Deception
I don't own Twilight.
Chapter One
The wind howled against the night's storm while the waves crashed against the rocks, as a girl with long brown curly hair in a white wedding dress stood on the cliff edge. She made soft sobs from time to time as she tried to get rid of the pain she felt in her heart. Her eyes were red and puffy; her professionally-done makeup was long gone. She looked down at the ferocious waves and longed to jump into them, letting the waves swallow her.
She gave her heart to that man; she told him her secrets, her goals and confided in him to be her solid rock. She wanted him to be her knight in shining armor. She wanted the cliché family with a white picket fence and laughing kids and a husband that respected her. She sobbed openly, letting the loud clap of thunder muffle the sounds of her sobs. No one would miss her if she jumped. No one would care.
She looked down at the crashing waves, took a deep breathe, pray to God for the pain to be quick and swift. She counted to three and moved one foot off the edge.
"Going for a light dip in the ocean? I wouldn't really suggest it, because those waves aren't pretty," interrupted a voice from behind her. She was so startled that she lost her balance and slipped forward.
But two strong arms snaked around her waist and brought her close to a solid chest preventing her deep plunge.
"Whoa! Easy," whispered the husky voice, sending small shivers down the girl's spine. The young girl turned around in his arms and stared up at this solid sculpture as he looked down, capturing her doe brown eyes. She felt like she was drowning in his emerald green orbs as she watched emotions of sympathy, worry and lust flash across the Greek God facial expression.
She gently placed her palm against the solid muscle of his chest, feeling the strong beat of his heart, it gave her a small piece of comfort before she mentally shook her head against the though. What are you crazy? You just caught your fiancé screwing with another girl and you want to try again. Dream on girl! He continued to watch her, as she gave a soft but firm push.
He received the message loud and clear, but he took his time in releasing the young lady. He tugged her closer, away from the cliff, and then dropped his arms, he instantly missed her warmth and sweet strawberry sent.
Once she was free, she turned around, letting her back face him in hopes of him leaving. He will leave, if I ignore him long enough. She thought to herself.
"What is a beautiful angel like you doing on the edges of cliffs?" He questioned, already dreading the answer, when she gave no reply he offered a small compliment, "You look amazing in that dress." But again he was met with silence, he watched how broken this young lady was, her drawn face and the pain etched in her eyes.
"I'm Edward, by the way." he told her and waited for a response, when she still said nothing he prodded, "And you are?" he was about to give up hope for some answers.
When she replied with, "Isabella, or just Bella." her voice was so quiet and hoarse from crying that he nearly missed it.
"Ah... Bella." he murmured to himself, he moved swiftly to the cliff's edge and took a seat, far away from her, so he was "non-threatening" but close enough to catch her if she fell. Edward looked across to where Bella was standing and took in her features. She had light brown curly hair, hazel brown eyes and pink lips begging to be kissed. The wedding dress fitted perfectly on her slim body, enhancing her gorgeous curves in all the right places. Her nails were manicured and her slender fingers shook by her sides. She clamped them shut to stop the trembling but something sparkled by the moonlight on her left hand.
An engagement ring.
"I hate him." she whispered not looking to him, but hoping he didn't hear. Please leave, I don't want you to watch me die.
"Who?" Edward asked in a soft tone, a tone that almost reassured her that everything would be okay.
"My ex-fiancé." she replied with so much hatred, that Edward realized she was going to release all the pent up anger and he was right. Something turned on inside her and she yelled, "What the hell was his problem? Why asked for my heart and hand in marriage if he is going to cheat? What dick would do that before the wedding?" she screamed, as the thunder clapped loudly in an angry response. "I loved him so damn much." she whispered. The thunder rumbled mockingly at her but she didn't pay attention.
Edward sat there quietly and felt a strong force to pull her to his arms and halve the load on her shoulders. He wanted to bash the guy's head in for making this beautiful girl cry. He wanted to wash away her tears and her feelings to the son of a bitch. But instead, he was silent and waited for her to say something next.
"It was 30minutes before the wedding, and I know that the bride is not allowed to see the groom before the wedding. But people were whispering, trying to be inconspicuous. But then my best friend Rosalie saw how distressed I looked and asked one of the girls about what they were talking about." Bella knew she was telling a complete stranger about her depressing life, but she couldn't hold it in. It was threatening to swallow her whole and she didn't know if she could survive it.
Edward realized this too and prodded her, "What did the girl say to Rosalie?"
"James wasn't at the chapel; he was supposed to be there an hour before hand to make sure everything was set. People were trying to buy time for the bastard. I was sick to my stomach; I was worried that he was in an accident or something horrible." She laughed humorlessly, "What a load of bullshit. I left the hotel room and ran 5 blocks in a wedding dress to James and the boy's hotel room. I picked the scanner lock and pushed through the door. It was dark and smelled of alcohol and sex. My stomach dropped to the floor and I hoped that I was in the wrong room." Bella made anguish sob.
