Chapter 4: Freak Out

Edward

Standing next to Bella's car, I fidgeted, not knowing what to do which was odd. I had never met a girl quite like Bella, and I was falling for her. The proverbial white rabbit was leading me down the dark hole again. The worse thing was I was letting it.

"Drive safe," I said. "Would you please send me a text when you get home?"

"Of course, wouldn't want to worry you."

Leaning forward, I made to brush my lips against her cheek. My lips brushed hers instead. With the feel of her lips on mine, all sane thought fled as did the promise to myself to take things slow. A fierce need overtook me, shook me to the core. I wanted her like I wanted no other. I wanted to plunge my tongue into the recesses of her mouth, to profess my love.

'Where in the hell had those thoughts come from,' I thought, stepping back thus breaking the brief kiss.

It was ludicrous the way I felt about her. I had met her two days ago. This was our first date.

'Could I even call it a date?'

I took another step away from her, bringing my hand up to my neck and rubbing.

"Sorry." I could still feel her lips on mine.

'Way to go, Edward. She'll never—.'

She reached out, touching my hand thus stopping my spiraling thoughts. "Don't be." She leaned in, whispering, "It was nice."

I stared at her with my mouth open.

"I had fun and think we should do something together again," she said a big smile on her face.

I blew out a breath. She wasn't what I expected. She was so much more than I deserved. My father said that about my mother. A plus went into the mental pro and con list in my head.

'Hell,' I thought, 'might as well add her worried glance at the check to the pros.'

Aloud, I said, "I'll be gone for the next three weeks on business trips. Can I call when I get back?"

Bella's lower lip disappeared into her mouth, and her eyes were not focused on me but taking in what was around us. Her shoulders moved up and down as she breathed out through her nose. She turned her attention back to him. "You know you can call me while you're gone, too, if you want."

Her eyes darted around again. I couldn't help wondering if she was looking for someone. We finished breakfast about twenty minutes and had been in the small parking lot in front of the diner for five.

"Is there somewhere you need to be?" I asked, trying to keep the feeling of rejection from my voice.

I had been strung along by girls in the past. I mentally slapped and berated myself. I was not in a relationship with her, so she was free to see others if she wished.

Her eyes met mine again. "No. I'm avoiding someone. I don't know if he lives in the area or not."

"Who?" I wasn't sure if asking was overstepping. The question was out of my mouth before I could stop it.

She stared at me for a long minute. "Jacob Black."

The name came out of the whispered breath. She shivered, her gaze moving around the area again.

I was silent, watching her as I searched my memory for the name and coming up blank.

She wrapped her arms around her waist as she trembled, and tears started falling.

Without thinking, I drew her to my chest, rubbing her back. Her arms went around me. "I don't know him. I can find out if he still lives around here."

A loud sob left her, and she clung to me as if her life depended on it. I couldn't leave her when she was afraid and crying. I hoped Emmett and Jasper would understand.

"Edward?"

Angela came into view.

"Is everything okay?"

I didn't know what to say and hoped Angela would get his message. I looked down at Bella and then back at Angela.

Angela walked over and put a hand on Bella's back. "Do you want me to call the base and have someone come and get you? Your dad?"

'Did Bella's dad live in Forks?'

Bella shook her head and pointed to the sky. I had no clue what that meant. My attention turned back to Angela for answers.

"Is there anyone I can call?" she asked.

The question made Bella cry harder as she gripped my shirt. I didn't know what to make of the situation.

Angela raised an eyebrow and pointed to Bella and then to me. I got the impression she was questioning the cause and if I was it. I shook my head before mouthing the name Bella gave me.

Angela's eyes went wide, and she spun in a slow circle, taking in the area. "Take her home, Edward. And by home, I mean Cullen Manor."

When Angela was facing me the question stilled on the tip of my tongue at the look on he face. Sweeping Bella up into my arms, I strode a few parking spots down to my car.

Angela followed, opening the front passenger door for me. Bella still clung to me, hiding her face in my shirt. It was clear how scared she was and sought a sense of safety.

"Bella," I whispered, setting her in the car. "Loosen your hold. I'm taking you away from here."

Closing the door, I took a moment to survey the area before turning to face Angela. "Care to explain?" I asked.

Angela shook her head. Her eyes moved to the car and Bella. "I'll call you later and explain. Keep Bella safe."

Slipping into the driver's seat, I rubbed my face before my gaze moved to Bella. She hunched over, with her arms wrapped around her middle. Tears wet her face. Concern well up in me. I didn't know her, and yet I was taking her to my parents' house. It didn't matter, she needed help. For some reason, I felt I needed to protect her. Hell, if I was honest, it was more than a need, I had to protect her. The way she had searched the area around us… it was uncanny.

Pulling out my phone, I brought up my text app.

Dad, I'm on my way over with a friend. She's frightened and needs a safe place to get away for a while. I can use your help. E

I glanced at Bella again. She was still in the same prone position, tears still falling. She had been so vibrant during breakfast. Now… she had retreated inside herself.

'What in the world had happened as we were talking outside the diner? Who was Jacob Black? Why was Bella afraid of him?'

