AN: I had wanted to put this up earlier, but somehow I fanfiction stopped working for a few days... I couldn't log in... very weird.
Anyway thankfully it's working now!
So here's the next chapter!
Chapter 51
EPOV
I woke up to someone bustling around the room. I groaned and squeezed my eyes shut for a moment, not wanting to face the world just yet.
Yesterday had been a nightmare, and though we had been lucky, it still haunted me and made me feel anxious. I hadn't slept great, though Bella's presence had helped. I'd woken a few times in a cold sweat swearing I could feel James's hands around my neck, finishing the job. But then as I saw her sleepign soundly next to me, I'd been able to calm myself down and get back to sleep. Until I woke up again that is.
And the pain in my throat also didn't help. I couldn't really get comfortable even through the pain killers.
I felt around the bed, hoping Bella was somewhere within reach. I was glad she was alright, that she'd come through the event unscathed.
I moved my hand further, swiping it blindly through the air, until I heard a giggle and the bustling around the room stopped.
I cracked open one eye.
My hand was outstretched, hanging off the bed, but there was nothing there to reach for. Bella's bed was back in it's original position. I scanned the room and found Bella standing at the foot of my bed with a smile on her face.
'Hi' she said with another giggle.
I swallowed once, preparing myself to speak, but I grimaced in pain as I swallowed. I barely manged it and it felt like someone was forcing barbed wire down my throat. If that was simply swallowing I wasn't sure what speaking would feel like, but I was sure I didn't really want to find out.
I lifted my hand instead and waved at her.
She frowned and came over the my side and offered me a cup with some ice chips. 'Eat some of these. Your throat will probably be sore.'
I sat up slowly, wincing slightly as the movement pulled on my neck muscles, and took the cup gratefully from her.
'Did you sleep okay?' she asked as she swept some hair from my forehead.
I shrugged once.
'Did you have a nightmare?'
I shrugged again. I didn't really want to worry her, or bring up what was certainly an unpleasant night for her as well. James' face had been at the forefront of my nightmares, that nasty smile he'd given me when he'd wrapped the cord around my neck haunted me.
I shuddered as it swam into my mind again unbidden.
Bella noticed and wrapped her arms around me. 'It's okay, we're safe here.' She muttered into my hair.
A tiny shudder wracked through her frame as well, and I wrapped my own arms around her tightly.
For a moment we just held each other.
A little while later there was a knock on the door and we broke apart. The door opened a moment later and Carlisle walked in.
He smiled when he saw us, sat close together on the bed. He came over and picked up my chart.
'I see you had a decent enough night. No trouble breathing.'
I shook my head.
'Good. More pain today?' he asked, looking at me critically.
I knew I wouldn't be able to downplay what I was feeling to him, so I just nodded. 'I'll make sure you get some pain medication.'
Then he turned to Bella. 'did you get some rest?'
She nodded. 'yes, thank you.'
'I've got your discharge papers here, you'll have to sign them. And I've arranged for you to spent the night tonight as a guest, not a patient.'
'Thank you so much.' Bella squeezed my hand as she smiled at Carlisle.
'Now, let's see how you really are.' Carlisle stepped closer as Bella dropped my hand and stepped back.
He started feeling around my throat and then made me swallow as he was still feeling around my throat. It was painful to say the least, but I also wasn't expecting the slight fear that was creeping up my spine at the feel of somethign touching my throat. Thankfully he quickly moved on. I had to open my mouth and he looked at my throat with a light.
He was frowning when he finally stepped back. 'The swelling is worse. Are you having difficulty breathing?'
I shook my head. 'Hurts' I managed to whisper out, trying to indicate that it just hurt worse than yesterday but that was all.
Carlisle nodded, but his face was suddenly tight with worry. That didn't help the growing anxiety in my own chest, and I could see Bella hovering anxiously by the foot of the bed. 'I'm ordering an X-ray just to be sure.'
'Is he okay?' Bella asked anxiously, biting her lip.
Calrisle nodded. 'Yes. His oxygen levels are good, but I'm not happy about how the swelling has worsened, it shouldn't have worsened this much.' His hand gripped my shoulder and he squeezed. 'but perhaps I'm just being overly cautious. I've never treated you for more than a few scrapes.'
