Chapter Song: First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes
Charlie was waking up blurry-eyed when he saw Dr. Marcus coming in the room. He looked at Edward and Bella sleeping together. Next to Edward, she actually looked peaceful. He was immensely glad for the boy right then.
He got up, walking into the empty hall, seeing the sun only just over the horizon out the windows.
The doctor held a manila folder between his side and arm, looking at Charlie with worry. "How'd she sleep?"
"She woke up screaming a few times, but we could calm her down pretty fast."
He nodded. "Has Sam come seen her yet?"
Charlie nodded. "Yesterday. Do you have the results?" He wasn't in the mood to dance around the subject.
Marcus let out a breath. "Yes."
Charlie crossed his arms, stilling himself for the answer.
"It came out negative."
It took a moment for that to sink in. Suddenly, he hugged the other man.
Marcus patted his back. "It is very good news."
Charlie pulled away. "Thank you."
"No thanks needed."
Charlie shook his hand, thanking him many more times.
"I'll be back later in the day to see how she's doing."
Charlie nodded, waving goodbye before walking back in the room.
Bella was up, touching a finger tip to the side of Edward's still lax face.
She looked at Charlie when he closed the door, dropping her hand and facing him. "Was that Marcus?"
Charlie nodded, walking closer.
"With the results?"
He hesitated before nodding again.
Bella sighed, looking at Edward before looking back at him. "What scares me is I can't tell what they were by just looking at you."
"Do you want me to tell you?"
He waited, hoping she said yes.
She slid down further, looking up at the ceiling. He could see her debating with herself. Finally, she nodded.
"It was negative."
It took her a moment to digest it too. She covered her eyes and started crying, efficiently waking Edward.
"What's wrong?" he asked frantically, cradling Bella.
Charlie rushed forward, sitting on the other side of her. "That means he didn't rape you, sweetheart."
She nodded, uncovering her eyes. "I know."
Edward and Charlie glanced at each other. "What's wrong then?" Edward asked.
She struggled for a moment, before saying, "I don't know. I'm glad to know that. I was just holding in so many emotions and they won't stop now."
Finally, Charlie understood. "You let it out," he cooed, rubbing her shoulder.
They sat with her while she cried her little eyes out, at some point she started to smile. They smiled too, unable to help themselves.
"What are you smiling for?" Charlie asked quietly, as if they were in a library or something.
