Falling for a Dark Soul

Chapter Thirty-Two

Disclaimer: None of this mine, nor do I claim to be Stephenie Meyer. I just like to dabble in the playground that she created with Bella, Edward and her Twilight characters. No copyright infringement is intended.

Up next will be Edward, picking up where we left off with Bella. How long do you think they're going to stay 'friends'? They truly love each other, but they do need some help. We're also going to be flying back to Chicago in the next chapter, as well. And, who's ready for a Katie/Edward reunion?

Chapter Thirty-Two

Edward

"Bella!" I yelled as she slumped onto the floor. Her face was devoid of all color and she was panting so quickly. I hit the call button. Rhonda ran inside and pointed to the ground. "She had a panic attack."

Rhonda's eyes widened and she jumped into action. She straightened Bella and placed an oxygen mask over her face. "Has she had a history of panic attacks?" Rhonda asked.

"No, but things have been a bit extraordinary lately," I mumbled. It was my fault, really.

Rhonda stayed by Bella's side and I saw Bella move, trying to remove the oxygen mask. "Calm down, Bella. You had a panic attack," Rhonda said calmly. "Take deep breaths. Slowly, in through your nose and out through your mouth."

I wanted to be by her side, but the mountain of plaster on my leg prevented me from doing so, along with my injuries to my hip and ribcage. I nervously twisted my hospital bracelet as Rhonda quietly helped Bella and got her back onto the chair. "Keep that oxygen on and focus on your breathing. I'm going to get you something to eat. You're far too skinny," Rhonda chided. "Your blood sugar probably bottomed out along with your panic attack."

Rhonda scurried away and Bella closed her eyes. I looked at her, seeing how much she'd changed since I'd last seen her. "Bella, I'm so sorry," I whispered.

"It's not entirely your fault, Edward," she said, removing the mask. "It was a perfect storm of bullshit. Normally, I could handle it, but it's been a lot."

"You shouldn't have to handle it," I sighed. "Keep the mask on, angel. Please?"

Her eyes fluttered closed and tears fell. She put the mask back on. "All I wanted was for you to talk to me, that night, now, and in the future. I had support from Alice, my old boss, Linda and Emmett, but the one person I wanted to make it all better hurt me so very deeply."

I blew out a breath, trying to not cry. "Bella, angel, please come by me. I want to help you," I whispered, moving so she could lay down on the bed with me.

She looked up at me, her eyes brimmed with tears and she looked so torn. With a huff, she got up and sat down on the edge of the bed. I took her hand, gently tugging on it and she lay down. Her tears soaked my hospital gown and she gripped it so tightly. I held her as close as I could. Every inch of my body was on fire with pain, but it didn't matter because I was holding my Bella.

Her cries eventually quieted. I looked down at her, seeing that she was down for the count. Rhonda walked back in, carrying a tray. "Apparently, you're better than Xanax," she quipped.

"It's my fault," I frowned, turning to kiss her forehead.

"Edward, if it were your fault, she wouldn't be curled up in your arms," Rhonda smirked. "Though, that's not good for your injuries."

"Don't move her," I whispered. "I think that this is the first time she's relaxed in almost two weeks."

"I'll give her an hour. That's when I'm off shift. The woman who will relieve me ... she's a bitch and will throw her out for being in your bed," Rhonda explained, smiling at me. "When she wakes up, encourage her to eat."