Sorry for everyone who read my major cock up, where i posted my partial Frankenstein essay. This is chappie 2
I am extremely pissed cos i wrote the whole Deatheater scene yesterday, then my computer crashed so i pressed refresh, and then my dad pressed the back button. ERASING ALL THE WORK!!
I nearly cried.
This deleted itself, various parts of it four times!!My dad told me to keep pressing save incase the p.c. crashes. So i pressed save, and it all got erased. I will never listen to my dad ever again.
Previously....
"Well well well, this is going to be a night to remember" I knew that voice. I knew he was a Deatheater. Imperious curse my ass. Malfoy was a Deatheater, anyone with half a brain knew that.
I heard the swish of cloaks and knew that every wand was now pointed at me. I had not escape.
I looked up at the stars, marvelling that just a few hours ago i was looking at them. Only then, i was not facing impending death. Usually someone came to help me, or i did something that saved my life. But there was no-one here to help me. No Hermione, no Dumbledore, no Edward. I was on my own.
Shit
Now....
Bella's Perspective
Okay, this was not the best situation to find myself in. Surrounded by people who would nothing more than to kill me right now. Why couldn't i just have one nice time in the wizarding world where no-one is trying to kill me? Or would that be too much to ask?
"But..... but she disappeared! Vanished! The oaf Dumbledore sent her somewhere! How is she here?" One yelled, sounding rather confused. I swear, if i had my wand, i would curse that ass. Dumbledore is no oaf!
"Well, why not ask the star herself?" A slow, quiet voice said. I was still on my back, just waiting for it. I really couldn't see myself getting out of this one.
I was startled as one of the cloaked figures stood over me, they seemed to hesitate for a second before reaching out and grabbing my throat, lifting me clean of the ground, cutting off my air, my feet dangling a few feet from the floor. Even though the hooded figures face was right in front of me, i still couldn't see it. Damn!
"Well? Where have you been all this time?" The same slow voice cam from within the shadowed hood, his hand tightening on my throat, making my breathing come as heavy wheezes as i tried to drag any air into my lungs. My hands clawed at the man's arms, my legs kicking frantically for his.
"Got some spark hasn't she?" Another voice sneered.
"What?..... No answer?" One said, an evident smirk on his face. They were still stood in the circle, except the one who was currently suffocating me. I could hear shouting again, and bangs, flashes of light, but it was all so distant. An odd ringing in my ears nearly blocked out all other sound, my arms and legs grew heavy and tired and soon stopped thrashing around, my vision becoming blurry at the edges, my eyes slipping closed on their own
"Drop her" One voice ordered.
"We want her to suffer, then die, not suffocate" He said, and the hand suddenly disappeared from my throat, and i hit the ground with a thud. I coughed, bringing up one hand to massage my bruised neck, trying to get as much air in my lungs as possible. It hurt.
"Oh no, we don't want her to get out of this that easily" I looked around, the circle had been formed once again. It was slightly disturbing, not knowing who or where the voices were coming from. Again, all wands were pointed at me, and i stayed on the floor, on my back, curled up tightly.
"Now..... what should we do to you?"
I shut my eyes tightly, wishing for them to just kill me now and spare all the pain. I knew it was pointless, they loved to see people in pain, and seeing me in pain would be like Voldemort rising again for them. I went to my happy place, wanting to get rid of the smoke up my nostrils, the charred grass i could feel beneath my body, the cold night air as it whipped around the circle.
I went to the meadow, and of course, Edward was there. The sun was shining, he was sparkling, we talked and chatted, me smiled and laughed, we kissed and cuddled. Of course it was too good to be true.
"Crucio!"
I couldn't help the scream that ripped from my sore throat, my body twitching involuntarily on the ground i could no longer feel. All i could feel was pain, all i could smell, taste, see, hear was the pain.
Then the pain was gone, and my arched back dropped to the ground again, my breathing coming as pants, my chest heaving.
"Did you like that little Bella?" A high pitched sadistic voice came from my left. I could hear louder shouts, they were nearer. If it was the Ministry, shouldn't they be helping me? Why weren't they helping?
"Here that Bella?" One said as a loud bang sounded loudly in the now open space, a large flash of light illuminating everything, blocking my view of the stars for a second before it disappeared.
"That's your precious Ministry, coming to rescue their ickle little saviour" The voice sneered. I didn't reply, just kept my eyes on the stars.
I felt the ground vibrate slightly as someone walked towards me, once again breaking up the circle. And once again, i was picked up by my throat, luckily though, this time they set me on my feet, yanking my arms behind me and holding them there. Holding my wrists tightly, i feared if he squeezed any tighter he's break them.
"Petrificus Totallus" One said, and i was suddenly rigid, only my eyes and chest were moving.
I watched as the Deatheaters totally abandoned the circle, and walked towards me, forming a tint circle around me, watching me. This was it.
I could help the tear that slipped down my cheek at the thought of never seeing Edward again, or the Cullen's, or Charlie, or Hogwarts, or Hermione, Ron, Harry. I closed my eyes, not wanting to look anymore.
