Chapter | Aberrations and Revelations | Seven
Beep.
Beep.
Beep.
The noise wouldn't stop. The repetitive beeping abused my eardrums, forming a bubbling irritation that steadily rose up inside of me, needing to be released.
I opened my eyes abruptly to stop the insistent noise, only to blink rapidly at the bright light shining over me. When had I closed my eyes? Did I fall asleep? Was I just sleeping?
My gaze finally focused, I took in the white tiles above me. I was lying down, I realized. I scoffed. Of course I was lying down, I had been sleeping. Right…?
I briefly noted after a moment of random, nonsensical thoughts that I wasn't processing things very clearly. My mind was a little hazy. I closed my eyes again and took deep breathes.
Slowly, I opened my eyes and let them wander, taking in the pristine surroundings. The room I was in had white walls, adorned with some feel-good photographic pieces. They didn't do a good job with instilling emotion, least of all happy ones. But I could relent that they helped spruce up the barren, monochromatic room.
Even without glancing at the annoying beeping machine to my right, I could have easily deducted I was in a hospital from the photos alone. But why was I in the hospital? Was I injured?
Realizing lying down like this wasn't going to help clear my fuzzy head, I tried sitting up, only to gasp at the unbearable pain from doing so. Tears clouded my vision and I forced my mouth shut to hold in the cry of agony it was about to let lose.
Whimpering, my gazed traveled down my body, taking in the damage. Bandages and casts covered nearly every limb. The searing pain originated from my abdomen. My rips must only be bruised it seems, as they were simply bandaged. My right leg was entirely encased in the white plaster, covering my foot and going all the way to my upper thigh, while my left leg cast only went up to mid-shin. I groaned in frustration when seeing my hands. It's just my luck my right arm is completely undamaged, but my left has a long arm cast on it.
Sighing, I rested my head back on the pillow, being mindful of the neck brace I was wearing. Some sight I must be. I can only wonder what my face looks like with the vague throbbing pain underneath my right eye. My family would freak if they saw me like this.
Wait.
Family. Where are they? I'm in hospital, which warrants for them to be here too, right? Unless I've been out of it for longer than I thought. What exactly happened to me…?
A click sound echoed throughout the room, alerting me to the person standing in front of the door. Her form was still, long brown graying hair framing a pale face with wide green eyes surrounded by wrinkles.
"Grams…?"
At the sound of my voice she released a sob, her hands abruptly flying up to cover her quivering mouth. Seeing the glistening tears form in her eyes, I felt my heart break. Gram's only ever cried in front of me once, and I couldn't stand seeing her looking like this because of me.
"Oh, my little Lettie…" Before I knew it, she was by my bed, kneeling down to embrace me in her arms. And though I have no idea how I ended up like this, I belatedly realized- even after seeing the damage to my body- it must have been something very serious. My arms wrapped around her in an instant, despite being somewhat constricted. "I'm so happy you're awake."
After a long moment, Grams finally pulled back, resting a hand on my cheek as she gently rubbed her thumb against the scar under my eye. Her smile was still sad, her eyes continuing to glisten from the tears she now held back.
"What were you thinking driving off like that, Lettie?" she asked softly, a hint of half-hearted scolding in her voice.
"What?" I still couldn't remember clearly what happened. Bits and pieces would flash to the front of my mind, but as soon as I focused on them, I'd forget instantly.
Grams eyebrows furrowed. "You don't remember? Not a thing?"
I shook my head. "Not really, no."
Grams sighed. "I suppose we won't be finding out why you drove off in such a state anytime soon then."
"What do you mean, Grams?"
She took her hand away to grasp my right one, looking me in the eyes. "Last anyone knew, you had gone to visit your father at work, but before you even went to see him in his office a secretary saw you run out of the building looking very upset. It wasn't until a few hours later when the police called your parents, telling them you had crashed into a tree and were being sent to Condell Medical Center in Libertyville."
I crashed into a tree…? But then why is it all I could envision was… a van heading right at me? Maybe that was why I hit the tree? I might've been trying to avoid a head on collision.
