Only a Photograph

Chapter 10

There, leaning against his trailer was Edward and locked to his lips was Tanya Denali. Tears gathered in my eyes and slowly my heart started to break. I leaned back behind the trailer as I muffled a sob that escaped my lips. I just wasn't good enough for the famous Edward Cullen. Tanya Denali, a beautiful, rich actress was who he wanted. I couldn't stand to confront Edward right now. Quickly, I made a mad dash to my car avoiding the photographer outside the gate. Pulling one of those window screens out from my back seat I placed it on my windshield and locked the doors before I threw my face in my hands and cried. It was right then I was glad my windows were heavily tinted besides my windshield. I didn't want any photos of me crying that could send the media even more embarrassing things.

I felt betrayed. If he didn't want me then he should have told me. No he had to be like every other man and be a two faced lying asshole. I was just his charity case. I was a sappy little fan girl that he showed around to boost his image as a compassionate person. Then once Tanya arrived he threw me away like yesterday's news.

Throwing the front window covering to the back seat I shifted into drive and took off towards my father's house. I needed to get out of town and maybe even the country. I had taken the whole week off of work next week for fall break. Right now I was really happy I did. I had plenty of cash saved up and once I got to my father's I would figure out where to go from there.

It was a long drive from Seattle to Forks and the entire time my mind was filled with memories of Edward from the past month. The first time we met, the almost sex, and the past few dates we had gone on. He was a real first class actor. Not for a single moment did I ever believe that he was not interested in me the way I was.

Pulling up to my father's cruiser I shut my car off and got out. It was pouring down rain, typical. It matched my mood perfectly. Then again this was Washington, when didn't it rain?

Using my old key, I unlocked the front door and stepped in. I hoped Charlie wouldn't be too upset to find me here in the morning. I didn't think about giving him a call on the way to warn him of my arriving.

As I headed towards the living room I saw a figure round the corner with a gun pointed towards me. Frightened I let out a yelp and fell to my knees crying. Everything that had happened came crashing down on me once again.

"Bella, are you ok?" Charlie dropped the gun and quickly pulling me into a hug. It only caused my wails to grow louder. I wouldn't ever have Edward's arms around me again. I wouldn't be able to smell his wonderful scent. I hate him for cheating on me but I still cared for him like no other man before.

"Bells talk to me what happened?" I couldn't stop the flow of tears and strangled sobs to even answer. I just kneeled there crying until darkness consumed my mind.

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I awoke with a start. Where was I? I looked around to the room I was currently in. I was in my bed in Charlie's house, my old home. Why was I here? I sat up and then everything came flooding back to me in a large tidal wave.

Edward and Tanya kissing, my heart breaking, the dash to my car, and then my father with his gun pointed towards me. Edward had cheated on me. I came home to get away from it, to get away from him.

Slowly, I made my way to the bathroom and started my morning routine. I still kept a few things here in case I visited. Right now I was really glad I did.

After taking my shower, brushing my teeth and changing into some comfortable clothes I headed down to the kitchen where I found Charlie sitting with a newspaper in front of his face.

"Morning, Dad."

"Morning, Bells. You mind talking me about last night?" My breath caught in my throat. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to tell him. I could still feel my heart breaking every time I thought abouthim. But Charlie was my father, and after what happened last night I thought I at least owed him an explanation as to why I was walking through his door at 2 in the morning.

As I sat and told my father of what I saw the night before my mind came up with a plan. I was going to fly to England. I was sure that my father mentioned that Grandma Swan still owned the house I stayed at for those two summers. I would go there and spend my fall break in that country. Away from Seattle, away from this country, away from Edward.

When I finished my story Charlie looked as if he was going to go down to Seattle and strangle someone but he reached over and pulled me into a hug.

"It'll be okay, Bells."

"I know it will be. That's why I'm going to England." I felt him stiffen at my words and after a few minutes he relaxed, releasing me.

"You do what you need to do. Just remember that things happen for a reason." I nodded. "When are you leaving?"

"As soon as I can get some tickets booked. I was just thinking about doing it at the airport." Charlie nodded and sent me off to pack what few things I kept at the house.

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"Here; I wanted to give this to you before you left." Charlie said handing me a suitcase. I had finished packing and we stood at the airport. Charlie decided to drop me off to save on garage fees.

"It's all the photos and videos from Grandma Swan."

"Thanks, Dad" Charlie pulled me into a hug and soon enough we said our goodbyes. Entering the lobby, I quickly went up to the desk.

"Hello, what can I do for you today?" The male attendant smiled at me as I pulled out a credit card.

"I need a coach ticket to London, England." He nodded and quickly typed away on his computer.

"Ok, I have a plane leaving tomorrow at--."

"No I need one for today." I said interrupting him.

"I'm sorry miss it's the only earliest coach ticket I have." I sighed. This meant I would be spending the night here at the airport.

"Fine, book it under Isabella Swan." I saw his eyes go wide.

"Isabella Swan, THE Isabella Swan. You're Edward Cullen's girlfriend! I can't believe this, I thought you looked familiar. I hope they kick Tanya to the curb and get you as the new Kris" His words stung. I was sure he hadn't seen the reports yet but I nodded. I even held the tears that threatened to fall. The man was still talking but the words "Flight tonight" caught my attention.