I was shocked when i felt a blow to my face, i heard the crack as my nose broke, and felt as the blood trickled down my face. I received more blows to my face, my jacket ripped off me, and my arms cut and scratched, my legs kicked and cut as well. I kept my eyes firmly shut, telling myself that it will be over soon.
I wanted to scream in agony as i felt them break my leg, but of course i couldn't. I felt the throbbing all over my body as bruises began to form, i wanted to scratch at my arms and legs as the blood made them itchy.
"Enough!" One yelled, and i felt them step away from me. I felt relieved for a second, glad it was over. That was before i heard the laughter, the dark, cackling laughter. That could not be good. I kept my eyes tightly shut, willing me to go to my happy place, for my body to numb so i felt no more pain.
I was in Hogwarts, sitting in the Griffindor common room with Hermione, going over some homework
I felt someone patting my arms and legs as if searching for something. "She hasn't got a wand" I heard one say, and i delved deeper into my daydream, willing it to become real so i could escape.
We were out in the grounds, visiting Hagrid at his hut, pretending to be enjoying our rock cakes
I tried to ignore it as they lifted the back of my shirt up. They wouldn't---. No, they hate me, they couldn't even touch me. Well, only if they were hurting me. I felt a warmth on my back, it was pleasant at first, but got hotter and hotter as it neared my skin. It was getting painfully hot, and it hadn't even touched me yet.
We were sat on the grass after exams, laying down and watching the giant squid ba-
My daydream ended abruptly as my eyes flew open as i felt them press something against the skin on my back. That wasn't the problem. It was burning me, white hot fire, i could feel it marking my skin. Tears fell from my eyes again, tears of pain and agony. More and more of these things were pressed against my back, more pain.
It was unbearable.
Of all the times i wished for it, why couldn't I faint now? Just escape the pain for a little while?
What ever was causing my pain was only small. Each burning- thing, was only about the size of a five penny coin. I found out what it was when they moved to my stomach. My eyes widened as the fell on their wands. Instead of the tips being lit with light, they were lit with fire. Lightening blue flickering flames stood only centimeters from the wand, but i could feel the heat from them when they were feet away.
I felt my eyes roll into the back of my head as they began. My muscles ached to be unlocked, stinging from the tension for so long. All i could smell was my own flesh burning, it made me want to hurl. I don't know how much time passed, every burn brought another scream to be caught in my throat. I had never felt so weak in all my life. I am a witch, i can do spells, i could kill someone. Now, that was useless.
Right now, i could kill Dumbledore. I need my wand, i could have defended myself, or at least put up more of a fight. Now, because of him, i am in this situation. Okay, well, not just because of him, but it's partly his fault.
Suddenly, all wands seem to be removed from me. My skin felt like it had been tightened and stretched over my bones, liek i had somehow gotten too big for my skin.
I didn't even realise how out of it i was until my hearing came back. When did i lose that?
"You bastards! Let her go!" That was.... Mr Weasley?
"Take this shield down and fight like wizards, not the bloody cowards you all are!" Another voice yelled.... Charlie maybe? Wait, there was a shield around the Deatheaters? That was why they couldn't get through?
I tried to open my eyes, but i didn't have the energy. If it wasn't for the body bind that was held on me, i would have collapsed a long time ago. The man who still holding my wrists painfully tight was the only thing keeping my upright at the moment.
My mind, and body were drained. I just wanted to go to sleep, to close my eyes and... go. I didn't want to fight, i didn't want to be the hero. I just wanted to give up. I couldn't do this.
They laughed again, that cold moronic laugh. It rang through the silent night, seeming oddly out of place.
"Why would we do that? We are having-" I felt someone grab a handful of my hair, tugging it painfully, pulling my head, that had been bowed, up so that who ever was in front of us could see me.
"Oh so much fun" The man finished, laughing as he spoke, tightening his grip on my hair, making my eyes water with pain again.
I suddenly felt myself being shoved sidewards, the man letting go of my wrists, the blood rushing into my fingers painfully. I landed on my right side, my eyes clamped shut as i felt the ribs on that side protest to the harsh movement. I still couldn't move a muscle.
They laughed again, probably at me. "This-" Someone kicked me in the back painfully "Is the person that supposedly conquered the dark lord? Pitiful"
"Let's show them what their gallant hero is made of eh?" The quiet voice of Lucius Malfoy whispered, probably so as not to get identified by any Ministry people.
I heard his cry, the curse i hated, but wasn't ready for the pain. Can you ever be?
Once again, i was consumed by pain. This time i couldn't even move to try to escape it, i couldn't even scream to try alleviate some of it. I felt like i was trapped inside my own burning body. My organs turned to dust, my skin charred by the fire. My muscles seemed to want to move, to escape, but they, like the rest of me, were trapped.
I could hear more yelling, louder, more voices, though i couldn't understand what they were saying. Because there was so many of them, or simply because i was too out of it to realise i wasn't sure.
"Let's see how much she can take before she cracks" Another man cackled before the pain, impossibly increased. What..... they were all going to use the Cruciatus curse on me?
