Trigger warning!!*
This chapter will end on a dark note, so be warned. Don't worry, this is not a dark story, though it does have its dramatic moments.
Happy reading!
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Ch. 3 A Horrible Terrible No Good Day
The next morning I woke up and felt pretty good, all things considered. My ribs and arm on my left side weren't as sore, and the swelling in my right ankle had gone down a bit more. I could almost put my full weight on it. My head still hurt, but this was a major improvement from just a few days before. Things were moving right along. Sure, I was still stuck in Twilight world with no idea how I got here or how to get back, but I wasn't dead. Yup, pretty great day to breathe.
I pushed the covers away and went to the bathroom to start getting ready for school. The only reason I continued to go along with this part of the charade was because I didn't need any truant officers coming after me. I was trying, and partly failing, to stay as under the radar as possible.
When I arrived at the school, I realized how impossible it would be to stay under the radar today, the day after the biggest car accident and scandal the teenage citizens of this small town of Forks had probably ever witnessed.
Hoards of kids surrounded my—now dented—truck as soon as the engine cut off to watch me in awe and ask for details about the accident. Tyler was rumored to be in a coma in the ICU which wasn't true since I heard Dr. Cullen send him home and tell him to rest for a couple of days. His absence meant I was the sole keeper of information about the wreck. Well, except for Alice, but she sure as hell wasn't spilling the beans about anything.
I answered all their nosiness with a lot of purposely boring, standard answers like, "I feel great." And "Yeah, Alice was there, right next to me...that is really strange that you didn't see her. She was standing RIGHT THERE." I took the liberty of altering the story a bit to stress that nothing funny happened. I thought the Cullens would appreciate that and maybe continue to believe that I didn't think anything strange was happening either.
By fourth period, things had cooled off a bit finally, but this was the period when I would see the Cullens again. As I entered the gym from the locker room, I avoided any chance of eye contact with them, not even chancing a glance in the direction of where I expected they would be. However, if I would have just looked to that side of the gym, I might have noticed that they weren't there anyway because they were standing in front of the net I had played at couple of days ago. Holy shit.
"Hi Bella! Do you want to play with us today?" Alice called to me, not waiting for an answer as she danced over to the other side of the net. "You be with Edward, and I'll play with John over here." She pointed to a black haired boy with thick-rimmed glasses who merely stared at her in awed disbelieve, clearly overwhelmed with the notion of being on the same volleyball team as one of the elusive Cullen women.
I debated turning around and ignoring their offer. I mean, being thought of as rude was far better than dead, but apparently that wasn't going to be be an option for me.
"Ok, guys, listen up!" Coach Clapp called just as I turned around to walk in the opposite direction, causing me to stop. "Whoever is standing closest to you is now your partner for the remainder of the quarter." Fantastic. "We've had a few days to practice playing, but with spring Volleyball tryouts coming up in a few weeks, I want you guys to get a taste of what really playing on a team is like in hopes that it may inspire you to go tryout. We're going to have a mock tournament in a week and half, so starting now, we're having our playoffs! Get started!" He blew the whistle so loudly that my ears were left ringing. Still with my back turned to the Cullens, I put my face in my hands and sighed. It felt like this universe was out to get me...
No, you know what? Screw that! Just treat him like any other student, Iris. Be cordial, unobtrusive, and try not to kill yourself in this clumsy body. I could do this. I would do this.
I turned on my heel, relishing in the feeling of determination washing over me. I feigned good spirits and plastered an obnoxiously wide grin on my face. "Ok, partner, you ready? I'll go ahead and apologize in advance for being a terrible athlete. This body is very uncooperative and just does not do sports. I've tried, believe me." I was rambling, and Edward waited patiently, obviously amused.
"It's quite alright. I got to witness what trying to play does to you first hand, remember? How's your ankle, by the way? Shouldn't you be sitting out?" He narrowed his eyes slightly. Ugh, why did he have to look so perfect even when he made stupid accusations like that?
