Chapter Thirty Five

Bella

As soon as we were at the bottom of the hill and headed for Pisa Jazz turned to me,

"What did Felix mean, you had something to tell me?"

"I didn't want to worry you while we were there Jazz but I'm not sure I'm going to make it. I'm in a lot of pain and I feel really ill."

He slammed the brakes on, pulling the car up abruptly and ran round to my side, almost ripping the hinges off in his haste to get to me. As soon as his arms were around me I felt a little better but he then felt my pain.

"How did you hide this from me Bella?"

"I don't know, I just knew if I'd told you I wouldn't be allowed to go with you and I had to meet the man who threatened our baby, we had to get Jamie back."

He held me close,

"Do you think you can hang on until we get to Pisa? If not I'll find a hospital as quickly as I can"

I shook my head,

"Ring Carlisle please, I need to speak to him."

He took out his phone and dialled Carlisle's number.

Carlisle

I was glad to see Jaspers number on my phone, desperate to hear news of Bella and Jamie.

"Carlisle its Bella she's in a lot of pain and she wants to talk to you"

Then I heard Bella's voice, very low,

"Carlisle, I don't know what's happening to me but I daren't go to a hospital. They'll realize I had a baby and might try to take him away. I'm so scared.

"Bella tell me your symptoms"

"I feel very hot, sick, and I have a terrible pain developing in my stomach, it started at the sight of the incision and is spreading outwards from a hot centre."

I had worried about the possibility of this outcome when Bella had the baby, trying to ensure his blood didn't contaminate hers.

"I think I know what's happening Bella. Can I speak to Jasper quickly please."

His voice was frantic with worry,

"Jasper I need you clear-headed and calm. Bella isn't dying."

"She's not?"

"No. I was afraid her blood might get contaminated by the baby's. Bella has started to transform into one of us but the venom in his blood was very weak so its taking much longer and there would be no good injecting more into her system now, her blood vessels will already be reacting. You need to get her somewhere quiet, try to keep her calm, and help her with the pain. Can you do that?"

"How long Carlisle?"

"I have no idea Jasper, I've never been here before either. I'll be on the next flight out, get someone to meet me in Pisa. I'll help all I can but its going to be tough for her."

Jasper

What had we done to Bella between us? Now she was going through a prolonged transformation because of my actions, Jamie's birth, was it all worth it? Alice had told me I had to choose between Bella and Jamie but it seemed she was wrong, unless she thought that seeing Bella turned by the venom in her system might send me mad. She would pay for her part in this!

"Jazz, come back to me. What did Carlisle say? You closed the connection before I had a chance to speak to him again."

I looked down at her fragile human body, a body I adored, one I had tasted to the full, and one that was being destroyed as I watched.

"It's the change, Jamie's blood contains venom and its attacked your internal organs."

"So I'll finally get to be like you"

She smiled in contentment and I hated to ruin her joy but she had to know.

"We said no secrets between us so I have to tell you what else he said. The transformation is going to be very slow and painful. We can't inject any more venom into your system because your blood vessels are already reacting. I'm so sorry Bella"

I kissed her hot lips then hugged her close to my chest as much for my comfort as hers.

Bella

I guess with all that had happened I shouldn't have expected any different but my fear for my own pain was overshadowed by the guilt and pain Jazz was feeling.

"Jazz listen to me. I'll be fine, it's just going take a little longer than usual. I want you to promise me you'll look after Jamie until it's over. He shouldn't be without both his parents."

He nodded, his face hidden in my hair.

"Why do I always cause you so much pain Bella?"

"You brought me the ultimate happiness Jazz, your love and a son. Now you be brave until it's over, for me and for Jamie. Promise me"

"I promise"

"Now let's get somewhere I can lay down."

He went back to the driver's seat and I lay my head on his shoulder trying really hard not to cry out with the pain that was rippling through my whole torso now. I wanted to see Jamie safe in his fathers arms before the venom took me away altogether and gritted my teeth as he drove way too fast along the winding Italian country roads.

Jasper

I could feel Bella's pain now but it was still muted, as if coming through a filter and I wondered if it was something she was doing unconsciously to protect me. I stroked her hair as I coaxed the engine to pick up even more speed. The engine was screaming in protest and the tires screeching and smoking with every tight bend in the road but I didn't care. The engine could blow up as long as it got us to safety first. Seeing the villa in the distance I stamped on the gas pedal even harder and there was a terrible crunching noise followed by steam and smoke from the engine compartment and as we coasted the last few hundred yards to the Villas driveway it seized altogether, coming to a shuddering halt. Grabbing Bella I cradled her in my arms and ran the length of the driveway to see the others standing at the doorway, Jamie in Roses arms, safe and back with us.

"Bella, Jamie's here. Rose has him"

She looked up, face strained with pain and her eyes focused in on our son.

"Put me down Jazz and fetch him please"

I did as she asked, Peter and Emmett coming to help her stand as I took Jamie from Rose's arms, holding him close to my chest. I walked the few paces to Bella and held him out for her to take but she shook her head.

"I don't think I could hold him Jazz but he's safe in his fathers arms and that's all I needed to see. I love you both. Keep him safe for me."

She would have crumpled to the floor but for the strong arms supporting her and Emmett scooped her up and raced upstairs with her, followed by Rose and Charlotte.

"What's the story Major?"

"Bella's blood was contaminated by Jamie's and she's started to change or so Carlisle thinks, he's on his way. Its going to be bad Peter"

"It's always bad but to go through it slowly that's a fucking nightmare scenario. Is there anything we can do? Inject more venom into her?"

"No, Carlisle says it's too late for that. Where's Esme?"

"I threw the fucking bitch in the cellar. I thought you might want to talk to her"

I looked down at my baby boy, thinking of all that had happened.

"Get Emmett and take her somewhere safe. I don't want Carlisle finding her here. We'll save her for Bella."

"I like your thinking"

He ran in, calling for Emmett and explaining as they went down to the cellar. Not wanting to see her or let her see my son again I took him upstairs to his mother. I wouldn't be letting him out of my sight until she woke, and I promised neither of them would ever be hurt again.