Chapter 31

Chapter 31
So the pain begins
As the music fades
And I'm left here with
With more than I can take
If you lift me up
Just get me through this night
I know I'll rest tomorrow
And I'll be strong enough to try
Lift me up~ Christina Aguilera
EPOV
Two hours. That's how long I been running up and down the streets of New York City. Maneuvering through the still thick crowd, I headed back toward our hotel looking for any sign of a tousled mahogany mane. I had tried calling Bella's phone, but all I kept getting was her voice mail. I even tried calling my brother's and sister's phone but to no avail. Sighing, I quickened my pace back to the hotel when my phone vibrated in my pocket.
We'll be together soon my love…
- Unknown Sender
"What the fuck?" I screeched, startling innocent bystanders. Who in the hell was texting me. I thought about tracing the message, but inwardly growled when I saw it was from an unknown sender. I shoved my phone back into my pocket, and was almost at the entrance of the hotel when my phone vibrated once more in my pocket.
Well the hell r u?
-A
On my way up…See you soon
-E
After quickly messaging my reply, I headed towards the elevator. I pushed the button for my floor, and leant back against the banister against the back wall. I started taking deep breaths, and prayed that Bella would give me a chance to explain myself. The elevator doors soon open and before I could even realize what was happening a small, but hard hand punched me in my left eye.
"What the Fuck!" I winced covering my now pulsing eye. I tried to see who had hit me but all I could make out was a short female stature with spiky hair. I cringed at the sight."Hello brother dear. Care to explain why my best friend is balling her eyes out right now?" A furious Alice said tapping her foot angrily against the ground.
"It's complicated." I wince once more. I could already feel my eye starting to swell. I carefully and cautiously exited the elevator doors and leaned back against the wall.
"Well you better explain before I make the other eye match." Alice screeched at me.
Taking a deep breath I quickly went into what happen and soon all the fury that once was in my sister's eyes was replaced with pity. During the duration of my telling, I slid down the wall and laid my head in my hands.
"Well…damn." she said.
"Damn indeed." I breathed."You know you need to fix this right?" Alice whispered, sliding down the wall next to me.
"How? What if she doesn't believe me?" I asked.
"Edward, Bella's not stupid. If you tell her what you just told me, she'll believe you." Alice said.
"How can you be so sure?" I asked."Trust me. It'll all work out for the best never bet against me right?" she grinned.
"Never. What would I do without you Ally Bug?" I smiled using my favorite childhood name for her.
"You would probably be a smudge on the ground." Alice said. I looked at her in confusion.
"Emmett and Jasper wanted to pound your face in for making Bella cry, if it weren't for Rose and I calming the two of them down and then making them go pick up something to eat; Bella wouldn't have a boyfriend anymore." She said wearily. I let out a deep sigh.
"Well isn't that just great." I mumbled sarcastically, getting up off the floor."Go get em tiger. Mind you, be careful. Rose is in there with her, and she's even more furious then I was."Well thanks that makes me feel so much better." I huffed.
"Just go Edward." Alice pushed.
"Fine." I breathed, waving to her as she headed towards the elevator her heels tapping across the marble floor.
I slowly walked towards the door. As I timidly knocked on the door with a gentle tap I said a silent prayer to the god that was hopefully watching over me. Hoping she would let me explain my side and that Rose wouldn't find some way to castrate my ass… Here goes nothing…
BPOV
Moments…earlier
"Where…are...you...going Al?" I sobbed, as Rose got up to grab me some more tissues.
"Oh I'll be right back. I just need to take care of some things." she said before closing the door behind her.
I'd been crying my eyes out for two hours now. I probably looked a sight, red nose, blotchy skin, and tear rimmed eyes. I had given Emmett a near heart attack when I called him earlier sobbing on the phone. He had asked me where Edward was and that made me only sob even harder. Eventually he gave the phone to rose, who calmed me down enough to tell her where I was. They soon found me curled up in a ball on a bench crying my eyes out. Emmett had to actually carry me out because I didn't have the strength to walk. Alice and Jasper met us at the hotel, and were immediately concerned about my well being. I didn't have the strength to tell them what happen so Rose gave a brief overview of what I told…well sobbed to her. Alice looked confused and Emmett and Jasper looked like they were on the warpath.
"That son of a bitch!" Emmett growled.
"Calm down Em, why don't you and Jasper go grab us something to eat." Alice had said.
"But what about Bella?" he asked.
"We'll take care of it. She needs girl time right now." Alice said pushing them out the door. Jasper gave a quick kiss to the forehead, which had brought a new round of tears. Just that minuscule gesture made me remember when Edward did that to me.
"Shush…its okay sweetie." Rose cooed in my ear.
"Why me? One moment we were happy, and the next thing you know there's some slut attached to his lips. I don't know if I want to beat Edward's ass more or the bitch he was kissing. " I huffed. Rose snickered at my profanity.
"Rose, this is not funny. Right now I'm thinking of ways to kill your brother." I said.
"Sorry Bella. I don't blame you. But did you actually wait long enough to hear his side of the story?' Rose asked."I didn't need to, his actions were clearly shown." I blubbered.
