I don't own twilight. Thanks to my Beta! Anyway here it goes, hope it doesn't suck.

Chapter 9

The daycare room was located in the right wing of the hospital, just down the hallway to where they keep the newly born infants. Inside, it was decorated with rainbow colors with cartoon characters posted on the wall. To the left was a playground and next to it was a big pool of balls. On the opposite side of the wall to it was a TV which was now playing Dora the explorer. In the center of the room close to the wall was a big treasure chest where I'm guessing they kept all of their toys while a little in front of that was big carpet rug that look like it was comfortable to sleep in while to the right sat a plush chair and next to it was a big shelf filled with children's text books and there were tables and chairs used for coloring just to side from where I'm standing.

There was only one kid in the daycare room, while a little behind her was a middle-aged carer, readining a magazine but occasionally glancing over motherly. The little girl was busy with her coloring book.

Then the woman noticed me and placed the magazine on her lap to give me a suspicious look. "May I help you?" she asked with a Spanish accent.

"Um, no. I was just… do you mind if I stay here for a little while?"

Her eyes softened as she noted the hysterical edge on my voice and the red in my eyes and eventually she nodded and replied kindly, "Of course dear. Stay as long as you like."

I nodded and made my way over to the little girl who still didn't look up from her work. She was wearing a white hospital gown which, I realised sadly, meant she was admitted to this hospital

Glancing over her shoulder, I said with a polite smile, "That's a pretty picture. You know I had dog like that once but he ran away when I was five."

"What was the doggy's name?" she asked sweetly, looking at me for the first time. She had a soft angelic face, dimples, a cute little button nose and a heart-felt shaped face which was framed by her curly hazel colored hair but what caught me off guard was her twinkling green eyes. Almost the same green eyes I stared into countless times and the same ones that have been haunting my dreams.

It took me longer than it should have to answer her question. "P-Patty,"

"Pretty name. I wish I had a doggy like Patty," she sighed wistfully, "But my daddy told me I'd get rabbits and I would get sick. I don't think rabbits make you sick. I think they're cute,"

I smiled, amused. "I think what your dad meant is that you'll get rabies," I corrected. Then I elaborated as she lifted her green eyes to look at me in confusion, "Rabies are different from rabbits. You get rabies when a dog bites you and it makes you feel icky while rabbits are the cute little animals," I explained.

Since she still looked a little confused, I hurriedly changed the subject. "Since I know that you like rabbits, I'm guessing your name is hmmm…. Bunny?" I asked her playfully, hoping to make her laugh. It worked; she giggled.

"No silly, my name is Claire," she stated proudly.

"Hello Claire, my name is Bella,"

"Bella. Bel-la." She repeated it slowly as if committing it to memory. Finally, "I like your name. Can I be a Bella too?"

I laughed because, honestly, this child was too innocent and precious for her own good.

"Sure, but I don't know why you want to be a Bella. I'm sure being a Claire is much more fun and amazing."

"No, being a Claire is no fun at all." She pouted as she said that, but her eyes hardened as well, changing it from a sulky-child pout to one filled with unmistakable sadness.

It was a few seconds before I dared to ask softly, "Why would you say that?"

"Cus I'm not allowed to play outside cus I'm sick," she spat the word like it was a curse, with bitterness beyond her years. "And I don't get to see my daddy anymore."

Before I could react, a doctor opened the door and told her it was time for her medicine. She mumbled a weak good-bye to me and trudged toward the door.

"She's a remarkable little girl, isn't she?" the aid asked.

"Yeah, she is," I murmured quietly. My heart was already breaking for that little girl mere minutes after I met her. She should be playing with her friends and living a normal happy childhood, not trapped in this hospital. I for one know how it feels to feel trapped in this building. God only knew how many times I've been rushed into the emergency room. But despite all this, I could see her bright aura and energy, shining brightly whenever she's not reminded of the things she couldn't have.

"What does she mean when she hardly gets to see her father?" I turned toward the woman who was now putting away Claire's coloring book.

