"Bring Me to Life" Chapter 17~Getting to Grips
Or read it 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 17-Getting to Grips
BPOV
Things were finally coming together. We made decision after decision all morning. The cake, the flowers, my beautiful dress... The music. That had to be special. Edward wanted so much to do something unique, but I thought getting married while sitting at the piano was a bit much. We compromised to recording some of his own work and playing it during the ceremony. While he was off looking for some music with James, I slipped away to curl up on the living room couch.
I hadn't realized how tired I was until I stretched out on the massive couch. My eyes soon became heavy and I couldn't fight sleep any longer.
My dream started off innocently enough. I was cooking in the Cullen kitchen while the girls ran around my feet. Edward grabbed Kenzie and scooped her up before coming over to me.
“Kiss for the cook?” He asked before pecking my lips. “I'm gonna get them out of your hair for awhile.”
“No, it's fine really.”
Edward put his nose to little Kenzie's. “Would you like to go see if we could fill up some water balloons then find Jasper and Emmett.”
“Yeah!”
“Me too! Me too!” Gracie yelled as she jumped up and down.
“We'll be back for dinner. Maybe not dry, but we'll be back.”
“Okay, you all have fun.”
They rushed out the kitchen door and into the back yard.
I returned to chopping up ingredients for a salad. First tomatoes, then green peppers, and then cucumbers.
I almost thought Edward had sneaked up behind me when I felt a pair of hands on my hips. Then I felt them come up to my stomach and go under my t-shirt.
I turned to see it wasn't Edward. It was Demetri.
My whole body went stiff as his arms started squeezing me tighter and his lips traveled down my neck.
“I've been waiting for you, Bella. Waiting for just the right moment to make you mine.”
His hand went to my breast. I tried, but I couldn't move, could barely breathe through my silent sobs. He started grinding himself against me, his hardness digging into my backside.
“Please, stop.”
“Oh, Bella. I'm just getting started.”
He turned me around and shoved me up on the counter. I pushed against his shoulders, but he gripped my waist even harder. He reached for my zipper. I brought my knee up and shoved it against his chest, sending him flying back to hit the stove.
“You shouldn't of done that.” He pulled his Palm Pilot from his pocket and pushed the button.
I fell hard back onto the counter as the shock traveled through my body. My brain pounded against my skull as everything went dark. My body was stiff but I couldn't stop shaking. I couldn't hear anything except the pounding of my brain against my skull. I suddenly felt two pairs of hands moving me onto the floor, then a surge of pain in my thigh. I slowly stopped shaking and walked into complete darkness.
/&/
EPOV
“They said since it was only a few minutes long and that it was probably the first one she has had, they hope there will be no permanent damage.”
I sighed as my father came over to give me a hug in the ICU waiting room. Alice, Emmett, and Charlie had been waiting with me as my father consulted with the other doctors taking care of Bella.
“After everything... I can't lose her now.”
“I know. I know.” My father held onto my tighter as I heard my name being spoken from the other side of the room.
I turned to see my picture flash across the television screen.
“Alice, turn it up.”
Alice went over and turned up the volume as the brunette female reporter came on screen.
“This tragic story has taken another turn for the worst as Isabella Swan was rushed to the emergency room in Forks, Washington after an apparent seizure. She is listed in critical condition. The family is preparing a statement. When we have it, we will break in.”
The screen focused back on a blonde female reporter. “This all comes on the day that the alleged kidnappers, Demetri and Anne Karpov, were formally charged in Montana Federal Court. Among the list were charges of kidnapping and aggravated sexual abuse. There is talk of charges being added to the list as the prosecution continues to gather evidence.”
I shut off the television before picking up a magazine and throwing it across the room. I started pacing, running my fingers through my hair.
The others stood stunned. I'm sure they had no clue what to do. I hadn't the faintest idea what to do.
“Carlisle?” Another doctor came into the room as we all turned to him. “We're finished with the EEG. She's still unconscious, but she's stable.”
“Can I go in?” I had to be near her, protect her, no matter what.
“Sure.”
I was led through the ICU as I left the others behind. They didn't even try to stop me or even come with me. They knew they couldn't stop me from getting to her side.
I walked to her bedside to see the monitors hooked up to her, an IV giving her fluids and medication. I took her hand and sat down beside her.
I clasped her hand in mine before pressing my lips against it.
