This was going to include Edwards birthday, but other things got in the way.

Chapter 7

Edwards POV

Alice had been weird and clingy all weekend, so I was really not that surprised when I heard her outside my bedroom door.

"Edward, can I come in?" Alice asked, talking through the closed door of my bedroom

"Sure pixie, but only if you have my breakfast with you" I replied.

With that the door burst open and the blur that was my little sister came bounding in and jumped on the bed.

"No breakfast, but will a hug do?" She said as she threw her arms a round my neck, nearly choking me.

"Alice, what's all this about". I asked as I tried to prise her little hands from my neck. For someone so small she was freakishly strong.

"We need to talk big brother, before Bella picks you up" She stated sitting with her arms folded across her chest like she meant business.

I didn't bother with my glasses, I couldn't see much out of them anyway, but I would be picking up my new ones today - I really couldn't wait to be able to see properly.

"Shoot" I said looking down at Alice, who was now snuggling up against my chest.

"Tell me about it" She mumbled.

"Tell you what?"

"Your vision Edward"

"You know about that Al, you seem to notice everything else that goes on in my life" I laughed.

"This is not a laughing matter Edward, I need to know more about it so I can understand!" She was now speaking at a rate of roughly a hundred words a minute.

"Ok little one, just let me use the bathroom first and then I'll tell you everything" I kissed the top of her head and stumbled towards the door of my en-suite, but not being able to find the handle first time really annoyed me. Such a simple thing to do, opening a door, but not for me - grrrr.

"Edward let me help you" She said jumping from the bed.

"Alice that's just gross" I shivered at the thought, but at least it made me find the door handle quicker!.

When I had finished we settled down again and I told her all that I knew.

"You know all about this condition don't you?" It was a rhetorical question, but she still nodded in reply, so I continued.

"Well my vision has deteriorated far quicker than anyone of us had anticipated. Dr Stanley was really concerned by this rapid progression. As my visual acuity is now really quite poor and added to the fact that my depth perception and my sight in reduced lighting is so bad, he made an emergency appointment for me to see Dr Jacobson on Wednesday" I added waiting for her to say something.

"You will be able to see better with your new glasses, won't you?" She asked, sounding really concerned.

"I hope so Alice, but what we don't know is, how long for. I will find out more on my little trip to Seattle and when I do, I will let you know - ok?"

"Thanks for telling me Edward"

"Anytime pixie" I replied.

As she was heading for the door she asked the question I knew everyone wanted to know, but were to frightened to ask.

"Are you scared"

"More than you will ever know" I replied solemnly.

EPoY

"Come on Edward, we don't have all day" Bella was saying as she jumped into the drivers seat of my Volvo.

I knew she was a bit worried about driving it, and to tell the truth I was a tad apprehensive about her being behind the wheel - it's much faster than her old rust bucket of a truck! Hopefully on the way back I will be the one driving.

It has been 6 days since I had been behind the wheel of my beloved car - I really can't believe I had driven with glasses that were hopelessly too weak for me, anyway we are now off to pick up my new glasses and contacts - I really couldn't wait to be able to see better, but I'm not looking forward to having even stronger lenses in my new frames - I just know everyone will notice the big jump. Maybe I can wear my contacts all the time - but then again, maybe not.

The only parking space Bella could find was right outside 'Il Ponte' the little restaurant we used on our last visit to the opticians - I would take Bella in there for lunch later, only this time I won't throw a hissy fit. Holding Bella's arm we walked slowly to the store, talking about what I wanted to do for my birthday - which I might add was not much. I just wanted a quite family dinner at home, but I really won't hold my breath because I know mom and Bella have a few surprises planned for me.

On entering the store we went straight to the counter to ask for Victoria. The young girl sitting there was not the most polite person I have met. She didn't even look up at first, just asking us what we wanted.

"I'm here to see Victoria" I stated wondering what the hell she thought we were there for.

Bella was, as always, really calm, but I could feel myself losing it with this rude, idiotic girl.