"How long have I been out of it?"
"It's been a week, sweetie."
"A week?!" I shouted incredulously, nearly moving to sit up in my shock. Luckily, Grams grasped my shoulders and gently held me down before I could cause myself more pain.
"Careful!"
I dropped my head on the pillow with a sigh, looking at Grams with lidded eyes. "What's everyone been up to?"
"Your father and mother have been staying at the hospital, though your mother went back to work yesterday." Grams shook her head when mentioning her daughter. I tried not to feel hurt by the news. Work was important to Mom, I'm just glad she at least managed a week watching over me. "Sydney comes to visit everyday after school, even brought all these flowers and the photo album. You never told me how rambunctious she is," Grams laughed, while pointing to the items on the table off to the side. I smiled when I noticed it was the scrapbook she made for just us. Sydney loved photography. "Nathaniel's been here the entire time, but your father sent him home last night to be with your sister."
"Michelle came home?" I asked, surprised. I couldn't imagine her leaving the university for me, not after what happened on Christmas.
Grams nodded and I caught her pursing her lips together.
I groaned. "Martin came with her, huh?" I made a face of disgust as she confirmed it with another nod. Neither of us liked Michelle's fiancé.
We sat in silence for a few seconds, Grams rubbing my shoulder comfortingly. I closed my suddenly tired eyes, glad she wasn't going to bring up my injuries. I didn't want to know all the fine details and how they would affect me for the next few months. I haven't seen my grandma in over a year and just wanted to enjoy her company.
I soon found myself wondering something. I peeked one eye open, reluctant to ask Grams since I'm sure I'll dread the answer.
"…How's my car?"
"Completely totaled," she answered right away, promptly resulting in a whine from me. She chuckled, though I could see the sympathy in her eyes. "Oh, sweetie, I know you worked hard to get the car. But I'd just rather it be the car than my granddaughter." She patted my hand. "How about this, when you come to Forks this summer I'll let you drive Grandpa's truck whenever you want."
I smiled tiredly, holding back a yawn that brought about a small, sharp pain by my ribs. "Thanks Grams, but you don't have to. I know Gramps truck is important to you. Besides-" this time I couldn't hold back the yawn, my mouth opening wide to release it, "Charlie already bought me a truck, a Chevy actually." I giggled. "I know! Gramps would be horrified!"
"Who's Charlie, Scarlette?" I could hear the confusion in her voice, but I didn't understand. I thought she knew Chief Swan? They only lived a few blocks away. "Scarlette, what are you talking about? Who is Charlie? What's this talk about a truck?"
I waved my hand airily. There was no reason to sound so worried. It was obvious.
"Bella's father, of course."
It was silent, save for the annoying repetitive beeping in the background.
Bella!
Without realizing the consequences, I sat up in a rush as the memories from the past week came flooding back in. From the day I crashed my car and found myself inhabiting the body of another teenager and all the way up until what should've been only minutes ago when the blue van was about to crush me to death. Crush Bella to death! And how can I possibly live with myself if she-
Not even half a second after, the breath was knocked out of me completely from the severe pain coursing through my abdomen. I couldn't hold back the bile rapidly rising from my stomach, stupidly bending further over the side of the bed to retch it out. With the realization I couldn't stop the heaving, panic overcame me instantly. I couldn't breathe, I couldn't breathe.
I should be dead. Again. What is going on? Why is this happening to me?!
I can't breathe!
Distantly, I could hear the terrified screams of my grandmother and feel the sudden tug as her hand was forced out of mine. Hurried footsteps, slamming drawers, shouting. My shoulders pushed back down on the bed, my arms forced down to my sides, and I realized I was being held down, strong hands griping my limbs tightly, holding them in place. Why were they holding me down?!
Old memories flashed through my mind at the action and the overwhelming panic increased. I hazardously lashed my body about, blindly trying to free myself.
More shouting, blurry faces hovering above my head and I finally discerned that they were yelling at me. But I couldn't, I couldn't- the beeping was too loud, too fast, too repetitive. Why wouldn't it stop-
A gasp and air filled my lungs immediately. But hands still held me down, cold and hard, and I couldn't move, and why wouldn't they let go?! My heart was pounding, almost painfully. I trashed my limbs, twisted my torso, and screamed, screamed because I had-
"Bella!"
