This was written for the Fandom Against Domestic Violence. Thank you for everyone who contributed to the cause.
Here is Charlie's Journal that he wrote in…Yes, Bella found it. When or how is not crucial to the story.
June 12, 2009
Bella called today. She told me she was coming back for her high school reunion. I hope she'll come and see me. Doc tries to be discreet when he asks about her, but I can see straight through his façade. I hope they hit it off.
June 14, 2009
She didn't come. Doc said she was sick. She just needs time. I really hope she comes tomorrow.
June 15, 2009
I forgot how beautiful she was. The years have been good to her. We sat and talked for a while. I can tell she's still distant. I love her so much.
June 20, 2009
The pain was a lot today. I feel like I'm getting weaker, but I want to hold on so badly for my girl. I want to spend as much time with her as I can. I've missed her so much.
June 21, 2009
Something is going on between Doc and Bells. I can see how he looks at her. She would be good for him. He needs healing.
June 22, 2009
I miss Renee. I wish she were here. I really hope she's happy, though, with her new family. Bella looks like her. She has the same mannerisms and the same smile. I just want my family back – it's not fair that mine was taken away. I haven't told Bella this, but I found her mom a few months after she left. She didn't want anything to do with us – I almost wish she would have died instead, that way Bella wouldn't feel so rejected.
June 23, 2009
I was wrong yesterday. Bella is the only family I need.
June 30, 2009
Bella is so broken. The more time I spend with her, the more I see it. I wish I could help her with whatever she is going through. She had such a spirit about her as a child. I worry about her.
July 7, 2009
Bella saw me write in this journal today. I'm thinking about writing her a letter in here to read after I'm gone. Is that too morbid, thinking about your own death? I should face it, though, right? I'm not getting any better – I've known for a while that this was coming.
July 8, 2009
I don't want to leaver her. She makes me so happy.
July 10, 2009
He loves her. Doc is completely consumed with my daughter. She loves him too. I see it in her eyes, even if she doesn't realize it yet. I wish I could take a shovel and pound it into their heads – they can't mess this up. Both of their lives have been turned upside down – together they can make it right. For once, I wish I could take every ounce of stubbornness out of Bella's personality. She is too protective for her own good, sometimes.
July 11, 2009
She didn't come by today. I forgot how lonely it was to sit here by myself. Sometimes I make jokes with Bella, about how I like being here, about the nurses and the food. But really, I hate it. I want to sit in my own chair, in my own house, and not stare at these pale walls.
July 17, 2009
Things are getting worse with me. I'm scared. I don't want to tell Bella that I'm afraid, because I don't want her to worry. But I am. I feel cheated. I want to spend more time with her. I want to laugh more with her. I want to walk her down the aisle. I want to see the light in her eyes when she says, "I do." I want to be the one who dances with her at her reception. It should be me that gives her away – no one else. I want to see her when she is pregnant – watch as her belly grows and her skin shines. I want to hold her babies and hear them call me Papa. My life has gone so wrong in so many ways – but she is right. She is my right, and I want to be there with her. I just want more time.
July 18, 2009
She went to go meet his parents today. They will love her. It's impossible not to. I love her - so much.
July 19, 2009
Dearest Bella,
I hope by the time you are reading this, that you are well. I miss you already. I just wanted you to know, how much of a joy you are. I am a better man because I had the honor to raise you as my daughter. You have given me strength and courage. You are the epitome of love. I would relive my life and not change a thing, if it meant that I got to have you in my life. I want you to know that you are stronger than you think. The love you give, whether you realize your loving or not, is the sweetest kind of love. You have so much to offer and you are worth only the very best. I love you so much. And, honey, your mom loved you too, even though she didn't know how to show you. Please forgive her. Forgive me, as well, for failing you as a father for all those years. I should have come to you. I should have followed you.
I want you to know that I don't blame you for anything. You are the reason I am dying a happy man. You are the reason for my entire life. You are my baby girl, and I will love you always.
But please, Bella, share your love. Share your life with someone. Find someone who makes you happy and allow yourself that happiness. You deserve it. Edward deserves it.
He is a great man, Bella, and he will love you forever. I never believed in fate until I saw the way Edward looked at you. I have no doubt that he will love you everyday for the rest of eternity.
You are my joy, my love, my life, my reason. Thank you for being the best thing to ever happen to me.
You will forever be my little girl, and I hope you will carry me with you forever.
I love you,
Dad.