CHAPTER TWELVE
Note: Hey, everyone. How's life? Sorry I took so long to submit this. Just exams and crap, you know? Thanks so much for reviews, they're what keeps me writing. But sadly, I deleted loads of them by accident a while ago. There was even one saying someone had read my profile, and thought they were similar to me. Whoever that was, could they review again? PLEASE? I adore making new friends ;D Okay, so review, dammit! Another chapter asap!
Edward's POV
Good God, what was I supposed to think, what was I supposed to do?
I had sensed Bella's discomfort the moment it began, and the worry of the humans around her. Being the love-struck fool that I am, I rushed to the bar. And what did I see? My small, beautiful Bella slumped in the arms of that…that charmer Darius. Believe me, his hands did not need to be that far down her back, nor did he need to have his face pressed against her hair. Thank the stars I've developed good self-control over these long years.
Darius whirled around, startled, letting Bella fall to the floor. With a stifled roar, I sped towards her. She stared up at me, her eyes blurry with nausea and confusion. I gathered her up in my arms, squeezing her tightly towards me. Now wasn't the time to make accusations or ask questions. Right now, I had to get Bella back to the camp.
Without even glancing at Darius or the humans, I strode to the door. Suddenly, I felt somebody grab my arm. I spun around, lips pulled up in a snarl, but it was only a human.
"Give this to her. It's my cell phone number. Tell her to phone me when she wakes up. You'd better remember." The human girl said, pressing a piece of paper with a number scribbled in eyeliner across it.
"Who are you?" I asked bluntly, not in the mood for pleasantries.
"Jade Edison. I don't know what all this is all about, but tell Bella to give me a call if she needs anything," she said, staring up at me fiercely with dark green eyes smeared with glittery black eye-shadow. I nodded, taking the paper and putting it into my pocket. And with that, I ran out of the bar.
The night air was chilly, and after a minute or so I stopped to take off my jacket and wrap it around Bella. She was shaking uncontrollably, and she muttered incoherently, occasionally crying out. Every shudder and moan stabbed my heart; it was agony to see Bella in pain and not be able to do anything about it. What on earth could have happened? If Darius had anything to do with this, I'd wring his goddamned charismatic neck.
After a time that seemed like hours, I reached the camp. Carlisle rushed towards Bella and me, concern tightening his features. I had rushed off without telling anyone why or where I was going.
"What happened?" he said quickly, getting straight to the point.
"I found her like this." I said through clenched teeth, not mentioning where I had found her.
"Right. Take her inside." Carlisle said, moving quickly into his tent. I followed. We lay Bella down on a sleeping bag. She whimpered as I drew away from her, reaching out her arms to me. I felt a sob rise in my throat.
"Don't worry, Edward," Esme said quietly, entering the tent. She put a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "She'll be fine, don't you worry." Carlisle put a hand to Bella's forehead, then put his fingers to her wrist to check her pulse. All of a sudden, her eye shot open, and she tried to sit up. Carlisle pushed her back down again, gently but firmly, as Bella struggled and groaned. Her cheeks were flushed darkly, and her eyes were overly bright. The tears I had been trying to hold back spilled, and I choked back another sob.
"You go, Edward." Carlisle said, looking up at me. "I'll take care of Bella. Staying here and watching isn't going to help her. Get some sleep." I nodded, and rushed out of the tent.
I avoided the stared of my brothers and sisters, and hurried into my tent. I flung myself down on my sleeping bag, burying my face in the material. Of course I wasn't going to sleep, how could I? The reason I had left was because I was a coward. A stupid coward who couldn't bear to watch his girlfriend in pain. Another reason why I could never, ever transform Bella. I bit my lip hard, but sob after sob racked my body. I hated myself right now. I should be in the tent with Bella. I should be in the tent with Bella. I should…
Slowly my crying subsided, but my intense feelings of self-loathing didn't. I curled up, wanting to disappear. I wasn't worthy of Bella. I didn't even deserve to talk to her, let alone be the object of her affections. I was just a coward. Edward Coward Cullen. Oh, it even rhymed.