The Whispering Woods

Chapter Nine

Esme gasped before her eyes rolled closed and fainted.

Edward barely caught her before she could hurt herself, instantly feeling awful for his harsh words. He called out for Carlisle, hoping he was home.

What the hell had she expected? Did she really think he never would've bumped into Bella or her father? The tiny town scarcely consisted of two thousand residents. If he bought condoms at the grocery store one afternoon, everyone would know by the end of the day.

Carlisle's eyes widened at the sight of his lovely wife in his son's arms. "What happened?"

"I, uh… I told her I met Bella while I was out."

Carlisle's dark blue eyes narrowed as he pulled his wife into his arms, whispering in her ear. "You need to stay away from her, Edward. At least until your mother has had a chance to see them."

"Not a chance." He shrugged past them to grab his food—guilt gnawed on his conscience, but they knew better than to demand something ridiculous. "She saved my life, so I kind of owe her."

"What do you mean?" Carlisle transitioned into doctor mode, his eyes roaming over Edward in methodical precision. "Were you hurt?"

"Other than some scrapes and bruises, I'm fine." They all disappeared as if they never happened though. He didn't think it was a good idea to tell them that.

Esme's eyes fluttered open and she grabbed her husband's shirt with both hands "She's just like Renee—that's the only explanation. I have to see her."

For some reason, Edward didn't think that was such a good idea. At least not yet.

.

.

.

Charlie decided it was best to come out and tell his baby girl the news. Her aunt was back in town and they would bump into each other sooner or later. What in the hell Esme and her new family were doing back in town, he had no idea.

Only one way he could find out, but the last time he saw her, Esme met him at the door with a gun. If it hadn't been for Bella, she probably would've shot him point-blank in the chest. His daughter didn't even remember the incident.

He pushed food around his plate, wondering how he was going to tell his child the aunt who abandoned her had returned.

"I met someone today." Bella watched her father closely.

Charlie's fork scraped the bottom of his plate, the sound sending shivers up her spine.

Bella winced. "Edward, Edward Cullen."

"Cullen?" Charlie nodded and sighed, she would know her aunt's married name. "I was going to tell you she's back, Bells. Just didn't have the balls to do it."

"Do you think she's here to dig up more shit on you?"

Charlie shrugged. "The anniversary of your mother's disappearance is coming up soon. I don't see that as a coincidence."

"She's said something to her son, because he said to tell you that she was back."

Charlie grumbled and stabbed at his baked potato. "Probably brainwashed him to believe everything she said about me."

Bella placed her hand on her father's and met his eyes. "Maybe, but there's something about Edward."

"What?"

"I think I've seen him before." She didn't think, she knew.

Charlie shook his head. "That's not possible, baby. I did some research. His parents died when he was a kid, and he had no other family, but your aunt and her husband were their good friends. It only made sense for them to adopt him."

"I've seen him before, in my dreams." She gave him a small smile.

"The dreams, dreams?"

She nodded and looked at his cell phone sitting on the table. "Mark is about to call, better eat up before you go." Her hands tossed her napkin on the table as she rose to her feet.

Thirty seconds later, Charlie's phone started to ring.

AN: Thanks to MC for her help with this fic. You've all been amazing and patient, or at least somewhat, lol. There will be lots of questions I can't answer. And you will not see every conversation. Thank you! Thank you! To all the readers that have sent positive vibes and helped me spend some time at the cafe! I did so well this past weekend, hope the roll I'm on continues! Thanks again!