Chapter Thirteen

Bella – Don't Cry – Guns and Roses

Edward – Daylight – Maroon 5

Jason – Never Grow Up – Taylor Swift

EPOV

The hunt had gone well, and completely satiated, we started our run back to the house. Laughing, Emmett playfully shoved Jasper against a huge spruce, cracking the trunk halfway up the length. Not missing a beat, Jasper launched himself like a rocket from the base with his feet, and tackled Emmett to the ground, both of them locked around each other, rolling over the underbrush. Both were laughing and in high spirits.

I was a half-mile ahead of my brothers and could easily hear their banter. I pushed ahead harder. Ever since Bella had allowed me to text here, I was anxious to get back in to cell range. My pocket started to vibrate, and I smiled, wondering if Bella had been anxious, too. Perhaps she couldn't wait and had texted me. Smiling, I opened the screen and saw Alice's number. She never called me on a hunt unless it was important. I instantly became concerned, and immediately called her.

"Alice? What's wrong?"

"Edward! You need to come back!"

"I'm on my way now. What happened?"

"Oh, Edward! I'm so sorry! I didn't see it until it was too late!" Her voice had raised a few octaves and she was becoming hysterical. I could hear the drone of the Volvo's engine in the background. She was speeding somewhere. I instantly became panicked.

"Please tell me Bella is all right!"

"I'm not sure; I couldn't make sense of the vision. All I know is that there's been an accident, and something is terribly wrong. I've called Carlisle, and I'm on my way to the hospital now. Can you meet me there?" I pushed ahead even harder.

"Of course." Worry consumed me. I had to remind myself to slow to a jog as I approached the outskirts of town. The hospital was still three blocks away, and I was fighting to keep to a human pace through the streets. I spotted the Volvo parked in the emergency parking lot and jogged to the building's entrance. I made my movements slow and deliberate so as not to rip the door off its hinges.

I immediately found Bella and my heart sank. She was sitting in a chair to the side and was bent over her knees, hysterically sobbing into her hands. Alice spotted me as I made my way over.

It's Jason. He had an accident at the park. I'm trying to get details, but Bella's sobbing too hard.

I sat in the seat to Bella's left and took Alice's place rubbing her back. I started to speak to her in a soothing tone, and she immediately raised her head to look at me.

My heart sank again as I took in her bright red, puffy eyes and tear stained face. She hugged me tightly and let out a long, agonized cry.

"Oh, E-e-dward!" She wailed, "I-I'm a t-terrible mooom!" She then started a fresh wave of sobbing, and she couldn't say anything else. I held her against my chest, rubbed her back, and whispered soothing words in her ear.

I scanned the back rooms for any information regarding Jason. I caught the thoughts of the X ray technician as he wheeled a gurney into the triage room. I caught Jase's gaunt face as he lay helpless on the bed, tear tracks staining his flushed face. He was unconscious. There appeared to be a multiple compound fracture just below his right knee. Thankfully, he was out and not in pain. I finally understood the extent of Bella's distress. I quickly told Alice of the situation at vampire speed.

Alice had taken the clipboard on the floor by Bella's foot and started to fill the forms out. Alice looked up hesitantly from the form.

I need Jase's insurance card. I know it's in her purse. I looked under the chair and passed it over.

Alice gently touched Bella's arm and said, "Bella, sweetie, I'm going to get Jase's insurance card from your purse, okay?" Bella left her head buried in my shoulder but nodded slightly. My shirt was becoming soaked, but I didn't care. Holding and comforting my Bella was all that mattered.

"T-Thanks guys." She was attempting to thank us but speaking coherently wasn't working for her.

I quickly soothed her. "It's okay, love. We're here to help you." We sat that way for the next hour. Bella's sobs quieted, but the tears continued. I kept a close monitor on the emergency staff regarding Jason. They had him out of X ray and were making a treatment plan that included immediate surgery. Finally, I could hear the emergency room doctor making his way to the waiting room door.

