Hurt
Carlisle and Esme came and checked on us both ten minutes later and I assured them Bella was better and was just really tired. They trusted me and left the room telling me to call if I needed anything. Olly and Eliza came in half an hour later after being told by Carlisle and Esme of Bella's condition. They sat in the room for a while talking to me before Olly ran out.
"Edward, I need to tell you something."
"What is it Eliza?"
"Well… Um. It's not something I want to happen but, Charlie came and spoke to me today during school and the good news is Casper made it to Seattle prison and my mom's been sentenced to two years in prison."
"That's good. I'm sorry about your mom though. I know how you didn't want anything to happen to her."
"It's okay. We're allowed to visit her when we want so I guess it's alright. But Charlie did say something else."
"What's wrong Eliza?"
"Olly and I only have four days with you."
"What?"
"In four days a social worker is coming round and taking us both to children's home. I'm not supposed to go but because I haven't had a chance to find somewhere of my own, they have to accept me and I have a month to find a place of my own before I go to a teens home in Seattle."
"I'm so sorry Eliza. I wish I could help. I really do but there is nothing I can do. I'm really really sorry."
"It's not your fault Edward. I understand that you can't do anything and that's alright. I just want to thank you and Bella for take Olly and I in when we needed help and now we don't need help. I know he'll be safe and have a good life with whatever family he lives with. That's all I want in life. For Olly to be happy. I don't care where I go because I know I'll be fine but Olly is young and he hasn't experienced what good parents are supposed to do; that was until you and Bella. You treated him like your own and I'll be eternally grateful for that."
"It's not just Olly that we see as our own Eliza, we see you as our daughter. No matter where you end up you will always be our daughter."
"Thank you Edward."
"I love you Eliza."
"I love you too dad."
"Come here."
She came over a leaned down so I could give her a one armed hug but it was all I needed to do to show Eliza how much I cared for her.
"I should go. Bella needs her rest and I could wake her any minute."
"Okay. I'll see you later Eliza."
"See you later Edward."
I held Bella to me for the two hours, massaging her head. When it got to quarter past six I decided it was time to get her up so we could go out. Moving down the bed slightly, I started kissing the swell behind her ear. She reacted by sliding her hand up my chest. I moved down her jaw, to her lips and slowly kissed her, sucking her bottom lip into my mouth. At first she didn't respond but when she did she started of slow as she woke up. Her lips moved with mine, as her arm snaked behind me neck and into my hair, weakly pulling me closer to her. One hand on her head, my other hand slipped under her shirt to her baby bump. As I pulled back to let Bella breath she slipped her tongue into my mouth, drawing me closer. Not wanting to stop yet, I deepened the kiss alloying her to explore my mouth as I loved the taste of her. Strawberry's. She moaned into my mouth as I circled my thumb over her belly button. I took this moment to slide my tongue into her mouth, massaging her tongue and cheeks. My fingers drew lazy circles on her stomach and head as I slowed the kiss until I was pressing kisses down her jaw and neck to the joining of her neck and shoulder, where I buried my face. Bella's hand gently pulled the strands of my tousled hair. I breathed in her scent before looking up at her through my lashes. Her eyes closed, her head tilted back into my hand, her lips forming a cute little smile as she breathed heavily. Leaning over her face, I lightly pressed my lips to hers. She opened her eyes, smiling up at me.
"I love you baby."
"I love you too honey. Thank you."
"You alright now baby?"
"Yeah. Much better."
"Are you able to get up baby? Our reservation is for half eight."
"Give me five more minutes and I'll get up."
"Okay baby. Take as long as you need. I can always ask if they could change it for a little later. I love you baby."
I pecked her lips as her eyes fluttered closed. I cupped her cheek, running my thumb in a small circle. Bella's hand reached up to my cheek and I leaned into it smiling.
"Can you help me up honey?"
"Of course baby."
Giving her another peck on the lips, I pulled her up so she was sitting.
"You sure you want to go out tonight? We can stay here and have an early night."
"No, I'm fine. I want to go out and have some alone time with you. As long as you are with me then everything will be fine."
"I won't leave your side baby."
