BELLA'S POV
"We've been doing this for twelve hours…" I said as I stared up at the ceiling in his embrace.
He kissed my hair before chuckling, "Well, I guess we sat a new record for ourselves now haven't we?"
I giggled.
We got a little carried away as usual but miraculously, no damage was done to the poor house. There, in the bedroom, I laid with my husband in perfect peace. Neither one of us moved nor talked, we just laid there enjoying in being in each other's arms.
The room that we first made love was still in one piece. It was a true miracle. Of all the rooms built in this magnificent house, this was the one room I never expected to be spared but it was. There wasn't even a single dent or crack on it. It stayed exactly the same way as the first night I saw it through my then weak human eyes.
"Can't believe its morning already…" I mumbled.
Edward stroked my hair and smiled as he stared at the ceiling, "Time to get up. We've got our game remember? It's my turn today."
I sighed and got off the bed. I quickly put on my underwear that was scattered on the floor and went to put on Edward's white button down shirt. My dress was torn to shreds from yesterday. Edward just pulled his pants over and went to switch on the computer.
After I buttoned the last button, I went over to Edward and slung my arms over his shoulders and placed my cheek next to his. "So… What story are you writing?"
"About Charlie and Renée."
"Wait. My parents? Why my parents?"
"About how they met and everything that happened till you were born. I know we've heard this before but I thought you would like something more in depth. Your father only told us a simplified version of it."
My parents? I thought he was going to be writing something about his past. He knows all about me but I know little to nothing about him. It came to me as a little disappointing… I've already heard this story before…
"Bella? Love?" he waved his hand in front of my dazed face, "You okay?"
I quickly shook my head and got out of the daze. "Sorry. I was thinking. I thought you would write something about your past. You know all about mine but I know nothing about yours. After all, my dad already told us this story."
He chuckled, "The version your dad told you was a simplified one. He didn't tell us all the details. And anyways, I was changed over a century ago. I can't remember anything about when I was human. As for the century I was a vampire, it's a little boring. I haven't found you. I had reasoning in my life but there was no meaning to it. Everyday just passed by like nothing. That's why Esme was so happy when I met you. At least I had some life in me after I found you. You completed me."
"After all, it's because your parents met that you were born and I could find you, my one true soul mate. This story means a lot to me."
"Oh" that was all I could say. It took me some time to process what he said and after that, I smiled and gave him a light peck on the cheek.
"Anyway, don't worry. You'll like this. Take it as a trip down memory lane," he smiled. I folded my sleeves, gave him a light hit on the shoulder and glanced over at his shoulder and read what was written on the computer screen.
~*~*~
CHARLIE'S POV
Life's a freaking mess. My mother hates her life, my father just left us without saying anything and grandma's sick. Medical bills are like soaring high and mom has to get another job just to support our little household. Looks like my College dreams are over. I'll have to work immediately after High School. That was what my mother wanted. Not me. I Charlie Swan wanted to go to College and study law but it looks like that would never ever happen.
"Hey, have you heard?" Chuck whispered to his lab partner, Benny. It was Biology and as per normal, I was all alone at a little corner of the classroom. My grades were fine but who really cares. I just need to graduate. Even if I did do well in school, it would be of no use.
Life meant nothing to me. Everything had already been set. After graduation, I would go work at some local clinic as the doctor's assistant. Ugh. I hate blood but my mother used to work there and the doctor really liked her. So when she said she was quitting, he would literally do anything to keep her. In the end, it came to a compromise that I would work there. Again, UGH! I can't even stand the whiff of a little blood let alone use an injection and give someone an injection…
"What?" Benny replied. He was getting a little annoyed as Chuck wouldn't stop bugging him about something.
Chuck chuckled, "You haven't heard about the two girls who transferred here from Paris? Where have you been man?"
"Oh. Yeah. I heard. I heard they're like totally cute. But isn't one of them like attached?"
"Yeah, that's too bad. I saw them in the parking lot this morning and the younger one's not as cute as the older one. The older one is like totally hot! And she's totally single and she's looks like one of those girls who is always stuck in their own little world. Think I have a chance?"
Benny lightly punched Chuck's shoulder and it caught the teacher's eye. They quickly looked down looking sheepish. I chuckled and went back to reading my textbook.
