Sorry about the wait, but life sometimes gets in the way of fun things
Bella POV
Tick...Tick...Tick...Tick…
The first thing that my mind was able to be aware of was a ticking sound, as if from a clock. Somewhere in my mind I though it odd that I was hearing a ticking clock. I don't have that type of clock in my room, so why would I be hearing a ticking clock as I wake from sleeping? As the heavy blackness of unconsciousness started to fade, my mind was filled with something else. Pain. Excruciating pain. Slowly I open my eyes and I find myself laying on the floor in the living room. My mind is still a bit cloudy about what happened, but I do remember some of it. Looking at the clock I see that it is 6:45 in the morning. I laid here unconscious all night. The house was quiet, so I guessed that Charlie had already left for work. I knew that school started at 8:30 and that if I didn't show up to school it would beat me again. As I started to push myself up I screamed out in pain. I knew that it was bad this time. I could feel a sharp pain in my side and chest and I knew that Charlie had broken ribs this time. It even hurt to breath. Once I was finally standing I started to make my way up to my room, all the while taking inventory of my injures. Other than the broken ribs, my left shoulder hurt but it was not too bad. I could feel throbbing all over my body and I knew that I was covered in bruises under my clothing. I also knew that I had a cut on my forehead from the bottle that charlie threw at me.
Once I made it to my room I slowly pulled off my shirt; but refused to look in the mirror, instead I grabbed the binding bandage that I had saved from when I broke my ribs in the accident and started wrapping up my chest and mid section the best I could. Once that was done I put on a clean long sleeve shirt and changed my pants. By now the pain was making me sick to my stomach and I wanted to throw up; even though there was nothing for me to throw up, but I knew from previous experience that it would hurt even more if I did. After dressing I made my way to the bathroom. Looking in the mirror I could see a large gash on the left side of my forehead and dried blood covering that side of my face. I also had a large bruise on my right cheek. After washing away all the dried blood I got out my concealer and covered both the gash and the bruise the best I could. I knew that I didn't do a great job and the people would notice, I but I didn't care. The pain in my chest and side was even worse now, it was making it hard to think clearly. I knew that if I was to take any pain killers out of Charlie's medicine cabinet he would know, but I didn't care. Opening the cabinet, I grabbed a bottle of pain killers and downed a few of them with water. Then shoved the bottle into my pocket.
Going back to my room I saw that it was 8:20 now. I was going to be late for my first class, but I didn't care. I was in too much pain to care about much of anything. I picked up my backpack slowly, doing my best not to put too much weight on my ribs or my shoulder. I was so focused on trying not to do something that would cause more pain that before I knew it I was in my truck. After starting the engine, I head towards school. By the time I reached the parking lot it was 8:45. First period class would soon be over, so I decided to just wait until then. Scanning the parking lot for a free spot, the only one I saw was next to the Cullen's car and jeep. Seeing those reminded me about them and that the would most likely be looking for me today. Alice was probably worried already that I was not in class with her. How could I let them see me like this, they would know that something was wrong and then they would report it. If they reported it, it would get back to Charlie and then I would get it even worse. I would just have to do my best to avoid them until after lunch, but after that there was no way I could avoid them.
But what about after that, what about when I get home. Can I really face Charlie again? He almost killed me. I could run away, but where would I go? I did have a little money that I was able to hide from him. Maybe I could just take that and go. I do have my truck, so at least I would not be on foot and I would have some sort of shelter. I hate leave without saying goodbye to the Cullens, but this is about saving my own life and if I was to say anything to them it might get back to Charlie and my plan would be ruined. So it is decided. After school; as long as Charlie is not home again when I get off, I am going to grab what I can and run.
Just as I decided that, the bell rang signaling the end of first period. As I got out of my truck I could feel the pain of my ribs again, but did my best to ignore it. I made it to Art class just before the bell rang and settled into my seat in the back. As per usual, no one paid me any attention. Which was fine with me. I was in too much pain to really concentrate on my work and I only half listened to the teacher. I knew that Alice was in the class next door and that I needed to avoid her. Looking up at the clock I could see that it was about to ring, and instead of bolting out the front door of class like everyone else did, I went out the back door that led to the back side of the building. After making sure it was clear, I decided that I would spend lunch in the library because it was close to my biology class. I stop at a water fountain on the way to the library so I can take some more pain meds. By the time I was siting in the library I was starting to feel worse. It was starting to get hard to breath again and I felt like I could just pass out. Oddly enough I was sweating even though it was cold out today, but I didn't dare take off my hoodie sweater. Somewhere in my mind I knew that something was very wrong and that I should be going to the hospital but for some reason my mind could not comprehend that fact. I knew that me coming to school and the plans that I had made to run away after school were insane and that I should get help of some sort, but it was like I was not in control of my brain anymore. Everything was on autopilot.