The mention of my ankle injury led me recall the murderous look that was in his eyes that afternoon a couple of days before and then again wonder why he was even at school rather than Alaska, and, furthermore, why was he not trying to drain me currently? "No, I feel great. It's still wrapped but much better overall. So what do you want me to do? Stand around and look pretty?" I was joking, but his eyes grew infinitesimally darker at the mention of my looks, or Bella's looks, whatever. Iris, don't say or do anything that could look like flirting! Of course Edward Cullen thinks Bella Swan is pretty!
"That shouldn't be difficult for you to do." Whoa, Casanova. Look at you trying to be smooth...Ok, not trying to be...he WAS smooth. *Swoon* And then his voice shifted back to a more playful tone, "Unless, of course, standing proves too difficult for you to do too?" His eyes were so warm, so heartbreakingly wonderf—No, stop it!
"I think I can handle it..." I trailed off, unable to break his gaze, and my heart fluttered before I could catch myself...Hold up! I shook my head suddenly to clear my thoughts. Ah, this is what being on the receiving end of "dazzling" feels like first hand.
"So are we talking or playing?" Alice yelled from across the net with a frown. She had her hands on her hip and tapped her foot in an uninterrupted staccato.
"Alice..." Edward almost growled darkly and then turned to me, upbeat again. Bella wasn't kidding. Mood swings much? "Alright, partner, ladies first? You can begin the serve, so I can see what I'm working with." He stood there smirking expectantly. Smug jerk.
I took my place, balancing the ball in one hand awkwardly as I silently prayed that I would just not embarrass or injure myself this one time. I wasn't used to being so incompetent in my own body. They always say that you should walk a mile in someone else's shoes before judging them, and here I was , literally, in Bella Swan's sneakers. The poor girl never had a chance at grace, tripping and stumbling around like a toddler who just learned to walk. It was totally ridiculous.
I held the ball away from myself, and brought my other hand back behind me, swinging it forward in hopes of hitting the ball across the net. When my wrist made contact with the ball, I watched as it travelled smoothly in almost the correct trajectory, and I was feeling pretty good about myself. Alice's teammate, John, readied himself to punt it back, but at the last second, the ball clipped the top of the net, slingshotting it back toward me. In my haste to not let it hit the ground, I lurched forward for the ball and ran straight into Edward's solid rock back.
"Oof!" I landed right on my ass in an expected, but not so graceful, way. So Bella... I couldn't help the tears that formed as my nose throbbed in pain. Oh shit! Look for blood, Iris! Blood is death! I fumbled around on my face and the ground, feeling to make sure none was dripping. Thankfully, I didn't find anything. You might just live to see another day, Iris.
"I'm so sorry! Bella, are you alright?" Edward appeared frantically at my side as he crouched on the ground.
"Yes, yes. I'm used to being so accident-prone it's practically a handicap at this point. No blood, no foul." I shooed him off before he could start his characteristic broody, self-loathing thing.
He made a funny look at me when I mentioned blood, but didn't say anything, of course. "You do seem to find yourself in some rather precarious situations. Is it always like this for you or is this a recent development since you've come to Forks?" He chuckled at my expense.
"Umm...it's complicated." I wasn't this accident prone before coming to Forks, but I guessed Bella was very used to accidents based off the books and her medical history Carlisle had briefly mentioned to me at the hospital.
"How so? Did you suffer memory loss when you hit your head? He but his lip as if to keep himself from laughing at me further.
Hmm, memory loss...that could work for my cover. "Something like that."
Edward then appeared genuinely concerned. "I really think you should sit this game out. I'll request another team mate or become a third on Alice's team. I'm sure Coach Clapp won't mind since you're in no condition to play." Before I could say anything, he turned and jogged over to where the coach was sitting, speaking in a hushed voice so I couldn't hear their conversation. The coach looked almost angry for a second, then laughed out loud at something Edward said, looking over to where I had seated myself on the bleachers still holding my injured nose, and nodded back at Edward.
Edward ambled back over to me, looking self-satisfied as always, and said, "It's all taken care of. No more gym for you this year."
"This year? Fine by me. Thanks, that's less chance for ER visits or trips to prison when another stray ball is sure to strike and kill someone." I shrugged. Edward tossed his head back easily and laughed, sitting down beside me.
"What are you doing? Don't you need to go find a new team?" I asked a little too eagerly. Ignore me, Edward. I'm boring. I'm not the real Bella. I'm just trying to survive this story long enough to get home. Well, if going home was even still possible...
