I don't own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.
April and Gabby, thank you for pre-reading, and Fran, thank you for editing. Any mistakes left are my own.
Ch. 2
We didn't make it very far before a nurse came out of Dad's room at the same time we left Emmett's.
"Doctor, the Chief is awake, and he's asking about Emmett," she said.
"I'll be right in," he informed her and turned to me. "Give me a few moments to check him out, and I'll bring you in so we can all have this discussion together. Okay?"
I nodded and leaned against the wall as he disappeared through the doorway. My stomach grumbled in protest since I hadn't eaten in several hours. I doubted I had enough time to run to the cafeteria, but maybe there was a vending machine where I could get something to tide me over. I headed back to the desk, and encountered the same nurse from earlier.
"You're leaving so quickly?" She seemed surprised.
"No." I shook my head. "Dr. Cullen needed to examine my father since he is now awake."
"I'm glad to hear it; such a dreadful thing that happened. I apologize for earlier. Your brother has quite the fan club, and they've been trying to sneak by me," she said sincerely.
To be honest, I was surprised by her apology; I hadn't expected one. "That's okay, I understand. Is there a vending machine on this floor? I don't want to go far, so I don't keep the doctor waiting."
She hesitated. "Not for visitors. However, I feel bad for being so rude earlier; you have my permission to use the one in the break room. If anyone gives you any problems tell them to speak to me, Cora."
"Thank you, that is very kind." I smiled at her.
"You're welcome. It's down the same hall you just came from, three doors on your right after your dad's room," she explained.
I found it easily enough and was relieved it was currently empty, so I didn't have to explain why I was here. I looked over the selection before choosing a bag of Chex Mix. I watched as it fell about two inches before getting stuck, never making it to the bottom.
"Figures," I mumbled and smacked the front, hoping to jostle it free.
"You're not supposed to be in here." I heard for the second time today.
"I have Cora's permission." I looked up to see a cute guy about my age standing a few feet from me in dark green scrubs that were about two shades darker than his eyes. "I don't mean to be rude, but aren't you a little young to be a doctor or nurse?"
He smirked. "My father is a doctor here, and he's making me do community service."
I glanced at his I.D. and recognized his name immediately. Wow, Teddy had certainly grown out of his awkward stage. His hair was darker and longer with a wild look to it compared to the neatly-combed style he had as a kid. His glasses and freckles were gone too.
"Teddy? Exactly how many candy bars did you steal?" I couldn't help but ask.
His eyebrows furrowed "Teddy? No one calls me that anymore. And why the hell would I steal…" His eyes lit up in recognition. "Emmett's sister."
I scowled. "My name is Bella, not Emmett's sister."
"Sorry." He gave me an apologetic smile. "I go by Edward now. And for the record, I only stole a candy bar once."
"Aww … but the name Teddy was so cute," I teased.
He rolled his eyes and reached out in my direction. I took an instinctive step back and flinched. He raised an eyebrow before hitting the glass on the vending machine hard, making me jump. The bag dropped to the bottom, and Edward retrieved it and held it out to me.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome. I guess you're here because of the accident," he said.
"I am; I just arrived today. I'm waiting to hear from your father. Do you know what happened or even when? I feel so out of the loop," I asked him.
"I…"
"What's going on in here?" Dr. Cullen asked, looking unhappy.
"I was looking to get something quick to eat. Cora said it was okay since I wanted to stay close by while I was waiting for you," I explained. I felt my cheeks grow warm; I felt as if I was a small child caught doing something I shouldn't.
"And why aren't you working?" Dr. Cullen gave Edward a stern look.
"It's my fault; he was helping me with the vending machine. And then I remembered him from grade school, so I was talking to him." I took the blame.
Dr. Cullen seemed satisfied. "I forgot you're about the same age. Isabella, if you're ready, we can head to your father's room."
"It was nice to see you again Ted…Edward," I corrected myself as I readied myself to leave.
He nodded his head before grabbing the waste basket in the room. Dr. Cullen led the way, and I glanced behind me to watch Edward dump the basket in larger dumpster cart. Dr. Cullen held the door for me as I stepped in but hanged back.
Charlie was awake, and he looked annoyed. He muted the television but didn't look away from the screen. "Finally, Carlisle. When are you going to answer my questions, what's going on with my boy?"
"I'm sorry, Charlie, I had to get the last member of our group," Dr. Cullen apologized.
"I thought you were overseeing Emmett. Who did you get?" Dad looked around Dr. Cullen and spotted me. "What are you doing here?"
"I got a call saying you and Emmett were in an accident and to come here," I replied, taking a seat by the bed. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine, and Emmett will be too, he's strong like an ox. You didn't need to trouble yourself; you shouldn't be missing school." He waved his hand then winced.
"I wouldn't take your injuries lightly, Charlie. You have two fractured ribs, a concussion and most likely a broken wrist. We'll get that x-rayed today. As for Emmett, he has a very long road ahead of him." Dr. Cullen sat on the edge of another chair.
Dad became apprehensive. "How bad are you talking? Will he still be able to play football this fall; the team is counting on him?"
"Seriously, that's your concern? Whether or not he can throw a ball," I said incredulously.
"Isabella," he said in a no-nonsense tone.
"Charlie…" Dr. Cullen paused and took a deep breath. "Right now, Emmett's condition is very serious. He has a TBI, and the swelling in his brain hasn't gone down, and his Glasgow number is a four."
"I don't understand. What is a TBI?" Dad frowned.
"A traumatic brain injury," I answered absentmindedly.
"Correct, and the Glasgow scale is how we rate coma patients. The higher the number, the better and three is the lowest," Dr. Cullen explained.
