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Chapter 12

Calling all Angels.

Train.

"R-Rose!" I called, stumbling in through the automatic doors of the hospital's entrance.

"Are you looking for Doctor McCarty, Mr. Cullen?" The woman at the desk asked me, her green eyes trained on me. I nodded, walking in further, trying to figure out what I needed to do.

"She may be busy, can I find your father for you? I know he's just working in his office." She offered, typing something up on the computer in front of her. I sighed, my hands moving up to tug stressfully at my hair.

"No...I mean...I don't know." I muttered, looking around, trying to figure out what I was even thinking. I wasn't even sure as to why I went to the hospital to begin with. All I knew was that I needed to get out of the Swan's house, before Charlie had me arrested for trespassing or some bullshit, and that I needed to figure out a way to talk to Bella.

I thought back to how I had woken up to the sounds of Bella screaming. For an instant I feared that Charlie and Renee were in there, doing something to upset her. I was utterly shocked at the revelation that she had been having a nightmare about my death. She was terrified, and I should have known better than to do any more than pat her on the back. I just couldn't watch her, in tears and broken, knowing that I could have done something to make her feel better. So, I acted on instinct and probably lost my job.

I had been paid to spend all my time with that girl and I blew it. I knew that it wasn't the money that kept me there. Not even close. I also knew that Charlie had just the right kind of power to have me arrested. Maybe not for cradle-robbing or something, but he was the chief. If Charlie really wanted me in a cell, it wouldn't take very much work for him to frame me and have me there.

This thought made me groan out loud. I was truly stuck.

"Edward, dear, what are you doing here?" I looked up at the sound of my mother's voice. She was standing across the waiting room at first, but then quickly rushed over.

"Mom..." I couldn't speak, my throat had swelled with the tears that I was fighting.

"Where's Bella? Is she okay? She didn't get hurt again, did she?" She raised an eyebrow. I watched as her hand went up to tuck a stray hair behind her ear. She looked tired. Her hair was up in a messy bun, a rare occurrence for my clean-cut mother. Holding some of it in place was a thick, navy headband. She had slight backs under her eyes, and I knew that she was probably in the middle of a thirty-six-hour shift. I didn't want to stress her any more than she usually was, but I couldn't help but spill my thoughts to her.

"No...I mean, she's physically fine...Charlie kicked me out." I gasped, trying to fathom how I wasn't having a nightmare.

"Oh...well...you can talk to her later today." She offered, cocking her heart-shaped face to the side.

"You should have seen her when I left, Mom. She was so...distressed." I told her, trying to make her understand just how broken-hearted Bella looked. She was already sobbing. Her screaming as I walked out both doors didn't make me feel any better.

"Then go back. Hanging around here isn't helping her." Esme continued and I moaned loudly, my hands moving up to rub my eyes.

"I can't. Charlie will have me arrested." I explained further and she nodded, her eyes downcast, towards the floor. She seemed to be seriously considering all of my options, and the further her brow came together, the more I knew that even she was perplexed.

"Well, honey, then I guess you'll have to wait until after school. She should be leaving soon." Esme told me and I felt myself freeze.

"Shit!" I cursed, realizing that Bella brought the sailor out of me. "I was supposed to drive her to school! How will she get there?"

"Edward, what's going on?" The sound of heels behind me should have told me that Rosalie was there, way before I shot my mouth off. I spun around, finding myself face-to-face with Bella's furious looking mother. My head ducked down, my chin touching my chest. I didn't want to tell her. I had no idea what she would say. "Edward, why did this nurse call me down here in the middle of an appointment saying that you looked like you were about to have a mental breakdown? What the hell is going on?"

"Rose, I," I tried to being talking, but it just wasn't coming out. I took in her appearance. Her foot was tapping in the most annoying way possible, showing her red heels off to the entire room. I finally gained the courage to meet her eyes. I trailed up past her cream-colored dress, and over the white lab-coat that she wore over it. Her blonde hair was perfectly curled, pulled into a weird, twisted half ponytail. She was beautiful, that was for sure. My parents always seemed so rushed at the hospital. She was dressed up, as if every work day was an occasion. When I met her brown eyes, very similar to Bella's, only holding a bit more back-bone, I sighed. "Charlie kicked me out..."

