"Bring Me to Life" Chapter 10~Skin
Start form the begining HERE at ff.net
Title: Bring Me to Life
Author: Lindseyfair
Characters/Pairings: Edward/Bella mostly, some Alice/Jasper, some Emmett/Rosalie
Rating: Overall M for Mature, will designate chapters with more graphic content.
Category: Hurt/Comfort, Romance
Spoilers: None really, would be nice if you've at least read “Twilight” to get the basic character content.
This is Alternate Universe and is All Human.
Summary: 17 year old Edward has returned to Forks after spending six years at an exclusive boarding school. He's not the same Edward that his childhood best friend, Bella, remembers. He's changed and closed himself to almost everyone. Can Bella bring him back to life?
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters. They all belong to Stephenie Meyer. She is the goddess, so thank her.
Chapter 10-Skin
EPOV
“My clothes are all wet.” She stepped out of the shower examining what we had tossed on the floor.
I let my eyes rake over every inch of her skin, appreciating it fully for the first time. Every drop of water glistened off her warmed flesh. I watched as a single drop ran from the back of her shoulder, down her rib cage, past her waist, down the curve of her cheek, and fall to the floor.
“Edward?” She pulled me out of my daze.
“Sorry.” I stepped out as she handed me a towel.
“Don't be sorry.” She turned back to me after she wrapped her towel around herself. She helped me wrap my towel around my waist. “I just don't think your parents would appreciate me walking around in a towel.”
“I don't mind.” I swept her into my arms. I place my hand on her cheek. She held my hand and kissed each cut knuckle.
“Not that I wouldn't want to spend eternity lying around naked with you, but there are a few people that might miss us.” She wiped the water dripping from my forehead. I placed a soft, grateful kiss on her lips.
“Think I should get you some clothes from the girls?”
She nodded. I grabbed a robe from behind the door and slipped it across her shoulders. We went out into the bedroom and I slipped on some clothes.
“I'll be back in a minute.” I kissed her as she sat down on the bed.
I made my way to Alice's room on the second floor. I knocked softly.
“Come in.” I heard the pixie voice of my sister.
“Hey.”
“Hey,” she answered me as she came and gave me a soft hug.
“Is this how it's gonna be from now on, Al? You hugging me every time I walk in a room.”
“Yes, so just get used to it.” She held me tighter.
“I just need some clothes for Bella. Hers got a little, um... wet.” She pulled back from me with an accusatory glare. “She was helping me clean up.” I waved my hand in front of me, noticing it was clean, but incredibly swollen.
“Hell, Edward. What did you do?”
She took my hand in hers. “Got in a fight with a wall. The wall won, I guess.”
“I see that.”
“I really just came for the clothes for Bella. We can talk about the rest in the morning.”
“Sure.” She went to her dresser and pulled out a dark blue t-shirt, black pants, and a matching hoodie. “I think this should work.”
“Thanks. I guess she'll need something to get home in.” The thought of her leaving again was tearing at the walls of my heart. I didn't know if I could bare her being so far away from me after all that had happened that day.
“She's not going anywhere. If mom and dad won't let her stay with you, she'll stay in here with me. It's only right, were almost sisters you know.” She smiled as she handed me the clothes.
“I heard something like that. She's gonna marry your brother or something.” I smirked at the thought.
“You bet your ass she is. Don't you dare back out of this now. Bella and I have been like sisters forever. Don't you even think of taking this away from me.”
“Sure, Al. 'Cause it's all about you.”
She smacked me on the arm. “Damn right. At least one good thing came out of today.”
“Really? What's that?”
“We found some beautiful dresses. Don't keep me in suspense. Is it going to be a June wedding or do I need to look for something more fall like?”
I smiled when I remembered September 14th. “Maybe a little bit sooner than next June. We'll just have to wait and see.” I kissed her on the forehead before heading to the door.
“But you have to wait until after graduation. I can't get everything together any sooner than that. I'm just one person.”
I turned back to see the exasperated look on her face. “You just take care of the dresses and getting Bella there. We'll figure out the rest.” I opened the door and left her with her questions. Once things would play out, Bella and I would decide if September 14th would be the day we'd promise to be each other's forever.
