Author's note; Sorry for the wait!

Time for SOME answers - but only some. We've got a long way to go.

Any mistakes are my own!

~Lineage~

BPOV

"I can't believe Tori has come through for us," I say, failing to hide my surprise. Because, in my absence and Dora barely leaving my side, Tori has been covering our shifts at the restaurant.

"Are you sure she's okay helping out?"

"Please, she jumped at the chance. I appreciate her help. She's been searching for a job since the last place let her go." Rose speculates.

"Well, whatever the reason, it's about time she reached out. It's good for you to spend some time together."

Tori is ten years older, and as a result, Rosalie has always had trouble connecting with her sister due to the age gap and because they are such different people.

However, as different as the sisters are, maybe now, Tori has finally learned the value of family. I really hope so, for Rosalie's sake.

Reaching over, I place my hand on her arm, giving it a comforting squeeze. "It's a pity it took something like this to make them see the error of their ways. But I'm pleased for you, and maybe the rest of your family will step up, and you can put your differences aside."

"Yeah, well, give it time. I'll believe it when I see it," Rosalie says with some skepticism, which is understandable because they've let her down before. Their relationship is pretty turbulent, possibly more messed up than mine and Charlie's. But if they are here for her now, then who am I to question it?

"But enough about my dysfunctional family. How are you feeling?" Rosalie quickly changes the subject. "Has anything come back to you yet?"

"No, nothing," I say, despondent. "I've tried to remember, but it's just not there."

Still, I can't piece together what happened. Sometimes, usually, when I'm drifting off to sleep, I see a shadow … a face, but it's never clear, and the harder I try to remember, the more blurred it becomes. I can't tell what's real from what's a dream anymore, but maybe that's my medication. I've slept a lot the last couple of days, but that's normal, according to the doctors and nurses.

"What's wrong with me … Why can't I remember … What if I never remember, Rose?" I worry.

"I don't know, but maybe speaking to someone will help. Have the doctors told you when you start your counseling?"

"My first appointment is next week, but maybe you're right; Maybe everything will begin to fall into place once I've spoken to someone." I try to sound upbeat, but the truth is I'm struggling … still coming to terms with what happened. The shock ... the fucking terror of waking up and discovering you've been shot and nearly died is a lot to take in. Especially when I still don't know what happened. I was as good as useless when I spoke to the police, who were eager to find out what I remember, which at the moment is absolutely nothing.

Maybe it's good my memory hasn't returned.

Maybe it isn't.

Would knowing what happened give me closure, or at least something to work with ... a starting point to move on?

The unknown is scary. And while my memory of what happened hasn't come back, one positive is that there have been no other side effects from the incident. Thankfully, all my scans are clear. I have no lasting damage or impairments; it's just the physical and psychological effects of the shooting I need to work on.

As I told Rosalie, I've spoken briefly to a counselor; she's booked me in for a few sessions next week, as has my physio. So as soon as I'm ready, the next stage of my recovery begins. It's a long process, and we're only at the start. Everyone keeps telling me to be patient, to take one step at a time, but that's hard to do when you're stuck in bed all day. I'm already climbing the walls. I hate feeling useless.

Plus, there's the fact that this hospital, in particular, holds some pretty horrific memories for me. Is it any wonder I'm desperate to get out of here? However, this isn't realistic - I have a long way to go before I'm anywhere near being released. I need to accept this, no matter how traumatic that is.

The only positives of my day are Rosalie, Dora, and of course, Dr. Cullen. Well, Masen, as I now call him. All three of them have been on hand to keep me motivated. Rosalie never fails to lift my spirits when I'm fed up and in need of some positivity. Dora was incredible too - my constant, who feeds me because as much as hospital food has an unfair bad rap, it's nowhere near up to Dora's high standards.

And then there's Masen ...

He comes to see me when he can; he's always kind … friendly ... always optimistic. His visits brighten up my day and give me hope that I can get through this.

