Insert disclaimer here...yeah, yeah, yeah, I don't own Twilight....blah, blah, blah

Here is the next chapter! Thank you so much for all the reviews from the last chapter! Just keep it going for this one. There's only going to be one more regular chapter then the Epilouge! Ahh! It went so fast, but i'll be back for the sequel...which will come up probably a week or two or three or so after this one ends....so yeah! Enjoy this chapter and don't laugh too hard at Emmett's new name!

Hmm…I Guess I Can Deal With This Compromise…

I don't know what it is about anesthesia-induced sleep, but it is the worst thing in the entire world! Well, I might be exaggerating a bit. It's just plain strange. I get the weirdest dreams in the world when I'm 'under the influence'. For example, the one that I'm trying to wake up from is about as random as they come. It's involving Emmett making pancakes, Edward covered in chocolate (yum!), carving knives, and someone's death. Strange, right?

I can feel myself waking up, but my eyes are like glued shut. That is so not fair! I need to wake up. I need to see Edward, to question him about some other things that have been flooding through my head. I can't quite remember what exactly he said, but I think it involved my name. My real name. And Ava…something about Ava. God, I hate anesthesia and anesthesia induced amnesia! Ha, I rhymed.

I can't remember anything other than panicking and running to the stupid ballet studio.

Well, not entirely true. I'm remembering the feeling when the venom starting coursing through my veins, but not much else. I better get some explanations as soon as I'm awake!

Ow, bright light…

Jeez, do they paint the rooms white just to blind people when they wake up? I never have liked hospitals. Maybe, through karma, that's why I'm in them so much. Or because I've been here so much, I don't like them.

In any case, I wasn't expecting what I saw when I woke up. Mom was sitting in a chair next to the bed, looking tired and worried, Dad was asleep on the other bed in the room snoring like a pig, Ava's parents sitting next to Mom asleep too, and Edward on my other side, resting his head on my pillow. Okay, that last bit wasn't so surprising. He looked bored and worried about waiting for me to wake up. I thought I'd surprise him.

"Hello, stranger."

His head snapped up, meeting my eyes. I could hear the heart rate meter beeping faster and faster, along with feeling my face start burning up. "Bel—Sarah…you're awake."

So that wasn't a dream. Edward really did say my name. And, with a knot growing in my stomach, I have a feeling that I don't like it as much as I should. "Edward, we have to talk about that."

"What? The fact that I don't really know anything about you, and I still don't care? Sarah, I told you already, I will always love you no matter what your name is. You are you, in my book, or our book, or whatever. But I am curious…"

"Edward, how can you just accept everything so fast? Not that I'm upset about it or anything, I just expected I would have to give you a huge explanation like I had to with Alice." I needed to tell him not to call me Sarah, too, but I figured I'd tell him later.

"Alice replayed whatever conversation you and her had at your house. She especially relayed how much you loved me, and that you were going to be scared that I wouldn't feel the same way if you told me about the book. Which is crazy, even for you. But when Alice got to a certain point, she just cut off and started reciting the 'Star-Spangled Banner' in her head." Oh, Alice…well at least she hasn't let me down yet. "What she didn't say, though, was how much you knew about all of us."

I couldn't help but laugh a little at Alice, but it hurt, bad. "I know quite a bit. But…but not that much. I mean, I all about what was in the book, but other than that…" I shouldn't have said that. I should have been completely honest right then and there and tell him about all of the books, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. And then there was the fact that something else kept bubbling around in my mind. "Edward, where's Ava? And Angel, for that matter?" He looked away for the first time since I woke up. Uh-oh, I don't like this. "Edward, what happened to her? I remember something about her being in trouble, but all those pain drugs I'm guessing I've been taking messed around with my head."

"Sarah, she's…dead…" He whispered. "Sarah, I'm so sorry…"

"Dead? No, that's…that's…impossible…" I could barely choke out. That was impossible…right? Tears started rolling down my face uncontrollably. Edward wrapped his arms around me to offer some level of comfort. I'm surprised I was able to keep my voice at a normal level. Now I know why Ava's parents were here. I was the only thing close to a daughter they had left.

Wait, no, Ava couldn't be dead. I keep feeling this tugging sensation in my head. There's something I just can't remember…Okay, let's put the facts together. Edward told me she's dead. He's naturally overprotective of me. He doesn't want anything around me if it could even put the tiniest bit of danger on me. And what defines danger for Edward? Other vampires…and werewolves, of course, but those aren't a big deal yet. But vampires, yes, newborn vampires would definitely pose a threat to my well-being.

I remember it now. Everything. Ava's bruised arm, the bite mark, and the screaming and thrashing on the floor. That's it! She's a vampire!
I raised my head up from Edward's now soaked shoulder. "She's not dead…she's a vampire! Or will be, I don't know. How long have I been here?"

