Chapter Two:
The Push!
Charlie's POV…
Bella thinks that Charlie can't hear her. She thinks that the falling water of the shower is drowning out her sobs. It isn't! Each sharp gasping intake of air cuts him deeply. Making him wish he could hold her close. To rock her like she was once again a small babe. To softly tell her everything is going to be alright. To tell her "Daddy's Gotcha, Baby Girl." But she doesn't want the comfort of her father. Such is why she has taken to crying only when she is in the bathroom. Like she had done her first week here all those years ago.
Though now she isn't crying because of homesickness. She isn't crying because of her mother. She is crying out of shame. She is crying out of frustration. She is crying because she feels weak and is hurting. God, how she is hurting. He and the pack have tried to make her feel strong and proud once again like she has always been but those damn Cullens made something snap inside of her.
It's been six months since the Cullen family left. Six painful months of detoxing vampire pheromones from her system. Six long months of mending her shattered instincts and self worth. It's been a literal hell for Bella. His baby girl is a phoenix, though. Everyday she is raising a little more from the ashes. Everyday Bella is growing stronger and faster. She is smiling and laughing more and more. She welcomes hugs and little touches of affection again. She finds joy in the little things again.
Yes, she is picking herself up and kicking off the dust. She is spreading her wings but something is keeping her grounded. Keeping her rooted. Something is making her too scared and insecure to take her feet off the ground. Maybe… Maybe it's time to give her a little push.