I got back to my room, locking the door behind me. Bella was curled up on her side under the covers seemingly asleep. I slipped off my jeans leaving me in just my boxers and t-shirt and spooned myself next to her.
“You've been gone too long,” she uttered with a yawn.
“I was just toying with Alice. She wants us to have a June wedding next year. I told her it might be sooner than that.” I kissed her ear as I rested my cheek against hers.
“You should have seen her today. She was doing everything possible to distract me. We did find some beautiful ones though.”
“I don't care what you wear, as long as you promise to be mine.”
“I already am.”
/&/
We seemed to fall asleep and to my surprise, we didn't wake up until morning. I slept a little more peacefully than I had on the bathroom floor the night before. Bella would let out a soft moan now and then. That made me just pull her closer.
I kissed at her neck, causing her to stir a little. “Time to wake up. We've been in here all night.”
Her eyes slowly flickered opened. “All night?” She yawned as she turned over to face me.
“Yep, guess we didn't need Alice's clothes after all. Your's are probably dry by now.”
“No, I'll just wear them today. I don't want to go home yet.” She got up out of bed and slipped the robe off, leaving her skin exposed to me.
I loved that she wasn't shy about being naked in front of me. There was no barriers between us, not even clothes. I couldn't believe that all my life I had been waiting for this kind of connection. Before Bella saw all of me, I felt dirty without any clothes on. I was always trying to hide my skin, ashamed of how it'd been touched. Now that Bella had touched and caressed my deepest layers, all the shame melted away. She made me see how beautiful our bodies were.
“We should get something to eat and check on James. I'm sure he's wondering where we are.”
I just stared as she pulled the t-shirt over her head and slipped the hoodie over her shoulders.
“Are you ever getting out of bed?”
“One thing first.” I patted my finger on my lips.
She sauntered over to me. She put her lips up to mine, but before they could touch she moved to my ear. “Just one?” She kissed and sucked at my earlobe. Her lips dropped to my jaw and kissed across the unshaven line there. She came to my chin then was back at my lips.
“A couple might be okay.”
One, two, then three perfectly soft, warm kisses met my lips.
“Anymore and I might want to crawl back in this bed with you.” She pulled me out of bed then grabbed my jeans off the floor. “Here.” She threw them at me then I slipped them on.
I heard a knock at the door as I buttoned my jeans. We went over and opened the door hand in hand.
“I was just going to say come down when you're ready, but I guess you guys were in your way.” Jasper was standing in the doorway. I'm not sure what he was expecting, but he looked a little surprised.
“Is everything okay, Jasper?” He was staring at Bella.
“Ya, Charlie's already here. He wants to talk to you guys.”
We walked out the door and started down the stairs. “Why didn't anyone come wake us up last night? I thought for sure mom and dad would make Bella leave.”
“Mom and dad peeked in on the two of you. They said you were sleeping so peacefully, they didn't want to bother you.”
We got to the kitchen and in an instant, Jasper was glued to Alice's side at the table. Mom and dad were busy making some breakfast while Charlie, Emmett, James, and Rose sat at the table with Jasper and Alice.
“You two must be starving. You slept for hours.” My mom was fixing us both a plate when I looked at the clock to see it was almost eleven.
“We were exhausted. We really needed the rest.” My mom handed us our plates and we sat down at the huge kitchen table.
Charlie was eying both of us from across the table. “Don't think that will be going on every night. I let it slide last night cause when we found the two of you, you were already asleep.”
“Dad, were engaged remember. Plus, Edward and I have waited long enough to be together, I think we can wait until we're married for that. We just sleep better together, like when we were kids.” Whenever I slept over at the Cullen's, somehow all of us would end up sleeping on the floor together. I was always between Alice and Edward. Well... a little closer to Edward.
“She's right. I don't think I've slept all night without a nightmare in years.” That wasn't true. The night sleeping on the bathroom floor had been the first night nightmare free. I was hoping Charlie could see what I meant. I don't know if I could stand a single night away from her.
“Fine. We will work something out, even if I have to sleep with one eye open watching you.” The table erupted in a round of giggles.
