Twilight belongs to Stephenie Meyer.
I could hear something through the darkness. ''Hold on, we'll be in the hospital in a minute.''
Then there was light and another voice ''Bella, oh God, what happened?'' It was Carlisle.
I wanted to answer, but I was unable to move my mouth, it was like something else had taken over my muscles.
I was floating in the darkness again, the never-ending darkness filled with torturous images from what I had just been through. The man's face was a constant horror during this sleep. I felt as though I was sleeping, but not getting any rest and peace sleeping was supposed to bring.
I had no idea how long this darkness lasted, but after some time I felt like it was going to end soon. And it did.
I was aware of the light in the room. It was hard to open my eyes, but I managed to after a few failed attempts.
I looked at the bright ceiling. From the corner of my eye I could see something moving. I turned my head to the right and met his golden gaze. Edward was sitting on the chair next to the bed leaning over on the bed.
I stared at him with a blank look and I could see the pain and worry in his eyes. He stared back at me for a few minutes and then opened his mouth.
''Bella, how are you feeling?''
I looked at him for a moment. I closed my eyes and turned my head towards the ceiling again.
I could sense Edward getting up from his chair and I felt his hand on my cheek. I cringed away from his cold touch and turned my head the other way. I knew it was just Edward and that he would never hurt me, but I didn't want the physical contact just yet.
I heard the door open and someone enter the room.
''She's awake,'' Edward said.
''Bella, can you hear me?'' I recognized Carlisle's voice.
I opened my eyes and nodded.
Carlisle reached out a hand to check the IV in my hand, but I pulled my hand away from him.
''Bella, no one's going to hurt you. Carlisle just needs to check if everything's alright.''
''Maybe we should get a nurse to dot it,'' Carlisle said and walked towards the door.
Edward eyed me carefully, but I couldn't look at him and turned my eyes away again.
The door opened again and a woman in a white uniform stepped in and came to stand next to the bed. She reached her hand to mine and I pulled away. The woman looked at me with a soft expression and her kind voice whispered, ''It's okay, honey. I'm not going to hurt you.''
Something in her eyes and voice made me trust her. And the fact that she was a woman also played a big part.
She slowly reached for my hand again and this time I didn't pull away. Instead I looked at her face the whole time she checked the monitors that were attached to me and marked something on the board she was holding. When she was done she handed the board to Carlisle and shot one more soft glance at me before closing the door on her way out.
Carlisle looked at my chart and then at Edward. I knew he was saying something to him in his mind.
Then he put my chart down and lightly like a breeze exited the room.
''Bella?'' Edward asked in his velvety voice.
I turned to look at him, but couldn't meet his gaze. And then I could feel the tears coming. I didn't want him to see me like this and turned my head in the opposite direction. But I couldn't stop crying, I felt my whole body shaking.
Then I felt cold arms around me. I tried to struggle to break myself free, but they were like stone surrounding me, pulling me closer.
I cried harder and my body now shook uncontrollably. I heard Edward whisper softly in my ear, ''Bella. Shh. It's going to be okay. I'm here, love.''
I'm not sure how long I cried like this, but I was sure it was a long time. Finally I calmed down in Edward's arms and fell asleep. I felt the cold hold on me for a while and then I was carefully placed on the bed. I heard my lullaby as I fell deeper into sleep.
Nightmares started to invade my mind. I could see his face so clearly, the evil grin on his face as he was about to rape me. I could feel strong arms on my shoulders shaking me lightly. And then his voice ''Bella, wake up!''
I sat up on the bed with a jolt and as I did I felt a sharp pain in my stomach. I clutched it with my hand. I couldn't hold back the tears.
Edward held me for a few seconds and then moved his cold hand to my stomach. He gently moved his hand in a circle which brought instant relief to the pain.
His other hand brushed my cheek and this time I welcomed the feeling. I closed my eyes and leaned into his touch.
I opened my eyes and saw his now almost black ones watching me. We looked at each other for a moment and then he lowered me onto the bed.
The door opened and I really didn't want to see anyone else right now so I closed my eyes and turned my head away.
''How is she?'' It was Carlisle again coming to check on me.
Edward whispered in a low voice, ''She still hasn't said a word. I can't watch her like this, it's killing me not being able to help her.'' He sounded really worried and I wasn't entirely sure if he wanted me to hear their conversation or if he was just too agitated and upset to control the speed of his speech.
''You are helping. It will take time, but she will get better eventually. There's only so much we can do for her. We can only be there whenever she needs and make it possible for her to trust people again. As for her speaking, don't rush her. She'll start talking when she's ready. Also the others will want to come in and see her, they've stayed away until now.''
''She isn't ready for that yet,'' I heard Edward hiss.
''They're all just as worried about her as you are, Edward. Until now you and her parents are the only ones that have seen her. You know that the others, especially Alice, have been dying to see her.''
''Okay, let them in, but tell them to be quiet, Bella needs rest.''
Just as soon as Edward had said the words Alice was through the door, the rest of my new family behind her. I opened my eyes to look at them as they all gathered around my bed.
Alice reached out to touch me, but I flinched and she pulled back.
''Don't touch her, she's really scared of that right now,'' Jasper said.
I felt ashamed now and lowered my eyes.
''Don't worry about it, we understand,'' Jasper said in a soft voice.
I guess Edward had picked up my feelings from Jasper's mind, because he was next to me in a flash, stroking my hair gently. I had gotten used to his touch and presence, so I didn't shy away for him anymore. Now his touch comforted me, made me feel a little like myself again.
I looked up again and they were all staring at me with eyes full of worry, pain and sorrow. Rosalie's eyes were full of understanding. She nodded at me once and left. She knew from her own experience how it felt to be in this situation. I was comforted by the fact that she understood, that there was someone out there who had gone through this and had been able to move on with their life. It gave me hope for the future.
Emmett looked at me with his big eyes so full of love for his little sister-to-be. I felt that he wanted to protect me. He gave me a sweet smile before going after Rosalie.
Jasper just looked like he was concentrating really hard on something and I figured that he was trying to make out what I was feeling.
Alice had the weakest smile on her face, her eyes shadowed with guilt. I tried to smile encouragingly at her, but my muscles didn't cooperate so it came out more like a look of pain. But her own smile widened a bit and I knew she understood I didn't blame her.
Esme was also there, looking at me with her soft eyes. I knew she thought of me as a daughter. Carlisle glanced at the monitors once and then left as well.
I was alone with Edward again. He was still stroking my hair and as I looked at him, his eyes black as night, I knew I was going to be fine. It would take time, but I'd be okay.
So, tell me what you think.
The next chapter will take more time, because I haven't had time to type it yet and I'm looking at a pretty busy week, but I'll try my best :) Please review, I'd love to hear your opinions.
