Ten Feet Off the Ground.

Chapter 14.

Three weeks. It's been three weeks since Edward's been admitted to the hospital. I've tried everything. The hospital threatened to take him out a few times due to money. The bakery went bankrupt because I've taken all the money I've had, plus my life savings. Edward's mother and father have spent every penny they've had to keep Edward in the hospital, and to even pay for treatments. I'm running out of money. Dear Journal, normally I'd greet you first, but I have so much on my mind, I forgot. It's July 19th. I see many people outside; the day is very pretty to another person, I guess. The days are long, tiring, and dull to me now. Every time I visit Edward, he looks worse than before. Sicker, thinner…you name it. It's getting hard for him to breathe. Dr. Cullen told me that if his condition holds steady, his heart would give out soon.

I can't imagine life without Edward. Because there is no life without Edward. I'm trying, trying as hard as I can to help him, to find them money somehow. I'm not so lucky. I'm getting to where I don't have a penny to my name, and neither does Edward's parents. Edward acts as if his days are numbered now. I tell him to hold on for as long as he can. He promises me he'll make it through. Is it selfish to ask him for such a thing? Would it just be easier if he just let fate do its job? It'd be easier for him, yes. But for me…

I closed my journal, unable to write anymore. I quickly threw on my coat and headed out to the hospital.

Though I expected bad news, it was worse.

"Isabella," Dr. Carlisle Cullen stopped me on the way to where Edward was located. I felt a cold chill just by the look on his face.

"Yes, Dr. Cullen?" I asked, walking up to him. "Is everything okay?"

He sighed. "I really hate to tell you this. But Edward's gotten worse. He needs treatment, fast. But that's another $200." My heart sank to the ground.

"B-by when?" I asked. He looked down.

"Tomorrow. If he has any chance on making through the week, he'll need this by tomorrow." My mouth was agape, and my eyes were closed.

"How?" I asked. He knew what I meant.

"I don't know. I've already asked Edward and Elizabeth, but they don't have that kind of money right now. I tried your father, no such luck. I can…"

"No, Dr. Cullen. We don't want to take money from you." He's tried this many times.

"Maybe it's time to swallow your pride and do what you can to save your husband." I bit my lip, and my vision was immediately blurry. He placed a hand on my shoulder. "Bella, please. Let me help you."

I wiped my eyes. "Fine. But no more than a hundred."

He smiled warmly. "What about the rest?"

"I don't know I'll…I'll find a way. I'm looking for a job, I'll do something."

"Bella, you're only 18. You're practically a child. You can't do everything on your own."

"I'm trying," I protested.

"I know. That's all that matters."

"I'll get a hundred dollars in by tomorrow. I promise."

"Bella, I can just…"

"I can do this," I said, mostly to myself. "Thanks for your help, but I need to see Edward. I walked by him to find the room Edward was located. Since so many people were getting sick, we were required to wear a mask and to sanitize before and after visits. Patients also had to share rooms.

Amelia, one of the nurses, left Edward's room. She smiled sadly at me.

"How is he?" I whispered.

"He's…" she sighed. "He really needs this treatment." I nodded, and she walked past me. I paused by the door before entering. When Edward saw me, he used probably all of his energy just to smile at me.

I hurried to him after sanitizing and fought the urge to caress his flushed face.

"Bella," he whispered, his voice very hoarse.

"Shh, I'm here, it's okay." I moved a piece of hair from his eye. "How are you feeling?"

"Okay." I grimaced.

"Don't lie to me."

He sighed and then flinched. "Horrible I guess," he admitted.

"You need a treatment by tomorrow," I stated.

"Or what?"

"Or…" I just looked at him, and he understood.

"Listen, if you can't…"

"I can. And I will. Edward, don't you worry, I'll do this." He shook his head.

"You're in bankrupt because of me. You had to close down the bakery because of me. You have no money; how can you pay for another treatment?"

"I'll find a way. Carlisle offered to help." Edward sighed. I stayed there until visiting hours was over, and I left with a promise to Edward to have the $200 by tomorrow morning.

Hopefully he'll live to see another day.

~TFOTG~

It's almost 8, and I still have no way of getting the money. Having nothing else to do, I walk around town, stopping in front of the bakery. I stand there and cry silently to myself.

"What am I gonna do?" I cry to myself. I turned around and notice man standing in the corner. I immediately knew who he was. I knew this guy would get you money, and fast. I just didn't know how he did it.

"Hey!" I called out. The man turned to me. "Can you help me?"

"Help you?" He asked. "How?"

"I need money. I know you can give me money. How, just tell me! Please!"

He grinned mischievously. "How? Well, if you show me a good time, I'll pay as high as $250." I frowned in confusion.

"A good time? What…?"

He eyed me up and down. "What are you…18, 19?"

"E-eighteen," I replied. "What do you mean a…" I froze and then gasped. "You mean…?" He nodded, smirking. I gaped at him.

"Do you need the money or not?" I didn't say anything. "How much do you need?"

"Two hundred," I whispered.

"Why?"

"My…husband's sick. He's needs $200 by tomorrow for his treatment or he won't make it."

"Hm," he said. "Listen, I can help you, but only if you're willing. You really love him?"

"Yes, of course," I said.

"Then I suggest you do this. It's the quickest way."

Was I really determined to go this far?

It's to save Edward's life.

I closed my eyes and held back tears. "Yes," I whispered. "I'll do it."

A/N: Tough chapter to write. Reviews are my motivators; I really like those! Leave me your thoughts, and I'll leave you my love.