~ Lies in the Truth ~

A/N: Might be awhile before I post the next chapter. Till then, let me know what you think so far. Thanks.

**Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use**


Shock. That's what came over me.

What could I say to something like that? Edward killed his parents? This Edward? My Edward? Edward Masen?

That would make him a murderer.

Gazing at this despicable creature barely an inch away from me, I realized that it wouldn't make a difference. This man that I have met is kind, and gentle. He wouldn't harm a fly. I have been living for the past ten years with the monster himself, before Edward showed up.

Clearly there has to be a mistake here, but before I could do or say anything about it Doctor Carlisle Cullen entered the room.

"Hello Bella, I see your finally awake." He greeted, cautiously walking over to me.

Wouldn't want to have another spaze episode like last time, now would we?

"Son." Carlisle nodded his head to Edward's acknowledgment, causing him to grimace.

"Hello Carlisle." We both timely respond; me lost in a daze. Why would Carlisle call Edward his son? Don't they have different last names?

"Well Bella, seems your going to be just fine." Carlisle stated, looking over my chart, "Thanks to Edward of course." He shot him a pointed look.

"Umm. . . yeah," Edward shifted awkwardly in the hospital chair besides me, "the guy kinda just ran away." He rubbed the back of his neck, looking anywhere but at me.

"He ran away because you showed up. If you hadn't came at all, Bella could be dead right now." Owch, Carlisle's murky tone hit the spot.

"Carlisle is absolutely right Edward." I agreed. James threaten himself that he would kill me for killing his brother, which I didn't do.

"But - "

"No but's." Carlisle and I both shush him up. Edward grew frustrated though remained silent in his chair.

Why would he be upset? He saved my life for crying out loud! If anything I should be the one that's upset for being so stupid in the first place!

"Bella?" Carlisle's voice pulled me back from my thoughts, and oh no! I knew that look. He was contemplating something he wasn't sure he should say out loud.

This is bad. Really bad.

"I couldn't help but notice. . ." He hesitated, trying to find the words, eyes glancing towards Edward.

Notice what? Oh no, what did he notice? He's a doctor, they notice everything! Did he piece it together? No, no, no.

'He knows!' My mind screamed at me. And Edward is going to be disgusted with me and leave for good once he finds out!

I hold my breath and count slowly in my head. For God's sake! 'Say it already Doctor!' I all but want to wail at him.

"I couldn't help but notice. . . your scars." Carlisle strained out with a haunted look.

"What scars?" Edward questioned, finally casting a worrisome look at me.

It was then that I wanted to do nothing more than cry in relief! My scars! That's it. . . just my scars. All that and he just noticed my scars! What a break. . . though this isn't an easy one. I wanted to rip my own hair out at what I was about to do next.

It's as simple as that, however it sadden me to the core for some unknown reason. People do it all the time, so why did I get the strange feeling that I'm about to do something wrong here.

It's what I always do . . . block out my heart, listen to my head, and lie.

Lie to the world. Lie to myself. Lie to them, Edward and Carlisle.

X x X

Edward burst through the hospital exit doors, startling two elders on the way in as the doors slammed loudly against the cement brick walls.

His behavior sent shivers down my spine while he continued marching on his way towards the empty parking lot with me trailing behind, head bent low, and if I had a tail it would be between my legs.

I've never seen him act this way before, and it scared me to death. However, it didn't keep me from hearing the whispers of the elders being said,

"Poor girl."

"Wouldn't want to be her."

'I wouldn't want to be me neither.' I agreed mentally, pausing briefly in my steps before continuing on.

"What was that in there Bella?" Edward suddenly demanded, twirling around and causing me to stop in my tracks all together. "Well?" His harsh tone made me flinch as I didn't answer. This reminded me of Mike. . . tremendously.

His hand appeared in my line of vision, only causing me to jerk back violently, panic stricken eyes flashing to his boiling green one's.

"I wasn't going to hurt you Bella," he said softly, hand still lingering out towards me, "I could never do that to you." He breathe, reaching out for a hug.

I couldn't do it. I stepped away from him, shaking my head back and fourth with watery eyes and rigid breaths. I thought. . . he was. . . going to hit me.

"Bella. . . please." Edward's broken plead rang through my ears, "I'm sorry!" He cried, falling to his knees, "I'm sorry!" He hugged the back of his neck, burying his face to his chest.

It broke me to a million pieces to see him like this. I couldn't just stand here and watch his sudden meltdown just as I have had many times before myself. I got down at his level and gently placed my hand on his right shoulder,

"I forgive you Edward." I cry, wrapping my arms around him in a comforting, knowing hug, "I will always forgive you." I whisper in his left ear, rubbing small soothing circles on his back.

Suddenly I realize that maybe, just maybe. . . I felt something more for him. Something stronger. Something deeper. Something that's beyond what words can describe. Something that I haven't felt in years.

Could it be. . . what I thought it to be? Maybe, just maybe it could be. . . love.