I was dangerously close to tears, and hung the phone up before I could break down. I kept hearing Edward's voice in my head. The hurt and pain behind his words. I needed to clear my head and decided to take a shower. I made my way slowly up the stairs and to the bathroom. As I entered the shower my emotions got the best of me, and I fell to the floor of the shower grabbing my knees, heaving great sobs. I sat there until the hot water ran out. Slowly I got to my feet and turned the water off. I dried myself off bit by bit unable to cry any longer and made my way to my bedroom. I changed into sweats and fell onto my bed.

I hated hurting Edward, but I needed time to organize my thoughts. He couldn't treat me like this ever again. I was his equal damit! I was not a child. We needed to make decisions together about our relationship. He needed to treat me like his partner not a baby. He was not my father. Last night he made me feel like he was chastising his daughter not his lover. I knew he had boundaries for a reason, but really couldn't we discuss them? Maybe draw new ones? He always told me that his blood lust out weighted his human desires. If he could resist my blood, drink of me and stop, then surely my body was an easy obstacle to over come. I felt anger and pain over come me as I though about how he had called me immature and childish. Is that why he had left me out of the decision making process? Did he not think I was intelligent, or experienced enough to make serious rational decisions? Did he really think so low of me? I heard someone at the door and froze. Please don't be Edward, I thought with a twinge of panic.

I made my way out of my room and down the stairs. I paused as I reached the door. I didn't have to answer it. I could simply find out who it was and send them away.

"Who is it?"

"It's Alice. How are you?"

I sighed with relief. Alice good. I was in no mood to see anyone though. "Alice I'm fine. I don't feel up to company right now. I just want to rest. Thanks for coming."

"Bella are you okay?" She sounded concerned. I felt like an idiot talking through the door, but the last thing I needed was her seeing how I looked and passing that image on to Edward. I had been crying for most of the day and knew I looked like hell.

"I'm fine really Alice. I just need to be alone right now. I'm just really tired. Please." I was pleading with her to just understand and leave.

"Okay Bella. If you need anything call."

I sighed, "Of course. Thanks."

I returned to my room and lay on my bed. I knew Charlie would be home soon, but I wasn't hungry and didn't feel like making dinner. He could survive one night on his own. I wrapped myself up in my blankets hoping sleep would come. The next think I knew someone was gently shaking my shoulder. I opened my eyes and noticed it was dark outside so I must have been sleeping for hours. I looked at the person who had wakened me, it was Charlie and he was not alone. I was startled to see Carlisle's worried face looking at me from the doorway of my room.

"Dad. What?" is all I managed to get out.

"Honey, Dr. Cullen is here to check on you. He heard that you were sick and he wants to make sure that you're ok." I could tell Charlie was upset.

I closed my eyes in frustration. I was fine. Why won't people just leave me alone? I opened my eyes cautiously and took one more look at my father's concerned face and gave in. It's the least I can do for Charlie.

"Ok. Dad could you leave us please?"

"I will be right downstairs if you need me Bells." With that Charlie left the room closing the door behind him.

I gradually sat up on my bed looking at Carlisle. He smiled at me and I could see he was anxious.

"Well Bella I hear you aren't feeling too well. Why don't you tell me what's going on?"

I could sense he was referring to more than just my health, and I wondered what he had been told.

"I'm fine really. I was just really tired this morning and my head hurt so I decided to stay home and rest. You didn't need to come here. I'm sorry you wasted your time." I frowned upset that Carlisle was now involved.

"Well to be on the safe side I would like to draw some blood and do a quick exam if you don't mind."

"Really there is no need. I'm fine. I'm sure in a couple days I will be as good as new." I tried to sound convincing but Carlisle didn't seem swayed.

"Bella please I am the one who is a doctor here. I will be the one to determine if you are fine or not." He smiled at me and gave me a stern look.

"Carlisle please." I could feel my eyes filling with tears. I dropped my head in my hands as I tried to control my emotions unsuccessfully. Carlisle was instantly at my side putting his cold arms around me. It was amazingly comforting. Once I had regained my composure I smiled up at him. "Thanks." I said weakly.

"Oh Bella. There is no need to thank me. I have done nothing. Let me at least take your blood and run some tests. It will make me feel better. I will write you a doctor's note excusing you from school for the next few days. You have to promise me that you will call me if there is a change or if you need anything, understood?" He looked at me as any father would look at their child when demanding conformity.

"Yes of course Carlisle." My voice seethed with gratitude. "Thank you so much." He quickly drew my blood as I lay down on my bed trying to distract myself so I wouldn't get sick. He turned to leave but paused as he reached the door.

"Bella, I don't know what's going on between you and Edward, frankly it's none of my business. If you need anything, and I do mean anything, do not hesitate to ask. You are family now too and we Cullen's stick together." He hesitated briefly before he continued as if he wasn't sure about what he was about to say. "Do you have any messages…for anyone…before I go?" I knew whom he meant. I thought for a minute and went to my desk and pulled out a piece of paper and a pen. I quickly jotted something down folding the paper and handed it to Carlisle. My note was simple and to the point.

Edward,

I know you are hurting right now, but please understand that I need time. When I am ready to talk I will come to you. Until then please give me the space I need. Do not call, or come over to watch me sleep. If you fear for my safety you may watch over me from the outside of my house.

Love

Bella

"Thanks again." I wrapped my arms around Carlisle's waist and hugged him. He returned my hug and smiled at me as he left my room. I walked back to my bed eager to sleep again. Although I had slept for most of the day I felt exhausted and was grateful as sleep quickly found me.