A/N:

Hypoxia: lack of oxygen in the blood. This can lead to a variety of problems in the body as not enough oxygen reaches the tissues to continue normal metabolism. Since all Navy aircrew are required to wear oxygen masks and breath oxygen at altitudes above 10,000 ft, aviation personnel are trained to recognize the signs of hypoxia that might occur from a malfunction in the system.

NAMRL: Naval Aviation Medicine Research Lab. Research facility located in Pensacola. Does lots of high level medical and physiologic research that relates to aviation. Many astronauts get their start here.

Chapter 12

Jake and I re-entered the courtyard, and I spotted Edward and Leah sitting together at one of the tables. They weren't speaking to each other; they weren't even looking at each other. A quick glance their way, and you would have thought they were strangers. They had met before; Edward had intimated as much. I wondered what the issue was.

As we approached the table, Edward looked up and saw us coming. He smiled sheepishly at me, trying to catch my eyes as I drew near. However, when our eyes finally locked, he stood up quickly, knocking over his chair. His face was filled with concern.

"Bella, are you all right? What happened?" he demanded. Jacob had been following me through the crowd, and he came up to stand beside me. I was curious as to what my face was showing Edward. He seemed strangely in tune with me. Leah was now watching us closely, too.

"Bella had a run in with some crazy dude. He pulled her aside and pushed her up against a wall. He mistook her for someone else. Don't worry, I took care of it," he said the final part with a hint of a gloat in his voice. I looked at him sharply and shook my head minutely. Now was not the time for this.

Edward approached me swiftly with stiff, angry motions. He gently grasped my upper arms and dipped his head slightly so that we were eye to eye.

"Are you sure that you're OK?" he asked quietly, ignoring Jacob and Leah, who were both now crowded around me as well. His fingers were curling around my biceps, and I thought he might be about to pull me to him in an embrace. I was kind of hoping he would.

"Yeah," I drew out the word with a sigh. "It just scared me a little. He was pretty big and menacing is all. And the dreadlocks made him a little creepier still. Jake scared him off. All's well that ends well," I shook it off, but Edward's face went white. I'm not sure what I said to cause the change in his face, but his lips were now pressed together in a thin line, his brows drawn together, his eyes dangerous. If I didn't know him, I would have been terrified. He dropped my arms and took a step back, looking out over the crowd.

"Edward?" I asked him, confused by his reaction to my reassurance. "Are YOU okay?" I turned his own words back on him.

"Yes," he answered harshly, hissing on the final consonant a little. He gripped my upper arm again, a little more roughly than before and started to drag me toward the side exit. "We should go now." He didn't even stop to see if Jacob and Leah were following us, but they were scrambling after us. Jacob shot me a concerned look, but I just shrugged my shoulders. I was baffled by this behavior.

We reached the car before Jacob and Leah, and Edward dropped my arm like a hot potato, pacing the sidewalk next to the Jeep, frantically running his hands through his hair. We only waited about ninety seconds, but Edward looked like he was about to explode by the time Jacob got the doors unlocked. We climbed into the back seat, but this time Edward slid as far away from me in the backseat as he could and refused to speak to me, even when I patted his arm to try and get his attention.

If I thought the ride into Pensacola was quiet, the trip back to the base was silent as a tomb. I wasn't even sure that Edward was breathing beside me. He held himself in such a tense, angry posture. I was so perplexed; what had I done to upset him so much. I was the one who was attacked. Did he think I deserved it or brought it on myself? If so, then he really was the jerk I had originally thought him to be. I figured I could get some answers after Jake dropped us off.

We pulled into the parking lot of the BOQ, and Edward was straining in his seat, obviously dying to jump out. But he had to wait for Leah to get out and pull the seat back before he could. Jacob turned off the engine and got out, pulling back the seat for me. I started to climb out, but Leah had moved faster, and Edward was off across the parking lot without a look back before I was on my two feet.

I stared after him stunned. Why was he acting this way? I turned to look at Jake, shock and embarrassment written all over my face. I could see the shock reflected back at me, but Jacob's expression was also tinged with fury. He looked back and forth between me, Edward's retreating back, and Leah's vulnerable expression where she stood hovering near the passenger door of the Jeep. He was undecided.
"Jacob, take Leah home," I told him firmly, making the decision for him. I could take care of myself. Plus, I knew where Edward lived. He had already disappeared up the stairs to the second level. He was unbelievable! Leah climbed into the Jeep in response to my words, obviously not wanting anything to do with my drama. Jacob gave me one last look and nodded.