I stole a glance at Bella as she gathered some scrambled eggs on her fork and slipped it in her mouth.
“What was it wo wor wonting to tell us dod?” Bella was even cute when she talked with her mouthful.
“Well, I got a call telling me that a federal prosecutor had taken the evidence and is presenting it in front of a judge this afternoon. Hopefully it won't be long until we hear something.”
“Good.” I vagued a smile while I continued to eat. I didn't feel happy at the news. I knew weather or not he was punished, it would never change what he did to me. I would never get any of those moments back. At least now, maybe there was a light at the end of the tunnel. My family wouldn't have to suffer much longer.
“Why don't you kids go out and do something fun today. You really need a break.” My mom was doing that thing where she tries to control my hair. She always had a problem with the fact that Jasper and I had beautifully uncontrollable hair. Somehow, it was always comforting though.
“We could go up to LaPush. Hang out on the beach and have a barbecue.” Emmett's suggestion was agreed upon, not entirely enthusiastically, but we all agreed.
We packed up the cars and headed out making a stop at the Swan's for Bella and Emmett to grab some things. Then one more stop, just for James.
It was so weird watching James be a total gentleman. He walked up to Jessica's door and even shook her father's hand when he answered. A few minutes later, he and Jessica emerged hand in hand. He helped her up into Jasper's jeep and we all went riding down to LaPush.
The water was still pretty cool, only being the end of May. Bella and I enjoyed just sitting in each other's arms. Occasionally, James would bust out his guitar and make Jessica swoon. Then they'd disappear for awhile. Knowing James, I'm sure he was showing her a good time.
“We need to make some plans, you know.”
“For what?” I was wondering if Bella was thinking about the wedding or just life in general.
“For your birthday, silly. Had you forgotten?”
“Almost.” I had been so focused on her turning eighteen, I hadn't even realized that in only a few days I would already be there.
“What do you want to do? You name it and we'll do it.”
“Just to spend it with you.”
“That's a given. Come on, just think.”
I racked my brain for some crazy, off the wall, birthday fantasy. Going out of town was pretty much out of the question right then. A big party wasn't really my style, but maybe a small one. “How about all of us get together and have a party at the house. James and I can jam. I'll get dad to bring out his saxophone. You girls can sing and dance. Just goof off and be totally stupid for a night. What do you think?”
“Sounds interesting, but I'd like to pick out some of the music.”
“Like what?”
“I'd like you to play my song for everyone.”
“Bella.” I shook my head. That song had always been just something between her and I. Something really personal that only the two of us shared.
“I just want everyone to hear how completely magnificent you are.”
“We'll have to just wait and see. My hand might not be up to the task by then.” It was a difficult piece and even though the swelling in my hand gone down, I wasn't sure that I'd be ready to play it in just a few days.
“Fine, I'll let it slide... for now. I can't wait to see Carlisle with his sax. Bet he's really good.”
She got an oddly dreamy look in her eye.
“Whoa. You've got a thing for my dad?”
“It's not like that. He's just a part of you, the handsome part that is. Plus the way he is with your mom, it kinda reminds me of how we are together sometimes.”
I laughed because I was sure it was a little bit more than that from the rising red color of her cheeks. “Alright. Then it will have to be a small family party with lots of music.”
“Sounds just right, if that's what you want.”
“That and plenty of these.” I leaned into her and placed my lips on hers. I let my lips part and met her tongue with my own. Her fingers snaked up and down my spine as mine played with the ties of her bikini top hanging down her back.
“Okay, Casanova. That's enough.” Emmett decided that we were getting a little too intense and thought it was his place to break it up.
“Fine, Em, but next time I see you even touch Rose, you're getting it back.”
“We are thinking about starting a fire and camping out. You guys want to stay?”
The idea of sleeping on the sand wasn't very appealing. Plus, my hand was starting to hurt a little and I had brought any pain medicine with me. “I think we'll pass. Maybe another time. I was thinking maybe we should go ahead and head out.”
“'Kay, but I think the rest of us are gonna stay.”
Bella and I said our goodbyes and got into the Volvo to head home.
