A/N: The last two chapters have had record reviews for all other chapters in my story. Thank you for all of your support. Please read and review so I can continue on with the story better :)
***Last chapter was so fun to write. I actually went through listening to various songs until I found the right ones for everyone. "Sexy Back" made me automatically think of Emmett… I just can imagine him so doing that lol.
*** I wanted to use this chapter to establish more of what Bella has to deal with and also put a small twist in there as well. I don't want to give anything away but Edward uses the knowledge he gains about Bella's pain to help him decide where he stands on the issue of her being changed.
*** Bella also finds out some new things about her in this chapter and I promise that it will be explained in more detail next chapter. I just needed to get the basics started. Please ask me any questions you have because I am sure that it may be a little confusing to some people. Also, yes, I do realize that she is only human but as I am sure we all realized from the original saga, Bella is very powerful even as a human and I just am extending that power.
*** I also realize that some of you all wish to hunt me down and throw things at my head because of the cliffhanger in the last chapter. My excuse is that I couldn't help it. Please don't kill me! I hope that what he did ask her satisfies you all and doesn't disappoint.
*** This chapter is dedicated to: -KiwiCullen-
*** I forgot to put a disclaimer last chapter so here it is, just multiply it by two: Disclaimer: I do NOT own twilight but I DO own my character Ruby! HAHAHA! Take that SM
EPOV
I love Bella and Bella loves me. I can't imagine how an angel like her could ever feel love when it involves me. She's so amazing and perfect and I couldn't imagine a better woman to love than her. Before I met her, it was as if I was blind but now with her around, my eyesight has cleared and I am seeing things I never knew existed.
It felt as if my heart was going to explode when she gave me her answer at the club.
Bell Marie Swan, will you make me the happiest man alive and do me the honor of being my girlfriend?
She looked at me with wide eyes that were beginning to fill with tears. She nodded her head and found her voice.
"Edward, nothing would make me happier. Yes" She said with the largest smile that engulfed her entire face.
It was a beautiful sight and in turn my smile grew as wide as hers. I pulled her in for a kiss and I felt like since we finally knew how the other feels, we have this weight lifted off of our shoulders.
I had been very tempted to just ask her to marry me, but I knew that she wasn't ready for that no matter how much I felt I was. I wanted to do right by Bella and if that meant waiting, then so be it.
We spent the entire night talking and kissing. I doubt that I would ever come close to tiring of that activity with Bella, or any activity with her for that matter. She fell asleep and I decided to go for a quick hunt. I really hated to leave her side but I knew that I needed to hunt since we would have to return to school today.
After draining two deer, I was satiated and headed back home. Just as I got to the river, my phone went off so I answered it.
"Alice?" She usually doesn't just call to say 'hey' so my thoughts automatically went to Bella.
"Edward, you should get home" She said calmly but slowly as if she didn't want to hear my reaction.
"What happened?!" I all but screamed at her.
"Well Bella is okay but she's in pain and it will just get worse. I think she will feel better if you are there. She won't want you to see her like that but she needs you because you calm her down."
"I'm almost there. Thank you Alice"
"Anytime brother. That is what psychic sisters are for after all" She laughed. I laughed too but mine was forced.
I hung up with Alice and ran as fast as I could back to the house. I was there in seconds but it seemed too long knowing that Bella was in pain. She always dealt with her pain so well that I rarely ever saw how it affected her so when I'm told that she is in a lot of pain it worries me.
I ran into the house and Esme stopped me.
Edward, I heard Bella crying and went to see if she was okay but she didn't want to see me. Poor thing, she was worried that she had upset me. Will you please tell her that she didn't upset me?
I nodded at Esme and proceeded up the stairs. I was going to knock on the door but I just went in instead.
Bella was curled up on her bed in the fetal position and rocking back and forth. I could smell and see the tears on her face and I could hear the pain in her cries. It broke my heart to see her like this. I went up to the bed and lay down behind her. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her into me.
"Bella, sweetheart, is it your leg?" I asked as soothingly as I could.
"Yes… i-it hurts bu-ut the medi-ication isn't wor-rking" she forced out through clenched teeth and tears.
If I could cry I would be right now. I didn't need to be Jasper to see how much pain she was in. Like I said earlier, Bella rarely shows her pain so for it to be like this must be horrible.
"Bella, how much of your medication have you taken?" I asked, trying to see if maybe she could take more to help it.
"Uh… I t-took three so f-far" She told me.
"May I look at your bottle? Where is it?"
