AN: This chapter covers Bella's weeks as she recovers. It's just a bunch of cafeteria scenes that are kind of cute. (And some other scenes that give a bit of scope to the situation) It kind of jumps around a little. Sorry about that. Once we get this out of the way and Bella's leg heals we can finally get to the good stuff that everyone's been waiting for! Trust me it's coming soon.

P.S I knew that line from the previous chapter, -He had me at hello- was really cheesy. But I couldn't resist.

It became my routine and not unusual anymore when I waddled over to the empty table and caught up on my homework over the next couple of weeks. It was natural now and people stopped staring and gossiping… as much as a small town can of course. I would talk to Jess, Ang and Mike before pulling out my headphones and i-pod, and before that, I did the normal head bump and soup spilling moves that was a crowd pleaser to all who watched. I would turn on my music and then easily slip into the world of books. I would only return to reality when a beeping came from my wrist and I would wake up not realizing where I was for a few seconds. Even though it was school stuff, English, science, and history I would still get sucked into the ink on the ruffled worn pages.

It was like a dream that I could escape to and all the while do something productive. It was the only time when my mind was not tormented by the thoughts of Edward. Every other waking and non-waking thought I had was circled around him and it was rather annoying. Dreaming/the nightmares were worse though.

Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep

My watched buzzed, as it was time to head for Biology. I glanced around the cafeteria it was practically vacant except for a few scattered people. I looked up just in time to see the Cullens exiting the mess hall. That remained me of my predicament and what I was battling internally.

"Should I tell him?" – Tell him what? That you know that there are vampires? That you know what they all went through? That you know why Edward acted so rudely the first day you came here? That you are completely in love with Edward or that you used to have a much bigger- "None of that. Not yet. I just need to make up to Edward. Baby steps. And I'm not I love with Edward. I'm just… I just… I just need him… and adore him, and… and-" - and love him. – "I'm just stupid and foolish that's all. Not yet. I can't do it yet."

It had been a week since he last talked to me. I could still hear his last words ring in my ear, "Au revoir Bella." It hurt. Those words hurt… no they stung. They stung my heart and hopes but after a hot shower and some of my favorite scenes in Great Expectations I recovered and set a determined mind. But it was drewerly slow. Gaining trust… or more like healing wounds was hard. Even for me.

I walked towards biology getting ready for a horrible hour.

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AN: Various scenes now and in other chapters are going to be 3rd person or EPOV. I kept getting stuck trying to go on with Bella's POV.

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EPOV

"Edward, dear, are you all right?" Esme asked outside of my door. The same question had been in her head all day and she got tired of waiting for an answer.

"Yes. I am fine Esme. Thank you for asking. I am feeling a little bit low but it will pass. I would just like some time to myself. To think… and not think." I gave a halfhearted smile to my mother. "I'll be down later."

"All right Edward. If you need anything I'm here. If you need to talk, you have a family. I think Carlisle would like to see you when you're up to it as well." My mother closed the door and flew down the wood staircase.

I took a deep breath. Breath. Just breath.

Ugh! How did things turn out like this? We were just in the car… and then… she started telling about her accident. Something about a volley ball game. How can Bella play volleyball? Surely she just meant it was one of her friend's games. Isaac. She said that name. Maybe it was his games. Who's Isaac? A boyfriend? I bet it was her childhood sweetheart. I thought disgusted. Why do I care? So what? Moving on.

Dark alley. A guy. A guy in a dark alley. That's smart. I bet Isaac told her to take the short cut through the alley. – Stop beating up Isaac! You don't know him! – I argued with myself. Deep breathe.

Why am I even bothering thinking through this. It's just a stupid human girl! A stupid human girl that observes too much and should be kept at a distance from now on. Not my concern. Waste of time. She even said it was dangerous! Just get over it. Just get over it. But why do I even have to get over it! There should be nothing to get over. I pinched the bridge of my nose. Things were getting out of hand. Thank goodness I don't have to deal with it anymore. Bella ended it herself.