“Not now. Not now. Not now. God, please. Don't take her away from me. Haven't we been through enough. Please just give us a chance. Give us a chance to be happy.”
“You promised a happily ever after.”
I turned to see those gorgeous brown eyes fluttering open. She squeezed my hand as I got up and pressed my lips to her forehead.
“Don't ever do that again,” I warned. “I can't lose you.”
“Believe me, I didn't enjoy a minute of it whatever it was. What happened?” Her words were soft and slightly slurred. She sounded so exhausted.
“Alice found you on the couch. She thought you were just sleeping, but then you started having a seizure.”
“A seizure?” She asked as I sat back down next to her. “I've never had one before, but maybe the nightmare or...”
“You were having a nightmare?”
“Sort of. I was kind of a memory, but it didn't happen exactly like it did the first time.”
She drowsily recounted what she could remember of her dream as the tears streamed down my face. It was all my fault. Demetri would have never touched her if it hadn't been for me.
“It actually happened like that a couple of times, but it was always when he knew you wouldn't be around. He'd fight me, then shock me, and I'd pass out.”
“He could've... He might of...”
“He didn't,” she assured me as the tears flowed from my eyes to her hand just below my lips. “The doctors in Billings did a vaginal exam. They said I hadn't been... broken yet. So, I don't see that he could've.”
I felt a slight bit of relief at that.
“Glad to see those big brown eyes.” My father walked in and stood at the opposite side of Bella's bed. He stroked her forehead, brushing her hair away from her eyes. “How are you feeling?”
“Really tired.”
“You need your rest.”
“What happened though? Do they know why I had a seizure?”
“At first, we thought it might have been the drugs that they had given you. Then Edward told us that you said he only drugged you that one time when you rode to Montana, so that wasn't very likely.”
“She was having a nightmare she was being shocked when it happened? Could that have triggered it?”
My father shook his head. “Possibly. The nightmare might have just been her mind dealing with the seizure. They're going to continue monitoring her and do a few more tests. We'll have a clearer picture in the morning. Right now, Bella needs her rest.”
“Don't look at me. I'm not moving.” They'd have to drag me kicking and screaming if they wanted me out of that room.
“Fine, but promise me you'll let her rest and you won't get in the way.”
“He promises.” Bella gave my hand another squeeze as I kissed it. “Thank you, Carlisle.”
“You know, you can start calling me dad. Only a few more weeks and I kind of will be.”
I saw the corners of Bella's mouth turn up as a blush came to her face.
“I don't think I could call you dad. I think I'll just stick with Carlisle if that's alright.”
“Okay, rest then.”
My dad left the room as I turned to capture my fiancé's cherry cheeks.
“What?”
I smiled. “I just think it's kinda cute how you get all embarrassed around my dad.”
“I told you, it's just because he's so much like you.”
“Sure, sure.” I nodded as her eyes drifted shut.
/&/
“Still sleeping?” My father peaked his head in a couple of hours later.
“Yeah, but she hasn't been talking like she usually does. Must be the medication.”
“Can I talk to you out here for a minute?”
“Sure.” I lifted myself from the chair I'd inhabited for the past few hours. I gave Bella a soft kiss on the forehead before going out to talk with my father.
“What's going on, dad?”
“I just wanted to fill you in on a couple more things.” He wiped his brow and russeted his hair like he always did when he was trying to tell me something important but wasn't really sure how to say it. “They've done the EEG which showed abnormal brain activity. They did an MRI also. I just went over it with her neurologist and the radiologist. It confirmed the abnormal electrical activity in her brain. They want to try her on a drug called Lamictal to prevent any further seizures. I've had success with several patients on it. Hopefully, this drug will prevent any further seizures. Now... she told you she was having a nightmare when it happened?”
“Uh... yeah. She said it was about Demetri shocking her. I guess it happened a lot more than I ever knew about. She said he would shock her until she passed out. I don't even want to think what he could have...” I broke down at just the thought of Demetri putting any part of his body on my Bella.
My father wrapped his arms around me as his co-workers watched his grown son cry like a baby. I felt like such an idiot, blubbering all over my father's shoulder. I would have never let my emotions get away from me like that in public. At that moment, I didn't care. All that mattered, all that ever mattered was Bella.
“You need to let us take care of you for awhile, son.” My father pulled me from his shoulder and place his hands on both sides of my face. “When was the last time you ate?”