Could it really kill me? I knew it could drive you insane, but killing is usually left to the killing curse. I have never heard of anyone having more than one cruciatus curse on them at one point. Would my mind crack? My heart stop under the pressure and pain?
One by one, the pain increased, so did the yelling. There was another sound- crying? Sobbing? Probably my imagination. I might be loosing it after all.
But- I can't die. I haven't said goodbye to Edward, or Alice, or Emmett, or Jasper, or anyone. They would never know what happened. They're not allowed to know. I'll just be another "mysterious disappearance". But, last time Edward thought i was dead he ran to Italy and asked to be killed. He wouldn't do that this time would he?
No. I couldn't take that risk. Edward had to live, and if that meant me clinging on to this burning torturous life, then so be it.
So i layed there, and took the pain. The only thing that keeping me grounded was Edwards face behind my closed eye lids. Our last kiss, or last hug. They would not be our last! I would go back to him, they would not destroy my life!
Every time the pain got worse, i pictured myself at the Cullen's house, laughing in Edward's arms at something Emmett had said, or watching him and Jasper wrestle and ruin the sofa.
I'm not really sure how long i lay on that charred floor, my body being tortured as i escaped into my mind. I could still feel the pain, but it was easy to think around with what i was imagining. The shouts turned into mere mumbles in the background, drowned out by Emmett's boisterous laughter.
Suddenly, the pain reached new levels. I couldn't think around it, it was staring me in the face like a hungry monster. I couldn't escape it.
"Well well, she seems to be okay doesn't she?" A voice called, bringing all the noises back. The shouting, it seemed, had gotten worse, louder and angrier by the sound of it. More loud bangs echoed around us, flashing lights of various colours flashing behind my eye lids.
"Oh, but we can't even hear her! What a shame!" One of them feigned disappointment.
If they took this body bind off me, i wasn't sure what I'd do. I might actually turn to dust where i was. My body felt destroyed, my mind felt like water through a sieve. I couldn't contain one train of thought for too long, it disappeared.
And then they did it. They released my body, i was free. I may have been freed from my invisible confines, but my body was acting on it's own accord.
I immediately curled up in a ball, ignoring as my entire body screamed in protest. My hands clawed at the dead grass, and... I screamed. A bloodcurdling, shrieking, high pitched scream. It echoed around the place, and it never seemed to end. It silenced the shouting people at least.
My throat burned, my face stained by the tears running down it, my entire body convulsing and trembling. I couldn't even stop myself from screaming, my body was unresponsive.
Once again, the Deatheaters around me were laughing madly, watching me writhe on the ground, twisting and turning trying to get away from the pain somehow. This set off the shouting people again, louder then before, though i could barely hear them over my own screams.
There was another bang, quieter, distant. A huge flash of green light flashed behind my eye lids, just like all the others, only this one didn't disappear. The green light dimmed slightly, but stayed there. What was it?
Suddenly, the pain stopped. All of it. It just... disappeared. My screams stopped, but my body remained tense, waiting for them to continue.
I thought, that for a moment, i had finally died. I heard no sound at all, no shouts, no breathing, no moving. Nothing.
Then, all of a sudden, the air was filled with the swish of cloaks, and small "pops" sounded everywhere. Where the Deatheaters disapparating? Why? What the hell was going on? I could hear screaming again in the distance, lots and lots of screaming. Maybe they had moved on and gone for other people to torture. But why didn't they finish me off, no-one would have stopped them.
I felt the ground vibrate beneath me as footsteps approached me, fast, almost like they were running.
"Bella!" I heard as though from the end of a tunnel again. My pains were, blissfully, numbing slowly. I finally relaxed fully, ignoring all the shouts and noises that had ruined my quiet little place. I wanted to go back to Hogwarts or Edward in my mind, but i couldn't find them anymore. I was stuck here until i fell asleep, or.....
I heard a loud thud above my head, but didn't move to acknowledge it. I could hear voices, but they were all muffled, i couldn't work out what they were saying. It sounded like gibberish. I tried to concentrate on them, listening harder.
"Come on Bella, you'll be okay, you'll be okay" I could hear Mr Weasley say, almost like he was convincing himself. A series of thuds around me confused me, as did a group of running people, who just stayed a little away. Still, i remained like a statue
"Come on Bella, just open your eyes for us" Someone... Ginny? What was she doing here? She was told to run and hide, not run towards Deatheaters! Her voice sounded rough and thick, like she had been crying. Maybe it was her sobbing.
I tried to open my eyes, but it was a halfhearted effort. I didn't want to open my eyes, i wanted to sleep. I wanted Edward to hold me in his arms and kiss my forehead, telling me I'd be alright. I wanted to be in the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey hovering over me, worrying. Not here, laying on a field, bloody and broken.
I wasn't even sure if i was crazy or not. I felt fine, in my mind. Kind of. Well, i wasn't perfect, but i didn't think i was crazy.
"Come on, move, move" I heard a woman i didn't know say loudly, piercing my little quiet bubble i had immersed myself in again. I heard another thud beside me, probably her kneeling beside me.
