Towards the Edge

Summary: Bella moves to Forks because Charlie finally gets custody of his 16 year old mentally ill daughter, and gets her away from her psychotic mother and her care-taking husband. Nothing is as it seems with Bella. She's witty, smart, and down-right beautiful. There's something about her that gets Edward curious, that and her damn mind. Bella doesn't understand why Edward is drawn to her so much when she is so broken, but Edward hopes to change her view on herself as he vows to protect this vulnerable, too trusting, daring little creature with his immortal life. And maybe along the way, find out what on earth is after her. The downfall of Edward's plan; Bella can barely communicate without it being incoherent and jumbled. And the fact that something dangerous and terrifying is after her life and soul.

Rating of this chapter: ''T'' Maybe. I'm not very good with ratings of the chapters, but I wish to give a heads up to people. There's not too much in this chapter. Nothing bad either. There may be a hint of pedophilia in this chapter, so be warned.

Pairing: Obviously, the story is Bella/Edward. Although; I haven't fully decided when I'll put Edward into action.

Chapter Pairing: This chapter has some familial Bella/Carlisle and nothing more than that.

Disclaimers: Just to let you guys know: I'm terrible with these disclaimers. I ALWAYS forget to add them to the chapters. I'm a rebel like that! XD Well anyway – I don't own Twilight. It all belongs to S. Meyers and her publishing company, and all that. I'm not making money off this, though I wish I could… I don't own the characters of Twilight, I just play with them. The story plot is mine, and any other characters that I come up with. Feel free to message me about any of them.

Warnings: There are mentions of mental disorders in this story. Also mentions of attempted suicide caused by the mental disorders. I will try to add a link of the website I'm getting this information off of. I myself am diagnosed with one of her mental disorders, so I'm going off my experiences, and the doctor's information.

Warnings for this chapter: Mentions of an unstable child? I don't think I have to warn you guys, but I thought I would just in case. Mentions of child neglect, just a smudge. Reckless behavior bordering suicidal, I think. I think that's it. Let me know if there are any others I should warn people about.

Spoilers: I don't think there are any spoilers in this story. I will let you know if a chapter has spoilers. But for this chapter: none. I think…

Chapter two: Bella Sees

It was exactly five in the morning when Carlisle Cullen; blond-haired, topaz-eyed, most humble man known to Forks behind Charlie Swan, and the best surgeon around had come into Forks General Hospital for his shift. He has on his normal pleased smile as he felt the cool air of the lobby wash over him. He was thinking over his newest patient that he had acquired from the Chief of police. It was suppose to be his sixteen-year-old daughter; Isabella Swan. Her case was intriguing to Carlisle. She had Asperger's Syndrome and severe Schizophrenia. He hadn't read too much because the Chief said her file wasn't updated, as it was two years old.

''Doctor Cullen please report to the Special Care Ward on the fourth floor.'' Carlisle heard the intercom go off. He got curious. He was wondering if his patient had arrived already. It seemed that the hospital knew his schedule quite well for them to call him over the intercom now, and not leave the message with the front desk as usual. Maybe Diana was here today.

''Tracy; can you call the SCW and tell them I'm on my way?'' Carlisle asked the young woman behind the front desk. Tracy looked up with a blush and nodded her head.

''Yes, Doctor. I saw your patient come in earlier as well. She had been sedated when she was taken up. Also; her private nurses wished to speak to you immediately.'' Tracy lightly stuttered out in embarrassment at the gorgeous looking man.

Carlisle gained a curious look, but smiled charmingly. ''Very well I'll meet with the patient first, though. She comes first and foremost.''

Carlisle started up his calm pace toward the elevators. He wondered if the Chief would be coming in after his shift. He would have his assistant call the Chief and ask. The Chief had seemed very uptight over the care of Isabella. He wanted only the best, apparently. He had hired his own nurses, therapists, psychologists, and Carlisle himself. He took that as a complement towards his skills that the Chief had chosen himself to care for his daughter. The Chief had given as many details of Isabella – Bella as she responded to – as he could. She was a replica of her mother, this Carlisle had noticed immediately from the pictures the Chief had shown him. Bella spoke rarely, but would talk to her mother constantly as she was the only one who truly understood. Asperger's Syndrome caused words to be incoherent and jumbled together. Many people couldn't understand them speak. But to add Schizophrenia to the mix, and at such a young age, she wouldn't be able to communicate well if at all. Carlisle did know though, that she used her hands and loved art. She would let herself be known when she was upset as well. It was expected with that type of mental illness, though and Carlisle expected it when he would get to her room.

