On Call

I'm on call
To be there one and all
To be there when I fall
To pieces...

I was late for school on Monday, we all were. Couldn't be helped, the cloud cover just wasn't dense enough to get inside without us giving our secret away.

I was waiting at Isabella's locker when she came to put her books in at lunch. She gave me an odd look when she saw me. It didn't help that I was holding her lock in my hand.

"Did you ditch class to learn how to break into lockers or is this a skill you've always had?"

"I didn't ditch...we were late getting back. And I didn't break in, I was guarding. You left the lock open." The lies came easily. We hadn't gone anywhere over the weekend in order to get back late and she had locked it. I'd gotten her combination when on Friday when I was reading her as I passed by. I'd taken the opportunity to look through her locker to see if I could find any hint as to what she was mind-blocking from me. It was a pointless search.

"I didn't lock it?" She scratched her head in confusion, completely buying into my lie. "Oh well, no one would want anything of mine anyway.

"You sure about that?" I waved her lunch above her head, teasing her. "I dunno...looks pretty tasty."

"Rosemary chicken," she grinned. "I've been looking forward to that all morning. It's great on sandwiches. You should try it!"

I grinned in response. "How 'bout you eat, and I'll go over what I missed from class. Did you take notes?" I passed over her lunch and took her books off her, putting all away inside the locker except her Sociology notebook. "Sorry I missed class. Do you mind working through lunch?"

"No! That's good...that would be good." 'I feel like everyone's staring when I eat alone. Stupid. They don't even know I'm there.' "Hey! You put your rings back in."

"Alice did, yeah. Told you it was a one day thing."

"For your mom..." 'Sweet!'

"For my mom," I grinned.

"How was it? Her birthday, I mean...did she like the painting? I bet she cried!"

Well, if vampires could cry, Esme would have. "She loved it, yeah."

"And you went away?" She was chatty! If I wasn't such an experienced liar, I'd have had trouble keeping up.

"Mmm-hmm. My brother lives in New York. He's going to school there. So we went down for a visit."

"Awesome! I always wanted to go to New York!" 'Would have if...'

And she went blank. Dammit!

"So what did you do all weekend?" I turned the tables on her. If I couldn't read her, I'd make her talk instead. I knew from the bits of conversation I'd picked up lurking outside her house at night, things weren't great at home. I wondered if that was what she blocked.

"Um...nothing really. I did make a list of things we need to get started on for the show right away though...reserving the auditorium and stuff like that."

"Cool! I swear I won't leave it all to you." We set up at our own end of a lunch table and brainstormed.

"Edward? I was wondering if you wouldn't mind being the spokesperson. I mean, I'll do the behind the scenes stuff...on my own, if you want... I just can't get up there..."

I frowned. "Sure, whatever you'd like. But you're going to perform, aren't you?"

"Are you?" There was hesitation in her voice.

I shrugged. "Sure. But only if you are as well."

"You play dirty!"

You have no idea...

"Ugh!" She buried her face in her hands. "I honestly don't know if I can, Edward. You've seen me try to speak in front of a crowd...you think I could perform! Nobody wants to hear my shit anyway."

"I do," I informed her softly.

She smiled at me. "An audience of one, I could handle...maybe."

"You play in front of Bart at the shop, right? You're cool with that, so I shouldn't be any different. Or anyone, for that matter. Unless...hey! Have you got a thing for Bart?"

She was laughing like mad and I sat back and watched. Listened. Her laugh was musical and I wanted the song to go on and on.

"If Bart's not available the night of our show, maybe I could sub for him? I'll be like Jack White to your Meg...just sit off in the shadows while you play. You'll know I'm there, supporting you but not stealing the show. Think about it..."

"I am! And better yet, play with me! BE Jack White! I totally want you to steal the show!"

I gave her a grin as I leaned forward on the table. "What song? Your choice."

"You'd do that? Seriously? Wow! I hope you can sing, 'cause I won't even attempt to. It would ruin the act anyway." She looked elated and gave me a glowing smile. "You go above and beyond, y'know? You take this pity thing really seriously."

I sighed in frustration. "Grey, it's not a pity thing..."

"Whatever." She rolled her eyes at me. "Jessica's been staring at you, shooting me death glares. You may want to rethink how much pity to dole out. You could lose your chance to get laid because you're too nice."

Shit! Did she know I was keeping her on the side just for the reason? Just in case... "Look, I'm only gonna say this once more - this isn't charity, pity, or anything of the sort. You've got it wrong. All of it. Especially the 'too nice' bit. I'm not. I'm not a nice person at all, believe me." That, she should believe...complete truth. "And if I really wanted to fuck her, I would. Regardless of anyone or anything. Period."