"Take care, Bella," he said in parting. "Call me if you need me, and I'll come right back," he promised. I smiled at him and waved him away. I knew he would, but I wouldn't get anything out of Edward if he were here. Jake started the Jeep and pulled out of the lot. I was alone in the dark.

I tucked my clutch under my arm and headed for the stairs. I wondered how this night had gone so horribly off the rails. Had I really been about to kiss Edward? Had I really wanted it that much? I felt stupid for letting my guard down for him. I took the stairs two by two and headed straight for Edward's door. He hadn't closed it properly, and I kicked it letting my frustration run free. The door flew open and smacked the wall behind it. I stormed through the opening.

"What is your problem?" I shouted at Edward, who had obviously been pacing the room, pale and sweating. Why was he acting like something precious of his had been damaged? I was the one wronged here tonight, and I was over it. He had no right to act this way. He looked surprised and chastened at my appearance, but the unpleasant hardness of expression that I had seen on our first few meetings quickly clouded his features.

"Bella, I was wrong to entertain this friendship," he declared. I stared at him in confusion, my boldness slipping away hurt seeping in to replace it.

"Why?" I asked, my voice shaking a little bit. I hated myself for that. "What did I do?" He crossed the room swiftly to stand directly in front of me, but he didn't touch me.

"You didn't do anything. I…I'm just not good for you," he said, his voice cracking with some emotion I couldn't name. "I'm not a good friend for you," he finished with a painful sigh.

"What does that mean?" I shouted at him. I loathed the shrill tone my voice had taken on. Was this because I hadn't kissed him? Was he angry about rejection? Because right about now I would take that back a thousand times to feel his lips on mine. I hated myself a little bit more for realizing it. He turned his back on me and walked toward the bedroom.

"Bella," he said quietly, "I'm sorry…for everything. But I can't do this. You should go." And with that, he entered the bedroom and closed the door, leaving me in his living space. I stood still for several moments sure he would come back and explain himself. But he didn't. I felt like a fool.

So, I did as he asked and left the room, slamming the front door behind me as hard as I could. It didn't make me feel any better. I made it into my room and went through my bedtime routine, washing away my make-up and any trace of tonight on my face. I put on my pajamas and made it to my bed before the tears came. I pulled the covers over my head and let them fall. I cried for those few terrifying moments in the club when I was dominated by the dreadlocked stranger. But mostly I cried for the fledgling friendship that I had just begun to cherish.

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I slept fitfully, tossing and turning. I was awakened by a loud crash and the sound of things breaking at about 03:00. I could tell the sounds were coming from Edward's room, but I couldn't for the life of me understand why he would be trashing his room. I had no clue what had happened between us tonight.

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Sunday dawned, bright and sunny, but I lingered in bed, unwilling to admit that last night had happened. Jacob called, wanting to make sure I was all right. I assured that I was fine, and that, no, I had no idea why Edward had reacted the way he had. I promised him that Edward had not hurt me, and that I was little affected by the drama. This was all a lie, of course, but Jacob seemed appeased. I turned down his offer to hang out at the beach. I just wanted to be by myself.

I remained in my pajamas until well after noon. It was hard to believe that I had only been here for a week. It seemed so much had happened, like my life had changed dramatically without my even realizing it. I needed to do laundry, but I hesitated to leave the room. I was nervous that I would run into Edward at the same time that I longed to see him, to have him tell me it had all been a misunderstanding.

Finally, I got the courage to poke my head outside. The landing seemed quiet, so I ventured forth. I had donned PT gear for my trip outside. Normally, I wouldn't think twice about puttering around the BOQ in my sleep wear, but I wanted to look my best in case I saw Edward. At least I was self-aware enough to admit this to myself.

While I was at it, the debacle last night had also forced me to admit my feelings for Edward were a bit more than friendly. But it was a moot point now. I'd only known him for one week, and he had already inexplicably treated me like dirt twice. I knew there was more to the story, but he obviously didn't care enough to let me in on the secret. We had no future. But I still wanted to look attractive if I ran into him.

