Things That Go Bump In the Night

by zorradesombra

Their paths have lead Bella and Edward in very different directions since that fateful day in the forest. Bella has come into her own. Edward has been searching for her in vain. Will they be able to find each other again? Even if they do, can they deal with the challenges that those paths have created for them and will continue to create? Originally posted on Twilighted

2. Get Over Yourself

EDWARD

It's been 98 days since I left her. It's been 98 days since I broke two hearts. According to my family, I look like shit. I don't talk anymore and barely leave my room. I feed and wallow, wallow a lot more, and feed very occasionally. I never told them what I said to her to make her let us go. At first, no one asked. Then they all got very openly curious. That was my own fault though. I hadn't, and still haven't, said a single word since that awful day. They don't ask anymore, but I can hear the confusion in their thoughts. How could I get so bad so fast? They wanted to know, but mostly they just wanted me to be better. I just can't live without her, but I love her too much to go back. But I really want to just throw myself at her mercy and beg her forgiveness. I just can't live without her.

ROSALIE

I admit it. I envy Bella because she's human. I want so much to have children. However, if I hadn't turned into a vampire, I never would have met Emmett. I hate the fact that she can bring Edward so much happiness when he has never given me that same chance. I resent her, but if it will help my brother to be whole again, I will be more civil towards her. I will make the effort to get over my feelings and hide them from my thoughts.

EMMETT

Man, Edward looks like shit. When was the last time he changed his clothes? Has he changed them since the day he broke poor Bella's heart "in order to save her"? Sometimes he can be an arrogant ass. Sure it's dangerous for her to be around him and the rest of us. But she loves us and is in love with him. We all love her too. Damn, he made a decision by himself when Bella should have had a say in the matter, if not all of us. I wonder how long it will take him to finally see everything is better when Bella is around.

ESME

I love my son, but Edward is just hurting himself. I know he had to say something that hurt Bella too. Otherwise she would never have let him go. Bella was like a daughter to me. I miss her. We all do, but only Edward can make the first step towards making this family whole again. I just hope he does it soon.

JASPER

My brother is an idiot. Bella made us all happier. She makes him whole. I know he doesn't want to condemn Bella to this life, but she is going to change. Alice saw it, even just after we left. Edward told Alice not to look anymore. I know it's painful for him, but that 'request' hurts Alice. I just have to remember that nothing I can say will make him feel any worse than he already does. I wish Alice would let me help him and then hit him for hurting her.

CARLISLE

I don't know how to help my son. Since he won't talk about it, or at all, I simply don't know the best way to be there for him. If I didn't force him to go hunting he would be worse, but he never really hunts. He only looks for what will take the edge of the thirst for a bit. I can't force him back into the world when he is so closed within himself. We never should have left Forks. Everyone could see that Bella and Edward complete each other. I wish he would just accept that. He's hurting himself and probably crushed poor, sweet, selfless Bella. I can't believe she let us go. What did he have to say to make her let us go?

ALICE

I can't believe Edward is being so stupid! I mean really. Clearly Bella is his life and he just needs to accept that. I saw what I saw. I really don't think he can stop that vision from coming true. Not that I can check, he 'asked' me not to look in on Bella. She was my friend and I should be able to decide if I can try and peek into her future. How dare Edward make the decision to leave without consulting us, or her! We all love her, even Rose in her own way.

I need to look. Just a quick check to make sure she is okay. That can't hurt anything, right? Carlisle did just take Edward hunting. Right this minute is the best opportunity I have to look without Edward knowing I'm looking. He would get very upset with me if he knew and Jasper already wants to hit him for hurting me by taking Bella away. Okay, I will just look to make sure she is okay. Hmm…has it been too long? I can't see her. I can't see her at all. Panic is starting to rise in my stomach. Jasper is beside me almost before I can register my own shift in mood. I just can't stop the panic from spreading through my entire being. He looks so concerned. It hasn't been that long. WHY CAN'T I SEE HER?