Turning Page Chapter 9: Nightmares & Distractions, a twilight fanfic

AN: *Gives my lovely, understanding readers an apologetic look* Hi sweeties! My apologies for the mini delay with the update. I know I mentioned in the last update, that I would post the next chapter in a few short days. I didn't mean for two weeks to go by though :( However, once you all know the reason for the delay, you may let me off the hook, lol. Edward, aka Grouchward, spoke to me a little! So I added an extra scene to this already completed chapter and it's in Edward's pov. I know many of you have been eager to read his pov, so now you get to! Quickly, I want to thank those of you who reviewed the last chapter. I am very appreciative of it as always! Anyhow, I will yack more with you guys at the end. Let's get to reading! Hope you enjoy this little chapter :)

***My beta is the fabulous Serenshadow! Make sure to leave her some love too, without her what you read would be a mess, lol. She makes my words much prettier :) Thanks so much bb, you are the best!

Chapter 9: Nightmares and Distractions

**BPOV**

"Bells, Bells…" A voice whispers and a warm hand shoves my shoulder firmly. I groan, shaking my head in protest.

"Bells, wake up honey. You fell asleep." The deep voice murmurs again and I stir slightly.

"Bells?"

My eyes flutter open and look up at Charlie, who's hovering over me with his hand on top of my shoulder. Running my hands through my hair, I sit up and yawn. "Dad? Oh crap, I didn't even realize I fell out."

I wipe my eyes in an attempt to wake up and glance at the TV. "What time is it?"

Charlie smirks and studies my face with concern. "It's just after 11." He then gazes at the TV and chuckles. "So, was the movie that boring?"

Shaking my head no, I laugh sheepishly. "Um, no. Well, the first few minutes that I watched weren't anyway."

Amused, Charlie laughs once more. "A few minutes? You slept through almost the entire movie. What is it…?" Curious, he reads the screen and mutters, "Safe Haven…never heard of that one. What's it about?"

I shrug. "It's a romance, drama type of film. I only watched it to see Josh Duhamel anyway."

Oh God, I can't believe I said that!

"Josh, who?"

"Never mind Charlie."

Charlie scrunches his nose and makes a face. "It's just as well kid, you lost me the second you said it was a romance movie."

Giggling, I pick up one of the pillows nearby and toss it at him. "Yeah dad, it's one of those chick flicks. Anyway, how was work?"

Charlie inhales heavily, heads over to his recliner and plops himself down. "It was okay. Just took care of some endless paperwork and such."

I shake my head in disbelief and grin. "Wow, nothing exciting ever happens around here, does it?"

Displeased by my comment, Charlie frowns and strokes his mustache in thought. "That depends on your definition of exciting, Bells. Crimes are committed here too. Just not like the ones that occur in Florida, I imagine."

I nod my head. "Yeah, probably."

After an awkward minute of silence, Charlie clears his throat and pats my shoulder gently. "Kiddo, you look beat. Why don't you head on up to bed."

Yawning, I stretch my arms in the air. "Yeah, I should. Guess I am still tired."

I spring off the couch carefully and give Charlie a quick hug. "Night dad, love you."

He squeezes me back affectionately and mutters into my ear. "Good night Bells. Love you too. Sleep well."

Just as my feet reach the first step, Charlie says, "Sorry it's been a dull weekend for you, kid. We'll have fun tomorrow over at La Push, promise."

Turning my head to face him, I offer Charlie a little smile. "It's okay dad, no big. And cool, I'm looking forward to it."

Well, I want to be excited about it for his sake. But frankly, I'm not. However, the idea of being out of the house and somewhere else for a few hours is beginning to sound appealing.

Moments later, I'm curled up under the warm, soft covers of my bed. Ah, this is more like it. This bed is much more comfortable than that old ass, stiff sofa. Maybe I can coax Charlie into buying a new one soon. I'll have to remember to mention it to him in the morning.

Sighing, my eyes land on a picture resting on top of the nightstand and instantly I tear up. The photo is of my mom and me at the beach, taken just months prior to her death. It is and will always be one of my favorite pictures of us. I remember that day so vividly. Her beautiful, infectious laughter echoes in my mind and a single tear slips out of my eye.

I lean forward and gently touch the picture with my fingertips. "Mom, I miss you so much. I am trying to be strong just like I had promised but… I mean, don't get me wrong dad is great. It's just that…nothing is the same without you here and it never will be, will it?"

