A/N : I'm a day late! So I decided to extend this chapter as an apology. Sorry my loves!

**Disclaimer: I do not own twilight or its characters, Stephanie Meyers does. But I do own all rights to this story and the actions and script within it.**

Ch. 10 Colliding Lifetime

The Downfall of Us All ~ A Day To Remember

It's not easy making a name for yourself

Where do you draw the line?

I never thought I'd be in this far

Let's have some fun and never change not for anyone

Try not to miss me when I'm gone

I sold my soul to the open road

I'll live my life alone

You won't find me in the same spot

Believe me I could never stop

My life's turned upside down

Meet me out past the train tracks

I'm leaving and not coming back

You're right and I was wrong

This town will be the downfall of us all

Bella POV

He laughed and put me back on my feet. "Yeah I missed you too little sister." He unlocked in door and I followed him into his apartment and it looked so different from the last time I was here. Mostly black contemporary furniture but it was welcoming and so lived in. I could see some of Tara's things tossed around as well as his and it just suited him.

I was instantly reminded of the Ethan I met all those years ago. The one that had a house he grew up in and was a settled person. Suddenly I was so proud of him to finally be that person again even if he had originally given that up for me.

"You fit here Eth." My voice was calm and reserved but shown the pride I felt in him, I hope he could hear it.

He gave me a small smile and tipped his head forward looking slightly bashful. "I'm trying. How long are back in town for?"

I gave a small laugh before I answered him; he was alwaysstraight to the point. "I'm not really sure yet. I guess we'll see. How bout wesit? I'm dying for a comfy seat! Tell me about your life in the windy city."

We sat and I briefly wondered where Tara was. "It's nothing exciting. I haven't found a job yet but sometimes I go out with the guys at Volterra and their girls. Tara tags along sometimes were trying out dating right now just to see where it goes but she seriously can get on my damn nerves. Ugh! And when I wake up to her fucking puking I want to strangle someone! And I can't just sit there and not fucking help her out by getting her water or holding her hair because I'm not that big of a tool but it can be such an inconvenience." He hefted out a frustrated sigh but didn't look upset so I snickered at him.

I punched his shoulder and angled my body towards him but staying on my side of the couch. "Awe come on, it's your spawn that's causing it! You deserve it more than she does. As a guy it's your responsibility to glove up before doing the dirty."

He glared at me and gave me a disgusted look while he scoffed. "Please. It's as much my fault as it is her's. In fact if she wouldn't have come over that night we wouldn't be in this predicament."

"You Invited her! It's your entire fault you ugly douche."It felt really good to be around my brother again. Simple and no pretenses.

He stared at me and I could practically see the questions burning me in his gaze. So I waited for the inevitable and just when I couldn't wait any longer I heard him clear his throat. "Where have you been Bella?"

I automatically knew that one question was meant with a lotof answers that he expected. "Well I haven't actually been to a lot of places.I went to Indiana and for a little while I was in Evansville and this past week I went to Jasper. I hadn't meant to end up here but I knew you missed me so I decided to grace you with my presence." I threw him a playful smile and wasn't surprised when he didn't look amused so I continued.

"Everything was actually fine. A little lonely at first… I mean you're the only person I talked to so you know." And right on queue my phone vibrated on the seat next to me. I decided to ignore it since there's only two other people who would be trying to get ahold of me. When I looked upat Ethan he raised an eyebrow at me but I decided to ignore that to.

"So anyways, that one night I called crying I just had a little too much to drink, and then the other day when I called… When I made that decision I was overwhelmed. I guess I'm just a little lost at the more lost than usual." I stuck my tongue at him to lighten the mood.

Ethan nodded his head and looked deep in thought. "We'll talk about this later Bella. No need to hash it out now. So I left Tara at the shop when I heard you stopped it. And everyone's going out tonight, Did you want to go? I can let you get ready and shower up and we can meet them all at the pub." He looked so hopeful that I'd say yes and I couldn't say no to him.

"Yeah sure, I'll actually meet you there though if that's okay? I need to get a room anyway so I can do that now and get ready there." I started to get up when he started talking again.

"No Bella, You're staying here. I'll go into Tara's room with her and you can take mine. Although you might want Tara's, we haven't broken in her bed yet." He grinned at me and I cringed from the image.

Now I had to figure a way to let him know I was gonna stay in a hotel without offending him. "Thank's for the offer and that disgusting image but I'd feel better if I stayed at a hotel so no worries Ethan." I flashed him my brightest smile and walked to the door.

He grabbed my wrist and spun me to him. "You're not staying at a hotel especially in Chicago if I'm not with you Bella. This place is really dangerous; just let me get a night's sleep without having to worry about you B."

