Disclaimer: Twilight nor its affiliates are of my own creation. The characters of this work belong entirely to Stephanie Meyer.
Summary: Isabella Swan had a notion of what her life was to be. In pursuit of happiness and joy, a tragic price was paid. Forced to return to her childhood home of Forks, Washington - Bella is compelled to keep her past from interfering with her future. All human.
Author's Note: After a LONG hiatus - I am finally back! I know this chapter is brief but, I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 9: The Damned
Isabella's POV:
The tension was palpable.
Rene.
I could feel the bile rising in the back of my throat. I could feel my chest tighten - the same dull throb from my erratic heart.
"Bells.." Charlie started. But like me, he was fumbling to speak. His cheeks were flushed. His brow still furred.
I couldn't look at him. I had already seen the shame - the disappointment. The pity.
"You are not alone Bella." Esme whispered somberly.
I watched as she reached for the abandoned sonogram picture Charlie had thrown haphazardly to the floor. She caressed the image with her thumb. I had memorized every shadow and form on the long drive from Port Angeles. This indistinct, shapeless mass of cells had changed everything.
Esme and Charlie exchanged a brief look.
"Bells, why don't you get some rest.." He offered. His face was still flushed. I could see the concern in his eyes. It was the same expression he had when I first arrived in Forks.
I could feel Esme shift her weight. "Bella."
She wrapped her arms around me - embracing me tightly. Softly she pressed her cheek to mine and whispered, "We love you."
I swallowed hard.
How could anyone love the damned?