Sorry for the later update than usual, I had a bit of trouble with this chapter, but I promise regular updates from now on. Probably every Saturday. Enjoy...
That's Why You're Beautiful
Chapter Twelve
One week later
Hey Edward, how are you feeling? B.
As I gathered my things together to prepare for the day ahead, I decided to send Edward a quick text. We hadn't been in touch for over seven days, and I was beginning to feel a little worried. It was only natural, considering all I'd put him through.
I glanced at my watch and hurried my pace; I needed to be at the hospital in less than an hour because Alice was starting her chemotherapy today. She had psyched herself up for it during the week, but I knew she could never really be ready for something like this. I hadn't really wanted to, but I found myself looking up the treatment on the internet earlier this week, and it didn't really settle my worries. I knew it wasn't going to be pleasant, but it made everything seem worse.
Still, Jasper had kept himself busy by planning the wedding and they'd managed to book a date in the church for a month's time. I was alarmed at the closeness at first, but realised just how much they wanted to be husband and wife as soon as possible. The doctors had told us that Alice would probably be well enough for the service by then, considering she had breaks between chemotherapy sessions, so that settled my worries. Sort of.
Throughout the week I'd been sent away on various occasions to gather wedding brochures and samples of fabric, busily sharing them with Alice and picking dresses. Mom had helped plenty of times and it had been a nice getaway, but now things were turning serious again.
I jumped as my phone beeped in my pocket; I'd forgotten all about it during my heavy thinking.
I'm fine thanks, Bella, how are you? And Alice?
I smiled with the sudden thought of him and replied: I'm good and Alice is OK. Starting chemo today though.
As I waited for a reply, I was surprised to hear the doorbell suddenly ringing. I poked my head up from the pile of clothes, wondering briefly whether I should really answer it. I had a weird prickling of fear but eventually stood up and headed towards the sound. The doorbell rang once more before I made it there and I quickly opened the door, feeling a little panicky.
My eyes soon widened as two police officers stood there before me. They were both male and were very muscular, with heavy, serious frowns across their faces, causing an immediate wave of intimidation to pass through me. Had I done something wrong in the past? Had my boss Yvonne pressed charges against me or something?
My blood ran cold. I knew it wasn't exactly legal to be a prostitute... had she informed them about me as a punishment? But I wasn't doing it anymore... I had made it very clear that I wanted to quit. The thought caused chills to run through my body; would she really go to such measures to get back at me?
I must have stood there gawping because one of the men waved his hand in front of my face.
"Sorry," I murmured, shaking my head. "H-Have I done something wrong?"
They didn't answer my question. "Are you Bella Swan?"
I nodded with a jerky movement. I must have looked horrendously guilty. They exchanged a quick glance before one asked, "May we come in?"
I couldn't refuse, so I shakily stepped out of the way and let them in, consciously aware of my rapidly thumping heart. So many things were running through my head that I couldn't quite make any sense of what was happening.
"Miss Swan, we recently received a call from you about an assault performed by a man whom you named as," he glanced at his notebook and a frown came across his face. "'Emmett.'"
I felt incredibly stupid at that moment; I didn't even know his freaking surname. What I did know now, however, was why they were here. Probably for me wasting police time or something along those lines. I couldn't help cringing to myself. I shouldn't have listened to Jasper and I should have just left it... it would have saved so much trouble.
"We're visiting to inform you that he has been arrested and is being held in a cell. That's why we're here," he paused, eyeing me carefully. "We may require you to give an interview on the attack which could lead to you testifying later on, if he is charged. The evidence is vital."
I swallowed in surprise. "T-Testifying in the court?"
They both nodded and I stared blankly ahead. "But…"
"We can understand that you must feel nervous about doing this, Miss Swan, but if you don't do so it's unlikely that your attacker will be charged." He paused, looking at me carefully. "And you need to know that you will be offered full protection, so there is nothing to worry about. But... the decision is yours, of course."
I moved my head slowly and mechanically. "Alright. I'll d-do it. I think. When should I come in?"
"As soon as possible, preferably," he answered and I swallowed. "How about later today?"
I shook my head. "I can't, sorry."
"Alright, how about tomorrow morning?"
"OK." I said quietly. "That should be alright."
"Are you sure, Miss Swan?"
I nodded. What choice did I really have?