"No, Coach Clapp said I could wait until the end of the period here with you since the other teams are all mid-game. So, what brought you to Forks?"
"A plane." I deadpanned. What was he doing?
Edward rolled his eyes. "Excuse me, shall I rephrase? Why did you decide to come to Forks? Why leave the sun and warmth of Phoenix? Most people enjoy warmer climates."
"It's complicated." I'm not biting, you ridiculously handsome vampire.
"That seems to be a recurring problem for you, but I'm sure I can keep up." He batted his lusciously thick, dark eyelashes ever so slightly, and my own eyes grew wide.
Oh no, that's the line from the book. It's happening. We're bonding despite my best efforts to avoid this exact scenario. What to do? "Yeah, I'm...uhhh...not feeling too well. I think I'll go see the nurse for some Advil or an ice pack or something..." I jumped up, trying to make a clean getaway, but he wasn't having it.
"I'll walk with you." He insisted. Of course you will. Gah, he's perfect in every humanly and non-humanly way. If I didn't know his dirty little secret and how this story could go for me, and if I wasn't so desperate to get back to the predictable safety of my own world, I would easily fall for him.
"I'm sure I can make it alone." I sputtered out.
"Please, allow me. I wouldn't feel right leaving you to go on your own since I'm the other party involved in your most recent accident. Besides, you might find trouble on your way there." He teased.
Ok, fine. He wasn't wrong, and I didn't know what to expect with this danger-magnet body in which I was trapped. Would one short walk to the nurse's office together hurt? "Ok. Thank you." His smile widened to a dazzling white, and I blinked at his other-worldly beauty once more.
He walked silently along side me to the nurse'S office where I proceeded to over-exaggerate my pain to gain access to some Tylenol.
"You're a terrible actress. I already got you out of participating in any organized athletics for the remainder of the year. Did you also need to get out of the actual gym that badly?" He laughed, and it sounded like music to my ears.
"It was just a bit crowded in there." Hah. I laughed to myself at my re-worked use of the line from the book. Edward looked at me, a question in his eyes, but didn't speak for a few moments longer.
"Would you like to sit with me at lunch?" I started at his sudden subject change. That was sudden.
"I haven't annoyed you enough yet?" Whyyyy?
"Of course not. I find you...fascinating. You're very difficult to read."
Don't say it. Don't say it. "Then you must be a good reader." Damn. I truly let myself down with that one.
"Usually." His eyes twinkled...like literally twinkled.
"Sure, why not?" Why did I say that?! Hmm, I don't know, Iris. Why not? I can think of approximately one hundred reasons exactly why not, but the most important one is that James and his coven could eventually kill you or seriously harm you if you're not careful enough to dodge the Cullens. Sure...why not eat lunch with Edward, inevitably charm him with your wit and Bella's impeccably pure face of innocence, string him along, and start the saga of vampire wars all the way to the point of needing Volturi interception? Sure, why not? I needed to stop this compulsive behavior I was displaying, and I needed to stop it right now. "You know what? I just remembered that I have a dentist appointment today, so ummm...I'm leaving now. Maybe we can eat together another day. Goodbye!" I ran to my truck before he could respond, and after backing up and darting out of the lot, I sped down the road.
I didn't know where I was going or what would happen when I finally got there, but I knew I was done watching myself fall into the Twilight plot trap. Edward was perfect. If I stayed, I would do anything to keep him, maybe even eventually chase him into battle with the Volturi, assuming he fell for me, which I suppose he might not, since I wasn't actually Bella Swan. But still, I could see the potential for the beginning of a long line of disasters which may or may not end in a happily ever after, and that potential was enough to scare me into running before things got any crazier.
I should have done this all along, escaped on the road, leaving Forks and all its danger behind me, so I could focus on finding a way back to my world. I laughed to myself at how simple this plan truly was. It had been nearly two weeks since I had arrived here, and the hope of getting back by just by riding this story out seemed to dwindle away more and more with each passing day.