"Bella, Jase's surgeon is coming. Do you think you can sit upright?" She nodded again, and timidly turned as she swiped her hand across her nose and eyes. Alice produced a box of tissues and Bella grabbed a few.

"Bella Swan?" The doctor called from the door. The three of us stood and made our way over. I wrapped my arm around her waist to hold her steady. The doctor took in her distressed appearance and a wave of sympathy washed over him. He quickly glanced over his clipboard and remembered protocol.

"Bella, you are Jason's parent?" Her young age prompted the question. Thankfully, Bella had regained the ability to speak coherently.

"He's my brother. I'm his legal guardian."

"I see. I'm Doctor Warner." He looked over at Alice and I standing directly on either side of Bella.

"Do we need to speak in private?" He seemed a bit hesitant.

"Oh, no. Alice and Edward are with me for support. They need to hear this as well."

"Okay, then. If the three of you will come with me." He led us back to a small consultation room and nodded to the two chairs. Bella and Alice took their seats. I stood behind Bella and put my hand on her shoulder in support.

Doctor Warner flipped open his laptop and an X-ray came into focus. The compound fracture looked alarming. I heard Bella's soft gasp and I could smell the fresh wave of tears threatening to fall from her swollen eyes. I gently squeezed her shoulder knowing it would comfort her. I knew Bella was exuding tremendous effort to hold herself together and pay attention. From the corner of my eye, I watched Alice take Bella's right hand.

It was times like this I was tremendously grateful for my two medical degrees. At the time, medical school seemed like a good way to pass the endless stretch of eternity. It was also something I could provide myself additional options for, should I ever choose to do so. But now, studying the X-rays and completely understanding Dr. Warner's assessment and treatment plan, I was grateful. I could guide Bella through this confusing and traumatic time.

Bella did a wonderful job keeping her tears at bay long enough to ask intelligent questions. It looked as though Jase would be in the hospital for a good week after his surgery and would have to have physical therapy for a while after.

Dr. Warner left to scrub up for Jase's surgery and Alice, Bella and I retired back to the front room to wait. Unfortunately, Bella began to softly sob again. After a while, I glanced to the clock at the back of the room and noticed it was getting late. I caught Carlisle's thoughts a few minutes before I saw him walk through the door.

I'm here, son. Esme and I started back as soon as we got Alice's call. I've already consulted with Dr. Sutton. You should know he's on his way.

Although I was grateful Carlisle was finally here, I still cringed. I did not want Dr. Sutton to be the one consoling Bella, as I wanted to do that, but I knew Carlisle was right in contacting him. He was Jase's pediatrician, and he would want to make sure both Jase and Bella were being cared for. I steeled my resolve, putting my blank face on, and waited for them to arrive.

Both men came through the swinging doors, each with a serious look on his face, and in deep conversation. Dr. Sutton looked over to where we were sitting and took in Bella's slumped and defeated stance, still sobbing into my shirt. He took note of my arms around her and shot me a glare. To his credit, his thoughts only registered sincere concern for Bella. He cautiously walked over and gently squeezed her

shoulder.

"Bella, sweetheart?" He crooned softly. Bella immediately lifted her head and looked over her shoulder to him.

"Oh, David." She sobbed, "How is he? Is he going to b-be okay?"

Dr. Sutton was shocked at the force of Bella's reaction. He had never seen her this distraught and was instantly on his knees holding her face in his hands.

"Oh, Bella." What a caring mother she is. "I've been in to see him. He's just out of surgery and is in recovery right now. He'll be taken to a room in a few hours. I know he seems pretty banged up, but we both know what a tough little guy he is." This got a slight, watery smile from Bella. He looked at her a little more seriously.

"I take it he had an accident on the playground?" Bella nodded and tears were threatening to fall again.