"Claire comes from a poor family. Her mother died giving birth to her and her father works hard every day to support the hospital finances. From what I know, he only visits once or twice a week. I can't say I blame him for not visiting too often," she admitted sadly, "not when he has daughter who has leukemia."

"L-leukemia?" I stuttered, horror-stricken.

She nodded and the expression on her face told me she wished she was lying.

"This hospital is the only thing that's keeping her alive," she murmured so quietly I almost didn't hear her myself. I turned around only to find that she was gone.

It was heartbreaking to realize that stories like poor Claire's were probably all too common. Minutes passed by but I didn't move until an earsplitting ring tone broke me out of my trance. I looked around to find the source of the noise when I realized it was my cell phone ringing, only to find out I have a text message from Shey.

Emmett got a ride with mom and dad.

I'll be waiting for you in the parking lot whenever you're ready.

I'm always here for you Cass :-)

-S

Though I appreciated Shey's concern, it wasn't enough cheer me up from my suddenly damper mood.

I was surprised to find that it was already nightfall when I found Shey leaning against the car outside in the parking lot. From afar, her demeanor seemed tired and worn-out, a contrast to her hyper-active personality. The early November wind played with her hair as she looked to be deep in thought while fiddling with her hands. That surprised me, as she was never one to fidget or to think seriously of something but given the bomb my parents dropped earlier on us, I wouldn't be surprised if it became permanent.

She hadn't heard me coming, that much was evident when she nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw me.

"Hey," she said pulling me for an embrace. My arms stayed limp at my sides. It was as if my body was drained from energy and was replaced by a lifeless zombie.

She let me go and eyed me with concern.

"I'm fine," I said, but even my voice seemed lifeless.

She bit her lip, a telltale sign she was hiding something and wasn't sure she should tell me. I sighed. I wasn't in the mood to deal with this yet so I simply turned my back and walked to the passenger side of the door and got in. She understood my need for space and got in the driver's seat wordlessly.

The soft purr of the car provided a momentary distraction from my racing thoughts. I found that if I closed my eyes and focused hard on the sound, my mind wouldn't wander to unnerving thoughts. As the seconds go by though, it got harder to concentrate and the drawer that I tried so hard to close up burst open.

Thoughts of Edward suddenly invaded my mind and I couldn't help but smile. I was attracted to him, there was no doubt about it. Whenever I think of Edward, before all this happened, I couldn't help the smile that crept up to my face even though my mind was telling that it was absurd for me to obsess over a boy who could possibly be diagnosed with multiple personality disorder. It's still the same for me now, the only difference is that whenever I think of him, the word fiancé pops up into my mind, taunting me with its blinking neon lights and the smile quickly turns into a grimace. I never knew I could hate a word so much.

My mind wandered back to Claire for a reason unbeknownst to me. I couldn't help but feel connected to her even though I knew that if I was planning to be a doctor, I shouldn't be so attached to patients so easily. But with Claire, it was different. She was an angel so precious and innocent that it felt wholly wrong for her to be burdened with a disease that's beyond her capability. If I know anything about leukemia is that it's no laughing matter. Living with parents invested in the medical world, I've seen what Leukemia does to patients. It's a disease that takes away your life minute by minute until there's nothing left of you but with Claire, it was so different. Instead of wallowing on the unfairness of life, she chose to be happy instead and make the most out of it. You can't even see traces of suffering anywhere in her eyes except when she misses her father.

"The hospital is the only thing that's keeping her alive."

I shut my eyes tighter and willed the tears to stop from spilling.

"This isn't something you can run away from Bella. If you don't follow through the arrangement, we would have to shut down the hospital because we can't trust this hospital to anyone."

Something, a long forgotten memory tugged at the corners of my mind. It played like an old black and white movie, slightly blurry but you could clearly see a crying six year-old little girl sitting on her grandfather's lap.

"Now why is my Baby Bella crying?"

The little girl rubbed at her eyes, fleetingly pleased to hear her nickname.

"Mommy wants me give my dolly to Shey just cus she wanted it," the little girl wailed, already on the verge of starting another crying jag. The grandfather patted her back comfortingly in response.

