You Held Out Your Hand, And I

I Wrapped My Arms Around His Neck And Pulled Myself Closer To Him Until My Lips Touched His.

Um, Bella? You've Got A Huge Cut On Your Forehead, And It's Gushing Blood," He Informed Me. I Clapped My Hand Over My Head. Sure Enough, It Was Wet And Sticky. I Could Smell Nothing But The Damp Moss On My Face, And That Held Off The Nausea. Oh, I'm So Sorry, Jacob." I Pushed Hard Against The Gash, As If I Could Force The Blood Back Inside My Head. Why Are You Apologizing For Bleeding?" He Wondered As He Wrapped A Long Arm Around My Waist And And Pulled Me To My Feet.

Here's To Responsibility," He Toasted. "twice A Week." "and Recklessness Every Day In Between," I Emphasized. He Grinned And Touched His Can To Mine.

It Was Sort Of The Pattern To My Life - I'd Never Been Strong Enough To Deal With The Things Outside My Control, To Attack The Enemies Or Outrun Them. To Avoid The Pain. Always Human And Weak, The Only Thing I'd Ever Been Able To Do Was Keep Going. Endure. Survive.

I Wanted Myself. I Wouldn't Let What Was Mine Be Destroyed.