"About two days, but no, Sarah, she really is dead." His eyes were convincing, earnest. But too much, like a bad over-actor.

"Yes, dead, in the sense that you are dead. But I remember what happened now Edward. James bit her because he was interested in her power, I remember seeing the bite mark and seeing her face. She was going through just as much pain as I was when he bit me. And I remember Carlisle saying 'He bit her, too!" The tears were still flowing, but not as much. My best friend was still alive, just not in the same way she was before. "So, there! Where is she now? I need to see her as soon as I'm better!"

"No! Sarah, are you insane? She's going to be completely out of control for at least a year. I'm sorry, but you can't see her. I won't allow it." With a pang, I realized I missed him and how his jaw always set when he tried to be stubborn. But I still know how to break him.

"Edward Cullen, I may love you, but you are not my father. I have to see her. Now, where is she?" I demanded. It hurt like hell to speak up like that, but I wanted that information.

Edward stopped looking so defiantly at me and eventually his penetrating gaze softened until he looked defeated. "Sarah, I-I can't let you see her. What she could do to you—"

"Edward, you'd be right there with me. And I'm sure the rest of your family is watching out for her. Now, seriously, tell me. Is she awake yet or not?"

He sighed and ran a hand through his beautifully tousled hair. Man, I missed everything about him. "Angel ran her to some remote location. Today's the third day, so she should be waking up any time now. Alice will see when they're coming this way."

Okay, that satisfied me…for now. I eyed him suspiciously since I had a feeling he knew where this 'remote location' was, but I knew he wouldn't tell me. He's waiting for her and Angel to come back here on their own. I needed to change the subject anyway. "So, what's the story? What does Mom and Dad and Ava's parents think what happened?"

"Ava picked you up to take you to the airport, and along the way some sort of deer jumped in front of your car. Ava was driving, and she swerved the car off the road. Both of you were thrown from the car, but only you were found. Carlisle and I were driving towards your house because we thought you were running late for our flight, and we saw the car by the side of the road. When we went to investigate, we found you. I had to carry you all the way here to the hospital; it was really quite heroic if you ask me."

"Cute, Edward. Do you think the police going to keep looking for Ava?"

He nodded sadly. "Yes, they will. But they'll never find her if she's still walking around somewhere else. Angel is planning on staying up in Forks with us, so she'll be there too, I suppose. Carlisle is very interested to see what her power turns out to be since I couldn't hear her."

I shouldn't leave him in the dark about this. "She's persuasive or something. If she makes a demand, you feel the need to do it. I think that's why you couldn't hear her. I warned her ahead of time to watch her thoughts around you. But the first time you met her, she was freaking out over me almost getting attacked in Port Angeles, so she wasn't really watching what she thought, except before you went up to her she thought 'Please, don't be able to hear me'. Or, at least, that's my theory."

Edward looked furious all of a sudden. Probably at the mention of Port Angeles. "Sarah, you knew that those guys were going to come after you and Ava did too and you still went!?!"

Whoops. Bad move. Umm, look for a distraction. Mom twisted in her chair a little and her eyelids started fluttering. Thank you God, she's waking up. "Um, Edward, now's not the time to talk about that. I think we have an audience."

"It's Ethan…" he half laughed and half growled. "I think I'm going to get a drink." He winked at me before he left. I didn't feel like putting up a fight, I was sore enough already. He would calm himself down while he was out there.

"Mom? Mom, are you awake?"

She mumbled something about meatloaf and Twilight before she must have realized I talked to her and her eyes popped wide open. "Sarah! Oh, honey! I was so worried about you! Mr. Callum came to the house and told me you and Ava were in some sort of accident and I thought the worst! Well, it is very very bad, but the Lorraines and your father and I still have you," she pushed my hair out of my face like she always did when I was younger, but then she looked mad, "you will never do that to me again, you understand? I thought you went to the airport with Alice—I mean Allison! Sorry, I keep thinking that she's Alice Cullen. I swear, that girl looks just like what I thought Alice would."

Put the 'you-must-be-crazy' look on your face. She won't catch on. I hope.

"Right, Mom, and I suppose that Ethan and Jackson and…Mr. Callum look just like Edward Cullen and Jasper and Carlisle." Which they do because they are Edward and Jasper and Carlisle.

"You're right, of course. I'm just being silly. But, I'm still going to punish you by making you go back to your school in a wheelchair for a whole month. And don't think I'm kidding."

I can see through my mom too well. "But you are. And besides, I won't need one. I'll just wear one of those cast thingies that goes all the way up my leg. I'll have to wear it at the wedding and everything."

"What wedding? Honey, you and Ethan aren't getting married already, are you?"

"Mom! Uncle Charlie and Sue's wedding!" Great, there goes that stupid heart meter again. I bet my face is beet red! The thought of marrying Edward is about as amazing as living forever with Edward, but then again, I'm a sucker for weddings.

