For Your Eyes Only

Chapter Four – When He Explained Everything

"I don't really know where to start," he sighed, blowing out a long breath which I felt nothing of on my face. His eyes were cast downwards but I could clearly see his furrowed eyebrows, casting a shadow over his troubled face. I didn't like seeing him so unhappy; despite his strange appearance and the fear that flooded me whenever he appeared, the expression he was currently sporting was almost unbearable. He seemed in despair; complete and utter despair, as though whatever memories he was recollecting were too painful for him.

Was I the cause of all this? I was being incredibly nosey, after all... It wasn't really any of my business. He was only a stranger to me. A ghostly stranger.

No. No, I needed to know what was happening. Even he'd said so himself; I needed to know everything so that I could help him.

"Try the beginning," I replied softly, wanting to be as careful and tentative as possible. "I know it's hard, but you really need to tell me everything."

He looked up to meet my gaze and his eyes looked glassy and distant, as though his thoughts were a million miles away. They probably were.

"Bella," he sighed. "I'm sorry to be such a burden. I just-"

He trailed off a little helplessly and I waited patiently for him to find the words he so desperately wanted to say.

"I just couldn't find anybody else out there," he finally added, shrugging his shoulders. "Like I said before, you're the only person who can see me."

"You're for my eyes only," I murmured quietly.

"Yeah," he breathed. "For your eyes only. How cheesy does that sound?"

I smiled a little at that, but wasn't quite sure why. There was probably one reason why only I could see him, and I still feared that it was down to my insanity.

But could Edward prove to me that he was really real? Well, if he was real. Ugh, this was becoming way too confusing...

"I can remember everything that happened perfectly clearly," Edward continued, pulling my attention to him. "It was only two days ago, after all."

My eyes widened a little in an involuntary response. So soon?

"I was walking home in the dark, a little late because I had a few things to do," he said quickly. However, despite his speed, my curiosity was heightened.

"What things?" I asked.

He frowned. "Well, after school I stayed behind in the music department, practising playing the piano. I don't have one at my flat so had to use the one there."

I raised my eyebrows in pleasant surprise. "You play?"

He nodded. "Well... I used to be able to. I don't know if I'll be able to again." He stretched out his fingers in front of him and his eyes were quickly filling with the familiar sorrow. I hastily moved on. "Did you do anything else?"

He looked uncomfortable but still answered. "I... I had been to my family lawyer's office. I..." he hesitated. "I had to collect a few things."

I remained silent so he quickly continued. "My... my mother had recently passed away and left me a few things in her will which I had to collect."

He spoke in a rush and my heart flooded with sympathy. "Oh, Edward," I sighed. "I'm so sorry."

"Yeah," he muttered.

The atmosphere around us was thick with tension and I had to shift around uncomfortably in my bed. I had momentarily forgotten where I was and blinked in a daze, remembering what had happened before; it felt like a lifetime ago.

My thoughts soon moved back to Edward when his haunting voice echoed once more around the room.

"She left me a few necklaces," he muttered quietly, almost in contempt. "I knew we weren't particularly close or anything, but all she passed on was two gold necklaces. I guess I was the only one left to give them to. A last resort. There's nobody else left, after all."

I looked at him a little blankly, surprised by the turn in the conversation.

"There was no mention of the house we lived in before her death so I had to move out and find a place to stay with my savings before I was kicked out by force. It wasn't my home anymore," he continued. "Luckily I found my own flat and quickly settled in there."

"You were living with your mother?" I asked. "But it sounds as though you didn't like her."

"I didn't particularly. But I couldn't let her live on her own; she wasn't very well, and I was the only person who could look after her."

I had so many more questions to ask him but the words wouldn't quite come out. Besides, I'd probably only make things worse and it seemed inappropriate, anyway. Maybe I'd find out the answers in time.

"Anyway," he continued quietly, "I was just making my way home with the necklaces in my pocket and I took the usual shortcut to my flat, walking along a pavement of a pretty deserted street. The part of the town was a little rundown with shops out of business, litter everywhere; you know the type of place. No one ever hangs around there. I was going to make a comment about it being a ghost town, but that seems wrong..."

I nodded slowly while he smiled wryly.

"Why did you walk through that place?" I asked. "It sounds horrible."

"It saved me some time, I guess."

His explanation wasn't very satisfying but I nodded once more, letting him carry on.

"I was there on my own and..." He trailed off, swallowing. "I... I was walking across the road and... well, it came out of nowhere."

His eyes glazed over and I knew he wasn't in this room anymore.

"The car, I-I can't even remember what it looked like... it was speeding so fast. I hadn't even registered what had happened when it hit me. It was only when I was lying on the ground and watching two hooded people hovering over me that I realised I'd been hit over.

"They looked so tall, standing over my body like they did. I couldn't make out their faces; I-I was too dazed. I can remember the pain slowly numbing through my body... my leg was causing me absolute agony. I think it was broken. My head hurt, too, and I was losing a grip on reality when... when I felt them unzipping my jacket."

He paused, closing his eyes shakily.

