A/N: This is one of my favorite characters of Robs... The sweet, nerdy shy Daniel Gale. *le sigh*

We hope you all have enjoyed all four chapters that went up. This story is now about half way complete! Thank you for all of your patience with us in getting here to post. Thanks again for favoriting, reading, & reviewing this story.

Sometimes I think you are the only thing keeping me sane.

~Daniel Gale, The Bad Mother's Handbook

10.

Forest Meadow Mental Health Facility

Physician: Dr. Carlisle Cullen

Time/Date: 7:22 am, Friday, February 18th

Ward/Floor: S. Meyer Wing, 5th floor minimum security

OBSERVATIONS:

Swan, Isabella
Bella has finally started sleeping nights since the removal of Riley from our hospital. She still awakens many times a night, as per Felix Volturri's observations, but seems to be suffering less with night terrors. She has confided in Esme Platt about her feelings concerning Anthony. She understands the situation more than I gave her credit for. She seemed extremely happy this morning as she told us that she is excited to see "Edward" again. Administer Prozac on schedule. Hold back on Lunesta.

Hale, Rosalie
Art therapy has been working wonders with Rosalie, although I wonder if the absence of Anthony is what helped change her mood. I am thrilled with her progress these past few weeks. I'm hoping her road to recovery is stable and there are no more setbacks. Administer Zoloft on schedule.

Brandon, Mary Alice
Alice has seemed depressed these past few weeks. While she and Bella have been interacting as best friends, she has told both Esme and myself that she misses Jasper and Cedric. We have been keeping her busy with art therapy and afternoon activities, but she tells us she misses her best friend and boyfriend. I just don't know who is who.

Masen, Anthony
Over the past few weeks, Anthony has maintained the calmer, more personable Edward personality. Since moving him to one of the spare rooms for solitary confinement, he seems to be back to normal. He has complied with all of my requests. He has shared his journal and explained some of the writings and drawings in it. He has been doing better than expected. I am pleasantly surprised at his progress. We will reintroduce him to the ward later this afternoon.

Whitlock, Jasper
Jasper has been doing well on his solitary confinement as well. He is still under the impression that this stint was for the Riley beating. He has asked about Edward a few times, and I can tell he really misses his roommate (or brother as Jasper would call him). He will also be reintroduced back into the ward this afternoon. Continue administering Clozapine on schedule.

*~*~*~*Carlisle POV~*~*~*~

I hand off the charts to Emmett and he takes them from me with his usual morning grin. "This afternoon we'll move Anthony back in with Jasper, before we let them go outside."

"Today? You think it will be safe?" he asks, obviously worried.

"Well, we do have a nice day today. 57 and sunny. You know how rare that is around here."

He nods in complete understanding.

I continue explaining, "I would like them to be able to go outside with the rest of the ward. It will allow them to separate from the others if need be."

"Yeah, makes sense. I can't wait to have the brothers back together."

I look at Emmett. Out of my own curiosity, I ask, "Are you including yourself in that statement?"

He smiles and nods. "Absolutely. I've always wanted a big family, being the only child and all."

I clap him on the back. "That's why I'm glad you're here, Emmett. You take good care of everyone here no matter the situation. I do appreciate it."

"Thanks, Dr. C. Does that mean I can get a raise?"

I laugh as I walk to my office to start the plan to re-introduce Anthony and Jasper into the ward.

Later that afternoon, I walk into Anthony's room, He is sitting on the bed. His things were neatly folded beside him. I noticed that he was squinting.

"Anthony, are you ready to go back to your room?" I ask.

He smiles. "I'm sorry. You may have mistaken me for someone else." He answers with a very strong British accent.

I quickly apologize and ask his name.

He reaches out to shake my hand. "My name is Daniel Gale. And yours?"

"Dr. Carlisle Cullen," I respond as I shake his hand. "Nice meeting you, Daniel."

"Well, dad, I am ready to meet my new flatmate."

*~*~* Daniel's POV *~*~*

After lunch and tea, it's my turn. I don't know why I was sent here by Edward. Collect a clue, he said. I don't know what I'm looking for. I think he's quite lost his marbles.

And you take care of her, his voice tells me while a picture of a beautiful brown-haired girl floats in front of me. I can barely make her out, but he tells me her name is Bella.

"Bella? A name befitting a beautiful creature such as her."

I wait patiently, trying my hardest not to opt for a quick wank. She is such a gorgeous girl, I can't help but to slide my hand into the waistband of my jim-jams*. I begin sliding my hand over my cock, using the pre-cum on my pecker as lube. Just as I have myself in a good rhythm, he emerges for a moment.

