A/N: Shocked to hear from me so soon? Well don't be silly! It's explained in the previous Author's note ^^ Enjoy the next chapter!
Disclaimer: Again, nothing mentioned is mine except for the plot - and Leo and now Shayla!
"Hello Miss Swan, Mr. Swan. My name is Dr. Gerald and I'll be in charge of your case."
"Hello," I said quietly from my seat. Charlie's grip on my arm got slightly tighter. Looking at him he seemed uncomfortable and tense.
Poor Charlie…
"Today we won't be doing anything besides a breakdown of what we will be doing - with your father's permission of course."
Charlie nodded at this, though I thought it sounded kind of rhetorical. I felt bad for putting my dad through this, even though I knew I didn't really have control of the situation.
"Now your father told me that you wanted to start chemotherapy as soon as possible, to which I agree vehemently. Radiation in your case would be slightly beneficial, but still not as affective as the chemo. However, before we can do all of that I would to talk to you about a device called a port-a-cath. A port-a-cath is a little gadget, so to speak, that we'll plant just under your skin through surgery, that will allow us to receive blood samples and administer treatment more easily. Not only that but it will be a great deal more comfort for you, rather than having to use an IV."
"Surgery?" Charlie's voice was kind of calm, but it was slightly panicky.
"Yes Mr. Swan. I assure you it's totally safe. We'll place the port-a-cath right under her skin on her upper chest. The catheter is then inserted into a vessel at the entrance of the right atrium of her heart. Overall the procedure shouldn't take more than an hour if everything goes smoothly."
"My chest? Won't people be able to see it?" I asked. If people saw something there then they would ask questions…how would I explain that?
"Yes, Bella. It would be a few inches below your collar bone on the right side, to be specific. The port-a-cath is hardly noticeable. You'll have a scar from the incision and there will be a little bump under it - where the catheter is. There are other types of catheters, but I chose we're going with this one because it's the best for long time use. The port-a-cath lasts for about three to five years and the chance for infection is minimal."
For the next hour Dr. Gerald went on and on about the types of infection that can be caused, how soon he would like for the surgery to take place, and when he wanted get me started with chemo if all went well - "which it should" he said more than a hundred times.
"You okay with this kiddo?" Charlie asked as we walked over to our cars. I drove separately because I was heading over to Leonard's place after this.
"Yeah, sounds good. Much better than getting jabbed with an IV a thousand plus times."
"That's right - those things make you squeamish don't they."
"When did he say he wanted to do the surgery? Sorry, I forgot."
"That's okay kid, don't blame you. Dr. Gerald said the soonest opening was on Monday, so I hope you don't mind missing school. Which reminds me, mind explaining why you were late -"
"Monday. Got it," I said interrupting his soon to be rant/lecture. "I'm going to head over to Leo's now. Don't forget I made a lasagna last night - it should be on the top shelf. All you have to do is throw it in the microwave."
"Thanks Bella."
"No problem dad. See ya tomorrow."
The drive to Leo's apartment wasn't long, but admittedly I got lost a few times. All I can say is not my fault…even though it sort of is.
I grabbed my duffel out the bed of my truck, which I recently named Lucia, and walked across the parking lot to the apartment complex. It wasn't huge but it wasn't small. I liked it, the whole thing had a homey kind of feel.
"3A, 3A…where are you 3A," I murmured to myself as I trekked down the hallway. "Ah ha! Found ya."
I only had a chance to knock once before the door flew open.
"You're here!" Leo exclaimed as lifted me and swung me around.
"Put me down crazy," I said while giggling.
"Come on, hurry, there's someone I want you to meet. Shayla! Shayla, Bella's here!"
Leo ended up dragging me to a small living room. Sitting on the couch was a girl with pink hair. Okay, it was actually more like orange/pink/red - either way I loved it!
"Hey, I'm Shayla, Leo's girlfriend," she said as she got up and held out her hand.
"Hi, I'm Bella," I said as I shook her outstretched hand. "I'm the big goof's sister."
"I though your sister's name is Lizzy?" Shayla asked Leo.
"Oh no. Lizzy is just a nickname that he gave me years ago. Long story. Don't ask," I said before Leo could.
"That makes sense. Anyway welcome to 'Casa de slob,'" Shayla said with a huge flourish. "We ordered some Chinese food - apparently it's your favorite - so it should be here soon."
