Chapter 41

"Leah! It worked." Bella sat up so quickly in her excitement that her head spun. "Gha," she groaned, realizing just how sick she felt. Tired, nauseous, and achy—she could swear she had the flu.

"You look a bit green, chickadee. Fair warning: If you puke on me, I'm gonna beat you with one of these crutches."

Bella pressed her palm against her head, trying to soothe the pain as she slowly lay back against her pillows. "Thanks for the warning."

Leah waddled her way over to the chair Charlie vacated and punched Bella in the shoulder. "Ouch!"

Edward leapt forward, only to be tugged back by Emmett and Jacob. A snarl ripped from his throat. Bella understood his overprotective nature was clouding his judgment, causing him to act impulsively, but it was too much at that moment. A feeling of guilt immediately overtook her as she wished he weren't there. She was glad their intervention prevented him from starting a potentially disastrous conflict. Hopefully, he would calm down soon.

Rubbing her shoulder, she whined at Leah. "What was that for?"

"Being an idiot. When was the last time you ate?"

"Last night," Bella grumbled.

"Yeah, we heard about the two whole bites you took. I mean something substantial."

"A lot has happened in the past few days."

"Girl, a lot has happened in the past year. You know, since you discovered frosty dick is a vampire."

"Leah!" Sue chastised.

"What? It's true." Leah defended herself. "Anyway, serious talk, how long has this been going on?"

"How long has what been going on?"

"You, neglecting your health?"

Bella shook her head. "It hasn't… I don't…"

"Stop lying!" Leah cut her off, visibly aggravated. She took a few deep breaths. Her nose wrinkled with disgust, but her trembling stopped. "This isn't the first time you've missed a few meals. I've lost count of how many times we saw Jake planning ways to get you to eat."

Bella shot a glare at Jacob. He responded with a shrug.

"Did that shit start when this frozen dick-sco ball… left you?"

"Maybe."

"No," Emmett chimed in. "She was around here a lot, and unless someone put food in front of her and demanded she eat, she didn't. Even then, she never took more than a few bites."

Bella shook her head and squeezed her eyes shut. "There was too much food."

"You could have taken more than a few bites," Emmett shot back.

"It's uncomfortable being the only one eating."

"I'm sorry we couldn't join you, but you still needed to eat."

"I ate when I wasn't here."

"Not enough," Edward and Charlie spoke at the same time.

"I don't understand what the big deal is. It was never a problem before."

Emmett walked over to the bed on the opposite side of Leah and gripped Bella's hand. "Bella, we love you. We don't want to see you get sick."

"Then maybe you should change me, so we don't have to worry about these trivial little human things like eating. Ouch!" Leah punched her arm again. "Stop that!"

"Stop being stupid!"

Jacob's hand shot out and gripped Edward's shoulder. His intervention was not necessary this time. Edward held himself in check. The only thing that hinted at his anger was the sneer on his lips. Bella couldn't tell if it was at Jacob, Leah, or worse, at her. Glancing around the room, she realized everyone had expressions of Scene – Charlie's Decision

Charlie let her stay home for the rest of the week. Over the next few days, she found herself living her worst nightmare. One of them anyway. She was forced to sit at the table five times a day, eating every single bite while someone watched her. At least Leah and Jacob ate with her. Charlie wouldn't eat until she was finished, and Edward watched her as if it would kill him if she missed a crumb. The constant observation only heightened her anxiety. The pressure began to weigh heavily on her, destroying her sense of autonomy.

Monday rolled around and Bella found herself wishing Charlie would just sign her out of school permanently. She attempted to bring it up once this week and he accused her of trying to add to the list of her bad decisions she's been making lately. She rolled her eyes, but got up and ready for school.

Charlie wasn't the only one annoyed with her; she felt a crack in her and Edward's relationship.

He never smiled anymore. He had always been attentive but now if she took too deep of a breath he would be in her space trying to fix it. Whatever 'it' might be. Gone were the days that he worried about breaking Charlie's rules. He was in her space every chance he got. More than once she heard him lament the fact that he couldn't read her mind. She however was more glad than ever that he couldn't. Although she tried to hide it, he had to feel the overwhelming stress she had been experiencing lately around him. The battle between craving independence and fearing abandonment left her feeling torn.

Needing a break from Edward's thorough inspection of her had Bella longing for privacy. She told him her father insisted she drive herself to school. It wasn't a complete lie. He was always suggesting she get some distance.

