*All Characters belong to Stephenie Meyer. I couldn't do any of this without my my fantastic beta's Lolafalana and Shadowcat2009*
I think I drove Laura batty with this one! hahaha. She was spanking me left and right. I think I liked it...:)
I awoke early the next morning. I slept well, but I wasn't sure how Carlisle would be feeling after all that had transpired. I gave him a lot to think about. It was a lot for anyone to take on, but I didn't feel like he didn't have options. He had Esme and it wasn't like I was leaving. I would always be here and so would our child.
I felt a little nauseated—probably more from nerves than anything else—so I skipped breakfast and drank some juice instead. I curled up with a throw-blanket in the corner of the couch. I wasn't feeling well. Maybe I didn't sleep as well as I thought.
I was awakened by a cool hand stroking my cheek. I jumped, startled.
" Carlisle."
"I'm sorry, love. I didn't mean to scare you, are you feeling okay? You feel warm."
"Just tired," I whispered, curled back into my protective ball, and pulled the covers securely around me. He didn't buy it. I shivered as he brushed his hand over my forehead.
"I'm going to check your temperature."
I drifted off as he headed toward the kitchen. I felt weak and sleep was the best thing for me right then. He returned and kneeled in front of me.
"Open your eyes, precious."
I looked at him and opened my mouth to allow the offending object under my tongue. I was annoyed because I wanted to sleep, but I knew he wouldn't let me until he was certain I was fine. It beeped loudly; he pulled it out and glanced at the handle. I sighed and rolled over, only to shiver again.
"Can you get me another blanket, please?" I asked.
His eyes flashed down to mine. I didn't miss the look on his face—he was worried. He couldn't hide it fast enough.
"No, Bella, but I'll get you some Tylenol."
"What's my temperature?" I asked him as he stood. He ignored me and left the room. I hated when he did that. I could hear him talking and wondered who he was speaking with. I didn't hear anyone come in and he soon returned with medication and some water.
"Here, sweetheart."
"Yeah, now I'm a sweetheart. Only because you want me to take the stupid pills," I mumbled.
"Isabella, take the Tylenol," he said sternly.
I frowned and popped them in my mouth. "Grouchy," I snapped at him.
He sighed, took the water from me, and sat at the foot of my feet.
"I'm sorry. I don't mean to snap at you. I didn't sleep well." He inhaled sharply and ran his hand through his hair. It reminded me of Edward. "I just have a lot on my mind."
"It will work out," I responded, sure of it.
"I would rather not talk about that right now. Let's just deal with the issue at hand, shall we?" Carlisle was really upset with me. I hurt him more than I imagined. I could see it so clearly in his eyes and I felt terrible for it. I never meant to hurt anyone. He didn't do anything wrong; it wasn't his fault he loved me. It was just better for him to be with Esme—she was his match in so many ways.
He sat silently, his elbows on his knees, as his eyes focused on the floor. I knew he was deep in thought.
"I never meant to hurt you."
"That's irrelevant," he said so low I had to strain to hear him.
"Carlisle I . . ." I sighed and tried to sit up. I felt like a weeble-wabble. I used to play with those when I was a kid. Stupid toys. I finally managed to gain my balance and scooted beside him. "What do you want me to do?"
He shook his head. "I don't want you to do anything."
"What can I do then?" I felt lightheaded but I pushed it aside.
He let out a shaky breath. "There is nothing, Isabella. You have told me what you want, I'll deal with it."
I couldn't see his eyes because he was looking down. I somehow felt I needed to, wanted to, had to make him understand. It was important to me. I reached out lifting his jaw tenderly. "Please look at me."
"Isabella, don't." His speech was broken and it tore at my heart. I was now living with the damage I had created—I had done this to him. I alone had caused this. He stood and moved away from me, across the room, to look out the back window.
I watched him for a moment and then laid my blanket beside me while I silently followed him. I hesitantly pressed my hand upon his back. He didn't speak. I took that as an invitation to move closer; I slid my arms around his waist and rested my cheek on his shoulder blades.
He sighed and rested his hands on mine. We didn't talk and I didn't think he wanted to. I knew he understood what the gesture meant, even though I never opened my mouth. I felt terrible about the entire situation and even though I was sick I would support him.
"You should be lying down." He turned in my arms and held me.
"I will, but I wanted to make sure you were okay. I made a mess of things and it's important to me that I try and make things right."
