Yes, I should be writing a paper….or two. But I finished one and wanted to update this story really quick, just so you all know that I plan on continuing it. Thank you so much to guest reviewers Pipi 96, Blue Bird 13, AnneCullen, Carla, and Rhonda. To answer some questions: I will not be putting any explicit/graphic rape scenes in this story. I find them unnecessary and uncomfortable. Also, I will continue this story until it is complete, although I do not anticipate it being a long story.

Finally, I will not forget about People Will Talk or Wrecked. I'm just super busy for the next 2 weeks. I will be updating People Will Talk probably over Thanksgiving break, along with Wrecked. Bad Idea is complete at the moment, and will stay that way unless I decide to continue it eventually. It was written as a two-shot and is marked complete.

Thank you all for reviewing and I hope you like it.

Carlisle

I placed a cup of fresh coffee on the counter in front of me as I flipped through the chart in my hands. A young man needed some minor surgery after a car accident. A thirteen year old girl had appendicitis….that had already been taken care of. I placed that chart on the counter, gesturing for one of the interns that followed me around to take it. I was sometimes given a little flock of interns who would watch me in surgery and ask questions, and I didn't mind, but it did require me to waste a lot of coffee. They were otherwise unable to believe that I was so easily able to stay awake all night and morning and all of the next day, especially since it was nearly impossible for me to feign exhaustion. I sometimes slipped away for an hour and pretended to sleep on the sofa in my office, but usually I just carried around a cup of coffee and was grateful that they were all too tired to notice that I never drank from it, although I sometimes worried about their own coffee intake.

I glanced up at the clock on the wall, mentally checking the surgery board I'd glanced at earlier. I had a good hour and a half before I had anything scheduled. Most of the interns were hoping to get in on this surgery, and I knew that I probably should choose one or two to assist and let the rest watch from upstairs…and I needed to finish up some paperwork. 'I can always have one of them do it…' Of course, I knew they wanted to be practicing medicine and performing surgeries, but they needed to learn the bureaucratic side to it as well. Another doctor was working in the emergency room today…but I had time to see if they needed any help…I hadn't had a page in a while, so I figured it would be a slow day. The hospital in Forks wasn't exactly busy anyway, but I was glad to be able to help as much as I could. On days when we were too slow for me to be of any assistance, I had plenty of time for personal research.

I looked up at the crowd of young doctors around me, ready to assign one or two of them, but something buzzed in my pocket, making me pause. Pulling the phone out, I lifted an eyebrow in surprise at Emmett's name on the screen even as I flipped it open. My children knew that I was at work. If they were calling me in the middle of the day, something was wrong. I mentally placed my family before I greeted him, my mind whirring. Esme, Rosalie, Alice, and Edward were hunting. Emmett and Jasper were probably at the house…it was a Friday but the school was closed for some break. Bella was with Jacob and the wolves on the reservation. "Hello?" I greeted my son softly, stepping away from my interns who watched me in varying degrees of surprise. I rarely took calls at work…mostly because people rarely called me.

My son's voice was anxious and I could tell he was in a car. "Carlisle, it's Bella. She's hurt, and we've got to get to her. She's on the reservation."

Immediately I stiffened in worry. "Define 'hurt' Emmett." I ordered softly, drifting absently toward the double doors that led to the corridor. If there was blood involved, I would have to go, or send an ambulance. No…I would go. I couldn't risk having Jasper or Emmett near her when she was bleeding…too dangerous, and I couldn't leave her in the hands of strangers. If she'd sprained or broken something, then Emmett or Jasper could get her, or have Jacob bring her to them, and as soon as they got to he hospital I could take care of her…with plenty of pain medicine on hand. 'Or maybe I should meet them…with pain medicine for her.' I hated the idea of her being in pain for any longer than was strictly necessary.

He hesitated for a long second, and I could hear Jasper's quiet murmur in the background. "We think Jacob…." There was a long pause and I held my breath, terrible possibilities racing through my mind.

'Did he phase and hurt her? Is she bleeding to death?' Sam Uley's girlfriend, Emily, passed through my mind, and I winced at the thought, wishing they had allowed me to help her, then shoved the thought aside. 'Is it a major injury? Or did he just allow her to fall? Did she sprain something…break her leg? What could Jacob have done that would have upset my sons so much?!'

