Disclaimer: I don't own twilight or its characters, but I do own this plot.

A/N: This is a massive thank you for all those who bothered to read the first chapter; WizardOfAllGenres and twilightgreensoccerpup6; and especially messica for persuading me to write my own story and for reviewing.

Chapter 1 – Everybody Hurts

Charlie POV

Silence reigned in the cruiser. Renée stared out of the window as the deep green trees flashed past, apparently deep in thought. I recognised that expression, even after eighteen years apart; I knew when she was trying to hide her worries. For once our emotions coincided, our shared worry was Bella. She was broken. My heart had been broken, by the very women sitting beside me, but here I was out of my depth.

When I heard about the Cullen's departure, I knew Bella would be hurt but I hadn't pictured this. She looked like someone she loved had died. Frankly, it terrified me. That was the reason for Renée's visit. I had asked her to take Bells away from Forks. I mean I'll miss her, I only just got her back, but she needs to leave all reminders of Edward. A small part of me longed to be rid of every part of Renée's influence in the house's decoration, but I still miss her and can't. Every single time I looked at her another piece of my heart broke, the piece was getting gradually smaller, at last. I was finally moving on from her.

I wish Bella could. Since he left she had been practically comatose. I couldn't stop worrying about her. I may not show it but I have loved her all her life. If it came to it I would gladly die for her. At one point I saw it in his eyes, the look of the devoted. Up until her birthday, that is. I don't know what changed in such a short time. I hate Edward for doing that to her. He destroyed her.

A red film began to cloud my vision. My blood began to boil. A whiff of a metallic scent caught my attention. I clenched my hands on the steering wheel; I saw my knuckles turn white.

"Charlie!" Renée yelped next to me. "Are you trying to break the steering wheel?"

I shook my head and tried to clear my head of all murderous thoughts aimed at Edward. After all, killing him would only upset Bella further.

"What's on your mind?" she asked softly.

"I want to kill Edward! What sort of parasite says he loves a girl, and then leaves her in a forest, alone and at night?" I snarled. "Bella was so happy; I was considering forgiving him for the whole Phoenix incident. Then they leave and he doesn't give her any contact details."

"Charlie," Renée murmured.

"It is almost as if she was just a toy for him, but I saw him in the hospital at Phoenix, he was committed to her. What changed?" I could hear my voice steadily rising.

"Charlie," she said.

I ignored her.

"She certainly didn't. Bella was totally head over heels for him, he knew that. Yet he still left her. Edward might have been a jerk but I expected better from Alice. I always got the impression that they were best friends. Around me, at least, they acted like sisters. Alice was always coming round and she took Bella shopping. Bells loved her so much she went shopping almost willingly." By now, I was shouting. The sound echoed in the almost empty car.

"Charlie! Calm down for a minute," yelled Renée, making me jump. "He obviously had a reason for leaving." I tried to interrupt but she didn't pause. "I'm not saying he should have left, hell no, but something must have happened."

I calmed slightly, recognising the logic of her words. Seeing my reaction Renée smiled.

I had missed that smile so much; the way it lit up her face.

"I don't see why all the Cullens had to leave, though." I grumbled. Damn Renée for being able to calm me down.

Renée's face twisted slightly as she thought. A crease appeared between her eyebrows, this reminded me of the wreck of the daughter I loved so dearly. I hoped she would get over Edward in Florida, away from the memories of him.

"No. Why would they...?" she murmured, more to herself than to me.

Suddenly a car flew across in front of us. I slammed on the brakes but knew that this would be a wasted effort; the cars were too close. I watched in slow motion as the cars collided. The sleek black Ford had stopped.

Realisation cut into me. A blade pressed against my soul. Making me a statue made from a glacier. Someone wanted Renée and I to die. As a policeman I knew I would have enemies, but murder seemed extreme for speeding. Horror-struck and confused, I looked in dread at the front of the other car and saw a flash of a flame as the front of the cruiser folded on impact. A screeching filled the air, a high-pitched keening sound like nails on a chalk board. I looked for a last time at the love of my life. Our eyes met. A sickening crunch slashed through the horror. I felt a jolt of agony as my legs broke. Another crunch filled the cruiser. Knives of pain stabbed into my thighs. I heard Renée's scream as a snap ripped through me. The last image I saw was of my only love's mouth open in a silent scream below her blank eyes, her body limp in her seat, as a blanket of darkness and fell across my vision and mind.

A/N: The title for this chapter is the name of the song that I felt most suited this chapter. It is called 'Everybody Hurts' by R.E.M.

Just wondering, but do you think a shark would be able to beat an octopus in a fight? Long story, but the person I sit next to in English asked me and we had an argument for most of the lesson about it. I thought the octopus but they said the shark. I would love to know your opinions.

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