16.
"Yes, I knew Paul", I say to Bella. "I knew him very well." I don't say that I'm sorry to hear about his death because it doesn't sound right. I know from experience that telling someone you're sorry because they're loved one died doesn't change the fact that the person is dead. It doesn't make the pain go away. It doesn't change anything. Everything remains the way it was.
She looks at me with her chocolate brown eyes and understanding passes between us. Maybe she gets it why I'm not offering my condolences.
I remember all those times people came up to Rosalie and I after both are parents passed away. They'd smile sad smiles at us, give us hugs and make false promises of helping us through our pain. They'd say a few good things about Mom and Dad, tell us that the hurt will eventually go away and we'd learn to move on.
Sure, we learn to move forward as life goes on. But the hurt, the pain; it never leaves us. It stays forever.
Like when people talk to me about Rosalie. I listen to what they have to say and thank them for their false support, even though I know they won't be there. Except for Tanya, Jasper and Alice. I can always count on those three to be there for me and try to do whatever they can.
"He was a good man", says Bella. "He was."
She's got tears in her eyes so I divert my attention to the television screen which shows a Mariners' game. I can't see her cry. It's too personal. It's an invasion of personal space. And I'm a stranger to Bella. I want to comfort her but she wouldn't want that. She would prefer being left alone to deal with her emotions.
Well, that's what I would want.
The Chief walks into the room and offers me his hand. The hand which isn't carrying the file on King.
As soon as she sees her father, Bella stands up and makes her way out. Before leaving she turns to me. "It was nice meeting you Edward", she says.
Then she leaves before I can reply.
Charlie hands me the file. "Here you go son. The hearing's on the 1st of June. I can guarantee that Royce King will get what he deserves", he says.
A case has been filed.
King will be punished.
I'll make sure of that.