Chapter 8 Help Me

Bella's pov

Once my vision got used to it, I was surprised.

It wasn't Mr Wilson. Unfortunately, it was the last person on earth I wanted to see... Edward.

With his ocean eyes fixed on me. Impossible to read.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I thought it was Mr Wilson." I diverted my eyes from his, already uncomfortable with his deep gaze.

Again, he didn't say a word. Probably ashamed of what he did.

I looked around. There was no one nearby. Nothing but a suffocating silence, "Where is Sarah?" I asked, recalling that I was not alone a few minutes back.

"Probably in her room." He finally spoke. His voice, really peachy, yet void of emotions.

"I don't remember doing anything that would make her mad." I voiced out my thoughts, "Why would she leave?"

I took the flour package on the floor and continued cleaning the mess we did. I was getting ready to do the dishes when a voice echoed in the kitchen. Edward, reminding me of his existence.

"Aren't you going after her?"

"Not yet." I replied, "If she left, it means she wants to be alone. Just like anyone else would do. I'm here to understand her, not judge her. When she is ready to talk, I'll be there." Just like my brother did to me. I bet you didn't get it. This wasn't written on the contract. It's just a normal civilian rule that apparently you can't understand.

He stood there. Rooted on the floor. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. He seemed annoyed, but as always he didn't want to let it show. Guess what? I don't care.

He took a seat on the kitchen island and started tipping something on his phone. A weirdo.

'Continue with your job Ella. Ignore whatever this is.' Within a few minutes I was done, and the cupcakes were ready too.

The fresh chocolate aroma filled the air the moment I took them out of the oven. My favorite flavor.

I served two of them in a tray for me and Sarah.

"What's that for?" He suddenly spoke, taking me out of the chocolate world I was in. He is still here. Why on earth is he still here?!

"I don't know why Sarah left. But if it is my fault, I'll have a backup."

The monotonous look on his face was giving me chills. Making me uncomfortable in every way possible. Can't he just leave? What does he want from me now?

'Excuse yourself Ella.' My mind kept screaming.

"Please, excuse me Sir... I have to go." Yes. Keep it formal. Don't get too close, just do your job.

He just hummed. Totally absent worlded. Yes. That's the best word to describe him. I don't care. It's alright difficult to share the same air with you.

"Oh, here. Have a cupcake. My own recipe." I served him and immediately got out of there, heading to the stairs with my tray towards Sarah's bedroom. It was getting suffocating there.

I didn't turn, but I could easily sense his piercing gaze on me, making me forget how to walk.

I gave my best to not stumble and when I was finally out of his sight I found myself breathing again.

I got to Sarah's, and knocked at her door.

No response.

I opened it slowly and the first thing my eyes caught was her little frame curled in her sheets and crying in her bed silently.

I placed the tray on her desk and went near her.

"Hey, sweetie. Wanna talk?"

"Did you see him? My... my father..."

Well, who wouldn't see?

"No, I didn't. I can't see without my glasses. It took me a while to find them. But why did you leave?" Half a lie. Nothing is more true than half of a lie.

"I... I don't know. I'm afraid. I don't want him to hate me."

"He doesn't hate you, he just..."He just hates... everybody? I don't know.

"See. He doesn't want to be with me, that's why he's always working. I just want him to see me, and... and be proud of me. I've tried so hard, I'm the best at school. But it's like I'm... I'm invisible." She hid her face with her hands as she let the tears she was trying to hold wash the pain in her heart. I know how it feels. When you give all of you in vain. When your best is not enough.

"No no, sweetie. He loves you. Everybody loves you. You're the sweetest, the smartest, the most incredible child I've ever seen. It's impossible to not love you, Sarah. I believe... I believe he is just scared. He is probably afraid you'll reject him, just like you are afraid he'll reject you." Maybe. Even if it is in another universe.

"Help me." What? "Help me get close to him, please."

How am I supposed to do that? I can't get close. Can't get too involved. I can't care.

"I'll do my best." I said instead.

"Promise?"

"Promise." I said, already regretting my words.

She looked back to me and a soft smile appeared on her lips. Hope. The emotion I saw in her eyes.

We ate the muffins and I helped her with her homework.

Two hours passed and she couldn't take it anymore. She was tired and slept right after we finished her homework.

I put her to bed and got out of her room, carefully closing her door behind me.

It looks like I have nothing left to do.

Well. With so much going on, I had no strength to do nothing.

I went to the garden as my room was boring and everywhere else in the house felt... unfamiliar. It is the most peaceful place in the house. A perfect place to reflect or just forget.

I took my painting kit and started painting. Something messy just like my mind. A room. No. A garden with flowers of all kinds.

Evening came. No sign of Sarah's father.

We ate without him. And apparently it's always like this. Always elsewhere.

I really need to do something, but what? I'm not supposed to interfere, but... Sarah. What should I do? This is so stressful.

I went to my room after putting Sarah to sleep.

Leaned on my bed, closed my eyes, expecting to get some rest. Guess what? Sleep never came.