Disclaimer: depictions of gore in the last portion of the chapter.

Scan after tireless scan and test after endless test—Bella felt like a doll being hauled from one place to the other. Pulled in one direction and then pushed into another. It was hard to keep up, especially when exhaustion followed her everywhere she went.

First came the neurological exams which consisted of Carlisle and another colleague of his to ask so many questions she thought she'd lose her voice. Then she was put through a series of other tests that involved her being pulled through machines or plugged into them. There were MRIs and EEGs—all of which she had difficulty understanding at the moment what they do exactly, but she knew Carlisle would answer her questions once she was ready to ask them.

While in the hospital, Bella wondered if her interest in what Carlisle does for a living meant she wanted to follow in his footsteps. Become a doctor and save lives one day the same way her adoptive father had done for her and countless others.

As scared as she was, Bella tried her best not to show it. To oppress the feeling as much as she could so that Jasper wouldn't worry more than he surely was. She was sure that if Jasper were human, he would definitely have grey hairs by now with all the worrying he did.

Bella never quite understood it.

Why everyone worried so much about her...

From what she could recall, not even her biological parents were ever this worried about her. So there were times where Bella found the Cullen's concern rather extreme. Not that she didn't love them more for it, but still.

By the time Bella was wheeled back into her room, everyone was waiting in the same spots they'd been in when the nurse had come to take her away.

That morning had been a big wake up call when a woman calling herself Nurse Danny in a chipper voice strode in with a skip in her step. The nurse obviously hadn't gotten a feel for the room which was the complete opposite of her upbeat personality. Even Emmett and Alice couldn't seem to match the woman's optimistic approach if they wanted to.

Nurse Danny pushed the empty wheelchair in as she found the girl playing cards with her best friend, both of which regarded the kindly woman with wariness.

"Hello there, Isabella! Ready to get checked up?"

That was when Bella's fear had taken over. Her heart stuttered and she glanced gingerly between Carlisle and Esme when the nurse hadn't slowed in her stride, lowering the bed side rails with an audible click.

"I..." she stammered, losing her voice completely in this rather sudden and startling realization that she couldn't stop this. None of it, and she had absolutely no control over it.

Esme gently placed her hand on the nurse's shoulder and whispered something Bella couldn't hear in her panic. The nurse's cheerful demeanor dimmed slightly, realizing her mistake, but still smiled warmly before taking a step back.

"I..." Bella suddenly felt out of breath, wanting to curl into herself despite the embarrassment of looking pathetic in front of everyone. Flynn inched closer in his seat, his reddish-brown brows furrowed with concern. Jasper had pushed off the wall to go to her, but stopped abruptly—his eyes flashing to their father.

Seconds later, a cold hand rested over hers and Bella's attention snapped up to gaze into Carlisle's warm eyes. Not once, did Carlisle's love for her waver even after all this worrying.

His words were all the encouragement she needed to find her courage once again, "We'll be right here with you, sweetheart. Every step of the way."

She knew that if Carlisle hadn't accompanied her everywhere, she wasn't so sure she could do all that she did today. Wasn't sure she could ever find her courage without her father's unending support.

She kept replaying his words over and over, even as she waved bye to her family who seemed to look worse than she felt.

They really needed to talk about that when this was all over.

Flynn was dosing off in the same chair he'd been in since she left, one fist propped under his chin and his head occasionally tipping forward. Bella couldn't believe he was still here. Despite all of this, her heart felt as if it grew ten times in size upon waking to find that her best friend was there with her. He hadn't left, even now.

His hair was still growing out, strands of red resting against his temple as he dozed. His glasses were somewhat crooked due to his fist pressing against them and it made him look adorably funny.

Jasper seemed to be shaken out of his stoic character in that very moment, arching a brow at her as she was led into the room. He was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, and despite his intimidating look Bella was never wary of him. Instead, she smiled at him.

That seemed to help reassure her brother slightly. But she knew what that inquiring arch of his brow meant. Then she registered the thoughts that crossed her mind and the feelings that followed.

Did I just say...Flynn was adorable?

Her cheeks flushed and she made an effort to think about anything other than Flynn.

She wasn't doing anything odd.

Merely making an observation, that's all.

"You did so good, love," Esme said, embracing her daughter soon after Bella settled into the bed. Esme sat on the edge of the bed, brushing back a loose strand of her hair. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired," Bella answered honestly. She grinned at Flynn as he jolted awake, frantically looking around until he saw her, "you know, you drool when you sleep."

"I do not," Flynn's hand flew to his mouth and scowled when he realized Bella was teasing him. A small relieved smile etched across his face then, "Glad you're back."