"Thanks Edward. I love you."
"I love you too baby."
I lowered my lips to hers quickly, before pulling us up so we were both standing.
"If I leave you in the bathroom, will you be okay as I get your dress from the car?"
"Yeah. I'll just have a quick wash tonight; I did have a shower this morning."
"Okay baby. Are you alright to walk or do you want me to carry you?"
"Can you carry me honey? My legs haven't completely woken up yet."
"Thanks for being honest baby. It means I can look after you properly baby. I don't want you doing anything that could make it worse for you."
I scooped her up into my arms and carried her into the little bathroom. Setting her down on the little wooden chair, that had been brought in for Bella when she needed to sit down; I kissed her forehead and gave her bruised head a gentle rub.
"I'll be back in a minute baby."
"See you in a minute."
Running from the bathroom, I threw a shirt on and quietly closed the door behind me.
"Son, how's Bella doing?"
"She's fine dad. The swelling went up slightly but she hasn't said anything about it hurting yet so we'll take it one step at a time."
"That's good to here. I'll give you some morphine and painkillers to take tonight in case Bella needs them."
"Thanks dad."
"How are her legs? Are they sore?"
"I'm not sure. When she woke up she said they hadn't 'woken up yet' but I don't know whether that means they hurt or not. I'll ask her in a while to see what she says then."
"Okay son. Before you leave can I take a look at Bella's head so I can see how severe it is? It may not be anything serious but it's best to check."
"That's fine dad. I'd appreciate it."
I gave him a quick hug before running out the door and grabbing the bag with Bella's dress and necklace I'd picked out.
"Is Bella alright Edward?"
"She's fine Eliza. A bit tired and sore but she's fine. I'm taking her out to night so she can have a change of scenery. She's been stuck inside all week."
"That's a nice idea. Take care of Bella."
"I always will. Come here Eliza."
I took her into my arms, hugging her to me.
"Thanks dad."
"It's okay Eliza."
When she pulled back she smiled up at me and went into the kitchen. I returned to my wife, to see her sitting on the floor with her head between her knees.
"Hey baby. What's wrong?"
She looked up at me and I saw the tears running down her face.
"Ahhh baby. Come here. What's wrong baby?"
"My legs hurt. I can't stand up."
I scooped her up into my arms cradling her to my chest.
"I'm sorry baby. I've got you know baby. There's no need to cry, it will all get better soon."
"But I can't do anything by myself. I'm useless."
"You aren't useless baby. You will never be useless. Don't ever think that way baby."
"You should find someone better than me. You deserve someone so much better."
"Stop baby. Don't talk like that baby. I love you. You. Not anyone else. There is no one better than you baby. You were the one I fell in love with, that I shared my first kiss, that kept me alive when I thought I would die, you were the one that walked down the aisle to me and said I do. There is no one better than you and there never will be. Can I tell you something baby?"
I waited for her to say something but she didn't.
"I've never told you this before but when you first ran into me and fell on the floor. I saw what I imagined to be my future. I imagined you in my arms for the rest of my life, loving me and caring for me. I imagined myself carrying you in my arms as we passed over the threshold of our first home, saying 'I do' as you stood in front of me dressed in white. And when I held my hand out to you, helping you out, I felt a sudden connection to you as our hands met. Then as I pulled you up and your body pressed against mine, I had the urge to lower my head and press my lips to yours. It took so much effort to refrain from kissing you and then, when we left the Spanish room and wandered the halls I couldn't help taking your hand in mine and pulling you closer. I was terrified at first, that you'd back away scared and never talk to me again, but when you leaned your head on my shoulder I knew then that I loved you and you would be the only one I'd ever love. My heart fluttered with joy and love as you looked up at me through your eye lashes a worried look in your eyes. Then and there I wanted to kiss your soft lips and take away the worry in your eyes, but I told myself it was way too soon despite the strong connection I'd made with you. I've loved you ever since Bella and will always love you till the day I die. Never, ever forget that baby. I love you and no one else."