"Is there a reason you don't want to give Shey your doll? Your mommy told me you weren't playing with it anymore," her grandfather continued while rubbing her back and the little girl found the action to be comforting at the same time pleasing.

"Cus it's mine. I don't want her to have it," the little girl cried indignantly, frowning. "You think I'm right, don't you, grandpa?" A pair of doe chocolate eyes turned toward her grandfather, pleadingly.

"Baby girl, sometimes we have to think about other people too. Try putting yourself in Shey's shoes," the little girl's grandfather chided gently. "How would you feel if Shey refused to give you her toy?"

The little girl's face scrunched up in thought. "I would be sad," she paused in shock then suddenly cried, "Grandpa! I don't want Shey to be sad. Okay, I'll give her my dolly," the little girl bounced with excitement, her crying all but forgotten.

"Now what did we learn today, Bella?" this was her grandfather's usual question whenever his visit comes to an end but nonetheless, the little girl put a finger to her chin in thought.

"I learned that… I have to wear other people's shoes more," a wide grin spread across her face at her conclusion while her grandfather smiled indulgently down at her before pulling her into a hug.

"That's my girl."

I knew when I opened my eyes that there was no turning back. My fate was sealed the moment the memory started playing in my head. Some people might think I'm being a martyr but when I think of Claire, it hardly feels like it because I know that she's worth it.

Shey had been quiet and contemplative throughout the rest of the drive which was uncharacteristic for her. Silence passed and when we were just a few blocks down our street she stopped the car.

"What are you doing?" I broke the eerie silence.

"Well," she began nervously and I knew this couldn't be good. "Just promise me you won't freak out okay? The Cullens had their house renovated and they were planning to stay at that motel but… um… Renee insisted … that…theycomelivewithus," even though she rushed the last part, it was hard not to hear it.

I could have punched the dashboard, I could have screamed and bawl my eyes out complaining of the unfairness of the world… but I didn't because I've already come to terms with what I have to do. Shey, however didn't have a clue.

"Didn't you hear what I just said?" Shey repeated turning her whole torso towards me.

"Of course I did. I'm not deaf."

"Then why the hell are you so calm about this?" she threw her hands up in frustration. "I know I was the one who kept pushing you to him but marriage? I'm scared shitless and I'm not even the one who's engaged,"

I shrugged in response which made her to gape at me even more.

"Is there something I should know about? Just an hour ago, you went all ape-shit on us which is perfectly understandable but now, you're all calm about this,"

"Let's just say someone changed my mind,"

She sighed, shaking her head. The action made her look the more mature one between the two us.

"And you're fine with the fact that they're going to live with us?"

"Practice for the future I guess," I muttered.

"Bella…" she clicked her tongue in a disapproving manner, took a deep breath and started driving again.

She drove much slower this time and when we finally reached the house, there were 3 more cars parked at the driveway, a Porsche, a Mercedes and a Vanquish. It's funny how many things you can learn when your ex-boyfriend was a mechanic.

Shey turned off the engine but didn't move to get out of the car while I stared straight ahead.

"You do know this whole thing is crazy right?" she said not looking at me.

"What kind of a life would be if everything was fucking perfect?" I laughed darkly. I noticed from the corner of my eyes the look of pity and concern in her eyes when she heard me curse.

I buckled out of my seat belt and headed towards the front door, bypassing the other cars. Shey soon followed and hurried to catch up with me.

There couldn't have been a more awkward welcome home greeting in the world than what greeted me as I came in through the door.

Seven pairs of eyes turned to look at me and there had been nothing but silence for one whole minute while I was standing there in the foyer looking like an idiot. You could probably guess who broke the silence first.

"So… anyone want to play Uno?" of course it was Emmett.

"Bella we have to talk," mom was the first to directly address me, completely ignoring Emmett.

"Fine, but I don't want an audience," I grunted and nodded towards everybody else.

They scurried out of the room like they didn't want to be there in the first place.

"Bella, we are so sorry sweetheart," my mom began but I held my hand to cut off her explanation because I don't have the energy to deal with this tonight.

