Finding Love Through Music

Chapter Twelve

Okay, new story...very close to my life. Kind of. I'm humbled by the reviews and responses that this story has already received. The alerts, reviews and hits are truly humbling. Thank you so much for taking the time read the ramblings from the depths of my brain. Much love to all of you!

Also, none of this belongs to me. Never will. I just like to play with the characters created by Stephenie Meyer.

ANGST WARNING...JUST SAYING!

Chapter Twelve

BPOV

"Bella! Baby, please wake up," Edward murmured frantically. "I need to see your beautiful eyes. Please, love?"

My eyelids fluttered and I looked up into Edward's pained face. Why am I on the floor? I think I have rug burn on my ass. "What happened?"

"You collapsed. Charlie called..." he whispered.

James...searing pain...crippling fear...JAMES...

My brain became foggier as I struggled to stay awake. Then, I started shaking uncontrollably. I couldn't breathe. I clutched at Edward. James is going to find me...HE'S GOING TO KILL ME! I scrambled up and ran into the bathroom, slamming the door shut. I heaved the contents of my stomach into the toilet and curled on the floor as it flushed. I sobbed uncontrollably as I rocked on the cold bathroom floor. Edward came into the bathroom, holding a small pill bottle.

"Bella, I know you're scared," he said calmly. "Please take your meds..."

"They won't save me," I screamed. "I'm as good as dead. James is going to finish what he started." I clawed at my hair, continuing to cry. Edward put the medication on the counter and pulled me into his arms. I fought against him. I needed to get away. Keep him safe from the sadistic fucker that was James.

"Bella, you can push me away all you want but I'm not going anywhere," he said sternly as he held me to his chest. "Stop fighting me."

"I can't bear the thought of you getting hurt, Edward, or Emma. If anything happens to you or her, I don't know what I'd do," I wailed.

"Nothing is going to happen to me," Edward whispered against my hair. "Or you. You'll be safe, baby. I promise you. Please calm down. Your heart is racing. I can feel it against my chest."

I still squirmed in his arms. I couldn't let anything happen to him. Maybe I'd leave. Edward was better off without me. I'm just a waste of skin, like James said. Why a gorgeous, intelligent man like Edward Cullen love me is ludicrous.

Edward's hold on me got tighter and he kissed my neck. "Please, love."

"You can't love me," I whispered. "I'm fucking ruined. Just leave, Edward. Forget about me. Please?"

"No," he said firmly. "We're a team, now, Bella." He turned me around, forcing my legs around his hips so I was straddling his lap. His hold around my waist was restraining but not hurtful. "Don't push me away. I know you're scared."

"Scared is an understatement," I growled. "I'm terrified. How did he get out?"

"I don't know, Bella," he said as he cupped my face. His hand moved down to my neck. He was probably checking my pulse. It was still racing. Sleep was not going to come to me tonight. Even if it did, I'd have my usual nightmare of James' final attack on me only he succeeded in murdering me. "I promise you that I will do my best to keep you safe."

"You can't be with me twenty-four hours a day, Edward," I said dejectedly.

"I could. If you move in with me," he suggested.