A/n: It's not my playground, just my slide.

I have no beta.

BPOV

When I finally regained consciousness, Carlisle was with me standing at the bottom of my bed and making notes on my chart. I tried to turn my head but groaned at the throbbing pain that magnified from that little movement. My head hurt worse than it ever has before and my throat ached pretty badly.

"Easy, Bella, you have a concussion and a few stitches plus bruising and swelling around your neck," Carlisle cautioned me. "I'm going to give you another dose of pain medicine to help you, but I need you to try to stay awake."

"Carlisle, what happened?" I whispered. My mind felt a little foggy and sluggish.

"Your father is here and had requested to stay the night with you. I'm going to let him discuss what happened with you. Just know that you are safe now," He told me placing a gentle hand on my arm.

"How many stitches did I get?" I asked him not wanting to turn my head again. The movement hurt my head so much.

Carlisle smiled gently at me. "I had to give you five. You lost a lot of blood but that is expected when dealing with a head wound."

I grimaced at the thought of having stitches in my skull. Even worse were the flashbacks I was starting to have of the attack. Flashes of what happened to me kept popping up in my mind.

"Easy, Bella, your heartbeat has picked up considerably. Try to take a few deep even breaths. We need to keep your heart rate down," Carlisle said while demonstrating how to breathe. I followed along with him and was able to calm down in a few minutes.

I was terrified over what happened to me and didn't understand why I was attacked. It was so unexpected, and I felt unnerved by it. Why would anyone attack me? I don't know many people in Forks and the surrounding area. I just moved here for crying out loud. I didn't even have time to make any enemies.

I heard the door to my room open and Carlisle greeted my dad. "Hey, Charlie, Bella is awake. I have given her another shot of pain medicine. I told her you wanted to discuss what happened with her," he told my dad. "I'll step out and give you two some privacy." Carlisle gave my arm a loving pat and I watched through slitted eyes as he walked out.

"Bells, how are you feeling?" Charlie asked as he walked over and pulled the nearest chair over to my bedside and sat down.

"My head and throat hurt," I said hoarsely. My voice sounded gruff, and it really hurt to talk.

"I was so scared, kiddo. I'm glad you're going to be alright."

"What happened?" I asked him a little afraid of his answer.

"Alice Cullen called me to tell me you were found unconscious in the locker room. Apparently, Alice and Edward found you that way. They were the first on the scene and didn't see anyone. Do you remember anything that might help us catch the bastard?"

I thought for a moment. "I was heading out of the locker room when someone shoved my head into the wall. It hurt so badly, and I felt like I was going to pass out," I said while trying to fight the tears that wanted to spill. My dad awkwardly patted my arm to soothe me.

"The next thing I know there's a hand on my throat choking me. I tried to fight, but I was so lightheaded at the time. The person was really strong. My attacker was a male. He said that 'this is what happens when you cross me.' I couldn't breathe. I guess I passed out. That's all I remember," I told my dad becoming very distressed. I began to hyperventilate and was struggling to catch my breath.

Carlisle rushed into the room and I heard him shouting orders to someone. Black spots started to coat my vision, and I was having trouble breathing. The pain in my head and throat became worse as I cried.

"Bella, I need you to take deep breaths for me as we did earlier. You are safe now. We need to get your heart rate down and keep it down," Carlisle said.

I followed his orders and took deep breaths in through my nose and out through my mouth. My heart rate eventually slowed down and I stopped shaking. My poor dad just sat there looking helpless.

"Carlisle, what happened?" Charlie asked gesturing to me.

"Bella was beginning to have an anxiety attack. These types of things are common in assault victims. I will be prescribing some medication to help her, but I want her to remember her breathing. I don't want her to become dependent on anxiety medication," Carlisle replied.

My eyes bugged out. I hate taking medication other than Tylenol or ibuprofen. The idea of becoming dependent on pills disgusts me. I will do whatever I need to do to deal with my anxiety.

Carlisle left shortly after, and I was feeling so tired. My dad did his best to keep me awake. I didn't drift off until sometime in the early morning.

Later that morning I was awoken by the nurse coming in to check me over and remove my IV. I was getting released today and ordered to stay home and rest for the next two days. I normally dislike missing school, but in this case, I have no issues with being ordered to stay home.

After signing his weight in paperwork, my dad went out to pull the cruiser up to the entrance so that I wouldn't have to walk. I was wheeled out to the cruiser which was so embarrassing. This was the first time ever that I was happy to be in the police cruiser and on my way home.

When we pulled up to the house, all of the Cullen kids were there waiting for us. My heart seemed to skip a beat when I saw Edward standing by his Volvo looking so happy to see me. The moment my dad pulled into the driveway and parked, Edward was opening my door and helping me out.

"Hi, Cullens!" I called out happy to see them. I was really so glad they were here to greet me. They have all become my closest friends, closer than any friends I have ever had before.

