A/N: You guys rock! I love all the conspiracy theories you've sent me. Haha. I do realize I promised no rape in this story…and there will not be any portrayal of rape in the present tense or involving Bella. Historical occurrences of such trauma which may be affecting the present day may be included... or not. Just giving a heads up to those who are uncomfortable with the topic….

Also, I apologize if I didn't answer your reviews, I was on vacation and for some reason I missed some of them!

Chapter 17 – Vexes and Vandalism

Cringe.

"Bella?" I heard a voice behind me.

I was standing in the atrium with my arms crossed over my chest. My eyes were closed and I was nearly hyperventilating.

Angela walked over and placed her arm on my shoulder, giving me a moment to regain composure. "Are you alright? I heard James bothering you just now. He's been such a problem to all the female staff."

"Yeah, I'm okay. And that doesn't surprise me; he's been a problem to me since I arrived," my voice cracked. Resisting the urge to run back outside and go home, I smiled as a façade. The entire encounter left me desiring another shower. Three to four showers maybe, enough to wash off the scum.

"Well good riddance!" Angela smiled in return.

"So everyone knows?" I asked.

"That he's been fired? Yeah. Well, we don't know the details. Maybe Dr. Cullen gave him the option to resign, but everyone knows that he no longer works here as of today. James just turned over his identification and keys, right before you came in." Angela heaved a sigh of relief.

"Wow." I couldn't believe it was over.

"I'm not surprised, Bella. He's been manipulating people and lying to Dr. Cullen since joining the staff! I never trusted him." She shook her head.

"Apparently some of the female staff did," I argued.

"I know," Angela whispered. "And Ramona isn't the only one who fell for his ridiculous lines. Megan certainly met with him on occasion, trying to climb the social ladder I suppose."

"So that's true, then?" How any woman could stomach his advances was beyond me.

"Goodness. Look at me, spreading rumors. I wasn't in the room with them, so I don't know exactly what she climbed, if anything." Her comment and my imagination caused an outburst of giggling from the mental picture of James' mole once again.

"Thanks, Angela, I needed to laugh. This whole situation is just awful."

"Well, he needed to leave. James was incompetent. You picked up on that the first week, doc. Just watch yourself around Megan, because I'm not sure how close they were. She'll probably repeat to him anything you say in her presence, if he still gives her the time of day that is," she warned.

"Thanks for the heads up. I guess I should get started now; I have twice the patients to see today. See you later, Angela."

"Anytime, Bella."

***###***

My rounds lasted all morning, leaving more to see after lunch. Mr. Pulsifer was one of the first patients I met with. His wise eyes welcomed mine as I sat down in his room, though he only nodded in greeting.

"How are you today, Mr. Pulsifer?"

"Do I know you?" he asked.

"We met once, but only briefly. I'm Dr. Isabella Swan. I'll be one of your doctors here at the retreat."

"What happened to the pale face who knew it all, yet knew nothing?" His face was serene.

Haha. That had to be Creepo.

"He's no longer working here, Mr. Pulsifer."

"Ah. A wise decision... was it yours?" He had an uncanny knack of being right to have cognitive problems.

"No, sir, it wasn't mine."

"But it could have been. You seem wise," he added.

A smile and slight blush appeared on my face. "Thank you. But I would like to use my knowledge and wisdom in helping you, if you'd let me."

He watched with scrutiny as I continued asking him questions which he answered politely yet guarded. I could tell he was making his assessment of me from the moment I walked in the room. Once the initial interview was over, I completed a mini mental status examination. It didn't surprise me that James had yet to record one in his chart, let alone order the neuropsychological testing his son Eric had requested. The level of his incompetence continued to dumbfound me, even in his absence. Basically James had given him sleeping pills and an antidepressant, with barely a mention of a dementia work-up. His tendency to keep patient's length of stay as long as possible meant that his workload was lighter.

He really was a lazy ass.

Mr. Pulsifer scored moderately impaired on the bedside mental status exam, but the results were more for monitoring purposes, not diagnostic. I explained the process of a more thorough testing which Alice would perform, in addition to laboratory profiles I wanted to order.

"And this is necessary for what reason?" he asked calmly.

Sigh. This never gets easy.

"Mr. Pulsifer, if your memory is failing, then we need to talk about your ability to care for yourself. Where you may live, who will help when the time comes," I started to explain.

"I will not be a burden for my family, or my people," he interrupted.

"I understand. But let's see how things go first, okay?" I persuaded.