She nodded and went to get up to get it for me.
I gently pushed her back onto the bed. "No, Bella, please don't get up just tell me and I'll get it for you love" I gave her a crooked smile. I knew she couldn't resist that.
She smiled despite her pain and I thanked whatever God there was that I had such an effect on her. Maybe I could do something to take her mind off of it while we figure something out.
I got her bottle and read the label. It was Oxycodone. I studied medicine over the years and I know that this is a very strong pain medication and if she's taken three already and the pain is still like this, then something needs to be done. Perhaps Carlisle has some morphine around the house to keep on hand just in case an emergency were to arise.
I pulled out my phone and dialed Carlisle's number. He answered it on the second ring.
"Edward, what's the matter? Why aren't you in school?" He asked worried.
"Carlisle, when I came in from hunting, I came to check on Bella and she is in pain. She is curled up on her bed crying and shaking back and forth in pain. Carlisle, it appears to be quite bad."
"Has she taken anything for it yet?" He was in full doctor mode.
"Yes, she's already taken the total of three Oxycodone 10/325's and it's still like this. Do you by chance have any morphine around the house for emergencies with your patients?" I asked hopeful.
"No, Edward, I don't. I'm sorry but I had to use that last month with Mr. Stanley's son Tommy and his broken wrist."
"What can we do then? I can't leave her in pain. I will do anything Carlisle but please just tell me." I begged him.
"Edward bring her into the hospital, I will have a bed for her so she doesn't have to wait on nurses or the ER. I'll give her some medication but I will have to wait until she's here so I can see what will be most suited for her. Then I will try to figure out if there is anything we can do to make sure this doesn't happen again." He said trying to reassure me.
"Okay thank you Carlisle. I will bring her right now."
"I'll see you then son. Please tell Bella to hold on and I'll take care of her"
"Will do, thank you again Carlisle."
"Bye, Edward"
"Bye"
We hung up and I went back and kneeled before Bella and took her hands in mine. She looked at me and I could tell that she was fighting to keep the pain under some kind of control.
"Love, Carlisle asked us to come to see him at the hospital. He wants to check over you and give you some pain medication to take the pain away so you can feel better. Is it alright if I carry you?" I asked her even though I would carry her no matter what.
She nodded and I stood up and lifted her gently into my arms. I made sure that her legs weren't bouncing and I held her firmly against my body. She put her head into my chest and I could feel her tears soak through my t-shirt but I couldn't care any less than I did at this moment about my shirt.
I ran with Bella to the car and put her in gently and was in my own seat within a second or two. I started up the car and was at the hospital in record time.
I helped Bella out of the car and carried her like I had before into the Emergency Room and up to the receptionist.
Probably fell down again. I've seen this girl in here more times than any other patient. She sure is a clumsy one. Oh well. After what everyone has said about her, it probably serves her right. I heard about her and her own stepfather. They –
"Excuse me. Dr. Cullen told me to come right in and everything would be set up." I told her angered by her thoughts. How dare she think of my Bella like that and especially when she could see Bella in so much pain!
"Oh, yes. Dr. Cullen has had exam room three set up. He told me to let you know to go on in and he should be in momentarily." She said in what was an attempt at being flirtatious. It was nowhere near working and I almost laughed at her accomplished thoughts.
I curtly nodded and headed to room three. I gently laid Bella down on the bed and I could see that she actually looked more pained than before. I wish there was some way that I could take her pain away. She didn't deserve any of this. It had to be some sick joke that such a wonderful person like her has to endure such horrible pain in her life.
I stood there holding her hand and rubbing soothing circles in it until Carlisle came in a few minutes later.
I'm sorry that I'm late Edward. There was another patient that I was just finishing up with.
I nodded and we both turned to face Bella.
"Bella, how long have you been in pain today?" He asked falling into his doctor role.
"I woke u-up with the p-pain aroun-nd four" She pushed out and we could both see how hard it was for her.
I wish I could read her mind and just answer for her.
I just noticed now that her good leg had been twitching as well. I couldn't imagine being in her position right now.
"Edward said that you took three Percocet. Did you take anything else?"
She shook her head.
"Did you injure your leg?" He was trying to figure out what caused it to just hurt worse than it normally does.
"No, s-sometimes w-when it gets l-like this, i-it is because of infl-lamed nerv-ves." She tried to explain but she now had to close her eyes while she answered his question.
"Hmm. Okay, what we will do for now is get some effective pain medication in you and then we can go from there. I want to get this pain down before it gets any worse. Okay?"
