A/N: Just a short update today! Most of you are really pissed off at Edward right now LOL, let's see if this changes your mind!
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26
They had a month before they were due to start recording the next album, so Edward set to finding Bella. It was difficult, as the papers were full of stories of Jacob leaving the band, as well as the couples break up, and reporters constantly dogged their steps. Emmett had decided to go home for the month, but Jasper stayed to help his brother.
Where could she have gone? thought Edward. She could be anywhere. She had her passport and plenty of money, she could be anywhere in the world. Edward guessed instinctively that she would have gone home to be near her family, but couldn't be sure. She may avoid going there in case he did come looking for her. They'd found out from the concierge that she'd taken a cab straight from the hotel to the airport.
At the airport, the staff couldn't officially give them any information, but the girl behind the counter was - luckily for them - an avid Eclipsed fan. She took pity on them and when she came off duty, told them that Bella had waited for hours until a seat became available on a flight to Hong Kong.
It made sense, she could get a connecting flight to England from Hong Kong. Still, it would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Both Edward and Jasper had tried calling her family to find out where she was, but they refused to tell them.
`Edward, she's okay' said Alice, Bella's sister, `but she's really hurt. She just doesn't want to see you. Give it up, Edward, and leave her alone'.
`I can't' he replied `I love her'.
`Yeah right!' said Alice angrily `You don't call the girl you love a whore! Just forget it. She doesn't need you, or want you, and if you come round here, Seth is liable to kill you'. With that, Alice hung up.
`I'm not giving up' said Edward to Jasper `She might not take me back, and who could blame her? But I have to try'.
They flew to England, and tried her family again, despite Alice's warning. Luckily for Edward, Seth wasn't home, but her Mum was, and that was almost as scary!
`So you're the one' she said, looking him up and down.
`Yes Mrs Swan. Look I know how much I've hurt Bella, but I really need to talk to her'.
Renee Swan shook her head, `No, I'm sorry. She told us specifically not to tell anyone where she was, no matter who came looking. Even if I hadn't promised, I still wouldn't tell you. Do you really think I want you anywhere near my daughter after the way you've treated her? Stay away from her'.
`Would you please tell her that I'm looking for her at least?'
`No. Look, you're bad news for Bella. I don't want you anywhere near her. I've never seen her like this before, and it's all down to you. The sooner she gets over you, the better. Now I'd appreciate it if you would get off my doorstep'.
They tried and tried to find Bella, but to no avail. She had simply disappeared. Toward the end of the month, Edward was getting desperate.
`How difficult can it be?' asked Edward one night, frustrated as another lead turned up a dead end, `How can she just disappear?'
`She obviously doesn't want to be found' said Jasper, sighing. It was hard on him, seeing his brother like this. Edward was losing weight, the depression and anxiety killing his appetite, which was almost unheard of for him, and he looked so haggard. The disappointment, time and time again, was destroying him. `Maybe' he said softly, `Maybe we should stop trying to find her, and leave her alone to get on with her life'.
`No!' said Edward, angrily `I have to find her. I have to see her just once more. I have to try'.
`We have to go back to Chicago tomorrow'.
`I know' sighed Edward `but I'm not giving up, I can't'.
They flew back to Chicago the next day to start recording their next album. Edward returned to London as often as he could, but Bella was nowhere to be found. Two months passed, but still no news.
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A/N: So? Do you think he's suffered enough? Paid enough penance for being such an ass?! Maybe… or maybe not lol! We'll catch up with Bella next chapter. As always I'll update much faster if this gets plenty of reviews! ;)