Ah, screw it. Edward thought before walking over to Bella and pulled her into a hug where her head was tucked under his chin. His expensive suit was getting soaked from the rain and her tears but he didn't care, he just wanted to take this angel's pain away. And that shocked him, Edward Cullen did not do this, he did not try and rescue damsel in distress or take in girls who had a bad day, but with this girl, it was different. He felt protective of her and a strong feeling of something he could not pin-point.
"Shh... Let's not talk about it. How about we go back to my place and you can just relax a bit?" Edward reasoned, while rubbing her back in soft soothing circles.
"N-n-no, I c-can d-do this." she hiccupped "J-just give m-me an m-minute"
"What ever you want honey." Edward replied.
Once Bella could control her sobs she finished her story.
"There were moans coming through the bedrooms. And I don't know what happened. But my legs and arms had a mind of their own. They powered me forward and pushed open the door. There James and a blonde girl fell away from each other. I don't know how long I stood there, but when James tried to move forward and comfort me with his regretful face, I ran and ran until I came here."
Edward's arms were so tight and stiff that Bella gently laid her hand and rubbed away the tension.
Edward dropped his arms and backed away from her. A pain of rejection flooded through Bella, making Edward feel like the biggest jerk. She turned back to the waves and behind her Edward ran his hands through his hair.
"It's not you, it's me... Shit that sounds cliché, I'm so angry, that guy I could strangle him and watch his life seep out of him and not bat an eye."
Bella was touched by this revelation that she smiled through her tears.
"I'm sorry that you had to go through that pain." Edward whispered.
"For what it is worth, I'm glad that I meet you." Bella whispered back. Edward gave her a crooked grin.
A loud clap of thunder startled Bella, making her loose her balance. She threw her arms out and tried to catch herself. But with a startled scream she fell off the cliffs edge.
"Bella!" Edward yelled, reaching for her outreached hand, and missing. Edward tumbled forward pushing down towards Bella. Gripping her hand and placing her on top of him. They looked at each other one last time before they fell into the depths of hell...
"Bella? Honey? It's mum. Oh baby. Please wake up." Bella's mother, Renee Swan sat by her daughter bedside clutching her baby girl's hand and smoothing away her hair. Renee sniffled as she watched over her daughter's sleeping form. The beeping machine monitored her heart beat and her breathing.
"Now, Renee. Our baby is a fighter. She will be alright." replied her husband, Charlie Swan, chief of police of Forks. He stood behind Renee, massaging the tension out of her shoulders and being her solid rock. But Charlie heart clenched at Bella's broken form.
Boys from the Quileute reservation were cliff diving a few miles down the road when they saw two people fall from the cliff. They all dived in, pulling the two people from the water and calling emergency services.
Jacob, one of Charlie's best friend sons, also Bella's best friend were among the boys who rescued Bella and Edward. He was so angry at James for making up a stupid story about Bella being the one who left him at the alter, that he left the reception in anger. Rosalie soon set the record straight, but there were a few who still believe James' story. Jacob went cliff diving to get rid of his anger before going to find Bella, but it was too late.
Charlie wiped away a tear that slid down his cheek. Bella was okay, she's strong. But there were still questions to be answered. What was Bella doing with that young man?
Renee was resting her head, asleep by her daughter's sleep form. Charlie watched over the two most precious important women in his life and whispered. "I love you kiddo. I'll be here when you wake up." He took of his jacket and rested it on Renee shoulders. Giving his wife a loving kiss on the cheek, he left to find out about that young man.
"I'm sorry sir, but I can not give any details about patients, nor can I let you see them." A nurse stood in front of Charlie, hands on her hips and a slight tilt of her head to stare him down in the eye. Charlie was much taller than her, but she was not intimidated.
"You don't understand-" Charlie began to say, frustrated with the nurse. He understood protocol, hell, he was a chief of police and knew the rules, but that still meant nothing when it came to his daughter.
"No sir, you do not understand. I'm under strict rules and obligations. Surely you know about rules and obligations, officer." she interrupted, her blue eyes narrowing in warning.
"It's chief, to you." Charlie told her, just so he had a come back.
"Well, chief. You're position does not intimidate me. If you do not have some sort of warrant then I can not allow you through." She answered, waiting for him to say something else. But Charlie knew his limits and trudged down the hall.
Charlie walked back into his daughter's room and sat down on the other side of the bed. He was tired, frustrated and hungry. But he didn't want to leave his little girl here all on her own. He gently held Bella's hand and sang a song he used to sing to Bella.
You are my sunshine...
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When skies are grey.
You'll never know, dear,
How much I love you.