Arguing the decisions or results of the tests before they were even obtained was futile. I didn't desire to upset him any more than needed, and he accepted my offer with a smile. I left the room feeling relieved that James was no longer caring for him.

Calling his son to provide an update in the treatment plan was a pleasure. Eric Pulsifer was thrilled when I relayed the news. "Dr. Swan, I mean, Bella, I can't thank you enough. Carlisle called me this morning and informed me of the physician change. I'll be honest… I was very uncomfortable with James' recommendations."

"Please let me know if there are any concerns you have with my treatment plans, Eric. I think it's wonderful your dad has such a supportive son." I was pleased he was happy with the change.

Eric explained his growing concerns for his father. He also gave me more of the family history. "It has just been me and my brother since my mom passed. Tyler is coming to visit dad during his fall break, he's a fourth year medical student at the University of Washington this year. I hope you can meet with him when he's there, Bella. He's still undecided on his field of medicine."

"I'd be glad to. I'll try my best," I agreed.

***###***

Lunch was fast and furious with the help of Jasper. He had a turkey club with avocado ranch waiting for me when I sat down, knowing the workload was double because of James leaving. Alice had apparently filled him in on the details, but the entire Retreat was buzzing with the news.

Just like Mayberry.

Edward wasn't there when I arrived, a detail which was puzzling given his gumption for timeliness. In fact, the twenty minutes I was allowing myself for lunch today was almost over when he barreled into the dining hall. His blue eyes were waging war with the specks of emerald that could only mean one thing. He was angry.

Everyone surrounding the table froze when he approached, but he stood prominently at the end of the table, visibly trembling.

"Wow, Alice, you're right, he's so much more relaxed now." Rose commented under her breath, loud enough for all to hear.

"Shhh, Rose! Not a good time." Alice hid her face from me behind her Gatorade, knowing I would have questions for her later. I frowned in both of their directions before turning my attention back to Blue Eyes.

Please let them be blue.

"Bella," he managed.

"Edward."

Awkward. What in the world is wrong with him?

"Are you ok?" he asked bluntly.

Huh?

"Yes. Why?" I was more than confused.

His shoulders heaved a heavy sigh before continuing, but his eyes began to sparkle once again in their bluest form.

"Why? Angela told me about James threatening you. As a matter of fact, everyone in the front atrium heard him threaten you!" The green embers started showing again.

"Oh, that." My mind had suppressed the conversation with James in order to focus on work.

"Yes, Bella. That. Did you call security?" he asked.

"Bella! Is this true? Are you ok? Why didn't you tell me? Did you tell Carlisle what happened?" Lil' Firecracker once again rattled off twenty questions from across the table.

I swear that's her favorite game.

The threats from James had been more than startling. But the tasks ahead of me for the day had outweighed any fears or concerns that might have caused me to freak and tell anyone.

"No, Edward. No, Alice. I'm fine. Yes, he made some remarks, but they were no more unusual than his routine narcissism. Seriously you guys, it's over. I'm just trying to tread water with all these new patients at the moment." I hoped they would drop it.

Edward finally sat down in front of me, running his fingers through his locks. They were noticeably long enough to have his fingers run through them. Refusing to eat, he watched me intently. My paranoia for leaving condiments on my face and the act of chewing alone quickly suppressed my appetite.

"I think I'll get back to work now." I faintly smiled while standing to leave.

"I'll walk you out." Edward stood in response.

Suddenly I need a chaperone?

His need to observe the accuracy of my statement "I'm ok" was progressively suffocating. "That's nice of you, Edward, but not necessary."

Ignoring my response he strode out of the dining hall beside me, following me to my office door. We walked inside for me to retrieve my white coat before returning to round on the floor.

"Are you sure you're alright?" he asked again.

"Yes, Edward. I'm sure. Are you alright?" I teased.

Rolling his eyes, he fidgeted with his sleeves. "Don't be ridiculous. Why wouldn't I be? I'm not the one who was threatened by that jerk today."

"I've been in much more dangerous situations with my true patients, Edward. James was angry and blamed me for getting caught. I'm sure he'll move on to another job where he can fool everyone in no time." I hoped.

The concern etched on his beautiful face melted my annoyance. "But I do appreciate your worrying about me. Thank you."

His smile returned, brightening up the room and my heart. "I'm just glad he didn't lay his hands on you. That would be a costly mistake. And you're welcome, beautiful."

"Wow. Such compliments," I whispered.

"They're deserved," he continued with his grin.

