Second Guesses
Bella awoke the next morning with a start, the sheets beside her cold, seemingly unused for quite a while. The bedroom lay in darkness, the faintest of moonlight creeping in through the half covered window.
Naked and anxious, Bella pulled the covers over her chest, running her hand through her hair and glancing around, trying to see any sign that he'd been there. That he'd stayed the night and hadn't run out on her.
Insecurities flared their ugly heads; ones that she'd thought had been put to rest long ago with the aid of a sultry Italian man who made her heart sing. Now, she couldn't help but feel that perhaps he didn't want her. That after their night of lovemaking he'd found her wanting. Just as Mike had.
"Edward?"
Her voice sounded weak to her own ears, barely loud enough to be heard on the other side of the room. No response came, no sounds of someone moving in the bathroom or perhaps in the kitchen were heard.
The sting of tears pricked her eyes, but she fought the emotions back. Until she had confirmation that he'd left without telling her, she wouldn't cry. He, at least, had earned the benefit of the doubt.
"Edward?"
His name came out louder now, more confident. Yet, still no response echoed back. Reaching for the bedside lamp, she clicked it on, illuminating the rumpled bed sheets surrounding her.
The en suite bathroom remained still, quiet and dark. Her bedroom door was cracked open, revealing a dark, desolate hallway beyond. No movement. No sound.
No Edward.