Happy Sunday! Hope y'all are having a great weekend! Here's Chapter 5. Hopefully you'll get some answers here. Thanks as always to my BFF and beta BittenEV. She is amazing. The song for this chapter is "Breakable" by Ingrid Michaelson.

Disclaimer: Not mine. Belongs to SM.

Chapter 5—Breakable

On Monday afternoon, I followed Alice back to her house. We were going to hang out, and Charlie would be joining us for dinner. I was looking forward to some "family" time.

Edward had stayed home from school today and gone to the doctor. I was anxious to hear about his appointment. He woke up Saturday with another night sweat. It was as bad as the one on Friday, and it upset him so much that Alice and Emmett had to stay with him until he fell back to sleep. Thankfully Alice said last night had been normal.

Alice and I walked into the kitchen to find Edward, Carlisle, and Esme in a heated discussion. They stopped talking and looked up when we entered.

"What's wrong?" Alice demanded.

"Oh nothing much. I just get to have surgery on Friday," Edward replied, sarcasm dripping from every word.

"Edward, we've been through this," Carlisle said, his exasperation obvious.

I was so confused and shocked that I couldn't say anything. Alice sat at the table and pulled me into the chair next to her as we waited for an explanation.

Finally Carlisle spoke. "Dr. Hunter drew blood at Edward's appointment today and ran the tests while we were in the office. His white count was extremely high. Based on that, his fevers and night sweats, and the fact that his glands have been swollen for a while, we decided a lymph node biopsy was the best course of action."

"Can't you do a biopsy with a needle now?" Alice asked.

"You'd think so," Edward replied sullenly.

Carlisle sighed. "Needle biopsies aren't always accurate when it comes to the lymph nodes. Dr. Hunter is going to surgically remove a few of the lymph nodes from the neck, armpit, and groin. It's a simple outpatient procedure done under local anesthesia."

A terrible and scary thought dawned on me. "Isn't a biopsy used to diagnose cancer?"

Carlisle quickly tried to reassure me. "It's probably just an infection. Removing the lymph nodes will allow us to accurately diagnose and treat it."

"It's my body! I should have some say in what happens to it! It may be simple to you but not to me!" Edward got up from his chair and began pacing around the kitchen.

Esme went to Edward in an attempt to comfort him, but he only reluctantly returned her hug. "It's going to be OK," she soothed.

"No it's not!" Edward pulled away and ran his hand through his hair in frustration. "It's easy for all of you to be calm because it's not happening to you! No one has asked me what I think and what I want!" He then turned to Alice. "Ali, do you mind if I borrow Bella for a bit? I know you were going to hang out this afternoon, but I really need her right now."

"Of course," Alice replied with a small smile.

Edward came over and took my hand and led me out the back door. "Thank you," he said over his shoulder Then to me he said, "I just need to be with you for a little while."

I squeezed his hand. "I understand. Where are we going?"

"A few years ago when I was visiting, I was hiking through the woods when I came across a meadow that was hidden away. It was so beautiful and peaceful. After my parents died, I started going there when I needed some space. Being there really calms me."

We walked for a short time before coming upon a clearing in the woods. I couldn't believe the sight in front of me. This meadow was filled with beautiful wildflowers just beginning to bloom for the spring. The grass was green and lush, and I heard a stream flowing nearby. It was paradise.

"Edward, this is amazing," I breathed. "I can see why this place calms you."

"I've never shared it with anyone." Edward sat on the grass and gently pulled me into his lap.

"Thank you for sharing it with me," I said. We sat in silence for a few minutes until I realized Edward wasn't going to talk unless I made him. "Edward, talk to me please."

He shook his head. "I feel like there's something Carlisle and Dr. Hunter aren't telling me. Like you, I think of cancer when I think of a biopsy. What if there's something really wrong with me? What am I going to do?"

I could see the tears in Edward's eyes and knew I had to reassure him somehow. "Edward, I don't think your uncle would lie to you. He's probably just trying to keep you calm."

"He's doing a terrible job of it," he muttered, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. "I'm scared, Bella. I've never had surgery before. I've never even broken any bones. I've had stitches a few times, but that's it." Edward was running his hands through his hair and his eyes were wide as his words tumbled out quickly. "Something could go wrong, and then what? Suppose they do find out I have cancer? I don't want to deal with this! I need my parents. Why aren't they here for me? Why?!"

"Oh, Edward," I said sadly as I pulled him close for a hug. "I wish your parents were here for you too. I'm here for you, though. So are your family and friends. We're not your parents, but… we love you. Very much."

