Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [78]
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 up-like 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 condition-both of your conditions-are 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 slightly-barely 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 you- just 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