Disclaimer: All characters are not mine. No copyright infringement was intended. Thank you to Stephenie Meyer for creating Edward and Bella for our enjoyment. I just like playing with them, making them my own … even for just a little while.

Up next, Esme and Carlisle arrive with the cavalry. There will be some impending drama and confusion.

Chapter Forty-Three

Bella

"Hey, cherie, deep breaths," came the velvety, accented voice of Masen. His hands brushed over my face and I whimpered in pain. "Sorry, love." He came into view, fuzzy and out of focus, but I could tell that his evergreen eyes swirling with worry. "You're safe."

"I'm safe," I choked out, hissing as every inch of my body was wracked in pain. "I hurt, too. A lot." I looked at Masen, who had been by my side since I woke up this morning. We'd only spoken briefly before I slipped under, my body exhausted from the accident. However, I was assaulted with nightmares of the accident and that's what woke me up. Masen had gently roused me just before the van flipped over the SUV. As I focused more on him, Masen had dark circles under his eyes and was sporting some pretty substantial stubble. He looked dangerous and so very concerned. "When was the last time you slept, Masen?"

"I slept, a little," he chuckled, pressing the call button on my bed. "I'm trying to stay up until my parents arrive."

"Your parents are coming?" I squeaked, trying to sit up but my body refused to cooperate. I moaned and he gently pushed me back onto the bed, brushing my hair back as tears slipped from my eyes. "Masen, they don't have to. In fact, they …"

"They're coming and landing at Teterboro as we speak. Seth is picking them up and driving them here," Masen explained, threading our fingers together. A nurse came inside, a warm smile gracing her face. "Maggie, Miss Swan said she's feeling pain. She tried to move around and …"

"It's been a few hours since your last pain booster," the nurse, Maggie, said. "What's hurting, Miss Swan?"

"Head, wrist, face, torso, leg. Pretty much my entire body," I deadpanned. "What doesn't hurt is the question?"

"I have a standing order of morphine," Maggie answered. "I'll be right back." She ducked out of the room and returned a few moments later with a syringe. I grimaced. I hated needles. "It'll go into your IV, Miss Swan. It will also make you sleepy."

I frowned, remembering the nightmare I'd had that Masen had to wake me from. "I don't want to sleep," I whispered, tears welling in my eyes.

"Bella, you need to rest, my love," Masen chided gently, threading our fingers together. "And the way you can rest is if you're not in pain. Please?" I bit my lip, but nodded. He kissed my forehead as Maggie injected the medication into my IV. I felt some warmth in my arm, spreading through my body. "Better?"

"I'd feel better when I know how Jake is," I asked, leaning my cheek against his shoulder. "Thank you, Maggie."

"I'll check on you in a little bit," Maggie said, ducking out of the room and closing the door.

"I hope that my dad is getting some rest," I whispered. "He looked miserable when he was here."

"Leah, Sue and Harry are settled in a secured hotel. Seth worked with the local police department for extra protection, in light of what happened," Masen explained. "Also, all of the assholes who chased you and Jake are in custody, with the exception of the guys who were injured in the accident. They are in a locked ward here at the hospital with injuries varying from mild concussions to a broken nose."

"And Jake?"

"He's in serious condition, but stable," Masen explained. "He'll be okay. He's got a bit of recovery ahead of him."

"So, do I," I mumbled, feeling the painkillers pump through my body. "My knee …"

"You're going to have surgery to get that repaired," Masen murmured, hugging me closely. "Now, just rest, love."

My brain couldn't fight it anymore and I slipped back into slumber. When I woke up again, Masen was snoring quietly in the recliner. Maggie was checking readouts on my monitors. "How long have I been out?" I asked, my voice raspy.

"A few hours," Maggie answered. "I'm on my way out. Is there anything I can do to help you?"

"I'm a little hungry," I whispered. "And my throat hurts." Maggie bustled to the bedside table, pouring me a glass of water. She slipped in a straw, pushing the table over my legs. I sipped it, giving her a half-smile. "Thank you."

"What do you want for dinner?" Maggie asked.