Edward looked at me and gave me a small smile. "You love me."

"I do, Edward," I replied without hesitation. "I do love you. I know it's probably too fast-"

Edward cut me off. "I love you too. I don't care if it's too fast. I don't care that we didn't like each other at first. You didn't run screaming from me, even when I was being a jerk. You let me into your heart and taught me how to love again. I love you, Bella." He pulled me close to him. "Thank you. Thank you for making me whole again."

We sat quietly again until Edward looked at his watch. "Crap. We'd better get back. I've got school work to catch up on, and I'm sure you've got homework."

I sighed. We did have work to do, but I didn't want to leave this magnificent place. As we headed back to the house, I said a silent prayer that Edward would be OK.

Edward and I walked back to the house hand in hand, and he led me up to Alice's room. We stood in the doorway and watched as she danced around her room to a Lady Gaga song on her iPod. We tried not to laugh, but we couldn't hold it in any longer.

"You suck!" Alice exclaimed when she realized we were watching her. "How long have you been there?"

"Long enough to know you were born this way," laughed Edward. Seeing Alice acting silly was enough to visibly relax Edward a bit.

Alice ran over and hugged her cousin. "I'm sorry about everything. I wish there was an easier way instead of this biopsy."

"Me too," Edward sighed, "but if Carlisle says it's the best way, it must be. I'm not crazy about being cut on, but I guess there's nothing I can do."

"We're all here for you, no matter what," Alice assured him.

"I know, Ali. Thanks." Edward hugged her a little tighter before letting her go. "I'm going to leave you to do your girly things, but I'll see you at dinner." He kissed me softly on the lips and mouthed "I love you" before leaving us alone.

"Isabella Marie Swan, you are the most unnatural shade of red I have ever seen! Spill!" Alice flopped on her bed and patted the spot next to her.

"Is it that obvious?"

"Yes it is, so you'd better tell me what happened." Patience was not Alice's strong suit.

I sighed dreamily. "Edward and I said 'I love you.'"

Alice squealed in a frequency so high that all of the dogs in Forks probably heard her.

"Uh, Alice, I think I'm deaf now," I said.

She playfully swatted my arm. "This is a big deal. Edward's dated a few girls, but he's never had a real girlfriend. I'm guessing he's your first boyfriend."

I nodded. "Yep. I know we're moving way too fast, but it just feels right."

"I know what you mean. I felt the same way when I met Jasper." Alice paused for a moment. "Have you slept with him yet?"

"No!" I exclaimed, turning red once again.

"Just asking," Alice said, holding up her hands defensively. "Edward's pretty old fashioned, though. He won't pressure you into doing anything you don't want to do."

"I'm not ready for sex yet. One day, but not now," I explained.

"Me neither. I'm still a virgin," Alice nearly whispered. "I love Jasper and I want to be with him, but not yet. He's been patient so far, but I'm afraid he'll get tired of waiting. What if he meets someone when he goes to college in the fall that's willing to sleep with him? What if he breaks up with me over it?"

I put my arm around Alice. "Have you told Jasper how you feel?" She shook her head. "Talk to him. Jasper seems like too good of a guy to break it off over something like that."

"You're right!" Alice said with a newfound determination. "I'll fight off any skank who goes after my man!"

We both fell back laughing. It felt so good to have a friend like Alice to share these things with.

Alice and I worked on our homework until Esme called everyone down for dinner. Charlie was already there, and he greeted me with a hug as I sat next to him. We were all filling our plates and starting to eat when Edward entered the dining room. He stood there awkwardly for a minute before speaking.

"Carlisle, Esme, I'm really sorry about the way I acted earlier," he apologized.

Carlisle got up from the table and went over to Edward. "I should be apologizing to you. You're right. We should have discussed this. While I feel like the surgical biopsy is the best option, you should have been involved in the decision."

"I know you're just looking out for me, but I'm scared," Edward admitted. "I'm scared of the procedure and scared of what they might find."

"Like I said, I don't think it's anything serious, but whatever it is, we'll get through it together." Carlisle hugged Edward, who smiled as he returned his uncle's hug.

"Now that you've made up, can we eat?" Emmett called out. "I'm so hungry I could gnaw off my own arm."

"Emmett McCarty Cullen, we raised you better than that!" Esme chided. "You act like you were raised by wolves!"

Emmett shrugged unapologetically. "Sorry, Ma. I'm a growing boy. I need sustenance."

