Thank you everyone for your kind words and patience with me. I'm just dealing with a lot of things in my real life and its been hard, so thank you for sticking by. I'm giving you a heads up, chapter 40 will be the final chapter for this story. The last two years of writing this have been wonderful and you have all helped me become a better author. I have other story ideas I would like to explore, so hopefully you will all stick with me. To my great friend Audrey, thank you for all the help!
CHAPTER 38
I sat beside Edward's bed, watching his chest rise and fall rhythmically indicating he was sleeping. A calm washed over me, he was awake no longer in a coma, I could breathe easier. The whole scene played out in my head; I was grateful that he was out of the coma, but a part of me took blame for it.
If it wasn't for me James would have never attacked Edward to begin with. I know what Edward would say, stop blaming yourself, you didn't do anything wrong. But was that true? I had to stop thinking that way, it wasn't healthy.
I stood from the chair and walked out of the room. I told the nurse I just needed some fresh air. I was sure she would be happy to see me go, I haven't left since he arrived. As I made my way to the elevator something pings inside of my brain.
James was still in this very hospital. I was sure he was heavily guarded by police. I needed to confront him while he was in a vulnerable state. Thinking of all the times he took advantage of me at my weakest.
So I pushed the button to the third floor where I knew he was, inadvertently finding this information by over hearing Liam speaking to Officer Smith. Room 402 to be exact. Officer Smith described it as the floor for psych patients and criminals.
It seemed to take the elevator forever to get to the next floor when in reality it was less than a minute. As the doors opened I hesitated for a moment, was this a good idea? What would Edward think? The door began to close, but I stopped it with my hand.
I stepped off and headed in the direction of the room number. It was late, I would say about 12am. The nurse's station looked to be deserted as I passed it. The whole floor seemed to be eerily quiet. I gulped down air and walked forward.
I noticed a lot of the rooms here were empty, I found it odd, but kept walking. Turning the corner, my destination wasn't hard to find when I spotted two armed officers standing guard outside of the room. I wasn't really sure what I expected. Did I really believe I could just get all the way up here and it would be that easy?
As I turn to leave, knowing there is no way the cops would let me pass, I ran smack into Liam!
"Bella?" He looked at me confused.
"Oh hey." I give him a small wave.
"What are you doing up here?" His face looking tired.
"I um, I wanted to talk to James." I mumble fiddling with an invisible string on my shirt.
"And what in your right mind made you think that was a good idea? When this goes to court, you will get your chance to speak to him." Liam sighs.
"I didn't really think it through I guess. I just wanted to get an opportunity to say my peace while I'm able to. Please don't tell Edward I was here, okay?" I look up at his face.
He shakes his head, looking lost in thought for a moment before he addresses me again.
"Listen Bella this goes against everything I know about this guy and about my job. He's dangerous, he tried to kill you!" Liam's voice was exhausted.
"I know; that's exactly why I came up here. Geez, I should go." I turned to walkway before Liam grabbed my arm.
I stared at him with confusion as his hand dropped.
"He's on a ventilator; he's not really in good shape. You can go in there and scream and yell if you want to, but he won't hear a thing and that would be a tragedy in itself, so just wait until the court date, when you have your chance to really speak your mind." Liam gives me a small smile.
"What if he doesn't wake up? What if he dies and I never get to say what I need to say? That just doesn't seem far." I huff.
"Does it matter Bella? Either way, it's over. You get to live your life with the man you love. Isn't that payback enough?" Liam touches my shoulder.
In that simple gesture I realize how much this man standing in front of me has protected not only me, but the people I love, especially Edward. He's right, every word. I see why Edward regards him so highly.
"Thank you Liam." I wrap my arms around his waist, seeing that he is so tall.
He looks taken back by my sudden bout of affection, but hugs me just the same. He's been such a good friend to us, like a family member.
He pulls back and regards me softly. "Go to Edward."
I nod and walk toward the elevator, pushing it to go to the 2nd floor where my love is fast asleep.
I arrive back in Edward's room where he is still dreaming. I recline the seat and grab the blanket I cast aside earlier, wrapping it around me. I take Edward's hand in mine and fall asleep myself.
The next few days are filled with tests and questioning. Officer Smith interviews Edward, getting his side of things. I learn that he jumped in front of a bullet meant for me, not him. That news was shocking to me.
"Is that all? Because I'm really not up for anymore." Edward's voice agitated.
