Just a quick note here to let you know that all chapters are being replaced with updated ones. Minimal authors notes from here, so you don't have to hear my drivel and you can get on with the story. Again, no beta for this, so mistakes will be found. Sorry xXx

1

Edward was exhausted, but that was usual for him these days. Being a doctor, albeit, in a small town, he seemed to be either always working or always on call. Despite this, he would always make time for his baby sister. Recently, he'd spent almost all of his time with her, but that wasn't just because they were related. No. These last several weeks had shown him how fragile life could be.

"How're you doing, Little Sis?" Edward asked as he looked over the table to the small girl sitting opposite him. She smiled brilliantly back at him before taking a fry from his plate.

"So much better. The doctor said it would take a long while to get my energy back to normal levels, but between you and the parentals, my health seems to be covered," Alice replied, and Edward calmed a little.

When he got the call two months ago that his little sister had been rushed to the hospital, he dropped everything to be by her side.

Growing up, he had been incredibly close to her. They were born seven years apart, and as the older brother, he took his role very seriously. He was her big brother, but also her guardian. He would protect her at all costs, even if their parents did complain that she'd never do anything on her own if he held her back all the time. He kept the bullies away, brushed her hair, sat in with her tea parties. If she wanted it done, he'd do it.

When Alice was admitted to hospital with a ruptured ovarian cyst, he knew he had to be there. The doctor Alice had at the time was a complete fool and sent her home with mild painkillers. He refused to believe it was any worse than a bad case of period pains. Four hours later, she was back in the hospital and straight into surgery.

"Eight weeks is little to no time to recover from that type of surgery, blood poisoning and blood loss, Alice. We have to do everything we can to make you fit as a fiddle," Edward replied with a shy smile.

Edward may have been overprotective and headstrong when it came to Alice, but it worked both ways. He knew that Alice would be there whenever he needed her.

It's just how they worked.

"I know, Edward and I can't thank any of you enough," Alice replied meekly, stealing another fry.

Across town, the rain fell like a sheet, sticking to anything it could.

A cop, new on the job, pulled a dark-haired woman from her car. He couldn't believe he'd found her like this.

The proof of her drinking evidently in her voice as she slurred and stumbled about the ground.

"People like you make me sick," he spat as he turned her on the spot and went to cuff her, never taking his eyes off the small infant in the back of the car.

Once the woman was secure and cuffed, he searched her for ID.

"So, Isabella Biers looks like you're in a whole lot of trouble."