Chapter 5

Bella's POV

This cannot be happening…

I was stunned. I couldn't move as I was engulfed by a force of uncontrollable sobs.

Abruptly I felt warm arms pick me up. Oh how I longed for them to be ice cold. I rubbed my eyes trying to wipe away the tears blurring my vision, but the free flow of salty moisture didn't stop. I looked up to who was carrying me. It was Charlie.

"Put me down!" I screamed. I tried to push myself away but it was no use. He had a firm hold on me.

"Bella, it's over. Calm down," he said as we headed for his squad car.

"I don't care! Put me down now!" I repeated, restless.

"Bella, everything will be okay. Your safe now. He's gone. He won't hurt you," he said in a soft voice trying to calm me to no avail.

What they hell was he saying!? 'I'm safe now?' Edward would never do anything to hurt me. Charlie must only see him as a vampire not the person he's known for almost two years.

I still tried to escape his arms but it didn't work. His partner opened the backseat door and he placed me in, closing the door behind him. I decided to make a run for it but as I reached for the handle and shoved it down the door was locked. I was trapped.

Charlie slid into the drivers seat and began to pull away from the now empty Cullen house. I wouldn't put on my seatbelt even though he asked me to. I put my back up against the door and bent my knees, wrapping my arms around them. I cried vigorously.

"I hate you!" I screamed, letting my teenage side slip through. I didn't know what came over me in the past few minutes. It wasn't like me to throw such a tantrum but I was overwhelmed, still registering what just happened.

I felt alone. Abandoned. All the Cullens were gone… not just Edward. Carlisle and the others are still in Volterra and the rest are God only knows where. Though I hope they're okay. I can't help feel hopeless and empty.

I sobbed the whole car journey. Only looking up once or twice to glance at Charlie as he drove. He had a worried expression on his face, yet stern at the same time.

As soon as the car stopped I turned and looked out the window. We were outside our house. As soon as Charlie stopped the car and opened the door for me, I jumped from my position and ran as fast as I could. I could see Charlie try to grab me but I didn't care. I made it to the front door without tripping and dug into my trouser pocket for my key.

I tried to open the door though I found it more difficult than usual. It felt like I was disorientated. My vision was still blurred as the tears continuously fell.

I finally got the door open and I slammed it behind me not even bothering to retrieve my key. Without looking back I ran up the stairs, heading for my bedroom. My luck ran out as I tripped not once but twice as I dashed up the stairs.

I shoved my bedroom door open and literally dived onto my bed burying my head into my pillow. I screamed at the top of my voice as if trying to expel all my built up emotions at once.

I kicked my boots off and they landed on the floor with a thud. I quickly pulled off my coat, throwing it half way across my room. Knocking over my bedside lamp in the process. I heard a smash but I didn't care. I could live in total darkness and it wouldn't make a difference to how I felt right now.

I continued to cry. Where my petite body got the endless tears from I'll never know. My pillow as practically soaked but I didn't care.

Suddenly I heard Charlie's heavy boots pound on the staircase. I didn't move. I wouldn't move. I couldn't see anything as I kept my head buried in my tear stained pillow.

"Bella, please calm down. We really need to talk about this," he said calmly.

"No!" I wailed as I jumped from my position and picked up the first thing I could see.

"Go away!" I screamed shrilly as I threw my alarm clock in the direction of my door.

I dove back down into my pillows. I heard a crash. I instantly regretted what I did. I hope I didn't hurt Charlie. I looked up but he was gone. I could hear him slowly descend the stairs, mumbling something.

I pushed myself quickly from my bed and ran towards my door, tripping over my boots in the process. I slammed my bedroom door and locked it with probably too much force.

I sighed and ran my hand through my hair as I stalked back to my bed. I dragged myself onto my bed and I pulled the covers over me. I felt paralysed, almost like I had no energy. My face burned and was no doubt all blotchy from rubbing my eyes mixed with the salty tears.

I lay there staring at the ceiling, thinking about everything and nothing. I wasn't exactly comfortable. I leaned over on my side and a lump in my trousers dug into me. I groaned and pulled at my pocket half-heartedly. I pulled out my phone.

"Ugh…" I sighed exasperated. There was 23 missed calls from Renée. I dropped the phone on the floor. I couldn't deal with that now. I couldn't deal with anything right now.

My bed seemed empty not having Edward lay beside me. I needed him now more than ever. But what if I never see him again? What if I never see any of the Cullens again?

