Wow, I'm socked by the reviews – in a good way. (40 reviews!) Your thoughts and opinions range so differently. It's amazing! You guys don't know how great it feels to actually have other people putting thoughts and their feeling into reviews. Thank you! (On another note, don't review My Brothers' Best Friend; I will NOT continue writing it!)
Oh, and since I updated, ninjanoni owes me a kangaroo. (A reviewer from Australia, how cool is that!?)
Missing Piece of a Puzzle
Chapter 13: Reality Check
B.P.O.V.
After I uncrossed my fingers from under the blanket, I brought my hand up and placed it over the cover. Edward sighed to show he was relieved and gave me a small smile. "Thank you."
I smiled back the best I could. I was hard, though. His face was only a couple a centimeters away from mine and his breath-taking smile was…well, taking my breath away. Not to mention everyone is the room was staring at us. That made it a little awkward.
Dr. Cullen cleared his throat again and Edward slowly got up. Mr. Cullen was about to speak, or scold, but Alice's laughter beat him to it. All of us stared at her, wondering what could be so funny.
She pointed her small finger towards Edward and I saw what was so funny. My hysteria was heard right besides Alice; like bells ringing next to rattling chains. I was the rattling chains.
Right there, in Edward's hand, I saw the most – the second most – funny thing I've ever seen in my life.
"Why…did you….bring…" I couldn't breath. "that?" I covered my mouth with my hands, letting Edward answer.
He shifted uncomfortably on his feet, seeing we were laughing at him. "Alice told me to bring it." Edward said slowly.
Alice and I broke into another fit of laughter. "Edward!" Alice burst with a huge grin. "I didn't mean it literally!"
"I thought you guys needed it for Snow White or something!" Edward looked back and me and Alice's amused faces.
Alice and I giggled more and Edward set it on my night stand. "You guys suck." He muttered.
I took a deep breath to calm me down and remembered what Alice had told Edward on the phone. "Just get you're a-" Esme raised her eye brows at Alice again. "Apple to the hospital soon."
I looked back to what Edward brought: An apple.
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3 Days Later…
I am IV free! No more aching pain from under my lift wrist, thank God. I always thought being in a hospital during school days would be cool. No teachers, no homework, no crappy cafeteria food, and no gang; it should be the life, right? Wrong. I was so wrong, I hate it.
Since Edward is still a student psychologist at my school, he brings me my homework every day. Every single stinkin' day. And when I lie and say I don't understand – or when I really don't understand – guess who comes in as my teacher? Emmett. I know, I know, it sounds awesome, but in reality, it's not. Emmett is just as smart as my teachers (I think even more) so that means he can be just as strict. Who knew my cuddly teddy bear could play a role of an annoying teacher you make rumors about?
Okay, so he's not that that bad, but he stills gives me work. He goes online, prints some worksheets, gives them to me around twelve in the afternoon, comes in the next day and actually expects me to hand him the papers! It's only been three days and I already owe two assignments. Even though I'm in the hospital, Emmett can be strict. He even gave me detention because I was tardy once. How the hell could I have been tardy?! I was in the restroom!
Emmett's just milking this whole being my teacher thing. Other than that, he's smarter than Alice and Jasper's mind combined. I swear I knew Emmett was intelligent, but not that intelligent. Edward couldn't even help me with a calculus problem but Emmett did it in his head for five seconds. Edward checked the answer on my new T.I. 83 Plus calculator – you can only get them in Texas and they some how managed to buy me one on Monday – and the answer was correct. Who knew Emmett's mind could challenge a fancy, and expensive, Texas calculator?
Besides school work, the cafeteria food is better and there's no Karina, Jazmin, or Rachel is sight! I'm able to walk now, apparently three days in bed rest was enough. At first, I could only make it to trip to the bathroom in my room and back, but now, I can even walk to the children's section of the hospital to watch Esme and Alice put on a play.
As I finished the last biology AP question – I told you I was smart! – Edward came through the door. He grinned, holding a couple of roses in his hand, "Hey, how are you?"
I put down my pen on the table I was working on, and smiled up at Edward as he glided towards me. "Hi, fine and you?"
