Chapter Forty
Three Days Later…
Edward blew out a breath as he walked out of Kaiya's room. It had been a month since the interview and it had aired a few nights ago. He hadn't wanted to watch it, but Charlie had insisted seeing it, even though they both cried like babies as they watched.
"She asleep?" Charlie asked as he handed Edward a beer.
Edward nodded. "Yeah, out like a light." Charlie had all but moved in once Bella went missing, and Kaiya was the link to their missing wife and daughter, so naturally, he had stayed to help out. Since then, the two men had forged a bond born out of hurt and despair. But it worked for them. They had grown closer and learned to love each other. Indeed; Charlie was the father Edward wished he had growing up.
"You know, Edward," Charlie started, almost sounding uncomfortable, "It's, uh, well…"
Edward's eyebrow rose. He hadn't seen Charlie this uncomfortable in, well, ever. "What's the matter, Charlie? Is there something you want? Something you want to say? Do you not…" Here, his voice faltered. "Do you not want to live here with Kay and I anymore?"
"No! God, no, Edward. You and Kaila are my life now. I just thought…" Again, he paused.
"Spit it out, Charlie."
"I just wanted you to know that I would be fine if…"
Edward cocked his head to the side, trying to figure out what Charlie was stumbling over saying. "What?"
"It's been four years, Edward. Maybe it's time you…"
Edward's heart seized. "Time I what?"
Charlie's eyes grew wide. "Now, don't get mad, son. I'm just saying…Bella is my daughter and I'll love her as long as I live…but…you deserve a chance at happiness. Kaiya deserves a mother…"
"So, what?" Edward exploded. "I'm supposed to just let her go? Just forget that she existed? Just…find someone to fuck? Someone to settle down with? What are you trying to say, Charlie?" Edward was panting with the exertion of his anger.
"Calm down, Edward," Charlie said softly, much like he would when Kaiya threw a temper-tantrum. "I just wanted you to know that it's acceptable now, that you could, if you wanted to, let her go in piece now."
"Not just 'no', but FUCK NO, CHARLIE!" Edward screamed. "I can't DO that!"
Just then, the phone rang. Edward marched over to it and said, "WHAT?!"
The voice on the phone paused before it said, "Edward Masen?"
"Yeah?"
"This is Angela Webber from the National Center for Missing Adults."
Edward sighed. "Yes, Angela; how can I help you?"
"I think I can help you, Edward."
His heart stopped for the second time that night. "Yes?" he breathed.
"We got a call in a few days ago."
She seemed to be just waiting, teasing him. "And?" he asked, partially impatient, partially scared.
"The caller claims to be your wife."
Edward dropped to his knees. "No…how? Why?"
"I'm not sure. She has amnesia. She doesn't remember anything of her life before she awoke."
"A-awoke?" he asked.
"She was in a coma, Edward. She…if this is Bella, she had extensive head trauma. She's had a lot of reconstructive surgery. Edward…she isn't your Bella, even if she is."
He let out a gasp. "I don't care. I need her! I want her home!"
Angela paused before saying, "I thought so. I'll have her brought in from where she lives. I'd prefer not to give that information to you on the off chance that she isn't Bella."
"Of-of course. I understand."
"Edward, if it is her, and she doesn't remember you, you need to be prepared to say goodbye to her again. Can you do it?"
He thought a moment before he said, "This is the closest I've been to her in four years. I'll take it any way I can get it."
"Very well. I'll have her meet us at a central location for everyone. How would that be?"
"I-that would be great," Edward said.
"Edward, I remind you again that this may not be Bella. I suggest you do not bring your daughter. It would only hurt her more if it isn't Bella."
He swallowed hard. He couldn't be without Kaiya. "I'll make sure I don't tell her why we're going. It can be just a little side-trip. Where should we meet?"
Angela thought and then named the time and place. "We'll be there," Edward said excitedly. He hung up the phone and looked at a bewildered Charlie. "They found her! They think they found Bella!"
