The next two days flew by. All conversations were kept light and friendly. Between Edward, Alice, and the rest of my friends, I hadn’t had a moment without smiling. Never before could I recall having so much fun.

Besides the light-hearted daytime hours, nights were spent peacefully. At home, I would finish any homework. Edward’s arrival came soon after and my allowed time with him was spent in close proximity on the couch while Charlie watched games on television. When he left, I showered. Afterwards, my sleep-filled nights would be spent in bed next to an angel.

Despite the bliss of it all, my mind was constantly thinking of the doom I would face come Saturday. The memories of months apart from Edward, the words of our last meeting with Nancy, and every fear of the next came crashing down when I got a message from Jacob.

“He says he hopes you’ll go down to La Push tomorrow. They’re having a beach bonfire after the game,” Charlie announced when I was on my way upstairs to shower.

‘After the game’ would also mean after the next appointment. Spending a day with the pack would be the perfect excuse to get out of therapy, but Edward would never allow it. My therapy was much too important to him.

“Sorry, Dad. Can’t go. Lots of homework,” I lied. Hopefully, he wouldn’t catch my lie and question me.

“Okay, Bells. Good night.”

I rushed upstairs, almost tripping on the last step, and started the water for my shower. I undressed quickly and stepped into the stream of warmth. My body relaxed, leaving my mind to drown in its thoughts.

The months without Edward had left me lonely and depressed. Before Jacob, I was much like a zombie. Then he became my sun and helped heal my body of the hole Edward left. Now, my Jacob was a terrible reminder of that time.

Without knowing, I had reached for the razor and held it against the pale flesh of my left wrist. I looked at my arm and examined the patterns created over the months. The cut from Sunday had a thick scab over it. Those prior had increasingly thinner scabs until they were merely pink scars. My first cuts had been reduced to dainty lines, barely darker than my natural color. I was certain no human could pick them out, even if they were looking.

I need this release. I thought as I pushed the blade into my tender skin.

Crimson blood poured out of the fresh wound as clear tears fell from my eyes. I set the razor down; pleased the scent followed the steam of the shower away from my nose. Edward would certainly be unhappy tonight. But at least my mind could finally rest.

I stepped out of the shower and dried off before changing into my pajamas. I smiled, seeing what I had packed to sleep in tonight. A long sleeve shirt and sweats would be the perfect cover up to my deeds. Edward didn’t have to know.

Walking into my room, I saw my angel resting on my bed. A few steps more gave me a clear view of his porcelain, moonlit face.

His eyes were shut tight and I could practically hear the sound of wheels turning in his head. Mouth agape, a set of sharp, white teeth were revealed. Finally, his nose was flaring in an effort to supply his body with unneeded air.

“Bella,” he growled softly when I sat on the edge of the bed. He sounded incredibly angry. Edward knew about my cut.

One look at my scared face had him by my side in an instant. I was gathered in his arms and laid down on the bed beside him.

“Bella,” he whispered gently. The tears began to fall from my eyes.

“I’m so sorry, Edward,” I cried.

“It’s okay, love. Go to sleep.” He held me close and hummed my lullaby. I was asleep long before it ended.