Everything Will Be Alright

I believe in you and me
I'm coming to find you
If it takes me all night
Wrong until you make it right
And I won't forget you
At least I'll try….

My exile into insanity came to an end as the snow began melting further down the mountain I'd holed up on. Others were hunting my prey now and I could no longer stay in one place. I'd taken the carcasses, evidence of my true self, to the top peak and spread them out under fallen trees. Once discovered, those bodies would create suspicion among the hunters who were after what I deemed as waste. And so, I made my way down and ventured into the first town I came across to buy some new clothes and prepare to move on. I figured I'd head north.

It was strange being amongst humans again. If not for the decades of practice I had with acting human, I would have retreated once more to rehearse. It came back rather quickly, my act, but I drew attention nonetheless simply because I was a newcomer. I poured on the charm and spewed my lies with ease. Yes, it was all coming back. I even treated myself to a hotel room, having a real shower for the first time in months before stepping into my new clothes. I tossed the old ones into a bag and deposited it in a public trash can in the park before I left town.

First, I had to relocate my deserted car. Heading back towards the mountain, my phone rang out, irritating a hunter in wait. I waved an apology and headed in the opposite direction; I could go around and back down to where I'd left it.

"Now that you've got yourself all spiffy, are you planning on coming home anytime soon? It's been long enough Edward."

"Alice…" I sighed with a chuckle. It was good to hear her voice, even if her knowledge of my every move irritated me. "What do you think of the clothes?"

"Meh. Too bland," she stated. "But your own stuff is all here, just waiting for you. Come home Edward. We miss you."

I stopped at a boulder and took a seat, looking around at the amazing view. I hadn't taken in any of the beauty of this trail the whole time I'd been here. It was like waking after a long sleep, feeling refreshed. Only the day ahead of me was really no different than the last, nor the one ahead of this. "I miss you too Alice. All of you. Are Em and Rose home yet?"

"Next week. Esme wants all of us together."

"Pulling the Esme card Alice? You fight dirty," I teased. They all knew I couldn't refuse Esme anything. I hesitated before asking the question that had nagged to be asked for weeks. "How is she?"

Alice knew who I was referring to. "I don't know how to answer that. You could come see for yourself."

"Don't be facetious. I'm asking you earnestly. I need to know… is she okay?"

"If by 'okay' you mean surviving. Yeah, she's alive. She's functioning. Coping much better than I thought she would actually. She cried a lot in the beginning. Humans have so much body fluid, it's kinda gross!"

Not gross, I smiled to myself, heavenly. "And now? Does she still talk to you? Are you friends despite what I did?"

"Sure… it's difficult though. I know she wants to ask about you but she knows I won't tell her where you are so… I dunno. She's been spending a lot of time with that Angela girl lately. They seem to get along really well. But no one can replace you, Edward."

"Is she dating?"

There was a pause. "Are you for real? Dating? Get a clue, would you! She's trying to get over the love of her life! You think she's interested in going for dinner and a movie?"

"Okay okay! Shit… I was just wondering…"

"Come home and see for yourself…"

I hung up, undecided. I did miss my family. I did long to see Bella. But if she was making grounds in forgetting about me, I also didn't want to disrupt that. Still, when I located my car, I found myself driving west rather than north, as I had planned. It wouldn't hurt to be a little closer to home.

My next call from Alice came several days later. "I think you should come home."

"I know what you think Alice – always!" I teased. I didn't want another heavy conversation. I wasn't even used to small talk anymore.

There was silence from her end. Fuck. I wasn't going to get away with light-hearted chatter.

"Look, I haven't decided what I'm doing yet. But you can let Esme know that I'll at least make an appearance. But no promises that I'll stay!" I wanted to make that clear from the start. If I went home, they could distract me for a short time, but I knew I'd want to see Bella. And if I saw her, I'd want to speak with her…

"Edward, I… there's something you should know…about Bella…"

"Is she hurt?" My interest in a serious talk suddenly soared.