I faded out again, going into my mind where i was safe, where there was no pain. I just remembered my first time i walked through the doors of Hogwarts, the first time Edward and I kissed, the time i fought that troll, when i went home to meet Edward's family. All the good parts of my life, the fun parts, the things i am proud of.
Once again though, i was riped away from my lovely thoughts as the woman pressed down on one of my burns above my ribs. I hissed involluntarily, all the numbed pain coming to the front of my mind, finding it hard to ignore it, my eyes opening a little, my face screwed up in pain.
"Bella? Bella!" I heard Harry yell, frantic. Everyone was so worried about me. I stared at the stars, not really wanting to move, to take anything else in. My mind was on protective mode, i just wanted to stay here forever, and be safe.
My eyes closed after a few seconds, unable to keep them open for much longer. The wind whipped around us, but i didn't feel it's cold anymore. I heard mumbling, and people getting up. I felt the ground beneath me disappear, as if someone was carrying me. I was about to yell in pain as their arms pressed down on some of the burns on my back, but after a few seconds, i was placed back down on something warm and comfortable.
The thing i was laid on didn't hurt my back, it was actually quite relaxing. I found myself slipping into unconsciousness as the wind blew past me as i moved. My pains numbed once again and......
That was it. I finally let myself fall, letting the darkness consume me and my senses.
*************
Edward's Perspective...
Since when was i so clingy? I never thought i would be so.. desperate.
I couldn't believe what i was doing. I actually got down on my knees and begged, clinging to her trouser leg. Then, when she was sleeping, i emptied all her clothes from her suitcase, putting them back in her draws and wardrobe. I was just hoping that she would be late and miss her taxi so she could stay.
She was not happy. She yelled at me, something that doesn't happen often, and i the end, i put them all back. Then, she went in the shower and i tried again. I snuck in, breaking the lock silently, and tip toeing to her sink and turning on the hot tap, turning the water in her shower ice cold. I heard her shriek and ran back to her room, sitting on the bed innocently.
It would be rather uncomfortable for her if she jumped out the shower- naked- and found me standing there. Maybe not the best way to part. Plus, she'd know it was me. No, i would just stay here and act innocent.
She didn't buy it. In my haste, i left the door open, the lock broken. She stormed into her room, towel wrapped around her, yelling at me, pointing her finger. I knew she wanted to hit me, but she couldn't. I couldn't find it n me to be sorry though. I didn't want her to go.
On my last attempt, and a feeble one at that, i blocked her way to the kitchen.
She yelled at me again, something she seemed to be doing a lot. She seemed stressed, or excited or... something. Was something going on?
And then i had to say it. I actually told her what i was thinking, my worst and darkest fear. That she would run off and leave.
Of course, she, like Jasper does so often, told me that she loved me no matter what, bringing up the time we spent apart. Even though it hurt to even think about it now, she had a point. We survived after all that, we were strong.
Still, i had my doubts. I knew i should trust her, that she loved me with all her heart, how else would she put up with all this vampire crap? But i couldn't get the worries out of my head.
It was the kiss that told me. I could definitely tell she was excited, because she never kissed me like this, always respecting my boundaries, or the ones i set up to protect her. I poured all my insecurities and love into that kiss, letting her kill them. I could feel her trying to convince me that she was telling the truth, and i knew she was. She loved me.
But, once again, i had to stop the kiss. Those stupid rules! Bella deserved to be kissed like she wanted, not having to worry about venom or getting hurt. She may trust me with her life, but i don't. She tried to hide her disappointment and irritation with a smile, but i saw through it.
Yeah, i would like nothing more than to tear down the boundary wall too.
She dragged me around with her where ever she went after that. When she taxi came, i saw her eyes light up with glee. I was definitely missing something.
But then she told me that she loved me, and i don't believe i have ever smiled so widely in my entire life. Though i could have ripped the drivers head off for what he was thinking.
Now, if i take that route, i could drag this journey out a little, maybe get a little extra cash
I ignored him, not letting him ruin my goodbye.
Geez, it was only three days!
Maybe, but a very long three days. Time always seems to go so much slower without Bella around. I sighed, watching her drive away, hands in pockets to stop myself from running after her and bringing her back to me. I would let her have her fun with her friends, she doesn't need to be cooped up here 24/7. She has nothing to hide, unlike us.
As the taxi disappeared around the corner, i turned and walked into the forest behind her house, running home.
I couldn't stop myself worrying about things. Bella, what she was doing, where she was going, who she was with. What if they hurt her and i wasn't there to help her? To save her? What if she... died?
"Jesus Edward, calm down. She'll be fine" I heard Jasper say as i neared the house.
"He's worrying again isn't he?" Rose said from the garage as i walked up the steps to the door.
"When isn't he?" Emmett grumbled from the sofa's.
"How can I not worry? She's gone off for three days to Phoenix to see some friends and...." Wow, i sounded like some controlling boyfriend.
"Dude, listen to yourself" Emmett smirked, shaking his head at me.
Yeah, i know, i know. I am a worrier. But, something was off about this whole thing.