"Nothing too heavy. My stomach is unsettled," I sighed. "But, I'm hungry."

"Your stomach is probably unsettled from the morphine," Maggie explained. "I'll get you some soup, some Jello and perhaps some toast. Tea or coffee?"

"Tea, please," I answered. "And can you get him something, too?"

"Done," Maggie grinned. "He hasn't eaten all day. He's been hovering over you. He's quite devoted. And so handsome. You're a lucky girl."

I frowned, shifting in the bed. "Too lucky, it would seem."

"Look, I'm not a fool. I know who he is and who you are. What happened to you and your friend was complete and utter bullshit," Maggie spat. "The hospital is … well, they're performing an internal investigation about who took those photos and leaked them to the press. There's also a statement that was released by his parents."

"What?" I asked. "Why didn't he tell me?"

"Because he just found out when the evening addition of the New York Times came out, along with an online statement, too," Maggie explained. "They're not happy with what happened, mentioning how vapid the paparazzi were and uncaring of your safety. Princess Diana was brought up numerous times and how the tabloid media was the worst kind of attack on anybody."

"Can I see it?" I whispered. Maggie handed me a paper, but my vision was so unfocused from my concussion. It made my head hurt even more. "Damn it."

"Do you want me to read it to you?" Maggie asked.

"No, no …" I said, shaking my head, and grimacing as it throbbed painfully. "Probably, I'll hear it directly from the source."

"I told my mother that she has to wait until you're feeling better," Masen said groggily. "Preferably, after you've had your knee surgery." He rubbed his eyes, sitting up and giving me a look.

"I'll leave you be," Maggie smiled. "I'll be here tomorrow. Your night nurse is Freddie. She'll be here in a few moments." Maggie left, closing the door.

"Where's my dad?" I asked, looking at Masen. He looked a little better, but still exhausted.

"He's resting. The long drive took a lot out of him. Alec, the man who acted as his valet, is with my parents and is taking over his care," Masen answered. "He'll be here in the morning."

"You should get some rest, Masen," I chided. "Go back to the hotel and sleep in a proper bed."

"I'm not leaving you," Masen growled. "I wasn't there to protect you. Now? Not so much. I'm staying with you until you're discharged, cherie."

"Masen, you're going to have to leave at some point," I snickered. "You have to shower and sleep in a bed. That recliner cannot be all that comfortable."

"Means nothing," Masen sighed. "Bella, you are the most important thing to me. I feel so awful that … that because of me you're in here. I love you and …"

"I love you, too," I whispered. "And this is not your fault." He picked up my hand, kissing my knuckles and staring at me like I was the most beautiful creature. I felt far from gorgeous. To be honest, I felt grimy and gross. "Could you do me a favor?"

"Anything, cherie," Masen said, cupping my cheek.

"I need a toothbrush and toothpaste. I feel nasty," I snorted.

"That can be arranged," Masen chuckled. "You can't exactly get up, but I'll get what you need." He pressed a soft kiss to my forehead and brushed his lips over mine. He got up and left the room. I relaxed, sinking into the bed. I could tell from his expression and his obsessive hovering, he was blaming himself for what happened to me and Jake. Blinking down to my ring, I frowned.

If you love him, let him go …

I didn't want to let him go. He was my best friend, my lover and my everything. I closed my eyes, tears streaming down my cheeks. I was so confused. On top of being in so much pain, I wanted nothing more than to go off into the sunset with Masen. The reality of it is that I don't if it was possible. Could I get over this? Could we?

xx AMDFT xx

I spent two days in the hospital before I was seen by an orthopedic surgeon. My dad came the following day, spending the afternoon with me while Masen was practically pushed out of the room to go to the hotel to shower, shave and sleep. Masen, along with Queen Esme, the commissioner of the Rochester police and the governor of New York, were giving a press conference regarding what had happened almost three days ago.

"So, Miss Swan, with the MRI and X-ray, we can correct the damage done to your knee laparoscopically. The recovery time is about six months, but would be longer if we did an open procedure," Dr. Gerandy, the orthopedist, explained. "We can go in next week to repair the damage and you'll be good to go."