Emmett finally sighed, speaking one more, and I realized that only a few seconds had passed. "We think he raped her." Emmett nearly whispered the words. I closed my eyes, my hand clenching into a fist at my side as my entire body went rigid. My jaw tightened, my teeth pressing tightly together as I tried to process that as quickly as possible. Dismissing all of my murderous thoughts toward the young werewolf, I immediately switched into professional mode…or as close as I could get to it at the moment.

"I'm on my way. Do not go without speaking to Sam first." I ordered sharply, turning to an intern who moved closer as I held the phone away from my ear for a moment, speaking to her sharply. "Tell the chief I had to leave. Family emergency." She nodded, hurrying to follow my terse command as I raced toward my car. "I will meet you at the border." I told him as I climbed into my car, starting it quickly, and speeding out of the parking lot. As much as I knew we needed to get to Bella, I knew that if Emmett or Jasper were to get caught trespassing and were hurt as well, or if the treaty was broken, then that would only cause us additional troubles, especially if we had to move to avoid a fight with the wolves. 'Not again….we are not leaving her again.' "She called you?" I clarified. I was closer to the border than my sons, and was almost there thanks to my car's ability go nearly as fast as I could. 'But we'll need the car…don't want to risk carrying her. Someone might see.'

"Yeah…she called the house and asked us to come and get her. Jasper's on the phone with her now." I felt a little relief at that, despite my son's agonized tone. At least she wasn't trying to hide what had happened and covering for him...she needed medical attention as soon as possible, and I could only hope that she would allow us to help her. I couldn't examine her, or allow another doctor to examine her, against her will, nor would I want to, and I hoped that her calling Emmett was an indicator that she would not be afraid to let me help her medically. I cursed myself for not grabbing some pain medication and knew that I didn't have any with me in the car. She would need some. She was sure to be in pain, and I closed my eyes at the idea, then pushed my own feelings away. I had to get to her, and I needed to help her. That was all I allowed myself to think about as my car idled at the border between La Push and Forks.

I leapt out of my car as Jasper and Emmett reached the border where I sat, and they followed suit, their expression fierce and furious. Some wolf must have been patrolling the border and alerted him, because Sam approached from the woods as Jasper handed me his phone and focused on calming the atmosphere. I held the phone to my ear for a second while Jasper spoke to Sam, and I could hear her uneven breathing…she was crying. "Bella? Sweetheart, we're outside of La Push. Are you there?" I heard her sniff on the other line and longed to pull her into my arms and comfort her…this child that I saw as my own little girl…I wanted her in my arms, safe.

"Carlisle." I clenched my jaw at her broken voice, aware that she must be in an unimaginable amount of pain, mental and physical.

"I'm coming Bella. We have to talk to…" I glanced up when the wolf came closer to my sons and stepped forward, keeping an eye on him. He was arguing quietly when Jasper cut him off. "…Sam…" I trailed off, finishing my statement a little absently.

"We just want to get Bella." Jasper told him firmly. "She called us…she asked us to come and get her." He was nearly pleading as he filled the area with calm and persuaded the wolf with his gift. Emmett was standing close by, obviously ready to try force if persuasion didn't work. I moved closer, unsurprised. Emmett had personal experience with this, and he'd probably rip Sam to pieces if he thought it would get him to Bella more quickly.

"Only one of you." Sam relented, looking at me briefly. "The doctor can go…I'll go with you." I nodded, not caring who would be going with me, and tossed the phone to Jasper, not listening as he explained to Bella what was going on. Instead, I raced across the border and toward the beach, easily picking up Bella's scent.

I found her in a ball on the ground, her head resting on her legs, her shirt ripped open. With my enhanced eyesight, I could see the places where he'd grabbed her, dark handprints and other bruises appearing all over her arms, shoulders, and even her neck. I froze for a second, feeling my lips curl back as I suppressed a hiss of fury. 'He touched my daughter. He hurt my daughter!' I shoved the thoughts aside. 'Medical help. You are allowed to think about getting her medical help and comforting her.' I told myself firmly, mostly because I could smell his scent in the area and knew how easy it would be to trace it.

