The African lives for his community and Anthony Egan confirms this by his statement that If the foundation of African ethics is in the notion of humanness, what is to be a person, ubuntu sees this humanness as personhood in the community: a person is a person through other people. This confirms the earlier point raised that no one lives in isolation in the African system: a person life because others live; therefore, his or her activities affect the progress of the society. In light of the above, therefore, there is no doubt that the distinctive features which help recognize the African people are their cultural practices, social activities and values, religious and traditional beliefs, and principally their dance and musical traditions. 2.3 The Meaning of Ethics and Its Relevance to this Study In other to situate this research work within the context of ethics, some assertions by philosophical scholars such as Gyekye, Mbiti, Kant and others will be considered. According to Gyekye (1987), the Ghanaian equivalent word for ethics is suban. He explains that, ethics may be translated as suban ho nimdee or suban ho adwendwen, studies or reflections on character, a rendition which, in stressing the notion of character, agrees with the Akan conception of morality and hence can correctly be used, sometimes with an additional word or words to reflect modern usage, as the Akan equivalent for the word ethics.  [10]   In his contention, suban is so vital and for this reason, it is given a central place in the Ghanaian moral language and thought that it may be considered as summing up the whole idea of morality. For example, an Akan will say, He has no character (onni suban) instead of, He has no morals. That is, onni suban is mostly used if a person is describing the negative moral status of another person. The word pa or papa, meaning good is sometimes added to the sentence to make the meaning clearer in a moral sense. For instance, onni suban pa (he has no good character, or his conduct is unethical). The opposite of this statement is, owo suban pa (he has moral, or he is ethical, moral). That is a person with a praiseworthy character. This takes our discussion to the meaning of character and its relationship to ethics. Gyekye again defines character as a state or condition of a soul which causes it to perform its actions spontaneously and easily.  [11]  This presupposes that, the moral habit of an individual is innate and as he or she grows, the society teaches him or her to adopt good character to act positively at all times and in spontaneous situations. In support of this, Kant (1724-1804), states that, act as if the principle on which your action is based were to became, by your will, a universal law of nature.  [12]  Kants statement has bearing in the Akan proverb that says abaa a yÃŽÂ µde b4 Tekyi no, yÃŽÂ µde b4 Baah. This is literally translated as, do what you want others to do unto you or and therefore one should be mindful of his actions so as not to negatively affect other people. According to Kant, one must be fully aware of actions, whether good or bad, so that he or she will be fully responsible for the outcome thereafter. Bad people are not welcomed in social gathering such as festivals and therefore do not add up to the decision makers of the community. On the other hand, a person is believed to have the capability of changing from unacceptable behaviors to acceptable behaviors through the teaching of moral values embedded in proverbs, traditional dances and folktales. Such people become part of the society because, it is in living virtuously that human beings can give meaning to their social life and existence.  [13]   Johnsons (2004) article on Kants Moral Philosophy indicates his (Kants) substitution of ethics with morals and proposes that Once we seek out and establish the fundamental principle of morality a priori, then we may consult facts drawn from experience in order to determine how best to apply this principle to human beings and generate particular conclusions about how we ought to act.  [14]  Kant has observed that, to understand what ethics really is, an in-depth analysis of our moral concept must be sought. For example, Saint Augustine (354-430), as he sought to reinterpret the virtues of classical Greece says, Temperance, courage, justice and wisdom are expressions of Christian virtue.  [15]  In this direction, an action is regarded as right if it is in agreement with a moral rule or principle.  [16]  The understanding of the concept of good will, obligation, duty, and so on as well as their logical relationship to one another, is inevitably linked with the African concep t of ethics; thus, we can determine the rationality of ones actions; whether he does what is right or what is wrong. To buttress this point, Bantham Jeremy (1748-1832) positions that, correct actions are those that result in the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.  [17]  To live in a harmonious ON environment with one another, ones deeds must bring about the greatest degree of joy and happiness to him or herself as well as people around him. To Jeremy, ones happiness is quantifiable to units of pleasure, therefore less units of pain. However, Socrates (469-399bc) concepts of ethics that every person has full knowledge of ultimate truth contained within the soul and needs only to be spurred to conscious reflection in order to become aware of it.  [18]  The ultimate truth found within the soul of the African, as confirmed by Gyekye, is interpreted in the Akan proverb that says, no one shows the child where God is.  [19]  In other words, even a child knows what is right from wrong and this is because of the ultimate truth, which is an in-born-trait and is contained in the soul of the individual. While some African thinkers hold the view that, the punishment given to a person who has gone against an ethical rule may spur on others from committing the same crime, others hold a different view on the matter. For example, when a parent or guardian disciplines a child for insubordination, it spurs on other children from doing same. On the other hand, the idea of motivating people to do the right thing does not sit well with others. Since the ultimate truth is embedded in everyone, it presupposes that one does not need to be motivated to do what is right. Socrates ideology concerning ethics is to incite people to do the right thing and thus, without incentives people may not consciously reflect on the knowledge of ultimate truths. I agree with the two assertions because, from childhood one experiences moral virtues through habit-forming activities such as traditional dances, folk tales and others that include singing traditional songs and proverbs for socialization.  [20]  Furthermore, the society bears the responsibility of helping to discipline a child when he or she goes wrong, because of the collective perspective of society for the upbringing of its members. When a child goes wrong, the onus falls on the members of the community to discipline that child. One significant example observed during my research trip is my experience of the sacred atmosphere the Adjumako-Kokoben town experiences a month before the celebration of Twene KÃŽÂ µse festivities. People are required to eschew antisocial behaviors most especially during the festival season. Unethical behaviors such as stealing, gossiping, fighting and desecrating of sacred centers like the Twene KÃŽÂ µse shrines and mpusuban  [21]  are highly prohibited. This is because the period of the festival is considered holy, where spirits of departed ancestors come back home to prepare the grounds for the up-and-coming events. The community frowns on people who go contrary to this ethical rule and culprits are summoned and fined by their traditional council. During the festival, such persons are ridiculed with insulting songs to spur on others during the celebration of the Abangye which leads to the climax of the Twene KÃŽÂ µse festival. It is also a belief that, the spiritual entity that protects the community with it source from the deity, Twene KÃŽÂ µse, does not condone unethical people in the society.  [22]  This raises the question of whether or not the ethical rules or principles have a link with the supernatural or their traditional religion. However, John Mbiti (1969) agrees that ethical rule practiced worldwide may promote peace and tranquility among people. He points out that; As in all societies of the world, social order and peace are recognized by African people as essential and sacred. Where the sense of corporate life is so deep, it is inevitable that the solidarity of the community must be mentioned, otherwise there are disintegration and destruction.  [23]   He believes that, the African community is bound together with kinship relationship and therefore the unethical deeds of one person affect the entire community. This becomes sacrilegious during the holy periods of traditional festivals. For the purpose of this dissertation, the word suban will be adopted, thus, the required suban proposed by either the community or the gods (supernatural entities) to be practiced in socio-cultural and political activities. Theories of philosophers concerning the source of ethics in the traditional African society in relation to my research findings will be pursued in the next section. 2.4 Theoretical Framework 2.4.1 Ethical Concerns in African Cultural Standpoint Many scholars have written extensively on the ethical concerns in the traditional African societies. Some have attributed the Africans practice of ethics to their religious beliefs while others have disputed the fact and said that, ethics have less to do with religion. One of such philosophers who have suggested a relationship between the Africans way of life and religion is Kofi A. Opoku (1974). He notes; The phenomenon of religion is so pervasive in the life of the Akan, and so inextricably bound up with their culture, that it is not easy to isolate what is purely religious from other aspects of life. It may be said without fear or exaggeration that life in the Akan world is religion, and religion is life.  [24]   According to Opoku, the African cannot segregate himself from religion and hence religion affects his moral obligations, and therefore the Akan morality is based on religion. In other words, a persons moral standards are to a large extent dependent on his religion. Furthermore, Opoku (1978) writes on Akan morality and states that, Generally, morality evolves from religious considerations, and so pervasive is religion in African culture that ethics and religion cannot be separated from each other.  [25]  The traditional African is seen as a religious being through his daily reverence to divinities in his or her life circle; birth, puberty or initiation and death. When a child is born, libation is poured to ask for blessing for it and thank the gods for its save entrance from the supernatural to the natural world. In some cases, names of ancestors who led moral lives are given to the child to honor them. Puberty (a period that marks the beginning of adulthood in both men and women) , farming, fishing, hunting, enstoolment and distoolment of chiefs are not performed without the consent of a deity, so as the death rite of individuals. These activities are the customs and belief systems of the traditional people. Some of the customs and belief systems of the African community contain some ethics. The ideas behind their practices are beneficial and connote morality in the community. For example, it is unethical for one to whistle and sweep at night in the most Akan societies. Whistling may attract snakes, which can bite one to death. In the same way, precious tiny objects may be swept away at night. These are beliefs which when practiced becomes beneficial to the people. Can it also be said that the gods propounded these beliefs? Bishop Sarpong, in support of the above discussion states, Ethics here merges with religious practices, and assumes communal proportions. Among the Ghanaian, every ethical conduct may be said to be religiously orientated.  [26]  Busia (1969) a notable scholar of Ghanaian culture also declares that religion determines the moral duties for the members of a group or tribe.  [27]  Finally, Mbiti reinforces that, there exist, therefore, many laws, customs, set forms of behaviors, regulations, rules (à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦), constituting the moral code and ethics of a given community or society. Some of these are held sacred, and are believed to have been instituted by Godà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.  [28]  All these assertions agree that ethics is hardly segregated from religion, and religion  [29]  has it source from Supreme Being (God or gods), not man. However, Kwame Gyekye, Segun Gbadegesin, Kwasi Wiredu and Polycarp Ikuenobe disagree with all the above claims. To them, moralities have less to do with religion where the source of this religion is God. Gyekye explains that, through his research in the Akan community, no one attributed rules of moral behavior to instructions from God. Nonetheless, Gyekye clarifies the relationship of Akan moralitys dependence on religion, and he provides two distinctions. He categorically states; It must mean or imply: (1) that moral concept such as good, bad, right, wrong, and ought are (to be) to be defined in terms of religious prescriptions or the commands of some supernatural being; (2) that moral beliefs, principles and ideas derive logically from those of religion and hence, (3) that religious prescriptions provide the necessary justification for moral beliefs, principles and judgments. Finally, (4) the moral conduct of individuals is determined or greatly influenced by their religious beliefs.  [30]   He distinguishes the above assertion of religion merging with morality and explains morality as referring, Either to a set of social rules and norms for guiding and regulating the conduct of people in a society, or behavior pattern, that is, responses or attitudes to such rules and norms. Thus, we speak not only of moral rules, beliefs, and prescription, but also of moral behavior, meaning behavior in conformity with accepted moral beliefs and rules: the moral person in one whose attitude or response to moral rule is satisfactory and commendable. So that the idea of the religious dependence on morality involves not only the sources of moral rules and principles, but also the influences that affect patterns of behavior.  [31]   Gyekye proves that there are visible distinctions with these two implications and for that matter, vivid analysis must be done in this aspect to avoid people from the mistake of given false conclusion on the issue of religion and morality in the African culture. According to Tufuhene Akorful IV and $kyer1ma Kwaku Aky1 from the Adjumako-Kokoben traditional Area, ethics are the morals values within the belief systems of the community that promote acceptable behaviors and were passed on from their forefathers unto them. Here, forefathers refer to the ancestors and traditional priests of the town. They believe that individuals do not accept acknowledgement for contributing to the welfare of the community, rather, wisdom is ascribed to people of old or ancestors, priest and gods. They therefore admit that, through the wisdom of the ancestor and the gods, ethical principles for moral behavior in the town, are propounded and communicated through their traditional priest unto the people. In this instance, one see two underlining features over here; the ancestors who were once human and the gods. Could it be that the provider of ethics is a shared responsibility of humans and the supernatural? Yes, because the traditional religion is a relationship b etween man and the supernatural, and though one is supreme over the other and may be the provider of ethics, the less supreme also has equal responsibility to make moral rules to protect his or her community. Yet, he or she does not take glory for his achievement, but ascribes it to the gods or ancestors. The Adjumako-Kokoben people believe that the traditional priest to the Twene KÃŽÂ µse god is the greatest priest of all times. He (the Twene Kese priest) protects his people by providing ethical rules. These are found within their belief systems. Table 1. The ethics found in some belief systems of the Adjumako-Kokoben people Examples Of Some Belief Systems In Adjumako-Kokoben The Ethics In Such Belief Systems Do not bring a whole bunch of Plantain called apim  [32]  to the house. Cut some fingers off first. By cutting some fingers off, it encourages sharing with others in the society. Do not bring a whole palm fruit to the house. Cut off some fruits first. Share some of the palm fruits with a neighbor. Do not pound fufu  [33]  at night. Eating heavy food at night may cause stomach upset. Insects or objects may fall in the fufu during pounding and cause harm to those who eat it. Do not go to the streams when menstruating or have a cut on your body. Diseases may be transmitted to other people. Do not bring dog to town. They are believed to carry bad spirit, which can affect the blessings of men. They can also bit and transmit diseases as well. Cut very long firewood into shorter pieces before bringing them home. They occupy lots of space. The carrier may hurt someone with it due to the length of the log. Unbalance may break the neck of the carrier. 2.5 Ethical Theories The fundamental principle of morality binds every individual in a community because ethics are about how to live a good life wherever one finds him or herself.  [34]  Meaning, harmonious life in a community depends on obeying the ethical principles therein. Richard T. Hull (1979), in his paper, The Varieties of Ethical Theories, explains various ethical theories and states the two fundamental types of ethical theory: those based on the notion of choosing ones actions so as to maximize the value or values to be expected as consequences of those actions (called consequentialist or teleological theories [from the Greek telos, meaning aim or purpose]; and those based on the notion of choosi

Friday, October 25, 2019

Analysis of Platos Allegory of the Cave Essay -- Papers Plato Allegor

Analysis of Plato's Allegory of the Cave Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" presents a vision of humans as slaves chained in front of a fire observing the shadows of things on the cave wall in front of them. The shadows are the only "reality" the slaves know. Plato argues that there is a basic flaw in how we humans mistake our limited perceptions as reality, truth and goodness. The allegory reveals how that flaw affects our education, our spirituality and our politics. The flaw that Plato speaks about is trusting as real, what one sees - believing absolutely that what one sees is true. In The Allegory of the Cave, the slaves in the caves know that the shadows, thrown on the wall by the fire behind them, are real. If they were to talk to the shadows echoes would make the shadows appear to talk back. To the slaves "the truth would be literally nothing but the shadows of the images." (Jacobus 316). In the allegory, a slave is then brought out of the cave, in what Plato refers to as "he ascent of the soul into the intellectual world" (Jacobus 319). Once out of the cave the slave discovers that what he thought was real is not. He learns to comprehend all of