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~ Part Two ~
Bella's POV
I was sent home from the hospital today. It has been four days since I ran into the woods and purposely injured myself to keep Edward here.
Well it worked...
Edward hasn't left my side since then, but I haven't spoken a word. I've been force fed by the nurses at the hospital, or by Edward. I couldn't sleep. I haven't moved an inch with the exception of the washroom. I just stare blankly, lifeless at the walls each passing hour.
Edward looks genuinely concerned, but he a good actor, so who knows anymore.
But I am hurting Charlie, which kills me inside. He truly doesn't deserve this, I am a terrible person, so very selfish. But I just can't, I am unable to function.
A velvety voice interrupting the drowning silence. "Bella." His voice broke. "Please talk to me."
I wanted Edward to see the anguish in my eyes, but I couldn't move.
"Please." He whispered in a tortured voice. The feeling of coldness crept up my arm where his hands brushed across me. Suddenly his hands cupped my cheek and his agonized form came into view. He sincerely looked awful, dark purple bags etched underneath his sorrowful black eyes, his usual tousled bronze hair sticking up in all directions.
Boy, he could win an Oscar Award for that.
Just looking at him brought me so much crippling affliction and the heartbreaking rejection.
"You're not good for me Bella."
Spasms of torment shot through me, immobilizing my body. Pain ripped my heart to shreds like hot acid poured on a fresh wound.
Edward always worried about taking my soul away. Well his greatest fear came true because he finally took it away. I didn't know if I would ever get it back.
X~X~X
Charlie took me to the doctor today after a week of my zombie state so to say. He knew my behavior wasn't normal. The doctor threw around words like 'catatonic' and 'comatose'. Edward witnessed this all, he looked considerably distressed, but I didn't believe it for a second.
Charlie was still shocked and not wanting to believe a word that the doctor had stated about my condition. He is debating on whether or not to call a therapist or another doctor for a new diagnosis.
Charlie was so worried he often didn't care the amount of time Edward was spending in my room trying to coax me out of my current state. Although he has not yet succeeded. I think Charlie secretly likes the fact someone is here to look after me while he is at work during the day. Edward has stayed home with me all week, only leaving my side once when he received a call.
But that didn't go unnoticed by myself, though Edward probably thought so. He spoke in fast hushed tones, I knew it had to be Carlisle or one of the others. Most likely asking Edward why he hadn't joined them yet.
My heart should have shattered at thought but it was already broken to begin with. I was only numb now.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Cullens still have not returned from their so called 'hunting trip', surely Edward will continue to make up pathetic excuses on why I will never see them again.
X~X~X
My eyelids were heavy, my body was desperately overtired. I needed sleep exceedingly. My body screamed for my eyes to shut and slip into unconsciousness.
Sure in the last week, I had gotten a few minutes of sleep here and there, but I was never fully under.
But tonight was different. My body dragged me down under, my eyes shutting effortless, my body visibly relaxing as I started to drift into what I hoped would be a blissful sleep.
The forest was dark, eerie. Darkness descending in as I ran through the twisted path of moss and fallen twigs snapping under my feet.
"Edward!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, my voice raw.
Loneliness tugging at my heart, the pain was unbearable but I continued running.
I stopped abruptly when his figure emerged from beneath a dark shadow. His black stone eyes narrowed, his lips curling into a frown.
But worst of all the hate dripping from his heartbreaking voice sent shivers down my spine.
"I already told you. I don't want you."
"You don't want me?"
Edward laughed darkly, "No, I don't. Who would want you?"
I fell to my knees, unable to bear the crippling agony that he brought upon me.
"You don't belong with me. I don't love you."
Tears sprang in my eyes, blurring my vision. "Please." I begged. My voice laced with misery.
"I must be going now. Goodbye Isabella." He cackled before disappearing in the shadows once again.
I fought to get up but physically I couldn't. A velvety voice attacked at my mind with his last words.
"It will be as if I never existed."
Sobs wracked my convulsing body, the voices echoing in my mind only got louder, more hateful each time.
"STOP IT! LEAVE ME ALONE!" I gripped the sides of head, squeezing my eyes shut.
"Bella!" Warm hands were shaking me awake, the last bits of the nightmare slowly fading, the voices drowning away.
I opened my eyes, Charlie was hovering over my bed, looking at me through panicked eyes. I collapsed into his arms, sobbing.
"H-he's g-g-gone." I cried, soaking Charlie's shirt with my salty tears.
He rubbed my back soothingly, his tone soft and reassuring, "Who's gone Bella?"
