Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or any of its characters
Previously…
"You'll tell me what's wrong in the morning?" I asked. He seemed shocked that I had remembered.
"Yes," he said.
"Promise?" I persisted. This seemed to annoy him. He had counted on me forgetting everything in the morning, but if I made him promise he would have to tell me.
"I promise," he whispered defeated. "Now go to sleep."
I closed my eyes and before I knew it, I was passed out.
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I could feel the sun creeping through the window even though my eyes were closed. The soft light filtered through my eyelids. I threw an arm across my face to block out the offending light and groaned rolling onto my side. I felt Edward's cold body shift as I did.
I felt awful. I yearned to go back to sleep; back into oblivion where I didn't feel sick. I rolled back onto my other side where I was closer to Edward. His cold skin felt like heaven against my forehead.
"How are you feeling?" I detected a hint of concern in his voice as he stroked my hair. I groaned in response. "That's what I thought. Will breakfast help?"
The mention of breakfast made my stomach churn. I shook my head. That made me feel worse. Oh my head.
"Bella, sit up."
"No," I moaned weakly. "Let me sleep."
"You have been sleeping," Edward pointed out to me. "All morning in fact." His cold hand gripped me, gently, and hoisted me into a sitting position.
"Take this," he instructed. I saw that he offered me a cool glass of water and two Tylenol. I took them gratefully. I was so thirsty that I downed the rest of the water in a few gulps and then I lay my head back against his shoulder.
"Don't worry, the feeling will pass," he said as though reading my mind. "Some food will help though."
"Fine," I mumbled, though food was the last thing I wanted. He brought me up a plate of eggs, fruit and toast. I nibbled the toast, not really enjoying it, but he was right, my stomach was feeling a little better. I was feeling more and more myself as I slowly ate the breakfast in silence. Then suddenly…
"Oh crap!" I exclaimed in a terrified voice.
"What's wrong Bella?" Edward was immediately concerned. He stiffened beside me, his eyes were searching me, and he put a hand to my face.
"Charlie!" I hissed.
"Oh," Edward replied, relaxing slightly, "Is that all?"
"What do you mean 'is that all'? I'm supposed to be home right now! Charlie must be freaking out!"
"Calm down Bella!" Edward's voice was sweet and reassuring. "Alice took care of it."
I eyed him, waiting for him to explain. He sighed and continued.
"Alice called Charlie last night. She said she ran into you at the party and asked if you could sleep over. Charlie agreed, only after Alice assured him that I wasn't home." He smiled his crooked smile at me. "So Bella, you can relax now. You have nothing to worry about."
But speaking of things to worry about…
"What happened last night?" I ventured, finishing off the last bit of my breakfast.
"Do you not remember?" he responded, somewhat concerned.
"No, I remember that. I meant with Alice," I specified.
"Oh," he said. He looked at me thoughtfully, "It might be better to start of with you telling me what happened to you last night." His tone suddenly changed. I could tell he was scolding me. I really didn't want to recap the night's events, as I wasn't particularly proud of them myself. I didn't want to see Edward's disappointed expression as I told him about my drunken night.
"Bella," he reproached as I hesitated to answer.
"I don't want to tell you," I told him truthfully. I folded my arms across my chest to make my point. "It's embarrassing."
"Bella, I need to know."
"But nothing happened Edward!" I argued vainly. "I just drank a little too much and then Alice came and got me from the party. I was fine really." He scoffed as I said the word 'fine'.
"No you weren't," Edward said seriously, trying to conceal some hidden anger, "The only reason you are fine right now is because Alice came and got you."
"Why? Did she see something?" I asked eagerly. Edward hesitated. "You promised, remember?" I added. He sighed, closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"If I tell you, you must promise me something in return."
I nodded.
"Sure. Anything."
"I need the name of someone from the party. I hope you can remember it." His deep golden eyes stared into mine. His cold skin made me shiver at that moment, and he quickly took the blanket and wrapped it snugly around my shoulders. "Can you do that?"
"Sure, um…who's name do you want to know? It was just a bunch of people from school. You know them all too Edward." I was completely confused by his request.
"No, you were talking to a boy Alice and I didn't know. You were sitting in a circle and he was on your left."
A circle? Oh, that must have been the truth or dare game. I searched through the blurry memories trying to find a clear one. Yes, there had been a boy. He had gotten me a drink…or two? I couldn't recall. What had we talked about? School or something. But that was the whole point; he didn't go to our school. I remembered that now. Edward watched me curiously as I fought to remember the detail of his name.
"He doesn't go to school here," I started, trying to talk through my thoughts. "I think his name was Tom…maybe. No wait! Tom was his brother's name. Tom Olson. The guy I was talking to was his older brother." I was proud that this was all coming back to me now. "I think he said his name was Nathan. I'm sure that's it."
I was smiling for having fulfilled my easy side of the bargain. Now Edward would have to explain his argument with Alice. I looked up at him. He was looking livid.
"Edward?" I asked hesitantly. I could feel him shaking. He closed his eyes again and tried to take deep even breaths.
"I almost wish you wouldn't have told me," he replied with a hollow laugh.
"Why?" I asked nervously. "What does Nathan have to do with any of this?"
"Nathan," he almost spit the name, "Has everything to do with this."
"What do you mean?" My voice sounded worried. "What are you going to do?" There was a slight pause, as though he considered lying to me. But he must have decided that I could handle the truth, because when he answered me he spoke confidently.
"I'm going to kill him."
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A/N: Thanks to all those who reviewed! I really appreciate it! I have the next chapter nearly finished so I will post it soon. It will probably be the last chapter unless inspiration strikes and I can come up with an idea to extend this story. Thanks again for reading and reviewing!