DISCLAIMER: Twilight and its inclusive material is copyright to Stephenie Meyer. Original creation, including but not limited to plot and characters, is copyright to the respective authors of each story. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 20

EPOV

I assumed she didn't want to be found…

Jared's words replayed in my mind as I lay in bed later that evening. Bella's fear of me had led her to live under an alias.

Once again, I questioned my reasons for coming to Forks. Even though more than three years had passed, there was no way in hell she would ever forgive me.

Why should she?

Thank God, I was in the middle of bumfuck, nowhere. The temptation to do a line of coke was stronger than it had been in years.

Needing something to take off the edge, I got out of bed and threw on a hoodie. After putting on my sneakers and grabbing my room key, I headed outside for a short jog.

Meditation and physical activity were my go-to techniques for battling cravings and stress. In fact, after returning home from rehab, I had begun running daily.

A light drizzle fell from the sky as the damp air filled my nostrils. The town was eerily quiet, but what did I expect during the middle of the night.

Running down the main road, it didn't take me long to reach the center of town. As I observed the quaint shops and restaurants, one, in particular, caught my eye. A large sign hung in its front window. Pausing, I jogged over to take a closer look.

Marie's Book Nook

Opening Soon

Bella. I knew without a doubt that this was her business. Placing my palm against the store's brick exterior, I peeked inside the window. A dim light illuminated stacks of cardboard boxes sitting beside empty shelving units.

Unable to see much else, I continued with my run. As my feet pounded against the pavement, I thought about her. Despite all the barriers she had faced throughout her life, she was still pursuing her passion.

And I had been the biggest obstacle of all.

Grimacing, I remembered an old conversation with my aunt; the one where I had basically said the only job Bella would ever have would be taking care of me.

Never once had I considered my mate's feelings and desires.

And how many times over the years had Carmen told me about Bella's dreams of being a teacher, about her love of literature?

But had I ever listened?

No.

My stomach rolled as I recalled the essay contest incident. Eleazar had told me how devastated Bella had been at learning she couldn't attend. And what had I done? Sent her a half a dozen books in an attempt to buy her affection.

Another crash of nausea sent me dashing to the side of the road where I expelled the contents of my stomach. Falling to the ground, I lay on the wet, muddy grass. As I realized the hopelessness of my situation, I made a decision.

Returning to my hotel room, I picked up my phone and called the one person I knew who could help.

-IT-

After a few hours of fitful sleep, I took a quick shower. Once dressed, I met Jared in the parking lot.

"Do you want to get a bite to eat?" he asked as his eyes roamed to a nearby restaurant.

The thought of food made my still upset stomach churn.

"No." All I wanted was to get to Bella.

Five minutes later, I was walking through the entrance doors of the hospital. The same receptionist from yesterday sat before us.

"It's not nine a.m. yet," she said in an authoritative voice. "You can sit over there and wait if you'd like."

After telling Jared I would call when I needed a ride home, I plopped down on the sofa she had gestured to, buried my head in my hands and waited. As I did, thought about the phone conversation from a few hours earlier.

"Edward? What's wrong? Isn't it the middle of the night in the States?"

"Nonno, I've fucked up," I whispered in a gruff voice.

"Did you use?" Pain laced his voice.

"No. I wanted to, but I didn't. I swear."

"Thank God."

After several moments of silence, he asked, "Is it, Bella?"

Sobs racked throughout my body as I told him about her accident, and my decision to fly to Forks.

Once I finished, he asked about her current condition.

"I'm not sure. I plan on being at the hospital first thing in the morning."

"Edward, just promise me one thing."

"What?"

"Once you find out how she's doing, return to your hotel. Your nonna and I will leave Italy within the next hour. Don't do anything you'll regret in the meantime."

Sighing, I said, "Okay."

"I'm glad you called; I love you, my boy. No matter what happens, remember all the positive changes you've made in your life. Nonna and I are so proud."

"Thanks, Nonno. None of them would have happened without the two of you."

-IT-

"Mr. Cullen...Mr. Cullen?"

Lost in my thoughts, I hadn't heard the receptionist approach.

Lifting my head, I said, "Hmm?"

"I can take you back to see Ms. Newton now."

Once we reached the intensive care unit, the receptionist spoke with the nurse before saying, "You can go on in; the doctor will stop by in a few minutes."

I said thanks before taking a deep breath and slowly entering Bella's room. After releasing a vast exhale, I looked across to where she lay. An array of tubes and wires connected her to a series of machines. I slowly walked to the side of the bed. As I gazed at her, my throat tightened. Even in her current fragile state, I had never beheld anyone as beautiful.

It had been almost ten years since I had last seen her. Ten years since that fateful Easter luncheon. She had matured in her appearance. The soft, roundness of youth had been replaced with the defined curves of a woman. As I studied her long lashes and full, plump lips, I placed my hand lightly across hers. My heart felt as if it would explode at the contact. Just like that day at the restaurant, my entire body surged with what could only be described as raw energy.

Screwing my eyes shut, I waited for the onslaught of images that I had experienced at our meeting. But this time, instead of seeing flashes of a life with Bella, I saw nothing.

-IT-

An hour later, the doctor arrived. After introducing himself, he checked Bella's vital signs.

"Do you see any improvement?" I asked anxious to learn more about her condition.

"Oh yes, she's growing stronger each day."

After asking for more details about her injuries, I was told he couldn't divulge additional information.

"But...but, I'm a family member," I said in desperation.

"You are?" he asked with a puzzled expression. "That's funny, I was told by her father there were no other living relatives."

Did I just hear him correctly?

"Her father?"

"Yes...oh, wait. Here he comes now."

Following his gaze, I looked into the hallway. Approaching Bella's room was none other than Mike Newton.

Confusion crossed my face as I wondered what he was doing here, and more importantly, why he was claiming to be her father.

The doctor joined him in the hall as I waited inside the room. I studied them as they spoke. At one point during their conversation, Mike turned and stared at me through the small window in the door.

Once their conversation was finished, Mike came into the room. Not acknowledging me, he went directly to Bella's side and gave her hand a tender squeeze.

After whispering something in her ear, he faced me.

"Cullen. Care to join me outside for a moment?" Looking toward Bella, he added, "I don't think this is the best place for this conversation."

Nodding, I took one final glance at Bella. As I followed him down the corridor toward an exit, my heart raced. I felt like an inmate marching toward his execution.

As soon as we reached the outside of the building, Mike twisted unexpectedly and swung his fist directly into the middle of my face. Upon impact, I heard the cartilage in my nose crunch. Before I had a chance to recover, another blow landed on my jaw. Stumbling backward, I fell to the ground.

As I attempted to catch my breath, Mike's foot slammed into my rib cage. After two more swift kicks, he said, "I won't kill you today because that girl in there needs me, but if you come sniffing around here again, nothing will stop me." Turning, he walked back to the hospital and went inside.

Groaning, I remained in a crumpled heap as I wondered what in the hell had just happened.

AN:

Okay. I'll tell you a HUGE secret. My intention all along was for Mike to die in the car crash, but when it came time to write it - I just couldn't do it. So instead, I decided he should kick Edward's ass. Much better decision, huh?

Thanks to Fran, K, Gail, and all my lovely readers.

Until next time,

HE