"Excuse me miss what's your name" I asked rather sharply. I was at least expecting her to answer me, but when I heard Bella speak up, I really tried to keep my temper in check.

"It is no good just pointing to your name badge missy, my boyfriend asked you a question and he would like a verbal reply" Bella said in a voice that scared me!

"What, can't he read" Was the only reply she gave.

"No, I can't see" I responded sharply.

"Maybe you should buy some new glasses" She laughed thinking she had cracked a funny.

With that Bella really let her have it.

"Are you some kind of fucking dim-wit. How on earth did you manage to obtain a job working with the public?"

I was trying to calm down Bella and myself when I heard Victoria's voice.

"Kate please go out back and wait for me there - you and me need to have a little chat"

"I'm so sorry Edward, but she is the owners daughter and I'm stuck with her for a few days, but I will let him know you are putting in a formal complaint regarding this matter if that's what you want?" She stated.

"Actually I do Victoria, being addressed that way - it is totally un-acceptable. She has no right speaking to people like that" I answered.

"She should never be allowed to speak to the public - ever" Bella mumbled calming a little.

The rest of the visit was much as I expected. My new glasses were significantly thicker, but I could see much better - which cheered me up no end. Then Victoria informed me that because of the complexity of my lenses I would experience some headaches for a while and suggested that I don't drive until they have passed, which would probably be in a few days - which put me on a downer! She also advised me about wearing my contacts for only a few hours a day at first and then it was up to me, but as my eyes have a tendency to become dry very quickly I should be careful.

She wished us well as she walked us to the door.

"Take care Edward, see you soon" she said.

"Not too soon I hope" I replied as I shook her hand.

EPoY

After a rather pleasant lunch we made our way home - with Bella driving! To say I was pissed was the understatement of the year. I really couldn't believe I was sitting in the damn passenger seat - again.

"What was the point of these, I said pointing to the glasses that were perched on my nose, when even with them I still can't drive my own car" I sulked.

"You know why Edward. I'm sure waiting a few more days will not kill you" Bella's reply was less than friendly.

The rest of the journey was made in complete silence. When we finally arrived at my house, Bella parked in the drive and proceeded to get out of the car without a word. I had obviously upset her in some way and I wanted to talk to her about it, but as I had a truly excruciating pain in my head, I really just needed some pain killers and a sleep before this pain grew into a fully fledged migraine. So I followed her indoors but walked straight passed her and continued up to my room without even saying hello to my family. Throwing myself on the bed I drifted off into a nice slumber…

"What in Gods name did you do to upset Bella?" My mom was saying, in a tone that I knew meant she was not happy.

Trying to get my mind in gear, I sat up and put my glasses on giving myself a couple of moments to focus properly, before I answered her.

"Mom I really don't know - she was really quite on the ride home and when we got here she didn't say a word to me.

"What, you never said a word Edward?"

I gave mom a run down of the conversation we had in the car - word for word. I really didn't think I had said anything wrong.

"For someone who is supposed to be intelligent, you are at times a bloody fool Edward"

"What?" Was all I could think of to say.

"Get up now - I'm taking you to see Bella, mom growled, but added in a softer tone, those glasses suit by the way"

"Thanks mom" I managed to stutter a reply, sitting there completely dumbfounded.

If I live to be a thousand years old, I will never understand women…

The drive to the Swan house was, to say the least uncomfortable. Mom was mumbling something about all men being utterly stupid and how if it wasn't for women they would not get on in the world and that I was just like my father.

As she stopped the car she turned to me and said.

"Go in there and apologise for your stupid behaviour"

"Mom I really don't know what I'm supposed to have done" I explained.

Mom started to shake her head, looking at me as though I had gone mad, when I heard a voice that was music to my ears - it was my Bella. As she approached, I opened the car door and pulled her to me and softly whispered.

"I'm sorry babe, please forgive me"

"Do you even know what you are apologising for Edward" She smiled.

