Chapter 16

~What's Your Emergency?~

Leah gapes at me for a moment before a few tears spill down her cheeks. Mortified, she yanks the sheet over her head. "Edward, c-can I have my clothes, please?"

I gather the garments from beside the bed. "Here you go." Leah reaches out, and I hand them to her. "I'll be downstairs. When you're done, come down, and we'll talk."

I can't escape fast enough. My face burns as I rush down the steps and head for my station. I soothe myself with prep work and try not to think of how many facets of my world have collided recently. Part of me wonders if I'm being punked, or maybe I'm just cursed.

I scrub a hand over my face roughly and ponder how quickly my life has become so complicated. I'm a simple man, yearning for a simple life. "I did not sign up for this shit," I mutter under my breath. I start work on a new design to distract myself.

Leah comes down a few minutes later—I'm guessing because she'd rather face me than Bella. She hovers at the entrance of my station, knocking lightly on the wall. "Hey."

I look up from my sketch. "Hey."

She wanders in and looks over my shoulder. "That's going to be a nice piece."

I push the drawing away and turn sideways on my stool to face her. I remain seated because it brings us level, and I don't want her to feel intimidated. I look into her dark eyes, wondering how to say what I need to.

Leah places a hand on my arm. "I'm sorry for . . . you know." She points at the ceiling. "I had no idea Bella was staying here."

"What was that?"

She pulls her hand back and turns her face away. "I thought it was you in the shower. I wanted to surprise you . . ." She flaps her arms and lets out a frustrated huff. "But it was me who was surprised."

I pinch the bridge of my nose, ducking my head. "Look, Leah, you're beautiful and talented, and I'm very attracted to you."

"But?"

"My head isn't where yours is. I'm not ready for all this, and I think it's best if we . . . back off a little."

Leah can't hide her surprise and hurt. "Oh. Wow. I really fucked up, didn't I?"

I take her hand and squeeze gently. "If I were at another point in my life, that would have been an awesome surprise. I'm just not there, and it's unfair to let you go on thinking . . ."

"Edward, stop. I get the message loud and clear." She shakes her head, eyes unfocused. "Wow, did I read the situation wrong, and I'm so sorry. I hope we can still work together."

"This is on me. I should have been clearer about where I stood, and I would absolutely love it if we could keep working together—maybe even be friends?"

Leah smiles and nods, swiping away a stray tear. "Yeah, I'd love that too. I'm supposed to work with Jasper today—is it okay if I stay?"

"I'd be disappointed if you didn't."

She backs away with a wave. "See you." There's sadness in her eyes, but she's trying to hide it.

"Later."

Once Leah's gone, I let out a breath. I'm relieved she didn't make a scene and that we can still work together. Her blossoming talent is something special, and I want her to be part of my team. The phrase "don't shit where you eat" goes through my mind.

The crew starts arriving, the sound of catcalls and conversation signaling the beginning of another busy day. I still have Bella to contend with before I can join in. I peer into the hall and slip upstairs when the coast is clear. I don't want to be forced to explain to anyone what's happening—I'm not even sure myself.

The apartment door is open, and I find Bella in the bathroom, putting on makeup. She's dressed in acid wash jeans and a Black Sabbath T-shirt. I idly wonder if the shirt is Jimmy's; it looks like the one he used to wear back in college.

"What a scene that was." Bella runs a brush through her damp hair, smoothing out the tangles.

"Sorry about that."

"You probably should've told your girlfriend I was staying here."

"Leah's not my girlfriend, and I had no clue she would pull something like this."

Bella looks my way, eyebrows raised. "You two were awfully cozy at Denali's."

"We went on a few dates, but it's over now." I'm not sure why I'm explaining myself to Bella or why I give a damn what she thinks of me.

She cocks her head and whispers, "You might need to send her the memo. I don't think she got it."

"Moving on." My voice is clipped, and I stride over to the dresser to look at the schedule. "Anything I need to know? Have you taken your morning meds?"

"I did."

Maybe I'm going to regret asking, but I can't help myself. I face Bella, watching her expression closely. "You seem perfectly capable so far. Why do you need a . . . a caretaker?"

Bella's expression is playful. "Because I don't always behave."

"Well, can you try to behave while Jimmy's gone?"

"Maybe."

It's probably the best answer I'm going to get right now. I sigh, raking tense fingers through my hair. I pull a beanie from my pocket and pull it on so I won't keep tugging at the messy strands. "You want to help Seth today?"

