Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns everything in the Twiverse. I'm just playing around in New Moon with Rosalie.

Sorry for the delay today! I've been out of the house since this morning and only just got home.

Let's see why Esme's calling.

What Have We Done?

Chapter 21

"Rosalie?" Her warm voice is slightly alarmed. "Are you all right?"

I cannot answer that honestly, so I say nothing. The sound of her voice has completely confused my mood, and I don't trust whatever might come out of my mouth next.

"I know you needed some space," she continues. "But Alice said you needed me."

"What?"

"Alice told me to call because you needed me." She sounds confused. "Was she mistaken?"

"No, but... did she say anything else?"

"No."

"So she didn't tell you why she thought I needed you?"

"No."

My eyes narrow, even though she can't see it. "She didn't say anything at all?"

"No, but now I'm starting to think you should tell me yourself." Her voice softens. "What's going on, honey?"

I sigh heavily, drowning in the warmth of her concern. Falling back against the very rock I just destroyed, I slide to the dusty ground and rub my forehead.

"Are you alone?" I ask.

"Yes."

"And this conversation will stay between us?"

"Outside of whatever Alice might see, yes."

"And whatever..."

"And whatever she sees, I will tell her to keep to herself," Esme finishes my thought. "Now what has happened?"

"I don't even know how to tell you this..." I close my eyes and take a deep breath. "Okay. I saw Bella."

"You...?" The tremor in her voice tugs at my heart. "You saw Bella?"

"Yes."

"How?"

I take her through the logic in Ithaca that led me here nine days ago. I tell her what I saw and heard upon my arrival and what I have attempted to do about it.

But when I start to tell her exactly what Edward said, some foreign instinct steers me in a more general direction.

"The way she behaves, the things she says... I'm starting to think Edward deliberately led Bella to believe he didn't want her." I continue through her gasp. "And maybe went so far as to make her think he will never come back."

"You mean, like he intends to stay away from her forever?"

"That is my impression of things, yes."

"Well, that's what we all thought, isn't it?" The musing quality of her voice is replaced with horror. "But for him to actually say such a thing to Bella? I can hardly believe it!"

"I know."

"And why? Why would he do that?"

"I don't know."

"Is that why he insisted we sever all ties?" she asks sharply. "Because he didn't want us discovering the extent of what he did? Did he hide behind the terms of the covenant to keep us in the dark?"

"I don't know, Mom!" I pinch the bridge of my nose, annoyed at myself when I remember who else does that when frustrated. "I just... I am so pissed at Edward I can hardly see straight! I don't know what the hell he was thinking, but I'll bet he has no idea the state he left her in."

"I know."

"That girl is a shell of the person she used to be, and I just want to kick Edward's ass from one end of the earth to the other for what he did to her! And I have every right to do it because Bella trusts me and she deserves..."

Three of those words cut through the clamor in my head, and suddenly they are all I hear.

Bella trusts me.

Bella.

Trusts.

Me.

She trusts me not only to come back to her, but she trusts me with the truth of what Edward did to her.

She didn't tell me that truth so I could tell Esme, which some part of me must already know.

She didn't tell me so I could exact revenge in her name.

She didn't even tell me so I could be angry on her behalf.

She told me because she trusts me to share her burden and help her carry it.

And in order to do that, I need to be with her, not out in the wilderness having a tantrum.

Or gleefully plotting her absentee mate's demise.

"Rosalie?" Esme asks when the silence has dragged on too long. "Are you still there?"

"Yes. But I... I need to get back to Bella."

"Of course." I can feel her smile through the phone. "If there's anything I can do…"

"I will let you know."

"Thank you. And I won't say anything to Carlisle if you don't want me to."

I don't hesitate. "Tell him."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." I look back in the direction of the Swan house. "I would never ask you to keep a secret from your mate."

At least, not anymore.

Again, I'm sorry for taking so long to post today, but I hope you feel this chapter was worth the wait.

Enjoy your Fridays, and I'll see you Saturday! XO