"Alright, Miss Swan, here is your first class ticket. The plane leaves in two hours. Have a great flight!" I stood somewhat speechless before I made a beeline towards my gate. I wasn't going to argue with a cheap, first class ticket. I quickly made my way through security and down to my gate with forty-five minutes to spare. It was going to be the longest forty-five minutes of my life.

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When I finally got to board my plane, I was delighted to be in first class after seeing the large amount of crying children that were in coach. Placing my bag in the over head area and my purse underneath the seat in front of me I got comfortable with my IPod. This was going to be a long flight. Everything today seemed so long but I knew in the end I would be away from everything and I could be away from him.

I started looking around for the headphones to my IPod. I huffed as I went through my purse again, then again. I went through it once more before dropping my purse and slamming my head into the head rest behind me. I had completely forgotten to bring headphone for my IPod. God I feel so stupid. I closed my eyes with a sigh. This long flight had just turned into an extremely long one.

Opening my eyes I looked down to close my purse. I stopped when a dark blue pair of ear buds stared back at me. I also noticed a hand underneath them. The hand was pale with very long and skilled looking fingers.

Following the wrist that connected to an arm I soon saw a man sitting across the small aisle smiling at me. The man was beautiful. His light blonde hair looked messy as if those long fingers of his were constantly running through it. I didn't notice much else about his face after I took in his eyes. They were green, the very same shade as Edward's. How weird. I normally didn't see people with green eyes.

"Here you go Miss, um…"

"Bella" I replied, a smile graced his lips. It was a knowing smile. I hoped he wasn't another one of my fans. I took the buds from him.

"Thank you sir."

"Carlisle" He said.

"Thank you Carlisle."

"It isn't a problem. I have a couple of pairs on me anyways that I'm never going to use." Smiling, I thanked whoever was that was watching over me and took out my IPod turning it on. Oh fuck my life.

"If you have your USB charger you can plug it into the side of your arm rest there but you won't be able to listen to it while it charges." I took out the little USB cord I had in my purse and plugged it in.

"Thanks for the tip, Carlisle."

"Not a problem, Bella." I sighed. I was thankful to the man next to me and for some odd reason, I felt at ease too. It was like I knew him. Maybe it was his eyes. They reminded me so much of Edward it was unreal. Even though my heart broke when I saw them I couldn't help be feel relaxed in Carlisle's presence. I decided to make small talk as I waited for my IPod to charge.

"So Carlisle, are you staying in London or are you going on to another plane?" He shook his head.

"No, I live in London." I was surprised at this. He didn't have an accent like most others. Do you remember my space cadet syndrome? Guess what: it came back.

"You don't have that funny accent like everyone else." Way to go Bella, I thought to myself. I just made an ass out of myself to a man nice enough to give me a set of ear buds. Lucky for me he laughed.

"No no my dear, I pick up accents very quickly. I've been in America for a couple of months on business."

"Oh, what do you do?"

"I'm a Doctor." We spent the rest of the flight chatting about the weather and other things. We stayed away from personal life questions as much as possible though I learned he was married to a woman named Esme and had a son. Our plane landed in New York to refuel giving me the chance to stretch my legs and take advantage of the first class area of the airport.

Carlisle joined me and started talking about the many cases he had seen in his days as a doctor. We chatted more until we boarded the plane. Both of us placed ear buds in our ears and laid back enjoying the rest of our ride.

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Once we arrived in London, I bid Carlisle a farewell.

"It was wonderful having you as my aisle mate Carlisle." We shook hands smiling. I was hoping this was a nice omen that things were going to be ok.

"The pleasure was all mine Bella. I hope you'll look me up before you leave again. By the sounds of it, though, I might see you in the ER sooner." We both laughed as he teased me about my klutzy ways. It was one of the few personal things we talked about. Taking out a business card, Carlisle placed it in my hand and pulled me into a hug before I got a chance to read it.

He released me soon after and waved as he walked away.

"I hope to hear from you Bella, It was great seeing you again!" Again? What the hell was he talking about? I looked down at the card in my hands.

Dr. Carlisle Cullen

Fuck my life. I was sure that was Edward's father I had spent my plane ride with. This was starting out horrible. And what is it with the Cullen men and acting like they knew me before we meet? Sighing, I hailed a cab and directed the driver to my hotel. I picked a nice place to stay that cost a bit of money ,but I had been saving for a vacation... just not like this. I signed in at the desk and received my key card I took the elevator up to my room.

Once I got inside, I moved my bags over from the living area where the bell boys left them to my bedroom. I took a seat on my bed. It had been 16 years since I last was in this country and it felt good, it felt as if I was home. Maybe I could move here and get away from everything. I doubt I could run into Edward in a town as large as London. Even if I did I could move somewhere further away: Less of a chance to see him. That was sounding like a great idea as I fell asleep, jet lag getting the better of me.

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When I woke up I glanced at the clock sitting on my bed. It was late in the afternoon, and I had been asleep for almost a day. I felt so much better after, that I got to work unpacking the few things I had brought with me.

