Chapter 35 Home sweet home? (Bella POV)
Ever since Renesmee knew that she would most likely go home to her parents she withdrew into herself completely. Tuesday after school saw Laura back this time with Renesmee's Mom and supposed father. Edward ended up being stuck at work so Carlisle and Esme had agreed to come over. For which I was eternally grateful and I was going to have to talk to Carlisle about the hospital policy on emergency personal time. If this didn't count I don't know what did? Renesmee was incredibly quiet around her Mom, she accepted a hug yet was stiff in her arms as if she'd never been hugged before in her life. Although she was tense when me or Edward hugged her she would eventually relax. I was polite and courteous offering drinks and biscuits. Her father kept shooting me daggers and glares, which were making me, feel incredibly uncomfortable and I avoided him at all costs. I didn't like having him in my house. Laura however seemed completely unaware as he was a gentlemen towards her. Luckily Carlisle saw my discomfort and took to being my shadow following me everywhere on pretense of helping, yet his presence was comforting. Once they'd all gone I'd managed to get Renesmee settled on the sofa though she refused to eat much she seemed to relax a little.
An hour after the meeting Laura rang and told me how pleased she was with the meeting and told me they were coming to pick Renesmee up for dinner the following night. So here I was pacing the kitchen waiting for them to bring her back. I hoped that she was ok. Once again Edward wasn't here but Esme had come over while I handed Renesmee off to her parents, her support silent and unwavering. She had offered to wait with me but I felt silly enough and told her I'd be fine though looking at my pacing I so obviously wasn't. Renesmee was due back at 6pm it was now 6.40pm and I'd called Laura who just said everything was fine and Renesmee would be back soon. Edward came in a little before seven and immediately wrapped me in a tight hug swaying us from side to side murmuring that he loved me.
"I'm sorry" I mumbled pulling away from him with a sheepish smile.
"Why are you sorry?" He asked caressing my cheek. I shrugged my shoulders not really sure why I heard him sigh "Sweetie your allowed to feel whatever you like and there's nothing wrong with needing comfort from your own husband or asking for it either." He teased kissing my nose.
"I know. I guess I've still got work to do in that respect then?" I asked wishing I wasn't still so weak.
As if he could hear my thoughts he pulled me to him tighter than before and tucked me into his side my head resting against his chest. "No you haven't far from it. I love you for you and I'd never want you to change. Yes I think it would help if you learnt to ask on occasion even if it's just a hug when you need it without it making you feel so weak. In fact I believe asking for help when you need it is the strongest thing you could ever do." He told me kissing the top of my head.
I didn't really believe anything he said but we heard a car door slam in our drive way and I immediately raced towards the door way. Renesmee was climbing out the car and making the way to the door as I opened it. Her Mom or Dad didn't even bother to check she was in safe before they were driving off. Smiling down at Renesmee I stepped back to let her in. she sat and took off her shoes and coat.
"Did you have fun?" I asked with a bright smile.
She shrugged her shoulders "We went for dinner, I had some toast." She told me quietly.
I looked up at Edward toast for dinner? What were they thinking? "Did you have anything else to eat or are you still hungry? Edward and I haven't eaten yet." I told her gently.
"I'm not hungry mum said I looked as if I'd been eating too much." She told me looking down at the floor.
"Nonsense you need to eat three good meals a day. Otherwise you're not getting the nutrients you need." Edward told her with a little anger in his tone. Renesmee's head shoot up and stared at Edward her eyes wide and a little fearful. "I'm sorry Renesmee I'm not angry at you. I didn't mean to scare you." He told her with a small smile. He then reached out to take her hand and pull her into a hug but she stepped away from him. His hand dropped and he glanced at Renesmee with worry and concern. "Ok Renesmee no one is going to force you. Why don't you come and sit in the kitchen whilst Bella and I eat?" Edward asked moving a little further away to give her some space.
She looked like she wanted to run but nodded her head so I followed Edward towards the kitchen with Renesmee behind me. I don't know what they had been said to her but I didn't like it one bit and as soon as she was in bed I would be ringing Laura and telling her so. How anybody thinks they can be good parents is beyond me? I decided on an omelette for dinner not really being in the mood to eat. Renesmee refused to eat but sat with us quietly she looked absolutely terrified and so lost I just wanted to hug her to me and let go. I'd just finished eating when my cell rang with a quick glance at Edward I left the room knowing that it was probably Laura and I didn't want Renesmee to listen in on what I had to say.
"Hello" I answered a little more harshly than I intended.
"Bella its Laura I wanted to discuss what's going to happen next." She told me her tone professional and to the point. I really didn't like this woman.
"Ok but first I wanted you to know that Renesmee has come back and seems absolutely terrified she won't go anywhere near Edward and they only gave her toast for dinner which is not enough to sustain her." I told her quickly trying to get my point across about Renesmee not being safe with those people.
I heard a sigh in response "Bella listen I know you have Renesmee's best interest at heart but surely you have to realise that being at home with her parents is the best thing for her." she told me leaving no room for argument.
"I agree though only when we're sure that she will be well looked after and I'm not sure that she will be?" I told her anger seeping into my tone.
"Mrs Cullen our decision is final. Renesmee will move back in with her parents and the sooner the better. I think it's best if she goes back home tomorrow evening. So her parents and I will be at yours to collect her." She told me and I felt the air leave my body. How the hell was I going to tell her she had to go and live there again?
"Ok, though I want my concerns logging and she should be carefully monitored." I demanded hoping that at least she'd do that part.
"Of course Mrs Cullen you don't need to tell me my job. I'll see you tomorrow." She snapped before hanging up.
