Again- the characters do not belong to me. They belong to Stephenie Meyer

E- POV

I became instantly alert as I heard Carlisle's Mercedes come up the driveway. I made my way down stairs quickly and met him at the door.

"How is she? Is she okay?" I asked anxiously.

"She is going to be fine. I drew some blood to run some tests. I will tell you what I told her. I do not know what is going on between you two, frankly it's none of my business. What I do know is that she is hurting a lot. I have excused her from school for the next few days." He handed me a piece of paper and left me alone. I stared down at the paper in my hand, unwilling to open it. I was relieved to find out that she was going to be okay, but stunned by the image of Bella in Carlisle's mind. I watched as he held her as she cried and comforted her. She looked so tired and wounded. I hated myself for making her cry. She looked broken. I winced as more images flooded my head of her lying on her bed helplessly.

I ran outside to be alone away from the thoughts of my family. Half way into the forest I stopped staring at the letter Carlisle had given me. I was afraid to open it. I was terrified of what it would say. Eventually I took a deep breath and gingerly opened the letter.

Edward,

I know you are hurting right now, but please understand that I need time. When I am ready to talk I will come to you. Until then please give me the space I need. Do not call, or come over to watch me sleep. If you fear for my safety you may watch over me from the outside of my house.

Love

Bella

I read and re-read the letter several times letting each word sink in. She needed time. I could handle that. She still loved me and that gave me hope. I started to run again not sure of where I was going. I found myself at Bella's house. All was quite and her light was off. I sat there all night staring at her window longing to enter and be near my angel. I missed her so much. It was torture to be parted from her like this, but I would not go against her wishes. I would watch over her here outside until she was ready to talk. I would wait forever if I had to.