these new images as real and true. Since he has been in the dark, both literally and metaphorically, the light blinds him. Representing knowledge, the light is too brilliant for him to see and comprhend. He must be re-educated. "First he will see the shadows best, next the reflections of the men and other objects? then the objects themselves" (Jacobus 317). He learns that the reflections are truer than shadows and the objects truer than reflections. He must deal with a new reality that does not exist within the cave. Plato says that these people who a... ...ary friend when we are younger. Our imaginary friend is very real to us, but as we get older or make the ascent to the world of knowledge, we reject our imaginary friends. We are faced with a different reality where we start to believe that what our eyes show us is the only truth. We forget to question things and don't realize that maybe there is yet another ascent, out of this bigger "cave" of the light. Human beings' knowledge of goodness, reality, and truth will always be limited by our fear of new ideas and new perspectives. As long as we are afraid of questioning, we will be willing to "put to death" anyone who ascends and returns to the cave with the truth. Work Cited Corinthians II, The New Jerusalem Bible. Henry Wansbrough, gen. ed. New York: Doubleday, 2005. Jacobus, Lee A. A World of Ideas. 7th Edition Boston: Bedford/St. Martins. 2006.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Motivational strategies Essay

Thesis: Motivation of young learners requires positive energy and preparedness from the instructor. Enthusiasm and teaching aids/materials being used make a big difference on the speed and quantity that a student can retain. To start with, I seek to challenge myself and push my boundaries further by asking and attempting to answer the question -How can I teach English more effectively, so that the people of the world can be empowered to knowing English? It is indeed a powerful question and one to which we all need to pay close attention to in this complex, bewildering and ultimately fascinating world of diverse cultures living together. The use of common language makes it so impossible for those who do not understand to have a sense of belonging. It is necessary in preparation for study action to note certain areas of input where speed and quantitative acquisition of English language can be enhanced, even with ease. Motivation tops among the very important constituents in any language acquisition among beginners. The worry of any teacher is also to ensure equal motivation for students at though researches have shown that different motivation tactics exist for different students. Aim at motivating students also needs to influence whatever existing motives, goals, dreams or ideas in the students for learning English language. According to Cheng definition of motivation (2007) â€Å"it is the combination of effort and the desire to achieve the goal of learning the language (English) with the development of favorable attitudes towards learning the language. † Of course, motivation requires constant positive energy and preparedness from instructor. I would like to categorize instructor energized motivation into intrinsic and extrinsic. While the intrinsic depends on the level of personal interest the instructor shows to students, extrinsic deals with the application of such facilitating instruments like teaching aids or materials and compensational measure. Compensational measures include the development of competitive study in order to award prize or openly shower of praise for good performance. I do not agree with the issue of punishment as a one of the means for it limits the learners’ ability to perform in the absence of pressure from instructor. To activate the positive energy in young learners, the use of a general area of interest has been found to speed learning through a sustained motivation. For example, learners who admire a popular figure in the language being learnt can be motivated by relating studies in that direction. Each time the learner is reminded of the figure, motivation increases to study the language of such figure to feel belong. Each learner can also be kept on positive swing mood during acquisition by a constant assurance form the instructor of the easy nature of the study which only requires very short time. Most category of learners feel bored when study is being prolonged; hence, the language lesson needs to be broken into different segment with short interval. This will ensure cerebral revitalization at the end of each session before taking up next task. A study in a class of 30 students showed how learners know English speedily when task was made to perform at interval. The second group who did not perform the task at interval requires double the learning time spent by the first group (Cheng & Dornyei, 2007). The use of teaching aids/materials is of no doubt one of the best way to increase learning speed and quantity of study per time. Teaching materials result in increasing students’ motivation. Te use of audio-visuals in teaching English language performs two tasks. One is the usual classroom teaching of new words. The second is the acquisition of such language in connection with the learners observed response to the spoken language. Most learners watch films irrespective of the language spoken in the scene. Actions are better picked that a action-less speech expression. Many studies have approved this use of audio-visuals for its evident large difference it makes in language acquisition. In summary, I will certainly aim at activating students self motivation believing that this is the key to make whatever measure puts in place by the instructor a more productive exercise. Reference Cheng, H. , & Dornyei, Z. (2007). The use of motivational strategies in language instruction: The case of EFL teaching in Taiwan. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 1, 153–173.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

The Twilight Saga 5: Midnight Sun 21. Goodbye