Lost in a haze I hear the bell ring again and I headed to biology. After taking my normal seat in the back, I could swear that I could hear someone talking to me but I was in too much of a haze to care. It was not until someone touched me on the shoulder to get my attention that I realized that it was Edward. His face, his flawless beautiful face was marred with concern. "Bella, are you alright? We have been worried about you all day. Alice said you weren't in class this morning and she didn't see you leave your second period class either. We waited for you at lunch but you didn't show" Edward said. Refusing to look at him; because he would instantly know something was wrong, I Looked forward I said "I'm fine, just a bit tired" I knew my voice sounded weak but I did my best to keep it together. "Are you sure, you don't look like you are feeling very well. Is that why you missed class this morning?" Edward asks again, I could hear the concern in his voice and it is taking everything I have not to just burst our and tell him the truth. "I'm fine. I just really tired, that all. Char...my father just had friends over last night until late so I didn't sleep well and overslept this morning. Thats why I was late for class" By the time I finished with my explanation I was feeling like I was going to pass out but I did my best to try and focus on staying awake. I knew that Edward didn't by my explanation, but luckily Mr. Banner had called the class to attention and he didn't get the chance to question me again.
I had zoned out for most of biology class, the pain in my side was starting to become too much to handle and I knew I needed to take another pain pill. I felt like I was sweating through my hoodie and I could feel myself staring to shake a little. Maybe I should just go to the hospital. But not here in Forks, Charlie would find out to fast. After I get my stuff from the house I could drive a few towns over and go to the hospital there. Looking up at the clock I could see that it was about to ring, so I started to gather my things. One more class, that's what I keep telling myself. One more class and I can get out of here. The bell ringing broke me out of my haze and I started to gather my stuff. Going too fast and no really paying attention to what I was doing, I knocked my biology book onto the floor. Acting on natural response to dropping something, I tried to bend over to pick it up and instantly regretted it. A searing pain shot through my body and I gasped in pain. Luckily the class had emptied already except for one other person, unluckily that person was Edward. I knew that Edward had heard my pain filled gasp and he was about to start asking questions, but I just closed my eyes and refused to look at him.
"Bella? What was that? Are you alright?" Edward asks. From the sound of his voice I can guess that he is standing in front of me, so I duck my head down so he cant see my hastily done cover-up job. Trying to come up with a quick lie so I can get way, I say. "I'm just a little sore from falling in gym yesterday; speaking of which, I need to get to gym or I will be late. Opening my eyes I can see he is still standing in front of me and that he had picked up my book for me and placed it on my desk. I grab the book and quickly peek up at his face. He looks so concerned, yet angry at the same time. I mummer "thanks" before turning and heading out the door as fast as I could. I thought that he would had followed me, but when I reached the girls locker room I looked back to see he was no where in sight. Sighing in relief, I turn back to the locker room and enter. Most everyone had already changed by then and headed into the gym. I didn't see Alice or Rosalie so I figured that they too had already gone into the gym. After grabbing my gym clothing out of my locker I headed to the bathroom to change in one of the stalls. As gently as I could I changed into my gym clothing, making sure no bruises were visible. After changing, I exited the bathroom stall and went to go put my stuff in my locker. My lightheadedness was getting worse and I was starting to stumble and sway a bit. After swallowing down a few more pills, I shoved my stuff into my locker and headed to the gym.
Peaking into the gym I saw that class had not really begun yet. Other students were just standing around talking and the coach was busy helping out another student. After another sweep of the gym I spotted the Cullens. They were all together sitting on the bleachers. They didn't seem to be doing anything; just sitting there, but it was hard to see that far away and my vision was starting to get blurry. Slowly I entered the gym and headed towards the closest group of students, hoping to hide for a bit behind them. But the moment I looked over at the Cullens I could see that they knew I was there. It was still hard to make out their faces clearly, but what I was able to see was looks of worry and concern. Seeing them so worried made me feel bad about trying to hide from them all day. By looking over at them, I had lost my concentration on trying to keep my head clear and I started to sway again. But unlike last time, the struggle to clear my head was taking a lot longer.
