Hello! So thank you to those of you who've reviewed and/or put this story on alert! Means a lot. So thank you!

kellyprovence is my amazing beta.

Bbebar is so many things to me but regarding this story she is my pre-reader. muah!

Thanks so much to all the wonderful ladies over on Twitter. You girls seriously make my day so much better!

Warning: For How Long deals with physical & emotional abuse. If these things offend you or are hard for you to handle then please don't read. It won't be anything too graphic but the abuse is still there.

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or any of it's characters.

For How Long-Meet and Greet

-It's known what's at the end of the rainbow...no one pays attention to what's at the beginning-

"You look tired Bella. Did you not sleep well?" Demetri asked after taking a bite of his toast.

I poured myself a cup of coffee.

"I just couldn't get comfortable. I'm not sure why."

That was a lie. I knew exactly why I hadn't slept but a couple hours last night.

I wasn't sure how to deal with seeing Doctor Cullen outside of the free clinic.

His name had echoed in my head since my mom had first mentioned him. My name wouldn't mean anything to him though. My name here was Bella Volturi but at the free clinic where I was just another battered wife who used lame excuses to explain away their injuries, I was Isabella Swan. I wanted to be a beautiful swan. I wanted to fly away from everything. Land somewhere safe.

"Well, I guess it's a good thing we're getting a new mattress for the apartment when we move. Maybe that will help you."

I nodded. A new mattress would do nothing in the short term to relieve my insomnia.

"What are your plans today?" Demetri asked, standing up from the table and moving toward the living room.

Standing up, I followed him, I answered, "I have a luncheon at NMH with my parents and Jasper. That's at one. Then home after I'm sure."

Demetri said nothing but looked at me for a few minutes as if trying to figure something out.

"Have your father call me when you get there, I have a matter I need to discuss with him."

He wanted to make sure I wasn't lying about where I was going to be.

"Of course."

He kissed my cheek and walked out. Wishing me a good day.

Not likely.

I hated not knowing how Carlisle would react to seeing me...dressed to impress and sporting a different name.

I hoped that if he was going to call me out that he'd at least wait until we were alone to do so.

I didn't know what I was going to say to him if he did wish to speak about it though. Telling him the truth would entail what exactly? Besides, he already knew the truth.

Surely he wouldn't talk to my parents. A persons private life is just that. Plus, he was my doctor technically. He couldn't say anything to them using my name. But why would he use my name? He'd use Isabella.

By ten, I was trying to come up with a reason to skip out of the fundraiser altogether. I could say I was sick but then mom would insist that I come and be seen. The event was at the hospital after all.

Maybe I could get stuck in traffic. -Oh right Bella for three hours?

I wished I had a job so I could feign a work emergency but Demetri did not want me to work. He said it was because we didn't need the extra income. I knew it was because he didn't want me getting to close to someone and telling them anything. Also, you had to be at work everyday. Bruises be damned.

Bruises be damned.

By noon, I had relented to the fact that I would have to just deal with the consequences of seeing Doctor Cullen. I would have to think on my feet and if possible avoid being around him for any extended amount of time.

At twelve-thirty I went to go check my outfit out in the mirror. My burgundy chiffon dress was casual enough for the luncheon but formal enough to be a NMH fundraiser. I slipped on my black closed toe pumps and slipped a pair of my diamond earrings in. I was ready. I looked like a regular high society member. A far cry from Isabella Swan.

When the door man called up to tell me the car was waiting, I nearly told him to tell them I wasn't coming. This was absurd of course. Mother would have some kind of fit.

I grabbed my clutch and took a deep breath before exiting the apartment and making my way to the car.

xx-xx

My parents and my brother, Jasper, were waiting for me in the lobby when I arrived at NMH.

Dad looked professional in his black Armani suit. He had on his glasses today instead of wearing his contacts. I always thought he looked so handsome in his glasses. He made his way to me and kissed my cheek.

"You look beautiful Bella."

I smiled at him and went to hug my mother. She looked wonderful, of course. The ivory pencil skirt and plum button up shirt looked very put together and I adored her shoes.

"Ahh so you went back for the Kenneth Coles, huh?" I asked with a smile.

"Shh, you're father will demand an explanation. You look lovely, by the way."