"No, but what ever I did I'm sorry" I answered truthfully.

"You are such a fool Edward - next time think before you speak" Bella replied taking my face in her lovely, soft hands.

"Will you at least let me what I did to upset you babe" I pleaded.

"Later Edward, later" she said kissing my both my cheeks.

So I was still none the wiser, as me and mom drove home. My head still hurt and dad wanted to talk about Wednesday. That was one of the weirdest days ever…

EPoY

The next two days flew by and before I knew it Wednesday was here. If I was totally honest with myself, I was feeling a bit apprehensive about the visit to Dr Marcus Jacobson, but Bella was a Godsend. She always calmed me when I was feeling like this - what would I ever do without her? She had still not told me what I did wrong - but I will get to the bottom of it soon…

By Wednesday morning my headaches had eased considerably. Even though my glasses had left me in horrendous pain at times, I had to endure it as I really needed to get used to them. People don't understand that wearing very strong glasses can cause a few problems, such as the afore mentioned headaches, you get pains across the bridge of your nose and behind the ears, because they weigh quite a lot if the lenses are made of glass, which mine are. Also, even though objects are mainly clear and in focus they look considerably smaller to the person wearing them, which is not that easy to handle, especially if you have a problem with depth perception! I have taken all this in my stride to a point, but it does sometimes get me down. So as you can imagine I was overjoyed at the fact my eyes were not that dry when I popped them in this morning and I could wear them for the first time since I had picked them up on Monday.

So dressed in a nice white button down shirt, dark jeans and my favourite Raybans, I was ready for the journey that would most probably seal my fate and Bella's.

"Sexy much" Bella whistled as I walked into the kitchen where she was sitting with mom and dad.

Dad looked at the sunglasses and asked if they would be ok. I Convinced him that they would be fine as I'm not driving and would take them off as soon as we got out of the car. Bella raised her eyebrows at this conversation, but didn't say a word - I would explain to her later, that I really can't see that good in sunglasses, it restricts my vision, due to the fact I don't have much usable vision in reduced light and these have very dark lenses, but I want to look normal for a while.

As we got nearer to Seattle I started to feel panicky and Bella sensed it straight away.

"Are you feeling ok sweetie" She asked.

Squeezing her hand I answered as truthfully as I could.

"No babe I scared to death"

"So am I Edward, but what ever the prognosis we will work through it ok"

Listening to her reply I realised that I won't be able to change the outcome and I will have to except what the Doctor tells us. So maybe worrying is not the way forward - that's easier said than done…

"Ready son" dad asked as he parked the car.

"As I'll ever be" I replied squeezing Bella's hand tightly in mine and walking towards the clinic.

Sitting in the waiting room along side us was a little boy and his parents. He was about 5 year old and wore very strong glasses very similar to mine and in his hand was a small white cane, it bought a lump to my throat but I really couldn't tear my eyes away from him. I was lost in thought when Bella whispered to me.

"Don't even go there Edward, today is about now - not the future"

Before I could answer a nurse called my name.

"Edward can you please follow me, Dr Jacobson is ready to see you now".

On the walk to his office I felt like a condemned man being led to the gallows. Its now or never I thought as we all entered the Doctors room.

"Hello Edward nice to see you again" The doctor said holding out his hand for me to shake.

"Please excuse me if I don't return the complement" I laughed.

"Nice reply Edward, its good to see you have not lost your sense of humour, he replied looking around and spotting Bella, and you are?"

"Bella Swan, girlfriend to the comedian over there" She answered deadpan.

"I like her Edward - she's a keeper"

"Yes sir I know and just for the record I never intend to let her go"

After a while he started to explain what would be done today and roughly how long it would all take.

First up was the visual acuity - again. First he tested my eyes while I was wearing my contacts and again with my glasses - there was no change from when Dr Stanley tested them a nearly two weeks ago. Next was my visual fields - there was little change in my peripheral vision.

"Two down, three to go Edward" Dr Jacobson reported saying he would continue after lunch.

