"Go on, be honest how bad is it?" I came out of hospital a couple of days ago so I know I look pretty hideous but today is the day that I promised I would try going to school. My question can be taken two ways: firstly about how bad I look right now or secondly about how much the students know about what happened to me. Fingers crossed they don't know anything but it's going to be horrendous trying to explain the cast on my arm and the extensive bruising. I have stitches in the gash on my forehead and the right side of my face is covered in massive purple splotches. I look like I've been in a cage fight or something. Not to mention the masses of bruises that can't be seen. I can't stand up for too long and I have to have cushioning on the back of any chair because of my ribs, luckily none were broken. I thought I'd try dressing to hide it all but my comfiest top is a sleeveless long tee with Robert Smith of the Cure on it and holes all over. It's not school policy to be able to wear it but I've been given a little leeway. I also have jeans on which are also ripped to shreds, there's no left knee at all. I've been forced to wear my skate shoes instead of my boots due to the fact that I can't bend over to tie them up.
"You look…comfy?" Mum appears from the kitchen.
"It's the only thing I could find that doesn't make my chest hurt anymore than it already does." It's a constant ache that won't go away anytime soon so Carlisle tells me.
"Morning Mrs Jensen. Is she ready?" Edward picks up my bag and hoodie from the floor. He won't let me carry anything heavy which to him is anything over the weight of a feather. Maybe not even that heavy.
"No she'd rather be back in bed." I stick my tongue out at him. He laughs then kisses me softly on one of the few undamaged parts of my forehead.
"Tough. I'll drop her off later." Mum just waves absentmindedly already thinking of work as I'm dragged very gently to the car and in my mind to my doom.
"So what's the story?" I ask as soon as I'm in the car.
"All the teachers know obviously and the rest of the school have figured it out. When news broke of a girl being attacked in her own home and you vanished for a few days they kind of pieced it together." Great. As long as they think he only beat the crap out of me. I can deal with that.
"Do they know about your involvement?" Please keep him out of this. I don't want Edward being dragged down with me even if I couldn't imagine anyone better for it to happen with.
"Yeah. A few of the teachers were talking about it in the corridor and some of the students overheard. I'm officially a hero and it's getting on my nerves."
"I'm sorry. Maybe I should just stay home today…" Except I don't like being there on my own anymore understandably. I switched rooms to the spare bedroom. Dad thought it would be easier for me if I didn't have to sleep where it happened.
"I'm not sorry. I saved the girl I love from a dickhead with no morals and as a result I have to deal with a little outside attention. Personally I think it's a small price to pay for having you safe and with me."
"I love you now take me to school. After what I've been through I think I should be able to deal with anything that could happen as long as you're next to me." I take his hand in mine and rest it on my lap.
"About that…my dad convinced the school to switch my lessons so I have the same classes as you. He used his pull as your doctor to insist that I'm with you while you recover." He gives my hand a quick squeeze before pulling out of my drive.
We find a spot close to the main building so I don't have to walk far and head inside. The staring starts as soon as we get out of the car but with Edwards hand in mine I don't feel as freaked out as I would normally. The teachers in my first few classes give me a smile as I walk in or ask how I'm feeling, the other kids just continue to stare especially when Edward follows me in carrying my books and a cushion for my chair. It's only when I'm in the queue for lunch that I hear what they're saying about me.
"I heard she was attacked in her own bedroom by some guy" begins one
"Yeah well she must have known him otherwise how'd he get in?" adds another
"Well my mom said that Edward hit him with a bat because this guy was going to…you know…" They clearly don't know that I'm standing just behind them so I let a fake moan of pain escape making the colour drain from their faces. I move around them, grab something to eat and head to my table laughing to myself as I sit next to my boyfriend.
"Something funny?" He's clearly intrigued by what's amused me.
"Just scaring some girls in the lunch line" I say with a big grin on my face. "Oh…shit…ow" I grab my side with my good hand inhaling sharply around the sudden pain in my ribs. Laughing is clearly a bad idea if it hurts this much.
"Painkillers are in your bag aren't they? Got a drink?" I nod so he roots through my bag for the bottle of pills, opening it and giving me two then opening the water on the table and handing it to me. I take the pills then wait for them to kick in leaning heavily on his side.
"Can you take me home? I think I've had enough for today." Though I've only been here for the morning I'm drained.
"Sure. You ok getting to the car while I get us excused for the afternoon?" I nod so he gives me a quick kiss and the car keys then heads to the office while I walk slowly to where he parked. 2 minutes after sitting in the passengers seat I doze off.
The motion of being carried and put down on something soft wakes me up. I'm at Edwards on his bed surrounded by cushions and pillows. I start to stretch then instantly regret that decision when a sharp pain shoots through my side.
There's a sudden dip in the mattress as Edwards lays down, moves closer to me then wraps an arm around me. I snuggle into his chest relaxing as I breathe in his scent. I'm half asleep when I hear someone come in the room.
"How is she?" It's Esme. I like her, she's always so nice to me.
"We came home after lunch. She was in pain and it got too much. I thought it would be best to bring her here so dad can check her over when he gets home." He's whispering trying not to wake me.
"That's a good idea. Do you want me to call her parents to let them know where she is?" Bet he's already done it. In fact he probably did it before we left school.
"Taken care of mom. I called them both and explained that Effy will most likely be here for the night. They're out of town so I don't want her to be on her own in that house." I'm a genius.
"Ok. How are you coping with it all? It's a lot to handle." My ears prick up interested in his answer.
"I love her mom. Yes it's hard knowing that she had to go through all that but she's the last thing I think of at night and the first thing I think of when I wake up. I hate being away from her and I never want her to get hurt again. I just…love her." Wow. I can't hold back the tears after hearing that. "I thought you were sleeping." Esme quietly leaves closing the door behind her.
"I was but your mum isn't exactly stealthy you know. Did you mean that?"
"Yeah I did. You heard what I said I assume?" Slowly he starts running his fingers through my hair playing with the fine strands.
I nod wiping my cheeks being careful not to get my cast wet. "It was beautiful. Since moving here and meeting you I don't feel like I'm damaged goods anymore. You make me feel like myself again and I love you for that but I'm terrified that one day you're going to get tired of me and my issues and walk away. I'm in too deep to be able to cope with that." I'm being honest probably more honest than I should be but I felt that it had to be said.
"I told you I'm not going anywhere. I'm in too deep to walk away from you. I love you." He kisses me pouring every ounce of his feelings for me into it and I respond fiercely. Moving gently he kisses each of the bruises on my face travelling down my neck giving me goosebumps, his hand going down to my waist as he reaches up and kisses my lips again. Breathing heavily we lie next to each other completely losing track of time content to gaze into each others eyes.