I shrugged. “Breakfast, I guess.”
“Alice is in the waiting room. Why don't you go down to the cafeteria with her. I promise to call you if anything changes.”
I knew he was right. My stomach sounded like a thunderstorm with all the growling. “I know I should, but do you think eating with Alice is gonna help? She's coming apart at the seams and I just don't have the strength to keep both of us together.”
“Emmett's with her. Just try to eat something and take a few minutes to relax. I really need to discuss a few things with Charlie.”
“I'll be back in a little while. Tell her if she wakes up.”
“I will.” He patted my shoulder before I walked out the door and into Alice's bone crushing embrace.
/&/
BPOV
My eyes fluttered open, but I felt barely awake. I tried to make my eyes focus, but all I could see were two blurs floating around the room. I squinted as one figure came in closer. I could distinguish his blonde hair. Then I felt a smile cross my face as I stared into those cobalt blue eyes.
“Feeling any better?”
“Still a little woozy. My head still really hurts.”
I saw him turn to what I could now see was a nurse. She pushed a few buttons on the monitor connected to my IV.
“That should help.”
“Thanks, Carlisle.” I lifted my hand and took his in mine.
Whenever I was with Carlisle, I felt one of two extremely different things. I was either a total wreck of teenage hormones or completely at ease. It could have very well have been the drugs, but I was slowly feeling perfectly at peace.
He sat down next to me, my eyes following him as he did.
“We've done several tests. They all point to a seizure. We hope with some medication we can stop it from happening again. We can't be sure of the trigger to the seizure because you were sleeping when it started. Edward said you were having a nightmare?”
Visions of Demetri pushing me up on the counter, his hands pulling at my zipper began to flood my mind. “A nightmare? I wish, it was more like a memory.”
“It's possible that the seizure was brought on by emotional stress. That coupled with all the shocks you received...”
“Caused a seizure. I get it. Just tell me... am I gonna be alright?”
“I'm going to do everything I can, Bella. My hope is that this is just an isolated incident.”
“Humph.” I laughed as I laid my head back to stare at the ceiling. “I guess I should have known better than to try to take a nap without Edward.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well...” I turned my head back to him. “Even though everyday we were being put through some sort of hell, at night was a completely different story. Lying in his arms, I had the most magnificent dreams.” I fell back into a state of complete relaxation. I never had a nightmare as long as I was in Edward's arms. “The only time my dreams tortured me as much as the day did was those nights they hid him from me.”
“It really amazes me how physically connected you two are.”
A shocked and I'm sure bewildered look swept across my face as a blush flew to my cheeks. “We never... I mean, we haven't...”
“I know. What I meant was that the two of you balance each other out physically as well as emotionally. Like when Edward had that attack in the ER in Billings. All you had to do was hold him and he calmed down instantly. Even today, when he was in here just holding your hand while you slept, you looked completely peaceful. I've never seen two people as wrapped up in each other as you two are.”
“I wouldn't have it any other way.”
/&/
I spent two days in the hospital just to make sure that I wouldn't have any reaction to the medications they were giving me. I had to follow up with a neurologist as long as I was taking the medication and to have more tests in a couple of months.
While I was lying in bed, I talked Edward into getting the tests he needed done by the cardiologist. They made him run on a treadmill while they had all sorts of patches attached to his chest he recounted. He had only been taking his medication for a few days, but it already seemed to be helping. He would have to get regular checks and tests just as I would. What a pair we made.
We had sent Alice and Rose off to Seattle the day I came home from the hospital. They had taken the girls to see the designer who was making all our dresses. They all were going to get fitted, then have a girls day in the city. I was just glad to have a little peace and quite for at least one day.
Edward carried me all the way up the three flights of stairs to our room as James toddled behind us with my bags.
“You really didn't have to carry me all the way up here. The doctors said I'm fine now.” He laid me down on our bed before giving me a peck on the lips.
“I'm not taking any chances. Today you let me take care of you, alright?”
“Alright. Only on one condition.”
“What's that?”
“I want you two to play something for me.”
James looked over and shook his head, but Edward seemed really excited. I had never heard them play together, but they'd talked about it endlessly. I was hoping they could record something together to do at the wedding.
“Come on, James. What about a little Robbie Williams?” Edward made his way over to sit at the piano.
“Oh, no. I've already heard James' rendition of 'Me and My Monkey'. Thank you very much.”