"Why not now?" Dad asked.

"We'd like the swelling to go down before we go in there," Dr. Gerandy smiled. He was an older gentleman, with kind blue eyes and black hair, littered with gray and thinning on the top. "I also want to run another MRI before going in."

"But, I'll have a full recovery?" I questioned.

"With proper physical therapy and time, yes," Dr. Gerandy answered. "Now, how is your wrist? Your ribs?"

"Everything hurts and I would love to take a shower," I answered. "I feel gross."

"I think we can remove the Foley catheter tomorrow and one of the nurses can help with that," Dr. Gerandy nodded. "We're also going to keep you in here until your surgery. We'll move you off this floor and into our VIP wing. You'll have some more privacy."

"Let me guess that this is response to what happened to me?" I snapped. "Some asshole from your hospital felt it necessary to spread lies about me and my friend."

"Bells," Dad chided.

"What? It's the truth!" I growled.

"I know what happened, Miss Swan, and I'm so sorry," Dr. Gerandy breathed.

"Your apologies are empty until you find the person behind those leaks," I hissed, crossing my good arm over my body. "I'm in this hospital bed, as is a friend of mine. Speaking of which, how is Jake? I can't exactly go see him since I'm tethered to this bed."

"I'm not at liberty to discuss his case with you, nor am I on his team," Dr. Gerandy explained, his face flushing. He picked up his tablet, smoothing his white coat. "I'll check on you tomorrow. Maggie will be here in a few moments with a pain booster."

"What was that?" I asked as the door closed.

"HIPAA, I'd guess or he signed something. An NDA?" Dad shrugged. "My guess is that with all that happened, the queen and Masen probably met up with attorneys to …"

"Do you know anything about Jake?" I whispered. "Daddy?"

"He's doing well. Still under sedation," Dad answered reassuringly. "Jake will make a full recovery, Bells. I know you want to see him, but be patient."

"I'll try," I grumbled, pinching my nose.

xx AMDFT xx

I was moved to a cushy, private room the following day. The days bled together as I was healing. Either Masen or my father were by my side as I slept, getting better. With each day that past, I was on less and less medications. My aching body felt better and I felt more clear-headed. The medications that they'd given me made me loopy and tired.

After a week in the hospital, my knee surgery was scheduled. The swelling had gone down. The damage was not as substantial as originally believed. My ACL was torn, but it wasn't completely transected. The morning of my surgery, Masen was by my side. He was holding my hand. On a necklace around his neck, he wore my engagement ring. I wanted it on him. I was twisting the blanket over my legs. I was nervous. I'd never had surgery before.

"Cherie," Masen said calmly, taking my hand. "Deep breaths."

"Have you ever had surgery?" I asked. "I'm freaking the fuck out."

"I had my appendix removed when I was fifteen," Masen chuckled. "I was as sick as a dog and completely unaware what was going on. I woke up with the worst stomach pain. Ever. Then, I was whisked to the hospital. When I woke up the next day, the stomach pain was gone and I had four new scars on my belly. I'm not the best person to ask, Bella. Regardless, you're going to be okay. You've got the best knee surgeon in the state. Dr. Ramón has worked on professional athletes."

"What about Dr. Gerandy?"

"After reviewing his credentials, Charlie and I felt that Dr. Ramón was a better fit," Masen murmured, his thumb rubbing over my knuckles.

A shorter man with shoulder-length black hair breezed in. He had an easy smile and a full sleeve of tattoos on both arms. "I heard my ears ringing," he said, his voice deep and resonant. He blinked to me, holding out his hand. "I'm Dr. Barry Ramón. You must be the lovely Isabella Swan."

I shook it with my left hand, giving him shy grin. "Nice to meet you, Dr. Ramón. Um, what can I expect from this surgery?"

"The surgery itself is about two hours long," Dr. Ramón said. "Technically, you can be discharged today, but with your other injuries, we'd like to keep you for another day. If all goes well, you will be released to go home at some point tomorrow."

"How will I get around? With my wrist, I can't really use crutches," I frowned.

