Parallax

Chapter 10

No Edward, she's not okay. She's angry and she's hurt and not because she hates you but because she loves you so much. She feels sorry for herself for not being strong enough to fight for your love."

Edward fell silent. The rest of the Cullen's just realized how bad Bella's situation had turned out after hearing everything and Jasper was feeling waves of guilt and regret from everyone including himself, knowing that his lack of control had triggered the events that led them to this moment.

Edward finally stood up and they all waited for what he was going to do next.

"I... need a moment to be alone..." He bowed his head, not daring to look at anyone.

"Edward..." Esme called out to him softly.

He didn't respond and instead, he walked at a human pace towards the door leaving everyone in the house. Nobody dared to stop him.

"Alice... I'm worried" Bella spoke a few seconds after the door closed behind him.

"He won't go far. He just needs time to process it all... I think we all do" the rest couldn't agree more.

Bella breathed a sigh of relief and she sat down exhausted but it was as if a huge burden has been taken off her shoulders. She'd told him what she needed to say and she even got the opportunity to tell him what exactly this Bella felt. Now, she just has to wait to how he was going to react to everything that's been said and hope for the best that before she can find her way home, that Edward would find it in him to stay.

She knew that it was a long shot and she did not expect that Edward would change how he feels about Bella's humanity overnight but at least now, she hoped that it would allow him to think twice before making any more drastic actions that might end up destroying both of them in the process.

Esme was at Bellas side, arms outstretched and Bella welcomed her adoptive mother's embrace and hugged her back.

"My poor child... having to go through all that... and our Bella... both of you... you have been through so much... If she can hear us, we are truly sorry if we have caused her so much pain" Esme's voice cracked and Bella knew that if Esme could cry, she would be crying now.

"I know she can and she has already forgiven you... even him. I know it... I can feel it. She just wants to have her second family back; I want that for her as well" Bella looked up at Esme's angelic face and smiled.

Emmett suddenly raised his hand eagerly.

"Now that everything's been said and done... can I ask some questions now?" He was trying to keep himself from showing his excitement but was failing miserably.

"Emmett!" Esme reprimanded him while allowing Bella some room but she stayed in her side. Bella had to admire Emmett's enthusiasm. The big burly vampire always had a way of being able to diffuse any tension in the atmosphere.

"It's okay Esme... I know you all have a lot of questions. Ask away..." she urged, glad to talk about something else.

"Just a few" Emmett smirked then rubbed his fingers under his chin in thought.

"But I am dying to know right now... if Jasper is your mate in your reality..." He nodded towards his brother in the corner. "Then who is Edward's mate there?" So much for thinking about talking about something else.

Bella believed that everyone already had an inkling of who it might be but they wanted to hear it from her.

She looked at Alice and that was all the confirmation that they needed. Alice closed her eyes in frustration.