"Not yet."

"What did you see?"

"Nothing. That's just it. I can usually see her pretty accurately now, still not as good as I can see you, but better than most. I'm usually right…"

"Usually… that's dangerous with you Alice," I reminded her.

"I know! Don't be an ass right now, okay? Just listen; I haven't been able to see anything for a couple of days. She's different. Not herself."

"She's medicated again," I stated, rather than inquired.

"I don't think so. This is different. She's expressive, just really distracted and withdrawn. Make sense?"

I tried to envision her like that but with the distance between Alice and myself, I couldn't get a clear picture from her thoughts. "Have you talked to her about it? I know she always loved your talks. I think she'd open herself up for you."

"I've tried… she needs you."

I sighed, placing my head against the wall by the bed in my room. "Alice… don't do this to me…"

"I'm sorry Edward, really. I know it's difficult. I just thought you should know. You should be prepared."

"Prepared?" I knew she saw something about me. Oh Alice! What aren't you telling me?

"It really would be best if you were to come home."

I hung up feeling more confusion than I ever had. I knew my reappearance would hinder Bella moving on, but deep inside I knew Alice was onto something and she was right this time… could I forgive myself for not being there?

I groaned in frustration as my phone rang again. "Alice! Give me a break!" I said as soon as I picked up.

"Oh…I… Edward? It's not Alice." Not Alice, definitely. It was another familiar voice. "It's Renee. I'm sorry to bother you…"

"No! It's no bother, I'm sorry about that. My sister's been pestering me, I just assumed…"

"Edward…" Her voice was strained. It was very early in the morning for her to be up. It had to be serious. I could tell she was struggling with how to get out what she wanted to say. "I have no right to be calling you this way, but I'm at my wit's end. I don't know what else to do."

"What's the problem? Has something happened to Bella?"

"She's… she's slipping Edward. I hate it, but putting her back on her medication is the only thing I haven't tried. She's on a very thin rope and you're the only one who's ever been able to reach her when she's like this. I hate asking you…"

"What can I do?" I replied instantly.

"I'm really sorry… but you said you'd always love her. If that's true, you'll know how to get through to her. I thought maybe you could… help her. Help us."

This was what Alice had seen and prepared me for. "Okay. I'm leaving now but I'm a still a good half a day's drive away. Do you think she'd speak to me over the phone?" I packed my things in my bag as I talked and hastily tossed it in the car before going to check out.

"I think in person would be best," Renee responded quietly. "I have to go. Please take care on the road. We need you here safely."

"I will. I'll be there."

I took every short-cut possible and drove well over the speed limit on the empty stretches of highway. It was dark when I arrived at Phil's house and the car was not in the driveway, but all the lights were on and Renee opened the door for me when she saw me pull up. She wrung her hands nervously as I walked towards her. "Thank you for coming. But I waited too long to call. We're too late."

I tried to make sense of her thoughts but it was impossible. "Too late? What's happened?" Oh god, please don't let Bella be hurt in any way.

"She's gone. Ran. A few hours ago. Edward!" She threw her arms around me as she began to weep. "She could be anywhere and it's my fault!"

"Okay, slow down… why did she run away? So she wouldn't have to take the pills? What's upset her now? I'm completely in the dark so please, anything you can tell me would help." I grabbed a lot of thoughts from her that I hadn't heard before. This woman was desperate to make her daughter happy.

She took a big breath to calm herself, but she was still trembling when she released her grip on me. I held her arm gently and guided her to the porch swing. "She's been in a mood the past few days."

"A mood?"

"She's started talking about Riley. It makes her upset, but she won't let it go. She wanted us to go down to the city for the weekend; nagged about it since yesterday and then tonight when I put my foot down, we had a terrible argument and she took off. Phil's been out looking but he doesn't know where she would go. Maybe you have some idea?"