Edward smiled. "That's good; I'm okay." He took out yesterday's flowers from the vase and replaced them with the red roses he brought today. What can I say? He likes bringing me flowers. Edward sat down on the chair next to me and looked over my worksheet. "Almost done?"
I nodded and took the paper away from him. I wrote down the last answer and smiled. "Done."
Edward chuckled. "You and Emmett are such geeks."
I gasped and playfully whacked him in the arm. "No we're not."
He smiled and nodded as he looked at my finished homework. "Oh yes, you are."
I rolled my eyes. "Just jealous." I smirked.
He laughed, causing his eyes to gleam with joy. "Yeah, right! You guys are so nerdy."
"Do you even know what nerd means?" I asked with crossed arms.
Edward nodded once. "Yup, you and Emmett." I made a face and Edward laughed again. "Okay, okay, I'll give. What does nerd mean?"
"Never ending ratcle dude." He became quiet and stared at me. "Or dudet." I added.
He shook his and sighed. "I don't even want to know where you got that from."
When I was in the fourth grade, these two nerd guys came to talk to us about staying in school and making good grades. They told us not to worry if someone called us a nerd because nerd meant: N, never. E, ending. R, ratcle, like the way suffer guys talk. And D, dude or dudet. NERD: Never Ending Ratcle Dude.
"So," Edward shrugged and looked around the room, trying to act casual, which can only mean one thing, "Did you take your pills today?"
I groaned internally. Those stupid pills. They were harder to get rid of than I thought. My original plan was to throw them away in the trashcan in my room or in the bathroom. But apparently, Dr. Cullen has already worked with other patients like me. Right before they handed the pills for the first time, they warned me they would check every single place to make sure I'm taking then and not throwing them away. Then, I thought of a brilliant plan. I leave the pills in between my gum and my teeth on the top of my mouth – they even check under my tongue to make sure I'm not hiding anything – then, when I get a chance, I go to the restroom, throw the pills in the toilet and flush. I'm such a genius. I told them I don't need some specialist.
I sighed but nodded. "Yes, Edward," My voice echoed the room with pure annoyance. "I took the pills."
Edward frowned and moved his chair to face me. "Bella, you know I only want you to get better. Everyone is doing all they can but only you can make yourself better, we're just here to help."
I nodded again and gave him a small grin. Edward brightened up and smiled broadly. "On that note, I have good news."
I raised my left eye brow. "You're finally going to tell me who Brittany Spears is?"
Edward rolled his eyes. "No." Darn it.
"Emmett's finally going to stop giving me work?"
Edward snorted. "Like that's ever going to happen. You're his Little Drug Addict."
I was trying to expand my thoughts on what he was so happy about. Did he get a raise at the school? Hah! Yeah right, doubt it. Oh, "Dr. Cullen is going to stop being a jack-apple?" I asked hopefully.
Edward raised his eye brows, but shot down my idea. "I…have no clue what you're talking about, but, no. Can you stop guessing now so I can tell you?"
I shrugged and put my homework in my yellow biology folder. "Go for it."
"You're hospital days are over." He announced, leaned back on the chair, and put his hands behind his head.
"Really?" I erupted. Yes, I get to get out of here! Not that I didn't like it here, but Dr. Cullen is getting on my nerves. Everybody, except Rose, knows to never leave me and Doctor Cullen alone in the room. Not pretty.
"Yes, but knowing you're the Queen of Klutz Kingdom, I can count on you being back here any day." He snickered.
I stuck my tongue out and he laughed. "It was a joke."
"Stupid dumb apple." I mumbled.
"What was that?" Edward asked. I knew he did hear me.
"Nothing." I smiled.
He was about to say something but his phone vibrated. "Sorry." He gave me an apologetic smile and he got his phone form his pocket.
"It's fine." I replied, suddenly wondering if my phone needed to be charged. I think I left it on my bed before I fainted. I shuddered. No need to think back on that day.
"Okay." Edward spoke into his phone. "See you then, love you, bye."
He hung up and I narrowed my eyes at the phone and whoever he just said 'I love you' to.