Of course I blushed, still intoxicated by his mere presence. His effect on me caused me to brace myself with a hand on my desk.

You're gonna be all Southern Belle and get the vapors now?

"So can I meet you after work and walk you out?" His concern was not abated by my assurances.

"Seriously?" I questioned.

"Yes. I'd like to spend time with you, Bella. And I know today's been a long day."

He always the right answer. Maybe he is a boy scout.

I knew his motives were more than just time with me, but I was willing to use those regardless. "Sure, Edward. We can walk out together. But I need to go see the rest of my patients now."

"Oh! Have you seen Ms. Hiller yet?"

"No….I'll be meeting with her this afternoon, why?" I was curious about his excitement.

"We had another session today."

"That's right. You were going to tell me about last week too. Do you have time now?"

Edward nodded and sat down on my black sofa, causing my mind to wander from the topic of conversation. Silently I began counting the window panes on the far end of the room, hoping he would begin talking about Landie to distract me from ogling. The bulge in his pants that outlined his apparent manhood was prominent from his languid posture, causing sinful thoughts to race through my mind repetitively.

"Bella?" he asked, grinning boyishly. "Do you need some water? You seem flushed."

"I'm fine. Well, maybe water would be good. It is warm in here, isn't it?" I fanned my face.

"Hmm. If you say so. You sure you don't need to lie down?" his tone changed.

I turned to assess the affect associated with such a baiting statement and found the piercing gaze I had dreamt about nightly assessing my rear end.

I do say so. And you know it.

Ungh…Now is not the time.

"You were going to tell me about Ms. Hiller?" I cleared my throat, ignoring his banter.

"Yes. Yes, that's right." He fidgeted uncomfortably as I placed my mouth on the water bottle and took a few large gulps.

Haha. Now look who's distracted.

"Bella, I'll just come straight to the point. I think Ms. Hiller has been abused, maybe even raped."

I coughed on my water. "Wow. I wasn't expecting that. Why would you say this?"

"I noticed things in our first session, which had other residents present, It was very informal. I began by allowing them the opportunity to play or experiment with the instruments," he explained.

"Things? Such as?" I hated to question him, but I was skeptical that he could be making such an assumption in only one session.

"Well, she brightened immediately when playing the piano. She even spoke about playing the organ to one of the other residents." He leaned forward.

"Yeah, she was an organist for many years in her church," I added.

"But whenever it was time to switch instruments, she navigated the male patients with a space of at least five feet. One time she even walked to the other side of the room to avoid close contact. And I just sensed her unease, in general. It was not at all like a patient with schizophrenia, but more like a patient with extreme anxiety." He was fidgeting with his hands now.

"I never thought she had schizophrenia. James gave her that diagnosis without a proper assessment. And you met with her again today?" I was intrigued.

"Yes. And I'm even more certain. Today it was just her and two other female patients. I arranged it that way on purpose, after seeing her discomfort with the males. Her mood was excellent throughout the session, until I picked up sheet music which had fallen to the floor beside her. She nearly jumped out of her skin, Bella."

"Hyper-arousal?" I asked.

"Exactly. An extreme startle reflex. She had it every time I was near her. She even screamed out once, asking me to 'just stop!'" Edward looked at me for confirmation.

How could I have missed it? The psychosis and delusions could be from PTSD.

My look of consternation must have confused Edward, causing him to minimize his assessment. "I could be wrong, I mean, it has only been two sessions…"

"No. You could also be right. I just can't believe I missed that in my differential." I was always obsessive about a thorough differential.

"She was so sick when she arrived. It's been your care which enabled me to observe her in a relaxed setting to start with. She wouldn't even speak to the staff when I first heard her case presented." Edward was trying to reassure me.

"The nightmares, the almost catatonia with James, the abrupt onset, it all could fit," I noted.

"What did the psychological testing show?" Edward asked.

"Alice was finishing her summation today. She said she would flag me electronically when it's ready."

"Good. Well, then that will help too I assume." He nodded.

"Do you think the sessions are too traumatic for her?" I asked.

"I don't think so, especially now that I know her discomfort with me, and with men. I'll take extra precautions. Do we have much history of her life before? I was going to ask Angela for details but was sidetracked when she told me what happened to you this morning." He frowned again.

"Very little. She comes from a very conservative background, her father is a pastor. This was her first year at the University in Seattle." My mind was still racing.

"Hmm. More details on her first semester would be helpful," he spoke out loud.

