Disclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to Stephenie Meyer.

Edward's POV

Life in New York was quite different from what I was accostumed to. The hustle and bustle of the big town did not excite me. Actually, I was so used to the peace and quiet that people around me would usually call me 'a grumpy old man'.

But what could I do? Nothing appealed to me. So I did the only thing I knew how to do well, focus all my energy in my studies. And that worked quite well, I barelly had time to think about certain brunette who was miles away, in every sense.

I still had not come to grips with the fact that she had simply up and left, though she had told me she would. But I was in denial, what could I do?

No calls, no messages - It was though she had disappeared. But I knew she hadn't, as Charlie would - begrudgingly - give me updates on her. She was doing great there, as I knew she would, and that made me happy in a way, because she was happy, but it was bitter-sweet, for she was not sharing those things with me.

Months turned into years, and I soon was finishing my last year into becoming a surgeon. That's when I received a nice surprise for once - I was offered a position at Forks' Memorial as surgeon. I was really surprised by the offer, and could feel a little of my father's finger on it. But I would not complain, as it was a chance to leave the chaos and go back home.

Working at the hospital has been quite good, once I got used to the paperwork involved. It's usually pretty quiet, as the need for a surgeon is not so great around here, only kids eventually breaking something while trying to ride a bike, or other small things. That's why there is only one surgeon in the hospital. And that's also why I was so surprised when I received the information regarding my next patient.

Patient: Charles SwanPatient was shot during a robbery at a local store. One bullet punctured left lung. Second bullet lodged between Th2 and Th3.

I could not believe Charlie, who had been like a second father to me all those years, was in such predicament. But my surprise was short-lived, as I had to keep a clear head in order to perform the surgery to save his life.

The surgery took a few hours, and it was rendered a success. The thoracotomy took a bit longer than I was used, as the anesthesia took a while to kick in. The removal of the bullet, on the other hand, was a little simpler - the bullet didn't fragment, however it hit the spinal cord, thus demanding a little more care.

Once the sugery was over, Charlie was taken to the PACU and would be taken to a private room once the anesthesia wore off. I was exausted - there is a reason we don't operate on family; the emotional charge is too high.

I decided to have my break then and have something to eat. I was exausted, but I had not eaten for over 8 hours, and my stomach was complaining, loudly,

So, here I am at the cafeteria, when the receptionist pages me to inform that Charlie's relative has arrived. I ask her to take the person to my office.

Walking towards my office, I wonder who could be there. Probably Sue, as they have recently decided to go a step further and got engaged. I open my door, greeting the person inside the room. However, I freeze mid-sentence, as my eyes fall on the surprise sitting across the room. She can't be here, I must be hallucinating due to sleep deprivation. I stare at those chocolate eyes that had haunted my dreams for ages. She is quiet, too. Finally, I can't take it anymore, and decide to break the silence.

"Bella?"

a/n: I'd like to apologize for any medical inaccuracies in the story.