However, today, it's Rosalie's turn to babysit me, as I like to joke. She tries to stay upbeat and keeps me entertained, but today she looks absolutely exhausted. Her eyes are slightly bloodshot, and the dark circles under her eyes are testament to the extra shifts I know she's pulling at the restaurant, on top of visiting me. The last couple of days have been hard on her too.

Every day after her shift, she's here without fail. She and Dora take turns sitting with me, but despite that, the two guards outside my door mean I'm never really alone. It's strange to have protection, but if the doctors and nurses find it odd, they never comment. I would fight to have the guards removed, but it's one of Charlie's conditions. He's agreed to give me some time and space, but in return, he demanded security at all times. And after what happened the last time, I'm reluctant to have Masen drawn into any more of my family dramas. He says it's not an issue, but I know what Charlie is like. He won't be pleased Masen stepped in when he did, but thankfully, my cousin Jasper was able to talk him down … to explain Masen was concerned for my health and added stress. Charlie didn't like it, but he's let it go, this time.

Rose is quick to brush off my concern, but when she lifts a hand, covering her mouth to hide her yawn, that's the final straw. Deciding enough is enough, I tell her, "Rose, please go home. You look exhausted."

"I'm fine." she denies.

"No, you're not. You can barely keep your eyes open. I'm fine here, honestly. Go home, Rose, please. Get some sleep. If you insist on coming back every day, please bring something to keep me from going crazy in here; my recipe books … my notes. I'd take the books; I'm so bored!"

She sends me a hard stare. "You can't be serious."

"I most certainly am."

I love our restaurant. It took a lot of hard work, sweat, and tears to get it off the ground. With no help from Charlie, I might add. Rose and I built it up from scratch, and I refuse to let the restaurant suffer because I'm out of action. I'm determined to use my time well and come up with new recipes during my imposed recovery.

"If I'm stuck here, I may as well make use of my time. I've had a few ideas about how we can change up the menu ... add a few new twists to our most popular dishes. Rose, I have my wits back, I can talk and think, so I need to be busy and, I wa-"

"Just stop," Rosalie cuts me off mid-rant. "You're in recovery. You're supposed to be relaxing and taking it easy. Or do I need to get your favorite doctor to speak with you?" She narrows her eyes at me; cue my blush.

Rosalie thinks it's hilarious the crush I have on Masen, but who can blame me?

It doesn't hurt that he's drop-dead gorgeous. Yet, it's not just that he's incredibly handsome; he is. He's so easy to be around … he puts me at ease. I look forward to our conversations … our time together. However, I have to remind myself to hold back. Masen isn't who he claims to be; he has secrets too. Secrets I was desperate to undercover and did.

Turns out I was right to be suspicious of him …

...

Flashback (to the night of Charlie's visit)

After I practically begged Masen to get rid of Charlie, I listened carefully to see if he was successful. Maybe it was unfair of me to ask Masen to get involved because he had a fight on his hands with my dad; Charlie wasn't one to be told no.

At first, it was difficult to understand what was being said, but the conversation quickly became livelier. I could hear both Masen and Charlie's anger bubbling over, and as the argument escalated, I was able to piece together bits of their conversation and learn just who Masen, or should I say, who his family is.

When he first introduced himself, his name caught my attention ... triggered a thought ... a memory I couldn't place. I'd heard the name before; I was sure; it just took me a while to remember where I had heard it. When it came to me, I could have kicked myself for missing something so obvious ... so blatant. In my defense, I was near death at the time.

I may be out of my father's business, but the Cullen name carries a lot of weight in Seattle. It could have been a coincidence - as I'm sure Cullen is a fairly common surname, but something in Masen's tone … his manner … his fierceness when dealing with my dad led me to believe he wasn't just talking as the caring doctor; there was more to it.

Charlie's own words confirmed this...

"Masen ... You're Carlisle's son."

