Twelfth Chapter. I'm sick, so this may sound off. And I am SO sorry about the really, really long wait. I was sick with pneumonia, then summer started, I went to Disney World for a week with my family- no computer. Then to nerd camp for three weeks-no computer access. Then on to Vermont with my grandparents- no computer. And I am finally back. This was written before all of this, but I couldn't post it without my computer.

"Okay, Bella, we're here." I heard Carlisle say.

"I want you to try to stand up. Carefully, or you might hurt yourself."

I took a breath, and stood. I felt like I was standing still, but I was obviously swaying, since Carlisle said, "Try to stand up straight without moving, Bella."

I nodded, and I felt him take my hand and lead me to a table thing- it must have been the thing I was supposed to lay on.

"Okay, Bella, just turn around- no, not that far- that's it. Now, sit down. I won't let you fall. Swing your legs up and lie down. Carefully- don't hurt the machine. Good. Now lie still."

I followed all of his instructions carefully, and ended up on a table thing that moved. I tried to lie as still as I could, but I couldn't help but fidget.

'Vampire still,' I told myself. Vampire still.

Surprisingly, it worked, and I lay there in the darkness I was now getting used to for what seemed like hours, submerged in my thoughts.

Finally, I heard Carlisle say, "Okay, Bella, you can sit up."

I felt the table slide out, and when it stopped, I sat up, feeling like was about to fall over.

"Whoa, steady there, Bella. Now, I'll help you down- just trust me."

I took a shaky breath, and let Carlisle stand me up and sit me down in the wheelchair.

I closed my aching eyes, and fell asleep.

"Bella?" I heard a velvety voice I thought had disappeared a while ago- except for my hallucinations. Why was he sad?

I opened my eyes, and saw still more blackness. I tried not to cry, but a few tears escaped.

When I felt a cold, marble hand wiped them away, I shied away a little.

"Bella, I'm sorry."

I furrowed my brow. "Why are you sorry?" I asked. I was genuinely confused- he was sorry? For what?

"You're blind- probably for the rest of your life. And- it's because of a tumor."

My mind was reeling. Tumor? "Tumor?" I heard my voice echo my mind.

"Yes Bella- a tumor. Cancer. In your brain."

My mind was reeling. Cancer? I barely felt the bed shift, but I heard him walk away.

Wait- heard? How was that possible? I couldn't hear them before, but now?

My life was now a big jumble of chaos and confusion.

Shorter, but at least it's an update. Sorry about the wait!