I knelt down beside her, noticing how she hadn't yet acknowledged my presence...how her body trembled as she cried. I hesitated, knowing from experience how devastating the consequences were, especially mentally, for rape victims. Reaching out, I brushed my hand against her arm, my heart clenching when she looked up hesitantly, tears streaming down her face. Both of us ignored Sam standing behind me. I moved my hand to her face, her hot cheeks, covered in tears, warming my own cold hand. "Sweetheart? Talk to me Bella." I urged her softly, and her breath caught.

"Carlisle." She sobbed my name and gripped my hand. Forcing my expression to remain gentle, I scooted closer to her, pulling her against me while she cried, feeling her hands fist in my shirt.

"Oh sweetheart." I whispered, rocking her gently. "I'm going to get you to the hospital, okay? Come on." Lifting her as gently and as quickly as I could, I angled her toward my chest as she curled up against me, cowering in my arms. Sam, the fierce alpha of the pack of werewolves that hated me, looked suddenly like a young boy, the same age as Emmett when he'd been changed, frightened and worried and infinitely sad.

He only asked her a question or two, assuring me that they would take care of Jacob, but my mind was occupied with the girl in my arms. 'I need to get her to the hospital. She needs to be checked over. Then home…to bed.' Alice or Esme would help her shower later, but I would have her examined first. There would be no need for a rape kit. Either Sam would kill Jacob or I would.


I crossed my arms, watching my son carry Bella out the door. Edward would stay here with me and I would discuss with him the basics of what had happened. Anything more than that would have to come from Bella. But first I needed to know what had happened. I turned to Dr. Thomas, a woman I'd worked with since arriving in Forks. I'd met her grandfather briefly during our first stay here…another doctor and a drunk unfortunately. But she was kind, a woman that often worked with young girls in this situation, which was why I'd gone to her after dropping Bella off and leaving Jasper to guard her. Although I seriously doubted anyone would try to hurt her here, I wasn't about to risk it, and it made Bella feel more secure if one of my sons was nearby, so that was enough for me.

She placed the file on the table, sighing and sitting on the hospital bed. I watched her anxiously, wishing for Edward's talent….or even Jasper's. "Do you know who did it?"

"Yes, although I haven't been able to speak with her about it yet. She confirmed that it was an old friend of hers." The older doctor shook her head, sighing and folding her hands in her lap.

"That poor child." She said softly, biting her lip. "Well, there was vaginal penetration, and I'm assuming no condom was used because we were able to collect fluids…although that's not a sure thing. There was some tearing, but it's not extensive. She's covered in bruises…I believe she has a minor concussion. Her back is bruised as well. It didn't feel like any of her ribs were fractured…but he obviously pushed her quite roughly to the ground and she's going to be sore."

"I have an X-ray at my home. I'll double check." I told her in a strained voice, ignoring her knowing smile.

"Yes, I know you do. You care a great deal for that girl, Carlisle. Everyone here knows that. I'm so sorry about this." I closed my eyes for a second. "Your son was wonderful with her. They seem very close." I wished. Oh how I wished my son could be close to her without hurting himself. I wished that Jasper could spend time with her like he wanted…get to know her. But he was so sure that she blamed him…that she feared him. "Have you spoken to Edward?"

"No…he's down in the waiting room."

"He'll have to be careful Carlisle. I'm not sure how serious their relationship is…"

"Very." I offered wryly, letting her draw her own conclusions.

"Well, he could help her heal more quickly…or he could damage her even further."

"I plan on speaking to him as soon as I've looked over her file." She nodded.

"I already made you a copy, just don't tell anyone. I've taken blood work to check for pregnancy and samples for any kind of disease or infection. She's going to need plenty of rest for a day or two, make sure she takes in plenty of fluids and watch her diet…" The woman pointed a stern finger at me. "Make sure she eats."

I managed a small smile. "I am a doctor, Carol."

"You're not a day over thirty, Carlisle Cullen. You learn to listen to your elders." She snorted, shaking her head and walking out the door, leaving Bella's file on the bed, and I would have laughed aloud had I not been too worried about my son's mate.

"Elders." I mumbled, shaking my head as I opened the file.

