Chapter 13: 2nd Chance

Bella

Darkness surrounded me and I had no feeling throughout my body yet I wasn't scared. There was no terror, no horror at the sudden realization that it was the end. I wasn't scared but completely at ease.

Whether it was my mind trying to deal with the shock or simply a preview of what was to come in the afterlife but all I could think floating into oblivion was Edward. With the thoughts came the relief. The emptiness was gone and filled with the purest love. The weight of the world no longer fell upon my shoulders, as I no longer had a choice to make, fate was making it for me.

I was not going to fight this, I would go easy into the dark, life had lost it's pull long ago.

The thoughts of Edward became more real as I faded. I could now hear him, hear him calling my name. Pleading with me to return to him and how much he loved me. I wanted to yell to him that I was on my way, that it wouldn't be long before we would be together forever. It was then I felt the pressure against my chest. That was then followed by a familiar scent being blown into my mouth, Edward's scent.

I wanted more, I NEEDED more. This small taste of ecstasy had me struggling to hold on to this moment. His voice, more clearly heard now, was filled with sadness as he pledged to love me forever. Despair filled each word and I couldn't help but want to hold him and block the pain away.

My fingers and toes began to tingle as if awakening from a long sleep. This "rebirth" traveled throughout my entire body, finally reaching my ribs and lungs. Water rushed up my throat, and had me automatically spurting it out my mouth.

I was dazed and confused, not really sure what had occurred, but one thing I was certain of, I was still alive.

Lying on the cold tile floor, still feeling the effects of the fall, drowning, and head wound, I felt cold arms wrap around me and an angelic voice cry out "Bella".

Edward

Could I do this? Would I be able to stop? The monster inside was powerful, hungry, and desired to take everything Bella's tiny body could offer. If I bite her and succumbed to the hunger, I would not only lose my life but have her blood on my hands.

It was worth the risk, I sadly decided, opening up my eyes and slowly bringing her tender flesh to my lips. "Forgive me love", I whispered and drew open my ravenous mouth.

I felt the tiniest sensation while holding her delicate arm but it was enough to make my dead heart skip a beat. I waited and watched, looking for another sign of life, something that let me know God had heard my cries and had mercy on my soul-less existence.

Her fragile form begin to twitch ever so slightly and I heard the sound of water being forced out her lungs. I shifted her body, so the water could easily escape from her lips. She coughed the unwelcome liquid from her mouth as her eyes began to flutter with life.

I could not contain my joy and the excitement I now felt at this opportunity for a second chance. This precious gift would not be wasted on me, I thought picking her up in my arms and wanting never to let go.

Her body struggled to cope with the physical toll it had just experienced as her eyes still remain half closed. The gash above her eyebrow was just beginning to clot but I grabbed a nearby towel and pressed it against her head, wanting to stop the flow of blood and any chance of enticing the hunger the dwelled inside me.

Having her so close to me, after almost losing her, forced me to shower her face with small kisses. I continued kissing her, creating a trail down her neck, up her arms and then her tiny fingertips. How could such a small and breakable being have such a forceful pull and hold on me? What could someone so pure of heart and soul ever see in a monster like me? I had no answers for my questions because I at the moment, I didn't care. Bella was alive and the rhythmic sound of her heartbeat and breath created a beautiful symphony in my ears.

Our reunion would be short lived as I heard several pairs of footsteps approaching the pool and with them came the thoughts.

I knew she was lying but I didn't push back. I should have NEVER let her practice alone. What if something happens? How could I ever live with myself. Bella, please be ok.

Angela's panic could be heard in my mind, and she wasn't alone. With her, she brought with her Ben, Mike and the swim coach, Ms. Mackenzie.

Bella, you can be so careless sometimes. Why can't you just let other's in? We're going to have to talk. Even if you don't want me as a boyfriend doesn't mean I don't care as your friend.

Mike's thoughts had me both equally angered and thankful. Bella was loved and cared for by many but that really came as no surprise.

They would be arriving soon and I hadn't made up my mind as to how to proceed. I looked down to my angel, who was slowly awakening from this unwanted sleep. Deep down I wanted to run away with her, take her home and never let her leave. We could shut the whole world out and make a life away from those who dared tried to separate us. I knew while surveying the scene that this was not going to be possible.

Once the humans arrived and saw the sight of blood and no Bella, there would be too many questions and too much pain and uncertainty for Charlie. This would just cause more complications in an already bad situation.

I would return for her, explain myself, it would just have to wait. I brought her face close to mine and nuzzled my face to her warm neck then brushed my lips against her forehead.

"I'll come find you love. I'll always be here", I spoke into her ear, placing her away from the water and next to the bleachers.

The footsteps grew louder, as I leaped to the windows and slipped through before the double doors burst open.

Bella

I fought against the cloudiness that flooded my mind and the heaviness that made my eyes so difficult to open.

I wanted to see him, I wanted to look into his eyes and say all that my heart had wanted to say that day in the woods. The day he left and took my purpose for living with him.

