The doorbell rang on Saturday morning. I was expecting Edward to pick me up (he'd been hunting that night and called to say he'd be here in a few minutes) but I thought it strange that he would ring the doorbell. Usually he just let himself in.
"Its open," I called as I grabbed a granola bar. I heard the door open and someone walk in. "I missed you," I said as I made my way to see him.
"I missed you too."
I froze. It wasn't Edward.
Renee stood in the entryway.
"M-mom," I stammered. I didn't know what else to say. I looked at my mother silently.
She looked the same as always, only sadder. She looked at me with a sense of longing in her eyes.
"Bella…" she began. But she didn't seem to be able to find the words.
I could only stare at her. I'd missed her so much; she'd been my best friend for so long. But I was so angry at her for leaving me. For shipping me off and not looking back. For not caring anymore. It hurt more than I thought I'd ever be able to admit to her.
We stared at each other for a few long minutes. I wasn't sure if I was seeing her correctly. Was I dreaming? She looked the same as always, only troubled somehow.
Finally I spoke, "where's Phil?"
"He's back in Jacksonville. He's fine. He wanted to come and visit with me but I thought it best I come alone now." She couldn't look me in the eyes, I noticed.
"Why are you here?" I whispered, not trusting my full voice for fear of it turning into sobs.
My mother sighed sadly, "I've missed you so much Bella."
I snorted humorlessly, "That's funny. I don't remember you ever calling to check up on me. It seems that if you missed me you would have at least called once in a while."
"Bella," she looked on the verge of tears. "I- I don't know how to begin to apologize. I thought you wouldn't want me after how badly I neglected you… I have so much to explain to you… if you'll listen..?" she looked at me with melancholy hope in her eyes.
I heard the front doorknob turn as Edward walked in. He looked worried but as he looked from me to my mother, his concern turned to curiosity.
"Edward," I said to him, softly, "this is my mother, Renee." He looked mildly surprised but also disturbed by my cheerless tone of voice. I couldn't look at her. I kept my eyes on my love, finding comfort and strength in his presence.
Renee was confused, "hello," she said to him, quietly. He shook her hand courteously.
"Pleasure," he said, "Bella, maybe I should come back later?"
"No," I shook my head. I couldn't be in the same room as her anymore. I needed to clear my head, "I'm coming with you. Let's go."
"Wait, Bella," I turned towards my mother as she spoke. "I was hoping we could talk… honey, I have so much to tell you… so much to apologize for…"
My anger surfaced and I could not hold it back, "Oh, now you want to talk," I snapped icily, "that's funny, mom, because you didn't feel much like talking when you shipped me out here. Orwhen Charlie went into rehab. What's so special about now that makes you so suddenly conversational?!" My voice was rising, "You think you can neglect me for MONTHS and ignore me when I need you most but I'm supposed to just drop everything and comfort you in your time of need? Forget it!" My voice broke into a huge sob.
"Bella," she was crying now too. She reached out to hug me but I stepped back, away from her.
"NO!" I screamed at her. "You're too late."
And with that I stormed out of the house.
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