"Me too," Her cheeks flushed at his admittance, "you know, you should go home, Flynn. You don't have to stay, I'm pretty sure these three got you covered on guard duty," She said, throwing a thumb in the direction of her brothers who each grinned.

She was trying her best to ignore the way everyone tried and failed to act like they couldn't hear every word between them. Even if Rosalie was looking out the window, her back to them while Alice typed away on her laptop, Bella knew they were secretly relishing in this conversation.

"My mom said she'll come get me once she's off from work. So I guess you're stuck with me until then," He said a little too cheerfully. She knew what he was trying to do. And for once, she didn't mind that he was trying to make her happy—to distract her from...well, everything.

Bella looked up when Carlisle finally joined them. Based on the expression he had, whatever he'd just heard or discovered wasn't good. She sank back against her mountain of pillows Alice had insisted on setting up behind her, face grim with a resigned sort of dread.

Emmett looked between her and Carlisle, "Can she go home yet?"

"Not yet, son. We still have to do some more tests I'm afraid."

"More?" Bella's voice sounded so weak, defeated and tired.

She was so tired.

Emmett took her hand in his large one, having moved closer to stand beside her bed. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze that Bella couldn't find the energy to return. Even though that was his way of reaching her whenever worry got the best of her, she couldn't find the energy to try and reassure him this time.

"We want to take some blood and run a few more tests, it'll be quick," Carlisle said, nodding his gratitude when Flynn stood and offered him the seat. He sat, pulling the chair even closer so that his elbows could rest atop Bella's bed, running the back of his hand against her cheek, "You're doing great, Bella. Just one more test and that's it, I promise."

"I just want to go home," Bella shook her head, shutting her eyes when they started to sting, "This is...what it's going to be like, isn't it?"

"I know this has been a lot for you. We all know that," Carlisle's eyes softened while everyone appeared to grow incredibly still. "But we don't know that this is going to be a recurring incident yet."

"But how can we not? This is the second one I've had, I've been reading up on it..." She ignored the knowing glances Carlisle and Edward exchanged upon hearing her words. They clearly weren't surprised the youngest member of their family had become so studious over the years. "I know what it means if seizures happen more than once to someone."

Flynn looked down to his hands, frowning and deep in thought as Esme came to stand beside him. Even he was worried about her. More than she thought he'd be.

"If I could do anything in my power to ensure you never step foot inside another hospital again, I would. But that is precisely why I want to do as many tests as we can to get to the bottom of this."

Feeling guilty for conveying her irritation, Bella closed her eyes, "I'm sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry for, sweetheart," Carlisle placed his hand on her shoulder, waiting until she opened her shining brown eyes and looked at him, "nothing at all."

She knew he was right.

Carlisle would never lie to her, Bella knew that deep down. Passed her irrational thoughts and attempt to hide her own feelings. She knew her being in the hospital now wasn't a hindrance on any of them.

But why don't I feel that way?

After a few more hours of waiting for some of the results to come back, Flynn's mother finally came to pick him up, bringing a stuffed animal for Bella as a 'feel better soon' gift. As much as her best friend seemed reluctant to leave, Bella reassured him that it was alright.

"I'll come visit you soon once you're out, okay?" He took her hand and she nodded, smiling.

"Thanks Flynn," She watched him leave, happy to see her family say their goodbyes to Flynn and his mother.

Shortly after that, the same doctor that had tended to her the last time she'd been in the hospital had joined Carlisle. The former had decided to be the one to speak first. He was a kind man in his late fifties by the looks of it and spoke to Bella the same way she suspected he would address an adult, without condescension and plenty of patience.

Jasper and Rosalie had taken their turn in sitting beside her, each taking a hold of her hand as Carlisle's colleague said, "Now, we've taken the time to compare your previous test results from your last visit, and the results of your most recent EEG. As of right now, it is difficult to form a proper diagnosis."

"What does that mean?" She asked, this time she was the one squeezing Jasper and Rosalie's hands. They responded in kind. As if to say, We're here, kid. We're not going anywhere no matter what happens.

Carlisle responded this time, "It means the scans aren't clear. Making it difficult to see if you do in fact have epilepsy."

The doctor added, "Given that both seizures have been so far apart time-wise, I want to advise that we wait and see if another arises within the next six months. We'll give you a list of some precautions to take while at home and a new diet to follow. Sometimes changing a small thing can make a difference. With a devoted father like Carlisle, I'm sure he'll help you get accustomed to the change in no time," Carlisle only barely mustered a small smile to his colleague when he patted his back, pride shining in the man's eyes similar to the way a father would regard his son. "What's important is to avoid any undue stress and stay away from things that could trigger another seizure."