All through the ride up, Carlisle debated on how to gain Bella's trust. Apparently; Bella trusted only her mother, father, and Tyler Crowley; the high school sophomore here in Forks. Bella and Tyler were said to have been inseparable when younger, along with Angela Weber who would try to be like Renee, and mother Bella. Bella's mother had thought it precious, and constantly had Tyler and Angela over for Bella to play with. The Crowley's and Weber's were two of the few families here that had trusted Renee Dwyer with their children. Tyler and Bella also had numerous sleepovers when younger. Bella was told to be a chatter box when a child, but it was complete gibberish. Renee, even then, could understand her somehow, along with younger Tyler who always talked back. Carlisle warmly thought that it was the mother in Renee. Even though Renee was Schizophrenic with Bi-Polar disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder, she really was a good mother to Bella. The Chief had said that Renee was slowly losing her mind, though. He said he had to take action after Bella had tried to commit suicide, and Renee didn't want her treated. Phil Dwyer; Renee's husband, had actually taken steps above Renee to call the Chief and have him get custody of Bella to care for her. He had said, while Bella was a good child, he couldn't care for both of them at the same time. Renee had been distraught that Phil had done it, but she still helped Bella pack her things and talk to her about something Phil didn't know, as he was kicked out of Bella's room.

Carlisle reached the key automated doors to the Special Care Ward as he was thinking through what the Chief had told him about his strange daughter. He used his key and walked inside with a smile.

''Good morning, Diana how is my new patient doing?'' Carlisle asked easily as he went up to the circular nurses station in the center of the large room with only five doors of patient rooms.

Diana looked up from her report and let a smile grace her aged face. ''Hello, Carlisle; Bella is doing just fine. She woke up an hour ago and has a friend with her.'' Diana was one of the few people who were never affected by their vamparic charm. He suspected as she had been married and was absolutely faithful to her husband of forty-five years. He admired the strong elderly woman who had been through wars as a nurse, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Carlisle immediately thought of Tyler Crowley. ''Is it Tyler?'' He asked his thought to the elderly woman.

Diana continued to smile and nodded as she rose from her seat to lead Carlisle into a room with a file in her hands. Diana led Carlisle into room five where he saw that Bella Swan was sitting up in the bed looking intently at the form of Tyler Crowley's happy face. Tyler had dark skin that was contrasting greatly with Bella's snow white skin. He had black eyes that were much darker then Bella's focused chocolate brown ones that matched her long straight hair that went down her small back. Carlisle observed her for a nanosecond and took in that she was very small and looked underweight. She had both forearms wrapped in gauze with an I.V of medication. She had on hospital sweat pants with a white long sleeve shirt that had the arms pushed up to her elbows.

''Hello again, Bella, I want you to meet Doctor Cullen; your doctor. Your father set him up as your primary doctor. Hello, Tyler. Shouldn't you be going to school? Your parents will flip a cow onto its' back if you miss school, especially two months before spring break, young man.'' Diana scolded Tyler lightly while Carlisle walked over slowly with a gentle smile at Bella and Tyler.

Tyler groaned. ''Awe. Come on, Diana! Give me a break here! I'm seeing Bella! You know; the girl I haven't seen since I was like, what; six? Who also happens to be my best friend!'' Tyler made his black eyes wide at Diana in attempt to let her say he could stay. Tyler barely took notice of Carlisle standing next to him.

Diana grinned slyly. ''Well; I could always have help getting Frank to – ''

''Later, Bella. See you after school with the others! I have football practice to go to that I forgot about!'' Tyler quickly gave the confused looking Bella a kiss on the cheek as he hurried out with his school pack. Diana continued to smirk.

''She's all yours, Carlisle.'' Diana told an amused Carlisle in her southern drawl as usual, before she gave him the file and walked out of the room to check on a patient that had called on her. ''I'm coming, Frank!''

Carlisle hummed in humor. Bella continued to keep her gaze on Carlisle's working hands that she thought was playing with her I.V that she hated. She also hated it here in the hospital, but again, her opinions did not matter. Bella observed the cold feeling hands. They were smooth, and didn't seem to have any imperfections. Bella thought it was weird. They didn't shake even the slightest either like other nurses and doctors. He was also very good looking, almost inhumanly. It made Bella very, very curious. She had never seen such a young looking man being a head doctor. Bella also saw a wedding ring on his finger, so he had to be married.