The hole in my chest tore open further, resulting in more anguished cries of pain.
"E-E-Edward." I sobbed.
His haunting cold face flooded to my mind, his hateful stare, the venom dripping from his voice.
The unmistakable feeling of nausea hit me and suddenly I was pulling out of Charlie's arms and leaning over the garbage bin beside my bed, retching. Bile and the little amount of food I had consumed made a disturbing reappearance.
I fell back into Charlie's arms, crumbling. I shook violently, sobbing louder than ever before.
"H-he's gone. He's g-gone."
"Shh, Bella. He's at his own house right now. He's not gone." He reassured me, confused by the sudden turn of events.
"N-n-no. He left. H-he d-didn't want me an-anymore." My voice shook along with me, I sucked in gasps of air, hiccupping in the end.
To confirm Ed- he was gone was absolutely excruciating.
"EDWARD!" I screamed through sobs.
"Bella! It's okay, he's not gone, I promise."
That only put me into further hysterics, sobs wracked my small frame, my heart shattering over and over again.
Charlie could see I wasn't going to calm down until I saw Edward. He sighed, rubbing his hand over the stubble on his jaw.
"I'll call Edward, get him to come over." Charlie attempted to give me a weak reassuring smile but it looked more like a grimace. He rubbed my arm and left the room to do downstairs to call Edward.
My crying continued, my mind tortured by images of Edward laughing as he left me, over and over. The sight of his dark evil eyes taunting my pathetic crying form and the venom in his voice as he told me he didn't love me.
Minutes past, soon Charlie returned with Edward who was tugging on his disheveled locks. He had a look of sheer panic in his butterscotch eyes.
As he saw me on the bed in a sobbing mess he rushed over and encased me in his strong protective arms.
I allowed myself that moment to enjoy his presence, pushing aside the fact he no longer loved me. I let out heavy sobs in the crook of his neck as he placed his chin on the top of my head and smoothed the back of my hair with his hand. My breath came in short desperate pants. Edward settled me in his his lap, rocking me back and forth while I gripped his shirt like my life depended on it.
Sobs ripped through me, I shook like a leaf unable to stay still. I was completely hysterical. Through my congested nose I could faintly smell Edward's intoxicating scent I had grown so used to. As I inhaled through my nostrils, it was almost like an instant calm.
Edward had been whisperings sweet reassuring words in my ears for quite some time, seeing that it wasn't working too well he decided to switch to humming my lullaby instead. My crying gradually quieted down into sniffles, my eyelids becoming extremely heavy, desperately pleading for me to shut my eyes and drift into a deep slumber. Soon I surrendered, my eyelids closing and my consciousness slowly fading away.
X~X~X
Edward's POV
Sorrow and grief weighted me down, words could not describe how I felt. My poor sweet Bella. I don't know what to do.
Something happened in that forest, but I didn't know what. It was the morning of the day I had been dreading since Bella's birthday party when I first made the decision to leave her.
I was preparing for the dreadful day ahead of me, getting dressed in the first clothes I grabbed in my overflowing closet, courtesy to Alice of course. I had driven over to Bella's, surprised to see Bella's old truck was not present in the driveway. Confused, I left, driving to school figuring she would be there.
Sure enough as I suspected Bella's Chevy truck was parked in the lot. So, I could out of my Volvo, making my way over to Bella's truck to meet her. I wanted to make the most of the time left with her even though I knew what was going to occur later that day after school.
My family had already left to Ithaca, the place we would be moving to next. I had told Bella they went on a long hunting trip in Canada, I couldn't have Bella know what was happening yet. I had dreaded this day for so long, I wanted to stretch out the time a little further but I knew it was time, I had to do it today. I couldn't wait any longer, I had already waited to long. It was for her safety.
Again, to my surprise Bella was not waiting in her truck as I thought she would be. Puzzled, I went inside the school ready to look for her. But the bell rang, I figured she would already be in English class so I left for Spanish.
The morning flew by much too quickly for my liking. I knew it would only be a few mere hours before I had to break Bella's heart. The thought of leaving was so excruciating, I didn't know how I was going to do it. But I kept chanting my inner mantra, that this was to protect Bella from my terrible world. She needed to live a happy human life. She could not have that with my presence invading her life.
The bell rang loudly, the body of students flooding the halls, excited for lunch break to begin. Sighing, I left to go meet Bella at her locker like I did everyday. I knew she knew something was up, I wasn't acting myself. It's just incredibly hard to act so hay when deep down I knew exactly what was going to happen. Even for a vampire.
