Ok so I said that Edward and Bella's son name was James, but at that moment I forgot about James in Twilight so his name is now Noah. I will try to change it in past chapters.

This chapter is kind of tying the past into the present…

Edward and I were cuddled up next to each other watching a movie when the phone rang. Noah had just fallen asleep and it was the first time in weeks that we had some down time together.

I debated answering it but I didn't want it to wake Noah. So I reluctantly got up from my cozy spot next to Edward to get it.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Bella?" a sweet voice asked.

"Yeah"

"It's Esme" she said lovingly.

"Oh, hey Esme, what's up?" I asked. It was always nice to talk to Esme.

"Um…Bella, there's been an accident" she said cautiously, unsure of how much to tell me.

"Please tell me it's not Carlisle" I said quickly not letting her finish.

She took a deep breath, "No, no he's fine."

My heart sped up, "Renee and Phil" I choked.

"No, they're safe and sound, along with Cole" she assured me.

Then who could it be? I thought. Then it hit me, "Did something happen to Rose and Emmett. Please tell me Owen is safe."

"Oh heavens no, as far as I know there at home in Vancouver" she said gratefully.

I continued to think but came up with nothing. "Esme I'm freaking out here can you just tell me? Please?" I begged.

She took in a deep breath and mumbled a soft, "Alice."

My heart dropped, why was she informing me of this now? Alice didn't want me anymore. She refused contact with me for over 10 years.

"Bella" she continued, "You need to come up here. She's at Forks Hospital, she needs you."

I stared at the wall, still dazed and confused. "Why Esme? Why should I go see someone who has ignored me for years, she has never once answered one of my calls. She wasn't there when I needed her, why should I be there for her when she needs me?" I cried.

"Bella, I would feel the same way if I was you" Esme began, "But just trust me, she needs you now. She has no one. Do you remember when I told that you had to remember that she cares for you because one day she may really need you and that you two were way to close to just forget each other?"

I thought back, "Yeah, it was the day that I found out she left, when we were in your room."

"That's right" she said happier, "That day has come Bella. She doesn't have anyone. Her mother's in jail, her sister moved to Australia or something like that and her ex husband is an abusive drunk. She needs you now more than ever."

"I don't know if I can Esme" I cried, "It's taken me this long to get over her and live a relatively normal life. I don't want to go back, not now, not with Noah. I don't know if I can take it. I can never let Noah or even Edward see me go through that again."

"I understand Bella and would probably say the same thing if I was you, but I just want you to know that you may be running out of time if you ever want to see her again" she explained to me.

"What do you mean?" I asked confused.

"Bella, she's not doing to well" she said with pain in her voice, "Please come, Bella, if not for Alice, please come for me. I need you too Bella."

I closed my eyes and tried to clear my mind. Esme had been there for me through everything and helped me just like Edward did. We got through a lot together and when Noah came early and wasn't breathing at first, she was the one that assured me that he would be alright.

Yes, Edward had told me the same thing, but I couldn't believe him because I could see in his eyes that he was worried too.

I looked at the clock, it was only 5:30 and I was exhausted. I guess having a baby does screw up your sleeping pattern. I took a deep breath, "I'll be there by 9:00."

Esme sniffled, "Thanks Bella. Give Edward my love."

"I will" I mumbled, unsure of what I just agreed to as I hung up the phone.

Edward sneaked up behind me and pulled me close to him. "Who was that love?" he asked.

I stared at the wall unable to turn my head to look at him. "Um…it was Esme" I mumbled.

"Begging us to bring Noah up to Forks again?" he chuckled.

I shook my head slowly. "Not exactly" I said still staring at the pale yellow wall of our kitchen.

"Bella" he said worried, cupping my face and turning it to look at him, "What is it? You're not a good liar, just tell me."

"I have to go" I said quickly, "I have to go to Forks."

He dropped his hands and grabbed my arms gently, "What happened love? What did Esme tell you?"

I looked to the floor, "Don't worry Edward, it just that um…there's been an accident…um it was… it's Alice." I said softly, I hadn't said her name in years, neither did Edward. We just got used to calling Alice, her. But we both knew who we were talking about. It hurt too much to say her name aloud.