We took a break for lunch and so I could get a bit of fresh air, I felt as if I was suffocating so mom suggested we sit in the park next to the clinic. It was quite a nice day so we sat there, eating sandwiches and enjoying the view and each others company. After about 40 minute,s mom and Bella slipped away saying they were going to buy a few bottles of water to take back with us.

Me and dad started back to the clinic to meet our girls.

"Are you doing ok son" Dad asked sounding really concerned.

"Just fine & dandy" I replied nudging his arm and laughing.

Once back inside it wasn't long before I was called again to have the first of the other three tests .

"Ok Edward are you ready? We will test your depth perception first"

"Your call Doc" I nervously stated.

50 minutes later one of the dreaded test was over. I sat there waiting for him to give me the results, but he announced he would give his conclusion after the other two were finished. Oh did I want Bella in here with me right now.

"Edward I would like to do a couple tests you have never had before, if that is ok with you"

"Like I said before sir, it's your call"

At first he made me read a book, then I had to look at him, then read again without any glasses, which really wasn't easy, then look at him - it was really monotonous, but it had to be done I suppose. But when he took me into another room and started asking me to distinguish between colours such as, whites, creams and beige and then browns and tans, I really thought he had totally lost the plot - there must be a method in his madness.

"We are finished for today Edward" He stated picking up my file and walking with me to his office.

"What about my night vision? You didn't test for that" I said, rather stunned.

"I will explain it all when your parents and that gorgeous girl of yours come back in"

"Hands and eyes off my girl doc" I managed to laugh.

Mom and Bella sat either side of me, each holding one of my hands, while dad was talking to Dr Jacobson. My leg was bouncing up and down so much I thought it had a life of its own - this was nerve racking and I wanted it to be over. I didn't have to wait long because just as I was about to speak up the doctor beat me to it.

"As you know Edward, your Acuity and Visual Fields results had not changed since Dr Stanley did them a few weeks ago, which I was relieved at. I will discuss the outcome of the depth perception test later" He reported.

Before I could say a word he continued to speak, which made me feel really quite agitated.

"There were two test that you have never taken before. One was to see if you had any accommodative spasms and the last test I conducted was called a contrast sensitivity test" He said looking at us waiting for one of us to say something.

I just couldn't bring myself to ask what they were for, but Bella did.

"Can you please explain what that means in words that I can understand"

"An accommodative spasm is a condition that causes the eye muscle to accommodate or focus constantly and automatically. For example, a person may be concentrating on a close task, such as reading, but when they look up, their vision is blurry. This is because their eye is still focusing on a close-up or near task, even though they are now looking at a distance. This means, a person with this has a difficult time getting the focusing muscle to relax when looking at a distance" He answered looking at me.

"Do I have that?" I asked not really wanting to know the answer.

"You have a mild form of it Edward and I can't say if it will get worse. We will just have to keep an eye on it from now on. I'm not concerned about that at the moment, as your eyes are not moving excessively, but what does concern me is the fact that your contrast sensitivity and the depth perception has increased - do you want me to continue?"

I couldn't speak, because I knew if I opened my mouth nothing but sobs would come out, so I just nodded.

"You have always had a few problems with depth perception. This is due to a misalignment of your eyes in early childhood, but now Edward, your eye's ability to determine distance between objects or to tell if something or someone is near or far has diminished to a level that is very worrying. You also have a slightly decreased level of contrast and colour sensitivity. This is the ability to distinguish between objects of similar colour or tone and I wasn't really expecting that to happen so soon".

I heard what he had said, but my brain was trying to process a different scenario, because I didn't like what he was saying. Could I really continue to sit here and listen to the rest of this horror story - will it ever end?

"Edward are you ok sweetheart" Mom asked bring me out of my own little world.

"Yes mom I fine" was all I could say without choking on the lump that had formed in my throat.

He totally seemed un-aware of the silence in his office and continued to speak.

