The Learning Curve: Chapter 51

Forks Community Hospital

"He's fine," I heard Dr. Cullen promising his wife. "He's getting a few stitches, and he may have a concussion, but he's showing no signs of brain damage. He's okay, truly."

I sank back in my chair in relief and looked away from Edward's parents, currently embracing one another in a way that was both innocent and entirely too intimate.

I hadn't seen Edward since we arrived at the hospital. They'd taken him to an exam room, and before I could follow, Charlie turned up - the paramedics had called him.

He'd been frantic, even though I told him I felt fine, and he'd insisted a doctor see me. My only injuries were bruises where the seatbelt had struck. They hurt, but they would heal.

I watched Dr. and Mrs. Cullen go back to see Edward and decided to call Alice.

"So how did it go?" she asked as soon as she answered, presuming that I was calling to talk about meeting Edward's mom.

"Um, it didn't quite go as expected. We sort if...had an accident."

"Oh, God, Bella -"

"I'm fine," I rushed to assure her. "Edward hit his head, but he's going to be fine, too."

"Bella, I'm so sorry. I should have -"

I interrupted her again. "Alice, no. You did everything you could. At least no one was seriously hurt."

Alice sighed. "I'm so glad you're okay. It just feels like I see these horrible things happening to the people I love, and even when I try to stop it, something goes wrong."

"You saved my life today," I pointed out. "You can't keep blaming yourself for what happened to your sister. You were a kid. You did everything you could."

"You sound like my shrink," she complained, and I knew she didn't want to go into it again. She'd spent years talking to psychiatrists about her sister's death.

"I'm just saying, this isn't the same as the last time. I wanted you to know that."

"Thanks, Bella," Alice said quietly.

I saw Edward's parents coming out of his room and walking toward me, and I stiffened. "Alice, I'm gonna go now. I'll call you when I get home, okay?"

"All right. Take care, Bella."

I put my phone down just as Mrs. Cullen stopped in front of me.

"He's asking for you," she said with a smile that put me slightly more at ease. "Perhaps after you see him, you and I can meet properly."

"Okay," I said meekly, still mostly terrified. She sent me off with another maternal smile and I went tentatively down the hall to Edward's room.

As soon as I opened the door, I was met with Edward's smiling face. Only then did I finally let out the breath I hadn't known I was holding.

A/N: You guys, I'd never seriously injure the Edward.

Now, some notes on last chapter's A/N: First off, Muck Fizzou. You're leaving the conference, which means you've officially forfeit the Border War. ;) I'm glad to see so many KU fans reading my stories. Now, for you all who don't know what "Rock Chalk Jayhawk" means...Google it. It's worth the time.