I won't say goodbye

by stevie419

Bella and Edward are in love, they are both seventeen years old and humans living in Phoenix. One night Edward disappears and both have to come to terms with what they have lost. Where is Edward? What happened to him? Will they ever find each other again?

8. A fathers love

Chapter 8- a father's love

Edward's POV

Bella fell asleep quickly, and this comforted me. It was nice to see Bella at peace with the world for once, just like we used to be . I was happy that she was getting rest without the usual nightmares that tormented her sleep. Bella rolled over and pulled herself even closer to my chest, wrapping her arm across my stomach. Her warmth tingled against my cold skin and I was glad for Bella that I was still wearing my shirt. She would freeze if I wasn't covered up, and I didn't want to have to wake her for anything.

I watched Bella sleep for a couple of hours, and then made my way downstairs to see Charlie. Bella sighed as I pulled her off of me, but she didn't wake. When I reached the bottom step of the stairs, I could see Charlie sat up watching the phone. I could hear him thinking, worrying, praying for that phone to ring. I walked into the room and sat in the armchair next to the television. Charlie glanced at me quickly before turning his gaze back to the phone. He was waiting for Renee to call back.

Charlie had left a message on Bella's mum's answer phone earlier in the evening, asking her to give him a ring. 'There was something important they needed to discuss'. Charlie needed advice from Renee, he didn't know what to do with his daughter, how he should react, and if he should treat her any differently, or get her some professional help? I decided to try and calm Charlie. "She's going to be ok you know, Bella's stronger than people realise and well she's had a lot of time to think. Bella knows she's safe as long as she has you and her friends close to her."

Charlie looked up from the phone, his face was screwed up and he was fighting with his emotions. He wanted to be angry with me for talking about his daughter so freely, but he also wanted to agree with me at the same time. He was worried about Bella but most of all, Charlie wanted to rip apart the boy that had caused all this. Charlie was battling with all these emotions at once and he was struggling to control his self. His hands shook, and his face was red, I was slightly worried Charlie was going to make himself ill and that wouldn't be helpful for anyone.

Eventually Charlie sighed and released some of the tension built up inside him, before speaking. "I know you're right Bella's been through so much all ready and now this. I want to find that Mike Newton and when I do, God help him". Charlie tensed up again at the thought of the boy's name. "I know how you feel" I replied through slightly clenched teeth "I can't stand the fact Mike touched even one hair on Bella's head Charlie. I love her I really do." Maybe now wasn't the best time to be declaring my love for Bella to her dad, but I couldn't help it. I had to let him know how much I cared for his daughter, how much I wanted and needed Bella, my Bella to be safe.

Charlie glared at me for a while and then spoke "you better love her Edward, because if you ever hurt her, in any way at all, you'll have me to answer to. I can't pretend I'm overly happy about you're relationship, I think it's all too soon since… but I can't go against my daughters wishes. In these last few hours alone I have seen how much she dotes upon you Edward, how her face lights up when she looks into you're eyes, I can't take that away from her Edward I can't. But I'm warning you now, if you ever cause Bells' any pain there'll be hell to pay". I nodded my head in agreement, I never planned to hurt her, I couldn't even think about it. I understood every word Charlie had said to me and I didn't want to ever have to upset him or Bella.

Just then the phone rang, and Charlie turned away quickly to answer it. (Not wanting the sound of the rings to wake up his daughter). I decided it was time for me to go. I didn't want to have to be there when Charlie told Renee, it wasn't fair, they deserved some privacy. I made my way to the front door and I silently told Charlie goodbye, who nodded his head as an acknowledgement. I closed the door behind me and headed for the shiny silver Volvo parked in the Swan house driveway. I planned to go home quickly and drop off the car, also have a word with Carlisle, I would then run back to Bella when Charlie was asleep in his bed so I could be there when she awoke. I would have to climb back through the window, as I was positive Charlie wouldn't be too pleased if he knew I was spending the nights with his daughter, but I couldn't leave Bella, she needed me, but I also needed her. I wasn't me when I was away from Bella.