The two new girls from Paris. They're like the talk of the entire school. I mean, does it really matter how successful your father is? As for them, it is. Their father is like some really successful tycoon in Paris and has decided to bring his family over to Seattle after he sold off his business and came here to retire. I mean, it's their father's achievements, not theirs. I couldn't really give a damn about them. They're probably like those stuck up cheerleaders. They'll just treat me like I'm invincible…
*-*-*
The bell for the next period rang before I knew it. I quickly packed my bag and headed for English. Everyone avoided me whenever I passed. They acted like I've got some kind of disease or something. That's perfectly fine with me. At least I won't have to squeeze through a pack of screaming cheerleaders just to get to my next class.
I quickly got into the classroom and went to sit at my usual seat, in a little corner at the back of the classroom. The seat next to me was always empty. No one bothered to even talk to me let alone sit with me. I was those introverted types you see, the antisocial one, the one whose mom's would go to any lengths just to earn some money – even if it meant sleeping with some random Tom, Dick or Harry on the streets. Well, not really some random people, just her bosses and stuff. That's why the doctor at the clinic wanted to keep my mother so badly. She gave him a 'good' time. Everyone knew of my mother's ways and they soon assumed that I was like her. Like mother like son they say. But it's not like that. I wouldn't stoop so low just to earn some extra cash for me to buy a few bottle of cheap beer or a pack of cigarettes.
The teacher soon walked into the class and the students went and settled down on their seats. I took out my notebook and pen and prepared for her to begin. Just then, a girl I've never seen before knocked on the door and came into the classroom. She walked over to the teacher and handed her a slip of paper. The teacher took it and smiled and told her to find a seat.
Ah! She's the new girl, the girl who moved from Paris. It seems like the other boys in the class too noticed who she was. They quickly sat up straight, some adjusting their clothes. Some even went to the extent to get a breath mint out. I didn't bother to do any of that, she wouldn't come to sit with me.
"Erm, excuse me. Is this seat taken?" A cheery voiced sounded. I looked up and was shocked to see that the new girl had actually come up to me and asked if she could sit with me. Of all the seats she could have chosen, she chose mine.
I flushed, looked down at my book and nodded. She just smiled and placed her bag down and sat next to me. Everyone was eyeing us until the teacher cleared her throat for the class to start.
"Hi, I'm Renée. What's your name?" she spoke in a perfect American accent. You wouldn't believe she migrated here from Paris.
"Charlie," I mumbled. She's talking to me. I wasn't used to having people talk to me let alone ask me for my name. I – well, my mom – had a bad reputation in this town.
"Well, Charlie, I would love to be friends with you," she whispered as she brought her face closer to mine. She looked like one of those really bubbly happy types.
"We'll see…" I mumbled. I don't think this would last very long. After all, after word about me gets to her, she'll just start to ignore me like any of the other guys in school. There's no point in getting my hopes up high and having it crushed later.
*-*-*
Lunch came by soon enough. Renée wouldn't stop asking me questions during English. It was a little annoying yet I kinda liked it. She was so fun, so full of life. It's something new from what I have been facing all my life. I grew up in a very cold and dark environment. My grandmother was bedridden; my mother was never at home and even when she's home, she smelt of alcohol and smoke. She's like the light after the storm.
I quickly joined the queue and went to my usual seat and started munching on my food. I don't really get much money from my part time job so all I could get was the cheap stuff like a sandwich and a coke. I sat at a far corner of the cafeteria and away from the cafeteria crowd.
As I was half way through my sandwich, someone came over and smiled at me. I looked up and saw her again with a plate filled with food that looked too much for her to finish.
"Hey. Mind if I sit with you?" she continued smiling at me.
I nodded and continued nibbling on my sandwich. She came and sat with me and started on her apple first. She looked at my tray and her eyes opened wide in shock.
"You can't possibly be full with so little on your tray."
"I-it's okay. I can't afford much anyway…" I mumbled.
She quickly passed me a plate of pasta. The steam coming from the plate of pasta looked so appetizing my mouth started to water. I was starving but I wouldn't want her to take pity on me.
"I don't want your pity. I know what you're thinking, 'Poor Charlie, so poor he can't even feed himself.'" I shoved the plate away.
She looked insulted, "I never thought about that. I just want to help. Now quit that act and take the food. It'll turn cold soon and I think I took too much food."