Edward gave me a confused look. "What?" he blurted out looking around the room, "Why is she in Forks?"
I shrugged, "I don't know why she's there, but I need to go Forks, now."

"Are you sure Bella?" Edward questioned.

I nodded, "It's time."

He smiled my favorite. "Let's get packed" he said as he pulled me toward our bedroom, I didn't follow, "What's wrong Bella?" he asked when I wouldn't move.

I let out a heavy sigh, "I need to do this…alone, at least for now" I said carefully trying not to hurt him. "I was a mess before Edward and I don't want you to ever have to see me like that again. Esme and Renee will be there if I need someone."

"I didn't mind seeing you like that and I would do it all over again. I would rather be there to comfort you" he assured me.

"But I don't Edward. It hurts you too and I hate hurting you. I have to do this on my own."

"Bella, why don't you think about this over night. I want you to go, but let's just let it all sink in and then go" he begged, "And if you still want to do this alone in the morning then by all means go, I'll only be a phone call away."

I continued to shake my head, "I need to go now Edward."
"Why do you have to be so stubborn? You've waited for what, a decade? Can't you wait a couple more hours?" he begged.

I closed my eyes, fighting back tears. "That's the thing" I cried, "I've waited for so long. I can't wait any longer, it might be too late."

Edward took a deep breath, "You're stronger than you think Isabella Cullen, that's one of the many reasons I married you." He closed his eyes and pulled me closer to his chest, "Go to Forks. You can always call me."
"Thanks" I whispered as a smile spread across my face. "Anyways someone has to stay home to take care of that wonderful son of ours." Edward's soft kind face turned into one of fear and panic. "Don't worry" I laughed, "You'll do fine. If you can operate on a people flawlessly then you can take care of a baby."

He smiled, "Don't worry about us, we'll be fine. Let's get you on the road."

I nodded and followed him to the hallway. I packed a bag with an extra pair of clothes and a toothbrush, not much but enough for me to get by.

I made a couple bottles and put them in the fridge so Edward didn't have to later. I snuck into Noah's room and paused over his crib for awhile to watch him sleep. He was perfect in everyway; every part of him resembled Edward. Something I had hoped for.

I cradled him in my arms and gave him a kiss on the forehead. "I love you buddy" I whispered as I set him back into his crib.

Edward was waiting for me outside of Noah's room. "Ready?" he asked handing me my bag. I looked at him and nodded very slowly.

He smiled and pulled me into another hug, "This is something that you need to do. Don't worry about us. We'll have some father-son bonding time. I'm only a phone call away."

I laughed thinking of father-son bonding time with a two-week old. I stood on my tippy toes and kissed his lips softly. He wrapped his arms around my waist and I tangled mine in his hair. After awhile, we slowly pulled apart from each other.

"Let's get you on the road" Edward grinned. I nodded, grabbed his hand and walked out into the garage.

I loaded my stuff into the back of my red Ferrari, something that Edward bought me for a wedding gift and something that I refused for the longest time. I told Edward it was way too expensive, but he just smiled and said, 'Never my love'.

When we found out that I was pregnant I asked Edward to trade it in for a 'family' car but he informed me that his Volvo was would work for that. So I 'got' to keep my Ferrari and secretly I loved it and I never wanted to give it up. It made me feel good as I watched people envy me as I drove by. But I could never let Edward know that, I had made way to big a deal about it before.

I opened the front door to my car and just as I was about to get in Edward called from the doorway, "Didn't I promise you that we would find a way to see Alice again, no madder how long it took?"

I smiled as tears of joy ran down my face. I nodded and ran into his arms. "I love you" I cried.

He chuckled, "I love you too." My smile grew at those words. Even after all this time it still made my heart melt. When Alice left I didn't think that anyone would ever love me because I was such a mess. But Edward saw me at my worst and still chose to be with me. I never fully understood his reasoning on that but I'm thankful that he picked me.

"Go see Alice" he said letting me go, "Do what you need to do. I'll be waiting."

"Thanks Edward" I smiled, "I love you. I'll call you when I get there." He nodded; I gave him a quick kiss and ran into my car.

I continued to look back at him until he was out of sight and he was watching me too. It made me feel protected, but Edward was always my protector.

I was on my way, back to the place that I had met and lost my best friend. But maybe, hopefully I was getting her back.