Edward and James both laughed as they remembered a slightly tipsy James belting out that tune the night of spring break on the beach.
“I was thinking more like 'Eternity'. You up for it?” Edward raised an eye brow to James.
“Why not.” He pulled his guitar from his case as I got settled on my stomach waiting for them to begin.
They started together in perfect timing, like they had done it a million times before. I was a little more than shocked when Edward closed his eyes and began to sing.
Close your eyes so you don't fear them
They don't need to see you cry
I can't promise I will heal you
But if you want to I will try
I'll sing this somber serenade
The past is done
We've been betrayed
It's true
Someone said the truth will out
I believe without a doubt, in you
James joined Edward in the chorus.
You were there for summer dreaming
And you gave me what I need
And I hope you find your freedom
For eternity...
For eternity.
Edward looked to my eyes to see they were dripping with tears. He smiled as he knew they were happy ones. I bit my bottom lip as they finished. James and his guitar. Edward and his piano. It was like I was in music heaven, only to be ripped out by a knock at the door.
Edward's smile reached from ear to ear. “Come in.”
The door opened and Jasper stepped in.
“Sorry to interrupt your little jam session, but we've got company.”
I sat up on the bed. “Who is it?”
“Harry and one of the prosecutors. They've got some news for us.”
I didn't know weather to be frightened or relieved. Coming to talk to us might mean Demetri and Anne had confessed. On the other hand, it could have meant they had hired some big shot attorney who was pulling every trick in the book to get them off. All I knew was, as long as Edward's hand was in mine, we could face anything.
/&/
A/N: You didn't think I had forgotten all about those monsters rotting in jail, did you? I have some more in store for those two, but don't worry. I did promise a happily ever after. It's coming, eventually.
I'm a huge Robbie Williams junkie, so I had to get at least one song in. It's called “Eternity”. If you haven't heard it, just Google it or something. The piano and the guitar go so well together. I really wanted James and Edward to remember some good things about their time at school together. Mainly, their passion for their music.
I hope this will last you all at least until Friday. My sister is being induced Wednesday morning, so I'm taking some time off till Friday. I'll put up a link to some pics as soon as I have some.
Leaving you for only three days, 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 17-Getting to Grips
BPOV
Things were finally coming together. We made decision after decision all morning. The cake, the flowers, my beautiful dress... The music. That had to be special. Edward wanted so much to do something unique, but I thought getting married while sitting at the piano was a bit much. We compromised to recording some of his own work and playing it during the ceremony. While he was off looking for some music with James, I slipped away to curl up on the living room couch.
I hadn't realized how tired I was until I stretched out on the massive couch. My eyes soon became heavy and I couldn't fight sleep any longer.
My dream started off innocently enough. I was cooking in the Cullen kitchen while the girls ran around my feet. Edward grabbed Kenzie and scooped her up before coming over to me.
“Kiss for the cook?” He asked before pecking my lips. “I'm gonna get them out of your hair for awhile.”
“No, it's fine really.”
Edward put his nose to little Kenzie's. “Would you like to go see if we could fill up some water balloons then find Jasper and Emmett.”
“Yeah!”
“Me too! Me too!” Gracie yelled as she jumped up and down.
“We'll be back for dinner. Maybe not dry, but we'll be back.”
“Okay, you all have fun.”
They rushed out the kitchen door and into the back yard.
I returned to chopping up ingredients for a salad. First tomatoes, then green peppers, and then cucumbers.
I almost thought Edward had sneaked up behind me when I felt a pair of hands on my hips. Then I felt them come up to my stomach and go under my t-shirt.
I turned to see it wasn't Edward. It was Demetri.
My whole body went stiff as his arms started squeezing me tighter and his lips traveled down my neck.
“I've been waiting for you, Bella. Waiting for just the right moment to make you mine.”
His hand went to my breast. I tried, but I couldn't move, could barely breathe through my silent sobs. He started grinding himself against me, his hardness digging into my backside.
“Please, stop.”
“Oh, Bella. I'm just getting started.”
He turned me around and shoved me up on the counter. I pushed against his shoulders, but he gripped my waist even harder. He reached for my zipper. I brought my knee up and shoved it against his chest, sending him flying back to hit the stove.
“You shouldn't of done that.” He pulled his Palm Pilot from his pocket and pushed the button.