There is no scent of a vampire anywhere near us, Emmett thought while looking around the darkened grounds. All clear here, Alice looked through the future. He'll show up, but he won't bother us†¦he wants her to himself. Looking out through the window of the Jeep I could see no sign of the tracker. I was secretly hoping that he wouldn't show up. Putting Bella in the line of danger was burning holes through me. â€Å"He's not here,† my voice was tense. â€Å"Let's go,† I firmly commanded. I gave Emmett a tight nod and he started unbuckling Bella's harness. I could hear her pulse start to race as her breathing became harsh and ragged. Her breath filled my lungs, reminding me forcibly of the precious creature I would be protecting this evening. She's worried†¦so human. â€Å"Don't worry, Bella,† Emmett said in an amused voice, â€Å"we'll take care of things here quickly.† Moisture was beginning to build up in Bella's eyes and in that most fleeting of seconds I wanted to take her and run ?C run thousands of miles ?C just me and her, together. That's not an option, Alice's vision swirled in her head before it went up in a wisp of smoke as I realized she was right. We should hurry, her thoughts were strained as the many smoky and shadowy figures shifted and disappeared with each decision that was being made. â€Å"Alice, Emmett,† I called. I hope he's here! This is going to be so much fun! Emmett ran away gleefully. Don't worry, Edward. We'll keep her safe. Alice slid silently into the trees. Bella was showing extraordinary strength for someone so human. I swept out of the Jeep and opened the back door to see Bella's face which was still full of sadness and my protective side took a different turn as I took her hand and brought her to my side to comfort and protect her. As the terror rose in my chest I was beginning to drag my feet reluctantly towards her door, where she would leave me to go inside. I knew the only safe place for her was in my arms. Our footsteps echoed in the silence but I was not oblivious to my surroundings as we walked; my eyes continually darting from every corner of the open space like we were in the middle of a war. I hear someone approaching, Emmett resisted the temptation to attack but his thoughts were always wildly enthusiastic about the prospect. â€Å"Fifteen minutes,† I reminded Bella while stealing a glance to look at her face, an icy surge of terror rising in the pit of my stomach. Tiny tears began seeping from beneath her eye lids as she looked up into my eyes. â€Å"I can do this,† she sniffed like she was trying to convince herself more than me. The lights on the porch were on, making her tears reflect the light as soon as we ascended the last step. She turned around to face me, bringing her warm hands to my face, sending a quivering feeling through my body in the most hostile of times. â€Å"I love you,† Bella said intensely. â€Å"I will always love you, no matter what happens now.† What did she think was going to happen to her? An odd chill ran up my spine. â€Å"Nothing is going to happen to you, Bella,† I replied fiercely. â€Å"Just follow the plan, okay? Keep Charlie safe for me. He's not going to like me very much after this, and I want to have the chance to apologize later,† she looked up at me with her tear stained face. I could feel my heart sinking as I took in her pitiful expression. Before I could show this emotion on my face I heard the thoughts of my family from the woods, distracting me again. They're here ?C only James and Victoria. Alice thought flatly. Laurent went to see Carlisle ?C or ?C to warn him. They are keeping their distance. They caught our scent. Emmett was still hoping for a fight. Well, well, well†¦ I heard James' thoughts. This is going to be a lot more fun than I realized, a laugh escaped his lips at the prospect of his new hunt. â€Å"Get inside, Bella. We have to hurry,† I said urgently while leaning over her protectively. â€Å"One more thing,† she whispered hastily. â€Å"Don't listen to another word I say tonight!† Instantly her lips were on mine, sending warmth and pleasant electric shocks through my body. I forgot where I was for a fraction of a second before she pulled away, tears still streaming down her face. Her expression changed to searing anger, she turned on her heal and kicked the front door open. â€Å"Go away, Edward!† her voice was a scream before she slammed the door in my face. I stood there looking at the door in stunned disbelief; my breath being temporarily robbed. The feelings pulsing through me were oddly disembodying. Shrugging off the sensation as best I could, I continued to look around the cool misty grounds, stealing glances through my siblings' minds along with Charlie's. James continued to keep his distance even though his thoughts were smug and optimistic to the point of foolishness. What is she doing? Emmett wondered. I underestimated her†¦ hilarious, this should be entertaining! â€Å"Bella?† Charlie called out anxiously at his daughter's angry words. â€Å"Move closer and see if you can get a better look at what's going on,† I heard James order Victoria. Better her neck than mine, James thought coldly. â€Å"Leave me alone!† Bella shouted back at Charlie. Charlie's thoughts were incoherent with panic at his daughter's obvious pain. He began pounding on her door while startling flashes of insight and thought filled my mind. â€Å"The human is fighting with her father,† Victoria told James after returning to him. This I have to see, James thought menacingly. He's on the move, Alice warned me. If he gets too close I'll take care of him, Emmett thought pleasantly. My eyes searched the forest for any sign of the tracker but came up empty. I continued to stand protectively below Bella's window. James moved in to hear the conversations going on inside the house but stayed clear of my vision. My concentration flew up fifteen feet to where Bella was. â€Å"Bella, are you okay? What's going on?† Charlie called out, frightened. â€Å"I'm going home,† she shouted angrily. It's almost believable ?C chuckle ?C this is getting good, Emmett's amusement was heightened at her acting. â€Å"Did he hurt you?† Charlie asked, disjointed anger rising in his thoughts. No†¦he protects her, James thought with great disgust. At their thoughts I snapped. I flew through the air swiftly entering her bedroom through the window, starting to grab anything and everything from her dresser in a fierce attempt to speed the process. â€Å"No!† Bella shouted back at her dad while she ran around her room, packing her belongings. She hadn't noticed my presence until she turned to her dresser. Her eyes found mine and they were full of sadness and guilt. Before I could pull her into my embrace we were interrupted. â€Å"Did he break up with you?† Charlie asked, perplexed by her sudden angst. â€Å"No!