I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.

CH 13: Cast

September 21, 2006 (BPOV)

I sat on the hospital bed waiting for what I assume was my release papers to be signed. My ankle was definitely broken and has been wrapped up in a blue cast. They ran a head CT and the results came out normal. They gave me some meds and I was feeling better. My headache had finally gone away.

Charlie and Dr. C. arrived not long after I had been admitted. Charlie briefly told me to expect a long talk on the ride home. He looked neither mad or happy, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I didn't mind them taking their time getting everything done.

There was a knock on the door. "Come in," I called. A new doctor came into the room. She had dark red hair pulled into bun with deep blue eyes. She was probably around my father's age.

"Hello, I'm Dr. Siobhan McGregor. I'm with the hospital psychology department. You're Bella, correct?" She introduced herself to me.

"I am. Can I ask why you're here?" I frowned. Why did I need psych consult?

"I just wanted to talk to you for a few moments, if that is okay? You don't have to answer any questions if you don't want to. Also anything said in here is between the two of us." She said warmly. I nodded slowly.

"I understand that you ran away from home," she asked going to sit in a chair near the bed.

"I'm eighteen years old. Is it really running away or just leaving? Besides, I had already decided to go back. However this accident delayed me." I answered with a shrug. I wasn't sure I was ready to tell my story to a complete stranger.

"Can you tell me why you decided to leave," she prompted. I sighed heavily looking around the room for something else to look at. Unfortunately the room was very blank.

"Life just got so overwhelming that I needed a time out. I started to feel like I was drowning and I couldn't find a way out. So I left to gather my thoughts and to decide what was the next best step was." I explained.

"Didn't you have anyone you could turn to? A friend, a family member, or any one like that? I saw a group of young people your age in the waiting room that I thought were here for you?" she asked slowly.

"No. At least it doesn't feel that way. I'm not sure what they are doing here, except they feel guilty." I answered.

"Did you get into an argument with them or something?" She wasn't giving up. In fact she was interested in hearing more. I gave a brief outline of my life over the past few months. She was quiet and listened to me. When she was still quiet after I finished I was worried a bit.

"Bella, how would you feel about seeing a colleague of mine," she asked with a pleasant smile.

"So you do think I'm pathetic," I muttered.

"No, dear, I don't think that at all. I think you're in need of an unbiased person to help talk things through. You said you wanted to grow stronger and have a backbone. I think this person can help you in the right direction and also dispel the negativity in your life. Your mother seems to have a great significance on why you think you have the inability to speak up for yourself. Would it hurt to visit her?" Dr. McGregor asked.

"I guess not." I shrugged. Would it really hurt to go at least once?

"Good. Her name is Dr. Margret McGregor. She is my niece. She is a recent graduate, but she was at the top of her class. She apprenticed under me and is now working three days a week in Port Angeles and two days in Forks. I think she will be a perfect fit for you." Dr. McGregor stood up and handed me my discharge papers and a bottle of pills.

"Her number is on the sheet. I called and made an appointment for you on Thursday. If it's not a convent time call the number here. Take care of yourself." She helped me off the bed and handed me the crutches.

"Thank you," I told her as I made my way out of the room. I slowly made my way down to the waiting room.

I entered and my father and Dr. C. seemed to be in the middle of a conversation. Alice was leaning against Emmett looking half asleep. Emmett's arms were crossed over his chest and his eyes were closed. Edward was pacing near the door. As soon as he saw me he came running over.

"Bella, do you need any help?" He came to my side. Alice's and Emmett's eyes opened and they got to their feet.

"No, I'm fine." My voice remained icy. I went over to where Charlie just stood up.

"Can we go home?" I asked.

"Yes," Charlie nodded. He took the pill bottle and papers from me. "We will see you later." He turned to Dr. C. who nodded.

"You three, it's time to get going," Dr. C. turned to his kids. "Bella, I'm glad that you're okay."

"Thank you, sir." I said softly. I followed Charlie to the cruiser. He helped me into the front seat and placed the crutches in the back. He got in and started the cruiser up.

