Only Human21

8/14/2019 Only Human21

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Chapter 21

Title: Only Human (21/27)Author: Amethyst JacksonRating: M/NC-17Category: Drama, Angst, RomancePairing: Edward/BellaSummary: A wish sends Bella back in time to Chicago, 1918, and to a human Edward.Disclaimer:All this genius belongs to Stephanie Meyer. Im just having a little fun.A/N: Forgive me?

I woke alone the next morning, still tangled up in the sheets, still completely naked. A moment of

disorientation had me reaching around searching for Edward somewhere in the bed until I saw the

note folded on his pillow.

Bella,

Went to visit Mother. Theyre only letting in immediate family for an hour each day; I thought

youd rather sleep than wait around for me. Ill be back byeleven.


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I love you,

Edward

P.S. Waking up next to you this morning was heavenly. It was nearly impossible to leave.

I smiled to myself, folding the note back up. I hoped I would find him as happy when he returned,

that his mothers condition hadnt worsened. Eventually, I dragged myself out of bed, washed up,

and dressed. I felt lazy today, satiated and giddy. Maybe I was wrong to feel happy at a time like

this, buthow could I not be?

I went down to the kitchen and started cooking. I doubted Edward had eaten anything before he

left, without Mary around to cook. I had to wonder how she was as well, if Edward would be able

to see her.

I was halfway finished when the front door opened and shut again. Edwards voice called out for

me.

In the kitchen! I yelled in the general direction of the foyer. He appeared seconds later in the

kitchen doorway. His loud, human footsteps preceded him, refreshingly. He grinned at the sight of

food.

Youre a godsend, Bella, he said, coming up to me where I stood at the stove and wrapping his

arms around me from behind. His chin rested easily on my shoulder.

How is your mother? I didnt think he would be this happy if she hadnt improved, and I was

right.

Shes much better, he said. Relief flooded his voice. Her fever is down enough that shed lucid.

She talked to me the entire time asking after us. Shes worried were not eating enough here. I

think she might recover, Bella.

I didnt look at him, afraid to see the hope in his eyes. I couldnt risk crushing it. Thats

wonderful news. I told you she was strong, I said, infusing my voice with as much optimism as I

could.

I think everything might turn out all right, he sighed. I can get back to work soon, and

thenthen we can start our life together properly.

I wanted to cry, but that wasnt an option. Foods done, I said to distract him.

Edward told me all about his visit with his mother while we ate. I wanted him to be right, for

Elizabeth to survive, but I also knew from Carlisle that shed lingered on longer than her husband,

trying to take care of her sonand that meant she wasnt nearly out of danger.

Did you see Mary? I asked, needing to change the subject again. I didnt know how long I could

pretend for Edward.


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Shes right next to mother, he said as his face fell. Shes not faring as well.

I didnt know there was room for more grief, but it somehow squeezed its way in. Its all so

horrible, I murmured.

I know, he said softly. But remember what you said we still have each other.

Right. Thats the important thing, I agreed, forcing a smile again. Indeed, we did have each other

and hopefully, when this was over, I would return to my Edward. But he wouldnt have the same

luxury, and I felt horribly guilty for it, even if there was nothing I could do to change it.

I cleared my throat, trying to chase away the awkward moment. So, what would you like to do

today?

Actually, he grinned roguishly, I was thinking of a nap. Im still tired from last night.

If I thought I was finally beyond blushing, I proved myself wrong. I certainly wouldnt want to getin the way of any more of your sleep.

He chuckled. Oh, but I would definitely want you to.

I made a show of rolling my eyes and got up to clear the plates. Why dont you go upstairs and get

started on that nap? Maybe if youre asleep when I join you, youll be less tempted to let me

interrupt.

Very well, he laughed, pushing his chair away from the table to stand. But dont blame me if I

cant sleep without you there.

I smiled until I heard his feet on the stairs, lest he turn back and see my face fall. But as I washed

the dishes, I used the few precious minutes alone to let the tears flow. Why did I have to come

here? Why did I have to watch these people Id become attached to grow sick and fade away?

Why did I have to watch himsuffer? To see the hope disappear from his eyes with each new blow,

only to resiliently emerge once more? Why had fate forced this upon me?