I didn't send you out for this, Daniel, Edward tells me. Clues, remember?

"Bugger off, Edward," I answer. "I'm busy."

Maybe he shouldn't have told me about her… After all, she is forefront in my mind. Those chocolate eyes that hold such depth, I could stare for days into them. That long, flowing brown hair of hers, I want to run my fingers through the silken stands. Those beautiful pert breasts, I need to trace the peaks with my tongue.

When I finish, I clean the cocksnot up with a damp flannel and get dressed. There is no other option but to look presentable. It's a scary enough thing to meet all these people that I have only heard about until this point.

I'm not waiting for too long before Dr. Cullen appears in my room. He's like a father to me, Edward explains.

I smile, as I felt at ease right away. Edward is calm, almost happy, and that, in turn, makes me less nervous about meeting everyone. It's been a long while since any of us had someone we could call… dad.

And so I call him dad. He doesn't hit me. He doesn't sadistically laugh or act out. This is what was missing from us all that time.

He walks down the hall, carrying a few of my things. I follow behind with my blanket and neatly folded jim-jams. Before too long, we are walking into another room that a mahusive**, dark-haired man unlocks right before we arrive.

"Hey, Edward, nice to have you back," he tells me as I walk into the room.

"Daniel," I correct him.

He nods and corrects himself, saying, "Nice to see you, Danny. Catch you outside in a bit."

I nod and turn to have my dad, introduce me to my flatmate, Jasper. He holds out his hand and tells me it's nice to have me back. I timidly put my hand in his for a polite introductory shake, and admit that I don't remember him. He nods in understanding and leaves the room.

"I do hope I didn't upset the lad," I tell my dad. "I was only being honest."

My dad does the strangest thing and smiles softly at me. He lifts his arm, and I flinch, afraid that I am in for a slap. But, instead, he wraps it around me and says, "It's all right, Daniel. He was expecting someone else to show up, but I assure you, he isn't upset."

Dad walks with me, talking my ear off and asking questions. He talks more about Jasper and asks a lot about how I am feeling. He tells me about how Alice and Bella really missed me. Emmett, as well. He lets me know that Rosalie will probably avoid talking to me, so I shouldn't be upset by that.

"Is there anything else you'd like to know before you go out with everyone?" he asks, looking a might concerned for my well-being.

"Nothing is coming to mind, but I do need to ask if you've seen my glasses. I'm having a hard time seeing without them," I reply.

He pulls out his pad and pen and jots down something, before telling me he'll have the staff looking. "In the meantime, go outside and enjoy the rare nice day we're having. If they turn up, I'll send them out to you."

I nod and nervously walk through the doors into the bright sunshine. It takes a moment for my eyes to adjust to the brightness. Strolling down the pebbled walk, I spot my glasses lying on a newspaper on a bench. I walk over and pick them up. My eyes take a moment, but then everything falls into focus.

I look out in the yard and see quite a few people are out. Silently, I shuffle into the damp grass and walk through the yard. I stop the second I recognize Bella.

Don't bother her, Daniel. You need to find clues, Edward's voice tells me.

"I should at least introduce myself," I say, adjusting my glasses, before I begin walking towards the beauty.

She is talking to a little dark-haired faerie. They stop speaking, probably in mid-discussion, and watch as I approach. They are both smiling.

"I'm so glad you are out!" the faerie chimes. "When can Cedric play?"

That's Alice, Edward informs me. She's Cedric's best friend and my sister.

Sister? I ask him. It's been so long since we've had a sister.

Let's not open that can of worms right now. Just find the clue, he responds to my thoughts.

"Edward," falls quietly from Bella's smiling lips.

I introduce myself. "Hello, I'm Daniel Gale."

Bella quirks her head and really studies me before saying, "Nice to meet you, Daniel. Will Edward be here soon?"

"Oh, I see Miss Angela over there. I'm going to go ask when I can finish the castle that I'm making for Cedric. I'll be back in a minute." The pixie runs off, doing pirouettes and pliés as she goes.

I shrug in response to Bella's question. "I don't quite know when Edward will be back. I hope he won't be long."

"Oh." Bella looks so disappointed.

I personally can't stand when a young woman seems upset, so I quickly add, "He does care about you, you know. He thinks about you quite often."

She perks up a bit when I say that. "He does? Really?"

We were interrupted with a scream. We both turn and look in the direction of the blood-curdling octaves. There is a gorgeous blonde girl pinned against a tree. Two awful brutes are pushing at her, calling her names and making threats.

