Thank you so very much for your wonderful response to this new story! I've loved reading your reviews, and I can't believe I've touched such a nerve with some of you. I didn't mean to send you into heart fail! Your support means the world to me. Speaking of support, I have to thank two very important people. To my lovely beta, Ereeen--you are so freaking awesome! I love you hard, my sweet pea! Then there's the unofficial president of my unofficial fan club, Dollegirl--I love you too!

The song for this chapter is "Apocalypse Please" by Muse. The link is on my profile.

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight. I only own a classroom full of New Orleans Saints paraphernalia.

Chapter 2--Apocalypse Please

BPOV

As I worked in the kitchen making breakfast, I looked at the clock on the stove and saw that it was nearly 8:00. Edward had been asleep for over 12 hours. That was highly unusual. Edward basically existed on five to six hours of sleep a night. Perhaps getting sick yesterday was his body's way of telling him to slow down.

I had been a little surprised when Edward had come home from work early but only because he hadn't had a migraine in a long time. I wasn't worried, though, not even when he became nauseated and threw up. I had been through this before with Edward. I made sure our bedroom was completely dark. I placed a cool washcloth on his forehead and massaged his scalp until he fell asleep. When he did wake up, he'd probably feel like he was a bit hungover. I knew the drill. He'd be fine.

Edward came shuffling into the kitchen a few minutes later. He looked awful. He sat on the counter and watched me as I cooked.

"How are you feeling this morning?" I asked him.

"A little better," he replied. "I still can't shake that feeling."

"You usually have that sick feeling the morning after," I pointed out.

Edward shook his head. "This just doesn't feel right. I can't explain it."

"Do you think you should call your dad? Maybe he could prescribe something." Now I was becoming concerned. Edward never complained, so I knew he had to be feeling poorly.

"I'll be OK," he assured me. "I'll just rest today so I'll be ready for the party tonight. We can just lie around and watch football this afternoon."

I groaned. "I'd love that, but Alice and Rose will be here to ambush me. You know how they love to make me over."

Edward held out his arms, and I accepted his embrace. "You don't need a makeover. You're beautiful just the way you are." He buried his face in my hair, and I tightened my hold on him.

"No wonder I love you so much," I said. "You're irresistible, even when you're sick."

Edward laughed, and somehow I knew that he was right, that he would be OK.

After breakfast, Edward and I just lay around watching TV and reading the newspaper. We hadn't had a lazy day like this in such a long time, so it was a real treat to just lie around and relax. Edward dozed off for a little bit, and he seemed to be feeling better as the day went on.

Emmett had called to say that he and Jasper would be coming over to watch football. Alice and Rose would be busy working their makeover magic, so there was no reason for the guys not to sit around and watch the game.

Alice and Jasper and Rosalie and Emmett arrived mid-afternoon. The girls dragged me off to my bathroom while the guys settled in front of the TV.

"Is all of this really necessary?" I asked. I knew it was a rhetorical question because they were going to fuss over me whether I liked it or not.

Alice rolled her eyes and sighed. "Don't fight us, Bella. You know this is for your own good. Where would you be without us? You'd be Clinton and Stacy's next victim on What Not to Wear, that's where you'd be."

"Bella, it's time for you to shine," Rosalie said. "You'd better get used to it. There's only six months until the wedding."

I just relaxed and let the girls work their magic. Every so often we'd hear the guys yelling in the other room as they watched the NFL playoffs.

"How did you manage to leave Carlisle and Esme's without Elizabeth?" I asked. Alice and Rose had been over there earlier to set up for the party. "She loves to watch football with the guys."

Rose laughed. "She tried to sneak out with us. She actually made it to the front door before Esme caught her and put her to work. We heard her muttering something about Cinderella when we left."

"Well I'm glad Emmett and Jasper came over today," I said as Alice finished putting curlers in my hair. "I think Edward needed some time to chill with the guys."

"Is everything OK?" Rose asked, concerned, as she began applying my makeup. "Carlisle said that Edward was sick."

"He had a migraine yesterday," I replied. "He hasn't had one in a long time, so I think we're all overreacting."

