Someone was burning me.
"Edward." I tried to tell him, but my voice was so heavy and slow. I couldn't understand myself.
"Bella, you're going to be fine. Can you hear me, Bella? I love you."
"Edward," I tried again. My voice was a little clearer.
"Yes, I'm here."
"It hurts," I whimpered.
"I know, Bella, I know"-and then, away from me, anguished- "can't you do anything?"
"My bag, please…. Hold your breath, Alice, it will help," Carlisle promised.
"Alice?" I groaned.
"She's here; she knew where to find you."
"My hand hurts," I tried to tell him.
"I know, Bella. Carlisle will give you something, it will stop."
"My hand is burning!" I screamed, finally breaking through the last of the darkness, my eyes fluttering open. I couldn't see his face; something dark and warm was clouding my eyes. Why couldn't they see the fire and put it out?
His voice was frightened. "Bella?"
"The fire! Someone stop the fire!" I screamed as it burned me.
"Carlisle! Her hand!"
"He bit her." Carlisle's voice was no longer calm, it was appalled.
I heard Edward catch his breath in horror.
(Now this is where it becomes mine.)
"It isn't clean. When you dragged him away his teeth dragged. There is no way to get the venom out without killing her!" When I heard this, I stayed still as well as I could. Soon I would be the same as Edward! No more holding back, we would finally be equals! The fire was spreading. I couldn't help- I had to let it out somehow! I screamed, trying to stop the entire time. If I scream, Edward will only hurt even more. Through the pain, I dimly noticed hands gently pick me up and carry me somewhere. There was no doubt in my mind- it was Edward. I knew he would never trust anyone else with me. The fire was spreading faster and faster- burning up all my organs and everything that made me human. When Edward put me down, another set of teeth entered me- over and over again apologizing between every bite.
"I'm sorry Bella. So, so sorry. This is to speed it up. Then you won't be in pain for as long." I could tell how hard he was trying to keep his voice even. I couldn't believe how much pain he was in. This is wrong. Angels weren't supposed to be in pain!
In between my screams, I begged. I knew he wouldn't kill me, so I tried for second-best. "EDWARD!"
"I'm here."
"GO AWAY!"
"What?" I could hear it in his voice- I had hurt him.
"DON'T WATCH THIS!" I wish I could make my voice softer, but it was hard enough to say anything objective at all.
"Silly Bella. I won't let you face this alone." I was thankful that at least he was no longer thinking I didn't want him here.