"Thanks," I said blushing. "Sorry about him probably talking about me all the time. I tried to get him to stop using this experiment I learned in psychology involving dogs and conditioned responses and stuff, but it didn't work."
Shayla laughed at that. "Boy I wish I saw that - and don't worry it's fine. I think it's cute how loyal he is. Like a puppy."
"That's what I say!"
We were both laughing when Leo walked back into the living room - judging from the fact that my bag was now gone he was putting it away.
"What are you two laughing about."
"You," we said simultaneously.
"Why was I excited about you two meeting again?"
"Because you love us," Shayla said and jumped at him like I usually do. It was funny.
"What are you creepers watching?" I asked taking a seat on the tan couch.
"Scary Movie 3 - again I was told it was your favorite. I've never seen it before now, but surprisingly I love it."
"I know! Isn't it amazing!? I can no long watch The Ring without laughing. Everyone ends up looking at me like I'm crazy…or heartless."
After a few hours, and many boxes of almond chicken later, Shayla had to leave for work, so me and Leo decided to head over to the theaters.
"So where do you work anyway?" I asked as we were walking to the parking lot.
"Pac Sun. I shop there so much one day I thought 'Hey why not work here.' So I applied and here I am."
"Let me guess that's where you two met?"
"Yup. He was about to buy some shirt that would've looked hideous on him so I made him put it back and get a different one."
"Slapped me enough times I had no choice but to put it back," Leo muttered.
"Good for you," I said laughing.
"Well I'll see you two tomorrow. Have fun with Alice in Wonderland - the 3D experience." she said with a cheesy announcers voice.
"Okay, see you later love. I'll miss you," Leo said giving her a quick kiss.
"Ew," I said flatly.
"Trust me - it isn't," Shayla said dreamily.
To this I impersonated gagging noises. "That's my brother you're talking about. Did not need to hear that."
"Come on Bella, we're going to be late," Leo said trying to cover his laughing. Wasn't working all to well.
Two hours later I was walking out of the theaters stunned.
"That movies was frickin awesome!"
"Thought you'd like it. Though the 3D kind of killed some of it for me."
"Same here, but still it was amazing. And Johnny Depp? Don't get me started on how amazing Johnny Depp was!"
"Alright then, let's get your nonexistent butt to bed. Can't have you late for school again," Leo said smiling.
Leo only had one bed so we just shared it - something we've done since we were kids.
The alarm on my cell woke me up at frickin six in the morning. Stupid time. Stupid morning.
"Leo," I grumbled.
I got a grunt in response.
"Don't 'unh' me. Get up. Breakfast. Food. Up."
I climbed out of bed heading towards the bathroom. My hair was unfix-able since I went to bed with it wet so I just threw it in a ponytail. Rummaging through my make-up pack - it was smaller than a pencil case - I got my eyeliner and made black lines surrounding each eye. I never went out of the house without eyeliner if I could help it.
I kicked the bed as I walked past it to get to my duffel bag.
"Come on hunny bun - time to get up. Just think food," I said trying to coax him up.
Two kicks and five punches later I finally got Leonard out of bed.
"And you say I'm not a morning person," I teased.
"Unh. There better be donuts."
I just laughed at him as I started to change into a black sundress. I threw a light - almost see through - white long sleeved shirt on underneath it, and added some color with my bright yellow rain boots. It was fun.
We were running really late so after I grabbed some donut holes and coffee Leo let me take his car to school - since it was faster. In all honesty I didn't really want to but I didn't want to upset my dad again by being late, so I didn't really have in choice once I saw the logic.
The parking lot at school was almost empty by the time I arrived, for which I was grateful since that meant less people staring.
The first half of the day passed in a cold blur - I really wish I was wearing pants or leggings or something. If not for the weather than at least so Mike and Eric would stop staring. The whole being popular and boy liking me thing was weird. It wasn't like this for me in Phoenix. All the "sunbathed hotties" stayed away from the "emo dressed freak." Bastards.
At lunch I looked towards the Cullen table again and saw that Edward was still gone. Alice caught me staring and smiled. I returned it but quickly ducked my head in embarrassment from being caught.
Walking into Chemistry I noticed that my neighbor wasn't there.
Guess that means that I share this class with Edward.