"I'd love to!" Her eyes light up, and I catch a glimpse of the pretty, carefree girl Jimmy introduced me to. Whiplash.

oOo

The day moves along nicely. Bella and Seth hit it off, the customers seem to adore her, and she even makes a suggestion to keep the schedule running more smoothly. There are a few tense moments when Leah and Bella are in the same room but nothing an outsider would take note of.

Bella sticks her head into my station between clients. "Seth asked me to take the lunch order."

"Lunch?" I glance at my watch, surprised how fast the morning flew by. "Oh, shit! Can I get a cheeseburger and a salad with balsamic dressing?"

"Sure."

Seth stops in to let me know Dina is here. I cringe inwardly, wondering if Bella will notice Dina's flirting. Then I remind myself I don't have to answer to her or anyone else. "Send her back."

An hour later, I escort Dina to the front. Bella is up there alone and schedules the next appointment like a pro. She's friendly and professional, and Dina leaves with a smile.

"Seth trusted you with the schedule already? He must be impressed with you."

"Well, I'm impressed with the whole operation. I'm excited to be helping out." Bella seems genuine.

Seth sails through the front door with a tote containing our lunch. "Feeding time at the zoo!" he yells out.

Before I can tell him to keep his voice down, Emmett flies up the hall with a "Whoop!" I roll my eyes and pray there are no clients in the shop. Bella side-eyes Emmett for a moment, but she can't suppress a grin. And I can't help but notice how beautiful she is when she smiles.

One by one, we head to the roof to eat. When I get there, I look around cautiously, concerned about Bella and Leah. Leah sits at the bar with Jasper, deep in conversation. The rest are gathered around the coffee table. Seth and Emmett goof around while Rose and Bella look on with amusement.

I smack Emmett on the back of the head on my way past him. "Seth may still be in high school, but you aren't."

"Ow!" He turns to glare at me. Those innocent blue eyes probably work wonders on the ladies but not me. "Party pooper."

I shake my head, plopping down on the couch next to Seth.

Rose smirks at Emmett's antics. She's very tolerant of his immaturity and seems to find it cute, which goes against the grain of her bitchiness. I'm happy for them. Emmett seems to bring out the human being in Rose.

I unwrap my burger and take a huge bite. "Mmm . . . so good."

"So, Bella, what do you do for fun?" Rose asks.

Bella shrugs. "This and that."

"You like to dance?"

"Sure."

"Denali's has line dancing next week. You want to come?"

Bella smiles. "Definitely! I even have a kick-ass pair of boots."

"Yes!" Rose fist-bumps her. "Finally, a kindred spirit."

Emmett guffaws. "Thank God."

Bella looks his way. "You don't like country music?"

"Fuck, no! Jasper over there enjoys it though."

She laughs and looks over at me. "How about you, Edward?"

Her creamy skin is flushed and her eyes bright. She really is vibrant when she smiles. I shake my head. "Country is okay. I've never gone line dancing though. It looks complicated."

"You should come!" She claps her hands, looking hopeful.

I'm about to say yes, but I think about how erratic her behavior has been. Right now, she seems like the same open, friendly girl Jimmy introduced me to, but what will tomorrow bring?

"I'll think about it."

Emmett glares at me. "Dude, no!"

"What?"

He smacks his forehead. "If you go, I'll be guilted into going!"

Rose shoots him a satisfied smirk.

After lunch, our crazy day resumes. I barely have time to breathe between clients, so I bring up the schedules. Once again, mine is much busier than the others. When I go up front, Seth hangs his head.

"Edward, I'm sorry!"

"What's the issue?"

"You've got groupies, man. Some of them refuse anyone but you." He seems stressed. "Also, somebody put another ad up, and we're getting a ton of calls."

Bella nods. "Seth's not kidding. The phone has been really busy."

I throw my hands up. "I'm at a loss here, but I can't keep this up!"

Bella looks thoughtful. "I have an idea. If these ads are making you a celebrity, then act like one. Set aside blocks of time for your regular clients and limit appointments for new ones. Maybe set aside a few emergency slots each week for the inevitable friend-of-a-friend referrals."

"Can we do that? Make different appointment types?" I look at Seth.

"Yeah! Why didn't I think of that?" He grins at Bella. "Awesome idea!"

I point at Bella. "You are a lifesaver. Thank you."

Her face flushes with pleasure. She seems much more relaxed and happy to be useful. It strikes me again how odd her behavior was last night. It's almost as if she's a different person.

My next client comes through the door, ending our conversation, but I'm feeling much better about the future. The rest of my day goes by in a blur, and before I know it, I'm the last man standing. Bella and Seth remain out front waiting for my last client.

