Blockbuster Teaser

 I felt safe. I felt protected. Sighing, I snuggled deeper into the covers. Then I realized that my pillow had a heartbeat. Opening my eyes, I was confused. Where am I?

“It’s okay, Bella. You’re safe,” said a male voice.

Jacob?

No, not Jacob. He would never hold me. He also doesn’t smell like sandalwood and beach grass.

I shifted, looking up. Edward was holding me. His eyes were gentle, kind and swirling with concern. “Hey, gorgeous,” he breathed.

“Hi,” I croaked. “How did I get here?”

“I carried you inside. As soon as Rose and Emmett left, you crashed. Seth was adamant that I stay because he said he’d never seen you so relaxed,” Edward murmured, trailing his fingers down my cheek. “I can go.”

“No,” I gasped, tightening my hold on his t-shirt. “Stay. Please, stay.” I felt tears well in my eyes. God, I’m such an emotional mess. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize, love,” he said, wiping his thumbs on my cheeks.

“What time is it?” I asked.

“A little after eleven in the morning,” Edward explained.

“I need to get Seth breakfast,” I blurted, trying to get up.

“Relax, Bella. I got up and we got some McDonald’s. I borrowed your car, by the way,” he snickered. “He’s currently organizing his new room and working on a book report. He also asked me about callbacks.”

“He got called back?” I asked. “He didn’t tell me.”

“He was really worried about his mom,” Edward smiled, brushing my hair back. “But, he got called back for the Baker in Into the Woods, Jr. I gave him some tips and listened to him. Seth is really good, to be honest. He’s got a natural way when he reads his lines and a nice singing voice.”

I snickered. “He didn’t get that from me. I’m completely tone deaf.”

“Singing is not a talent of yours,” Edward replied diplomatically. “But, I won’t hold that against you, love.”

“I should get up,” I said. “I feel gross. I also need to finish organizing the house.”

“I think you’re entitled a lazy day, Bella,” he murmured. “When was the last time you just vegged?”

“Um, never?” I answered.

“Well, let me and Seth handle things,” he smiled, brushing his lips with mine. “You just plop down on the couch and look up some ideas for paint, décor, and tchotchkes. You’re also going to soak in that tub and let me spoil you.” Tears welled in my eyes. “Don’t cry, Bella. You’re not alone.”

“I’m just so emotional and I don’t know …” I whispered.

“You have every right to be emotional. You’ve been through hell for years. You’re entitled to cry, sob, rage, and scream. Seth’s biological father is asshole, and he doesn’t get to know that wonderful, beautiful boy that you raised. A boy who is kind and smart and funny, despite the fact that he’d been through hell with you. He adores you, Bella. He thinks you’re the strongest person in the world. He would walk through fire for you, Bella,” Edward whispered.

His words made me cry more. I was so proud of my child and the person he’d become. However, my child should not have to walk through fire for me. That was my job. Not his.

Edward gathered me in his arms, not saying anything as I cried.

“Bella, I know that you are dealing with things. I understand that you think you’re damaged. You’re not,” he said once I calmed down. “You’re bruised and you have some scars, but you are strong and resilient and beautiful.”

“But, like everyone else, you’ll leave,” I muttered, voicing my greatest fear. “Everyone who cares about me leaves.”