''Hello, Bella, my name's Carlisle. You don't have to have to call me Doctor Cullen. We're informal here to the extreme.'' Carlisle told the ever watchful Bella in a friendly tone.

Bella looked up to him and saw his eyes were colored like a topaz gem. Bella liked them, but she had never met or heard of anyone with topaz eyes. Bella didn't respond to ''Carlisle'' in anyway. She just watched him do his doctor thing. His hands reached for her left forearm, and pulled it away quickly so he couldn't touch it. Carlisle didn't say anything, but he did sit down on the bed at a respectable distance from her. Bella didn't want him touching her arm at all. She couldn't let him see her shame.

''Do you not want me to look at your arm, Bella?'' Carlisle asked the girl who had her arm cradled to her small chest. ''I have to make sure it's not infected, Bella. It's only a pre-caution. I'm not going to hurt you.'' Carlisle told her this as he slowly, and carefully reached for her arm again. Bella let him this time. She was distracted by her thinking if she should let him, but once he had her arm; she had a feeling he wouldn't have let it go very easily. And Bella had no wish to be sedated again.

Carlisle could hear her heart increase from fear and could smell the adrenaline pumping through her. She had kept her big brown eyes fixed on Carlisle's hands when he started to unwrap the bandage on her arm to get a look at her. He was told that she had gotten stitches, but that was all Renee would allow and had taken her home afterwards. Carlisle could see the damage done to the arm. There was deep cut going from her wrist to her elbow and stitched up badly. It had been deep, jagged, and hurried that was nothing like teens who mutilated themselves. Bella had done it with ease and, what Carlisle thought of, with fear. Carlisle gazed intently at the stitch work. It seemed to be done with no profession what so ever, and he didn't like the work done. It didn't look like a doctor had done it. It seemed like someone with no idea how to stitch had just quickly sewed it up.

''Who stitched your arm, Bella? A doctor didn't do this.'' Carlisle confronted her, making Bella's eyes widen with shock.

She didn't think he would notice that part. Bella just shrugged like she didn't know the answer.

''You don't know who did it?'' Carlisle inquired to which Bella nodded her head. She didn't know why she did, but she felt she couldn't lie to him. It felt very wrong.

''You know who did it, but you won't say?'' Carlisle concluded. He knew that she did know from her heart rate increasing, but he didn't want to push her then for her to close up on him. He did think it was odd that she never flinched away from his cold touch, though. Everyone else shied away from them. He was very curious, he wouldn't lie about that.

Carlisle didn't say anything else on the matter. He only took the alcohol swab to clean the area. It was red, which could easily mean it was irritated, or getting infected. He did his best to not make Bella feel any pain, but Bella never made a sound. She only watched and looked on with interest. Carlisle didn't need his son Jasper here to say she was curious about what he was doing. It showed in her eyes. When he had finished both arms, he re-wrapped them in clean gauze and a wrap. Bella situated herself with just looking at them and lightly dragging her fingers over the gauze.

''Alright, we're done. I'll be back in a few hours to check on you and give you a new I.V okay?'' Carlisle asked her happily as he filled out her chart to give it back to Diana.

He started to walk out to go about his routine until he heard a sound behind him. It had sounded like Bella said something, so he turned back around. It was so soft spoken that he didn't quite catch what was said. He looked surprised at the form of Bella sitting there and rubbing her fingers along the wrap.

''Bella, did you say something?'' Carlisle asked her.

Bella looked up for a second before quickly looking down again. ''Mama.'' It came out as a whisper, but Carlisle could clearly hear it.

Carlisle decided to turn around fully to walk back to her. If she was communicating with him this early, she must trust him somewhat. ''Your mama? What about her?''

Bella tapped her arm quickly before again saying mama. Carlisle understood her meaning now. Renee must have done the stitching herself. ''Thank you for telling me Bella. I'll check on you later.''

Carlisle turned back around and went to the nurses' station where Diana was on the computer. ''Diana? I need a home check on Renee Dwyer's house in Phoenix, Arizona.'' Carlisle whispered his order, much to Diana's confusion.

Diana knitted her light gray brows together. ''Do you suspect child abuse, Carlisle? On Bella?'' She whispered back while taking a peek inside Bella's room with disbelief. Bella was looking out the window with fascination when Carlisle looked as well.

