Darkness

"I am finding out that maybe I was wrong
That I've fallen down and I can't do this alone
Stay with me, This is what I need, Please.
Sing us a song and we'll sing it back to you
We could sing our own but what would it be without you?
I am nothing now and it's been so long
Since I have heard the sound, the sound of my only hope
This time I will be listening.
This heart, it beats, beats only for you
My heart is yours."
My Heart- Paramore

Mood Music: My Heart by Paramore, Yours by Dizmas, Beethoven's Romance #1

Sorry this took so long to get out. On Saturday my computer crashed and since I didn't have a backup copy I lost everything. Now that my computer is working again updates should be more regular.

This chapter is in Bella's perspective and is meant to be hazy and a bit unclear…

Bella's eyes fluttered as she tried to open them; being unsuccessful she listened to the deafening silence around her. She knew from the subtle beeping that she was in a hospital but it did little to assuage her concerns. A million thoughts flashed through her mind and she felt the panic rise in her. Her chest tightened and she wanted to cry out, to scream out in pain but the words wouldn't escape her lips. An alarm bell sounded and for the second time, everything went black.

--

Her mind felt hazy, as if she was in a daze. She tried to concentrate on the burning light overhead, tried to focus her eyes on the person standing in front of her, but the brightness was too much. It was too overwhelming. Closing her eyes she squeezed them tightly, a stray tear falling down her cheek.

She could feel someone gently wipe it away, a whisper of a touch on her face. Her throat burned, as if she was consumed by thirst, she wanted to open her mouth and beg for water, for something to assuage the steady pain. Her lips didn't move.

--

Thoughts of Edward consumed her. Images of him smiling, burned into her memory, seemed to taunt her inability to open her eyes and look at him. She knew he was there beside her, the strength and warmth from his arms, which were wrapped around her, was her only constant. The moments he did part from her she felt lost, empty, alone. It was almost as if he had taken her soul with him when he left.

It terrified her.

Sometimes she could hear him whispering softly into her ear. Each word hazy and inconsequential, the mere fact that he was there bringing her comfort. Other times his words of devotion were clear. He made promises, spoke of his love for her and their unborn child.

Bella fought to open her eyes, fought to lift the haze that had settled over both her mind and body. She fought to move her fingers, her hands, her toes; each time finding it harder and harder to come up with the energy to fight.

--

Her arm burned as if it was on fire, all consuming and taking over her thoughts. She could feel the flow of fluids as the IV was started. It created a rushing sensation that was particularly unpleasant. The medicine stung as it entered her veins; her body burning and tingling as it made its way through her system.

Bella's eyes watered at the sensation and she wanted to scream out in despair. Fighting the darkness that loomed over her heavily, she opened her lips a gasp escaping from her mouth.

"Did you hear that?" Edward spoke his voice was louder than normal and she was shocked she could hear him clearly.

"I did, son, I did."

--

She found that her eyelids didn't feel as heavy as they once had. Fluttering them slowly, once and then twice, she opened her eyes squinting at the darkness around her. It was night time that much was clear from the lack of light in the room.

Her body ached with the effort it took but she forced her eyes to remain open. They scanned through the darkness looking for something or someone to ground her to this moment. The back of her head throbbed in pain and she groaned in despair, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment.

It took more effort to open them the second time and she realized she was wearing herself out, getting weak from the exertion. Her eyes opened minutely, but it was long enough.

He sat in front of her, eyes focused on her. His eyes met hers for a moment and he gasped. She watched the tears of hope fill his eyes as hers became too heavy to hold open any longer. They closed shut and she fought to reopen them, pushing all her energy into it.

They fluttered once but she was so tired, so exhausted from the exertion.

"I'm here my Bella," she heard him whisper in her ear. His arms snaked around her and she felt herself wrapped in warmth. "Fight for me, love."

His soft sobs broke through the darkness and she could feel the cool tears hitting her neck. He was in so much pain, filled with so much sorrow, all for her. His breathing stuttered and eventually evened out. The gentle and steady rush told her that he had fallen asleep.

