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 7

EDWARD

After what felt like an eternity, Lisa finally made her way towards me. Her presence was a lighthouse in the storm, a beacon of hope in the midst of my anxiety. "Edward, I can finally take you back to Bella," she whispered, relief and concern mingling in her voice.

Bella's name jolted my heart, sending a shockwave of adrenaline through my veins. How was she? A cold knot of fear twisted in my stomach, threatening to spill out through my trembling voice. "How… how is she?" I managed to utter.

Lisa's eyes softened, her gaze empathetic. She extended her hand, a gesture of support and reassurance. "She's doing better than when she first arrived," the nurse replied. "I wish I had more information, but the doctor will be here soon to speak with you."

I nodded, unable to say more. The doctor couldn't tell me anything I didn't already know. He couldn't tell me if Bella would survive, if she would wake up, if she would remember me.

Silence enveloped us as we walked side by side, crossing the threshold that separated the chaotic emergency department from the somber waiting room. My mind raced with a million questions, doubts, and fears, each one vying for attention. But then, Lisa's smile broke through the darkness that clouded my thoughts. "Edward, there's something you should know," she said, her voice laced with intrigue. "We secured Bella's medical records, and it seems that you are listed as someone who can be informed about her condition."

A surge of hope coursed through my veins, momentarily overpowering the fear that had held me captive. Bella had thought of me, even in her vulnerable state. She had entrusted me with the knowledge of her well-being.

As we reached our destination, Lisa halted in front of a room, its entrance veiled by a thin curtain. Peering through the opening, I caught a glimpse of the patient lying within.

Bella.

"Go on in," Lisa encouraged, her voice gentle yet firm. "I'll inform the doctor that you're waiting."

I turned to Lisa, nodding. "Thank you," I whispered.

Bracing myself, I bravely walked through the curtain.

~~~ BF ~~~

Before I could sit next to Bella's hospital bed, the doctor came in, interrupting my thoughts.

"Edward, I'm Dr. Michael Johnson. I'm overseeing Bella's care."

He wore blue scrubs, a stethoscope dangling from his neck and a weary look on his face.

"What can you tell me?" I asked, my voice strained.

"Bella has contusions on her torso, legs, and arms. Minor cuts to her face and head. You might not know this, but even minor head wounds bleed a lot, given the proximity of the blood vessel at the surface of the skin."

I nodded, trying to process his words as they hit me like a ton of bricks.

"A few of her ribs are cracked, but no breaks. I also stitched up a cut on her leg."

"Internal injuries?"

"At this time, we've detected none, like bleeding. We'll do another ultrasound in a couple of hours."

My eyes moved to where Bella lay, pale and still. To the IV in her hand, dripping fluid into her veins. To the monitor that beeped with her heartbeat, the only sign of life.

"What's in the IVs?"

"Saline," the doctor answered. "She's also been given a mild sedative to help with the pain."

I wet my lips with my tongue, thinking if I needed to ask anything else. "Will she be admitted?"

The doctor looked at his watch. "She has eight hours to show signs of improvement or we'll have to admit her. Until she wakes, I can't tell you one way or the other. We are still waiting for the blood work and the x-ray results."

He reached out and patted my shoulder, trying to comfort me. He looked over at Bella, his expression serious. "Be patient, Edward." He looked over at Bella. "From what the paramedics told me, I can tell she's a fighter."

What had the paramedics told him? I wondered as he left the room.

~~~ BF ~~~

The plastic chair creaked under my weight, its hard surface digging into my back. I touched Bella's hand, feeling the contrast between her warm skin and the cold plastic of the IV. The doctor's medication had plunged her into a deep slumber, a necessary respite after the harrowing ordeal with Chris.

"Your dad is en route, Bella," I murmured, hoping my words would reach her unconscious mind. "My parents are on their way too."

The rhythmic beeping of the monitors provided solace, each sound was a symphony of hope. As long as they continued their melodic chorus, I clung to the belief that Bella would emerge from this darkness and embrace life once more.

Reluctantly releasing her hand, I rubbed my face, feeling the fatigue and stress in my muscles. I retrieved my phone, dreading the calls I had to make. A sense of trepidation prevented me from dialing Mom, Dad, or Charlie, so I opted for the safety of the texting app. My heart skipped a beat as I saw a message from Mom.

Mom: "Any news, Edward? We've arrived in Port Angeles. Keep us informed about Bella's condition, and don't forget to take care of yourself."

Glancing at the time stamp, I realized it had been sent fifteen minutes ago.