I could feel myself starting to slip away as I stood there. With my last bit of energy and clear thought, I walked as best as I could over to Coach Clapp and said "Coach, I'm feeling a bit lightheaded. Can I please step outside to get some air?". Without even looking at me, he waved me off and went back to talking with some other student. I turned around to head towards the gym door that headed outside, but I turned too fast and almost lost my balance. I closed my eyes for a second to gather myself. Opening them again was hard, but I was able to. Keeping focus on the door; I knew that I would have to pass right by the Cullens, but it was my only way out. When I was about 10 feet away from the door I looked up at the Cullens, but it was a mistake. Both Alice and Rosalie looked very concerned. Emmett looked sad, and Jasper looked like he was in pain. I turned my head away from them quickly, but in my haste to look away I lost my balance and started to stumble again. I knew that I had lost the battle. Looking over at the Cullens again I whisper "Help Me" before everything started to go black and I felt myself collapsing. The last thing I was aware of was someone shouting my name and a set of cold and hard hands grabbing me before I could hit the ground. My last conscious thought was about how safe those cold hands made me feel.
Alice POV
"Where is she" I kept asking myself as first period class began. We had waited for Bella in the school parking lot until the last possible moment, but she never showed up. Still frustrated that I still could not 'see' her, worry and dread started to fill my mind. What if her father had done something to her, what if he had gone too far and she was hurt or dying somewhere. About midway through class I phone buzzed and I looked at it and saw a message from Edward. "Has she shown up yet?" I quickly text back "No, not yet. I'm starting to worry. What if something has happed to her? Maybe we should leave and go look for her." A few minutes later my phone buzzed again "If she has not shown up by lunch, we will go and find her" This time, the message was from Jasper. I hated the idea of waiting, but I agreed. Still, all I could think of was the dread possibilities as class dragged on. By the time the bell rang I was out of my mind with worry.
I wanted to just leave and go find her, but I had agreed that if by lunch she had not shown, that we would all would go look for her.
Just as I approached my next class, I caught a wif of her scent. It was fresh, she was here. Sighing in relief, I headed to my class a crossed the hall from hers. Once settled at my desk, I pull my phone out and send a group message to my siblings. "She is here, I just caught her fresh sent coming from her class a crossed the hall" No one responded back, but I knew that they were all sighing a collected sigh of relief. All those dreadful ideas I had thought of in my last class just faded away as my current class dragged on. Just as the bell rang I jumped up and headed out into the hall to wait for her. I watched as the other students poured out of the class room door, but no Bella yet. I watched as the last student was ushered out by the teacher, who then locked the door behind them, but still no Bella. I started to worry again. I knew she was here, but where was she. Was she avoiding me for some reason. Maybe I missed her leave the class somehow, maybe she was already in the cafeteria waiting on me. Thinking this, I head to the cafeteria.
Once inside the cafeteria I see the rest of my family, but no Bella. I know that they notice that she is not with me, and when I reach the table I don't even have a chance to speak before the questions start flying. "Where is she" Edward asks. "I though you said she was here" Emmett says. "Did you actually see her, or just catch her scent. Maybe the scent was old" Rose says "Give her a chance to speak guys" Jasper says, trying to get them to back off for a moment. "No she is here, I know the scent was fresh, but I did not see her leave the class. She might have gone out the back door, I saw that that class room had two doors." I say "Do you think that she is trying to avoid us for some reason? It kind of seems like it" Rose says. "Why would she avoid us, we are her friends?" Emmett said as he pouted. But it was Edward's reaction that caught my attention. I could see the worry and dread in his eyes, she was after all supposed to be his future mate. "Maybe we pushed her too far yesterday and she is afraid to talk to us" Edward says. "No, I don't think its that. There is something else wrong here, I can feel it." Jasper says. He had been quiet all this time and I wondered what he was feeling. "What is it? Did you feel something?" I ask him. "I'm not really sure what it is, but I think that it is coming from Bella. Her emotions are all over the place. One moment this is pain, the next there is numbness, then fear, sadness, relief, then pain again. But it also seems my her mind is clouded by something, like something is dulling her emotions and actions." Jasper says.
