A/N: Let's see who's calling the house . . .
"Dr. Cullen speaking," he says after placing the cordless phone to his ear.
"Edward? Edward, is that you?" It's a woman's voice that sounds vaguely familiar, but in his current state of mind, he can't place it.
"Yes, this is Edward Cullen. Who is this?"
"Edward, thank goodness. This is Rose. Bella's friend, Rosalie Hale."
He's beyond surprised to be hearing from Bella's best friend. They met in person only once, at his and Bella's wedding in Las Vegas. Though they've spoken a handful of times over the telephone, Rose's career has kept her from making a personal visit to their home. He can't recall a time she's ever called the house looking for him.
"Jeez, Rose, it's great to hear from you. A bit uncanny in fact that you would call today. Have you by any chance heard from Bella?"
"Why are you asking if I've heard from her? I'm trying to reach her, but her cell is going right to voicemail. I got worried, so I thought I'd try the house. Are you saying she's not there?"
"Actually, no she's not –"
"Who's calling, dear? Is it Isabella?" Esme calls from the other room.
He turns his face away from the receiver before answering. "No, Mom. It's a friend of Bella's."
"Edward, your mom is there?" Rose asks. "But Bella's not?"
"That's right."
"Edward, where is Bella?" Rose demands.
He runs his hand through his hair, showing his agitation. "We don't know, Rose. She ran out to a local coffee shop this morning and hasn't come back. I've contacted everyone I know, but no one has seen or heard from her. Both my folks came over to help and, you know, provide moral support. Have you heard anything from her recently? Anything at all?"
"Well, yes, we spoke just yesterday morning in fact."
This is news to Edward but, of course, he and Bella hadn't done much talking after he got home from the hospital yesterday.
"Wow, okay. Um, how was she? How did she seem? Was she upset about anything? Was anything bothering her?"
"She was doing . . . okay. Frankly, based on our discussion, I'm more than a little surprised she's not there. Have you and Bella talked much since you got home? I know she was anxious to see and talk with you."
Moments of the past twenty-four hours flash across Edward's memory. Bella saying it was important for them to talk. Bella wanting to put off sex so they could talk first.
Oh, fuck, what had happened? Did he miss some sign? Could it be possible that Bella wanted so badly to talk because she wasn't happy? No. That couldn't be it. He has faith in their connection. However, he can't pass up the opportunity to see if Rose will confirm that.
"Rose, please hold on a minute," he says. He turns to his parents who are now standing near the kitchen island, waiting to hear whatever news Edward may have.
"I'm going to take this in my office. I'll fill you in when I'm off the phone," he tells them.
"Of course, son," Carlisle replies.
Edward quickly walks to his office, located off the front hall, and closes the door behind him.
"Sorry about that Rose, I was just getting some privacy for our conversation. I have to ask, when you and Bella talked, did she say anything about being unhappy? I mean, did she say anything at all that might make you think that she has chosen . . . to . . . to leave me?" He can barely get the question out, and his voice conveys the hurt caused by the thought.
"Edward," Rose begins, her voice warm with empathy. "I know that Bella did want to speak to you about some things, and it's not my place to tell you about them. However, I can absolutely, one hundred percent guarantee you that she wasn't going to leave. She's madly in love with you. She loves the life you have and appreciates it now more than ever. If she didn't come home, it was not by her choice."
"Oh, thank God. And thank you, Rose. I've had so many people suggesting that she left intentionally, even though I knew that was impossible. But, it was just starting to wear on me. Then this idiotic Keystone Cop was here and suggested that, if she didn't leave on her own because she was unhappy, then chances were that I did something to harm her!"
"What the fuck!" Rose exclaims.
"Yes, my thoughts exactly. Thank goodness Charlie's on his way."
"Charlie's coming to Seattle? That's good. That's very, very good."
"I agree. He immediately knew that Bella wouldn't simply leave. He should be here in about ninety minutes."
"Well, if I know the Chief, you can bet he'll be there faster than that."
"He did mention he'd be driving with the lights on."
"Listen, Edward, can I suggest something?"
