A/N: Sorry about the wait, guys. Exams can be a pain. (-.-) Anyways, hope this chapter makes up for it!

Isabella pondered on Gretchen's words for a moment.

"My reaction to the pain?" Gretchen nodded at her question. Isabella turned to Phineas, who was glaring at the floor with a hand on his chin, deep in thought. He snapped his head up to speak to Gretchen.

"If you're so concerned about the pain, then why don't you use sedatives? That would help." Gretchen crossed her arms and leaned against the dresser.

"Normally, that would be the case. Sedatives are used to numb the nerves of cells and render them unable to relay pain to the brain. That…isn't going to be the case when the serum is used. The serum is supposed to increase cell reproduction. Every time another cell is created, so is another neurotransmitter. The more neurotransmitters present, the less effective the sedative. That being said, the sedatives aren't completely ineffective. They will make the process somewhat bearable."

Isabella gulped at the last remark. She wasn't sure how she felt about that.

"So…how long will it last?"

"The serum will be stitching together the inner most muscles, which are more sensitive than the outer most. As deep as the wound is, it might take around a few hours to completely heal the inner muscles. That will be the worst of it. You will get the largest possible dose of sedatives, but the pain will still be intense." Isabella lowered her head, trying to hide the distress coming to her face. Gretchen went to her side, placing an arm around her shoulders comfortingly.

"I'm sorry, but it's all I could think to do to get the wound to close. I'll do everything I can to keep the pain to a minimum. I know that you, better than anyone else, can pull through it, but if it's too much please let me know." Isabella turned to her, forcing a trustful smile and shaky enthusiasm.

"Don't worry about me. I trust that you have the best outcome in mind, and I am ready to follow. Remember, I am Isabella Garcia-Shapiro. I'm not going to let this keep my down forever."

Gretchen knew those words weren't meant to encourage her. She looked to Phineas for help, and he nodded in response. Gretchen stood and collected the serum. As she passed Phineas, she placed a pleading hand on his shoulder.

"She needs your comfort more than anything right now," she whispered. His eyes let her know that he understood, and she walked out, closing the door behind her. Phineas returned his attention to Isabella. She was staring blankly at the sheet, her face reflecting her melancholy.

'So that's the next step. Here I thought the worst part was over. Can I really make it through that?'

She felt the bed dip slightly as Phineas sat at her legs. He waited for a moment, but her eyes never left the sheet. He saw her hands grip the sheet tight in an attempt to keep her eyes dry. He slid further up the bed until he was at her side and pulled her gently into his chest. Isabella sat in shock for a moment, but her previous demeanor soon returned. She pulled back from him, offering a small smile.

"Thanks, but I'm okay." Her voice came out weaker than she wanted. She could tell he didn't believe her. Her eyes wandered back to the sheets. Phineas sighed.

'This is going to be harder than I thought. She has always been strong, never wanting to burden others. I want her to know that she doesn't have to do it alone, but what should I do?' He watched her, debating on what to do. He saw her eyes begin to water. She raised her hand to wipe her eyes, hoping he didn't notice. He surprised her when he grabbed her wrist to stop her. She eyed him questioningly.

"What's wrong?"

"You don't have to do that anymore." She tilted her head slightly in confusion.

"What are you talking about?" He let go of her wrist, instead taking her hand in his. He stroked the back of her hand gently. He looked into her eyes, noticing their lack of strength.

"You've always taken whatever came your way with the most optimism of anyone I know. You've stood by everyone when they needed you, but never asked of it in return. You're trying to keep their spirits up, but tearing yourself up in the process. You don't need to pretend to be strong in this. You need to lose the façade and do what you feel you need to. I know this is hurting you more than you are letting on, and I would do anything to make it go away. I'm here for you and I will help you through this, if you'll let me."

His words left her speechless. She saw the sincerity and determination in his eyes and knew she couldn't hide it from him. She felt the tears began to fall down her face and lowered her head.

"What exactly am I supposed to say?" She pulled her hand from his and hugged herself.

"You're right, okay. I'm not fine with this, I'm terrified. When I was running back here after I got hit, I saw how much blood I had lost and I thought I was going to die. I was surprised to wake up. I thought the reason to fear was gone. Just now, Gretchen spoke as if there was a chance I could bleed out or not be able to take the pain. I don't want to feel like that again. What if I'm not strong enough this time? What if…what if…" Her sobs prevented her from continuing. She hugged herself tighter as tears fell steadily.

"I've…I've never…felt this way…before." She lifted her head to look at him, her eyes pleading for help.

"I don't know what to do." Phineas placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Isabella…"

She fell forward and sobbed into his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and planted a kiss on her head. He knew that she needed this, but seeing her like this made his heart ache. He sat and said nothing, letting her cry to her heart's content. After a long while, Isabella sat up and wiped her eyes. She offered a small smile to Phineas.

"Thank you." He smiled and placed a hand on hers.

"You aren't going in this alone. I'll stay here during the procedure and help you anyway I can." Her smile widened and she threw her arms around his neck, ignoring the slight pain at the movement. She gave him a light peck on the lips and hugged him.

"That would mean the world to me. Thank you." He was surprised by her reaction, but hugged her back.

"Anything for you." She sat back, blushing from her actions and his words.

They heard a light knock on the door. Gretchen popped her head in.

"It's almost time." She saw how red and puffy Isabella's eyes were. She glanced at Phineas, who gave her a small smile, then back to her.

"Are you okay with doing this?" Isabella nodded at her friend, then looked to Phineas.

"Yeah, I am now."

Gretchen opened the door, holding it for Milly. In Milly's hands was a small tray with the serum, a few bottles of sedatives, syringes, and a small medicine dropper. She set the tray on the dresser and began to fill the syringes with sedatives. Isabella took in a deep breath. Phineas placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. She smiled and placed her hand on his, feeling her confidence returning. Gretchen walked over to the bed and straightened out the pillows.

"Okay, we're about to start." Phineas felt her hand tighten over his. Gretchen's eyes gestured for him to leave, but he shook his head.

"I'm staying with her." Gretchen nodded, knowing they had already decided on this.

"Okay. Isabella, I need you to lay on your side." Isabella lay back on the pillows and turned to her side, her back facing the two nurses. Phineas knelt down to her level.

"You're going to do fine." She smiled at him and took his hand.

"With you here, I will be."

Gretchen lay a small sheet over Isabella's chest and unwrapped the cloth binding her, leaving the bandage on her side exposed. Milly stood beside Gretchen, syringe in hand. Gretchen grabbed the edge of the bandage.

"Ready?" Isabella gulped, nodding slowly.

She gently squeezed Phineas' hand as Gretchen began to peel away the bandage.