I got into my vehicle and put the key in the ignition to start the engine. I reversed out of the driveway and pulled out into the road. But before I left for home I glanced up at Bella's bedroom window. Her room was dark and silent, Bella was safe for now. I looked back down at the steering wheel and turned the corner. I made my way to the Cullen's house (my home) as quickly as possible. When I arrived Alice was stood at the door waiting for me, with a sympathetic expression on her face. What a surprise she had seen me coming. I parked the car in the garage and was welcomed back, by Alice's open arms and 5 other pairs of eyes following me curiously.

Bella's POV

Once I was laid down on the bed, my eyelids closed quickly. Lying next to Edward helped me feel safe. There was no reason for me not to rest, so I didn't fight the urge to sleep. I needed it after the day I had just had and I was sure Charlie wouldn't mind waiting till the morning for a proper statement. In fact I was positive Charlie would almost be relieved that I had allowed him the night to think things through properly and calm down. I knew it was hard for him as well as me to deal with all of this.

I rolled over in my bed and clutched Edwards chest. I lay listening to the sound of the trees, shivering in the wind outside. I listened to Edward hum our lullaby and ruffle my hair as he nuzzled his face into my brown curls, and place tiny, but passionate kisses on my forehead. It was like he was repeating a routine over and over, trying to make me feel better… it was working. I could feel Edwards cold, but flawless hands trace circles on my arm. I could hear him tell me about Charlie knowing that we were together. But this moment was too perfect for me to answer properly. I didn't want it to stop so I "hmm'ed" in answer to Edward, before drifting into a deep sleep and leaving reality behind.

Although I was dead to the world, I could still feel Edward by my side. He followed me from real life into my dreams. I was 14 years old and sat in Biology on a table on my own. I was a loner and people rarely spoke to me. It was because I was different, I wasn't into all the things they were into, so I was left alone to struggle through school by myself. But to be honest it didn't bother me too much, it was better than living a lie, however sometimes I did wish there was just someone I could talk to. That day I got my wish, when in through the door walked the most handsome boy I had ever seen. He was the new boy people had been talking about all day. He took the only empty seat in the room, which was next to me. I watched as he slung his bag down on the table, and started taking out his things.

He was stunningly beautiful but in a unique way, you could see his muscles slightly underneath his shirt, but he was still lanky. I had never seen such a beautiful colour as the colour of his hair. It was a reddish brown and complimented his green eyes well. I knew I was dreaming at this point because Edward no longer had those eyes, now they changed colour according to his hunger. My favourite was the honey gold they turned when he was as satisfied as possible. I couldn't take my eyes off him, I opened my mouth to introduce myself. But instead he turned to look at me and cut me off. "Hi I'm Edward Masen, I hope you don't mind me sitting here ". I stuttered and stammered to answer, he was so polite and showed me the warmest of smiles when he spoke. "um uh no problem, I'm Bella Swan." I managed to reply. We did a practical in Biology that day, so Edward and I spent the rest of the lesson talking and getting to know each other.

When the bell rang for the end of class, I expected Edward to get up and leave with the other boy's in the lesson, or the girls, he was beautiful enough to have every female after him in that class. But he didn't, instead he waited for me to pack my bag and then I listened as he asked whether he could spend lunch with me. I was shocked, why would this boy want to spend time with me? lonely Bella of all people. I stood there gaping at him and only snapped out of my amazement when I saw the corners of Edwards mouth turn up into a grin. "I mean you don't have to if you don't want me" he said. "I want you!" I exclaimed before blushing completely. "I mean of course you can spend lunch with me, it's just no one normally does and I thought you would of preferred to spend time with the cooler kids". I rationalized rolling my eyes, at my own stupid answer.

Edward' smile disappeared as we started to walk down the corridor. "You know Bella, you shouldn't put yourself down like that, I want to spend time with you. I'm not one to follow the crowd, I would rather have friends I can trust and you seem like that type of person. We sat down in the canteen and started talking about our interests. We had a lot in common. Edward wasn't like other boy's I knew he read and enjoyed good music, he was talented and a gentleman.

My dream suddenly changed, it was 2 years later and Edward and I were both 16 years old. We had been going out now for almost a year and a half. Things had just turned out that way. But me and Edward were in love. That was something we both knew. This wasn't some silly little teenage crush, this was serious and we were going to spend the rest of our lives together. We were sat on the school's grass. It was summer and extremely hot. I was laid across Edwards' chest while he read from one of my favourite books "Romeo and Juliette". I loved hearing Edward read out loud. His voice was music to my ears. This was one of my favourite memories of us together, but before I could enjoy the moment. The dream shifted again.

