Edward kept his worried eyes on Bella's coiled body on the bed he'd bought for her. She whimpered in her slumber, keeping her arms around her stomach.
Let me help, Edward. She's in pain, Jasper said from the doorway.
Edward nodded.
The effects of his venom were taking control of her body. There was no other explanation why Bella would be in such pain.
Do you smell it too? She's bleeding? Jasper frowned.
Carlisle had left with Esme to get their house in Massachusetts ready for being inhabited again. Lanesborough was going to be their new home for the next five to six years. Mount Greylock State Reservation was near the town, and it would provide good game.
Alice and Rose had coerced Emmett into helping them pack all of Bella's belongings from her house.
"I smell it," Edward confirmed.
It was about time they should leave, so he touched Bella's shoulder. "Love, you have to wake up."
Bella whimpered some more, snuggling into his chest.
I'll give you some privacy.
Edward was grateful Jasper was so understanding.
"Bella," he whispered, kissing her temple.
Her eyes fluttered open, then her face scrunched up in pain. "Oh no. Shit."
"What's wrong?" Blood filled her cheek, making her smell much more potent. "You're in pain."
"I lost track of time." She grimaced. "Crap."
"Tell me how I can help."
Bella averted her eyes, then she started laughing almost hysterically.
Edward feared for her sanity. She was warmer than usual, but it didn't smell like having a fever.
"You're adorable when you're confused." Bella touched his cheek. "It's my period, Edward."
"Oh."
That explains the bleeding, Jasper joked. And the pain.
Edward wanted to kick himself for not linking her distress with that issue. He should have figured it out sooner.
"I could call Alice to bring some tampons. They're at your house."
"I'm out of them. I meant to go shopping, but…" Bella chewed on her lip.
Edward wished he could know what she was thinking. "Grab a shower and get ready for our journey. We'll stop at the local store to buy tampons and food for a couple of days."
Blushing horribly, Bella rummaged through her bag, bundling up some clothes then running to the bathroom.
Edward went to the window, staring at the rental car in front of the house. He'd entrusted Carlisle with the Aston, knowing that if he took it to the airport, it would be difficult to retrieve it from there. So Edward was taking back the rental Audi Carlisle had used to come to Forks.
Bella avoided eye-contact with both Edward and Jasper when she joined them downstairs later. Edward wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"See you in a couple of days," he told Jasper.
"Looking forward to the moment I wouldn't have the desire to eat Bella."
Bella missed the joke, and gasped. "I'm so sorry. It's all my fault."
"He's joking, love." Edward narrowed his eyes at Jasper. "Way to go," he hissed.
Jasper shrugged. Partly true, he said only for Edward.
"Please, please, restrain Alice from furnishing our new room. We'd appreciate it if we could do it in person," Edward begged Jasper.
"I'll see what I can do."
Edward walked Bella to the car, opening her door. He joined her inside at vampire speed.
"How are you feeling?"
"It hasn't hurt this badly in years. My body's rebelling against me."
Edward chuckled. "We'll buy some pain relief meds too."
The ride to the local store was spent in silence. They shared a smile when Edward passed the high school. Memories invaded their minds against their will.
"Want to join me? I'll be done quickly," Edward said, parking in the empty lot of the store.
"I'll come with you. I have to visit the toilet after we shop." Her cheeks reddened again.
Hand in hand, they walked inside. Edward grabbed a shopping cart, as they made their way to the processed food.
"I can tell you that I'm not going to eat a lot. I'm nervous. So maybe some ham and cheese, a loaf of bread? I'll make sandwiches."
Edward pursed his lips.
"Don't spend money on my last meal, Edward."
He caved, allowing her to buy whatever she wanted. He smiled at the mountain of snacks she carried to the cart, knowing these wouldn't keep her satisfied but at least she'd eat what she liked for the last time. After Edward hoisted a six-pack of water bottles in the cart, he noticed Bella down the aisle at the alcohol.
She met his eyes when he joined her. "I want to get drunk. I've only drunk a couple of times, but never enough to be called drunk."
"If it's what you wish?" He said uncertainly.
"It's a human experience I want to have."
"I promise to hold your hair in the morning when you throw up and blame me for allowing you to do this."
"So kind of you." Bella laughed. "What do I get?"
"Now, why do you ask me? I've never tasted this poison." Only through some scumbags' blood in the thirties.
"I've had Jack and Coke. But I heard vodka is the best to get drunk." Bella tapped her chin. She finally picked a bottle of vodka.
"Whoa! That's a big bottle, Bella. If you drink it all, not even I can save you."
Bella laughed breathlessly, then picked a smaller bottle.
"Are you sure about this?" Edward insisted. "I want you to enjoy your last days as a human, not be hungover."