She nodded without opening her eyes and thanked him.
He left the room and a few minutes later returned with two shots. If I was a human I am sure I would really hate needles because they look painful for humans.
"Okay Bella, you seem to be in a great deal of pain so I am going to give you two shots of pain medication. The first is Morphine and the second is an anti-inflammatory. Hopefully that combination will work but if not, in thirty minutes, please inform either myself or a nurse and we will get you more. Our primary concern is to get the pain under control."
She nodded and he proceeded to give her the two shots which she didn't even flinch for. I was impressed. I have seen some humans cry or cower in the corner because someone is trying to inject them with a needle. However, Bella has always been stronger than any human that I have ever seen so it doesn't really surprise me too much.
Carlisle left the room and Bella was still shaking from the pain so I crawled onto her bed and put my arms around her and she cuddled into me. I held her and tried everything I could to soothe her which seemed to work some because she visibly relaxed the moment she was in my arms and it hadn't been enough time for the medication to take effect. I smiled at this. She found comfort in me and always has. This fact thrills me to no end.
We stayed like that in silence but it was a comfortable silence or as much as can be under the circumstances.
After ten minutes, Bella started to relax into me and her crying and shaking decreased. I continued to rock her back and forth and hummed to her.
After another five minutes, he crying stopped completely and she was only moving a little. I looked down at her and saw that she was staring up at me.
"How are you feeling?" I asked concerned that she may still be in a lot of pain.
"I'm fine" She said and I could tell she was trying to downplay it for my sake.
"Bella, please do not try to edit how you are feeling because you are shy when it comes to showing you are in pain. It doesn't make you look vulnerable, love, far from it. Please, Bella, let me in. You don't need to go through this alone. I love you and I want you to know that I'm here for you"
I realized that I am probably the first person to offer to be there for her during her pain. I just hope that she allows me to be.
She looked at me and bit her lip then sighed. "I love you too Edward. Thank you. It's just that I have never really had anyone there for me like you are. It's all new to me so please forgive me for that. I promise to start being honest to you about how I am feeling and right now I feel better. I really do. I still hurt but it's not nearly as bad as it was. Hmm. On a scale from a one to a ten, ten being the worst, it's now about a six whereas before it was like a twenty." She is being sarcastic again which is a good sign.
I smiled and kissed her forehead. It was quiet for a moment while I decided what I wanted to know.
"Bella, does this happen often?" I asked in a worried tone
"Well, it happens more often than I would like. It used to be only once a year or so but in the last few years it's gotten worse. This was the second one in a few months." She said with pain still evident in her voice.
She was feeling better but she was still in pain so I held her closer to me, making sure not to hurt her with my strength or body.
"What happened… before when this would happen?" I asked hoping she didn't mind me bringing up her time with that monster.
Her jaw became rigid and she grew a hard look in her eyes. "Most of the time I would just have to deal with the pain. A lot of times he would take away my medication for God knows what and so the pain would get bad but I couldn't do anything about it. When it would get worse than it was today, sometimes he'd get tired of listening to me crying out in pain and he'd have my mother take me to the hospital."
I didn't think that I could hate him anymore than I already did but I was just proven wrong. I thought that the vile humans I used to hunt were bad, but this man is by far the worst I have ever come across in nearly a century of this new life of mine.
Carlisle then came in and smiled when he saw me holding Bella. Bella has gotten comfortable enough around the family and didn't even try to move from her spot on my chest.
"Bella, how are you feeling? Did the medication work?" He asked in a doctor's tone but also in a fatherly one as well.
"Yes, Carlisle it worked, thank you very much." She smiled.
"Are you still in any pain right now?" He asked eyeing me then Bella.
She bit her lip and looked at me. I kissed her on the forehead telling her it was fine and she sighed while turning back to Carlisle. "Yes, about a five on a one to ten scale. But I've definitely had worse, it's no problem" she said still shy.
"Nonsense Bella. If you are in pain, then we will do our best to get rid of it. I will send the nurse in with another shot of morphine and that should help you sleep a little as well." He smiled at her and she nodded. He then thought of something else and looked at me for approval before continuing.
Edward, I wanted to see how much testing has been done on her leg. Do you think she'd mind if I ask?
He asked me through his thoughts so he wouldn't bother Bella with the question to me. I shook my head and urged him to continue.
"Bella, what tests have been done for your paralysis?"
"Uh, I remember when I was first injured that they did a few nerve conduction tests but that has been about the extent of it. Why?" She asked curiously.