She shoved the plate back at me and looked at me sternly. The smell from the food was too appealing to resist. So, I took the plate and started eating. I felt hungrier than ever as I shoved the pasta into my mouth. I didn't care that it was pretty hot and burned my tongue. I was just so hungry.
She smiled at me her childlike smile, "No one's going to steal your food. Eat slowly."
With my mouth filled with food, all I could do was smile at her and she returned me another angelic smile. It's been so long since anyone has showed me kindness let alone offer me a plate of pasta.
"There you are! I've been looking all over the place for you!" another girl that had a striking resemblance to Renée came walking over towards the table. She must be her younger sister. She looked like Renée but Renée's prettier. This girl had freckles on her face but that added to her charm. It's hard to believe Renée's older. This girl looked so much more mature than Renée did and she too spoke in a perfect American accent.
Renée just smiled at her sister and introduced me, "Claire, this here's Charlie. He's my first friend here. Charlie, Claire. She's my younger yet more grown up sister."
Claire chuckled and you could see the deep sisterly bond between the two. Claire sighed and began picking on her food. Renee chuckled, "You miss him don't you?"
"Yeah. I miss my David like crazy. Wish I can see him again… Wish we didn't move here. Now the only time I can see him is on those online chat rooms. I want to see him in person, see him and hold his hand and kiss him…"
Renee grumbled, "Please… I'm eating here."
Claire chuckled, "You're just jealous you don't have the most awesome boyfriend in the whole wide world."
"I so am not! My time just hasn't come yet," she giggled and continued smiling at me as I ate the pasta.
*-*-*
"Say Charlie, why does everyone in school avoid you?" Renée asked. We're currently at my house doing our English project.
She's been my friend for about two months now. She's different. She never looks at me with that look of disgust everyone else in the school gives me. She's always smiling at me. She's just so carefree, so full of life. Somehow, she's changed me. I'm smiling more than I ever had in my life. She makes me happy. Her laugh was contagious. When she laughed, I couldn't help it but laugh with her. Without knowing it, I'm falling in love with her. But this is not a good thing. People in school are already giving her that look for hanging out with me. There were some rumors as well saying I'm just getting close to her to get her money since she's well filthy stinking rich – well, her dad is anyway. Nothing good will come out of her being with me.
Yet, I couldn't keep myself away. I needed to be with her in a way and she too would not go away no matter how much people stared. She just continued being carefree and happy, smiling without a care in the world. I love her. What am I saying? She'll never love me. I'm the poor lonely boy. I don't think anyone could ever find in their hearts to ever love me. That's good. Nothing good would ever happen if she comes to love me.
"It's because of my mom. She has a very bad reputation in this city."
"What did she do to earn such an image?" she asked with curiosity strong in her voice.
"You honestly don't know?"
She shook her head.
"My mother is known for her underhand ways to get money. You see, my dad left me when I was six for another woman and around that time, my grandmother became very ill. So, my mother worked really hard to make ends meet and around that time, she went a little insane. She overworked herself so she started drinking and smoking. It was also around that time she started sleeping with her employers. A couple of kids in the school had their families torn apart because of my mom. They kinda blame me for what happened. Not that I blame them…"
"Wait. I don't understand. It was your mother who did all these bad things. Why do they look like they are blaming you for all these mishaps?"
I sighed, "Like mother like son they say. Everyone thinks I'm just like my mother."
I gulped, "That's why everyone gives me that look when I'm with you. They think I'm with you for your money, because your dad's like rich and all. But I'm not. It's very frustrating."
She brought her hand to the side of my hand and rubbed it with her thumb, "You're not that kind of person."
"How can you be so sure of that? I mean, everyone in school thinks I am."
"I can see it in your eyes. You're not that kind of person. After all, I of all people would understand this…" she sighed.
I looked at her confused.
"Just now what you said. About my dad being really rich, well… That's what people see me as. The 'rich' girl and nothing else. It's really frustrating you know. People just assume that you are what you're parents are."
Another sigh came from her, "You know, whenever I go out on dates, the guys always claim to forget their wallets. They act all sweet and loving at first but it always end up the same. They want me to get them something. Some even try to have sex with me just to get me to get them something."
"That's why I went to sit with you on the first day. You were the only guy who didn't show me any interest, like you didn't care if I was rich. I'm sorry if I make it sound like I'm using you but when I'm with you, I feel like I don't have to pretend Charlie. I can be myself."
