Chapter 1 – The Phone Call
Rinnng, Rinnng
"Hello?" I answered the phone.
"Hi, Bella?" This is Dr. Cullen at Forks Community Hospital. Your father, Charlie, is here in the emergency room." The voice said on the other end of the line.
"What happened? Did he cut himself again? He is always so clumsy." I said.
"No Bella, there has been an accident, we need you to come up to the hospital if that's possible." He said.
As soon as he said accident I fell onto the couch. My legs completely left me.
"What kind of accident?" I asked through sobs, unable to control myself.
"Charlie was out on patrol and there was a robbery. He tried to subdue the guy, but he was caught off guard and the man shot at him multiple times. He was able to dodge the bullets, except for one. The one he caught was lodged between two vertebrae in his spine. Bella, he may never walk again. He has complete brain function, but his legs are paralyzed. I am so sorry. We asked if there was someone who could stay with him until he is able to get around in his wheel chair. He said you were the only one." Dr. Cullen said.
"Oh my God. Dr. Cullen, do you believe he will walk again? Please tell me the truth." I asked, finally getting a hold on my crying.
"No. In my professional opinion I do not believe Charlie will walk again. I'm sorry." He said with a voice of sympathy.
"I will get a flight tonight and be there in the morning. Please tell my dad I love him. Thank you Dr. Cullen." I said hanging up the phone quickly.
As soon as I hit the end button on my blackberry I was in hysterics. I could not stop crying. It was completely uncontrollable. I took the phone back into my hands to send a text to my friend Angela telling her what had happened and that I was leaving soon. A couple of minutes later she sent a message back saying she was sorry and that she would speak to my professors and see if there was a way for me to finish my classes online or through email. I sent a quick thanks and put my phone into my pocket.
I went straight to my computer and got onto the American Airlines website. After searching around all I could find was a first class ticket to Seattle that left in two hours. I quickly purchased the ticket and added a rental car so I could drive to Forks. I was packing frantically trying to gather anything and everything I might need. I did not know how long I would be out of town so I grabbed pretty well everything I owned apart from the furniture. Everything fit into three suitcases, which would cost an extra $150 for extra luggage at the airport. So far I had spent $950 and that didn't include the car or the luggage.
I wheeled my bags to the door, looking around to make sure I had everything. I grabbed my phone charger, I would definitely be needing that, and threw it into my purse. Once I got outside to my car I realized I would need someone to come to the airport and pick up my car. I didn't really trust leaving it in an airport parking garage. I sent Angela a text and she agreed to come get it tomorrow and keep it for me. She already had a key so it was perfect.
I arrived at the airport thirty minutes before my flight. It would give me just enough time to get my tickets and check my bags. I managed to get everything done and get through security before they called my gate to load. After about a five minute wait they started boarding the first class passengers. I reached my seat and buckled myself in already knowing the drill.
The captain came on the speaker a little later and said his speech, then within no time we were off the ground. I pulled out my blackberry and put in my headphones to listen to some music. Classical music always calmed me when I was flying, although champagne would do a better job. As if hearing my thoughts an attendant came by with a tray of champagne filled glasses offering me one. I took it graciously. One of the things about first class that I liked was all of the perks. I downed the champagne then immediately started dozing off. The three hour flight was going to be a long one.