To Mend a Butterfly's Broken Wing, 15: Hold Me Close
Title: To Mend a Butterfly's Broken Wing
Author: exquisite_ugly
Rating/Warnings: M (language, sexual situations)
Summary: After the newborn fight things take a different turn with the Volturi. Edward goes missing, the Cullen's leave to search for him, and Bella flees town from the pain of loss. Can Jacob help her deal with the grief a second time? AU, M for language, sex
*~*~*
And there will come a time/you'll see/with no more tears/And love will not break your heart/but dismiss your fears/Get over your hill and see what you find there/With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair
*~*~*
BPOV
It didn't seem Dana and the rest of my friends' was too excited about my dating Brandon. They liked him well enough, thought he was a nice guy, but there was something unspoken there; I knew what it was, but I also didn't have the courage to say what had happened with me and Jake. I also couldn't quite admit - especially to myself - that Jake had told me he was sort of seeing someone. I didn't realize how much of a kick to the stomach that would be until he told me. I hadn't met her, but I was worried about doing so. There was a burning flame of jealousy in the pit of my stomach that I had no right to feel.
But I did.
Brandon had wanted to see me again, much to my surprise, and I had agreed. I told him I was only up for casual dating. I couldn't admit some other things, but I had to let him know so there were no possible misinterpretations. He seemed okay with that, too. He told me that he liked hanging out with me. Our other dates in the past few weeks or so had gone a lot smoother.
When he kissed me for the first time, I had a tough time dealing with it after he left. It was a nice kiss as far as kisses go, and it was warm.
But it wasn't hot.
My mind kept flashing back to another kiss and I squeezed my eyes shut against the onslaught of emotions. Jake and I had started talking a little more, but we both skirted around the things we should probably talk about but were too painful.
Dana had asked me the other day if I would go in for a few hours today to help Jamie and Clarissa finish a couple cake orders we got last minute for the Super Bowl. We managed to finish on time, the cakes were picked up, and I was heading home ready for a hot shower, a cup of tea, and something good to read.
What I completely forgot about was that Jake had mentioned - while not quite looking at me as I recalled - that he invited Lindsay over to watch the game. My stomach lurched and I felt faintly sick as I encountered them sitting in the living room, television on, ready for the game to start. It burned in my stomach seeing him sitting with someone else and when he saw me, he looked a little uncomfortable, too.
"Hey Bells," he said quietly. "Lindsay, this is Bella, my best friend from home." He looked vaguely uncomfortable.
She gave me a bright smile and I forced a normal smile to my face as we greeted each other pleasantly enough. I escaped into the kitchen, my heart thumping faster than normal. I wasn't hungry, but I knew I should eat, so I dug around and found some leftover pasta and veggies to heat up.
From where I sat at the table, I could see them. My stomach twisted a little as I watched her lean against him. Quickly casting my eyes down, I realized I was inhaling my pasta and not even tasting it. Suddenly Lindsay was in the room and I glanced up in surprise.
"Just getting another soda," she said with a smile.
Standing up I could get a better look at her and she had everything going for her in the looks department. Her hair was smooth as opposed to my wild waves, she had a light tan, a quick and brilliant smile, and she was tall with a lean build. She obviously shared an interest in sports and mechanics with Jake which bothered me more than I wanted to examine.
"Sure, help yourself," I murmured.
"How long have you and Jake known each other?" she asked conversationally as she popped the tab on her soda.
This was the last thing I wanted right now, but I wasn't going to be rude. She didn't deserve that even if a part of me was feeling mutinous because of the situation.
"I've known him since we were kids. We lost touch for awhile, but we got back in touch when I moved back to Forks. He's been a… incredible friend," I added softly.
She eyed me curiously for a moment, and I kept my gaze on my food as I ate the last bite.
"He's a really good guy," she said smoothly. "I can imagine he would be an amazing friend."
I nodded and swallowed hard, not trusting myself to speak. After she went back into the living room, I looked in one last time, feeling off-kilter at the sight of them watching and commenting on the game. I went upstairs, took a long shower, and read with Tinker curled up against my legs until it was late enough to warrant me going to sleep. The game must have been winding down because I heard them talking and then the door opened.