I peered out over the parking lot and didn't see the Corvette anywhere. I wondered where he had gone, and then reminded myself it was none of my business. The car's absence did mean that I could do my laundry unmolested, so I hurried down and shoved everything into an empty washer. I'd have to undertake another trip to the laundry room in about half an hour to move things to the dryer, but at least now I could return to my room, collapse on the couch, and try to find a teen chick flick to occupy the rest of my afternoon.

The rest of my Sunday continued along this pathetic vein. I moved my things to one of the dryers and even went back to fold everything before bringing my clean clothes back to my room. The car still hadn't returned. It was starting to get dark, so I heated up a Healthy Choice Steamers meal. The Top Chef inspired ones were actually pretty good.

I had descended so far into my wallowing that I was actually watching a movie about a jerky teenager who gets turned into a monster by his classmate who happens to be a witch (played by an Olsen twin, seriously?) when there was an insistent knock on my door. I glanced at the clock; it was 21:30. Where had the day gone? My pulse started racing as I stood to peek through the peep hole. I was both aching for and dreading it to be Edward. My heart was in my throat as I looked out to see…Alice on my doorstep.

My shoulders slumped in defeat, and I considered not answering. But, Alice had other plans. She pounded a little harder and called through the door.

"Bella, open up, I know you're in there. I need to talk to you," she paused in her knocking and added a softer, "please." I sighed and opened the door motioning her in quickly with a glance outside. The landing was empty and silent behind her. She breezed past me and settled herself on the arm of the couch without an invitation.

"Oh, he's in there," she said referring to my furtive glances toward Edward's door, "but I've already talked to him, and I don't have anything else to say to him right now. He's heard it all," her face was angry, and I assumed she was talking about Edward. I wondered how she knew anything had happened.

"Alice, what are you doing here? And what are you talking about? When did you get back?" I flung the questions at her, not in the mood for small talk.

"I just got back from Utah about an hour ago," she informed me. "I had a desperate and garbled message from Edward. He was at my place when I got home. When I'd understood what he'd done, I wasn't in the mood to talk to him anymore, so I sent him packing." She was obviously fuming, and I was a little confused. And, if I was honest, a little annoyed that Alice seemed to know more about what had happened between Edward and me than I did.

"Look, that doesn't explain why you're here. I need to get to bed. I have Water Survival tomorrow. That's not something to be tired for," I argued with her. Alice put her hands on hips and didn't budge. I was more than a little annoyed with her. My heart was heavy, and I wanted to be alone to nurse it. I moved past her and opened the door to the outside and stood still next to it. Alice's expression turned pleading.

"He's messed up, Bella," she implored, "He doesn't know how to go about this. I promise he'll come around." She pressed her lips together and gazed at me beseechingly. "There's more to the story; if you knew, you'd understand." I slammed the door and rounded on her.

"But, I don't know, now do I?" I shouted, finally reaching my breaking point. "Are you going to tell me?" She clasped her hands and looked down at the floor, and I could see that she wouldn't.

"It's not my place," she whispered. I rolled my eyes so hard that I thought they would fall out of my head.

"Well, that's not my problem, Alice," I scoffed. "You keep telling me there's more to Edward, but he's not telling and neither are you. I've only known him for a week, and he hasn't even shown me that we have the potential to be friends, much less anything more. He can be pleasant enough, but he's obviously not able to keep up normal social interaction. I'm not even sure why you're pushing this friendship between us." I was panting by the time I was done with this speech. Alice looked ashamed.

"I wish you could see what I see," she told me softly. "Edward's different with you. And he was so afraid when he heard what happened to you at the club. He didn't know how to handle himself," she trailed off when she saw the fury in my face.

"Alice, I think I like you, but give up on Edward. You're not making sense and until someone fills me in, I'm done with it. Now leave me alone," I opened the front door again, leaving no room for argument regarding her departure. She looked at me unhappily, but left without further comment. I shut the door firmly behind her but managed to refrain from a slam.

After about ten seconds, I heard her pounding on Edward's door. I sighed in exasperation. This go-between stuff was so juvenile. He must have let her in because I heard the muffled sound of voices arguing briefly. Then, she left or was thrown out. Edward's door did slam shut. I wondered who had been the slammer, her or him.

