AN: Sorry for being a couple of days late with this upload. I have no excuse. Also:

It came to my attention that I dropped the ball in chapter nineteen, with a continuation on that error in twenty-one, thanks to Malad.

It appeared as if Bella had a magic phone, that could somehow magically repair itself. While in my mind I had imagined a scene in which Alice gives her a phone after she comes back from her hunting trip, I forgot to actually write it. And when going back to try to edit it, I came to the conclusion that it would detract from the scene, and so that didn't happen either. I ended up adding a scene in which Bella learns a little more about how Edward thinks, which I had plans to do in this chapter, while also getting the phone. That's the short version, though if you would like to read it in it's entirety, it occurs just after the Tekken competition in chapter nineteen.

I sincerely apologize for the continuity error, and the immersion break for any of you that caught it. I will strive to do better in the future. And if I do mess up like this again in the future, be sure to let me know.

Now that that's out of the way, I hope you can still enjoy this new chapter.

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Deadly Affection – Reimagined

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of it's characters. I just make them do silly stuff.

Chapter 22: Doctor's Visit

Bella PoV

I was stuck in thought, sitting on my bed in darkness. Milling around in my head, repeating over and over. Was there something wrong with me? Why is this happening? What caused this? Am I in danger? Am I dying?

I knew immediately that it was just me being paranoid. Most likely. I had a pretty good idea why it was happening, and that it most likely didn't threaten my health in any way. But the thoughts remained. Guess even whatever it is that I am, is still prone to panic attacks. Which I also already knew, from the first week I was here. This shit was mild compared to that.

But it still grated on my mind. What this could mean for my future. How it could possibly limit my options later in life. Not that I was all that into the idea of being a mom, with how my own had been struggling during my upbringing. It might be down to personal bias. Also the fact that I was seeking a relationship with a very female vampire. Who probably struggled with this very possibility at some point in her long life as well. Although I guess it wasn't just a possibility in her case.

I have never looked past the near to intermediate future in regards to my choices in life. I opt to roll more with what life throws at me, than anything. And at this point in my life, I preferred chicks. So it had no instantaneous impact, in that regard. But I was in no way naive enough to thing that my preferences couldn't change in the future. People are fickle things. Stuff happens, and minds change. Guess that's part of what it means to live.

I picked up the phone, intending to call Audrey, only to realize that I don't have her number. I could call mom and ask for it, but what could I say to her if I did. One word from me about kids, and alarm bells would go off for Audrey. She'd know something serious was up, and wouldn't stop hounding me until she figured it out. A pained whisper in the back of my mind asked if I should stop talking to her all together. Just fade out of her life, to keep her safe. I refused to entertain the notion.

The unfamiliar ringtone starts blaring in my hands, and I'm both happy and annoyed to see that Alice is calling. And that's not fair on my part, as she can't know the turmoil going on in my head. ''Hey Alice.'' I answer, putting the phone to my ear.

''Hey Boo.'' She croons back, and I can't help but chuckle in response. ''What, too much?'' It certainly lifts my spirits, and the obvious concern in her voice melts away my worries.

''It's cute, but... It's not really... Me.'' I answered honestly.

''Huh, not one for nicknames?'' Her voice carries an air of playfulness that I can't help but smile from. It reminds me of Phoenix. Or more specifically, of Audrey, and the banter we shared. Used to, anyway. There was a sense of longing for those days in the back of my mind, but I wouldn't change what had happened. Nothing is ever certain.

''No, I can do nicknames. Just not one that feels so cliché.'' I respond, remembering the grotesque number of times I heard lovebirds call each-other that down in Arizona. ''Besides, you've got to have something more original than that, up in that wonderful mind of yours, right?''

''You think so, kitten?'' Her voice was low and sultry. I know it's only teasing, but I can't help but be affected by it. Some semblance of higher thinking just goes to the ditch. While this new one is no less cliché, I think I like it. Though it probably had a lot to do with the current state of my mind. Hey, I don't claim to be infallible. Stop pestering me, brain.

''Uh-huh.'' Was the extent of my reply, before I managed to reboot. ''Anyway, was there any particular reason you called?'' I asked in an attempt to change the subject.

''Yeah. I don't want to come off as the clingy girlfriend, but I was starting to get worried when you didn't show. Did something come up?'' I was bewildered at first, not really connecting the dots. Then it clicked, and I held the phone up in front of me for a second, to check the time. It had been nearly forty minutes since I texted Alice. No wonder she'd get worried, with the state of things.