''I don't think child abuse, but child neglect. Renee Dwyer stitched Bella up; according to Bella that is.'' He corrected her gently as he continued to gaze at Bella's form.

Diana nodded before making a note. ''I'll tell Charlie to order a warrant. But Bella spoke to you? Well Carlisle; that means you have a portion of Bella's trust. And so early –'' She mumbled to herself the last part, not taking notice that Carlisle could easily hear her with his super hearing.

Diana had confirmed Carlisle's thoughts. He did have Bella's trust. Little did Carlisle know; that he was going to need Bella's complete trust in the future.

''Call me if anything happens, or if she asks for me.'' Carlisle told her before walking out to go about his routine.

***EDWARD/BELLA***

12:34 PM - The next day

Carlisle sighed as he headed into the SCW. He could hear Charlie Swan's deep voice laughing. It was only noon, and he was already swamped with work. But seeing Bella smile with the Chief made him smile, despite all the work he had to do. Seeing the Chief of Police of Forks smiling was a sight to see. That man rarely smiled, if at all. But Carlisle had just heard him laugh. He must be ecstatic. He took notice that Charlie had brought with him a few things; an art book which was wide open with the two of them looking through it with smiles of happiness; a professional camera that was on the side table; a few child's coloring books for what Carlisle thought Bella's entertainment; and to Carlisle's utter shock; a service dog.

The dog was a Doberman with a service harness on. Its' ears weren't cropped like normal, or its' tail. It was lying on the bed by Bella's feet and just looked at Carlisle with a thoughtful gaze in its' blue eyes. The Doberman didn't growl at all, but it didn't show trust in Carlisle. It looked almost harmless with no cropped ears, but he wouldn't be fooled.

''Hello, Carlisle. Good to see you.'' Charlie said with a smile as he patted the Doberman's head, making its' tail thump on the bed.

Carlisle gave his own smile, but gave a questioning glance to the happy Doberman that Bella had started to pet while muttering incoherent words to the Doberman, making its' tail thump harder in happiness. ''Hello, Charlie. Who is this on my hospital bed?'' Carlisle asked with a teasing grin.

Charlie became sheepish. ''Well; this is Baxter Swan, Bella's new service dog. I raised him from a pup for this special job. He's very qualified for the job and well mannered. Plus; he gives Bella company.'' He said shrugging, making Carlisle teasing grin grow in volume.

''I see. We'll, I'm just checking on Bella then you can go back to hiding Baxter.'' Carlisle told him as he came up to Bella and went on checking her vitals. Carlisle could see the light blush creeping up on the Chief's tanned face. Bella was still looking very happy after Carlisle's check up on her. Carlisle wondered if it was a mood swing, or just pure happiness of seeing her father. Either way; Carlisle loved the smile.

Looking at the Chief of Police; people would notice that he's very young. Only in his early thirties as Bella was born from a teenage Renee. He had the chocolate brown hair with dark brown eyes with his mustache. He was tanned somehow, though no one knew why, and was well fit. Carlisle noticed that he wasn't in uniform. He was in casual clothes that made him seem more relaxed. He also had a tired look in his eyes, but it was over-clouded by sheer joy.

Carlisle had said his goodbyes as he walked to the nurses' station to find the new shift nurse. She was young and only in her twenties and tried to flirt with Carlisle all the time. He was just amused by it, and always told Esme, his dear wife after work. Esme would just laugh and say he was still a charmer.

''Sarah? I need you to update this information in the database on Isabella Swan; the special class A patient.'' Carlisle told the blushing woman who nodded.

''Carlisle?'' He turned around to see Charlie had come out to the area and stood by a wall. He gave a jerk of his head that meant to come here. Carlisle came up to him.

''I heard from Bella's private nurses that she had some type of fit on the way here. Has she had any since you came?'' Charlie asked him questioningly.

Carlisle immediately shook his head in the negative. ''No. Bella has done just fine since waking. She even had Tyler Crowley here to visit early yesterday morning. Diana said she had done great since coming here. She has had all her new medications, anti-biotic medications, and no sedatives. She's taken a nap earlier today, but nothing else.''

''Diana said something about a home search on Renee?'' Charlie asked with a worried glint in his eyes.

Carlisle sighed. ''Yes. I discovered from Bella that Renee had stitched Bella's arms up herself.'' He informed the stunned looking man.