Edward put the phone back in his pocket. "Sorry, that was Alice." Oops, sorry Alice. "She'll be here with your change of clothes soon."
I could feel myself looking at him questioningly. "You told Alice I was leaving?"
"No," He shook his head. "Alice…" He had a hard time finding the right words. "She's good at predicting stuff."
Cool. "Like a physic?"
Edward laughed. "Something like that."
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Alice came an hour later with some clothes for me. They were amazing and something I would buy if I had enough money. I need to pay her back…even though she said they were hers. I finally get to get rid of those horrible hospital robes. I don't like the uncomfortable breeze.
It's around four o'clock and Emmett hasn't come to bring me any work or assignments, maybe he knows I'm leaving. Alice and Edward are currently sitting on the table I was previously doing my biology homework on. (We asked Nurse Bernie to bring that, too. I hope we're not bugging her too much, she's nice.) I'm sitting on the bed that was mine during my stay here. My legs were hanging off the bed and I was swinging them over the edge.
The door suddenly opened and Dr. Cullen came in with a manila folder in his hand. "Alright, Isabella," I sighed at my full name. "You're free to go, but we need someone to sign you out. A parent or guardian."
Shit, Renee left years ago and I haven't seen Charlie in eight days. He's a goner. I guess I'm stuck here. I curse under my breath but I think Edward heard me. "I can sign her out."
Doctor Cullen's eyes tightened at his son's offer. "Edward," Dr. Cullen sucked at trying to keep cool. "Signing her out would mean you're her guardian, able to take care of her no matter what. I'm not sure you can do that."
"I am." Edward's lullaby voice was sure.
Dr. Cullen sighed. "Very well." He handed Edward some papers and a pen.
Edward briefly looked over what he was about to sign. The room was so quiet all that could be heard was the pressure of his signature against the forms. Scribble after scribble. Edward signed the last paper, smiled, and handed it to his dad.
Doctor Cullen didn't even look at Edward when he snatched the forms and pen from his hands. He placed the papers back in the yellow folder and looked at me directly in the eye. "Isabella," Apple. "I'm going to hold you responsible for your health and pills. It's going to be the same routine: One anti-depressant before you go to bed and another when you wake up." I stiffly nodded.
Dr. Cullen was probably about to give me another lecture, but Alice cut in. "Thanks Daddy!" She perked up and hugged the blonde doctor.
Edward told me she was a Daddy's Girl. I can't help but feel a little jealous about her relationship with Doctor Cullen. I've never had anyone like that.
Mr. Cullen smiled at Alice – who doesn't? – and hugged her back, just as tight. "You're welcome, sweetie. Now Alice, aren't you supposed to be working on your internship back in Seattle?"
Alice backed away and smiled at Dr. Cullen. "Please, I'm so good; I have them wrapped around my finger." She twirled her thin finger in the air. "I'm the best intern worker ever and can pick out the perfect outfit in a second." She breathed on her knuckles and rubbed them against her chest.
We laughed and Alice smiled. I wouldn't be surprised if she was telling the truth, she does have a good eye for people and clothes. Honestly, look at what I'm wearing.
"Well," Dr. Cullen's smile flattered as he turned to me. "It's been a…uh, pleasure to meet you, Isabella." He awkwardly took his hand out.
I stared at his hard, pale hand for a second before lightly shaking it. "You too." It came out more like a question than a reply.
He cleared his throat and took a couple steps backwards. "See you guys later." Mr. Cullen winked at Edward and Alice before waltzing out the door.
"What's his problem?" Alice sighed and rested her head on her fist.
"I don't know, but…we should go." Edward sounded tense. He got up and helped me jump down form the high bed. "Are you alright?" He looked deeply in my eyes.
"I…" How can I explain it to him? For some reason, I feel like the all the life and energy got sucked out of me. "I'm fine." I stretched out my arms in front of me. "Just tired."
"Well you better wake up!" Alice pranced to me and snapped her fingers in my face. That woke me up. "We're going to get your hair cut!"
What? Why? "Al-ice." I whined. "Why do I need a hair cut? My hair is perfectly fine." I argued as we walked out the door together.