† Bella shrieked at Charlie again while shoving handfuls of clothes into her bag. Victoria is heading to our house because she knows that we plan to bring Bella there. Alice informed me. Charlie began beating on Bella's door, panic rushing his mind. â€Å"What happened, Bella?† Charlie shouted through the door. â€Å"I broke up with him!† she shouted back. She was jerking her hand on the zipper of the bag so I caught her hand gently with mine and zipped it for her. I picked up the bag and gently placed it on her shoulder. â€Å"I'll be in the truck ?C go!† I whispered and lightly pushed her towards her door, trying to press the fact that we needed to get far away from James. I jumped out of the window. â€Å"What happened?† Charlie asked when she opened her door, following her downstairs. â€Å"I thought you liked him?† â€Å"I do like him ?C that's the problem. I can't do this anymore! I can't put down anymore roots here! I don't want to end up trapped in this stupid, boring town like Mom! I'm not going to make the same dumb mistake she did. I hate it ?C I can't stay here another minute!† Bella yelled in a desperate attempt to convince Charlie to let her go. She's good, Emmett thought. She is setting up an escape†¦clever, but not clever enough. James thought. Things are about to get real interesting, James sneered in his head. â€Å"Bells, you can't leave now. It's nighttime,† Charlie whispered to her with pure sadness in his voice. Charlie's shocked thoughts were over powering as each word lashed at him, causing him pain. Oh yes she can. Come on little girl, come out to play. James snarled with great smugness. I resisted the temptation to whip around and attack him. That is not a good idea, Alice thought in hollow tones. Flashes of the future floated into her mind but disintegrated when I decided not to follow through with my plan. â€Å"I'll sleep in the truck if I get tired,† Bella responded to Charlie, her voice emotionless. â€Å"Just wait another week,† Charlie begged. â€Å"Rene will be back by then.† â€Å"What?† Bella stuttered. We need to get her out of there, Alice pushed. â€Å"She called while you were out.† Charlie knew he had caught her off guard. â€Å"Things aren't going so well in Florida, and if Phil doesn't get signed by the end of the week, they're going back to Arizona. The assistant coach of the Sidewinders said they might have a spot for another shortstop.† Arizona is it? Surely she wouldn't actually go there. Hum†¦ James' thoughts trailed off. â€Å"I have a key,† Bella retorted to Charlie's pitiful attempt at keeping her there. That's right. Just come outside. James was wistful. If it weren't for our presence James would have already attacked. I was instantly becoming nervous at our plan. Is this plan going to back fire? I wondered gravely. We would shortly be in her very slow truck driving several miles towards my house before she would be in the protective custody of seven vampires. â€Å"Just let me go, Charlie.† Bella said softly. â€Å"It didn't work out, okay? I really, really hate Forks!† This is really going to hurt Charlie, Alice thought sadly. Bella walked out of the house. â€Å"I'll call you tomorrow!† she yelled back to Charlie. She jumped into her truck and the engine roared to life. She backed out and squealed her tires on the asphalt as she sped away. I was running next to her truck and jumped in. She was trembling and tears were leaking out of her eye lashes in massive amounts. â€Å"Pull over,† I said softly. â€Å"I can drive,† she barely sputtered a sobbing protest. Now the fun begins! James thought while running behind us. I'm right behind you, Edward. Don't worry, he won't try anything, Alice reassured me. I looked at Bella's face and pain knotted my stomach at the thought of her grief in this moment. I wanted to do something but I couldn't think of how to comfort her. She was barely staying in between the lines on the road, probably because her vision was blinded by more tears. I grabbed her waist and put my foot on the gas pedal, moving her warm body over mine until I was the one driving. â€Å"You wouldn't be able to find the house,† I tried to explain to her in a way that wouldn't upset her anymore than she already was. The lights of the Jeep flashed across the truck and she turned to look out of the window, horror displayed in her eyes. â€Å"It's just Alice,† I immediately tried to soothe her by cradling her hand in mine. At my touch she sighed and began to relax, though her face showed a great sadness. â€Å"The tracker?† Bella whispered. †¦is running behind us. Emmett's a few steps ahead of him, Alice informed me of the situation outside the truck but I was too intent on continued to leak from her eyes as she looked up at me. â€Å"He heard the end of your performance,† I said with the deepest of loathing while remembering his thoughts. â€Å"Charlie?† she looked like she was going to choke from the word. Alice quickly began scanning for Charlie's future – which was solidly there. His future looks bright, she added. â€Å"The tracker followed us. He's running behind us now.† I continued to try and calm her nerves. â€Å"Can we outrun him?† she asked anxious and curious. In that truck? Funny, Emmett mused. â€Å"No,† I pressed the gas pedal down to the floor, emphasizing Emmett's thoughts. The truck groaned, sputtered and continued to move at its regular fifty-five. Nice try, but that truck isn't going any faster. Emmett thought before jumping in the back, highly amused by the whole situation. A high pitched scream exited Bella's parted lips and I reached up, clamping my hand across her mouth to quiet her. â€Å"It's Emmett,† I explained while removing my hand from her face. Her face was screwed up in anguish and terror so I wound my arm around her waist and brought her into my side. I felt better immediately at her closeness because this was the safest place for her to be. â€Å"It's okay Bella,† I promised, though I wasn't sure if my promise was empty. â€Å"You're going to be safe.† Her face still showed a twist of emotions: terror, panic, and sadness. Expelling all thoughts that were around me I concentrated every last particle of my mind on the one person who needed me most ?C Bella. I needed to distract her and to distract myself. I knew the best way to get her talking was to make an assumption, which she would undoubtedly correct for me – usually with a lengthy explanation. â€Å"I didn't realize you were still so bored with small-town life,† I began, looking sideways at her face. â€Å"It seemed like you were adjusting fairly well ?C especially recently. Maybe I was just flattering myself that I was making life more interesting for you.