I woke up in pain, my shoulders were still sore. I flung my arm over to grab my clock on the nightstand, instead I crumpled a piece of paper. It read…
"Going to take care of our little situation, I'll be back as soon as possible. I Love you.
p.s You're irresistible when you speak my name aloud while you sleep."
-Edward
At first all I noticed was the sweet note, the next thing I noticed was not so pleasant. My shoulders ached like crazy, much worse then last night. Last night it was a little uncomfortable, now it was pain. I quickly ran to the bathroom and took off my pajama shirt. There before me were bruises of all different colors. This was not from the accident. This was from what was supposed to be a pleasurable massage. The massage felt innocent enough, he did grab me pretty hard, but it helped the aching so much. I could see marks that Edward's perfect hands had left. This was horrible, I was not feeling for my body, I was feeling for Edward. He would make this into something that it is not, blaming himself, which will crush him, along with me. He meant no harm. Tears started to trail down my cheeks, I can't let Edward blame himself.
My stomach started to growl. I whipped away my traitor tears, you never know when Edward will appear. I ran downstairs and sat at the kitchen table, I couldn't eat. Suddenly I heard my window shut. Edward soon came down the stairs his hair a mess, an extremely good mess. I quickly put on a descent smile.
"Oh great you're up." He said. I ran to close the gap between us immediately I needed to feel him close, especially now.
"So how did everything go?" I asked hesitantly, I wasn't proud of smashing his car, even if I was mad at him. I was also worried that he would see right through me
"Don't worry Bella. It's been taken care of, you know how Rosalie enjoys fixing cars. I would do it myself, but I don't think I have the time." He said smiling and gently touching my nose.
I sat down on a loose chair sitting at the kitchen table. I slouched down until I winced with pain. The wood jabbed into my shoulders and back.
"Do you still feel sore?"
"Strangely yes…" I tried to pretend that I didn't know what was going on.
"Well maybe I can try a different method to help."
He pulled my hair aside and started to lightly kiss my neck. He laid his hands on my shoulders. The pain caused my face to scrunch.
"Uh, Edward, I still feel sore. I don't know if it's such a good idea if you touch me with your hands right now."
"Bella I think something's wrong, you shouldn't be in this much pain."
"No, no I'm fine really."
Before I could stop him his hand tugged at the shoulder of my t-shirt and exposed my bruises.
"Bella! Wha…what happened? His eyes bulged out and examined my shoulders, his eyebrows pulled together in sorrow.
"It's nothing, it must've been from the crash."
"Bella don't lie to me."
He turned me around very gently and pulled my shirt over my back, exposing my bruises to the full affect. I closed my eyes, wishing this moment wasn't happening. He very briefly touched my skin before making a stiff fist.
"I'm so sorry Bella…" It was barely a whisper
I turned around hoping to be strong and deny everything, but tears filled my eyes and pored down my face. I have never seen him so hurt. I need to let him know that I will never blame him.
"Edward it was an accident, neither of us knew. There is no point to mourn over this, they're just bruises."
"Bruises I made! Don't you get it Bella? What kind of monster am I that I hurt you. It is my responsibility to make sure that you are safe."
"Edward it is not your responsibility to protect me, things happen."
"Bella, I love you and I swore to myself that I would keep you out of harms way, and the only hands that hurt you are my own."
"It's nobody's fault." My cheeks were stained with tears and my eyes were puffy and red.
He started walking slowly towards the door.
"Where are you going?"
"I need to think this over."
"Edward…please don't leave! I need you!" I practically shouted.
"I love you, Bella." He looked as if tears were going to stream down his face.
"Please don't leave me, stay and talk to me" fresh tears came.
And then he was gone, I would never know if he would come back. I ran to my bedroom tripping continuously, I couldn't see where I was going the tears were coming too fast. I plastered myself on my bed, it hurt. I didn't care; I don't have a care in the world for my body. Why did I deserve this. Why did he deserve this. I fell asleep crying.
I woke up I have no idea when, but there he was. He was sitting in the rocking chair with his head in his hands. I sprung up so quickly, you could've taken me for a vampire.
"Edward! You came back!" tears came again, oh great.
"Of course I came back." He stroked my face gingerly, whipping away my tears. He looked hurt.
"I thought you weren't coming back, I thought I sent you over the edge."
Edward grabbed my face and forced me to look at him.
"Bella don't ever think that, ever! I went to get Carlisle. We need to make sure you'll be alright.
I was delusional. There stood Carlisle Cullen, I didn't even notice him.
"Oh" was all I said.
"So how are you feeling Bella?" said Carlisle.
"I am fine, really. You shouldn't worry it looks worse then it feels."
"Bella, its okay you don't have to lie."
I looked at Edward, I didn't want to tell him how I feel. Edward caught onto my mood, and turned to Carlisle.
"Can we have a moment please."
"Of course." Replied Carlisle
Edward turned back to me and stroked my hair pushing it away from my face. My lips trembled but I didn't care. I grabbed his face and kissed him as hard as I could. I could feel the shock on his face. He just slowly and gently kissed me back. Once we broke our kiss he spoke.
"Bella, I am so sorry that I just left. I wanted to get you help as soon as possible."
"It's okay Edward, just please don't blame yourself." I stroked his face.
"I can't say yes, and it be the truth."
"Please."
He pondered for a minute. His eye brows knitted together.
"I admit that neither of us knew, it was a mistake that I will never forgive myself for. I am truly sorry Bella." He said as he kissed my cheek down to my neck, pushing away my t-shirt once again. He was hesitant, staring at the bruises one more time before lightly kissing them over and over again. Edward left the room briefly to get Carlisle. I laid back down onto the pillows and spaced off into the ceiling.
"Are you ready now?" said a professional voice from Carlisle.
"Yes." I said with a faint smile.
He sat down on my bed next to me.
"Is it alright if I remove your shirt Bella?" I looked at Edward.
"Here, allow me." Edward gently took off my t-shirt. I once again covered myself immediately with my sheets.
"Now tell me if anything hurts. He put his hands on either side of my face.
"Does that hurt?" He tilted my head from side to side.
"Barely, just feels like I slept wrong."
"Okay, how about this?" He pulled my shoulders back."
"No."
"Okay well, I think all we have here is some bumps and bruises. You will be sore for maybe a day or two, but things should be fine soon." He gave me a reassuring smile. Edward clenched his jaw by his words.
"Okay Edward, in a couple of days. In the mean time Bella, I need you to get lots of rest. I'll check up on you in a couple of days." Carlisle looked at me and then Edward.
"I'll see myself out." Carlisle said
"Feel better Bella." he said over his shoulder. Edward returned to me.
"Well in a couple of days I guess." I said
"During that time I want you to rest."
"What about Charlie?" I didn't want to disagree, he's been through enough.
"It'll be taken care of."
"I love you Edward. No matter what you think, nothing is going to change"
"I love you Bella, please get some sleep."
"Will you stay with me?" I was terrified that he would stay away.
"Yes, I will stay with you."
I leaned back once again and faced him lying next to me.
"Close your eyes Bella."
"I'm sorry it's just so hard not to look at you."
"I say the same thing, but then again I don't have to close my eyes and sleep." He started to hum my lullaby