"You asked earlier, Edward, why I had not tested your night vision. This is because I want you to take an O&M night evaluation - tonight if possible. He asked.

"Why does Edward need to have this test?" Mom whispered, barely able to breath.

"Esme, have you noticed that Edward has been having a few difficulties in reduced lighting at home or when he is out at night?" Dr Jacobson replied.

"Yes, bu…" She started to say when the good doc continued.

"There are factors that are associated with night or reduced light vision which are not present during the day such as, seeing vehicles, kerbs, things on the sidewalk or even people. This could impact a persons confidence and safety. Edwards visual impairment could potentially increase his vulnerability when travelling at night. Therefore, it is considered best practice that these issues be addressed, and considering his depth perception I think its essential"

"What does it entail" Dad was the next to question Dr Jacobson.

"He will walk a few blocks around the neighbourhood with 2 O&M assessors. They will grade him on how he uses his night vision and will evaluate his abilities on streets, sidewalks, curves in streets, slopes, surface textures, abstract patterns formed by the arrangements of things in space, and so forth, He answered dad and then added, Edward you need to be wearing your glasses, not contacts ok?""

I just sat there wishing I was somewhere else, when my Bella spoke for the first time in ages.

"Can I go with him sir?"

"I'm afraid not Bella, that's not how it works" He replied.

"What if he falls and hurts himself?" She stuttered.

I knew her tears would flow very soon. I had to do something to put her mind at ease.

"Come on babe, I'll be fine, I promise. I said kissing the top of her head that she had, by now laid on my chest.

"Bella this observation will be carried out by trained O&M supervisors. They won't let any harm come to him" my doctor replied softly.

"Ok" She nodded, not even looking up.

"Now go and eat, chill or if you feel the need Edward, scream, but be back here in 2 hours please" He laughed.

I really wanted to know what the hell there was to laugh about - I couldn't find anything funny from where I was sitting.

Dad walked over and sat next to mom, they both looked completely devastated. It was then that I realised I had one or a hundred questions that I needed answering - but it would wait. I really needed to get out of this damn place and just be with Bella.

EPoY

Mom had called Charlie to explain what was happening and that, if it was ok with him we were going to stay in Seattle overnight. He was fine about it all, saying that we should stay as it had been a traumatic day for all of us and that we were in his thoughts. So we booked into a nice hotel, not very far from the clinic and we were lucky enough to get a 2 bedroom suite. Mom and dad were really cool about me and Bella sharing the same room - they trusted us when we told them that we were not ready for anything to happen yet, but we kept it from Charlie, knowing he would be anything but understanding and I have enough problems in my life right now, without being shot!

I had to be back at the clinic by 5:30 so we had a freshen up in our room and then grabbed a quick bite to eat in the hotel restaurant. The atmosphere at the table could be cut with a knife and nobody uttered a single word. Not being able to take the silence any longer I was the first to speak.

"Bella, mom, please don't take this the wrong way, but I would like you two to stay here when I go back to the clinic, I only want dad with me" I murmured looking at them both and wishing this could be easier on them.

"Why?" Bella was the first barely able to speak.

"Babe I really just need to concentrate on this assessment, don't you think you would both be more comfortable at the hotel? Please trust me on this Bella" I pleaded, hoping she wouldn't argue with me.

"If it will stop you worrying Edward then I'm willing to stay here" She answered me but was looking at mom to make sure it was ok with her.

"Are you sure sweetie?" Mom said sadly.

Before I could answer either of them, dad piped up.

"I think its for the best Esme. Why don't you and Bella take a walk to Pikes Market, its still nice out and it might take your mind off of things" Dad said as he walked over to mom and kissed her lightly on the cheek, before leading her over to the door of the restaurant so me and Bella could be alone for a few minutes, before we left.

"I thought we were in this together Edward" Bella mumbled

"We are babe, but I really need to do this alone. I promise it will be the one and only time you will not be by my side" I answered, gently trailing my finger under her eyes to take away tears.