Before I could say another word Bella, crashed her lips to mine, knocking me to the floor. She climbed on top of me her lips still on mine. Both her hands went to the hem of my shirt as she pulled it up. Breaking the kiss for half a second, she pulled it off me and dropped it to the side, crushing her lips to mine once again. One of her hands went to my hair as her other scraped her hair out of her face before dropping to my chest. My hands went to her hips, tracing circles with my thumbs. She pressed her body to mine trying to get closer to me. Wrapping my fingers into the hem of her top, I pulled it over her head. I traced around the edge of her bra before sliding my hands down her spine to the loops on her shorts. Hooking two fingers into a loop and pulling her closer to me. My other hand moved round to her stomach caressing it carefully and sliding down to the button of her shorts. Popping it open, I slid her shorts down as she kicked them off. Laying my hands over her bottom, I slowed our kiss until I was sucking on her top lip.
"I love you Edward."
"I love you too baby. We need to get you ready for dinner baby. We'll have time tonight to finish off baby. I promise."
"Okay honey. Thank you for everything Edward. You have no idea how you make me feel."
"I think I do baby. When you feel good, you get this hazy look in your eyes and your fingers curl ever so slightly. You may not notice it but I do and it drives me insane."
"I'm glad you can feel just as good as me."
"You have no clue baby, no clue."
I leaned up and pecked her lips before sitting us up.
"Come on baby. Let's get you ready."
Helping her to her feet, I held onto her waist. She rested her hands on my shoulders grimacing.
"Hey baby. What's wrong?"
"My legs."
"Sorry baby."
I lowered her into the chair, lifting her legs so her feet balanced on the edge of the bath. I knelt down between her legs, looking up at her.
"Where does it hurt most when you stand baby?"
"My knees."
I started massing her knees, laying kisses on the inside of her knees.
"Your knees feel really tight baby. Right here. You tendons are all tight. No wonder you can't stand baby."
My fingers ran over the back of her knees, caressing the tightened muscles.
"Can you straighten your knees baby? I'd like to know the extent of this so I can help. Tell me when it hurts baby."
I felt the tenders tighten even more as she slowly straightened out her legs. I pressed my fingers into the soft skin behind her knee.
"Does that hurt baby?"
"Yeah. I can't go any further."
"Okay baby. Just relax. No more standing tonight. Your knees can't take the weight just now."
She bent her knees, placing her feet on my shoulders.
"Let me get your dress for you baby."
"Okay honey."
Carefully, I lowered her feet to the floor, kissing each knee. I grabbed the back I'd brought in and pulled the black dress out.
"Nice choice honey."
"I knew you'd like it."
"Why'd you choose it?"
"It hugs your body showing of your elegant figure, reminding me I'll be the only one to see what's underneath. Also it shows of your beautiful long legs as it cuts of just below your bottom and what a cute little bottom it is."
Her beautiful blush covered her face and travelled down her body to her feet.
"There's that beautiful blush I love."
I kissed her nose and slipped the dress over her head, pulling her arms through the holes. Pulling it down her body, I kissed and sucked her collar bone.
"This dress also shows of your amazing collar bone because of the low neckline and sleeves off the shoulders."
"I think I should take you shopping sometime soon. You know a lot about dresses."
"Only when you wear them baby."
I lifted her off the chair and pulled the dress over her bottom, giving it a gentle squeeze. Massaging her upper thighs, her hands roamed my chest, as she leaned in, kissing my lips. It started slow, full of love, until Bella started to need more.
"Hey baby, we gotta stop."
"Sorry honey. I need you though."
"I know baby. I need you too but we can't do it here. I'll find us some time as soon as possible baby. I promise."
"Thanks honey. I love you."
"I love you too baby."
Her lips came back to mine in need. I returned the kiss with the same need. I knew I wouldn't take it further as I was controlling my actions but Bella seemed to be struggling as her hands went to the belt of my trousers.
"Stop baby. Not now. Later baby, I promise."
"Sorry."
"There is no need to be sorry baby. I know how it feels. I want you too baby, so much and we'll find some time. We haven't had any time together in a couple weeks and Carlisle and Esme know that."
"I'll wait as long as I need to, if I get you honey. I'd wait forever and always for you, my husband."
"Thank you for understanding baby. I promise we'll have some time soon."
