|- 244 -|
"Have you heard anything from Bella?" Jas asks.
I shrug and look forlornly at the phone on the table.
"Have you reached out to her, Edward?"
"No," I croak out, my voice raspy from lack of use.
"It's been two days, E. You've gotta say something."
I try to turn onto my side, away from him, but it hurts too much. He comes closer. "Edward, I brought your phone. Tell me what you want to say and I'll type it for you."
Tears burn in my swollen eyes. "Just tell her I'm sorry."
He nods and squeezes my shoulder gently.
-o-
"They're releasing you tomorrow, Edward."
"Whoop-dee-doo."
"You're not pleased to be going home?"
"No, Nate," I bite. "Nothing to go home to."
"Have you heard from your girlfriend?"
"No, and I don't expect to."
"And that bothers you."
"Wow, how many years did you have to go to school for that?"
He chuckles. "Twenty-two all told." He scratches his head and scrunches up his face. "I guess that wasn't one of my more intuitive moments. Sorry."
His self-derision sucks the wind right out of my angry sails. "I'm sorry, too. I don't know how not to be an asshole anymore."
-o-
"Rose, what good am I gonna be at work? I can't even hold a goddamn pencil."
She sighs heavily on the other end of the phone. "I just hate the thought of you rattling around all alone in that house of yours. How about if Emmett and I bring dinner by tonight?"
"I appreciate it, Rose, but I'm really not fit for company."
"Edward, we're family."
"Just let me wallow for a couple of days."
Another heavy sigh on her end.
"Rose." I can hear my voice break, and I just can't go there again. "A couple days. Please."
"Fine."
A/N: Oh poor Walloward. I really hope Kitkat doesn't smack me, because today she could actually leave a mark! Pretty sure Jen and Shelley won't hurt me, but I'm not turning my back on anyone near the pool today! XXX ~BOH