"We have a great neurologist here at the hospital, Dr. Adams, and I believe that it might be best if we have some tests done to see if there is anything that could help the paralysis or the pain." He explained.
"Umm... Sure, I wouldn't mind the tests and I would love to know if there was something that could be done. I really appreciate it Carlisle. Thank you so much."
"Don't mention it Bella. That is what family is for" He said with a smile and excused himself to go find the neurologist.
A few minutes later, the nurse came in with another shot of morphine.
"Alright, honey. How bad is your pain now?" She asked Bella. Bella scrunched up her nose and thought for a moment. I would say it's about a 5.3" She said blushing.
Both the nurse and I laughed at her answer which made her blush even harder. I leaned down and kissed her hair while inhaling her scent.
The nurse came over to the bed and gave Bella the shot in her arm. Since the nurse created an open wound, no matter how small it was, I could smell Bella's blood finally. It didn't have the same pull as other blood does. I could smell it and it aroused my interest, but I didn't feel the need to pursue the blood. Odd… Bella really is a remarkable creature. She always finds ways to surprise me.
"Well, sweetie, hopefully that will help but if not just call. Dr. Cullen gave us all specific orders to get your pain under control so we will do what we need to." She smiled at us both and turned to leave the room.
After a short silence, I spoke up. "Have you always had this bad of pain?"
She took my hand and rolled on her side so she was facing me and I did the same. "Actually no, after my first accident, I had pain but it was tolerable. I didn't need medication then. But over the years it's gotten worse and my doctor has told me that it will most likely just continue to get worse until I either will be so passed out on medication or I will be in agonizing pain all the time. She said I should know by the time I'm twenty which way it will go- if it will continue getting worse or not" Bella said as she leaned her head on my shoulder.
I held onto her as if I was holding on for dear life. Here was my love and she was in so much pain all the time without even the hope of it getting better and I can't do anything for her.
That's a lie. You can change her. My inner voice said. I couldn't change Bella. She was so beautiful and pure. She's in constant pain and she won't get better. She can't run or even walk normally. She has nothing to look forward to. She could have a great future. Yes, but one filled with pain just like today. Do you want that for her?
Great, now I am talking to myself.
Thankfully I was pulled out of my thoughts when I heard Bella talk in her sleep. "Please no" She must have fallen asleep without me noticing. "No, I beg you. Don't!" She must be having a nightmare. "Edward, please. Please Edward, save me!" she was crying out to me.
All of a sudden I was pulled into her dream and I could see what she was seeing but it was like I was a bystander.
Bella was lying on the floor of her bedroom and she was covered in blood. There was a female vampire standing over her. This vampire had flame-red hair and the most piercing black eyes.
"Now, Now, Isabella, you must be a good girl. Good girls do not cry. Didn't your mommy ever teach you that?" The vampire snickered and kicked Bella in the ribs-the same ones that were injured before. Bella screamed out in pain and she doubled over against her bed.
"Please, no" Bella pleaded as the vampire raised her hand and came across her face, leaving blood pouring out her nose because it was broken. "Hmm, interesting. I see the blood but I have no bloodlust towards it. You know what this means, don't you Isabella?" She asked in a sinister voice.
"No, I beg you. Don't!" The vampire stood in front of Bella and stepped down on her leg, breaking it in half. Bella screamed out in blood-curdling pain. "We're going to have some fun" The vampire laughed as if it was the funniest thing in the world.
"Edward, please. Please Edward, save me!" Bella cried out.
I blinked my eyes a few times and I realized that I was back in the hospital room. Bella opened her eyes in a start. She looked around the room terrified. I have no idea what just happened.
"Shh Bella. It will be okay. Shhh. It's okay, I'm right here. I'm not going to leave you love" I said trying to calm her down. I kissed her forehead and she relaxed back into me.
"Edward, do you promise?" She asked in a small, almost fearful voice.
"I promise with all of my being Bella. I will not leave you. I'm right here. I love you" I said as I kissed her forehead again.
"I love you too Edward." She sighed.
It was silent then. "Bella, did you realize anything different about that dream?" I asked her.
"It didn't really feel like a dream. It felt real like it was really happening. I don't know, I have this nagging feeling that it will happen, as crazy as that sounds."
"Bella, you are talking to a mind-reader. Nothing is crazy to me anymore." I chuckled. "But, what you describe sounds a lot like Alice's visions. And another thing, Bella, I saw the dream."
She looked at me startled. She was just as shocked as I was since we both know that I can't read her mind.