"He what?" She immediately lost her temper, her voice shooting up an octave. "What the hell, Edward?"

"I know...she had a nightmare...she was screaming, so I went in to check on her. She ended up in my lap...I didn't ask her to, or anything. She apparently had a dream that I got shot at work, or something. She was petrified. And then Charlie walked in, and he had a cow. He tried to blow it off as her being jail-bait, even though I knew better. I couldn't fight him. He could have me arrested for anything, if he tried."

"I know...I just...where's Bella?"

"She's still there, I'm assuming. Although now she's on her way to school. If she got a ride, somehow." I stumbled over the words, still panicked over the entire situation.

"Maybe you should drive by, see if she needs something." Rosalie offered and I sighed.

"Or you could go with me?" I asked, not wanting to get evicted from their property again. If I were with Rosalie, they just couldn't do that.

"I have a patient upstairs. Waiting. Of course I'm not going with you. Besides, you need to figure this one out on your own. Maybe you shouldn't have been so quick to run out." She shrugged, her face almost indifferent. I couldn't argue with her because she could have been right. I simply didn't know.

"I've never actually been scared before...I've had a gun held to my head and that didn't freak me out. What if she won't take me back?" I asked. I already knew that Bella would. I was just panicked and being insecure. My mind was on the fritz.

"She will, I promise." Rosalie huffed. "Just go. You probably won't catch her now, but you can be there after school to pick her up."

"Rosie?" Emmett came in, his face confused as he took in our little meeting. "Edward, Bella was looking for you. I took her to school, by the way. You'll definitely want to be there after school so that you guys can talk."

"Oh, thank God. She doesn't hate me?" I let a gush of relieved air out of my lungs, finally relaxing a tiny bit.

"Of course not. She was pretty upset...but not with you. She was mad at Charlie. Oh, I let her borrow some of your clothes," he spoke, turning to Rosalie. "She showed up around four in the morning and I took her to school a bit ago. Poor kid."

"You think she's okay? I could pull her out for the day." Rosalie offered and Emmett shook his head.

"I offered to call in for her. She said she has missed enough, but that otherwise she wouldn't mind the break. I figured she was trying to find a distraction." He explained and I nodded, really only caring about the fact that I only had eight hours until I got to see my Bella again. Until I could apologize for being a pansy and make up with her.

"I'm going to go pick up my things from their house." I told the group and they nodded. My mom immediately pulled me into one of her gut-wrenching hugs. I smiled, happy to hug her back. "After that I'll probably just plan an evening for Bella and I. You guys can count on me picking her up and getting her home sometime tonight."

"You know we trust you." Rosalie nodded.

"Just telling you."

"Tell Bella that I said hi," Emmett spoke, grinning like a kid again.

I could tell that he was relieved to know that I hadn't run off on Bella. I didn't know just how much he believed that I would, but I didn't want to know. All I needed to know was the fact that Bella wasn't going to run out on me. I loved her way to much to consider doing something like that to her. She was my world. It was almost selfish, the way that I feared her leaving me. It almost wasn't about her pain, but rather my own. Emmett understood that, but I didn't know to what extent. All I knew about him was that he loved Bella like a daughter already, even if he was a bit immature.

I bid my goodbyes before rushing out of the hospital. I ran through the slushy parking lot and found myself inside my Volvo in no time. I didn't even bother turning on the heat or the radio as I got started and sped through the town of Forks. All I could think about was how I needed to go pick up my things, and then go home to plan an evening with my girl. I was genuinely excited and couldn't seem to get my head straight as I pulled into the Swan's long driveway.

I considered just walking in, but knew better. Charlie's car was still parked in the drive and I had no intention of pissing him off any further. I also had no intention of returning my key, unless he asked straight-up. I stuffed the key deeper into my pocket before hitting the doorbell.