"I know, but... I can't kick the feeling that something is up with it all" I mumbled, walking past Jasper, Alice and Emmett and sitting on a sofa by myself, putting my head in my hands.
"What... like she's lying to you or something?" Emmett asked, his tone rather doubtful. Yeah, i understood. Bella couldn't lie or act to save her life.
"No, not lie... Just not tell me the whole truth. I have never seen her like this, all excited and so serious about going to Phoenix. She yelled at me and got angry every time i tried to stop her. But she never mentioned these friends before, no photo's, not phone calls. If they are such good friends, why didn't they keep in contact? She never even showed any inclination to go to Phoenix to see them. Plus... Alice didn't see anything about this until a few days ago, and Bella said she decided to go at least a week ago" I kept my head in my hands, mumbling mostly to myself.
"Yeah, but...." Not even Em had a reply for this one.
"Edward, look" Jasper sighed "Has Bella ever given you a reason to doubt her?"
I shook my head.
"Then trust her. Maybe she wasn't telling the whole truth, but if she didn't tell you she must have had a reason to. She loves you, she trusts you, and she would never do anything to hurt you" He said, I raised my head to look at him, seeing him resting his chin on Alice's shoulder as she sat in his lap.
"I know, but what if she gets hurt? It's Phoenix, I can't do anything!" I said, getting frustrated at my own ineptness. I have all this strength and speed and i wouldn't even be able to use it if she got hurt now.
"For god's sake! What do you expect her to be doing? Bar brawling? It's Bella we are talking about here! She'll probably get there, say hello and sit down and read a book or something" Emmett said, turning the television on and flipping through the channels.
"I know she won't get herself into the trouble, but she's like a magnet for it. What if other people hurt her?!" I nearly yelled at him. How can he not care? Emmett paused his channel flicking to look up at me.
"Edward, if you think like that, then you'd never let her out of your sight. Yes, every time a human steps out of their door, or even when they are in their home, they are in danger. It's the risk they take. You can't stop it" He turned back to the television, leaving me glaring at him.
"Not unless you want to lock her in a concrete box" He mumbled.
Jasper snorted "Yeah, but the box would probably collapse on her, knowing Bella"
I turned to my glare to him and he sighed, rolling his eyes. "Edward, there is nothing you can do about it now anyway, there is no point in worrying. Even though you will anyway" He smirked at me and i couldn't help but nod and smile a little. I sighed, leaning back against the chair back and closing my eyes.
One thing stuck in my mind.
Do i trust her?
Yes, i trust her. But, as Jasper said, she would only lie to me if she thought it was for my own good. Like James. I shook my mind, from those thoughts. Bella would not be so happy to go and meet someone to protect us.
But what if she got herself hurt and no-one was there to help her? Don't get me wrong, Bella is by no means weak, on the contrary, she is the strongest person i know. How else could she sit around with seven vampires?
But why was she so happy to be going?
What if she found someone else? I wouldn't begrudge her of course, she deserves someone human who can give her what she wants. A home, a future, marriage and children. It would be nothing short of what i deserved for what i did to her. It was a miracle in itself that she took me back. If she found someone else, i would not stand in her way.
Come on, you couldn't even let her go for three days without fighting it
Yeah, but if i knew she would be happy, then it would be worth it. Only, i wouldn't give up. I would wait in the background, waiting incase he got bored, or ever laid an unwanted hand on her. I would swoop in and take her back.
"Edward..." Jasper moaned, burying his face in Alice's hair.
I sighed again, something i seem to be doing a lot. "What if she has someone else? I had never seen her so excited like that. What if she fell in love with someone else while i was away? Or while she is away she meets someone?" I stared at the ceiling, wondering what i would do if she did leave me. I couldn't live without her, but she made me promise her that i would never go to Italy with intent to kill myself ever again.
"How many times do i have to tell you Edward? She loves you, even after all we did, all you did, she took you back. She must love you" He said, sounding rather impatient. I winced as he mentioned my huge mistake but i agreed. She must love me to take me back after that.
"Just trust her Edward" He sighed.
"I do!" I insisted, and i truly did.
"Doesn't sound like it" Emmett mumbled, while watching some car chase on television.
"Trust that she loves you, that she will come back and still love you. Don't underestimate her love for you" He said, raising his eyebrows at me.
"I-"
"Don't waste your breath Edward, I know you do. You think that because she is only a human and you are a vampire, that your love surpasses her's. In fact Edward, i think it's the other way around, not that you can't love as strongly as her, that she loves you more than you love her"
I sat there, gaping at him. Everyone in the house froze, waiting for what i would do. I had to admit, the thought of ripping him apart for even questioning my love for Bella passed through my mind.
"And it's your fault Edward, and it's up to you to change it" I really wanted to smack that smug expression from his face, even though i knew he was telling the truth.
"It's trust Edward. She trusts who with her heart, with her life. Every time she comes over here, she places her trust in your hands, and by extension, us. And even after you broke her heart, and i felt it Edward, i felt her pain, but even after that, she still trusts you wholeheartedly. Honestly, some may call it stupidity, but..." He trailed off, though i was barely listening. he did have a point, a very valid point.