Alice had put my hair in a high ponytail this morning and I actually looked okay. "Bella, have you seen you hair?" She opened the door to exit the hospital, waving at an unfamiliar nurse as we passed by.
"What's wrong with my hair?" I asked quietly and blushed. It's not that bad…not really…
"It looks like a haystack! Have you ever washed it? And have you heard of conditioner?"
"Alice," Edward proposed as he opened the passenger door for me. "If Bella says she doesn't need a haircut, then she doesn't need a haircut."
"Come one, Bella." Alice pleaded once we were all inside the car. "You need a makeover. We need to wash out your black heads, white heads, cut your hair, shorten your bangs and get rid of that hideous pimple on the middle of you forehead. I swear-"
"Alice!" Edward looked at his adoptive sister through the rearview mirror.
My mouth made a perfect 'o' and my hand automatically slapped itself over my forehead. Oh shoot, I can feel the zit. Alice is right, I need a makeover! Wow, never thought I'd say that.
"Fine." I huffed and lowered myself into Edward's front seat.
Alice smirked. "I knew you'd agree. While we're there, I can ask Martha to work on Edward too."
Edward groaned and I smiled. Maybe getting a makeover could be fun.
Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! Oh hell no! Never, ever, ever, ever again am I getting a makeover! Stuck up, skinny, skinny girls pluck every hair on your face, straighten every hair on your head, and paint every nail on your fingers and toes, not to mention that when they wash or rinse out your hair, they practically drown you!
Edward's so lucky he blackmailed his way out of a makeover. Maybe I need to spy and get trash on Alice… On the bright side, my pimple's gone.
Walking out of the Hair Salon (or Torture Chamber), Alice, Edward and I were making our way to Edward's car.
"See, Bella, it wasn't that bad." Alice commented.
"Yeah," I replied. "Well, I hated it! It's horrible what they have to do to you to make you look pretty!" How could women go through that kind of stuff every day?
"Hey, they don't do all that stuff on me." Alice said. She stopped in her tracks. "Not that you aren't pretty, Bella. You're beautiful! Really, I just meant-"
"Alice?" A sing-along voice asked.
"Rose?" Alice chimed.
"Edward?" Rosalie questioned.
"Alice." Edward scolded.
"Bella!" Rose ran over to hug me.
"Rose." I answered back.
Rosalie let go of me and examined my new 'look'. "Bella, you look amazing!" She smiled.
"Uhh…" Edward and Alice seemed to be having a silent conversation. Have they told her about me being in the hospital?
"Rose," Alice spoke up.
"We need to tell you something." Edward added.
All of us walked down the street to a little café filled with people my age wearing Abercrombie and Fitch shirts. What's that? I see kids at school wear them - people like Tanya and Jessica. They have some stuff with Hollister written on it too. I think I saw Mike Newton wearing something similar to that style but with an American Eagle logo instead last week before…umm, before my incident.
Rose, Alice and Edward ordered some fancy coffee. I didn't want any. While they were explaining to Rosalie – in very vivid detail I might add – about my lovely visit to the hospital, I looked over the café.
There was a green circle with a girl who had long, wavy hair covering her body on everything. People were ordering Frappuccino's and who knows what else. And every time a costumer would enter, someone with a black apron and black hat with the long-haired lady on it would greet them by saying, "Welcome to Starbucks." Starbucks, I guess that's what this place is called.
I've been feeling weird lately. Like I'm not myself. I know something's wrong with me, everything's wrong with me. Well, except my shorter hair and cleansed pores. Seriously though, I feel different. Dr. Cullen's speech hit me like a ton of bricks. Was I really being that needy and bratty? I didn't mean to.
I started folding the napkin that was in front of me. I've never had someone love me, much less a group of people. Even though Alice and Edward have said it numerous of times, is it true? Do they all honestly love me even if they hardly know me? I love them, so it could go both ways, I suppose. But I never knew how it felt like. Having people care for you, love you and respect you. It's a great feeling, and I never want to forget it. I almost did. Seeing Alice hug Mr. Cullen reminded me of myself. Charlie and I used to be so close. We were happy with just the two of us. Things change…people change.