"Well I'm not denying his actions, but are you sure of what you saw?" she asked."Well no…"I said honestly.
"Then this may be a complete misunderstanding." she answered."Rose. How can you be so calm about this? You're supposed to be Team Bella not Team Edward." I breathed.
"Chill Bella. Someone needs to be the calm one. I'm on nobody's team except Team Emmett, but that's beside the point. Besides, if I find out that he intentionally hurt you and this was not some big misconception, you won't have to worry about killing him, I'll do it myself." Rosalie said in a sweet tone. I burst out laughing at the seriousness on his face. I wiped the few stray tears that fell from my eyes as the result of my laughter. Feeling slightly better, I decided to go take a shower so I grabbed some pajamas and headed towards the bathroom. I heard a soft rap at the door and was about to answer it when Rose stopped me and told me to go back. I gave her a timid smile before closing the bathroom door. I felt like crap. I quickly undressed and stepped under the calming rays of the shower. The hot water instantly soothed my aching muscles, but I knew it wouldn't soothe the aching one in my chest.
EPOV
"Well if it isn't that nefarious brother of mine." Rose greeted in a clipped tone.
"Nefarious?" I smirked; it soon fell when she glared at me.
"Don't question my intelligence Edward. Mess up and your ass is mine." she said.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"You and Bella. You have one hour. You're lucky I'm even doing this." Rose huffed at me.
"So you believe me?" I asked astounded.
"I don't know what to believe, but if you make her cry again, I'm going to make the right eye match the left." She pushed.
"Odd. Alice said the exact same thing." I responded."Of course she did, that was from me. A little incentive if must be. Remember Edward don't mess up." She waved pushing me into the room closing it behind me as she exited.
It was now or never.
BPOV
I felt slightly better. Dressing in a tank top and pajama pants, I grabbed my clothes off the floor. I heard chatter come from the other side of the door so I figured Rose was watching TV. I stepped out the door and instantly shivered as the cold air hit my flushed skin. I looked around looking for the blonde locks of Rosalie or even the spiky black do of Alice's but was met with the tousled bronze man of none another than Edward. He still didn't notice me so I grabbed my phone and high tailed to the bathroom. Silently closing the door behind me. I sent Rose a text.
Rose what the hell?
-B
My phone buzzed quickly in response.Just go with it…
-R
What do I do?
-B
I waited for my phone to buzz but it never came.
I rested my face in my hands. He knew I was here. Soon or later we had to talk. I rather do this now. Honestly I don't know what to do. Interrupting my thought process, my phone vibrated against the vanity. Thinking it was Rose I quickly opened my phone up.
End it now. If you want your family safe. You'll do as I say.
-Unknown sender
Looking at the text in confusion I responded.
Who is this?
My phone buzzed again in response.
Don't worry about it. If you want to protect the ones you love including Edward
You'll end it now.
Feeling curious I responded.
And if I don't?
Before I could even send it my phone buzzed again. After sending it, I opened the text.
It had numerous attachments. I opened it and I was shocked at what I saw.
Pictures. Hundreds of them. Some from when I was younger to where I was now. That wasn't even the scary part. Some showed the inside of my house, even Carlisle and Esme's. Some were from the gala, and even tonight from a couple of hours ago. I was frozen in my spot. Someone was watching me. Before I could even reply back that I was going to the authorities my phone buzzed once more.
Don't even think about it. Do it now or else.
Attached was one more picture. It was all 6 of us from my 18th birthday. Except in this picture their faces were scratched out except for Edward's and mine. I shuddered in disgust, I didn't even realize I was silently crying until a single tear drop fell on to my cell phone screen. I was facing an internal battle. I didn't know whether or not I should believe who this 'unknown sender' threats were actually serious or not. What if this person was telling the truth and I fail. The people I love could actually get hurt. This person might be crazy. I was taking deep gasping breaths when my phone vibrated once more. This time it was from Rose.
Follow your heart…
My decision was already made.
EPOV
I was still waiting for Bella's departure from the bathroom. It had only been about 10 minutes but it felt like it was an eternity. I turned on the television and laid my head back on the couch in the room. I closed my eyes and took some soothing breaths. I swore I thought I heard her come out, but when I open my eyes the bathroom door was still closed. After another couple of minutes I heard the bathroom door creak open. I jumped off the couch and turned the television off. Bella was timidly leaning against the doorframe. I could tell she had been crying. Even in the dimmed light I could see the tear tracks strewn across her face. I hated seeing her cry and it hurt even more knowing that I was the reason for it. We both stood there looking at each other. Her eyes were scared and desperate. I could always tell how she was feeling. Bella's eyes were dark and lifeless. She looked broken. I could see she was having an internal battle and I wanted nothing more than to wrap her in my arms.
"Bella?" I called out. My voice hoarse with worry.
"Ed-ward..?" She squeaked out in uncertainty.
"Bella, love I'm so sorry. It wasn't what you think. I was looking for you and she came out of nowhere. I swear I pushed her off as soon as I realized what was happening." I breathed out. I didn't realize I was on my knees in front of her.
"Edward." She whispered.