I was reluctant to reveal the reason why. Best case, she couldn't help but wasn't bothered. Worst case, I'd bring up what was undoubtedly a sore point. At least if how Rosalie reacted was anything to go by. Not that it was something that should bother anyone at this point. Unless something was seriously wrong with me. But I heal, surely I can't be sick. Perhaps a talk with Carlisle is in order.

''No I just... Lost track of time.'' I deflected, wincing as I imagined her reaction. She would see through the omission, of that I had no doubt. But it was better than lying to her, or getting her upset. ''I'll head over...'' Was as far as I got, before there was a tap on the window. I did not jump several feet into the air, nor did I throw the phone in the general direction of the sound. No siree, didn't happen.

It took a good few seconds to calm down enough for the dim red glow to fade from the room, and I walked over and opened the window. I let my frustration show, as I didn't address when she jumped inside. Instead I picked up my new phone, and checked to make sure I hadn't damaged it. Probably was a reason vampires rolled around with Nokia's. ''So, this is your idea of not clingy?'' I couldn't stop myself from saying it.

Alice didn't give any visible or audible reaction to my speech, even as I turned back around to face her. All I could tell from looking at her, is that she was concerned. She looked into my eyes for a few seconds, searching. I found it hard to look back into hers. Instead I looked to the roses in the corner, reminding myself to not let my emotions control me.

''…'' She opened her mouth to speak twice, but nothing came out. And it made me feel a little shitty, having put her in a box where she couldn't speak her mind without walking into a minefield. Perhaps it was presumptuous of me to think that, but what other reasons could she have to struggle to find the words. Surely she would want to extend some platitudes, having most likely seen me sitting in the dark for a while.

I went for the easiest way to tell her that it wasn't something she did, walking towards her with my arms open. She embraced me without any rush. Just a friendly hug. I couldn't stop the urge to breathe in her smell, which I'm sure she noticed. ''Just got a lot on my mind.'' I mumbled into her hair.

''You don't have to come over today, if you need some space.'' Alice replied in kind, her cold breath eliciting shivers down my spine.

''No, I'm good. I could use the distraction.'' I eased up and broke away from her, before picking up my sweater and putting it on.

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''And what makes you think I wouldn't be able to gank your ass in Medal of Honor?'' I challenged Emmett from my relaxed position, leaning into Alice's side. We had decided to mingle with her siblings for a bit, after Alice was done playing dress-up with me. Not that I had minded. Seeing her light up and get really into her passion made me happy. But when she started to use me as a mannequin to test out new designs, I ended up needing a break. Weak ass-... whatever I am, can't pose for long without getting tired.

Emmett snorted in response. ''Do I even have to mention what happened last time? You ain't got nothing on this Bella-bear.'' He said, flexing his bicep for me to see. It made me roll my eyes.

''We also kind of cheat. Vampires, remember?'' Alice whispered into my ear. I cursed my body's reaction as I shivered, starting to feel warm next to my chilly statue. And of course I knew that I didn't have a chance against them in a lot of the games I've played. Perhaps if I somehow managed to play while cloaked up, it would be a more fair fight.

''I don't think that would work. You fried your phone with that, so I don't think the controller would fare any better.'' Edward said from his corner of the sofa.

''I know, Edward! I know! I just-... My pride won't let me just lay down and take it.'' I nearly growled in frustration, feeling my body surge with energy. I looked over at Emmett again, and noticed him nodding with a smile. I just huffed, and let the energy go again. It was just playful banter.

''It's so unfair.'' I mumbled, leaning further into Alice. There was so much that was unfair recently, though it came with some good too. It's kind of crazy to think that just a few weeks ago, I though everyone on this planet was more or less the same. Now I'm sitting here with freaking vampires. How cool is that.

Even my forced optimism couldn't erase what was really on my mind still.

I looked to Edward from the corner of my eye. The plan was simple enough. I just needed to keep it from everyone else. Edward?'As if I spoke his name out loud, his eyes flicked to me. Please don't speak up. I need you to do me a favor. I'd owe him one, but what's the worst he could ask of me. I explained what I wanted him to do for me in as few words as possible, careful to not think of anything related to the actual issue. It was kind of hard, and I almost slipped a couple of times. But when I felt it coming, I focused intensely on something else around me. Like the fragrance of the pixie beside me. When I was done, he rose from his seat without a word and left. If he would actually do what I asked of him, I was not sure. He didn't give any indication that he would, though that was kind of what I asked of him.