Possibly. Or not. I did know, however, that if I were anywhere near her or any place she'd been to, I'd pick up her scent. There was nothing in the world that smelled like Bella. For once, my secret life had a purpose. For once, it could be put to a good use. I would find her.

Renee walked me to my car, thanking me again for coming to her aid. "I feel horrible about sending you away as I did. If I hadn't, maybe you would have worked things out between yourselves. I know that nobody's ever meant so much to Isabella. And you obviously care for her or you wouldn't be here talking to me."

"I care very much," I said softly, but wishing she'd just let me go.

"I had no idea you'd actually leave… Edward… You should know that this was part of the argument earlier on today. She's felt deserted these past months and now she knows it was my doing. She hates me right now. But I was only doing what I thought was best for her!" The tears were forming again. I had to get the hell out.

"I did the same thing, Renee. We both love her, and we both need to learn how to let her make her own choices." I patted her back gently, avoiding a full-contact hug again. Eventually she'd be aware of how different I felt. "I'll find her. I promise."

She nodded. "Just help her with what she needs right now. Keep her safe."

And so my search began. I called Alice to see if she had any visions that would help. Nothing. But she set out to sniff out the cottage to see if she'd been there recently. That was one possibility I'd considered. Another seemed more likely now that I knew this involved Riley. I headed for the bus station. There was no point asking if she'd been there, I caught her scent instantly, but it was faded. She had been and gone. I did check the bus schedules and heaved a sigh of relief when I knew there hadn't been any departures in the past 3 hours. The overnight bus would be leaving at midnight. So I could wait there or go search some more.

I opted to be pro-active, driving up and down the streets I thought she may be on. My senses were on high alert for any sight or scent of her. And I pleaded silently for her to think of me so that just maybe I could even pick up on her thoughts. I thought of all the calls she'd made to me in the beginning, all unanswered and wished she'd try again now. Taking a chance, I rang her number as I drove along. It didn't even give me her voicemail; just rang on and on. Dammit!

I was startled when I hung up and mine rang. Alice.

"Does she like football?"

"Football? No. Why?"

"I just saw something… looked like a game of some sort, on a field. Lots of the kids from school are there."

"You're losing it Alice. It's not even football season… but rugby has started! Okay, thanks Alice! You're the best, if I've never told you before now." I hung up and swung the car around to head to the school. Why on earth Bella would be at a rugby game when she set out to run away was beyond me but I had to try.

It was just ending when I arrived, the crowd spilling out from the stands. My head felt ready to erupt with the onslaught of a crowd of thoughts for the first time in months. Jesus! There would be no way for me to pick Bella's thoughts out of this even if she wasn't clouded up. The putrid stench of 50 different perfumes and Axe body spray mingled with whatever the various groups in huddles were smoking would mask her scent as well. I rang her phone again, thinking even if she didn't pick up, I'd hear it ringing out. Pick up baby, just pick up…

"Hello?"

Holy fuck.

"Who's there?" It wasn't Bella's voice asking. It was a guy.

"Put Bella on," I demanded.

There was laughter on the other end. "Yeah? And if I don't?"

"Ever had a bone broken?"

"Sure dude. But it took a fucking CAR to do it!" More laughing.

"Well, it'll take one simple twist for me. And I guarantee a car couldn't take that broken bone and shove it up your ass like I will. Put her ON!"

Disconnected. Fuck!

I stood very still and watched each group. I'd freaked the guy out. He would be trying to laugh it off with his buddies. It sounded like a group of mostly guys. Bella…baby don't do this to yourself…

I was afraid I'd lose her as the crowds merged together or left. There was no sign of her. And then, finally, I heard something… a familiar voice; 'Just give it back!'

"Bella?" I called out. She was here. She was nearby. I rang her phone again. She had to know it was me and if she was in trouble, she'd answer. If one of the guys answered, I'd spot them. Either way, I'd have her. It rang at least a dozen times before I finally got my wish.

"Edward?" Her soft voice filled the airwaves and my heart. I'd forgotten how good it felt to simply hear her say my name.

