special thanx to wingedspirit for the suggestions for this chapter (which makes up most of this chapter) and as i was doing this chapter i realized i didnt really know how to do esme and carlisle. im not the author so they are definitely OOC. i did my best.


CPOV

I looked at the stars as we ran through the forest. I stopped as we entered through the meadow several leagues from our house.

Esme etched the worry lines on my forehead, "What's wrong dear? What happened at the hospital that's bothering you so much?"

I looked at my wife's face and said slowly, "Bella was at the hospital, she lost her hearing. I'm wondering how I'm going to tell Edward."

"Oh no, the poor girl. Is there anything that will help her?"

"No, it's something that has to heal on its own. Right now she just needs to accept it and try to overcome it, but I don't think she will. I don't think she gets over things well." I said with a sigh.

"Maybe it would be best to have her tell Edward. It's her choice whether she wants it known or not."

I nodded, "Sorry, it's just been a hard night. You know how much I hate when I can't do anything."

She smiled, "There is nothing to apologize for, although I do worry for Edward. I see that he is in love with her, but he can't seem to understand how to react."

I pulled my wife in my arms, "Maybe this will get resolved on its own, but for now let's just enjoy each others company."

BPOV

I was staring out the window when Charlie came in the next morning. I wasn't handling being deaf well and I knew that but here in my room I couldn't help as the grief threatened to crush me.

So consumed in my anguish I jumped when Charlie touch my shoulder. I looked at him curiously.

"Are you going to school?" his lips said to me.

I shook my head briefly and replied, "How can I go to school, dad? I can't do anything because I can't hear anyone."

Charlie's forehead furrowed, "I have to go to work; will you be ok here?"

"I'll be fine," I replied sullenly and turned to the window ending the conversation. He must have gone to work because when I turn back around ten minutes later he was gone. I let put a deep sigh, giving way to what I knew would be a long day.

It was very tempting to continue to stare out the window and watch the day pass by unnoticed but it gave my mind certainly too much free time.

I found no comfort. It wasn't even noon and I had to wait until after school ended to go back to the hospital. Technically I probably could go now but I didn't think Dr. Cullen would approve of me staying home. He wanted me to resume on as normal, a feat I knew would be all together impossible.

And that's how it went for the day. I tried to keep my mind as well as my hands busy, trying to distract me from the overwhelming grief that threatened to crush me at a moment's weakness. Thankfully I finally got in the truck and drove to the hospital, grateful to be out of the house and an excuse not to sit around doing nothing.

When I finally got there, my hands were shaking. I took several deep breaths in an effort to calm myself. Once it was semi under control, I got out and walked in. As I did so I almost ran into Edward. I stared at him startled. He had been pushed out of my mind since my hearing went out. Suddenly the mysteries that surrounded him came back.

EPOV

I was amazed when I ran into the last person I expected to see. "Bella?!" I said with surprise.

She quickly dropped her gaze and mumbled a sorry and tried to move around me, I gripped her arm, remembering not to do it too hard, "What are you doing here? Is something wrong?"

The same desperate need to protect her when she was nearly crushed before my eyes rushed through me. She deliberately ignored me and frustration overwhelmed me, why can't I read her thoughts?!

"I have to go see Dr. Cullen," she said ashamed and tried to push past me.

The truth finally dawned on me, the reasons behind Carlisle and Alice blocking their thoughts, for Esme's sympathy and Carlisle staying late last night.

Let out a small growl and after a moment followed Bella, "I'll come with you."

She didn't seem to notice until she looked over her shoulder and jumped to see me there. I grew more puzzled.

I burst into Carlisle's office, my temper only barely in check, "You should have told me," I whispered to Carlisle, "I could have done something."

He made no effort to keep his voice down, "There's nothing you can do, you're confused about how you feel towards her and I knew this wasn't going to solve anything. I figured you would have found out from her today at school but apparently she wasn't there."

"No, she wasn't, that's why I came here. I thought she had trauma from the accident." I said subdued.

I waited anxious for a reply of some kind but he turned to Bella and, after making sure she was looking at him, said, "Edward said you didn't go to school today. Why not?"

"It's no use. I wouldn't be able to do anything." She mumbled, drawing in a shaky breath.

Carlisle looked at her sympathetically, "Bella, you're wrong. You can read and write, you're brain isn't damaged that bad. Just because your hearing is gone doesn't mean you can't move past this. Trust me; it will help if you accept it now."

Horror washed through me as I stared at Bella, sweet beautiful Bella was deaf. I didn't know how to react. Quickly I left the room before my emotions betrayed me.


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