I was nearly asleep when I felt the bed dip down. I listened to Jake's soft breathing and sighing and felt comforted.
*~*~*
It was Friday at work which usually meant a busy day, but I was distracted and clumsy. I managed to finish the muffins I was mixing before I burnt the side of my finger.
"Ow, dammit!" I cried.
Clarissa shook her head, red ponytail bouncing, as she grabbed some of the cream we kept handy for cases like this and squirted a dab on my finger.
"Thanks," I sighed as I rubbed it in.
Dana finished unloading a batch of cookies and came over. "You've been distracted all day, Bella. Hey, the fraternity at my school is throwing a party tonight and my sorority sisters are going. Why don't you come with?" she suggested.
"I don't know…" I said. "I mean, I don't go to school there or anything…"
She shrugged. "It doesn't matter. I'm inviting you as a guest. Come on, Bella," she cajoled.
Jake was supposed to go out tonight, and I wasn't looking forward to being there to see him leave, so I agreed. Excited she told me to dress up a little which didn't excite me the way it did her, but I promised.
Brandon called while I was getting ready. I finished buttoning my red blouse and straightening the knee-length black skirt; it wasn't the fanciest thing, but I didn't have much in the way of dress clothes. I talked to him a little bit before he planned to leave and hang out with some of his friends.
Jake was home when I went downstairs. He turned and raised an eyebrow.
"I'm going to a party with Dana," I told him. "The fraternity there is throwing it and she invited me to go with."
"Okay Bells, have fun," he said. "Call me if you need a ride." I gave him the information just in case.
The party was in full swing when Dana and I got there, and I felt rather out of place. The music was loud and thumping, everyone was decked out in short skirts and dresses, and of course alcohol was being served. I avoided that like the plague and kind of stuck close to Dana, managing to chat a little with people she knew.
It wasn't really me, but I did my best to talk to people and drank soda that was being used to make mixed drinks. Dana dragged me out onto the dance floor despite my protests and I half-heartedly obliged her, though I was grateful to escape when I could.
As I stood by the refreshment table, I couldn't help wishing Jake was with me. He always relaxed me and it made things easier, but I knew I had to function socially on my own sometimes. I did fine with Dana, Clarissa, Jamie, and Samantha. I even was good with the guys', but being in a party situation just wasn't easy for me.
I managed to chat a little more, but was more than ready to leave when Dana asked if I wanted to head home. We were outside the fraternity - a beautiful gray stone home - when Dana came to a stop.
"Crap, I forgot something. Can you wait a few minutes, Bella?"
I walked across the lawn, just admiring the place, when I heard a shuffling sound. My head jerked up, and I saw two guys' leaning against the side of the house next to the fraternity. They were mostly hidden in shadow. "Hey there," the one said, and I saw the tip of a cigarette glowing.
My heart stuttered, remembering an all too frightening experience in Port Angeles, as I stared at the men.
"You go to school here?" the other one drawled casually.
"N-no," I managed to utter faintly. I tried to glance casually around, but no one was outside.
"Hmmm, cute, and she isn't dressed quite as… revealing as some," the one who spoke first said dropping his cigarette and grinding it with his heel.
"Why don't you come over here and join us?" he said with a chuckle. "We don't bite; unless you want us to."
"I… have to get home," I murmured and my voice was faint with fear. There was still no one around and I was beginning to panic quietly. I was too close to really make a run for it, but I began inching backwards instinctively.
"Oh come on," the other said moving towards me. "It'll be fun, I promise." Before I could turn and bolt, he reached out and snagged my arm.
I tried to scream, but it was cut off before it could get started. My eyes widened in terror, and the only thing I could think of seeing them move closer, was Jacob. I need you, Jake, I thought wildly.
The grip on my wrist tightened and my arm throbbed from the pressure. Since my mouth was covered, I drew my right arm back and threw a punch like Charlie told me. What I didn't realize was, even without breaking a knuckle this time, it still hurt like hell.
I bit down on the hand covering my mouth and managed a pathetic scream before I felt a few of the buttons on my blouse tear. "Dammit, she bit me," he growled and I felt the press of their bodies and my fear skyrocketed even higher as I realized what was intended.