"Do you promise to tell me everything when you get back?" She said looking into my eyes.

"I promise babe"

Dad called over to me letting me know it was time to leave. I took Bella's face in my hands and kissed her like never before - it felt so good…

EPoY

I was instructed to walk at a natural pace, attempting to avoid body contact with any obstacles. My mobility performance would be scored by an O&M specialist, whose name I didn't quite catch and another specialist called Alec, who was present to monitor my safety and to give me instructions en-route.

Alec informed me that I would be assessed on mobility behaviours, mobility errors and body contacts in high and low light sections, that the time would also be recorded and we were to walk about 8/9 blocks.

After about 5 minutes, in which I thought I did fairly well, only the occasional stumble, Alec asked me to find a black plastic garbage bag that was on the sidewalk - I thought he was joking, as I really couldn't see much at all in the dark, but no, he was deadly serious. This was going to be harder than I thought.

I was now starting to panic, because it took me a good 2 minutes to find the black bag and I only managed that by tripping over the damn thing - not a good start. Then he asked me if I could find the traffic cone, which I thought would be much easier - boy was I wrong. I did find it of sorts, only after miss judging the edge of the sidewalk and falling over it. It was a good thing he was there as I would have ended up falling flat on my face.

"Up you get Edward" he said grabbing my arm and helping me up.

"God, this is so embarrassing" I mumbled struggling to pull away from him.

"Don't be embarrassed Edward, I've seen a whole lot worse happen to people whilst doing this assessment" He replied.

After that I started to notice that I was really very hesitant. I knew I was miss judging kerbs, shuffling my feet and I kept stopping suddenly just so I could get my bearings and my balance. Alec seemed oblivious to all of this and just continued with the test.

When he asked if I could judge the distance between where I was standing and the large bushes ahead, I really thought he was playing stupid.

"Of course I can" I replied rather indignantly, and I proceeded to tell him the distance I thought it was - I won't know if I was right or wrong until the morning, when Dr Jacobson reveals the results of this assessment.

"Ok Edward we are now going to cross the street and turn left" Alec said pulling me out of yet another daydream I was in.

When we turned, I felt a decline of the pavement and I really didn't like it. My feet were wanting to do one thing but my eyes and brain were screaming to do something else, and I felt myself stumbling because I couldn't judge the sloping ground, so I stopped dead. Alec took me by the arm again and helped me until we reached a flat surface.

"I'm not doing so well am I?" It was more of a statement than a question.

"You really don't expect me to answer that do you?" He laughed.

"No" I said rather shortly.

We walked a few more blocks when Alec informed me the assessment was finished and we were back at the clinic. I thanked him for saving me from breaking my nose more than once and went to find dad.

"How did it go" Dad asked tilting his head as he waited for me to answer.

"Fin.." I was about to reply when he stopped me.

"Do not say your fine, please - I know you are anything but fine Edward" Dad shouted.

It was very rare for dad to raise his voice, so him shouting took me by surprise, but made me realise that maybe I needed to speak about how I'm feeling.

"I scared shitless dad. I really don't think I did that good tonight - I know my night vision and depth perception is defiantly shot after nearly falling over twice earlier and I dread hearing what the doc has to say in the morning. But what I'm scared of most dad is Bella's reaction" I murmured, unable to speak, this was probably due to the manic urge I had to scream if my mouth opened to wide.

"Son, you know in your heart of hearts that what ever Marcus tells you tomorrow will not make a bit of difference to Bella, she loves you too much" He stated, smugly.

I knew what he said was true, but it still hurt to think that I would never be whole for my Bella.

The drive back to the hotel was really quite, with dad trying to make small talk every now and then, but I wasn't in the mood to chat, I just wanted to get back to Bella.

Bella and mom was waiting for us in the room. I ran into my Bella's arms as she stood in the doorway of our room waiting for me and I had this inherent need to touch her, kiss her and lay in her arms. I only feel complete when I'm with her - God how I love this woman.