"What's the likelihood of it happening again?" She had to asked, staring down at her hands which she'd pulled out of her older brother and sister's hands. The change in her demeanor not lost on any of them.

Both doctors looked to one another before Carlisle said, "At this point, seeing as you've had two so far...the rate is higher than it was before. And the likelihood of you experiencing another seizure is very likely."

Both doctors said so many things to her, to Esme who found herself asking an array of questions and clearly taking note of the list of triggers that could cause another attack. They used words Bella didn't understand nor could she wrap her head around at the moment. Not when a roaring started in her ears. A numbness sweeping over her heart as she grew perfectly still.

Bella startled awake when she felt herself being moved suddenly. Eyes shooting open and arms stretching out when she realized she was being carried, her panic spiked until she heard Jasper's voice.

"It's okay, I got you, darlin'. We're home now," he said as he walked up the stairs of the front porch, resting his chin atop her head. Feeling exhausted beyond belief, Bella didn't have the energy to tell him she could walk on her own. Instead, she settled back into his chest. Wrapping her arms around his shoulder a little tighter, "I'll just get you up to bed and you can sleep as much as you want."

Feeling more exhausted than she'd felt in a long time, she wanted nothing more than to do just that—

"Wait!" She suddenly yelled making Jasper halt as he passed the threshold. Someone must have gone ahead of them, leaving the door open. Jasper's concern showed on his features as he frowned down at her. Suddenly she lost her words, "I...I don't..."

Jasper sat her down on the bench by the front door, kneeling in front of her and sharing his gift to calm her warring emotions, "What is it?"

Bella hesitated, biting her bottom lip when she grew nervous and worst of all, ashamed. Ashamed to admit she was scared. That she was terrified of having another seizure while she's alone. Where no one could reach her if they didn't notice.

I'm so scared. I feel like I'm going to disappear. Please don't let me go.

Feeling her panic, Jasper took her hand in his, "Bella?"

"Can I sleep on the couch? I don't want to be in my room." She asked hurriedly, keeping her gaze lowered the entire time. When she muttered the last words, she was surprised he heard her at all, "I don't want to be alone."

Jasper's eyes softened, taking her face between his palms, "You'll never be alone, Isabella. Never. Not while I'm here. You understand?" When she nodded, he shook his head, his worry intermingling with frustration towards this entire situation. It wasn't fair. This entire situation wasn't fair at all, "I don't think you do. Stop trying to mask your emotions, I can feel that too." Bella tensed, tears shining in her eyes and Jasper sighed, pulling her to his chest in an embrace that could have almost been painful if he could hold his sister the way he truly wanted, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, I'm not mad at you. I'm worried about you, there's a difference, darlin'."

Bella sniffled, her hand gripping his shoulders, "I know...you're doing that thing again."

"What thing?"

"Sharing your feelings with me. You do it a lot lately."

Jasper blinked, "I didn't realize..."

"It's okay," She said, burying her face into his chest. "I'm sorry too, for always sharing mine."

He shut his eyes tight, feeling all her sorrow and worry for the unknown. They held each other for a long time, neither able to rein in their emotions while knowing there was no judgment here. Not between them, not ever since they first laid eyes on each other in that grocery store in Forks. Soulmates.

Who would have known they existed outside of a romantic relationship? Jasper always knew Alice was his mate, but to meet another soul that spoke to his the way Bella's did—it was incredible.

He couldn't imagine living in a world without his sister in it.

Not at all.

It came as a surprise to no one that all that the Cullens pretty much settled into the living room that night. Bella insisted they didn't have to stay because of her, wanting to prove that she was fine when they all knew it was the opposite.

"What? Can't a guy watch Mad Max whenever he wants?" Emmett remarked as he snatched up the controller and plopped down onto the couch beside Bella.

"You watch Mad Max all the time," she grumbled with the roll of her eyes.

Bella had no doubt in her mind that no amount of fatigue could ever impede her from rolling her eyes at her siblings. Particularly at Emmett who always came up with some shenanigan whenever he was bored—which when he's not with Bella or Flynn—was all the time according to Rosalie.

It was there though. The spark of relief she needed that helped her relax into her brother's side when he threw his arm over her shoulders. Emmett placed a kiss atop her head, "Love you, Bells."

Bella smiled, "Love you too, Mett."

Edward sat on the couch opposite to them, reading a book while Alice and Rosalie chatted about some fashion show. Carlisle was in the kitchen with Esme helping her clean up after Bella's early dinner but they were sure to wander in eventually. And Jasper was—

A soft fleece blanket was draped over her shoulders, enveloping her and simultaneously combating the cold radiating off of Emmett. Bella looked up to see Jasper holding a pillow—her pillow—against his side.

