A/N: I love your reviews! This chapter is short and maybe a little funky…but oh well(:
Chapter 21—Sweet Dreams
POVS: Bella
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Bella.
We sat in silence. Taking in everything Rosalie had told us.
I was incredibly tired, but I didn't think I could fall asleep. Rosalie's words rung loud and clear in my head. I couldn't forget them even if I tried. It was burned into my memory.
"I was hallucinating…"
"…Pinky promise…"
I shuddered. Thinking about my best friend being in pain bothered me, scared me, haunted me. There was nothing I could do—nothing she would let me do. She was running away from her problems, a cowardly move. And to top it off, she would be hurting everyone in the process. But she had already hurt us. I knew that I shouldn't have been so bitter towards her; I knew she was going through a rough time. But I didn't know how I'd be able to forgive her, for hurting Jules, Edward and especially Emmett.
His poor little heart would be broken. There he is, out there bragging about his new baby. That he is going to be a dad.
It hurt to just think about it. I knew we'd have to tell him soon if she didn't come home soon.
Beside me, I heard Edward sigh. "Well, being a psychologist, I've dealt with cases like hers." His voice was so strong and intent, he was going in doctor mode. "She's running away from her problems."
"I know." I nodded, taking his hand in mine. He turned me, raising an eyebrow. "Uh…inner monologue." I blushed.
"She just needs her time." He continued. "And, we have to respect that. She's, obviously, not in her right mind. When she gets back I'll have to talk to her about seeing a therapist." He stood suddenly, since we were still holding hands, I refused to let go and stood up with him. "I have to get, Jules. She will be waking soon…early riser."
"Time passed so quickly." I whispered. "I…I don't know what to do." My lips trembled; I looked away so he wouldn't see the tears fall.
"Bella, look at me." He sighed when I refused to. "I have to go, I have to work…"
"You didn't sleep at all." I protested still hiding my face. "You should call in sick."
"I can't." He hummed. "It's not that easy. I have patients that need me."
I wiped the tears off my face, sighing. "You're right. I have work too." I rolled my eyes. "What about, Juliet?"
"My mom watches her." He nodded. "I'm really sorry about all of this, Bella."
"Don't apologize, it isn't your fault." I yawned, which made eyes water. Which made me think about crying… which made me want to cry. I shook my head, trying to wake myself up. "Maybe you should call in sick, Bella. I don't want you working with no sleep. It's not healthy." Edward assured me.
"Sure, doc." I smiled, trying to lighten to mood. I earned a small smile from Edward but that seemed to be it. "When you get home from work, give me a call. I want to make sure you're okay."
He walked closer to me and suddenly we were hugging. God, did it feel good. He smelt…perfect. I could feel his stubble on the top of my head and I loved it. He was so warm; I swear I almost fell asleep in his arms. The smell of him, the warmth of him, almost lulled me to sleep. And on top of all of that, we just fit together. I didn't want to move, I was content…home.
"Bella, you're dead on your feet!" He exclaimed, I forced my eyes open. "I want you to stay home." Doctor mode. "It isn't good for your health."
"I know…I'm fine." I said stubbornly. "Now, get out of my house. You're going to be late for work." I teased.
"Yes, ma'am." He said lazily walking back into my room to get Juliet.
Once he was out of sight, I flopped onto the couch, closing my eyes. I wouldn't fall asleep; I'd just be resting my eyes…
"Bella." Edward whispered, and I jumped in response. "Juliet stop doing that." He scolded while she crossed her arms over her chest.
"What was she doing?" I wondered.
"She was singing rock-a-bye-baby." Edward rolled his eyes and I smiled at Juliet, she smiled back.
"I love you, doll." I mumbled to her. I could feel the darkness pulling me under to the place I so longed to be…
But before I fell back asleep, I swore I heard Juliet's sweet, little voice say: "Lullaby and goodnight…"
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"Are you alright?" George asked, looking me up and down when I stepped out of the elevator. "Girl, I thought I told you better. Those shoes do not go with your outfit, hon." Ignoring him, I walked to my cubicle. I could hear his shoes hitting the ground as he followed.
"Bells, baby girl, what's wrong?" He asked, sitting on my desk. I shook my head, he raised a clean eyebrow. "Alright…but if you want to talk…" With that, he walked away. And for that I was thankful for.
I was in a really crappy mood, and I thought it was from the lack of sleep. Or maybe it was the fact that Emmett had called earlier today, wondering where Rosalie was. I told him to come by my house around two thirty, when I got off work. He agreed, but was confused.
I was stressing, what was I going to tell him? How would he react if I did tell him? What if I ruined their relationship? Surely, no one would forgive me.
Thanks a lot, Rosalie…shit…
I didn't need this at all.
"Bella—"
"What?" I hissed sharply.
"Honestly, you didn't mean to talk me like that, correct?" Perfect, just what I needed. The voice belonged to Angela, and she didn't look happy. "I wanted you to work on this story…but…if you don't want to—"
"No, I'm listening." I interrupted her. "What do you need me to do?" I rubbed my eyes and held back a yawn before looking at her.
"Isabella, you need a nap." She laughed, flipping her brown hair over her shoulder. "Your eyes are blood-shot, dear." She abruptly stopped laughing and looked at me intently. "I take it you had fun last night, am I right?" Innuendo colored her voice, humor danced in her eyes.
"I didn't get any sleep last night." I sighed. "Family problems I guess you could say…"
I expected her to be more understanding, but I was wrong. "Too bad…now, I want you to write this story…" She continued, while I fought to stay awake.
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I threw my heels off once I got inside my house, home from work. I walked straight to my bedroom. But something caught my eye in the living room. Walking cautiously, lethargically, I saw a head of brown hair peeking out from my couch cushion. "Emmett?" I whispered.
He turned his head to the direction that my voice came from; he sighed when he saw me. "Finally." Suddenly, I was wrapped in his warm embrace. "So, the suspense is killing me. Where's my Rose?"
I closed my eyes, thinking about how I was going to start. Should I lie? Or should I tell him the truth, and risk my friendship with Rosalie? At the moment, I didn't really care. All I cared about was sitting down with a cup of coffee.
"Can we sit down?" I gestured to the couch; he nodded and followed me over to it. "Now…" I grabbed the afghan off the floor and wrapped myself in it.
"Bella, please." He begged.
"Alright, I'm sorry…so, what was I saying?" I struggled to think back to why he was here. Oh yeah. "Rosalie…well, she…she's in Oregon." I blurted. I covered my hand over my mouth when I saw his eyes widen.
"Why?" he croaked.
"Family problems." I slurred.
"Why didn't she tell me?" He stood up and started to pace. "She's having my baby, and then she just leaves? Why couldn't she tell me? And, she told you." He fell to the ground and covered his face. "I'm losing her, Bella. She's been so distant…I can't lose her. She's my everything."
"That's so cheesy!" I laughed, but stopped when he glared at me. "Sorry…" I sighed. But, I couldn't help it, I had to laugh again. Soon, I was in all-out laughter.
"Bella!" Emmett shouted, my laughter subsided to small giggles, and then I wasn't laughing anymore. "This is a very serious matter…" he muttered to himself.
My eyes drooped, while my breathing slowed. "'Night, Em." I whispered while he kept talking to himself.
"Don't go to sleep on me, Bella." He shouted. "I need some more answers!"
"Please…." Was all I heard him say before the darkness finally pulled under.
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A/N: Short, yes. Not the best chapter for this story, yes…but, next chapter won't be as fun…just a warning.
So, review. I'll try to get the next chapter out soon! Thanks(:
-&-Pixie.