"How?"
"I don't know, love. We will tell Carlisle about it when he comes back in. But for now, how are you feeling?"
"I feel a lot better. I'm not in bad pain anymore, now it's just normal pain that I am used to." She said sounding a little cheerful.
I kissed her forehead and I hummed her some songs that se inspired and we just waited comfortably for Carlisle to return.
We didn't have to wait for Carlisle to return. He came and his thoughts betrayed what his perfectly calm façade didn't.
I have never seen Bella in so much pain like she was. I was surprised that it took so much medication to calm her nerves down. Unfortunately Dr. Adams didn't have much faith in anything changing in her condition but I'm thankful that he will at least give her a chance. I wish there was something that I could do for her. I have no idea how Edward handled earlier. I know how hard it must have been on him to see the woman he loves in so much pain without being able to do anything.
"Carlisle, thank you" I told him breaking him out of his thoughts and reassuring him that we appreciate what he did for Bella.
He nodded his head at me and then turned his attention to Bella. "Bella, I hope you are feeling better. Are you?" He asked hopeful.
She nodded and smiled. "Thank you so much Carlisle. I really appreciate everything, more than you could know." She answered with a genuine gratitude.
"That's great to hear. I spoke with Dr. Adams, the neurologist, and he agreed to see you but can't get you an appointment until next week, if you want to see him of course…" he led off to see if she wanted to and she nodded so he continued, "Since your pain is under control now, there is no reason why you can't go home. You may be a little weak so I'd prefer if Edward helps you home. Also, I was curious about something. How often does this pain occur?"
She looked down ashamed and answered in a small voice, "lately it's been happening more often. It now gets this bad every two months or so."
Carlisle looked shocked momentarily. He hadn't realized the extent of Bella's pain.
"Well then, I will bring some morphine shots home tonight to keep at the house in case this happens again. Then Edward could just give it to you instead of you coming all the way here." He looked at me to see if I would be willing and I nodded my head 'yes'. "Okay, so we have everything set so you are free to leave whenever you wish and I am writing you a prescription for a strong anti-inflammatory that will decrease the swelling around the nerves and will hopefully lessen your pain in the process."
Bella looked at him and nodded. "Also, please Bella, if your pain increases more than normal and it is really hurting you, please let one of us know and we can give you something to help it so you are more comfortable. There is no reason why you should be in pain." He said with a smile which Bella returned.
"Thank you Carlisle. You have no idea how much I appreciate this." She said with strong emotion in her voice.
"You are more than welcome Bella. You are family now. So if there isn't anything else-"
I cut him off. "Actually Carlisle, when Bella was sleeping, something odd happened." I began. He looked at me with curiosity and came closer so he was standing directly in front of Bella and me.
"What happened?" He asked eager to hear.
"She was sleeping and we know that I can't read her mind but she called out to me and the next thing I know is that I am inside of her dream watching it unfold. I hadn't seen any of it until she called out to me."
"Hmm…" He said while he was thinking of what it could mean.
"Also, Bella told me that it didn't seem like a dream and I told her that it sounded like how one of Alice's visions would seem. I also have to admit that I have witnessed people dreaming before and somehow this just seemed different." I tried to explain even though I didn't understand any of it myself.
"Interesting, very interesting. Has this ever happened before Bella?" He turned his attention to her.
"No, never." She replied with a blush creeping up her face due to the attention.
"Well, let me think on this some and please let me know if anything else happens that is odd or related to this. To be honest, I have no idea what it could mean but I will do some research and make a call to Eleazar as well. Perhaps he knows more than I do on this subject. Anyways, for now, Edward take Bella home so she can rest." I nodded and turned to kiss Bella on the forehead.
Edward, please keep a close eye on Bella and take note of anything that happens. I am completely baffled by this but I doubt this is the only thing that will manifest itself. Just keep an eye out.
"Of course Carlisle, should I be concerned though?" I whispered too low for human ears to hear.
"Concerned about what?" Bella asked confused.
Wait. She shouldn't have been able to hear that. Carlisle turned and we both looked at her shocked. She looked back and forth between the both of us and blushed deeply.
"What are you two staring at?" She asked in a shy voice. After a few moments I found my voice.
I cleared my throat. "Bella, how did you hear that? It was too low for your ears."
"What are you talking about? Yes it was low, but I could still hear it. You asked Carlisle if you should be concerned" She cocked her head to the side and stared at us confused.