I sighed and sank into the sofa resting my head in my hands. "I have to leave don't I?" her small voice ask.
I spun round standing looking at Renesmee who was staring at me with wide eyes. "Come here sweetie." I instructed holding out my hand and luckily she did. I pulled her down in my lap and held her tight before I continued "Yes Renesmee you do. I have just spoken to Laura and she thinks it is best if you go back to live with your Mom and Dad."
She sighed in response and buried her head into my shoulder "I don't want to." She mumbled her voice shaky with emotion.
"I know my darling but I don't have any control over where you live. Laura thinks it will be best and you never know your Mom looks like she is feeling better and will take really good care of you." I tried to sound positive but failing miserably.
"She doesn't love me." She told me her voice resigned and I couldn't help but let a tear fall at how desperate and lost she sounded it was as if she was all alone in the world.
I felt Edward sit next to us and put his arm around both me and Renesmee giving us both comfort. Finally when I noticed Renesmee falling asleep in my arms I whispered "Come on you let's get you tucked up in bed so you can get a good night sleep." Renesmee didn't argue with me so I carried her up to her room and got her safely to bed both me and Edward kissing her good night. I wondered if she would get the same treatment tomorrow night. Edward then dragged me to our room I wanted to stay with her but Edward insisted that it wouldn't do any of us good. I guess he was right.
"There should be something we can do." I ranted pacing back and forth round our room.
"I don't know Bella. We have no parental rights over her." He reasoned trying to calm me down.
"I know but Christ are we really going to just let her go?" I asked already knowing the answer.
He raised his eyebrows at me "come here." He instructed and I let him pull me to him and on the bed where he held me tight. "I promise that we will do everything in our power to make sure she stays safe. First thing in the morning I'll ring Jayne and see what she can dig up. You know how great she is. If there is something to find that is a danger to Renesmee Jayne will find it." He finished and I couldn't help but feel a little better knowing that we were at least doing something.
We sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes Edward rubbing soothing circles into my back as I snuggled into his chest "Am I over reacting?" I asked once I was feeling a little calmer.
"Of course not but the mummy bear routine is incredibly hot." He teased tickling my sides. I hit his chest in response "seriously Bella, I know tomorrow will be incredibly hard for you and you do have to let her go. I promise to do everything in my, our power to make sure her safety no matter what." He finished pulling me closer and holding me a little tighter.
With Edwards promise ringing in my ears I managed to fall asleep although it wasn't very peaceful. When I awoke I helped Renesmee pack the things we had brought her she wanted to leave them here but I told her they were hers and I at least knew she had some decent things to call her own. Renesmee barely spoke two words in the day she secluded herself from her peers and worked silently. My heart went out to her and there was a strong part of me that just wanted to take her and run that way I knew she would be safe. I also knew that wasn't a life either.
With a lot of reluctance I packed up at the end of the day and drove Renesmee and myself home Edward was already waiting for us. I knew I was going to really need him tonight and was incredibly thankful for his support. As a three we collected Renesmee's bags and left them by the door we then sat in the kitchen with a drink of hot chocolate and a biscuit. Renesmee nibbled at her biscuit but didn't really eat anything. Me and Edward chatted among ourselves trying to keep things normal but I wasn't sure how much we were actually helping her. Just before 5pm there was a knock at the door Renesmee jumped out of her seat and ran to stand next to me. I wrapped my arms around her and held her tight. Edward went to open the door and I turned renesmee to face me.
"Now I want you to listen, I know you're scared but you need to try to be brave for me, I have written my number down on this paper if you need anything please call and I'll help straight away." I told her gently she looked a little more reassured taking the note and putting it in her pocket.
I gave her another hug as Laura, Renesmee's parents and Edward walked into the kitchen. We broke apart but I kept a hold of Renesmee's hand wanting to hold her a little longer. "Hi Renesmee are you ready to go?" Laura asked in a small smile.
Renesmee stared at her before glancing at her parents and shrugging her shoulders but keeping silent. "We have packed Renesmee's bags for her. I've included the clothes we brought her as well as a couple of books and a teddy. She really likes to read." I told them smiling down at Renesmee.
"We don't need any hand outs Renesmee has enough of her own things. Now we haven't got all day so let's go Renesmee. " Her father snapped before turning and walking out of the kitchen.
Renesmee froze in place and I gripped her hand tighter squeezing in comfort. I looked over at Laura who seemed unfazed by what he had said. "You best do as your father says come on." Laura told her.
I gave her hand a final squeeze before letting go and following Laura out of the kitchen. She put on her shoes and coat before following her parents who were already at the car. Glancing back at us she looked truly terrified before climbing into the back of the car. I stood watching them drive her away but her bags remained where we left them. I rounded on Laura "You're making a big mistake. Renesmee won't be looked after properly by her parents." I stated angrily to wound up to keep me emotions in check.
"Mrs Cullen I've been doing this a lot longer than you have so I do not take kindly to the fact you're accusing me of not doing my job properly. Good evening." With that she walked out the door.
Edward slammed the door behind me before pulling me into a tight hug and calming me down. He dragged me to the sofa and wrapped me in a throw before letting me curl into his side. I just wished that we could do this for Renesmee as well.
"What now?" I asked mumbling tiredly with a slightly shaky voice.
"Well Jayne is looking into things for us and you know she's the best if there is something to find she will. The most important thing is to make sure Renesmee is safe. We'll do that." He finished pulling me a little tighter.
We sat there comfortable silence I felt loved and safe but it couldn't say the same thing for Renesmee. I prayed that she was at least safe and warm I didn't necessarily believe in God though if there was I hoped he was listening.