I put my hand on hers and gave her a small smile. She returned the smile.
"That's why I sometimes resent my sister a little. She's just so lucky to have David you know. Someone who loves her and only wants the best for her. Someone who is willing to kiss her and hug her and not expect to get anything out of it but just to show her that he loves her a lot."
As I looked into her eyes, I saw longing and a little hatred behind those eyes. I knew immediately what it was.
"You have feelings for this guy. This David guy."
She laughed, "You're good. I thought I hid it well. Only my sister knows about this crush I have, well, had on him. But I'm over him when he confessed that he liked my sister."
I looked at her and saw that there was more. "You resent your sister for that. She hurt you."
She chuckled again but after that, she had to rub her eye to dispel a rogue tear. "Guess nothing can get past you…"
She took in a deep breath and calmed her nerves down, "It's just that David's like the same age as me and we were in the same class when I was still studying in France. He was the first guy who was truly sweet to me. He made me laugh, he would help me unconditionally and before I knew it, I fell for him. But David didn't like the fun and bubbly types like me. He preferred the mature types. So when he met my sister, they got together.
But you know what the most frustrating thing is? I told my sister about my crush and she didn't care about it when he first asked her out. She knew for crying out loud! She never backed down and she literally stabbed me hard on my back when I saw her kiss him on our couch."
She was starting to choke up as I saw tears trying to escape and she looked at me, "And she never a-apologized to me. Of course me being the sister I had to just go with it. I had to be happy for her when my heart got ripped right out of my chest. And she never once said sorry or tried to comfort me. She just went on being happy with the guy I once loved."
"Don't get me wrong. I'm happy that my sister has him. I'm happy she's found something. And I love her with all of my heart. She's my sister and me being the older one, I have to give way to her. That's the right thing to do. And the fact that he chose her."
I put my arms around her shoulders and hugged her. She leaned her head onto my shoulder and sniffed.
She soon looked up and smiled at me, "But I'm glad I met you Charlie."
Without warning, she placed her lips on mine and I couldn't find the will to push her away.
After that, we started dating. The stares got even worse but I couldn't care. I was just happy she felt the same about me. But there was always two sides of the coin. I can never be part of her near future. She would go to College and I would be stuck in that clinic working as an assistant. I can never be the man to make her truly happy. I know it's the right thing if I could end things now but how can you end something that's bringing you so much happiness? How can you end something that has brought a little meaning back to your cold cold life? Those were the unanswered questions I had to answer before it was too late. I want her to have a promising future and being with me would not give her that.
*-*-*
"Charlie, Charlie guess what!" Renee came running to me jumping like she just won the lottery or something and came and gave me a big hug.
I hugged her back before asking her what was going on.
"I got accepted in one of the best Colleges in France. Isn't it exciting?" she replied with a huge grin on her face.
I hugged her even closer and congratulated her.
Her joy was enormous. Yet, it could not hide the uncertainty in me. She's going away, going to one of the best school's in France and what about me? I'm just going to end up as a doctor's assistant. She can't be with me anymore. I know it's best if I break up with her now yet I can't. I couldn't let her go. I love her. I can't imagine my life without her. With so much chaos in my mind now, will I be able to make the right decision? To let her go or to keep her. It seems like the only solution for me is to go to College too. If I can get a degree, sure enough I would be able to provide for her in the future.
"I'm home…" Mom's home? This early? And sober? My mother coming home early and sober is one of the rarest things that has ever happened in my life. Yes there were a couple of bad nights but rarely. Plus, this is probably the only time I can ever have a proper conversation with her.
"Mom? There's something I want to talk to you about."
"What is it? Make it quick," my mother said in an 'I don't really care' tone.
This pissed me off a little but I quickly said, "I want to go to College."
"What are you saying?" she shouted.
A quarrel soon started. We threw hurtful words at each other, either party willing to cool it. I can't remember what we said but I saw my mother close to tears as she complained about how unhappy she was and how bad her life was. All I remember was the anger I was feeling at that time, all she ever thought of was herself and nobody else. If she wanted a happy life, she should have married some rich old tycoon, inherit all his money when he died. She shouldn't have married my scumbag of a father. The arguing continued and soon, I found myself grabbing my jacket and leaving the house.
"No matter what you say mister, you are not going to College!" she yelled as I ran down the stairs. Those were the last words I remember hearing from my mother before I made the biggest mistake of my life.