"Oh, whatever. I never liked the taste much," she admitted, placing the bottle back.
After getting the smallest pack of tampons, and some mouthwash, they were ready to go.
"Wait. We can't take the food on the plane." Bella grabbed Edward's arm.
"There's an empty suitcase in the back of the car. Alice thought of everything. It will be our check-in luggage."
They approached the cash registers, and Edward stiffened at the person waiting to ring their products.
It is them! I was sure my imagination was playing tricks!
Whoa! And look at Edward, looking as handsome as ever. Damn, Bella scored the hottest guy.
I wonder when they got back. Are they returning here?
Edward brought Bella closer, pressing his lips to her ear. "Jessica's over there. Play it cool."
"Shit! She'll notice you."
"She hasn't yet," Edward whispered.
"Hey! Look who the cat dragged back in the town!" Jessica exclaimed. Damn, he's gorgeous.
Edward started filling the magnetic band with their products. Bella hovered near Jessica, mumbling short answers to her million questions.
"Actually, we've just visited some old friends down in La Push. We're headed on vacation now," Edward told her smoothly.
He's so dreamy! Jessica stared at him mesmerized. "That sounds amazing. Where are you headed?"
"It's a secret. Don't make him spoil it," Bella said a lot more confidently. "It's our honeymoon."
Edward snorted, but faked a cough when Jessica turned her wide eyes to him.
Married! Wow.
"Do you plan on visiting again?" she asked, less exuberant.
"Uh, probably not any time soon." Bella chewed on her lips.
"Eventually, we'll return," Edward said, grinning at Bella. In several decades when Jessica and everyone they knew would be six feet under.
"Listen Jess, can you point me to the bathroom?" Bella held the tampons to her chest, her face an unhealthy shade of red.
Jessica leaned over the cash register, pointing to a door on the left to the entrance door. She flashed Edward a look, hoping he'd notice her generous cleavage.
On her period during honeymoon? Poor Edward.
Edward tried not to growl at how stupid and insensitive Jessica was. That was something natural and normal women went through.
"I'll be right back." Bella kissed his cheek, rushing in the pointed way.
"So, you guys got back together?"
"Yes. Some time ago," he said, before she could ask for details.
He paid for the purchases, pulling the cart in front of the bathroom door, waiting for Bella.
"Maybe next time you're in town, we'll catch up." Without Bella around, but he's always been too committed with her. He's so intense.
"We'll see." Edward tuned her out.
"Done." Bella beamed, returning to him. "Did she give you trouble?" She shot Jessica a look.
"Goodbye, Jessica!" Edward called over his shoulder, leading Bella outside. "It's nothing I'm not used to."
Bella stopped, wrapping her arms around his waist. "How am I supposed to go through high school over and over without killing those girls for looking at you?"
Edward chuckled. "You'd want to kill them for different reasons, too."
Bella cringed. "Thanks for reminding me."
"Blood lust is going to be part of your life."
They loaded the suitcase then settled for the ride. After one last stop to the pharmacy, Edward took the interstate.
When they passed Port Angeles, Alice called. Edward answered, placing the phone on speaker so Bella could hear too.
"Yes, Alice?"
"You'll have to move fast at the airport. There's a window between nine forty-five and ten without clouds. It'll all you have until later in the afternoon. And do keep the blind down in the plane."
Edward checked the time. It was almost eight. He floored the gas. "I'll try to arrive by nine forty-five, but only a flying car could help right now."
"If I see anything else, I'll let you know."
"We're headed to Brazil," Bella said slowly after Edward hung up.
"We'll arrive at nightfall. Do not worry, love."
Bella turned the volume up, tapping her foot to the music. As they neared Seattle, the sun shining greeted them. Edward doubted he could get to the airport in time, because the clock on the dashboard read 9:25.
"Whoa! Look at this!" Bella shouted, thrusting her hand forward.
Edward was grateful for his vampire reflexes or they'd have ended up in a ditch. "What?" He glanced at her.
His eyes widened when he noticed her translucent skin glinting in the sun.
"I couldn't believe it when you guys said I was changing. But now I have proof."
"You've slept less and less if I recall correctly. And your blood is flowing slower, now that Carlisle pointed it out." Edward took her hand. "I promise to make it right."
"I'm counting on it. If I knew you'd cave to seeing my bare legs and sleep with me, I'd have done it since high school. And then I'd have you constricted with your sperm changing me slowly."
"Thank God for miracles." Edward laughed.
"My devious plan sounds better in my head, trust me."
"Stop torturing me, Bella. I'd do anything to be able to hear your thoughts."
Have you all got Midnight Sun? I'm so excited about it! I'll probably stay up to read all night, nevermind it's the middle of the week.