Please don't take my sunshine away…
"I love you so much kiddo, I don't care what those doctors say, you will wake up and you will be able to walk." Charlie told his daughter, before resting his head on her uninjured arm and closing his eyes, seeking much needed rest.
Not too far away, laid a young man with unruly bronze hair and chiseled features. The nurses fought over who was to care for him. But Carlisle made it clear that no-one was to be let in except for family. It was a secured hospital, Carlisle, as head of the hospital, made sure of that.
Edward back was severely bruised and scrapped, when they brought him in, he was covered in blood. The boys from the reservation explained that when he fell he must have landed on a rock, stabbing him on the left side and possibly breaking the some of the back bones. They tried to not move either patient due to their fear of possible broken bones. His head was badly bruised as well. No one would have survived something like that and even if he could survive it, there still was a strong possibility that he could become paralyzed from the waist down. It was something that Carlisle didn't want to think about.
Carlisle looked over his son and shook his head.
"What the hell were you thinking Edward?" Carlisle asked his sleeping son.
"Carlisle?" a soft voice came through the door, then a soft gasp.
"Esme..." Carlisle watched his beautiful wife take in their son bruised body.
"My baby boy! Esme is here, Edward." Esme walked past Carlisle and fretted over his son, pushing back his hair and murmuring soothing noises.
Carlisle watched the woman he loved fret over his son. He had called Esme first because she would know what to do with everything and anything. But calling Elizabeth, seemed to be on his mind.
"I called Elizabeth on the way here," Esme seemed to have everything organized and knew what was weighing on Carlisle's mind.
"Is she coming?" he question, already dreading the answer.
"No, apparently she has business plans and her son's wellbeing is not as important as her company." Esme answered in disgust. Esme tried to hide her dislike of Edward's mother due to her respect to Edward. But at times, especially like this, she was a mother hen showing all her protective motherly instincts. Esme had often tried to be the best mother to Edward. But his stubborn streak was a mile long and no one could change it. Yet no matter all the hurtful things he said to Esme, she came back and mothered him senseless. Their daughter Alice Cullen, was a designer for the Cullen wedding Co, and had a very strong bond with Edward, although even that wasn't enough to change Edward's mind about Esme.
"Well, that is Elizabeth." Carlisle said while looking over Edward chart. "His vitals are good, he should be waking up pretty soon."
"That's wonderful Carlisle." Esme continue to brush away Edward's hair, but stilled her movements and asked a question that had been sitting on both their minds.
"What was he doing with the girl he was with?"
"I don't know, but we shall find out when they're both are awake." Carlisle answered, before closing the chart and kissing his wife goodbye.
5 days later...
"Bella, it' been three days since you woke up. Should you really be walking around?" questioned her mother in a concerned tone.
"Mum-" Bella began in an exasperated tone.
"Exactly Renee, three days in a hospital room, I'm sure walking around will help Bella get some fresh air." Charlie interrupted, giving his daughter a wink, causing her to smile. But when he turned to look at Renee, she narrowed her, clearly not please. Charlie held up his hands in surrender before slinging his arm around Renee shoulders.
"That's not fair; you two are both on your side against me." Renee crossed her arms and was about to say more on the subject, but a squeal from a familiar voice interrupted her.
"Bella!" squealed Bella's best friend, Rosalie Hale. A beautiful young girl with golden hair that hung just below her shoulders and her eyes were ocean blue. She had men falling for her everywhere she went. Bella and Rosalie met in college, when Bella was coming back from work at the restaurant and some boys were giving Rosalie some trouble, that was putting it mildly, they abused her physically and sexually, but it didn't get as far as it would have if Bella didn't pull out her knives and started to throw them, pinning the boys clothes to the wall or catching some skin. It was enough to scare the boys into running down the street. From there, Bella taught Rosalie how to use knives, using dart boards as targets. They became the best of friends and have been inseparable. Rosalie is a lawyer at her family's law firm and occasionally works as a model for the Cullen Wedding Co. Often wearing wedding dresses at shoots and at events.
"Rose!" Bella replied back with the same enthusiasm, giving her a big hug, expressing how happy she was to see her best friend.
"Isn't it a little too early for you to walking around?" questioned Rosalie, pulling away from the hug and giving her one of the many "Rosalie's Looks"
"That's what I said!" Renee said, linking arms with Rosalie.
"Mum-" Bella began.
"Don't mum me, Isabella Marie Swan!" commanded her mother. "You just woke up from a almost coma, and nearly paralyzed from the waist down! What would I do if my baby girl became paralyzed."
"Oh, the horror for you mother." Bella replied sarcastically.
"I never said it wouldn't be terrible for you Isabella."
"You implied it."
"How dare-"
"Okay, I think it's time for a timeout." Charlie interrupted, stepping in between the two, then turning towards Bella. "Now, Bella. Why don't you tell us about that young man, did he lay a hand on you? Threaten you? If he did, I'll make sure he serves time, don't you worry about that!"