Right then, I knew I was onto something. My cousin Jasper and I are close; he has a significant role in the family. He deals with the other families, the Cullens being one of them. Carlisle is the head of their family. Jasper has spoken of them before. And somewhere buried deep at the back of my mind, I have a vague recollection of him telling me about the Cullens and how there was another son, one who wanted nothing to do with the family.

The story always stuck with me because I dreamed of escaping the stigma attached to the Swan name. I heard he went to some prestigious college to study law ... medicine … science. The stories vary, but could it be true? It's not that far-fetched. Did Masen Cullen turn to medicine?

I may be confused, exhausted, but there was no mistaking the words being exchanged or the hostility between Masen, Carlisle, and my dad.

Could it be a coincidence?

No, I don't think so.

The more I listen, the more certain I am I'm right. Is Masen a doctor by day and son of Carlisle Cullen, Mafia boss, by night?

Long after his footsteps echoed down the corridor, I was still contemplating all I heard. So maybe Dr. Cullen wasn't just the humble doctor he portrayed.

Despite his best intentions, did he get drawn back into the family business outside of his working hours? Does he help other families on a regular basis? I just don't know what the arrangement is.

He had secrets - secrets I was determined to learn, and I know just the person to call to help me get to the bottom of it.

Pulling my phone out, I scrolled through my call list, hitting connect when I reached the number I needed.

"Hey, Jasper …" Instantly, I'm hit by a barrage of questions.

"Calm down, will you. I'm okay. You can come and see me soon, but I need you to do something for me first,"

"Anything. You know that Bells. What do you need?"

My smile widened; I knew I could count on my favorite cousin to help me.

"I need you to find out everything you can about Masen Cullen."

"Masen Cullen?" Jasper repeats; his voice is incredulous.

"You've heard of him?"

"Bells, you are the second person this week to ask about Masen. What do you want to know?"

"Tell me everything..."

And that was how I discovered who Masen really was.

"Hello, earth to Bella!" Rosalie's voice calls, breaking me from my reverie.

"Sorry, what?"

"You were in Masen dreamland again." She smirks.

"Cut it out, will you?" I try to play off her teasing, but Rosalie is on to me. We've been friends for many years, so she knows my every tell. I don't know why I deny it.

"Speak of the devil," she declares, her smile triumphant when Masen enters the room.

"I told you to go get some rest." I remind her of our earlier conversation. This time she agrees and makes a move to leave my bedside.

"I'll leave you to it. You guys have things to discuss," she says, sending me a pointed look.

She's right; Masen and I need to talk, and it has nothing to do with my progress or treatment.

I've still not confronted him about what I found out about his family … who he is. Only Rose knows what I discovered, but today is the day I get answers. I just need to work up the courage.

"How's my favorite patient today?" Masen hits me with his crooked smile. He's so good at that; distracting me, but today I'm going to be immune to his charms, or at least try to.

"I'm feeling better every day. Plus, I spoke to my physio and a counselor. They've booked me in to get started." I try to appear positive, but only to disguise the heart of one of the other problems I'm trying desperately to avoid thinking about.

Masen sees through me.

"Then why do you look so unhappy? You're not nervous about the sessions, are you? It might be intimidating talking to a stranger, but I assure you, Dr. Burdie is the best. She'll put you at ease." Masen tells me reassuringly, misreading the source of my anguish.

"It's not that ..."

"Then what is it? Talk to me, Bella, maybe I can help … I'd like to help if I can."

He looks so genuine … so concerned, I cave.

"It's Charlie, okay. He's coming to visit me this afternoon, and I'm a little apprehensive about seeing him." I admit one of my biggest worries.

"You want me to sit in? Distract him with your treatment and medical jargon?" Masen offers.

"You'd do that?" I can't hide my surprise. Knowing how disastrous their last meeting went, I'm amazed Masen is willingly volunteering for another round with Charlie. Though perhaps it shouldn't surprise me; nothing seems to faze him; he's fearless.

