Chapter Nine

Edward's POV

I knew it would only be a matter of time before Chief Swan came looking for his daughter. I hadn't expected what he would say.
The Chief gets out of his cruiser, walking up the drive and pounding on the front door. Alice pulls it open and greets him with mock surprise.

"Charlie? What are you doing here?"

His face is drained of color as he hands Alice a folded piece of paper. "She's gone, Alice." He looks up at me, accusation in his eyes.

Alice unfolds the paper and her eyes grow wide. She motions for me to join them. I make my way off the stairs and stand beside her, reading the note over her shoulder.

Dad,

I'm really sorry to do this to you again.

You know I love you but this just isn't for me.

I can't keep pretending like I'm happy with my life in Forks.

I've been saving money and I have enough to get me on my own two feet.

I'll contact you as soon as I've figured things out for myself.

Love,

Bella

"Edward, do you know where she might have gone?" I can't lose my daughter again. His thoughts let slip that he isn't as composed as he seems on the outside.

I shake my head, lying. "I didn't even know she left." I let the pain that I was feeling seep into my voice. I was pained that she was gone, but it definitely wasn't her choice.

He can see how hurt I am. "She loves you. We'll find her."

Alice gives Charlie a tight hug, holding him in her tiny arms. He pats her back as she lets out fake sobs into his chest. I gesture towards the other part of the house. "Would you like a cup of coffee, Mr. Swan?"

"No thank you, Edward. I really should be going. Maybe I can find something at the station."

I nod my consent and shake his hand. Alice turns quickly, waving once, and dashes up the stairs. He smiles but it doesn't reach his eyes.

"I'll be seeing you."

Days pass. Alice doesn't see anymore from Daniel, only the same room at different points of the day. Still no visions of my Bella. I can feel myself breaking apart at the seams. Without her I am nothing but a hollow shell of a man.

I stand in my room, staring at the trees outside my window. I ignore the large bed behind me. It's here for only one reason and I don't have her anymore. Birds chirp nearby. Squirrels run up trees, shaking leaves and pine needles to the ground. I press my forehead to the glass, letting a pained sob escape my chest. There was never any doubt to me that I need Bella, but I know now more than ever. More than when I spent those months away from her. It has been mere days, and those months don't compare to this. It had been my own choice to leave her, then. This time neither of us had been willing.

I turn and lie down on the bed, curling up with a soft pillow that smells just like her. We might not be able to cry, but we can still sulk.