I am so shocked that someone actually guessed what was happening. For that you get Edward tide up in a red bow. I hope you all had a great thanksgiving and not enduring a turkey coma. The songs for this are "Hand of Sorrow" by Within Temptation, "Medicate" by Breaking Benjamin and "This Flesh A Tomb" by Atreyu. I don't own the characters etc.
APOV
I was finally getting used to the alcohol and cleaning solution smell. I had walked the halls of this hospital more times that I could count. My parents and I would not leave her side. Even the Cullens had been here as much as we had as they had grown to adore her. Mr. Xavier stayed as long as he could. He had a plane to catch and could not put it off anymore. I told him I would update as much as I could.
I remember standing up there with Bell as she started her speech of thanking everyone. I knew she could do it even though she said she was afraid to. The next thing I know she went pale and started falling. I don't remember who caught her but they laid her in the grass. Someone called 911 and the ambulance came as fast as they could. No one had an idea of what could be wrong. She never told me she was not feeling well. I was scared shitless for her but mad as hell for her not saying she had not been feeling well.
I rode in the ambulance with her and everyone followed. Angela and Ben stayed behind to clean up and put food away. The doctor came out and took her into the emergency room. I wanted to be with her but they wanted no one there. Her heart beat would sky rocket when we were there. Even as sick as she was she was still a fighter.
It seemed like hours before the doctor came back out. He was blunt and to the point that she needed surgery and the sooner the better. Her appendix had burst and it was heading to becoming septic. If they did not go now it could kill her. Mom and dad signed all the papers and they whisked her into emergency surgery. She never regained consciousness and I barely was allowed to say good-bye. When they wheeled her in I just broke down in sobs. Jasper just held me and let me cry. I was so scared that I would never see her again.
We all waited in the special room for families. It dawned on me that through all of this we had become a family. Carlisle and Esme came by with food for all of us. Angela and Ben must have packed what was left. Everyone ate silently and I just picked at my plate. When the doctor came back in I have never moved faster than I have before. I may be small but I move like the energizer bunny. Everyone stood behind me to hear what he had to say.
"Bella made it out of surgery just fine. I was right about her appendix and the infection. She is a very sick girl but with many doses of Vancomycin I think she will recover just fine. There is more to her recovery but we can discuss that later as she recovers. She is heading to recovery now and you can see her in a few hours." He stood there and I decided to ask the question that was bugging me.
"Doctor is there anything we could have done before all of this? I mean she is so sick could she have known it was coming to this?" I wrung my hands and Jasper grabbed them to steady them in his.
"Miss Brandon there is no way she would have known. It happens fast and quickly. I am sure she has not been feeling well for awhile but she would never have known it was her appendix." He shook my dad's hand and went back to the hall.
I just sobbed again and Jasper held me tighter than he ever has before. Mom had tears on her face and dad just held her. Rosalie was in Emmett's arms and he had his head on his shoulder. Edward was just sitting there in his chair with the look of worry on his face.
"Bella is going to be ok…she is going to be ok." I kept repeating it over and over again. Carlisle, Esme and our parents went down to have a cup of coffee. I think this was all too much for them. I was grateful that they were here for our parents. I saw them walk off and then realized I was being hugged by everyone else.
Everyone was quiet and the minutes passed by very slowly. Dad came in and said that she was in her room and we could see her now. I went to the room and just fell apart when I saw her. Bella is pale in complexion but she looked ghostly lying on the bed. She had tubes running in and out of her. The heart monitor was beeping so loudly that it echoed in my head. The nurse told us that they were keeping her sedated so her body could heal. I brought a chair over, held her hand and watched her breath. The nurse must have been told we were not leaving because they carefully brought in a table and chairs for us all. The nurse gave me a weak smile and just patted my hand. She told us whatever was needed for anyone she was the person to see.
Mom came in and said that the Cullen's had insisted they move out of their room at the hotel and stay with them. It would make contacting people easier. I had been adamant before that I was not leaving and for them to get some sleep. Dad knew I was not going to budge and just let me do this. Bella was family and I had to be there for her.
This all went through my mind like a movie in a theater. The last thing I remember was us throwing a great party on the 4th of July and here we were two days later. Bella was doing so much better. She was off the sedation but still sleeping. The doctor said that was normal after coming off sedation. Who was I to question him? He also said that if she did well she could recover at home as long as she had a nurse. Edward surprised me when he said that it would be taken care of and not to worry.
It was the morning of July 6th. Jasper got us all coffee and whatever he could find that was decent at the cafeteria. I was tired of eating the same old hospital food. I wanted Bella's cooking. She made something wonderful out of nothing in the fridge. I was sipping on a cup of coffee when Rosalie cleared her throat.
"Alice I know this is not the time but what happened to Bella's parents. You said the other night she was melancholy when she cooked family recipes. I noticed you changed the subject when you noticed she came down the stairs." Rosalie bit her lip I knew she was curious but I did have the heart to tell them.
