Where the Streets Have No Name
Chapter 80
"What are you saying?" Carlisle asked, thoroughly perplexed by Edward's sudden admission.
Edward had filled them in on the events of the day he had found Carmen in the bathtub, but he hadn't elaborated on what had transpired on the night preceding.
"I... it's my fault," Edward said with a guilt-choked voice. "I did this to her."
Carlisle swiped his gaze around the deserted driveway to look for passers by or possible eavesdroppers. He didn't know what he was about to hear, or if he was ready to hear it, but he closed the car door just the same. In case his son confessed to something incriminating, he wouldn't allow it to go further than the confines of the car.
"You'll have to be a little more clear, Edward. How exactly is this your fault?" Carlisle asked, keeping his voice free of judgment or derision.
"I... I told her we were over. We... we had a fight the night before. I came home and...
"I was so mad. I said terrible things to her. I knew she was depressed, I knew it could trigger an episode, but I yelled at her anyway. I told her to leave; I told her Ella wouldn't miss her. I called her a miserable human being.
"I practically handed her the recipe to kill herself.
"Oh Dad, what have I done? What if she dies? I'd be responsible for her death. Ella will grow up without a mother because of me." Edward banged his head against the dashboard in sheer self-recrimination.
Carlisle sat still for a moment, allowing his mind to make logical deductions his son was too distraught to make.
"If you don't mind me asking, why were you so mad at her? I know a little bit about Carmen's... issues. Your mother tells me things from time to time. Did something happen that night that was out of the ordinary to make you lose your temper?" Carlisle asked.
Edward shook his head. In the aftermath of what had come to pass, the reasons behind his anger that night - which he then felt so justified and indignant about - seemed trivial and needless.
"Edward, please. I respect the privacy of your marriage, but I can't let you speak like that openly when we already have Elvira out for blood. I need to know what exactly happened so I can help you. You have to tell me what went down that night, son. Please, for Ella's sake."
For Ella's sake.
With halting words and trembling voice, Edward recounted the acrimonious exchange of that fateful night; recollections that he would much rather bury deep within his heart and never acknowledge, for they exposed him for who he really was and what he was truly capable of.
Thank you Lulabelle98, HeidiJoVT, and Dinx.
Thank you A is for Angel for your lovely review of WtSHNN at TwilightFicZone. You exaggerate, my friend, but I'm deeply grateful for your flattering words! *hugs*