Hi! Many thanks to everyone who read/ reviewed/ favorited the last chapter. The positive response is overwhelming.
Many thanks to Frannie and Angela who handle the madness that is this fic.
'Never have I dealt with anything more difficult, than my own soul.'
–Imam Al Ghazali
"Why do you watch me?"
"Because you interest me."
His answer took her off-guard. She goggled at him for several moments, as if the words were too difficult to sink in.
"Why? What do I have that would interest anyone?" Disbelief and suspicion laced her soft timbre, "What do I have to interest you?"
He sucked in a harsh breath, her timorous question rankling him.
Unthinkingly, he reached for her, the urge to touch, to comfort overcoming his reservations.
She flinched.
Something pierced him, brutal and sharp; his hand dropped to his side in a hollow agony. It made him want to tear things down, certain people until they could no longer be put together.
An enraged growl rumbled in his throat- a promise of murderous intents and vicious ends.
And the world collapsed in on itself.
Shifting and spinning, blurring and fading, it melted in a miasma of chaos and fire. He knew not the fall, the noise, the silence as the ache in his chest consumed him.
'Snap out of it, Edward!'
"I am sorry. I am so, so, sorry!" She pleaded, writhing in the bed.
'It's only a panic attack ...'
"I will do anything, anything! Just please ..." Nails broke through the skin, drawing blood.
'Anger scares her …'
"It hurts. Stop it!" Tears clung to her lashes, dripped down her gaunt cheeks.
'Quite normal for abuse victims …'
"Mum, stop him! Please, please, please, Ma, stop him!" Limbs flailed, fighting invisible demons.
'Not your fault. Anything could have triggered her …'
"I can't take it … not anymore!" Arms covered the head, almost smothered in the pillow.
'She will calm down soon …'
The sedatives kicked in, quieting the fervency, hushing the moans. Taking shuddering breaths, Isabella fell into blessed sleep.
Yet, the burning did not cease, nor was there any reprieve.
Long after Morpheus claimed Isabella, Edward still heard the whimpers of her broken pleas.
'I can't take it … not anymore!'
