Hey, everyone! The day has finally come! I'm so happy to finally share Bella's side of the story with you. I really hope you enjoy this because I really love writing about these two. Once my schedule frees up after this month, I should be updating this, and my other stories, constantly. Since this is a retelling, I don't think it will take too long to complete it. Giant thanks to everyone who loved The Blessing so much. I really appreciate all the support more than you'll ever know. Please enjoy and review!
And without further ado, here's Bella's point of view!
"There is a house built out of stone
Wooden floors, walls and window sills
Tables and chairs worn by all of the dust
This is a place where I don't feel alone
This is a place where I feel at home.
'Cause, I built a home
For you
For me
Until it disappeared
From me
From you."
-The Cinematic Orchestra-
Prologue
There are some things you never forget. Like the quiet halls that seem endless, the faint smell of antiseptics and urine, the way the fluorescent lights reflect against the large windows looking out into the dark, ominous sky and the sounds of dozens of machines telling you the end is near. My last memories of her involved a cold hospital room. I had spent hours at her side. Afraid to even use the bathroom because I thought within those few minutes she'd pass on. I didn't want to miss a single thing. So, I stayed paralyzed in my chair. Watching and waiting for something-anything-to happen.
My dad had been resigned that final day. He knew what was coming. I could see it on his face and in the depths of his bloodshot eyes. He stayed by her side and held her hand, but was too overwhelmed to utter a single word. When I couldn't bring myself to look at my mom, I'd look at his face and try to read his expression. What I saw there made me want to weep. I looked to Alice, who seemed just as distraught, but then realized I couldn't stay in that room a moment longer. I had to escape. Even if just for a few minutes. I kissed my mom on the forehead before making my way down the corridor toward the restroom. It was straight down the hall and to the right. I sat on a toilet for a few minutes with my head in my hands. Just wanting a few moments of clarity. When I finally felt composed I left my sanctuary in the bathroom to return to my parent's room.
As I turned the corner, I saw one nurse hurry into my mother's room. And then another. Before, finally, the NP came flying down the opposite hallway with a doctor running behind her, following the loud beeps coming from my mother's room. It all felt like it was happening in slow motion. I felt like I was watching a television show because suddenly, I barely felt tethered to my own body. I was witnessing something horrible, and I couldn't move my legs any faster. Slowly, I walked down the hall, listening to the commotion coming from her room. It wasn't until I heard my sister's cries that I broke out into a run, flying down the hallway like the NP did moments before.
The hallway felt endless as I ran toward her room. It felt like no matter how quickly I ran, I couldn't get there fast enough. I heard the erratic beeps slow into one long, resigned tone as she flatlined. I burst into the room only to see my sister crying in her chair, holding onto my mother's blanket. My father sat motionless at her side. He sat expressionless while holding her hand. I just stood there and looked at her in shock. My mind was unable to fully process what was happening. She appeared to be asleep. She looked so peaceful; which was nice to see after she'd been in pain for so, so long. When I started crying, I couldn't stop the tears from falling for a long time. My dad had to carry me out to his car because I didn't want to leave my mother's room. A fourteen-year-old shouldn't have to say goodbye to their mother… Although I knew the day would come someday, I knew I would never be ready-could never be ready.
The memory of that night will stay with me forever. I cherish every moment I had with my mother. She was the most incredible woman I ever knew. That's why I understand Edward's pain so completely. He thinks he's alone in this, but I'll be by his side for as long as he wants me. He thinks he's handling it poorly, but in all honesty, he's handling the loss of his brother better than I handled my mother's death. Edward is so much stronger than he realizes. I wish I could see how he sees himself. It's like he hates who he is. I don't think he realizes his own strength and amazing character. I can't explain how difficult it is to love someone who hates himself. Love? Do I really love Edward. We've been friends for a while but there's nothing more between us. At least, not yet. Could I possibly love him already?
Yes. I know I do. I can see through his harsh exterior to the man he truly is: Strong, caring, intelligent, and patient beyond belief. He has a heart big enough to love so many people. All I can hope for is one day he'll feel the same way about me as I do him. Hopefully, one day we'll move past all of this pain and find happiness.
Together.
A/N: I really hope you all enjoyed the prologue. I'll be posting chapter one either tomorrow or the next day! If you want to read my unedited teasers for the chapters to come, I'll be posting them in my Facebook group, "The Highlander Princess's Clan"! So feel free to join! Thanks again and please review :).
