What is that thing doing to her? I whispered. She was so much worse last night. I saw the tubes and all that. Through the window.
The fetus isnt compatible with her body. Too strong, for one thing, but she could probably endure that for a while. The bigger problem is that it wont allow her to get the sustenance she needs. Her body is rejecting every form of nutrition. Im trying to feed her intravenously, but shes just not absorbing it. Everything about her condition is accelerated. Im watching herand not just her, but the fetus as wellstarve to death by the hour. I cant stop it and I cant slow it down. I cant figure out what it wants. His weary voice broke at the end.
I felt the same way I had yesterday, when Id seen the black stains across her stomachfurious, and a little crazy.
I clenched my hands into fists to control the shaking. I hated the thing that was hurting her. It wasnt enough for the monster to beat her from the inside out. No, it was starving her, too. Probably just looking for something to sink its teeth intoa throat to suck dry. Since it wasnt big enough to kill anyone else yet, it settled for sucking Bellas life from her.
I could tell them exactly what it wanted: death and blood, blood and death.
My skin was all hot and prickly. I breathed slowly in and out, focusing on that to calm myself.
I wish I could get a better idea of what exactly it is, Carlisle murmured. The fetus is well protected. I havent been able to produce an ultrasonic image. I doubt there is any way to get a needle through the amniotic sac, but Rosalie wont agree to let me try, in any case.
A needle? I mumbled. What good would that do?
The more I know about the fetus, the better I can estimate what it will be capable of. What I wouldnt give for even a little amniotic fluid. If I knew even the chromosomal count . . .
Youre losing me, Doc. Can you dumb it down?
He chuckled onceeven his laugh sounded exhausted. Okay. How much biology have you taken? Did you study chromosomal pairs?
Think so. We have twenty-three, right?
Humans do.
I blinked. How many do you have?
Twenty-five.
I frowned at my fists for a second. What does that mean?
I thought it meant that our species were almost completely different. Less related than a lion and a house cat. But this new lifewell, it suggests that were more genetically compatible than Id thought. He sighed sadly. I didnt know to warn them.
I sighed, too. It had been easy to hate Edward for the same ignorance. I still hated him for it. It was just hard to feel the same way about Carlisle. Maybe because I wasnt ten shades of jealous in Carlisles case.
It might help to know what the count waswhether the fetus was closer to us or to her. To know what to expect. Then he shrugged. And maybe it wouldnt help anything. I guess I just wish I had something to study, anything to do.
Wonder what my chromosomes are like, I muttered randomly. I thought of those Olympic steroids tests again. Did they run DNA scans?
Carlisle coughed self-consciously. You have twenty-four pairs, Jacob.
I turned slowly to stare at him, raising my eyebrows.
He looked embarrassed. I was curious. I took the liberty when I was treating you last June.
I thought about it for a second. I guess that should piss me off. But I dont really care.
Im sorry. I should have asked.
Sokay, Doc. You didnt mean any harm.
No, I promise you that I did not mean you any harm. Its just that I find your species fascinating. I suppose that the elements of vampiric nature have come to seem commonplace to me over the centuries. Your familys divergence from humanity is much more interesting. Magical, almost.
Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo, I mumbled. He was just like Bella with all the magic garbage.
Carlisle laughed another weary laugh.
Then we heard Edwards voice inside the house, and we both paused to listen.
Ill be right back, Bella. I want to speak with Carlisle for a moment. Actually, Rosalie, would you mind accompanying me? Edward sounded different. There was a little life in his dead voice. A spark of something. Not hope exactly, but maybe the desire to hope.
What is it, Edward? Bella asked hoarsely.
Nothing you need to worry about, love. It will just take a second. Please, Rose?
Esme? Rosalie called. Can you mind Bella for me?
I heard the whisper of wind as Esme flitted down the stairs.
Of course, she said.
Carlisle shifted, twisting to look expectantly at the door. Edward was through the door first, with Rosalie right on his heels. His face was, like his voice, no longer dead. He seemed intensely focused. Rosalie looked suspicious.
Edward shut the door behind her.
Carlisle, he murmured.
What is it, Edward?
Perhaps weve been going about this the wrong way. I was listening to you and Jacob just now, and when you were speaking of what the fetus wants, Jacob had an interesting thought.
Me? What had I thought? Besides my obvious hatred for the thing? At least I wasnt alone in that. I could tell that Edward had a difficult time using a term as mild as fetus.
We havent actually addressed that angle, Edward went on. Weve been trying to get Bella what she needs. And her body is accepting it about as well as one of ours would. Perhaps we should address the needs of the fetus first. Maybe if we can satisfy it, well be able to help her more effectively.
Im not following you, Edward, Carlisle said.
Think about it, Carlisle. If that creature is more vampire than human, cant you guess what it craveswhat its not getting? Jacob did.
