Sorry about the long wait for the next chapter – I've been busy with my main story. Anyway, here's the proper first chapter.
!*- Hope You Have a Happy New Year -*!
Sam xx
2 Weeks Earlier…
"Bella? Bella?" Charlie clicked his fingers in front of my face as I stirred from a nightmare.
I was with Edward in our meadow when suddenly Edward was being pulled away from me and I tried to grab him but he just disappeared. Noises screeched from just outside the meadow and suddenly I felt like a stranger, like I wasn't wanted anymore. I turned to leave the meadow and there was James, purring and prowling, and suddenly we're in the ballet studio. My vision was blurred but I could make out a fire, and two shapes stood over it. The flames licked at me as I was lifted up and exited from the studio, the place that held my worst nightmares, the place that burned down…
"I'm sorry dad, I'm okay now though. Really." I muttered, blinking a couple times to focus into the real world.
"Bella, you were screaming. You're obviously not okay. I'm not sure if I can handle much more of this." Charlie had his arms crossed and there were small bags under his eyes.
"Really dad – I am okay." I lied, trying to shrug off the situation.
"In the morning we're having a talk." He warned, but didn't push it and left my room. Left me on my own like Edward left me.
Surely Alice could see I was struggling and she would tell Edward.
"I need him." I muttered, before biting my lip to stifle my sobs.
I had suffered in silence for this long; I think I could cope with it until Edward comes back. If he comes back.
I closed my eyes and this time I had a dreamless sleep.
I woke to the smell of burned toast and I immediately knew the criminal. I got dressed and grabbed my bag to head outside to my Chevy to avoid Charlie.
But as I turned to go Charlie called out, "Where'd you think you're going?"
"To school." I flicked my eyes quickly at my watch before continuing, "And I've got ten minutes to get there on time."
"I'm sure you can spare a minute of your busy time Bella." Charlie glared at me and I sat at the end of the table reluctantly.
"One minute." I compromised.
"I've called your mother. She's coming to pick you up at the airport in two days. I'm sorry Bella, but I don't think it's healthy you staying here." Charlie told my bluntly.
"But I want to stay." I felt my bottom lip tremble. I couldn't leave. He didn't know where to find me if I ever left.
"Bells, I don't think Edward's coming back." I flinched at his name and I tried to think of a comeback.
"That's not why dad. I want to stay with you." I reached over to him but he raised his hands in front of him and waved them side to side.
"Bella, if this is you wanting to stay I am seriously concerned." He smiled and I tried to give a smile, but it just ended up looking odd and misshapen.
"Give me a week. I'll change and I'll stop the nightmares – I promise. Just… just one week." I bit my bottom lip and put all my hope into this. If it didn't work then I didn't know anymore backup plans I could do.
"One week." Charlie nodded grimly. "And you best stop those nightmares."
"I will." I smiled weakly this time and headed out.
"Bye dad." I opened the door and headed out to my Chevy.
I chewed at my bottom lip, thinking of solutions to what I just promised.