He cupped my face in his hands. "My beautiful Isabella, you have such a huge heart. It's one of the reasons I love you. You give me strength. I understand everything you have done; I understand every reason you have told me. I even understand some you haven't. I've spoken with Edward, even before you told me. I knew he loved you and I could see how much. It isn't a surprise to see this happen . . . Edward has never been in love. You've changed him." He tenderly brushed my hair behind my ear. "I see new things in him. Good things and I am glad that you are the reason for those changes." He kissed my lips softly. "I'll always love you, Isabella, perhaps more than I should. I'm sorry I cannot change that. You brought me back to life again. You brought my Esme back to me. You will just have to live with that."
I smiled. "I can deal with that, I think."
"Good, you have to. You also gave me another child. I didn't expect that, but it is a blessing none the less. I have a sneaky suspicion you and young Edward will have children of your own as well."
I laughed and smiled knowingly. "I wouldn't mind."
"Yes, I don't think he would, either."
I shrugged. "You never know. I guess only time will tell Carlisle. I will have to wait and see. In the mean time, what about you and Esme?"
He released my face and took my hand to lead me back to the couch.
"Oh, Esme and I will be fine. Our love is very strong. I suppose it always has been. I want to see where we go from here. I would like to start again and see what happens if she is agreeable."
I had to smile at that; I knew Esme would be agreeable. "Something tells me she will be."
"Perhaps," he replied with a small smile.
I sat down and rested my head on the back of the couch. "I just feel so drained."
Carlisle sat beside me and his warm hand reached up to softly stroke my cheek. He was always so tender with me.
"You're breaking the fever. Let's lay you down, okay? I'll call the doctor and see if he wants to stop by. It wouldn't hurt."
"I'm fine, probably just some bug. I haven't been sick in a long time, I mean, if you don't count morning sickness."
He chuckled. "Yes, well, it doesn't hurt."
I nodded as he walked out of the room. My cell phone started to ring. Edward's name popped up and I immediately answered. "Hey, handsome."
"Bella." He paused. I noticed he sounded strained. I couldn't help the feeling of worry that came over me.
"Edward? Are you okay?"
There was a slight paused before he answered me. "Yes, Bella, I'm right outside."
"Well, why didn't you say so?" I tossed my phone on the couch.
I wondered why he didn't just come in. It wasn't like him to wait outside. I rushed up from the couch and out the front door. I didn't bother to tell Carlisle where I was headed. I figured he would know when we came back inside.
I looked around when I saw his car but not him. "Edward?"
"This is the moment when I say don't scream and you say okay, probably because if you do I'll blow your precious little Edward's head off." I heard the deep, threatening voice behind me. I knew exactly who it was. Billy.
"Please don't hurt him," I begged and felt my eyes tear.
He roughly grabbed my arm. "Well now, I suppose that depends on you. I think you should come along with me nice and quiet. If you want Edward to make through the night, that is. Personally I'm hoping you'll fight me. I find him quite irritating."
I didn't try to fight Billy as he led me to a nearby car. He shoved me face first inside. I trembled and pushed myself up from the seat.
"You don't know how not to fight back, do you? It must be killing you right now," Billy taunted me with an evil glare in his eye. He knew I wouldn't risk it. I wrapped my arms around myself and curled up in the corner of the seat.
He appraised me with hateful eyes. I could tell he was looking at my round stomach.
"I'll bet Carlisle is going to go insane! Look at you, tell me who the father is?"
I ignored him, turned away, and looked out the window. He chuckled. "Ah, you are quite a piece of work, aren't you? Had I known you were such a slut, I would have played them against each other. It would have been so easy."
I felt fresh tears run down my cheeks. It wasn't like I hadn't done enough damage own my own. He wasn't helping. Stupid jerk.
"Is Edward okay?"
"Yes, he's fine. Well . . . perhaps fine is a little too strong of a word. He's in one piece."
I turned to look at him. "What does that mean?" I ask, worried.
"Now, now, Bella, I had to have a little fun. He was more than willing in order to protect you. He is incredibly strong. I don't think I gave him enough credit. He does love you, but it's not going to be enough. Love is never enough." He smirked at me bitterly and looked down at his knuckles. "He can take quite a punch."
"If you hurt him I swear . . ."
He flew across the car, grabbed my shirt, and pulled me towards him. "You swear what, Isabella? What are you going to do?"