Admiring my beautiful mother, I sob quietly and stroke the picture wistfully. "It's going to be okay, isn't it? God, I wish you were still here."

I pick up the frame gingerly and kiss my mother's face. "I love you Mom."

Wiping the cool wetness off my face, I place the picture back on the table. Then reach across and turn off the table lamp. As I wait for sleep to welcome me, I stare up at the ceiling and once again, I think about him.

Edward.

Seriously, I need some help! What is my fixation with this guy? I'm sure he hasn't even given me a second thought all night; the man despises me after all. Irritated, I groan, twist to my right side, and close my eyes.

Soon enough, I fall asleep to the sounds of rain lightly tapping on the windowpane.

***TP***

It's dark.

And I am cold, lost, and very much alone.

Where the hell am I? I can't see much of anything past these damn trees!

I listen carefully, hoping to hear something, anything. Then I hear it; the ocean.

Nervous and curious, I begin walking through the forest, dodging tree branches along the way.

A beam of light catches my eye and I turn quickly towards it. Upon realizing where I'm at, I halt mid-step and my eyes widen.

Cliffs.

Sand and water.

I'm at First Beach and I have no idea why. But, I'm itching to find out.

Taking in my surroundings, I admire the breathtaking view. The luminescent moonlight casts an eerie yet serene glow in the water. It's quiet and calm. Just as it is before a storm arrives.

A gentle gust of wind makes me shiver as it covers my arms in goose bumps.

Unexpectedly, an unsettling feeling settles in the pit of my stomach and my heart races frantically.

Something isn't right.

I should turn around and leave. Wait a second… Is my mind playing tricks on me or is that who I think it is?

Standing dangerously near the edge of a cliff only a few feet away… is Edward Masen.

It's him, I know it! I recognize that bronze hair anywhere.

What is he doing here? And what is he crouching over?

Just turn around and be on your way. Don't even think about it!

Too late, I already am. My feet leading the way before I even think better of it. Sauntering tentatively, I gulp and keep my eyes locked on Edward.

Taking a deep breath, I place my trembling hand over his left shoulder. "Uh, Mr. Masen. I mean…Edward."

Without turning to face me, he mutters bleakly, "Leave Isabella and run as fast as you can."

Tilting my head to the side, my eyes widen in disbelief. Why would he say such a thing? Edward's back stiffens as he shrugs me off and takes a step forward. Rejected, my heart sinks and my chest tightens.

All of a sudden, the wind starts picking up in speed and it's now so cold my teeth lightly chatter. Bracing myself firmly, I open my mouth to speak but Edward beats me to the punch. His voice laced with hatred as he snaps, "I mean it, Isabella. Go away!"

His tone softens and he murmurs, "Please, I am begging you. Stay away from me before I…"

"Before you…what?" I pry, frightened to hear his response.

Finally, Edward turns around and his eyes meet mine. The stormy, ire gaze in them makes my heart thump erratically against my chest.

"Before I end you." He whispers in a chilling, flat tone.

Before he ends me…what is that supposed to mean? What about it don't you understand? Turn the hell around and run!

Giving him a determined look, I stammer, "Y-you won't hurt me."

Laughing, Edward shakes his head mockingly. "Oh, don't be so sure about that, Isabella."

Closing in on me, he grins sinisterly and curls his hands around my throat.

Oh no! This isn't happening! Why is he trying to kill me?

Struggling against his firm grip, I choke out, "E-Edward, p-please. D-don't do this."

A look of remorse briefly flashes over his face but then his expression is cold once again. "I'm sorry, but it's inevitable. It's who I am. I hurt everyone I care for. I'm a monster, a heartless monster."

Come again? Why did he say that? Am I one of those people he cares for? I have to help him see reason; he needs to believe he isn't what he thinks he is.

"N-no. You aren't, Edward. Please just-," I pause mid-sentence when I notice a body lying right behind him.

It's a woman.

Oh, my God…it's Kate Masen!

My eyes widen in horror and I scream. Covered in blood, she appears lifeless and mangled. Jesus, there's so much blood!

Unable to look at the gruesome sight a second longer, I twist my head sideways. Edward then clutches my throat tighter and I wiggle hysterically in his grasp.

"You see, I did that to her." He snarls in my face and I whimper as tears slide down my cheeks. "I'm a monster…a monster."