I fell hard back onto the counter as the shock traveled through my body. My brain pounded against my skull as everything went dark. My body was stiff but I couldn't stop shaking. I couldn't hear anything except the pounding of my brain against my skull. I suddenly felt two pairs of hands moving me onto the floor, then a surge of pain in my thigh. I slowly stopped shaking and walked into complete darkness.
/&/
EPOV
“They said since it was only a few minutes long and that it was probably the first one she has had, they hope there will be no permanent damage.”
I sighed as my father came over to give me a hug in the ICU waiting room. Alice, Emmett, and Charlie had been waiting with me as my father consulted with the other doctors taking care of Bella.
“After everything... I can't lose her now.”
“I know. I know.” My father held onto my tighter as I heard my name being spoken from the other side of the room.
I turned to see my picture flash across the television screen.
“Alice, turn it up.”
Alice went over and turned up the volume as the brunette female reporter came on screen.
“This tragic story has taken another turn for the worst as Isabella Swan was rushed to the emergency room in Forks, Washington after an apparent seizure. She is listed in critical condition. The family is preparing a statement. When we have it, we will break in.”
The screen focused back on a blonde female reporter. “This all comes on the day that the alleged kidnappers, Demetri and Anne Karpov, were formally charged in Montana Federal Court. Among the list were charges of kidnapping and aggravated sexual abuse. There is talk of charges being added to the list as the prosecution continues to gather evidence.”
I shut off the television before picking up a magazine and throwing it across the room. I started pacing, running my fingers through my hair.
The others stood stunned. I'm sure they had no clue what to do. I hadn't the faintest idea what to do.
“Carlisle?” Another doctor came into the room as we all turned to him. “We're finished with the EEG. She's still unconscious, but she's stable.”
“Can I go in?” I had to be near her, protect her, no matter what.
“Sure.”
I was led through the ICU as I left the others behind. They didn't even try to stop me or even come with me. They knew they couldn't stop me from getting to her side.
I walked to her bedside to see the monitors hooked up to her, an IV giving her fluids and medication. I took her hand and sat down beside her.
I clasped her hand in mine before pressing my lips against it.
“Not now. Not now. Not now. God, please. Don't take her away from me. Haven't we been through enough. Please just give us a chance. Give us a chance to be happy.”
“You promised a happily ever after.”
I turned to see those gorgeous brown eyes fluttering open. She squeezed my hand as I got up and pressed my lips to her forehead.
“Don't ever do that again,” I warned. “I can't lose you.”
“Believe me, I didn't enjoy a minute of it whatever it was. What happened?” Her words were soft and slightly slurred. She sounded so exhausted.
“Alice found you on the couch. She thought you were just sleeping, but then you started having a seizure.”
“A seizure?” She asked as I sat back down next to her. “I've never had one before, but maybe the nightmare or...”
“You were having a nightmare?”
“Sort of. I was kind of a memory, but it didn't happen exactly like it did the first time.”
She drowsily recounted what she could remember of her dream as the tears streamed down my face. It was all my fault. Demetri would have never touched her if it hadn't been for me.
“It actually happened like that a couple of times, but it was always when he knew you wouldn't be around. He'd fight me, then shock me, and I'd pass out.”
“He could've... He might of...”
“He didn't,” she assured me as the tears flowed from my eyes to her hand just below my lips. “The doctors in Billings did a vaginal exam. They said I hadn't been... broken yet. So, I don't see that he could've.”
I felt a slight bit of relief at that.
“Glad to see those big brown eyes.” My father walked in and stood at the opposite side of Bella's bed. He stroked her forehead, brushing her hair away from her eyes. “How are you feeling?”
“Really tired.”
“You need your rest.”
“What happened though? Do they know why I had a seizure?”
“At first, we thought it might have been the drugs that they had given you. Then Edward told us that you said he only drugged you that one time when you rode to Montana, so that wasn't very likely.”
“She was having a nightmare she was being shocked when it happened? Could that have triggered it?”
My father shook his head. “Possibly. The nightmare might have just been her mind dealing with the seizure. They're going to continue monitoring her and do a few more tests. We'll have a clearer picture in the morning. Right now, Bella needs her rest.”
“Don't look at me. I'm not moving.” They'd have to drag me kicking and screaming if they wanted me out of that room.
“Fine, but promise me you'll let her rest and you won't get in the way.”