Once Taylor arrives, I let them know it's okay to leave. I don't like being in the shop alone with female clients, but Taylor is male and a regular.

I spend the next hour lost in my art. I'm working on a complicated back piece for Taylor. He did two tours in Iraq. While there, he saw some truly horrible things and some truly beautiful ones. A few months ago, he asked me to create a representation of his contrasting experiences, many of which keep him at night. Taylor told me he chose his back because the experiences are behind him, and he doesn't need to see what already lives behind his eyes.

After Taylor leaves and I lock up, I decide to go to Denali's for a drink before I check on Bella for the evening. As I'm going out the back door, there's a crash of glass and a loud thump.

I take the stairs two at a time and run down the hall. I pause outside the apartment door and knock. "Bella?"

When there's no response, I don't hesitate to go in. Bella is passed out on the floor. Chunky shards of clear glass surround her body, and the pale skin of one arm drips crimson.

"Shit!" I panic for a moment, then I pull out my phone and dial 911. "Yeah, I have an emergency at nine-eighteen Mallard Avenue. She's passed out, not sure why. There's broken glass all over the floor, and she's bleeding!"

"Is she breathing?"

"Jesus Christ! Hold on." I fumble with the phone.

"Sir, can you put me on speaker?"

"Yeah." I hit the button, then lay the phone to one side. I reach out with trembling fingers and press them against Bella's wrist. "She has a nice strong pulse, and I can see her chest rising and falling."

"That's good. An ambulance is en route to your location, about six minutes out."

"Okay. That's good, really good."

"What's your name?"

"Edward."

"You said she's bleeding, Edward?"

"Yes, she fell on top of some glass and cut her arm. I don't see blood anywhere else, but her arm is bleeding a lot."

"Can you pinpoint the source of the bleeding? Have any arteries been cut?"

Bella's arm is bathed in blood, but it's not spouting from anywhere. "I think it's coming from a cut on her arm, a few inches below her shoulder. The blood is gushing from under her sleeve."

"Lift the fabric, and see if you can identify the site."

I tug the sleeve up, and an inane sense of relief floats through my head because she changed out of the Black Sabbath T-shirt. There's a ragged two-inch slash on her arm, and blood continues to flow freely. I explain this to the 911 dispatcher, and he asks about clotting.

"No, it's not clotting! She has a-a blood disorder."

"Do you know the name of it?"

"Thrombo something. I have no idea—she's my friend's girlfriend, and he's out of town and—"

"Edward! Stay focused for me. Is the wound free of glass?"

"Yeah."

"I want you to apply pressure to slow the bleeding. Grab a towel or shirt. Fold it up and press against the wound."

I glance around. I'd have to leave Bella lying on the floor to get a towel from the bathroom. I strip my shirt off and ball it up, pressing it against her arm. "Okay, I've got something."

"Okay, Edward. Now I need you to press down on that until the paramedics arrive. Can you do that for me?"

"Yes."

A few minutes later, I hear the door downstairs. "Paramedics!"

I yell out to them. "We're up here!"

Two men rush into the room, and my world is a blur of confusion. They're asking me questions, the call to 911 is disconnected, and my heart hammers in my ears. Someone grabs my arm.

"Edward, you need to let go now. Let us do our job, okay?"

I nod, scooting out of the way. I sit with my back against the dresser, hands shoved into my hair. My heart is so loud now—like a drum pounding, pounding—and it's hard to catch my breath.

Some part of me that is disconnected from what's happening realizes I'm having a panic attack. I drag in deep breaths and blow them out slowly, putting my head between my knees.

A stretcher is wheeled in. Bella is strapped in and being taken from the room. I lurch to my feet and run after them. "Hey, wait! I'm coming too!"

The guys loading Bella into the ambulance take a look at me, a murmured conversation passing between them. One of them says, "He's in no shape to drive. Load him in. Check his vitals on the way."

I'm pulled into the ambulance, seated along the side, and someone puts a cuff on my arm. The other paramedic is tending to Bella. She's deathly pale and still unconscious.

I'm worried about Bella and what Jimmy is going to say. One day, and disaster has already struck.

The ambulance takes off, siren wailing.

~oOo~

Many of you have been clamoring to end the Edward/Leah relationship, so there you go. A lot of you are confused about the relationship between Bella/Jimmy and wondering if there's an abusive element as hinted in the story synopsis. Yes, there is abuse, but all I will say is it isn't as cut and dried as you might expect. Keep on sharing your thoughts and theories. I love reading them (and some of you get close sometimes)! See you next week!

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