''Earth to Bella?'' It was just the reaction to my own name that knocked me out of my own mind. I couldn't tell who had said it, though I would bet it wasn't Alice. I felt a little uneasy when I noticed everyone present was looking at me in silence.

''Sorry? I kinda zoned out for a minute.'' Emmett grinned, but didn't voice any thoughts. They were probably down the gutter by the look of it, so it wasn't that great a loss. ''Was there a question or something?''

''Rosalie was wondering if you were having any trouble with your truck.'' Alice replied quickly beside me. I looked to the blonde, trying to figure if she had somehow just insulted my ride, or if she was just asking to be polite. Her expression was too ambiguous for me to discern.

''The truck's great. Why?'' I answered cautiously, trying to read her. A sly smile formed on her lips quickly after that.

''Great huh? Even though it's loud enough to cause permanent loss of hearing?'' One could probably be forgiven for thinking she meant that as an insult to the truck, but I don't think that was it. With how Rosalie worked, this was probably more her trying to argue my definition of the word great.

''Sure, it's loud. And it's a bitch to get in gear at times, but the thing's my baby.'' I winced at the reminder. ''And as such, you better be careful in where you're going with this.'' It wasn't meant as a threat. Not really. Just... Okay it was. Someone insults my ride, I'mma fight them. Be it vampire or human.

''I would never insult a classic. What I was actually going for, was to ask if you would allow me the opportunity to take a look at her?'' Rosalie said with the faint hint of a smile. It turned into the full-blown flirty one she would don when messing with me. ''Get a look under the hood, as it were.'' There was no mistaking the innuendo, with how she said it. The flirty eyebrow raise wasn't really necessary.

''Wow. Should I feel jealous?'' Emmett jested, making both me and Jasper snort with laughter. Rosalie just grinned sideways at him, before looking to me for an answer. I knew that Rosalie liked tinkering with cars, for sure. And she was probably a better mechanic than most humans, though I couldn't be sure. And that uncertainty made me feel a little anxious, despite the fact that I knew she could probably buy me a new truck if she broke it. But it wouldn't be my baby. Not at first.

''Think she'll mess it up?'' I asked Alice, forgetting for a second that I had messed up her power. It didn't seem to phase her.

''She'll make it bearable to sit in the darn thing, is what I think.'' I gaped at her ridiculous assertion, feeling insulted on my baby's behalf. Of course I knew she was joking, with how she had the tip of her tongue sticking out between her teeth. I swatted her shoulder, and scooted away from her, crossing my arms. Alice didn't stop laughing however, so I needed to up the ante a bit.

''Sure thing Rose. I'll let you get a look under the hood.'' I said, trying to mimic her sultry tone, failing horribly. But she played along, using more speed than necessary to come to my side, and skillfully placing her arm around my side.

''I thought you'd never ask.'' While I failed, she had mastered the art as she whispered into my ear. Involuntary shivers were joined by jelly legs, as she took charge and moved us towards the entrance. She halted however, as a new voice was heard in the house.

''Bella? Could you come into my office? I have some questions I'd like to ask you.'' It came from upstairs, and there was no mistaking who it was asking. So it would appear that Edward had done as I asked. Sneaking my hand into my pocket, I fished out the key to my car and held it out for Rosalie.

''You do your thing, and I'll come join you when I'm done.'' I decided it would be a little too forward of me to smack her ass when she walked away from me. Not that the view alone wasn't enjoyable. Thank you Edward, I added as I headed for the stairs. He gave me a questioning look as we passed each other, but said nothing. I let my senses flow out as I looked for Carlisle on the second floor, not having been to his office before. It wasn't all that hard to find, as it was the one at the end of the corridor.

I knocked twice before entering, out of courtesy, even though I knew he could hear my every step on the way here. Upon entering the room, I was met with several bookcases stacked to the brim with books wholly unfamiliar to me. A lot of them seemed to be about medicine, though I also noticed several that seemed to be about different kinds of science. There was also a large painting on the wall on the right. From a glance, it looked ancient.

''Would you mind closing the door?'' Carlisle asked, as I've gotten hung up looking around the room. There was an edge to his voice that wasn't entirely pleasant, but it could just be my imagination. So closed the door as asked, which seemed a little harder to do than the other doors in the house, and walked over and sat on a chair placed in front of his desk. ''Could you start by explaining to me why this had to be kept a secret from the rest of the family?'' His face was stern as he asked. So it wasn't just my imagination then. He seemed genuinely upset at the idea of secrecy.