-because I had to get away-
"Bella!"
-don't hurt me! Please-
"Bella!" Solid and cold touched my face, grasping both sides of my head; I couldn't budge- "Bella, it's alright. You're safe. Everything's okay." My frantic gaze stilled at the voice, the blur becoming clearer and I could finally see the face hovering above me.
"Edward," I breathed out, raggedly, harshly. A hand darted up to grip tightly onto his coat.
A nod. "Yes. Now look at me. No- don't look away. Just look in my eyes. Good. Now breathe with me. Nice and slow. That's it."
My gaze flitted back and forth, from staring into his eyes, to watching the rise and fall of his chest, and to the breaths that he slowly inhaled and released- mimicking each move. Eventually my eyes closed, relishing in the cool hands that gave relief to the heat in my cheeks.
What was happening to me? Where was Grams? Why was Edward with me and she wasn't? This isn't right…
… Unless I was no longer in the hospital, no longer Scarlette Rivers. Unless I was back in-
"Bella, open your eyes. You can't fall asleep, you have a concussion."
–back in Bella's body.
"Mmm…Don't call me Bella." Please. I don't want to be Bella anymore.
I felt his chest rumble slightly, as if he was trying to withhold a chuckle. "I thought you preferred being called Bella." I ignored him. "Come on. Open your eyes."
I had to blink my eyes open, using everything I had to keep them that way. At some point I began to recognize the sound of more voices; all of them shouting loudly behind the vehicles I now noticed surrounding us. Sirens soon reached my ears and I could just begin to see the flashing colors. "I'm so tired."
"Hold on a little longer. They will get us out soon."
"Distract me then," I murmured, angling my head to look at him and flinching slightly due to the throbbing pain it caused. A part of me knew I shouldn't fall asleep like this, but if I was going to have to stay awake, mind racing over the overwhelming transition from switching bodies somehow, so suddenly, I need to be distracted from it. "Why is it you're here with me? I thought you were by your car."
"I was right next to you, Bella. I grabbed you out of the way when the van reared back towards you." I nodded, though I didn't remember any of that. "I'm surprised you avoided getting hit head on. You have good reflexes." His voice dropped to a quieter pitch and I strained my ears to hear the next bit. "I don't believe I could have saved you then if you had not pushed off the car like you did."
At his words, my gaze dropped from his topaz eyes, focusing deeply on the large dent in the dark blue van instead. I recognized the only reason I was here, talking and breathing- alive- was thanks to him. I have no doubt his words are true. Despite using everything I had to get out of the way, if Edward didn't pull me back in that moment, I'd be dead.
How can anyone fathom such a notion? How can I possibly express the intense gratitude I felt at still being alive thanks to him? Of not only saving my life, but the life of the girl that I held in my hands and am responsible for protecting? I didn't know how, so I didn't bring it up.
"Yeah, well, you live in a big city long enough you eventually learn how to avoid getting run over by stupid drivers," I replied, noticing my voice was becoming hoarse.
Edward laughed, though I could tell it was somewhat forced. "Really? Well, I suppose that is a good a skill to acquire when living in Phoenix."
I scoffed. "Phoenix? It's a good skill to have in Chicago. I swear, everyone is a lunatic there." I signed, avoiding his eyes. "But I suppose I'm one of them then, otherwise I'd never be in this situation."
"What do you mean?" Edward asked. I didn't elaborate and he didn't ask again.
So much for wanting a distraction…
Finally, the van was pushed back enough for the EMT's to fit through with a stretcher. Edward quickly explained about me hitting my head on the asphalt. One of the EMT asked me a few questions: what's your name, can you tell me what happened, what's the date to day, etc. I answered them all correctly, but was obviously frustrated by all the fussing and all the lights and shouting just made my head hurt worse.
Soon I was lifted onto the stretcher. The transition from Edward's arms to the stretcher was halted though, and I realized belatedly it was because of my left hand still gripping firmly to his coat. I quickly let go.