"Of course. I'll do anything for my favorite patient." His smile brings a smile to my lips. The fact that he's offered is a huge relief.

"Thank you, Masen. It means a lot."

Before I can second guess myself, I reach across the bed, taking his hand in mine and squeezing it. Masen's fingers close around mine. We're both quiet for a moment, and while it's not an awkward silence, I can see he's debating something, but I give him time to form his sentence.

"Bella, I need to talk to you about something ..." he starts, then pauses, seemingly struggling to find the right words. "I should have spoken with you about it sooner … but there's never been the right moment. I haven't been entirely honest with you. I'm not who you think I am," he admits looking incredibly uncomfortable.

I could drag this out; make him suffer for deceiving me, but after everything Masen has done for me, I can't do that to him.

"You don't need to say anything. I know who you are, Masen, or should that be Edward? I know who your family is."

"You know?" He looks so surprised; I'm a little insulted.

"I'm not an idiot. Your surname should have been a giveaway, but it didn't even click until I heard you arguing with my dad. So, you're Carlisle Cullen's son."

Masen nods, his eyes meet mine; I see how guilty he feels about keeping this from me.

"I wanted to tell you, Bella, I didn't want to deceive you." His eyes are begging me to believe him, desperate for me to understand - which I do. To some extent, I just don't understand why he couldn't tell me.

"I'm not mad, Masen, just confused. Why didn't you say anything sooner?"

"I've been looking for the right time ... It never came. And the longer I left it, the harder it got. And a part of me hoped you wouldn't recognize me, wouldn't know who I was. The reason I go by my middle name, Masen, and not my forename, is to distance myself from my family's activities. I should have known you'd figure me out."

He brightens now that he can see I'm not angry with him. I smile back, but it's uneasy … forced.

Masen notices. He's so observant, or I'm so easy to read.

"I can see your mind ticking. What are you thinking about so intently?"

"Did you come here because of Charlie … because he's been pressuring you to keep an eye on me, or because your family is in your ear?" I ask, not really wanting his answer. I'll be devastated if he confirms this. I look down, but Masen reaches out; his hands frame my face, gently lifting my gaze to his.

"I'm here because I want to be, Bella," he says strongly. "I can't explain it, but I feel protective of you. And I can assure you, me being here has nothing to do with your father. Far from it; the guy hates my guts for keeping him away from his daughter." Masen reveals. He's not humoring me; he's telling the truth. There's no ulterior motive, which fills me with hope.

"Thank you for standing up to him for me, but I don't need you fighting my battles. I would hate for you to get into trouble for me." I tell him, and I mean it. It's exceedingly rare to hear Charlie be put in his place, but that doesn't mean I want it becoming a regular thing.

"Don't you worry about me," Masen brushes off my concern.

But I do.

"No, I mean it. You don't know him as I do; He's dangerous," I warn, but he's undeterred.

"I'm old enough to look after myself. So, you focus on your recovery, and I'll take care of Charlie." He sounds so certain, but I remain unconvinced.

"Seriously, Bella, everything is okay. Charlie can't hurt us. Why are you scared of him?" Masen's eyes are sharp … alert … His posture stiffens … He tenses - he's angry.

"Has he ever been violent towards you?" He says through gritted teeth.

"No, nothing like that. We just have a difficult relationship, is all. It hasn't always been so strained," I'm quick to add. I don't want Masen to think Charlie is violent or abusive. I don't want him to feel sorry for me.

"Has it always been this way?" he asks gently.

"When I was younger, Charlie was everything; the most caring, loving father anyone could wish for." I smile, thinking back to bittersweet memories of when things were good … when Charlie was a true father to me—when he cared.

"What changed?" He's not pushing; there's only concern in his eyes.