The laughter left entire face. She believed. Good girl. I heard my name coming from across the room, it caught my attention. It was Jasper's thoughts I was hearing, but it was a conversation he was listening in on. Apparently Jessica was going the sour grapes route, dealing with the gossip of me snubbing her for Grey.

'He's totally hot and all, but I backed off because I won't deal with him being like the freak girl. She's a total druggie, y'know. My mom knows her mom's boyfriend's sister and yeah...she's a real disaster. She told my mom that's why they moved here, 'cause she was like, a total whore so she could support her habit. It's like, really bad. He feels sorry for her, being alone, that's the only reason he's hanging out with her. But he's being dumb if he thinks she's just a recreational user. She's an out of control loser. Even the stoners think so. It's so pathetic...'

I seethed inside. I didn't give a shit what she said about me, but she didn't have a right to say anything about Grey. She's done nothing to Jessica! Stupid bitch! My anger rose by the second and I stood abruptly, tipping my chair over. It clanged noisily across the tiled floor.

"Edward? What's wrong? Sorry...I..."

"I have to get out of here," I mumbled through clenched teeth. "Now. Walk with me?" I needed her company, to distract me; to keep me from going after the gossiping bitch spreading lies.

Storming out of the building, I turned to walk down the path that led away from the school, towards the park that was opposite the parking lot. Grey trailed behind me, her thoughts now coming to me, filled with confusion and concern.

"Hey, Edward, I won't joke about that anymore, okay? I'm sorry. Can you slow down? I'm having trouble keeping up!"

I was moving too quickly; not anywhere near the vampire speed I was capable of, but not human speed either. I stopped in place to let her catch up. She wasn't paying attention either and kept her trot going at full pace, slamming into my back, head first. I barely felt the collision but it threw her backwards, knocking her on her ass.

"Oh!" she cried out, holding the bridge of her nose.

"Shit! Isabella! Are you okay?" I ran over to her, crouching down to inspect the damage. "Let me have a look."

She stared at me, eyes watering from the blow. "What did you call me?"

Fuck! Had I slipped up? Angry with myself for being careless, I lashed out at her. "What were you thinking! Why would you walk with your head down like that?"

"Why the fuck did you stop like that?" she yelled back, her hands still covering her nose. She was pissed, but at least she was off the subject of me fucking up with her name.

I closed my eyes briefly to get control of my anger. She was obviously hurting. "I'm sorry...here, let's see the damage."

Slowly, she moved her hands away. There was an angry red bump on the bridge and a trickle of blood trailing from one nostril. No no no... I held my breath, but not before getting one thoroughly enticing whiff. Oh god...

"What an idiotic thing to do!" I lashed out once more, knowing it wasn't her fault, but that didn't make the urges I felt lessen any.

"I know! I'm a total klutz! Yelling at me isn't making it better!" She dug through her bag and pulled out a wad of tissue for her bloody nose while I paced around her.

I needed to get away from her; from her blood...her wonderful smelling blood. Oh my fucking god...

"Can you stand?" I barked as I scooped up her scattered items.

She attempted and immediately got wobbly. "Oh...shit..."

Quickly, I put an arm around her waist to brace her before she fell down again. "Okay, standing wasn't a good idea." I directed her over to an empty bench and sat her down. "Dizzy?"

She nodded and flinched with the movement. "My head's spinning and pounding."

"Fuck! I think your nose may be broken." It was swelling steadily. "You need to go to the hospital."

"I need ice...I'll be fine."

I stared at her incredulously. "You weren't kidding about being tough, were you? It's bad."

"It looks bad? The bleeding's slowing down...I should be alright. I really want some ice though."

I stood there helplessly, a walking ice cube. She did need ice. I couldn't leave her alone and she couldn't walk...dammit! Shifting my feet nervously, I rubbed my hands together. It was a pointless action, I knew. "Here, let me..." I pulled her hands away and placed my icy fingertips on the top of her nose.

"Oh!" She pulled back feeling the coldness and I stepped away. "You're cold!"

"That was the idea," I said grumpily. "Did it hurt?"

"No! I was just shocked...can you...?" She tilted her face up to me again and I placed one hand across her forehead and spread my fingers on the other hand over her nose.

"Better?" I asked after a few minutes. She nodded and sighed. "Think you can stand now? I'd like my father to take a look at that."

"Your father?" She mumbled around my hand.

"He's a doctor," I explained gently as I crouched in front of her. I continued holding my breath so I wouldn't smell her blood. As it was, my mouth was full of venom. I swallowed before I spoke again. "I really think it's broken. He may have to set it or something."