He sat a few cushions away from her, placing the pillow between them and motioning towards it, "Here's your bed for the night, as requested, little lady."

"Thanks, Jazz," Bella smiled as she curled onto her side and laid down, tucked between her brothers as they watched Mad Max for what seemed like the thousandth time. Given they were immortal, Bella was sure she wasn't too far off.

When she woke up a few hours later, she found herself hugging something cold. Her head no longer on her pillow.

Opening her eyes, she found that her arm was draped over one of Jasper's legs. As if she'd inched even closer to him in her sleep. Her pillow tucked close to her chest.

Looking up, she stared at him as he continued staring at the flat screen with mild interest. A cold hand ran over the strands of her hair, soothing her before a wave of calm washed over her. Another hand patted her leg and she knew it was Emmett's way of telling her he was still here. Not that he would have had a choice considering both her legs were on top of his. Keeping both her brothers trapped.

As if she refused to let them go, and neither of them had any problem in being kept by Bella.

Not so long as she wanted them near.

The sound of skin being ripped to shreds filled the empty dock, the faint flickering lamp lights illuminating the boathouse which appeared abandoned from a distance as the winds howled all around. Surrounded by the river and forest, there wasn't a soul in sight. Not this late at night that is.

A gurgling sound joined the ripping and tearing of bone and flesh, wet smacking sounds hitting the planks as footsteps followed. Slow and barely audible as the waves lapped at the wooden posts below.

The silhouette of a person suddenly toppled over, swaying and stumbling out between the archways of the boathouse. The body of a burly man landing face first with a loud thump echoed across the river. Half his body lay between the archway of the boathouse, his bloodied fingers barely reaching the docks which were illuminated by the full moon.

Beyond the archway, bare feet padded across the splintering planks. Long embroidered bootcut jeans dragged across the trail of blood the man had left in his wake.

"Well that was disappointing. I hate it when they beg," a feminine voice sighed her annoyance as she knelt and flicked the man's sallow cheek out of sheer boredom. Eyeing the ring on his finger, she clicked her tongue, "why couldn't you have been a little interested in me? You had to be a lover boy, didn't you?"

The scuffling of shoes made the woman roll her eyes. Rising swiftly, she turned to make her way further out onto the long dock. When she reached the nearest post she leaned against it, grimacing at the mess of flesh and blood that remained beneath her long nails.

A weak whimper grated on the woman's ears and she finally asked, "Will you hurry it up? I so loathe this humid weather," Below the hanging lights swinging back and forth between the posts, right by the edge of the dock, she narrowed her eyes in the direction of the sounds of the human still fighting to get free. Glaring at the vampire that enjoyed prolonging such torture when he could have simply snapped the human's neck and get it over with. Then again, she hadn't done the same so why bother?

There's no fun in it if there isn't a little chase.

When no answer came, the woman asked again, "James?"

The sound of a low growl made the woman tense, lowering her nails as she turns her blood red eyes towards the edge of the darkness where the streaming river moved restlessly below. The two silhouettes where the lights could not reach became a part of the night. It would have made the vampire feasting upon the woman's now still corpse impossible to see. But not to a vampire.

A blonde man with his chin length hair tied back was kneeling on the floor, hunched over the woman who had long hair the color of rich mahogany and lifeless brown eyes which stared up at the night sky, staring endlessly at the stars above as her hand which had been clutching at Jame's jacket finally grew limp. Her hand falling heavily beside his bare feet.

When James finally raised his head, he battled to collect the savage need to continue drinking the body dry. From draining the woman—no older than twenty by the looks of it—from every last drop she had.

He would never be satisfied.

Not even if he killed all the women that resembled his most recent obsession.

The one that got away, the female vampire thought with a mocking grin. Leave it to her partner to have an obsession when it came to his prey.

Maybe that's why she found him so desirable.

Having this savage need to claim and fight, to be as powerful as he made himself out to be when they'd first met.

James ran the back of his hand over the human woman's cheek before shoving her off the edge of the deck. Watching her body splash into the water and sinking for only a moment before she floated away, carried off by the river.

"I'm tired of Washington, Victoria. How about we head somewhere even colder? How does Russia sound? I'll treat you to a nice fur coat while we're there." He asked as he looked over his shoulder, his bloodied lips as bright as his mate's blazing red curls as he grinned. The crazed look in his eyes reflecting his possessive nature.

Victoria dragged the dead man's body behind her as she grinned wickedly, stopping once she was right beside him before dumping him into the river to join his precious love, "I thought you'd never ask."

Thanks for reading and sharing all the support on this story x

I'm looking forward to sharing more chapters with you all, if my health and time permits!