I was excited about that but also nervous as heck. He was without a doubt great looking, but I still couldn't forget the way he was glaring at me that first day. The look in his black eyes was murderous. I zoned out for most of class - having already learned it back in Phoenix. I was kind of grateful for all the "free time" I got during class.
Unfortunately in gym they were able to get a uniform for me sooner than expected, so I was able to play volleyball. So many volleyballs. So many bruises. I was going to have nightmares…
After school I didn't feel like going home so I went straight to Leo's apartment. I really like it there and Shayla seemed like a real keeper. Her and Leonard were perfect together.
This was pretty much the pattern of my week.
I woke up insanely early for school. Made it there just in time. Stole many glances at the Cullen table. Wondered my Edward was still gone. Then drove to Leo's apartment and hung out with him and Shayla - Charlie said he didn't mind. Gave him less guilt for leaving me alone when he went fishing with Billy Black.
By Friday I pretty much figured Edward transferred schools. I was beginning to wonder if it somehow my fault. I mean he seemed fine until I sat down at the table. After that he pulled a vanishing act. But that was ridiculous! I hadn't said one word to the guy and he immediately decides he hates my guts? Hah! Well if he could hate me then I could hate him…even if I did feel bad for thinking that.
Frick who am I kidding. Why would I hate him? Not his fault…
On the bright side I was beginning to remember what names go with what faces - I was always really bad at that. So when people greeted me in the parking lot and hallway I was ab;eto say hi back and not feel like an idiot or a total jerk.
I was able adjust a lot better than I thought I would.
The weekend consisted of Leonard, Shayla, and me goofing off in and out of the apartment. Some where along the lines they started acting like my parents, often referring to me as "the child" when one of them wanted to do something the other deemed stupid. It was hilarious. I tried to be sneaky and video tape it so I could put it on You Tube - it would've gotten tons of hits - but Leo caught me and took it away. He was shy around cameras.
On Monday Charlie came to the apartment around eleven to take me to the hospital. My nerves wouldn't let me sit still.
The hospital smelled too sterile. I didn't like it. There was no life here. Just tears and mistakes.
Charlie signed in while I looked around - obviously not to far so when they called me no one would have to hunt me down. Boring picture after boring picture. Just abstract paintings from a kindergartner to make the family of the patients lose themselves in. If they wanted people to feel better they should add flowers that don't smell like a funeral home and maybe some pictures as past patients with their family and friends. They were going about this wrong way.
"Bella," Charlie said touching my arm. "They're ready for us."
We followed an overly tan nurse with short brown hair to an empty room down the hall. Nothing special about this room. I was just another patient in a depressing sea of white.
"Okay Isabella if you could put this robe on I'll get you prepped."
I went into the bathroom to change in to the gown. It felt like it was made of cotton and paper. It wasn't all that uncomfortable. When I got out I laid down on the bed and closed my eyes as the nurse speared me with an IV needle.
"Now this is jut to put you to sleep, hun," she said as she injected something into the tube. "Have you been told as to what happens during the procedure?" she asked turning to Charlie.
"Not really. I was kind of out of it," he admitted sheepishly.
"Well basically the surgeon will take a some x-rays during the the whole thing so he makes sure that the port is in the right place. He'll make a small cut to make what I guess you could call a pocket, where he'll he place the port. He'll set it then stitch her back up. Well keep her here for a few hours to make sure that everything is okay, but after that I'll give you card that contains important information about port-a-cath which we suggest Bella keep with her at all times."
I was basically out if by this point. Everything around me was becoming absorbed by huge black blobs…
˳̊
"Bella. Bella are you awake hunny?" I heard a voice calling me. It sounded like a it was coming from a tunnel.
I groaned as I tried to roll over on my side. I hated sleeping on my back - it made all my limbs feel stiff and awkward.
The weird voice started laughing.
"Okay, technically it isn't morning so you don't really have any right to be cranky."
I tried to open my eyes but they felt glued shut. I wiped at them with my back my of my hands but stopped when I felt plastic touch my right eye.
"That's your IV Bells, you really shouldn't jostle it," the voice that was starting to sound like Charlie said as it took my hand.
I just swiped at my eyes with my left hand - tired of feeling blind.
Blinking a few hundred times so my eyes could adjust I saw that I wasn't in my room. That's when I remembered what happened and where I was.
"Char - dad?"
"I'm right here."