As my heart beats slower and slower by the moment, my body begins to shut down. One final time I plead with him to stop but he ignores me and viciously tightens his hold.

The last thing I see is the distant, callous look on Edward's face before I descend into unconsciousness.

***TP***

I wake up startled, out of breath and trembling. Whoa, what happened?

Confused, I shake my head and carefully sit up.

A dream, that's what woke me up. It was just a dream.

I try to remember it, but no such luck. It must have been some nightmare because it frightened the shit out of me!

Maybe a glass of warm milk will help soothe my nerves.

Quietly, I head down the stairs and chuckle at Charlie's loud snoring. As I enter the kitchen, I turn on the lights and walk to the fridge. Waiting for the microwave to warm the milk, I check the time. It's just past one a.m. Hmm, it seemed like I slept longer. Damn that dream for waking me up! After gulping down the last sip of milk, I hear a faint noise and flinch.

Calm down Bella, it's probably your overactive imagination messing with you!

Right.

Turning around, I place the mug inside the sink and quickly rinse it off. Just as I leave the kitchen, I hear the sound again. I listen carefully and my brows wrinkle in confusion. It sounds like music. Where is it coming from?

Hastily, I bolt towards the stairs, listen for Charlie's piercing snores, and sigh in relief. Good, he's still down for the count. After slipping on a pair of my flip-flops, I unlock the front door, open it, and step outside. The instant I close the door softly behind me, I hear the noise more distinctly. Soon, I realize where it's coming from.

Mr. Masen's home.

Oh, don't you even consider it! Put that stupid idea out of your head right now!

Foolishly ignoring my own advice, I tiptoe across the lawn. Jesus, what am I doing? I should get back inside. If Charlie ever finds out about this, he'll probably ground me for a year! He warned me plenty of times already to stay clear of Masen.

Forget Charlie, what about Edward? If he catches you snooping on him again…

Well, that's a risk I am willing to take.

I have to find out what exactly that sound is.

As I approach closer to his house, I recognize that the beautiful melody is coming from a piano. Abruptly, my feet stop moving when I see Edward sitting in front of a stunning grand piano.

Curious, I take another wary step towards his window. Luck is on my side, the curtain is drawn halfway, granting me a near perfect view of him.

Jesus Bella, Masen was right, you are nosy! You are proving to him how you have zero respect for privacy.

I know I should leave and I sure as hell shouldn't be watching him either. But I can't help myself. Watching his long fingers glide rapidly and smoothly across the keys with flawless precision is simply mesmerizing. God, he plays beautifully. I'm not sure what song that is, but it sounds depressing.

My heart stuck in my throat, moisture clouds my eyes as I find myself hypnotized and touched by the gloomy, emotional song. Once the music ends, I panic. My chest clenches painfully and a chill passes up my spine. Oh, shit, he's finished! What if he turns around and sees me?

Sucking in a breath, I remain firmly in place and study him nervously. Please don't turn around, please don't turn…

With his shoulders hunched, Edward slouches over the piano and his body trembles. Wait, is he…crying? Burying his face between his hands, Mr. Masen quakes uncontrollably. This is heartbreaking; that poor man!

Yet here I am just watching him, invading in his moment of grief. Shame on me!

Suddenly, Edward stands up and I hurriedly lean against the left side of the window, before taking a peek inside. Lifting up a glass filled with amber liquid, he gulps the drink down and then violently flings it against the wall. The glass shatters into several pieces and I gasp, appalled as Edward screams out of the top of his lungs. I'm surprised the neighbors are sleeping through this!

Never mind them; you have to leave, right now! Before he catches you!

It seemed like an eternity as he simply stands there, frozen in place, glaring blankly at the wall. All right, I'm lost. One moment Mr. Masen is playing the piano, the next he is crying and then he acts out in a fit of rage.

The man is seriously troubled.

Finally, Edward breaks out of the trance he was under and wanders away. No, no! Where is he going? The lights suddenly flicker off and I dash towards the right side of his house. Peeking in the living room window nervously, I notice all the lights are off in there too. Well, guess he went upstairs for the night.

Yeah, the show is over! Time to head back inside the house.

I can't stop thinking about everything I just saw and wonder what happened. What made him go from sobbing his heart out, to throwing a glass against the wall? God, I have to quit obsessing over this, over him and find a hobby. If only this damn hole-in-the-wall town is a more entertaining place to live, then I would have better things to do than to spy on the next-door neighbor.

