Chapter 4 ~ The Darkness

Pushing my pain away, I get into the shower tenderly washing my body taking notice of my bruises. Shutting the water off and dressing in the first outfit I find, all the while thinking of what I was going to say to him when we saw each other. Grabbing my bag, and racing out the door. I was unable to make it five feet without looking over my shoulder. Seeing the bus up ahead, I run faster just barely able to make it in time.  Trying to catch my breath as I take a seat, leaning my head on the glass oddly surprised how not tired I was.  Suddenly the bus stopped, the doors open I can hear the bus driver’s angry tone “This ain’t a bus stop, you don’t stand in the middle of the road you idiot” Peering over the seats I can see him enter the bus. “My apologies, it was extremely asinine of me to do such a thing, please take this for the inconvenience?”   I don’t know how much he gave the driver, but by the look on his face it was plenty to practically wash a seat for him to sit on.  He sat beside me, “I told you to meet me at the bridge” He puts his hand on mine. “I know Bella but you aren’t safe” A sarcastic laugh slipped out, “Really Edward, do you think?” 

“Bella, please not here wait till we get to my house” Lifting my head facing him, “Your house?” “Yes, it’s the only place we can talk, at the next stop get off and follow me, keep up ok?”

When the bus halted, we got off and I followed directly behind him, he rushes up the steps quickly unlocking the door.  He holds it open, “Come on, quickly” I enter the house, looking around noticing the chandelier, the oak floors and scarlet carpeting on the stairs. “Nice place”

“Yeah it’s fine, look Bella I know you have a ton of questions, but I am more interested it what you know first” The worry in his eyes was staggering. “Edward, I… “I drop my bag, “ I don’t know anything other than someone tried to kill me last night, you saved me, and Zafrina is apparently an evil psychotic room mate who wants me to disappear.”  Pursing my lips together, I try reading Edwards expressions, “Who wants me dead, and why the hell for?” 

He places his hands on my shoulders, looking deep into my eyes, like he was searching for something. “That is all you know?” Bewilderment floods my mind, “Yes Edward, now tell me why?”

Edward grabs me pulling me close to his chest, his embrace strong. It was full of desperation and need; all I could do was wrap my arms around him. “I am so sorry Bella, please forgive me?” 

“Forgive you, for what Edward?”  He pushes me back slightly, and lifts my chin with his finger, lovingly caressing my cheek with his thumb. “I’m so confused” His lips curl slightly, while the weight of the world covers the rest of his face. “I know” He puts both hands on each side of my face, tenderly he kisses my lips. Time felt like it no longer existed and warmth rushed through my entire being, his lips danced with mine, a familiar dance. Dropping my hand to his waist, he gasped then crashed his body against mine slamming us to the wall. It should have hurt but I was numb. 

  

 Suddenly we were face to face, I stared into his golden eyes, He looked like he was about to cry, but for some reason I knew he couldn’t. “Edward” He silenced my words with his lips, one hand was on my back the other still on my cheek, and then suddenly he was pulling away. “What’s wrong?”

“I won’t do this to you again, I can’t” My body and mind were completely disconnected; I was more confused than before.  “Again?” this emotional roller coaster wasn’t amusing, anger seethed through my veins. As quickly as the passion took over my body, rage replaced it. “I am getting sick and tired of these sadistic games, am I some sort of joke?” noticing Edward taking a few steps back, I advance upon him. “Is there cameras and a team of freaks watching and laughing at the poor helpless stupid girl?” He just stood staring at me, his mouth showing no sign of speaking.  My blood felt like it was boiling, everything was becoming blurry I felt like I had no control of myself.  I begin screaming at the top of my lungs fueling this madness that was consuming me from the inside out. It was powerful, addicting, but something else told me it was wrong.  Flashes of faces, feeling and places swirled around my mind. “Edward, help me”

 In my hazy state all I could see was him stepping further back from me.  My arms reached out for him, the yearning for him was intense, and confused that he was leaving me. I could taste the tears as they poured down my cheeks resting on my lips. “Why are you leaving me Edward?”