"Are you hungry?" I shrugged. He drove through the drive-thru at McDonald's.

"What would you like," he asked pulling out his wallet.

"An order of fries and a chocolate milkshake," I answered.

We got our food and headed on. He was silent until we were on the highway.

"Would you mind explaining to me what this running away was all about? You know how worried I got when I couldn't find you." He asked.

"I left a message on the answering machine. I had to get away so I could think before I completely lost it." I leaned my head against the passenger window sipping on my shake.

"You know that the best way to reach me is my cell." He scolded.

"I do know that. However, I was afraid that if I talked to you directly, you wouldn't let me go, or would drag me back before I was ready. I didn't expect it to take you two days to notice I was missing." I looked at him out of the corner of my eyes and he frowned slightly.

"I thought you were at the Cullens pouting about the date. Which, by the way, you didn't really go on." He pointed out, I rolled my eyes. Of all the things to be worried about.

"That punishment wasn't really fair to me or to Jacob." I argued back.

"I know. But I was hoping that you would spend time with other kids that weren't the Cullens and Hales, especially after that alcohol incident." He explained. I watched him carefully. I wonder if he already knew that Jacob was gay too.

"So you wouldn't mind me transferring to La Push for the rest of senior year?" I suggested cautiously before starting on my fries.

"You can't do that. That school is for Quileutes only." He shook his head.

"What about Port Angeles then?" I asked playing with the pill bottle on my lap.

"Bella, you're not transferring schools." Charlie shook his head. I dropped the bottle and it fell off my lap on to the floor.

"Why all this sudden need to change schools? Has it really gotten that bad with the kids calling you a narc? I could talk to the principal…" He asked looking concerned.

"No, please don't, it will make things worse." I pleaded.

"Is it about Mike Newton harassing you? Tanya Denali said he had to be pulled off you. You could press charges if you want to. In fact, I would encourage it, if he needs to be taught more of a lesson."

"This isn't about Mike. I just don't have any friends at the school any more." I shook my head. I hadn't thought too much about Mike, but now I was reminded about the tape.

"I know you and Edward got into a fight. Is that what this is about?" he kept questioning.

I was silent for awhile.

"I'm not sure what exactly happened between you two and perhaps this is one of those situations I don't want to. However, I feel partly responsible for it. From what I did pick up, part of the argument happened because of the date with Jacob. Why didn't you tell him about the reason for the date, or why didn't you tell me things had changed in yours and Edward's relationship?" He asked, changing lanes. It was always amusing how people always slowed down once they spotted a cop on the road even if they were going the speed limit.

"I tried to tell him, but I don't think it matters anyways. He said he was tired of being friends." I grumbled.

"You know he said that because he was jealous, right?" Charlie told me. Charlie thought he was jealous…could he have been jealous? But I had told him I wanted more. Also Jacob was harmless. It didn't change the fact he didn't want to be friends anymore.

"No, I don't think he was." I said slowly looking out the window for anything interesting, so I didn't start to cry.

"I think you and Edward should talk. One, if not both of you, has your wires crossed." He sighed.

"I know what he said." I grumbled.

"Even so, you're not leaving Forks High. Running away doesn't solve problems, it can only delay them," he advised. I think this was the most Charlie and I ever talked to one another. "Besides, for the next couple of weeks you will have to try to get along while you're at the Cullens." He told me.

"Wait. What? I thought you just said you wanted me to spend time with other people." I was confused.

"I do. However, I still have to work nights to the end of the month, I can't change that. With you laid up I won't be home to help you. I don't think you should do stairs on your own. Esme offered for you to stay there. I know you have had problems with your friends but please hold on until the end of the month," he asked.

"You know I'm an adult now. If I wanted to leave Forks and not come back I would be with in my right. You can't just order me to the Cullens to be babysat. This isn't the first time I had a hurt ankle. I can maneuver on the stairs just fine. Besides, who will take care of Tony?" I argued. I couldn't live at the Cullens when I was trying to ignore them.

"Isabella Marie, you're going. I will feed your cat. I'm not going to come home and find you at the bottom of the steps with a broken neck. While you live under my roof you will obey my rules." He directed.