"Welcome home, Bella!" they all cheered in unison.

Alice was holding an enormous balloon bouquet that consisted of beautiful pastel colors. The thing was bigger than she was, but I loved it. It was the first balloon bouquet I have ever gotten.

"Hi, Chief!" Jasper greeted my dad with a firm handshake. He and Emmett stepped up and grabbed my bag from the hospital and dad's duffle bag.

"Thank you, boys," Dad said as he walked ahead of everyone to unlock the front door.

Edward held me tightly as I walked slowly up the front steps. My head was still very sore but nowhere near as bad as it had been. At least there was an improvement.

Once inside, I made my way over to the sofa and sat down slowly. Rosalie had gone upstairs to bring down some of my pillows and Alice pulled the throw off the back of the couch. Both of them propped me up with a pillow behind my back as well and elevated my legs with the two remaining pillows. Normally, I don't put my feet up on the coffee table, but this was an exception.

"I see you kids have Bella comfortable. I have to head to the station, Bells. I want to get a jump start on this case. I will call you a little later to see how you're doing," my dad said giving me a quick hug and then he headed on out the door.

"We have to head back to school. Lunch is almost over, and we have to be back in time," Alice told me as she brought me a glass of Sprite and some Tylenol.

"We'll be by after school. Try to get some rest," Rosalie said coming over to give me a hug.

Edward caressed my cheek softly and followed his siblings out the door. Too soon I found myself alone. I was so exhausted, and my head was throbbing again. I grabbed my soda and downed two pills. I picked up the remote that Emmett had placed beside me and turned the TV on. Since I wasn't much of a TV watcher, to begin with, I opted for the Music Choice stations. When I finally picked the classical station and Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata was playing over the speakers, I leaned back and closed my eyes. It took no time at all for me to fall asleep.

I was startled awake sometime later by the sound of Emmett's boisterous laughter. I wasn't sure what time it was, but school must be over for the Cullens to be all gathered in my living room watching me sleep. I slowly opened just one eye to take a peek and I was greeted with Emmett's goofy-looking mug less than a foot away from my face.

"Ahh…!" I screamed in false terror as I jumped back and slid away from him. "God, that is the most frightening thing to have to look at upon first awakening," I teased with a wicked smirk.

They all cracked up laughing at Emmett. "That's a good one, Bella," Rosalie said giving me a high five.

"I do try," I responded with a giggle. Picking on Emmett was quickly becoming one of my favorite past times. He gave as good as he got though, but it was all in fun. Besides, the ham loved our playful banter.

"How are you feeling, Bella?" Alice asked sitting down next to me and giving me a quick hug.

"I feel much better. My head doesn't hurt as bad as it did, but my throat is still a little sore," I said as I took a quick sip of my now flat Sprite.

"Your throat should be feeling a lot better by tomorrow," Edward added.

"I certainly hope so. I sound like a toad croaking the way I do," I jested with a shrug.

"Well, Kermit, I'm just glad you are feeling better," Emmett said while patting me on the head like I was a toddler.

I smacked his hand away with a growl. "Enjoy it while you can, Emmett. I will be taking inventory of every little jab you make at my expense, and I will be coming for my payment," I said while sticking my tongue out at him. "Although that's probably one payment you won't be able to afford."

Emmett beamed in happiness at my response, not concerned about my retribution. As I said, he loves our playful banter. He is such a goofball.

"You're lucky you missed school today," Alice piped in changing the subject abruptly.

"Deputies were crawling all over the school, especially in the gym and locker room," Jasper said.

"Yea and they were interviewing students all day. The teachers were getting annoyed with the constant interruptions to their classes," Rosalie added.

"Rumor has it that Mike Newton got called into questioning when one of the students had mentioned Newton harassing you nonstop for a date," Alice told me. I just stared at her in shock. I never saw that coming. Maybe Newton will take the hint and leave me the hell alone from now on.

"That's not all of it. Both Jessica and Lauren were called in as well. Someone mentioned them trying to start a fight with you yesterday," Edward added with a spiteful smirk. He really disliked those two.

"The Chief is going hard after the culprit. Whoever it is better freaking hope your dad does not find them. They're going to wish they had never been born," Jasper added.

My dad was the best chief of police Forks had ever had. He was damn good at his job. Now that his only daughter was attacked, he is taking it very personally. Jasper was right. My attacker is going to be in a world of hurt when my dad finds him. "My dad is good at his job. Whoever attacked me has no idea what they are going up against."

Our conversation was interrupted by the sound of my dad's ringtone going off on my cell. I picked it up to answer. "Hey, dad," I said in greeting.

"Hey, Bells, how are you feeling?" he asked.

"I'm feeling much better than I was," I told him honestly.

"That's good, kid. Listen, I have a lead on your attacker and I will probably not be coming home tonight. I'm not comfortable with leaving you alone though," he said with concern.