This time it was dark and we were at my home in Phoenix. Instead of being part of the action, this time I watched over it. I saw myself stood at the door with Edward, he was saying goodbye. I watched over as I knew what was about to happen. This was the memory of the last time I had seen Edward before he went missing. Before everything had changed. I wanted to scream at Edward to stay, to change the outcome but I couldn't. It was only a dream. Edward turned away and started to walk out of the driveway leaving me stood at the door. This was when things got weird. I thought I would be forced to stay with myself, after all this was a memory as well as a dream. However instead I was following Edward. Seeing parts of the story that I didn't know, I had never seen.

I followed Edward, he was walking back through the streets, he walked down an alley way, while I hovered above. The alley was dark and when he reached the end we were in a clearing, except it wasn't in Phoenix anymore, but Portland. The dream was turning into a nightmare things were getting messed up. Edward was walking across the clearing, when suddenly another figure came into view. They got closer and closer until they were in touching distance. It was Mike Newton, except he was different. Like Edward was now in real life, the pale face, the different eyes but it was still Newton. I watched as Vampire Mike pushed Edward to the ground, and started to fight him. Mike was too strong for Edward who was merely human. Mike placed his teeth to Edward's neck about to bite. I tried to wake up but I couldn't. I tried to pull Mike off Edward but I was like a ghost, I couldn't touch either of them. Mike sank his fangs into my Edwards' skin. He started to drink, at first Edward struggled to get free, but slowly I watched the life drain from him. His eyes rolled and his face whitened, his body went limp. I screamed out for Mike to stop! But he didn't, all I could do was watch, watch the person I cared for most life being taken away. I cried and screamed for it all to end.

Suddenly I felt someone's hands shaking me. I was drifting slowly upwards away from the scene of terror below me. Then with a jolt I was awake. I gasped as my eyes opened and I realized I was back in my room. Tears were falling down my cheek and I could feel myself shaking. Charlie was stood over me looking concerned. "Where's Edward?" I stammered in between sobs. "He's gone home for the night Bella, he said he'd be back in the morning." dad answered hurriedly, trying anything he could to calm me down. He still had a hand on my shoulder, while the other was placed on my forehead, wiping the sweat that had formed on my face. "Sorry, Dad, it was just a nightmare, I'm sorry if I woke you". I managed to say before the tears began falling again. "Don't worry about it Bells, as long as you are safe. I understand you've been through a lot. I'm going to find this Mike Newton, don't you worry. Now go back to sleep get some rest" Charlie answered sympathetically through clenched teeth (at the mention of Mike's name).

It was then I realized how much Charlie really cared for me. How much he wanted me to be safe, and how angry he was that someone had hurt me. If only he knew the half of what I was going through. (Charlie still had no idea that Mike stabbed me, that would be too much for him to take. He also had no idea about Edward and the Cullens, what they really were). I looked up at Charlie and tried to smile. "Thanks dad... For everything". Charlie shook his head with modesty "anything for you Bells', now I'll see you in the morning". Charlie got up and started heading to the door. I could feel myself starting to panic, about being alone. I needed Edward right now, but if I couldn't have him at this moment I would have the next best thing.

"Um dad" I called as he was just about to close the door behind himself. "Yes Bell's?" he answered peeping his head back round the door. "Um, w-would you mind staying with me, just until I get to sleep" I asked, slightly embarrassed. Charlie looked worried and I could see that he was thinking things through before he answered. "Mmm okay, but just this once. I will sit on the chair, and leave once you are asleep if that's what you want". I nodded and watched as Charlie made his way back into the room. I could see Charlie was uncomfortable with this, I was too, but I just needed someone right now.

Charlie closed his eyes and started to nap in the seat. I turned over and shut my eyes too and before long I was in a deep sleep. However once again I was in the clearing and I was watching Mike, murder my first and only love. It didn't take long for the screaming to start again. I awoke again with another jolt. Charlie had leapt from his seat and to my bedside again. This time Charlie held me. He held me tight, trying to protect me. Comforting me, something I would have never imagined Charlie would do. Someone who struggled with emotions at the best of times. But he was there for me now and that was all that mattered. He sat with me all night, both of us giving up on sleep.

