Thick droplets of heavy rain littered my windshield, partially diminishing my ability to focus visually on the little house, but I could still hear everything. Nevertheless, I cast another quick glance around the dark, wet street and chuckled to myself. I probably looked like a stalker of some sort sitting in the complete darkness, immobile and watching. Still.

Being observed in such a manner by any human would be unwise, though. So, I focused again on the low hum of thoughts, the steady heartbeats, and the light discussions emanating from the other houses on the street, looking for any indication that my presence had been detected. I found nothing that deserved my attention.

Except Bella. Not her thoughts, of course, but her footsteps and her strong little heart. Closing my eyes, I leaned the back of my head against the headrest and focused on the soothing rhythm. Often, I felt as if it was the only sound in the world. At least the only sound that mattered. Thump-Thump…Thump-Thump…

Bella Swan…

Automatically, I turned my head in the direction of the words. A few yards from Bella’s home sat the small home of her neighbor Mrs. Dawes. I listened closely as Mrs. Dawes continued her conversation with her daughter, providing her with names of young ladies in close proximity. Apparently, Bella was a consideration for baby-sitting duties for Mrs. Dawes’ visiting daughter. I pictured Bella, bouncing a plump toddler on her knee and smiled. The image was fantastic…

But, it faded much too soon for reasons far too frustrating. And it would do no good to focus on those reasons now; my warring morality and pervasive sadness were the last emotions that should have my current attentions.

I held my hand up to myself, gesturing needlessly, demanding that my mind stop the onslaught. No, I could not agonize about that now. There would be plenty of time later. An eternity, I thought darkly.

…Edward…it’s about time someone said something and it might as well be me. I won’t have it anymore. If she gets angry I’ll remind her she’s living in my house with my rules…no, I can’t police her…reason with her…

Charlie’s thoughts broke through mine and I was grateful, but even that appreciation was short lived. I listened with chagrin again as I observed the varying degrees of contempt he held for me in his thoughts. He despised me, as he should. Perhaps it was his instinct as a father truly surfacing; did he sense that I was dangerous? He must on some level. Of course, the inexplicable truth was that I did unequivocally deserve his distrust. Beyond mere suspicion. I'd earned it.