I was sitting at a stoplight near the diner at the edge of town, regrouping and still unsure of where I was headed when I saw lights flashing behind me. Crap. I didn't think that I had been speeding, and I wasn't sure what other infraction I might have made to warrant being pulled over. With a sigh of resignation, I moved the truck to the side of the road. There was no chance of winning a police chase in this monster.
I looked in my side mirror just in time to catch a glance of a middle-aged, tall, lanky man dressed in a deputy's uniform smoothing back his already slicked back gray-blonde hair. He approached my driver's side window slowly, and tapped on the glass. Oh right, need to roll that down. I had never been pulled over by a police officer before, and I was still wracking my brain as to what may have caused this.
"Excuse me, Miss Swan?" The deputy addresses me in a casual voice, a cop voice.
"Uhhh yeah that's me." What the...?
"We received an anonymous tip at the station from a concerned friend who told us you might be headed out of Forks for good, and your father asked me to come find you since he was outside of town right at the moment. Is there any truth to this tip?" Holy hell. Who would even know where I was—Alice! He looked mildly entertained, but also kind of bored. It must really suck to have to go chase down your boss's delinquent daughter.
"No, of course not. I was just going to stop at the diner on my way home..." I mumbled.
He raised an eyebrow at my lame excuse. "Shouldn't you be at school?" He countered.
"Half day today." I lied with a shrug. Just go away, Officer Nosey!
"Right. Well, since my son, Jeffrey, also attends Forks High and is a junior too, I know that's not true. Why don't you just go on and make your way back to school, and I'll let you off with a warning this time. If you need help getting back, I'd be happy to offer you a ride." He motioned to his car, still with one eyebrow raised as if to say "I'm not letting you escape, so be a good girl and mosey along."
I quietly sighed to myself. "Ok, Officer..."
"Perkins." He supplied.
"Yeah, Officer Perkins. Thank you for not taking me back to my dad. I'll get right back to the school...no delays." I forced a smile as I silently cursed the Cullens. Why did they even care so much?! I hadn't shown the least bit of concern for them. I didn't fawn over Edward, or follow him around with my big brown puppy dog eyes making accusations or trying to force information out of him like the cannon Bella had. I didn't throw myself at any of them, but here they were still trying to control my life from afar. What the hell was up with this?
I grumbled to myself the whole way back to the school. I might have doubled back and tried to run again, but I noticed Officer Nosey followed me back to the school for the entire trip, not leaving my sight until I was stepping out of my truck in the parking lot.
By the time I got back to class it was just in time to catch the last ten minutes of sixth period. My unexplained late arrival earned me a week of detention beginning this afternoon. Fan-frickin-tastic. If nothing else, this experience certainly reminded my 29 year old self how much I actually hated high school and being treated like a child.
When the bell rang, I made my way to seventh period Spanish with Mrs. Goff. Despite being in Forks for nearly two weeks, this would be my first time making it this far through the school day thanks to all my fun accidents, and I grinned darkly to myself at the thought. Star student award goes to you, Iris!
I wasn't too worried about this particular class because I minored in Spanish in college. I trudged through the rain with my hood up, hoping to avoid any of my persistent escorts—i.e. Mike, Jessica, or Eric. When I reached the class, I slammed my books down on the only empty desk in frustration, which apparently amused someone sitting in the desk to my right. I paused at the familiar chuckle. No! I changed my schedule to avoid this and wound up in two classes with him?! Sitting to my right was Edward Cullen AND a huge beast of a man who shared his golden eyes surrounded by dark circles. Emmett Cullen. Holy frickin shit.
I turned to glare at the golden eyed vampire, no longer afraid to hide my displeasure with how things were going here lately. "What's so funny?" Say it. I dare you to out yourself right now! Tell me how your sister called the police station after she "saw" where I was going. Do it.
"Nothing...inside joke." He offered. "How did your dentist appointment go?" He grinned in feigned innocence.
I stared back at him in disbelief, breathing deeply and trying to resist the urge to smack him. I knew that violence against a rock would only send me back to Forks Hospital with a broken hand, so I controlled myself. "I mixed up the date." I gritted out, and he looked like he was biting back a smile again.
"That's too bad. I hope it wasn't to treat anything too painful." He beamed. I oughtta just—no, no. Don't do anything stupid, McGee.