"I think I got everything I need, thank you Mr. Cullen for your time. Ms. Swan." Smith nods his head and walks out of the room.
"Well as much fun as that was, glad it's over." Edward smiles at me from his place on the bed.
"Are you happy about going home tomorrow?" I ask biting down on my lip, not sure how this makes him feel at all.
"It will be interesting to see what you've done with the place." He smirks.
Oh I have done so much, he will never recognize it. As James was capable of breaking into the penthouse and shooting the man I love, I could never bare to go back there. I didn't care what Esme did with anything in there, it was all tainted by James in my eyes.
So I moved us across town to another penthouse of Alice's choosing of course because what did I know about purchasing that kind of real estate Edward said it didn't matter where we lived, as long as it was together.
"I hope you like it." I looked down at my lap folding my hands.
"Hey, look at me." He nudged me with his fingers on my chin.
I looked up into those green eyes, just wishing I could get lost in them.
"Is everything okay? I'm sure you did a wonderful job making the place special; I'm not worried about it. You being there is all that counts." He tries to reassure me.
"How are you so calm all the time? I mean you got shot and you act like it was nothing." I could feel the tears stinging my eyes.
"We all deal with things differently. Yes I now have a permanent scar, but it's a reminder of what I didn't lose; you." He pulls at my hand to make me stand.
He brings his arms around my waist and pulls me in close to him. The softness of the silk pajamas he is wearing is comforting and the way he smells makes me feel safe. I wrap my arms around his neck and he breathes me in.
"Never doubt how much you mean to me. I truly would die for you." He pushes a lock of hair behind my ear
"That's just it! It should have never come to that. I should have been more careful, less naive." I shook my head.
"Stop blaming yourself. He's a crazy lunatic that will get what is coming to him." Edward begins to grimace.
We finally found out two days ago what Carmen injected me with, a drug called prolixin. It's supposed to be used for mental disorders, but it has a high risk of side effects. Mix it with a little chloroform and you have one deadly combination.
It's undetectable in the blood, but since Liam found the syringe, he was able to have it tested and that's how we found out what it was. Apparently it causes seizures, which is what I ended up having, though I'm sure the effect Carmen was going for were far worse.
The next morning while Edward signed his discharge papers, the doctor went over his at home care and cautions, one which Edward was far happy from hearing.
"No hard physical activity for the next 6 weeks. We need to keep your heart rate low except for physical therapy. Any questions for me?" The doctor asked.
"Does that include sex?" Edward asked so matter of factly
I nearly fell of my chair the way his tone was so cool and monotone.
"No physical activities Edward, that includes sex." The doctor gave him a pointed look
I knew after the no sex part, Edward stopped listening. He had done nothing but talk to me about how he would ravish me once we left this place. His plans were nixed. Edward shook his head and dismissed the doctor.
"Alright then Edward, good luck." Doc nodded and walked out the room.
A nurse came in with a wheel chair that Edward immediately gave her a look that said hell no not happening.
"It's hospital procedure sir, I'm afraid you have to let me wheel you out." The young nurse looking timid and a little shaken by the glare he was giving her.
I had to roll my eyes at him. He needed to let the poor girl do her job.
"Edward sit in the damn chair so we can leave." I glare at him.
"I will not! I am capable of walking out on my own. This..." He waves at the wheelchair. "…Is not necessary."
"But sir." Her voice trails off as he bypasses her into the hall, carrying his suitcase.
He presses the button for the elevator and waits for me to get on, but I just fold my arms over my chest, feeling rather embarrassed by his dismissal of that nurse.
"What?" He tries to smile, but I will not join in.
"That was so rude Edward, I can't believe you!" I stomp my foot.
"Bella I've been sitting in a damn bed for three weeks, I want to use my legs, is that okay?" His eyes displaying tiredness
I don't say anything. I just stare at him and he exhales.
"Would it make you feel better if I apologize?' He grins.
But the grin is short lived once the elevator dings and the door opens. The wind is knocked out of me completely. There in the elevator sitting in his own wheelchair is James, he is accompanied of course by three policemen. However it doesn't quiet the ache inside of me.
Edward watches my line of vision and quickly moves me away. James just tilts his head sideways and winks and smiles. It takes everything inside of me not to jump on and choke the shit out of him. But Edward pulls me as far away as possible.
As the doors begin to close James waves at me, throwing me a kiss. I want to die.