† â€Å"I wasn't being nice,† she thwarted my attempts at a diversion while gazing down. â€Å"That was the same thing my mom said when she left him. You could say I was hitting below the belt.† â€Å"Don't worry. He'll forgive you,† my lips turned up in an attempt to ease her pain. She returned her gaze to mine and her eyes were still wide with panic. â€Å"Bella, it's going to be all right.† â€Å"But it won't be all right when I'm not with you,† her lips barely let the whisper escape. â€Å"We'll be together again in a few days,† I tightened my grip on her, realizing that I didn't ever want her to leave my protective custody. â€Å"Don't forget that this was your idea.† â€Å"It was the best idea ?C of course it was mine,† she replied smugly and a smile crept up my face at the sign of a new emotion, but it was fleeting at best. â€Å"Why did this happen?† she choked. â€Å"Why me?† I stared out into the darkness realizing that it was my error. You idiot, moron! I knew that there were others in the vicinity and in a moment of happiness I forgot the dangers that could befall a human, especially one that smelled as tempting as she did. â€Å"It's my fault ?C I was a fool to expose you like that.† I replied with rage present in my voice. â€Å"That's not what I meant,† she said exasperated. â€Å"I was there, big deal. It didn't bother the other two. Why did this James decide to kill me? There're people all over the place, why me?† In my attempt to block out all thoughts one still protruded into my mind, answering the question for me. Because you are protected by seven vampires ?C something I have never come across. This is the best challenge, yet. I couldn't have asked for anything better than this! James thought hungrily for the hunt. I hesitated before answering Bella's question, trying to word it in a way that wouldn't scare her beyond her current state of terror though the cold fury that was in every line of my face was obvious to her. â€Å"I got a good look at his mind tonight,† I began in a low voice. â€Å"I'm not sure if there's anything I could have done to avoid this, once he saw you. It is partially your fault.† I looked at her reflection in the glass. â€Å"If you didn't smell so appallingly luscious, he might not have bothered. But when I defended you†¦well, that made it a lot worse. He's not used to being thwarted, no matter how insignificant the object. He thinks of himself as a hunter and nothing else. His existence is consumed with tracking, and a challenge is all he asks of life. Suddenly we've presented him with a beautiful challenge ?C a large clan of strong fighters all bent on protecting the one vulnerable element. You wouldn't believe how euphoric he is now. It's his favorite game, and we've just made it his most exciting game ever,† I said in disgust. I will win, James's thoughts were rapt and exultant. I hesitated, trying to control the sensation that was building in my chest to pull over and attack. I controlled my urge and continued. â€Å"But if I had stood by, he would have killed you right then,† I said, frustrated. â€Å"I thought†¦I didn't smell the same to the others†¦as I do to you,† she said hesitantly. â€Å"You don't. But that doesn't mean that you aren't still a temptation to every one of them. If you had appealed to the tracker ?C or any of them ?C the same way you appeal to me, it would have meant a fight right there.† I felt her quiver. â€Å"I don't think I have any choice but to kill him now,† I muttered. â€Å"Carlisle won't like it.† â€Å"How can you kill a vampire?† she asked through her petrified sobs. Glad I'm not the one to tell her this one, Emmett chuckled and I ignored him. My focus was solely on Bella. Her gaze met mine and I could see the darkness of my face and eyes as I spoke. â€Å"The only way to be sure is to tear him to shreds, and then burn the pieces.† â€Å"And the other two will fight with him?† Always so full of questions, isn't she? Alice mused. â€Å"The woman will. I'm not sure about Laurent. They don't have a very strong bond ?C he's only with them for convenience. He was embarrassed by James in the meadow†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"But James and the woman ?C they'll try to kill you?† she choked. You silly girl! You are the fragile one, the breakable one ?C the one that is being hunted, I internally replied. â€Å"Bella, don't you dare waste time worrying about me. Your only concern is keeping yourself safe and ?C please, please ?C trying not to be reckless.† I pleaded. â€Å"Is he still following?† she asked. Yes, he's keeping his distance; he's pretty keen not to be seen. He won't come after Bella tonight, Alice informed me. â€Å"Yes. He won't attack the house, though. Not tonight.† I replied while turning onto my driveway. After the several mile drive to the house we could finally see the distant lights of the house becoming larger and clearer. I could immediately hear the thoughts of Laurent. I can't believe they live like this ?C Amazing! I can't understand why they are planning on ruining all of this for a human. Laurent thought in astonishment. He's at the forest edge, I'll grab Bella. Emmett thought while jumping out of the truck and running alongside it. When we were coming to a stop he opened the door and pulled Bella under his coat and ran her towards the house and through the front door, Alice and I at their side. Relief flowed through my veins now that she was inside, protected. Everyone stood at our arrival. I can't believe this crap, Rosalie was muttering. Oh thank heavens they are all right, Esme and Carlisle both thought, relieved. Laurent stood in the mist of my family members, his eyes a gleaming ominous red, making the difference between us and them stand out. What the hell is he doing in our house? I might get that fight after all, a feral snarl ripped up Emmett's throat, low and vibrating. He sat Bella down next to him, preparing to pounce. â€Å"He's tracking us,† I stared coldly at Laurent. â€Å"I was afraid of that,† Laurent frowned. I could hear James as he began thinking strategy in his mind, he was going to meet up with Victoria who was already waiting for him a short distance from the house. â€Å"What will he do?† Carlisle asked Laurent in chilling tones. â€Å"I'm sorry,† Laurent began. â€Å"I was afraid, when your boy there defended her, that it would set him off.† Same old games, Laurent thought angrily in his head. â€Å"Can you stop him?† Carlisle questioned. I'll stop him, Emmett roared internally. â€Å"Nothing stops James when he gets started.