I immediately felt guilty for causing him distress, with how it was just for my own sake. I could parade all I want, that it was to keep bad memories from arising in Alice and Rosalie, but that wouldn't be true. It would only be an excuse. ''I'm sorry Carlisle. I didn't take into account how you would feel about this. But I needed some help regarding a medical issue, and I didn't know who else to ask.'' I said quietly, looking to his desk.

''That doesn't explain why I would have to hide it from everyone. You are free to come to me with questions whenever you like, I hope you know that.'' I blushed, feeling a little overwhelmed from all of this. And the matter at hand wasn't any easier to voice now that I was here. I looked up to him again, trying to find a way to ask what I needed to without becoming a stuttering mess. Thankfully, Carlisle seemed to get why I was hesitating.

''Would it be correct of me to guess that it has something to do with your reproductive cycle?'' He asked, leaning back in his chair. I just nodded in response, not trusting my words. I so desperately wanted to be everywhere but here, that I looked down to the others in the house. To my amusement, everyone but Edward had migrated to the garage, with Rosalie lying on the floor, and the rest of them standing around what I would presume to be my car. ''I understand that this can be awkward for you. And I understand that you would struggle to see any other doctor, in fear that they might discover your secret. So if you have any medical concerns, please don't hesitate to see me. What you say to me as a doctor will be held in strictest confidence. I will not treat you any differently.'' The zeal in his declaration made me focus on him again. And it gave me the confidence I needed.

''Okay. So. I came to the realization today that... I should have had my period well over a week ago.'' It was still a little disconcerting to be speaking about this to the adoptive father of my... Girlfriend. But I pushed through it.

''I see. Have you engaged in any sexual activity since your last period?'' Okay, this just got awkward in a hurry. ''I assume you haven't, as I trust you understand how reproduction works. But it would be negligent for me as a doctor to not ask the question.'' Carlisle reassured me with a hint of a smile.

''No, I have not. And before you ask, yes, the last time I was on my period was before I started to exhibit these powers.'' I answered to hasten the process. I have no doubt he would guess that might be the reason, same as I had. Though he might have more information from several sources, as the only comparison I had, were vampires having the same kind of issue. Then again, even he didn't know what I was.

''Have you experienced any other symptoms? Night sweats, hot flashes, sudden chills? Or things like weight gain or mood changes?'' Carlisle listed off, and I found myself mentally checking off most of them.

''Everything but night sweats. That happened once, but I don't think it was related. Why, do you have an idea what it might be?'' I said, gaining some hope he might have the answer for me right here and now.

''Well those symptoms would normally fit for a human experiencing hormonal changes. Which is not unlikely in your case, as something is likely fundamentally different in how your body works. Have you noticed any other symptoms? Sleep problems, dry skin, vaginal dryness?'' While his voice was perfectly even all the way through, I couldn't help but glow beet red at the last one. That definitely didn't describe my condition. With not trusting my voice, I elected to answer by simply shaking my head. To Carlisle's credit, he didn't show any amusement at my obvious discomfort.

''That probably rules out menopause, not that I thought it likely. As from my perspective, this power of your seems to focus on healing and improving your physical attributes. Not counting the alleged effects of your 'cloak' and ability to suck up energy from other sources.'' Carlisle said, tapping his finger to the edge of the oak desk.

In the brief interlude, I managed to calm back down again. Carlisle seemed to be in thought, and I used the time to see what the others were up to again. The garage only held two individuals now, that being Rosalie and Emmett. He seemed to be handing her tools, as she worked on the top of the engine. My baby better work when I have to get back home, or there will be hell to pay. It only took a second to find Alice, who was now just across the hall from us, in her room. Which set off some alarm bells.

''Carlisle? Excuse me if the question is redundant, but has everyone in the house heard what we've been talking about? Vampire hearing and all?'' I asked. I didn't really know the full extent of their hearing, not really. But he had been so sure that our talk would be private, so there had to be a reason.

''This room is soundproofed quite thoroughly. Esme designed it that way, so we would have the possibility to have private conversations in the house. However, it does not affect Edward's ability.'' Carlisle explained, and for a moment I wondered if Edward had left the house without a word, in order to spy on our conversation from a distance. I had no idea what his range is for reading someone's mind, though from inference through conversations, I guessed it probably exceeded my second sight.

But that doesn't explain why he left the house to do that. I hadn't actually thought as far, as to make him leave so we could talk in private. Edward could have very well just sat down with his family after speaking to Carlisle, and I wouldn't have been able to argue it without ruining the secret.