Bath items went into my bathroom. Clothes in the dressers, and other odds and ends in the living room. Finally, I came to the suitcase my father had given me right before I left. I knew its contents and I hoped what I found inside would help ease my mind. Flopping the suitcase on my bed and my body soon joining it I took in a deep breath.

Slowly I opened the suitcase. I could smell that unique smell of Grandma Swan. I felt a tear run down my cheek. I really did miss her and Grandpa Swan. As I lifted the lid all the way up I caught sight of its contents. I knew what was inside but to see how much of my past rested in this suitcase was truly amazing. I heard the beginning of a news alert on the television. I grabbed the remote to turn it off when I heard his name uttered. Even though I knew I should have just ignored it, I couldn't.

"We have an exclusive interview with the ever popular Edward Cullen. It wasn't us that asked for it, either. Edward demanded to be interviewed by us, so here he is live via satellite." Edward appeared on the screen and tears gathered in my eyes as I looked at him for the first time in days. He looked angry but determined. I felt myself absorbed into what he wanted to say.

"Thank you Tracy. I requested this interview in order to clarify some information that was placed here on this channel. I have no interest in Tanya Denali; she attacked me and kissed me. In return I had her fired and removed from the set with a sexual harassment case filed against her. Furthermore, all parties responsible for tipping of the media on a fake report have also been removed from set." Edward look relieved as he spoke; like he was getting a large load off his chest. I felt my stomach drop and my chest tighten. Tanya attacked him? I wasn't sure if I wanted to believe him. Then again, why say all of this over national television that I could even get in England (for a hefty fee that is)?

"Further more, I want to send a special message to someone very dear to me. Isabella, if you're watching, I'm sorry. I love you with everything I am and if you're willing to be mine again I'll be waiting in our spot for you." With that he clicked off the feed and the reporter continued on talking. I didn't hear a word she said though. My mind was wrapped around the fact that Edward said he loved me. And I loved him as well. I didn't understand though where he meant. Where was our spot? I spent most of my night trying to figure out where until I fell asleep.

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I was awakened by sunlight streaming through my window. The events of last night danced around in my head but I quickly threw them aside. As I went to get up I hit the suitcase filled with photos and tapes. Picking up one of the tapes titled "Bella taping her summer" I placed it in the VCR and hit play. I started watching random images dance around the screen as my five year-old self filmed random things going on around me. As the tape played I picked up an assortment of photos and started going through them.

An hour into the tape I had gone through many photos of me from years past. The last stack I picked up was photos of me in England. As I started going through them I couldn't help but smile at all the memories.

"Edward!" I jumped as my five year old self screamed his name from the television. I looked up to see a young boy with crazy bronze hair and emerald green eyes. My breathing stopped as I watched the interaction. He was the boy from my dreams. Memories started taking over my mind.

Well happy birthday Bella." I looked at him strangely,

"How do you know my name?" He seemed to look uncomfortable for a split second before smiling.

He knew me from our childhood. All these years he still remembered. I hadn't changed much since I was five. I filled out in the right places but my face still held the same recognizable features. My big brown eyes, fuller upper lip, and among other things my long brown hair.

"Bella"

The boy chuckled.

"What's so funny about my name?" She asked.

"Your name isn't funny it's your accent." Her face held a look of shock.

"I have a funny accent… you're the one with the funny accent!" The boy chuckled, again.

"Perhaps to you I do." She blushed and turned back to the rolls waves crashing onto the beach.

"Bella, time to go sweetheart" her grandfather called. She frowned. She didn't want to leave her new friend.

"Will you be here tomorrow?"

"Yes, I'm here every day." Her frown turned into a joyful smile. She quickly hugged him and ran off to meet her grandfather with high hopes of seeing her new found friend.

My dreams I realized, were of him and I together those two summers. My first crush was Edward and even now I still had a crush on him but it was bigger. I loved him and that was all there was to it. That spark I felt each time we touched, it was something telling me, he is the one. I just had to find him but where?

"Remember the photograph Bella."

I kept going through all the photos I had left in my hands. Pictures of Edward and I at the bottom. We were in various places around the country exploring new things. I was about to give up hope when the last photo in my hands showed the two of us at the beach. We were overlooking the ocean as we sat in the sand cuddled up to one another.

"Are you going to be here next summer too?" The boy asked Bella.

"Yes, Grandpa said we will come every summer that I want to be here." The boy smiled looking at her.

"Good I'll always be here, waiting just for you. I'll wait every night in the summer and all year long just in case you come some other time. Right here in this very spot, I promise." Bella blushed looking out to the ocean.

That was it, the beach. It was that very beach where we meet and parted ways both years. I knew what I had to do now. I had to go there because Edward was waiting for me.

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There you go my readers, you earned this 3.5K long chapter. Theotherbella pushed me to finish this, she wanted to read it so badly so go over and read her stories as a thanks to getting this chapter out so fast (she even did her beta job really freaking fast) Chapter 11 is going to be the last chapter and then I will make an epilog can you believe that's all that is left? WOW

Destiny Kalince