Driving herself to school also gave her time alone with her thoughts. The conversation with her father replayed in her mind. Bella couldn't help but think about the growing distance between them. It felt like every time they talked lately, it turned into an argument. She wondered if she would ever convince her father to see things her way. Despite wanting to make her own choices, she loathed disappointing him again. She longed for a future where she could prove to him she was making the right decisions.

The one good thing about today—Alice was back. She and Jasper had switched places with Rosalie and Emmett. It was best to keep up appearances.

From the moment she arrived, she wanted to leave. Rumors ran rampant, fueled by everyone's insatiable curiosity. It seemed as if people she hadn't even met hounded her for any hint of gossip. Some whispered about another breakup, while others speculated that she and Edward had run off to get married. Then there was the ridiculous notion of them running away to join the circus. Each theory was more implausible than the last, but still, the relentless chatter followed Bella everywhere.

She did her best to ignore them, choosing to focus on her work instead. She was determined to get through the day and finish the last few weeks of school—if only to prove her father wrong. However, the constant scrutiny of the past week, mixed with the perpetual gossip, had her on edge. Her heart pounded with the weight of it all.

"Hi Bella," Angela said politely, sitting down at their lunch table. "How are you?"

Her emotions boiled over and she snapped. "I'm fine! Why can't anyone in this town just mind their own business?!"

"Bella!" Edward chided.

Her face flushed with embarrassment as she realized what she'd done."Ange," Bella choked out, trying to blink her tears away. "I'm so sorry." Humiliated, she shot from her chair and stormed away. She could hear her friends calling her name, unable to face them she tuned them out, and kept going, desperate to get away.

He made no sound, but she knew he was there. Her constant shadow looming over her once more. Anger mixed with her embarrassment. The tears she'd been so desperately trying to hold back finally spilled over. Her heart pounded, as she turned to face him. The weight of everyone's eyes on them felt suffocating; she just wanted to be left alone. Holding up her hands she pleaded with him, "Please, just stay here."

"Bella, love, you shouldn't be alone right now."

"Edward," Jasper said, pushing his way between them. "Let her go."

"Alice?" Edward said.

Bella took her opportunity and pushed open the heavy door, the air outside cooled her skin. Fat droplets of rain mixed with her tears as she stumbled to her truck.

She drove aimlessly wondering if she would ever find a place where she could just be herself, free from the relentless gossip and expectations. She finally stopped and parked on the side of the road, taking a few deep breaths before looking around. Her emotions were still raw. It made a startled "ha!" erupt from her lips when she realized where she was. If she drove a few more feet she would see the Black's house.

Wiping her face with her sleeves she took more deep breaths trying to decide if she should pull up to the house or turn around and go home. There was a knock on her window. She jumped in surprise. Hoping that all evidence of her emotional breakdown was gone. She turned to see Jacob standing in the rain, his head tilted to the side like a curies puppy. She opened her door and slid out of the truck.

"Bells?"

She opened her mouth to say…something, but the only thing that came out was a sob. Before she knew it tears were running down her face again. Warmth surrounded her as Jacob gathered her in his arms. She heard her door slam shut as he lifted her and carried her to his house.

"What's happened?" The thumping in her ears distorted Billy's voice.

Jacob's chest vibrated with his words. "Don't know."

He placed her on his bed and closed his door shutting the whole world out. Gathering her back into his arms he joined her on the bed. He didn't ask any questions, didn't shush her, or give her any platitudes. He just held her and let her cry.

She must have cried herself to sleep. Her mouth was dry and her eyes were swollen and crusty. She felt warmth surrounding her. It was soothing to hear his heartbeat as she inhaled the pine and salty brine scent that was distinctly Jacob.

The slight creak of Jacob's door opening barely registered. The sound of a familiar voice brought her to more of a conscious state.

"How is she?" Charlie whispered.

Jake ran his fingers gently through her hair. "Better. I think."

"Did she tell you what happened?"

"No."

"According to Alice she seemed to be suffering from exhaustion. According to her principle and the 'Human' witnesses, she had some sort of episode involving Angela Webber. HE, told me she didn't eat her lunch and he is concerned she won't get the nutrition she needs for the day."

Leah's voice drifted in from the other room. "HE can rip off his little icicle and suck it."

