CHAPTER 4 – EMERGENCY ROOM

Edward wasn't surprised when he arrived home on Saturday afternoon. The women of the family were sitting in the living room, talking and waiting for him.

"You didn't do it. I guess I shouldn't be surprised," Alice teased.

"She had some friends there, and they had plans."

"Well," Rose said, a sly look on her face, "she would have said yes."

He looked at her and shrugged. "You don't know that."

"Oh, yes I do." She smiled while she explained about her question and Bella's nod.

He played it off, trying to act unaffected. "I guess I'll talk to her on Monday at practice, then."

They all laughed.

"Why do all of you want me to ask Bella out, anyway?"

"Because we want you to be happy," Esme said, holding her hand out to Edward. He walked over to the couch, took her hand and leaned down to kiss her head.

"Thanks, mom," he said. He sat on the arm of the couch next to Esme, taking in her appearance as they talked.

Her hair was completely gone, and today she had a soft scarf wrapped around her head. Her skin was pale and blotchy – an observation he would never make out loud – and her face was thin. The ugly red scar on her neck was an outward reminder of the disease she was battling. As usual, she was cold. She was wrapped in an afghan, curling her feet under her on the couch.

She held his hand as they talked.

"How are you feeling now?"

"I wish you would all stop asking me that," she snapped. "I feel like it's the only thing I ever get to talk about."

Everyone was silent for a moment, stunned that Esme would snap at anyone.

"Sorry," she said. "I'm just sick of being sick."

Alice scooted closer and put an arm around her shoulders.

"It's okay mom."

She changed the subject, asking about the tee ball game.

Esme squeezed Edward's hand. "I really wish I could have been there today."

He stayed by her side until Bryce came looking for him.

"Uncle Edward, my dad wants you to come help him with the grill."

On Tuesday, Edward had a bounce in his step. Tonight was a tee ball game, and he would see Bella again. He had planned to ask her out last night at practice, but she was late getting back from Seattle, and Charlie had been at practice with Seth. But, tonight, nothing was going to stop him.

His cell phone buzzed in his pocket. It was a text from Peter.

Are you okay? Haven't heard from you.

He quickly answered.

Better than I've been in a while. At work. Call you later.

He realized he hadn't talked to Peter since he received his e-mail. In fact, he hadn't thought much about Peter or New York, or even Tanya, since tee ball season started. It felt good. He knew there were still issues that needed to be resolved, but he would deal with those later.

His nurse, Lily, stopped him in the hall as he was about to step into his last appointment.

"Mrs. Fredricks is on line one. She's having abdominal pain and is feeling pretty weak."

"Can her husband bring her in right away?"

"She said they could be here in fifteen minutes."

"Tell her to come in. I'll see her before I have to leave for the ball game."

"I'm afraid we need to do some more blood work and a few other tests again. You are definitely anemic. I'm not sure that the treatments have been effective enough. You may still have some bleeding going on. I'll walk with you to the lab in the hospital."

Mrs. Fredricks groaned. Her husband took her hand and squeezed. He was worried.

"Don't worry. You don't have to stay overnight this time. The tests today should be quick and easy."

"Tests, in the hospital, quick and easy? Yeah, right." She was teasing him.

"I know a few of the nurses there, I'll make sure they take good care of you and get you out of there in record time."

She leaned next to her chair to pick up her bag and Edward noticed that there was a blanket hanging out of the top.

"What have you got there?"

"I'm crocheting around this blanket for my new grandbaby." She smiled from ear to ear.

"That is one lucky baby," he said as he opened the door to lead the way to the lab. "And see, you came prepared today, didn't you?"

"I hate to sit around waiting with nothing to do," she said as she followed him into the hall. Her husband took her arm as they walked.

**********

Bella was a little stressed as she hurried to make dinner. The baseball schedule was busier now that the season had started, with practice on Monday and Wednesday and games on Tuesday and Saturday, she felt like she was always rushing to get to the field.

She felt horrible about missing practice last night, but the trip to Seattle had been so important to her current client. She stayed overnight on Sunday, determined to be there for the early staff meeting before the appointment with them. Her time with the client had stretched from the scheduled one hour meeting into four before she knew it.

She was grateful that Charlie didn't mind taking Seth to practice. In fact, she was starting to think he really enjoyed practices. He would show up at nearly every one. Seth gloried in his audience.