I began struggling as hard as I could, and I felt something sharp scrape my face. Suddenly, I heard a sound rapidly getting louder and I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. I wished for Jake… and he was here?
My knees collapsed and I was huddled on the ground as Jake grabbed hold of them, spinning them around, and throwing them against the wall of the house forcefully. All I could hear was a thud and a snarl, and I saw Jake's body vibrating.
I stood, my fear for Jake's identity taking hold. "Jake, don't…" I whispered.
He was fighting the wolf, but I could see his teeth lengthening, his eyes burning in the dark, and his arms thickening. It was a vision from a horror movie and he was about to explode, the sounds coming from his throat more animal-like than human. I could see the men's faces frozen in horrified shock much like an animal in the sights of a much larger predator.
"Jake, you can't," I said fervently. I reached out and laid my hand over his arm which was burning hotter than I ever felt it, the muscles rolling under my hand. My touch soothed him and his breathing evened out a little bit.
I heard Dana yelling my name and Jake reverted back to normal before anyone else could see. "You ever come near her again I will kill you," Jake said his voice hoarse and the fury laced in his words.
They took off without a word just as Dana reached me. "Oh my God, Bella," she whispered. I had sank back to my knees, my whole body shaking with residual fear, as she threw her arms around me.
"I'm so sorry," she said, repeating it over and over.
I heard movement and then Jake's arms slid under me and lifted me. I laid my head on his chest. "Dana, you drive," Jake ordered as he slid into the backseat of the car with me. "Take us back to the apartment." I didn't want to talk, so I just lay my head on Jake's shoulder and closed my eyes trying to forget what had just happened.
*~*~*
JPOV
I had dropped Lindsay off at home and I was actually on my way home already when suddenly I felt a pinprick of worry. I had no idea why, it was just a niggling feeling that didn't feel right, so I was about to turn and head to the party. Almost immediately after I got a text from Alice confirming my instinctual worry.
Bella. GO.
I raced to the place where the party was at that Bella and Dana had gone to. I pulled onto the street the house was on, and I could hear her already, after all this time without phasing. My eyes zeroed in on the two men putting their filthy hands on my Bella, and the rage descended over me.
My hands snagged both of them, sending them crashing into the side of the house. I was about to throw the first punch, but the wolf was rearing up inside, and I barely had a grasp on my self-control. The sounds coming from inside were animalistic, my vision was sharpening, my mouth opened to make room for my teeth and I felt the strongest pull ever to phase. Bella's touch gave me the strength to push it down a bit, fear of hurting her overtaking me.
The fear in the men's faces was overpowering, and I heard Dana come running over as they took off. I turned and my heart sank as I saw Bella. She was hunched over, so I gently pried Dana off her, picked Bella up and told Dana to drive. I would worry about my car later. She just curled against me not talking, and I was desperate to be home so I could see her and assess the damage.
For now, I just stroked her hair, trying to stay calm.
Dana came in with us, and she hovered as I set Bella on the couch. Gently, I tilted her chin up and saw she had a scratch on her face. It had bled, but it looked pretty minor. She realized suddenly her blouse was hanging open and tried to close it, but winced as she moved her right hand.
"Ow," she gasped when I took hold of it.
I carefully examined it, saw she had some bruising around her wrist, and her knuckles were red and raw. I turned to tell Dana to get some ice, band-aids, and cream when I realized she was crying quietly.
"Dana, she'll be fine," I told her. "Let's just get her fixed up, okay?"
She nodded and hurried out of the room. When she came back, she held the ice on Bella's wrist while I put some cream and band-aids on her hand. I put a little on her cheek but left it uncovered.
"Bella, I'm sorry," Dana said hugging Bella. She was still sniffling. "I should have made you go in with me."
Bella made an effort and put an arm awkwardly around Dana. "Please don't blame yourself. It's not your fault."
Dana ordered her not to come into work the next day while Bella tried to tell her it would be a good distraction. Dana finally convinced her to take a day to let her hand rest and promised to call tomorrow. "Take care of her," Dana said as I followed her to the door. "She doesn't seem to be reacting much which worries me."