“I wonder if my dad will like sleeping on your couch.”
“Guess he'll have to get used to it. I don't plan on sleeping another night without you.” I took her hand and kissed it before holding it at my thigh.
“Maybe he and Emmett can take turns, but Emmett snores, so maybe dad would be better.”
“They should just let Alice stay with us. It'd be like old times.”
“Not like the bed isn't big enough for ten people. I'm sure we could squeeze her in.”
I laughed and took in a big breath. My nostrils filled with a strange scent. “What is that smell?”
Bella sniffed at the air. “I don't know. Is something wrong with the car? Maybe you better pull o-over.”
I turned my head to see Bella slumped over in her seat. I pulled the car over to the side of the road and shut off it off. I tried to lift my arm to check to see if she was okay, but it was too heavy.
“B-Bell-Bella.” The word came out of my mouth unevenly and slowly, like everything was in slow motion. I tried to keep my eyes open, but they were so heavy as well. I closed them and slumped back in my seat.
I heard the sound of a car coming up behind us and stop. I heard two doors slam and the sound of footsteps coming towards the car. I tried to open my mouth and speak, but my jaw felt like it was wired shut. I heard Bella's door open and in an instant, her scent was further away from me. I wanted to scream, cry out for her, but my body wouldn't move.
I'm not sure how much time had passed, but someone came and opened my door. I felt my seat belt being released as a hand reached over me.
“Get his feet,” an indistinguishable voice whispered.
I felt my legs being slid out of the car, then I was being carried by two people. I tried to hold on, tried to listen to everything around me, but I couldn't fight the darkness. I slipped into a deep tunnel filled with darkness, not even a thought of Bella to comfort me. Unfortunately, this was a very familiar feeling.
/&/
A/N: Please be patient with me. This next chapter is going to take a couple days to come together. There is going to be a lot that needs to happen. I know I left a huge cliff hanger, but the just the thought of what's coming next makes me shudder. Writing it is going to be pretty difficult. I will promise you one thing though, there is a happy ending on the horizon. It will be worth all the wait, so please just bear with me and stock up on your tissues.
Leaving you praying for you patience, Lindsey
Title: Bring Me to Life
Author: Lindseyfair
Characters/Pairings: Edward/Bella mostly, some Alice/Jasper, some Emmett/Rosalie
Rating: Overall M for Mature, will designate chapters with more graphic content.
Category: Hurt/Comfort, Romance
Spoilers: None really, would be nice if you've at least read “Twilight” to get the basic character content.
This is Alternate Universe and is All Human.
Summary: 17 year old Edward has returned to Forks after spending six years at an exclusive boarding school. He's not the same Edward that his childhood best friend, Bella, remembers. He's changed and closed himself to almost everyone. Can Bella bring him back to life?
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters. They all belong to Stephenie Meyer. She is the goddess, so thank her.
Chapter 10-Skin
EPOV
“My clothes are all wet.” She stepped out of the shower examining what we had tossed on the floor.
I let my eyes rake over every inch of her skin, appreciating it fully for the first time. Every drop of water glistened off her warmed flesh. I watched as a single drop ran from the back of her shoulder, down her rib cage, past her waist, down the curve of her cheek, and fall to the floor.
“Edward?” She pulled me out of my daze.
“Sorry.” I stepped out as she handed me a towel.
“Don't be sorry.” She turned back to me after she wrapped her towel around herself. She helped me wrap my towel around my waist. “I just don't think your parents would appreciate me walking around in a towel.”
“I don't mind.” I swept her into my arms. I place my hand on her cheek. She held my hand and kissed each cut knuckle.
“Not that I wouldn't want to spend eternity lying around naked with you, but there are a few people that might miss us.” She wiped the water dripping from my forehead. I placed a soft, grateful kiss on her lips.
“Think I should get you some clothes from the girls?”
She nodded. I grabbed a robe from behind the door and slipped it across her shoulders. We went out into the bedroom and I slipped on some clothes.
“I'll be back in a minute.” I kissed her as she sat down on the bed.
I made my way to Alice's room on the second floor. I knocked softly.
“Come in.” I heard the pixie voice of my sister.
