Speak || A Twilight Fanfic

Chapter 20

Never in her life had Gabriella felt time move as slowly as it was while she was stuck in those freezing waves. Whenever she would shorten some distance, a wave pulled her down, the current too strong for her to fight against. No matter how hard she swam or how much she tried to move her and her sister forward, the water seemed to keep pushing them back, trying its best to stake its claim on their bodies. And maybe it was easier to just allow it to do so.

But the universe wasn't going to let that happen.

As Gabi fought against the exhaustion that was taking over her body, she felt arms snake under hers that pulled her further onto the surface. She couldn't see who it was, but she was grateful for the warmth of their body. All she could concentrate on was holding on, to whoever it was that was helping and to her sister.

"Hold on tight," the voice said. "Don't you dare let go."

The girl could feel herself starting to slip away, haziness taking over her senses as fatigue dug its nails into her, sinking into her veins and fighting against her resolution. Still, she knew Bella was depending on her. As much as she wanted to give up, she was fighting for her sister and for herself.

After what felt like an eternity, Gabi felt sand beneath her and that it was safe to let go of her sister. She heard voices around her as she crawled into safety, finally able to crash and allowing her body to bend under the pain. She slumped onto her back, her eyes switching from the darkening sky to Jacob slamming water out of Bella's lungs only a foot away from her.

"Bella," she tried to call out, stretching her arm toward her. "Bells."

"She's okay," the voice that saved her cooed, but she still couldn't see who it was. Not when her eyes felt so heavy. "Your sister's gonna be okay."

"But she's not waking up," she said breathlessly. "I need... I need to help her."

"You've done enough," the voice calmed. Its tone was sweet but soaked in a bath of melancholy. And she wanted to ask them why that was. She was safe now, there was no need to be sad. "Just rest, Ella."

And so, she did. Wrapped in warm arms and listening to a steady heartbeat, she closed her eyes and rested.

"Gabi," was the first word that Bella muttered as she regained consciousness. Her lungs ached, and her throat burned, but she needed to know her sister was safe. Her vision was spotty, and her brain was a mess, but she knew Gabriella had jumped into the water after her because that's just who she was. Even if she didn't deserve it. "Is she okay?"

"Take it easy, Bells," Jake instructed as he helped her sit up. "Gabi's okay. She's just tired. Fell asleep as soon as she knew you were okay."

From the corner of her eyes, Bella could see Gabriella in Paul's arms. Her skin was pale, and her breathing was staggered, but she seemed calm. Guilt washed over her as she saw her sister sleeping. Edward had been the only thing running through her head when she had jumped from the cliff, and she seemed to have forgotten the people who cared about her. As much as she loved and missed him, she couldn't believe she was ready to not only risk her life, but risk her sister's as well.

At that moment, it finally dawned on Bella just how much she was willing to give up for even just the image of him. It sent chills down her spine to think of the power he had over her. She knew she loved him. She knew he was the love of her life. But was her love for him stronger than the love she had for her own sister? It couldn't be. She wouldn't allow it.

As she regained her breath, Bella crawled toward her sister, running her hand across her sleeping face. Gabi had jumped after her, without thinking of her own safety, and had kept her afloat long enough for Paul and Jacob to find them. And she knew, had it not been for the horribly strong current, she would have been the one to get her onto the sand. She was the reason Bella was still there, and Bella hadn't even spared her a thought before jumping. "We need to get her home. She needs her bed," she said softly, her eyes never leaving her sister. "Were you able to catch Victoria?"