"That's okay honey. I love you."
"I love you too baby and I would kiss you but we can't start that again."
"I know but I'll get my kiss later."
"Thanks baby. You have no idea how much your understanding means to me."
"It's hard Edward. Seeing you kneeling in front of me, without your shirt on and knowing how much we need each other, it's building up the frustration that I need you to help with."
"I'm sorry baby. Let me put my shirt on."
"I'll do it for you honey."
"You sure."
"Yeah. Can you take me to the wardrobe so I can find a nice shirt?"
"Of course baby."
Lifting her into my arms, she leaned her head on my shoulder, tracing patterns on my chest. I held her in my arms as she surveyed my shirts.
"Which one do you like baby?"
"That one."
She pointed to a black button down with a simple pocket and collar.
"Why this one baby?"
"It matches my dress and it was the one you wore the day I found out I was pregnant even if you didn't know it. It also brings out the green in your eyes and you know how beautiful I find your eyes. Truly stunning."
"I should wear black more often then, shouldn't I baby?"
"That you should honey, that you should."
I placed her on the floor and grabbed the shirt, sitting down between her legs. She slid the shirt over my arms and onto my shoulder, scooting closer to me.
"Do you know what I see when I look at these two scares?"
"No baby. What do you see?"
"This one…"
She placed her hand over my gunshot scare, creating circles with her thumb.
"It proves your love for the country, for freedom, for your family, for Jasper and for me. It reminds me that even though you were gone for three years, you fought to come back to me. You were in pain and had no one to keep you motivated but you returned home to me. This scares shows you are the strongest man there is."
"I love you baby."
"Do you know what this one shows me?"
She moved her hand over to my new scare from Casper's knife, tracing her thumb around it.
"This one shows me that you love me. That you love Olly and Eliza. You could have protected yourself by sending them away when you found out their problem but you took them in and gave them the care they needed. It proves your love to me as you not only came to see if I was alright but you fought to keep me safe and despite the pain you did what you could to try and stop my bleeding. I love you Edward more than anything. You've been there for me through everything. You made me your wife over everyone else in the world and I'll forever be grateful for running into you all those years ago. I love you."
By now she had sat one my lap, cupping my cheek and leaned up to my lips.
"Don't start anything we can't finish baby."
"Don't worry honey. I won't."
Pressing her lips to mine, her hands did up the buttons on my shirt.
"See honey, I'm perfectly fine. Now give me those lips."
"You gotta come get them baby."
I leaned away from her so she couldn't reach but she just pouted and leaned closer to me. When she was close, I jumped up and ran to the corner hiding my eyes from her irresistible pout.
"Please Edward. You know how much I need you right now. Don't deny me this."
I didn't respond to her. I heard quiet groans and shuffling, and looked up.
"Baby sit down. You shouldn't be standing up baby."
"No. I'm coming over to you to get my kiss."
"No baby. Sit down. I'm coming over to you baby. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have tried to get away. It was just a game. Just a little game, now sit down baby, and you won't hurt your legs baby."
"I don't want to feel useless Edward. I need to do this."
"Don't Bella. You'll hurt yourself baby. Your knees are too tight to take your weight just yet baby. Can we try later?"
"I want to do it now honey."
"Baby no. I know you want to do it, and I don't want to stop you, I can't stop you. Which is why I need you to stop yourself. You know I can't stop you baby, I can't ever say no to you but you can say no to yourself. I'm here to catch you baby, but you have a choice."
There was indecision on her face for a moment before she collapsed to the floor.
"I can't do it. I want to do it but I can't. I just can't honey. It hurts too much."
I scooped her up into my arms cradling her to my chest. My fingers massaging the back of her knees.
"Baby it's okay. You'll be better soon enough. But until then, you need to help me look after you. When you want to do something I can't stop you baby. I hate saying no to you baby. You know that, which is why you need to work with me to look after you. Do you see this baby?"
I placed my hand over her stomach, rubbing circles.
"This my beautiful baby, is our beautiful baby. We used our love to create it and we need to work together to protect it. So don't let your thoughts of uselessness take over because that's all they are baby; thoughts. You will never be useless baby. And do you know what this shows me."