“Hey.”
“Hey,” she answered me as she came and gave me a soft hug.
“Is this how it's gonna be from now on, Al? You hugging me every time I walk in a room.”
“Yes, so just get used to it.” She held me tighter.
“I just need some clothes for Bella. Hers got a little, um... wet.” She pulled back from me with an accusatory glare. “She was helping me clean up.” I waved my hand in front of me, noticing it was clean, but incredibly swollen.
“Hell, Edward. What did you do?”
She took my hand in hers. “Got in a fight with a wall. The wall won, I guess.”
“I see that.”
“I really just came for the clothes for Bella. We can talk about the rest in the morning.”
“Sure.” She went to her dresser and pulled out a dark blue t-shirt, black pants, and a matching hoodie. “I think this should work.”
“Thanks. I guess she'll need something to get home in.” The thought of her leaving again was tearing at the walls of my heart. I didn't know if I could bare her being so far away from me after all that had happened that day.
“She's not going anywhere. If mom and dad won't let her stay with you, she'll stay in here with me. It's only right, were almost sisters you know.” She smiled as she handed me the clothes.
“I heard something like that. She's gonna marry your brother or something.” I smirked at the thought.
“You bet your ass she is. Don't you dare back out of this now. Bella and I have been like sisters forever. Don't you even think of taking this away from me.”
“Sure, Al. 'Cause it's all about you.”
She smacked me on the arm. “Damn right. At least one good thing came out of today.”
“Really? What's that?”
“We found some beautiful dresses. Don't keep me in suspense. Is it going to be a June wedding or do I need to look for something more fall like?”
I smiled when I remembered September 14th. “Maybe a little bit sooner than next June. We'll just have to wait and see.” I kissed her on the forehead before heading to the door.
“But you have to wait until after graduation. I can't get everything together any sooner than that. I'm just one person.”
I turned back to see the exasperated look on her face. “You just take care of the dresses and getting Bella there. We'll figure out the rest.” I opened the door and left her with her questions. Once things would play out, Bella and I would decide if September 14th would be the day we'd promise to be each other's forever.
I got back to my room, locking the door behind me. Bella was curled up on her side under the covers seemingly asleep. I slipped off my jeans leaving me in just my boxers and t-shirt and spooned myself next to her.
“You've been gone too long,” she uttered with a yawn.
“I was just toying with Alice. She wants us to have a June wedding next year. I told her it might be sooner than that.” I kissed her ear as I rested my cheek against hers.
“You should have seen her today. She was doing everything possible to distract me. We did find some beautiful ones though.”
“I don't care what you wear, as long as you promise to be mine.”
“I already am.”
/&/
We seemed to fall asleep and to my surprise, we didn't wake up until morning. I slept a little more peacefully than I had on the bathroom floor the night before. Bella would let out a soft moan now and then. That made me just pull her closer.
I kissed at her neck, causing her to stir a little. “Time to wake up. We've been in here all night.”
Her eyes slowly flickered opened. “All night?” She yawned as she turned over to face me.
“Yep, guess we didn't need Alice's clothes after all. Your's are probably dry by now.”
“No, I'll just wear them today. I don't want to go home yet.” She got up out of bed and slipped the robe off, leaving her skin exposed to me.
I loved that she wasn't shy about being naked in front of me. There was no barriers between us, not even clothes. I couldn't believe that all my life I had been waiting for this kind of connection. Before Bella saw all of me, I felt dirty without any clothes on. I was always trying to hide my skin, ashamed of how it'd been touched. Now that Bella had touched and caressed my deepest layers, all the shame melted away. She made me see how beautiful our bodies were.
“We should get something to eat and check on James. I'm sure he's wondering where we are.”
I just stared as she pulled the t-shirt over her head and slipped the hoodie over her shoulders.
“Are you ever getting out of bed?”
“One thing first.” I patted my finger on my lips.
She sauntered over to me. She put her lips up to mine, but before they could touch she moved to my ear. “Just one?” She kissed and sucked at my earlobe. Her lips dropped to my jaw and kissed across the unshaven line there. She came to my chin then was back at my lips.
“A couple might be okay.”
