I closed my eyes, listening to the music as I played it. My hands were flowing effortlessly over the keys, and I was so absorbed into playing, I didn't notice when Renesmee joined me.
"Mother…?" she asked, her bell-voice quiet.
"Ren?" I asked, using the nickname I came up with; not 'Nessie,' as everyone else called her. I cast my eyes over her fallen expression, "What is it?"
She wordlessly touched my face, a habit left over from her youth. She showed me images of Charlie, and reminded me that today was the anniversary of his death.
My eyes softened and I pulled her to me, and she nestled her head in the crook of my shoulder. "Its okay, Ren. He had a happy life. He got to see his granddaughter grow up, and his daughter married."
Her voice was muffled as she spoke, "Aren't you sad too, Momma?"
I turned my head to bury my face into her hair, inhaling slightly. "Of course I am. I will always miss my Father." I held her for a few minutes, then I settled my hands on her shoulders, pulling her back to where I could see her face. "How about I play something for you, hmm?"
My daughter nodded, her face relaxing from the morose look she'd had before; she loved to hear either Edward or I play.
She leaned against my shoulder as I began the song, and I closed my eyes again, the music washing over me.
I was all too aware when my song finally lulled her to sleep; her breathing smoothed out and her head lolled dangerously on my shoulder.
I smiled, brushing away a stray piece of hair from her face. It was sort of surreal; my daughter looked older than me, her mother.
Swiftly, though still being gentle, I gathered her into my arms, then made my way up the stairs and to her room. Shouldering the door open, I made my way to her large bed, and set her down slowly.
Before I leaned away, I pressed my lips against her forehead, smiling gently at her peaceful face.
"Good night, dear one," I whispered as I quietly left the room. Edward met me at the door, his eyes showing only compassion.
"Are you alright, Bella? This day was always so hard—" I interrupted him by pressing my fingers against his lips.
"I have to be strong for her. No matter how much it hurts for me, I have to do this for her," I whispered to him, my head falling against his chest.
His lips pressed into my hair, "We'll be strong for her. Together."
I sighed into his neck.
He squeezed me tighter, "Forever."
--
Err… I just reread Breaking Dawn again. That kinda explains this, I guess.
Anyway, this is a oneshot, in Bella's point-of-view (of course), and it's just a sappy piece that popped into my head.
Enjoy.