I glared at him silently. He had no idea what I was capable of. I was just as capable as anyone else when pushed. You didn't hurt the ones I loved. Why did I have to toss my cell phone on the couch? Stupid, stupid, stupid!
"You are alone, unarmed, and pregnant. You aren't going to do anything." He smirked at me. I wanted to ram his teeth down his fat throat.
We arrived at an unfamiliar location. He grabbed my arm and pulled me from the car roughly. I tripped on the edge of the seat. I protected my stomach with my free hand as I fell forward. I didn't fall far, his strong arm pulled me up.
"You are too clumsy. How does Carlisle stand it?"
I shot him a look, but he ignored me and continued to pull me along behind him. I was so upset I hadn't even thought to look around. It finally dawned on me I might want to figure out where I was. It was a large warehouse and very old. I didn't like it at all.
We walked past a few of his associates and he nodded to them. They opened the door and I slowly peeked inside. I gasped immediately and moved forward when I saw Edward. I felt so many emotions in that moment. He was tied up by his hands and he wore no shirt. I couldn't even begin to comprehend how bad he appeared.
There was blood everywhere; I was so worried. I had to make sure he was okay. His head hung down and I had no idea if he was even alive. I realized I was not going anywhere because of Billy's hold on my arm.
I turned and yelled, "Let me go!"
"Now, now, don't we have a temper? You really aren't in a position to order anyone around."
I snapped my arm away. "He didn't deserve this," I barked and tried to rein in my anger. I knew it would only make this worse.
"Maybe not, doesn't matter now, does it?" he turned and slammed the door.
I faced Edward and bit my lip. "Edward?" I whispered, afraid to say his name, afraid he wouldn't answer. I was right. I moved closer and, carefully, I lifted his face as gently as I could. It was swollen and bruised. He had a cut above his eyebrow and possibly a broken nose. I wasn't sure.
"Oh God," I said without thinking. I felt the warm tears rush down my face. I tried to reach the ties around his wrists, but they were too high. I knew they probably hurt him because they held all of his weight.
I searched and found an abandoned chair in the corner. It was worn; I hoped it would hold my weight. I pulled it over and stood on it carefully. I struggled with the knot for what seemed like eternity before it finally loosened. I had just enough time to jump down in order to catch Edward and pray I could hold his full weight. I struggled to maneuver him to a nearby spot that wasn't covered in blood. He moaned a little and gripped my shoulder weakly. "You shouldn't be here," he said hoarsely.
"Neither should you."
"I'll be . . ." he struggled with broken words. "Okay."
I felt fresh tears. It broke my heart to see him like that.
"I know you will. Can you help me? I have to lay you down. I don't know if I'm strong enough."
"The baby," Edward said, concerned.
"Edward, just help me," I ordered. I wasn't going to give him a choice. Hard headed man.
He was so weak and I knew it wouldn't be much help, but something was better than nothing. He reached out and braced one hand on the wall. It didn't last long; his body gave way and crashed to the floor before long, but at least it was a short fall rather than a long one.
I tried to take as much of the impact as I could. He wouldn't let me, even when injured he thought of me. I stood, found the nearby half-empty bottle of water and brought it over. Thank God for small miracles.
"I don't know how long this has been here, it doesn't look like long." I opened the bottle and pulled his head up on my lap. I sniffed the water before I tilted the bottle. "Drink."
He drank small sips and when he was finished I ripped the bottom of my shirt. I was surprised I actually had the strength to do it. I poured some water on it and gently wiped his face.
"Bella, no," Edward pleaded.
"I need to see, baby." I hated to hurt him. I had to know how bad it was. He groaned as I continued to inspect him. It certainly didn't get better. In fact, the further I felt or saw, the worse it became. I was pretty certain he had a few cracked ribs, possibly broken.
"Jesus, Bella!" he jumped and pulled away from my hand. I was leaning more toward broken after his reaction.
"I'm so sorry." I kissed his head and wrapped my arms around him tenderly. I made sure I didn't hurt him in the process.
"Shhh, don't cry sweetheart. You have to be strong. Promise me, Bella. Listen to me. If something happens and I don't make it—"
I jerked up and suddenly felt sick to my stomach. "Don't say that, don't you ever say that!" I screamed louder than I intended.