"I knew what they were doing but didn't have the strength to stop them. It seemed like so much effort to raise an arm or try to make a sound... But they stole the necklaces. They stole everything I had left of my mother. They took my wallet too, everything I had." He took a deep breath. "They left me there, completely helpless, and all I can remember was gradually losing conscious and wondering what awaited me... I think I regained consciousness at one point because a woman was standing above me, asking my name. It was the last thing I can remember doing, muttering my own name. I was so s-scared." His voice shook and I realised at that moment that my throat was tight and tears were falling freely down my face. I sniffed and produced a horrible sob.

"E-Edward," I sighed, wanting nothing more than to reach out and hold him. "I'm so, so sorry... that's terrible... I-"

He couldn't make any sound; just sat there silently, looking at me a little hopelessly.

"I'm sorry," I whispered once more. "Sorry."

"I was unconscious for a long time, and I thought it was the end. There was just darkness and I wasn't really aware of anything," he murmured, not meeting my eyes. "But... but then something weird happened."

I looked at him in curiosity; I was terrified but still intrigued to find out more.

"There was this sudden brightness of some sort and... well, then I was just hovering above my body. But I wasn't on the road anymore, I was in a hospital."

I frowned. "This hospital?"

He didn't answer. "I was hovering above my own body, watching a group of doctors checking me over. I tried my hardest to get their attention, waving my hands in front of their faces, yelling, but nobody even twitched. I was completely invisible to everyone and couldn't do anything. It was like I didn't exist anymore."

"Edward," I said sternly. "Are you in this hospital?"

He remained silent.

"Edward?" I persisted.

He sighed. "I think so, but-"

My mind was in overdrive. Edward was claiming that his real body was currently here in this very hospital. The thought made my heart thump wildly. Maybe I could go and see him and make sure that he was really real...

"You can't see me," he said suddenly, looking straight at me. "I don't want you seeing me."

"Why not?" I frowned.

"Because..." he stammered. "Because it wouldn't be right."

"Edward, I should see you. I need to."

"Why should you?" he protested. "I don't want you to."

"Why not?" I countered.

"Because I'm not in the right state to be seen," he said quietly. "And I don't want you to. Can't you just accept that?"

He sounded frustrated, so I let out a long sigh. "I still don't understand why you need my help, Edward."

"Well, you're the only one who can see me," he said slowly.

"Yes, we've been through all that," I replied, growing a little impatient.

"You don't understand how much that means to me. I searched the whole day through all of Forks, trying my hardest for somebody to notice me... do you realise how frustrating that was?"

My expression softened and I exhaled. "No... sorry. It must have been horrible."

"As a last resort I went to your high school. I don't even like those places... too many people." He shuddered lightly. "But then you saw me and, well, I felt so much hope! I don't even know why, but just somebody seeing me was an unbelievable experience. It was like I still existed."

I smiled briefly.

"I'm so sorry for scaring you in the process but, well, I couldn't really do anything else." He paused. "I didn't want to make you crash your truck. Or faint." He looked like he was fighting a smile.

"I know." My voice came out in a sigh. "But I don't understand... why exactly do you need my help?"

He hesitated for a moment. "Well I... argh!" He went to run his fingers through his hair then stopped, remembering that he couldn't. "It doesn't really sound like such a great idea now."

"Just say it," I pleaded. "Please."

"I need you to go to the police station."

My heart rate picked up. "Wh-What? Why?"

"Bella, I really need those necklaces back," he sighed. "I feel awful enough about my mother already and it... it just feels wrong thinking that somebody else has them. My mind won't rest."

I nodded slowly in understanding; that was reasonable. "But what am I supposed to do?"

He leaned closer towards me; whether it was a conscious action I wasn't sure. "Maybe you could give them some details about what happened."

"But I wasn't there," I countered. "How am I...?"

"I'd be there with you. I'd give you the details and you'd pass them on to the police."

"So..." I said slowly, "you want me to pretend that I was a witness?"

He nodded and I placed my head in my hands. Lying to the police... it just seemed wrong.

But Edward seemed so desperate...

"But what about that woman who found you? Why can't she do something?"

"She wouldn't be any help," he sighed. "She didn't witness anything. I've never seen her since, anyway. I don't think she wanted to get involved."

I thought to myself for a moment and realised now that I no longer had any doubt about his existence. My imagination most definitely wouldn't have come up with this. It was too intricate and detailed; I wasn't that creative or disturbed. And now I was feeling horribly sorry for Edward; it was horrific thinking about all that he'd been through. Why had I been pulled into his misfortunes, though? I couldn't really understand why.

I hated being selfish, but couldn't stop myself. Despite this, I wanted to see what would happen.

In the back of my mind, the fact that the real Edward might be in this very hospital kept prickling away. I could see him... I could-

"Bella?"

I blinked, realising that Edward was waiting for me to say something.

"I... I... sorry, this is all too much for me."

I rubbed at my eyes, suddenly feeling very tired. I had a whole day ahead of me and I had to somehow visit Charlie... all these thoughts constantly whirling around in my head certainly didn't help.