I shook my head as if it would shake away the thought.
Do they really love me? I shook my head again. Doubt it. But it's possible. I realize now that I need them; every single one of them – with the exception of Dr. Cullen. I love them so much. They're kind and gentle and reminded me how it felt to be loved. A family. What if I lose them? I know they want me to stop cutting myself, but what if I don't? Will that make them hate me? Will they leave me?
Cold pins sprinkled down my back and I shivered at the possibility. I don't want them to leave me. I haven't been taking the anti-depressants but I still have a hold on myself. I don't need medicine to help myself. I can stop cutting myself whenever I want…but not now. Maybe some other time.
I can feel my plucked eye brows furrow as I analyzed my changing life. So many things have occurred in a short times notice. Things I never dreamed of have come to a reality. It's not really a shocker there. I've never had dreams as I've said once before, only nightmares. That's another thing; my nightmares have gotten more detailed than ever before. Every time someone leaves out my front door, the aching in my chest becomes more and more unbearable. Not only that, but my nightmares are changing too.
First Edward joined the picture, and then the next night Alice and Jasper and the night following that, Esme and Emmett went right after them. What does it mean? Maybe I should talk to Edward about it. Nah, no need to worry him any more. Hmm…speaking of worries, I have a few of my own.
Where am I going to cut myself? Dr. Cullen said I had to see him once a week to check on my cuts, scars and wound to make sure I'm not 'harming myself' anymore. The first place he's going to check is my legs and arms. I need a new spot and a clean one while I'm at it. Another place nobody would bother to check. A spot nobody would even consider. I need a new blade too. Turns out Edward told Jasper and Emmett where I kept the spare key (under the mat) and they hunted down almost every sharp object I could use to cut skin. I wonder if they left the knives alone… Any who, I need a blade. Or maybe a sharp razor. I think I remember the name of the guy that sold me the last one. No, I can just ask Sarah to ask Karina to get me one. I hear the blade from a sharpener could do.
"Bella." My head snapped up. What'd I miss?
Right in front of me, crouching down, was Rosalie. Damn, she's even prettier up close. "Bella," She spoke calmly. "If you need anything – money, clothes, shoes, a friend, someone to talk to - I'm here, okay?"
Her blue eyes glittered with honesty. How can I deny it? "Okay." I answered and she smiled in reply.
After a couple more conversations, Edward and I headed out. He had a lot of homework and I didn't want to be the reason he hadn't gotten to it. I hugged Alice and Rose - Alice was getting a ride in Rosalie's stunning car - and weaved my way through the group of people coming into the café. Edward had a hand on my back to make sure we didn't get separated. As we neared the clear entrance doors, I caught a glimpse of blonde hair. Not just any blonde hair, fake, bleach, obviously dyed, blonde hair. Tanya.
"Crap!" I muttered and ducked my head, starring at the tiles on the floor.
"What's wrong?" Edward whispered as, he too, lowered his head, following my lead.
"Tanya." I quickly nodded my head to her direction. She was ordering coffee with Jessica and her other groupies beside her.
Edward didn't need to be told twice; he got a hold on my hand and led me faster out the door.
As we rushed to his car, he never let go of my hand. We reached the Volvo and he opened the door for me, still not loosening his grip on me. "Well?" He asked when I didn't get in the car.
I looked down at our entwined hands and he got the picture. "Oh," He blushed and released me. A real blush, a Bella-type blush.
I smiled to myself and entered the vehicle. Edward jogged over to the other side and got in. His car purred to life and we made our way to my house.
"Jasper and Em said they still didn't see Charlie's truck." Edward suddenly said when we were a block away from my house. He was referring to the time he had Emmett and Jasper snoop my house for blades.
I didn't reply. I only laid my head back on the comfortable seat, closed my eyes and breathed in Edward scent. After a while, a couple of seconds, Edward spoke up again. "I don't want you staying alone."
I opened my eyes and straightened up. "Why?" I looked at him. That was a dumb question, I knew why. He was worried about me. They're all worried about me and I'm here acting like a greedy child. Stupid Bella.