"True. Hey, thanks, Edward, for the heads up. I'll definitely explore this in our individual therapy." I had forgotten to thank him.

"Anytime. I hope you don't mind my interpretations. "

"No. I'm quite impressed actually. You've got hidden talent," I joked.

"More than you know." He winked.

Whimper.

I giggled flirtatiously. "Okay. I really need to get going. I'll go and see her first."

"Sounds good. I'll meet you back here after work." It was a statement, not a question.

He stood outside the door, waiting for me to leave. Walking away I could feel him watching me. Knowing he cared enough to walk me home from work made my heart jump.

To the parking lot, Ms. Histrionic. Same difference!

The changes in him were unbelievable, but could I trust them? I was willing to. The opportunity of being with him was worth the risk, no matter how great.

***###***

"Hello, Landie."

"Hello, Dr. Swan"

"How are you feeling today"

"I'm ok," she spoke quietly.

She sat still in the chair, staring presumably at designs in the carpet. My questions remained open ended for the most part, giving me opportunity to assess her thought processes. She definitely seemed more linear with less paranoia. Approaching her regarding Edward's theory was nerve wracking, since I didn't want to alienate our alliance. I started with her primary delusion once again, knowing she was comfortable discussing it with me.

"How are things going, with your message…from God?"

Ms. Hiller looked ashamed and embarrassed, making eye contact for the briefest of moments. "He's disappointed in me, I know it."

"Disappointed?" I asked.

"Yeah. I placed myself before him. Even now, I'm being selfish."

"How do you think you're being selfish, Landie?"

"Being here. Talking to you. I should be serving him."

"What if he's not disappointed?" I challenged.

"What?" She looked stunned.

"What if God is not disappointed? What if he wants you to be here, to get stronger. To be a better messenger, even?"

Her lips trembled as silent tears fell from her face. She shook her head 'no' in disbelief, but didn't verbalize her feelings.

"Do you think you'll ever be good enough? To be God's messenger?" I pushed her further.

More tears fell down her face, now splotchy from the crying. "No," she admitted.

"Why not?"

Ms. Hiller sat there in silence, unable to verbalize the explanations I pleaded for. Her core belief of being unworthy was clear, but was there more? Did she find herself unlovable?

Or maybe damaged goods.

"Let's talk about something else. How was the music therapy?" I changed tactics.

Landie's affect changed immediately, with some semblance of a smile almost gracing her features. "It was nice."

"I'd like you to go three times a week, if you like."

"I would." She nodded.

"Is Mr. Cullen letting you play the piano?"

The mention of Edward's name caused her countenance to return to that of a masked being. "Yes," she said.

I quickly retreated from that line of questioning, leaving more questions unanswered for me.

Don't push her too soon. She's making progress.

"Wonderful. Well perhaps I can hear you play sometime." I smiled.

"Maybe." She replied, but was still more guarded.

"Well our time is up for today. I'll see you tomorrow, Ms. Hiller."

Just to test Edward's theory further, I placed my hand on her shoulder as she turned to leave. Landie jumped slightly, but nothing too unusual.

"Bye, Dr. Swan."

***###***

I rounded the corner to find Edward leaning against my door. His jacket was thrown over his shoulder and he bore a scowl on his face reminiscent of James Dean.

He just needs the tousled hair.

It was if he hadn't moved since I left him there hours before. "Edward." I nodded.

"Bella. I was wondering if you left without me."

"Um…no. I was running late. Oh, I forgot!" I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Forgot what?"

"You're the time czar!" I laughed out loud.

He rolled his eyes as I gathered my things to leave, clearly thinking of a response. "Well, you're the spelling Nazi!"

We laughed together as we walked towards the car. "You should have known I wasn't gone,my car was still here," I explained.

"I know. I checked." He shrugged.

"Oh you did, huh? So you're pouting for what, pity?"

"No. Pouting is your job, Brown eyes."

No fair! He always wins by flirting!

I reached in my bag, hunting for my keys as he leaned into me beside the car. Despite our agreement to be friends first, the overwhelming urge to kiss him became stronger the more he inched towards me. Looking down I felt his eyes wander over my face and my body. I closed my eyes to inhale his scent.

"Bella, I, um, oh! Damnit!"

Huh? Do I smell?

Confused and bewildered, I opened my eyes to follow his. I looked at my hand, which was still holding my keys. There was nothing unusual there. However, beside the door lock, and etched along the entire side of the car and rear fender, was the word 'BITCH', keyed into the enamel.

"I'm going to kill him."