Alice waved her hand dismissively. "Of course you're overreacting. Edward's just got a lot going on right now. He'll be fine. Trust me, I know these things."

"Oh yeah, I forgot you were psychic," Rose chuckled.

"Go ahead, make fun of me," Alice said indignantly. "But I know. No matter what happens, everything will work out."

Rose and I rolled our eyes. We continued to talk as the girls finished my hair and makeup. After what seemed like forever, I was deemed ready by Alice and Rose.

I looked in the mirror and couldn't believe my eyes. My hair was pulled back on the sides and fell down my back in a cascade of curls. My makeup was perfect, more than I normally wore, but perfect all the same.

"Oh my gosh!" I gasped. "I love it!"

"Well of course you do," Alice retorted. "Anyone who has Rose and me work our magic on them looks great."

Rose hugged me. "I'm so glad you two are finally getting married. Just enjoy yourself tonight and have fun being the center of attention."

Everyone left a few minutes later, and Edward came into the bathroom to shower. I decided that I would enjoy myself tonight, even if I did like staying out of the spotlight. I had a feeling that tonight would be a night to remember.

EPOV

8:00. I couldn't believe I had slept for over 12 hours. I had always been like a vampire; I never needed much sleep. I had been so exhausted last night, though. My headache had taken a lot out of me. Bella took care of me like she always did when I was sick. I don't know what I would have done without her.

Bella and I spent a lazy day around the house. She cooked a big breakfast, which was one of her favorite things to do on a Saturday. Afterwards, we just lay around and watched TV. Bella took her time reading the newspaper, and I actually fell asleep for a while. I was still in my pajamas when Emmett and Jasper came over to watch football.

"Dude, that's a good look for you," Emmett remarked, pointing to my attire.

"Shut up, Emmett," I told him. "If you must know, I've been sick. I haven't felt like getting dressed."

"Carlisle told us you were sick," Jasper said. "Are you feeling any better?"

"Yeah. My headache's almost gone, but I'm still really tired," I replied. "I've just been lying around so I can be rested for tonight."

"Oh, little brother, do you really think you're gonna get much rest watching the playoffs?" Emmett asked with a stupid grin on his face. "Come on, the Patriots are playing!"

"Not today, Emmett," I warned him. "We can watch all the football you want, but don't expect me to be jumping and yelling with you."

"Oh, all right," Emmett grumbled. "Do you at least have beer?"

The guys and I spent the next couple of hours watching the Patriots beat up on the Jaguars. Emmett and Jasper yelled and cheered, and I just laughed as I laid back and watched them. I felt better as the afternoon wore on, and I was glad the guys had come over.

The Patriots won, the guys left, and I went to shower. I stood under the shower for a long time, letting the hot water beat on my neck and shoulders. I had washed myself and was rinsing the shampoo from my hair when I began to feel dizzy and weak. I put my hand up against the tile to brace myself as I slowly sank to my knees. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply, but that didn't stop the spinning this time. I tried to call out for Bella, but I couldn't form the words. I just stayed there for what seemed like forever until I finally felt normal again.

I was shaking as I got out of the shower and dried off. I knew something was wrong with me, something more than just a migraine. I would definitely have to talk to my father tonight. He would know what to do.

Since it was still too early to get dressed for the party, I just threw on some sweats. I decided to play my piano for a while because I knew that would relax me. As I sat at the piano bench, I looked over at Bella on the sofa and laughed. She was sitting there in her robe with her hair and makeup perfectly done. It was quite a sight.

"Are you laughing at me?" Bella asked with mock indignation.

"Sorry, love, I can't help it," I replied. "Would it help if I told you that you make that robe look classy?"

Bella came over and sat next to me on the piano bench. She bumped me playfully as she began to laugh as well. "Since you made fun of me, you have to play for me."

I gestured toward the piano keys. "Your wish is my command. What would you like to hear?"

Bella thought for a moment before answering. "Hmmm, I'd like some Beethoven please."

