I'm really glad that you all laughed at the last chapter. I didn't think it was that funny until my sister (who always proofreads my chapters for me) read it and started laughing hysterically. Her laughter was so infectious that I found myself laughing at my own chapter too. And then, I hoped with all my might that it might actually get more reviews!

And it did! Thanks so much, those people who reviewed me. I love the story alerts too! But one day, you guys will have to submit a review too, okay? You can even just type, "HAHA." Or "I LOVE YOU." I don't mind. Really!

So, here's another chapter. Which I hope might make you love my story a little bit more. And maybe get to understand this new Bella. "She's a nut," I say so affectionately.

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Disclaimer: Twilight or New Moon or Eclipse all don't belong to me. (They don't even have my name on the cover. But somewhere in Eclipse, there's my name!!! Let see how guesses it correctly. If someone really does, then you get to choose whatever prize you want, reasonably. Of course, the deciding factor is actually just me. Oh gosh, I am talkative today. ON WITH THE STORY PLEASE.)

Chapter 12

bPOV

When I woke up again, my whole body hurt. I laid there slack on the bed, the pain throbbing together with my heartbeat. I thought I would have got used to pain a long time ago, seeing how I'm always the one with accidents. But, no. it just has to make me suffer every time.

Finally, I gathered enough energy to open my eyes. The light was relatively easy on my eyes, but it was too white. I don't like white light, or blue light. Pale yellow or orange lights are the best because they make me look slightly healthy. And they don't hurt my eyes.

"Bella! You're awake!"

Of course I am, you nut. Now will you turn down the volume? I crankily turned my head to the side, where the voice came from, and immediately swallowed my thoughts back.

"Dad!" I shouted without thinking and it came out worse than a frog's croak. Charlie hurriedly passed me a glass of water, which he tipped carefully down my throat. I gulped it down gratefully, feeling the cool liquid soothe my throat. When I was finished with that, I reached out for a hug and Charlie caught on surprisingly quick. He gave me a long, tight hug, whispering his concerns and worries in my ears. I felt so guilty for making him feel this bad.

"I'm sorry, Dad," I whispered back, unwilling to let go of my just yet. "I promise I'll be more careful the next time."

"That's what you always say," Charlie said lovingly.

"A-hem." A throat was cleared deliberately and I reluctantly let go of Charlie. The hospitals never failed to reduce me to a meek little girl. Everything was always so white and clean and quiet. I don't like it. It smells. I'm always demanding to go home, like some spoiled brat.

A man in a long white coat, with a stethoscope hung limply around his neck, was standing at the doorway. As he walked into the room, my dad acknowledged him. "Doctor Cullen, how's Bella now?"

But that last three words never made it to my ears. As that man stood by my bed, I took in his face and his features and last of all, his name. My memory came rushing at me like a train and I remembered everything. Everything-everything.

I felt dizzy all of a sudden. I clutched my blankets and drew them nearer to me. I dropped my eyes, unable to look at this man. All Cullens are horrible people.

"Bella, I need to take your heartbeat rate, just to check." His voice made me cringe so hard. Not only did it sound like Edward's, it was nice and kind. It wasn't my fault that I mistook his for somebody else.

I mumbled my consent. There was a silence after that.

"And that means you'll have to let go of this blanket long enough for me to put this device on your chest." He said again, this time tugging at my blanket slightly.

Embarrassed, I tried to let go of the blanket. But I found them stuck firmly to the edges of that white sheet. I squirmed in discomfort when he patiently removed my fingers one by one. Charlie sighed, obviously disapproving my lack of coordination with the precious Doctor Cullen.

Once the blanket was pulled back to my knees, Doctor Cullen fitted the stethoscope to his ears while placing the other end on my heart. He was bending over me, listening intently to my heartbeat. Damn, he was so close. And he was so handsome. I thought nobody else could beat Edward in terms of appearances, but maybe I was wrong. This man looked like he was another heartbreaker, but he seemed nice. But I've learnt not to judge a book by its cover.

I was scrutinizing his face, comparing and contrasting him with Edward when he suddenly looked back into my eyes. My heart rate soared. Doctor Cullen raised his eyebrows. I coloured and blurted, "You have eyes like Edward's."

