"We're leaving." His words ring clear through the air and I smile a little.
"I'll go get my stuff and write a note for Charlie." I mumble as I start walking towards the house but he lays his hands on my shoulders.
"No Bella. When I say we I mean my family and I." He says and I stare confused at him.
"You're leaving me?" I ask in disbelief and he nods.
"You don't belong with me, you were just a distraction. I'm sorry Bella but that was all you were." He says and I look into his almost black eyes and see his pain. I lay my hands against his cheeks.
"Edward, listen to me." I murmur and he stares unseeing at me. I slap him lightly and he jerks back shocked. "LISTEN TO ME!" I yell and he freezes and nods. "Edward, I know what you are doing. You are afraid I'm going to get hurt by the supernatural world but what about the Volturi, what about Victoria or Laurent when they come back to avenge James' death… what about me?" I whisper the last, barely audible but my pain is clear in my voice. I gather myself with a deep breath.
"I love you, but I love your family at least as much, maybe more. Carlisle and Esme have become the compassionate, caring, loving parents I've never had. Jasper and Emmet have become my protective, scary, fun big brothers. Alice is my favourite sister and even Rosalie is like a sister to me. I know she would protect me if anything happened, it might not be for me but I know she would. I love all of them. You can't take them away from me Edward. If you truly don't love me anymore that's okay but don't take my family away, please." I beg and he stands there frozen in shock. I take a few deep breaths and look down at my shaking hands. I sink down on the floor and bury my head between my knees. "Please." I whisper and suddenly I'm enveloped by a pair of cold arms, of Edward's arms, and we are running. I can't breathe. He can't leave me, they can't leave me.
"Carlisle! She's- she's sick." Edward says helplessly, then I'm lying on a couch and feel Carlisle probing my head, looking at my eyes with a flashlight, taking my pulse.
"Bella." Carlisle calls softly and pulls me into his arms. He rocks me gently and coes something softly. After a few seconds, I can breathe better and take a deep breath. I move deeper into his arms, wrapping my arms around him and relish his embrace.
"We're not leaving, Bella. I'm sorry." Edward begs. I look up quickly from Carlisle's chest, then I bury my head again.
"Son, leave us alone for a while." Carlisle murmurs and when I look up Edward has left the room. "I'm sorry Bella." Carlisle whispers as he strokes the back of my head calmingly. "I promise we won't leave you." He coes and rocks me gently before he lays down on the couch with me on his chest. I slowly fall asleep on Carlisle's chest as he comforts me.
I jawn and open my eyes confused, looking down at Carlisle.
"Good morning, Bella." He murmurs as he continues caressing my hair. "Are you feeling better?" He asks. I blush and nod. "Don't be embarrassed, dear. We told Edward it wasn't a good idea to lie to you and then leave you. I'm glad you made him change his mind even though I'm not happy you were hurt." He says. I nod a little and relax completely on his chest again.
"Does he really love me?" I whisper quietly and Carlisle nods.
"More than anything." He says and I nod as I take a deep breath.
"Is he home?" I ask and Carlisle smiles down to me.
"He's right outside the door." He chuckles and I smile a little.
"I guess he and I should talk." I murmur and he nods and sits up slowly with me.
"Do you want me to stay?" He asks and I shake my head.
"It'll be okay." I say. He kisses my forehead and stands up. He lets Edward in as he walks out. Edward walks slowly towards me. I smile a little to him and pat beside me on the couch. He relaxes a little and as he sits down he wraps me in his arms.
"I'm sorry." He whispers and I nod a little.
"I know… but it will take some time before I trust you completely again." I say and he nods as he holds me closer.
"It's okay, love. I'll be with you forever." He murmurs and I nod relieved.