But what was I honestly doing. Yes Alice may need me at the moment, but what about all the times that I needed her. She was never there for me.

What was I doing? What am I going to say to her? How much will power will it take for me to not scream at her? Will I finally get some answers? How long would this take? Would I be back home with my family soon? And what had Esme meant when she said that I may be running out of time? What was exactly wrong with Alice?

These were just some of the many questions that haunted me on my four and a half hour drive to Forks.

I arrived around 10:15, a little later than I had told Esme and way past visiting hours at the hospital. But I decided to try my luck and see if I could get in and see her tonight still.

I walked slowly through the misty rain and down the dark disinfectant smelling hallways.

I went straight to the main nurse's station on the first floor. I had no clue what was wrong with Alice, so I didn't even know where to begin looking.

I fiddled with my hair as I approached the lady behind the desk. I didn't know if I really wanted to do this, if I really wanted to see her right now. But before I could talk myself out of it I involuntarily asked for her room. I don't even know how it happened but somehow I just asked, "Where's Alice Brandon's room?"

The lady behind the desk looked up at me with sad eyes; she looked like a sweet old grandmother. She gave me a weak smile, "I'm sorry sweetie visiting hours are over, but if you give me your name I'll be sure to tell Alice that you stopped by."

I looked down at the ground, mad that I couldn't see her. I had just driven four and a half hours to see Alice and I wasn't even aloud to see her. Just like the other time in the hospital when she had her daughter.

Maybe I wasn't meant to see Alice again, maybe this was a sign.

The grandmother like lady smiled and put her hand on top of mine, "Name please?"

I shook my head as if to shake away all my worries and thoughts. "Bella Cullen" I murmured under my breath.

Her smile quickly changed into something of embarrassment, but I didn't know why. She typed something on her computer and looked up at me, "Alice is in the ICU right now. That's just down this hallway" she said pointing to the hallway towards my left. "Its room 124, I'll show you."

I gave her a confused look, unsure of why she was suddenly showing me where Alice's room was, visiting hours were over, she had told me so. Oh well, I thought. I wasn't going to question it; I was getting to see Alice.

I followed the old lady down the hallway. I took in my surroundings as I passed each room. I saw many people hooked up to monitors and IVs, all so sick.

We continued down the hallway and I noticed a picture on the wall, it was Carlisle. Why was Carlisle's picture on the wall, I read the caption above. It read 'Dr. Cullen – Chief of Medicine'.

I smiled and shook my head; it was only after the lady knew my name that she offered me the room number. It was because of Carlisle, I guess it does help to know people, or in this case be related to them.

The hallway was ending; I looked to the numbers on the doors. We were just passing room 122, we were almost there. My pace slowed as memories of the hospital in Seattle filled my mind.

I didn't let my brain make any decisions, I followed my heart and it lead me straight into Alice's room.

I froze as soon as I saw her. She had tubes down her throat, with multiple monitors and IVs hooked up to her. Along with what looked like a feeding tube and a ventilator.

This couldn't be her, the Alice I knew was full of life and this one looked like a corpse.

The nurse must have sensed my shook. "Bella, why don't you sit down" she said gesturing to a chair next to the bed.

I closed my eyes and fell back into the chair. I tried to remember her smile or her laugh, just something about her that was more alive than this. My breathing became uneven as I searched through my memories and couldn't find any happy ones. I feared that my last memory of Alice would be the one of this cold lifeless figure.

The old loving nurse put her hand on my shoulder and said, "Take a deep breath, you need to calm down."

I rested my head on the back of the chair and tried to take slow and even breaths. As my breathing became more regular I managed to mumbled, "What happened to her?"

"She was driving down the highway as suffered a major stroke. She was going pretty fast and lost control of the car when she had the stroke. She ended up crossing oncoming traffic and then into the ditch" she said calmly, probably from years of experience in telling people what happened to there loved ones.

"A stroke?" I asked, "Don't people usually get those when they're older?"
She nodded, "Usually but Alice has a small hole in her heart, which can lead to strokes."

"A hole in her heart? What…How does that happen?" I stuttered shaking my head.