The mood in the room lightened considerably after Emmett's little outburst. Dinner at the Cullens was always crazy, and tonight was no different. Both of my parents were only children, so I didn't have much family. The Cullens were quickly becoming the family I never had.

After dinner I ended up in the den playing video games with Edward, Emmett, and Alice. The guys were kicking the girls' butts, but I was having too much fun to care. I could tell Edward was tired, though, so I didn't stay too late. I was really worried about him despite Carlisle's insistence that he'd be fine. I had just found Edward, and I wasn't ready to let him go.

Edward became more nervous about the biopsy as the week went on. We all did our best to calm him, but nothing seemed to work. When he called me early Friday morning, he was a bundle of nerves.

"Calm down, Edward," I told him. "You're making me a nervous wreck. You'll be just fine."

"I'm sorry, but I can't help it," he replied apologetically. "I just want this to be over with. I'm actually looking forward to being drugged up so I can chill."

"It'll be over soon enough," I assured him. "I'll see you after school."

Edward's anxiety began to rub off on me, so I was feeling nervous when I got to school. Thankfully Alice was able to calm me. "It's OK, Bella. Relax. You know he's going to be just fine."

"I hope so, Ali. I hope so."

The morning dragged on, and I never thought lunchtime would arrive. When it finally did Alice pulled me towards the office instead of the cafeteria. "Alice, where are we going and why?"

"We're going to check on Edward," she explained. "I'm worried, and I know you are too. Hi, Mrs. Cope!"

"Well hello, Alice! What can I do for you?"

"Could I please use the phone to call my mom?" Alice asked. "My cousin Edward had surgery this morning, and I just wanted to see how he's doing."

Mrs. Cope smiled. "Of course, dear. Just press nine first."

Alice dialed and waited for Esme to pick up. "Hey, Mom! How did it go?" She paused, listening to Esme's response, and then giggled. "That doesn't surprise me at all! Give him a hug from Bella and me, and we'll see you after school." She was still giggling as she hung up the phone.

"What's so funny?" I demanded.

Alice stopped laughing and rolled her eyes. "Typical Edward. He was so nervous by the time he got to the hospital that he had to be knocked out for the biopsy. Thanks, Mrs. Cope!" she called out.

"You're welcome, Alice! Is Edward OK?" Mrs. Cope called back.

"He's fine, thank goodness." Alice waved to Mrs. Cope, and we headed to the cafeteria.

"Is he really fine?" I asked nervously.

"Yes he is," she replied. "The biopsy went well, and he's awake from the anesthesia. They're heading home shortly."

I let out a huge sigh of relief as Alice and I got our trays and made our way to our table.

Emmett obviously knew what his sister had been up to. "Did you call Mom? How's Edward?"

Alice laughed again and explained. "He's fine, and everything went well. Edward was his usual nervous self, though, and had to be put under completely."

Emmett smiled and shook his head. "I'm not surprised. He was pretty scared this morning. I'm just glad it's over."

"Me too," Alice said in agreement. "Now we wait."

Thankfully the afternoon went by a lot faster than the morning had, and Alice and I were soon heading to the Cullen home. I was anxious to see Edward and assure myself that he was indeed fine.

Esme and Carlisle were in the den watching TV when we got to the house. Carlisle assured us immediately.

"Everything is fine," he promised. "Dr. Hunter got a good sample from each area, and hopefully we'll have the results soon. Edward's in his room. He's been sleeping since we got home. I know you're anxious to see him," he added with a smile.

Alice and I called out our thanks and went upstairs. We quietly entered Edward's room without knocking. He was lying on his right side sleeping. I frowned when I saw the small bandage on his neck. I hated to disturb him, but I couldn't help myself. I gently sat on the side of the bed and kissed him lightly on the forehead.

Edward's eyes fluttered open and he smiled. "Hey. You're here," he said sleepily.

I pushed his messy hair out of his face. "Of course I am. I told you I'd be here."

Alice bounded in from the doorway where she had been standing and knelt next to the bed. "How are you feeling? Any pain?"

"I'm a little sore and tired, but I'm OK. I freaked out this morning, though. I was only supposed to have a mild sedative, but Dr. Hunter went ahead and put me under general anesthesia. I think she was afraid I'd freak out even more once she started the procedure. I'm just glad it's over."

"Me too," Alice smiled. "I'm going to leave you lovebirds alone, but I'll be back later." She got up off of the floor, gave Edward a gentle hug, and left us alone.