My body jolted upward, as if it were responding to a need my mind did not understand. Darkness was over coming me, something deeper was fighting it. “NO MORE, OH DEAR GOD MAKES IT STOP, EDWARD!” Turning I see swords hanging on the walls, rushing toward them and pulling them off the hinges. The darkness hurt, my heart was aching, my pulse and sobs echoed through my ears. I turn the blade of the sword to my chest. “I DON’T WANT TO DIE, PLEASE EDWARD MAKE IT STOP” My hands grabbed the handle, and with a thrust my arms pulled the sword through my heart. There was no more pain, and everything became clear. “I am Bella, I know who I am, you cannot have me” My knees crash to the ground, I slam to my side onto the floor. A figure walks toward me, stopping by my head, as if it is waiting for me to die, then my world became silent, and black.

Chapter 3~ A Million Pieces

 

  I get to my apartment just as dawn breaks. Absent minded I reach for my keys in my pocket, quickly realizing my jacket is likely at the bottom of the river. “Well good thing Zafrina is predictable” getting on my tip toes, sliding my fingers along the door frame until the spare key falls to the ground.  I turn the key pushing the door open, the air stuffy, curtains drawn. “Hey Zaf, are you home?”  Shutting the door forcefully hoping the slam brings her out. (She probably met a billionaire and is on a yacht on her way to Bali) I plop my sore body on the couch, close my eyes and rest my head on the over sized cushion. I take deep breaths, the pain in my chest making it extremely difficult to get comfortable. Rubbing makes it worse, “What the hell” Slowly rising and meandering to the bathroom, flicking on the light. Carefully I remove my shirt, tossing it to the floor, focusing my attention to my reflection.  Gasping in horror at the huge bruise, “Oh my God” I walk closer to the mirror, “wait a second” Leaning in, inspecting it.  I lay my hand on the reflection of my bruise, immediately realizing the shape matches. “That wasn’t air that forced me over the bridge at all” Thinking back, recalling every second, (it wasn’t a cold night, but the force of the air was bitter) putting my robe on, I walk to the kitchen. (There is no wind strong enough to push a person over, unless I was on the top of a mountain) Filling a glass with water, (this is insanity, why would anyone want to hurt me, I am nothing special) sitting at the table drinking, the silence feeling a little terrifying.  (How was Edward there, how, did he know I was there?)  Shaking my head, (I am only getting more mixed up) 

 The jingling of keys snaps me out of my daydream; I rush to the living room entering at the same time as Zafrina. “Thank God you are home!”  Zaf looks at me strangely, “Bella?”

“Yeah, what’s wrong?” Zaf’s face was a mix of confusion, and what was that, surprise maybe?  She recovers with a quick smile, “Oh no I just thought maybe you and Mr. Cullen were getting busy”

“No, he is a married man Zaf, I would never” Unable to take my eyes off her as she is doing everything but looking at me. “Zaf, are you ok?” 

“Yeah Bells, why wouldn’t I be?” Her entire demeanor was off. “Well for one you are not even looking at me, and you are rushing all over the apartment, what the deal?”  

“Just tired Bells, don’t read into something that isn’t there” I follow her down the hall to her room. “Don’t give me that fucking bullshit Zaf” She turns glaring down at me with a fierceness that I have never seen before. “Stop now Bella, you are way out of your league here” She shoves me slightly even though it pushed me back a good two feet, and slams her door.

 

 I back away slowly, making it only half way down the hall when her door opens, she steps out with two bags in her hand. “You’re leaving, but why?”  She drops one bag, reaches into her shirt pulling out my desk key and throws it at my feet. “Zaf, I don’t understand, the last hours have been absolute chaos, and now this, what’s going on?” She smiles slightly, but there was no feeling behind it, my heart began to race as she advanced upon me. She leaned down, her face only inches from mine. “You better start understanding soon sweet child, because it is by some freak miracle you are alive right now” Her words sent a shiver down my spine. “Was it you who pushed me over the bridge last night?” 

She cocks her head to the left, her eyes explore my face for a moment “Bella, if it were me who pushed you, you wouldn’t be here right now” She walks down the hall, pausing by the front door, glancing back at me. “ Nothing and no one can save you, not even him” My body frozen, I wanted to race after her punch her , do something anything, but all I could do was stare at her, and then with a blink she was gone.

Sliding my body down the wall, my hands cover my face the fear, the night, everything rushing at me, all I could do was cry. Nothing was connecting; my life felt like it was suddenly in a million pieces.  I had known Zafrina for years, she got me the job at Cullen Corp, and when she got the cover of Denali Diva Magazine Tanya made me assistant. (Why would she do all this for me, just to tear it all away?) It was as if I was waking up from a coma, not knowing anyone or anything anymore.  My body just rocked back and forth and the only sounds that could be heard were my weeping.