"My mom … she died when I was ten." No matter how many years have passed, I still find it tough to mention my mom without sadness taking over. It's even more difficult talking about what happened when I'm lying in the same hospital we were brought to after we were finally cut from the car by the emergency workers.

Of course, it was already too late by then ...

"I'm so sorry, Bella. That's a lot to go through… so young, too." Masen sympathizes. "What happened, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Car accident," I say simply because I can't go into detail ... especially not here ... not now.

"I lost Mom, but that wasn't the worst of it … I lost Charlie too. He was a different man. You wouldn't recognize him; I know I don't. He was so kind, so warm, and then Mom died, and it was like a switch flipped. He changed overnight. Gone was the kind, loving dad, and in his place was a hard, brutal, cold-hearted man who blamed the world for his pain and suffering." I pause, taking a moment to collect myself.

"After she died, he was angry with everyone and everything. Even me - especially me. He didn't care that anyone else loved her and lost her too. It was even worse after the funeral. He had no time for anyone, least of all me. I remind him too much of her. I have her eyes, her hair ... even her pale skin."

Masen squeezes my hand.

"Thank you …"

Again, we are both quiet, but this time it's an awkward silence before Masen speaks.

"And he was never violent? Never abusive to you?" He asks again. I could see his fist clenched at his side, his jaw tenses.

"No," I quickly reassure him.

"He drank a lot the first few months after, but he was never violent, never abusive to me. He didn't know what to do with me, so for the most part, he left me alone. He shut me out time and time again."

"You were a child, Bella." Masen is appalled. "Who does that?"

A man who blames you for his wife's death ...

"I just got on with it, I guess," I shrug, pushing my thoughts aside. "I was quiet by nature, so I kept to myself and stayed out of his way as much as I could. Then he employed Dora to look after me, and things soon improved." My smile is instant at the mention of my nanny … my friend. It wasn't all doom and gloom, and it's important Masen knows that.

"Charlie may have shut me out but hiring Dora was one of the best things he's ever done for me, and I honestly don't know where I would be without her. Life instantly got better with her around. She became like a mother to me, and I could handle Charlie's distance. His coldness didn't hurt so much."

"Your dad should have been there for you. It makes me angry thinking of you going through that alone." I can hear the anger in his voice.

"It wasn't all bad. I had Dora and some family, my cousins and few friends. Charlie may not have been there for me emotionally, but I had a lot of advantages, Masen. I had everything I could wish for; a good home … the best education. Charlie made sure I wanted for nothing. He wasn't that bad. I went to culinary school in France. I've led a charmed life compared to some. And I do have some good memories … great memories from before." I smile, thinking of happier times when Charlie was a father in every sense of the word.

Laughing half-heartedly, I joke, "Wow, that turned into a therapy session I bet you weren't expecting. I've spilled my guts. Now it's your turn to confess all. What's your story? How did you end up here and not working for the family?"

"That we save for another day," Masen tells me."You're tired, and I need to do my rounds before your dad gets here."

"Don't remind me," I groan.

Masen is unfazed. "It will be fine, Bella. Trust me," he says with confidence.

I hope he's right.

He goes to leave, but I call his name when he reaches the door. Turning, he sends me a crooked smile, but that won't deter me.

"And Masen … don't think this means you're off the hook. I want answers soon." I tell him.

"And you'll get them ... soon," he promises.

A lot to process, right? I'm trying not to drag the start of the story out, but I don't want to bombard you with too much information all at once. Hopefully, the pace is good? I'm having to juggle my time a little more now I'm back in the office, but hopefully, I will be back to weekly updates again :)

In the meantime, is anyone reading Jill's story found missing? It will be marked complete this week, and it's so good! Now's the time to dive in!

Also, check out The Song to Story Challenge for September, hosted by It All Started with Twilight on FB.

Finally, a massive thank you to anyone who voted for my story, wasn't expecting that, which came in second place in the stories completed in August. I'm so thrilled and humbled, so thanks for all your support :)