I did? I ran through the conversation, trying to remember what thoughts Id kept to myself. I remembered at the same time that Carlisle understood.
Oh, he said in a surprised tone. You think it is thirsty?
Rosalie hissed under her breath. She wasnt suspicious anymore. Her revoltingly perfect face was all lit up, her eyes wide with excitement. Of course, she muttered. Carlisle, we have all that type O negative laid aside for Bella. Its a good idea, she added, not looking at me.
Hmm. Carlisle put his hand to his chin, lost in thought. I wonder And then, what would be the best way to administer. . . .
Rosalie shook her head. We dont have time to be creative. Id say we should start with the traditional way.
Wait a minute, I whispered. Just hold on. Are youare you talking about making Bella drink blood?
It was your idea, dog, Rosalie said, scowling at me without ever quite looking at me.
I ignored her and watched Carlisle. That same ghost of hope that had been in Edwards face was now in the doctors eyes. He pursed his lips, speculating.
Thats just . . . I couldnt find the right word.
Monstrous? Edward suggested. Repulsive?
Pretty much.
But what if it helps her? he whispered.
I shook my head angrily. What are you gonna do, shove a tube down her throat?
I plan to ask her what she thinks. I just wanted to run it past Carlisle first.
Rosalie nodded. If you tell her it might help the baby, shell be willing to do anything. Even if we do have to feed them through a tube.
I realized thenwhen I heard how her voice got all loveydovey as she said the word babythat Blondie would be in line with anything that helped the little life-sucking monster. Was that what was going on, the mystery factor that was bonding the two of them? Was Rosalie after the kid?
From the corner of my eye, I saw Edward nod once, absently, not looking in my direction. But I knew he was answering my questions.
Huh. I wouldnt have thought the ice-cold Barbie would have a maternal side. So much for protecting BellaRosalied probably jam the tube down Bellas throat herself.
Edwards mouth mashed into a hard line, and I knew I was right again.
Well, we dont have time to sit around discussing this, Rosalie said impatiently. What do you think, Carlisle? Can we try?
Carlisle took a deep breat
h, and then he was on his feet. Well ask Bella.
Blondie smiled smuglysure that, if it was up to Bella, she would get her way.
I dragged myself up from the stairs and followed after them as they disappeared into the house. I wasnt sure why. Just morbid curiosity, maybe. It was like a horror movie. Monsters and blood all over the place.
Maybe I just couldnt resist another hit of my dwindling drug supply.
Bella lay flat on the hospital bed, her belly a mountain under the sheet. She looked like waxcolorless and sort of see-through. Youd think she was already dead, except for the tiny movement of her chest, her shallow breathing. And then her eyes, following the four of us with exhausted suspicion.
The others were at her side already, flitting across the room with sudden darting motions. It was creepy to watch. I ambled along at a slow walk.
Whats going on? Bella demanded in a scratchy whisper. Her waxy hand twitched uplike she was trying to protect her balloon-shaped stomach.
Jacob had an idea that might help you, Carlisle said. I wished he would leave me out of it. I hadnt suggested anything. Give the credit to her bloodsucking husband, where it belonged. It wont be pleasant, but
But it will help the baby, Rosalie interrupted eagerly. Weve thought of a better way to feed him. Maybe.
Bellas eyelids fluttered. Then she coughed out a weak chuckle. Not pleasant? she whispered. Gosh, thatll be such a change. She eyed the tube stuck into her arm and coughed again.
Blondie laughed with her.
The girl looked like she only had hours left, and she had to be in pain, but she was making jokes. So Bella. Trying to ease the tension, make it better for everyone else.
Edward stepped around Rosalie, no humor touching his intense expression. I was glad for that. It helped, just a little bit, that he was suffering worse than me. He took her hand, not the one that was still protecting her swollen belly.
Bella, love, were going to ask you to do something monstrous, he said, using the same adjectives hed offered me. Repulsive.
Well, at least he was giving it to her straight.
She took a shallow, fluttery breath. How bad?
Carlisle answered. We think the fetus might have an appetite closer to ours than to yours. We think its thirsty.
She blinked. Oh. Oh.
Your conditionboth of your conditionsare deteriorating rapidly. We dont have time to waste, to come up with more palatable ways to do this. The fastest way to test the theory
Ive got to drink it, she whispered. She nodded slightlybarely enough energy for a little head bob. I can do that. Practice for the future, right? Her colorless lips stretched into a faint grin as she looked at Edward. He didnt smile back.
Rosalie started tapping her toe impatiently. The sound was really irritating. I wondered what she would do if I threw her through a wall right now.
So, whos going to catch me a grizzly bear? Bella whispered.
Carlisle and Edward exchanged a quick glance. Rosalie stopped tapping.
What? Bella asked.
It will be a more effective test if we dont cut corners, Bella, Carlisle said.
If the fetus is craving blood, Edward explained, its not craving animal blood.