He gave me a small grin, but I saw how worried he was then. Yesterday must have been hell for him too. Just like it had been for me and Bella.
I nodded and gave him a small smile. I wanted to assure them both that I would be okay, but honestly, I was feeling like shit. I wasn't so sure right now myself.
'I'll get you scheduled for an X-ray and get the pain medication.' Carlisle said after squeezing my shoulder once again then he quickly left the room.
Bella immediately replaced him, sitting on the side of my bed and grabbing hold of my hand tightly. 'you'll be okay.' she whispered, though I could see the panic building in her eyes.
I nodded.
She brushed some hair from my eyes and leaned down to press a kiss to my forehead. When she pulled back she was crying. I frowned, brushing a few tears away.
'why?' I whispered, hoping she'd understand I was asking why she was crying.
She sniffed and harshly wiped at her eyes. 'I'm sorry, I'm being silly. I shouldn't be making you worry about me. you should just focus on getting better.'
She made a move to get up off the bed, but I grabbed her wrist before she could get away. I frowned at her when she turned back. Her tears were still rolling down her cheeks. 'tell me' I rasped.
She didn't meet my gaze for a moment, then her shoulders sagged and she crumbled. She fell onto the bed, putting her head on my chest and sobbing uncontrollably. I wrapped my arms around her tightly my eyes widening in shock. I knew this had been scary for her, but I hadn't expected this.
'bella?'
'I'm so scared.' She whispered brokenly. 'I'm so scared I'm going to lose you too'
I sucked in a ragged breath and clutched her tighter against my chest as my heart seemed to shatter into a million pieces. 'never' I whispered.
'When he wrapped that cord around your neck… I was so scared. And then you dropped to the ground and didn't move, I… I was terrified. And now…' she trailed off into another sob.
The door to the room opened again and Carlisle stepped inside again. He seemed shocked for a moment at what was happening, and I met his gaze trying to convey to him that I needed his help assuring Bella that I was goign to be fine.
'fine.' I rasped out, brushing her hair soothingly and holding her tightly against me.
'You're not fine!' Bella burst out though, breaking away from me. 'and it's my fault.'
Thankfully Carlisle grasped the situation quickly, he stepped in and pulled Bella into his arms. She struggled against him for a moment, but then sagged into his embrace.
'calm down, now, my dear girl.' Carlisle soothed her. 'calm down now.'
She sobbed harder for a moment, but then finally after a few minutes seemed to calm down somewhat.
'It's not your fault.' Carlisle spoke firmly, yet gently. 'The actions of a madman, are just that. It's no one's fault. And you know that too. If you stop for a moment and think about it, you know that too.'
She shook her head. 'but he's still hurt.' She wailed.
Carlisle nodded. 'and I'm worried too. But we were in time Bella. You were in time. You saved his life. He's not out of the woods, but he's in the best place possible to get him better.' He pushed her away slightly, and forced her to look at him. 'he will get better.'
'but..'
Carlisle shook his head. 'do you really think I'll let anything happen to him in my own care?'
Bella sniffled and they stared at each other for a moment. Finally Bella nodded, it was a small nod, but it was a nod nonetheless.
I breathed a sigh of relief, then immediately wished I hadn't as it felt like my throat was on fire.
Carlisle turned to me and smiled, though it was a small smile and the concern was definitely in his eyes. 'Now, let's get you some pain relief.'
I nodded gratefully.
Bella sniffled and then returned to my side, holding my hand again. I squeezed hers and she gave me a watery smile. I pursed my lips, indicating I wanted a kiss. She smiled a more genuine smile now.
'you only think of one thing, don't you?' she grinned.
I shrugged and pursed my lips again. She giggled and then finally pressed her lips to mine.
When she pulled back, Carlisle was just pulling the needle out of the IV. 'I've given you something for the pain, it may make you a bit drowsy, so I want you to sleep if you feel the need to. Your body needs as much rest as pissbile.'
'I'll make sure he sleeps.' Bella said immediately. I gave her a smile.
