Bella

Eww. I cringed as I looked at my battered and bruised arm, trying to remember how I had gotten so beat up. I looked at my other arm to see if I was injured, but instead I saw an IV needle poking through my skin. I made a face and was instantly nauseous. I hate needles.

I heard a deep chuckle from somewhere in the room. I searched for the source of the noise, and a pair of green eyes met me.

Perhaps green isn't the right word here. I tried in vain to find the right word for his stunning eyes.

The owner of the eyes looked a little shell-shocked. I would be shell-shocked too, if I saw such a disgusting mess. I must look like death.

But despite his expression, the man was beautiful. Like, unnaturally good-looking. Honestly, do people like him even exist? I looked at his piercing green eyes, fringed with dark, perfect lashes (did I seriously just use the word "piercing?"); his amazingly smooth, white skin; his masculine, strong jaw line with just a tiny hint of stubble; and that heap of messy, auburn hair. Why does my mind suddenly resemble a tacky romance novel?

Before I could get disgusted with myself by having a mini-fantasy in a hospital bed, I realized that I had no idea how I ended up in said hospital bed. The last thing I remember was walking into the street with Alice…she was mad about something…

"Erm..hello," the green-eyed god said a bit awkwardly. Oh my, his voice was appealing.

Speak again, I mentally urged him.

"My name is Edward Cullen, and you must be Isabella Swan," he stated smoothly, regaining his composure.

"Bella," I corrected him quickly.

"Right, Bella then. So, my father, Carlisle Cullen, is your doctor, and he asked me to come speak to you."

"Okay?" I answered, doubtfully. Why would my doctor send his handsome son to speak to me? Was he trying to set us up or something?

Edward quickly noticed my confusion. "Oh, I'm sorry. I should explain: I used to be a police detective in Chicago, before I moved back to Seattle. Carlisle mentioned some suspicious activity surrounding your accident..."

"The accident!" I interrupted, "Do you know what happened? The last thing I remember was walking into the street with my friend Alice and then I woke up here all beaten up!" my words can out in a jumble, and I desperately tried to look anywhere but Edward's face. He was distracting me with his looks and I really wanted to know why I was in the hospital.

"I'm sorry, Bella," he answered warmly with a slight smile, "I didn't realize you don't know what happened. According to the report issued by your friend, a car ran a red light, and hit you on your left side. Well, I suppose nicked you would be a better explanation, as the car really only grazed your side. It was travelling quite quickly so it knocked you down and you blacked out. The driver did not stop."

For a brief second, Edward's brow wrinkled and his eyes tightened. He shook his head quickly.

"I'll let my father know you're awake, and he can explain your injuries. Give me a second," Edward pivoted on his heel and walked out the door.

I let the information sink in. So, some idiot hit me with his car and then kept on driving? How disgusting. At least it didn't hit me straight on. My arm and side ached a bit, but it could have been a lot worse. Hell, I'd been in the hospital just a few weeks ago feeling a lot worse after I fell down the stairs at the library. I would just wait for the doctor, get some pain medication, tell this Edward Cullen character I hadn't seen the car so I can't help find the driver, and get home.

Wait. Why was there a retired Chicago cop on my case anyway? I mean, shouldn't the Seattle Police force be dealing with this? Not that I'm complaining. But still, this seems rather odd. Unless somehow they found out about the notes and thought this was something more than a random hit and run… Edward had mentioned "suspicious activity"

But how would he know? Alice is the only person I told. That little minx.

"BELLA! You're ok! How are you? Holy crap your hair is a mess. Ohmygod how are you feeling? I'm so happy you're alive!" Alice screamed, bursting into the room. Speak of the devil, I thought with a smirk.

"I'm fine Alice really. Detective Cullen just told me what happened, and I think he went to go get Dr. Cullen, his father. Now answer me honestly…why is there some ex-detective from Chicago asking to speak with me?" I narrowed my eyes are her.

"Bella," she scolded in a sing-song voice, "I know you don't like to make a big deal out of things, but you received those creepy notes for the last few weeks and I had to tell the authorities because then you were attacked!"

I groaned. How frustrating.

"Alice. Listen to me. I was hit by a car, it was a random accident. I was not attacked. Yes, I received a few sketchy notes at work, but they're not an issue. Probably from one of those perverted little interns or whatever trying to mess with my head. You blew this thing way out of proportion," I reasoned with her.

I knew I was right. I'm sure one of those college kids interning at the magazine was playing a trick on me. Very immature, but harmless.

"I'm not going to argue with you, but you should just tell the detective everything. The Seattle cops can't get involved because they say there's no evidence, but that's complete bullshit and you and I both know it!" she finished. She then pouted at me and made puppy-dog eyes.

It was much easier to just agree with Alice.

"Fine, whatever, just chill Alice. Let me rest. When the detective and Dr. Cullen come back I'll just tell them what I know, and they'll probably send me home and laugh about how paranoid we are later behind our backs. Good job," I responded sarcastically.

She rolled her eyes at me and turned to the door which opened up to reveal the most beautiful man in existence and an equally handsome older gentleman wearing a lab coat.

This would surely be an interesting day.