I'm trembling beside Edward as he pulls me close into him, trying to comfort me with words and touch I'm barely even registering. I have no doubt they are meant to calm me, but my normal response isn't working. I just replay the scene of my love being shot in our hallway over and over.
But I'm not trembling in fear, I'm trembling in anger. No longer will I fear this man, he doesn't deserve my vulnerability. I shake out of Edward's embrace, his face completely confused and worried. I run to the exit for the stairs. Clearly hearing Edward's pleading voice for me to come back, but I ignore his words.
I run as fast as my feet will carry me down the tight hospital stair well. I finally reach the first floor, just catching James' form standing from the wheelchair. I'm behind him, he doesn't see me. I advance with all my strength shoving him, his knees hitting the ground hard.
He turns quickly, face going from grim to devious.
"I knew you had it in you darling." He laughs.
"You piece of shit." I scream; kicking him in the side before a police officer grabs me around the waist, hauling me away from him as I struggle.
"I see I didn't finish the job, don't worry I will." His sinister laugh echoes in my ears.
"Don't Bella!" The voice of sweet silky velvet halts the reply about to leave my lips.
I turn and face Edward who looks winded. Sweat dripping down his face, he followed me! The two officers push James out of the hospital quickly and once he's out of view, the other officer lets me go. I fall into Edward's arms that are suddenly in front of me.
The tears fall down my cheeks. The exhaustion of 100 lives takes over me as I rest in his strong loving arms. He just hugs me tightly to him.
"Let's go home." He whispers in my ear.
I nod and we walk out of the door where Liam is waiting with Garret to take us home, away from this awful place.
Hardly two minutes in the car I'm sound asleep against Edward. What felt like five minutes of sleep turned into all night..
I sit up to stretch and realize I'm lying in my bed. How I got there, I have no idea. Edward obviously is in no shape to pick me up. I turn to see him sleeping soundly beside me, a smile spreading across my face.
I notice that his hair has grown longer than I'm used to, but I don't mind it too much. I sweep a piece that lingers in front of his eyes, hearing him give a pleasurable sigh. How did I ever think at one point I could live without him in my life? Now that thought is pure torture.
"Do you always stare at me when I sleep?" I see a flutter of green as Edward opens his eyes.
"Just since the accident, I can't help it. Seeing you actually wake up has given me a new outlook on a lot of things. The simple pleasure of seeing you open your eyes; it's so much to appreciate, I'll never take it for granted again." I smile stroking his cheek.
He grabs my wrist and places his sweet lips on my pulse point.
"Thank you." then kisses my hand.
"No need to thank me, I love you and I'm so happy you're okay." I can feel that familiar sting of tears.
"I knew you would be on the right side of whatever God had planned for me." He winked.
He begins to rise from the bed, but I yank him back down, grabbing his face and kissing him fiercely, I never want to let go. But then I hear him moan and its not from pleasure. My momentary lapse brings me back to the fact he is still recovering from a gunshot wound.
"I'm sorry!" I gasp pulling away.
He just smiles and caresses my face.
"Don't ever be sorry for expressing your love." He touches his fingers to his lip.
The gesture reassuring to let me know how good it felt.
"Let me make you breakfast." I smile bouncing off the bed.
A few days home and we are already settling back into our routines. Edward returned to work the day after being released, after promising me he would take it easy. He says work is a stress reliever for him; I used to believe that was what I was for, I think wryly.
A few weeks have passed and Carmen's trial is today. It's a beautiful April day, one I would rather not waste going to court. But alias I must be there, star witness and all. So I check my reflection in the mirror.
I have on a black dress that goes to my knees and my hair is pinned back on the sides. Not too flashy, but professional looking enough. I slide on my black heels and slip on my engagement ring. I never get tired of wearing it, no matter how fancy it may be.
I walk out of the closet and watch as Edward adjusts his tie in the bathroom mirror. He has on a white dress shirt, purple tie and black suit. His hair is slicked back, reminding me of the first time I ever saw him. I stroll behind him, putting my hands on his chest.
We haven't had sex since Valentine's Day! Who would have expected my Edward to actually heed the advice of someone else? I guess his health is very important to him.
"What were you thinking the first time we met?" I lean my chin on his shoulder.
"How much I wanted to bend you over my car." He smirks in the mirror.
I should be surprised, but my thoughts wandered to the same place.