"She doesn't want to upset you," I said quietly. "She always worries too much about others and not enough about herself."
Dana shook her head. "I would call Brandon," she said not meeting my eyes, "but I think she would rather be with just you. You're her closest friend and you seem to know her better than anyone."
I nodded. "I'll take care of her," I assured Dana. "But Bella's right that you shouldn't blame yourself. You had no idea."
After she left, I went back in the living room and sat on the sofa with Bella. She looked at me, worn and scared, and I eased her onto my lap and just held her tightly. It didn't matter that things had been a bit stilted; what mattered was she was okay, and if this made us both feel better, fuck the awkward way we tried not to touch each other too much when sleeping.
"Bells, should I call your dad?" I asked.
"What? No!" she said panicking.
"He's the Chief of Police, honey. Maybe he could…"
"No," she said firmly. "It's out of his jurisdiction anyway; he wouldn't be able to do anything and it will just worry him."
"Okay," I said rubbing her back. "I know he has friends here on the force, so I thought that might be a good idea, but I won't call if you don't want me to."
She nodded with a quiet thank you and her head rested on my shoulder as she curled into me. We didn't say much, just sat there as I stroked her hair. It was getting late, so we went upstairs to get some sleep. When I came out of the bathroom, she seemed lost in thought, so I touched her shoulder to get her attention. She cringed, a little cry escaping.
"Oh Bells," I said feeling useless.
Her chin was shaking as she turned to me. "Jake," she mumbled.
We got into bed, and I slid my arms around her, as we tangled together like we used to. "Never again," I whispered as I kissed her forehead.
She snuggled into me. "Will you help me to get stronger physically, maybe show me what to do if…" her voice trailed off.
Surprised I leaned back. "Really?"
She nodded, her hair tickling my face. "Of course," I said pleased with her attitude.
This was a good sign; she was scared and she was hurting, but she wanted to try to be strong. What happened tonight was beyond horrible. If I hadn't gotten there… but I shook off that thought.
At least I could help her as the awkwardness eased between us, and I was extremely grateful for that and glad to be able to hold her again.
*~*~*
AN: A step in the right direction? You think? Tell me what you think.
Chapter 16
Author: exquisite_ugly
Rating/Warnings: M (language, sexual situations)
Summary: After the newborn fight things take a different turn with the Volturi. Edward goes missing, the Cullen's leave to search for him, and Bella flees town from the pain of loss. Can Jacob help her deal with the grief a second time? AU, M for language, sex
*~*~*
And there will come a time/you'll see/with no more tears/And love will not break your heart/but dismiss your fears/Get over your hill and see what you find there/With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair
*~*~*
BPOV
It didn't seem Dana and the rest of my friends' was too excited about my dating Brandon. They liked him well enough, thought he was a nice guy, but there was something unspoken there; I knew what it was, but I also didn't have the courage to say what had happened with me and Jake. I also couldn't quite admit - especially to myself - that Jake had told me he was sort of seeing someone. I didn't realize how much of a kick to the stomach that would be until he told me. I hadn't met her, but I was worried about doing so. There was a burning flame of jealousy in the pit of my stomach that I had no right to feel.
But I did.
Brandon had wanted to see me again, much to my surprise, and I had agreed. I told him I was only up for casual dating. I couldn't admit some other things, but I had to let him know so there were no possible misinterpretations. He seemed okay with that, too. He told me that he liked hanging out with me. Our other dates in the past few weeks or so had gone a lot smoother.
When he kissed me for the first time, I had a tough time dealing with it after he left. It was a nice kiss as far as kisses go, and it was warm.
But it wasn't hot.
My mind kept flashing back to another kiss and I squeezed my eyes shut against the onslaught of emotions. Jake and I had started talking a little more, but we both skirted around the things we should probably talk about but were too painful.
Dana had asked me the other day if I would go in for a few hours today to help Jamie and Clarissa finish a couple cake orders we got last minute for the Super Bowl. We managed to finish on time, the cakes were picked up, and I was heading home ready for a hot shower, a cup of tea, and something good to read.
