Edward's Point of View
My phone vibrated in the pocket of my leather jacket. I wanted to ignore it, but there was always the slight chance that Bella might have called. She hadn't even bothered to call me in nine months, which brought two unfamiliar emotions into play.
First was worry. I was worried that my Bella might have landed herself in the hospital again, or perhaps even – no... I would not think about that. The other was fear, which was rather similar – except I was afraid that she would no longer want me. That maybe she took my words too seriously nine months ago.
My curiosity got the better of me. I flipped open the silver sliver of a phone, and let some of my breath out sharply. It was a number that I had seen before. It was one of the hospital's numbers. I suppose Carlisle had just wanted to check up on me.
Still, I brought the phone to my ear. "Hello?" I asked, irritably. My eyes wandered around the wet street. It had rained a few hours ago, leaving the earthy smell fresh. A couple lonely souls were bustling across the sidewalks, starting their shopping early. It was almost six o'clock in the morning, yet still as dark as night.
"Mr. Cullen?" a voice barked. It wasn't Carlisle. I wondered what this could possibly be about. Nothing came to mind. My eyes shifted towards a dark alley. I decided against walking in there, but instead leaned against the brick. A young woman sipped a coffee as she passed me by, sending a draft of warm caffeine smells towards me.
"Speaking," I replied. Carlisle must have given the hospital my number, for I knew that not a soul – except for Bella's – knew this number.
"I am calling you in regards to Isabella Swan," the man on the line said, calmly. Fear immediately grasped me. What happened? "It is our understanding that you are the father of Edward Masen Swan."
I couldn't speak. Bella had been pregnant? I was a... father? "Y-yes," I managed to choke out. My hand was shaking violently, making it impossible to hold the phone. "Is there a problem?" I asked, regaining composure.
Avoiding the question, the man said, "You need to pick up your child within two days at the Forks General Hospital." He wasn't planning on giving me any unnecessary details. My eyebrows pulled together as I tried to think of what could have possibly happened. I did not speak of what came to mind.
"Why?" I managed to ask, steadying my shaky hand. "Is something wrong?"
"Haven't you heard?" the voice roared, unable to sympathize with me. "Isabella Swan died this morning after bearing the child."
The world stopped. No. No. No. This was not happening – it could not be true. Bella hadn't died – maybe this was just a prank call. "When?" I growled.
"Around five o'clock AM." That was all I needed to know. The line disconnected from the other side. I snapped the phone shut, and angrily crumpled it up into a strange shape. I tore it apart, watching my hands furiously.
I caused Bella to die. The realization dawned on me, only inflicting more pain. My head hung low as I walked to my parked silver Volvo, unable to think of anything besides Bella. I didn't want to believe she was dead. I needed more evidence than just words.
I started the ignition and sped towards Forks. I had been living in Seattle for a while. At night it was always full of people – so it was practically impossible to get noticed a lot for just lurking around at night. I also couldn't bear being farther away from Bella. Sometimes I would go to Forks and watch her sleep, but I never spoke to her after...
After that.
I can vividly remember her face when she was angry. It was quite rare, actually, but she always wrinkled her pretty nose and her cheeks were a beautiful shade of rose. But it hadn't exactly been a cute reason for her being angry. I didn't want to make her angrier, so I quickly left. I also hoped she would forgive me, and yet still be happy.
I hoped she had been happy while she was pregnant. I cannot believe that I didn't notice. I made an abrupt turn into the hospital parking lot. As soon as I parked, I dashed towards the entrance doors. It was pouring rain and I quickly shook some water off as I entered the main lobby.
"Edward?" one of the doctors asked. Disbelief was obvious on his face. I could recognize that face anywhere – it was Carlisle. He greeted me with a firm handshake, and sighed. "I'm afraid you aren't here on a happy occasion."
"No," I shook my head. "W-what happened?" I asked, struggling for words. Struggling for anything. Carlisle merely gestured for me to follow him. We walked down a narrow hallway and he opened a door that read 'NURSERY' in bold, gold letters above the doorway. I walked in first with Carlisle following me closely.
My throat felt uncomfortably dry as I stood inside. The baby blue paint was chipped in a thousand different areas. The carpet was a worn beige color. There were parts where it was bleached, which I assume was because of baby vomit. There were a few cribs cast on the walls, with little stars hanging over them.
I immediately noticed a newborn with dark hair and bright green eyes. I wanted to cry out for Bella. "His name is Edward Masen Swan," Carlisle said, although I already knew this. He said this all rather softly, as if he were afraid he would disturb the sleeping infant. "We can change his last name to Cullen, seeing as..." his voice trailed off.
I picked up the boy and cradled him in my arms. I had never expected to be a father – honestly, I had been pretty sure it was impossible – but now this boy had no mother. I tried not to think of Bella, and said dryly, "Yes, please do."
The baby had a thick head full of dark brown hair, reminding me of Bella's hair instantly. His eyes were now closed, unlike before. I glanced towards the ceiling, bedecked with stars. I noticed that Carlisle had left the room, giving me alone time with my son.
"I'll call you Masen," I whispered, listening to the child slowly breathe. I will never see Bella breathe again. I will never hear her heart beat faster as I bend down to kiss her. I will never get to change her into a vampire...
Therefore, I will never spend an eternity with her.
Bella is gone.