Sure enough there he was, sitting in a chair right next to my bed.
"So how you feeling?"
"I'm fine," I said groggily.
"Leo called your cell, hope you don't mind that I answered it, but he said he'll be here in about a hour - so right about now actually," Charlie added the last part looking at his watch. "I feel really bad about this kid, but it took longer than I thought it would so as soon you get the okay I have to head to work. I asked Leonard and he said he could look after you for the day."
"That's fine dad - I understand. So did it go okay? You said it took longer…"
"Oh yeah it went fine! Without a hitch. It just didn't start when they anticipated because the surgeon was throwing a fit about not having the right tools - I guess they really do care about that kind of thing…"
Half an hour later a surgeon, the surgeon apparently, came into the room and checked my stats. After saying that everything looked fine the nice overly tan nurse came and told me gave me an alert card and told Charlie, Leo, and me everything we should look out for.
I wasn't so much sore as I was wanting to pass out into a comatose state, but either way we just lazed around on Leo's couch all day. He said he wanted me to take it easy and not take any chances, and he wasn't kidding - he even carried me up the stairs.
I was dreaming that I was making muffins for the Mad Hatter and the Rabbit and everyone else when I felt like an earthquake was attacking my shoulder.
"Get up," someone hissed in my ear.
Opening my eyes revealed Shayla standing over me like a hunter over its prey. It was not the most comforting thing to wake up to in the morning.
She put a finger over her lips, signaling me to be quiet, then pointed towards the general direction of the living room.
"What do you want?" I asked when were both a safe hearing distance from the bedroom.
"So how did it go?"
"It went fine, I guess."
"Do you have a scar?"
"Mm-hmm."
"Can I see it?" she sounded like a little kid.
I pulled off my t-shirt, I was wearing a camisole, and untapped the bandage.
"That's to cool! What's that bump though?" she asked pointing to it.
"That's the port-a-cath. The thing they put in me."
"Huh, weird. But anyway not why I'm here. Tada!" she said shoving a paper bag in my face.
"Shayla you didn't have to get me anything. It was just a small surgery."
"Well then it's a good thing I didn't get you anything."
"What are you talking about?" I asked confused. She wasn't making any sense.
"I brought my ear gun, silly. I thought you looked like the kind of girl that would want a few things pierced, so ya. Are you excited or did I peg you totally wrong?"
"Are you serious? That's so cool!" I whispered screamed.
"Sweetness! I thought I knew you well enough by this point. So what do you want done?"
"Um, how about here," I said point to the top cartilage of my ear. I've wanted to get that pierced for years.
"You sure about this Bella?" Shayla asked me excitedly. I could tell she was trying to hide it, maybe so I wouldn't fell like I was being forced or something, but she was right. We knew each other well enough by now to read the other like a book. Her excitement was funny in a cute way - like when a baby duck imprints on you and follows you around everywhere. Cute.
"Of course Shayla," I laughed. "Do it!"
"Sweetness! Sorry, love that word. Okay - pen, pen, pen… Where the frick did I put my pen the other night?" Shayla muttered to as she looked around the floor of the living room.
"Why do you need a pen?"
"To mark where I'm going to put it, silly. I have to see if that's where you want it, you know. …Ah ha! Bastard pillow thought it could hide my pen from me."
"Oh, huh - I guess that makes sense. And don't blame the pillow for you misplacing your pen."
"Are you making fun of me Bella?" Shayla asked with a warning evident in her voice.
"Very much so," I replied with a challenge in mine.
Ultimate stare down. I don't think either of us blinked - the burning in my eyes was proof of that.
I heard the bedroom door open but neither of us looked away.
"What are you guys doing?" Leo asked as he knelt down beside me and Shayla.
"I'm piercing Bella's ear - well the cartilage of her ear."
"Well don't you sound excited," laughed Leo. "However, I do believe that piercing an ear requires more than staring at the person."
"Shut up smart-"
"Okay lets do this," I interrupted excitedly.
"So one last time - you're sure about this?" Shayla asked.
"Yes!" I replied exasperated.
Both Leo and Shayla started laughing at me - it was like they thought that I was the baby duck.
I felt my cheeks start to heat up.
"Stop laughing at me," I demanded embarrassed. "Just pierce the dumb thing."
"I don't know about this. Bella is still young - besides she doesn't seem like the type to handle pain well…" Shayla said skeptically.