What I completely forgot about was that Jake had mentioned - while not quite looking at me as I recalled - that he invited Lindsay over to watch the game. My stomach lurched and I felt faintly sick as I encountered them sitting in the living room, television on, ready for the game to start. It burned in my stomach seeing him sitting with someone else and when he saw me, he looked a little uncomfortable, too.
"Hey Bells," he said quietly. "Lindsay, this is Bella, my best friend from home." He looked vaguely uncomfortable.
She gave me a bright smile and I forced a normal smile to my face as we greeted each other pleasantly enough. I escaped into the kitchen, my heart thumping faster than normal. I wasn't hungry, but I knew I should eat, so I dug around and found some leftover pasta and veggies to heat up.
From where I sat at the table, I could see them. My stomach twisted a little as I watched her lean against him. Quickly casting my eyes down, I realized I was inhaling my pasta and not even tasting it. Suddenly Lindsay was in the room and I glanced up in surprise.
"Just getting another soda," she said with a smile.
Standing up I could get a better look at her and she had everything going for her in the looks department. Her hair was smooth as opposed to my wild waves, she had a light tan, a quick and brilliant smile, and she was tall with a lean build. She obviously shared an interest in sports and mechanics with Jake which bothered me more than I wanted to examine.
"Sure, help yourself," I murmured.
"How long have you and Jake known each other?" she asked conversationally as she popped the tab on her soda.
This was the last thing I wanted right now, but I wasn't going to be rude. She didn't deserve that even if a part of me was feeling mutinous because of the situation.
"I've known him since we were kids. We lost touch for awhile, but we got back in touch when I moved back to Forks. He's been a… incredible friend," I added softly.
She eyed me curiously for a moment, and I kept my gaze on my food as I ate the last bite.
"He's a really good guy," she said smoothly. "I can imagine he would be an amazing friend."
I nodded and swallowed hard, not trusting myself to speak. After she went back into the living room, I looked in one last time, feeling off-kilter at the sight of them watching and commenting on the game. I went upstairs, took a long shower, and read with Tinker curled up against my legs until it was late enough to warrant me going to sleep. The game must have been winding down because I heard them talking and then the door opened.
I was nearly asleep when I felt the bed dip down. I listened to Jake's soft breathing and sighing and felt comforted.
*~*~*
It was Friday at work which usually meant a busy day, but I was distracted and clumsy. I managed to finish the muffins I was mixing before I burnt the side of my finger.
"Ow, dammit!" I cried.
Clarissa shook her head, red ponytail bouncing, as she grabbed some of the cream we kept handy for cases like this and squirted a dab on my finger.
"Thanks," I sighed as I rubbed it in.
Dana finished unloading a batch of cookies and came over. "You've been distracted all day, Bella. Hey, the fraternity at my school is throwing a party tonight and my sorority sisters are going. Why don't you come with?" she suggested.
"I don't know…" I said. "I mean, I don't go to school there or anything…"
She shrugged. "It doesn't matter. I'm inviting you as a guest. Come on, Bella," she cajoled.
Jake was supposed to go out tonight, and I wasn't looking forward to being there to see him leave, so I agreed. Excited she told me to dress up a little which didn't excite me the way it did her, but I promised.
Brandon called while I was getting ready. I finished buttoning my red blouse and straightening the knee-length black skirt; it wasn't the fanciest thing, but I didn't have much in the way of dress clothes. I talked to him a little bit before he planned to leave and hang out with some of his friends.
Jake was home when I went downstairs. He turned and raised an eyebrow.
"I'm going to a party with Dana," I told him. "The fraternity there is throwing it and she invited me to go with."
"Okay Bells, have fun," he said. "Call me if you need a ride." I gave him the information just in case.
The party was in full swing when Dana and I got there, and I felt rather out of place. The music was loud and thumping, everyone was decked out in short skirts and dresses, and of course alcohol was being served. I avoided that like the plague and kind of stuck close to Dana, managing to chat a little with people she knew.
It wasn't really me, but I did my best to talk to people and drank soda that was being used to make mixed drinks. Dana dragged me out onto the dance floor despite my protests and I half-heartedly obliged her, though I was grateful to escape when I could.