I run towards the girl as fast as my legs can carry me. Bella stays right behind me until she trips. I stop to help her, but she tells me to go help her friend. Following her request, I run on. When I get there, I reach out and pull this dark-haired boy, who is about a head shorter than me, by the white shirt. "Get your hands off of her. A gentleman doesn't hit a lady."

A blond boy yells at me, "Hey, get your fuckin' hands off of Erik, dumb ass!"

The boy I am holding onto replies, "I can take care of myself, Mike." The boy spins around and punches me in the face.

My glasses fly off and I fall back, ripping a piece of his shirt away.

"Oh, fucker, you're going to pay for ripping my friend's shirt," the Mike character yells, just as he swings back and kicks me.

I spot the red frames of my glasses on the grass, through which I see a boy and a girl happily playing together. Combined with the rough kicks to my sternum, the memories come flooding back into my conscious. It's there on the wall of my father's house… the maroon picture frame…a picture of what seems like the perfect family. My sister, mother, father, and me. We're smiling, happy.

Except, we aren't a happy family – quite the contrary. If you look closely, you'll notice that my father's grin is sadistic and evil. My mother's eyes are cold and lifeless – she's there physically, but my father broke her spirit long before that picture. My poor sister's neck shows the contusion marks from where my father had choked her the day before. My eye had make-up around it; a result of a fist to my face when I tried to pry my father away from my sister.

Later that day, he has me in my room, kicking me. He is calling me a fucking pussy for wearing make-up. The last kick has me spitting up blood, for which my father yells at me to clean before the carpet stains.

I feel sick, remembering that day.

So I ask him, Was this the clue I was supposed to find, Edward? Here's your precious clue! Now Bugger off. Let me live one day in happiness… with a real dad, a sister, a family!

You did it, Daniel! I'll let you have the rest of the day, but keep that clue in your head. Write about it in the journal tonight before you go to sleep. I'm proud of you, Edward tells me before falling silent for the rest of the day.

Three large men run up to us. One of them grabs Mike and tells one of the others to grab Erik. They were pulled back from me into the hospital.

The third large man I recognize from earlier bends down to me and asks, "Danny, are you okay?" as he checks my bones and has me follow his finger while he flashes a bright light into my eyes.

I take a few breaths to calm my nerves and answer, "Yes, I think so. Thank you."

He helps me to my feet. "You certainly are a tough one, Danny. I'm glad you're okay."

Just then the little sprite, Alice, springs up to us. "Emmett, Bella slipped in the wet grass. She says her ankle is hurt."

Emmett looks at the blonde then asks me, "Would you like to help me, Danny?"

The blonde says quietly. "It's okay if he stays with me."

The brutish Emmett turns to her. "You sure, Rosalie? I'm not comfortable with leaving you…"

She rolls her eyes and interrupts, "I'm good. He…" She falls quiet for a moment before finishing her thought. "He saved me from them."

He nods and lets Alice lead him away.

I look at Rose, completely puzzled. I couldn't understand why Emmett was fearful of leaving her with me. I would never harm a lady.

She smiles and hands my glasses to me, "Thank you for helping me… Edward."

Taking the glasses and putting them on, I introduce myself to her. "Oh, I'm not Edward. I'm Daniel Gale. I don't believe I had the pleasure of making your acquaintance."

"Rosalie Hale," she says. "I love your accent. Where are you from?"

"Guildford, England," I answer as I offer her my arm for a walk. "My dad insisted we move here to get away from it all."

She nods but declines my arm. Instead she walks towards a shaded bench and I walk along. "What did he want to get away from?" she asks me as we sit on the shaded bench. I notice that Rosalie keeps her distance from me, but I already know to expect that from the earlier conversation with my dad.

Fiddling with my glasses, I think for a moment. "I can't imagine his reasoning beyond the fact he wanted to keep his family a secret. My mum, sis…"

I trail off there. I'm not quite sure what to tell her… what would be safe to tell her, anyway. I want to be honest and open. It's what my father didn't want. So I tell her…

"My father was abusive. He killed my sister; at least I think he did. He beat my mum until she had no life to her. I was the catch all for everything that went wrong in his life. It was all my fault. The old sot even tried to claim that I wasn't his child, just to justify his beating me. I wasn't his, so it didn't matter if he hit me."

"Seriously?" Rosalie looks at me as though I am relaying a horror story.

"Yes. He was flat out bonkers, though. I look just like him," I laugh at the pure irony of it all.

She asks me about Edward and I explain that he's gone for the day. I did let her know that he would probably be back soon. She didn't seem too happy with that answer, though. She then asked about some bloke named Giselher. I explain to her that I just had no knowledge of the man, to which she replies with a sigh of relief.