One, two, then three perfectly soft, warm kisses met my lips.
“Anymore and I might want to crawl back in this bed with you.” She pulled me out of bed then grabbed my jeans off the floor. “Here.” She threw them at me then I slipped them on.
I heard a knock at the door as I buttoned my jeans. We went over and opened the door hand in hand.
“I was just going to say come down when you're ready, but I guess you guys were in your way.” Jasper was standing in the doorway. I'm not sure what he was expecting, but he looked a little surprised.
“Is everything okay, Jasper?” He was staring at Bella.
“Ya, Charlie's already here. He wants to talk to you guys.”
We walked out the door and started down the stairs. “Why didn't anyone come wake us up last night? I thought for sure mom and dad would make Bella leave.”
“Mom and dad peeked in on the two of you. They said you were sleeping so peacefully, they didn't want to bother you.”
We got to the kitchen and in an instant, Jasper was glued to Alice's side at the table. Mom and dad were busy making some breakfast while Charlie, Emmett, James, and Rose sat at the table with Jasper and Alice.
“You two must be starving. You slept for hours.” My mom was fixing us both a plate when I looked at the clock to see it was almost eleven.
“We were exhausted. We really needed the rest.” My mom handed us our plates and we sat down at the huge kitchen table.
Charlie was eying both of us from across the table. “Don't think that will be going on every night. I let it slide last night cause when we found the two of you, you were already asleep.”
“Dad, were engaged remember. Plus, Edward and I have waited long enough to be together, I think we can wait until we're married for that. We just sleep better together, like when we were kids.” Whenever I slept over at the Cullen's, somehow all of us would end up sleeping on the floor together. I was always between Alice and Edward. Well... a little closer to Edward.
“She's right. I don't think I've slept all night without a nightmare in years.” That wasn't true. The night sleeping on the bathroom floor had been the first night nightmare free. I was hoping Charlie could see what I meant. I don't know if I could stand a single night away from her.
“Fine. We will work something out, even if I have to sleep with one eye open watching you.” The table erupted in a round of giggles.
I stole a glance at Bella as she gathered some scrambled eggs on her fork and slipped it in her mouth.
“What was it wo wor wonting to tell us dod?” Bella was even cute when she talked with her mouthful.
“Well, I got a call telling me that a federal prosecutor had taken the evidence and is presenting it in front of a judge this afternoon. Hopefully it won't be long until we hear something.”
“Good.” I vagued a smile while I continued to eat. I didn't feel happy at the news. I knew weather or not he was punished, it would never change what he did to me. I would never get any of those moments back. At least now, maybe there was a light at the end of the tunnel. My family wouldn't have to suffer much longer.
“Why don't you kids go out and do something fun today. You really need a break.” My mom was doing that thing where she tries to control my hair. She always had a problem with the fact that Jasper and I had beautifully uncontrollable hair. Somehow, it was always comforting though.
“We could go up to LaPush. Hang out on the beach and have a barbecue.” Emmett's suggestion was agreed upon, not entirely enthusiastically, but we all agreed.
We packed up the cars and headed out making a stop at the Swan's for Bella and Emmett to grab some things. Then one more stop, just for James.
It was so weird watching James be a total gentleman. He walked up to Jessica's door and even shook her father's hand when he answered. A few minutes later, he and Jessica emerged hand in hand. He helped her up into Jasper's jeep and we all went riding down to LaPush.
The water was still pretty cool, only being the end of May. Bella and I enjoyed just sitting in each other's arms. Occasionally, James would bust out his guitar and make Jessica swoon. Then they'd disappear for awhile. Knowing James, I'm sure he was showing her a good time.
“We need to make some plans, you know.”
“For what?” I was wondering if Bella was thinking about the wedding or just life in general.
“For your birthday, silly. Had you forgotten?”
“Almost.” I had been so focused on her turning eighteen, I hadn't even realized that in only a few days I would already be there.
“What do you want to do? You name it and we'll do it.”
“Just to spend it with you.”
“That's a given. Come on, just think.”