All the horrible things that I had been imagining came back to mind. I trying my best to block them from Edward, but from the look on his face I could tell that he was able to get some of it. Taking charge I say "Ok. Edward, she has class with you next. If she shows up, try to find out what is going on. We will do the same in gym. After gym is over we will take her to see Carlisle, even if she protests. If she does not show, we will track her down and still take her to see Carlisle. What ever is going on with her ends today, no one will ever hurt her again" Everyone nodded in agreement as the bell rang.
Edward POV
Worry and fear weighed heavy on my mind as I made my way to Biology. I kept playing over what I had gleaned off of Alice's thoughts and filled in the blanks with my own terrible images. But as I entered my Biology class I was relieved to see Bella sitting in the back at our lab table with her face buried in a book. After making my way to the back and sitting down, I turn to her and say her name "Bella..." Relief quickly turned to worry when she did not respond at all. I say her name again, a bit louder this time "Bella?" Still no response. Reaching over I place my hand on her shoulder and she jumped at the action, finally getting her attention. She looked over at me quickly, but not fully before turning back to her book. Absently I noticed that her hair was down today and was partly covering her face and I wondered what she was trying to hide.
Trying to get her attention again, I say. "Bella, are you alright? We have been worried about you all day. Alice said you weren't in class this morning and she didn't see you leave your second period class either. We waited for you at lunch but you didn't show" Not even looking at me she says "I'm fine, just a bit tired" Her voice sounded off and weak, almost slurring her words. Something was very wrong. Pushing a little more, I say. "Are you sure, you don't look like you are feeling very well. Is that why you missed class this morning?" I knew that concern was lacing my voice and I tried my best not to push too much. "I'm fine. I just really tired, that all. Char...my father just had friends over last night until late so I didn't sleep well and overslept this morning. Thats why I was late for class" Bella says. I could see that she was almost on the verge of either passing out or falling asleep, I could also hear pained lacing her voice and I did not buy her explanation either. But before I could question her further, Mr. Banner had called the class to attention.
Keeping an eye on here the entire class period, I noticed that she seemed to be zoning in and out of it. Her breathing was off and a bit labored as well and as the class neared the end she seemed to start to shake a bit. As the bell rang it seemed to snap her out of her daze and she started to gather her stuff up. But as she reached for her biology book, she knocked it off of the table and on to the floor. I was about to get it for her, but she bent down to get it before I could and then gasped in pain. Moving quickly to her side, I say. "Bella? What was that? Are you alright?" Once again she ducked her head down, refusing to look me in the eye. But this time I say enough of her face to see that she had tried to cover up a large, fresh bruise on her cheek and a bad looking gash on her forehead. Schooling my facial expression and keeping my reaction down, I pick up her book and hand it to her. She gives me a quick thank you and then says "I'm just a little sore from falling in gym yesterday; speaking of which, I need to get to gym or I will be late". I just nod and she turns to head out of the class. I needed to see Carlisle, Now. After watching her head towards gym, I go in the other direction towards the parking lot. Once in my car I quickly make my way out of the parking lot and to the hospital.
It takes me only a few minutes to reach the hospital. Once parked, I head in and go strait to Carlisle's office. I tell he in in his office and thankfully alone. After quickly but gently knocking in the door I hear Carlisle say "Come in". I quickly enter and shut the door behind me. Carlisle looks up from his paperwork to look at me. His facial features quickly going from his normal professional look to one of concern.
"Edward, what are you doing here? You should be at school." Carlisle says. "I was, but I needed to let you know what was going on..." I proceeded to tell his about Bella hot showing up for school this morning until after first period, how she was avoiding us and what Jasper was feeling off of her. I told him how was was acting in Biology as well.
"Something happened to her between yesterday afternoon and this morning, something bad. I don't think we can wait any longer to act, we need to help her now. As it is I fear we might be too late" I say. Carlisle was about to say something, but his cell phone rang. He looked at it quickly before answering "Alice, what is it?…Wait, slow down and say that again...Is she breathing?...How is her heart rate?...no, not the house. Bring her to the hospital. If her condition is this bad she might require surgery and I can not do that at the house. Plus, I need to legally document any evidence of abuse to make a report so we can get her away from her father. Edward is already here with me. Bye" Carlisle quickly hangs up and says "Bella collapsed in gym class. She is breathing but it shallow and pained and her heart rate is not much better. They were able to get her out of the school and are headed here with her, lets go.".
Alice POV
I was relived when Edward texted me letting me know that she showed up for Biology. But I was still very worried and having trouble focusing on her immediate future. It was blurry and changing focus quickly. 'well she was in Biology at least so she should be in gym next and then we can see whats going on at least' I thought to myself before focusing back on what the teacher was saying.