"Bella." Edward sighed then ran his palm down my cheek. "God, I love you so much. You have to listen to me, can you do that?" he continued.
I sniffed and tried to focus on his words. It was difficult when I knew they were words I never wanted to hear.
"Promise me that if you get a chance to get away you will. If I have to distract them for you to do that, Bella, I will. You and the baby are the most important things in the world to me." I shook my head furiously as the tears poured. He grabbed my face tenderly. "You must promise me."
"I knew he wouldn't back down on this.
I looked away. I couldn't bare to stare into his eyes and watch my future slip away from me.
"I promise."
"The one thing I know is everything that has happened to me. I would gladly do it over again if it meant you were safe." His voice faded and I looked down to meet his eyes. "I love you, Bella. I'll love you until my heart stops beating."
I whimpered as my eyes welled up with tears right before I leaned over and kissed him. "I love you, too," I mumbled against his lips.
He wiped my wet cheeks. "Shhh, love, no more tears. We'll be okay."
He continued to promise the impossible just to keep me calm. I supposed I would do the same in his shoes. I took a deep breath and glanced around. I needed to pull myself together and figure a way out of the mess we were in.
"Any clue where we are?" I asked him in an attempt to try and figure out a plan.
"No." He took a shaky breath.
"Does he have a plan?"
Edward chuckled. "You mean for Carlisle or us?"
"Well, either, I suppose."
He repositioned himself a little and held his ribs. "Yes. Bella"—he ehe his tone was serious—"he has no plans on letting me walk out of this alive. It doesn't matter how it goes with Carlisle."
"What?" I felt my heart begin to race.
"Let's not worry about that now," he said while he watched me cautiously.
"No, let's. You knew this and you made me promise?"
"I had no choice. You wouldn't do it any other way, Bella. You can't just worry about me. You have a baby to think about. This isn't just about you anymore. I've made my choice and you've made yours; you're a mother now you have to protect our baby," he said with a sigh.
I didn't even think he realized he said "our." I swallowed hard and slid his head down gently from my lap. I needed air. He watched me as I walked around the room. I tried to wrap my head around the entire situation. It was such a mess, how did Billy even figure any of this out?
I heard the door, jumped, and didn't have enough time to get to Edward.
"Well, look who's free," Billy said as he walked in. He smirked at Edward. "You look a little rough, boy."
I quickly made my way to Edward and kneeled beside him. Edward tried to sit up and pushed me back.
"Get back, Bella."
"Yes, you might get hurt," Billy said with a laugh. I wanted to throw something at him. Why did I have to be pregnant? I didn't get much time to ponder the thought.
"Come with me, Bella. We need to talk."
He moved forward and grabbed my arm in his huge grasp. Edward's beautiful face was covered with concern. "Billy, please. Hurt me but leave her out of this."
"Don't worry young Edward, I will. I have no intention of harming her. I really do need to speak with her. I'll bring her back and, as long as she cooperates, she'll be fine. There is only one female I want to hurt." His face lit up in an evil smile.
"Esme," I said knowingly.
"Yes, you catch on quickly, my dear. I knew you would."
I bit my lip and remained silent as he pulled me out of the room. I didn't want to provoke him any more than I had to. He took me to a room where another man sat at a table. He glanced up from his magazine wordlessly, then stared back down.
"Bella," Billy started, "tell me, where is Esme staying?"
How could he not know this? Wasn't he the super spy and all?
"You don't know this?" It came out before I thought about it. He raised an eyebrow.
"Should I?"
"I just assumed you'd been tracking us. I thought you would know," I said with a shrug.
He smiled and scooted his chair unbearably close. "Yes, one could assume , couldn't they." He slammed a knife on the table.
"Sam, why don't you take this and go have some fun with Edward."
I jumped up so fast the chair fell back. "No, no wait, please," I begged as my heart pounded so hard it made my chest hurt. Billy smiled and shook his head.
"Perhaps another time Sam," He pointed to the chair.
"Sit."
I picked the chair up and sat back down. I gave him the information. I knew Carlisle would have her with him by now. He would already know Billy was responsible. He would have Esme protected. Billy was stupid to think Carlisle wouldn't suspect him.
He questioned me for a while and finally let me go back to a room, but it wasn't to Edward. He said he needed to make sure I hadn't lied to him. I was a nervous wreck with only one thought on my mind: Edward. Billy knew that and he was using my weakness.