As we talk, I tell her more about my home life. I reminisce about my sister and the fun times we had before her early demise. I tell her that my mother and I often avoided my father, especially since my sister's passing.

She nods, seeming that she could relate and after a moment of complete silence, she tells me, "My step-father, Royce, raped me."

My jaw drops. "Are you barking mad?" My hand instantly clamps over my mouth. "I apologize for such a rude outbreak like that, Rosalie. It's that you caught me off-guard with your comment is all." I beg her to continue.

She looks as though she is about to cry. "I don't know that I can, Daniel. I mean, you are going to judge me, they all judge me. I was popular. I was beautiful…"

"You are beautiful," I interrupt and correct all at once.

"I don't want to hear that. I don't want to be beautiful anymore. It's what makes men rape you repeatedly. It's why you have to get locked up in an insane asylum."

"Is that where you think we are?"

"Look around, Daniel. We're not in the French Riveria."

I glance around and realize that everyone is wearing pure white clothing and jackets. I glance down at myself and see that the rainbow sweater I thought I had on is gone and I'm wearing a white outfit as well.

"Well, that may be the case, but it's not why you are here."

"Oh no," she states matter-of-factly, "it is the very reason I am in here. My step-father raped me repeatedly for years. My mother was too damn drunk to give a shit. I think she drank because she knew, but she won't ever admit whether or not she did. Royce was rich beyond any amount of money you could think of, and she didn't want to lose that money and status, I guess. It's the only thing I can think of that would keep her with him.

"That afternoon… That day my life got so fucked up…" She pauses for a moment. I reach over to her to comfort her, but she shakes her head and holds up her hand to stop me.

Then she takes a deep breath and continues.

"That afternoon, my mom went to see my real dad. They were in the middle of an argument over child support. I had just turned sixteen, and my real father wanted to stop making the payments. He thought I was too old or something.

"While she was gone, I locked myself in my room and worked on my homework. What I didn't know is that Royce had made himself a copy of my key.

"Needless to say I was shocked when he walked right into my room."

I notice that Rosalie is trembling and tearful. Slowly, I reach out and wrap my arm around her. My hand rubs her shoulder as she cries. I hand her the torn piece of cloth in my hand – the same piece that ripped away from Erik's shirt.

She wipes her nose and finishes her story. "So Royce did what he always did… raping me… and left me there, telling me that I should go wash his sperm out so that I wouldn't get pregnant.

"I was at my wits end, Daniel. I wasn't thinking straight.

"After my shower, I found him asleep in front of the television. I had to do something. I thought about all the plans I had made for escaping or for making Royce suffer… I went to work.

"I walked into the shed in the back of the property. I knew the gardener kept gas in there for the mowers. So I pulled out a gas can, and took it to my room. I covered everything in there before taking the fireplace lighter and lighting it."

"Rosalie, you set your house on fire?" I ask, unable to fathom such an act myself.

"I never meant to kill Royce. It wasn't my intention. I only wanted to burn my room. I figured that if I had no room… no bed… he couldn't stick his pathetic excuse for a dick in me anymore. I only wanted him to stop."

"Believe me, Rosalie; I understand that desire to make those wretched things not happen anymore." I hugged her tightly.

"At least my parents are back together, although it's too late for me," she says in almost a whisper.

I push her back from me to look into her deep blue eyes. "Don't ever say that, Rosalie. It's not too late for you. What happened wasn't because you are beautiful. Your step-father was a prick. He was selfish and controlling and abusive to you. He would have done that to someone else if it weren't for you. Do you know that?"

She shook her head as though she didn't want to believe one word I had said.

"Look at me, Rosalie. He took advantage of you because you were young and weak, not because you are pretty and popular. And you know what? You proved that you weren't as weak as he thought. He probably burned himself for being such a complete and utter arse. Fuck him! You are a survivor. You are here, fighting and living."

I stop for a moment to try and gauge her reaction. She sits silent, tears streaming down her face. It seems that she is thinking about what I am saying to her.

Adjusting my glasses, I say one last thing, "I wish I was as strong as you are."

She burst towards me and pulls me into a hug, startling me. Then she whispers into my ear, "Thank you, Daniel. Thank you so much."

Rosalie and I spend the rest of the evening together, eventually being joined by Bella, Alice, and Jasper at the supper table. My dad, Dr. Cullen, join us with my new mum, Esme. I keep quiet as they chatter about – laughing and have a jolly time.

This is what I had always wanted. This. A family. I am ecstatic.

When dinner is all said and done, Emmett walks us all back to our rooms for an early turn in. I admit that I am wiped, what with being outside and all.

"Good night, Emmett," I tell him as I enter my room behind my flatmate. "I enjoyed your company today. I've always wanted a brother."

