Self Destruction

Edward stumbled amongst the brush of the jungle, unsure where exactly he was. He had been duped. No doubt Victoria had one of her minions carry her scent to Mexico.

And her plan had worked; he had blindly followed.

Usually he was more graceful and determined in his actions. Ever since he left Forks, his mind couldn't wholly concentrate on the present. His thoughts always wandered to that brown-eyed girl he had left behind.

I have to protect her.

He scoffed at his meager attempt. The thought sent a sharp pang through his chest. If only he could hold her again.

Edward! Edward Help!

Her voice echoed deep in the base of his skull, her voice coming in and out like the ebbing of a tide.

He slammed his hands to his head, his eyes tight together. The hallucinations were worsening. Maybe he should go back?

No! You wanted to give her a normal life.

But it's killing me.

He gathered his hair in his hands, attempting to compose himself. Only a few seconds ago, or was it hours? He heard her screaming for him. She was begging, pleading for him like her life depended on it. It was unlike anything he had ever heard. But it was all a hallucination.

Slowly but surely, he regained his senses. Scanning the trees, he was just about to jump for a better view when his phone buzzed.

"Alice?"

"Edward" Alice's voice was guarded. "Come back quickly. It's Bella."

His brow furrowed. He gripped the cell phone tighter. Alice's voice had trailed into a whimsical echo. He knew from Alice's switching hysterical tone that she was telepathically communicating with him. She wasn't alone.

"What's wrong? Is she hurt? Where is Carlisle?"

"Carlisle is here. I haven't talked to anyone, you're the first I called. She's not Bella anymore, Edward, and I can't see her future. It's scaring me."

"What do you mean – Bella isn't Bella anymore?"

"We've been trying to reach you Edward, for the past couple of weeks. Bella's been on path to self-destruction, and no one can stop her. She keeps blinking in and out of my visions"

This was the call he dreaded, the one he feared most besides the call. Thankfully that call, had not come. But every minute he feared for her. Mortality was the only thing keeping them apart. Danger, or worse, was on the horizon if Alice dared to call him. Alice had rung the alarm, and Edward could only see red flashing in his vision. A thick, dry bulge lodged itself in his throat and his limbs began to shake.

"Keep an eye on her Alice, and keep Jasper and Emmett close by. I'm coming home." His voice turned cold, all adrenaline surfacing to aid his vampire speed through the trees.

"Hurry Edward."