"Nope. Just a cleaning. I try to avoid anything that's not healthy for me." I looked at him pointedly. He frowned in confusion, but I was over caring what he thought of me. Let him speculate.
"I'm glad that you are so thorough with your oral hygiene since you're not as careful with the rest of your body." He smiled back angelically, and I was sure he was antagonizing me.
That's it. Game over. "Excuse me?" My blood was boiling. Did my overheated body intensity his bloodlust for me? Oh well, who gives a shit? Not me.
"You know, all of your...accidents." He said with emphasis on the last word.
Oh, screw Isabella Swan. He would feel the wrath of Iris McGee for that. "Excuse me? My health and well-being are NONE of your business. Thank you for your concern, though. I have survived most of my life without help from anyone, and I'm sure I'll make it a few more years alone at least." I spoke truthfully.
Back in the real world, I had come from an abusive household and emancipated myself at the age of 16. Anything I had earned, I had done on my own. Edward didn't necessarily deserve my anger, not knowing who he was actually talking to, but I needed to distance myself from him anyway. It was a matter of survival at this point. I heard a low snicker escape Emmett's mouth, but he shut right up when I focused my glare on him instead.
Edward pursed his lips, narrowed his eyes, and turned back to face the front with his arms folded neatly across his chest.
Mrs. Goff began her lecture, and I can honestly say I didn't hear a word of it. I was hyper-aware of Edward stealing glances at me as I tried to ignore him for the whole hour. When the bell rang, I gathered my books and stood to leave with the intent to continue ignoring him, but of course that didn't happen. Edward Cullen would always get his way since I could never fully block him out.
"Bella?" I closed my eyes, suppressing the urge to sigh. I turned my head infinitesimally in his direction, not willing to meet his eyes.
After a moment of silence when he must have realized that I wasn't going to respond, he spoke once more, "I apologize if I did anything to offend you. I won't bother you anymore if my presence is so aggravating for you."
He seemed genuinely hurt, and I couldn't understand it. Edward didn't know me. He couldn't possibly. Why was he so upset by my rejection? Wasn't he suppose to be one of the standoffish Cullens, who couldn't be bothered with the human girls who threw themselves at him?
It almost broke my resolve when I finally met his sincere gaze, but then I reminded myself that it was for both of our goods. His family would avoid the chaos that came with the Edward-Bella drama fest, and I could focus on getting back to my world. I had been telling myself that I wanted to go back so desperately, but if I was being honest with myself, I had secretly enjoyed meeting all my favorite book characters in person. My goal now that I had seen the negative side of being here more times than I could count, was to really attempt to get back. I had a new plan I was formulating to test my latest theory, but I couldn't finish deciding the details since I realized my friendly neighborhood vampires were watching my decisions so closely.
I returnee to my present reality, and I realized that Edward was still standing before me waiting for a response. I figured I could at least throw the dog a bone without jeopardizing anything. "You've been nothing but lovely Edward. I just am not trying to make any friends or long-lasting connections while I'm here...err...in Forks. I'll be leaving for college in a year, and plan to go as far away from here as possible. I'm not a big fan of this particular...climate." I chose my words carefully. I had no clue what would happen when I left here. Would Bella just resume life like normal? Would she remember this experience from the new story line I had created, or would she be like an amnesia patient with a huge blank space for the weeks I had been here? Or would she not exist at all when I left?
Edward studied me for a few seconds longer before seeming to decide on something. He nodded curtly, and strode out the door without looking back. Ouch.
•PTaT•
With thoughts of book Bella and Edward's obvious pain after my rejection reeling through my mind, I laid in bed feeling extremely guilty for having taken up this time and changed their narrative in such a significant way. It wasn't like I had chosen to come here, though. I couldn't even remember how I got here aside from waking up in this body to Charlie Swan standing over me, and who's to say their story didn't get right back on track once I vacated the premises?