"Your wrist isn't broken. It's just a sprain," Dr. Ramón answered. "And you're in good shape. That's why I want you to stay overnight. With some help with a physical therapist, you can put some weight on your knee." He moved the blankets off my leg. "Now, it's time for an autograph." He chuckled, pulling out a purple marker and put his initials on my injured knee. "Just to make sure that we fix the right leg." He squeezed my shoulder. "It's going to be alright, Miss Bella."

"I hope so," I muttered, letting out a shaky breath. "Thank you."

"It's time to go," Dr. Ramón said. "We'll give you a few moments to canoodle and then we'll roll you back."

"Canoodle?" Masen snickered. The doctor smirked, sauntering out of the cubicle where I'd been staying. "I've never heard that word. I've been speaking English almost as long as I've been speaking French and German."

"It's another way to say snuggle," I giggled. He beamed, sliding his arms around my body and holding me close. His subtle cologne made me feel safe, comforted. However, in the back of my mind, I was freaking out. "I'm scared, Masen."

"Don't be, love," he said reassuringly. "Dr. Ramón is the best."

"The worst thing I've ever had done to me was getting my wisdom teeth out when I was a junior in college," I whispered. "That's not a major surgery on one of your extremities."

"Cherie, you will be okay. I promise you," he murmured, brushing his lips over mine. There was a quiet cough. He pulled back, smiling at whomever interrupted us. "It's time, Bella. I'll be right by your side when you wake up."

"Okay," I said, squeezing his fingers.

"I love you, Bella," he breathed, kissing me once more.

"I love you, too," I murmured. He stepped back and the nurses rolled me back to the surgical suite. With some assistance, I was transferred to the surgical gurney.

"Alright, Miss Swan, I need you to count down from one hundred," said the nurse. She put the mask over my face, muffling my voice as I started counting.

"One hundred, ninety-nine, ninety-eight, ninety-seven, ninety-six …" I slurred before drifting off.

xx AMDFT xx

"Mother, I can't believe you're saying this," I heard. The words were disjointed and I could barely comprehend. It sounded like a dream, but I knew I was coming out of the anesthesia.

"Edward, you know I love Bella like a daughter. I'm just curious how she could handle being thrust into the public eye on a more permanent basis," Esme said. "I think that you should walk away."

"No, Mother. I refuse to do that. I'm the reason why she's in here," he snapped. "Those assholes followed her in a snowstorm and caused an avoidable accident."

"It's not your fault, Edward," Esme said, trying to placate him.

"It's not hers, either. Regardless of fault, I just don't think that she'll be able to handle the scrutiny of the press," Esme murmured. "She's not strong enough."

"And you're a cold-hearted bitch," Masen growled. "Mother, your words helped with the press, but now, they are hurtful and undeniably true. I love you, Mother, but I love her more. She's everything to me. You approved of this marriage. I'm going through with it, regardless of your blessing or not. She's strong, beautiful, graceful and loving. Despite the situation, Bella never wavered. The only thing that wavered was your belief in her."

Their voices faded away. I was only left with a shattered heart. Esme didn't believe in me. Masen was trying to fight for me, but it sounded like he was losing that battle. I truly wasn't good enough for Masen.

"Miss Swan?" I blinked my eyes open. Freddie was standing next to me. "Are you in pain?"

"Yes," I choked out; my voice raspy. Tears were welling my eyes. "Can you find my dad? Charlie Swan? I really need him, please."

"What about your fiancé?" Freddie asked. "He was …"

"No, my dad," I said, cutting her off. "I want my dad."

"Okay, sweetie," Freddie replied, squeezing my hand. "He's in the waiting room. It'll be okay."

"No, it won't," I whispered after she left. "It never will be. Not after what I heard."

A/N: Sorry, another cliffie … please, stick with me! Much love to all of you! Up next is Masen and more conversations with the Queen Mother. She's on my shit list, just saying … Leave me some thoughts.

FYI - A Modern Day Fairy Tale will be going on a one-week hiatus. Next week is the tech week/performance week for my production of The Addams Family. Updates will resume on April 15th (teaser) with an update on April 19th. Thank you for your patience and support.