"But you, you won't let her out of your sight. Yes, we know she is human, that she needs protecting sometimes, but she, like other human's, needs to breath. You keep her under lock and key, telling her where and where not to go. You don't trust her Edward, at least not as much as you think you do"
He... he was right. He was right...
"How do i fix it?" I whispered, putting my head back in my hands.
"That's up to you Edward, but you have to control this urge to protect her. She knows it too, I have felt her irritation when you tell her where to go or what time to be in. But she takes it because she loves you. You can still save her and all that, but humans get hurt all the time Edward, they do fall down" He said, Emmett nodding from his place on the sofa, remote forgotten beside him.
"He's got a point man" He conceded "You're so desperate for her to get all her human experiences, but you stop her from living. She isn't a vampire Edward, she hasn't travelled the world, she hasn't seen all we have" He said, rather wisely for Emmett.
"I know she's not a vampire, that's one of my worries. Vampire's mate for life, but humans... they don't" I finished lamely.
"Edward, let me tell you something" Jasper said, and i felt like he was some sort of councellor "When Bella got off that plane, i could feel her love, pain and loneliness all the way from the car park. Just think about it Edward, you left, telling her it was all lies and that you didn't love her. But when you were the one that needed saving, she didn't hesitate. Even when she thought that you would just disappear and she would never see you again, she still did it. You need to understand Edward, Bella's love for you is unconditional to the last"
I sat back and thought about it. He was right of course, about everything. I do, no matter how unconsciously, think Bella loves me less than i love her, simply because that we experience stronger emotions than humans do.
We lapsed into silence again, everyone going back to what they were doing. Rose was still in the garage, Emmett now watching some fighting film, Jasper and Alice still sat on the sofa, Esme upstairs going over plans for a new development. Carlisle was at work, and he will finish at eleven, in five minutes.
Aren't you glad i got everyone to say goodbye yesterday so you and Bella could have some... privacy? The mental question was followed by an image of me and Bella kissing in the hallway and i couldn't help but smile at the very image of it. Her thoughts radiated smugness.
"Thank you Alice, I owe you one" I said, smiling up at the ceiling as i leaned back again, resting my head on that back of the sofa.
You owe me a lot more than one dear brother And then she proceeded to list reasons i owed her. One, was for clothing me. Saying that if it weren't for her i would be wearing the same things day in and day out. I was a little insulted by that. I did have some fashion sense! One look from Alice was enough for me to close that argument before it even started. I swear, sometimes that girl is the physic
kic not me.
But you do owe me for Bella I saw through Jasper's eyes, her huge smirk as she glanced at me.
Yes, i owed her for Bella. If it weren't for her, i probably would have never come back to Forks. She knew exactly how to get me to stay, saying that if i did i would fall in love with her, a human. Of course, me being the stubborn ass i am, saw a challenge, and something i saw as easy to accomplish. I mentally laughed at myself. How could i not love Bella?
Carlisle came home a few moments later, immediately finding Esme and... getting reacquainting themselves with each other. Rose came in after half an hour and walked upstairs. One look from Emmett at his dirty, oil covered wife and he was upstairs as well. Alice and Jasper's thoughts filled with... images i would rather not see. Jasper, of course, being influenced by everyone else in the house.
They shot me a worried glance, i only saw through their thoughts. "Just go" I sighed and they disappeared upstairs too.
I wasn't too upset, i did have a lot to think about after all.
Bella. That one subject could occupy me for hours.
But this was the one night i needed her in my arms to keep my sane. To tell me that Jasper was right, that.. i was a huge moron for ever doubting her. Of course, i would never actually tell her that i doubted her love for me. I knew she loved me, and now i was shocked to learn that she loved me more than i loved her, which i believed to be impossible.
I eventually retired to my room, turning up my music to try to drown out everyone else's pass times. I, like i usually do, got lost in the music and the rhythm. I lay on the bed Alice insisted i buy for Bella, and stare at the ceiling, thinking of what Bella would be doing right now at half past six in the morning. Probably in bed, sleeping without me. I shook the thought of someone else's arms around her. Bella, if nothing, was loyal.
I emerged from my room, trying not to mope around missing Bella. It was hard.
The others tried to take my mind off her. Emmett challenged me to a game of Need for Speed Racing. He wouldn't accept that i could beat him ever time, so we carried on for two hours.
Rose came in after that and said she needed help tuning up her car and took the opportunity to tinker with my own vehicle, Em following to help Rose out.
By the time i finished it was only six o'clock in the afternoon. I went back to my room, desperately trying to occupy myself. What did i do before Bella? What did i do to stave off the boredom?
I did exactly what i was doing now. Playing with Em, helping Esme, talking, listening to music. Only then, i was happy doing that because i thought that there was nothing else that i could do. But now, it was so boring without her here.
At eight, i couldn't take it anymore. I ran down the stairs and out the door, passing a confused looking Esme and yelling out behind me "I'm going hunting", managing to get it out before the door closed behind me. I had only hunted three days before with Carlisle and Emmett, but they would understand my need to kill the boredom.