"Are you saying, my son is brain dead?" Dad paled.
"No. There is activity. However, there is a lot of pressure on the brain. We would like to operate in hopes to relieve it." Dr. Cullen.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Dad slapped the table with his bad hand then winced.
"We needed to get permission before operating. Emmett had a seizure during his MRI, but he's stable for now. With this surgery, there is a risk of him having another or going into cardiac arrest," Dr. Cullen explained.
I realized now why I had been told to come. There was a decision to be made, and a large part of me was thankful Charlie was now awake so he could make it. I wasn't comfortable making life-altering decisions that would affect the rest of Emmett's life.
"Operate. I'll sign whatever, I need to." Charlie agreed after a few moments.
"You said he wasn't brain dead, but will he have brain damage?" I asked.
"It's too soon to tell, but the chances are high. I must tell you there is a chance that even with surgery, Emmett may never wake up." Dr. Cullen looked regretful.
"What are his chances for a full recovery?" Dad asked.
"Right now, not so good," Dr. Cullen admitted. "Maybe a ten percent chance. Once the swelling comes down it will be safer to perform surgery on his left shoulder and knee," Dr. Cullen informed us.
Looking years older than he was, Dad rubbed his face with his hand. "Do whatever you need to. How soon can I get out of this place?"
"Let's get your hand x-rayed to see what we are dealing with, but I say there's a good chance you could go tomorrow." Dr. Cullen turned to me. "Unfortunately, the ICU doesn't allow overnight guests."
"That's okay. I was planning on going back to the house anyway," I told him.
"Ahh…Bells," Dad gave me a sheepish look. "About that. We weren't expecting you, so you're going to have to sleep on the couch. Since you haven't been around, we turned your room into an at-home-gym."
"You what?" I blinked furiously.
"I can see, I'm not needed for this so if you'll excuse…" Dr. Cullen spoke as he tried to get up discreetly but was interrupted by Dad.
"Now don't get upset. I'm sure I can get some guys from the team to disassemble it and move it all to the basement since Emmett won't be needing it for a while. I'll call Principal Greene tomorrow to get you enrolled in school, too."
"I'm not going to high school; I've already graduated." My irritation flared. Of course, he didn't come to my ceremony, so why would he remember. "Don't worry about it; I'll just get a room at The Lodge."
"You will not. For starters, you're too young. Second of all, no daughter of mine will stay at that seedy place." Dad pointed a finger at me.
"Forgive me, but maybe I can offer a solution. Your father is right about The Lodge. My wife and I will be happy to have Bella stay with us," Dr. Cullen suggested.
"That will be perfect. And tomorrow, I'll get Mike and Tyler over to the house." Dad decided for me.
Thankfully, Dr. Cullen had more sense than my father. "Would you be comfortable with that Bella?"
"That's very kind of you to offer, but I don't want to put anyone out," I said. It would also be very weird to stay with complete strangers but what other option did I have? I didn't know anyone in town any more.
"It would be no trouble at all. Esme loves company. You also won't have to endure the cafeteria food here; she makes plenty." He gave me a friendly smile.
"Thank you, I'll take you up on your offer," I agreed.
"It's settled then. And speaking of guests, Rosalie Hale has been requesting to visit Emmett. She says she's his girlfriend. Are you okay with that, Charlie?"
"Absolutely not. Emmett has had no time for a girlfriend. She's been trying to sink her claws into him and ride his coattails in hopes he'll make it big," Charlie refused.
He looked so angry; I actually felt slightly bad for Rosalie. She was a bitch, but she seemed genuinely upset about Emmett being hurt.
"I'll inform the front desk." Dr. Cullen frowned. "I'm going to go get the paperwork taken care of so we can get moving on Emmett's surgery and get your arm x-rayed."
After he left the room, there was an awkward silence between us. Dad was staring at the screen once more watching the scores on Sports Center.
"How did the accident happen?" I asked.
"We were driving home from a Mariners game. A deer crossed the road, and I remember Emmett swerving. He said something about the… Oh, that reminds me, I need to call the office. Have you seen my phone?" He looked around at his bedside tables.
"I think Dr. Cullen has it. When I heard about the accident, he called me back on it," I answered him.
"Well, I need it, and I would like to see Emmett too. Find me a bathrobe or sheet, so I'm not baring all." He flung his blanket back and swung his feet over the edge.
"You should wait for a nurse or Dr. Cullen; I don't think you're allowed up. You still have your catheter in." I pointed out.
"She's right, Charlie. Let me remove it first, and I promise I'll swing by Emmett's room after we get your hand x-rayed." A nurse entered pushing a wheelchair.
"Sue," Charlie grumbled his greeting. "How can I convince you to stop by his room first?"
"We shall see; it depends on how cooperative you are." Sue snapped on a pair of rubber gloves then looked over at me. "I'm afraid by the time we get back; visiting hours will be over."
"I understand. Is there anything you need me to bring from home?" I asked Dad.
"A change of clothes would be great. Get a pair for Emmett, too. He'll need them when he leaves here." Dad requested.
I saw Sue press her lips into a firm line but didn't say anything. I had a feeling she was thinking the same thing as me. Emmett won't be going home any time soon.
"I will," I agreed.
I left the room and went in search of Dr. Cullen, since I needed directions to his house. At least, I would get to see Edward again, and I wondered if he was still a sweet boy.
As I turned the corner; I stopped when I heard arguing ...
A/N: Edward has grown up since we last saw him and he has changed. I did my best with the medical part, I'm not an expert and used medical dot net sites for my information. Thoughts on the bedroom situation? I know I would be mad if I was Bella or was it okay since she was only there about two weeks out of the year?
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.