'Your X-ray will be at two this afternoon. I couldn't get an earlier slot, sadly. But it will be fine. It's only for my own piece of mind, anyway.'
Bella bit her lip but nodded. I nodded too.
'Now, I have to get back to my rounds. Esme will be here in a few minutes.' He said, glancing at his watch. 'I'll be back in time for your X-ray. Oh and Edward? If you notice anything getting worse, call for the nurse immediately. This is nothing to be trivial about.'
He regarded me seriously so I knew this was an order, not a request. I nodded. I might have sometimes played a bit fast and lose with recovering from injuries, but I knew I needed to take this seriously, not just for my own sake, but for Bella's too.
He left after giving my shoulder a pat.
Bella fussed over me for a bit after he left, fluffing my pillow and making sure I had enough to drink and that my blanket was firmly tucked around me. Finally she sat down next to me again and I clasped her hand tightly in mine.
I felt the medication take effect and my eyelids started to feel slightly heavy.
'stay?' I whispered, as I started to feel myself slip into unconsciousness.
'always.' She whispered back, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek.
I dozed for a while, hovering on the edge of slumber and being awake. Bella remained by my side.
I must have dozed off somewhat because I was awoken by someone coming into my room.
'Bella, dear!' I recognized Esme's voice immediately.
'Esme' Bella whispered, releasing my hand.
I opened my eyes and turned to look at the woman who had been my mother for so many years. She was clutching Bella tightly to her as tears were streaming down her face.
'Oh my dear, I was so worried. Carlisle said I had to wait for visiting hours to come. I'm so sorry I couldn't be here earlier.'
'it's okay, Esme. I understand.'
'how are you?' She asked, holding Bella at arm's length and checking her over from head to toe.
'I'm okay. Carlisle checked me over. Edward got the worst of it.'
Esme's eyes locked on mine then. Her eyes refilled with tears but first she hugged Bella again. 'I'm glad you're okay.'
When she released Bella she slowly made her way over to my bed, her lip was quivering as she was trying to hold in her tears.
'Oh my boy.' She finally whispered.
'mom' I whispered, not able to manage much more.
With a sob she threw herself onto the bed and hugged me tightly, I cried too as I lost myself in the warm embrace of my mother. She held me close, brushing my hair with her hand, rocking us softly from side to side as we cried in each other's arms.
'my dear boy.' She whispered. 'I love you so much.'
After a while she pulled back and brushed her thumbs under my eyes, wiping away my tears. 'I'm so proud of you, son.' She whispered. 'but please don't ever make me worry like that again. You just sit here and listen to your father and get better.'
I nodded.
She hugged me again, holding me tightly. Finally she pulled back and gave me a watery smile. 'I brought some pyjama's for you, so you can be comfortable. And I brought your ipod so you can listen to music and I brought a few books.'
I smiled and opened my mouth to thank her, but she quickly pressed her hand over my mouth. 'no, don't speak, I know it hurts to talk. So just nod and I'll know you're saying thank you.'
I nodded and smiled. She returned it and stood up from the bed and moved over to the table she'd put her bag on. She started unpacking the items she'd brought for me. Bella helped her put everything away, including some stuff for her.
'What happen?' I asked her, hoping she'd understand I meant with James and Laurent after I'd passed out. I wasn't sure if she knew anything, but I was pretty sure that Esme would have tried to get all the information after she heard what happened.
'Last night?' Esme asked, looking at me. I nodded. she bit her lip for a moment. then nodded. 'I spoke to Kate this morning. James has been arrested and charged with two counts of attempted murder and one count of aggravated assault and one count of extortion and two counts of blackmail.'
I frowned. that sounded much more than just what happened to me and Bella.
'The guards?' Bella asked.
Esme nodded. 'the two attempted murders are for what he did - sorry alledgedly - did to one guard and Edward. and the other guard went down to aggravated assault. what he did to you is counted as extortion and blackmail. and apparently he was also blackmailing laurent to be there last night. Laurent hadn't wanted to take it that far and when james knocked out the guard he wanted out, but james made him an accesroy by that point and he forced laurent to continue. or so laurent is saying, according to Kate.'