When the door swung open, Charlie's disheveled form was waiting on the other side. He looked as if he had gotten about as much sleep as I had. I raised my eyebrows at him, waiting for him to address me before speaking. I knew not to pull his strings, and I knew that he was one pain-in-the-ass commander down at the station. I had never personally worked with him, but I had heard things and I also had seen him with his own daughter and granddaughter.

"What the hell do you want?" He growled, and I fought the urge to roll my eyes at how melodramatic he was being.

"I have only returned to pick up my belongings." I reassured him and he watched me for a moment before stepping away to let me in.

He surprisingly didn't say anything else to me as I turned to run up the stairs. When I got to the top, I could hear the shower running in the other room. Renee's harpy voice was singing an unfamiliar tune, giving me strong urges to find earplugs before doing anything else.

I fought those thoughts off and made my way to what had been my room. It was more for show, I remembered, as I collected my clothing. I knew that there was more, across the hall, and in Bella's room. I also knew that what was in there she could keep if she wanted. My pillow, a few shirts, and some shoes. I knew that she liked the little things like that, and I didn't even bother collecting them with my own belongings. What was mine, was hers.

After I had my duffel filled, I made the bed and dashed out of the bedroom. I wasn't anticipating another encounter with the Swans as I made my way out the front door. I tossed my bag in my trunk, letting it close with a thud before going around and getting back in my car.

When I finally got to my parent's house, I pulled into the garage and made my way up the stairs. I was startled when my father walked around the corner and greeted me. For reasons unknown, I had just assumed that he was at work with my mother. It was hard to picture them having the same job, but not being there at the same time. Especially when Carlisle had control over their hours and scheduling.

"Oh!" I gasped, bouncing back as I nearly ran into him. "Hey, dad. Why are you home?"

"One of our residents asked for yesterday off, so I switched with them."

"Did you have to?" I knew it was a stupid question as soon as it left my mouth. Carlisle was too good to do things because he had to. He did what was right. He always did what was right.

"No. I find it unfair for me to have control over everyone's hours and scheduling, but really only use that control to my own benefit. It wont' kill me to have to spend some time alone in this house. Now, why are you here?" He answered, but I was sure he knew that I already knew the answer. I was just too quick to speak. At his question, I sighed and ran a hand through my jungle of hair. It had become quite the mess throughout the morning. He seemed to already have gotten an eyeful of my bag, and I knew that he only wanted the details behind why I was moving back in.

"Uh, Charlie may or may not have walked in on Bella and I kissing..." I spoke slowly, unsure as to how Carlisle would react. You never really knew when he was going to play the dad card, or the professional card. "He kicked me out immediately...I didn't even get to say goodbye to Bella. I'm going to pick her up after school though, and do something."

"Man, that's rough." He sighed, and I smiled. The dad card.

"I know...I'd say that every relationship has a little bit of drama...but really? We sure have a lot of it. A lot more than we need." I laughed.

"You can do it. Just be good and show her how you feel. I know Bella adores you." He patted my shoulder before making his way towards the staircase.

"I'll see you later." I called, already having turned to continue to my room.

When I got in, I tossed my things in the hamper before anything else.

After all of my things were cleaned an moved out of the way, I sat down to plan my evening with Bella. I knew that she hated surprises, but even when a girl hates something, doesn't mean that she doesn't deserve it. Bella deserved a night off. I quickly called one of her favorite restaurants, La Bella Italia, an made reservations. After that was settled, I moved on to picking out my clothes and packing another bag.

I was going to stay at Rosalie's. I knew that I probably should have asked Rosalie and Emmett before deciding such a thing, but I didn't care. I wasn't going to spend a night that far away from Bella. Not when I didn't know what she was thinking and feeling. I had to be there for her, even if that meant I had to stay a few houses down without permission. It almost felt like moving back into my parents was me giving up.

I wouldn't have that.

After saying goodbye to my father, I ran on back to my car an hit the road again. I dropped my things off at Rose's, and then turned to head back to the hospital. It wasn't as urgent this time, so I figured that I could wait for Rose to get out of work. Just when I pulled in, my police scanner began to bus. I flicked it on, curious about what was happening.

What I heard made my heart stop.