I took out my phone and called the person I wanted to see most at this time.
"Hello?" she answered.
"Renée? I need to talk. Can you meet me at the bar? Thanks."
I went to drink and I couldn't stop drinking. The pain and disappoint would not go away. Pain for not being able to go to College and provide her with a better life and disappointment on my mother's selfish ways.
"Charlie, Charlie! You okay?"
She came running into the bar worry all over her face. It was raining outside so you could see little rain drops on her messy hair. She had just finished showering when I called her. Made me feel a little guilty for pulling her out of her house at this late hour but I really needed someone to be with me.
The night soon enfolded. She knew me well. She knew I didn't want any pity; she just sat there and drank with me. She didn't pressure me to talk about what had happened and she just listened to whatever I had to say. Never once did she stop me to say I'm annoying or just plain wrong. She gave me a listening ear and I was so thankful it was her. However, what happened afterwards was something I really wish never happened.
I was dead drunk and the only thing I remember from that night was me holding her tight in my arms, kissing her and loving her. She never protested but I took away one of the most important things in her life just because of a little too much alcohol.
I woke up with the worst headaches of my life. It would not stop throbbing I felt like my head was about to explode. I couldn't really remember what had happened. I was on my bed naked. What happened? When I turned my head, I saw her. Her petite body sleeping next to me and completely undressed.
She stirred a little before she turned her body to face me. As she opened her eyes, she gave me a small smile.
"Renée, I am so sorry."
She placed her index finger on my lips, "Don't apologize. I'm not angry. It's going to be okay Charlie."
And it did turn out okay for the first two months. We were closer then ever. My problems aside, I loved her more and more each day. I barely spoke to my mother since the argument but we came to an arrangement after we have both cooled down a little. I was allowed to go to College but I was to study part time at a near by University, nothing too fancy. Life was starting to work out but the worst was still to come…
*-*-*
2 months later
The day started out perfectly normal. I went to school, went to my job, had dinner and after that went home to do my homework. It didn't occur to me that this was the day that would change my life forever.
It was raining when I had gotten home. As usual on all rainy days, I was drenched to the bone when I arrived home. So, I quickly went to get a quick shower. I cleaned up the house that my mother had made the other night. After that, I went to do my homework.
About an hour later, my phone rang and I saw her name on the Caller ID.
I smiled and picked up the phone. "Hello."
"Charlie…" she croaked. She's crying.
"Renée, what happened? Why are you crying?"
"I don't know how to say this," she sobbed.
"It's okay. It's going to be okay. Now tell me what's going on. It's gonna be okay."
She took in a deep breath and choked out the words. "I'm pregnant."
I'm pregnant. These two words. With these two little words, my world came spiraling down. I've destroyed her. I've destroyed everything for her. I ruined her. At that moment, there was nothing more than the hate I felt for myself. I hated myself. I hated my entire being. I completely destroyed her life. Just one stupid little mistake and I've destroyed everything.
I completely blanked out when I heard someone screaming at the other end of the receiver. "If you're talking to that bastard, tell him to come over right now!"
It was her father. Before she could say anything, before I could say anything, I shut my phone, took my jacket and ran to her house. I didn't care if I wasn't being pelted with rain. I didn't care because at that moment, the only thing I could think of was how much I hated myself.
When I reached her house, I saw her weeping in her sister's arms. Her mother was at a corner holding a tissue and weeping and her father was stomping around the living room. The entire house was in a mess. Papers thrown all over the floor. The lamp looking like it would fall off the table any minute. It was a state of total chaos. I took in a deep breath and walked into the living room of her house.
The moment her father saw me, he hit me hard, on the face. I could have dodged it but I didn't. I was too ashamed of myself, of what I did. I stood there dazed as a red colored fluid flowed down my nose. It took me a whole minute to find out the red fluid was blood, my blood. I was bleeding. I was hurt but the physical pain didn't do anything to the pain I felt in my heart. They always say people cut themselves to numb the emotional pain in them. But the pain I was feeling now wasn't numb. It got worst as I remembered why I was being punched in the first place.
She quickly ran to my side and protected me from her father. Her father in turn only got even madder.
"I can kill you for what you did to her! You've completely destroyed her future! Get out of the way Renée!" he bellowed.