I see kids in here all the time with playground injuries. I've seen plenty of upset parents, but never anyone as torn up as this. Dr. Sutton's demeanor instantly became focused and serious as he looked into Bella's eyes.

"Bella, it's late. I want you to go home now and get some rest." Predictably, Bella let out a soft sound of protest and started shaking her head. Dr. Sutton grabbed her hand.

"Bella, please, hear me out. You can't go in to see Jason until he's in his room, and that won't happen for a while yet. He's completely out and won't be conscious until morning anyway." He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small pill. He held it up briefly and then put it in Bella's hand. Bella stared at the pill in disbelief and stared incredulously at the doctor through her tears.

"David! I hardly think…" she began angrily. Dr. Sutton gently cut off her protest.

"Bella, it's only a mild sedative. We both know you're exhausted and won't be getting any rest in the state you're in. Please, for me. Sleep tonight, so you'll be at your best when you come back first thing in the morning." The look of deep concern on his face was tender, and his thoughts were for Bella's welfare.

Bella looked again at the pill in her hand. She looked up past Dr. Sutton's face to where Carlisle was standing behind him. Her imploring eyes were seeking his opinion. He looked back to her with his endless empathy and concern. He slowly nodded his head in agreement.

Alice had produced a bottle of water from her bag and presented it to Bella. Sighing, she put the pill in her mouth and swallowed a huge gulp of water. She didn't stop until half the bottle was gone. Dr. Sutton smiled and gently squeezed her hand.

"Thank you, Bella. I'll be back tomorrow morning to check on his progress. Dr. Cullen tells me that Alice and Edward will drive you home. Will you be all right tonight?" Again, his thoughts were only of concern.

"Yes." She looked up to him suddenly. "If there's a problem, someone here will call me, right?" Dr. Sutton smiled slightly.

"Yes, I promise." He reluctantly let go of her hand and stood. "I'll see you in the morning."

We all knew Jason was out cold, and nothing would be happening until morning, but Bella needed to be reassured, and now that she was in my care, I would take my role as her friend seriously and spend my night making Bella's life easier in any way I could.

Appearing to be in a bit of a stupor, Bella slowly stood. Alice grabbed her bag and she and I steadily walked her to the door. As soon as we were outside, Alice took off for the car and I gathered Bella into my arms. Her tears had subsided, and her sobbing slowed to erratic breathing and hiccups. Soon, I was pulling her into the back seat with me.

Bella fell asleep on the way to her house. I gently swung her up into my arms and carried her up the stairs into her room. Alice flipped back the bed covers and gently pulled Bella's shoes off.

I desperately wanted to get into bed with Bella and hold her. Alice gave me a contemplative look. Bella and I had agreed we were friends, and even though my intent was only to comfort her, this seemed a bit too intimate for just friendship.

I gently laid Bella down on the bed, covered her and, reluctantly, closed her bedroom door on my way out. I would respect her privacy but would stay close in case she needed me.

The sedative Dr. Sutton gave her was stronger than he had alluded to. Bella hardly stirred the entire night. She didn't even talk in her sleep. I had been looking forward to hearing that, but I was grateful that she was finally getting the rest she needed. I was content listening to her deep breathing and hearing her strong, rhythmic heartbeat.

As focused as I was on Bella, I could hear my sister's thoughts as she surveyed Bella's home. She decided to keep busy cleaning Bella's house. I decided the best way to help Bella would be to make and freeze some dinners for her to reheat in the upcoming week. Knowing Bella, she would focus on Jason, and ignore her own needs. Remembering her cooking lesson, I rummaged through her fridge and pantry for ingredients, and started to prep a few different soups.

Sometime after 3 a.m., I could hear Alice make her way into Jase's room and slowly rifle her way through his closet. I could see her fingering a dark blue hoodie with a bright yellow cartoon dinosaur on the front.