Reality was slowly coming back, using the wall I pull myself up, gingerly walking to the bedroom and sitting on my bed.  Reaching for the phone, I dial the office.  The recording picks up. “ You reached Cullen Corporation, the office is currently closed, if you know your party’s extension dial it now to be sent to their voice mail, or press 0 for the directory “ ( zero it is) “ Please enter the first three letters of the person first name now” ( E- D-W ) “ If you wish to be directed to Edward Cullen’s Voice mail press one now, otherwise press two for more options” ( 1) The recording of his voice, amazingly fills me with comfort, “ You reached Edward Cullen, I am away from the office, please leave me a message and I will return your call promptly, thank you “  I wasn’t sure what exactly to say when the beep came, but from what Zafrina was saying, now was not the time to be shy. “ Edward, its Bella, you need to meet me or I am going to the police, whatever little plan you all have going on it’s about to be exposed, meet me at the bridge at noon” Hanging up the phone, knowing I had no idea what the hell I was saying. I was just holding on to the hope that he would have the answers I so desperately needed.

Chapter 2, My Savior

Looking up abruptly at Edward’s almost threatening statement “Excuse me?”  He rolls his eyes, “You never leave the office, ever but tonight of all nights you mosey on in here with Zafrina?” I bring the beer bottle to my lips, carefully sipping as I try to put together what Edward is saying. “Bella, it’s alright your secret is safe with me” I place the bottle down on the table and hesitantly bring my eyes to meet his. “I am afraid you have lost me, what exactly is tonight the night of?”  A rush of confusion washes over his face. “The band, the wolf pack?” Shaking my head, my thoughts getting more mixed up by the minute. “There is band playing tonight?” “Yes Bella, aren’t you dating the drummer, Zafrina’s brother Jake?”  The accusation was so overwhelming my knee hit the table spilling my drink everywhere.  “You are seriously clumsy, Bella” I immediately begin to scoop the cascading beer with my hand. “I know, I am so sorry please forgive me” Edward places his hand over mine. “Not to worry Bella, Maggie will be here in a moment to clean it up.” I shake out my hand, “Edward I am not sure where you heard I was dating anyone but it is just not the case.”

 The curtain pulls back and a red headed dimple faced waitress is standing before us. “Hey there doll faces, looks like things are getting exciting up in here” her laugh was more like a cackle. All I could do was shrug and sink into the booth, embarrassment being the dominant of my emotions. “Not at all Maggie, I few drunkards came in here and knocked over Miss. Swan’s drink, would you be an angel and get her a fresh one?”  She places the champagne down and a rag. “Sure honey, that’s no problem” She snaps her gum and disappears behind the curtain. 

“Thank you Edward but you didn’t have to lie” “It is the least I could do after assuming you were practically betrothed to Zafrina’s brother.” The way he spoke was strange, but adorable I couldn’t help but laugh. “No, it’s alright, but may I ask why you thought that?”  He pops the champagne cork with such ease, and quickly fills both flutes. “You are often engaged in conversation with him during work hours, you seem very nervous and your heart races when you see him” Watching as he slides the champagne in front of me, lost in the dancing bubbles streaming up the side of the flute.  I didn’t look up, his words repeating themselves in my head. (Your heart races when you see him)  I take in a breath, still focusing on the bubbles. “What exactly does it look like when some ones heart races?” slowly lifting my gaze, “To the human eye that is?” Edward’s facial expression was placid, as if there was nothing odd about what he said.

 Just as he was about to answer the curtain swings open. “Alright doll face here is your beer and a few napkins, just in case there are some more party crashers.” I simply nod and take the beer. “Thank you” She steps out leaving Edward to answer the question. He looks at me with a crooked smile, “When a lady squishes her toes into the carpet, twirls her hair and bites her lip unable to make much eye contact it looks a lot like sheepish flirtation” Raising my brow in surprise “Wow, you are extremely observant, I am not sure if it should freak me out that you noticed all that about me or not” I watch as he sips his champagne, so much class. There is nothing he does that doesn’t ooze perfection. He places the drink down, flashing his award winning smile. “All I am saying is if I noticed it, there are sure to be others who did as well.”  