I shuddered at how bad everything could have gone. attempted murder... was that really what had happened? I unconsciously rubbed at the marks around my throat. Though I hoped he would get locked away for a long time, it seemed unreal that I would be the cause for that.
'what will happen now?' Bella asked
'They're both in jail until the arraignment. the police will probably take both of your statements before then, and then the DA will take it from there. Kate had her colleague file a protective order against James for you both as well.'
'What are the press saying?' Bella asked.
'There's been headline after headline about it. Most of it is still speculation.' Esme said with a frown. 'It will probably stay that way until the DA leverages charges against them formally. which should be tomorrow.'
Bella and I looked at each other. then Bella sighed. 'Let's not worry about it now.' she said, coming over to me. 'They're locked up and we're safe, that's the important part.'
Esme nodded. 'You're right. And i'm so glad you're both okay.'
She continued putting my things away until my stomach grumbled loudly. I glanced at the clock and noticed it was already lunch time. I frowned, I had dozed for quite a few horus it seemed. I was pretty sure I'd missed breakfast, but I wasn't too sorry about that, the thought of having to swallow something other than a liquid was not great. But I was getting hungry.
'You didn't eat yet. I'll go find a nurse.' Bella said, after hearing my stomach growl again.
'Oh no, I'll go. You stay here.' Esme said, tunring and heading out of the room, before Bella could protest. I shook my head.
Bella came over to the bed and I pursed my lips again. She giggled and pressed a kiss to my lips.
'Not your fault.' I told her when she pulled back. she frowned. 'guards.' I explained. I hoped she got I was trying to tell her it wasn't her fault the guards were hurt.
'It's not my fault the guards are hurt?' she asked. I nodded. 'I'm trying to not to think it's my fault, but I do hate that they're badly hurt.'
I nodded in agreement.
Esme came back in then, with a nurse in tow. 'good afternoon' the nurse greeted with a kind smile. 'I've come to bring some lunch.'
Bella and Esme made some room for her to pull up the little side table on wheels and roll it over to me. The nurse put the tray on it and I stared at it for a moment. To my relief there were no solids, but I still wasn't looking forward to eating.
'These are nutritional smoothies, They're chocolate flavoured. There's also some jello-o and finally applesauce. Try to eat everything, as you'll need the calorie intake, but if you feel any discomfort don't push yourself. Take your time with it.'
I nodded that I understood and the nurse left again.
I turned to Bella and indicated my head to the door.
She frowned. 'I'm not leaving.'
I shook my head and then gestured to the tray of food and pointed to her. I needed to get a notepad or something, this was getting difficult. Thankfully Esme understood what I was getting at.
'I think he means that he wants you to go eat something as well, Bella.' Esme said. 'when did you eat last?'
Bella seemed to think for a moment and then shrugged. 'I guess it's been a while.' she admitted sheepishly. It had to be at least 24 hours I figured. She'd not eaten dinner last night, and I'm pretty sure she stayed with me through breakfast. So by my calculations her last meal would ahve been lunch yesterday, which couldn't have been much as she'd been busy at work.
'Then let's go down to the cafeteria and eat something.' Esme suggested and I nodded in agreement.
'but… are you sure, Edward?' Bella asked, biting her lip.
I nodded again and raised my nutritional smoothie at her in cheers.
She grinned and I smiled back. 'go' I whispered. 'eat.'
'No talking.' Esme told me sternly. Then she turned ot Bella. 'come on, dear. LLet's go eat something, before he keeps trying to speak. You know he'll be in good hands. Nothing will happen to him here. And you need your strength too.'
They walked out of the room together and I slowly sipped my shake, wincing every so often but glad there was something filling my stomach. My mind went over everything that had happened since yesterday, trying to give it all a place in my mind. I was shocked to learn what had happened to the guards, I couldn't believe James would really be so violent. I mean, he did nearly kill me, but I just couldn't believe he was willing to murder people just for a seat on the board. it seemed so trivial in comparison. I did wonder if Laurent really was coerced into going along with James's plan, or if he was trying to cover his ass. I hoped the DA would hurry up so we could get some closure on everything.