"Edward. Can I talk to you?" Carlisle thought from his office on the second floor. He has been putting this off for a while. He would have interrogated me sooner except the look on face kept the question from coming. He thought I would be over it now. So did I. I shrugged as I ran to the office.

"Yes. What do you want to ask me?" I said from his doorway.

"How much does she know?"

"She just knows that something's up with Alice and that we are too suclusive to be considered normal. She might know more than she is letting on but I doubt it. She is terrible at lying. It would be a lot easier if I could read her mind. But I can read her face just as easily." I droned. There was no tone in my voice. "If she knew anymore I doubt she would be so at ease with us. Actually I'm surprised there she is so at ease with us even though she doesn't know the truth. Most humans shy away. Not her."

"Are you sure? If you think she has any idea at all we need to consider moving… again."

"I'm positive Carlisle. She is just a girl. Nothing to be afraid of. Just a girl." The same words chanted in my head. But no matter how many times I said them, they never felt true.

"Edward. I'm concerned. You've hardly come out of your room except to go to school and hunt. I know you had an attachment to Bella. You don't look so good. Edward. Are you going to be all right? You had to do this. For her own good. Just…. Shake it off."

"Yeah… I'll try that." I glided to the door not wanting to be confronted on this subject anymore. I was feeling more like a teenager than I have in about seventy years when I left Carlisle to go my own way. I wonder if he thought I would do that again. I checked his thoughts. Nope, trusting as ever.

"EDWARD! What did you tell Carlisle? He is all upset and now his blaming ME. What did you do Edward!" Alice thought at me.

I thought about telling her what I said and I knew she would see it happening in her visions.

"Fine. But he still is really upset. All of us are. I don't think any of us will ever like this Bella person. Ever! You really are acting strange. Well stranger Edward. You're scaring us. Did you like her that much!? She's… just…. Just-"

"A human girl? I know. Just get off my back will you." I spoke loud enough for… everyone to hear me. I knew they were really concerned at the moment. But I didn't want to talk about it or hear about Bella. But I realized that was impossible when all there thoughts reached me… all concerning Bella.

I decided to go for a run. And knew that Alice would fill everyone in on my plans for the day.

As I was almost of out hearing range from my family, a couple of miles, I heard Rosalie's thoughts.

"Edward. We love you. Never forget that."

For some reason I felt really angry. Of course I know they love me! Why would she have to say that? My family is so nosy! Why can't they just go back in their on little corner and mind their own business. I can take care of myself just fine.

I stopped in my tracks. Why am I acting like this? Stupid teenage hormones. I thought vampires couldn't have those. Stupid teenagers. I felt extremely guilty. What Rosalie thought was true and sincere. I was just being a jerk.

I came to my meadow and came crashing down to the ground and gave a couple of dry sobs. What's wrong with me? I stared at the swirling spring flowers and lost myself in the movement. If I could sleep I would be dreaming right now. Thoughts of Bella stayed clear of my oasis.

I got up slowly ready to go back to my worried family. "That takes care of that."

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3rd person

The weeks that passed were a strange mix of awkwardness, humor, and sorrow. Bella hardly ate any lunch. Jess and the gang ate too much, and the Cullens didn't eat anything… as usual. Day after day, Bella would sit by herself and work on her schoolwork she missed while recovering and the work she had to catch up on when she transferred. Her leg was healing fine. On her medical check-ups she was sent to see another doctor. That was a relief to Bella and yet made her feel terrible.

"Are you feeling okay? Are you in pain Miss Swan?" Dr. Hills asked as he noticed the twisted face on Bella when he told her that he was in charge of her check-ups.

"Oh yes. I'm fine." She paused wondering if she should ask. "Do you always do the check-ups on Dr. Cullen's patients?"

"Oh. Um no. He was rather busy today. A lot of work to be done today and asked if I could take you for now."

Bella nodded knowing the real reason Dr. Cullen skipped out on her.

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But there were some funny instances. Like at lunch on a Thursday. Bella was fastidiously working on her English assignment and singing to herself as a Sixpence None the Richer song came on, ignoring all her surroundings.

