Chapter 3
BPOV
My throat was burning like I had just swallowed a bucket of nails. I pulled back from the container Edward was holding to my lips for me to drink from.
He lowered it slowly, giving me a small break. I knew he would want me to drink more in just a few minutes, and I was trying to prepare myself.
Suddenly, it felt like that bucket of nails had dumped right in the middle of my stomach, and now the nails were trying to get back out of my body anyway they could.
Sharp stabbing pains were rising up the back of my throat, and jabbing every inch of my abdomen. I expected to see nails flying out of me in all directions.
I curled up into a tight ball, clutching my arms to my sides, trying to keep my insides from exploding.
I heard a blood-curdling scream fill the room. I took some quick short breaths, realizing that the scream had come from me.
The next thing I knew, I could feel myself being lifted up and carried somewhere.
I opened my eyes and looked up into the eyes of my true love and his sensitive brother. They both looked very concerned.
"Don't worry, Bella. We're going to take care of you."
I turned toward the voice, and saw Edward's father, Carlisle. He was standing by a bed.
The Bed! Oh No! No, I can't! Why would they do that to me again? It hurt so bad last time! I can't go through that again!
I started to push against their arms, to get free of the cage they had me trapped in.
I noticed that they had stopped moving, and that they were trying to just hold on to me.
"Bella, it's okay, love. Just relax."
I glared at him, remembering that I had trusted him before and then ended up strapped to that very bed!
I heard an excited high-pitched voice, "Hold on tight, boys!"
There was no way I was going to let them strap me down, again!
A warning growl erupted from my chest, as I began to raise a field around myself.
"OW! BELLA!" Jasper was the first to complain.
He started to loosen his grip, surprised by the electric shock.
I saw Edward meet his gaze in an instant, shaking his head once side to side, and then Jasper's arms tightened their grip once more.
"Bella, please, just listen. It's not what you think!" Edward's voice sounded strained.
I looked up into his eyes, and saw the determination. I knew I would have to really shock him (as in throw him across the room, shock him) before he would ever let me go.
I knew I wasn't strong enough to do that right now, although the nails seemed to have stopped their attack for the moment, so I decided to try it his way.
I closed my eyes, and focused on lowering the field to the bare minimum. I made sure they would still be able to feel a tingling sensation of it, warning them that it could be raised again at any time.
I opened our connection, "I'm listening, Edward."
He took a deep breath, calming himself. I noticed, however, that neither of them loosened their tight grip on me.
"Bella, we are not going to strap you down again. I promise. But Carlisle needs to examine you to figure out why you are hurting. It's easier to do that, on the bed."
He paused, watching my face intently to make sure I was understanding what he was trying to say. His expression softened, when his eyes met mine.
"We love you, Bella. Please, let us help you."
I could feel the sincerity of his words. Wait…I turned to look at Jasper, eyeing him suspiciously.
He winked at me, knowing I had felt him influencing my emotions.
Then I heard that high-pitched voice again. "It's true, Bella. We all love you so much."
How could I fight that? Fight against people that truly loved me?
I turned my gaze back to my Edward, "I believe you…it's just…I'm not sure I can do it, Edward. I don't think I am strong enough to keep the field away if you put me back on that bed. I'm sorry…"
He leaned down and kissed me on the forehead, breathing his dazzling scent into my face.
"What if I promise to never let go of you the entire time? I will lie with you on the bed, and hold you while Carlisle takes a look. Then if the shield appears, at least we'll be trapped inside together."
He smiled one of his crooked smiles, and I couldn't help but chuckle softly.
The remaining edges of the field disintegrated, and Jasper held onto me while Edward hopped up onto the bed. Jasper gently lowered me down, and placed me on the bed right next to Edward.
I closed my eyes to concentrate on keeping my breathing even and the field where it belonged.
Edward was stroking my hair, and whispering encouraging thoughts into my ear.
I could hear the soft voice of Carlisle, asking if it was okay for him to approach me.
I felt ashamed, that Edward's father would have to ask permission.
What is wrong with me? I don't want my family afraid of me…I don't want to hurt my family!
"I…I'm…sor…ry." It still hurt tremendously to talk.
"Bella, love, just talk to me through your thoughts. Don't try to speak."
I nodded.
"Edward, please tell Carlisle I would never try to hurt him. I never meant to hurt anyone."
"They know, love. Carlisle is just trying to make this easier for you. He won't approach until you are in control. He doesn't want you to drain your energy anymore than I do."
He nodded to Carlisle and told him I was ready.
I took a couple of ragged breaths.
Carlisle brought a stool over to the side of the bed, and sat down. I noticed that he was moving at a slow human pace. I wondered if that was so he wouldn't startle me.
I felt embarrassed again about my earlier actions, and my cheeks would have been red if I were still able to blush.
Jasper looked at me curiously. "Are you feeling alright, Bella?"
I tried to smile a little as I nodded.
Carlisle asked me what hurt when I was doubled over in pain.
I smiled, grateful that I wasn't feeling that pain at this moment. I tried to open a channel to Carlisle, so I could communicate with him directly.
He looked at me a little surprised, when my thoughts reached his, but then smiled. He seemed pleased that my power was getting stronger.
After having a doctor-patient conversation, enduring some painful prodding around my abdomen, and letting Carlisle look down my throat, I was finally able to relax.
I snuggled into Edward's chest, never wanting to move again.
A/N: I'm glad Bella's power is expanding. It will be important later on. Thanks so much for those who have taken the time to review! But, I need at least 5 more comments to make me feel loved enough to continue! Please R&R!