At the very moment that sentence left my lips, Edward strolled in through the door. I knew he must have heard me when he stopped abruptly and looked at me. I looked away, and Doctor Cullen gestured to my father.

"Bella, I'll be right back, okay? I'm just going to settle some… matters." I winced slightly, knowing that it was about the fees. The last time I was in a hospital, Phil paid. And it was okay for him, because he had the money. Even if he didn't, I don't really care. But it's different for Charlie. I know how difficult it is for Charlie to earn money, but being one of the few policemen in Forks helped. Just slightly.

He was walking toward the door when I realised the problem. "Dad!" I called out awkwardly. "Can you please stay for a little longer? Please?" Charlie stopped at the door and looked back, "Don't worry, Bells. It won't take long." And as he started walking again, he said, "There's Edward to keep you company anyway."

I grimaced; that was exactly why I wanted him to stay in my room. I didn't want to deal with that bastard right now. One day, he'll be the death of me.

And I was awfully afraid it would be today.

ePOV

"So," I said as I sauntered forward with a smile. "How is our patient coping?"

She mumbled a reply, but my sharp ears caught the "None of your business". I grinned widely and said in a sing-song voice, "Ooh, someone's feeling grumpy around here."

She finally turned towards me and glared at me. I stopped smiling, "I've gone and done it again, haven't I?" Bella turned her head away again and I rushed to her in a bid to salvage what I've done. "I'm sorry, Bel—Isabella! I really am!"

The hardness in her eyes faltered and I pressed on. "I was an idiot in the past. I shouldn't have said that you liked me. I shouldn't have made you shout halfway through Bio class. I shouldn't have pretended to be your bodyguard. I shouldn't have—"

"Stop it," She interrupted me. "I get it."

"You do? Do you?" I asked eagerly.

"Yes," she smiled. "You're sorry."

"I am! I am! Do you forgive me then?"

She nodded her head, "Okay."

I clutched her hand. "Thanks, Isabella. Thank you so much for giving me a second chance."

She jerked and pulled her hand away, holding it like it just got electrocuted. Stiffly, Bella said, "Okay, okay. Now will you please get Charlie back here?"

I stood up abruptly and saluted. "Your wish is my command, ma'am!" I proceeded to mock-march out of the room. Stopping at the door, I turned around. "Oh! Can I ask you a question, please?"

She rolled her eyes. "You just did. But, yes anyway. What is it?"

I grinned cheekily. "If my father's God, am I Jesus?"

She scowled and chucked a pillow at me. Roaring with laughter, I closed the door behind me. That look on Bella's face was priceless. Absolutely priceless.

bPOV

I got discharged on Sunday night and had an argument with Charlie. It was mainly because he didn't want me to go to school. But in the end, I managed to convince him that my bandaged ankle (which turned out to be only a mildly sprained ankle) was no excuse for me to skip school.

"Dad," I said with pleading eyes. "What if I fail my exams because of this rotten ankle?"

"You're only missing one day, Bella," He replied patiently. "What can happen in one day?"

"You might never know," I had sniffed. "Don't make me say 'I told you' in time to come."

Charlie flipped open yesterday's newspaper and said gruffly, "I'm just trying to do what I'm supposed to do."

Knowing that was a statement of defeat, I wrapped my hands around Charlie from the back and told him, "And I appreciate that, Dad. See you tomorrow morning then."

Thumping up the stairs a minute a step, I eventually made it to my room, where I found no comfort in my bed. My ankle hurt every time I turned, and if I stayed still, I just couldn't sleep! So I laid there in bed, closing my eyes, concentrating on the pain in my ankle until, eventually, I slept because I blinked once more and there was light streaming into my room.

Feeling like I hadn't close my eyes a single time through the night, I shoved myself out of bed with a late realization that my ankle had disabilities. "Argh!" A strangled cry leapt out from my throat as I pummeled downwards to greet the floor. Footsteps hammered nearer and my door was flung open by Charlie.

"Bella!" He gasped. "What happened?"

"I fell?"

Rushing to my aid, he helped me up into a standing position, muttering something about me falling in school. I shook his hands away and walked at a painfully slow rate to the bathroom.