I was wheeled over to the ambulance, adorning a neck brace for cautionary purposes. Crying faces invaded my view and I closed my eyes to block them all out. I just wanted to sleep. But the loud noise and the flashing lights hurt my senses too much, rendering me too uncomfortable to fall into a deep slumber.
The minutes between leaving the high school and arriving at the hospital were practically nonexistent. Before I knew it I was being moved to the emergency room, nurses fretting over me and inquiring about any pains I felt. I only knew of the hit to my head, and lifted my right hand to inspect the back of my skull. Not even an inch in the air and a sharp ache jolted in my wrist. I instinctively grasped it to my chest with a hiss.
Shortly after, I was taken to another room to get x-rays for my head and wrist, and then sent back to the emergency room with a brace around my right wrist. Edward was right; I did have a concussion, but only a mild one. The nurses said I would have to see a doctor first before it could be decided if it was all right to go home or not.
Another boy was in the room now- Tyler his name is, I think. He's in my government class and sometimes sat with Mike at our usual lunch table. I can't say I care for him too much. He was inappropriate, rowdy, and often times irresponsible. Not to mention, he was sort of a player amount the girls, which finalized his stereotypical position of top jock of the school.
Tyler was resting on a stretcher, a few bloodstained bandages wrapped around his head. It took a moment, but I belatedly guessed he was the one driving the blue van. With the thought, I found myself angered, wanting to yell at the stupid idiot. What was he thinking?! Only an imbecile wouldn't realize the horrible conditions today and not drive accordingly!
It wasn't until he saw me enter the room, a guilt-ridden expression adorning his cut up face that I tried to hold back my tongue. I knew he wasn't a bad guy, but still…
"Bella, I'm so sorry!"
I sighed and went to lie down on the stretcher, turning away from him. I growled in frustration as the neck brace prevented me from getting comfortable. I quickly undid the Velcro and tossed it to the end of the bed, sure that I didn't really need it.
"I thought I was going to kill you! I was going too fast, and I hit the ice wrong and-"
I groaned, rolling over to face him with a glare. "Shut. Up. You're making my headache worse."
Tyler gaped; shocked at the reply I'd given. But seriously, what did he expect?
I gave him a pointed stare, and continued with a strong tone. "I have no doubt you're sorry. But that doesn't forgive you for driving so recklessly. I could have died, Tyler, and that would have been on you for the rest of your life. Count yourself lucky Edward pulled me out of the way at the last moment." Count myself lucky…
The guilty expression deepened, but his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "I- you mean Cullen saved you? I didn't see him." Tyler asked anxiously, turning his head about the room as if Edward was just suddenly going to appear.
Tyler didn't notice Edward either? Well, I suppose we were both pretty occupied to take in what was going on around us. Which reminds me, I thought, taking a shaky breath, I still need to thank him for saving me. I couldn't imagine what would happen if…
"…I really am sorry, Bella-" I shook my head, all my anger now drained out and being replaced by a new emotion.
"All said and done, I'm glad you're okay, but I'm not going to forgive you for your stupidity. The best you can do to make it up to me is to learn from your mistake. Got it?"
He nodded slowly. A nurse came in shortly after and wheeled him out, possibly to a new room or for X-rays or something. Either way, I was glad for the peace and quiet.
Just when I thought I would have a moment to rest, however, a voice alerted me to a new presence in the room.
"Miss Swan."
Sighing, I sat up slowly, hoping not to worsen the throbbing in my head. A doctor stood in front of my bed, as determined by his white coat. But that wasn't what caught my attention first.
It was his deathly pale skin and eerily familiar golden eyes.
I remembered back to lunch my first day, when Jessica had gossiped about the Cullen family, even though I didn't prompt it. She mentioned that the five siblings adopted father was a doctor. Obviously, this was him. But if they were all adopted, then why did they all share the same ethereal features?
My mind automatically tried to fit the pieces to the puzzle, wanting to rationalize the comparisons. Maybe they all had a disease? Maybe Dr. Cullen adopted them because he wanted to help others like himself? Maybe that's why he became a doctor?