I found Edward in the waiting room, or rather his essence carved in stone. His jaw was locked, his arms crossed, his eyes fixed on the floor in front of him. The three chairs on either side of him were empty and I could see why. He was emanating rage like Jasper had been in the car. I could almost taste his fury. "Edward." I spoke softly as I stepped through the double doors, inclining my head toward the doors behind me, and in a fluid motion, he was following me, his hands still clenched into fists. We made our way in silence to my office, shutting the door behind me, and I quickly closed the blinds and moved to stand in front of the shelf of awards on the back wall. I didn't particularly value them, but if he was going to start throwing things, then I preferred they not shatter. People might ask questions.

"She's okay." I decided that starting with that would be my best bet. He didn't relax an inch. "She called for help. She allowed a doctor to examine her. She experienced no signs of PTSD or panic attacks. The physical damage…" I broke off when Edward snarled, his teeth bared as he glared at me. I crossed my arms, waiting for his temper to cool. I could best most of my children in a fight, although I'd never needed to seriously restrain them. But Edward wasn't thinking clearly right now. "If you don't calm down, I cannot allow you to see her. No, do not look at me like that. She's emotionally unstable right now Edward."

"He. Raped. Her." He growled at me, leaning forward, arms stiff at his sides.

"Yes. I am aware." I forced my voice to remain even. "Edward, I'm as upset as…I'm upset as well." I hastily corrected myself. I had no idea how he was feeling…no man had ever forced himself upon my wife. But they had my daughter…two of them now. "But she needs you, Edward. She needs you to reassure her, to make sure that she knows you don't blame her."

He stared at me, horrified. "Blame her! She thinks…"

"We don't know." I stressed every word, speaking calmly in the hopes that it may rub off. "But in many cases, the victims of rape blame themselves, and I've seen more than one case where the significant other blamed them as well, going so far as to break off the relationship because their wife or girlfriend, or boyfriend in some cases, had been with another man." He swallowed hard, the unnecessary action apparently calming him because he took a deep breath.

"I could never…"

"I know, Edward. You just have to make sure she does. We'll need to keep a close eye on her this weekend when she's staying with us. Her father is out of town and I'd rather she be the one to tell him about this. In the mean time, we will all be in the house. Have you spoken to Alice?"

"She's at the house with Esme. Rosalie went off on her own so I'm not sure where she is now. Maybe Emmett got a hold of her."

"I'm going to take her X-rays when she wakes up. I want her to get some rest first. I'll be home all weekend, but you must help me watch her. If her appetite drops or if she shows signs of depression or self harm, we'll have to think about different treatment options." I reached out, touching my son's arm. "We'll be with her the whole way, Edward. Sam is going to deal with Jacob, and if that does not work, we will." I promised. "We're not putting her through a legal battle. If Sam doesn't destroy him, one of us will." I'd made up my mind about this. I wasn't going to let Jacob Black get away with hurting one of my children. Not like this.

Bella

I woke gradually, my mind lagging behind as the pain medication and sedatives began to wear off. I opened my eyes finally to find myself Edward's bed, although Edward wasn't in the room. My knees were against my chest and my arms wrapped around them. To my surprise, it was Jasper who was sitting next to me in a chair, his eyes tracing the words of Wuthering Heights, his expression bordering on distaste. "You like this book?" He asked softly, his voice incredulous although he didn't look up, and I managed to uncurl a little, calmed more by his demeanor and his presence than his gift. He sat between the door and me, but even if something were to crash through the window, I would be fine…he was close enough to take care of it. I was safe.

"Yes." I spoke, making my voice defiant. "It's my favorite." He grimaced, shrugging and placing it on the floor. "You've only read, like, ten pages!" I cried, noticing the place where it was open on the ground, and he grinned.

"Yeah well, it hasn't exactly been a thrilling ten pages." He stated to reach out, his hand heading for my head, but paused when I stiffened, my eyes closing as I flinched. A second later, however, his hand ruffled my hair and I opened my eyes to find his usual lazy grin in place.

