THIS IS THE SECOND CHAPTER POSTED TODAY! READ CH 8 FIRST!
Bella paced in front of her sofa, trying to determine what she was going to say. She had called Esme the day after the incident at the diner, and was very impatiently waiting for the woman to arrive at her home. Carlisle had held her at the restaurant, trying to convince her that she didn't have to tell anyone, but Bella had already seen how it was wearing on him. She had already heard the small sigh of relief when she told him she wanted to tell the truth, watched his shoulders straighten like the weight of the world was lifted, and now, in this moment she wanted nothing more than to take it all back, keep her secret and hide forever. But she didn't have much time, didn't have the heart, and she couldn't do that to a man that she had once thought of as a second father. A knock sounded and she jumped, the loudness intensified by her nervousness. She opened the door quick, afraid she would lose her already dwindling courage if she took her time.
Esme smiled warmly at the girl across from her before being invited in the house and ushered toward the couch. Bella didn't sit with her, but instead paced the length of the room. "I bet you're wondering why I asked you to come here." Bella was quiet, but Esme could hear her fine, "And I don't really know how to say it." Bella was wringing her hands together, her eyes burning holes into the floor. "Alice's wedding is in only two days."
Esme smiled sadly at the girl before her, her mind clicking as to where the conversation was headed, she frowned, placing her hands on Bella's shoulders to still her movements. "Are you afraid to walk with Edward, dear?"
Bella's eyes snapped up, connecting to the warm, motherly ones in front of her. It's very true that Bella was scared to death of Edward, scared of what he'd think of her, of what he'd say to her. "I mean yes..but.." she trailed off, guiding them both to the couch. "But that's not why I asked you here today." She took the woman's hands in her own, bringing her eyes up to meet Esme's. "I want to tell you why Edward and I didn't stay together." The woman's eyes furrowed, confusion clearly written all over her features. "Esme," Bells took a deep, shuddering breath. "I have leukemia."
Thoughts flew through Esme's mind. Her grip on Bella's hands approaching painful. How long had she known this? How long had it been a secret? "Edward left you because you have cancer?" her eyes wide, her heart beating roughly against her chest. How could her son, someone raised to be loving, respectful, and understanding, leave the girl he apparently loved when she needed him most? She was man…more than mad, she was furious, and wanted to smack him around a few times when she returned home.
"God, no, Esme." The words flew out of Bella's mouth quickly, "Edward doesn't know. I don't want him to know." Tears formed in her eyes, threatening to fall down her face, "I didn't want to hold him back from achieving his dreams. I didn't want him to waste his time on someone who wouldn't be able to give him everything he deserved." Her hands shook, her breath ragged. "I left Edward because I'm not worth loving the way he loved me."
Esme was silent, the tears dripping freely down her face. Staring into the eyes of someone she loved so dearly, getting the worst news, she was silent. She had nothing to say.
I was a little late this weekend, so you guys get two updates today! This is a shorter chapter, but it was at a stopping point. Maybe if we're all lucky I'll get another one out tonight! Review!