The nurse knelt down by me, "She was most likely born with it. They do tests on babies now to check for it and it can be fixed. But her heart is pumping extra blood to different areas of her body and occasionally with this condition it can pump a blood clot through veins or arties leading up to the brain and cause a blockage resulting in a stroke" she explained. "Usually if it doesn't show up when the patient is younger they may never have problems or it won't show up until a lot later in life. But if the person is under a lot of stress it can cause the heart to beat faster, causing a greater chance for a blockage to move throughout their bodies."

"What does this mean?" I asked worried, "Will she be alright?"

She gave me a fake smile, "We're hoping for the best. We have to repair the hole in her heart but we have to wait until her other injuries and swelling goes down. You see when she crashed her car she broke her leg and suffered other minor injures. But we don't know the extent of damage that the stroke caused. But there is a chance for pretty severe brain damage." she said slowly. "She's lucky to be alive right now. We have to see how the next couple of days go. Dr. Cullen is flying in the best surgeons and doctors in the country."

I nodded as she explained the extent of all Alice's injuries. I couldn't help but think that I was too late, that I would never see Alice alive and well again. That I had waited to long.

"Dr. and Mrs. Cullen left about a half hour ago" she added, "They told me to tell you that they will be at the house and you can spend the night. They said you know where the key is."

I slowly looked up at her, "Would it be ok if I just stayed here for awhile?" I asked with pleading eyes.

She smiled softly and nodded, "You're welcome to stay here if you want, but you do look tired. You should get some sleep."

"I will, thanks" I mumbled not willing to get up from the chair.

"I'll be down the hall if you have anymore questions" she said as she left the room.

I nodded but didn't look to see her leave. I stared at her, at Alice. I had been strong thus far but I couldn't hold it in any longer. I cried, I cried harder than I had ever in my life.

It's funny how you think you know so much about someone, you think about them all the time and you can't wait to see them but then when that one day comes and you finally see them again and you figure out that you know nothing about them anymore.

She still had her short spiky black hair, but she looked smaller. Not in the height sense but she looked skinnier. Alice had always been skinny but she now looked sickly skinny. Her skin was almost clear and unhealthy looking. I didn't know if it was because of the accident or if there were other reasons.

I began comparing her to all the different patients I had seen as I walked down the hallway. She by far looked the worst.

I watched her for awhile unable to move, my mind wandered with thousands of unanswered questions and concerns.

After awhile my eyes became heavy and my head began to bob up and down. The next thing I remember is my phone ringing and talking to a nervous Edward.

I spent most of the night thinking about the past and what had happened. I didn't know for sure but I figured that Alice grew up and I didn't and in doing so we grew apart. But in the back on my head I still thought that her trip to Seattle had done something to change her.

Carlisle arrived around seven to check in on things. "Bella?" he said in more of a question as he set Alice's charts down.

"Carlisle" I cried running to him. He gave me a big hug.

"What time did you get here?" he asked as he let me go.

I smiled, "Around 10 last night."

Carlisle's eyes just about budged out of his head. "Why didn't you come to the house? You didn't have to stay here. You know you're always welcome Bella. Are house is so empty now with the boys gone and…."
I grinned and put my hand over his mouth, "I know. I just couldn't get myself to leave last night. It all seems sort of surreal. I've waited for this day for a long time and I felt that if I left she would just vanish again."

Carlisle smiled and shook his head, "Don't worry Bella, she won't be going anywhere as long as I can help it. I'm getting her the best heart surgeon I know."

My smile grew, "Thanks Carlisle." I turned to watch this stranger fight for her life.

"Did Edward come with you?" he asked after awhile, "I need to speak with him".

"No, he stayed home with Noah" I said causally.

Carlisle nodded. "How's my little grandson? He gave us quite a scare." he said sweetly.

I couldn't help but smile. Carlisle was so loving. I could tell that he already loved Noah a lot. "Yes he did. But I guess he's like Edward in that way, he likes to surprise me. He's a fighter though."

Carlisle laughed, "Yes he is, his breathing is okay now, right?" I nodded. "Good, good" he continued, "You know the complications with preemies; you'll have to watch him carefully and try to keep him from getting infections."

I smiled and continued to nod; he was being such a doctor at the moment. "I know Carlisle, we've already been informed and Edward knows all about this stuff."

"I suppose he would" Carlisle said checking on the different monitors. "Sorry, the doctor thing is hard to ditch. I can't help it."

