Author Note: Hey guys, this is a little mini-chapter. I wanted to make sure I got you one more update before the crazy work week. I hope to have the next chapter up by Wednesday. :)

Jacob and I were on our way back to Seattle when Dr. Burke called to inform me that my dad had come down with a virus of some kind. They had to move him into a more "sterile environment". I wasn't sure what they meant. Since I wasn't able to see Charlie anyway, I checked into a hotel across the street. I quickly set my things down in my room and went across the street to the hospital. Jacob had left to run some errands around Seattle. I was able to find Dr. Burke fairly quickly who walked me back into a conference room to discuss my fathers condition. Dr. Burke was carrying a large manila folder of scans.

"Alright, Ms. Swan. In the last few hours, your father has come down with a fairly serious virus. We've begun a course of antibiotics and have moved him into a completely private room. I am going to restrict visiting hours and insist that anyone in the room with him be in a sterile gown over their clothing". I nodded.

"Now, and please don't get too overwhelmed. But previously, we'd left the bullet in his shoulder as it seemed like removing it would do even more damage. However, if it's alright with you, once he's stabilized we'd like to go back in to remove the bullet. I wonder if it's the culprit for the virus". He explained. I only nodded.

"Okay. Well I will keep you posted. As soon as he stabilizes we really need to do surgery as soon as possible. Based on his last test results, I'm hoping to be in surgery by 8 o' clock tonight". I only nodded again, for at least the twentieth time in this conversation.

"Will you be around the hospital or would you like me to call you?"

"Um, I should be, but if not I believe you have my cell phone number". Dr. Burke reached out to shake my hand. "Thank you again, Dr. Burke".

As I walked out of the conference room and to the family waiting room, a wave of exhaustion overcame me. I sank into a chair and rested my head in my hands. I felt tears welling, but refused to allow them to fall. I wouldn't give in the towel yet. I would be strong for my dad. I checked my cell phone again; still no word from Edward. If I had blown it with Edward I would never be able to forgive myself.

"Bella?" A voice called out. My head snapped up.

"Jessica?!" I was so relieved to see my best friend and old roommate.

"Jake called me! I'm so sorry about your dad!" She said hugging me tightly. We sat back down in a quiet corner of the waiting room. The waiting rooms in this ward were designed to look more like living rooms to be more comfortable for families that were near the hospital long term.

"So how is he doing?" she asked, concerned.

"Not good. He's come down with a virus. They think the bullet that is still lodged in his shoulder may be what caused it. As soon as he's stabilized they're going to take him into surgery to remove it". I explained.

"Does removing it cause more of a risk?"

"Yeah. I guess that's initially why they left it in, because it was more of a risk to remove than not".

"Oh, Bella, I'm so sorry."

"Thanks, Jess. Thanks for coming". I said with a sigh, squeezing her hand.

"Where else would I be? Can I take you to dinner or something?" She asked, looking around. I bit my lip to consider it. I wanted so badly to get out to have dinner with my best friend but I didn't want to leave.

"Can I take a rain check on dinner out? I should stay here in case they take him to surgery. We could get some take out and bring it back here?"

"Sounds great to me. What sounds good?" she asked. Truthfully, nothing; I didn't have an appetite.

"Oh, what about that great Italian place around the corner?" she suggested excitedly. Spaghetti and meatballs did sound good now that she mentioned it.

"That's so perfect", I took out my cell phone to look up a number. They were even gracious enough to deliver the food to the front lobby, so we only had to go downstairs to get it. We found a small hospital bistro-type dining room on the first floor with very few people in it, so we got a few bottles of water and took over a corner table. Jessica unpacked the containers and distributed them.

"So tell me about London," Jessica said, raising an eyebrow as she took a bite of her pasta. I smiled, shaking my head.

"It was amazing," I said with a sad smile.

"What's wrong?"

"I messed up so badly, Jess".

"What happened?"

"Jake called me in the middle of the night with the news about my dad. I didn't want to wake him so I just left."

"Bella! You didn't! By the way, I get the vibe that Jake is a little intimidated by Prince Edward." I laughed. Of course.

"Yeah, I was getting that vibe too. That's never going to happen" I sighed. Edward was the person I wanted. "Will he ever forgive me for being such a coward?"

"Oh, Bella. He'll forgive you. I don't understand you, but I hope he does," she said with a giggle.

"I've left him a few messages, but I haven't heard back. We talked for about a minute when I first got here, but I was so exhausted so I just let him know I was safe and would call later".

"I'm sure he's just busy. That celebration at the Palace was all over the news today for Prince Andrew." Prince Andrew was Edward's father.

"I don't know. I guess I was so confused of where we stood, I didn't know if it would be appropriate or not to wake him up".

"Okay, I get that. But you have a cell phone. Why didn't you just call him? And then if he didn't pick up, at least you tried and could've left him a voicemail".

"I just was so focused on getting back here".

"How was the trip, up until the phone call?"

"Really great".

"Have you thought anymore about moving to London?"

"Jess, I can't. If my dad pulls through, I'll need to move back here to help take care of him".

"No, you don't Bella. He has a girlfriend and friends here that can help. There's no reason for you to change your life plans for that. Your dad would say the same thing and you know it".

"Doesn't matter". I said stubbornly. My cell phone buzzed next to me.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Yes, Ms. Swan, it's Dr. Burke. Are you close by the hospital?"

"Yes, I'm just downstairs in the lobby. Would you like me to head upstairs?"

"If you would that would be great".

"I will be right up".

Jessica and I quickly packed up our food to go upstairs. Dr. Burke was waiting for me at the nurse's station when I arrived.

"Your father has stabilized back to more normal test results, so we are going to take him into surgery, if that's alright with you?"

"Yes. Absolutely. Do you think that will improve his condition?" I asked, a little afraid to hear the answer.

"It's hard to say. As with any surgery, there are of course risks. But we are hopeful that removing the bullet with make therapy and his overall prognosis better".

I signed the consent forms and went in to visit him before they prepped him for surgery. I took a deep breath, holding off the tears for now. I kissed his cheek and whispered, "I love you, Daddy. Be safe". I tore off the yellow surgical can and tossed it into the receptacle on my way out of the room. The moment I turned the corner, a familiar face was waiting for me. I gasped and stopped in my tracks for a moment before running into his arms.

"Edward," I sighed in relief as he held me tightly. After a few moments, he pulled away slightly, holding me at arms length.

"Isabella Swan, say you'll never leave me like that again". He said with a smirk.

"I promise to wake you up next time," I said with a small laugh.

"I won't ever leave you. And that's a promise" Edward vowed, holding my face in his hands. I leaned forward and kissed him, long and passionate.

Author Note: Please review?