As I stood by the refreshment table, I couldn't help wishing Jake was with me. He always relaxed me and it made things easier, but I knew I had to function socially on my own sometimes. I did fine with Dana, Clarissa, Jamie, and Samantha. I even was good with the guys', but being in a party situation just wasn't easy for me.
I managed to chat a little more, but was more than ready to leave when Dana asked if I wanted to head home. We were outside the fraternity - a beautiful gray stone home - when Dana came to a stop.
"Crap, I forgot something. Can you wait a few minutes, Bella?"
I walked across the lawn, just admiring the place, when I heard a shuffling sound. My head jerked up, and I saw two guys' leaning against the side of the house next to the fraternity. They were mostly hidden in shadow. "Hey there," the one said, and I saw the tip of a cigarette glowing.
My heart stuttered, remembering an all too frightening experience in Port Angeles, as I stared at the men.
"You go to school here?" the other one drawled casually.
"N-no," I managed to utter faintly. I tried to glance casually around, but no one was outside.
"Hmmm, cute, and she isn't dressed quite as… revealing as some," the one who spoke first said dropping his cigarette and grinding it with his heel.
"Why don't you come over here and join us?" he said with a chuckle. "We don't bite; unless you want us to."
"I… have to get home," I murmured and my voice was faint with fear. There was still no one around and I was beginning to panic quietly. I was too close to really make a run for it, but I began inching backwards instinctively.
"Oh come on," the other said moving towards me. "It'll be fun, I promise." Before I could turn and bolt, he reached out and snagged my arm.
I tried to scream, but it was cut off before it could get started. My eyes widened in terror, and the only thing I could think of seeing them move closer, was Jacob. I need you, Jake, I thought wildly.
The grip on my wrist tightened and my arm throbbed from the pressure. Since my mouth was covered, I drew my right arm back and threw a punch like Charlie told me. What I didn't realize was, even without breaking a knuckle this time, it still hurt like hell.
I bit down on the hand covering my mouth and managed a pathetic scream before I felt a few of the buttons on my blouse tear. "Dammit, she bit me," he growled and I felt the press of their bodies and my fear skyrocketed even higher as I realized what was intended.
I began struggling as hard as I could, and I felt something sharp scrape my face. Suddenly, I heard a sound rapidly getting louder and I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. I wished for Jake… and he was here?
My knees collapsed and I was huddled on the ground as Jake grabbed hold of them, spinning them around, and throwing them against the wall of the house forcefully. All I could hear was a thud and a snarl, and I saw Jake's body vibrating.
I stood, my fear for Jake's identity taking hold. "Jake, don't…" I whispered.
He was fighting the wolf, but I could see his teeth lengthening, his eyes burning in the dark, and his arms thickening. It was a vision from a horror movie and he was about to explode, the sounds coming from his throat more animal-like than human. I could see the men's faces frozen in horrified shock much like an animal in the sights of a much larger predator.
"Jake, you can't," I said fervently. I reached out and laid my hand over his arm which was burning hotter than I ever felt it, the muscles rolling under my hand. My touch soothed him and his breathing evened out a little bit.
I heard Dana yelling my name and Jake reverted back to normal before anyone else could see. "You ever come near her again I will kill you," Jake said his voice hoarse and the fury laced in his words.
They took off without a word just as Dana reached me. "Oh my God, Bella," she whispered. I had sank back to my knees, my whole body shaking with residual fear, as she threw her arms around me.
"I'm so sorry," she said, repeating it over and over.
I heard movement and then Jake's arms slid under me and lifted me. I laid my head on his chest. "Dana, you drive," Jake ordered as he slid into the backseat of the car with me. "Take us back to the apartment." I didn't want to talk, so I just lay my head on Jake's shoulder and closed my eyes trying to forget what had just happened.
*~*~*
JPOV
I had dropped Lindsay off at home and I was actually on my way home already when suddenly I felt a pinprick of worry. I had no idea why, it was just a niggling feeling that didn't feel right, so I was about to turn and head to the party. Almost immediately after I got a text from Alice confirming my instinctual worry.
Bella. GO.
I raced to the place where the party was at that Bella and Dana had gone to. I pulled onto the street the house was on, and I could hear her already, after all this time without phasing. My eyes zeroed in on the two men putting their filthy hands on my Bella, and the rage descended over me.