Edward sat up slowly and opened his arms to me. I scooted next to him and fell into his embrace, careful to avoid where he'd been cut on his left side. He gave me a chaste kiss on the lips and sighed contentedly.

"I missed you. I wish you could have been with me this morning. You might have kept me calm."

"It's over now," I told him. "You can relax."

Edward frowned a little. "Yeah but now the waiting game begins. What will the results say? Carlisle seems pretty confident that things will turn out fine, but I still have that nagging doubt in the back of my mind. What if it is something more serious than a lingering infection? What happens then?"

I kissed him to cut him off. "We'll cross that bridge if we come to it."

"I need to find out soon," Edward said. "I'm missing baseball practice because I haven't been cleared to go back yet. Dr. Hunter won't let me play until we find out what's wrong and treat it."

I looked at Edward and smiled. "I do love a man in uniform." Edward laughed and responded by giving me a searing kiss.

"Get a room!" Edward and I broke our kiss and looked up to see Emmett in the doorway looking smug. Rosalie was next to him, laughing.

"Dammit, Emmett!" Edward yelled as he threw a pillow at his cousin. Emmett caught it and tossed it back to Edward and he and Rosalie sat on the bed.

"How are you feeling, hot stuff?" Rosalie asked.

"Tired and sore," Edward replied but then suddenly stopped and held up his right hand. A large bruise had formed on top of his hand.

Rosalie gently grabbed Edward's hand. "Shit, Edward, did the doctors beat you?"

"It's from my IV," he said.

"What kind of needle did they use? I've never seen an IV leave a bruise like this before." Rosalie was shocked.

"I've been bruising really easily," Edward replied sheepishly. "Last week I hit my hip on my nightstand, and it left a huge bruise."

I became worried because I knew that wasn't normal. "Does Carlisle know about this?"

Edward shook his head. "I never really thought about it. I was so worried about everything else." He groaned and fell back on his pillows.

"Hey, don't get upset," Emmett said. "You've had a lot going on. This is probably just happening because your immune system is low from being sick. I'm sure it's no big deal."

"I'm baaack!" Alice came bounding into the room with Jasper right behind her. All thoughts of bruising were forgotten as they climbed on the big bed with the rest of us. We laughed and cut up until it was time for dinner.

Carlisle examined the bruise on Edward's hand, but he didn't seem very concerned. That put all of us at ease, and Edward spent the rest of the weekend recovering.

Edward insisted on driving me to school on Monday, and I didn't argue with him. He showed up at my house fairly early.

I greeted him at the door with a kiss. "Not that I'm complaining, but what brings you over so early?"

"I couldn't sleep. Night sweat," he admitted. "I've been up since 4:00."

I frowned. "Edward, you really need to get your rest."

Edward looked at me sadly. "I know you mean well, but please don't baby me. I get enough of it from Esme and Alice. Carlisle too. Emmett is the only one at home who doesn't treat me with kid gloves."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to," I apologized. "I just worry about you."

"I know, and I love you for it." Edward kissed me chastely on the lips, and I led him into the kitchen so I could finish my breakfast.

"Morning, Edward!" Charlie called out from his spot at the kitchen table. "Feeling better?"

"I am," Edward replied. "I'm just ready to get back to school. I need normalcy."

"Don't blame you," Charlie agreed.

"Do you want something to eat?" I asked. "I can fix you something pretty quick unless you want cereal."

Edward shook his head. "I'm really not hungry," he admitted.

I frowned again, but I didn't push the issue since I didn't want Edward to get upset. I finished eating my scrambled eggs, and we left for school.

Edward was self-conscious of the still-bandaged incision on his neck, but not too many people stared. By lunchtime our classmates' curiosity had moved elsewhere.

Unfortunately Edward overslept on Tuesday, so we weren't able to ride to school together. We didn't see each other until lunch. He had a lot of work to catch up on from the school he had missed, so he was going straight home to do homework. He promised to come by my house after dinner.

I did my own homework when I got home from school. It didn't take too long, and I got dinner started for Charlie and me. I had just put some pasta on to boil when the house phone rang. "Hello."

"Bella! Is Edward there?" It was Carlisle, and he sounded panicked.

I suddenly became very nervous. "No. He wasn't supposed to come over until after dinner. What's wrong, Carlisle? You're scaring me."

Carlisle sighed. "We got Edward's biopsy results today." He paused for a moment. "It's cancer, Bella. Edward has cancer."