When I finally prepared everything necessary, I found myself looking at a fully-dressed Charlie at the front porch, smiling grandly at me. "But… but…" I spluttered disbelievingly. "No more time for 'but's, Bella. We're running late!"

I got pushed into a police car, where I sulked my way to school.

"Stay where you are, Dad! I can get out of this car by myself." I told Charlie determinedly as I opened the door. Sticking my good foot out, I got into a standing position by placing my weight on it. Then the bandaged foot rested limply on the ground.

I slammed the door shut and plastered a wide smile on my face. "Have a nice day at work, Dad!" As I waved vigorously, he shook his head with an amused smile and drove off. I dropped my hand and smile as I trudged into school.

I found myself dreading the school day laid out before my eyes, but I had to go through with it. I am strong. I can do it. With a deep breath, I stuck my bandaged ankle out and placed it down on the smooth tiled floor of Forks High's corridor.

Out of nowhere and absolutely caught off guard, Mike Newton's voice popped up right beside my ear. "Stop, Bella! Let me help you, Bella!" Stunned, I had froze on the spot. Mike mistook my trance as consent for his offered help and attempted scooping me up into his arms.

"No, you stop, Mike! I don't want to have a second fall. I said stop!"

Mike stopped struggling with my legs and let go off me. "I'm sorry, Bella. I just wanted to help." He was looking at the floor but his voice was full of concern and guilt.

I rolled my eyes inwardly as I gritted my teeth. "Thanks for the offer, Mike. But I'm fine by myself, really. Why don't you run off to your first class?" He shot me another concerned look at the ankle and then smiled at me. "Okay."

I smiled back at him and as I saw his back disappearing down the row of lockers, I suddenly felt fatigue settling into my bones. The sleepless night before was taking its toll on me.

Shaking my head to keep me awake, I squared my shoulders and limped my way to class. Jessica must have known about my ankle because she passed a note all the way from across the class; teachers kept us apart for peace and quietness' sake.

"I love you better when you could walk properly. Get well soon!
P.S. Shopping plans coming up. Tell you at lunch.
XOXO, Jess."

I smiled to myself and folded the note. Jessica was so cute. Opening my textbook, I saw the words swimming about. Which class was this exactly? Sighing, I forced myself to look at the blackboard, hoping my ears are doing a good job of paying attention.

I was standing in a clear green meadow. It was like a scene stolen from the movie screen, so clear and surreal. Pretty flowers with no names swayed in the small wind and so did my hair.

"Bella."

A voice called out my name and sent shivers down my spine. Mixed signals were sent to my brain and I turned around, confused.

I saw Edward standing a near distance away from me. There was a sharp intake of breath coming from my mouth, but I barely noticed it. Edward was so handsome. He was shining and glittering. He was smiling and I saw love in his eyes. He was looking at me.

I took a step and Edward mirrored me. And once the still picture was broken by movement, I felt a sudden urge to reach Edward. To touch him, to hug him, to love him.

I took two more quick steps and when Edward followed, I ran. I ran till I was a step away from him.

My eyes glazed over from his sheer beauty. His translucent ivory skin shone brightly, like diamonds sprinkled all over. His eyes never left me and his lips were still frozen in that smile. He reached out and I slowly placed my hand in his. The coldness of his skin made me flush and I ducked my head shyly.

His fingers tilted my head upwards, forcing me to look into his loving eyes. Edward's head came closer, and closer. I closed my eyes with a satisfied sigh.

But then I heard a growl and my eyes flew open. He was baring his teeth at me! He threw his head back and roared. My body trembled in fear as I tried futilely to shake his grip off. I pulled backwards with all my might.

Edward hates me! I knew it! His eyes were as black as hell and I could see his hatred. It was like the first day of school all over again. Tears spurted out of my eyes and I struggled against his grip. NO! Edward hates me. He hates me!

And then he pulled me towards me and as I crashed against his hard, cold body, I felt his mouth clamp down on my neck. I struggled against his grip. I had to get free. I had to run away from him.

Then, Edward bit me. I screamed and screamed and screamed.

Dammit. Sorry I had to leave it there. REVIEW ME! And I might update another chapter before I go on a hiatus because of my exams. I know you don't like cliffhangers too.

I know you guys will not disappoint me. Those who story-alerts me: thank you! But a review this time would be nice. Really. Please?