With a heavy sigh, I shake my head and jog back home. Moments later, I'm inside my room again and underneath the covers. My racing, over-filled brain keeps me wide-awake and I pray for sleep to take me. The guilt I'm harboring is eating at me and I feel like utter crap for what I've done. I had no right at all to intrude on Masen's privacy. What is the matter with me?

You're stupidly taken with him, that's what!

No, I'm not.

Okay… that's the end of it. It has to be. We're only neighbors and that's all we'll ever be!

Thankfully, my eyes start feeling heavy and it doesn't take long before they shut.

As the tide of unconsciousness invades me, his face is the last thing I see.

For a second night, Edward Masen is the star of my dreams.

***TP***

**EPOV**

It's time.

I just need to open the gate and walk in.

I'm not sure if I can go through with this. It's been months since I've…visited her grave.

Kate.

I can't do this! I'm not ready or strong enough.

Yes, you are. You have to do this! You need to pay her your respects…one last time.

As much as it hurts, this has to be done. I can't continue living this way; closure is long over-do. I have to let go of the anguish, the resentment, the confusion, and the guilt.

Releasing a shaky breath, I push the cool metal and the gate swings open. My heart weighing heavier with each step I take as wetness burns the corners of my eyes.

I can do this. I have to!

Time seems to move very slowly as I search for her grave. Then, finally, I'm standing in front of it. At least I think it's hers.

Bewildered, I crouch down and study the headstone intently. Suddenly my eyes widen and heart drops to my stomach.

It's blank.

The headstone is blank! No name or date of birth and death listed. Not a single word.

Trembling in disbelief, I panic and tears fall down my cheeks. What the hell is happening? This is where she's buried. I know I'm at the right place! So, why is her tombstone blank?

A strong breeze passing through makes the leaves on the ground swirl around me. Then, before my eyes, a letter appears on the marble headstone.

Perplexed, I shake my head. Surely, my mind is playing tricks on me. Pull yourself together, Masen!

All of a sudden, another letter appears and I stare at it in wonder.

Soon, more letters mark the stone and my mouth opens in terror.

Isabella Swan.

No…no, no, no!

Dear God, please!

It can't be; it just can't!

Devastated, I fall to my knees and bury my face in my hands. "I-I'm s-sorry, Isabella. So sorry…"

Why her? She was so young! How did this happen? Making sense of this is impossible.

Blinking back my tears, I gaze at her name woefully. "Isabella…"

Slowly, I lean over and place my trembling hand on the cool marble, lightly stroking the carved letters with my fingertips.

The sounds of a baby's wails throw me off guard and I twist my head around. God, why are you torturing me? Just stop, please!

Suddenly, a woman appears from behind the trees and my eyes widen in disbelief.

It's Kate!

With an accusing expression, she glares at me lividly. "It's your fault! You did this!"

She's right. Her tragic death was entirely my fault and I will forever carry that burden. It should have been me that day, not her. Not her.

"I know it was, Kate, and I'm sorry…so deeply sorry. It's my fault you're gone." I gaze at her remorsefully and scorching wetness slips out of my eyes.

"Look at what you did, Edward! You're a monster! You did this... you ended her!"

Ended who? Who is she talking about? Wait…oh god; I should have known! Kate wasn't meaning herself, she meant…

There, laying face up next to Kate's feet, is Isabella Swan.

Horrified, I gasp and numbly stand. My heart hammering violently against my ribs as my blood runs cold. Jesus, not Isabella! How could this have happened? What did I do to her?

Taking in the gruesome sight before my eyes, I quiver hysterically. Isabella's lifeless body appears frail and deathly white. After taking a closer look, I notice purple and blue tinted bruises embedded on her slender neck that are about the size of my…my fingertips. I couldn't have, I wouldn't!

"Edward," A voice whispers and I scream as my eyes meet Isabella's.

Looking at me solemnly, she murmurs in a weak voice, "How could you do this to me?"

"No, I didn't. Isabella, I, I'm sorry! So sorry! I didn't mean to!" I wail in agony and reach over to touch her.

Then, Isabella and Kate vanish. And I'm alone, surrounded by darkness.