"Thanks Mom." Lovely.

"Hey sis," Jasper said in greeting. He was wearing black dress pants with a pale green button up. He was also sporting his glasses.

"Hello big brother. I've missed you."

"I've been busy as of late," he offered while giving me a firm hug.

"What's her name?"

A smile was my answer.

"Well, come on kids, let's go mingle and raise money," Mom said, gesturing toward the sliding glass door that led to the banquet hall.

"Oh, dad, can you call D really quickly? He had something he wanted to discuss with you."

He nodded and pulled out his phone. Mom, Jasper and myself went ahead in.

Up until this point I had almost forgotten about Doctor Cullen. That is until I saw the programs for the event. His name was on the second page in bold letters. Apparently, he was being honored next weekend at the hospital gala.

I tried to slow down the pace but Mom was insistent and claimed we were already a few minutes late.

No way out.

We entered the banquet hall and I was hit with seventy-five different voices all at once.

"Geez Mother, how many people are attending this thing?" Jasper asked in a hushed voice.

"One-hundred people RSVP'd, so hopefully one-hundred people," she answered in the same tone.

"Well, go mingle kids. Your mother and I are going to go talk to the chief of staff," Dad said from behind me.

And with that I was on my own. Save for my brother but I could already tell he was over it.

"Do you think they'd-"

"Yes Jazz, they'd notice if you left. Just...ya know...mingle," I said in a fake mom way.

"Let's mingle together shall we?"

I was fine with being on the arm of my brother for the afternoon. Most people here knew that we were siblings so we rarely had to explain that. The last thing I needed was for word to get around to Demetri that I was on the arm of a handsome young man.

Jasper and I made the rounds. Talked to doctors from nearly every field in just thirty minutes. We were quick minglers...what can we say?

We had just started talking to cheif neurologist when I saw him. That perfect blonde hair and those beautiful blue eyes. I didn't realize I was staring until he met my gaze. I quickly looked away but not before seeing the curiousity in his eyes.

I tugged on Jaspers sleeve and excused myself to the ladies room.

I was hoping that taking myself out of the picture would redirect Doctor Cullen's attention.

I was almost to the hallway where the restrooms were located with Mrs. Trenton waved me over. I thought about pretending that I didn't see her but with hot pink gloves on her hands I had doubts that excuse would hold.

"Bella! I didn't know you'd be here! Look how lovely you are."

I gave a small smile. Sure, yeah, lovely.

"Hello Mrs. Trenton, how have you been?"

Patricia Trenton was a forty something widow who used her millions to fund cancer research and travel the world. Honestly, she was in Chicago perhaps three months out of the year and never consecutively. She always said her house was entirely too big for her now that her Henry had passed. She hated being lonely.

"Oh, I've been wonderful dear. Just got in last night. I've been in Japan for the last month. Sweetie, it's beautiful there! You should get that husband of yours to take you soon!"

I couldn't help but laugh. Mrs. Trenton was so animated when she talked about things she was excited about and new places that warranted visiting was definitely something that excited her.

"I've heard that Japan and China were two of the most beautiful places on Earth," I replied. I loved watching the Travel Channel; I always wanted to go far far away.

"They are, I assure you."

I stopped breathing.

"Doctor Carlisle Cullen! I was hoping I'd run into you."

Funny...I had been hoping the exact opposite.

I didn't want to turn around because then he'd really see me. Know me.

It would be rude not to turn around though and I was already getting a concerned look from Mrs. Trenton.

Just breathe Bella.

"How are you Patricia?" Doctor Cullen asked, still standing slightly behind me.

I took a deep breathe, counted to three and turned so that it looked as if I actually wanted to engage in a conversation with Doctor Cullen.

I knew the exact moment he put the pieces together.

His eye widened. No, it can't be her.

He visibly swallowed. Could it?

Deep sigh. Yes, it most definitely is.

Mrs. Trenton's voice broke the spell we were in.

"I'm just fine, thank you for asking Carlisle. How are Esme and the kids?" she asked, taking a mimosa off the waiter's tray.

It took him a few seconds to answer.

"They're just fine, thank you. They're all here actually so you must seek them out. Esme was just asking about you last week."

His eyes kept shifting to me. I had to get away from him but before I could take a step, Mrs. Trenton started the introductions. This should be good.