I knew that, if anything could keep my mind from Bella, it was hunting. Hunting meant our instincts, our animalistic side coming to the surface. I ran, not really caring where i was going. I stopped as i caught the scent of a deer east of where i was. I set off, silently running and jumping through trees until i got it in my sights.
I killed it easily, just like i had done many times before. I stood from my crouch, throwing off the carcass and disposing of it nearby. I checked my watch -Only nine - i needed to keep my mind from Bella.
I ran further out, catching the scent of two mountain lions seven miles from my position. I immediately set out for them, finding the chase more fun than the actual catch. With two to kill, it was more.. well, not exciting because they couldn't actually hurt you, but.. well i don't know. Just more i guess.
I killed one while the other attacked me, i managed to keep my clothes tear free by dodging it's huge claws with every swipe. Both were dead and drained after a while, me deciding to drag out the fight a bit to make it last longer. I buried the bodies and set out again, not really sure of when i would stop. At least my eyes will be a very golden colour when Bella gets back.
I had just caught the scent of a herd of Elk when my phone vibrated in my pocket. I straightened out of my crouch, hoping that it wasn't one of my brothers making joking at my expense, again. I wasn't too shocked to find it was Jasper who had texted me, but i was by what he put.
Come home now
Alice had vision of Bella
Not good
From Jasper
I was running before i had even read the first line. Her very name stood out among everything else, it was the first thing i saw. I couldn't help but feel annoyed at Jasper. Yesterday, he gave me a huge lecture about what i should do, and now he can't even tell me what the problem with the love of my life was!
I told them something would happen, even though i didn't believe it myself. It's three days for god's sake! It had only been one and a half. I checked the clock on my phone- Two in the morning. What could be wrong with Bella was two in the morning?
Diseases ran through my head, my medical knowledge now coming back to bite me in the ass. People that could have hurt her. Someone might have broken into where she was staying and hurt her. I couldn't help but growl at that one. If anyone touched her, they were dead.
I ran through the door, nearly taking it off it's hinges, immediately running to the sofa's where everyone was sat around staring at Alice.
I immediately knelt in front of her, my heart breaking at her face. She was scared, and nothing scared Alice like this. Not unless...
"Alice, what happened?" I couldn't help the tremble in my voice, but this time, no-one made fun. They understood.
The closed her eyes, shaking her head. It doesn't make sense Edward. I don't understand Her thoughts sounded quiet and guilty. Something was definately wrong.
"Show me" I nearly growled, wanting to know what was going on. If she was in danger, i don't care what the weather wa,s i was going to save her. Jasper growled warningly at me but neither me nor Alice heard it.
Bella. She immediately drew my gaze, though for the first time i didn't want to see.
She lay on her side, not moving at all. Her face covered in blood, a broken nose from the looks of it. Why wasn't she moving?
There were a circle as people standing around her, all wearing black.. cloaks? Since when do people wear cloaks? They were all facing Bella, all their faces hidden in the darkness of their hoods. All of them had one hand extended towards the centre of the circle, towards Bella. But... no, it couldn't be. In their hand was... a stick? Was this some kind of game?
"Alice i don't understand! What are they doing? Why are they holding sticks?!" I yelled, confused and frustrated. Bella was obviously hurt, not moving at all, apart from her chest as it rose and fell with every breath. I needed to understand!
"They hurt her Edward. It doesn't make sense" He whispered, and i closed my eyes, letting the vision playing in her mind take over mine completely.
The people around Bella were laughing darkly, at Bella. They found this funny? I heard shouting now, it had been there before but i dismissed it. There were people stood around one side of the circle, about fifteen foot from the people in cloaks. All of them were yelling madly, shouting at the people. I couldn't pick out one voice, among the crowd, but i did hear someone sobbing. A small, red hared girl sobbed while yelling, a middle aged looking man, yelling at the circle of people while holding the girl back.
One of the people in the circle stepped forward, turning to the crowd of people who quieted, waiting.
"This-" I growled as they kicked Bella in the stomach, hard. She never moved. "Is the person that supposedly conquered the dark lord? Pitiful" He sneered.
Who the hell is the dark lord? Bella conquered him? What the hell did that mean?
"Let's show them what their gallant hero is made of eh?" A quiet voice said, only to the other people in the circle.
"Crucio!" He yelled, pointing his stick at Bella fiercely.
The yells started again, fiercer, madder, only this time, they begged for them to leave Bella alone. I looked back at Bella, but she still wasn't moving. What the hell?
"Let's see how much she can take before she cracks" Another person from the circle said, sadistically happy as he took a step forward, pointing his stick at her. What does that mean? "how much she can take before she cracks?"
The shouting became even worse, people firing.. light? These people had sticks too, but bursts of light came out of the ends of them, but stopped at the same distance every time, like there was a shield. Every time one hit the "shield", it made a huge "bang", so overall, it was nearly deafening.
The sobbing became louder from the girl, the red haired man beside her given up restraining her to "shoot" light like the others.
