Where the Streets Have No Name
Chapter 79
"Of course not!" Edward exclaimed. "How could you even..."
"I know, Edward. I do. But I had to ask. If we're going to need an attorney...
"I'm sorry. Please believe me, your mother and I, we'd never doubt you. It's just that... that woman has been spewing nothing but hate ever since she got here! Jesus!" Carlisle said defensively.
Edward turned his head away to look out of the window, hiding the deep hurt his father's words had caused him. His parents had been supportive to boot ever since they arrived after receiving his distress call. They closed ranks around him and defended him against the merciless attacks from the Morenos. But clearly a seed of doubt had managed to eat its way even in his own parents' hearts.
How could he blame the cops when his own father doubted his innocence?
However, if he were to be honest, they wouldn't be completely wrong, would they? He might not have forced the pills down Carmen's throat, but he played his part in bringing about this disaster just the same.
He had wished Carmen was gone. He had told her so with clear cruel words. Elvira Moreno was perhaps wrong about his method of execution, but she wasn't wrong about his intent.
He was guilty of nearly ending Carmen's life, and he would have to live with that knowledge forever.
He was jerked out of his musings when he realized the car wasn't moving any more. They were parked outside of his house.
He didn't understand why his father had brought him home. He needed to be at the hospital. Carmen's condition had stabilized but she hadn't regained consciousness yet. He ought to be there in the event she woke up, or to find out if the doctors had managed to ascertain the full extent of the damage.
"You barely slept ten hours this past week. And you've hardly eaten at all. You need to eat and rest," Carlisle said decisively before Edward could voice his objection. "Your mother is at the hospital. I'll be heading there now and I promise I'll call you if there's any change. But you're in no shape to stay up another eight hours. So, go inside, kiss your daughter, and get some sleep."
Edward knew his father was right. He could sense how slow his reflexes had become and how air felt as if it was made of transparent gelatin. He was losing his grip over coherent thought.
He had been so distraught and distracted by the events of the past seven days, that he could hardly recall when he saw Ella last. He knew that Renate and his mother were taking turns in looking after her at home, but that didn't mean he could abscond completely. Ella couldn't afford to lose both her parents.
Perhaps it was his slowed reflexes, or perhaps it was the pain etched across his face that prompted Carlisle to speak again before Edward could exit the car.
"Edward, what happened with Carmen is not your fault," Carlisle said in a soothing, paternal voice as he placed a comforting hand on Edward's shoulder. "She was unstable long before you came into her life. I'm really sorry for asking... for giving you reasons to think I have any doubt in mind about your involvement. I know you. I know my son. I know you could never hurt a sick, helpless girl. The mother of your child no less-"
"But I did," Edward interrupted him.
"What?"
"It is my fault," Edward confessed to his father what he couldn't admit to the detective. "Elvira is right. Carmen's in the hospital because of me. I've put her there."
Thank you Lulabelle98, HeidiJoVT, and Dinx.
I'd like to say a special thanks to Rebadams7 for writing an amazingly beautiful poem for WtSHNN. I am speechless, sweetie. I thought it was quote from some famous poet. I can't tell you how honored and moved I am. You are so gifted! Happy birthday, sweetie! (You can find the poem in the reviews page for ch 76)
Today is a special day for me. It marks the 1 year anniversary of my induction into FF. I can't believe a whole year had gone by! Thank you for being here, and making it worth it.