Bella POV
I cried the entire flight from Seattle to Jacksonville. I made the person sitting next to me so uncomfortable he asked for a new seat assignment.
Renee was late picking me up, as usual, and I had to wait outside baggage for her arrival. When she drove up, she honked several times and bounded out of the car excitedly, until she looked into my bloodshot eyes.
"Bella? What happened?" she asked, full of concern, placing her hands on my shoulders.
I felt too exhausted to speak, but mustered the strength to utter the words, "Edward and I broke up."
She frowned and enveloped me with a hug. "Oh darling…."
The tears began to fall again, as she gently ushered me to her car. She held my hand as we drove to her apartment and my sobs became uncontrollable. I was so embarrassed to be falling apart like this, but I couldn't help myself.
Phil, Renee's husband, had gotten a job as a coach at a local high school. He was at practice when we arrived home, and I was thankful to know have to face him. Even though it was still early, I headed straight for their guest room, closed the door and collapsed on the bed. Usually Renee was one to hover and ask a million questions, but she left me alone.
At some point in the evening, Alice called. Renee was a loud talker and the apartment was small. I could hear everything.
"Oh, hello Alice! How are you?" Renee greeted cheerfully. They met when I was in the hospital in Phoenix and my mom had been very impressed with how good of a friend Alice was to me. "Bella is already asleep, dear. She was really tired from traveling. I'll tell her you called first thing tomorrow morning! Alright….you too….goodbye now!"
When Phil returned home, Renee lowered her voice and they went into their bedroom, which was on the opposite end of the apartment from the guestroom. Their talking was muffled, but I did hear their quiet laughter.
I was unable to sleep. I starred into the darkness, missing Edward and feeling guilty for treating Alice so rudely. I mourned the loss of the plans I had of my future with Edward and the Cullens. It was so silly to think my dreams would come true, that I would ever be a member of their family.
I loved Edward and I thought he loved me. How could every touch, every kiss, every word of affection have meant nothing to him?
Suddenly, I felt an overwhelming urge to hear Edward's voice. I walked into the living room and picked up the phone. The apartment was quiet, Phil and Renee were already asleep, so I walked out on to the balcony and closed the sliding door. In the distance I could hear the ocean and it calmed me.
If I could just speak to Edward, everything would be okay. I dialed his number. It rang for a long time, until it was answered with laughter. A woman was giggling.
"Stop it Edward!" a woman's voice teased. The voice sounded familiar, but I knew it wasn't Esme, Rosalie or Alice.
"Hello?" The woman laughed as if she were being tickled. "Tanya speaking."