All of this, all the pain I have caused. It's all because of me. None of this would have happened if James didn't come after me in the first place. I ruined Edward's live and it's all my fault.

My sorrow once again engulfed me as I wailed until my puffy, red eyelids grew heavy. I fell into an uneasy slumber. Almost as if my body was shutting down to protect itself.

***************************************************

The warm ray of sunlight shone through the window reflecting off Edward's perfect, alabaster, bare chest. The sparkling glow of his skin complimented nicely with the white sheets of our bed, with the long, flowing, white curtains and the rooms white décor. The room was perfect and dazzling, just like Edward.

My hand trailed up his bare chest and rested on his face. He chuckled and he leaned forward and kissed my nose. I giggled in response and pulled him closer. I kissed below his ear before whispering "I love you."

He was about to respond but the room went dark and there was an unsettling ice cold wind. I looked around and we were no longer in our perfect white room. It was a dark, damp, dreary forest.

I was scared I wanted Edward to hold me. Protect me. I turned to ask him if he knew where we were but he was gone.

"Edward!" I screamed. "Edward!"

He didn't return. I was all alone on this white bed in the middle of nowhere.

All of a sudden I heard menacing laughter and men pointing guns at me appeared. There was flashing lights. Like those you would find on a police car.

"Edward!" I cried again and yet still no reply.

Suddenly the white bed started creaking and shaking violently.

All I could do was scream.

I sat up as quickly as I could. A cold sweat trickled down my back. My head was spinning. I felt dehydrated. My mouth was dry and my neck was sore. My face was stiff, no doubt from the constant crying.

The room was dark. It took a few moments for my eyes to readjust. How long had I been out for?

As my sight became clearer I gasped.

"What are you doing here?! And in my room!" I yelled as the figure sitting at the end of my bed came into focus.

"Sorry, Bella, I didn't mean to wake you up but your window was open and I am a werewolf, remember?" Jake said finishing with a cheeky smile. I groaned and lay pack pulling my damp pillow over my head. That stupid window!

"I would prefer if you left now Jacob," I said emotionless. He sighed.

"Look, Bella. I'm sorry, I really am, but I'm just worried about you," he confessed.

"You're worried about me!? You didn't sound too concerned about me yesterday when you were talking on the phone!" I yelled, letting some anger surface. I sat up and threw my pillow at Jake but he caught it and placed it on his lap.

"Bella, I'm sorry about that too, but… well," he paused taking in a deep breath.

"I panicked. The world just found out about vampires. You of all people must understand what a big deal that is Bella. My pack is in total flux at the moment. We don't quite know what to do," he explained.

An awkward silence grew between us. I stared out the window. It really had gotten dark. I must have slept half the day.

"What time is it? I asked breaking the silence,

"Just after eight... Bella, are you all right? I mean you look awful," he replied as he threw my pillow playfully back at me.

"Oh thanks!" I snorted sarcastically. Jake frowned. I took a deep breath.

"I'm just a little overwhelmed I guess," I confessed truthfully.

"For once I don't blame you. I saw the video of you two on Channel Six," he responded.

"No! They didn't!? The kiss and everything?" I asked as I buried my head in my hands. I could feel the blush engulf my face.

"The kiss and everything," he smirked.

This is awful.

"Do you know anything about Edward? What's happened? Where is he?" I inquired almost frantically.

"No, I don't know much just that they have moved him to Seattle prison. You'd probably get more information on the news than from me," he replied.

"Okay. Where's Charlie? Is he okay?" I asked concerned.

"He's downstairs with my dad. They're having pizza. He figured that since you obviously weren't up to cooking it was the best option. He seems okay. Kind of in shock, I suppose. It's not everyday that you find out your daughter is dating a vampire," he responded. At the mention of the word pizza my stomach rumbled. Jake chuckled.

"Do you want me to order us a couple of pizzas. I just got off patrol and I haven't eaten anything in hours," he suggested.

"I don't know. I am hungry but-" I began before he interrupted me.

"Bella, you can't stay up here for the rest of your life sulking about your boyfriend who's in prison. You need to get something to eat," he said seriously.

"Okay then!" I sighed as I kick my blankets to my feet. "But first get out of my room!"

He smirked as he headed for my window. He quickly turned before he left.

"Oh! I almost forgot. Renée called about a million times while you were asleep. She really wants to talk to you. Charlie said that she said you're not answering your mobile. Actually Charlie sort of sent me up here. He thought I would get through to you. Guess he was right. Sorry again about breaking into your room or whatever but I just wanted to see were you okay. Also just to warn you, Charlie wants answers, but I think he's worried about you. But what would I know I'm not a mind reader," he frowned and with that he leaped out my window.