I racked my brain for some crazy, off the wall, birthday fantasy. Going out of town was pretty much out of the question right then. A big party wasn't really my style, but maybe a small one. “How about all of us get together and have a party at the house. James and I can jam. I'll get dad to bring out his saxophone. You girls can sing and dance. Just goof off and be totally stupid for a night. What do you think?”
“Sounds interesting, but I'd like to pick out some of the music.”
“Like what?”
“I'd like you to play my song for everyone.”
“Bella.” I shook my head. That song had always been just something between her and I. Something really personal that only the two of us shared.
“I just want everyone to hear how completely magnificent you are.”
“We'll have to just wait and see. My hand might not be up to the task by then.” It was a difficult piece and even though the swelling in my hand gone down, I wasn't sure that I'd be ready to play it in just a few days.
“Fine, I'll let it slide... for now. I can't wait to see Carlisle with his sax. Bet he's really good.”
She got an oddly dreamy look in her eye.
“Whoa. You've got a thing for my dad?”
“It's not like that. He's just a part of you, the handsome part that is. Plus the way he is with your mom, it kinda reminds me of how we are together sometimes.”
I laughed because I was sure it was a little bit more than that from the rising red color of her cheeks. “Alright. Then it will have to be a small family party with lots of music.”
“Sounds just right, if that's what you want.”
“That and plenty of these.” I leaned into her and placed my lips on hers. I let my lips part and met her tongue with my own. Her fingers snaked up and down my spine as mine played with the ties of her bikini top hanging down her back.
“Okay, Casanova. That's enough.” Emmett decided that we were getting a little too intense and thought it was his place to break it up.
“Fine, Em, but next time I see you even touch Rose, you're getting it back.”
“We are thinking about starting a fire and camping out. You guys want to stay?”
The idea of sleeping on the sand wasn't very appealing. Plus, my hand was starting to hurt a little and I had brought any pain medicine with me. “I think we'll pass. Maybe another time. I was thinking maybe we should go ahead and head out.”
“'Kay, but I think the rest of us are gonna stay.”
Bella and I said our goodbyes and got into the Volvo to head home.
“I wonder if my dad will like sleeping on your couch.”
“Guess he'll have to get used to it. I don't plan on sleeping another night without you.” I took her hand and kissed it before holding it at my thigh.
“Maybe he and Emmett can take turns, but Emmett snores, so maybe dad would be better.”
“They should just let Alice stay with us. It'd be like old times.”
“Not like the bed isn't big enough for ten people. I'm sure we could squeeze her in.”
I laughed and took in a big breath. My nostrils filled with a strange scent. “What is that smell?”
Bella sniffed at the air. “I don't know. Is something wrong with the car? Maybe you better pull o-over.”
I turned my head to see Bella slumped over in her seat. I pulled the car over to the side of the road and shut off it off. I tried to lift my arm to check to see if she was okay, but it was too heavy.
“B-Bell-Bella.” The word came out of my mouth unevenly and slowly, like everything was in slow motion. I tried to keep my eyes open, but they were so heavy as well. I closed them and slumped back in my seat.
I heard the sound of a car coming up behind us and stop. I heard two doors slam and the sound of footsteps coming towards the car. I tried to open my mouth and speak, but my jaw felt like it was wired shut. I heard Bella's door open and in an instant, her scent was further away from me. I wanted to scream, cry out for her, but my body wouldn't move.
I'm not sure how much time had passed, but someone came and opened my door. I felt my seat belt being released as a hand reached over me.
“Get his feet,” an indistinguishable voice whispered.
I felt my legs being slid out of the car, then I was being carried by two people. I tried to hold on, tried to listen to everything around me, but I couldn't fight the darkness. I slipped into a deep tunnel filled with darkness, not even a thought of Bella to comfort me. Unfortunately, this was a very familiar feeling.
/&/
A/N: Please be patient with me. This next chapter is going to take a couple days to come together. There is going to be a lot that needs to happen. I know I left a huge cliff hanger, but the just the thought of what's coming next makes me shudder. Writing it is going to be pretty difficult. I will promise you one thing though, there is a happy ending on the horizon. It will be worth all the wait, so please just bear with me and stock up on your tissues.
Leaving you praying for you patience, Lindsey