I knew he wouldn't give up so I threw out my only option left and unfortunately had to guilt him into it. "Ethan going to that Pub tonight with all of your friends is intimidating enough. I need to stay at hotel tonight please. It's the only form of comfort I have left… I came back, don't make give up the hotel. I promise to pick a nice one."

He looked at me for a minute and then slumped his shoulders and sighed with defeat. I couldn't help but grin a little. "You know, if you had a mustache and just ran your hand over it then that would have totally been a Charlie moment."

He rolled his eyes and smiled a little. "Yeah I can count on one hand how many times he gave me that look but once you came along I swear there wasn't a moment when he wasn't giving you that look."

I laughed and agreed while we continued to walk towards my car. "The difference is when he gave that look to you was because he knew you were a lost cause but with me it was because I was too cute to say no too."

"Shut up Smellerella. Your obnoxious and look like a frumpy old wanna be cat lady." He shoves me forward as we near my car and I stumble then turn towards him.

"Such a douchebag."I give him a hug and then start to open my door. "Text me the address and what time I'm meeting you there."

Ethan gives me a nod and shut's my door for me. As I drive away I turn to look at him for a quick glance, and I can see the fear in his eyes that he's trying to hide but completely failing in it.

After driving around for a little while I find a hotel called The Palmer House Hilton and it looks amazing. The feel is 1920's and I love it even if its way more extravagant then anywhere I've ever stayed. Once I'm settled in my room I grab my phone to find out who texted me earlier.

Seeing the three texts and five missed phone calls dividing evenly between Riley and Vicky I decide to call Riley back.

"Bella? Are you okay?" He answers the first ring and it's unsettling how attached I've already grown to the siblings.

"Yeah. Jesus you act like it's been days instead of a few hours." I laugh and try to lighten the situation.

Riley sighs and I can just imagine him rolling his eyes."Well you said you would call us to check in and it's been almost like twelve hours and no contact. Where are you now?"

"I actually ended up back in Chicago. It wasn't planned just felt necessary I guess." I suddenly feel bashful as if I gave in to quickly to come back here.

"Really? I'm glad Bella. Ethan deserves to see you handling everything and that you're okay. How long you gonna stay there?" Second time I've been asked this question and I still don't know the answer.

"I'm not really sure yet. Maybe a week or so, I wanna catch up but I don't want him getting use to me being here."

"Yeah makes sense. Just keep in touch Bella. Let me know when you leave, and I'll let Vic know you're okay so don't worry about calling her back."

"Okay Riles. Talk to you later and stay safe." I hang uponce he says goodbye and I allow myself to think over what he said.

I never really thought of me coming back here as a way to show Ethan I'm doing okay for his eyes so he can actually believe it. It's the same for me also. Coming here seeing him doing well will help me believe in continuing on the road without having to worry so much.

Tonight will be good for us. I'll show him I can handle being around people better and I can see him actually living a life.

As I get in the shower I make it quick. I love the feeling of the hot water running away all my doubting thoughts but I can't stand the scars that I know cover me. The discolored ones that decorate a lot of my bodyare more hurtful to see while the ones that are engraved along my back aredifficult to feel.

I'm not sure which I hate more. The skin on my back feels soragged and disgusting it makes bile rise in my throat and I have to forcefullypush it back down and hurry through my shower so I can get out and not think about this.

Once I read Ethan's text I start to get ready. I want to look kept together and feel slightly confident to show Ethan that I'm doing good on my own so I put effort in my appearance.

I pull on some black leggings that has lace covering the side so it shows some skin and wore a tight fitted dark blue top. The sleeves are long but the top simply hugs along my shoulders and across my chest. I apply simple make up and curl my hair enough so it flows easily while I tease the top and give it a wind-blown look.

I grab a black pea coat and button the middle button and slip on a scarf as I shut the door to my room and begin my walk. The pub is right around the corner and it was still light outside so I figured no one would bother me. I began looking at this city with new eyes. It was slightly crowded and people milling about but the chill in the air made it feel open. It was actually really cold and I was glad I wore black boots today to keep some of the warmth.

I can see Miller's Pub in my line of sight after a couple minutes and notice Ethan right away. He's wearing a black coat and some dark ruffed up jeans. His shoes look more like business shoes and I automatically want to call him a Queer-bag but when I notice Tara on his right rubbing against his arm to try and get some warmth I understand he's dressed nice for her. They are both laughing at something and I look over and see Emmett with the blonde girl named Rosalie holding his hand. She nods her head to that Alice girl who'salso holding the hand of someone but I can't see who anymore as they started walking into the pub doors. I'm just standing a couple people away observing when my eyes dart over to the peak of bronze hair I recognize instantly, even if it is covered underneath a charcoal covered beanie, which comes into view on my right.