Me: "I was only allowed back a short while ago. Surprisingly, Bella had listed me as someone authorized to receive medical updates. So, I have a few details to share after speaking with the doctor. No signs of internal bleeding, but she has numerous bruises blossoming across her body, limbs, and face. Superficial cuts adorn her delicate features and temple. Cracked ribs, but thankfully nothing broken. Another ultrasound is scheduled for later. Blood work results are still pending. She's currently on an IV saline drip and has been given a mild sedative to alleviate any pain. She remains unconscious. As for myself, I'm unsure of my own state. Since Bella pounded on my door, jolting me from sleep, I've been swept away by a storm of emotions."

~~~ BF ~~~

I was sitting next to Bella's hospital bed, holding her hand. I had been waiting for hours, hoping she would wake up. The room was cold and sterile, filled with the smell of antiseptic and the sound of machines. I felt a whirlpool of emotions swirling inside me: rage, guilt, fear, love. I seethed with rage at Chris for harming her, for breaking into her apartment, for leaving her alone in the dark. I felt a pang of guilt for not being there to protect her. I feared that she might not make it, that she might have internal injuries, that she might hate me for failing her. I loved her more than anything, more than life itself. She was my best friend, my soulmate, my everything.

I gazed at her face and noticed the bruises and cuts that marred her beauty. But I also admired the strength and courage that shone through her eyes, even in her unconscious state. I sensed the spark of life that still flickered in her chest, despite the machines that beeped and whirred around her. I saw the hope that lingered in her lips, even though they were pale and dry. I couldn't hold back the tears any longer. They spilled over my eyes and ran down my cheeks, wetting the back of her hand. I sobbed quietly, trying not to disturb her or the machines that monitored her vital signs. I wished I could take away her pain, and heal her wounds. But I knew I couldn't, only time could.

I felt a surge of pain and sorrow as I remembered how she used to smile and laugh with me. How we would talk for hours on end about absolutely nothing. That was before I took the risk of telling her I loved her, hoping she felt the same way about me. I remembered how I felt when she lied to me by saying saw me as a brother. I swiped at my eyes as the memory of that day surfaced, playing in my mind.

Flashback

We were at our high school graduation ceremony, surrounded by our classmates and friends. Everyone was celebrating and taking pictures, capturing the memories of this special day. The air was filled with laughter and cheers, the sun was shining brightly, and the flowers were blooming in the garden. I admired Bella as she mingled with a group of girls, holding a bouquet of flowers. She glowed in her cream-colored dress and graduation gown. She was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen.

I loved her with all my heart, but I didn't know how to tell her. I feared she would reject me or laugh at me. I was also worried about what she would think of my decision to go to Western Washington University instead of Columbia. I had chosen to follow her to the same college, hoping we could be together. But I hadn't told her yet.

I gathered my courage and walked over to her, offering her my hand. She smiled as she took it. "Hey," I said, leading her away from everyone. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Sure," she said. "What's up?"

I took a deep breath and said, "Bella, there's something I need to tell you."

She looked at me with curiosity and said, "Okay, what is it?"

I stopped walking when we under a secluded tree and moved to stand in front of her, still holding her hand. I looked into her eyes and said, "Bella, I love you."

She blinked and stared at me in shock. She didn't say anything for a few seconds, then she said softly, "You…you love me?"

End of flashback

I snapped out of my memory and looked at Bella again. I couldn't believe I let the last four years slip by without talking to her more than casually during the holidays. I sighed, squeezing her hand gently. She was still under the influence of medication, still clinging to life. The room was dim and quiet, except for the occasional beep of the monitors. Regret and longing filled my chest as I thought of all the things we could have done together, all the places we could have seen, all the memories we could have made. I wondered how different our lives would be if I had been brave enough to tell her how I felt sooner, if I had been honest with myself and with her. Maybe we would be happy together, maybe we would be married, maybe we would have kids. Maybe she would be safe and healthy, instead of lying here in this hospital bed.

I wished to rewind time and change everything. I wished to call her out on the lie when she said "saw me as a brother". I wished to save her from Chris' cruelty.

But all I could do was sit here, holding Bella's hand, waiting for her to open her eyes.

And hope.

And pray.

That she would wake up.

And maybe—just maybe—give me a second chance, even if it was only as a friend.

I leaned over and kissed her forehead tenderly, whispering, "I love you, Bella. Please wake up." I felt a tear escape my eye and drop on her pillow. I closed my eyes and prayed for a miracle.