Bella turned her face slightly pressing her mouth against Jacob.

Ignoring Leah, Charlie asked, "Has she eaten since she got here?"

Bella held back a grone. "No, but I am sure she's fine and will eat dinner with us."

"That should be done in about 10 minutes."

"I'll wake her up in ten then."

The quiet click of the door let her know they were alone again. "You feeling better" he whispered against her hair.

"I was." She mumbled.

"Sorry."

She shook her head, "It's not your fault. Why is Leah here?"

"After your last health scare, someone… thought it would be a good idea to have Sue look you over. Leah heard you had a bad day and insisted she come along for moral support. Girl power or something like that."

"Leah said girl power?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure she wants to gossip. Or to criticize… HIM?"

"I'm okay, you can say his name."

"I don't wanna." he whined like a small child with a sour look on his face..

Bella felt the corners of her mouth turn up. That had to be her first genuine smile in more than a week.

A knock on the door made her jump. "Five minutes." Her father yelled from the other side.

"There's a lot they can do in five minutes," Leah jeered.

The door swung open before Charlie's heavy steps retreated.

"Leah," Jacob whispered. "Cut it out."

"Oh, you're no fun Black." She yelled from a distant room.

"Are you ready?"

"No." Bella whined burying her head back into his side.

"I'll hold your hand to help you be brave."

"How about I hide under the covers and you tell them I ran away."

"Best I can do is convince them to let you sleep over and kick Leah out.".

"Not happening!" Leah shouted.

"Leah can stay, if you kick everyone else out."

"Ha!" Leah cried out in triumph.

"Sorry honey. You will just have to be brave for a little while."

"Fine." she sighed.

She stood in the doorway wishing she could jump back into the bed and disappear. Jake held out his hand. Taking a deep breath she grabbed it drawing the strength from him she needed to face everyone else.

Her fathers eyes zeroed in on their hands. He used to smile at that sight. Now he seemed to grind his teeth.

Pulling out a chair he demanded, "Sit down."

Jacob squeezed her hand then pulled out his own chair next to hers.

She could see the inquisition coming before Charlie sat down across from her. "What happened today?"

"I'm sure you heard the gossip." She picked at the edge of the table. Jacob took her hand before she could cause any damage.

"I want to hear your account." Bella shrugged. "Did you and Angela get into a fight?"

"Do you want me to scare her?" Leah smirked, pushing her fist into the palm of her hand. Bella eyed the crutches resting against her chair. "Hay! I can still be intimidating."

"Don't." Bella told her. "Angela is great. It was me. I just… It was just too much."

"What was 'it'?" Her father folded his arms over his chest.

"Everything, I got overwhelmed and ended up snapping at the person that least deserved it."

"Well, I talked to Angela. She wouldn't tell me what happened, but she did want me to give you a message. She said she's not upset with you. She understands and hopes you feel better soon. She also said, If you want to talk, call her."

A half laugh, half whimper sound burst out of her. Jake squeezed her hand again. "See. She's the best."

"I also had a talk with your teachers. We discussed what has to happen in order for you to graduate."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm taking you out of school."

"You are! I thought…"

"You're not dropping out. You will be homeschooled and go in to take the exams."

"What's the point? I don't need to graduate for the future I've chosen." She felt Jacobs hand jump like he wanted to let go, but he didn't. she glanced over at him. He was looking away from her, staring at the floor.

Leah slapped her hand on the table making Bella jump. "You are a selfish cow!" she pushed herself up on her crutches and shuffled out of the kitchen.

Jacob mouthed, "Stay." At first Bella thought he was talking to her. Then Leah turned around, their eyes met in a silent conversation. Bella felt ashamed at the jealousy that coursed through her.

"Whatever." Leah grumbled before walking out of the kitchen.

"There's more." Charlie said, seeming oblivious to what just happened.

"What?" Bella asked.

"I want you to see somebody. A professional that can help you cope with all this."

"You want me to see a psychiatrist? Are you crazy? What are you going to tell them? My daughter's in love with a vampire and I think she needs to talk to someone about that."

"No, I just… You have this strange obsession with becoming one of them. A monster."

"They're not…"

Charlie continued to speak, raising his voice to talk over her. "You act like being who you are is a curse. When you haven't even given yourself time to know who that is."

"I know who I am."

"Oh, who is that, and why do you hate her so much?"