"Sure, of course."
"When Charlie gets there, and you have a chance to talk to him, try to sit down with him privately."
"Oh. Well, um, it's just my parents who are here right now . . ."
"I know. I just think things might be a little more productive if you do."
"Oka-ay," he replies, dragging out the word.
"Just, if you can. All right?" Rose presses.
"Yes, all right, Rose," he agrees.
"Keep me in the loop, too. You have my cell number right?"
"Yes, it's in our address book. I'll be sure to let you know the moment I hear anything."
"Thanks, Edward. Just remember, she didn't leave you, and we will find her."
"Right. Thanks, Rose. We'll talk soon. Bye."
"Bye, Edward."
Edward disconnects the call but stays in his office to reflect on the conversation. He is overjoyed to get confirmation from Bella's best friend that she had no intention of leaving him, of walking away from all they have together. He can't imagine what Bella wanted to discuss with him but is confident in Rose's assessment that it wasn't something that would drive Bella away. Yes, overall, it was an encouraging conversation, and his heart lifts at the thought. Although, it also confirms that Bella is likely being prevented from coming home and could be in danger.
Returning to the kitchen, he puts the receiver back in the cradle then crosses to the living room to join his parents, now sitting on the sofa.
"That was Bella's friend, Rosalie Hale," he begins.
"Oh yes. She's the model, right, dear?" Esme asks.
"Yes, that's right. Anyway, she was concerned because she wasn't able to reach Bella. She spoke to her earlier this week, I guess," he explains.
"Does she have any thoughts?" Carlisle asks.
"Only that she's positive Bella would not have left of her own accord."
"Yes, well, I think we can all agree on that, can't we Esme?" Carlisle asks, glancing at his wife.
For a split second, Esme seems startled by the question, but she recovers quickly. "Absolutely, darling. There's no question that Isabella loves you and would not have chosen to leave," she offers.
"Right. Well, I guess now all we can do is wait for Charlie to get here," Edward remarks as he leans back on the sofa, his head dropping back. He rubs his face with his hands and lets out a loud sigh.
Finally, at just past 4:15, the doorbell rings again and Edward practically sprints to answer it. This time his relief is palpable when he pulls it open and sees his father-in-law standing there, confident and stalwart. There's a look about him that says he always achieves what he sets out to do. It's just the boost that Edward needs.
"Charlie," he says with relief.
"Edward. Any word from our girl?"
Edward swallows down the lump in his throat. "No. Nothing." The waiver in his voice is barely discernable.
Charlie looks at him hard, then suddenly pulls him in for a hug. "It's okay, son. We'll find her." Stepping back, he gives Edward a final pat on the back before entering the house. "Let's get to work."
Meanwhile, in Milan . . .
RPOV
"Bernardo, darling, I'm sorry too. I hadn't intended to leave on such short notice," Rose says into her cell phone as she steps out of the taxi, pulling the strap of her carry-on over her shoulder.
"No, I've had a wonderful time, but there's a family emergency back home that I need to help with. Oh, you're such a dear to offer, but no, I'm fine going back on my own. Of course, I'll keep in touch. I'll be sure to call you the next time I'm anywhere near Milan. Ciao, darling!" She ends the call, walking briskly into the airport.
A/N: Thanks to everyone who is reading and reviewing!
So, according to Google, Bernardo means 'bold as a bear.' I couldn't resist giving a little nod to the original story and Emmett's fateful end. Rose knows she needs to be with someone as bold as a bear, she just hasn't found the right one!
This was a little short, maybe I'll post again over the weekend. Think I should?
A lot of people have helped me in this process as prereaders, betas and cheerleaders (often all three at once). You all have my sincere gratitude: Owlsarebirdstoo, Ana Rodfranco, SunflowerFran, Tiffany L Cullen. Oh, and Beegurl13 made me this awesome banner. You can see it on my Facebook page, Amy Gold (Amethyst Gold).
Standard Disclaimer: Twilight belongs to Stephenie Meyer. I don't own any publicly recognizable entities herein. No copyright infringement is intended.
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