"Alice is dying to see you." He informed me. "I told her to wait until you woke up, so she'll probably break down the door if I don't tell her to come on in. You up for it?" I hesitated, glancing at the door, then back at Jasper. He sighed then, placing his elbows on his knees and leaning forward, looking at me where I was propped up by the pillows. Reaching out, he gripped one of my hands slowly, giving me plenty of time to pull away. I didn't.

"What is it darlin?" Jasper asked using that soft tone he'd used at the hospital.

"Is he mad?" My voice was nearly a whisper. His eyes narrowed in confusion and I swallowed. "Did you tell him?" His eyes widened then.

"Edward?" He asked incredulously, never letting go of my hand or pulling away as I gripped his hand.

I nodded. "Is he mad at me?" I whispered, hating that my eyes were filling.

"At you? No, of course not. Why would he be mad at you, Bella?"

I shook my head helplessly. "I…did I lead him on, Jasper? I didn't mean…I just wanted to be friends but I knew he didn't and…"
"Whoa Bella. Let's get something straight, okay?" He knelt down, touching my face and gently wiping under my eye with his thumb. "It does not matter what you did." He told me seriously. " It does not matter if you knew he wanted more than your friendship and it doesn't matter how clear you were about your feelings for him. You did not want him touching you and you made that clear. Right?" I nodded, tears coming faster now as I remembered.

"I told him to stop…I told him no." I sobbed, biting my lip hard until his hand gently coaxed my jaw to relax. "I didn't want…"

"I know. You told him no. And he didn't listen. That was not your fault. No matter how hard you fought or didn't fight, no matter what else you said or did, you told him no and he didn't listen. He had no right to hurt you. He is the only one at fault Bella. Edward knows that…so does everyone else. Okay?" I managed a nod and his hand moved down my back, carefully rubbing circles between my shoulder blades. "Do you want to see Alice? She's worried, you know?" I nodded a little and he moved to stand, waiting until I relinquished his hand to pull away. "I'll be downstairs with Emmett, Bella. Just call if you need us." I nodded, sitting up a little and drawing my knees to my chest.

Alice

Jasper stepped through the doorway, but I barely greeted him, rushing through to grab Bella's hand, making a conscious effort to slow my movements when she flinched. 'He raped my sister. My new little sister…my best friend.' I squeezed her hand, moving to kiss her pale cheek, and gently moved her hair out of her face. "Hey." I whispered, making my voice softer than normal. "How about a shower, and I'll get you some more comfortable clothes, and then I can tell you all about our hunting trip. Okay?" She hesitated, staring at me warily for a moment, then nodded a little and I moved back, placing a hand around her back and helping her stand. Apparently the pain medicine was wearing off because she flinched, leaning heavily against me for a moment. I helped her to the bathroom attached to Edward's room, his locked door a sign to everyone to stay away, and helped her undress, trying not to focus on the bruises that were beginning to develop all over her body, especially on her back.

She held on to the bar on the side of the tub and I decided to just go ahead and step into the shower with her, the spray from the shower head not bothering me as I helped her wash, coating her beautiful hair with shampoo and supporting her while she washed herself. She didn't speak, only nodded when I asked if the water was warm enough for her, or let me maneuver her under the spray as we rinsed her hair. Finally we climbed out of the tub, and I wrapped her in a towel, quickly drying myself and slipping into a new set of clothes, then began to dry her hair. She began to shake slightly then and I paused, my hand moving down to her shoulder as she trembled. "Hold on, Bella. Let's get you dressed, okay?" She covered her mouth with her hand, nodding a little, and I hurriedly helped her slip into some pants and an oversized shirt, running a brush through her still wet hair, then giving up when she began to sob.

"Oh, Bella…." I knelt in front of her where she sat on the toilet lid, touching her face. "I'm sorry, Bella. I'm so sorry. I didn't see…" She shook her head, leaning forward until her head rested on my shoulder, and I reached out, carefully lifting her and carrying her into Edward's empty bedroom, then moving her back under the covers. She curled into a ball under the blankets, rocking herself back and forth as she cried, and after debating for a second, I climbed into the bed in front of her, pulling her into my arms. I had no idea what to say. What could possibly make this better? Her future was a blur, a thousand decisions and possible reactions making it impossible to see what I was supposed to say…so I didn't say anything.