No matter how much I thought on it, I couldn't accept any of the answers. I knew the human mind liked to rationalize strange and different things it couldn't comprehend into something real and logical. And despite my own mind doing the same, I couldn't accept any of the outcomes it came up with. I had to question. There was no way I could sit around, taking the easy way out and letting myself become ignorant and deceptible.
But my head hurt so much that I decided to leave it for another time.
I sat up slowly. "Dr. Cullen," I greeted back. He smiled with a nod, even though I wasn't asking him to confirm his identity. He obviously wasn't surprised that I knew who he was, for reasons that I'm sure are more numerous than him having similar features to his adopted children.
"How are you feeling, Miss Swan?" he inquired, walking over to the lightboard and turning it on.
"Like I just got hit by a van," I answered, trying to sound joking, but unable to completely hold back the shaking in my voice. So he wouldn't have to reply to that, I quickly elaborated. "I have a massive headache and I felt nausea earlier, but it went away some after getting here. And I'm guessing my wrist is broken, though it only hurts when I move it."
"Well," he started, examining the X-rays. "Your wrist isn't broken, luckily. However, it is a grade II sprain. The tears to your ligament are a little more severe than if it was just a minor sprain and you may notice it feeling a little loose. As long as you keep your wrist rested, compressed, iced, and elevated, it should be healed in two weeks' time."
I sighed in relief. Broken bones are a nightmare. "Edward said I have a concussion," I prompted, wanting to hurry this up with and get the heck out of here.
"Yes, I'm assuming it's simply a mild one, but I'd like to make sure by doing a few tests."
I nodded and Dr. Cullen then proceeded to test my memory, vision, hearing, reflexes, and what not. When he finally prodded the back of my head lightly, I winced in pain.
"You do seem to have a mild concussion," he confirmed, writing a few things down on his clipboard. He went into a short speech about the symptoms, most I already knew and some I already noticed experiencing. Like mood swings... "I'll prescribe you an acetaminophen to relieve your headache. An ice pack over the injury every few hours should also bring down any swelling." Dr. Cullen look up at me. "I'd prefer it if you stayed here for a few extra hours, but as I'm sure you're anxious to leave," he said amusedly, "with you father's permission, you're free to go. Just try and stay awake for another hour or two."
"Thank you, Dr. Cullen." Saying that to him, I was reminded that I still had to thank his son for saving me.
"You're welcome, Miss Swan." Dr. Cullen smiled kindly. "Now, I'll be back in a second to bring your father in. He's been in the waiting room, as is most of the school it seems," he chuckled.
"Really?" I asked in disbelief, unsure if I was feeling touched or mortified.
He nodded.
As the doctor left the room, I laid back down and closed my eyes, preparing myself for when I'd have to leave, making my way past a room of teenagers all trying to express their worry and concern. Loudly. While my head is attempting to kill me.
It was strange how back home, I was never noticed, but here the entire school (heck, the entire town!) knew who I was. A part of me was grateful for their concern. I doubt anyone but family came to see me- I mean my body- when I was admitted to the hospital from the crash. And even then, some of my family didn't even go or stay for long. Only Grams was really there for me. And I suppose my father, though I didn't see him when I "awoke" in my body for that brief moment (however that happened- and why couldn't I have just stayed…?).
Tears began to cloud my eyes. I squeezed them tight, wiping whatever water leaked out with my undamaged hand.
But it's not as if I wanted to see my father anyway. I can only imagine the guilt he must be feeling… That must be the reason why he was still at my bedside instead of at work.
Thinking about my own father made me wonder how Bella's father is doing. Was he worried, did he know what exactly happened? But then I remembered that he was the Chief of Police and of course he would know the details, he was probably even at the high school and I was just too out of it to notice.
Fast paced footsteps reached my ears and for what felt like the millionth time, I slowly sat up and gently placed my feet on the floor to stand, all the while holding my head still with my hands.
"Bella!"
