Chapter 11 – Bad News
Part 59 Bella's POV
When I woke up, we were in a plane. Edward's arms were around me, and I couldn't believe we were finally together again. I pinched myself to make sure I wasn't asleep.
"What are you doing, Bella?"
"Pinching myself."
"Why?" Edward asked incredulously.
"To make sure I'm awake and that you're really with me after all this time," I answered. Edward smiled his crooked smile and traced his finger along the side of my face. I shivered at his touch and smiled back at him.
"I missed you," Edward said, as he leaned in to kiss me.
"I missed you too, Edward," I replied breathlessly, kissing him back.
"Bella, we're not on a private airplane," Edward pointed out, "The man across the aisle is getting nauseous watching us." I giggled, and Edward grinned broadly. I rested my head on Edward's chest, and he hummed my lullaby softly.
Part 60 Bella's POV
"Bella," Edward whispered in my ear, his cold lips gently touching my skin, "It's time to wake up, love. We're home." Edward helped me out of the car, and we walked toward the house.
Once we were inside, Edward wrapped his arms around me and kissed me lightly on the top of my head. I heard Alice head upstairs to give us some privacy. Edward and I just stood in the kitchen together, our arms entwined and our eyes never leaving one another's faces. After a time, though I don't know how long, the phone rang, breaking the silence.
When Edward answered the phone, he looked worried.
"Yes. We just got back." I looked at Edward curiously. 'It's Charlie,' he mouthed, turning back to the receiver. "Well, Bella is extremely tired after our trip, so maybe tomorrow night? Okay, thanks. Bye!"
My stomach sank. I had completely forgotten about Charlie…and Jacob. I turned to look at Edward, knowing he wouldn't like what I had to say.
Part 61 Bella's POV
"Edward, I need to see Jacob."
"Yes, I know." This wasn't the answer I had been expecting from Edward. I sensed that something was wrong.
"What's going on, Edward?"
"Well, Jacob thinks you're dead." Edward looked at me apologetically. I felt my breath catch in my chest.
"He thinks I'm…I'm…dead?" I could hear my voice shaking as I spoke. "I need to call him…NOW." I ran to the phone and dialed his number. Billy answered.
"Hello?"
"Hi Billy. It's Bella. Is Jacob there?" I asked frantically.
Billy sounded shocked as he said, "No."
"Do you have any idea where I could find him?"
"No. ." "He disappeared a few weeks ago. Right around the time he heard you were …dead." Grief and worry colored Billy's voice.
I dropped the receiver and sank to the floor, sobbing.
Part 62 Bella's POV
Once I had calmed down slightly, Edward drove me to La Push, insisting that I was in no condition to drive. For once, I didn't argue; I just got in the car and urged Edward to drive faster.
Once we got to La Push, I ran out of the car toward Jacob's house. I rapped urgently on the door, waiting impatiently for it to open. After what seemed like forever, Billy opened the door, his face sagging with fatigue and worry.
"Billy!" I rushed forward to give Billy a hug. Billy hugged me back, his eyes questioning.
"Bella, you're alive…how?" I understood Billy's concern, but I didn't have time to explain.
"Long story. But Jacob…" My voice caught in my throat, letting out a dry sob.
"We can't find him anywhere," Billy said sadly.
"What about the telepathic connection? Can't you find him that way?"
"We had connection with him for a while, and we tried to get him to come back, but he wouldn't answer to anyone." Billy sighed hopelessly. "But a couple days ago, we lost the connection completely."
Part 63 Bella's POV
My breathing was coming in ragged gasps. He couldn't be dead. No. Jacob wouldn't do that. Would he? I felt dizzy, and I could see darkness gathering at the edges of my vision. I wobbled, and Billy steadied me, leading me to the couch.
"Breathe, Bella." Billy looked at me, concern etched in his face. I sat on the couch, my head in my hands.
"Do you think he's…?" I asked through my fingers.
Billy didn't answer. He just looked away, a tear running down his cheek.
