Chapter Nine

Carlisle

When I got back it was to a blazing row between Esme and Edward who must have only been back minutes as the engine of the car was still cooling down.

"I warned you Edward, why didn't you listen to me?"

"What I want to know is what you've said to her to make her so hostile"

"Said? Nothing I told you we haven't approached her."

"Then Alice did, she was always jealous of my relationship with Bella. Its not fair"

"Edward grow up for Gods sake."

At that point I thought I should probably interrupt,

"Edward, its good to see you again son. Now why don't you calm down, take a seat and we can discuss this rationally."

It worked, Edward sat down but he still looked rather like a sulky child,

"Esme was right. We haven't contacted Bella and from what I just heard that was probably a good idea. You can't expect her to be happy after the way we left her. Bella may have moved on with her life Edward. Now I take it you've seen her? Perhaps you can tell me what she said to you"

I listened as Edward told us exactly what Bella had said to him, threat included.

"Alice must have said or done something to upset Bella like this"

"I don't think so son. I think Bella found our leaving too difficult and she is refusing to allow herself to get in a position where it could happen again."

"I would never leave her again Carlisle, I love her"

"I know son but you have to come to terms with the possibility she doesn't feel the same way about you any longer. You did just leave her after all"

"But it was for her good, to keep her safe. You saw what almost happened with Jasper."

"Did you tell her that?"

There was a long silence and I understood that he hadn't.

"What exactly did you tell Bella before we left Edward?"

When he finally mumbled the words he had told her it all became clear,

"I just wanted her to have a normal human life, a safe life and I thought if she thought I didn't want her any more, if my love hadn't been real she would get over it more quickly, get over me faster."

"Well Edward I think it may have worked. You broke her heart Edward, she's not going to let you do that again and love and hate are very close bedfellows."

"You mean she hates me?"

"It sounds like it and I don't think there's much chance of you making things right, not with her threatening you with a restraining order, she knows we couldn't allow that. I think you've lost her Edward."

"But I love her Carlisle"

"I'm sorry son but there's nothing you can do. Bella moved on and you must too but it will make looking out for her more difficult. Alice is still in Forks and she says there's been no sign of Victoria as far as she can tell, I heard nothing from Billy Black so there's no help coming from there"

"Alice told me you asked the wolves to help"

"Edward, I would make a pact with the devil if it kept Bella safe, its our fault she's in danger."

"But if she wont see any of us I don't see how we can look after her, besides if Victoria hasn't acted by now, chances are she wont."

"And you are basing this on what? We don't know her, we have no idea what she's capable of."

"I think we should leave her alone Carlisle, we might draw Victoria to her by our presence."

"And you think she's safer without us?"

"She doesn't want us Carlisle and I can't stay here protecting a girl I love who hates me, even if it is our fault. Bella knows the risks of living with the knowledge of our world and she thinks she's safe or she wouldn't be here."

"Bella ran to get away from Alice and probably Jake too. She left after you told her you were coming home Edward, perhaps we should have listened to her. If you'd told her you would stay away she might have stayed in Forks where she was safer."

"Do you think she'd go back if I promised to stay away from her?"

"I don't know son but could you? Stay away from her?"

"To keep her safe? I did it before so I have to say yes don't I?"

"I guess its worth a try but she doesn't know Victoria's looking for her and I don't want her frightened so don't mention it. Just see if she would consider it. You could tell her I'm here working, that might make her want to go back, especially if she thought we were selling the old house."

"Oh Carlisle, you know its my favourite house, do we have to?"

"We all have to make sacrifices Esme"

She closed her eye and nodded sadly

"Very well. If it would keep Bella safe."

Edward

I hated this, I still loved Bella but I understood my actions had ruined my chances with her, if there had been any mating bond between us I had severed it with my actions and I had to act as a man, to save her if I could. I knew I couldn't approach her again safely so I rang the Dwyer house hoping Renee wouldn't remember my voice if she answered but I was in luck, it was Bella herself who picked up.

"Bella please don't put the phone down, I'll be quick and I wont call again if you just hear me out."

I breathed a sigh of relief when the line didn't go immediately dead.

"You have three minutes Edward and this had better be the last time I hear your voice."

"I understand and I promise not to disturb you again but I thought I should warn you that Carlisle and Esme are in Jacksonville."

"Why?"

"He has taken a position at one of the hospitals."

"And I'm supposed to think that's just a coincidence.?"

"I have no idea. Alice is leaving Forks and we are selling the house there"

"Why?"

"Well we thought under the circumstances you would feel less concerned about the possibility of us returning one day if the house were sold. You can move back with your father that way and not have to lose all the friends you made at school, Mike and Angela, Jessica..."

"I know their names Edward. What I don't know is why you are so keen to get me back to Forks."

"There is no sinister reason Bella, we just want you to feel comfortable and relaxed and we know our presence will only upset you."

"Well that's very thoughtful of you Edward, shame you and your family weren't so thoughtful the first time you left. Now your three minutes are up. Goodbye"

She put the phone down and I realised I had no idea what she planned on doing, would she go back to Charlie now? If she didn't what would we do? We dare not go anywhere near her after her threats and I knew Bella could be stubborn when she made her mind up. All we could do was hope Alice saw her decision or heard news via Charlie although from what she said he wasn't at all thrilled with her continued presence in Forks. Perhaps I should have warned her about Victoria but I just couldn't, she didn't need to live constantly in fear, ignorance was bliss in this case.