"Oh how rude of me, Doctor Cullen, this is a family friend. Her father is Phillip Dwyer a generous contributor to the hospital. I believe her mother is good friend's with Esme. This is Bella Volturi."

I forced a small smile and offered my hand.

"I've heard nothing but great things about you Doctor Cullen, it's a pleasure to meet you."

He looked at my hand. It's the one that had two broken fingers the last time I saw him. He was remembering. I could see that he was.

He cleared his throat before taking my outstretched hand. "Hello Bella. The pleasure is all mine."

There was an awkward silence. He wanted to say something. I didn't want him to say anything. Mrs. Trenton probably wanted another mimosa.

"Umm, yes well, Carlisle if you have a minute I would like to speak with you about the upcoming board meeting; big decisions to make."

Again Mrs. Trenton saved the day and while I excused myself to the restroom..again..Doctor Cullen couldn't stop asking a question with his eyes.

Will you explain this to me?

I quickly gave my answer with sad smile and small wave.

I can't.

xx-xx

I had successfully made it through two hours of mingling and idle chatter without seeing Doctor Cullen again. I only had an hour left and I was sure that it would be a piece of cake. What reason would he have to seek me out? Other than the obvious of course. Esme had come over to where my mom and I had been sitting and joined us for a cocktail. We had briefly discussed our meeting that was to take place in a few days and I was excited to get things moving on that front. I also met Alice and Rosalie.

The Cullen sisters.

Alice was, to say the least, all about enjoying life. She wanted to help as many people as she could. She worked on the Peds floor here at the hospital and quite frankly she was perfect for the job. She had that personality that kids flocked too. Hell, I flocked to it. She was also kind of surprising. She wanted to have lunch Sunday. I told her I'd see what I had planned. All the while knowing it wouldn't be possible. The weekends were strictly for Demetri.

Rosalie was different but the same. She had an energy about her that was just as contagious as Alice's. She was a bit more subdued though. She was beautiful but didn't seem as though she rubbed that in or used it more than she had too. She ran The Cullen Foundation which was known all over the country for supporting cancer research. They focused mainly on childrens charities and funded five "Make-a-Wish" stories every year. The Cullen's were modern day saints. Her business sense was obvious upon meeting her and she was serious when it came to her work.

I was actually having a good time talking to the Cullen woman and my mother. Until Esme brought up the new workshop that some of the doctors and nurses were going to be running.

"The Above Abuse program is really getting off the ground finally and Carlise is going to be at the head of it. I'm so proud of him and it means so much to have been a part of this." Esme explained further that she had been a victim of domestic abuse before she met Doctor Cullen.

I couldn't wrap my head around it. How did she leave? What finally made that tight rope snap?

"Well," Renee started, "I think it's a great idea. So many women suffer in silence and the fact that they can call or come in anonymously is great. I think it will help bring women in, that under different circumstances, wouldn't come."

Every head nodded but mine. If someone noticed, they made no mention of it. I had to leave this table. It was entirely too close to home.

It was a great idea and I'm glad that it was being brought to life. I couldn't be anonymous here. My father knew every doctor that worked at NMH and they almost all knew me. It would be a great help to some women. Just not to me.

There is no help for you, Bella.

"I'm going to check my messages and see if D has called yet. Excuse me please."

They all smiled.

I made my way out into the lobby and checked my messages. I had one from D asking how the fundraiser was going and to call him when I left.

Thirty-two minutes.

That's how long it would take for me to get back home with four o'clock traffic. He would talk to me until I told him I was home. Then he'd call me again in three minutes and I would just be unlocking the door.

I text him. It's going great. Lots of money for the hospital. Talk to you soon.

Demetri hated texting but I didn't want to talk to him right now. He would sense something was off and demand I leave.

I leaned up against the wall and slid down it. Not caring how unladylike like this was.

I crossed my legs at the ankles and closed my eyes.

I sat like that for a few minutes. I didn't want to go back in but my mother would send a search party soon.

"You look how I feel."

My eyes shot open and I looked up to see God.

No. Not God. He was handsome enough to be a God though. In three words: Tall, sex-hair, and green. Sex-hair counts...it's hyphenated!