Her mind was wandering, thinking about her schedule and the baseball season, not to mention one very attractive coach. She misjudged the placement of the knife she was using to cut a tomato for the salad. It sliced into the palm of her hand, right below her thumb.

"Ow, shit!" she yelled, grabbing the hand with her other one and rushing to the sink to wash it.

"Mom, you need to put a quarter in the swearing jar," Seth called from the living room.

She didn't respond and he walked into the kitchen to see what she was doing. Her head was getting fuzzy; she hated the sight and smell of blood.

Seth saw her hand and the blood that mixed with the water flowing over the wound.

"Are you okay, mom?"

She leaned over the sink, using the counter to support her weight.

"Will you hand me a clean towel, Seth?"

He reached into the drawer where she kept the towels and handed one to her. She wrapped it around her hand and started to breathe again.

"Thanks, baby. Now, will you go grab my cell phone so that I can call Grandma Sue? I think I might need stitches."

"Sure, mom," he said, as he ran into the living room.

He had already dialed and was telling Sue what had happened when he walked back into the kitchen.

"Grandma says she'll be right here."

"Thanks, Seth."

She walked over to the table and sat in the nearest chair, and put her head between her knees to fight the dizziness that was threatening to overcome her balance.

Bella was reluctant to walk into the Emergency Room. She hadn't been in one since the accident, and she was starting to feel a growing sense of dread as they approached the automatic doors.

"I'll get you checked in. Sorry, I couldn't get you in to see my doctor this late in the afternoon. I know you don't want to be here, but you need stitches."

"I know. Thanks, Sue."

She started to walk more quickly, knowing that she had to keep moving, or she wouldn't get inside. Seth held Sue's hand and walked as fast as he could, trying to keep up with the women.

Bella stopped just inside the doors, hardly breathing. The smell of the hospital assaulted her senses, bringing memories to the surface. She couldn't bring herself to move forward.

"C'mon, mom," Seth encouraged her.

She just shook her head.

"I think I need to go home," she whispered to Sue.

"Let's get you to a chair, honey."

She refused, gripping the edge of the doorframe with her good hand. "I just can't go in."

She was standing like this when the doors behind her opened and two EMT's pushed a gurney past her.

Her head started to spin and each breath was more labored than the last. She was about to pass out.

In her mind, she saw Jake on the gurney, blood flowing freely from his wounds, the EMT straddling his prone form, pumping on his chest. One hand swung freely from the side of the gurney, his wedding ring reflecting the red and blue lights that flashed all around them. His hand got further and further from her, and she remembered the sight of Jake being loaded into the LifeFlight helicopter, the sound of the blades slicing through the night air as they took off.

Tears were streaming down her cheeks and she moaned quietly.

The doors that led to the hospital corridor opened with a loud swoosh, and she watched as the EMT's rolled the gurney through. She looked up and met a pair of green eyes watching her warily.

Edward automatically looked up when the doors to the Emergency Room opened. He was just about to open the door to the lab, but he caught sight of Bella standing at the entrance to the ER. She was pale and crying. Her hand was wrapped in a white towel that was stained with blood.

He realized that she must have an injury, but she looked like she was about to faint.

"I'm sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Fredricks, but one of my friends is standing in the ER. Do you mind if I go assist her? I've already talked to the lab, telling them you would be coming, and the orders are on the paper my nurse faxed over."

Mrs. Fredricks looked into the ER and noticed Bella by the door. She figured she must be his friend.

"You go right ahead, young man. She looks like she could use a hand."

"I'll take care of my wife, don't you worry about that," Mr. Fredricks said, leading her into the lab.

"I'll call you with the results tomorrow," Edward said as he sprinted to the door, slapping the button on the wall to re-open it. He could see Bella as the doors parted; she didn't look like she'd be on her feet for much longer. He didn't wait for the doors to open all the way; he edged through rushing to Bella's side.

Seth was standing next to her, looking alarmed.

"Bella? What's wrong?"

She just shook her head, sliding down the wall.

"What happened?" Edward asked.

"She cut her hand. But, she doesn't like blood and she is afraid of the hospital," Sue answered from the reception desk.

Edward bent over, grabbing Bella behind the knees and her back, and lifting her into his arms. He started moving back toward the doors to the hospital.

"Jessica, don't admit her here. I'll stitch her hand in my office and get her out of the hospital."

The receptionist just shrugged, "Okay." She reached for the button on her desk to allow them to go through the doors.