I moved my hand over her scare of Casper's knife, smiling sadly.
"I wasn't the only one who took Eliza and Olly in. That was you too. You got this because you cared for both of them and treated them like your own. And this. This keeps growing every minute of the day for our students, our family, Eliza, Olly, me and now our baby."
My hand lay over her heart as I kissed her forehead.
"Now baby, you have to use this…"
I pointed to her head.
"And this…"
I pointed to myself.
"To protect yourself and this little one from harm. You did the right thing baby. This way, you didn't cause yourself anymore harm and we can go out in a few minutes. Do you still want to go out tonight baby?"
"Yeah. I think this place has started messing with my head. I need a change of scenery."
"Come on then baby. Let's finish getting ready and we can head out."
"Where are we going?"
"I'm sure you know where."
"La Bella Italia?"
"That's the one baby. Is that alright?"
"My favourite."
"I know."
I stood us up, carrying Bella into the bedroom and laying her on the bed.
"I'm just going to change my pants and grab some money okay baby?"
"That's fine honey."
After changing my pants I ran back to Bella, to see her wearing her classes and reading a book.
"Hey baby. You ready to go?"
Putting the book down, she went to take her glasses off.
"Leave the glasses on baby. You know how much I love them."
"But they make me look dorky."
"No they don't, they make you look hot baby. So tempting, I just want to take a big bite."
I leaned down, my arms wrapping around her waist.
"They show everyone that not only are you a goddess of beauty but a goddess of wisdom and knowledge as well. They complete the package. Plus I know when you can't see you focus too hard and get headaches. You've had enough of them recently."
"Fine."
"Carlisle wants to take a quick look at your head before we go baby. Is that alright?"
"Yeah. I want to know if I'm getting worse or not."
"Come on then baby."
I lifted her into my arms, smiling down at her. Carrying her out of the room, I saw Eliza and Olly at the end of the hall sitting on the couch, cuddled up together. Eliza smiled at us when she saw us and Olly turned to us, a massive smile spreading his face until her looked at Bella.
"You're not my momma."
"What do you mean Olly?"
"Where's Bella? You look more pretty than Bella does but Bella is always the prettiest person. You can't be prettier. You're not allowed to."
"Olly I am Bella."
"No you're not. Where's my momma?"
"I'm right here Olly. I'm just dressed differently, because Edward's taking me out to dinner. I wanted to look special for him."
"But you don't look like my momma."
"I don't normally wear dresses like this because it's not really warm enough and I haven't had a chance to recently. It's me though."
"You don't wear glasses though momma."
"I do actually. I normally only wear them when I go to bed because I don't like them. They make me look funny."
"No they don't momma. They make you look prettier and all the smart people in my class wear glasses."
"Thank you Olly."
"You look amazing Bella. I love the dress."
"Thanks Eliza."
"You feeling better Bella?"
"Yeah. My heads still pounding but nothing new there. I'll be alright soon enough."
"Good. I'm really sorry for everything."
"I wasn't your fault Eliza. How many times do I have to keep telling you?"
"Sorry."
"Come here Eliza."
I set Bella down on the couch as Eliza came over to her.
"I'll get Carlisle."
"Okay honey."
I pecked her lips and ran up the stairs. Knocking on the door to Carlisle's study I noticed Alice arriving with Jasper.
"Hey dad. Bella's downstairs in the living room. She said you can take a look at her head."
"Thanks son. I'll be down in a minute."
"Can you take a look at her knees? Her tendons are really tight and she can't stand up, let alone walk."
"Okay son. I'll take a look. Thanks for telling me."
I heard a squeal from Alice downstairs.
"Looks like Alice is hear. Rose and Emmett will be here soon."
"I see."
"Let's go down to Bella then. I'm sure you two want to head off."
"We've got some time before we need to leave. It's only a quarter past seven."
We made our way done the stairs to see Alice sitting with Eliza and Bella and Jasper talking to Olly.
"Hey Bella. It's good to see you looking better. How do you feel?"
"Alright I guess. My head hurts and my legs hurt quite badly but other than that I'm good."