I grimaced. Why couldn't he have just used the door like a normal person. Then again, when did I ever use the word normal in the same sentence as Jacob. Well not anymore anyway.

I dragged myself from my bed. My mouth was really dry and I needed a drink badly but I decided to make sure my window was locked first. A return visit from Jacob was the last thing I needed. Now don't get me wrong, he's my best friend and I'd do anything for him and I'm sure he'd do anything for me, probably more so, but with him things are just… Complicated.

This was the first time in a long time that I've had to close my window. But it's not like Edward would be coming tonight anyway. A sob escaped my lips as I thought this of him. Which was surprising in a way as I thought I could never cry again after the amount of tears I've shed today.

But I deserved it. Every last deep, cutting pain. I deserved very last ounce of it. I did this to the man I supposedly love. I'm no better than Victoria.

I stalked over to my wardrobe, dragging my feet behind me. I changed out of my damp clothes putting on a baggy white t-shirt with tracksuit bottoms and fresh underwear. I threw my dirty clothes in my washing basket as I went to unlock the door.

I stepped out into the hallway and even out here the air seemed fresher. As I reached the top of the stairs and placed my hand on the railing my nerves swirled in the pit of my stomach. I could hear the buzz from the TV and the odd murmur from my dad, Billy and Jacob.

What was Charlie going to do or say to me? How would he react especially to how I acted today. I panicked and ran to the bathroom. I splashed cold water on my face. I did help rid the clammy feeling and it also woke me up a little but my nerves didn't lessen. I decided it was now or never. Jacob was right I couldn't spend the rest of my life in the bedroom. I would have to face Charlie sometime.

I took a deep breath as I descended the stairs slowly and cautiously. I caught the faint scent of takeout pizza. I went straight to the kitchen avoiding the sitting room. I headed to the sink and downed a glass of water.

"Bella? Is that you?" Charlie yelled from the sitting room.

I froze.

"Um, yeah!" I replied quickly but unfortunately my voice cracked.

I tried to keep my breaths even and quiet as I headed for the sitting room. They were circled, on the couch around a half eaten pizza and the three of them stared mindlessly at the TV. It was some football match. I was glad to see that everything seemed normal, like every other night and at least there wasn't one of those vampire reports on the TV. No doubt they would be full of pictures of Edward now. There was, however, a thick atmosphere in the air. I felt awkward just standing in the doorway. Maybe Charlie wouldn't say anything to me in front of Jake and Billy. Which in itself is kind of ironic as both Billy and Jacob probably know more about vampires than Charlie ever will.

All heads popped up when I entered the room. Still there was silence. I stared at my feet as I headed for the one lone armchair. I sat down a started fiddling with my sleeves. I looked up slightly afraid of what I'd see when I did. It was Jacob who caught my attention. He half smiled and pushed the pizza box in my direction.

"Go on eat up. We've got plenty, with two more on their way." Jake encouraged. I tried to at least smile back but it didn't work. I probably looked like a drunk lunatic or something.

Reluctantly, I reached for a slice with a bit to much pepperoni. I took a small bite and as I swallowed it felt like a lump in my throat. Well at least I was eating something. Edward would hate it if I turned anorexic while he was away.

I nearly choked on my next bite. Even the thought of his name makes me upset. If only I just knew if he was okay. What were they saying on the news about us? About him? About his entire family? Maybe I could get all this information when I would have to confront Charlie.

I looked to Charlie and as soon as I did he abruptly turned his head to the TV looking away from me avoiding all eye contact. Was he staring at me?

The time that passed was slow but uneventful. Bar the few expletives shouted at the TV screen and the sound of chewing the room was silent. The pizza delivery man had come and gone and Jacob ate a whole pizza by himself. His wolf side did give him his large appetite.

The game finished and Charlie said goodbye to Billy as I hugged Jake goodbye. Charlie walked them out as I stayed still and quite in my seat. As I heard him lock up the front door and head in my direction my heart began to race. This was it.

Charlie returned to the sitting room and sat back on the couch. I couldn't look at him. Should I tell him everything? Edit the truth? No, I should just answer the questions he asks and nothing more.

He changed the TV channel to Channel Six. Just in time for the news.

Great… Well at least I get to see what they are saying now. What now did world know? And most importantly what did they know about Edward and the rest of the Cullen's?

"So," Charlie began clearing he throat.

Oh why does something terrible always have to begin with the word 'So'?