And so the story continues, still don't own Twilight or the lyrics to "I'll Cry Tomorrow" by Cauterize

Thanks to all the wonderful people who read and reviewd. Muah!

I ran home, tripping and stumbling. I was surprised that I wasn't a mess of tears and sobs yet. When I returned I continued blasting my stereo as if nothing had happened.

"I'll forget your bitter taste when you pull your lips away.
I'll forget the way you feel and the chill of your embrace.
I'll forget the way you look.
Don't wanna remember your face.
Let's just cut this clean tonight and maybe I'll cry tomorrow."

I sat on my bed as the music pounded into my brain. Eventually Charlie couldn't take it and came in roaring for me to "turn that damn noise down." I complied, but continued staring into space, clutching a blanket, desperately searching for some kind of warmth.

Edward didn't appear that night like he usually did. I sat alone in darkness until morning. I was startled by my alarm going off. Generally, Edward was my personal alarm clock and woke me every day. The shrill sound brought me back down to Earth.

I went to the window. The sky was grey and ominous. The clouds hung oppressively low. He should be in school today, unless…

I didn't bother to change clothes or eat breakfast. I was still in too much shock. I sat through my classes like a zombie, receiving strange looks from those around me.

"Bella are you okay?" Mike nudged me in the middle of class.

"Fine." I mumbled, staring ahead without noticing anything.

I practically ran to lunch. Well, actually I tried to walk fast without falling over myself. I immediately looked to the Cullens' usual table. My heart fell when I saw it was empty. Reluctantly, I joined Mike and Jessica.

I couldn't eat, I couldn't talk. Everyone gave me my space. In the middle of lunch I felt someone gently tap my shoulder.

"Can I talk to you for a minute?" It was Alice. I felt relieved, but anxious at the same time. I nodded in reply.

"Bella… I wanted you to know, because I think you should." She stopped, studying my face. Hers was sad, eyes dull. "Edward went to Alaska. He needs some time to clear his head. We're not really sure for how long. I don't know if you want to know… if you care." There was a hint of anger in her voice. Naturally she knew what had gone on… what I had said.

"Oh." That was all I could manage to say.

"Layla's gone though. So you don't have to worry. You'll be safe and I'll be checking my visions of you constantly to make sure nothing happens." She assured me. So that was all. They just wanted me safe; they didn't care about anything else.

"You don't have to do that, Alice. I'll take care of myself." I said my voice shaky, ready to crack. I knew she could tell.

"It's no problem. Besides, knowing your little accidents." She giggled to lighten the mood.

"Yes, perhaps you're right. Knowing my luck… or lack there of." I didn't return the favor of laughter. I was bummed and didn't care who knew.

"Oh, I don't think you've been that unlucky." She was obviously referring to something else besides my inability to walk on stable ground.

"Maybe not." I whispered. I was in the presence of the wonderful Edward Cullen for over 8 months. That alone should have made my life complete, even if it was all a lie.

"Bella, I think you'll be alright." She said resting her hand on my shoulder in reassurance. Any anger I had detected was gone. She was genuine and sincere. I wanted to fall into her arms, to hug her and have her tell me that everything would be alright, that somehow Edward and I could get through this. But I wasn't going to fool myself anymore.

"So will you be in school later?" I asked, changing the subject as awkward as it was.

"Yes. We'll all be in school tomorrow. Except Edward of course." She said brightly. "But I do have to leave now. I'll see you later." She waved and was gone.

His eyes bore into my mind for the next week. I could barely sleep and when I did I had terrible nightmares. There was blood everywhere, shrieks, tormented cries, fire. Through it all I saw myself, Edward, Layla. We were in some kind of hell. I woke every night in a cold sweat, petrified. I longed to have his smooth, cool arms wrap around me, to see his adorable smile, hear his velvety voice. I broke into tears every time after these dreams because I knew I would never experience a moment with Edward like that.

I lay awake, wanting so badly to hear him humming his lullaby like he used to. I felt my heart being ripped to shreds as I sobbed uncontrollably. It was so bad, I couldn't breathe. I fell into a coughing fit, chocking on my tears. Anything had to be better than this. I wallowed in my sorrow, allowing it to take me where it may. I relished the utter loneliness and overwhelming depression I was experiencing. There was something beautiful in an emotion so strong, so possessive. I was impressed. The thought calmed me and my tears ceased. I lay in a state of stupor. I'd skip school tomorrow. And the next day.