Someone had broken into Forks High School with a gun. They had broken in a gun, and they had gone ahead an shot two women. I didn't bother pulling into the hospital's parking lot, instead I found myself doing a U-turn an pressing down on the gas. I didn't even notice when my foot hit the floor and the car was going full-speed. The only thing on my mind was my destination and the fact that Bella was in that building.

When I pulled in, I watched as the SWAT team came out with a body bag. I wasted no time getting my badge out and rushing to the scene. I was a bit relieved to see that it was a man in the bag. He was dressed un professionally and had a bullet hole in between his eyes. He was dead and he certainly wasn't a teacher. He was the shooter.

"Sorry," the man who was pushing the gurney said, moving to zip the body bag up, over the man's face.

"Is this the shooter?" I asked him quickly and he nodded.

I turned and found myself rushing to the doors. I had no idea what I planned on doing. By the time I reached them, they were being pushed open. Two paramedics were rushing out, another gurney in between them. At first, I paid no mind to who was on it, my brain too preoccupied with finding my Bella. But I did a double-take, my heart completely stopping at the fact that it was too late. I had already found her.

"Bella!" I croaked, turning to follow them.

"Officer, we're going to have to ask you to step back!" One called as I tried to get into the ambulance with them.

"She's my girlfriend...please." I was already sobbing, surprising myself with how quickly I had broken down. "Please."

"Fine." The woman with the dark hair muttered, glancing at her partner. He agreed, running around to start the front. I hopped in and closed the door for them.

My body scooted to the front of the bus, where I was closer to Bella's face. Her eyes were shut, and her skin was noticeably paler. Slowly, my terrified eyes drifted down to find where her shirt was completely soaked in blood. It was all over her. Her arms, her pants, and there was even some in the ends of her long hair, making it look even darker. I used my shaking hands to lift on of hers, pressing the least bloody part of it too my lips. The paramedic across from me seemed to be occupied with getting her wound to stop bleeding.

"Bella..." I choked again, turning to look at her face. "Please don't leave me. I don't know if you can hear me or not, but I need you. I really need you. I'm sorry I left so quickly this morning. I didn't want Charlie to be even more mad at you...I just...God, Bells. Just don't go. Please. Please..."

"We're here." The medic up front shouted, hopping out to come help us get her out.

"Edward?" Esme's voice cried as I hopped out before Bella. I didn't get the chance to answer her as I helped the paramedics keep Bella's body level.

"Bella!" Rosalie blood-curdling scream came next, making me panic. I didn't want her to see Bella the way that she was.

"Mom, get Rose out of here." I huffed as we began running Bella into the ER doors. The paramedic from the back was calling out things about Bella's vitals and information.

"You're going to have to wait out here," a doctor who I hadn't met told me an I just nodded. I knew the risks of getting in the way. The problem for me was letting go. I couldn't loosen my grip on Bella's hand.

"Edward." My dad was behind me, surprising me once again. He had placed his hands on my shoulder, lightly squeezing them in what was probably supposed to be a comforting manner. "Come on, son. Let us help her."

"Dad...I..." I just cried, my entire body turning to jello.

"My baby!" Rosalie's shrill cries pulled me a bit further out of my stupor. I kissed Bella's cheek one last time, whispering my love, before running back over to where Esme had her arms wrapped around Rose. Rose was sobbing, her cries probably disturbing the entire hospital. I just watched as my mother practically swaddled her, rocking her back and forth quickly. Nothing seemed to subdue Rosalie's terror.

"Shh...she's a strong girl. You know this. Shh..." My mother was openly crying, but not as hysterically as Rosalie.

"I just got her back...I can't do this...I can't lose her." Rosalie choked out the words, and I felt my heart break for her as well. Bella was her baby, even if Bella was all grown up. That thought was weird to wrap my head around. It was hard to see Rose and Emmett as people old enough to worry about an eighteen-year-old girl. "Edward! Oh God, please."

The next thing I knew, Rosalie was wrapped around me. Her arms were choking my neck, but I didn't care. I gripped her fiercely, sobs wracking both of our bodies. We stood there, hugging each other, for an immeasurable amount of time. When Carlisle tapped on my shoulder, asking us to turn around and face him, I felt my blood run cold.