Alice motioned for me to hand her my cell so that she could talk to my dad. "Dad, the Cullens are here, and Alice is demanding that I let her talk to you," I told him.

"She's got some serious spunk. Put her on, kid," he told me. I handed my cell over wondering what the little pixie was up to.

"Hi, Chief Swan, I wanted to ask you if it would be alright with you if Bella slept over at our house. Esme will be home, and Bella won't be alone," Alice asked politely. She spoke to him a little bit more and then hung up the phone. "Your dad said you can sleep over," Alice squealed happily.

"Cool! I was really dreading the idea of having to be here alone. I'm a bit squeamish after being attacked," I admitted feeling a little bit ashamed.

"I'm going to head up to your room and pack your things. Is there anything you want me to grab for you," Rosalie offered.

"Could you please grab my toiletry bag? It's in my closet."

"You've got it," she said smiling at me. She then ran upstairs to pack me a bag.

I was excited to stay over at the Cullen's house. This would be my very first official sleepover. Staying with my dad over the past few summers does not count.

In no time, my bags were packed and I was ensconced in the passenger side seat of Edward's Volvo The ride to the Cullen's house was loud thanks to Emmett's inability to talk at a normal decibel. We were all talking excitedly and Alice was bouncing around in her seat.

As usual, we got to their house in record time. Riding with Edward is like riding on the Autobahn. He loves his speed.

Esme was waiting for us making me wonder who had called ahead to let her know I was coming over. Either way, I was just happy to be here. I really have come to love this family.

"Oh, Bella dear, I was so worried for you. I'm so glad you are okay," she said while giving me a gentle hug and a kiss on the head. "I made you some loaded baked potato soup and some homemade sourdough bread bowls if you are hungry."

"Wow, thanks Esme, you didn't have to go out of your way for me. I would have been happy with a can of Progresso soup," I said with a thankful smile.

"I was happy to do it for you. Would you like me to heat some soup for you," she asked.

"I'm positively starving. I slept through lunch and Emmett startled me awake with his ugly mug," I joked.

Esme giggled, "I must say I love how you and Emmett enjoy teasing each other."

"I enjoy it as well. I don't have any siblings. If I could choose one, I would have chosen Emmett. He's easy to tease," I admitted with a smile. "It brings me so much satisfaction when I can get him to whine like a baby."

"Hey!" Emmett cried out. "I do not whine like a baby," he said as he put his hands on his hips and tapped his foot impatiently.

"Whatever you say, Emmy," I told him while patting his cheek condescendingly.

"You're such a brute, Isabella," he said with a huff.

"While the two of you bicker, I'm going to go heat up Bella's food. Try not to make him cry, Bella" Esme said on her way to the kitchen. "Emmett is an ugly crier," she called out.

"Hey!" Emmett called out again.

We all cracked up laughing. I never imagined Esme would jump in and start picking on Emmett as well. It was great.

"Hey!" Emmett called out again.

We all cracked up laughing. I never imagined Esme would jump in and start picking on Emmett as well. It was great.

Alice led me over to the couch in the living room and forced me to sit down and relax. I rolled my eyes at her. "You are supposed to be relaxing," she chided me gently.

"Yes, mother," I replied snidely. I watched as Emmett challenged Jasper to a game of Mario Kart.

Esme brought me a tray with my soup in a bread bowl and a tall glass of homemade iced tea. She placed it carefully in my lap, and I smiled at her in thanks. I carefully took a spoonful of soup and moaned at how delicious it was. "Esme, this is fantastic." It was loaded with potatoes, crispy bacon, and lots of cheese.

"I'm glad you like it," she replied softly and sat down in the armchair to my left.

I continued to eat my tasty soup while trying not to scarf it down like a six-hundred-pound trucker. I watched as Emmett and Jasper pushed and shoved each other trying to distract one another in order to make each other lose. I laughed hard when Jasper kicked Emmett's gaming chair a little too hard and Emmett went sailing across the room hitting the wall with a dull thud resulting in Jasper winning the race.

"Hey, you cheated," Emmett accused Jasper while pulling himself up off the floor.

"So did you," Jasper replied.

"Oh, yea, you're right," Emmett said with a shrug. "Best out of three?" he proposed.

"Deal," Jasper said as he got ready to play the game again.

I sat there quietly enjoying spending time with this family that has quickly come to mean a great deal to me. Edward sat down next to me, and I gave him a bright smile. While Alice, Rosalie, Jasper, and Emmett felt like my siblings, my feelings for Edward went in an entirely opposite direction. Based on the way he keeps glancing at me, I can tell he is feeling the same way. Now all I had to deiced was whether or not to ask him out myself or to wait for him to do it.

A/N: Any ideas on who attacked Bella or what may be going on?

I have no update schedule. The internet here is lousy on a good day, and my family and I are dealing with some very serious things.