But as I thought over the two months Id spent in the past, I couldntregret. I had been granted an

impossible opportunityto participate in a part of Edwards life I had thought I would never

know. Without the strange consequences of my wish, I never would have had the chance to meet

his true parents, never could have heard his mother speak in approval of me. I never would have

known that he hated asparagus or that he had a secret soft spot for the neighbors cat. I wouldnt

have known that his ribs were ticklish or that his eyes really were an extraordinary green. And I

most certainly would never have known that the vampire was still very much the boy.

Without this journey, I realized, I never would have known that I loved Edward in every form, in

every time, in every place. I wouldnt have the warm reassurance deep in mychest that my

transformation into a vampire could not change his feelings for mebecause it could not change

the essence of me.


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It could not take away the soul that I knew; now more than ever, Edward very much had and it

wouldnt take mine, either.

My wish had been to give Edward the kind of experiences hed given me, but I finally understood

that I had been sent with a lesson to learn.

The epiphany filled me with a sense of calm, of peace. Though I could not save Edward from what

was to come without doing irreparable damage to my own future, I couldgo with new

understanding back to my Edward. I could step into eternity with eyes wide open and endeavor to

fill every one of Edwards days with comfort, peace, and joy.

Suddenly, I felt strong enough. I would do whatever the coming days required of me, because it

was important. It was all for him.

I dried my hands, washed my face, and went upstairs to join Edward.

True to his warning, he was still awake, though just barely. His smile was warm and drowsy as I slid

in next to him under the covers. The weight of his arms around me felt like an anchor that kept

me from drifting too far from the shore.

Exhausted by the whirlwind of emotions, I fell asleep easily in his warmth, with his scent filling my

head and his pulse in my ear.

I dreamed I was with my vampire Edward again, back on my little bed in Charlies house. His eyes

were red in this dream, but it didnt bother me. My subconscious told me there was a good reason.

I missed you! I cried, wrapping my arms around his middle. He chuckled, running his fingers

through my hair.

Likewise.

Why is all the furniture gone? I asked, confused when I didnt see the familiar shapes of my

rocking chair and desk.

Silly Bella. Youre dreaming. Those things arent important. Focus on the details you do have.

I dont understand. I was frustrated. We should be kissing by now.

Look closely atme, Bella, he murmured; running his hands up and down my arms over the long

sleevessleeves that belonged to the dress from 1918which I still wore for some reason. I looked

back to his red eyes and then down his body. I realized the problem. He was dressed for 1918,

too, in suspenders, sleeves rolled up to the elbows. I frowned. Did Alice dress you up?

Its almost time, Bella, he said, ignoring my remark. I need you to be ready.

Ready for what? I asked. I was already anxious.


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It wont be easy, but you mustdo this, Bella. To secure our future together.

Do what? I asked desperately, clutching his shoulders. He wasnt making sense.

Please, Bella. Promise me.

Edward, I dont know what youre asking! My eyes started to tear up in frustration.

He held my face in his hands, looking intently into my eyes. You do know. And remember, you

must!

Edward pulled me to him, kissing me firmly. His lips felt strangely hot, but I didnt have time to

examine that.

Please His breath was a whisper across my face, and then I woke, gasping.

The room was lit with late-afternoon sun, and I was alone again. Edwards absence made meuneasy after that dream. What had he meant, securing our future? What did he want me to do?

And why had he had the red eyes of a vampire who drank human blood? There was no

reasonexcept for him being a newborn, which

Which was exactly what hewas? He was right; I did know, but I couldnt figure it out in the

dream. He wore the clothes of this time and had red eyes because he had just been changed.

Andhe wanted me to make it happen. That was the only possible conclusion.

I didnt know if my dream was really a message from Edward or merely my own subconscious

trying to steer me, but whatever the case, it was the only guidance I had, and it told me to be ready

to let Edward go.

A thud outside the room drew my attention back to waking reality. I jumped out of bed and went

to the hallway, fighting a feeling of dread the entire way.

I found Edward halfway down the stairs, slumped against the wall. Sweat gathered at his temples,

his skin was flushed, his eyes were closed. I put a shaking hand to his forehead, finding it hot and

damp. His eyes opened to meet mine, and they were terrified.

No, I choked in spite of myself. Be strong, Bella. He needs you.

Im sorry, Bella, he whispered.

Hush, I breathed shakily. Its going to be okay. Im going to take care of you. Wait here. Ill get

help.

I felt his eyes on me as I scurried down the stairs to the telephone. It was still daylight. Carlisle

wouldnt be at the hospital yet.


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I picked up the receiver and dialed the only person that could help me now.

Only Human21

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