"Bella." I whispered getting off my knees and grabbing her into a hug. I felt her resisting, but she soon relaxed and cautiously pressed her arms around my waist.
"I'm so sorry." I cried. Silent tears dropping from my eyes onto her shoulder.
"It hurt…" She mumbled onto my shirt.
"It hurt so bad." She said clearer pulling away from my embrace.
"Knowing that your lips were pressed against someone else's that weren't mine. That hurt. Every time I close my eyes, that's all I see. You didn't even look like you were resisting. I ran. I ran and ran to get to you." Bella breathed through her silent tears.
"I swear Bella on everything I love. I would never intentionally hurt you. It kills me to see you hurt." I said.
"Look what good its done." she said leaning against the wall for support.
"Don't you believe me?" I asked curiously."Honestly, I don't know what to believe." her words felt like a knife to my heart.
"You don't trust me?" I gasped.
"God no… Edward I never said that. It's just that I'm so confused, and it's killing me. I know deep down in my heart you're telling me the truth my brain can't. It's all I see." She sobbed.
"I'm so so so sorry. I don't know how many times I can say it." I breathed kneeling down in front of her. I leaned forward until my face was inched apart from hers.
"Please don't. I can't do this" She breathed, her scent hitting me hard in the face. I stumbled back on my heels.
"What do you mean you can't do this? You can't do us?" I asked in confusion.
"I don't fucking know Edward. Happy. I don't fucking know." I was startled by her sudden outburst.
"All of this because of a stupid kiss?" I blurted out, my voice coming out harsher than I wanted, I saw her flinch and I instantly regretted it.
"Yes. No. I don't know." She screamed.
"See this is the fucking problem right here, Bella I love you so god damned much that I would go to hell and back for you, and it kills me to see you so unsure of this of us.
"I growled."You don't think I know that Edward? I would do the same for you. Despite whose fault it was it still hurt." Bella pushed.
"Why can't you get over it Bella? I said I'm sorry. How many times do you want me to say it?" I asked.
"I don't want you to say it anymore." she timidly said.
"Then what's the problem Bella. I'm dying here." She just stood there looking at me.
"I just need time." she spoke up.
"Time?" I asked.
"Yeah. I need to think some things out." Bella grimaced as she spoke.
"Time. You've got to be kidding Bella. We wasted nearly five years trying to figure things out. I've waited all my life for you and you want me to wait. What is it? There has to be more to this. Is it Renee? Are you still stuck up on her.?" I asked. She looked taken aback.
"Don't talk about that wretched woman. You know better than to talk about it." Bella screeched.
"So that's it. Is that why we can't move past all of this? Well news flash Bella I'm tired of walking on eggshells around you. I love you with all the fiber of my being but you shut me out, and I'm tired of it. You need to get over this control she has over you. I thought you were over this. I'm trying to help, but you must let me." I said.
"This has nothing to do with her and you know it." Bella said sternly.
"Yes it does. Sometimes it makes me wonder if you are as messed up as she is." The words flew out of my mouth before I could even stop them. She gasped and her face flushed a deep crimson.
"Bella… I'm so sorry… I didn't mean it… I'm sor-.." Bella raised up one finger to silence me.
"So that's what you think Edward. That I am as messed up as she is. For your information she has nothing to do with us. Yes she has affected a great deal of my life but she has nothing to do with you or me. How could you say such a thing? I would never be that woman. I would never do the things she did to any man or child. How dare you? You know what… Fuck you Edward Cullen." Bella screamed.
"Now you know I didn't mean that. I know something's bothering you." I said.
"And that's was the best reason you came up with? Edward I'm tired of going back and forth." She sobbed sliding down the wall.
"I know." As sad as I was to say it. She was right. All we did lately was argue make up and argue some more.
"So what does this mean?" I asked.
"Maybe we should pause things right now. I think we both have things we need to work through." Bella cried.
"I don't want it to end." I breathed, my own eyes welling up with tears.
'Me either, but it's probably for the best." she sobbed.
"Bella please, don't do this. " I spoke up my lips inches from hers.
"Edward please…" she started but was cut off when my lips crashed to hers. So much hunger, passion, desperation, sorrow and hate all into one kiss. Our entire bent up emotions. I slowly pulled away and pressed my lips to he forehead. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Slowly standing up I pressed a kiss to her palmed hand and headed for the door. I could hear Bella's silent cries, and it took all my strength to step away from her. I opened the door, and with a final glance closed the door behind me. I leaned my head against the doorframe and wondered how could everything you worked so hard for come crashing down.
BPOV
As soon as the door closed, I collapsed. I cried and cried letting out all my anger, frustration, and sorrow out. My heart was breaking in pieces. I was hurting and I needed someone to comfort me and that said person was now gone. I had to do it, I just
had to. How could one small conversation turn into something deeper? I thought I was doing the right thing. Seeing Edward walk out that door hurt much more than I could put into words.
Who knew protecting the ones you love could cause yourself to crash and burn?
When the static clears
And all is said and done
I will realize
That we all need someone
When you see me crashing
And theres nowhere left to fall
Will you lift me even higher
To rise above this all