Is she bipolar? It was her idea!
"Trust me Shay, Bella can handle pain and she eighteen. If she says she's sure about something then she means it," Leo reasoned.
"Bella is also right here, so stop talking about her as if she isn't," I said irritated.
Again they laughed at me. The jerks were perfect for each other.
"Fine then. On with the show!" Shayla said excited again.
Yup. Definitely bipolar.
Shayla held the side of my left ear while she made a little black dot towards the top of it. Once she was down she sat back on her heels to look at better.
"Well I like, but I want you to look at it to see if you do."
"What do you think Leonard?" I asked and turned towards him.
"Hmm, I like it. It's actually kind of hot…on second thought you're not doing this."
"What?! Why not? I really want to and Shayla already has everything here."
"Because guys like earrings up there - it's small but it's attractive as heck. So no. I'm not letting you get that so some guy can look at it."
"Leo you're insane," Shayla said flatly.
"Hey?! What kind of big brother would I be if I didn't protect my little sister - even if it is something as small as this."
Shayla let out a big sigh and just stared at me for a minute. It was kinda creepy.
"You're absolutely right. It is far to mature a piercing for Bella to get at only eighteen - and still in high school no less."
"Hey wh-"
"No Bella - don't interrupt me and besides my mind is set. I won't be the one to do this to you so soon. Now Leo if you would be a dear, go and get me my duffle out of my car - I fell like I need a bath."
"Sure," Leo grunted as he got up. The sound of his joints popping filled the silence.
I couldn't speak. What the heck just happened?!? She couldn't be serious!
All I was able to do was stare at her in disbelief. I think my mouth was actually hanging open. I heard the front door close but was unable to move…or do anything.
"Okay, goodie. Now that the big boring wolf is gone let's do this quick!" Shayla exclaimed suddenly all for it again.
"…WHAT THE HELL!"
"Haha! You really believed me? God I must've been good then. Maybe I should go into acting?…"
"You were pretending?"
"Yup. Now hold still so I can do this before he comes back."
"Okay," I replied confused still.
"Shayla rummaged through her bag that was by her side and pulled out a package of earrings. I watched as she loaded the gun - it was pretty interesting and admittedly looked kinda fun. Leaning forward Shayla held my ear again and positioned my ear in the gun.
"Sorry we don't really have time to see if you like the spot or not, but it's now or never. You know Leo isn't going to leave us alone for awhile now. The dude has a serious sister complex…"
I tried not to laugh so it wouldn't mess her up but it was really funny. Saying Leo had a sister complex was so big an understatement it was mental.
"Okay, if you're a screamer shut your mouth."
"It's fine, I have a high pain tolerance."
I sat there waiting for a little minute and started to worry. I thought she would do it quick but it didn't. Looking ahead I thought I tried to think of something trivial… I've always wanted to get my belly button pierced. That would definitely be fun - though no one would really be able to see it since there were no hot beaches around here. But still, it isn't as if I was getting it just so other -
Bitch mother. Okay that smarts a bit.
"Sorry, the gun is jammed - it's kind of old so it does this every so often. Just let me…" Shayla said as she tugged at the gun which still held the earring that was now through me ear. All the yanking was not helping.
"Ah! Got it. Hurry put your hair over it."
I shook my hair out as I helped her shove everything back into her paper bag.
The deed was done.
I felt like laughing like one of those cartoon bad guys you watch on Boomerang.
"Hey girls. Here's your bag Shay - by the way thanks for telling me it was under the huge pile of crap that you call your trunk."
"Now if I did that then where would the fun be?" Shayla asked innocently.
"Okay, you two are crazy. I'm going to get ready for school - try not to break anything while I'm gone," I said as I got up.
Before jumping in the shower I examined my new piercing. It was a small diamond - fake obviously, but still really pretty - and it was near the top, right where I dreamed it would be.
I absolutely loved it!
Taking a quick shower, I ran to Leo's room where my duffel bag was and threw on my purple skinny pants, a sky blue shirt with dinosaurs on the front, and lastly my classically loved black high-tops. I really wanted to put my hair up - the dumb thing was bugging me to no end lately, and I was seriously considering chopping it off - however, I knew that Leo would see my ear so I left the annoying stuff down. At least until I get to school and away from my crazy, yet much loved brother.
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