She wouldn't move an inch away from me. She just kept on protecting me from her father. "I don't care what you say Daddy. I won't let you touch him," she stared down at her father.
"I'm sorry sir. I'll take full responsibility for Renée and the child."
"And how are you going to do that?"
"I-I don't know but we'll figure something out."
"Figure something out? You got her pregnant! How are you ever going to be able to support her and the child? You're just some whore's son! I've never approved of your relationship but Renée believes you're not like your mother, that you're different! Guess she was wrong. The both of you are the same. You only got together with Renée for our money!"
"Stop! Don't you dare talk to him like that! He's nothing like his mother!" Renée shouted.
There was total chaos later on. They fought and fought. Her father looked like he wanted to kill me. Renée's mother stood next to her father and cried and cried. I felt so dirty on the inside. This all started because of me.
Things soon settled and her father managed to think logically though he was still fuming mad. "I don't care what you say," he stared at me, "we're going for an abortion tomorrow. You're going to destroy that thing inside you. I'm not going to allow it to destroy your future."
"That thing? That thing! That thing is my child Dad. It's a living breathing human being! I'm not going to kill it!" she screamed. She looked like she was about to cry.
"Then what do you want to do then?!" he shouted.
"Let me bring the child to this world. There's still time before I graduate and before College starts. It'll be okay!" Unknowingly, she placed her hand on her tummy, protecting the unborn child. She loved the child inside her and refused to allow her father to kill it. She would never forgive herself if that happened.
"It sure hell will not be okay! You're pregnant!"
"Dear…" her mother stopped crying, placed her hand on her father's arm and said, "I have an idea."
Her father soon calmed down and listened. "If she wants to keep the child, let her keep it…"
"What are you saying? She can't possibly keep the child. Think of her studies." Her mother placed a finger on his mouth.
"Let me finish. When the child is born, Renée won't assume the role of the child's mother, I will and she will be the child's older sister. And Charlie would disappear from the child and Renée's life forever. No one would mention this to anyone and the child would never find out about her true parentage."
"What? What are you saying?" she cried. "My child to call me sister? That's absurd. Insane! How could anyone be willing to accept this? It's sick!"
"It's take it or leave it Renée. Either you follow your mother's idea or we go for an abortion tomorrow."
"But…"
"No buts! Either way, I want that boy out of your life and the child having nothing to do with you. I won't let you destroy your future."
"This is so not fair!" she cried as she pulled me to her bedroom and shut the door.
In her room, she wept and wept and wept and all I could do was wrap my arms around her. I didn't know what to do. I felt so helpless. I couldn't do anything to ease her remorse.
"H-how could they think this is acceptable? How could they think I can accept the fact that the relationship between my child and mine could only be of sibling love? I want the child to call me Mommy and not Renée. I don't want that."
"It's going to be okay," I comforted as I stroked her hair.
She looked up at me with her face covered with tears, "And how could they ever think I would be okay without you in my life Charlie. It's too much."
"Renée?" Claire came knocking on the door. They both had their own separate rooms but the two rooms were connected. Like I said, these two sisters were inseparable.
We both looked up at her and her face was filled with worry. "Don't worry, I won't let Mom and Dad in."
She crossed the short distance from the room and came and sat on the bed. "I'm not going to try to understand what you're going through now because I know I'll never be able to. What I can do is offer you a suggestion and my help to cope from this."
"And what's that?" she asked.
Claire explained her idea to us. She said the only way to escape from this was to runaway. Run to where? Forks, the small little town that was nearby. There was a house there that was for sale and the price wasn't very high. To add on, her parents would never think of looking for us there. I would get a job at that town and Renée would take care of the child. We would be one happy family. Claire would occasionally get some money to us via Renée's bank account.
I was quite reluctant to agree to this plan at first. I had already done too much. I've ruined her life, her education and most importantly, her relationship with her parents. And now, you're asking me to take her away from her home? That was outrageous. I wouldn't have much of a future as I haven't even finished High School. Will it be possible for me to care for her and the child? That was highly impossible no, clearly impossible. But she wanted it. She wanted it badly and she begged and pleaded for me to go along with Claire's plan. She would do whatever to bring the child – the child she had come to love – to this world as her mother and not sister. So, I agreed.
We left around midnight carrying only what was necessary. Claire promised to send us more stuff after we bought the house and sent her the address. We took a large sum of money and flew to Vegas to get married. Once that was done, we made our way to Forks and bought the house at the corner of town. We soon settled down and sent our address to Claire. She secretly mailed Renée's stuff over.
