~Thanks so much for the follows, favorites, and reviews. I'm still working on this story because it's a fascinating premise to explore.
Chapter 3
Bella
Three days of my newly awakened state elapsed. Things were no less confusing, but I kept quiet mostly. When I asked questions, I only received blank stares, pity, or my mom's laughter. I loved her, but she tested my patience with all her dream chatter.
It wasn't a dream. My mind struggled with those vivid memories. They couldn't be dreams or hallucinations. My new life with Edward and the Cullens is still so real to me. But the longer I lay here without a visit from him, other possibilities seem more likely. Given the fact that I have no special abilities and certainly zero bloodlust, I grieve that I'm trapped within a frail human body again.
What if other dimensions existed, and I'd accidentally fell into this one? Could it be a parallel timeline? Thinking back to Carlisle's extensive library makes me want to do my own research. My extreme weakness prevents me from leaving this hospital bed. The reality that I can't even manage basic bodily functions without assistance humiliates me further and makes the all-human thing undeniable.
Physical therapy was supposed to stop by today. The nurses explained that I had passive treatments this entire stay, but today was supposed to be different. Charlie assured me since I'm conscious, my team will set new goals, which will get me stronger each day. I felt positively infantile and needed to relearn everything. Even my thoughts exhaust me.
A feeding tube remains attached to my abdomen. This morning, I choked on my first taste of broth. I'd forgotten how to swallow or eat during this coma as well. Interventions and therapy will consume my life. My subconscious screamed this was torture, knowing what I was supposed to be. At the same time, I feel an overwhelming gratitude to be alive. Conflicting feelings consume me as my nurse adjusts my bed upright. Every inactive muscle in my core aches and spasms during this process.
My body leans to the left with no ability to stabilize myself. The nurse fluffs pillows on each side to straighten me back. It's a humbling experience and tears well in my eyes just as a knocking sound is present at the door.
Shaelyn's smile comforts me. "Sounds like therapy is on time. Oh, it's Jacob." Addressing the person who knocked, she spoke on my behalf. "I told her Tim would be here today, but no matter, she's ready for you." Was I?
The nurse and I fixate on the man's gradual entrance into the room. Considering his size, I wonder if he needs to move with caution to avoid bumping into threshold. Holy jeez. This man is a giant. At least, he'll be strong enough to catch me if I flop, which is inevitable. I have no strength whatsoever. His chosen career path makes sense. Physical is a great adjective to attach to his description.
Jacob smiled, exposing perfect white teeth. That was the moment dreams and reality merged. Memories flood into my mind, body, and soul as a whoosh. It can't be. Yes, all of it makes sense. I know him. One of my visions from the first day awake ignites. Lanky Jacob Black is Billy's son. According to Charlie, he developed a little crush on me, but I hadn't seen him much upon moving back to Forks. Flashes of an alternate reality reemerge. In that universe, I saw Jacob often. He was always there until he disappeared for weeks. Then he came back to me changed, but still my Jacob. He had gotten huge for a sixteen-year-old, but not this huge in my other reality. I don't know. Nothing makes sense. We were best friends but almost more. Then Edward needed me, and I rescued us both. The time in Italy secured our future.
Yes, of course, destiny intended me for Edward, but Jacob is still special to me. I hurt him deeply more than once, but Jacob came back. More scattered memories flicker in and out. We continued our special bond after my wedding because of my daughter. Imprinting meant Jacob's connection to us was permanent.
Forever. There was that word again.
Another wave of unease follows. The instantaneous attachment he formed with my newborn, which I thought I'd accepted, now felt weird and off-putting. Jacob didn't genuinely love me like we once thought. He wanted my offspring by default because of wolfy juju. I can admit to myself that I never understood, despite what I pretended.
Wolf.
That's the missing piece of information. More details flowed through. Jake is a werewolf, or a shapeshifter is the more accurate term. The details I desperately need to sort out will need to wait because my nurse referred to Jacob as my therapist again. Life at the Cullen's is just beyond my reach and no way had my best friend had the time for college to earn a degree. I think he'd practically dropped out of high school all together. A vampire army, followed by a hybrid baby, and a visit from the Voltari to Washington didn't leave anyone in the pack a life outside of their duties.
Focusing on the guy at my side proves that this therapist isn't ordinary. He's massive and possesses a presence that most normal people don't. Jacob must be supernatural, which means my memories of Edward aren't a dream. Then why in the heck does my friend work in this rehab hospital? I study him once more, not caring if I seem like a creep. Jacob is a full-grown man, and I still feel like stupid teenage Bella Swan, not Isabella Cullen, the immortal vampire with shielding abilities.
Comas suck. They suck worse than anything else. Nothingness has held me in suspension for too long. No wonder time and relationships no longer make sense. Before I could attempt a conversation, I realized all my staring and vacant expressions caused me to drool. At the corner of my mouth, liquid collects, and drips. I couldn't even lift my arm to wipe the embarrassment away. My body starts to slip again.
Great. My reunion with Jacob will be forever humiliating. There's pity in his eyes. He doesn't truly know me. We're not best friends. There isn't a supernatural world, and he never imprinted on my infant daughter, because she wasn't conceived. That last reality was a relief I attempt to shove down.
Jacob finally speaks, "Hey, Bella. How's my favorite patient? It's good to see you up." He glanced at Shaelyn, and she gave him a nervous smile as she excused herself. She blushed. Of course, a man like this would cause such a reaction in women.
He smiled again. "Shae's great. You're lucky to have her." Further mortification follows when he spots the drool. It hadn't been my imagination. Jacob grabbed a tissue from my bedside tray. "Here, let me get that."
My eyes close and tears squeeze out. Jacob immediately grabbed more tissue. "Oh, no. Don't cry, Bella. It's okay. All the muscles will reawaken so quickly now that you're working with us. OT will help you with your fine motor skills and feeding concerns later this afternoon. You and I will focus on the large muscle groups. The PT was supposed to come first, but he couldn't make it this morning. I'll continue with the therapy I already do with you. Today will be better because I'm getting to see the determination in those big brown eyes of yours."
Hearing his voice this close was too much. I cried more. There was so much I wanted to say. I had dozens of pressing questions for this man, but blubbering was all I managed. Jacob wiped every tear that fell from my traitorous eyes for the next five minutes while he soothed me with gentle encouragement. Once I gained my composure, Jacob explained what he expected of me. "Bella, I know it's a lot, but if you give me just fifteen minutes today, I promise tomorrow will be easier and in a week's time, I will have you doing things you've forgotten you're capable of."
My brain finally commanded my facial muscles, and I maintained an authentic smile for almost five seconds. At least, I'd regained my voice. "Okay, Jake. I trust you."
He clapped his hands together. "Good. Trusting the right people is important. You know that don't you, Bells?"
My hand shook as I tried to reach toward him, so Jacob Black met me in the middle. He grasped onto my fingers as I stuttered to him. "I remember you." He smiled at first, but I continued. "The truth is I remember everything, even the things no one else believes are true." Jacob's expression changed to confusion. He looked like he wanted to say something, but I had to say this before I lost my nerve. "But you know they are, Jake? You know what I know."
~Thanks for reading.
Would love to hear some theories about what Bella is experiencing.