The Hidden Heartbeat

CHAPTER 1 – BPOV- Coming to term with things.

Edward's been gone for less than a week and I'm already starting to loose touch with reality. A mistake I'm not willing to make again.

Charlie is getting worried about me. He tells me on a daily basis. He uses the same sort of lecture he used little less than a year ago. It's almost as if history is repeating itself.

I need to talk to someone. Confide in them. But who have I got left ? Everyone seems to think I'm going to get all depressed again that they're all just avoiding me.

I've considered going to Jacob, but I really don't want to put our friendship at risk again.

We talk at least once a week over the phone but we haven't seen each other for about four months. I'll just have to try and stay sane by myself.

There's a faint knock on my door before Charlie comes in.

"Bella, we need to talk." He says nervously. I don't know why Charlie always seems scared to talk to me. He always has been.

"Aw, Dad!" I groan. "Again?"

"I'm worried Bells. You're still going to see Edward aren't you?" He hears my sigh. "Maybe not as often as you'd like but that can't be helped can it ? Go out Bella. See someone. Do something. Please ? For your old man's sake..." His eyes are pleading now so I have to give in.

"Fine, fine. I'll go see Jake tomorrow when you and Billy are out fishing. We'll just grab a pizza or something okay ?" Charlie's expression softens at that.

He's always approved of my friendship with Jacob and I have no idea why. Maybe its got something to do with the fact he's not a vampire. But Charlie doesn't even believe in vampires.

At least it going to see Jacob will take my mind of things and will take Charlie's off lecturing me about cheering up for at least another 3 days or so.

I phoned Jacob to check he was free the next day. We arranged to meet in La Push then come back to mine to eat.

Charlie set off with Billy really early next day so I went down to Jakes a bit early just for something to do.

"Hey Jake, your awake! Wow" I laughed.

"Yeah, I figured you'd be down earlier than we arranged cause Charlie and Billy have gone so early." He knew me so well.

I kinda guessed Jacob would bring up the Cullens. His reaction to what had happened was a little strange though as Jake had been really civilised towards Edward recently so I thought they were bonding. Obviously not.

"So how are the Cullens doing Bella ?" Jacobs expression was so innocent I couldn't stop my self from crying. Jake pulled me into his arms.

"What's the bloodsucker done now Bella ? I'll kill him. All you gotta do is ask." To say he was angry right now would be an understatement.

"N-no" I stuttered. "You don't know what's happened."

"So tell me" He encouraged.

"People were starting to notice that the Cullens weren't getting older." Of course Jacob knew about what the Cullens were as he was a werewolf.

"So they had to move ?" Jacob asked. I nodded, wiping the tears away.. "Where ?"

"Ashland in Maine" I whispered clinging to him

"Oh, Bella. I'm so sorry. I'm here Bella. I always will be." He smiled down at me and I smiled back. "So, how about that pizza?" He laughed.

We laughed and talked until it was dark. Then I went home and made dinner for Charlie who, as usual, was engrossed in a baseball game. He went to bed after he had eaten so I phoned Edward. I hadn't spoken to him for over a week now.

"Hello ?" His soft, velvet voice made my knees go weak.

"Edward" I breathed.

"Bella ? Oh Bella love, how are you ? I've so missed you..."

"I'm good. I've missed you too. When are you coming to see me ?" I couldn't stop myself from asking.

"Right. About that." My heart stopped. "I can't come back to Forks Bella. Someone might see me."

"Come in disguise? Hide? Don't see anyone but me ?" I was definitely going to see him. Trust me on that.

"It's not that easy Bella. The only way I can see you is if you'll meet me halfway ?"

"I'd have to lie to Charlie ?"

"Only if you wanted. You could say you're going shopping in Ohio or something ?"

"Yeah. I could." My mind was spinning trying to think of something that Charlie would believe. After a couple more minutes talking it was arranged we would meet in 2 weeks in Ohio. He would pick me up from the airport at midday.