"Then I will move out." I huffed.

"And live where? What will you do for a job and how do you plan to finish school?" He asked.

"I will find a way." I answered.

"Bella, be reasonable please. It's just nine days." Charlie was getting impatient.

"I will go stay with mom. I will move to Florida." I lied.

"I've talked to your mom." That stopped me cold. "Why didn't you tell me what she said?"

"When did I have the chance," I mumbled.

"I know I'm not the greatest father. I've tried, but when it comes to girls I'm at a lost. I'm sorry if I haven't been there enough for you. What your mother has done is horrible. I hope you know that it's her problem, it has nothing to do with you." As he told me he looked uncomfortable with the amount of emotions he was showing.

"She never wanted me, did she?" I asked tears coming to my eyes.

"She did at first. She thought motherhood would be an adventure. Then she got tired of it and wanted something new. She felt tied down, but it's not your fault." He told me.

"Dad, please don't make me stay at the Cullens. I'm not comfortable there right now. I promise to move up and down the stair on my butt if that will make you happy." I pleaded one last time. He sighed heavily.

"I suppose we can try it. Esme is going to be working from home for awhile. So if you run into problems I want you to not be stubborn and call her."

"Agreed." I felt slightly better.

"By the way, excellent job on shooting that bear. I'm proud of you." He smiled genuinely.

"Thank you. I had a good teacher." I smiled back.

E

At some point the drugs made me drowsy and I fell asleep in the cruiser. I awoke when it came to a stop. We were outside the Cullen's house.

"I thought you said I didn't have to stay here," I frowned.

"You don't but we had already brought some things over here for you. Plus we want to talk to all of you kids together," he said. He got out of the car before I could argue. He opened my door then got out my crutches for me. He helped me out of the car and followed behind me as I went up the short walk to the house. The others arrived about the same time as us. Edward tried to hurry to my side but I ignored him. I knew he wanted to talk but what more could be said. I didn't want him to be my friend again out of guilt.

"Let me help you up the steps," He went to pick me up.

"I got it," I answered taking my time on the steps proving to him and to my father that I could handle it.

Esme opened the door when I got to the top. She immediately pulled me into a hug.

"Bella, sweetie, I'm so glad that you're alright. I have been so worried."

"I'm sorry, Esme." I felt guilty. She had been more of a mother to me then my own; complete with all the mother and daughter talks and taking me shopping for my first bra.

"No, apologies needed. Next time you need to get away just let us know, alright," she pulled back cupping my face. I nodded and she hugged me again.

"Why doesn't everyone take a seat," Dr. C. stood in front of the fireplace. I moved to take a seat in the chair, placing the crutches on the floor beside me. Jasper pulled the coffee table over so I could put my foot up on it.

I looked up to see that Mr. & Mrs. Hale, Esme and Charlie had joined Carlisle in front of the fire place. I started to feel uneasy about what was going to happen next.

"I'm not completely sure what has been going on here recently, but I know that has to come to a stop. You six have been friends for a long time. For any of you to hurt your friend to the point that they have to run, is childish and unrehensible. I have never been more disappointed. You're almost adults and it's time for you to start acting like it. Now you're all past the age we can make you sit down and work it out like children. It's up to you to make amends for your behavior, if you're ready to go your separate ways then none of us is going to force you to be friends, but you will be civil with one another." Carlisle started to lecture.

"I do hope you think hard about it before you do. Once that friendship is gone it will be hard to get it back." Esme added quietly. I stared at my cast not willing to see their faces. Not much at this point was keeping me from saying good-bye for good.

"There will be changes around here. Esme is going to work more from home. When she can't be here Charlotte will be around. Unfortunately, it seems many of you still need your mother to take care of you constantly." Carlisle continued, I flinched hard and there was a pregnant pause.

"Moving on. Bella will be staying here for a short bit." I opened my mouth to say something, but Charlie beat me to it.

"Actually, there was a change of plans on that front. Bella wants to stay at home and I will respect her decision." Charlie told him.