I could hear the others downstairs. Emmett and Jasper were angrier than I'd ever seen them and were, from the sound of it, in the living room. The TV was so low that I could barely hear it from Edward's room on the third floor, but I could hear Emmett pacing, so I figured he wasn't watching. I could see Rosalie…still hunting, oblivious to all of this. Esme, who'd returned home with me as Edward had raced toward the hospital, was in the kitchen, dithering around, and from the smell of it, she was making soup. Esme took her role as the mother of this family seriously, and when it came to Bella, food tended to be her answer. It gave her something to do…something to focus on.

Edward was going to be destroyed by this. Everyone knew it. He would be torn between killing Jacob and never leaving Bella's side again. I knew Carlisle was keeping him at the hospital at the moment, speaking to him about the physical repercussions for Bella, and I couldn't imagine how much this hurt. To my knowledge, no one had ever attacked me in this way, and even if they did now, I was strong enough now to fight back. But Bella…she'd stood no chance against Jacob. There was nothing she could have done, even had her mind accepted the situation and allowed her to fight. I rubbed her back gently, wishing I could soothe her, wishing I could stop her tears.

The door downstairs opened and shut quietly, and I could pick out the scents of Edward and Carlisle. "Carlisle." Esme's voice was broken and pained, and I could only imagine that he pulled her into his arms as he did for us when we called out to him like that.

"Alice has her in your room." I wondered why my husband spoke aloud, but could only guess it was for my benefit. I glanced down at the girl in my arms and knew that she was awake, but when I looked at her face, her eyes were dull and glassy even as they leaked tears. Running into the bathroom and back, I ran a cool washcloth over her face, wiping at the tears.

"Bella?" I knelt beside her, touching her shoulder over the blanket. She looked up at me dully, still curled in her ball. "Edward is here…he want's to see you. Do you want me to let him in?" She closed her eyes and began to cry harder, and I wondered what I was supposed to do. "He's worried about you, Bella. He just wants to see you. But it can wait if you want." I leaned forward, cupping her cheek and saying her name once more, trying to get her to look at me. "Do you want to see him?" She opened her eyes, obviously torn, so I made the decision. "I'm going to let him in. If you want him to leave, I'll be downstairs. Just call for me." I stood, turning and going to the door and opened it just enough to let myself out, then shut it behind me, coming face to face with my brother.

I couldn't remember ever seeing Edward look like that…his eyes were cold and anguished and his jaw was clenched, his hands in tight balls at his side. There was nothing I could say to him either…nothing I could hope to say to comfort him. Stepping forward, I wrapped my arms around my brother, resting my head under his chin, and feeling relief when he returned the gesture, holding me close with his hands against my back. "Alice…" He choked out my name and I felt him sob. Shaking my head, I rubbed his back.

"She'll be okay. You can help her." I tried to reassure him. "If anyone can help her, its you, Edward."

"My fault." He choked out. "I took her over there…I left her with that…monster."

"You didn't know." I whispered, glad Bella couldn't hear us. "You couldn't have…either of you. None of us ever imagined he would…we would have never let her go if we had…you know that." He nodded, taking a deep breath and composing himself before releasing me, stepping back and staring at the door, his face grim. "Just be careful, Edward." I warned before flitting around him and down the stairs where I found Carlisle with his arms around a sobbing Esme, and Emmett and Jasper stiff in the living room, staring at the door as though anxious to fight off a werewolf at any minute. I sat on the sofa by myself, slumping forward and putting my head in my hands. Sensing my breakdown, Jasper was at my side immediately, pulling me into his lap and surrounding me with his love while I cried into his shoulder. I felt the sofa dip and knew that Emmett was sitting beside us, his hand on my back.

I didn't even glance up when Rosalie approached the house and came in through the front door, freezing when she saw all of us. But when Emmett stood and walked over to her, catching her arm and looking down into her concerned eyes, I managed to lift my head, watching her reaction as he murmured in her ear. The girl seemed to pale, her breath catching and a hand flying to her mouth as she shook her head. Pulling her against his chest, Emmett held her. I didn't bother mentioning what I so wanted to…that she didn't even like Bella…that she all but hated the poor girl. No one would understand Bella's pain like Rosalie. I wasn't about to make her feel worse.