“He promises.” Bella gave my hand another squeeze as I kissed it. “Thank you, Carlisle.”
“You know, you can start calling me dad. Only a few more weeks and I kind of will be.”
I saw the corners of Bella's mouth turn up as a blush came to her face.
“I don't think I could call you dad. I think I'll just stick with Carlisle if that's alright.”
“Okay, rest then.”
My dad left the room as I turned to capture my fiancé's cherry cheeks.
“What?”
I smiled. “I just think it's kinda cute how you get all embarrassed around my dad.”
“I told you, it's just because he's so much like you.”
“Sure, sure.” I nodded as her eyes drifted shut.
/&/
“Still sleeping?” My father peaked his head in a couple of hours later.
“Yeah, but she hasn't been talking like she usually does. Must be the medication.”
“Can I talk to you out here for a minute?”
“Sure.” I lifted myself from the chair I'd inhabited for the past few hours. I gave Bella a soft kiss on the forehead before going out to talk with my father.
“What's going on, dad?”
“I just wanted to fill you in on a couple more things.” He wiped his brow and russeted his hair like he always did when he was trying to tell me something important but wasn't really sure how to say it. “They've done the EEG which showed abnormal brain activity. They did an MRI also. I just went over it with her neurologist and the radiologist. It confirmed the abnormal electrical activity in her brain. They want to try her on a drug called Lamictal to prevent any further seizures. I've had success with several patients on it. Hopefully, this drug will prevent any further seizures. Now... she told you she was having a nightmare when it happened?”
“Uh... yeah. She said it was about Demetri shocking her. I guess it happened a lot more than I ever knew about. She said he would shock her until she passed out. I don't even want to think what he could have...” I broke down at just the thought of Demetri putting any part of his body on my Bella.
My father wrapped his arms around me as his co-workers watched his grown son cry like a baby. I felt like such an idiot, blubbering all over my father's shoulder. I would have never let my emotions get away from me like that in public. At that moment, I didn't care. All that mattered, all that ever mattered was Bella.
“You need to let us take care of you for awhile, son.” My father pulled me from his shoulder and place his hands on both sides of my face. “When was the last time you ate?”
I shrugged. “Breakfast, I guess.”
“Alice is in the waiting room. Why don't you go down to the cafeteria with her. I promise to call you if anything changes.”
I knew he was right. My stomach sounded like a thunderstorm with all the growling. “I know I should, but do you think eating with Alice is gonna help? She's coming apart at the seams and I just don't have the strength to keep both of us together.”
“Emmett's with her. Just try to eat something and take a few minutes to relax. I really need to discuss a few things with Charlie.”
“I'll be back in a little while. Tell her if she wakes up.”
“I will.” He patted my shoulder before I walked out the door and into Alice's bone crushing embrace.
/&/
BPOV
My eyes fluttered open, but I felt barely awake. I tried to make my eyes focus, but all I could see were two blurs floating around the room. I squinted as one figure came in closer. I could distinguish his blonde hair. Then I felt a smile cross my face as I stared into those cobalt blue eyes.
“Feeling any better?”
“Still a little woozy. My head still really hurts.”
I saw him turn to what I could now see was a nurse. She pushed a few buttons on the monitor connected to my IV.
“That should help.”
“Thanks, Carlisle.” I lifted my hand and took his in mine.
Whenever I was with Carlisle, I felt one of two extremely different things. I was either a total wreck of teenage hormones or completely at ease. It could have very well have been the drugs, but I was slowly feeling perfectly at peace.
He sat down next to me, my eyes following him as he did.
“We've done several tests. They all point to a seizure. We hope with some medication we can stop it from happening again. We can't be sure of the trigger to the seizure because you were sleeping when it started. Edward said you were having a nightmare?”
Visions of Demetri pushing me up on the counter, his hands pulling at my zipper began to flood my mind. “A nightmare? I wish, it was more like a memory.”
“It's possible that the seizure was brought on by emotional stress. That coupled with all the shocks you received...”
“Caused a seizure. I get it. Just tell me... am I gonna be alright?”
“I'm going to do everything I can, Bella. My hope is that this is just an isolated incident.”
