Unforgivable Lacerations

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Day fifty-three.

When the pack had a lead on Victoria or Laurent, they would often split and hunt around the states trailing them. Unfortunately, I didn't hear much information about the duo from Jacob, therefore, I hoped it was a good sign.

Jacob continued to hit and insult me, resulting in me tiring more and more every day. The most recent incident had been awful, dreadful, despicable, and I would forever curse myself for sleep talking. 

That night, when I had been flooded with unconsciousness, I could see Edward sitting before me, head bowed down in a black t-shirt and loose jeans. Of course, I had run to him, "Edward? Edward, it's me." I placed a hand on his shoulder, silently telling him to raise his head. 

He did. 

When his defined black eyes met mine, I could instantly see the torture he obtained inside, how his eyes glanced at me with pity and concern. From how his face was arranged, anyone would assume he was being burned at the stake. 

"Edward?" I whispered, my hand still perched on his shoulder. He just shook his head slowly, creating heaps of suspense that threatened to climb out of my throat. The penetrable silence laid thick in the air, causing me to bite my lip and bob my leg up and down. 

"Tell me what's wrong," I continued, crouching to his level. 

"I'm so sorry, Bella," he replied in a broken sob, wrapping a hand around his mouth. 

"What for?" I hesitantly questioned, worrying obsessively about his answer. It could be 'for falling in love with you', or the better option, 'for leaving you'. It was probably not going to be either since he looked like he was in agony- an agony I couldn't cause for he didn't love me. 

He surprised me with his answer of, "For not saving you." He raised his hand, unhinging it from his face, and caressing my cheek. In desperate need of someone's love- Edward's love- I leaned into his hand. "Before it was too late." 

Instantly I stopped leaning in, freezing on the spot at what he was saying. Before it was too late? I rose my eyes to meet his, showing him how petrified I was. Not even Edward could save me, was that what he was trying to say? Was there really no point? No there wasn't, that was why I was waiting for Victoria. Anticipating her arrival like a child would for Christmas. 

"Too late for what?" I asked nearly silently, only earning a shake of the head from him. He didn't want to answer my questions. I wasn't worthy of a reply. Did Alice tell him what was happening? Did she give him a chance to say one last goodbye? I supposed it was better than nothing, nonetheless, it brought tears to my eyes. No one cared. 

"I didn't mean for this to happen." His voice broke on the last word, and I was positive he would have tears, like me, in his eyes if he was human. Did he really mind that I was dying? Wasn't I just a burden anyway? That was what Jacob said. 

"Edward, tell me what you're talking about!" I demanded strongly, not having time for this. I needed to know what the fuck was happening, I was too tired for cryptic riddles. 

"Your death." 

It was then that the picture started to fade away, while the return of violent jars in my side woke me. "Wake up you whore!" Jacob yelled, instantly I was awake, eyes wide open, arms foolishly going to my sides to protect myself. It was no use. "You're still dreaming about him?! Mm? Answer me!" he shouted, never stopping the kicks as I was on the floor, my bed, curled in the tightest ball. 

"What?" I managed to say brokenly, utterly confused to how he knew. Was he a mind reader now?! My arm and legs were already bruised, scarred and now felt as though they would fall off any second as a result of the impacts.