I've never shopped for a little boy before. I wonder if Bella would let me. I chuckled. As intense as the situation was, I couldn't expect her thoughts to stray from her favorite pastime for too long. She quickly changed the sheets on his bed, swept around the room like a hurricane, putting toys and games in their places. She made her way into the hall and studied the stack of moldings propped in the corner.

These have been here a while, Edward. She's trying to make these improvements herself, but she really doesn't have the time. We need to do something.

A sudden vision flooded her mind.

I watched with intent focus as Alice knocked on Bella's front door. She looked harried and flushed as she appeared and looked around at Alice, myself, Jasper and Emmett as we were standing on her front porch. She was utterly adorable in faded and paint-splattered sweatshirt and ripped jeans. A flash of confusion passed over her face. She closed her eyes and sighed.

"Guys, I didn't think I was coming over until this afternoon. I had planned to spend the morning working on my kitchen."

Alice huffed and marched past her though the door, opening it wide for my brothers and I to enter.

"No excuses, Bella! Consider it a Christmas gift if you must, but one way or another, you're coming back with us. We don't want to spend a minute of our Christmas break without you."

Jasper and Emmett immediately sped through the house as they launched into full vampire mode. I took notice of the tall Christmas tree in the front window and simple decorations that were draped along the fireplace.

As the vision faded, I couldn't help the huge grin that spread across my face. Bella was spending Christmas with us? This was certainly a sign of very good things to come, and thousands of wonderful possibilities instantly flooded my mind. I had never spent a Christmas with Bella. I would make this the best and most memorable holiday for her that I could.

Caught in my plans and musings, I failed to notice the gradual lightening of the morning dawning through Bella's kitchen window. All too soon, Alice appeared by my side.

"You'll need to leave soon, Edward. I know you don't want to hear this, but you'll be going to school today. You can't be late."

How in the world did she think I would leave my Bella at a time like this? I responded with a low growl; the warning evident.

"Don't growl at me, Edward. You know as well as I do that if you happen to be absent the same day as Bella, it will arouse suspicion. There are those who are already questioning the situation between you two."

"Those" obviously being Jeffrey. His face flashed through her mind. I sighed. As loath as I was to leave, she was right. It would be too much of a coincidence. As Jeffrey's possessiveness increased, he was becoming more unpredictable. Where once I would never believe he would be a threat to Bella, now I wasn't so sure. I couldn't risk it.

I checked the time on the microwave. I had an hour to be in my first period class. I put the last of the soup containers in her freezer, and the dirty dishes into the dishwasher. Alice started pulling out eggs and more ingredients from the fridge. Grabbing a frying pan, she grinned up at me. Bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet, Alice could barely contain her excitement.

"She's spending Christmas with us, Edward!" Remembering her vision, I nodded and smiled back.

"Go. I'll need to go through her closet before she wakes up in… She quickly closed her eyes …twenty minutes. Hurry!" Playfully, she started to push me toward the door. Sighing, I made my departure.

The biting cold of the fall morning was a striking contrast to the warmth of Bella's kitchen. I ran home as fast as I could and made it through the front door just as Emmett, Rosalie and Jasper were leaving. I nodded at them to let them know that Bella was fine and tore my way up to my room. I wanted to get to school quickly and have this day over with as soon as possible. The quicker 2:30 came, the quicker I could be with Bella again.

BPOV

My senses slowly came into focus. My head was swimming in a fog, and I had to struggle to make sense of my surroundings. My arms, legs and back were stiff. It felt like I hadn't moved the entire night. My dry mouth felt fuzzy and thick. I instinctively rubbed the heel of my hand across my tired eyes, and winced. Everything felt puffy and sore.

I rolled over and groaned. I looked down at myself and noticed I was wearing the same clothes I had on yesterday. The previous days' events tore through my memory, and I gasped in horror as I bolted straight up. Jason was in the hospital. I imagined him alone and scared, wondering where I was. Before I could stumble my way to the bathroom, Alice's face peeked around the door.