Sue grabbed Seth's hand and followed Edward through the doors and down the hallway. He walked down the hall and into the corridor that joined the hospital to the building where his office was located. He could feel Bella's head lolling again his chest, she must have passed out.

Lily looked up in alarm as Edward rushed into the office.

"What…"

"This is my friend, Bella. She cut her hand and she needs stitches. Will you get me a sterile tray?"

Lily jumped up from the desk and rushed to get Edward the supplies he would need.

He walked into the first exam room, carefully placing Bella on the table.

"Bella, are you okay?"

She fought to open her eyes. "Am fine," she finally whispered.

Edward was relieved. For some reason, he was feeling extremely worried about her, and his instinct was to protect her and take care of her. She just looked so fragile right now.

"Mom, are you okay?" Seth's small voice was a reminder that he was standing there, upset by his mother's incoherent state.

Edward moved him closer to his mom, and said, "She's going to be just fine, Seth. Sometimes, when people hurt themselves, they start to feel a little bit sick. She just needs a minute to catch her breath, that's all."

Bella reached out for Seth and he walked to the table, grabbing her hand.

"I'm okay, baby. But, you have a baseball game; you should be getting ready right now. I'm so sorry."

Sue stepped closer to Bella. "Why don't I take Seth home and help him get dressed for the game? I'll take him to the field and drop him off, and then I'll come and get you."

Edward shook his head. "You don't need to come back. I can drive Bella to the game after I take care of her hand. I'm going there, too."

Bella's eyes opened wide. She had just realized that she was in an unfamiliar doctor's office, and that Edward was standing next to the exam table. He watched as her cheeks flamed.

"You don't have to do that, Edward," she said.

"I want to, really. Besides, it makes more sense. Then, Sue can stay at the baseball field with Seth, and I can get both of us to the game."

"But, if you take the time to put stitches in my hand, you'll be late."

"I have plenty of time. I'll just let Emmett know that I won't be there in time for warm-ups. He'll understand." He grabbed his cell phone and started to dial.

Sue took Seth's hand. "Come on. We'll make you a peanut butter sandwich before we go. You didn't get a chance to eat dinner and you'll be hungry. I'll call Grandpa Charlie and he can meet us at the field. Maybe he can help Coach Emmett until Edward can get there."

Seth nodded, still a little reluctant to leave his mom.

"Don't worry. I'll take good care of your mom," Edward said, patting him on the head.

Sue lifted Seth to give his mom a kiss and then she walked him out of the office. They passed Lily as she entered the room with a sterile tray.

"Lily, this is Bella Swan…Black. She has cut her hand and she needs stitches. I know you were ready to leave, but I'd like it if you'd assist me."

Lily put on a pair of gloves and said, "Of course. I'd be happy to help you."

"Bella, this is Lily, my nurse. Are you ready to get stitches?"

"Ugh. Is that really necessary? I hate needles."

Edward removed the towel that was wrapped around the bleeding hand. He examined the cut carefully.

"Sorry, Bella. This cut is pretty big. It definitely needs some stitches. But, it won't take very long. I'll probably put in eight or nine stitches. I'm just going to get rid of this towel."

He tossed it into the garbage, and she didn't complain.

Bella couldn't believe how this evening had gone. She was waiting for Edward as he signed a few orders and got ready to lock up. Every now and then, she would peek up at him from her seat in his office. But, she didn't say anything. She waited there while he went to change for the game.

She was beyond embarrassed. First, she had sliced her hand open while doing a simple task, then she had completely freaked out in the emergency room, passing out right in front of Edward, and then she'd had to hide her face while he stitched her hand, trying to keep herself from feeling nauseated. And, here she sat, waiting for a ride to Seth's tee ball game.

"Are you feeling better now?"

She rolled her eyes, "Yes. I never should have been such a mess."

He just smiled across the desk. "You would be surprised at how many people don't deal well with the sight of blood."

"Oh, it's the sight and the smell that gets me."

"Smell? Most people don't recognize the smell of blood."

"I always have. And, it's gotten worse since…"

She dropped her gaze, and looked at her hand, plucking at the wrap Edward had put on it.

"Since?"

"Since the accident," she whispered.

"Oh, I see." He walked to the chair, offering her a hand up. She accepted his help and they walked together out of his office and into the parking lot.

"Sorry about freaking out in the Emergency Room," she said quietly. "And thank you for helping me."

