𝙀𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙄𝙣 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙨

Chapter Three

I sat at my desk, the dim light of my lamp casting long shadows across my room. Bella's notes and homework were spread out before me, a stark reminder of how much she had changed since that night a month ago. She hadn't been herself since she was found, existing in a zombie-like state, barely doing the minimum to get by. It pained me to see her like this, so I took it upon myself to keep up with her schoolwork. 

The work was easy enough once I had her notes in order. I methodically went through each assignment, finishing them quickly and efficiently. My mind wandered as I worked, thinking about Bella and how much I missed her. I hoped that by helping her with her schoolwork, I could ease at least a small part of her burden.

Once I finished, I gathered the notes and homework into a neat stack. I glanced at the clock; it was late, but I knew I needed to get these to Bella. I grabbed my keys and headed out, the cool night air biting at my skin as I got into my car and drove to the Swan's house.

I knocked on the door, my heart heavy with concern. After a moment, Charlie opened the door. His eyes were tired, the weight of worry evident in his expression. When he saw me holding Bella's notes, he gave a small, grateful smile and stepped aside to let me in.

"Thanks, Ishkhan," Charlie said quietly, his voice tinged with exhaustion. "She's in her room."

I nodded and made my way upstairs, the familiar creak of the floorboards under my feet. I paused outside Bella's door, taking a deep breath before gently knocking and then entering. She was sitting by the window, staring out into the darkness, her face void of emotion.

"Hey, Bella," I said softly, but she didn't respond. I walked over to her backpack, which I had organized for her during one of my previous visits. I carefully placed the notes inside, making sure everything was in its place. I turn in her homework to her teachers for her.

After I finished, I sat down on her bed, the mattress sinking slightly under my weight. "How are you doing?" I asked, my voice filled with concern. But there was no response, just the silence of the room and the distant hum of the night outside.

I knew the reason for acting this way was because of Edward leaving. I found out from Jessica that the Cullens moved. When I found out the Cullens had moved, my first instinct was to call Alice. She was the only one whose number I had. I needed answers, and I hoped she would pick up and explain what was going on.

I dialed her number and waited, the ringing echoing in my ear. No answer. I tried again, and again, but each time it went straight to voicemail. 

"Alice, it's Ishkhan. Please, call me back. I need to know what's happening," I left a message, my voice tinged with desperation.

Days passed, and still no response. Each unanswered call only added to my frustration and confusion. Why had they left so suddenly? What was really going on?

I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this than just the usual vampire secrecy. There was something deeper but without any way to reach, I was left in the dark, grasping at straws.

After an hour of sitting in Bella's room, trying to get her to talk, I decided it was time to leave. The silence between us was heavy, filled with unspoken worries and unanswered questions. I stood up and walked over to her.

"I'll see you later, Bella. Take care," I said softly, hoping she would at least acknowledge my goodbye.

She gave a small nod but didn't say anything. Her eyes were distant, lost in thoughts I couldn't reach. With a heavy heart, I left her house and made my way to my car. The drive home was quiet, the usual background music feeling out of place for my mood.