"Oh, good, you're up. Sit back so I can put this tray here." I looked over the tray she had set over my lap. It looked like she had gone nuts down in the kitchen. There was a plate stacked with four huge pecan pancakes with a big scoop of whipped butter melting in a line down the sides. Plates to the side held scrambled eggs with melting cheese over the top and three slices of crispy-fried bacon. Glasses filled with milk and fresh-squeezed orange juice finished the ensemble. Shocked, I looked over to where Alice was gazing at me with an expectant look on her face.

"Alice, wow, I can't, I mean, this is, wow." Very eloquent. The mouth-watering aroma made my eyes roll back, and I inhaled deeply. It smelled incredible, but my stomach still lurched. I wasn't sure if this was a good idea.

"This is amazing, Alice, but this is a ton of food. Plus, I don't really know if I'm up to eating at all with Jason's situation, my stomach's feeling a bit queasy right now." I felt like crap. Alice had obviously gone through a lot of trouble, but I was afraid those gorgeous pancakes would just come right back up if I tried to eat them.

"Bella, Bella, Bella." I looked up and watched as she shook her head in pity. "Would you really let this work of art go to waste?" She smiled and then looked at me pointedly. "Jason does need you, Bella, but you need to take care of yourself as well. You won't be of any use if you don't. You'll need the energy to get through the next few days." The warm smile was back on. "Plus, have you seen the food at the hospital? If it tastes half as nasty as it smells, you may just starve!"

What could I say? The annoying little psychic was right. I took another whiff at the glistening stack of pancakes and thought that maybe I could try a few bites. The first forkful melted on my tongue and I think I moaned. I may have said something like, "Needs cooking lessons, my ass!" Alice might have laughed at that, but I was too hungry to know for sure.

Alice was a force of nature as she tore through my closet, gingerly tossing items out at random, and occasionally making clicking noises. I wasn't sure what that meant but I knew better than to think that the current crisis wouldn't negate our agreed-on shopping trip.

I looked down at my plate and was shocked to see I had eaten most of the food. I was apparently much hungrier than I had thought. I looked over at my clock and gasped. It was much later than I had thought, too. I was careful not to dump the entire tray on the floor as I jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom. This was not good.

Alice's soprano voice trilled from the deep recesses of my closet. "Carlisle called the school office first thing this morning." I immediately halted and poked my head around the corner. "You have a sub covering your classes until Monday. You'll want to call in this afternoon, though. Mrs. Combs wants an update on Jason."

Mrs. Combs, bless her, was the office receptionist and had appointed herself as the unofficial "mom" to Westmore's teaching staff. She undoubtedly would be planning something to raise Jason's spirits.

I closed my eyes under the warm spray of the shower nozzle. Going into work was the last thing on my mind. Thankfully, Alice and Carlisle had thoughtfully taken care of that detail. I had worked so hard these last few years to be independent and self-sufficient. I wasn't sure what to think about the Cullens taking care of me yet again. The hot water pulsed against my sore muscles and felt good as it soothed the puffy skin around my eyes. I began to realize how nice it was to be taken care of during crises such as this. I decided to be grateful and worry about the implications later.

Alice pranced in and laid a pair of dark wash jeans, stretchy t-shirt and flouncy sweater on the counter. I shot her a glare though the glass door.

"Seriously, Alice? How can you think of dressing me up at a time like this?" She only smiled.

"How can you not? Just because you'll be tending to Jason doesn't mean you can't look good while doing it." Of course, Alice logic was pointless to dispute. I didn't feel like arguing, anyway.

Dressed, and running a towel through my hair, Alice guided me over to the desk chair, and expertly began working a comb through my thick locks. I was worried that all this fussing was wasting time, but Alice had the top of my head in complicated braids and the lower half pulled together in a long, flowing ponytail in less time it would have taken me to simply comb through it. I had to admit, it looked very nice.