I was tired and curled up on the rough, dirty couch in the small dim room. I hadn't planned on falling asleep, but my tired, achy body had other plans. I heard the door and a deep gasp. I opened my eyes with a surprised jump. It took me a moment to orient myself to my surroundings.
"Bella?"
I let my eyes focus and realized it was Jacob. What was he doing here? Was he in on this all along?
"Jacob? What are you doing here?"
"I followed my dad; he's been acting funny. He just left with a few other guys. There's one of his goons on the other side of the building but not close. Why are you here?"
"He kidnapped me," I whispered, uncertain how he would react. Jacob inhaled softly.
"Jesus, Bella. I knew he was crazy. He hasn't been right in the head, but I had no idea . . . I mean . . ." He groaned and scratched his head, unsure. "I have to get you out of here before he gets back."
"Wait, Edward. He has Edward. I can't go without him."
Jacob nodded. "Do you know where?"
"Yes." I walked towards the door and he stopped me.
"Bella, wait, let me go first. If someone is there I don't want you to get hurt," Jacob insisted as he walked in front of me. I wasn't going to argue, he was young and muscular. I wouldn't want to fight him. Plus, I needed every advantage I could get right then. He was like my guardian angel how he had come along . . . I had no idea. Surely we wouldn't get out of this so easily.
He opened the door and then peeked out cautiously.
"What room?" he asked me when he turned back. I pointed to the room Edward was in. He nodded and reached back to take my hand. I wondered why this place was so easy to get into. If it was so easy why couldn't we just leave?
We opened the door and walked inside. Edward was still lying on the floor, but his back was perched against the wall. I quickly made my way over to him.
"Edward." I smiled and kissed his forehead. He opened his eyes after a long moment. I hadn't noticed how pale he was. Was he this pale before?
"Look, Jacob is here. We're going to get you out of here. We have to hurry, though."
I went to rise and he grabbed my hand. "Bella, do you remember what you promised?" he questioned.
Well of course I did but what did it matter now?
"Yes, but it doesn't matter, Jake is here. We're going to get out of here."
Jake had knelt beside him.
"Jake, get her out of here . Take her to safety."
"What? What's going on? What are you talking about?" I questioned, confused. Why would he say that? Why would he want me to leave him? Jake turned to look up at me and I glanced down. I could see Edward's right hand where it held onto his side, but not his ribs, his abdomen. It was soaked in blood. Soaked in blood!
"Oh, God, no!" I cried and felt suddenly faint. No wonder he was pale. He was losing blood. It was why it took him so long to respond to me. He was losing consciousness. That's why Billy separated us!
"I can't! I can't leave you!" I shouted and fell to the ground in front of him.
"Bella, you have to. I won't make it."
"You will! You have to. You're a father, Edward." I rocked on my knees as my tears began to fall. "I can't do this alone."
"Bella," he started to speak.
"I can't be without you. Not without you!" I didn't even know if anything I said was understandable, but it came out of my mouth anyway. What happened next took me by total surprise.
I felt Jacob pull me up. "So, are we getting him out of here or what? Crying on the floor will be a no-go in my book. I need you to take my shirt and hold it around him. I have to tie it tight so it can hold pressure on his wound. Let's hope he can hold on until we can get him to the hospital," Jacob smiled at me slightly. He was trying to encourage me. God bless his soul. I held the shirt like he showed me.
"He can hold on. He has to; he's held on this long." I kissed his head. Edward smiled at me warmly.
"I love you," he whispered.
"I love you, too, Edward."
I prayed silently that we would make it out of there alive. Jacob inhaled deeply and lifted him. Edward groaned and I knew it was painful for him. I could already see the blood soaking the shirt like wine or rich velvet. Jacob looked down and frowned.
"We need to hurry."
"Okay," I agreed wholeheartedly.
We didn't hesitate once we made sure the coast was clear. I was amazed how Jake had made it in. He had made a trail under this warehouse. The warehouse didn't sit on the ground. It was elevated on some sort of stilts that made it easy for someone to get under. Sneaky little guy; he could come in handy. Unfortunately, it made it hard on Edward, in his condition he wasn't able to kneel or squat. Jake had to pull him while I braced his abdomen. I had only one thought: Please, God, let Edward make it through this alive.
OK, so I have the next chapter already ready and in the editing process. So, Yipee it won't take so long! :)