"Let me take a look at your head then I'll check your legs."
"Thanks Carlisle."
Eliza and Alice moved so Carlisle could sit down next to Bella. I turned her round so she was facing me so he could take a look at her head. I massaged her knees trying to loosen them up and distract Bella from Carlisle's prodding on her head.
"You alright baby?"
"I can stop if it hurts Bella."
"No. I'm fine. That was just a sore spot."
"You sure Bella? I don't want to hurt you."
"I'm fine."
I smiled up at her as Carlisle continued examining her head.
"You're swelling has gone up slightly Bella. I think that is to do with earlier and it will hurt more for a while but it's nothing serious. You'll be fine soon enough."
"Thank god. I thought it would be bad."
"It's nothing to worry about Bella. Can I take a look at your legs?"
"Yeah. Can you turn me round honey?"
"Of course baby."
Scooping her into my arms I turned us around and carefully set her down. Sitting down behind her, I wrapped my arms around her waist.
"You okay baby?"
"Fine."
"You know, every time you say 'fine' I know you're not. When a woman says she's fine she actually means I hurt but I won't tell you that because I'm handling it. How do you really feel baby?"
"Sore."
"Where are you sore baby?"
"The back of my knees."
I looked to Carlisle to see him looking at the inside of Bella's knee, his hand holding it sideways.
"Bella can you straighten it at all?"
"No. We tried that earlier. I couldn't do it. Sorry."
"There's no need to be sorry Bella. Is it alright if I slowly straighten your knees? As soon as it the pain becomes bad or your leg doesn't go any further tell me and I'll stop."
"Okay."
"I'll do one leg at a time to see the difference. Okay?"
"Okay."
"Ready?"
"Yeah."
Carlisle placed one hand on the back of her knee his fingers resting on her knee cap and the other held her ankle. He slowly pulled her ankle looking up every now and then to see her reaction. His fingers went to the back of her knee, feeling the muscle there.
"Stop."
"Does it hurt?"
"Yeah. It's as straight as it will go."
"Okay? Can you hold it there? I'm going to see if I can loosen up the muscle ever so slightly. It should stop it hurting so much."
"I'll try."
His hand moved off her ankle and her leg bent ever so slightly. Twisting her knee slightly, his hand went just below the back of her knee, his fingers trying to find something. I saw the tendon sticking out of her leg prominently and rubbed a soothing circle on her stomach. She looked up at me with a small smile, to which I pecked her nose.
"Does that feel any different Bella?"
"No. It feels exactly the same. Should it feel different?"
"Yeah. Relax your leg and we'll try straightening it again, if that's alright?"
"Sure. Give me a minute."
"Of course Bella."
She bent her knees with a slight grimace and moved herself into my lap. Pecking my lips, she held my knee and straightened her legs again.
"Ready."
"Okay. We'll do it exactly the same again. Stop me when you want to?"
He carefully pulled her ankle watching her knee. I noticed her hand grasp my knee tighter and leaned down to her ear.
"Remember what I said earlier baby. You need to do what's best for you not because of some stupid feelings. I won't stop you, just don't hurt yourself."
"Stop."
"Okay Bella. Just relax. Are you alright?"
"It just hurts quite a lot."
"We'll leave it there then. I'm not allowing you to walk at all tonight or tomorrow until, I've had look at your knees. When you go to sleep tonight I want you to put a hot compress on the back of both your knees to loosen up the tendons there. It should loosen your legs enough for you to try walking again tomorrow."
"Okay. Thanks Carlisle."
"No problem Bella. You can come to me whenever you need help."
"Thank you. I love you dad."
"I love you too Bella. Have a good time tonight."
He gave her hug and encompassed me into it as well.
"Look after her son."
"I will dad."
He pulled back and went over to Esme who had come into the room.
"You ready to leave baby?"
"Yeah, let's go."
"Let me just grab something's and we be off."
"Okay honey."
Untangling myself from her, I pecked her lips and ran to the bedroom. I collected some clothes and bathroom supplies before heading back to the living room.
"Hey baby. Let's go."
I picked her up into my arms and bid the other's farewell.