"I'm going along with… whatever this is but if you expect me to be all smiles and pleasant then you're asking way too much," she silently agreed, not saying anything but her eyes said it all. That she was sorry and she wished I didn't have to go through with this. I love both of my parents and I decided that I'm not going to blame anyone for this because it wouldn't change anything. I could blame my grandfather but I knew that he was only doing what he knew was right. I smiled meekly at them and trudged upstairs to my room but before I could put one foot into the stairs, my dad stopped me.

"You wanna eat something Bells? You haven't had dinner yet,"

"I lost my appetite. I just want to sleep," I said weakly and climbed the stairs to my room.

I shut the door softly behind me and almost fell into my bed. The soft comforter felt welcoming and while everything was changing around me, I took refuge to the fact that my bed is still the same. I was about to turn off the light when I heard a knock on my door. God really hates me right now.

"Come in," I called weakly not even bothering looking up from my pillow.

The door opened and closed softly accompanied by loud footsteps which by the sounds of it, belongs to Emmett.

"How are you feeling Bells?" Yep, I was right. It was Emmett.

"As fine as a person who was told that she was engaged even before she was born," I mumbled into the pillow.

"Yeah, that kind of sucks," he chuckled nervously and I frowned. Emmett was never one to be nervous.

"What do you want, Emmett?" I asked lifting my face from the pillow only to be met by my brother's concerned face a few inched from mine.

"Well, I know I haven't been a good brother lately but you know that I'm always here for you, right Bells?" he said in such complete seriousness that I had to wonder if the person before me really was my brother. "And if that douche ever laid a hand on you, well, he better start reading the bible cause he's going to meet the Big Guy pretty soon," he added threateningly, returning to the old Emmett I knew and love.

"Must you always ruin the moment?" I joked half-heartedly. He laughed.

"But seriously Bella, I'm always here for you," His eyes shone with such love and concern that my eyes started to well up.

"I know Emmett. Thank you." I said sincerely, eternally grateful that I have my brother in all of this.

"You should probably know that Edward and Jasper's room are right next to mine so if he did something really stupid, I'll come for him in his sleep," he threatened, his eyes glinting mischievously.

"Speaking of Edward, where was he? I didn't see him when I came in," I asked, curious.

"He left a few minutes after you. He's probably trying to wrap his head around this shit somewhere. Jazz and Dylan went with him to make sure he didn't do anything stupid," Emmett responded nonchalantly like he didn't care.

"How about you? How are you taking all this?" I asked him, sitting up.

He ran a hand through his hair which was uncharacteristic for him to do. "Honestly, I'm freaked out that my little sister's about to get hitched sometime in the future and what's worse is that even if I beat the daylights out of him, he'd still be your husband," he cringed when he said the word 'husband'

"Emmett is your love for violence genetic or is it just you?" I wouldn't be surprised if he got recruited by a Mafia or wrote a book entitled: "101 Ways to Knock the Daylights out of Your Opponent"

"It's a gift," he said, showing his goofy grin. I sighed, shaking my head with a smile on my face. Emmett will always be Emmett.

"But Bella," he added. "I'm scared too, I'm scared that you're making the biggest mistake of your life by going along with this," His expression was utterly heartbreaking, echoing the sincerity of his words. I sat up on my knees and leaned forward to hug him. His arms wound around me like a steel cage, protecting me.

"Why B? Why are you agreeing to this?" he whispered, his words fading into the night.

"Because I met a little girl who probably has it worse than I do," I whispered.

He pulled back to smile at me, a sad smile, and kissed my forehead like he always did when we were little and I used to run into his room at night, scared by the dark or some such. He didn't need me to elaborate because he already understood. It's always been like that between us. Emmett maybe loud and immature most of the time but when he's being a brother to me, his tender side comes out for which I am grateful for.

"Rosalie's lucky to have you Emmett," I smiled.

"Nah, I'm lucky to have her," he grinned back.

"So don't let her get away okay?"

"Wasn't planning on it." He stood up and walked towards the door, shutting the light as he went.

"Love ya Bells," he called out over his shoulder as he shut the door.

"Love you too Emmett," I replied, getting back under the covers where I pretended that everything around me was still the same.

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