I turn my head to look at Edward and he gives me a head nod as he steps right beside me and I turn to him. "Hey." My voice is quiet and I notice his hands are stuffed into his varsity looking black jacket with lines of white running through it. His dark black jeans look faded along with his tale-tale converse that has seen better days.

His green eyes stared at me intensely. "Why are you just standing over here?" As soon as he asked I realized what a creep I must have looked like. I blush a deep red at being caught and glance back over at Ethan and notice they have started walking inside as well.

"Just prepping myself I guess." I glance down at my purse and wonder when I'll be able to take an ambient because my nerves are getting the best of me already.

He nods his head and then pulls a package of cigarettes outof his pocket and pulls one to his lips while he offers one to be. I briefly shake my head and then watch as he lights it up and takes a long puff and then holds it in for a moment. He releases it slowly and turns his eyes back to meas he leans against the side of the wall. "Intimidated? You've meet all of them except one."

I agree with him because the only person I haven't met yet was Alice's husband so I shouldn't really be intimidated. But I am. I don't really know anyone and it's a little new for me to actually have to meet my brother's friends. It's all overwhelming because I don't walk to look like Ethan's little freak of a sister, add on top of that the entire crowd this place seems to have and I just don't feel up to it anymore.

I take a quick glance around almost hoping for an escape route even though Ethan doesn't know I've showed up so nothing is holding me back but I know he'll be disappointed, so I stay. "I'm just not feeling that great." It's all the explanation I can give at the moment.

He seems to accept this and changes subjects. "So it must be nice to be on the road all the time." More of a statement than an observation.

"Uh Yeah, I love it. It's freeing." I instantly smile because there's nothing that can adequately describe how I feel when I'm driving down an open highway."What's it like being a tattoo artist?"

He continues his intense staring and I'm starting to feel self-conscious. I've never noticed how weird people can be. And even though he's acting slightly creepy I can't help but to ogle him. He really is attractive. His jaw line is so chiseled and I want to nibble on it while I grip his defined biceps and now as I'm beginning my border line creepiness I try tofocus on what he's actually saying but I realize he's smirking at me.

"See something you like Miss Swan?" His voice his gruff and velvety all at the same time and it sends shivers through my body. His eyes are dark and he's slightly leaning over me. I can smell the cigarette and purely Edward smell as I feel his breathe fall over me and I can't help but lean forward.

His eye's alight with mirth and desire and he takes another step closer. By now were just foot apart and my dark brown eyes meet his forest green ones and he takes the initiative to lean in when suddenly I feel my body slammed forward and I crash into Edward while he clutches my waist to stabilize me.

All this happens within a couple seconds and I feel Edward shove me to the side firmly but gently at the same time as he steps forward. I turn to see him grab some guy by the shirt and yank him back as he went to take another hurried step.

I assume this is the man that bumped into me and I watch as Edward spins the guy around and shoves him into the wall that was behind us.

"What the fucks your problem asshole?" The stranger barks at Edward and moves to shove him off but Edwards hold is firm and he simply presses the stranger into the wall more. I'm kind of stunned so I just stand of to the side and watch as Edward defends me.

"My problem? You fucking crashed into her motherfucker." Edward shoves an arm in my direction and the man's angry glares focuses onme. "Don't Fucking look at her like that you piece of shit!"

"I don't give a fuck I've got somewhere I need to be now get the fuck off me!" He starts to squirm some more under Edwards grasp and once I notice a crowd around us I start to panic.

There are only ten or so people who are looking but it feels to close and my anxiety is rising. I close my eyes and try to stay calm and focus on myself but I can hear Edward and the strangers arguing somewhere around me and the chatter of the on-lookers. I can't hold on to my calm anymore and my breathing is now coming in short labored gasp and I'm so hot I can't seem to cool down so I clutch at my jacket that is restricting my body from breathing but it won't come loose.

I desperately fumble with the buttons to undue them but nothing seems to be working and I start to back up and glance everywhere but not really seeing anything when I feel hands grasping my upper arms and shake me.

"Bella? Bella are you fucking okay?" I know it's Edward but I can't seem to calm down and listen to him. My jacket is still surrounding me way too much and I know there's still so many people.

"Pl-please." I'm not sure what I'm asking for but I do anyway. Edward suddenly rips my clingy jacket open and lifts me off the floor and holds me bridal style. I shove my face into his chest and focus on his scent.

"Do you need me to call an ambulance?" I don't recognize the voice at all and I know it's another stranger. He sounds to close so I push myself further into Edward who's already calming me down and I'm able to take even deep breaths as I push the panic away.