"Bella, I assure you that you shouldn't have been able to hear that. How about we test it again just to make sure we didn't misjudge anything, shall we?" Carlisle asked and we both nodded.
"Can you hear me now?" I asked looking at Carlisle so she couldn't read my lips.
"Haha funny one Edward. You should really do the voiceover for those commercials." Bella giggled.
I stared at Carlisle. "How is this possible? She's never been able to hear when we speak at vampire level. Human ears can't, well aren't supposed to be able to, pick up what we are saying when we speak like that."
"I have no idea Edward. Bella, you haven't noticed a change in your hearing have you? Such as with hearing things at low volumes?" Carlisle asked her very intrigued.
"Not since today, no. I've always noticed when your lips move but I don't hear any sound come out but it's odd that I can now. I heard you as if you were speaking normally." Bella explained somewhat worried.
"Hmm… Well, I get off later so Edward take Bella home so she can rest and when I get off from my shift we can all discuss this. Perhaps Alice has seen something and can have more answers than we do. But for now, let's just do what we normally would and we will figure this all out." He smiled to set us at ease. We both nodded and he left the room so Bella and I could get ready to leave.
I got up off of the bed and handed Bella her clothes. I went to exit the room so she could get dressed in private when Bella called out to me.
"Umm… Edward?" She asked hesitantly.
"Yes, love? What is it?" I asked turning back around to face her.
"I'm still kind of woozy from the medication, would you help me get dressed so I don't fall and create any more problems than I already have? You can look away of course but just help me stand and all. But if you are uncomfortable then don't worry, I can get a nurse. It's not trouble, maybe I should have thought about the nurse thing first…" She was so cute when she rambled nervously.
I chuckled and kiss her lightly on the lips to get her to stop being so embarrassed.
"Bella, calm down. I don't mind helping you get dressed in the least and of course I will be a gentleman about it and give you as much privacy as I can." I smiled at her.
I would be lying if I wasn't going to enjoy this but I would do my best to remain the perfect gentleman. Bella deserved nothing less.
She blushed deeper and nodded. "Thank you Edward."
I helped her get her pants on underneath her gown and she finished buttoning them and adjusting them.
"Edward, my shirt is on the end of the bed, could you hand that to me?" She asked.
I grabbed it and handed it to her before she could even blink. I just had to laugh at the look on her face. I love shocking her like that. It's actually quite enjoyable.
I handed her the shirt and she looked to be thinking about something.
"Okay, I really don't want this to come out the wrong way. I've never have been in this position before but umm…" She started but didn't know how to continue.
Times like these make me really wish I could read her mind. "Yes Bella? Anything you want, love" I told her encouragingly.
She sighed and looked down at the floor as she finished her sentence. "Well, first I need to see if you would untie my gown for me and then hold onto me while I pull the shirt over my head so I don't fall." She blushed as she asked this.
I realized something that I doubt she wanted me to figure out. She could easily sit on the bed to do this but she wants to be close to me like this. To say I was thrilled would be an understatement.
I hid my enthusiasm as I replied. "Of course, Bella. Please don't be shy about things like this. It's just me" I said as I lifted her chin so she had to look at me. She smiled and nodded.
I grabbed her shirt and she held it as I untied her gown. She held it to her as I put my hands around her waist underneath the gown to help keep her balanced. Her skin is so warm and soft. It's like a heated cloud. I've never felt anything so appealing. I kept my eyes adverted from where they were begging to look so she wouldn't regret getting this close to me. She took the gown off and put it on the bed.
"Dang" she said frustrated.
I looked at her to see what was wrong and noticed that she was only in her bra and jeans. The bra is a deep pink color that looked lovely against her skin- not nearly as nice as blue but a definite second to it.
"What's wrong love?" I asked while looking into her eyes instead of looking at her body.
"I umm kind of dropped my shirt" she said as she blushed.
I chuckled and bent down to pick it up. I grabbed it and as I was standing back up I couldn't help it that my eyes gazed over her body. She had a large scar on her stomach that looked like it was from a surgery and it caught my attention.
I stood up and handed the shirt to Bella. She had noticed that I looked at her scar and she was looking at the floor almost embarrassed or so it appeared.
"Love, how did you get the scar on your stomach?" I asked softly in hopes that she'd tell me and not close up instead.
"A couple years ago" She sighed and bit her lip. "My doctor at the time found out that my right ovary had grown to be extremely large and it was slowly killing me. They had to remove the ovary and a few other things." She said quietly without looking at me.
"How large was it?" It had to have been huge judging by the size of the scar.