One by one, the people in the circle cried the same thing, pointing their sticks at Bella, the crowd shouting louder and angrier every time. Bella still hadn't moved. If it wasn't for the occasional rise of her chest, i would have thought her dead. Not one muscle twitched, her eyes closed, not moving behind her lids at all.
Finally, the last person said "Crucio" and they all stood there, sneering and laughing as Bella remained immobile. What was so funny? Bella, if anything, looked asleep.
Everyone began "shooting" light from the ends of their sticks, shouting things i didn't understand. Flashes of blue, red, white, green illuminated the scene. It was a mess.
I could see a forest in the distance, fires everywhere, burning what ever had been there. These people, definitely, were not good.
"Well well, she seems to be okay doesn't she?" The second one to cry "Crucio" spoke up, his voice sneering. I may not know what they are doing to Bella, but it must be bad to get everyone so angry, and the way they laugh and sneer. I hated them instantly.
"Oh, but we can't even hear her! What a shame!" One of them feigned disappointment, and i wanted to kill them. The crowd fell silent, once again waiting, their chests heaving from anger and shouting.
The same one cried something and i saw Bella's body change demeanour. She was trembling fiercely, so much so that i thought her body would fall apart. Her hands clawed at the ground beneath her, as if keeping her grounded. She curled herself up in a ball and took a huge breath. All of this took under a second to do, the crowd still silent.
And she screamed. Her eyes opened, wide and full of tears and pain, and she screamed. It froze my heart to hear that blood curdling, shrieking scream. I had never heard such a pained and agonising noise in all my existence. Not even when i hunted humans did they make that noise.
The crowd stayed silent, apparently too shocked or.. something to react. Only the red haired girl made a noise, she sobbed, huge heart breaking sobs. She was turned away and hugged fiercely by a taller, older looking girl with brown frizzy hair, tears streaming down both their faces.
The people around Bella laughed again, enjoying her pain. I could only watch in horror as she writhed on the ground, like an animal trying to escape their predator. The crowd began shouting again, even louder than before but my attention was focused on Bella.
A huge bang and a burst of green light, brighter than the others was where the vision ended.
My vision cleared and i found myself still staring into Alice's eyes. Our eyes were locked, equal in our pain, understanding and confusion mirrored in both.
"When did you see that?" I said quietly though fast, not wanting to waste time.
"Ten minutes before we called you. We tried to contact you but you were too far away and didn't have any signal" Jasper explained and i nodded, never taking my eyes from Alice's.
"When is it going to happen?" I said between my teeth, not really wanting to know, but needing to.
"In ten minutes" She said quietly.
There was still hope then. If she had another vision, some other outcome, then it would be okay. That didn't happen.
"It doesn't make sense Edward, how can those sticks do those things? Why did those people want to torture Bella? Why was Bella there anyway? Because, that Edward, was definitely not Phoenix"
xxx
"So, these sticks... what? Shot light from the ends of them to the people in cloaks?" Carlisle said, his thoughts doubting our sanity.
We told them everything, Alice having to do most of it as i was too.. well, i just couldn't say it.
"That's right Carlisle. Alice, have you had any other visions of Bella since?" I asked impatiently.
"No. Nothing" She whispered, her eyes still filled with tears that would never fall.
"But... if Alice doesn't see another future, then that is going to happen" Emmett pointed out, shock and outrage clear in his voice.
"Look, things like this just don't happen! It's not possible!" Rose yelled over all of us though none of us were talking.
We were still sat around on the sofa's, me and Alice sat with each other, only us truly understanding what happened. Bella was being tortured by those people, she was hurt and broken, and they did that to her.
"I don't see imaginary Rosalie! I see reality! I see what could happen! If that could happen, then it is real! There is no doubt about that!" Alice shouted at Rose, standing up angrily. I was with her. Seeing your love or best friend tortured and hurt, then being told it isn't real when you know it is is a little angering.
Though i wished Rose were right. Bella couldn't be hurt.
"So i guess Edward was right after all. Bella is lying to us" Emmett said, frowning.
"No, remember what i said? What ever she is lying about, she would only lie for a reason" Jasper pointed out, and i felt gratitude for him sticking up for Bella. He sent a small smile in my direction as he felt my emotions.
"Is she...." We all turned to Esme who looked more flustered than i had ever seen her "Well... you said she was bloody and... in pain and.... If Alice can't see her future, does that mean that.. that she's dead?" She gulped, turning into Carlisle's arms and burying her face in his chest as she sobbed.
We all stayed quiet, not truly knowing the answer. Bella wouldn't be dead, she couldn't be. Bella had survived so much, Jame's, Laurent, Werewolves, Vampires. She had to survive this.
She had to come back to me.
Okay, firstly, i hate the word hurl. It just has really bad imagery attached to it. Yuk! But i couldn't think of another word other than sick and vomit, neither sound very nice.
I'm not sure what the "torture" thing was like, not having any material to remind me what the cruciatus curse actually feels like as my bro has my books. I hope it was okay. :)
Sorry it took so long, and Edward is all... blah.
Tell me what you think!!