"Back the fuck up." Edward's voice is so strong and I try to focus on that now but he doesn't talk anymore until I feel him stop walking."Bella? I'm gonna set you down now."

I don't want to be put down but I allow as I can't actually crawl back into is arms… it would be a little awkward.

As I get back on my feet he continues to hold my shoulders as I steady myself. I looked up at him and noticed his gaze on me. I couldn't hear anyone so I started to look around and notice we were in an alley way but I could hear the rumble of music so I don't think we went very far.

"So want to tell me what happened?" I slowly looked up at him and decided to go for the truth.

"I had a little bit of a panic attack." My heart was still beating wildly against my ribs and I knew I wouldn't be able to deal with much more without completely melting down. I grabbed my purse while I avoided his questioning gaze.

I could see him out of my periphery shifting and his mouth began to ask me another question as I rooted around for my Ambient.

"Because of that asshole? You know I can always find him and make him say sorry." I choked out a laugh at that and chanced a look at his face. The smirk he wore let me know he was joking but the hardness in his voice made me realize he would probably do it.

"Thanks for that back there. All of it." I was so embarrassed but he didn't seem to be judging me about it so I had to let it go.

He nodded his head and continued to hold that smirk I was beginning to adore. "No problem. I always go around protecting innocent girls and saving themselves from forgetting how to breathe. I'm like a fucking saint." His voice was still rough as always even as he tried to lighten the mood.

"We'll that makes so much sense because you look just like a role model for boy scouts." I hadn't known him for long but I knew he isn't that much of a joker so I was basking in his playfulness and his smirks.

He chuckled and stepped to the side and tilted his head to the right. "Wanna join your brother now?" My stomach completely drops at this.

"Yeah I guess we should right?"

"Yeah." He nodded again but neither of us moved.

I laughed and shook my head. "Ugh. I really don't want to, to be honest."

"So let's go."

I looked up at him and his answer seemed so simple. I wanted to leave and follow him to anywhere but here because he made it better. He may have not known but I didn't even think about my Ambient until after I realized I had to go into Millers pub still.

"Can we just go to the bar and take a shot before we greet the crew?"

"Alright little Bella." I followed him back around the corner and as he was in front of me I pulled a single pill out so he wouldn't see. I walked through the pub door's he held open for me. He stepped right beside me and he led us to the bar.

As he ordered our shot I lifted onto my toes so I could whisper in his ear. "Can they see us?"

He looked over at me as he leaned down and lowered his lips to my ear, "No." I could feel his lips brush against my skin and smiled at the sensation.

We heard the clank of glass and we looked over to see our shots. We each grabbed one glass and clanked them together as he went to drink his I tossed the pill in my mouth and took my shot quickly.

We turned towards each other and I felt so at ease with Edward I couldn't help the giggle that escaped me. I closed my eyes and just felt the effect of the mixed influences.

"I love this song." I focused on the lyrics and just swayed to it for a moment. 'You're the cutest thing That I ever did see, I really love your peaches Wanna shake your tree.'

I open my eyes and see Edward doing his normal 'stare intensely at Bella' thing again. I giggle and take his hand in mine. As soon as I do I feel a slight tingle. "You make me feel funny. Now lead me to your people."

"Jesus Bella, Are you a light weight?" He chuckles again at me. "My people are over there in the right corner."

"Sweet, let's go." My skin feels warm and I try to act a little less silly or Ethan will know I took an Ambient and drank at the sametime.

My eyes zero in on my brother and as if he feels it he look sup and straight at me. "Bella! You're late." He stands up and steps towards meand he just looks so happy, happier than I've ever seen him. Then his eyes dart next to me and I see he confusion spread across his face. I'm confused when his eye's shift slightly lower and his jaw clenches. I watch as anger dominates his face so I look down to understand what made him mad. I see my hand still grasping Edwards and I immediately let go.

"Oh! Sorry Edward." I giggle and then look to my brother and jump towards him. "Sorry I'm late big brother."

He ends our hug and looks speculative as he appraises me."We'll talk about this later Bella." He says this quietly and then says his other words louder for everyone to hear." Have you met everyone?"

I turn towards the table and see a lot of familiar faces andI begin to wave until I hear someone gasp. "Holy fuck."

I look towards the voice that said that and what I see makes my entire world shatter.

"Izzy?"

Uh oh! Well my peeps this chappy was a roller coaster and since I was a day let a little hint is that Edwards point of view is up next!

Also I will never request reviews but I would some! so if you're feeling generous leave me one. Maybe I'll post next chappy sooner than Monday!

Nessieness