"It was about seventeen pounds and over twelve inches long." She said finally looking up to judge my reaction. I was shocked and I'm sure that it showed on my face.
"Would you show me the whole scar?" I asked curious as to how big it really was.
"Are you sure?" She asked unsure.
"Only if you will allow it. If it makes you uncomfortable then please forget it, love."
She bit her lip and lifted her shirt up to bottom of her ribs and pulled the top of her pants down a little. I had to calm myself at the sight at seeing Bella like this. She was so beautiful no matter what she thinks.
The scar went from right below her waistline up to her belly button, around the left side of it and up to the bottom of her ribs. It was huge and I can only imagine how painful it was after the surgery. I cringed at the thought of that pain.
She was looking at me with uncertainty in her eyes. I can tell that she's embarrassed at her scars and thinks they make her less than beautiful but she's wrong. She could never be anything other than gorgeous and she needs to see that inside of herself.
I got down on my knees, making sure to still have a hold of her so she didn't fall, and I leaned in and kissed her scar from the bottom to the top. I hadn't realized my actions until I finished. I really hope she doesn't hate me being that forward. To be honest, it surprised me that I did something like that. I have never been with a woman or even touched one like I just kissed Bella. Perhaps, I made a mistake but I can't take back my actions now so I have to just deal with them.
"Love, you have been through a lot and I'm sorry that you have had to deal with so much." I told her as I stood up next to her again. I sat her on the bed so she didn't get too tired and I sat next to her. I pulled her into my lap so that she was facing me. She put her arms around my neck and I kept my hands on her waist.
"Does it bother you?" She asked very quietly- almost afraid of my answer.
"Does what bother me, love?" I asked slightly confused.
"My injuries, my leg, my pain, the fact that I have to take medication, not being able to walk normally, being damaged by him, not being strong like you and your family is or even as strong as a normal person. Doesn't it bother you that I'm so different than everyone else? You could have any girl you wanted, human or vampire. What makes me special enough to call you mine?" She asked with tears in her eyes.
I leaned in and kissed her passionately. Sometimes actions speak louder than words. When we pulled away so she could breathe, I placed my forehead against hers and looked into her eyes.
"Bella, you have had a very hard life and things have happened to you that you had no control over. How could I ever hold that against you? Yes, you are different than everyone else and that is what makes you so special to me. You aren't shallow and vain. You aren't immature and flimsy. Bella, you are strong, independent, intelligent, funny, and you love me. How could I not be completely in love with that?
"You have survived more than most people I know and yet you still have such a positive attitude. Do you not understand my feelings for you? Bella, I love you with every part of my being. These things that you consider to be weaknesses, I don't and I really wish you could see just how strong you are." I told her with as much sincerity as I could. I just really wish she would see her as I do.
She smiled and leaned in and kissed me on the lips. It wasn't hot and heavy, but I could feel her love in it.
She pulled her shirt on and I helped her with her sneakers. I had forgotten to bring her crutches or her brace so I went to get her a wheelchair because she said it would look odd if she carried me out of the hospital.
I found a wheelchair and went back to get Bella. Once she was situated we said goodbye to Carlisle and was on our way out of the hospital when Bella gasped suddenly.
I stopped and saw where she was staring. It was a woman who looked very similar to Bella and the picture Emmett brought back from his mission. I realized that this must be her mother.
Where is he? He has to be here!
Her mind was frantic as she was searching for someone.
I didn't know if Bella wanted to see her or not but this was the only way to get to the car so we had to go by her. Maybe if we hurried she wouldn't see us.
"Bella, we have to go by her. Will you be okay?" I asked her in a vampire tone, knowing that she can now hear it. She sighed and nodded so I continued towards the door at a quick humanly pace.
Unfortunately her mother turned around and saw Bella and looked like she had seen a ghost.
"Well, well, what do we have here? Is that my Isabella in a chair yet again?" She asked in a calm voice despite her frantic mental state.
Bella didn't respond so I kept pushing her but her mother didn't let up and stepped in the middle of our path.
"Now, Bella, is that any way to treat mommy? You should be a little more respectful towards your elders and most of all your own mother." She feigned hurt.
"You are not my mother any longer."Bella replied in a firm and strong voice.
"Sure I am. I gave birth to you unfortunately, so therefore you are mine forever." Renee' smirked.
"No, you stopped being my mother when you allowed Phil to abuse me like he did. I came to you and told you and you just laughed, laughed! What mother does that?" Bella asked as her anger began to rise.