"Edward" she whispered as I picked her up and carried her into the bedroom.

I turned to let mom know I would talk to her in the morning, but I just caught the tail end of her and dad entering their room - I knew they needed to talk too.

Bella didn't say a word as we both sat on the bed, she just looked at me as I took my glasses off and placed them on the bedside table. I turned to face her, staring blindly in her direction and without uttering a word kissed her gently.

"You don't have to tell me right now Edward, it can wait until you are ready" Bella said pulling away from my lips.

I didn't answer, but I moved closer so I could feel her sweet smelling breathe on my face. In a split second we were kissing again, only this time with more passion - I could kiss her for an eternity and still want more.

Explaining to Bella what had happened earlier was going to be difficult for me to put into words. I felt a failure and lacking in something, that I fell short of what was required or expected from me. I knew the time had come for me to spill the beans.

"I really didn't realise that my night vision was effected that much Bella, I never seem to have too much trouble at home" I spurted out.

What Bella said next kinda threw me.

"Sweetie you do have a great deal of trouble at home and even more when you are out at night, but being in familiar surroundings you just don't take that much notice." Bella stated.

"I was ok when we went camping, except for the fact that my glasses were not the right prescription" I started to say but was interrupted by my Bella.

"No Edward, you were not ok and when it started to get darker it was a struggle for you to cope! If you just take a minute to think back, you will remember that you got through it with our help" She was now lovingly stroking my face.

It took a few moments for this to register in my brain, then, like a slap around the face it all fell into place, I had been having trouble for awhile - why didn't I notice this?

"Why didn't I notice this happening Bella?" I asked, some what perturbed.

"Because you probably didn't want to Edward. I think you might have pushed it to the back of your mind, not really wanting to admit that anything was wrong" She answered sounding very confident. I really didn't have an answer to that - my Bella knew me so well!

Mom and Bella's little trip earlier had been very productive. We all had something to sleep in and new clothes for tomorrow - how women manage to think of such things even when their minds are on something else is beyond me!

After changing we both settled down in bed, with my Bella exactly where she should be - in my arms.

"I love you Bella Swan" I whispered.

"Love you too Edward Cullen, forever" She mumbled through a yawn.

I forgot all my insecurities for awhile as I lay there with her asleep in my arms, so just for tonight I not going to worry, there will be enough of that being done in the morning.

EPoY

"As you know Edward walked 8 blocks, each consisting of natural obstacles and strategically placed items. He was then assessed on three main things - mobility behaviours, mobility errors and body contacts and these tasks presented some difficulties" Dr Jacobson informed us.

"What are the results of these tests Marcus" Dad asked nervously.

Dr Jacobson raised his eyebrows at dad as if to say - patience Carlisle, but then answered him.

"In the tests, Edwards most frequently recorded mobility errors were high stepping and kerb approach errors, shuffling and hesitations were also recorded. The majority of the increase in body contacts occurred in low light, and he brushed against street lamps with his arm or shoulder. In the higher lighted area Edward had problems with under stepping, this being due to the depth perception issue. His mobility behaviour showed that when on a decline he started sliding his foot forward to investigate the path tactually and showed an excessive slowing of pace. The O&M specialist, Alec, had to intervene during travel to ensure Edwards safety more than once. These problems have to be addressed, Carlisle, and soon"

"What can we do to help make it easier for him", mom asked wary of his answer.

"Esme, even minor adjustments will help Edward. Little things like extra lighting at home would help when he is reading and doing school work. Colour adjusting can be made so that white crockery is on a darker colour table cloth, using different colour towels if you have light coloured bathrooms and so on. Before you leave I will give you some pamphlets that will give you more helpful tips"

"Thank you Marcus, is there anything else that will help him" She said slightly happier.

"Yes Esme, there is, I suggest he use a guide cane when he is outside at night"…

"Oh please God no" I heard my mom cry out.

My brain was screaming for me to say something, but my mouth wouldn't work. As much as I tried to speak, not a thing would come out, that was until Bella squeezed my hand tightly.