"I knew you were going to ask that sooner or later. I might as well start at the beginning. She grew up in a small town in Alaska. Her dad was a cop and her mom was a normal mom. She stayed home to make sure Bella had someone there for her. Her mom taught her everything she knows now. It went from one generation to another. I moved to Ketchikan with my parents when I was 8. Dad took a job there as a lawyer for the city. The pay was crap but it didn't matter to him. He took one look and fell in love with the town. Somehow her parents and my parents became fast friends. Bella and I were joined at the hip from the moment we met each other. When Bella turned 10 she had decided that the next year she would get them the best anniversary present she could. She had her mind set on a flight seeing tour with a picnic. She saved every penny she could from birthdays, Christmas etc. She saved enough when summer came around." I did not want to go on but I had to as they needed to know this.
"My parents took us down and I still remember how proud she was when she bought the tour for her parents. She kept saying her mom always wanted to go on one of them but Charlie was always on duty. Let me tell you her parents loved each other immensely. When one moved the other moved with them. They had their fights and squabbles but always worked through them. When she gave her parents the present of the trip her mom cried and her dad just beamed. It was like Bella to do something like this. They made arrangements to go on a Saturday. I wanted Bella to stay with us that day but she said she would stay home and make dinner. Even at a young age she knew her way around a kitchen. She got the call that afternoon that the floatplane had gone down. They were looking for the beacon. She was so worried about her parents. They were all she had how could she not. Mom, dad and I went to her house to be there for her. We played cards and drank hot chocolate. The next thing we knew was she was being told they had found the plane and no one survived." I got up to get some more coffee and Jasper brought me into a much needed hug.
"From what we were told the weather turned bad quickly. Ketchikan is known for its high winds and horizontal rain. It took them by surprise. Bella was so strong for us all. We helped her make arrangements and the police department came out to support one of their fallen friends. With Bella having no family it was no surprise when she said yes to living with us. Dad being the lawyer he was made sure that all the papers were in order. Bella was shocked to find out why her parents scrimped and saved all those years. They wanted her to have a bright future. She never went without anything but she still did not have what most kids her age had. She was not rich but if she watched it carefully and invested it she would not have to worry about much. All through school she had her head in a book or cook book. She pretty much had me and no other friends. I think that the only reason she dated was I made her go on dates with me. She never spoke much about her parents. Even now she has her moments with guilt. When we graduated high school we both applied for the scholarships at the University. She received the full ride for culinary school. Out of thousands of people that had applied Bella won it. We went off to school and here we are now." I stopped and just listened to the heart monitor. The beeping still drove me over the edge.
"Alice you mean after all these years she still blames herself for her parent's death?" Rosalie was weeping as she asked this. Emmett was holding her tightly and letting her cry.
"Yes…she blames herself. We had a conversation that she needed to deal with this. I was surprised when she said that it was time. I just hope after all this she does." I had tears flowing down my face now. Jasper wiped my tears as they fell.
"All these years she has carried that guilt with her. How was Bella to know that the weather would change? That is no way to live a life. I should know. "Jasper moved over and let Edward sit by me.
I looked at him and wondered just what he was going to tell me. How much pain had he had gone through like Bella?
"Alice my family well all my family now…" he said while looking at Rose with a big smile on his face. "All my family knows what happened in my past it is time for you to know too."
He took my hands into his and started in on just how much pain he had been through. I just sat there and listened while he spoke.
I looked at the clock ticking from the wall. We had been sitting here for hours listening to Edward. His family knew all about it but it still pained them. I realized that it was nearing dinner time. Angela had called earlier and said they would drop food off for us. She kind of half laughed when she said it was food but not near as well as Bella's. I kind of laughed with her because I knew she was right.
"Edward I don't know how you lived through all that pain. I am so sorry for what you and she went through. You and Bella have far more in common than you think. No wonder you were such an…" I paused to be nice but had a hard time thinking of something. I did hug him hard though.
"Rosalie called me a pompous ass and I have to agree with her on that one. " He laughed while he embraced the hug I gave him. We all joined in on the laughter. Rosalie got up and hugged him tighter than ever before and messed up his hair.
"What happened…where am I?" it came out in a whisper.
We all went silent and I looked over at Bella. I could see her eyes trying to take in the light. I went over and took her hand. I looked over at Jasper and mouthed call your parents and my parents. He smiled at me and went out of the room with his cell phone at his ear.
"Bella you are in the hospital but ok? Do you remember anything at all?" I stroked her pale cheek.
"I just remember not feeling well, the party and then seeing the ground come closer." She whispered again. She tried to sit up a little but the pain that was on her face stopped her. I knew what she wanted and I slowly raised her bed. She looked better after being horizontal for so long.
I looked around and all of our friends were now around the bed. We were all glad to see her awake and come back to us.
"What exactly happened? Why the all the tubes and the pain? Oh don't tell me I did my best klutzy move yet." She had a smile on her pale face. At least she saw some humor in all of this.