I got a job at the local police station. I always wanted to study law so this was good enough for me. Instead of studying law, I was enforcing it. Renée slowly got used to living in small little Forks. Life was turning out wonderfully. I had a wonderful wife, a great job and soon, my child would be born.
*-*-*
The months passed by and before we knew it, our baby girl was born. We decided to name her Isabella, Bella for short. We chose this name as she was the most beautiful baby girl we've ever seen so we hoped that this name – which mean beauty – will help her to grow up to be a strong and beautiful girl.
Her mother and I loved her tremendously. Though we weren't very well off, we tried our very best to give her the very best. We were so happy.
However, happiness does not last forever…
There soon came a time where the honeymoon phase ended. I started getting sick of my job, sick of everything. Sick of never being able to go out and have fun with the guys at work. Sick of having to go home day after day and having to do chores where the only thing I wanted to do was head to the shower, get a nice warm bath and then head to the bedroom and sleep.
I soon caved under the constant persuasion of my colleagues. I went out to party with them till late at night. I neglected my family. I neglected my wife. I neglected my daughter. And that's where the fighting started and never ended till my world came collapsing to pieces.
"You're never at home! You think I am responsible for everything? Think about Bella! I can't possibly take care of her and the house on my own!" she bellowed.
The bickering had started when I got home at around midnight. Went with the guys to one of those dance parties at Port Angeles. Renée was sitting on the couch with her suitcases packed and everything.
"Mommy, Daddy… Please stop fighting," my little girl came out of her room, fully dressed and sobbing.
"What, now you're leaving? Just because I'm a little sick of all these responsibilities?"
"That's exactly what I'm doing. You've completely broken all your promises you made me on our wedding. I-I can't take this anymore Charlie. I'm taking Bella with me. You'll get the divorce papers soon."
I couldn't be bothered to listen to whatever she was saying until I saw her pull my daughter away from me. She kept on crying and begging for her mother not to leave without her father. The expression on her face was devastating. She cried and cried.
"Daddy, Daddy, Daddy! Come with us! Don't leave me! DADDY!" she cried.
It was at that time I realized what was going on. No child should ever have to experience this. Let alone a child that young. I broke every promise I made to Renée when we were about to tie the knot. I promised to love her each and everyday and to be there for her. But I didn't.
At the realization of this, I dashed out of the house but they had already left on a cab. They're gone. My daughter and my wife. They left me because of how stupid I was. My knees collapsed as I sobbed for the first time in a long while in the pouring rain.
~*~*~
If I could cry I would. Reading everything that happened. I couldn't really remember much about when I was a little girl. I couldn't remember what had happened between my parents. Edward looked at my face and took me into his embrace.
"Now you know. It wasn't very detailed as human memories fade but your father could never forget the pain he inflicted on you. He regretted every mistake he's made and after you and your mom left, he struggled to get his life back together. He worked hard and avoided parties. He did everything he could to atone – even a little – for his mistakes."
"All those years, all I ever knew was that my father was a selfish man, that he didn't want me. But that was never true. He made mistakes. Everyone makes them once in awhile."
I looked up at him, into his honey gold eyes, "I want to see him Edward."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I want to go back to my old home."
*-*
We went when the sun had set.
The house was as I remembered it to be. The years didn't change it one bit. It was still the home I came to live in when my mother died. I quickly climbed up the window and into my room.
Nothing's changed since I got married. The bed was still in the same place with the sheets still there. The now barren bookshelf still stayed at the same little spot at the corner of my room. Dust had gathered from the many years it was not touched. The pictures I had left behind were still on the desk which I used to do my homework. The chair was neatly pushed in like how I had left it. I went up and took a look at the pictures. There was a layer of dust on the glass. I decided to leave some photos for my father so he wouldn't miss me so much when I left. The room was still the same as how I left it on my wedding day. In the cupboard still hung the dress that Courtney gave to me for prom. I chuckled at that thought.
I heard a faint snoring from my father's room. As quietly as possible, I walked into the room. There, I saw my father sleeping peacefully on his bed. The years have not aged the house but it sure has aged my father. Grey hair is now visible on his hair.
I shook him a little. "Dad. I've come to visit you," I whispered into his ear.