"Kidding, sweetie! You are too wound up for your own good. I really would make you ride around in a wheelchair, but I wouldn't want to embarrass you too much in front of the Callums. You're lucky that I like them all so much. Ethan's a doll, I see why you've given up on Edward Cullen when you have him. But he really looks just like that boy in Twilight, doesn't he? Oh, if I were younger and didn't have your father…well, you might a run for your money." Wow, I read Mom way better than I thought. "And he's so funny with Allison. But that brother of theirs, umm, Emerson I think his name is. He scares me just a bit." Emerson? All right, there's a question for Edward. "But about Ethan, I didn't realize how much he was in love with you. Allison wasn't kidding me."

"Not at all, she was underestimating."

"Sarah, you realize your father has already cornered him about you. Happened yesterday, in fact." WHAT? NO! WHAT DID DAD SAY?!? HE WOULD COMPLETELY EMBARRASS ME! HE WOULD SAY THINGS THAT WOULD HAVE ALICE ROLLING ON THE FLOOR LAUGHING FOR THE REST OF HER EXISTENCE! Mom noticed the heart monitor speeding up again, so she intervened on my internal spazz-attack. "Kidding, Sarah! I think I'm going to get everyone out of here so you and Ethan can have some alone time. Okay, how's that sound?" She sounds like a kindergarten teacher trying to help one of the freaked out kids.

"Don't talk to me like I'm a two-year-old! And yes, that does sound good. He and I actually have some things to work out." Mom kissed my forehead, all traces of her scolding mood gone. I can't believe I was that stupid to make everyone worry like that. I'm going to make my Dad lose all his hair before long. Mom graciously woke everyone in the room up, who all proceeded to hug me and start crying, which made me start crying, which made my humiliation even greater when Edward…Ethan, I should say, walked in. Along with Emmett, who I know will never let me live down the fact that I was blubbering like a baby while I was getting a massive group hug from my two sets of parents. When Mom and Ava's mom saw me blushing, rather profusely, I might add, they ushered the glaring Dad brigade out of the room. Emmett left too, but not before giving me a teasing wave. Finally, I could turn my attention back to Edward. "So, did you get something nice to drink? AB positive, perhaps?"

"Very funny Bell—Sarah! Sorry, I keep forgetting."

"No, I wanted to tell you that. I'm used to Bella now. I mean you can call me Sarah in front of my parents, but otherwise please call me Bella."

"Fine, Bella it is. My Bella." He grabbed my hand. I love the shivers I get whenever he touches me.

"My Edward." Sorry, I can't help but to be sarcastic. It's my signature thing. "Or should I say Ethan?"

He smirked, but the small smile didn't reach his eyes. "Bella, I was sort of surprised that your mother didn't…well…she didn't make you stay here. She was expecting you to go back to Forks."

"Yeah, because she knows I want to go back there. She wouldn't stop me from being happy, unless, you know, it was a danger to my health or something."

"But she doesn't understand how much of a danger is already there. I hoped she'd keep you here and that way I wouldn't be around to hurt you anymore."

"Edward! Stop that! I don't want to you ever say that again! I only got into a mess because you weren't around. Do you even know how many times I fell down this past week since you weren't here?" The nurse came in to check my IV stuff, as was expected. Edward and I both shooed her out. She would be back, though, whether I wanted more pain killers or not.

Edward kept watching my face, looking at the sadness that was creeping out. The only reason I could think of him leaving me would be to look for the 'real' Bella. He must have found whatever he was looking for because he gripped my hand harder and leaned in very close. Close enough for normal, not banged up, me could have reached forward and kissed him. "Bella, I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right here as long as you need me."

Nope, we're re-wording that. "As long as I want you. Because wanting and needing are in the same boat when it comes to you. "

"Bella…"

"Swear. Swear that you, Edward Anthony Masen Cullen, will stay with me as long as I want you to. Please."

He looked torn. I had re-worded that little thing, so if he even tries to leave me whenever New Moon rolls around I'll be able to bring this up. "I swear." Thank God! I ignored the pain in my ribs and practically leaped forward and kissed him. Hope I gave him my 'look' before I did. Even if I didn't, I don't think he minded too much. His cold lips were moving against mine with just as much urgency as I felt pouring out of me. I think that his lips were what I missed the most, but just marginally next to the rest of him.

The heart rate thingy was beeping out of control again and even stopped completely once, and I could feel Edward smiling while he kissed me. He pulled back much too quickly for my taste, but then again, I was only human. "See? I am a threat to your health. I may just make you have a heart attack one day."

"You know you won't. The book says that we will live happily ever after. Oh, speaking of the book, I forgot to ask, is Alice mad at me?"

