Hey y'all...I didn't finish this as quickly as I would have liked, but its still posted a little earlier than usual. There are only a few more chapters in the story...I'm hoping to finish it by Christmas break, but we'll see. Hope everyone is doing well! And if you're looking for some fun reads, coldasicex3 and I are co-authoring a story called When Edward Met Bella and its super cute, so go check it out on twilighted. We haven't talked about posting it here yet.

ANYWAY--hope you enjoy!

Don't own it...

My heart stopped and I somehow managed to tell Bella that I was on my way. Before I knew it I was in my car and halfway to her apartment.

My cell phone was in my hand as I flew down the road, ensuring I wouldn't miss her call if she needed something else. Bella was walking down the stairs to meet me in the parking lot when I arrived. I pulled her into my arms quickly, hurrying to the car as I took in her shallow breaths.

"I don't know what happened," she croaked. Her voice sounded harsh and forced. "I just got home from practicing and I was working on lesson plans when I just couldn't breathe all of a sudden."

"Bella, save your voice. I'm going to take you to the hospital."

She cringed, but realized there was no point in arguing. There was nothing I could do to help her, so I was taking her to people I could trust to take care of her.

"Were you really out practicing this late? Its almost 11:00."

She nodded, her labored breathing echoing in the silence.

I sighed, " Bella, this has got to stop. You are running yourself ragged. I wasn't going to say anything because I know you want this recital to go perfectly, but you can't practice for hours on end. You know better than that, and you would have a cow if your students started practicing like that."

Bella just rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"What? You don't think I understand?"

She just looked at me.

"You practice all the time. I hardly see you. You never stop by my lessons anymore, and I know I can't peek in on your practicing because the last thing I need is for you to get distracted and stay even later practicing. Bella, I know you're worried but you can't keep doing this to yourself. I mean--"

"Just stop it, Edward," Bella rasped, "And don't tell me to save my voice."

My mouth snapped shut and I looked at her warily as we neared a stop light.

"The practice room is the only place I can get any rest...from myself. My mind. I'm always thinking, wearing myself out. The only time I'm not bombarded with reminders that Tanya is always around you is when I'm practicing. I don't come visit because Tanya is always lurking outside of your door when she thinks I'm doing something else..."

That last bit surprised me and I cut Bella off, hoping to save her voice regardless of her protests. "She what? That's ridiculous I never see her out there."

Bella only nodded before sighing and leaning her head against the window.

"I didn't know she was out there. I've tried asking her to practice at home, but she swears the pianos at the center are so much better. If I had known she was just hanging outside of my office I would have made her leave. I promise."

I had been concentrating on the traffic, weaving in and out so we could make it to the hospital as quickly as possible. My heart was pounding as each second ticked by, Bella's shallow breathing motivating me to push my car that much further. After my last statement however, my pounding heart and panicked state calmed a little bit when Bella slipped her hand into mine that was resting on the gear shift.

I sighed and pulled our joined hands up to my lips so I could kiss the back of hers. "I love you," I said softly as we pulled into the hospital.

Bella had apparently decided to save her voice after all and only squeezed my hand in response. That was all I needed.

We headed into the hospital quickly. I was basically carrying Bella and for once she didn't complain. Her breathing was still very labored and I all but ran to the reception desk.

"Can I help you?" the nurse asked, obviously bored.

"She can't breathe," I answered quickly, "Can she be seen quickly?"

Sighing, the nurse handed me paperwork and I headed to the closest available seat. I understood that late night shifts during the week could be boring, but I was slightly put off by her reception of Bella's condition. Like it was nothing new.

I started to fill out the paperwork to the best of my ability, only asking for Bella's help when necessary. When she wasn't answering my questions she had her head against my shoulder and was falling asleep despite her heavy breathing.

"Just rest, Bella. Everything will be fine."

These words seemed to do the exact opposite of calming Bella and she sat upright quickly. Her breathing quickened, coming close to worsening her state. "Bella?" I asked, rubbing my hand up and down her back.

"I can't believe this is happening," she gasped and I could tell tears were forming in her eyes, "This is so frustrating. I just want to go home and sleep and not worry about everything. Please, Edward...Just make it stop."

I didn't know whether she was asking me to take away the worry or to get her to the doctor soon, but I went for the only option I could work with at that second. I approached the woman at the desk once again, "Ma'am? Is there any way Bella can be seen soon? Its gotten worse, and I'm worried."

She seemed to soften at my concern but shook her head slightly, "I'm sorry, we can't see her until the paperwork is finished."

I looked down at the few sheets I had left and pleaded with the nurse, "She'll only get worse. She's panicking. Please, can't you see her?"

"I'm sorry, its against the policy. Just fill out the paper work and we will take care of your girlfriend."

The bored tone was back in her voice and I slammed the clip board down on the table, startling the nurse and even myself a little bit.

"That is the love of my life, dammit! She can't breathe right now, and I want you to take care of it! I will sit out here and finish the paperwork but someone needs to take care of her now!"

The nurse nodded slightly and pressed a button to page someone to get Bella. I sighed in relief, walked back to Bella, and began finishing her paperwork. Bella only stared at me, tears still brimming in her eyes. Before I could ask what was wrong she was called back. As I finished her paperwork I prayed that they would make her feel better tonight so she could get a good night's rest. I called Alice while I was finishing up, letting her know that Bella would not be coming in the next day.

XOXOXOX

As relieved as I was that Bella was okay, it took every ounce of strength in me not to say "I told you so" as we drove back to her apartment.

Her breathing condition was chalked up to stress and anxiety on top of wearing herself down and getting sick because she was not getting enough rest. Bella seemed to finally take to heart all I had been telling her on the drive to the hospital, and she didn't argue when I insisted on staying with her to make sure she slept well.

I swung by my apartment to pick up my humidifier to keep in her bedroom and we were back at her apartment in no time. It didn't escape my notice that Bella had fallen asleep on the drove home, and I carried her up the stairs gently before setting her on her feet to unlock her door.

"Shhh, Bella. Go back to sleep," I whispered as I laid her down on her bed.

She curled on her side, already in yoga pants and a t-shirt that she had changed into before we went to the hospital. I rummaged through her drawers for a pair of sports shorts that she had stolen from me a month ago and changed into them before curling up beside her in the bed.

The humidifier hummed softly and spread comfort and medicated air throughout the room. I took in a deep breath, appreciating the clear sound of Bella's breathing beside me. I was just about to fall asleep when Bella's soft voice pulled me from my dreams.

"Edward?" she spoke gently, afraid she would wake me.

"Yes, love?"

"Thank you...for tonight. For taking care of me."

I wrapped my arms around her tighter and kissed her neck, "You never have to wonder if I'm going to be there, Bella. I love you. I will always take care of you."

She sighed against me and curled into my chest, "I've missed you."

My heart soared at her admission, "I've been right here."

She sighed again and waited a moment before speaking. "I know. I've been avoiding your office because Tanya always seems to be around and she never says nice things to me and I just can't stand it."

"She says mean things to you?"

"Constantly."

"I wish you would have told me."

"I'm telling you now," she joked sleepily. "I love you."

"I love you. And I've missed you, too. So much."

I felt Bella relax against me and listened to her steady breathing slow as she fell asleep. My heart swelled with joy that she was back in my arms after two weeks of nothingness. Now, the only other obstacle I had to face was Tanya.

So there it is! Let me know what you think! And don't forget to check out When Edward Met Bella!