Making my way down the stairs, I instantly stopped and looked around. Alice had been busy. I remembered what this place had been reduced to yesterday afternoon before Jase and I had left for the park. Dirty dishes and leftovers had been strewn across the table and counters. The macaroni and cheese he had accidentally spilled left under the table, to be cleaned up later. Toys and an especially messy art project had been left on the coffee table, and the floors had been in desperate need of a sweep and deep mopping. Looking around now, the house looked immaculate. The windows even looked cleaner, and not a speck of dust was to be found anywhere. I was never a slouch at housekeeping, but with my schedule being much more hectic lately, I recognized that certain things had been put off. I looked over to Alice and felt my eyes prickling. She had spent her night cleaning my house. I stepped over and embraced her in a tight hug.

"Thank you, Alice. This was the best thing anyone could have done for me. What in the world would I do without you?" Tears threatened to fall. I breathed in Alice's sweet scent and tried to blink back my tears before it turned into full-blown sobbing.

I also noticed a rich, savory aroma from the kitchen. "Did you also do some cooking? Besides breakfast, that is." Alice's eyes sparkled.

"No, but Edward did. He made some soups for you to heat up during the week."

Edward had cooked for me? I was momentarily brought up short, but I shouldn't have been. Of course, this is what friends did for one another. Both Alice and Edward spent their evening doing what was most needed and meaningful in my time of crisis.

"Of course we did this for you, Bella. You're a friend and a sister. We love you." She patted my arm and gave me a conspiratorial smile. "Don't worry, you'll be making it up to me later. We may have to postpone our little shopping trip, but it will happen. Come on, let's get going." I nodded and wiped my eyes. Jase needed me, and now was not the time to lose it.

I thought over everything that had happened since yesterday afternoon. There was so much to worry and think about, but one thought kept poking through.

"Alice, did Edward spend the entire night at my house? She swiveled her head around to look me in the eye. Her look was assessing.

"Yes, Bella, he did. After the trauma of yesterday, there was no way he would leave you. He loves you." The Cullens were going out of their way lately to make sure I knew that.

"Where is he now?"

"He had to go to school today. Being absent the same day you are would arouse suspicion."

I thought about that. Even though we only had a friendship between us, and especially since Jeffrey's confrontation in the parking lot, Edward was scrupulous about keeping appearances in place. Our time was limited to the classroom, and he was careful to make sure we were never seen with each other without others present. We had just another normal teacher/student relationship; no different than the one I had with each of my other students. Edward had even stopped watching me in the parking lot, just to avoid the speculation. He had been texting me several times a day, just to say hi, or share a funny joke or meme, but it wasn't different from what any other friend would do. That's all we were, after all.

I couldn't stop a small smile creeping slowly across my face. I would be a liar if I denied I looked forward to his texts. They always made me smile. True, it was nothing more than friendly chitchat, but it seemed like we were connecting back to the way we used to be. He had professed his love only a few months ago, but he respected my needs and boundaries, and for that I was grateful.

I sighed and returned my attention to the current crisis. I glanced at the clock and fought back a sharp pang of panic. It was only a bit past eight, and I had no idea if Jase would be up by now or not. I was hoping to arrive sooner to ensure he wouldn't wake up alone and frightened. Alice must have sensed my panic.

"Don't worry, Bella. He won't wake up for another twenty-five minutes, yet. There's plenty of time." She looked over to me and patted my hand. I nodded and continued to stare out the window. Time seemed to crawl on the short drive to the hospital.

I was anxious to get to Jase's room. According to Alice, I still had fifteen minutes, but I wanted to be sure he wouldn't wake up alone. Seeing his small and broken body engulfed by the huge bed and oversized cast made me suck in a sharp breath. I rushed over and took his small, pudgy hand in mine. I kissed the dimples over his knuckles, and slowly began to look him over. His color was good. Long, dark lashes swept along the rosy curve of his plump cheeks. His head was tilted and resting on his shoulder. He was relaxed and looked innocent in sleep. Raw, tender feelings worked their way to the fore and began the familiar prickling behind my eyes.