"Well we'll see you sometime tomorrow morning," one said as they both stood up. "Thank you for your time."
"No, t-thank you," I replied shakily.
They both headed towards the door. "We'll send you some more information as the date grows closer. Thank you again for your time, Miss Swan."
I opened the door and they soon disappeared down the stairs, leaving me staring after them. I felt a mixture of fear and happiness; Emmett was probably getting punished, but I'd have to be there close to him to make sure it happened. That is if my interview even persuaded them in the first place.
Crumbs.
I was incredibly jumpy and nearly leapt off the ground when my phone beeped. It was Edward again.
She'll be alright. Don't worry too much.
I scoffed darkly to myself. How was it possible not to worry?
***
"Right," I said, dumping my packed bags on the floor. "I've brought everything that you and I need and that means I'm not leaving you for a few days. Well, not permanently anyway," I added, thinking about my run-in with the police.
Alice frowned. "Why are you staying here?"
"Because you need me and I want to be here with you." I looked up at Jasper. "Although you've been doing a brilliant job."
He smiled. "Anything for my Alice."
"But I thought you were living with your parents at the moment..." Alice continued.
"They understand what's happening," I answered. "You really do need us both here."
She nodded in what I guessed was agreement. "And I want you here. I really do."
I smiled. "And besides, you need someone here to discuss dresses when-"
I trailed off, unable to quite finish my sentence.
"When I'm having my treatment?" Alice offered and I nodded minutely. "That sounds great, Bells."
"So, what did you bring?" Jasper quickly asked, jerking his chin towards my bags. "Did you pack the kitchen sink, too?"
I laughed. "Nope, just all the essentials... I don't want to be away from here for too long."
He nodded. "Did you bring some pillows?"
"I did, actually," I said, reaching inside and grabbing them. I chucked one towards Jasper. "I've had bad experiences sleeping here before and I'm now prepared."
He grinned, placing the pillow behind his back. "Thanks, Bella."
"Did you bring Homer, Bells?" Alice asked.
Before I could reply, a doctor knocked on the door and quickly came into the room.
"Good morning, Alice. We'll need to transfer you to a sterile room so that we can hook you up to all the equipment," he said and I winced; the way he described hooking her up made her sound like a piece of meat.
"Alright," Alice said, leaning on Jasper as she stood up. "Let's get this over with."
I had to admire her courage when we made our way down there. She knew what this experience was going to be like, yet she hadn't complained.
"Who is Homer?" Jasper asked and Alice giggled.
"He's my teddy bear."
"And you named him after Homer Simpson?" he persisted, looking amused.
"That's not the strangest thing she's done," I said, smiling along with them.
"Here we are," the doctor said, and we were led into a dull, white room, full of chairs and various pieces of medical machinery. They all looked daunting and horrible, but I continued smiling, following them into the room.
"If you just sit here, we'll get you sorted."
Alice did so and I noticed her bottom lip trembling slightly. Jasper must have seen too, because he gripped onto her hand, giving her another reassuring smile.
We took a seat each beside her and the doctor began preparing the treatment.
"Ready?" he asked.
Alice met both of our gazes and nodded. "Yes. I think so."
The doctor smiled. "Well, we'll be giving you an infusion of drugs, so just try to relax and think happy thoughts."
Alice winced as the needle went into her arm and the doctor checked the medication. "This will take about an hour and I'll be back then to take you off."
He left swiftly and Alice took a shaky breath. "Should I be feeling something?"
Jasper smiled but I could see in his eyes that he was feeling her pain too. "Let's talk about something else," he said. "So... are we going to have our own stag and hen nights before the wedding?"
I grinned to myself as Alice beamed. "Of course. Bella's already said yes to her invite."
I raised an eyebrow at her. "I have?"
"Yup," Alice said, shifting around in her seat. "It'll be just us two, I think."
"You don't want to let Bella near the alcohol," Jasper commented and I pouted at him playfully.
"I'm sure you're just as bad," I replied.
He nodded, smirking a little. I still really couldn't believe how we'd managed to form such a great friendship, considering what had happened before.
I peeked at Alice, trying not to notice how pale she was. I decided to swiftly change the subject. "I had a visit from the police today."
Both their eyes widened at the same moment and, if it were a different situation, I would have laughed at the comical effect.