Angela and Tyler were just discussing the importance of warning labels on various objects.

"But do you really need the label on the hairdryer? I mean everyone knows not to throw it in the bathtub." Tyler pointed out.

"Yeah, but what about children. They don't know that do they? Or really poor people from a third world country that have never seen a hairdryer before." Angela stated.

Lauren joined in, "But none of them no how to read! So it's still pointless." While at the same time Tyler said, " So. Let them figure it out on their own. That's the best way to learn."

Angela looked disgusted at Tyler while Mike just laughed.

"I bet Bella's done that." Mike joined in on the conversation.

"Done what?" Jessica turned to him. A bit jealous that he of course had to bring Bella into the argument.

"He's saying that he bets Bella has gotten shocked by doing something with a hairdryer." Eric cleared things up.

"I don't know. Wouldn't that… sort of kill her?" Angela spoke shyly.

Everyone just shrugged. And the guys spoke simotanously. "Well. It is Bella we are talking about."

"Go ask her." Jessica prodded Mike.

Mike stood up from his chair and hollered over the whole cafeteria. "Bella! Bella!"

She didn't even so much as move a muscle at the sound of his booming voice. Mike tried again. "Bella! Have you ever gotten electrocuted with a hairdryer and water?!"

A burst of giggles and laughed erupted from the whole cafeteria. Jess slapped Mike in the leg. While the whole cafeteria hushed up to hear her answer.

Everyone at the table just watched as Bella's head was tilted to her books, bobbing a little to the music she was listening to.

They all laughed. "Try again. I'm sure she can't hear with her headphones on." Ben punched Mike.

"Hey! BELLA!" Mike boomed. Still no answer from Bella. Not even a sign of acknowlegment. "BELLA. BELLA!" Then Tyler slid on a wicked grin and also stood up from the table and hollered at her.

"BELLA! WHAT COLOR UNDERWEAR ARE YOU WEARING!"

The whole school burst out in laughter. Even the stingy Cullens chuckled. Emmett was laughing hysterically. Edward even sprouted a small smile as he watched Bella trying to see if she really didn't hear him. Edward knew the principal could hear Tyler's question and he was two buildings down. Surely Bella would have heard it. Her music wasn't even on loud. But he saw that her lips moved a slight bit and could read the words 'blue' on them. He laughed almost feeling better than he had in awhile. He laughed even harder when he realized she wasn't answering the question. She was singing along to a song.

His brothers and sisters stared at him.

Edward shrugged. "It was funny." They kept staring and then all of them settled back into their usual stating off into space position. Though every now and then they would look back at Edward or smile at something.

Once the school settled back as well. Mike and Tyler sat back down shrugging.

"I guess that means Bella's going commando." Laughter ensued.

Angela turned to Tyler. "What do you think about the hot warning on coffee cups"?

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Another instance was a couple of days before Bella would get her cast off.

Mike caught Bella right before heading off to her table by herself with Emma tucked under her arm. She was finally done with her catching up.

"Hey Bella. Um, there is this volunteer thing that everyone is doing."

"Oh. Um. Okay. What is it?"

"Well, Mrs. Vander's house is falling apart and we all going to go and fix it up this weekend and we were wondering if you would like to help. I know your getting your cast of so it wouldn't be too hard. All we are doing is painting the sides of it, fixing some wood roofing and posts."

Bella cut him short. "No thanks." She started to walk away again.

"What?!" Mike said shocked she refused so harshly. "It's helping someone! Have you seen her house lately? It's a total wreck. Come on it'll be fun. Why not?" mike pleaded.

"I'm sorry mike but I can't." Bella tried again being polite.

Mike just looked miffed. "Oh Come On! Why not?" He grabbed her arm stopping her from walking any further toward her table.