I desperately tried to keep the tears at bay. My eyes were well primed from yesterday's sob fest. It wouldn't take much, and once I started, it would be very hard to stop. Alice handed over the tissue box sitting on the shelf behind her chair.

"Thanks, Alice," I said. I gulped in several deep cleansing breaths to stifle the oncoming torrent. It worked, briefly, but I held the tissues tightly in my clenched fists, not yet trusting myself.

I could feel Alice's eyes on me as I sat in a blue Naugahyde chair. I continued to stare at Jase's sweet face; he seemed little more than a baby to me. An involuntary chuckle escaped as I envisioned Jase sternly rebuking me for thinking him a baby. He was, after all, the "man of the house," as Charlie frequently reminded him, and he took his "responsibility" of taking care of me seriously. If anything, he was a precious boy, and I was amazed at the depths of love I felt for him. He was more than a brother to me. He was mine.

With this thought, the tears did come, and I couldn't stop them. I didn't want to try. I looked over to Alice and saw the sympathy in her eyes.

"Oh, Alice. I can only imagine what Renee must think of me." Her eyebrow immediately quirked up.

"What do you mean, Bella?"

"Well, I'm Jase's guardian. I'm the closest thing he'll ever have to a real mother, and I failed, Alice. Under Renee's care, I had my share of bumps and bruises growing up, maybe a sprained wrist or ankle here or there, but never anything like this. Some protector I turned out to be." My eyes swept over his face again. "Just look at him. He's so sweet and innocent. He depends on me to protect him, and I failed! How can I look him in the eye now? How can I accept his trust and not be scared out of my wits it won't happen again?"

Alice slowly walked over to me and laid a cool hand on my shoulder. Looking up at her through watery haze, I saw her sad smile and the naked honesty shining through her eyes.

"I can't pretend to know what it's like, Bella. I've never been a parent, or even been a protector, but I know that you're being way too hard on yourself. You love and care for that boy with ferocity. You, more than anyone, knows that sometimes accidents just happen." Her mouth curled in a slight smile. I did know. Unfortunately, knowing did nothing to ease the clawing guilt working its way around my insides.

"Besides, Bella," Alice added, "I know Edward feels exactly the same way about you."

The shock of her words hit me like a slap in the face. I never for a moment thought that Edward was careless with my safety. Just the opposite. He went to ridiculous lengths to ensure my protection, or so I thought at the time. Once again, the perspective between my immature 17-year-old self and my more experienced "mom" self-collided. We protect, love, worry, and anguish over those we care for. We also do what it is we must for the welfare of those same individuals. Suddenly, Edward's apathetic behavior, lie, and subsequent departure made a bit more sense. I still couldn't agree with him having made decisions unilaterally, but I understood.

I decided to take a moment to gather myself and stepped out into the hall. This was a good time to give Mrs. Combs an update.

A/N: I'm learning some interesting things as I post this story. One is just because I know what I'm trying to say, and it all makes perfect sense in my own head, doesn't mean that it is coming across clearly to the audience. I've had some questions about how Jeffrey knows about Bella and Edward, which is completely justifiable. Jeffrey is very competitive. He consciously/unconsciously is looking out for anything that could undermine his dominance on and off the court (not that every athlete is like this. It is just his personality). He has his sights on Bella, and senses Edward's interest in her, because he is pointedly watching. He is further agitated by the fact that there is something "off" about Edward even though he doesn't know what it is. Of course, his drug habit has amped up his anxiety, so what we have now is a paranoid, agro mess.

Also, thanks to my observant anon reviewer who spotted my "waiter" mistake back in chapter 10. I try to avoid spelling errors (grammar Nazi here), so this was a bit of an embarrassment. Regardless, you all help me to become a better writer, and I appreciate it.

Alice was right. We really can't be good for anyone until we take care of ourselves first. Take some time to be good to yourself.