† Laurent answered while shaking his head in frustration. â€Å"We'll stop him,† Emmett promised him. â€Å"You can't bring him down. I've never seen anything like him in my three hundred years. He's absolutely lethal. That's why I joined his coven.† Laurent said doubtfully. His head began to shake back and forth again, this time in confusion. Why her? What is so special about this human girl that would make them want to provoke such a vicious hunter? He stole a look at Bella, and then turned back to Carlisle, perplexed by the situation. â€Å"Are you sure it's worth it?† A growl formed in my stomach and ripped up my throat so loudly that it had him cringing away from me in fear. â€Å"I'm afraid you're going to have to make a choice.† Carlisle said gravely. This is one hell of a life style to live in. But James ?C I could never defeat James. They mentioned something about a settlement in Denali. â€Å"I'm intrigued by the life you've created here. But I won't get in the middle of this. I bear none of you any enmity, but I won't go up against James. I think I will head north ?C to that clan in Denali,† should I warn them? Oh, why not! â€Å"Don't underestimate James. He's got a brilliant mind and unparalleled senses. He's every bit as comfortable in the human world as you seem to be, and he won't come at you head on†¦I'm sorry for what's been unleashed here. Truly sorry.† â€Å"Go in peace,† Carlisle said quietly. Hum, I hope it is like this in Denali, Laurent wondered, looking around before sweeping out of the house, his thoughts fading with distance. Carlisle turned to meet my gaze. â€Å"How close?† I'm going to seal off all entrances to the house, Esme thought while walking over to the wall, pressing a key pad – making large metal walls creek and groan as they sealed up the glass wall. â€Å"About three miles out past the river; he's circling around to meet up with the female.† I explained. Just drop her off at the river's bank and get this over with, Rosalie sneered in her head. I ignored her thoughts. â€Å"What's the plan?† Carlisle asked. â€Å"We'll lead him off, and then Jasper and Alice will run her south.† I explained to him in a hurry. South? Interesting choice. â€Å"And then?† Carlisle asked. â€Å"As soon as Bella is clear, we hunt him.† I replied darkly. Well, we know we won't let them hurt Bella. â€Å"I guess there's no other choice,† Carlisle agreed but his lips were turned down into a frown. I turned to Rosalie. She needed to learn that Bella is now a part of our family. â€Å"Get her upstairs and trade clothes,† I commanded. Her thoughts sputtered incoherently for several seconds before anger surged through her mouth. â€Å"Why should I?† she said vehemently. â€Å"What is she to me? Except a menace ?C a danger you've chosen to inflict on all of us.† â€Å"Rose†¦,† Emmett put a hand on her shoulder but she shrugged it off. Please ignore her, she'll come around one of these days, please, Emmett begged for Rosalie. With everything that Emmett has been doing for me lately I decided that I would do something for him. I ignored Rosalie's jibe and changed tack in the speed of light. I'll do it, Edward. Esme suggested. I turned to her, â€Å"Esme?† â€Å"Of course,† she responded immediately. Esme flew to Bella's side and without flinching brought her into her grasp and raced upstairs. Once Bella was upstairs everyone was in a hurry, running around packing their belongings or preparing for their independent trips. I continued to ignore Rosalie's thoughts as they grew meaner and more visual. â€Å"Rosalie, you will take Bella's truck. Esme will go with you,† I commanded. â€Å"You want me to ride in that†¦that†¦thing?† she barked. â€Å"Please, Rose. Do it for me,† Emmett asked softly. â€Å"I won't!† she hissed loudly. â€Å"Rosalie, Bella is part of this family and you will treat her with respect, do you understand me?† Carlisle's voice became firm. â€Å"Fine,† Rose snapped at us and then stalked away. I could feel the angry satisfaction on my face. I'm coming with you to hunt James. Maybe we can talk him out of this nonsense and can spare his life, Carlisle thought wishfully. Esme and Bella appeared down the stairs only a few minutes after they went up, both of them changed. It was an odd sensation to smell Bella all over Esme but we were in a hurry so I informed Bella of our plan. â€Å"Esme and Rosalie will be taking your truck, Bella,† I said while passing her to grab a cell phone that Carlisle was giving to each family member. â€Å"Alice, Jasper ?C take the Mercedes. You'll need the dark tint in the south.† We'll keep her safe, Edward†¦promise. I'll miss you. Alice thought while Jasper silently nodded in approval of the plan. â€Å"We're taking the Jeep,† I told Bella. â€Å"Alice,† Carlisle asked, â€Å"will they take the bait?† Alice closed her eyes while swirls of colors flashed and danced around until she solidly saw their path. â€Å"He'll track you. The woman will follow the truck. We should be able to leave after that† â€Å"Let's go.† I'll give you a minute, Carlisle thought but there was still a bite of impatience in his thoughts ?C we had to hurry. I rushed over to Bella, not even hesitating while I brought her into my tight embrace, letting her body warm every inch of mine. The monster, desire, was still positively, solidly there. I placed my hand under her chin, bringing her lips to mine. Euphoria splashed through my hectic nerves – calming them, though the electricity reminded me that I was doing this for her, that I would die for her – to protect her. In seconds the kiss was over and I could feel the slight tearing of my body as I placed her back on the ground. I kept her face in my hands, communicating silently the love I had for her as tears strolled down her pink cheeks, her face eloquent with despair. It was time to go, so I wretched myself away from her and then I was gone, a chill filling my stomach. I ran to the jeep, hoping into the passenger's side. Carlisle was driving and Emmett was in the back, we took off, driving north. James caught my scent easily and began chasing after us in the Jeep. I picked up the phone to call Esme. It only rang once, â€Å"Go now,† I ordered. I could still here the thoughts of Victoria as we speed away. Rosalie and Esme fired up Bella's truck and drove east. Victoria caught the smell of Bella and took off after her truck. I called Alice, even though I was positive she already knew. She answered her phone before it even rang, â€Å"Victoria is on their trail,† I informed her. â€Å"It's time.†