"What did you expect? You were absolutely gorgeous, what man wouldn't think that looking at you?" He turns his head to face me.
"I love you." I kiss his cheek.
"I love you too." He turns to face me.
.
He wraps his arms around my waist, lifting me up and turning me, placing me on the bathroom counter. He smooths his hand across my face, gently, and the look in his eyes shows his unconditional devotion to me.
I copy his action, pulling his face to my level and kiss him softly on the lips. Lips I have kissed so many times, but never tire of how amazing they feel. His hands reach for my thighs, pulling me closer, the kiss increased with passion.
Our bodies now pressed tight together, molding as the fierce kissing continues until we are completely wanton and I can take no more.
"I miss you so much!" He growls nipping at my earlobe.
"Every single inch of this beautiful body, I miss exploring it, touching, feeling it. I need you like I'm dying of thirst." His lips exploring further down my cleavage.
"But the doctor said." I moan.
"Fuck him!" Edward groans and easily pushes up my dress exposing my thighs.
I fiddle with his belt buckle, needing no more encouragement then what he just gave. I push down his pants and boxers, revealing a very hard Edward. I take him in my hand and stroke his shaft, he lets out a pleasurable sound.
"Oh Bella I need to be inside of you!" He belts growls out.
With that, he pulls down my panties and moves me enoughpulls me forward on the counter to position himself to enter. He slides into me gently, testing himself. He moves in and out slowly, such a delicious tease. Then I realize he's just making sure to ease himself inside of me, since we have been without this for a whilewhat seems an eternity.
But I'm too eager to have him, to I want him to give me a fast hard fuck, that so I thrust up my hips and take control of the situation. He feels wonderful, like no feeling in the world could replace. He moves with his a steady rhythm inside of me, both of us moaning and groaning.
But too soon we are taking distracted from this pleasureable place by the voice of Liam in the hall, telling us we are going to be late for court. One final thrust and we both succumb, not that surprising considering this is the longest Edward and I have ever gone without making love.
Has As we both hurriedly straighten out our clothes and head down stairs, Liam stands with a slight smirk on his face. I can feel the blush rising to my cheeks, knowing he heard us, but Edward acts unfazed. Edward helps me with into my jacket and we head out to the open door Liam is holding open for us.
Garret is waiting holding the door to the town car as Edward gestures for me to get in first. I slide over to the window and I feel Edward get in beside me. The door closes and soon Garret is back in his place while Liam trails follows in another car behind us.
Once we are en route, Edward takes my hand into his, kissing each knuckle gently.
"Are you nervous or scared?" He asks full concern in his voice.
"No, if the court system as any justice at all then this will be very quick. She poisoned me, nothing else to say." I shrug.
"You don't have to act strong for me." He pulls my attention from the window.
"I'm not. I just want to go on with our lives. To be married, have kids, you know just you and me." I try to assure him I'm fine.
In all honesty, I am fine. Carmen nor James can no longer interfere in our lives, can no longer touch isus. This is the end of the road for them. But for me and Edward it's only thejust beginning.
"You want to have my baby?" His voice calm but intense.
I turn to really get a good look at him. His features so soft, so mild. The thought of us having a child together, it pleases him. We had spoken of children briefly, but from the tiny twinkle in his eyes, he definitely likes the idea.
"What woman in her right mind wouldn't want a kid with you? Just look at you." I wave my hand appraising over him.
"Its not just about good genes though." I add.
"The money helps too." He gives a small chuckle.
"Yeah and that too." I say nonchalantly.
"I'm wounded." He holds a hand to his heart.
"Yes you are." I laugh feeling the irony of what he is saying.
"We are here Mr. Cullen." Garret announcers from the front seat as the car comes to a stop.
Edward and I look at each other, giving one another a silent pep talk. We both nod and Garret opens the door as Edward slides out, leaving his hand for me to take as he pulls assists me out of the car.
Cameras begin to flash and reporters are shoving their mics into our faces asking all kinds of scandalous questions. Without even realizing it, our attorney Mr. Masen is answering questions, swaying drawing them away.
Has As we escape the tabloid circus, we enter into the main hall of the courthouse. We are being escorted by two men in suits to another a witness room, but before we can get too far, a familiar voice beaconsshouts my name.
I turn and I see Jacob...
So sorry for such a long delay, but life is something of a train wreck for me right now, hope you all support and understand... Let me know what you think...