Midnight (Twilight Fan Fic)

Chapter 21- Bella

Chapter 21

Bella

I was flicking through the post a couple of weeks after Peter and Charlotte's visit to us, it was most of the usual things, bills and junk mail. I was surprised to find a letter addressed to Edward in the mix, the post stamp showed Italy and I worried a little about who it was from.

I looked up as I heard him on the stairs, "Edward," I stopped him, "There's a letter for you."

He came over to me as Carlisle came in from their hunting trip, Jake and Ness had gone in to town and the others were sat playing a board game at the kitchen table. I passed him the letter and went to dump the rest of it on the table. As I turned away from him Edward hissed, "Ow!" I froze in place as everyone else looked up, an overpowering scent filling the room.

"Bella, outside," Jasper stood up, feeling my unease as my instincts fought with my heart. Jake and Ness chose exactly the wrong time to arrive home, as they opened the front door a soft breeze wafted the smell towards me, completely overpowering me. I turned to Edward and my eyes locked on the small patch of pooled blood on his thumb.

"Bella no!" Alice yelled as I started towards him. 

Before I could reach Edward, Emmet and Jasper grabbed hold of me. I wanted to just let them take me, but the sweet, fresh smell was stronger and my hunting instinct told me to attack.

Carlisle stood in front of me, resting his hands on my shoulders, "Think about who it is Bella, calm down." His voice was quick and calm. I closed my eyes and thought about Edward, normal Edward, "Hold your breath," he suggested and I obeyed. 

The smell began to fade as I calmed down bit by bit, Jasper and Emmet loosened their grip but still held my arms lightly. I shrugged them off and stormed outside in to the close, damp air. I started at just a jog but ended up sprinting as I ran through the forest, away from the family that I had ashamed. I let the sobs rip through me as I ran, wishing that the tears would come and join them. I slowed as I heard Alice and Jasper following me, they'd no doubt want to cheer me up.

"Bella, it's okay." Jasper told me as I sat on the ground, "You walked away."

I looked up and shook my head, "It could have easily turned in to my birthday party. Tell me you didn't feel the same?" Jasper sighed and nodded, "I probably wasn't as bad," he agreed, and sat next to me, Alice moaned, "Your clothes!" She exclaimed.

"They'll wash," I responded as I wrapped my arms around my knees, "How could I even consider it?"

"Bella, his scent is worse than yours," Alice told me, "The fact that none of us jumped him is extremely lucky!"

Jasper nodded in agreement, "Edward told you that Aro calls it a singer?" 

I nodded, vaguely remembering the human conversation. Jasper went on to explain, "A singer's scent is more appealing to the partner than it is to others, Edward may seem appealing to us, but to you it must be ten times worse."

I shook my head, it wasn't an excuse. I hid my face and wanted to run again but the thought of Edward hurt sprung to mind, "Is he okay?"

"No other damage," Alice assured me, "But we're lucky he didn't read the letter."

"What did it say?" I looked between them.

"It was an invitation," Jasper jumped up and hugged Alice with a smile, "Looks like we're not the only ones having a wedding."

"Who?" I frowned.

“Jessica," Alice smiled, “She met an Italian guy whilst doing volunteer work in Europe.”

I looked down and played with my ring, “Wow,” I wish I could go with him.

Alice held her hand out to me, “Come on.”

I shook my head in refusal, “I just want to be on my own for a bit, please?”

I noticed Jasper’s arm tense a little before Alice looked to him, he was telling her to leave me here. She sighed and ran ahead while he hesitated for a minute, “Don’t beat yourself up too much,” He smiled a little, “It’s happened to the best of us, I’d know.”

I laughed softly and nodded, “You’re not as weak as you let yourself think,” I told him, “You’re definitely more controlled than me.”

Jasper shrugged and looked down, “It’s getting easier but, like I said, it’s all to do with the scent.”

I nodded, “You get back, I’ll come home in a bit.”

Jasper smiled softly to me before leaving after Alice. 

I reached in to my pocket and pulled out the creed photo I always kept with me, our wedding. I closed my eyes as I let out a shaky breath, “I just want you back,” I whispered, “You’ve left me again, but this time it hurts more. Why did you ever have to leave? Why does it have to hurt so much?”

I rested my head on my knees as I cried softly wishing that the next year and a half would pass while I sat there.

Of course, not all my wishes could come true.