The fact that he did though, implied either that Carlisle perhaps asked him to, or that he wanted to give me that space. While he could still try to listen in, he did set up this talk for me. That shows that he trusted me enough to not do something stupid, and that he respected my wishes to not let everyone know. Edward was likely not any happier than Carlisle had been at first. It was possibly a concern he raised to Carlisle, as that became his first question.

In either case, he had shown faith in a way, that I would not bring harm with this conniving. So I'd have faith in him, that he would not spy on us.

''Has anyone told you, that you emote quite a lot when thinking?'' Carlisle said with a small smile. ''Did you perhaps figure any other symptoms that could help us determine the cause of your issue?'' The earlier thought about Alice's... problem, and my own mixed. But that would be absurd. I didn't even learn about the blue cloak until well after I should have had my period.

No, it was way more likely it had something to do with the awakening of my powers, or what I was. Glancing at Carlisle, I entertained the idea of telling him about Alice's issue, while in private. He would no doubt be unhappy, but at least I would have admitted it on my own terms. That way, if it did get out from what would most likely be Edward's ability, Carlisle would have already known.

But it wasn't my responsibility. I might have caused it, but it would ultimately be up to Alice to tell. It was her ability after all. She might want to keep it hidden for my sake though, as it could cause a divide between us. Perhaps we should talk on it later.

I sat up straight as I broke out of my thoughts, realizing I hadn't answered his questions. ''Um, no. And no. Do you have any idea how we can figure out what's wrong with me?'' I asked him. He seemed to think for a moment.

''If you would allow it, I could take some blood samples and run a few tests. Though it might not come back with anything conclusive, as they are designed for humans. If nothing else, it would probably help shed light on what makes you special.'' He seemed almost thrilled with the idea, if his tone was anything to go by. That I could sympathize with though, as he has probably been a doctor for quite a while. The prospect of learning about something new, about what could perhaps be described as a new species. But I was still a little skeptical.

''Only if it's possible to do it from here. I don't want to risk anyone else finding out what I am.'' I said with a tad more serious tone than I had used this far in our conversation. Someone jealous of Carlisle's abilities, snooping in his office at the hospital when he was home. It was a leap in logic for sure, taken straight out of the movies. But I didn't want to risk it.

''I can arrange for that. If you would wait here for a moment, I can gather what I need for the samples.'' He didn't wait for me to respond in his excitement. He just got up and left the room. Guess I had underestimated just how thrilled he was to learn what made me tick.

While he was doing his thing, I looked to Alice. She was still in her room, on her bed. She looked to be reading a book, at a pace that made me jealous. Vampires really are overpowered. Then again, there was probably a correlation between the amount of effort put into reading a book, and how much you appreciated it. Vampires couldn't be allowed to have the cake, and eat it too, right? There would have to be a downside.

Carlisle was back in a flash, setting several vials down on the desk, while holding onto a tube holder. ''Now, do you have an issue with needles?'' He asked, just a tad too happily. One might mistake him for a crazy person. It made me a little uncomfortable, but I shook my head in a negative, and folded up my left sleeve above the elbow.

I held out my arm for him to continue, and before long, he had three vials filled up with my blood. It didn't hurt as much as I had expected, though that could probably be put down to his experience. He extracted the needle, placing a cotton wad over the wound. Probably procedure, though it was unnecessary with me. I pried off the wad and looked upon my arm. There was a drop of blood forming, though it didn't get to grow big. Carlisle just watched me with interest, as I decided to try something.

Making sure to fold my sleeve a little higher up, I let the cloak form around my left fist. Then I let it spread up my wrist, slowly and with careful measure. I noticed that remains of what used to be a band-aid fell to the floor, now tatters. I had forgotten about that. But I put it off, as I let the cloak move further up my arm, to where it reached the wound. To my surprise, as soon as the cloak reached the blood, it hissed. The evaporation made a noise similar to what the water had done a few weeks ago, though only for a moment. It also caused red steam to emerge inside the cloak, making it a little more opaque.

''Interesting.'' Carlisle muttered, and I pulled the power back into myself again. The wound was gone without a trace, as well as the blood. As I pulled my sleeve back down, I looked to my nail. Not a trace of any stupid mistake in sight.

''Will Alice smell the blood on me?'' I asked him, my mind already out the door. He would do his tests, but for now we don't have any more answers.

''Perhaps, but it won't be that appealing to her. It smells of decay.'' He replied with his back to me, cleaning up and burning the cotton wad in a metal tray.

I was out of there before he turned back around.

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AN: I hope you enjoyed. And I realize this is another short chapter, for that I do apologize. I will try to ensure the next couple of chapters will be longer.