I looked up, eyes locking onto Charlie as he entered the room in a rush. He slowed down when he finally caught sight of me, but the frantic worry on his face did not disappear, it only enhanced his disheveled and destitute appearance. It startled me so much, forcing a torturous amount of emotions on me all at once that I almost physically stumbled and fell on the floor.
Before I could try and compose whatever sense of normalcy I had left upon myself, instantly and uncontrollably tears filled my eyes, blurring the two masses before me. With one heartbreaking sob, I flung myself at Charlie, burying my face in his jacket to muffle the agony. Promptly, his arms wrapped around me in a firm embrace, comforting me with murmured reassurances.
I just couldn't hold it in any longer. The sight of Charlie triggered every emotion I've kept bottled up inside for the past week. Guilt, terror, despair, shame, and countless more leading up to this moment, to this one thought.
I almost died.
I almost fucking died.
I couldn't prevent the tears streaking down my cheeks or the unbearable sobs my mouth continued to release. All I could do was grip Charlie's jacket stronger, squeeze my eyes shut tighter, and forget. But I couldn't forget, because apparently pushing aside my concerns, my worries, and trying to stay calm, to stay sane, puts me in goddamn life and death situations!
How am I possible supposed to do this?! How am I supposed to live like this?! I'm responsible for another fucking like, along with my own, and I almost died! Why is this happening to me?! Why?!
God, to think of what Grams must be going through, hoping that I would just wake up again, but may never. And Charlie. Bella's father. I couldn't bare the guilt of letting him lose his daughter, because even though I've only known him for a week, I realize that I've slowly begun to care for him. If I end up stuck like this any longer I'm sure I'd come to see him as my dad and not the father that was never really there.
And me… I don't want to die. I don't want to be Bella anymore. But going through this, I can't fool myself anymore. I am so sorely surpassed by this situation, so unbearably unknowledgeable about it that even if there is a solution, I probably won't find it in my lifetime, how I am now.
But what else can I do…?
"It's alright, Bella. You're okay. You're going to be okay." Despite the obvious heartbreaking tone of Charlie's voice, I could still hear the strong defiance in his words, as well as the relief.
I sniffed, trying to stop myself from shaking. "I just wanna go home."
"Alright, Bells. Let's go home."
Charlie kept one arm around me and I reluctantly removed my face from his shoulder. Dr. Cullen was still standing by the entrance, obviously trying to give us space but not wanting to leave the room in concern for my health. I hurriedly wiped the flood of tears from my eyes though it was futile. God, he must think of I'm some kind of attention seeker.
"Make sure to check on her now and then, Charlie," Dr. Cullen spoke up as he walked us out of the room and down the hallway. He mentioned a few more things that I didn't really pay attention to until we stopped in front of a door. I looked at the blurred glass, reading the black letters posted on it. It was Dr. Carlisle Cullen's office. He turned to face me and I realized he was finally addressing me. "Feel better, Miss Swan," Dr. Cullen said sincerely.
I nodded, too embarrassed to say anything.
Dr. Cullen nodded his goodbye and went to enter his office. Just as Charlie was about to lead me back down the hall again, I noticed someone else in the office through the crack of the door. Seeing the peculiar shade of reddish-brown hair, I instantly halted.
"Wait," I said before I realized what I was doing.
"What was that, Miss Swan?" Dr. Cullen asked, looking back at me.
"I-" I stuttered, trying to glance at the person behind him. "I- uh. Edward?"
Slowly, as if he was hoping I hadn't noticed him, Edward came to stand by his father in the doorway. He look completely fine, unscathed. I released a sigh of relief at that. In the moment, I didn't give much thought to him, whether he was injured or not. I could not describe the immense relief of him saving me and not becoming injured for my sake in the process.
I knew I had to say it now, clean and simple, while I still had the support and comfort of Charlie's presence. I know that's the only way I was ever going to be able to tell him and I would never let myself live it down if I didn't.
"Thank you for saving me, Edward," I let out in a flurry, looking him directly in the eyes and speaking with all the gratitude I felt towards him. My voice dropped down to a whisper. "I can't imagine what would… if you hadn't…" I couldn't continue with the thought, don't even know why I brought that part up to begin with.
