Characters belong to Stephenie Meyer

Strength


BPOV

Edward's head rested on my lap, and I gently ran my hand through his hair. Esme entered the room quietly to see if we were alright.

"Can you call Charlie for me?" I asked. "I think I should stay here tonight."

Esme nodded and left us. She truly was like a second mom to me. We had planned Edward's eighteenth birthday surprise party together. We were only three months apart, but his birthday was in a few days.

I slipped Edward's glasses off and set them on his side table. Without disturbing him, I gently moved him, and slid under the covers. His arms naturally wound around me, and he pulled me in close.

I meant what I said when I told him it was my turn to be strong. He had always been there for me. Even the time Charlie had accused me.

(Flashback)

…………………………………………………………………

"Bella, I need to talk to you," Charlie said one night staring at his thirteen year old daughter.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"I don't want you hanging around Edward so much," he said warily.

"Why?" I asked quiet confused.

"Well, he is a boy, and at his age his hormones are raging," Charlie started.

"What?" I asked still confused. "Edward is my very best friend, and he would never try anything on me. We aren't even dating!"

"Bella, I want you to have some normal friends-,"

"Edward is normal!" I screamed through my sobs. I ran out of the house, ignoring my father's yells, and ran straight to my best friend. I banged my fist on the front door to have it opened by Esme.

"Bella, darling, are you alright?"

I nodded silently, and ran into Edward's room. He was asleep already, but I climb right up on his bed and cried until my eyes burned. He took me gently in his arms and rocked my slowly until I was asleep. In the morning I explained what had happened. Edward wasn't angry, but he was determined to show Charlie he could be the greatest friend ever. To me, he succeeded.

……………………………………………………………………

I heard Edward sniffle, and I knew he was awake.

"Do you want to talk about it?" I asked.

"You don't understand how if feels not to even be able to see your best friend," he whispered. He pulled me closer so I couldn't see his face. "I don't even know what I look like or what colors are. All I know is darkness."

Edward had always accepted the fact that he was blind, but every once in a while, he would give anything for a few minutes of sight.

"Come, Edward, I'll make you your favorite pasta," I sighed pulling away. He was reluctant, but finally released me. I tugged on his hand. "I'll make you some hot chocolate, too," I bribed. He smiled and followed me into the kitchen.

"Thank you, Bella," he said quietly once he had finished his meal.

"Do you mind if I spend the night?" I asked. "I already had Esme call Charlie to tell him I was, but I can leave if you want me to."

He rested his head on the table. "Please stay," he murmured. I smiled to myself.


EPOV

After Bella and I read the assigned chapter for Language Arts, I turned on Debussy's piano classics, and turned to Bella.

"Would you rather spend the night in Alice's room?" I asked not really wanting her to leave.

"Do I ever stay in Alice's room when I spend the night?" she asked sarcastically. "What if I have a nightmare?"

"I guess you're right," I chuckled trying to lighten the mood.

I felt her crawl up on the bed and wrap her arms around me. I did the same like we normally did. It was an off night when we didn't hold each other through the night.

I awoke in the middle of the night to hear Bella mumbling in her sleep like always.

"Where are you, Edward?" she murmured softly her eyebrows knitting together.

"I'm right here, sweetheart," I whispered.

"Why can't I see you?"

"I can't see you either," I whispered back. I released her from my embrace and turned from her. Silent tears ran down my cheeks, and I let weakness have me once again.