Edward's POV

I sat down in the living room, fully aware that my relatively new family wanted some sort of explanation. Each pair of eyes followed my every movement. Only Alice knew what had gone on today and she wasn't prepared to tell, what was mine and Bella's to say, without my consent. I was glad there was someone like Alice in my life; she had already become the sister I had never had. I looked around at the rest of the Cullen's, they had become family too. Emmet and Jasper the older brothers, Rosalie, as much as she could be a pain, was still there when it mattered. Esme was a better mum than I had ever had before, and Carlisle was the father that I had never experienced once in my previous life. They had a right to know what was going on, especially after all their help. I wasn't going to shut them out. So I started explaining everything that had happened earlier in the day. Each listened with absolute interest and sympathy, only ever cutting in to offer their support.

Most of what I said they already knew. After all they had taken Bella in, after Mike's attack. But I had to explain which bits Charlie and people at school now knew. We would have to find a way to explain to the school and Bella's friends what happened. "How did Charlie react?" Emmet asked, interested. "As to be expected, he's seething about Mike, and was angry about us lying to him, but he understands and wants everything to be ok. I'm going back over as soon as I can." I replied putting my head in my hands. "Do you think that is a good idea Edward, maybe you should leave Bella, just for tonight". Carlisle said trying to think things through properly. "No I have to be there for her, I promise I won't get caught. Charlie won't see me." I said slightly panicking, at the thought of leaving Bella. I'm not sure whether it's Bella that needs me sometimes or whether that's a cover up for me needing her. To be truthful, I think it's both.

I quickly changed my clothes and grabbed my school bag for tomorrow, before leaving through the front door. I wasn't going to take the car; I didn't want Charlie to know I was staying the night. So instead I ran, I ran as fast as my legs would go, so I could be back at Bella's side. Hopefully she wouldn't even know I had left. However as I turned the corner and her house came into view, I noticed something odd that immediately sent panic through my body. Bella's light was on, apart from the fact it was half two in the morning I was also positive I had left her asleep when I left. A million questions ran through my head and the answers got more and more imaginative. Quietly I climbed the tree outside Bella's house, it was easy being a vampire and I reached her window in no time at all.

I leant forwards from the branch I was sat upon and looked into Bella's room. Everything was in its normal place, Except for Bella and Charlie, who where sat holding each other facing the door. I sighed with relief at first glad that she was safe, but then as I looked closer I noticed the sobs that had taken over Bella's body and the way Charlie comforted her with the uncomfortable look upon his face. I wanted to run to her side and hold her too, I wanted to make everything better, but I knew I couldn't come climbing through the window at this time of night with her dad sat in the room. I would have to be patient and wait till the morning.

I sat on the branch for the rest of the night, every now and again having to hide myself with the leaves, for fear of being caught. By morning the tears had stopped falling from Bella's eyes, but they had gone puffy and red from both lack of sleep and crying all night. I waited while Charlie asked Bella if she would be alright for a couple of hours while he went down to the police station. I watched as Bella agreed and Charlie left the room. It was then I leapt in through the window. Bella jumped, when she saw me enter, but I noticed the sigh of relief as she realised who it was. "Sorry" I apologized pulling Bella into my arms. She gave me a small smile and ushered me to sit down on the bed next to her. I agreed and took a seat, never letting go of her vulnerable and beautiful soft hands.

"Where did you go? you promised you wouldn't leave" Bella said. "I didn't leave Bella, not for long. When you fell asleep I went down to speak to Charlie, I then went home to change and talk to my family. I promise I was gone no longer than 40 minutes. I came back as quick as I could, but when I got here I found you sat up with Charlie. So I sat outside waiting till I could come in" I explained. Bella blushed as she realised I had been watching her. "I'm sorry you had to stay out all night, I had a nightmare." Bella replied. "Don't worry about it Bella, I don't feel the cold" I half smiled "as long as you're safe, now tell me what this nightmare was about".