"Bella," I replied, my own voice sounding foreign with the emotion in it. "You need to get away from them." I kept my tone soft so she wouldn't rebel, as I knew she was fond of doing when given an order.

"Why are you calling now? After all this time? I called you SO many times…"

"I know. I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you Bella, just walk away now. Come to me." I held back on the begging I wanted to do, and instead pleaded softly as my eyes scoured the now empty yard. "Please Bella, let's go somewhere. Just you and me and we can talk."

There was stunned silence as she processed what I was saying. "What? Where are you?"

The stands… a group of kids smoking, passing a Coke bottle that I presumed contained more than Coke… "Turn around."

Our eyes met and her face flashed through every emotion; shock, elation, anger, despair, confusion.

"How did you find me?"

"I could find you anywhere Bella. You're part of me."

"Hey, is this asshole bothering you?" One particularly stupid pothead decided to be macho.

"You don't want to piss me off," I warned in a low voice. Bella watched me closely as I stood statue still. I wouldn't go after him, but if he came for me or laid a finger on Bella…

"You don't want to piss him off. Trust." Bella put on a serious face and moved away from the group slightly. She was playing Jasper's role in dispersing a Cullen Family fight.

"Aw, come on Bellissima, I thought you wanted to have some fun with us tonight?" The guy I'd spoken with on the phone spoke to her.

"Don't touch her," I hissed, fists clenched. He had no right to have a nickname for her! She's MY Bella!

"Yeah, well I changed my mind." She took another few steps away from them, and me as well. I frightened her now. Why NOW?

"Bella, let me take you home," I pleaded with her. "Or not. We can go anywhere you want."

"Listen asshole, she's with us okay? She ain't going ANYWHERE with you!" The idiot made his move… towards Bella and I reacted. He was on the ground with my foot ready to crush his throat when Bella took hold of my arm.

"Edward…" Her eyes pleaded with me to stop. And so I did. Just like that, the rage died and the remorse for my behaviour kicked in. "You don't have to do this. Come on. Let's go."

I was mesmerized by her soothing voice, barely noticing the potheads scurrying off. Bella and I stood alone under the stadium stands, simply staring at each other. Her thoughts were sedated, not by the drugs normally issued by Renee but by something she'd obtained from the cowards who'd just left her with me.

"So what are you doing here?" She tried to seem disinterested, but her body wasn't saying that. Her scent filled my senses and it was getting stronger by the minute.

"I'm here to rescue you," I smirked, trying to keep this awkward moment light. I didn't want her frightened of me now. I needed her to trust me again.

"You could have saved yourself the trouble. I can take care of myself," she informed me defiantly. "Not that you'd know, but I've been doing just that for months."

A little of my anger resurfaced as jealousy kicked in. "Have you been hooking up with random guys for the same shit you're on now, as well? Or for other stuff?"

"None of your fucking business!"

Okay, sedation was wearing off. I knew her own anger was bound to surface and I prepared myself to take it without lashing out any rebuttal.

"You have absolutely NO right to ask me any questions Edward Cullen! What I've done… what I've been doing since you ran… " She threw me an angry glare and began pacing back and forth, just like she did the other time she'd let me have it. "YOU left me no choice. I'm living my life as I choose now so you can fuck right off!"

Her words stung, but I deserved every one of them. "Would you like me to go away?"

"YES!" she screamed as sobs finally came. This was my Bella. And she wanted me to leave her alone.

I wanted to hold her and console her and tell her everything would be alright now that we were here together, but she didn't want that. I nodded in understanding, my throat too constricted to speak.

She was angry with herself for crying, her thoughts told me and she wiped them away brusquely. "After you take me to the bus station."

I held back the grin that was forming on my face. Her mind wasn't cemented on me leaving just yet. There may be hope still.

You don't need to compromise
I'm dreaming 'bout those dreamy eyes
I never knew, I never knew
But it's alright
Everything will be alright…

(The Killers)