"You were a sorry excuse for a daughter so why wouldn't I allow him to do what he wanted to? You were of no use to me. You should have died in that accident and I regret that you didn't"
Now my anger was rising and I wanted to put Renee' in her place but I knew that Bella had to release her emotions to move on from this.
"I did die though. I died inside when you let Phil hurt me like that. He hurt me in every way possible-mental, emotional, physical, and even sexual. Yes, mother, he took me and made me his little play toy and you just allowed him to do it. That is not what mother does so as far as I am concerned you are no longer, nor have you ever been, my mother. You are dead to me." Bella said so coldly that I swear that she seemed like a vampire when she said this.
She turned to me and looked up into my eyes. "Edward, can we go home now, please?" Bella asked me as softly as she could with so much anger searing through her at the moment.
"Of course love, we can" I told her soothingly.
"Love? HA! Right. Isabella, he is probably just using you for your pants. You are only good for being on a bed and will never be worth anything more than that. You are a pathetic excuse for a lady." Renee' said while laughing.
"I wouldn't be talking Renee', I know what you did after you left my father" Bella replied and looked at me to tell me that it was time to leave.
"You little whore, how dare you speak to me like that!" Renee' yelled at her.
I couldn't take it anymore. Bella didn't deserve to be spoken to like this. "Renee', I advise that you leave and never come near Bella again or you will have my entire family to deal with. And don't you ever dare speak to her like that again or you will regret the very words that you speak" I growled at her. She took a step back but tried to hide her fear.
"And what are you going to do about it if I don't listen, little boy?" She taunted.
"Oh trust me; you do not want to find out." I glared at her with all the hate I could. Apparently it worked because she gulped loudly and turned around and walked away quickly.
Once she was gone I looked down at Bella and I could see that she was trying to not cry. I couldn't imagine how hard this must be on her. "Bella, I'm so sorry." I said as I wiped away the one lone tear that found its way out of her eyes.
"No, Edward it's fine. I needed to get that off of my chest. I'm sorry that you had to hear all of that." She apologized with sadness in her eyes.
"No Bella, it is I who must apologize. I shouldn't have allowed her to speak to you like that." I responded knowing how much I was at fault.
"Hmm… why don't you give me a kiss and we'll be even" she smirked.
I know that she just wanted to change the subject so I obliged her for now. I leaned down and kissed her lips. She went to tangle her hands in my hair but I pulled away and kissed her once more time. "Later, love." I winked and she blushed and nodded.
"Bella, wait here for a second while I speak with the secretary, please" she nodded and I went to the secretary.
"Hello Janessa. I was wondering, the woman who was just speaking with us, do you know why she was here?" I asked so I could get the information either out of her lips or her mind.
"Hello Edward. It's very nice to see you again. Yes, I do actually. She was asking about her husband. Apparently he went missing and she hasn't heard from him in two days and got worried so she is looking around for him and came here to see if he has been admitted." She said while trying to flirt with me.
I smiled and thanked her for the information. I was about to leave but turned back around and looked at Janessa. "Oh and please inform everyone that that woman is not allowed back into this hospital unless it is for an absolute emergency per request of my father. Please make sure that everyone is highly aware of who this woman is and what she looks like. Thank you."
I smiled at her which I shouldn't have because now she has it in her mind that she and I are meant to be together. Wow, teenage girls are unbearable. One thing I love about Bella is how mature she is.
I went back to Bella and she looked up at me. "What did you need to ask her?" She questioned.
"I asked her why Renee' was here" I told her vaguely. I wasn't sure if I should tell her or not.
"And, why was she here?" Bella asked curious.
I sighed. "Well, apparently she was here because she hasn't seen Phil in two days and was worried. She says that he's missing." I couldn't understand the emotions on her face but one of them was definitely fear.
"What does it mean?" She asked with emotion thick in her voice.
"Honestly, I don't know, love. We'll have to wait for Carlisle to come home and then we'll inform everyone in the family at the same time. We'll figure it out, love. For now, let's get us home and make good on that kiss promise" I winked at her and she giggled.
On our way home, I couldn't help but worry that with Phil missing something has changed for the worst.
SO…………..What did you all think? Please let me know.
I have been asked about the whole Phil/James situation. I would love to hear your theories on it and what you think is going on. If you are correct, I'll tell you and I'll give you a look into the future of the story. Yes, I will be like Alice for it..lol
Let me know what you think so far. Press the little green button OR I will leave another mean cliffhanger. I know I'm evil :D