The questions swirled around my mind as the fog did around a runner's legs.

Starting the car, I backed onto the main thoroughfare before touching her knee. It was the only way I could let her know she wasn't alone.

As time ticked by, she relaxed and soon her hand covered mine. Her tears had all but ceased. If it wasn't for Angela's explicit instructions, I would be taking Bella to the hospital. She was struggling to catch her breath.

Dad was waiting on the porch when I stopped the car in the gravel. Taking a deep breath, I turned to Bella, wanting her to say something, anything. She remained as she'd been the whole drive. Silent.

I looked back out the window at my father. He had his arms crossed over his chest and a concerned look that most likely mirrored mine.

"Bella, you are safe."

"Safe! I'll never be safe," she whispered. Her breathing still sounded like she had finished a five-mile race.

'What had happened to her?'

"You can talk to me. I know we just met and all, but I would like to help you."

Her eyes glimmered with tears. She hadn't backed away. She looked at me. I reached up and cupped her face, catching a tear right as it fell.

"I will make you feel safe whether you tell me or not."

Bella blinked and more tears spilled over. "Why?" she asked. Her voice was low, breathy, hoarse. "Why do you want to help me?"

I glanced away a moment. My father was still on the porch. Waiting. Patience was his strength.

I thought about how to answer turning to face her again. "Does there have to be a reason?"

She gave me a sad smile. "Thank you," she said, hiccupping. Her gaze moved to the window. "Who's on the porch?"

"My father, Carlisle. I let him know of the situation."

My eyes were on her and she stiffened at my comment but didn't turn from the window.

"He only knows you are… frightened."

She relaxed some.

"He's a doctor. If you like, he can look you over, or you can talk with him. He's a pretty good sounding board. Whatever you tell him will stay between the two of you unless he feels you are in danger or are a danger to yourself."

Bella nodded and I wasn't sure if she was agreeing to let Dad examine her or acknowledging she heard me. I got out of the car and motioned for Dad to stay put. Opening the passenger door, I helped Bella out.

"Is there anyone else here I should know about?" she asked, taking in her surroundings with a critical eye. Her breathing was sounding better.

I glanced around, not see anything out of the ordinary. Birds were chirping in the distance. A woodpecker was hammering away at a tree. The wind was slight and flittered through the leaves, making them wave. The stream was flowing a little louder than a few hours ago. There must be a rainstorm upstream from the manor. The typical sounds of the woods. I shut the door and stood there watching her.

"It's beautiful here," Bella said, turning. "I love nature and wish I could have found a place out in the woods like this."

I came up behind her, placing a hand on her shoulder. She glanced back at me, a soft smile on her face. She seemed more at ease now we were away from town.

"My parents chose this house for that very reason. They find it calming. And the only other person that might be home is my mother, Esme. She did mention a client meeting. I don't recall if she said they were coming here or if she was meeting them in Port Angeles." I squeezed her shoulder. "Let's go inside."

I offered my hand and she took it. Her hand felt wonderful in mine. It almost felt like I had been holding hers my whole life. We walked side-by-side up to the front porch, stopping so I could introduce her to my father.

"Bella, this is my father Carlisle. Dad, this is Bella."

Dad smiled extending his hand.

She accepted it. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine," Dad responded, releasing her hand. "My son tells me you had a little"–he paused and tapped his lips with the index finger of his right hand–"freak out moment."

"I did. He did the right thing by getting me away from the diner. I was able to calm myself down on the way here."

Dad shared a questioning look with me. I didn't know what to say and shrugged. "Angela told me to bring you here, Bella. Can you shed some light on the reason?"

Bella

I gazed at father and son. Carlisle had an eyebrow raised and was staring at Edward. It appeared they were having a silent conversation. Concentrating, I tried to tap into Edward's mind and came up against a solid wall. It didn't surprise me. I didn't know him, and I had learned some people's minds were easier to enter than others. Until I got to know him and how he thinks, I most likely wouldn't be able to read his mind.

I hadn't known Angela was still at the diner and thanked her for telling Edward to get me out of there. By going silent after giving Edward a little was a freak out of sorts. I had no choice but to give them something, not the full story.

"Jacob Black," I said as if that was all the explanation they would need.

"You said as much at the diner. Who is he?" Edward asked, leaning against the porch railing with his arms crossed.

I didn't want to tell Edward. It was too early in our friendship and his knowing might end it before it began. I blew out a long breath and then said, "An old boyfriend. It was a bad breakup, a really bad one."

Edward shared another look with his father. It wasn't a long look this time and ended with him raising his hand as if he were saying, 'you ask.'

"That doesn't explain why my son texted me for help," Carlisle said.

My shoulders slumped. Had my distress been so great that I couldn't recall? "Huh?" I said.

Edward pushed off the railing and moved so he was standing in front of me. He took hold of my hands. "You were crying the whole drive here. I thought I was going to have to take you to the hospital."

I didn't know what to say but that could explain why her chest felt tighter than normal. I should take up the offer Edward made on behalf of his dad. "I would hate to run into him, and he used to live in La Push. I don't know if he still does."