"Dad-"
"Tell the truth Isabella." came her mother's voice.
"I-"
"I don't think we should stress her out. Do you want to sit down? Give your legs some rest?" Rosalie questioned, wrapping her arms around Bella's shaking shoulders.
"Your right. Come on Bells, I'll take you back to your room." Charlie stated, moving towards Bella.
"Stop, please just stop. Stop answering my questions. Stop telling me what to do. Stop telling me that it's the young man's fault because it isn't, he helped me. He risked his life for mine, a crazy lunatic. So just stop. Please..." Bella told them with a quivering voice.
"Oh, honey." Renee walked towards Bella to wrap her arms around her distressed daughter. But Bella held up her hands.
"I... I really just want to be alone. Can I see you guys later? It has nothing to do with you guys, I just need to breathe without you guys doing it for me."
"Bella..." Renee's broken voice whispered.
"Of course Bella, we will meet you back in your room in an hour. Take all the time you need." Rosalie answered, with a small smile.
Relief flooded through Bella, as she gave Rosalie a small smile of thanks. Bella looked at her parents before smiling and giving a small wave as she turned around and slowly walked down the path.
"Should we follow her?" questioned Renee.
"No, I think she needs some time to herself." Rosalie answered. "How about some coffee while we wait for Bella in her room?" Rosalie asked before walking back to the entrance of the hospital.
Finally! It felt good to be free from the questions. Bella thought as she walked over to a near-by tree and rested her head against the large trunk and slide down onto the cool green grass. Bella closed her eyes and let her body and mind relaxed as she listen to the soothing water from the fountain.
"You getting annoyed by your family too?" asked a familiar voice.
"Edward," Bella breathed, before whipping her eyes open to see the familiar features of the young man who saved her. He looked the same, slightly disheveled and tired with black circles around his eyes. Bella's eyes landed on the wheelchair and she instantly felt guilty.
"The one and only, m'lady," Edward did a half bow and gave his charming smile. Only slightly wincing from the pain.
"I thought I would never see you." Bella admitted in a sad tone.
"Without a proper goodbye? Never," Edward replied.
"My family is a little protective of me..." Bella mumbled.
"Yeah, Esme, my father's second wife has been fretting over me more than usual. And my father has been questioning the incident." Edward told her, but murmured the last bit.
"Yeah, mine too. I told them the truth you know? You really did save me and I made sure you were the hero and I was the crazy person wanting to kill myself." Bella rambled.
"Bella, you're not crazy. You were in a lot of pain then, but everything will be okay now. Look upon the horizon, because tomorrow will be a new day. It's only one more night's sleep and something better will come along." Edward asked.
"When did you become such a wise fellow? I haven't said thank you for what you did for me. Thank you. You saved my life and endangered yours."
"I've always been wise. It's not everyday I see a beautiful woman standing on a cliff. Even though her heart aches and is in so much pain, she is still so beautiful. Besides I live life on the edge." Edward winked and smiled in reassurance.
"I'm not beautiful," just as Edward was about to contradict Bella, she jumped up and mumbled a quick, "I have to go." before pushing past him.
The days went past and Edward would try to "accidently" bump into Bella. They would talk and slowly become closer friends. One day Bella came to him. Edward was by the pond staring off into space, when Bella sat next to him.
"They are discharging me today." she said abruptly.
"That's good." Edward replied, giving her a smile. "You never really liked it here."
"I'm not much of a fan of hospitals." Bella answered sheepishly.
"I've noticed." He chuckled, before pulling her hand and holding it.
"I just really wanted to say thank you and good bye." Bella explained, slightly leaning towards Edward.
"You're welcome, but it isn't good bye forever."
Bella leaned over to kiss his cheek as he turn to face her. Bella's lips grazed the corner of Edward's lips before pulling back, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Have dinner with me." Edward requested.
"I'm going back to Arizona tomorrow." Bella answered sadly.
"Well then, tonight. I'll be discharged as well."
Bella giggled at the absurdity of it all, before scribbling her number and name of a leaf.
"Call me... To arrange the details." Bella told him, before handing her number.
"Yes m'am." he answered, saluting her.
Bella walked away with a smile and a giddy feeling. She felt like a school girl being asked out on a date with the most popular guy in school.
Although, around noon, when Edward finally decided to call Bella, a sense of dread fill him when he reached into his back pocket for the leaf she had wrote on, and was met with empty air. His heart skidded to a stop and he frantically check around where he might have dropped it. He asked nurses and doctors even patients about the leaf with a number, they all shook their heads and some questioned him about checking him into a mental facility. His heart sank, but he refused to give up.
Meanwhile, Bella gave up hoping for him to call and started to pack her suitcases. It was time to start a new chapter in her life and forget her past, to look upon the horizon because tomorrow will be a new day.