"One Beethoven coming right up," I said as I began playing "Moonlight Sonata." I felt myself relax as my fingers flew across the keys. Medicine was one of my passions, but music was definitely another. I loved playing and composing. I wanted to surprise Bella by writing a song for our wedding. I knew I'd have to get to work on that soon.

I could have played all night, but Bella and I eventually had to get dressed for the party. Bella put on her dress, and she was so stunning that she took my breath away. She wore a burgundy strapless number that hit just above the knee and accentuated her curves perfectly. I wore my black suit with a white shirt, and Alice had insisted I wear a burgundy tie to match Bella's dress.

As we walked out the front door to the car, I tossed my keys to Bella. "I think you should drive tonight," I told her.

Bella looked surprised. "You're actually going to let me drive your precious Volvo? Wow, you must be pretty sick."

We got into the car, and I took a deep breath before I responded. "I had another dizzy spell while I was in the shower."

"Edward, something's not right," Bella said seriously. "You can't let this go on."

"I know," I replied. "I'm going to talk to my dad tonight and see what he has to say."

"We don't have to go to this party. We can turn around and go home," Bella said.

"And incur the wrath of Rosalie and Alice? You've got to be kidding!" I started laughing. "What I'm feeling now would be nothing compared to the pain they'd inflict on me if we didn't show up tonight."

We headed to my parents' house, and I braced myself for whatever Rosalie and Alice had in store. They certainly didn't disappoint. White twinkle lights hung in the trees in front of the house, and I wondered who got lucky enough to hang them—Emmett or Jasper.

Bella squeezed my hand as she parked the car in front of the house. "Ready?" she asked me.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied.

We got out of the car and headed into the house. "Anyone home?" I called.

My mom came bustling into the foyer. "Edward! Bella!" she greeted us. Bella and I hugged her before she led us into the den. "The guests of honor are here!"

Before I knew it, we were surrounded by our family and friends. I felt a little claustrophobic, so I excused myself. I grabbed a bottle of water from the bar and joined my dad, Emmett, and Jasper.

The guys were talking about football. At least I think they were. I began to feel dizzy again and spaced out. If I hadn't been leaning against the wall, I probably would have fallen. The voices around me just droned on. It was Emmett's booming voice that snapped me back to reality.

"Elizabeth Anne Cullen, where is the rest of your dress?"

I looked up to see that Elizabeth had joined us. I wondered about her dress as well. I had never seen my sister in a strapless dress before. Everything was covered, but still, it was strapless.

"Emmett, there is nothing wrong with my dress," Elizabeth replied indignantly.

"There's nothing holding it up!" Emmett exclaimed. "What if you raise your arms and it falls down?"

"Bitt, I have to agree," I said. "I just don't know if that's an appropriate dress for a girl your age."

"Daaaad," Elizabeth whined.

"Boys, leave your sister alone," Carlisle chided. "She looks lovely."

"Lovely? Part of the dress is missing!" I said in astonishment.

Elizabeth glared at me. "Do you really think Mom and Dad would have let me get this dress if there was anything wrong with it?"

"You probably sweet talked them into it!" Emmett boomed.

"That's enough," Carlisle said with finality. "It's not as if we're letting her out dressed like a hooker. Leave her alone."

Emmett became completely exasperated and stomped off. I looked up to see Jasper laughing hysterically.

"What's so funny?" I asked him.

"Man, I am so glad I don't have a little sister," Jasper said through his laughter. "I don't know if I could take it."

Carlisle began laughing as well. "I think Emmett and Edward give her more grief than Esme and I do."

"We just worry about you, Bitt," I said, putting my arm around her to show her I wasn't really upset. "It's not easy being a big brother. I know what teenage boys are like."

"I'm not a little girl, Edward," Elizabeth replied. "I know you worry about me, but I can take care of myself. I did learn a few things from my big brothers." She playfully poked me in the ribs with her elbow.

"Awww, I love happy endings," teased Jasper.

Emmett rejoined us. "What's going on? What's so funny? You're not making fun of me, are you?"

Elizabeth looked at him seriously. "Yes, Emmett, we are making fun of you. It's what I live for."

