Bella's POV
"You don't have to do this. We can move. Wherever you want," Edward said as I threw the last of my belongings into the back of my car. I turned around with a sigh.
"Yes I do. I appreciate the offer, but it's not practical and it's not fair to you guys. Besides, I'm not ready to settle down anywhere just yet. I just want to roam for awhile. Be free. " "Will you come back?" Edward asked. "I know we're not together anymore but you're still my friend. I don't want to lose you entirely." "I don't know. I'll keep in touch though. I promise," I replied, avoiding eye contact. This was hard, but it was the right thing to do. I couldn't stay here in this cursed town any longer. I hated it with a passion.
Edward POV
I saw Bella shudder and knew what she was thinking about. I knew why she was leaving, but that didn't make it any easier. I knew living here with the ghosts of her past and the tear filled memories was slowly killing her. Especially the memories of last month.
6 Weeks Ago
We had just realized that Bella's dad was abusive, despite her denials and careful makeup. We didn't know what to do. Her father was chief of police, and we were new to town so there was no way we could report it. Bella had said that it wasn't bad and that we should forget about it, but of course we couldn't. Two weeks later she hadn't been at school for a week, hadn't called, hadn't texted. We were all worried. Then Carlisle had called from work and said that some hikers had found her body and called an ambulance. She was alive but only just. She had a broken leg, a broken arm, several broken ribs, a broken nose, a crushed lung and a concussion.
Now
She had recovered for the most part, though her face was still a little bruised. Bella was tough, that was for sure. She never did tell us what happened, but we had a shrewd idea. Her dad and her brother had finally been arrested; Carlisle had used her injuries to his advantage and brought it about. I looked back at her. She was watching me with her big brown eyes, searching my face.
"Okay. You better. And we better get inside for your going away party," I said finally. Bella nodded and we headed back into the house.
Alice POV
Rose and I had just finished stacking the pile of farewell presents and putting on the music when Edward and Bella walked in. I bounced over to her and hugged her. "Come on Bells you have to open your presents," I said. Bella rolled her eyes teasingly and let me drag her to the living room.
"Open mine first!" Emmett cried, tossing a black and yellow box at Bella. She caught, grinning, and proceeded to unwrap while walking to the couch. Emmett moved to sit beside her and I sat on her other side. "Hurry up!" Emmett urged. Bella finally finished unwrapping the box to find a phone, complete with a Batman case. She stared at it for a moment, then hugged Emmett and said 'thank you' through a thick voice.
"Mine next," I said, handing her my smaller box. She opened it and lifted out the charm bracelet with a smile o her face. "Thanks, Alice. It's beautiful. Can you put it on?" she asked, holding out her wrist to me. I fastened the clasp and beamed at her.
Bella POV
Alice handed me Carlisle and Esme's next. It was travel journal. "We thought you might need something to keep your adventures in," Esme said with a smile. "Thanks guys," I said, hugging them both. Next was Rosalie's gift, which turned out to be a 2 piece bathing suit "just in case you end up somewhere tropical". Then Jasper's, which was a collectible edition of Crime and Punishment.
"Jasper it's beautiful!" I said, holding the book very gently. "Thank you," I said, hugging him. "No trouble, little sis," he replied. I beamed at him.
Lastly was Edward's gift. It was a black and white fleece blanket that said Hakuna Matata on it. Lion King was my favorite movie. "In case you get cold on the road," Edward said. "Thanks Edward. I love it," I said, hugging him.
I glanced at the clock. It was getting late. Alice noticed and handed me a wheel. She and I had made it a couple of days ago. It had every state except Washington, since I was already here, and a few other countries.
I spun it and the needle spun wildly, finally coming to a stop on California. Everybody cheered, smiling and congratulating me. I laughed.
"It's time for me to go now guys," I said once everyone was done cheering for California. I hugged everybody again and said goodbye; then everyone followed me to my car where I loaded my new stuff.
"Stay in touch," Rose said, hugging me once more. "Call us anytime dear," said Esme, while Carlisle nodded. "Yeah, use that new phone," Emmett chimed in. "Make good fashion choices!" Alice said with a smile. Jasper shook his head. "Come back sometime," Jasper said. I nodded. "Be careful," Edward said. "I will," I replied. I made to get in the car, but Carlisle caught my arm.
"Bells...remember we're always here for you. This is your home wherever you are. We'll wait as long as you need. You'll always be family here. Don't forget."
I swallowed hard. "I'll remember. I'll see you again someday. It's not forever." Carlisle nodded and hugged me hard.
I got in the car and slowly pulled out of the driveway. I was California bound!
Author's Note:
So, what do you guys think? I'm looking for a beta if anyone's interested. Review please! ~Ethereal Words