"Great," she groaned as she stood up, more slowly this time. I supported her by the waist as we started walking.

"Um, should I carry you?"

"No! Don't be ridiculous...I'm fine. I just sprained my ankle!"

"Your ankle? What are you talking about?" Uh-oh. She was even confused about what was injured; couldn't be good.

Giving me a dazed look, she tried to laugh it off but wobbled over instead.

"Okay...here we go..." I didn't ask again, instead, I scooped her up in my arms and hurried to my car. She weighed nothing and she flopped against me, pressing her head against my chest.

"Feels soooo good," she muttered as the cold from my body eased her headache. "Warm..."

No, cold. She was very confused - not good at all. "Okay, I have to set you down for a sec." I stood her by the car as I opened the door. She clung to me and I helped her in and got her seatbelt on. I could feel her breath on my cheek as I reached across her to lock it in place. That was warm. So warm. I took a few seconds to ice down her swollen nose before running around to my side.

"You okay?" I asked as we pulled out onto the street. "Grey? Don't go to sleep...stay with me."

"Tired..."

"I know. You can sleep later. Talk to me..." I placed my hand on hers to jolt her awake and then started rambling about anything and everything just to keep her awake. After a monologue, I figured I should ask questions to keep her more alert. "You don't take music class at school, why?"

"I love burgers," she replied sleepily.

"Great. I'll buy you one later." I chuckled lightly. She made absolutely no sense but at least she was awake and talking.

"We're going out for lunch? I'm not supposed to go home."

"You mean leave school? I know. This is special. Your mom will understand."

"My mom's in love with you!" she giggled.

"Is that so?" I chuckled. "Well she won't be now that I've broken her daughter."

"She does! I do too." She picked up my hand and placed the back of it on her forehead. "Mmm...my cat loves you too."

"You have a cat?" Really? I hadn't picked up on that at her house, oh no. Poor cat.

"My brother does..." She leaned her head back and moaned again as my icy hand reconnected.

"You have a brother? Older or younger?"

"Mm-hmm..." Her head lolled to the side.

"Grey? Baby, stay with me, we're almost there." Moving my hand around her face, I managed to get her alert once more.

"Ughhh...Edward...stop..."

"Sorry baby, you've got to stay awake."

"No...STOP! I mean the car...I don't feel so..."

I got her meaning instantly and was opening her door from outside even as she leaned out. I reached around and unbuckled her from the seat while she heaved and then held her steady for the remainder. Wow. For such a small human, her stomach held a lot of liquid. When it stopped contracting, she began sobbing against my shoulder.

Stroking her hair, I held her, whispering soothing words as she babbled apologies. "Shhh...it's okay. It's my fault. It's all my fault. I'm sorry I hurt you. And got angry with you. None of this is your fault baby. I'll take care of you, don't worry. You'll be okay." I'd seen this in movies, the reassurance thing. I'd never actually tended to a person before now so it felt odd, yet I couldn't seem to push her away. It was my fault. I had an obligation...just as I felt obligated to slaughter the animals that feed me quickly, mercifully, I was obligated to tend to this fragile human and then release her.

Riddled with guilt, I waited in Carlisle's office while he examined her. It was such a thoughtless thing...stupid! I should have been aware of her movements. I should never have asked her to come with me in the first place. If I had controlled my temper... If I'd walked away from her after we'd first met... If I'd just left her alone...

Stupid!

Selfish.

"Is she okay?" I jumped up when Carlisle opened the door.

"A little woozy. She's got a concussion..."

"I figured... Is it broken?"

He nodded. His thoughts trying to console me.

"It is my fault! Can I see her?" I needed to see what damage I'd done to her. I needed to see for myself that she would be okay.

I needed to leave her alone.

Carlisle watched me in silence, unable to read my thoughts, but knowing them regardless. "She'd like that...if you went to her now. She asked for you."

"Carlisle...should I...?"

"See her? I think she'd appreciate it."

"Take her home and forget about her, I mean. This can't happen...right? I should leave?"

He sighed heavily as he grabbed onto my shoulder. "Leave? Edward, I don't think that would solve anything. You already have feelings for this girl... You care for her."

"That's why I should go. She's better without me..."

"What about you, son? Are you better without her? I've noticed the change in you lately, you can't deny you've been happier."

I snorted in disgust. "At what cost? My happiness for her life? Look what I've done to her already! Without even trying!"

"Go see her. You don't have to make any decisions right away. We'd like her to stay awake for the time being, so she needs you there."

Obligation took over. She needed me.

Call me now baby, I'd come a-running
She said call me now baby, I'd come a-running
If you call me now baby, I'd come a-running...

(Kings of Leon)