I slouched against my door, feeling exhausted from all the drama. I pictured Edward doing the same next door. Unfortunately, that led to my picturing that moment last night when our lips were moving closer and closer together, his breath on my cheek, the look in his eye. I didn't imagine that, did I? There had been something between us; why had he recoiled the way he had done. Well, nothing to do but get over it, I told myself. Since I had to be at the Survival and Training Center by 07:15, I decided to go ahead and get in bed. I didn't sleep well; my dreams were filled with mysterious green eyes, the emotion behind them changing when I least expected. Around 02:00 I was awakened by what sounded like a knock at my front door. I waited and listened, but I didn't hear anything else. As I drifted back to sleep, I might have heard a door close nearby, but it was probably another dream.

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I had trouble defining my emotions the next morning. I was both nervous and excited about Water Survival, but I was also still drained and just sad about the events of Saturday and yesterday. I knew Edward was a lost cause, but I was now a little worried about Alice. I had spoken pretty harshly to her (even though she deserved it), and I wasn't sure we could really continue to be friends given her closeness with Edward. I had initially had great optimism about my ability to find new friends here, but it wasn't turning out too great. Hopefully, things wouldn't explode with Emmett today, too.

When I arrived in the classroom, Emmett was already there and had saved me a seat. That was a good start. I slid into the plastic rotating chair bolted to the long desk next to his. I had a small bag containing my bathing suit and some shower stuff. We would have a classroom session first, then the pool stuff, then we would do the hypoxia training. I guess they didn't want to deprive us of oxygen and then send us into the pool. Hopefully, the object of the lesson was for all of us to live through it, first and foremost. I dropped my bag to the floor and kicked it with my flight boots. Emmett was smiling widely at me.

"Hey, Doc," he whispered fervently, "Are you still going to help me out with Rosalie Hale?" he asked. Hmm. He was treating me pretty normally, not a bit of pity in sight, I thought. He must not know about me and Edward. Not that there was a "me and Edward." I decided to forget about Edward and enjoy myself. I'd had my career for all these years and never needed any particular guy. I wouldn't start now. I took a deep breath and plastered a real grin on my face.

"Shouldn't that be LT Hale, to you, Emmett?" I asked sarcastically, elbowing him in the ribs. He smirked back, picking up the banter.

"If it is now, it won't be for long," he said cockily. Just at that moment, a strikingly beautiful woman in a flight suit entered the room and strode to the front podium. The smirk fell off Emmett's face like it had been scrubbed off. I think his mouth might have fallen open a little bit, too.

LT Rosalie Hale was tall, almost six feet and statuesque. Her golden blond hair was pulled back in a smart chignon that looked way too complicated to perform on a daily basis. The flight suit skimmed her body, hinting at flawless curves underneath, unlike Victoria's blatant attempts to look sexy in her flight suit. I could tell even from this far away that her eyes were a startling blue. She looked like a Hollywood actress cast in a Navy movie, not an actual scientist. I glanced around and saw that every other student in the room had the same expression as Emmett. I also noticed I was the only woman in the class. Then, LT Hale took charge.

"I'm LT Hale, and I'll be your instructor today. I am the Aviation Physiologist in charge of the syllabus for Water Survival Training, and I am actively involved in hypoxia research at NAMRL, so I hope I will be able to answer any and all of the questions that you may have. My number one goal is provide you with a safe training environment today," she began her lecture.

She was unsmiling and no-nonsense, but not rude or bitchy. She seemed to be a true professional. I could already see that I admired her. She quickly outlined the day's schedule, explaining the maneuvers we would do in the pool and the safety background behind each one. I scribbled a few notes on my printed syllabus and tried to pay attention. I hoped the guys were paying attention, too; I didn't want any of them to drown while I was there. They'd probably expect the only doctor in the room to help out with that. After about an hour of preparation, she released us to the locker room to change into our bathing suits and to don our "pool gear," the practice safety gear we would use in the pool.

I gathered up my bag and hoisted it on my shoulder as I heaved out of the plastic chair. Emmett and I moved toward the exit to the pool deck together. He squeezed my shoulder as we parted at the locker room doors.

"I'm counting on you, Doc Swan," he called after me, winking. This might be just the distraction I was hoping for, I thought as I entered the women's locker room.

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Why does Edward have to be such a moody bastard, huh? Oh well, I didn't create this character, I just play with him and put him in a flight suit…

EG