"Edward's the same way" I laughed, "Don't worry I'm used to it."

Carlisle chuckled and continued to study different charts and monitors. He would occasionally scratch something done on his papers or mumble something to himself.

I remained quiet and let him do his work. After what seemed like hours he set down his charts and looked up at me. "What's new Doc?" I asked jokingly.

Carlisle grinned, "She's better than she was yesterday, which is a good thing. But it doesn't mean that we're in the clear yet. She still has surgery to go through and then a long recovery ahead of her."

"Will she wake up soon?" I asked, hoping that it would be soon.

Carlisle grimaced, "We had to put her into an induced coma so that the strain on her heart would be reduced. We can't risk her having another stroke."

"Oh" was all I could say.

"Bella, why don't you go back to the house? Esme made pancakes this morning and there's plenty left. You look exhausted and I'm sure Esme would enjoy the company" Carlisle advised.

I shrugged, not really wanting to leave.

"I'll call you if anything happens" Carlisle continued, "You can always come back, just get out of here for a couple hours."

I looked from Carlisle to Alice and back again, not knowing how to speak my mind. But Carlisle must have sensed my worry. "She not going anywhere Bella" he smiled, "I'll make sure of it."

I gave him the best fake I could, still unable to speak. I still couldn't believe that this was Alice, my best friend. The person who I had spent everyday with and knew everything about, the first person who had been a true friend to me. But also the person who tore my heart in two and left me. Friend's aren't supposed to do that. She was now an acquaintance I guess, I knew nothing about her life anymore. I only knew her past.

"Give me a little more time" I begged, "I'll go back to the house later on, I promise. I just can't get myself to leave right now."

Carlisle nodded, "Alright, take your time."

I smiled and thanked him with tears in my eyes. He came closer to put his arm around me with a confused face, "What's wrong Bella? There's no need to cry."

I cried a lot lately, probably from the pregnancy hormones that still hadn't left me. Anytime I felt sad or confused the waterworks started. I tried to wipe the tears from my eyes but it was no use. I looked into Carlisle's perfect blue eyes. "There's just so much I want to ask her" I bawled, "But I feel like its to late, I've lost her."

Carlisle quickly shook his head, "You haven't lost her, I will do everything that I can to make sure of that. She's part of our family Bella, I will do anything for her."

"But what if the stoke cause amnesia and she doesn't know who we are or worse what if she's brain dead?" I cried harder thinking of all the possible outcomes that this stupid stroke had caused.

"There are no what if's Bella, all we can do is hope for the best. I can't fix what has happened but I can make sure that nothing else does" he assured me, "I will make sure that you will see Alice alive and well again. You will talk to Alice again. I promise."

I closed my eyes trying to stop the tears, "But maybe I'm not meant to see her like that again. Maybe she doesn't want to see me again. Maybe I should be here" I admitted through my tears.

He grabbed my head and forced me to look at him, "Listen to me Bella" he said sternly, "You are meant to see her again. Do you know where she was when she crashed?" I shook my head no, "She was right between here and Port Angeles. Actually she was closer to Port Angeles than she was to Forks, but they brought her to us. I don't know why but they did. It's not that Forks has a bigger or better hospital and the EMTs didn't know who she was or that she is practically my daughter. Alice just ended up in my care. If anything Bella, fate is bringing her back to us."

"Are you sure?" I asked.

"I've never been so sure in my life. I need to make my rounds" he said quickly, "I'll meet you back at the house later?"

I nodded and gave him a quick hug before he ran out the door.

"And Bella" he added sticking his head back in.

"Hmm?"

"They say that she can hear you even though she's in a coma." And with that he was gone.

I looked back to Alice and thought about what Carlisle had said.

After awhile I took a deep breath and placed my hand on top of hers, "Alice" I began, "It's Bella…how...why…what…?" I stuttered and took another deep breath. "Alice you need to get better. You've put me through so much, the least you could do is survive. God, because of you I lost any friends I had and couldn't find it in me to make new ones. You made my life a living hell and when it finally starts to turn around I somehow find myself at the foot of your bed doing what you would never have done for me. I'm going to wait Alice, I want answers and I will wait for as long as I have to."

I'm going to wait, I'm going to wait.

As I said this chapter is trying to tie the past to the present…Review please!