"And I can't apologise enough about burdening this on you," he said, only a few inches away from me now. "But you have to understand that you're my only chance. It's only you that can communicate with the police and give me the chance of getting my mother's necklaces back."

His smooth voice made me close my eyes. "But what happens if you do get them back?" I frowned, looking at him. "What happens then, after that?"

He looked at me for a long time. "I don't know."

"How bad are your injuries?" I persisted. "Have you any idea?"

He shook his head. "I... please don't."

"Sorry," I murmured. "There's just so much I don't know!"

"And over time I'm sure you'll find out."

There was a small smile playing on his lips. How long was he planning on being around? That thought made my stomach flutter a little and I wasn't quite sure why.

My thoughts trailed off in another random direction; was there really life after death, then? Did everybody just come back as ghosts that only certain people could see?

The possibility made my skin tingle.

Then I remembered. I'd used the word death. I wasn't sure if Edward was actually dead yet...

"I'll help you," I said quietly, reaching a decision. "But you'll have to give me some more details sometime."

He nodded. "Thank you so much, Bella."

I was already loving the sound of my name coming from his voice. It made goose bumps crawl along my skin each and every time, and I needed to suppress a shiver.

I had no idea what this meant and that scared me a little.

"You wouldn't have to go there just yet," he said, smiling. "I know you're tired and shocked, mainly because of me."

"Understatement," I muttered, causing a breathy laugh to escape his lips.

"But thank you," he murmured. "This means so much."

I met his eyes. "I really am sorry about what happened."

He didn't reply, just stared at me; I wondered if he was really seeing me.

"When's your friend coming?" he asked after a while and I frowned, looking at the clock.

"Oh, a few hours yet," I replied.

"Well, I'll let you sleep," he said. "If you can."

I snorted. "I doubt I'll be able to."

He smiled. "See you later. And thank you."

I looked at him; he wasn't moving at all and I felt a little uncomfortable closing my eyes around him. Despite this, I did so but didn't get any sleep at all. I kept opening my eyes every few minutes, still seeing him there, staring absently ahead. I couldn't help thinking that he'd maybe explored the hospital a few times, looking at his real body.

He was so beautiful, but looked so tortured.

I kept thinking through all that he had told me and couldn't even begin to think what pain he'd experienced. I had the horrible feeling that I would let him down and that the police wouldn't find the criminals. It must be terrible for him, being so helpless and unable to do anything.

He was completely relying on me.

That thought didn't really help with the sleeping.

I opened my eyes after a while, fed up with being in the darkness. I looked straight at Edward and smiled, a gesture that he returned weakly.

"Your friend will be here soon," he said. He looked a little awkward and hesitant.

"Is there something wrong?" I asked. "Well, despite the obvious."

I felt guilty about adding that, but he didn't seem too bothered.

"I... erm... well, thinking about it, I might need to... y'know." He trailed off, shrugging.

"What?"

"If I'm going to be with you then I'll... well, I might need to follow you to your house."

My eyes widened.

"I mean, er, I wouldn't have to live there... I could-"

"No, Edward," I interrupted, slowly thinking it through. "That makes sense. I think it would be... okay."

I wasn't sure whether the thought was disturbing me, but realised that it was the only way.

I'd be living with a ghost.

"Sorry," he sighed. "All I've done is bring you trouble."

"Don't worry. It's fine. Stop apologising."

He didn't look convinced but remained quiet. There was a sudden knock on the door and I noticed Rose standing outside. She smiled at me and walked in, completely oblivious to Edward. I gave him a subtle look and he just smiled crookedly.

"Hey, Bells, how are you feeling?"

"Great, actually," I half lied. "Can't wait to leave."

"Let's go, then," she replied, helping me upright. I was pleased that I wasn't too dizzy and gave Edward another look as I gathered my stuff together; he was staring at the floor this time.

"Hasn't a doctor got to discharge me first?" I asked, frowning to her.

"We'll see someone at the reception," she replied.

I nodded along, taking another look at Edward; I couldn't stop myself. We walked out of the doors and towards the main area, and were greeted by a middle aged lady with bright red hair at the counter. I quickly checked and was surprised to see Edward standing there right beside me; I had to remain calm and gave Rose a small smile.

"Bella's ready to be checked out," she told the woman.

"What's your full name?" she asked.

"Bella Swan," I told her. She frowned and I quickly added, "Well it's Isabella Swan, really."

After quickly checking something, she smiled. "Sure, that's fine. Can you just sign this, please?"

She pushed a book towards me and, before I signed it, I looked absently around and noticed a whiteboard with a list of patients checked in over the past few days. I squinted closer and gasped.

At the top of the list was the name Edward Cullen.

I had to take a moment to catch my breath.

I somehow managed to scrawl my name down and shakily walked towards the doors. Edward was by my side and he gave me a meaningful look. I knew now, and he knew that I knew. He was real; this wasn't some strange trick of my mind.

I felt like crying, but just about made it to Rose's car without crumbling.