"But who will take care of her?" Esme asked. I choked back a scoff.

"I appreciate your offer Esme and Dr. C., but I will be more comfortable in my own home. I can take care of myself." I finally looked up at them. 'I always have', I added silently. Esme was frowning sadly. Edward looked like someone had punched him.

"Bella has agreed to call if she has any problems." Charlie said.

"Next, if any of you think you're in the clear about drinking at the party, you can think again." Peter Hale spoke up. "Instead of hiring people to come in to clean up the yards before winter, it will be your guys' job. You will spend a weekend cleaning up our yard. Then, the following weekend cleaning up the Cullen's yard. The third weekend you will be cleaning up the Swan's yard." He informed all of us. I noticed the others grumble a bit.

"With the exception of Bella. Charlie has already punished her in his own way," Esme paused to shake her head. I was surprised they all knew about that. "Besides, if we gave Bella this punishment I think we all know that she would be doing more than her fair share." Esme dared any of them to argue with her, but none of them said anything.

"We aren't done quite yet," it was Charlie's turn to speak and I noticed his voice had switched over to cop mode.

"Your parents may have punished you, but that doesn't mean you're off the hook with the law. I'm not having charges pressed. However, the five of you will perform thirty hours of community service each. Alice, I expect you to do fifty for admitting to giving alcohol to an unexpected minor." My eyes shot to her. She admitted that? Was she forced or was it free will. Either way she didn't look mad at me. She just nodded sadly. I realized then I was also included by the five.

"I think the Chief was more then gracious with this offer, since it will not cause any blemishes on your records. Also, there will be no more parties at anyone's houses after any games for the rest of the year." Peter spoke up.

"Can we still go to homecoming?" Alice asked quietly.

"Well, the boys have to attend since they are on the team, so it would be unfair to just punish you girls. However, Esme and I have come up with one stipulation." Charlotte spoke up for the first time. "Bella will be choosing your clothes." I watched Alice's eyes grow huge while Rose just raised an eyebrow.

"I'm sorry, but me?" I asked, both women nodded.

"They dress you up all the time. I think it's only fitting you have a chance," Esme smiled at me. I couldn't see this going well since I didn't want any reason to be with them any more. So much for 'you will make up your own minds about how to handle this friendship'.

"They won't have a problem with it, will you Rosalie?" Charlotte eyed her daughter.

"No, Ma'am" she answered solemnly.

"Alice?" Esme looked at her. Alice opened her mouth then closed it and shook her head.

"Good, don't worry about the cost, dear, we will cover it." Esme smiled at me.

"I think that about finishes things up. Any question?" Carlisle asked. No one spoke. I grabbed my crutches and stood up.

"Before you leave don't forget your things. Emmett, go grab Bella's bag from Alice's room." Esme ordered. Emmett nodded and ran up the stairs.

"Bella, I really want to speak to you, please," Edward asked, again.

"I'm not ready to speak to anyone right now. I'm tired and I have a ton of homework to catch up on." I told him.

"When then?" he asked. I looked at him. Why was he trying so hard? Did he still feel guilty?

"I don't know. I'm sorry. I have to clear things up in my own head before I start trying to process any more. Besides, what more could you possible have to say to me?"

"I have a lot more to say. But I will wait until you're ready." He gave me a sad smile. A small voice in my head said to listen to him. Another voice told me to keep him at arms length or he was just going to hurt me again.

"Bella, the truck is at our place so I can fix it as soon as possible," Rose told me. I was about to tell her to just give me the part and Jake will do it when Charlie interrupted me.

"That's fine, Rose," he turned to Emmett coming down the steps. "I'll take that," Charlie took my bag from Emmett.

"Remember to call if you need anything," Esme hugged me before I left.

E

We weren't home long before Charlie had to head into the station. I felt bad because he looked really tired. I slowly made my way up to my room when I realized the state that I left it in. Charlie had made no comment on it. I groaned when I realized I had more work ahead of me before I could go to sleep. I opened the door and was surprised the room was fairly neat. Not at all how I left it. My pictures were piled neatly on my desk and everything else was neatly picked up and in it spot. The only remnants from my temper tantrum were on the wall and the mirror. I shuddered as I looked at the words then avoided looking there.