He claps me on the back and says, "Yeah, I enjoyed you, too, Danny. Good night."

After he shuts the door, Jasper turns to me. "So, you're not going to be here in the morning?"

I shrug. "I don't quite know. Edward sent me to do a job, and it was done. I got my reward in the form of my family's company, so I'm sure he'll be coming in soon."

Jasper smiles. "Thanks for letting me know." He collects his clothing and tells me he's going to shower.

Reaching under the pillow, I find the journal in the spot Edward said it was in. I take the opportunity to write in the journal while I am alone. My happy day quickly shrinks away as I write the memories or 'clues' as Edward says.

When I am done, I lay my head back on the pillow and reread what I've written. At some point, I drift off, seeing Edward for the first time since the morning.

"Do I have to really leave now, Edward? I was so enjoying everyone's company. I had almost forgotten what a family could be."

Yes, he answers. I know. We all miss the familial connections. It's something we all dream about.

"Who's turn is it now?" I ask. "When can I come back?"

I can't say for sure, Daniel. It's who is needed at the time; you know that, he tells me.

"Well, if I am not coming back for quite a while, can you at least promise me something?"

What's that?

"Promise to keep Rosalie safe. She reminds me so much of our sister. I'd hate to find out something terrible has happened to her… again."

I promise, Daniel.

And with those final words – that promise – I drift off into a deep slumber.

*~*~*~ Carlisle's POV*~*~*

"Here you go, Carlise," Esme says handing me a folder from across the desk. "Other cases have been confirmed. There are other patients who require glasses for one identity, but not another. The accent is applicable, too. I think it's time to make the official call. Anthony has DID."

I take the file from her. "Thank you, Esme. I agree." I tightly close my eyes, lean my head forward, and massage the bridge of my nose with my finger and thumb. "This is something I wish I had more experience with. I'm not sure I am getting through to Anthony at all."

She walks behind me and bends down, wrapping her arms around me and the chair. "Give it time, Carlisle. This isn't an easy diagnosis, and we both know that there is no cure. I'm sure you are doing your best. Don't doubt that for one second." She pecks my cheek with her lips.

Esme always manages to say the right things at the right time. Her words make me feel better, but, deep down, I still have doubts. Anthony has yet to appear and his other personalities have been cycling through, wreaking havoc on the other patients in the ward. If I can't get to his inner personality, there will be no chance of helping him at all.

A small, timid knock pulls me out of my thoughts. Esme stands up and walks to the door, opening it to reveal Bella.

She stands there looking at us, chewing her bottom lip. She quietly asks, "Um… If it's all right, may I talk with Esme before I go to sleep?"

Esme reaches out and pats her shoulder. "Of course, Bella. Go on to your room, and I'll be there in a moment."

Bella nods and quietly shuffles off down the hall towards her room.

"I wonder what that's about," she ponders out loud.

"She's probably still worried about Anthony. You go talk to her, and if there is anything that worries you about her state, you have my permission to administer Lunesta."

She nods and steps out of the office before I stop her by saying, "Oh, and if there is any discussion about Anthony or Edward, or whomever, let me know."

"Of course, Dr. Cullen," she replies with a wink. "I take it you'll go down and talk with him?"

I nod. She knows me all too well.

When I get to Anthony's room, Jasper is stepping out of the bathroom, freshly showered.

"Jasper, did something happen with you and Anthony?" I ask.

"No, sir," he says, snapping to attention. "If it's all right with you, sir, I would like to complete tonight's perimeter check before hitting the hay."

"You may," I answer.

He salutes me and marches out of the room.

That's when I see that Anthony had already fallen asleep. I pick up the glasses that had half-fallen from his face, close them up, and put them in my coat pocket. As I do, I notice that Anthony had fallen asleep with his journal in his hand.

The book is open to a page that bears today's date. I read about the incident in the yard. It sickens me that Mike and Eric weren't better supervised. The whole thing could have been prevented. I'm going to have to talk to the hospital director.

As I read more, I am horrified to read a firsthand account of his father's abuse. I have always known the background from the police and medical records that were sent upon Anthony's admittance into the hospital, but… But reading it from his point of view is something entirely different. I am in shock as I read about the degree of which he was abused. The feeling of terror washes over me as I finish his last words…

Anthony, I know you wish you were dead. And after those memories, I wish the same. I never wanted to remind you of such atrocities, but Edward said it was a necessary means to an end. I'm worried for what he has planned for you… for us. ~xo Daniel.

A/N: Thanks for reading!

Your English to English dictionary:

*jim-jams ~ pajamas

**mahusive ~ immense, sizable, very large