Twilight Collision: Falling Into Pieces

Going Home

I tried to drown out the thoughts of the humans, whose life would be over as soon as they enter that chamber. It was sick but it was something out of our control. Bella had stiffened when we passed by the humans on our way out and she had gripped my hand as hard as she could upon realizing what it was all about but she remained quiet.

We finally reached the end of the hallway towards a sitting room. Gianna, the human who worked at the front desk, looked between the three of us with interest but continued to work on her table.

"Stay here until night falls and then you can leave" Felix who was tasked to escort us out,'' gave us one glance before turning back towards the chamber.

As soon as he was gone, Bella collapsed to the couch. I instantly scooped her up and sat down so she would be cradled in my lap instead. Right now, I just wanted to be as close as I can get. Bella curled her body and leaned her head on my chest.

"All those people..." Bella whispered. Her eyes were closed but there was a pained expression on her face. I felt sorry that she had to see that.

"I know" My hand caressed her hair and kissed the top of her head.

"It's sick that I know what's happening behind that door and I'm powerless to do anything about it" She buried her face in my chest and I could hear the sob coming from her chest.

"It's not your fault Bella."

"I know but I feel like I should have been able to do something...anything"

"Hush Love. You can only do so much." It's been a long time since I called her that and it felt so good and it felt so right. Bella raised her head and our eyes met. Her eyes held so much regard on me that I wonder what did I ever do to deserve someone like her.

"Bella... you were amazing back there" I knew she was already exhausted but I wanted so much to hear her voice. Now that any immediate danger has been averted, I wanted to savor this moment that we were finally back in each other's arms.

"I really didn't have any choice." Bella sighed and I closed my eyes. She was right. I tried thinking if there was any way to have avoided that situation earlier but there really wasn't. It was lucky for her that she was even allowed to get out of that chamber alive and it was all because of her. All I did was make it worse and if it wasn't for me, Bella wouldn't even think about coming here to get me... As always, I have put her in danger and yet, here she is, still willing to love me with all her heart.

"Stop doing that!" Bella grimaced.

"Stop doing what?" What did she think I was doing? Bella gestured her hand to all of me.

"You're doing that again. Edward, stop it with your self-loathing already! It's done. Stop blaming yourself for all the crazy things that's happening to me in this world!" I blinked. Was I really that obvious?

Duh, she's right you know Alice commented in her mind.

"But this is all my fault" I argued and Bella glared at me.

"It doesn't matter who's fault it is. We're alive, we're going home to be with your family, I finally get to be with you. That's all that really matters to me. I have you now and I'm not letting you go" I forgot how adorable her stubbornness was and I couldn't help but let out a smile which she returned with one of her own.

"I've missed that" I told her, holding my fingers up to her chin.

"How long was it since your last hunt?" She suddenly asked. So observant as always. I shrugged. It felt like forever since I last hunted but whenever I inhaled to breathe her scent, the accompanying burn no longer brings out the monster inside me.