sorry about the delay. this is a good chapter, sad, tragic but good nonetheless. enjoy!
EPOV
"I'm betrothed, Edward. As of yesterday…" she said.
Horror filled my heart as I heard her words, Horror and anger. I knew Bella would never agree to something like this but I could see her parents doing it. Almost without thinking I climbed up the tree, careful of my half mended ankle.
Once at her window she didn't push me away like last time but welcomed me in. I got inside and she nearly ran into my arms. How I wanted to hold like this the first day we met but not at a time like this. Tears started soaking through my shirt and I held her closer, hoping to take all the despair away.
"Oh Edward," she said as she sobbed into my shirt, "I never wanted to, I came home and was told and I just couldn't bring myself to face you. I'm sorry!"
I had her sit on the bed and wiped the tears away from her eyes, "Bella, don't you dare blame this on you. It's your parents fault and only theirs." I gazed intensely into her eyes, seeing the answer before I asked, "Why don't we run away? Bella, I love you and you alone."
That brought another round of tears as she said with difficulty, "I c-c-can't. Edward, I love you so much but I also love my parents too. It's my duty to obey them in any way I can."
I held her close wondering if I ever could hold her again. She said that she loved me and it made me want to never let her go. Would I get to see her after the war is done with if she marries another? My thoughts drifted back home and I grimaced.
"Bella, I don't know if this would help but…" I stopped as soon as I saw her face. She held so much hope despite the wretchedness around her. She wanted me to make everything better, "I promise you that I will do everything in my power to help you."
I caressed her cheek; sorry to have to leave her like this but I needed to think. "Bella, I must apologize but I have to go. I love you," I said, cradling the words.
She gave me a teary smile and gave me a brief hug, "I love you too," she whispered and my heart felt like it would burst. I would do anything to keep her in my arms.
I untangled myself and made my hazardous way down the tree again. I looked up like last time, heartened that the despair that held her before had lessened and I left. I went straight to camp with only one sidetrack telling Alice to stay with Bella. I didn't really need to tell her, she loved Bella like a sister.
BPOV
I was still upset that my parents thought they could decide who I should marry but I wasn't completely hopeless as I was just this morning. Alice had stayed with my all day, we had even gone over to Rosalie's to see her and the baby. She had already heard the news and the discussed possible escape routes. I knew they were trying to make me laugh but even Alice's and Edward's promise I couldn't completely shake the desolation. I smiled and tried my best to look happy but they could see through it, I was sure.
I was finally alone in my room. I hadn't spoken to my parents all day and I didn't want to yet. They need to understand how much they had upset me. Who knew, maybe they would change their minds.
I looked out the window to see the stars and moon sparkling down at me. The night was so clear and beautiful; it was if it was calling to me. I smiled as a plan formed in my mind. The beach would be so peaceful right now and it was just what I needed.
I changed into my walking gown for nights like these and slipped quietly out my window. Maybe Edward would meet me there like our first meeting. Would it be just as magical or would the future uncertainness stain it.
I could already feel how the night was tainted by my gloom that was deep in the recesses of my heart. The sky seemed black and sinister and the silence that often calmed me, now made me nervous.
It was a relief to see the familiar ocean stretching before me that I barely noticed the figure to the side. I breathed in the fresh sea air but even the ocean seemed to be in turmoil. Someone chuckled and I whirled around to see the intruder, hoping fervently that it was Edward. I couldn't make it out. All I saw was a black form of a man.
"Edward?" I asked expectantly.
EPOV
Of course it was my turn to patrol. The one night I want off and I get stuck on patrol. Patrol was just for those who couldn't do anything better. Because my leg prevented me from doing anything strenuous they gave me the one job nobody liked.
Patrol meant spending the whole night wandering through the streets 'keeping the peace'. The Army, in its infinite wisdom, placed units' at strategic places in case of invasion. Truth be told, everyone thought it was because the war was winding down and they had too many soldiers so they stuck us in random spots across the U.S.
I rounded a corner and saw two privates who were also on patrol duty with me. I nodded in acknowledgement and asked for a report.
BPOV
It wasn't Edward; I knew that by the moon shining down on his brown hair. I took an involuntary step back, "J-James," I stammered as my heart dropped to my feet. What was he going to do now?
I could smell the beer off of him as I tried to make my way to town inconspicuously. He kept following my every step, growing angrier as I backed up. He finally spoke in a fuming tone, "I thought I had everything together, my life was perfect. I had wealthy parents who I could ignore while still taking their money. I had a girl who would do anything I told her to do.
"Then this brilliant idea comes to my father's mind. He wanted to marry off his only son to a common street rat. Is this what I deserve?! Should I allow you ruin my life?"
I was truly frightened now as he kept advancing towards me. Coming to the beach was a bad idea; I should have stayed home and wallowed in my grief.
"No," he growled. We had finally come under the streetlights of the town. I weighed my chances and turned around, full out running down the street. Unexpectedly I was pulled to the ground.
EPOV
"Quiet as a grave, Captain, No one is out tonight." One replied.
"Good, keep…" I stopped as I heard something. Someone was screaming and it was coming from the direction of the beach. I frowned, nothing was supposed to happen on patrol duty; it was a dead end job. I nodded for the two men to follow me and we cautiously made or way towards the screaming.
BPOV
He started tearing at my clothes, hitting me. I slipped away from him, running at full blast but even in his drunken state he could still outrun me. I would run a few yards and then he would pull me down and start hitting me again.
I realized I hadn't even made it half way to my house and I was black and blue. I thought of screaming once more but no one was listening. No one came to my aid. I fell down and scraped my hands. I stood up and looked behind me. He was still a bit behind me
I tried running more but I was so exhausted, I fell sluggishly to the ground. I had no more fight in me. Whatever came next I wouldn't be able to stop him. I curled up in a ball, trying to gather my now ragged gown around me. I heard hurried footsteps coming towards me. I bit my lip and waited.
EPOV
I saw her; she was on the ground, trembling. I would have known her anywhere. My sweet angelic Bella was in pain and now in a terrified heap in front of me. I turned to the two men next to me. "Go after the man who did this, I'll take care of the girl."
They didn't need telling twice as they ran after the already receding figure. They wee eager to do anything. I crouched next to Bella and wrapped my arms around her. She flinched at my touch but resigned, she didn't seem to realize that it was me. "Bella," I whispered, "It's going to be okay, I promise."
"Edward," she whispered back and then went limp. I pulled her up in my arms, and noticed for the first time the bruises already forming on her delicate skin. I silently cursed whoever did this and ran as fast as I could without hurting myself or Bella to Dr. Cullen's house.
so? what did you think. i tried to keep it un-graphic (is that a word?) review! i want to know how im doing!