My hands snagged both of them, sending them crashing into the side of the house. I was about to throw the first punch, but the wolf was rearing up inside, and I barely had a grasp on my self-control. The sounds coming from inside were animalistic, my vision was sharpening, my mouth opened to make room for my teeth and I felt the strongest pull ever to phase. Bella's touch gave me the strength to push it down a bit, fear of hurting her overtaking me.
The fear in the men's faces was overpowering, and I heard Dana come running over as they took off. I turned and my heart sank as I saw Bella. She was hunched over, so I gently pried Dana off her, picked Bella up and told Dana to drive. I would worry about my car later. She just curled against me not talking, and I was desperate to be home so I could see her and assess the damage.
For now, I just stroked her hair, trying to stay calm.
Dana came in with us, and she hovered as I set Bella on the couch. Gently, I tilted her chin up and saw she had a scratch on her face. It had bled, but it looked pretty minor. She realized suddenly her blouse was hanging open and tried to close it, but winced as she moved her right hand.
"Ow," she gasped when I took hold of it.
I carefully examined it, saw she had some bruising around her wrist, and her knuckles were red and raw. I turned to tell Dana to get some ice, band-aids, and cream when I realized she was crying quietly.
"Dana, she'll be fine," I told her. "Let's just get her fixed up, okay?"
She nodded and hurried out of the room. When she came back, she held the ice on Bella's wrist while I put some cream and band-aids on her hand. I put a little on her cheek but left it uncovered.
"Bella, I'm sorry," Dana said hugging Bella. She was still sniffling. "I should have made you go in with me."
Bella made an effort and put an arm awkwardly around Dana. "Please don't blame yourself. It's not your fault."
Dana ordered her not to come into work the next day while Bella tried to tell her it would be a good distraction. Dana finally convinced her to take a day to let her hand rest and promised to call tomorrow. "Take care of her," Dana said as I followed her to the door. "She doesn't seem to be reacting much which worries me."
"She doesn't want to upset you," I said quietly. "She always worries too much about others and not enough about herself."
Dana shook her head. "I would call Brandon," she said not meeting my eyes, "but I think she would rather be with just you. You're her closest friend and you seem to know her better than anyone."
I nodded. "I'll take care of her," I assured Dana. "But Bella's right that you shouldn't blame yourself. You had no idea."
After she left, I went back in the living room and sat on the sofa with Bella. She looked at me, worn and scared, and I eased her onto my lap and just held her tightly. It didn't matter that things had been a bit stilted; what mattered was she was okay, and if this made us both feel better, fuck the awkward way we tried not to touch each other too much when sleeping.
"Bells, should I call your dad?" I asked.
"What? No!" she said panicking.
"He's the Chief of Police, honey. Maybe he could…"
"No," she said firmly. "It's out of his jurisdiction anyway; he wouldn't be able to do anything and it will just worry him."
"Okay," I said rubbing her back. "I know he has friends here on the force, so I thought that might be a good idea, but I won't call if you don't want me to."
She nodded with a quiet thank you and her head rested on my shoulder as she curled into me. We didn't say much, just sat there as I stroked her hair. It was getting late, so we went upstairs to get some sleep. When I came out of the bathroom, she seemed lost in thought, so I touched her shoulder to get her attention. She cringed, a little cry escaping.
"Oh Bells," I said feeling useless.
Her chin was shaking as she turned to me. "Jake," she mumbled.
We got into bed, and I slid my arms around her, as we tangled together like we used to. "Never again," I whispered as I kissed her forehead.
She snuggled into me. "Will you help me to get stronger physically, maybe show me what to do if…" her voice trailed off.
Surprised I leaned back. "Really?"
She nodded, her hair tickling my face. "Of course," I said pleased with her attitude.
This was a good sign; she was scared and she was hurting, but she wanted to try to be strong. What happened tonight was beyond horrible. If I hadn't gotten there… but I shook off that thought.
At least I could help her as the awkwardness eased between us, and I was extremely grateful for that and glad to be able to hold her again.
*~*~*
AN: A step in the right direction? You think? Tell me what you think.
Chapter 16