I wrote this a long time ago, before Becoming Bella but thought I'd post it now. I'm a bit dramatic and therefore seem to like the most angst possible, but of course I love the books and this was just a little something I thought of when reading New Moon, that would not change the overall plot. I hope you enjoy it!
The pain in his eyes
"It was quiet then, except for the gentle thrum of the engine. I must have fallen asleep, because it seemed like seconds later when the door opened and Edward was carrying me from the car. My eyes wouldn't open. At first I thought we were still at the airport. Chapter 1: Home sweet home? Bella POV
And then I heard Charlie.
'Bella!' he shouted from some distance.
'Charlie,' I mumbled, trying to shake off the stupor.
'Shh,' Edward whispered. 'It's okay; you're home and safe. Just sleep." – New Moon ch. 22 Flight, p.498
"Where have you been?" He directed towards me, before I could respond Edward interfered; "She was with me Charlie, I will explain, please just let her rest." Charlie's face flushed with anger "I will not have anyone tell me what to do! I had to take of Bella when you abandoned her! I am fully capable of taking care of her!" I sagged slightly; exhaustion preventing me from supporting my weight, Charlie wrapped his arm around my waist, holding me up.
Carlisle's smooth voice cut through the tense atmosphere, "We never insinuated the opposite Charlie. Bella has just had a long night and it would be in her best interest to go get some rest as soon as possible." That was strange, I didn't even hear Carlisle get out of the car. I could not seem to find my voice to speak my own thoughts on the matter, but all I wanted to do was sleep. Edward had remained silent hoping that Carlisle could reason with Charlie, however, it seemed to aggravate Charlie more than anything.
"Don't you realise what you have done? How much pain you caused? Do you have any idea? Huh? Do you?" Edward froze at Charlie's harsh words while I just started shaking; my body clearly showing its anguish.
"She became a ghost of herself, barely present. She wasn't Bella anymore." Charlie whispered the last part. I could feel tears building up in my eyes. It pained me to know how much I actually hurt Charlie. Edward remained frozen on the spot; speechless. Suddenly, Charlie's rant increased tempo,
"Pain was always there in her eyes, it never left even over time. Pain that you caused!"
"Charlie stop, please!" I whimpered, finally regaining my voice. He just ignored me. "She went catatonic. No food, no movement! She wouldn't talk!" I saw Edward flinch as I desperately clung to Charlie's side.
This time, it was Carlisle's warning voice that spoke up, "Charlie, Edward didn't mean any harm and I know for a fact that he suffered too. Now, lets just get Bella inside, she is exhausted."
"No!" Charlie yelled, "He will know exactly how much pain he put my daughter in!" I saw the rest of the Cullen's get out of their cars, obviously having heard the commotion and unsure whether to act or not. Each of them carried a look of pain and disbelief as my true feelings about them leaving were revealed.
"She was alone in the forest for hours looking for you. HOURS!" At Charlie's words, both Edward and I cringed. "Charlie, I told you that was my fault" I murmured weakly while me legs threatened to give out.
"Charlie, don't!" Alice's shrill voice cut through the evening air like a knife cutting through butter.
"YOU COULD HAVE KILLED HER!" Charlie roared. At this Edward fell to his knees in front of me, letting out a yelp of pain. Alice clutched Esme's arm in pure terror, both their faces masks of pain; Alice had obviously seen what was about to unfold.
My body finally overpowered me as my tears started streaming down my face. It wasn't Charlie revealing my deepest secrets, it wasn't the strangled sobs emanating from Alice's and Esme's chests or the horror plastered on the Cullen's faces. No, it was the pain in his eyes that sent me sliding down Charlie's side, grasping for any support as my breathing turned into hyperventilation and my vision swirled until the only thing I saw were his agonized eyes.
Immediately Charlie halted his angry speech to try and hold me; worry was written all over his face. "Bella, oh Bella! I'm sorry!" His hands fluttered around my face, unsure how to calm me. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Edward snap out of his trance and try to reach out to me; pain and anguish seeming to be his only emotions.
"Stay away from her! Don't you think you have done enough damage?" My vision was blurring and I felt a sharp pain in my chest every time I drew a ragged breath. I vaguely saw Edward engulfed with fury and guilt as he was about to argue but Carlisle's stressed voice-yet still full of authority- reached my ears, "Jasper, Emmett, bring Edward back to the car." They both gave one short and then started to proceed at dragging Edward back. Rosalie, Alice and Esme all followed them with sombre expressions. My panic increase tenfold as I saw Edward leaving me once again.
This time, I wouldn't survive, I wouldn't! My lungs were running out of oxygen, pain coursed through my body, every ache and bruise acquired over the past few days making themselves known. Why fight? He left me, no point in fighting anymore. I was vaguely aware of Charlie on the ground next to me, holding my body as I shook violently from my sobs.
Suddenly, I felt two cold hands gently holding my face. "Bella? Bella, look at me." Carlisle's firm voice broke through my panic attack. I lifted my head. "There, come on Bella, deep breaths." I struggled to comply with him, matching my breathing to his. "That's it, nice and slow." I don't know how long I stared into the calming topaz eyes until slowly, my muscles relaxed and sleep threatened to overtake me once again.
"She will be ok Charlie. She just needs to calm down and rest. I will bring her to her room." I didn't hear any protests from Charlie as Carlisle lifted me from the ground and carried me upstairs. All I could think of was Edward. I no longer cared about anything else.
"Edward. Edward. Edward." I whimpered. His name just slipped out of my lips. Carlisle's comforting words were the last thing I heard before loosing my grip on reality, "He will come back."
Thank you for reading this! The second chapter will be the same scene but in Edward's point of view!