I sat down on my bed and prepared to some homework. I decided to give Jacob a call. I picked up my cell and noticed the messages. A couple from my dad, Esme, Edward, Jacob and one from Jasper. I listened to them and then deleted them. I laid back against my pillows as I called Jacob.

"Don't you ever scare me like that again." His voice came across line.

"I'm sorry. I just snapped and had to get out of here. I didn't think it would have been a big deal." I sighed.

"Are you okay?" Jacob sighed.

"You mean besides the slight concussion and broken ankle?" I started pat Tony as he came and curled up at my side.

"Tell me that that prick didn't hurt you," Jacob almost growled into the phone.

"What prick?" I asked confused.

"I think his name is Mitch or Mike. Cowboy led me to believe he was taken care of it." That was a surprise to me.

"No, it's not from Mike. I jumped out of a tree and broke my ankle. Then knocked myself out when I shot a bear." I explained. There was dead silence on the other line.

"I'm sorry; it sounded like you just said you shot a bear and knocked yourself out.

"I did. I wasn't going to let the bear kill Emmett." I explained.

"Why not," Jacob grumbled.

"Jacob Black," I was shocked.

"Does this mean you're friends with all them again?" Jacob asked.

"No, but I don't wish any of them dead." I answered.

"You're a better person than me." Jacob sighed. "You're really not going to forgive them?"

"I don't know at this point. I'm not sure I want to. They are acting sorry, but I'm not sure if I believe them." I answered truthfully.

"Not even Golden boy?" He seemed surprised.

"He keeps wanting to talk, but I haven't let him yet. I wanted to be stronger before I do. I don't want to be walked on again. I may be back, but I still want to grow stronger and not be the girl I once was." I told him.

"I'm glad. But you should still talk to him, even if it's for closure once and for all." Jacob advised me.

"Do you think they are actually sorry?" I asked him.

"I saw them in your room. They all looked worried and upset at both themselves and the fact that they couldn't find you. Edward looked the worst. They even cleaned up your room." Jacob answered.

"Wait, they are the ones that cleaned it?" I asked mildly shocked.

"That is what they were doing when I entered the room. Surprised the hell out of me too." Jacob laughed. I was shocked I didn't get a lecture on the proper treatment of clothes from Alice.

"So am I a bitch if I don't let them back in?" I questioned.

"No, I think it serves them right to work for it. If you feel they aren't genuine then kick them to the curb." Jacob responded.

"Thanks, Jacob." I smiled.

"You're welcome, if you need to run again, at least let one person know where you're going." Jacob lectured me lightly.

"Yes, sir. Good-night, Jacob." I rolled my eyes.

"Good-night, Bells," He laughed.

I hung up and found my bear from Edward staring at me next to me on the bed. I picked him up and placed him on the shelf with the others. I grabbed my throw blanket and covered them up.

A/N: I know a few wonder why Charlie never went into Bella's room. To me that is not odd. My father hardly ever entered my bedroom growing up as sign of respect and privacy. Where Bella was a good usually well behaved child he didn't think to check for anything.

I know a few wanted the parents to punish the kids for hurting Bella. Initially I was going to. Then I thought about it. How is Bella to know any of their actions are honest and they are truly sorry if she thinks their parents are making them? They are still getting punished though. With manual labor.

Bella is going to get help. She will eventually talk to Edward. Some of the others will get chewed out.

Thank You For All Reviews!

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Preview Alert

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Preview:

"Keep your hands off of her!" Emmett's voice was low and menacing. I almost didn't recognize it.

"Dude, chill out. I wasn't going to actually do anything." Tyler whined. Emmett took a step forward making Tyler cower into the lockers but he did touch him.

"That is not what it sounded like. Don't touch her, talk to her or even come near her again. You hear me." Emmett sneered. Tyler nodded. "Trust me she is wanted here much more then you are. Apologize to her now." Emmett ordered.

(Ticked off Emmett Alert)