A/N: First of all, I'd like to apologize for the largely extended delay in updating this. Let's see…between 03-24-08 and 11-17-08—that's eight months. I've had the next 9 parts done since July, but I updated them on a different website. I really am sorry. I don't know why, but my heart wasn't really in the fanfiction writing from about spring on. When I decided to get back to writing, I realized that too much time had passed to keep going exactly where I left off, so I started a recap on "The Turning Point" and "Consequences," which I didn't get too far on because school started. (Blehh.) But now I'm back, and I'll try to update more often. Right now I'm just dividing the next 9 parts among two or three separate chapters, and once those are posted, I'll have the recap/timeline up. I'm planning on posting one at the end of "The Turning Point" and another one immediately after all this 'new' stuff. If you decide not to continue reading this, I don't blame you, because an incredible amount of time has passed since I stopped updating. But if you keep reading, you have my eternal gratitude. Thanks for being so patient, guys. I missed being here. And without further ado, I present the next part in "Consequences."

Chapter 7 – Saved

Part 17 Edward's POV

By the time Carlisle arrived, Bella's breathing was labored, and her heartbeats were slowing, coming farther and farther apart. Carlisle immediately knelt down and began examining Bella solicitously.

"Good. You stopped the bleeding. But still, she's lost a lot of blood, she's going to need a transfusion right away. Either that, or we'll have to—" Carlisle glanced at Charlie. "—see what else we can do." I tuned in to Carlisle's thoughts. Edward, I know you won't like this, but really, the likelihood of getting Bella a transfusion in time… She'll die either way unless you make up your mind. Soon. Either way it's a huge risk…we can drive as fast as we can to the hospital, or we can try transforming her. Your choice. I'm so sorry, Edward.

This was all my fault. I shouldn't have left her alone to go hunting. I shouldn't have tried sucking the venom out. I should have stopped sooner. Now, Bella's chances of living were slight. I didn't want her to die, but I didn't want to take her soul away either. But she wanted me to take her soul. And I had promised. I was so confused. What was right and what was wrong had always been divided by a distinct line for me. Now, the line between right and wrong had blurred, making it impossible for me to separate my desires from the truth. Morality and sin seemed to have merged, and whichever option I chose, I knew there would be consequences. Bella would not come out of this unscathed.

Part 18 – Edward's POV

Then, out of the silence, Charlie spoke.

"Do you have the supplies for a transfusion with you?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. But what good could they possibly do us here?" Carlisle looked slightly wary.

"Bella's my daughter, isn't she?" Charlie's voice sounded like a growl, fierce and protective.

Carlisle appeared nonplussed.

"We have the same blood type," Charlie said, tones of exasperation and urgency in his voice.

A look of sudden comprehension spread across Carlisle's face, followed by a grin. There was hope after all.

"Let me just get my stuff out of the car. I'll be right back."

Carlisle ran at full speed to the car and returned with a large box full of various medical tools. Rummaging through the box, Carlisle fished out what he needed and pushed the box aside.

"Okay, Charlie. You're going to have to hold out your arm and relax…"

Part 19 – Edward's POV

The transfusion went surprisingly well, especially with the lack of hospital equipment. Bella's pulse, though still slower than it should be, had increased to a somewhat normal rate. Her breathing was deeper, more calm. I exhaled a sigh of relief. Bella was going to be okay.

Part 20 – Edward's POV

"Wake up, Bella…Wake up, love," I whispered to Bella, my lips lightly brushing her ear.

Bella's eyes fluttered open.

"Edward?" Bella looked surprised and relieved to see me. She struggled to sit up, her efforts fruitless.

I came closer and pulled Bella into a sitting position. Bella leaned toward me, falling forward, grasping the front of my shirt for support. Her lips crushed against mine, the urgency in the kiss unsettling.

"Are you alright, Bella?" I asked, feeling uneasy.

"Yes. I'm fine. I was so worried about you!" And with that, Bella broke into sobs. I didn't say anything, thoroughly confused as to what was going on. She continued, "I thought I'd never see you again! I thought you might…" Bella went silent, tears running down her cheeks.

"Bella. I'm perfectly fine, see? And I'm here now. Don't worry…Shhh…"

Bella sobbed indiscriminately into my shirt for a while. Then she leaned back, a puzzled look on her face.

"How did you get past the Volturi? The last thing I remember happening is getting hit over the head with something."

A/N: Hope you liked it! Please (pretty please with a cherry on top!) leave a review! I absolutely LOVE getting feedback on my writing, whether it be praise or criticism. Thanks so much for reading!