Disclaimer - I don't own Twilight or any of the characters.

All the characters are human.

I'm faking glory

Lick my lips, toss my hair

And turn the smile on

And the story's brand new

But I can take it from here

I'll find my own bravado

Lorde – Bravado

Chapter 3

Beep…Beep…Beep…

"I just can't deal with this anymore Charlie; I just don't think we can help her at home. None of us know what we're doing and sometimes at night, I swear, I can hear Bella talking to her." I am awoken from my slumber by the broken voice of my mother whispering as I gain consciousness - it's faint, but I can hear her.

Beep…Beep…Beep…

What does she mean by her? Is she talking about Natalie?

"It's alright Renee, remember what the doctor said, they would be able to refer her to Dr. Cullen's psychiatric hospital. It's the best we can do for her; she's a lost cause."

Wait, I'm a lost cause?

Although my mind adamantly refuses to the register the notion, the feelings of hurt and anger still pour over me as I struggle for breath.

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

"Charlie, her heart monitor is going crazy! Call a nurse or something!" My mother's frantic voice calls out and seconds later, I hear a door opening then closing.

"No…" I croak out, "No, I don't need a nurse." I manage to say, my voice stronger. I don't need any help from anyone. All it does is leave you with such bitterness that winds its way through your mind again and again.

With all my strength, I open my eyelids and am almost blinded by the bright room.

Why are hospital rooms white?

That's the only thing clouding my thoughts at that moment as I quickly shut my eyes again, shielding it.

When I open them again I am met with the concerned gaze of my mother as she gives me a small smile. It's all shaky, hesitant and deceptive… and I suddenly can't believe I actually fell for it in the past.

"How are you feeling honey?"

Honey.

The term of endearment that once brought feelings of being loved now leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

I don't even have time to answer when the door is quickly flung open and a doctor enters the room, with my father trailing behind.

"Hello Isabella, my name is Dr Platt." He introduces himself as I make sure not to look at either of my parents. "You seemed to have taken quite a fall earlier, how are you doing?" He asks and he's all feigned kindness and barely concealed apathy as he looks over an x-ray of my skull.

"Well," I face him with an icy stare, "just peachy."

"Uh, good" he clears his throat, "You're x-ray shows no signs of any head trauma but just in case, I would just like you to look into this torch."

My eyes are again assaulted as he shines a light so bright it makes my vision blurry when he's done and then proceeds to touch the back of my head. The sharp pain it ensues causes me to wince which he notices.

"Are you in pain?" He asks, his gaze professional yet calculating.

"No," he doesn't believe me.

"Alright, you don't seem to have a concussion, but I will still prescribe some painkillers, just in case of any pain." He states with a rueful smile and a complementary nod then strides out of the room with such an air full of faux authority, I can't help but roll my eyes.

Tick… tock… tick… tock

The clock at the corner of the room continues to tick as my gaze stays glued to the ceiling, preoccupied with its constant noise.

"Bella, are you feeling alright after your uh-episode?" My father asks, and I look up at him only to look down again at the sight of his grim expression.

"I'm alright,"

"Good yes that's good… We were worried about you kiddo," Resigned, I stare at him blankly as he wipes his hands on his legs and nervously glances at my mother sitting next to him who is an image of stoic calm.

"Thanks dad," I put all my energy into smiling, "I'm glad I'm not a lost cause to you guys,"

His eyes widen as he takes in what I said, visibly shocked as his mouth opens and closes as he fruitlessly attempts to form an answer.

"You heard didn't you?" My mother beats him to it and her voice is so detached, I am almost afraid to answer – but I do.

"Yes…you're sending me away aren't you?"

"No," my father answers at the same time as my mother said yes and he clears his throat, "I mean yes."

"I get it," I answer faking complete indifference, even though on the inside, I'm tearing apart. "I'm not exactly the model daughter you both wanted."

"No, that's not it and you know that," his voice rises in exasperation as he grows desperate to defend himself. "We cannot handle you anymore Bella! You need help and you won't be getting that from us. We are tired of having to baby you. I mean look at you, you're seventeen!"

He takes a deep breath as he visibly tries to calm himself down before he continues. "We shouldn't have to worry about what would happen to you every time we leave you alone. You need to grow up and stop relying on us because we give up trying to help you Bella," Unable to move, I just watch as he visibly deflates with years of barely concealed frustration rushing out in the longest speech I have ever seen him make, ending with him shrinking back into his seat.

"Alright – I get it," My voice is laced with bitterness as I look away from his prying eyes.

I turn to my mother in search of something in her expression to show that she still cares. That she doesn't want to leave her only daughter.

Anything.

But she just looks back with a blank expression.

She isn't going to defend me.

She agrees with him.

And amongst the constant buzz of the voices in the back of my head; amongst the heavy breathing of my father after his speech; amongst the stillness and iciness of my mother's gaze, I hear my heart breaking under the immense strain of the hurt and betrayal.

"Please, just leave." I plead with them, "I'll go to that place, but please just leave me alone. I need some time to take this all in." I mumble, not looking at either of them, holding back the traitorous tears.

The echoed sound of the door closing signals their departure.

That is all it takes for the shaky sobs to take over my body as I feel my world come tumbling down.

Natalie isn't here.

My parents couldn't wait to leave.

I'm all alone.

Alone without the love from my parents.

Alone with the anger from Natalie.

Alone with these voices.

Maybe I belong there after all.