"Well...she's stable." He started, and I nodded, keeping an arm around Rosalie's shoulder. Her blonde head had slumped, resting against my bicep. I could practically feel the relief running through her. I knew by the look on Carlisle's face that we weren't quite out of the woods. "They're running her up to an emergency surgery right now. It doesn't appear that the bullet hit any vital organs. I believe that we can expect a full recovery, with time."

"Oh, thank you so much Carlisle." Rosalie blubbered and he nodded, smiling sadly.

"You know I look at her as a daughter just as much as you do." He told her and she nodded quickly, understanding. "She's a very brave girl. I definitely believe in her."

"You know I do too...I just...I'm scared." Rose admitted.

"Well, that is completely understandable. Just remember that she's in good hands and that if all goes well, you can expect to see her in about two or three hours."

"Will she be awake?" I asked and he shook his head.

"Odds are she will be placed into an induced coma. This way she can heal properly, without the excess stress that comes with waking up." He explained and I sighed softly. I just wanted to see her beautiful eyes again.

I wanted to hear Bella's soft voice, telling me to quit being so goofy because things were serious. I wanted her to graduate high school, and have to face the decisions of growing up and going to college. I wanted Bella to marry me. I knew that as soon as she was out of that hospital bed, I was going to begin my plans to propose to her. I wanted her to have our babies, and to be by my side through all of the craziness that was a marriage. What I didn't want was for the last time I saw her to have been the last time that I did see her. Scared, sad, and alone. She was going to smile, always, if I had a say in the matter. I didn't really want any of this.

I needed it.

I needed Bella.

After Carlisle finished explaining things into greater detail, I plopped down, into one of the hard hospital chairs. My head dropped into my hands, covering my eyes as I tried to get a hold of myself. I found it hard, as my heart was with Bella. There was nothing for me to hold onto. I could smell my mother's sweet perfume as she sat down beside me, running her small hand up and down my back like she did when I was small. Rosalie took the other seat beside me, not saying any words as well.

I didn't know what time it was when I heard Emmett's booming voice. He had never sounded so hysterical, trying to get Rosalie's attention. He pleaded with her, asking where Bella was. I finally looked up, finding him at Rose's feet, his hands on her knees as she kept her face ducked into the crook between his neck and his shoulder. His eyes finally found mine, and curiosity filled them instantly.

"Bella was shot." I spoke the words, noticing how flat my voice was. The words just felt so foreign.

"I knew it was her...as soon as I got out of Port Angeles...they had me on call there...I knew it was her." His head shook back and forth, tears beginning to dribble down his face. "I prayed..."

"I know." I breathed.

"Wh-where...where is she? She's not-" He began to ask but I stopped him, not considering the thoughts that he could have led me to.

"She's in surgery. Carlisle said that the odds are with her...I just...I'm still nervous. Petrified." I cut him off, my voice not quite sharp, but not quite dull. It sounded almost hollow. So genuine that it hurt to hear it.

"She'll be okay. It's Bella."

"What time is it?" Rosalie's voice was muffled, as she had yet to pick her head up after relaxing into Emmett.

"It's after six-thirty...why?" Emmett asked and I felt my head shoot up. It had been over three hours already. Carlisle said that it would be around two or three. I felt my heart-rate speed up at that. I wondered if something had gone wrong. I prayed that I was wrong, that I was just going crazy and that I was just over thinking everything.

"Guys." Esme's voice was hard, and I turned to see Carlisle approaching, his face emotionless.

"If you guys would like to come upstairs, to the lounge, we can discuss things more privately," Carlisle said, giving nothing away in his face or tone as he spoke to us. I glanced at Rosalie, who was already shaking her head at him. She didn't want that.

"I want to know now." She all but growled.

"All right." He nodded, and sucked in a deep breath.

A/N: I think that was a good place to cut it. Reminds me of the end of the New Moon movie.

Marry me, Bella.

* sucks in breath *

BLACKNESS.

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