Breaking Free
Trigger Warning: This story contains scenes of domestic violence, and physical and emotional abuse. The main character was in an abusive relationship with her ex-boyfriend, who hurt her both physically and mentally. The story also depicts the main character's struggle to escape from the abuse and find love and healing with another person. If you are sensitive to these topics, please read with caution. If you are experiencing domestic violence or need help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit their website. You are not alone, and you deserve to be safe and happy.
Chapter 8
EDWARD
I watched Bella breathe, counting every rise and fall of her chest. She lay motionless and silent as if someone had shattered her porcelain skin and left her in pieces. I wished I could take away her pain, heal her wounds, and make her whole again.
I stroked her hair, whispered words of love and comfort, and hoped she could hear me, feel me, and know that I was here with her. I never wanted to leave her side.
I noticed a slight change in her expression. Her brows furrowed, her lips parted. She was waking up.
"Bella, you're awake," I said softly, feeling a wave of relief and joy wash over me as I smiled.
She looked at me, confused and scared. "Where am I?" she whispered, her voice hoarse and weak.
Before either of us could say more, the nurse entered the room, one I hadn't seen or spoken to before. She smiled at Bella and me.
"Miss Swan, glad to see you're finally awake. I'll let the doctor," the nurse said after checking the monitors.
"Thank you." Gratitude dripped from her lips like honey, as she whispered those two simple words, her eyes locked onto mine. It was a moment that held the weight of a thousand emotions, leaving me bewildered and searching for an answer to her unexpected gratitude.
"For what?" I asked, my confusion evident in my voice.
"For staying by my side. For being there when I needed someone. For guiding me towards the help I so desperately needed," she replied, her words causing my heart to flutter like a trapped bird. Her vulnerability was a magnet, pulling me closer to her.
Leaning in, I pressed a gentle kiss against her cheek, a silent reassurance that I was there for her, always. Pulling away, I whispered, "You're welcome."
We lingered at that moment, basking in the warmth of each other's presence until a knock on the door shattered the tranquility. The curtain was drawn back, revealing the doctor's kind smile as he entered the room.
"Miss Swan, now that you're awake, I would like to conduct another examination," he said, his voice gentle and soothing.
Reluctantly, I moved away from the bed and settled back into the chair I had occupied while waiting for Bella to wake. There was only one reason the doctor needed to examine her further–the possibility of a concussion.
The doctor began his routine, asking Bella a series of standard questions. Each answer she gave was a testament to her mental clarity until he posed the question that would reveal the severity of her condition.
"Do you know what day it is?" he inquired.
"Thursday, October 5th," Bella replied, her voice steady.
"And who is the president?" he continued.
A heavy silence hung in the air, as Bella closed her eyes, searching for the answer within herself. Just as I began to lose hope, she uttered the correct name. "Angelique Kane."
The doctor smiled kindly at Bella and me, then turned his attention to Bella. "Miss Swan, I'm afraid you have a severe concussion," he said, his voice gentle but serious. "Do you know what that means?"
Bella shook her head slightly, looking scared and confused.
"A concussion is a type of brain injury that happens when your brain is shaken inside your skull by a strong force, such as a blow to the head," the doctor explained. "It can affect your brain function, such as your memory, concentration, balance, and coordination."
He paused, then continued. "A severe concussion means that your brain injury is more serious and may take longer to heal. It also means that you may have more symptoms and risks than a mild or moderate concussion."
"What kind of symptoms and risks?" I asked, feeling worried for Bella.
The doctor looked at me, then back at Bella. "Some of the common symptoms of a severe concussion are headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, and fatigue," he said. "These symptoms may last for days, weeks, or even months. You may also experience some changes in your mood, behavior, and personality, such as being more irritable, anxious, or depressed."
He took a deep breath, then said. "Some of the possible risks of a severe concussion are post-concussion syndrome, second impact syndrome, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy."
He saw the blank expressions on our faces and elaborated. "Post-concussion syndrome is when your symptoms persist for more than three months after the injury. Second impact syndrome is when you suffer another concussion before your first one has healed, which can cause rapid and fatal brain swelling. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a degenerative brain disease that can develop after repeated concussions over time, which can cause cognitive impairment, dementia, and other neurological problems."
He stopped talking and waited for our reactions.
I felt a surge of fear and anger as I listened to the doctor's words. How could Chris do this to Bella? How could he cause so much damage to her brain? How could he put her life in danger?
I looked at Bella and saw the fear and pain in her eyes. She looked so fragile and vulnerable in the hospital bed. She looked like she needed me more than ever.
I reached out and held her hand tightly, trying to comfort her. I whispered in her ear, "Don't worry, Bella. You're going to be okay. I'm here for you." I turned to the doctor. "What about flashbacks?"
"Not uncommon," he said.
"What about my other injuries?" she inquired, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity and trepidation.
The doctor, with a tablet in hand, proceeded to display a series of images. "Contusions on your ribs, stomach, and right thigh," he revealed, his tone matter-of-fact. "Three cracked ribs, to be precise. Additionally, you have cuts and bruises adorning your face and arms. I stitched up a wound on your left thigh, too."
I couldn't bear to meet anyone's gaze, my eyes fixated on the floor. I had already been informed of these injuries, but the revelation of the extent of the cracked ribs was news to me. However, I knew better than to let my anger surface, especially in Bella's presence. If it weren't for the consequences of hunting down and exacting revenge on Chris, I would have pursued him relentlessly. Taking a deep breath, I composed myself and lifted my head.
The doctor continued, his voice steady and reassuring. "The scans we conducted upon your arrival indicate no fractures or internal bleeding. However, I will perform another ultrasound to reconfirm, now that the swelling has subsided."
Desperately hoping that Bella could return home with me, I mustered the courage to ask, "Will she have to spend the night here?"
The doctor turned his gaze towards me, contemplating his response. "I will monitor her for another two hours. If she remains stable during that time, I will grant her release." He then shifted his attention back to Bella. "How does that sound, Miss Swan?"
A weariness and fear tinged Bella's voice as she replied, "That would be nice. My father will be arriving soon, and I'm certain he'll stay by my side."
I will stay with you too, Bella, I silently said.
"Very well. A detective is waiting to speak with you. Are you willing to speak with him?" the doctor inquired, his expression filled with genuine concern.
Bella's gaze shifted towards me, her eyes filled with a sense of apprehension. I had kept her in the dark about what the police officer had discovered when we went to retrieve her purse. It was a conversation that I had been dreading, but it was one that she needed to hear. "I think you should, Bella," I said, trying to muster up an encouraging smile. "He might have some valuable information about Chris' motive and whereabouts. He could help us catch him and put him behind bars. And pressing formal charges might get you a restraining order."
Bella's head bobbed slowly, her eyes fixed on mine. She looked determined and brave, despite the fear that I knew was gnawing at her insides. "Alright," she said, her voice steady. "I'll talk to him."
The doctor beamed at her, his eyes filled with admiration. "That's very brave of you, Miss Swan," he said, his voice laced with respect. "I'll let him know that you're ready. He'll be here in a few minutes."
As he left the room, closing the door behind him, I turned to Bella and saw the tears that had welled up in her eyes. I reached out and took her hand, squeezing it gently. "You're doing the right thing," I said, my voice soft and reassuring.
Detective Ryan Carter strode into the room a few minutes later, his face set in a serious expression.