He looked thoroughly confused. "Why would Alice be mad at you? She loves you."

"Well, just the whole thing about why she doesn't remember anything about her old life and me knowing what happened or, well, it being in the part of the book I told her not to read."

"Bella, she stole the book from me after I was done with it and read the rest. She's not mad at you, she understands what you were going through. You were worried about your parents and then Ava, so she didn't want to add any further stress on you."

"Oh, I see," I didn't know whether to bring up the next point in our conversation or not, but in the end I had to at least mention it, "so, do we even need to bring up the whole…well, you know? Or will you just agree to the impasse now?"

Oh, yeah, that made him mad. "Bella…"

"Don't 'Bella' me. You know neither you nor I will win this now, so we might just get it over with. And I don't want to hear anything sounding like 'Bella, I refuse to damn you to an eternity of night and that's the end of it'."

"Bella…"

"And you know that I have more than one vampire friend who would be willing to do it. I'll have Ava on my side as soon as she wakes up. And I'm sure Angel will be too. And, of course, I know Alice saw me as a vampire. She didn't tell me, but I know."

"Bella!" He leaned in closer to make my brain all muddled, I guess. It served the purpose of shutting me up. "Before you went on your rant, I was going to tell you that I agree to disagree. Neither of us will exactly win this argument now." Well, that was easy. Okay, maybe not so much. He looked pretty intense now. "But I can tell you one thing right now. Ava will not be in any situation with you that involves biting. She wouldn't be coming near you if it was up to me. But I'm afraid Alice has seen some things…"

"She did? Is Ava awake? Is she okay?"

"She is awake, but she's having some trouble coming to terms with what she is now. Angel is apparently having to spell it out for her. She'll get it eventually, but until then, I think Angel is going to try to get her to go to Forks with him. He's hoping Esme and Rosalie can help him."

"But she'll be okay, right? Then I can go see her?"

He nodded, unhappily. I don't understand how he doesn't like her anymore when they were on their way to being friends when she was in Forks only a few days ago. I guess he's just going to be over cautious in anything regarding her. "She'll be fine, Bella. She'll be upset about not seeing her parents anymore, but everyone gets over that eventually. Depending on how well she's able to control herself, you might be able to see her once we're back in Forks, too."

"Oh, thank God! I just feel like it's my fault that she's a vampire now. I mean, if I hadn't made James so mad when he first called me, he wouldn't have gone after Ava. I should have just told you or someone else where he was going so you could kill him, but I really thought you would catch him in Forks since I had covered the places he went in the book. I never even thought he would go rooting through the files at the hospital. I keep thinking that Ava won't ever forgive me for doing this to her."

"Bella, were you the one who injected venom into her system?" I just shook my head. "No, of course not. Ava wouldn't blame you. It wasn't your fault. You could never have foreseen him going after her. Alice might have seen it, but not you…"he wiped away a stray tear that found its way sliding down my face. "I think we should get the nurse back in here to get your pain medicine." He pushed the button to call her in.

"No! I don't want to have any more dreams. The last one had you covered in chocolate…on second thought, bring on the meds!" The nurse was back and added a syringe full of morphine, most likely, into one of the tubes connected to me. The world around me started getting fuzzy and swirly. The only thing that was still in complete focus was Edward's beautiful smiling face.

"Me covered in chocolate? You have a strange mind, but I love it. Just remember that while you're asleep. I love you, my Bella, my Sarah, my strange identity-confused girl." I could see his dazzling smile and feel his chuckling shake the bed. Everything else was sliding away. Except, then I remembered something that my Mom said that I didn't really understand.

"Love you, too, Ethan…" I laughed like a drunken person as my voice slurred, "oh, yeah, who's Emerson?"

I heard Edward roaring with laughing, but I didn't get an answer before I finally let the world slip away and fell back into a blissful dream with Edward and me dancing alone in our meadow.

There you go! Thanks again for all the reviews...and now go review this chapter! Go on, you know you want to....

xoxo edWaRd'sGiRL0630

Preview for the next chapter:

"Come on, Bella, would I lead you wrong?" Under normal circumstances I would have followed him to the gates of hell and back, but now I'm being led through a damp and dirty forest in heels and a cast on my leg. And I don't have a clue where he's taking me.

"No, but I don't like surprises that much. I mean, you were just supposed to take me to the prom, not to some crazy location where you may or may not be fulfilling the clichéd 'prom night'. And besides, Alice will kill me if you get anything on this dress!" Actually I was hoping he was taking me somewhere where he would make up his mind about the whole me-turning-into-a-vampire thing, but that would probably be too good to be true.

"Alice is the one who helped me decorate. She knows exactly where we're going and she made me promise to carry you so that your, quote, priceless dress would not get ruined." And with that, he scooped me up and ran through the woods while holding me bridal style. We are so going to be late for prom.