Emmett looked totally confused and a little hurt. We just laughed at him.

"Geez, Emmett, I'm just kidding," Elizabeth told him. "You know, for a smart guy you can be pretty obtuse."

While Jasper laughed at Elizabeth's comment, I leaned in to my dad and whispered, "Can we talk in private?" He nodded, and I followed him to his study.

As I sat down next to my dad on the leather couch in his study, I thought back to all the times I had come here before for advice. My brother and sister and I were very lucky to have parents we could talk to about anything. Love, school, jobs, even sex—no subject was off limits with my parents. I was scared shitless by what was happening to me, but I knew I could count on my dad for help.

"Edward, is everything OK?" Carlisle asked, bringing me out of my reverie.

"No, it's not," I replied. "You know that I got sick at work yesterday and had to leave." My dad nodded, and I continued. "Well, it happened again today. Twice."

My father looked at me with concern written all over his face. "What happened exactly?"

I hesitated for a moment before I could begin. "The first time was in the shower this afternoon. I was so dizzy that I had to sit down. I tried calling Bella, but I couldn't even get the words out. The second time was just a few minutes ago, right before Bitt came over." I got up and started pacing around the room. "I'm scared, Dad. What the hell is wrong with me?"

My dad walked over and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "The first thing we need to do is get an MRI," he said. "We need to see if there's anything going on under that thick skull of yours." I laughed a little, and he continued. "I know tomorrow's Sunday, but I'd like to have it done as soon as possible. I can arrange it for first thing in the morning. Then we see what the results are and go from there."

"What if something really is wrong?" I nearly whispered.

Carlisle looked me straight in the eyes. "No matter what, we will get through it. I promise."

"Thanks, Dad." I hugged him, and we headed back out to the party.

Once we were back in the den, I found Bella and placed a light kiss on her temple.

"Hey, where have you been? Are you OK?" she asked.

"Everything's fine," I told her. "I'll tell you about it later."

Bella and I spent a while mingling with our guests. It was wonderful to have our family and friends with us to celebrate our engagement. We had waited so long to get married, and I couldn't believe it would happen in just six short months.

A short time later, Alice's high-pitched voice could be heard over the crowd. "It's time to propose a toast to the happy couple!" A few of the guys groaned as they were pulled away from the Seahawks-Packers game on TV.

Alice began her little speech. "I've known Bella and Edward for nearly all my life, and I'm so happy that they are finally tying the knot. The love they share is an unbreakable bond that will keep them together no matter what happens. I wish you every happiness in the world because you deserve it."

Everyone clapped, and I gave Bella a chaste kiss on the lips. Then Emmett cleared his throat. I cringed because Emmett was prone to word vomit. I was afraid of what he might say.

"First of all, I have to say that it's about time that my little brother popped the question," Emmett said. "Bella, I don't know how you put up with him for so long without a ring on your finger. Seriously though, I love you guys, and I am thrilled for you. I know that you'll always be happy no matter what life throws your way."

I smiled at the fact that my brother actually gave a nice speech. Emmett could be a goofball, but he had a big heart.

The party began to die down about midnight. Bella and I sat around with our parents, Rose and Emmett, Alice and Jasper, and Elizabeth. We rehashed the events of the evening while Emmett and Elizabeth argued about the football game.

"I can't believe the Packers won! That sucks!" Emmett complained.

"Em, I love the Seahawks as much as you do, but did you really think they were going to beat the Packers?" Elizabeth asked in amazement. "Brett Favre had an all-pro season!"

"That's enough, you two," my mother gently chided. "You can argue about football tomorrow."

I felt myself getting very sleepy. Bella apparently noticed because she patted my knee and said, "I'd better get you home. I can't carry you inside if you fall asleep."

We stood up, and I immediately felt dizzy. I grabbed Bella's shoulder to steady myself.

"Edward, what's wrong?" Bella demanded.

"I'm OK. I just got up too fast," I said.

All of a sudden, I felt as if my head was going to explode. I had never felt pain like that before. My legs began to wobble, and I couldn't stand any longer.

"Edward!" Bella cried out.

And then my world went black.