I could feel the blood rushing to my cheeks, my throat swelling and the embarrassment began to suffocate me. “It looks like I am more misunderstood than I thought”

“Oh Bella, my apologies, It was not my intention to make you feel humiliated or whatever it is you are feeling” As if my evening couldn’t get worse, the crimson curtain rushes open, Mrs. Cullen fiercely glares at me.  “What in all things un-welcome is she doing here?”  Edward stood swiftly blocking me from her attack. “My darling, Miss. Swan came to see the band, in the chaos I accidentally spilled my drink on her jacket, and I was simply replacing her beverage.” Tanya’s head peers around Edward’s shoulder. “It looks like she is refreshed to me, go on now, don’t you have a report to do?” I slide out of the booth.  “Darling, she came to hear the band; your report can wait until next week.”  Her stance is direct, she crossed her arms with a sort of authority terrifying to me but Edward doesn’t look taken in the slightest.  “Fine, watch your little boy band, I will expect that report on my desk Monday morning 9 AM no later” Edward gingerly kisses her cheek. “Fantastic, would you like some champagne darling?” I see Tanya’s arms fall to her sides, observing her jewelry, her watch alone could pay for a years’ worth of rent. “I would love some my dear husband, time to be on your way Miss. Swamp.” Looking up at Edward, his eyes flicker with an apology, I nod in understanding. “Swan, my last name is Swan, thank you Edward for the drink; hope you all have a good evening” Shifting around Tanya, she grabs my arm, “9 am a second later and you will be in the mail room with your wolf friend.”  Wriggling out of her hold on me, I rush down the stairs and out the front door.

Angrily making my way down the street toward the subway mumbling to myself, “I don’t understand what he sees in that woman” shaking my head slamming my hands into my jacket pocket, hitting my cell phone with my fingers. “Oh shit I left Zafrina” grabbing it dialing her number, it goes to voice mail. “Hey Zaf, I am heading home, this night turned out to be worse than typing up that whores report, I hope Jake’s show is amazing, see you at the apartment” Slipping the phone back in my pocket, my eyes start to linger to the sky, The full moon illuminating everything, I walk toward the bridge unable to look away from the moon for a too long. (Refreshing to see some beauty in this ugly world) I swing my legs over the edge, smiling at the sparkling water below; instinctively my legs begin to swag with the rhythm of the ripples the river makes.  My mind wanders to everything that happened just an hour ago. (Why did Edward care anything about my relationships?) Shaking my head (clearly his wife wears the pants in that relationship, typical man, tail between his legs the second that someone or something with bigger balls approaches him) clenching my teeth together getting more pissed off by the second (I should go back, tell him what an ass he is, quit this shit job, I am better than this) “Yes That is what I will do” saying it loud as if it would give me the courage I so desperately needed. 

 Shifting my body around, lifting my legs over the bridge’s wall readying to stand when a forceful gust of air pushed me back. My leg slams against the wall of the bridge, toppling me over. I grasp for something but my hands slip. My jacket catches a rod sticking off the side. I begin screaming “SOMEONE HELP ME PLEASE!”  I could hear my jacket begin to tear. “Oh fuck, HELLO ANYONE” carefully I reach for the rod with my other hand. Just an inch from nabbing it the rod gives way, my jacket rips completely, putting me in a free fall. My arms flail, my hands trying to reach for anything, finding only air. I slam my eyes shut waiting for the splash, taking a deep breath in. (Please let me survive this) suddenly as if my prayer was answered my body suddenly jolted, I felt something grabbing my ankle. Opening my eyes only seeing a silhouette, the moon was so bright I could only make out that the figure was a man. With ease my body lifted back to the bridge. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I felt a hand scoop my back, lifting me upright. Desperately trying to catch my breath and muster some words of appreciation, I feel the safe embrace rescind. Slowly lifting my head taking in everything I could of my savior. (Shoes expensive no doubt, dark gray pants).  Making it to his knees, when suddenly in a flash he was gone, leaving only a familiar, comforting aroma behind. Promptly I lift my head at the alluring scent; it sends a flood of certainty to my mind. The figure of my hero is long gone, but my feet mindlessly slink forward. “It can’t be, why, how?” Raising my hand to my nose I inhale the fragrance, without a doubt in my mind I knew that scent. I had smelled it before. My lips curl with happiness and curiosity. “Edward”