"Is it to do with Emmett?" Alice asked, before adding, "Jasper told me about what happened..."
I nodded. "They've arrested him and I need to give an interview. If they decide to charge him, I may have to appear in court."
They both looked alarmed. "Are you going to do it?"
"I have to. I... I need to."
"Maybe you should ask someone to go there with you," Jasper said, and one name immediately sprung into my mind.
"Uh, yeah, maybe," I shrugged.
It was silent for a moment before Alice clutched at her head. "Argh, it feels like I'm having a migraine..."
"I think that's normal." My voice sounded so unsure and probably did nothing to reassure her.
"I feel sick," she whispered.
"Bella, get a bin or something," Jasper said quickly and I rushed off, reaching for the nearest suitable item. I found a bin and thrust it into Alice's face, where she promptly vomited. It was horrible to hear and she sobbed along with her retching.
"I hate this," she cried. "Make it stop... I feel awful."
"We can't, Alice," Jasper soothed. "It'll be over soon, I p-promise."
His words weren't true; the morning seemed to last forever.
***
I felt exhausted by the time that Alice was back in her normal bed, sleeping peacefully. The morning had been an ordeal but at least one of her treatments was over, and we all saw that as a positive thing. Well, 'all' being Jasper and myself.
I spent the afternoon in the hospital cafe, wanting to feel a bit normal for a while. I was pleasantly surprised to see Edward pop up from behind me as I was ordering a chocolate muffin.
"Edward!" I smiled, genuinely happy to see him. "How are you?"
"I'm great, thank you," he said, smiling back at me with an enthusiasm that matched my own. "Haven't seen you in a while... I guessed you'd be here and d-decided to pay a visit."
I payed for my food and we walked over to a table, chatting like old friends. "I know," I sighed. "I've just been a bit occupied."
We both sat down and I pulled my chair closer to him.
"How is Alice?" he asked carefully.
"Well she had her first treatment today and it was alright, I guess," I answered, picking away at the muffin. "She wasn't very well afterwards, though."
He met my gaze sympathetically. "I'm sorry to hear that. But she will get better, I'm sure."
I nodded absently.
"Has anything else happened this w-week?" he asked, taking a keen interest.
"Well I... I visited my parents."
His eyes widened underneath his glasses and I saw more of their unique emerald colour. "W-Wow, Bella, that's very brave of you."
"I told them everything. I... I do feel better now."
He smiled. "I'm sure you do. That's g-great to know."
I was surprised when his hand met mine on the table, but I didn't pull away. Instead, I let his fingers wrap around mine and I liked the warmth such a small gesture provided.
I couldn't quite understand why, despite the heat, I felt like shivering.
Our eyes met for a timeless moment and I was still dazed when we found ourselves staring. I wasn't really sure why I was doing it, I just couldn't seem to pull my eyes away. His eyes really were such a beautiful colour and it was a shame his large glasses spoiled the view.
Our little moment was interrupted by someone bursting through the cafe doors. I glanced up and saw that it was Jasper. He was looking around for someone and, when he met my eyes, he rushed over, looking a little panicked.
"Bella," he said breathlessly. "I need your help. It's Alice."
I stood up immediately. "What? What's wrong?"
"Just, please come..." he said, hurrying away.
I sighed, looking down at Edward. "I'm really sorry... I-"
"Don't worry," he said, cutting me off. "She's more important."
"Don't say that," I protested. "You're equally as important."
I didn't realise the enormity of what I'd said until afterwards.
"I'll see you soon," I said, rushing off. I heard him quietly say bye before I sprinted out the doors. I raced along the corridor and towards Alice's ward, soon hearing familiar hysterical cries echoing towards me. My heart raced as I reached the door, fumbling with the doorknob and eventually managing to open it, despite my shaking hands.
I should have known something like this was going to happen, yet it still managed to take my breath away when I caught sight of her.
Alice was sat upright in her bed, sobbing manically and clutching a clump of hair in her hands. She met my eyes with her body trembling frantically.
"Bella," she cried. "Bella, my hair!"
So like I said before, I had trouble with this chapter and occupied myself writing a new story... which will be out soon (look on my profile if you're interested!)
Now I think everything is medically and legally accurate... if it's not, please feel free to tell me! Please review if you can!
