w w w . l i t e r a l l y m a d . c o m
If you drink much from a bottle marked 'poison'
It is certain to disagree with you sooner or later.
In the blink of an eye, I was pinned back against the wall. This time the urgency was protective and I knew it meant he was there. My instinct was to pull her back, protect her. But, when I tried to move her she was like a concrete statue, permanently adhered to the ground.
My heart sped as I slowly tried to get my bearings, looking into the dark shadows cast from dumpsters and buildings around us.
A slap, like two hands, echoed down the alley, bouncing off the brick. It was impossible to know which direction it came from.
Then, after a moment, another. Bouncing like a pinball machine around us.
Bella stood perfectly still. Not breathing. Not blinking. Eyes fixed to my left.
She knows exactly where he is.
And another, as the figure stepped out into the moonlight. He was clapping, slowly, mocking us. "Look at the happy couple," he jeered, dripping sarcasm.
The light hit the side of his face.
Fratboy asshole...
James!
My heart ran wild, realizing he had been within inches of me earlier.
If Newton hadn't been there...
'Promise me you'll try to leave it all behind,
'cause I've elected hell, lying to myself.
Why have I gone blind?
Live another life."*
I braced one arm protectively out to the side, blocking Edward from James' approach.
Shit! Shit shit shit.
Edward's heart was racing, and I was very really certain that James was enjoying it. Too much.
My knees bent slightly, my eyes hard, studying his posture as he walked out of the shadows. The sneer across his face, steady shoulders, his jaw was tight. He was pissed.
I just hoped Edward would stay put.
SHIT!
Really? Tonight? Where the hell is Charlie?
I allowed one low warning to escape my lips.
"Leave, James. Now."
Bella's demand hadn't fazed him. He was still methodically walking toward us.
His hand extended and stroked her jawline and I reached the breaking point.
"Don't fucking touch her," I seethed. My arm shot out from behind Bella, trying to shove him back. I may as well have been trying to push a building. He cocked his head, a menacing grin on his lips.
I heard a guttural scream reverberate off the alley. It only took a moment to realize it had come from my mouth.
James gripped my arm, twisting it behind me until my shoulder snapped beneath the surface like a branch in a heavy wind. I fell to my knees, the agony escaping my mouth without warning.
No no no!
James was fast. The sound that came from Edward was too much. Something inside of me snapped.
I lunged, my hand wrapped around James' throat. The growl that ripped from my chest was low and mean. We hit the pavement loudly, his head slamming back. Shards of black gravel kicked up all around us.
I seethed loudly in his face.
"You are nothing! You will never be anything! You're a waste and I will kill you." My fingers tightened around his neck.
"Now it's my time, it's my time to dream
Dream of the skies
Make me believe that this place isn't plagued by the poison in me
Help me decide if my fire will burn out before you can breathe
Breathe into me "**
The steel door swung open, slamming against the brick. Still on hands and knees, Newton came to me. "Don't... touch," I managed between labored breaths.
People began to spill into the alley, the sound of my scream and Bella breaking the concrete were enough to alert everyone.
The adrenaline coursed through my veins, followed closely by the pain. I let my head fall to the ground, unable to support myself any longer.
My eyes closed and I concentrated on breathing without screaming.
By the time the door slammed open, James was gone and I was on the phone calling for an ambulance.
Mike was with Edward and I was calmly giving directions to the dispatcher on the other line. When I had finished, I turned the phone off, looked around the crowd of twenty or so patrons and slowly, carefully, made my way to Edward.
My knees hit the ground silently next to him, my head down and tearless sobs wracked my body.
I laid down next to him, my nose almost touching his.
I whispered.
"Please don't hate me. Though, I completely understand if you do. And I love you. I love you so much. I can't take away this pain, but I want to." I wasn't quite sure he could hear me.
His eyes were closed. His heart was steady and slow. I could smell the salty sweat that clung to his forehead and hair. Dirt smudged. I rested my cool hand against his cheek and waited for the sirens.
"I am colorblind
Coffee black and egg white, pull me out from inside
I am ready I am ready I am ready
I am
Taffy stuck, tongue tied, stuttered shook and uptight
Pull me out from inside
I am ready I am ready I am ready
I am...fine
I am covered in skin, no one gets to come in
Pull me out from inside
I am folded, and unfolded, and unfolding
I am colorblind
Coffee black and egg white Pull me out from inside
I am ready I am ready I am ready
I am...fine I am... fine I am fine"***
*Breaking Benjamin, You
**Godsmack, I Stand Alone
***Counting Crows, Colorblind