He stirred a little before he blinked and looked at me. His eye's widened as he saw me and he tried to sit up. "Bells? Is that really you? Am I dreaming?"
"Yes, it's me Dad. I'm here," I smiled at him.
"It's been so long. How've you been? Edward treating you well?"
"Yes he has Dad. I'm very happy now."
"That's good."
There was a moment of silence. My father was never one to talk much but it felt nice just to be around him. He would probably believe he's dreaming and forget about me tomorrow morning.
"It's late, go back to sleep Dad," I whispered as he laid back on the bed.
I gave him a kiss on his forehead and whispered I love you into his ear. After that, I closed his room door and went to take a look at the living room.
It was the same as I left it. My father's been doing the cleaning, that's good. Pictures of my mother and I still hung around the house. I went to the kitchen and saw some dirty dishes on the sink. He must have been exhausted to leave the dirty dished unattended. I quickly took the sponge and started scrubbing. He ate pasta today and it's the same pasta my mother offered him on her first day of school.
Once they were cool arms but now, they're just the right temperature. He wrapped them my waist.
"We shouldn't be here for too long," he whispered into my ear.
"I know. I'll finish cleaning this and we'll go."
After I finished cleaning, I took one last glance at my old home and walked into the forest while holding his hand back to my home.
And it's finally complete. Okay before I start all the negative stuff, there are some things that I want to say.
First of all, Renée's sister, Claire, is not the Claire that Quil imprinted on. The Claire in this story is dedicated to the Time Traveler's Wife Clare. This story was the inspiration for Promise and also the one that lighted the flame for me to write this story.
Next, special thanks again to my friend Min who provided the idea for Charlie and Renée's story. Thank you so much and love you. ;)
Third, I want to share a poem written by my friend Ellice. She's seriously has a great gift for writing and if you think my stories are good, wait till you read her poem. She's a hundred times better than me! She's amazing!
She who laughs
Like there's no tomorrow
Mouth open wide
Tears trickling from her eyes
She who laughs
Brings joy to life
For she and happiness are good friends
And they always come hand-in-hand
She who laughs
Stares you straight in the face
Don't turn away
Or she'll run away
Look into her eyes
And everything's revealed
For you've finally got the key
To unlock what beneath
You look into her eye
You look into her eyes
And stare in disbelief
For these aren't the eyes
Of the girl you thought she would be
Her eyes are everything
Of sadness and melancholy
You're shocked and you wonder
How unhappy she has always been
Okay, now this concerns the next chapter. I have decided to write on either Momo or Claire's wedding. Here's the plus point, I'm letting the readers choose which one you want to read about so do go vote on my profile! I need at least 30 votes before I would publish the chapter as I really want to see what you wonderful people want to read. Thanks!
Okay, now to my non stop ranting. Things are going to get pretty ugly so do stop reading here. I just need to vent on a seriously mean review. So STOP if you don't like reading ugly stuff.
So here goes… I'm just going to quote directly from this review on Kidnapped. Since this reviewer didn't have the guts to leave it as a signed review, I'll just quote directly and not care if he/she reads this.
"seriously? donut people? that's so stupid! whatever happened to vampires?"
randomperson
And I thought Rotten Tomatoes was mean from what they said about New Moon.
This is like the worse review I've ever gotten and it totally crushed me! And trust me; I've had some pretty mean reviews before. I've been called lame, bitchy but this? It's completely insulting. By saying my donut people are stupid, you're saying the dream I had was stupid. I know they're not the coolest things ever and let me tell you, I did try to make them cooler but I couldn't. The dream I had about Kidnapped would not allow it. I couldn't think of any alternative.
Now to address the 'what happened to vampires'. They're already in the story. It's just that I haven't introduced them officially. Have you ever heard of patience? I've had a review telling me to add some suspense to my stories so I'm trying that.
Whenever I see a new review, you won't be able to imagine the immense joy I feel and when I read this, all that joy changed. I got completely depressed for a whole day. I don't mind reviews telling me my stories are not very good as I am not perfect and I know I'm not very good at writing. But this, to criticize my idea, you're criticizing my imagination in the most primitive way.
Look, I don't want an apology. I just hope to not get such reviews again please. It really hurt me. I'm sorry you guys have to read this but I've warned you not to read. I'm bound to receive tons of hate reviews but I just had to write this. Bye…