𝙀𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙄𝙣 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙨

Chapter Two

I was sitting at my desk, surrounded by textbooks and notes, trying to focus on my homework when my phone rang. Glancing at the screen, I saw it was Charlie. It was unusual for him to call me, so I quickly picked up.

"Hey, Charlie," I answered.

"Ishkhan, do you know where Bella is? Is she with you?" Charlie's voice sounded tense, almost frantic.

"No, she's not with me," I replied, my heart rate quickening. "I thought she was at home since it's the afternoon, school is over, and Bella usually doesn't hang out with anyone."

"Well, I can't find her anywhere, and she's not responding to her cellphone," Charlie said, the worry evident in his tone.

"I'll come help look for her," I said immediately. "I'll be there soon."

I hung up, grabbed my shoes and cellphone, and headed for the door. As I was about to leave, my ma called out from the kitchen. "Where are you going?"

"Bella's missing," I said quickly. "I'm going to help Charlie find her."

On the way to Charlie's, I kept calling Bella, my anxiety growing with each unanswered ring. "Bella, where are you? Please pick up your phone. Charlie's worried sick about you," I pleaded into the voicemail.

The drive felt like it took forever, even though I was probably speeding a bit. I finally pulled up to Charlie's house, my tires screeching slightly as I braked. Charlie was already outside, pacing back and forth on the porch, his face etched with worry.

"Ishkhan, thank you for coming," he said, his voice tight with anxiety.

"Of course, Charlie." I reassured him, though I wasn't sure who I was trying to convince more – him or myself.

Charlie decided to help some people to help find Bella. As they all discussed where she could be, I continued to call Bella, leaving messages that grew more urgent with each passing minute. "Bella, please, just let us know you're okay. We're all really worried about you."

The sun had gone down and yet Bella was still gone. No one had been able to get into contact with her. 

"Ishkhan!" Charlie's voice broke through the quiet, rough with anxiety. He approached me quickly, his face lined with concern. "Did you get a call back?"

I shook my head, feeling the weight of my worry settle deeper in my chest. "No, nothing yet," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. The helplessness was suffocating.

Just then, a shout pierced the night. "Charlie" Jacob calls out to Charlie, grabbing his attention. I turned to see him staring at someone. I followed his eyes to see a guy was emerging from the shadows, carrying an unconscious Bella in his arms.

My heart lurched at the sight. "Bella!" I called out, my voice trembling. Charlie didn't waste a second. He sprinted towards Bella, his face a mask of desperation. I followed closely behind, my mind racing with a thousand questions and fears.

As we reached them, Charlie took Bella from Sam's arms, cradling her protectively. "Is she alright?" His voice was a mix of fear and hope, his hands shaking slightly as he held her.

Sam nodded, his expression serious yet reassuring. "She's alright, Charlie. She's just unconscious."

I watched as Charlie's shoulders sagged with relief, though his grip on Bella remained firm. I could see the worry etched into every line of his face, the fear that had gripped us all night slowly beginning to ebb away.

"Thank you, Sam," Charlie said, his voice thick with emotion. He looked down at Bella, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. "We've been so worried."

Sam gave a small nod. I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. As I stood there, watching Charlie hold Bella close.