Edward stared back at me silently. He looked stiff and once again it appeared as if he wasn't breathing. Before the silence could get awkward, he finally spoke up. "You're welcome," he acknowledged quietly, almost as if he could have found a better reply but couldn't think of anything at the moment. I agreed. It didn't quite sound right, maybe a little too insincere for a life and death situation. But then again, he was the one that saved me. He doesn't even have to reply to my thanks.
The doctor and the chief stayed quiet during the exchange. Dr. Cullen kept his eyes on his son, while Charlie looked back and forth between us. To his credit, Charlie seemed to grasp the situation immediately.
Without letting go of me, thankfully, Charlie moved to stand in front of Edward. His expression was serious. "You saved my daughter from the van, Edward?"
"Yes, I was there to pull her out of the way, Chief Swan."
I furrowed my brow, wondering why he worded it that way.
"I can't thank you enough for what you've done," Charlie chocked out with emotion, his voice still strong and full of gratitude. Edward looked shocked, his mouth hanging open the slightest bit. I held back a sob at the reminder of what the accident did to Charlie. He grasped Edward's hand, shaking it firmly as he looked over to Dr. Cullen. "You've got a great boy here, Carlisle."
Carlisle smiled proudly, clasping Edward's shoulder as he looked at his son in what seemed to be a new light. "I do. Thank you, Charlie."
Hearing the words from his father, Edward visibly relaxed, no longer looking like a stone statue, but an everyday guy. It was a nice change.
I winced at another throbbing ache in my head. Everyone looked at me in concern. I smiled weakly at them and looked at Edward. "I'll see you later then."
He nodded. The fact that he never looked me directly in the eyes told me he wasn't completely comfortable with the praise, as if he didn't get to hear it often, possibly. It made me glad that I sucked it up and thanked him after all. But it made me wonder why Edward had such a hard time accepting the praise when he so obviously deserved it. Not matter how hard I scrutinized his features and darting gaze, no answer revealed itself to me.
Goodbyes made their way around again and before I knew it Charlie and I were in his police cruiser on the way home. Luckily, by some miracle we made it through the crowd of students unnoticed.
I leaned my head on the cool glass to sooth my headache, allowing only one thought on my mind at the moment. The easiest and safest one I could.
Maybe I misunderstood Edward Cullen after all.
I know, I know! Finally, right? But I'm not going to apologize this time, cause I'm sure it's going to happen many more times. I'd like to say I'd be able to work on this more, since due to financial problems I'm only taking two classes this semester, but even then I can't be sure with my job in the way as well. Writing may be my hobby, but my passion is art, so that tends to take up a lot of my free time.
The ending I'm a little unsure about. But I had to add it. If there is one thing I hate about the book, it's how Edward isn't praised enough for saving Bella's life. Hell, nearly his entire family looks down on him for it! Sure it was risky, but he didn't get caught AND he saved a life. I think he really needed that as a self-loathing character. I mean, Bella could have died! Hello! Kinda serious. I really wanted Charlie in on it too, as his gratitude towards Edward, I think, would mean a lot as well. Especially towards Carlisle to hear it, who I think needs a serious wake up call. He acts too accepting towards Edward, almost as if it's completely okay if he loses control and kills Bella. Which is ridiculous and completely contradicting to their vegetarian lifestyle. Carlisle does have a right to forgive him if it did happen, but he shouldn't be pushing his son off to the side as if it's inevitable and not helping him to fight it. I mean, his first thought when Edward showed up in the hospital was that his son might have killed her! I love Carlisle, I do. He's one of my top favorite characters. But like all of the characters in Twilight, everyone has there flaws, it's just that some of them seriously need to be worked on. Which is one of the things I'd like to accomplish in this story!
Anyway, I probably didn't word most of that rant in the way I really wanted, and I'm sure some of you will argue with me about it, but oh well.
Moving on... Thoughts? Opinions? I'm not sure about this chapter since it took me so long to finish. Is it believable/realistic? No one got too confused on anything? Feedback please!