It wont make a difference to you, Bella. Dont think about it, Rosalie encouraged.
Bellas eyes widened. Who? she breathed, and her gaze flickered to me.
Im not here as a donor, Bells, I grumbled. Sides, its human blood that things after, and I dont think mine applies
We have blood on hand, Rosalie told her, talking over me before Id finished, like I wasnt there. For youjust in case. Dont worry about anything at all. Its going to be fine. I have a good feeling about this, Bella. I think the baby will be so much better.
Bellas hand ran across her stomach.
Well, she rasped, barely audible. Im starving, so Ill bet he is, too. Trying to make another joke. Lets go for it. My first vampire act.
13. GOOD THING IVE GOT A STRONG STOMACH
Carlisle and Rosalie were off in a flash, darting upstairs. I could hear them debating whether they should warm it up for her. Ugh. I wondered what all house-of-horrors stuff they kept around here. Fridge full of blood, check. What else? Torture chamber? Coffin room?
Edward stayed, holding Bellas hand. His face was dead again. He didnt seem to have the energy to keep up even that little hint of hope hed had before. They stared into each others eyes, but not in a gooey way. It was like they were having a conversation. Kind of reminded me of Sam and Emily.
No, it wasnt gooey, but that only made it harder to watch.
I knew what it was like for Leah, having to see that all the time. Having to hear it in Sams head. Of course we all felt bad for her, we werent monstersin that sense, anyway. But I guess wed blamed her for how she handled it. Lashing out at everyone, trying to make us all as miserable as she was.
I would never blame her again. How could anyone help spreading this kind of misery around? How could anyone not try to ease some of the burden by shoving a little piece of it off on someone else?
And if it meant that I had to have a pack, how could I blame her for taking my freedom? I would do the same. If there was a way to escape this pain, Id take it, too.
Rosalie darted downstairs after a second, flying through the room like a sharp breeze, stirring up the burning smell. She stopped inside the kitchen, and I heard the creak of a cupboard door.
Not clear, Rosalie, Edward murmured. He rolled his eyes.
Bella looked curious, but Edward just shook his head at her.
Rosalie blew back through the room and disappeared again.
This was your idea? Bella whispered, her voice rough as she strained to make it loud enough for me to hear. Forgetting that I could hear just fine. I kind of liked how, a lot of the time, she seemed to forget that I wasnt completely human. I moved closer, so that she wouldnt have to work so hard.
Dont blame me for this one. Your vampire was just picking snide comments out of my head.
She smiled a little. I didnt expect to see you again.
Yeah, me, either, I said.
It felt weird just standing here, but the vampires had shoved all the furniture out of the way for the medical setup. I imagined that it didnt bother themsitting or standing didnt make much difference when you were stone. Wouldnt bother me much, either, except that I was so exhausted.
Edward told me what you had to do. Im sorry.
Sokay. It was probably only a matter of time till I snapped over something Sam wanted me to do, I lied.
And Seth, she whispered.
Hes actually happy to help.
I hate causing you trouble.
I laughed oncemore a bark than a laugh.
She breathed a faint sigh. I guess thats nothing new, is it?
No, not really.
You dont have to stay and watch this, she said, barely mouthing the words.
I could leave. It was probably a good idea. But if I did, with the way she looked right now, I could be missing the last fifteen minutes of her life.
I dont really have anywhere else to go, I told her, trying to keep the emotion out of my voice. The wolf thing is a lot less appealing since Leah joined up.
Leah? she gasped.
You didnt tell her? I asked Edward.
He just shrugged without moving his eyes from her face. I could see it wasnt very exciting news to him, not something worth sharing with the more important events that were going down.
Bella didnt take it so lightly. It looked like it was bad news to her.
Why? she breathed.
I didnt want to get into the whole novel-length version. To keep an eye on Seth.
But Leah hates us, she whispered.
Us. Nice. I could see that she was afraid, though.
Leahs not going to bug anyone. But me. Shes in my packI grimaced at the wordsso she follows my lead. Ugh.
Bella didnt look convinced.
Youre scared of Leah, but youre best buds with the psychop
ath blonde?
There was a low hiss from the second floor. Cool, shed heard me.
Bella frowned at me. Dont. Rose understands.
Yeah, I grunted. She understands that youre gonna die and she doesnt care, slong as she gets her mutant spawn out of the deal.
Stop being a jerk, Jacob, she whispered.
She looked too weak to get mad at. I tried to smile instead. You say that like its possible.
Bella tried not to smile back for a second, but she couldnt help it in the end; her chalky lips pulled up at the corners.
And then Carlisle and the psycho in question were there. Carlisle had a white plastic cup in his handthe kind with a lid and a bendy straw. Ohnot clear; now I got it. Edward didnt want Bella to have to think about what she was doing any more than necessary. You couldnt see what was in the cup at all. But I could smell it.