Once the Bell rang I headed to the girls locker room. Rose was already there waiting for me. "Well? Did you hear from Edward? Was she in biology?" Rose rained questions down on me as we changed for gym and waited for Bella to show.
"Yes she was in biology, whats all Edward said." I say. "Well that's good at least. She is here and we can get her to Carlisle after school is over. Hopefully she will go willingly, I'm afraid we will frighten her if we force her" Rose says. "Speaking of which, shouldn't she be here already?" Rose adds just as the bell rings. She was right, Bella's class was close enough that it would take no time to get here, even at human speed. I was about to say that we should go look for her when coach Clapp came in and ushered everyone out of the locker room and into the gym. Both Rose and I reluctantly followed.
Once in the gym I see both Emmett and Jasper sitting on the bleachers. Both Emmett and Jasper have looks of concern on their faces, but Jasper's is mixed with pain and confusion as well. "Were is Belly-Bear?" Emmett asks. "I don't know. Edward texted me to let me know that she did show for Biology, but after that I have no clue." I say. "Jasper, are you ok?" I ask. "I'm not sure, I'm felling the pain from Bella like yesterday, but its different. Like there is a haze or something over it and her emotions are all over the place. I'm not sure whats going on." Jasper says.
I was just about to tell him how my visions of her were off as well when I caught moment over my the locker room exit. The other's must have seen it too because all of us turned to see Bella enter the Gym. She looked unsteady on her feet. She appeared to be trying to hide behind a group of other students for some reason but the group soon moved. "Something is defiantly wrong with her" Rose says.
We watched her stumble a few times as she walked towards Coach Clapp and whisper 'Coach, I'm feeling a bit lightheaded. Can I please step outside to get some air?' , not knowing that we could hear her clearly all the way over here. The Coach just waved her off. All of us let out an inaudible gasp when she turned towards us to head to the exit. She was paler than I was, paler than death. Her paleness showed through the bad cover up job she did on what looked like fresh bruises and a gash on her head. She was sweating and shaking as she stumbled in our direction.
She was a good 10 feet away from the gym door when she turned to look at us for a second. Something must have scared her because she quickly tuned back towards the door but must have turned too quickly because then she began to sway. Seeing this, all four of of us started heading towards her.
She momentarily looked back up at us with pleading eyes and whispered "Help me" Before collapsing right in front of us. We all rushed forward, but Emmett was the one who was able to get to her before she hit the ground. It all happened so quickly and silently that no one else in the gym even noticed. Emmett lowered her to the ground while Jasper took over. Jasper was the only one other that Carlisle and Edward with any medical experience.
Jasper's assessment took only seconds then he said. "Her breathing in shallow and pained, possible broken ribs. He heart rate is too low. We need to get her to Carlisle at the hospital." Nodding, Emmett picked her back up. This time the Coach did notice something was going on and was headed towards us. I ushered the other three out the door with Bella before turning to the coach and saying. "She just fainted, my brother is taking her up to the nurse" I top it off with a smile and dazzle and all the coach can do is nod.
I quickly catch up with everyone else, by now they were just reaching the parking lot. Rose and I got into the back seat of Emmett's Jeep and he handed Bella over to us then both Emmett and Jasper got into the front before leaving the parking lot and speeding towards the hospital. I pulled my phone out at called Carlisle.
"Calrlise, somethinghappenedtoBellaandshecollapsedandwearebringinghertoyou." I say in a hurry. Carlisle asks me to slow down and repeat myself. "Something happened to Bella and she collapsed and we are bring her to you." I say again. He asked if she is breathing "She is but it's shallow and Jasper says that its pained from possible broken ribs" I say with a flinch. It pains me to see Bella in so much pain. "What about her heart rate?" Carlisle asks.
"Its slow, slower than it should be" I say. "Should we bring her to the house?" I ask. "No, not the house. Bring her to the hospital. If her condition is this bad she might require surgery and I can not do that at the house. Plus, I need to legally document any evidence of abuse to make a report so we can get her away from her father. Edward is already here with me. Bye" Carlisle says before hanging up.
Looking down at Bella's head cradled in my lap I say "Please hold on Bella, it all going to be ok" I just hope that we are able to help her in time.
Bit of a cliffy. starting to work on the next chapter, hopefully I will have it out in a week.