Edward made to say or ask something.

"I thought I saw him," I said. "I realize that doesn't explain my reaction. When I know you more, I'll share the story. I don't want to ruin a friendship when friends are what I need."

I watched as Edward made like a fish out of water, opening and closing his mouth several times.

"That's fair," Carlisle said.

I smiled and felt my breathing getting worse. "Edward told me you're a doctor."

Carlisle nodded.

"Would you mind listening to my lungs? I'm feeling a little tight and don't have my rescue inhaler with me. Dumb, I know."

Carlisle chuckled. "I've heard worse excuses for people not having their inhaler with them. Let's go inside and I'll take listen."

The moment I stepped forward to follow, I swayed and the world around me went black.

Edward

My eyes widen as Bella began to fall forward. I wrapped my arms around her before she hit the ground. It was like everything was happening in slow motion. We both went down, with Bella landing on top of me. Lowering my head, I couldn't feel her breath on my cheek. 'Had the shock of the morning caught up with her?'

"Dad," I called out, cradling her to my chest after sitting up.

He turned and with two long strides was kneeling next to us.

"I don't know what happened," I said in answer to his unasked question as he started examining her.

He nodded, peering at his watch with Bella's wrist in his other hand. "We need to get her inside."

I slipped my left arm under her and stood up. She was heavy but I made my way through the screen door Dad held open.

"On the couch and elevate her feet."

I knew this but was glad for the instruction.

I glanced up a moment and saw Mom handing Dad his black medical bag. He took out a pulse oximeter and placed it on Bella's middle finger.

"Edward, do you know if she is taking any medication?" Mom asked.

I shook his head. "This was our first date."

Mom dipped her chin to her chest. "What can you tell us about her?"

I thought a moment. "She works for Star Command and recently transferred to the Forks."

"Her rank? Name?"

"Isabella. That's all I know." I handed her my cellphone. "Look and see if her last name is in my contacts. She'll be under Bella."

Mom disappeared into the kitchen. A few moments later she was talking to someone.

I turned my attention to Dad, noticing the grave look on his face as he put the stethoscope in of his ears. "What's wrong?"

Dad shook his head. I knew he couldn't and wouldn't answer the question.

"She needs oxygen, Edward."

My gaze moved down to her hand. The pulse oximeter was still on her finger. It read "65%". Even I knew that wasn't good. "Do we need to call for an ambulance?"

"Star Command will be here shortly," Mom said, coming back into the living room. "They are beaming to us, whatever that means."

We all turned when a knock sounded on the front door. There had been no sound of a car coming up the drive. No sound of car doors closing. I moved toward the door, not wanting Mom to answer. I opened with caution. Three uniformed individuals, as I didn't know what species they were, stood on the other side. The uniforms they wore had blue shoulder panels.

"We're from Star Command Medical," one said. "I'm Doctor Candela."

Doctor Candela's skin was of a purplish hue with her of midnight black. It was strange how mesmerizing the hair was. I could swear I saw stars swirling and dancing in it.

"This is Nurse Seacole," Candela said, indicating a lizard-skinned individual.

"And Nurse Breckinridge." Breckinridge was sea-green with flowing red-orange hair. Again, I thought I saw more in the hair than its coloring, flames leaping.

"We are here to examining Admiral Swan," Candela went on saying.

'Admiral?' I glanced over my shoulder to where Bella laid on the couch.

Dad was still kneeling next to Bella. A more pronounced frown on his face as he pressed a stethoscope to the crease of her elbow.

Mom was fussing about in the living room, straightening a few pictures on the wall.

"Come in," I said, moving to the side to let the three enter. "Bella's on the couch."

"Sarah," Dad said, standing and extending his hand for Candela to shake. "Thanks for coming."

Dad knew the doctor. That was news to me, though I haven't been to a medical event since graduating high school.

"What can you tell me can, Carlisle." Her voice was high-pitched, like a piano's high A or the tinkling of a small bell.

Mom and I left the room, allowing Dad to answer.

~~ Black Cat ~~

Placing my hands on the kitchen counter, I examined the floor. "Damn it, I should have taken Bella to the hospital when her breathing got harsh."

Mom placed her hand on my back. "Don't you dare beat yourself up. You had no way of knowing this was going to happen."

I swung my head to look at Mom. Worry evident on her face. Whether it was for me or Bella wasn't clear. Hell, it was for both of us.

Mom gave me a slight smile. "Why didn't you tell me you were seeing someone?"

Raising my hand, I ran it through my hair. "Because I met Bella Thursday," I said, recounting the story.

The corners of my mouth lifted as I spoke.

When I finished, my phone rang and vibrating from its spot on the counter before Mom could say anything more. I was going to ignore it when I glanced at the caller id, Angela. "Ang," I said.

"How's Bella?"

I glanced over my shoulder. Dad was still speaking with Sarah. "I don't know. She asked Carlisle to listen to her lungs. She collapsed when she started following. Star Command Medical is here."

"You sound worried."

Blowing out a breath, I again looked over my shoulder. "I am," I said before telling her what was happening.