She sighed. "You want to know the reason?" Mike nodded. Bella took a deep intake of breath and started. "Because Mike, in the past 11 months I've had 73 hospital visits. 13 broken bones. 213 stitches. 10 surgeries. 3 replacements. Dozens of blood transfusions. I've fallen off roofs, ladders, and windows. Hit 8 cars. And have had 38 concussions. And because of so many concussions, I also have spells of memory loss. Do you want me to go on?" She didn't give him a chance. "The fact that I'm still alive is a sick cosmic joke and the fact that I haven't had as many accidents here as I've had in Arizona is a miracle." By the time she was done. Half the school was listening to her.

"You know what. I think you shouldn't come help out this weekend." Mike stuttered.

"Oh really? Cuz I was thinking I might go." Bella said facetiously. Mike stared at her like she was crazy. Bella hit him on the arm. "I'm kidding Mike. Geez, can you take a joke." She walked with him over to his table. Mike turned to her.

"You know. That's really sad Bella. That's really sad."

"Yup. I'm always in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's a gift." She smiled at him playfully. "Well I have to get something to eat."

Then she turned around and got in line with Jess for the hot food. And of course. Hit her head on the shield for the 19th time since she's been at school. Bella looked back a Jessica while rubbing her forehead.

"You know. You think it wouldn't hurt so much after awhile." Bella shook her head. "Nope."

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"Where is Bella?" Angela asked as the rest of them sat down at the table. It was seven minutes past the hour and Bella usually went with Angela or Jess to get food. But she wasn't there. Everyone was all settled at their table.

"She said she had to do something… or get something." Jess shrugged.

Just at that moment Bella walked into the cafeteria with a determined look on her face and things in her hand.

Everyone in the room started as Bella fumbled to the entrance of the food line. She struck out her hand, which held a soft foam pad, and in the other hand was some duck tape. The whole room was silent as they watched Bella meddle around with her doodads and the edge of her daily torture. A few seconds later Bella straightened up and with her hand pointed out the work she just completed. The pad was at the edge of the spit shield held on by duck tape. It was the type of set up parents did on all the corners of the furniture if they had wobbly toddlers. Minus the huge amount of duck tape. Then she raised each hand above her and bowed. Everyone applauded and gave a standing ovation. They all laughed and a few made catcalls.

She then went on her way and got her food without injury and sat at the table with her friends.

"That takes care of that." Bella stated as she dipped her bagel in her soup.

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-Wednesday

Day Bella gets her cast off. -

BPOV

I drove to the hospital after school knowing the normal drill. And also knowing that Carlisle was the one that was going to take it off. Dr. Hill wasn't in charge of this thing so Dr. Cullen couldn't get out of it. Which is just what I wanted.

"Hello Miss Swan." Dr. Cullen spoke coming into the room. "If you just lay back I'll get this off of you as quickly as possible."

I waited patiently till the procedure was completed. With all the guts I could muster right then I spoke to Dr. Cullen before he could make his quick escape out of the room.

"Dr. Cullen?" He stopped in the doorway and turned around.

"Is there something you need Miss Swan?"

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry…. About Edward." I heard the door close. "I made a mistake. I didn't mean to. Okay, I did… at the time. But I didn't mean for everything that happened to happen. I didn't mean to hurt him. I'm sorry. I made a mistake. I really wish I could have taken it back. If there were one thing that I could do… it would be to have kept my mouth shut. It's been killing me. Watching his face… I'm sorry. I only meant to protect him and protect myself. But I was wrong. I thought I shouldn't be near him…. I was sooo wrong." I shook my head and then looked into Dr. Cullen's face for the first time since I started my rant. Surprise and sympathy was splashed across his beautiful features. He smiled warmly.

"Thank you… Bella." He put his hand on my shoulder and gave me a look with his eyes that said I was forgiven.

"Can… can you not tell Edward what I told you… please." I didn't want him to spoil this.

Carlisle smiled. "I'll try." He turned to walk out. "Have a good day Bella."

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AN: I didn't know when to stop. So I'm stopping here. Please review! I know this chapter is kind of crap in the cohesive area and whatnot. But the ones to come should be better.

Oh! Can anyone give me the times and classes Bella takes in Twilight? I would look it up myself but I took a bet to not read a single page of any of the Twilight series until this summer. So please someone help me out here. Thank you! And review review review!