Folktale

1840

Forks, Washington

They beat him until they grew tired. It was then when they let his body fall like a rag doll on the road, laughing as the young boy groaned in pain. Izzy fought against Father Tobias' grip and ran to Edward, falling on her knees beside him. Edward groaned in pain as she took his limb body in her arms and cradled him against her chest. When she looked up, her eyes met Micheal's. He had not moved since they arrived, he had not said a word during the entire exchange, all he did was stand there... hurt. 

"I'm so sorry," Izzy sobbed, holding onto Edward tighter. "I'm so sorry, Micheal. I never meant to hurt you."

"You lied to me," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "You both did. I thought he was my friend and I asked him to be my best man... and I thought you truly loved me the way that I love you. You married him..."

"Micheal... I know you're hurt. I know and I'm so sorry, I'll spend the rest of my life apologizing to you for it, but please, don't hurt him anymore." Izzy wiped her tears away and looked down at Edward's limb body. He was coming in and out of consciousness. She caressed his hair, knowing she'd had to break the promise of never giving him up. "I'll go with you. I'll marry you tomorrow, I'll be the devoted, loving wife you deserve and you'll never hear me speak of this again. I'll do it, Micheal, I swear. Just please don't hurt him," she begged.

"Those are just empty words, Micheal," Mr. Newton said.

"I'll go!" Izzy cried. "I'll go back, I'll marry Micheal and you'll never hear me speak word of this again. But please, please! Please don't hurt him!"

"No..." Edward groaned, trying to get up but his body couldn't respond. "Iz..."

"Micheal, I'm sorry," she sobbed, her body trembled as she kneeled to the ground and asked for forgiveness. "I'm so sorry, I never meant to hurt you... But I love him. I love him, so please, please don't hurt him anymore. I'll go with you, I'll keep my promise-"

"Like you kept the one that you were going to love him and only him?" Mr. Newton asked bitterly. All he saw was an act in her. "Those are some wonderful words and if I were any other kind of man, I'd believe you. But I cannot risk you two getting brave again and try to get away. I'm sorry, my child, but a lesson must be taught. Get him boys."

His nephews move quickly. Marcus grabbed Izzy by her arms and dragged her away from Edward as the other two dragged him back to his feet. Edward cried out as pain shot down his body, his ribs aching as he was tugged back to his feet.

"No! No, please!" Izzy cried out as Marcus pushed her to Father Tobias.

"They're just children!" He yelled. "Have mercy on them, they're just children!"

"Children or not, they were stupid enough to risk the integrity of our town! Set my son up for shame! You think I'm going to allow them to make my family the joke of the town? Never. Take him, now!" Mr. Newton snapped.

"Get up, you bastard!" Marcus snapped to Edward when his legs gave in, dragging him to his feet only to punch him deep in the gut. The air is knocked out of him and he spits out blood.

"No!" Izzy wailed. "Leave him alone!"

"Quiet!" Alec hissed.