''Renee?'' Charlie asked. ''Renee Dwyer stitched her up? How on earth did that woman learn how to use a damn needle? She can't even knit!'' Charlie claimed in disbelief.

Carlisle let a smile grace his handsome face at Charlie's words. ''I have had the nurses constantly check her arms and cleaned them with alcohol, and peroxide to be safe, along with added anti-biotic medications. I have also re-done the stitching to clean the inside of them. Bella certainly did not like that.'' He confessed as he remembered Bella slamming her tiny fist down on the side table in anger, making the nurse helping him jump in surprise. Bella had also let a few small tears out from the burning of the medication he had used to clean them.

Charlie scoffed and rolled his eyes to the ceiling. ''Bella hates needles to death, along with hospitals, darkness, and God forbid – spiders. Why on earth I live here is beyond me when my own child hates spiders, and this place is surrounded with them.''

Carlisle had to chuckle. Bella certainly was odd. Charlie was a little lost, but he had felt his little light bulb light up and looked sharply to Carlisle.

''Bella spoke to you?'' He asked with wonder, making Carlisle nod his head slowly. Charlie was even more amazed at Carlisle. ''I can't believe it. Bella actually spoke to you. Wow, and so early on when just meeting you. Bella must like you, Carlisle.'' Charlie said with a grin as he lightly patted the doctor's shoulder before returning to his daughter who had started to play with her companion, Baxter. Carlisle could see the Doberman was gentle with Bella as she played with his tail. He only playfully nipped at her, making her laugh. Charlie went to sit down on the bed with a smile from hearing Bella's little laugh.

Carlisle had thought on how different Charlie acted with Bella around. He was so much more open, and gave more than his normal one word answer. He looked more human and not made of stone added with a terrible mood with a blank gaze. Charlie was carding his hand through Bella's long hair as she lay down for a nap. Baxter yawned as he put his black head down on Bella's covered leg. Baxter looked to be giving comfort, while still guarding her and Charlie.

Carlisle also remembered the conversation he had with Bella's two nurses earlier this morning. They had immediately stated that one of the paramedics was slightly inappropriate with their patient and during the flight, which had caused Bella to be sedated from stress. Danver had radiated worry over his patient when she had started to hyperventilate before sedating her. Bella had grabbed on rather tightly to Danver's arm and left a light bruise. That was a shocker for Bella to be that strong when she's so small. She actually looked to be smaller than Alice; his daughter who was 5 inches also. But Bella just looks so much smaller to Carlisle. Bella was just so fragile. She was just a helpless little girl who was in dire need of parental care, love, a stable home life, and medicine.

This girl had somehow touched Carlisle's undead heart so strongly, that it worried him. He couldn't get attached to her at all. She was only a little human girl that he had met just yesterday morning, who would eventually lose what's left of her fragile mind. He didn't know why she touched his heart when he had so many other patients that never did. When Carlisle had seen Bella smile though, the father in him had reached out. She had spoken to him when she rarely speaks to anyone, which meant she had knowingly gave a thread of trust to Carlisle for some reason, and the father in him yearned for her to be his daughter for some reason.

But Carlisle did know one thing for certain: If it came down to the option where Bella would die or he had the chance to save her, Bella would most certainly become little Isabella Cullen. No doubt in his mind. With his mind made up Carlisle left the elevator on the second floor to continue his walk to his office with a smile on his face. He couldn't wait to tell Esme his decision. She would be most likely thrilled and would want to meet Bella. But Carlisle was wondering how he would break the news to his children. A few would not take it very well at all. But his mind was made up. He couldn't take it back even if he had to. Bella needed to be safe and protected. And damn him to hell if Carlisle didn't do it himself. With or without the help of his children.

***EDWARDxBELLA***

Well then. There is the second chapter all done. While I wish I had a Beta: I think I can do without it for this story, but if anyone is willing to Beta this story; just PM me.

Yes. This story is a tad bit AU! But that's okay. I like alternate universes where Bella is different from the books. I don't like her normal, as I want Edward to be attracted to her for more than her damn mind! In this story, I have decided that Edward WILL be able to read her mind. BUT! There is a catch.

Well, it would please me greatly if you all would review me on what you thought. I would like more than just an ''update soon'' and ''are you going to continue this?'' I will update when I update, and you will know if I don't want to continue a story.

Thank you,

Col. Rage