Shadow of the Moon
Chapter Two: Discovery
I do not own Twilight or any of its characters
--
I froze, silently staring out at the raging sea. Suddenly overcome by shock and grief, my legs buckled and I fell to my knees on the jagged cliff. A strangled cry escaped my throat, and I realized I was crying when I felt salty tears streaming down my cheeks.
Edward was gone. I had lost his voice - the last connection to him I had. In losing his voice, I had lost my hope of him returning. The full implications of him leaving hit me like a hurricane- each moment without him was a tragic blow to my heart.
I don't know how long I sat on that cliff- it could have been hours, it could have been days. My body and mind had gone completely numb.
--
--
Later, in my subconscious mind, I recognized a faint rustling from far away, a short yelp of surprise, and then heavy thuds quickly getting louder and louder…
"Bella"
Jacob's rumbly voice was relieved as he crouched down beside me, his expression fading to worry and panic as he took in my tear-streaked face.
His voice broke through to me. I blinked hazily as I was brought back down to earth. I realized that it was now nighttime and it was cold. I shivered and Jacob took me in his big, warm arms.
"Bella, what happened?"
I stared dumbly at him, too absorbed in my thoughts to give a clear answer.
Jacob frowned and studied my expression. Suddenly, his head shot up as understanding hit him.
"Bella, what did he do to you?"
This started a new round of tears and I collapsed into his arms, refusing to look at him. Jacob put his thumb under my chin and gently tipped it up so we were looking at each other, about a foot apart. His dark eyes were full of concern, and I stared into them timidly, knowing full well that he knew who I was crying over.
"He's gone," I whimpered. "It just hit me that he's never coming back… I'm unlovable."
I paused, expecting a smirk of sarcastic comment, but what Jacob did next astounded me.
He reached for my hand and held it between his, his eyes serious and genuine as he whispered, "Bells, I'm so sorry he hurt you. But trust me, you are the most lovable person I know- none of this is your fault."
I hung my head; I did not quite agree with him. Jacob dropped the subject, knowing that I was physically and emotionally worn out. He scooped me up in his strong arms, saying, "Come on Bella, let's get you out of the cold."
He started to make his way back through the dark forest as I slowly drifted off to a fitful sleep.