I realized I was just sitting there looking at this man without even acknowledging I'd heard him. He started to fidget.

I cleared my throat, "Uh..you really feel this good?"

He smirked.

"That I do."

I started to stand up and he grabbed my arm to help me. I tensed. He let go.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to overstep..." he trailed off, shoving his hands in his pockets.

I shook my head.

"No, it's fine," I assured him tucking a piece of hair behind my ear.

"I'm Edward Cullen."

I took his extended hand and shook it gently.

Such soft hands. I bet they don't hurt anyone. Of course they don't he's Edward Cullen.

"Oh...Oh! Edward Cullen, as in Esme and Carlisle's son."

"Yes, that's me. I'm not as wonderful as they wish people to believe."

Again, he smirked and I decided I liked this Cullen. He's nice.

"I'm sure you're just as wonderful as they say you are Doctor Cullen." I blushed. That was a simple and polite comment right?

Edward looked amused.

"The fair maiden blushes. Might I know her name?" he asked softly.

"I'm so sorry, I'm Bella Volturi. It's nice to meet you."

"Ahh yes, Phil's daughter. He speaks highly of you."

I shook my head but gave a small smile. "I'm not sure why. I'm hardly a doctor or even a nurse for that matter."

"Hm, well sometimes, Bella Volturi... it's about what you are."

"What am I?" I whispered. I didn't even realize I asked the question until he answered it.

"I'm not sure just yet," he answered just as quietly.

His gaze was intense. So much so I had to look away.

"I should get back in. My mother has probably already contacted authorities," I joked while taking a couple steps toward the banquet hall.

"Yes, I should probably make an appearance. Shall we go into the lion's den together?" he asked, offering his arm.

I wanted to take it. Someone would see and it would get around to Demetri. I couldn't take it.

Instead I decided to joke again. "I have faced worse than lions, Doctor Cullen." Okay, so I sort of joked.

Edward didn't say anything but he shook his head and gave a small laughed.

Just inside the banquet hall I said goodbye.

"It was nice to meet you Doctor Cullen."

He stopped and turned to face me.

"It was a pleasure meeting you as well, Bella. Please call me Edward and I hope to see you again soon..." the last part came out sounding almost like a question.

I didn't answer him. I smiled and turned away.

I re-joined my mom at the table and she explained that the Cullen's were preparing to leave. I quickly scanned the room and caught sight of the most beautiful family.

Esme was talking with Alice and Mrs. Trenton. Rosalie was laughing at something Edward had said and Carlisle was looking at me.

Wait, what?

I looked back toward my mother and offered to freshen her drink.

"Get me something too, sis."

"Nice to see you again, Jasper. Where have you been?" I asked when he took a seat.

"Around."

"You're such a horn dog."

He laughed. Mother gasped.

I quickly left the table and walked toward the bar to order us all a club soda.

"I just wanted to say good-bye, Bella."

I looked and Doctor Cullen was standing next to me with his hands in his pockets. Must be a Cullen thing.

"It was so nice meeting you. You have a beautiful family," I answered, looking toward said family.

He nodded. Then in a quiet voice offered, "You can talk to me, Bella."

I had to stop this before it went too far. It was already too far. He was never supposed to know the truth!

"I know that. I talk almost too much at times. You'll regret giving me the invitation."

He understood what I was doing. I could see it in his eyes.

"I have a feeling that listening to you talk, and I mean really talk would hardly be something I would regret. Have a wonderful weekend."

He walked away then. Made his way to his perfect family and just as I gathered the drinks I'd ordered and turned toward our table, I saw a wave.

It was from the other Doctor Cullen.

I smiled at him since my hands were full.

Alice had turned to see who her brother was waving at and after spotting me she smiled as well.

Her smile was different though. Her smile made me nervous.

So...tell me what ya think!

Chapter four is already written and ready to edit...so the update will be next week sometime.

I have to rec this fic...because it's amazing. I just started it two days ago and I love it already. Dead On My Feet by Cesca Marie. It's really soooo good. The humor is amazing and I love the interaction between Bella & Edward. Anyway...go check it out!

Oh, Bella & Esme's outfits (polyvore) will be up on my profile...if ya wanna see. Go there.

I'm out. Let me know what ya thought!

-rach.