"Don't worry about it. I'm just glad I happened to be in the hall when the EMT's opened that door."

She shuddered. He took her by the elbow to help her walk, concerned that she was faint again.

"Are you okay?"

She nodded, and waited as he opened his car door for her.

"I haven't been able to look at gurneys or EMT's or even hospitals, for that matter, since it happened." She was quiet for a while, and Edward waited for her to continue. "It's just that...when I saw the EMT's come through the doors, working on a patient, I remembered everything about the night of the accident. It was like I was watching them work on Jake again. I could see the blood and hear the sirens, and I lost it."

"I didn't realize you were in the car with Jake that night. I'm sorry."

She looked up at him and tried to smile. He grimaced and closed the door, hurrying around to his side.

She continued when he was in the car. "Seth and I were both in the car. Charlie told me that Jake saved our lives that night."

Edward cringed. She knew that he had no idea what had happened. Apparently, none of his family members had filled him in on the details.

"He must have really loved you both," Edward said quietly.

Bella was surprised that her eyes didn't fill with tears. She simply nodded, and said, "I know he did."

They talked a little on the way to the field, but neither of them wanted to continue to talk about the accident, so they avoided the topic.

She felt really self-conscious when they arrived at the field only minutes before the game started. She knew that everyone was watching them get out of Edward's car and walk across the field together. Her cheeks felt a little warm, and she knew she was blushing.

Edward watched Charlie and Sue hovering over Bella at the game. He really wanted to offer her and Seth a ride home, but didn't think he'd get a chance. Seth, however, was already plotting.

"Coach Edward, my mom got to ride in your car today. I still didn't get to."

"Well, I'm sorry about that Seth. I'll still take you for a ride."

"Can I ask my mom if you can drive us home?"

He was surprised for a moment, but decided to see what would happen. "Sure. I'd love to drive you home."

As soon as the game was over and the parents were moving toward the dugout, Edward watched Seth run to Bella. He knew what he was asking, and watched as Bella smiled and shook her head. She looked up, right at him, and he smiled at her.

When the coaches were finished talking to the boys, and the treats were passed out, she approached him.

"You really don't have to drive us home. I'm sure Sue or Charlie would be happy to do it."

"I promised Seth that I'd take him for a ride. He's a little upset that you got to ride in my car and he didn't. Besides, I don't mind driving you home. I'd be happy to do it."

He waited for her to respond, watching the conflicting emotions that flitted across her face. Finally, she nodded.

"Thank you. You've been a life saver today."

Seth was thrilled. He immediately relayed the message to his grandparents. "I get to ride in Coach Edward's car!"

He chatted and commented on the features of the car through the entire drive home. Edward laughed a couple of times at his observations, but his attention was really on Bella. She was very quiet, looking out of the passenger window during most of the ride. She directed him to their home.

"Thank you for the ride, Edward," she said, opening the passenger door.

"Let me help you inside," he said, jumping out of the car and rushing around to help her out.

"You really don't have to do that."

She was standing right in front of him, looking up into his eyes.

"I want to," he said, his voice low and husky.

The sound of Seth closing the back door startled them both back to reality. Seth ran to the door and they followed him.

"Can I help you with anything? Your hand must hurt right now."

"No, really, I'll be just fine."

"Make sure you take something for the pain. It's going to get worse as the anesthetic wears off completely."

He watched her unlock the door. If he didn't take this chance, he might not get another one.

"Bella?"

"Yes, Edward."

"Why don't we go for a real ride in my car this Saturday? Let me take you and Seth to a favorite place of mine. We'll get lunch."

Seth was bouncing up and down, pulling on Bella's arm. "Please, mom, can we go?"

She looked at Edward and then at Seth. Finally, she answered. "We'd love to go to lunch with you on Saturday."

"Great. I think we may be able to drive with the top down, Seth." He smiled, and hesitated a little. "I guess I'll see you at practice tomorrow."

"Yeah, we'll see you tomorrow."

"Good night, Seth," he said, rubbing the top of Seth's head, messing his hair.

"Bye, Coach."

Bella stood on the porch for a minute, watching him walk to his car. He waved and she waved back before walking into the house.

He climbed into the car and pumped his fist. "Yes!" He'd actually finally asked Bella to go out with him. Of course, Seth would be part of the date, too. But, he didn't mind that at all. Seth was a great kid, and without him, he would have missed this opportunity.