I turned the corridor, arriving at Bella's locker. She wasn't there yet so I decided to wait, knowing she wasn't going to be long.
Five minutes past, still no Bella. I began to worry but told myself she was probably just staying after class to talk to the teacher. Another five minutes went by and the halls were now deserted. Now I knew she wasn't talking to her teacher, worry filled me up. I tried not to panic as I anxiously walked in the direction of office.
I reached the office in no time. I walked up to the front desk where Mrs. Cope sat in her chair with a book in her face.
"Mrs. Cope?"
She looked up startled, but her hazel eyes twinkled as she realized it was me. I tried to block out her sexual thoughts as I had a bigger problem at hand.
"Yes Edward." She looked up at me beneath her eyelashes, blinking flirtatiously a couple times.
"Do you know if Bella Swan was present at school this morning?" I asked, anxiety brewing inside of me.
Mrs. Cope looked at her computer, searching for today's attendance list. After what seemed like hours but only a couple minutes, she looked up from the computer screen.
"She was absent today. Do you know why is isn't present today? It was marked as an unexcused absence."
If it were possible, my face paled a few shades whiter. "No I don't."
"Thank you." I spoke quietly, then turned on my heels sharply to leave the building. Panic began to build up faster, where was she?
I decided to drive to her house, maybe she was sick. That wasn't very reassuring but it was better than the unknown.
I speed all the way to Bella's house, faster than usual of course. I parked in her empty driveway and jumped out of the car in a hurry, quickly rushing to the doorway. I knocked loudly, silently hoping she wasn't sleeping. Nobody came to the door. I checked my wrist watch, it was currently 12:25.
I decided to climb up the tree and into Bella's window to see if she was in her room. When I jumped through the window and into her room I immediately knew she hadn't been in her room since early this morning because her scent was much fainter than usual. She wasn't home.
Trying not to panic, I attempted to rationalize. She was probably fine.
I inspected the room, my eyes panning around the room. Her room didn't look as it did usually. The bed was unmade which was very unusual for book bag laid sprawled on the floor, her books in a heap in a pile on the floor messily. Clothes were laying all over the floor instead of the spotless carpet and organized closet. Something was definitely up.
That's when I really went into panic mode, I jumped out the window quickly, not wanting to waste any precious time. Fortunately for me, the rain was beginning to clear up hopefully making my tracking Bella's scent easier.
I faintly picked up Bella's freesia scent in her backyard, curious I went out back. My unbeating heart dropped when I picked up her scent in the forest. I took an unnecessary deep breath and walked toward the dark thicket of trees.
The mossy forest floor was still damp as I sniffed the air. It was difficult to pick up her scent, the rain had partially washed it away.
The deeper I went into the forest, the more panicked I got. What was she doing? How much farther did she go?
My blood went cold when I smelled the potent freesia scent. Bella's blood. If my heart had still been beating it would have skipped a beat. Every muscle in my body was frozen for a split second. Then I shot into action, I rushed full speed, deeper into the forest following the enticing smell.
I ran through a cluster of trees and Bella's broken body came into view. Her small fragile frame was lying on the mossy ground. She looked disoriented. Suddenly Bella lifted her head in my direction her bloodshot eyes coming into view, her body convulsed and she threw up in a nearby bush.
"Bella!" I yelled as I ran towards her unmoving body. I crouched in front of her just as she coughed and the sweet smell of freesia filled my nostrils. My Bella was coughing up blood.
My hands shook violently as I picked her small body up in my arms just as her eyes fluttered close.
In a full speed run, I bolted through the thick trees in the direction of the hospital. On my way I fumbled with my cell phone. Quickly I dialed Carlisle's number, praying he would pick up immediately.
"Hello Edward."
I spoke in fast, worry coursing through me, "Carlisle, I didn't tell Bella I was leaving. I found in her the forest, she is coughing up blood. She was lying on the ground when I got there, I believe she has a concussion. I'm running to the hospital now."
Concern laced Carlisle's smooth calming voice, "Edward, try to stay calm, get her to the hospital. I'm sure she will be just fine."
Sucking in a deep breath, "Okay, I will call you later to update you. I must stay a few days to make sure she is alright. I will be joining you a little later than I anticipated."
"That is quite alright Edward. I will inform the others. I wish you good luck, and remember try not to panic, it won't be good for Bella."
"Thank you Carlisle." I ended the call, Carlisle seemed to get through to me partially. I felt a little more relaxed but no where near calm.