"NO! I don't need it. I'm not blind, I can see and I do not need some fucking white cane to get where I'm going. I won't use it" I screamed at him.

I felt like I was going to throw up or pass out and I was really having trouble breathing. Then this soothing voice started to speak.

"Edward hunnie, please calm down and just listen" Bella said softly.

"Son, Bella's right just try and focus on staying calm and let Marcus continue, please" Dad begged.

I just shrugged my shoulders, held mom's hand and concentrated on trying to breathe.

"Edward, a guide cane is used to detect kerbs, steps, things on the sidewalk, all of which you are having enormous difficulties detecting on your own. If left to your own devices it could lead to you being injured in some way" Marcus stated.

"Will he need to be trained on how to use it" Dad managed to ask without completely falling apart.

"Some, but as it has a more limited use than a long cane it will require a lot less training, probably only a few hours. We could do it today if you want Edward" Marcus replied looking at me for a reaction. So I gave him one.

"Am I legally blind yet?" I almost growled at him.

"No Edward you are not, but you are what we refer to as visually impaired and your vision is, as you know, worse in low light. If you don't want to use the cane Edward, then so be it, I can always give you some knee and elbow protection pads for you to use" He sarcastically replied.

I wanted to punch something, preferably his face, but instead I just got up and walked out, without a word to anyone - I needed some time alone. I knew mom and Bella would be beside themselves, but this is what I needed.

As I sat on the bench in the parking lot, my mind was in total disarray. I couldn't quite get a grip on myself and before I knew it I was sobbing uncontrollably. All my fears and insecurities twirled around in my head. As I started gasping for breath I heard this beautiful melodic voice filtering into my brain. I looked up, and there kneeling before me was the most precious person in my world - My Bella.

"Are you ok sweetie" She whispered taking my hand.

"I not sure babe - I really can't get my head around what is happening. This is moving forward way to fast"

"Edward hunnie, we knew this was going to happen someday"

"Yes Bella we did, but not this soon. I'm a week away from my 17th birthday and my vision is that bad that I've been advised to use a guide cane at night - happy birthday Edward! What will I get for my 18th - a fucking seeing eye dog?" I sobbed, not being able to look her in the eye.

"Edward, I really don't care if you have to use two pink poodles and a grizzly bear to guide you. If that's what it takes to stop you from getting hurt, then so be it!" Bella said with a positive voice.

As usual my Bella was totally in control of the situation and my minor breakdown. My shouting and cursing went over her head and she even managed to calm me some what.

"Now lets go back inside and just listen to what the doctor has to say - we really need to understand it all" She said, trying to pull me up from the bench.

I knew she was being logical, but all I wanted to do was go home and forget all about this drama, but Bella was having none of it.

So we headed back inside the clinic to the doc's office, where we found mom, dad and Marcus discussing my cane training. As soon as we were in the door, mom stood up from where she was sitting and threw her arms around me, and clutching my neck she began to sob hysterically. As I tried to pacify her dad came over and took her by the hand leading her back towards her chair. Bella sat beside her and tried to console her to no avail. It took mom ages to calm down, but she managed to do so with the help of dad.

I moved to the seat opposite the doctor and waited for him to speak. I didn't have to wait long.

"Edward, there is one more important thing that we need to discuss today"

Shoot from the hip doc?" I answered him without a second thought.

The feeling of loss, hopelessness and anger, lots of anger travelled through my body and mind. I felt that my ability to succeed and have a normal life had been snatched from me - when he uttered twelve little words…

"I'm sorry Edward, but I will have to revoke your drivers license"

A/N: Please don't be mad at me for the abrupt ending of this chapter but it didn't seem right to end it any other way. Chapter 8 will be a lot happier and you will find out what Edward did to upset Bella - I promise.

I had to put in the visit to the opticians - it happened to me once. Some young girl on work experience was so rude to me that I wanted to pop her nose, if I could have seen it...

Until next time x