“Humph.” I laughed as I laid my head back to stare at the ceiling. “I guess I should have known better than to try to take a nap without Edward.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well...” I turned my head back to him. “Even though everyday we were being put through some sort of hell, at night was a completely different story. Lying in his arms, I had the most magnificent dreams.” I fell back into a state of complete relaxation. I never had a nightmare as long as I was in Edward's arms. “The only time my dreams tortured me as much as the day did was those nights they hid him from me.”
“It really amazes me how physically connected you two are.”
A shocked and I'm sure bewildered look swept across my face as a blush flew to my cheeks. “We never... I mean, we haven't...”
“I know. What I meant was that the two of you balance each other out physically as well as emotionally. Like when Edward had that attack in the ER in Billings. All you had to do was hold him and he calmed down instantly. Even today, when he was in here just holding your hand while you slept, you looked completely peaceful. I've never seen two people as wrapped up in each other as you two are.”
“I wouldn't have it any other way.”
/&/
I spent two days in the hospital just to make sure that I wouldn't have any reaction to the medications they were giving me. I had to follow up with a neurologist as long as I was taking the medication and to have more tests in a couple of months.
While I was lying in bed, I talked Edward into getting the tests he needed done by the cardiologist. They made him run on a treadmill while they had all sorts of patches attached to his chest he recounted. He had only been taking his medication for a few days, but it already seemed to be helping. He would have to get regular checks and tests just as I would. What a pair we made.
We had sent Alice and Rose off to Seattle the day I came home from the hospital. They had taken the girls to see the designer who was making all our dresses. They all were going to get fitted, then have a girls day in the city. I was just glad to have a little peace and quite for at least one day.
Edward carried me all the way up the three flights of stairs to our room as James toddled behind us with my bags.
“You really didn't have to carry me all the way up here. The doctors said I'm fine now.” He laid me down on our bed before giving me a peck on the lips.
“I'm not taking any chances. Today you let me take care of you, alright?”
“Alright. Only on one condition.”
“What's that?”
“I want you two to play something for me.”
James looked over and shook his head, but Edward seemed really excited. I had never heard them play together, but they'd talked about it endlessly. I was hoping they could record something together to do at the wedding.
“Come on, James. What about a little Robbie Williams?” Edward made his way over to sit at the piano.
“Oh, no. I've already heard James' rendition of 'Me and My Monkey'. Thank you very much.”
Edward and James both laughed as they remembered a slightly tipsy James belting out that tune the night of spring break on the beach.
“I was thinking more like 'Eternity'. You up for it?” Edward raised an eye brow to James.
“Why not.” He pulled his guitar from his case as I got settled on my stomach waiting for them to begin.
They started together in perfect timing, like they had done it a million times before. I was a little more than shocked when Edward closed his eyes and began to sing.
Close your eyes so you don't fear them
They don't need to see you cry
I can't promise I will heal you
But if you want to I will try
I'll sing this somber serenade
The past is done
We've been betrayed
It's true
Someone said the truth will out
I believe without a doubt, in you
James joined Edward in the chorus.
You were there for summer dreaming
And you gave me what I need
And I hope you find your freedom
For eternity...
For eternity.
Edward looked to my eyes to see they were dripping with tears. He smiled as he knew they were happy ones. I bit my bottom lip as they finished. James and his guitar. Edward and his piano. It was like I was in music heaven, only to be ripped out by a knock at the door.
Edward's smile reached from ear to ear. “Come in.”
The door opened and Jasper stepped in.
“Sorry to interrupt your little jam session, but we've got company.”
I sat up on the bed. “Who is it?”
“Harry and one of the prosecutors. They've got some news for us.”
I didn't know weather to be frightened or relieved. Coming to talk to us might mean Demetri and Anne had confessed. On the other hand, it could have meant they had hired some big shot attorney who was pulling every trick in the book to get them off. All I knew was, as long as Edward's hand was in mine, we could face anything.
/&/
A/N: You didn't think I had forgotten all about those monsters rotting in jail, did you? I have some more in store for those two, but don't worry. I did promise a happily ever after. It's coming, eventually.
I'm a huge Robbie Williams junkie, so I had to get at least one song in. It's called “Eternity”. If you haven't heard it, just Google it or something. The piano and the guitar go so well together. I really wanted James and Edward to remember some good things about their time at school together. Mainly, their passion for their music.
I hope this will last you all at least until Friday. My sister is being induced Wednesday morning, so I'm taking some time off till Friday. I'll put up a link to some pics as soon as I have some.
Leaving you for only three days, Lindsey