What if Edward couldn't stay away when he left Bella in New Moon?
All characters belong to the wonderfully talented Stephenie Meyer, I'm just borrowing them for a tiny bit :)
Author's Note: My sincere apologizes for the major lack of updating. My computer pretty much died but I just bought a new Mac so I'm good to go! Admittedly, I also had some difficulty with where to take this story. So many people have left amazing and supportive reviews, I want to make sure the quality that you have been reading stays intact. I'm just getting back into writing this piece so the next few chapters may be slightly short or slow as I get back into the groove of things. Thanks for your patience.
Chapter Nine
BPOV
Things were tense. It didn't take much to notice that was for sure. I was still at the Cullen's house nestled between Alice and Edward on the oversized couch. Carlisle and Esme stood in the corner and if I hadn't known they were talking too low for my ears to pick up, it would appear they were having an intense staring contest. I let out a quiet giggle at the thought and it seemed to have lightened up the heavy feeling weighing down in the room.
"What's so funny? What did I miss?" Emmett came bounding back in the room. He had disappeared with his cell phone in hand, I assume to speak with Rosalie. Everyone turned to look at me, curious as to what I found so amusing. Once I told them, Emmett let out a booming laugh.
"You should see him and Jasper during competitive activities" Alice said. "You thought baseball was bad. We just recently had to purchase our third Nintendo Wii because the controllers ended up being smashed to splinters. You don't even want to know what happened to the actual system." She said rolling her eyes.
"What were they playing?" I asked, glancing over to Emmett who suddenly appeared to have an interest in his shoes.
"They were playing a bowling game." Alice replied through laughter. This was nice. Everyone seemed for a few minutes to relax and forget about the situation at hand. Well, almost everyone. Edward stood up and crossed his arms.
"This isn't the time. We need to think and come prepare a strategy!" Edward exclaimed. Carlisle came up behind him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Edward, we will come up with a plan. We've already started. Jasper is out tracing scents around the area and Alice is trying especially hard to gain some insight about any possible leads." Carlisle tried to reason with Edward.
"Bella, as you can see, Edward is slightly prone to being overprotective and overreactive" Alice chimed in.
"Yeah, come on Eddie, lighten up." Emmett grinned. Edward growled and I heard Esme sigh.
"Boys, that's enough. Emmett, stop teasing Edward. Edward, you need to relax and allow yourself to trust the people around you." Esme told him sternly.
"Bella, you know we won't let anything happen to you" Alice said softly.
"She's right. We will protect you and keep you safe...you have no need to worry. Carlisle attempted to sound comforting but in all honesty, I was still extremely anxious and worried about the situation. My face became frozen in shock as a horrible thought came to mind. Edward must have seen my expression because he knelt down in-front of me and took my hands in his.
"What is it Bella?" He asked softly. I looked up expecting to see the faces of his family but they had quickly and quietly left the room allowing Edward and I privacy, I assume in hopes that I would confide and open up to him. I sighed.
"Edward, Victoria is dangerous...you see the people she's with. It's not just her, it's those she knows in her coven...I could never live with myself if you got hurt trying to protect me...if anyone got hurt. I just got you back, I don't want to lose you again." I replied, my voice wavering at the end with tears threatening to overflow.
"Everything will be fine. As for now, it is getting late and Charlie will be returning soon and by the looks of things, I will have some explaining to do...although I believe Carlisle has softened him up..." Edward trailed off. He continued once he saw my confused expression. "Carlisle briefly went into work today to do some paperwork since we were now transferring back. He saw Charlie and obviously the topic of you came up...he was very worried about you. Carlisle was being too generous and told Charlie that it was his fault I left..." He trailed off.
"What are you talking ab--" I started but Edward interuppted me.
"Carlisle told Charlie that he moved the family to Alaska on a family emergency..." Edward finished.
"Charlie believed that?" I asked surprised.
"Remember that's an actual believable story to someone who doesn't know the circumstances of our family" Edward clarified. I nodded.
"So what happened?" I asked anxious.
"Well, Charlie is still obviously and upset...rightly so. He's frustrated with the situation and hated seeing you that way..." Edward's voice softened and he gently caressed me cheek. "Either way, we need to get you home and I need to own up to Charlie. Emmett?" Edward said. There was no need to yell, Emmett would hear Edward loud and clear. He entered the room not even half a second later.
"What's up?" Emmett asked.
"I'm taking Bella home now. I'm keeping my phone close, can you and Jasper please go ahead of us and make sure her house is safe?" Edward asked.
"Already ahead of you. I just spoke to Jasper and he's on his way back. He couldn't find a trace near here. I'll meet him outside and we'll go. Don't worry Bella." Emmett finished with a wink before disappearing to meet Jasper.
Edward stood up and gently pulled me up with him walking towards the door and to my truck. Esme, Alice and Carlisle met us at the entrance.
"It's so lovely to have you with us again Bella" Esme said embracing me once more. I nodded and smiled at her before Edward led me to the truck and drove off towards my house to face Charlie.