--

It was quiet and dark but something was tugging on the hinges, making her thoughts shake and tremble. There was movement and noise. Something was happening.

"She WAS awake." Edward's voice broke through, ripping her from her silence.

"Son, you haven't been sleeping. It's very likely you imagined it or dreamed it. I'm so sorry but she has only been showing minor signs of improvement."

His sobs broke her heart and tore at her soul. She fought her way relentlessly to the surface. Fought to open her eyes, to call out to him, to do something to let him know that she was okay; that she knew he was here.

Her eyes refused to open, too heavy in her weakened state for her to open.

Pushing all her energy into a single effort her mouth opened and a single breathy word tumbled out.

"Edward."

--

Another rush of medicine, another day of burning.

The medicine makes her feel stronger, makes her heart race and it's almost as if she can feel the blood flowing throughout her body. Something moves in her stomach and startles her for a moment. She realizes after a moment it's their baby kicking and tumbling inside of her.

She wishes she could tell Edward what she feels, wishes in some way she could share this moment with him. As if knowing what she is thinking or feeling she feels a hand touching her belly and then hears his gentle gasp.

"The baby is kicking."

There is a rush of movement and several hands touch her. Normally she would have been put off by all the attention, but it feels right in a way. A sigh escapes through her lips and she hears two gasps and a steady chuckle.

"She is slowly waking up. The medicine is working."

He receives no response but she feels his lips gently press against her stomach and then her forehead. It comforts her immensely and Bella wishes she could reach out and kiss him in return, wishes she could thank him for staying by her side.

The love she feels is unimaginable.

--

The medicine continues to drip into her system and her body is now used to the subtle burn. Bella has no idea how long she has been out for, no idea whether it is day or night. But she does feel the steady pressure of Edward next to her. She feels her strength growing and knows that whatever medicine Edward is giving her, its working.

Fighting the urge to open her eyes and look at him once again, she saves her energy; storing it up slowly. She no longer has to fight the darkness that once oppressed down on her and she knows if she wanted to open her eyes she could do it with little effort.

But it isn't enough to open her eyes for a moment. She knows she needs to wake up and so she waits, steadily building up strength. Her heart continues to beat quicker than normal, but it doesn't bother her if it is what she needs then she will gladly deal with the uncomfortable feeling.

--

She finally feels strong enough and the itch is large enough that she wiggles her fingers to test the water. She is acutely aware that they move and that there is something lying underneath them. Her hand clenches around it and it moves. It takes her a moment to realize that it is Edward.

He clenches her hand tightly and she can almost picture the smile on his face as he realizes what has happened. Suddenly he is there, very there, and coaching her to open her eyes for him once again. The words come out worshipful, almost like a prayer.

"Please Bella, you can do it, please god open your eyes. Look at me, baby, come on I know you can do it."

And suddenly she knows that she can as well. Her eyes flutter open and then shut immediately stinging from the brightness of the room. As if he understands her reaction she feels him move away from her and can tell that the lights are switched off, the curtains closed.

He moves next to her, taking her hand and squeezing once again. This time when she opens her eyes they burn, not from brightness but from lack of use. Her eyes meet his and his smile is dazzling. Tears are steadily flowing down his face and his breathing is ragged.

Edward has never looked more beautiful.

He leans down and places a peck on her lips that she tries unsuccessfully to reciprocate. He notices and leans down kissing her once again. This time she returns it, her hand moving slowly before laying against his face for just a moment. It drops down to the bed in weakness.

He pulled back then and looked down into her eyes, his smile growing by the minute.

"There you are," his words are breathy and full of emotion. His eyes never break from hers even as she hears others entering the room. "There you are." He repeats as he looks deep into her eyes in awe.

The time is left hazy on purpose as Bella doesn't even know how long she has been out for. You will find out more about how long Bella has been out and what they have been treating her with in the next chapter.

Not quite finished… but getting closer to the finish line! Thanks to all of you who reviewed or added this story to your alerts or favorites!

Check out the thread for this story on Twilighted! Also check out my ff forum. Both links are located in my profile!