I frantically cover my ears as I hear the baby cry again; this time joined by Kate and Isabella. God, I beg you, please make it stop! Please!

Finally, after many torturous moments, all is silent.

Next thing I see is Isabella lying inside a white casket adorned with an assortment of flowers. Appearing peaceful and lovely in a simple white dress, her reddish brown locks frame her beautiful face.

With a grave heart, I lean in to have a better look. Isabella's eyes open and glare straight at me.

***TP***

I wake up screaming, my hand on top of my racing heart, beads of sweat trickling down my forehead.

Holy shit!

I've never been so frightened from a nightmare in my entire life. Not even the recurring one I have of Kate. As I start to remember bits and pieces of the dream, I struggle to make sense of it. Let's recap; I was at the cemetery where I saw Kate… Isabella Swan too. I vaguely recall visiting Isabella's grave. I don't even understand that one. Why did I even dream about her again, let alone dream about her being dead? What does it all mean?

Whatever the hell that nightmare meant, doesn't matter. I just hope it's the last one that I have about Miss Swan; that girl is affecting my brain much more than she should. To my dismay, flashbacks of our encounter tonight play in my mind.

Dammit!

Just go back to sleep, hopefully this time you'll dream of something else.

After tossing and turning in the bed for a while, I gave up on sleeping. Agitated, I head to the bathroom and splash some cold water on my face. Now I'm fully awake. My nerves are still rattled from that nightmare though; I need to do something to placate them. I know just what will help, having a strong drink.

Moments later, I pour some bourbon into a tumbler and drink it all in a single gulp. More, need lots more! I help myself to another glass and then saunter out of the kitchen. As I head towards the stairs, something catches my eye and I turn around.

Before long, I'm in the dining room and staring wistfully at my black grand piano. It's been a very long time since I've touched those keys. I'm not even sure if I remember how to play.

Oh yes you do, you haven't forgotten.

No, but the last time I played was for… Kate.

I don't think I can do this.

You have to; you need a distraction!

Taking a deep breath, I sit down on the leather bench and with trembling hands uncover the keys. Allowing my fingers to take command, they rest on the black and ivories.

And I begin to play.

***TP***

AN: So, um, yeah... Bella and Edward had some strange dreams right? And sort of similar ones too I think! I will talk more about that in a moment, but first... Personally, I enjoyed the little scene with Bella and Charlie. I adore Charlie in this story; there will be more great Papa Charlie moments to come! Oh and I admit I choked up a little writing the part about Bella looking at the picture of her and Renee. I feel for Bella, its very hard for anyone to lose their mother, so heartbreaking :( Oh and what did you think of the creepy dream that Bella had? Crazy right? Lastly, what are your thoughts about Bella spying on Mr. Masen again, about what she saw? Oh Bella when will you learn? LOL. I know that was bad what she did! But, can you blame the girl? Edward is very sexy on the eyes… and fascinating!

Now on to Edward. Yes, I realize his pov was short, sorry ;( That's all he would give me for the moment. Damn tease he is, haa. What did you think about his nightmare? So now you have an idea of what lead him to play the piano and of course that's what Bella sees when she is spying on him. The next chapter there will be more Edward's pov, explaining what made him break that glass. Also, remember when Tanya showed up at Esme and Carlisle's for lunch? Well, you will get to find out more about what happened after she arrived! Now as for Bella, things are going to get pretty interesting for her in the next chapter as well. It has to do with her visit to La Push.

I really hope you enjoyed this chapter. I know it was probably more of a filler and not too much happened but trust me, plenty will in the next one! Promise ;) Speaking of the next chapter, I will try my hardest to finish it very soon! I really don't want to make you all wait too long. You guys have been so patient and supportive, I cant thank you enough. Please continue to hang in there, the wait will be worth it! Thank you for reading, it really means so much! Don't be shy, leave me your thoughts. I read all of them and reply to each one! I love chatting with my readers :) Speaking of, I would be so happy if I had more followers on Twitter. I am Vampgirl792011 on there. I also have a FB, a fanpage called Vampgirl79 Fanfiction. And I have a group page too. I would love it if you joined, Vampgirl79 Fanfiction group. The links for them are posted on my profile. Okay, that's it out of me. Hopefully I'll have the next chapter written as soon as I can! Till then leave Grouchward your thoughts :) He loves them, well, if he's in a good mood, lol. Ttys lovelies! xoxo, Leslie