"Leave it to you to be comical in all of this. Don't you know you had us all scared to death? What would we do without you?" Rosalie placed a kiss on her cheek.
"Bella what can I say you take the show when it comes to parties. I have to say you are one damn cook!!" Emmett had a huge grin on his face and Rose smacked him behind his head. We all laughed as he rubbed it.
Jasper came back into the room along with the Cullens and our parents. I could see mom and dad were relieved that she was awake. The both carefully hugged her and sat down beside her bed. I stood back and let them have their moment with her. They were with her when her parents died and they needed to be here to explain what had happened this time. Dad took her hand into his and slowly started telling her what happened.
"Bella your appendix ruptured and infection set in. The doctors got to it in time but you have been on high doses of antibiotics. You are going to be sore for awhile but will make a speedy recovery in no time. How come you never told anyone you were not feeling well? Please the next time you are not feeling well please tell someone ok. You had us so scared sweetie." Mom leaned over and kissed her on the fore head. She put her hand on the both of theirs. It was nice to see them have such a bond with her. My parents had the same bond with me and they loved us both equally.
"I am sorry I worried everyone. I just thought the pain was nerves finally trying to do me in. I promise the next time I will let you know what is happening ok." She said in a slight whisper. She tried to get comfortable and had a hard time doing it with the IV in her hand.
I looked over at Edward he was sitting with his parents and for once I felt that Edward was a part of this family that had formed around us. I hoped that maybe he could help Bella through all emotional pain she still felt after all these years.
The doctor came in to check on her. He said she could go home tomorrow but would have to have someone there. She would still need to be on IV antibiotics for a few more days and she would need help doing the ordinary things. I saw her grimace when he said she could have soup from the cafeteria. I told him that our business associates were bringing food for everyone. He said that was probably a good thing and went on to his next patient. We all laughed on that comment. Bella slightly giggled but then grimaced when the pain hit her.
Angela and Ben came through with chicken and dumplings for us all. The rest of the food was leftovers from the party. Angela was glad when she said they were finally gone. We all served ourselves. I saw Edward pour some into a bowl for Bella. She tried to feed herself and ended up flinging the spoon over Emmett's head. Jasper was rolling on the floor and the rest of us just laughed. Bella blushed and then asked for some help. Edward poured more broth into the bowl and fed her one spoon at a time. At least they could become friends. I know that him being an ass to her literally made her blood boil. She was not one to forgive or forget but maybe with time and a little coxing on my part.
We all finished the delicious food and gathered everything back up for them to take back the house. Angela and Ben said they would have brought flowers but they left a beautiful bouquet for her at home. They both kissed her and were heading out the door before Bella stopped them.
"Thank you both for everything. I am so sorry the business started out this way. If you have to find other jobs I will totally understand." She had tears in her eyes. I knew that she wanted us to gung ho on the start of the word go. I just did not happen that way.
"Bella believe us we are not going anywhere. We have enough work to last us months." They waved good-bye and went back home. I heard Bella rustling through her sheets. Poor thing missed her bed.
"Alice Brandon you better tell me what the hell she meant right now!" she tried to yell at me but it came out more like a sick whinny.
"Well….there was so many at the party and with what happened I forgot to tell you. You were first priority ok? Everyone loved the decorations and they loved your food even more. During those hours we gained 5 new clients, a charity event and more events in the future. The business is going to do great." I took her hand again and saw her sigh.
"Bella talk to me please. What is going through that brain of yours?" I asked her with one eyebrow raised.
"I was just thinking they must have thought a lot of the work we did even after my little plotz into the grass." She stifled a giggle. I was glad to see she was coming back to the Bella I knew.
We all laughed with her. She told us all to go home and get some sleep. I wanted to stay but she would hear nothing about it. She said she would be home tomorrow and then we could be at her beck and call. We all laughed again. Emmett and Rosalie both kissed her and walked out the door. Edward smiled at her and she told him thank you for dinner. She would repay him anytime in the future. He quietly left after that remark. She noticed that only Jasper and I remained. She raised one eye brow and looked at me. I looked at her and then to Jasper.
"He is just taking me home Bella. Get your mind out of the gutter." I whispered in her ear. I so wanted to be with Jasper but now was not the right time for either of us. I wanted it with all my heart and soul though. Jasper kissed her on the forehead and we left. I didn't want to leave her but I need sleep.
We took the elevator down and we were both quiet. He opened his truck door for me and gave me a boost up. He went around to the driver's seat and got in. He put the keys into the ignition but did not turn the engine on. He just sat there and then turned to me.
"Alice I heard what you said to Bella." He went on to continue but I put my finger on his lips. I just smiled and put a sweet kiss on his lips. We knew what each other were thinking and that would happen when the time was right. I had this feeling that Bella would need me more than ever before. Our conversation about her parents hit a spot. I just hope that she would be able to deal with it when the time came.