Edward took in a deep breath and carefully let it out. "I don't want you to be by yourself. We've told you so many times," He turned to me. "You'll always have a place to stay if you need one."
"I already have a place to stay." I stated quietly. I'm trying not to act like a needy brat, I added mentally.
He sighed. "Well, staying alone in a two story house shouldn't be a very good place to stay."
"But it's a very small two story house." I argued back.
"Bella, being by yourself isn't-" He stopped the car and stared ahead.
My eye brows twisted in response. What's wrong? I looked through the windshield. Oh.
Charlie's dark navy blue truck was parked out in the drive way. He didn't leave me? Why? He came back. He's home. What happened?
"I guess I won't be alone." I said as Edward still gaped at the truck.
His face hardened and he looked back at me. "Wave through the window to let me know you're alright."
I nodded at our usual routine. Edward gave me a smile and hugged me tight. I hugged him back with whatever I could since I didn't have much energy left in me. I don't know what's wrong. I feel as if something's going to happen - something bad.
I tore myself away from Edward and reached for the door handle. I kicked small rocks and dirt on my way to the front door after exiting Edward's Volvo. Everything seems to be in place. There are no more than two cars outside the house – Charlie's and Edward's – there's no loud music and I don't hear a crash like the last time Edward brought me home with Charlie already in the house. I suppose I won't have to stay with Edward this time. I reached down to grab the key, inserted it in the hole and turned the knob. The door opened easily and I placed the silver item back under the mat.
Walking in, I could smell beer. The strong stench of alcohol invaded my nose. My hand automatically waved the air in front of me, hoping the smell goes else where. "Charlie?" I call out and moved closer into the small building.
I turned my head to the right. He's not in the living room, so he must be in the kitchen. "I'm home." I announce though no one listens.
Looking in the kitchen, I see Charlie in front of the window, glaring at whatever was out there. Oh no…Edward.
"Charlie!" I screamed, trying to get his attention away form the silver car.
He turned around and I noticed his appearance. His short hair was in knots; he was unshaven and had an empty beer bottle in his left hand. "Who the hell is that?" Charlie used his right index finger to point directly at the window and onto Edward's figure.
"I-I told you. I have a friend named Alice. She let me stay at her house while you were gone and-"
Crash! Charlie stopped my lie by smashing the brown bottle to the ground. I jumped up at the noise and he came closer to me, stepping around the pieces of glass.
"Liar! That doesn't look like Alice. That's a man! What were you doing with a man?" Why is it that he starts worrying like a real father when he's drunk?
"That-that's her brother." There was no lie there. "His name is Edward and uh...he gave me a ride since…since Alice…was…" Damn it! I stuttered out another lie and Charlie walked closer to me.
"I don't want you seeing him ever again!" He shouted.
"No!" I yelled. "He's my friend, too."
"What?" Charlie asked quietly. Too quietly. "Did you just say you were going to disobey me? Hah! I'm your father!"
"Yeah, but you don't act like one!" I spat back. The anger I hadn't seen since they told me I need to see a specialist rose through me. Filling every cell in my body and covering every scar I had. "You're just an drunken alcoholic!"
"No!" He stepped closer, enclosing me in his awful scent. I miss Edward's smell. I backed away but he kept coming at me, one step at a time. The vein in the middle of his forehead was popping out. "I'm not! I'm your father and you'll do as I tell you to!"
Never! "Or what?!" I shrieked.
My back was to the door and he took one step closer. I wasn't afraid of him, even if he is drunk. Charlie's never touched me in my life. The only times he did was when I was younger than eight. After that, he hasn't done anything more than make eye contact with me. With one movement he did something he's never done before.
He slapped me.
One: Listen to "Decode" by Paramore because it's the first single of the Twilight Soundtrack and its amazing! (Thanks Ale!)
Two: Review and I'll send you a better sneak peek than last time.
Three: I feel like crap. I'm so sick, I hate it. That's why it took a while to update, I'm so, very sorry. It was only a day late.
Love, Mayface!