His silky voice no longer sounded defeated but joyous as he said my name. The way "Bella" rolled off his tongue made me want him to speak my name forever.

In an instant, before I could even utter a word or fully look at my personal god, he was gone. I was still fighting the urge to sleep when I heard the familiar voices of Angela and Mike.

"OH MY GOD! BELLA!", Angela shrieked.

"Bella", Mike simply shouted as several pairs of feet ran towards me. I was using all my strength to sit up as Ben, Angela, Mike and Coach Mackenzie all surrounded me.

"Don't move", Coach Mackenzie shouted at me.

"Oh god! Look at your head, Bella. Why would you lie to me", Angela said, tears in her eyes.

"I'm ok," I croaked out. I was preparing to stand and trying to find my balance when Mike and Ben rushed to either side of me.

"Bella, you shouldn't try to stand up so quickly", Mike warned. "You have a nasty cut and you might have a concussion. We should take you to the hospital".

"I'M FINE", I declared. "I didn't eat, so I fainted but I'm ok now. I'm fine. Where did he go", I asked, shaking their hold on my arms.

"Who," they all asked in unison?

"Edward. He was here, he saved me. He rescued me like he always does. He told me he loved me", I responded, emotion filling each word.

"Bella, I think you need to sit down and eat something. Here have this", Coach Mackenzie said while handing me a power bar and water bottle and forcing me to sit amongst the bleachers.

Though I wanted to argue and force them all to believe me, I gulped down the food and drained the bottle dry. The water felt so good sliding down my burning throat and the lightheadedness was no longer so strong.

"I have to go", I finally said decidedly. "I have to find him. I have to talk to him".

"Dammit Bella! STOP IT! Edward is gone and he is NEVER coming back! Stop making him out to be the hero in your little scenario," Mike shouted angrily.

We all stopped and gazed at him, not sure how to respond.

"I'm sorry. Bella, I'm sorry. You're hurt and I didn't mean to yell. You just really scared me…scared us all. Now you're talking about seeing Edward and it just…got me angry", Mike explained, only looking at me.

Wanting to break the tension Angela spoke next. "Bella, why don't we drive you home and you get some rest. It's been a long night…and you been through a lot".

"Yes, that sound's like a good plan", Ben simply agreed.

"Bella, what the hell were you thinking! You know the rules! You NEVER swim alone", Coach Mackenzie said, staring a hole into my eyes.

"I'm sorry Coach, I just wanted to practice and I got caught up in the moment", I said. "I'm fine really. The cut on my head is fine and I'm not feeling dizzy anymore. This wont happen again, I learned my lesson", I apologized.

I stood up and pushed away the pairs of arms that wanted to force me back down.

"I appreciate your concerns and so thankful you guys care so much but I'm FINE. I can drive myself home. I don't need to be escorted or babysat", I spoke aloud, suddenly frustrated. I had to find him. I KNEW he was there. I didn't imagine this or dream it.

Edward was here and had left yet again without a word.

"Bella, I don't think that's such a good idea. What if-", Mike said. I cut him off before he could continue.

"Mike. ENOUGH! I'm going home, NOW!", I shouted. My sudden outburst surprised and shocked them all.

I sighed heavily and tried to do damage control before I caused more suspicion over my state of mind.

"I'm sorry. Like you said, I have had a long day and I just want to go home and rest. I've had close calls before, I'm seriously OK", I pleaded.

"Your cut doesn't look deep. Keep putting pressure on it, bandage it when you get home…but please see your doctor or even the school nurse tomorrow. Don't even think about swimming again till I know you have a clean bill of health", Coach Mackenzie said in her best parental voice.

"Call me as soon as you get home, Ok", Angela begged me, clasping Ben's hand for support as she spoke.

Mike remained quite, skepticism and hurt in his eyes. He looked as if he wanted to tell me something but thought better of it.

"Cross my heart," I smiled at Angela. I grabbed my duffle bag from behind the bleachers and quickly ran to the locker room to change. I threw on my sweatpants and Fork's High hoodie over my swimsuit, fastened my Puma sneakers and ran for the exit. I didn't want to waste anymore time.

Before I had a chance to run through the exit doors, I felt a arm pull me back. It took me awhile before I realized it was Mike holding me away from my escape.

"Bella, I never meant to hurt your feelings. I just care what happens to you, even if you don't seem to. Be careful…ok? Not just tonight, or around pools, but just with everything in general. Protect yourself because you don't give other's the chance to do it for you", he said.

I waited a moment before responding. "I will Mike. I cherish your friendship more than you'll ever know", I said matter of factly before rushing out the doors towards the parking lot.

I was on a mission and nothing was going to stop me. Dumping my bags into the bed of the truck, so many questions flooded my mind.

When did he return? How long had he been in Forks? Why did he return and was he going to stay? Why save me and then leave? WHY?

The engine roared to life as I shifted the truck into drive and made my way towards the Cullen's mansion. I had hundreds of questions that seemed to double as I got closer to the house. I would get my answers I swore to myself, driving towards the one place I never planned on returning to.