Once again Bella blushed, before she delved into the contents of her dream. When she had finished she shook her head at me "it's stupid isn't it you must think I'm some weak little girl, with major issues". The smile completely disappeared from my face and I held the side of her head, so that I could see right into her chocolate brown eyes. "It's not stupid, you've been through a lot, you are handling this better than a lot of people would, you are strong, just stop putting yourself down like that. We're going to sort this out, and Mike is never going to hurt you, we'll make sure of that. Now get changed and I'll make you some breakfast before Charlie gets back." I said placing a soft kiss on her forehead.

I made my way into the kitchen, while Bella took a shower. I opened the cupboards to see what ingredients they kept. There wasn't much but what there was, was all in the correct places. Bella obviously took care of the food normally. I took some eggs from the fridge and grabbed some slices of bread and placed them in the toaster. I made scrambled egg on toast, and it didn't look half bad. I hadn't lost the few cooking skill I had had as a human, but the food no longer smelt as appetizing as it looked. I placed the plate onto the table and waited for Bella to come downstairs.

Bella ate with enthusiasm and thanked me. I watched as she finished eating and couldn't help but smile, seeing the way she enjoyed it and held her stomach in a satisfied way once she had finished. It was times like this when everything seemed normal. Times like this when we could easily forget there was a vampire after my Bella, and all the other problems that had kept me and Bella away from each other for so long. I longed to do all the things we had done before. But I struggled some days to be near my Bella without her scent being unbearable. We sat at the kitchen table until Charlie arrived back from the station.

He looked slightly confused at first when he saw me sat at the table. "Why aren't you at school Edward?"Charlie asked. "Well I wanted to check Bella was ok, so I dropped by on my way" I explained. Bella cut in at this point, when she saw the look of disapproval on her dad's face. "Edward's going to come with me to explain to the school. I think it will be easier with him there, and well he's promised to look after me." Charlie's forced his face to relax, when he realised this was what his daughter wanted. Right now he wasn't in the mood to argue, so he just nodded slightly and sat down at the table with us. "I rang the school. The principal will be expecting us at 10: am. Also I picked up a form for you to write your statement on. I have informed my colleagues of the situation and the Portland chief will be taking a squad down to the clearing you mentioned to take a look around". I watched as Bella nodded, and took in everything he said. She took a pen from the side and started writing her statement. "You don't have to do that now" Charlie said. "I want to, I want to get it over with" she replied not taking her eyes off the paper.

20 minutes later there was a full recount of Mike's attack on the table. "Finnnished" Bella exclaimed sounding slightly relieved. I knew she had been reliving the night as she had been writing because once or twice I had seen her wince, or a small tear fall down her cheek, which she would wipe away quickly with her sleeve. Bella handed the paper to Charlie "I'll take this down the station and meet you at the school. I'm sure Edward can drive" he said patting Bella on the back. "Yes Mr. Swan" I replied trying to be polite. He gave me a faint smile as I heard him remembering last night conversation in his thoughts, before leaving through the front door.

"Edward, what happened to the other men that night, with Mike?" Bella asked curiously. "Don't worry Jasper and Emmet went back and disposed of the bodies, the police won't find anything there. They got what they deserved Bella, and Mike's going will too, if he ever tries to hurt you again." Bella winced as I said his name. "I want everything to get back to normal; I want to have fun again. I want you Edward." Bella said crushing her face into my chest. "I'm going to make sure this happens Bella, let's start by getting this meeting over and done with, then you'll only have Jess, Angela and the others to explain to. After that we can try moving on, I want the same as you Bella and I want to see you truly happy again without a care in the world."

I lifted Bella into my arms and carried her into her own truck's passenger seat, even though she protested strongly. I just laughed and buckled her into her seat. I got in the driver's side and turned on the engine, which spluttered as it started. "Geez Bella, maybe it's time you got an upgrade on the car side of things". She laughed "Don't hate the truck, it was a gift from Charlie and anyway it's strong." I loved to see her laugh, and watched as the wrinkles at the side of her mouth creased slightly. Bella was right the truck was strong and there was no doubting this could be a good thing when it came to my girl. She was clumsy but also so beautiful and so loving, I couldn't ever let anything ever happen that would cause her harm. I grabbed Bella's hand once more and held it all the way to the school. The closer we got the more the creases either side of her lips turned down and the more she gulped in nervousness. But I was going to help her through this. She was mine to protect, and mine to love as long as she still wanted me, and right now she did, so I was going to help in any way I could.