Finally done! So sorry for taking half a million years, I hope that the length will make up for it slightly. I very easily get writer's block so this chapter is probably really bad, give me feedback!
Soon after, I could hear Carlisle opening the door. "Hello, Jacob," he said in a moderate tone. "How are you?"
"I heard Bella made it back alive," came the oh-so-familiar voice of Jacob, with its usual irritating edge. Just hearing his voice set the whole room's atmosphere on edge.
"Er, Jacob, it's not really the best time... Can you come back later?" Carlisle was trying to stay calm, but he was beginning to sound a bit uncomfortable. I wonder if he was smart enough to pick up on the change. But then Bella spoke up. "Why not?" she asked, directing the question at Edward. "Are we keeping secrets from Jacob, too? What's the point?"
Her voice was unrecognizable. "Come in please, Jacob," Bella croaked, louder this time. Carlisle was struggling to think of something else to say. "Excuse me," came Jacob's voice, followed by heavy footfalls.
I realized with surprise that the headache had dulled from a skull-fracturing pain to a low, monotonous ache, and I found myself able to think slightly. The smell of wet dog filled the room, almost as if to announce his entrance. Jacob entered the room, his eyes taking in the new surroundings. After taking in the room his eyes strayed to the sofa. His jaw dropped. As he stared, Rosalie suddenly moved into view, guarding her protectively. At some hidden signal I missed, Rosalie quickly procured a basin from somewhere on the floor. Not a moment too soon, for Bella immediately threw up into it.
Edward fell to his knees by her side, the pain evident in his face. Rosalie held out a hand, warning him to stay put. Bella's voice broke the silence. "Sorry about that," she whispered. Edward moaned quietly, and his head slumped against Bella's knees. Bella stroked his cheek comfortingly. Jacob staggered forward, looking as if he were in a trance. Rosalie hissed, moving forward and blocking him. "Rose, don't..." Bella mumbled. "It's fine." Rose grudgingly stepped out of the way for Jacob to pass but did not drop her stance, poised to defend.
"Bella, what's wrong?" Jacob whispered, taking her hand in his. "Are you alright?"
"I'm so glad you came to see me today, Jacob," she said quietly. Edward moaned again, the sound stifled slightly by the blanket.
"What is it, Bella?" Jacob asked again, insistent. She remained silent but raised her head to look around. Though it was only Edward who could hear thoughts, I knew we were all echoing the same idea. "Help me up, Rose?" she asked, looking at her pleadingly. Rosalie made no indication of moving anywhere. "Please, Rose," Bella begged. Rose made a face but got up and began lifting her to a standing position. "No," Jacob breathed, "Don't get up..."
"I'm answering your question," Bella snapped back, her voice sounding a bit more like what it usually did.
She stood up, and the blanket fell to one side. Jacob's eyes grew wide, then bitter.
Suddenly Edward stiffened, shooting to his feet, and his gaze hardened. "Jacob, outside," he said. I wondered what Jacob had been thinking. "Let's do this," Jacob agreed. "No," Bella gasped, stumbling forwards, and Rosalie moved with her in perfect synchronization, as if linked by an unseen force.
"I'm just going to talk to him, Bella," Edward murmured. "Don't strain yourself. Please rest-we'll both be back in a few minutes," he pleaded, and I heard the slight emphasis on 'both'.
Then he walked out of the door, with Jacob trailing after him, his hands clenched into fists. Before I knew it, my mind was swirling with the visions that had been momentarily relieved while Jacob had been inside. I could slowly feel control slipping from my grasp, the world caving in. My breaths came in hard, short gasps as the room spun around me. "Alice!" Esme whispered in concern, her hand resting my back the only anchor to reality. I gritted my teeth, trying to slow my breathing while willing the world to settle into position. "I'm fine," I lied. "This is the least of our concerns right now, we can find a solution later."
A sniffling noise broke the silence. "I-I'm sorry!" Bella sobbed, her voice breaking slightly. "It's all my fault they're going to fight..."
"None of this is your fault, Bella," said Jasper, speaking for the first time since he entered the room. "And I don't believe they're going to fight. At least, not now anyway." as he spoke, I felt a small cloud of tranquillity steal into the room, and soaked it in while allowing my mind to wander.