With that last hopeful thought, I decided that it was time to execute my latest—and most desperate—plan to go home. I wasn't particularly keen on going through with it, but this was my one last ditch effort. I knew I had to act fast, so Alice wouldn't have time to see and interrupt me again. I dashed down the hall to the bathroom and snatched the untouched bottle of prescribed narcotics that Charlie had filled for me on the way home from the hospital. I ran back to my room, and quickly tossed back a handful of pills, downed a half a glass of water, and then finished off the rest of the pill bottle with the other half of the glass of water. I gagged a little at the bitter flavor remaining in the back of my throat then made my way to the bed and laid down under the covers. I bundled myself up under the thick cotton comforter, imagining what it might feel like to return back to the real world.
I knew this wasn't going to be pretty since I had taken care of many unsuccessful overdoses in my near decade of nursing, but this seemed to be the most peaceful way to end my time here. With all hope, I would pass out and stop breathing long before I could consciously realize what was happening.
After about a half hour, I got my wish, and my eyes grew extremely heavy as I allowed myself to drift away...
•PTaT•
"Seventeen year old Caucasian female found unresponsive in her bed. Resuscitative efforts started by family and continued in the field by EMTs. Pt. received one dose of Narcan and vitals stabilized in route to the ED. Current B-P 110 over 68, heart rate 98, and respirations 18." A male voice called.
My head felt heavy and sluggish. Everything was too bright as the lights passed over my face one after another. The blurred rush of light made my stomach lurch, and there was a constant ringing in my ears that just wouldn't stop.
I was in a busy hall, packed with several men and women in scrubs. I was back a work in the ER, that much was obvious, but why was the ground moving? Wait, the ground isn't moving...I am. Why was I lying down on a gurney? Had I been in an accident on my way to work? Seventeen year old female? That was laughable. Narcan? Why would I need Narcan? Oh no. Seventeen year old female given Narcan. I'm still Bella Swan. I overdosed. My plan to go peacefully and move on to my other world didn't work. Holy. Shit.
Even in my now panic-stricken mind, my eyes grew heavy once more, and a dark fog cascaded around me as I unwillingly fell back asleep.
•PTaT•
"Bella?" It was a warm voice which awakened me. I knew that voice from somewhere. I hesitantly opened my eyes, and saw Dr. Cullen standing at the foot of my bed looking over a paper chart. Oh right, I overdosed. I'm back in the hospital. Fuck.
"Dr. Cullen?" I croaked. I sounded like death and felt like it too.
"Bella, do you know where you are?" He asked calmly, patiently.
"I think it's safe to assume the hospital since that's the only place we ever cross paths." I attempted a joke which fell flat.
Dr. Cullen's eyes were hard, disappointed. Then they softened. Oh no. He thinks I wanted to kill myself. I mean, I did, but not really to die...Not the way he probably thinks. He's about to give me the 'you're special and loved and wanted' speech. Or maybe he would just refer me to a therapist. That wouldn't be so bad. At least it would be a stranger...
"Bella, You were found unconscious and not breathing near an empty bottle of Percocet at your home. We ran a drug screen, and it was positive for opioids. Chief Swan was able to confirm that you had not been taking any medication prior to earlier today." Well, well, well. Charlie Swan may not hover, but he's certainly been paying more attention than I ever gave him credit for while reading the books. "Would it be reasonable for me to deduce that you took an entire bottle of Percocet at once?"
I looked down, not willing to to meet his kind, concerned eyes. This was awful, god awful. I hated that I couldn't explain that I wasn't suicidal, just desperate to travel back to where I came from, and I had stupidly thought this might work. "Yes." I whispered, but of course he picked up the small noise with his sensitive hearing.
"May I ask why you felt the need to do so?"
I felt like a child who got caught stealing a cookie from the jar before dinner, except a million times worse, and this was far more extreme. "I don't know." I really didn't. Now, reassessing my decision, I realized how ridiculous and selfish it had been to even attempt. Even if I had gone back to my old life, book Bella most likely would have been dead. I practically murdered another person—fictional character or not, the exact opposite of what I had dedicated my life's work to doing. Charlie would be without his daughter. Edward would never find his true mate. My hardened exterior I had been using as a defense mechanism was suddenly in shambles, and my body began to quake with realization.
"Oh God, what have I done?" I sputtered out between hushed sobs, only to myself, but Dr. Cullen heard and moved to place his hand on my shoulder. He didn't speak, and I appreciated that. He remained there, offering support silently, as I bawled for who knows how long.
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