Chapter 2: "Change"

Disclaimer: The proprietary elements of Breaking Dawn, including its original treatment and all of the characters, belong solely to Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.

Bella's POV

"You hardly touched your food," Edward said warily, eyeing my plate.

"It was really good," I assured him, wiping my mouth with the linen napkin. "I'm just full—honestly, I couldn't eat another bite."

The pain in my abdomen was getting so intense, I just hoped I'd be able to keep down what little I'd eaten. In contrast, Elizabeth had eagerly finished an entire bottle of baby formula and was now sleeping peacefully in Edward's arms. I smiled—at least the baby seemed to be doing well this morning.

"Bella, sweetheart, are you sure you're feeling all right?" Edward said—truly anxious now.

I just shrugged.

"Don't downplay anything, Bella," Edward said firmly. "Remember, Carlisle gave you very strict post-operative orders."

"I'm fine," I replied, as he cradled the baby in one arm and put two tablets in my palm. "We should be focusing on Elizabeth right now—"

"Shh," he hushed me softly, laying our sleeping daughter in the antique bassinet that was a gift from Esme. "It so happens that at this moment," he continued, sitting beside me on the bed and taking my left hand in his, "You are my priority."

I swallowed the morphine and placed the glass back on the footed tray. "I told you, Edward, I'm fine. But—"

He put a finger to my lips, "I want you to rest now. Don't worry about a thing."

Despite his reassurances, I couldn't help but furrow my brow as I gazed at Elizabeth in her bassinet.

Edward took my face in his hands and waited until I looked up. "Listen to me, Isabella Marie Cullen. You need to rest and regain your strength. I want you to focus on that. Promise me?"

I sighed and nodded my head.

"That's my girl," Edward whispered, touching lips lightly to mine.

Momentarily forgetting the pain in my stomach (his touch was the sweetest analgesic), I wrapped my arms around his neck and wove my fingers into his bronze hair.

"I love you. Thanks for taking care of Elizabeth during the night. I knew you'd be an amazing daddy."

He flashed his crooked smile, "It is rather convenient that I don't require sleep."

Edward's entire face softened then, and he added more seriously, "I love her so much, Bella. Just look at her. What did I ever do to deserve the two of you?"

"Should I start at the top of the list?" I asked, raising my eyebrows.

He rolled his eyes.

And then he leaned in closer, his face just inches from mine, "I didn't think it possible to love you more than I had on our wedding day, but I do. You and Elizabeth are my entire world. I'm not worthy of this kind of happiness."

I could only shake my head in response. The lump in my throat prevented me from speaking—and the throbbing ache in my abdomen didn't help, either. It was a very inopportune moment, but I could no longer ignore the fact that I was starting to feel really sick.

Concerned, Edward brushed the moisture from my brow with his cool fingers.

"Bella, you're burning up," he said—suddenly alarmed.

I looked at him apologetically and he sat up immediately—emptying a bowl of fruit onto the tray and holding it under my chin with lightning speed. I threw up as quietly as I could—trying not to wake the baby. Edward held my hair back with one hand until I was finished, then set the bowl aside and pulled me into his arms.

"There goes your morphine," he said with a strained sigh.

I groaned softly, "Sorry."

"Don't apologize, love," Edward soothed softly, holding me against his chest and stroking my hair. "But, I'm afraid this does mean Carlisle's going to have to start another IV."

I groaned again. "You know what—I'm good. Really. Just give me a minute."

Edward ignored that. "I'll get Carlisle."

"I don't suppose I could talk you out of that," I exhaled in a shaky voice.

"Not likely, Bella."

He was on his feet in flash. "Don't worry, Elizabeth should stay asleep. I'll be back with Carlisle in just a minute."

"Take your time," I winced. And he was gone.

All too soon, I was receiving electrolytes and morphine intravenously. The medication took the edge off but didn't erase the searing pain—not even close. When Carlisle announced that I had a temperature of 103.5 degrees, Edward went a little ballistic.

"Why would she spike a fever?" Edward demanded. "Isn't that indicative of the onset of infection?"

"It's possible," Carlisle began thoughtfully, holding his chin.

"So let's do something!" Edward interrupted—pacing now.

Elizabeth began to cry then, and Edward flew to her side, "I'm sorry I woke you, sweetheart. Shh. It's going to be all right," he cooed.

As before, he rocked her gently back and forth, but he didn't sing to her this time. Instead, he looked torn. The light in his eyes had grown dim.

"Why don't we have Rosalie and Esme look after the baby for the next little while," Carlisle suggested, exchanging a meaningful look with Edward. As if on cue, Esme entered the room, gliding to Edward's side. He reluctantly put the baby in her waiting arms before turning to face me.

I whimpered in protest but didn't have the energy to really argue. "Where's Alice?" I whispered.

"She and Jasper are on their way to Paris," Edward stated, putting a hand on my forehead—his voice suddenly lifeless.

"Paris, France?" I asked incredulously.

"She said to tell you goodbye," he said in a broken whisper. "They won't be gone long."

"Sounds romantic," I sighed, adjusting my position slightly on the bed.

"It's just an excuse to shop the designer baby boutiques," he added in the same muted tone.

I shot him a sidelong glance.

"Don't worry, I gave her a spending limit," he half-smiled, squeezing my hand.

Something was definitely wrong now. The pain in my abdomen suddenly became sharp, like I'd been stabbed in the gut with a white-hot branding iron, and I doubled over—gasping for breath. I wasn't just hot anymore, I was burning—quite literally, it felt like—from the inside out.

"Carlisle!" Edward called, but he was already there.

"Bella, can you describe for me what you're feeling now?" he prompted—concerned, but calm.

"Sharp. Pain. H-here." I managed, pointing to my stomach. "It burns."

Edward's arms were around me then. "Carlisle, what's happening?" he asked—frantic, tense.

"I was afraid of this," Carlisle murmured, almost to himself. "I detected trace amounts of venom in the amniotic fluid during the C-section. I was able to suction most of it away successfully, but it's possible that a small portion infiltrated the surrounding tissues during delivery."

I heard Edward's quick intake of breath. "No, it can't be…not yet."

There was a long moment of silence.

"Edward…" I breathed.

His face was paler than his usual pale, but his arms tightened around me as he came back to life.

"Bella, love. I'm so sorry," he choked. "Carlisle thinks…he thinks you may be…" the words stuck in his throat and he couldn't continue.

"Changing," I gasped, understanding.

Edward nodded once, then buried his face in my hair, I'm...so sorry, Bella. I know you wanted more time...I am more sorry than I can tell you."

"Edward, don't," I managed, "Please...just hold me."

I heard his teeth grind together, but he hugged me tighter to his chest. And I held on to him—for dear life.