Edward gets some closure towards Bella's injuries.

Disclaimer: Stephenie owns the names. I own the plotline.

Playlist:

"Raise Today" - Peasant

POV: Bella, Jane, Edward

Thankyou again for all the reviews!

Protect with all my being

BellyPOV

"Alrighty, get to work people." Alice commanded.

Alice had been obsessing about the party for over 12 hours now. While Jazz, Em and Rose where in charge of the decorations, Jane, Edward and I were in charge of the food. Alice played the role of class monitor, something she specializes in. Since Carlisle had given me a clean bill of health, I was rather forced to join, the force, as I called it. As I do no good in the running around department, I was given the keep standing department. Jane and Edward were there to help me as Carlisle had said to 'take it easy', but I doubt if that word even existed in Alice's dictionary. Anyway, I still enjoyed the privilege of being a patient so everytime Alice went overboard with me, someone or the other was there to stop her and no matter how much she pouted, things didn't work under her favor.

"Uh, Bella, what to do with these?" Jane bought me out of my thoughts by standing in front of me with a tray of cup cakes, which she held rather awkwardly. I smiled at her efforts.

"Put them here, I'm sure we can figure something out before the party starts." she blew out a relieved breadth as she set down the trey on the counter.

"Another batch coming through!" Edward announced. Jane and I let out a small laugh, seeing the way he was carrying the trey.

"Edward?" I asked him innocently, he turned around in confusion.

"Yea?"

"When did you get your diploma in watering?" Jane mocked him, I smiled.

"Well, I… Hey!" it took him few minutes but he caught the sarcasm in Jane's voice. It made us laugh even more. From laughing so much the sides of my still bruised stomach started hurting.

"Oh!" left my mouth in barely a whisper as I clutched my stomach with one hand while the other hand clutched the counter for support. The laughing stopped as they took in my appearance. Edward was at my side in seconds, everything forgotten as he supported me and helped me sit on the nearest chair.

JaniePOV

"Bella!" I shrieked. "Oh my god! Are you ok? Does it hurt too much? Should I call Carlisle? Should I inform the oth…." I started freaking out. Seeing her, all hunched over the counter, it scared me.

"No" she rasped "I'm fine" and smiled weakly in my direction. It amazed me of how she was comforting me even though she was the one in pain. Before I could say anything else Edward had his phone out and about with just one hand while the other still rested around Bella.

EddiePOV

"Edward! I am fine!" Bella protested but I was having none of it. Thankfully Carlisle answered on the second ring.

"Dad…." I started but was cut off.

"Is she alright? What happened?" he asked almost immediately.

"Dad, she…."

"Edward! Give me the phone!" Bella started struggling at my side.

"Let me talk to her son, it would be better that way." Carlisle assured me from the other end as I reluctantly handed her the phone.

"I am fine, Edward's just overreacting." She said looking at me. Then she went silent, listening to Carlisle on the other end. "No, I just laughed a bit too hard." She mumbled, embarrassed. If we were in different situation, I would've laughed at the fact that she was feeling embarrassed for such a small thing but right now I couldn't even bring myself to smile. When I saw her clutching her stomach, hunched over the counter I nothing but threw the tray of cupcakes on the counter as I rushed to help her.

"I am sorry, I will be more careful next time." Bella's voice bought me back to the kitchen which was now surrounded by everyone. I think they all heard Jane shriek. Alice and Rosalie were looking at Bella with painful expression while Emmett stood there all sympathetic as Jasper tried to control the emotion around. I don't know how, but sometimes I can swear this guy has telepathic powers through which he can control people's emotions and sometimes even manipulate them.

"Yea, he's right here." Bella said as she handed me the phone.

"How is she?" I asked without missing a beat.

"She's fine, guess she could not take the overdoes of laughing." Carlisle tried to joke.

"Can I give her something for the pain?"

"I am afraid not. She already has strong medicines, I am afraid if she takes something more it might react with her previous dose." I looked over to Bella as she tried to smile for everyone's sake despite being in pain herself. Always the brave one, I thought.

"Alright, I'll let her rest." I whispered so that Bella could not hear me because I'm sure she will protest.

"Yes, that will be alright. I'll check on her when I come back." Carlisle agreed from the other end.

"Alright, see you then." With that I snapped shut my phone.

"What did he say?" Bella asked in her still raspy voice. Instead of answering her, I bent down and hooked my hand around her legs and back as I effortlessly lifted her off the seat. She squealed in surprise as I picked her up and started to move towards the stairs, towards her room.

"Edward! Put me down!" she protested as I kept walking. Eventually she wrapped her hands around my neck. As she got close to me I was hit by strong scent of freesia and strawberries, her scent. I relished it until we reached the room as I placed her on the bed.

"That was totally unnecessary." She mumbled as she adjusted herself on the bed. With every movement, she winced painfully which in turn made me wince.

"Rest, alright." I said as I bent down to kiss her head.

"But Alice….." I cut her off.

"I'll take care of it, just rest alright?" I looked at her as she nodded in resignation and laid down rather comfortably. I quietly left the room, not wanting to intrude. As I reached downstairs I found everyone clustered around Jane as she explained what happened. Every head turned in my direction as I approached.

"She's fine, just resting." I assured.

It was around noon when I felt a sudden urge to check on Bella. All of us resumed our work but it just wasn't the same. I tip – toed as I entered the room. Bella lay on the bed, looking so peaceful in her sleep. For a moment I was mesmerized. Then slowly I moved closer and pushed a strand of hair off her face. Force of nature, I reasoned for my actions. Just as I was about to turn I saw her top was bit pushed up, revealing her stomach. Not wanting to be rude, I went to the end of the bed and pulled up the sheets. Just as I was about to lay it on her, I noticed it. Blue mark. Curiosity got the better of me as I slowly pushed her top even higher. A gasp escaped my mouth as the scene in front of me unveiled itself.

A big bruise.

The ones that come from heavy punching. I know cauz I've had them. I was unable to hold my emotions together. I felt fury, sympathy, affection and pain all at the same time.

Fury for the one who gave it to her.

Sympathy on her now condition.

Affection for the way she protected my sister. For the way she is.

And pain for what she's going through.

This girl lying in front of me protected my sister with all her being. She gave her a second chance in life. She made her come alive again. If it wasn't for her, my sister would've fallen into darkness and no one could've saved her. Now, it was my job to protect her. No, it is not out of sympathy or burden that I am doing it. I am doing it for the fact that she is one of the most important person in my life.

Someone I would never want to lose.

Someone I would treasure.

Someone I would protect no matter what.

Protect with all my being.

I know, I know I am behind in updating but you have to understand. I just had my exams and am going to have more in the coming days. Even my holidays are cut short. I am in a bad mood but I will update when ever I get the chance to, I promise.

I know the title's a bit flimsy, but Hey! it's good, right?

I will update whenever I can. Also, do listen to the song when EPOV starts. It'll make sense :)

Please review.

Much Love,

Bella