The large building came into view, I ran into the parking lot and into the doors of the hospital to the front desk.
X~X~X
Bella looked so fragile and broken. It made my unbeating heart throb. It had been two hours and she had remained unconscious. Desperately I ached to see her chocolate brown orbs and her beautiful dazzling smile. I frowned, soon I would be unable to see any of that.
Before my thoughts could continue to wander, I heard a soft inaudible moan. So quiet only a vampire could hear it. My head snapped in the direction of my Bella.
She won't be your Bella for much longer. A voice in my head reminded me.
Depression rolled over me, but I pushed it aside, now was not the time.
"Bella? Can you hear me?"
Bella's eyes opened for a slight second before they fluttered closed.
"Love?"
Her heart skipped a quick beat before she yelped silently as if she were in pain.
Concerned I asked, "Bella?! Are you in pain?"
She opened her eyes, I internally gasped at the amount of pain I saw in her brown irises.
"Should I call the doctor?"
Bella turned to look at me but she didn't speak, just stared at my face blankly. She opened her mouth but uttered no words, quickly she clamped it shut again. Turning away from me, I could smell the saltiness of tears.
Alarmed, I blurted, "Bella! Talk to me!" But no avail she did not turn to look at me or say a even a mere word. Just deafening silence.
Heavy footsteps came from the doorway, the doctor entered, a clipboard in his gloved hands.
"Isabella, how are you feeling?" I cringed, knowing she hated when people called her Isabella. I was sure she would correct him but to my surprise she remained silent. Though she did turn to look at him, but again just the same blank stare as before.
"She won't speak." I spoke in monotone, hurt by this fact.
"Hmm, it could be post traumatic stress. Do you know what happened?"
"I just found her in the forest." Not caring to elaborate.
The doctor furrowed his bushy brow, "What were you doing in the forest?"
"I was taking a walk. I didn't see her at lunch so I assumed she had taken a walk, so I decided to investigate." I lied.
"I see, and you just found her like that?"
"Yeah." I answered, sorrow filled my voice.
"Well we should get her something to eat." The doctor turned to Bella, "What would you like Isabella?"
She stared at him, no emotion present on her face.
"That's alright. I will get a nurse to bring something up." With that, he smiled weakly before turning on his heels and swiftly leaving the room.
A nurse came in minutes later with a tray of food. A bowl of soup, toast and a glass of juice. She set it on the bedside table beside me.
She made no move to pick it up. With that I intervened.
"You need to eat, so you can get better."
She flinched for an unknown reason. Though I really wish I knew. Mind reading would have been so helpful right about now.
At that moment, Charlie decided to run in.
"Bella! You scared me half to death when I got a call from hospital!" He choked out, his voice thick with emotion.
Bella flinched away again, focusing on the twisted white hospital sheets at her feet.
"Bells?"
X~X~X
Almost a week passed by, Bella's condition did not improve at all. Physically she was doing a lot better, but mentally she wasn't. The doctor diagnosed her behavior as catatonic or a comatose state. She still would not speak a word, I hadn't heard her beautiful melodic voice in days. It was killing me. I couldn't help her either. Desperately, I wished to know what had occurred that day in the forest.
My cell phone rang, distracting me from my thoughts. Quickly, I took a peek at Bella who was still staring blankly at the wall. I pulled my cell phone from my pocket and holding to my ear.
"Hello?"
"Hello Edward." Carlisle answered. "I just wanted to check in with you, how is Bella? Will you be joining us soon?"
Sorrow tugged at my heart, "No she isn't doing any better, she still won't talk. I can't leave her now Carlisle. She is already has so much emotional conflict. I physically can not add to that." I made sure to speak in quick hushed tones so Bella would not be able to know what I was saying ,Bella still thought the others were on a long hunting trip. Though she probably didn't even notice I was on the phone.
"Alright, I understand son. I hope she improves. Are you positive you don't know the reason behind Bella's unusual behavior?"
"No, I wish I did. It is awful to see her like this." I replied, hearing the torment in my own voice.
"I truly hope she improves. I will see you soon Edward."
"Of course. Goodbye Carlisle." I shut my phone, placing inside my pocket once again. Bella still thought the others were on a long hunting trip.
I hope Bella improves too.
Hi readers! I hope you guys liked part two! This one took me a long time to write, it is a really long update, almost 4000 words O.O So do you want me to continue? If you do please leave me a review, if I get to 20 reviews I will write the next chapter. Thanks xx
~Alexandra
