A/N: Now the nightmare begins! Plus a little look at what happened to delay Bella's homecoming. Not all Vampires are tame… (SM owns the characters, I know nothing of Police protocol.)
The next year…
The Doctor had finished his rounds and was on his way home when he heard the screams coming from Bella Swan's bedroom.
Her body rose from the mattress and shied away from invisible demons.
Poor kid, he sighed. He had heard there'd been an altercation between the Cullens and some associates and she'd been caught in the cross-fire.
Abducting her in the belief that she was important to the Cullens, her captors had proceeded to smash her leg and shake her up before burning the building with her inside.
Well, they didn't actually burn it down, but there was enough smoke to do damage to the girl's lungs.
He understood the Cullens were footing the bill but what the girl needed was to be in her own home with her own family.
Still, Carlisle was his senior and not to be doubted in any capacity.
XxX
The nightmares were always worse when one of them was nearby. She didn't care that they drank from animals. They still had to kill to get their sustenance.
If only she hadn't taken the dogs to the woods! None of this would have happened.
She would be at home, still thinking of ways to avoid Edward and his family. She regretted the need to know what they were and wished she were like the others, sweetly ignorant of the dangers they faced on a daily basis.
XxX
Charlie saw his daughter's pain and knew that he had to get her out. However, that was easier said than done as his talk with Dr Cullen went flat.
"I'm sorry Chief Swan but your daughter is in a fragile state. She'll be better off here where she can get the care she needs."
"I know my daughter would be more comfortable at home."
Carlisle's eyes flashed annoyance. "Well, I disagree. Now if you excuse me, Chief Swan, my patients need me."
Like hell they did!
As soon as he reached the station, he informed his secretary that he wasn't to be disturbed before making a call to his neighbouring Police Chief in Callam County.
"Hi Joe, its Charlie Swan. I need your help."
XxX
Carlisle Cullen was surprised to find the neighbouring town's Police Chief in his office. He smoothed his face over, ever the pleasant and helpful man.
"Good Morning, I'm…"
"I know who you are Doctor. I understand you have Chief Swan's daughter here."
He didn't wait for Carlisle to confirm.
"Her father is worried you're keeping her here against her will."
"She has been through a terrible ordeal. I believe I would be failing my role if I released her too soon."
"Whilst your attitude's commendable, you are not her father. As Bella is a minor, all final decision reside with Chief Swan."
"I…"
"I understand it was an associate of your family that were the perpetrators. Chief Swan and I have spoken at length about the right course of action to take. I'm sure you have your theories and I would willingly discuss them with you. In the station."
He allowed his to sink in before going for the hard sale.
"So, when should I let Chief Swan know to expect his daughter home?"
XxX
"You did what?"
Carlisle sighed as his protégé glared at him.
"It was the only way Edward. I can't have Callam County prying into our lives."
Edward pinched his nose in irritation. "That's what we pay Jenks for! Let him earn his retainer."
Carlisle did his best to look severe, a difficult task with a mind-reading son.
"You know people are starting to question us, Son. If Bella won't leave Forks, then it will have to be us."
Edward stormed out the room, to his Volvo and raced into the night.
No-one had to be told where his destination was.
XxX
She was lost in darkness as the venom coursed through her veins destroying her humanity and rendering her soft flesh more durable. Granite-like.
The corpses around her stared with lifeless eyes, questioning why she alone survived…
"Ssh love, you're dreaming. I've got you. You're safe now."
She felt the cool touch of Edward's arms hold her close as she stirred. He crooned softly to her.
"Don't you think you'll be happier with your mother? You said yourself you hate the rain. Charlie would understand. A young girl needs her mother…"
She felt the lull of acceptance threatening to take over but she resisted.
"No, I'm staying."
"But you'll be able to enjoy the sun and forget this ever happened…"
"No, let me sleep…"
"Yes, my love. Sleep. You'll feel better in the morning."
He hummed softly to her, breathing in her scent and allowing himself a brief moment to believe that he was a human boy, comforting his beloved…
XxX
The discharge papers were all signed and Charlie waited patiently for Bella to appear.
The hospital insisted on her leaving in a wheelchair and provided crutches for when she was more mobile.
Her eyes were bright at the prospect of going home and it was a welcome relief from the darkness that had shrouded her prior.
Dr Cullen was waiting at the exit. "Please, let us know if there are any changes. We want to ensure Isabella is properly fit."
Her face stiffened with politeness as she shook his hand and gave thanks for his efforts.
