Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, that honor belongs to Stephanie Meyers.
I have to thank my beta, my personal Mistress, Ms Bond. She keeps me sane when the Xanax wears off, plus she's a great drinking buddy.
My Twilight Sisterhood girls have been so ubber supportive sending me text messages about Awakening or pimping me out. Luv u ladies more than words can say.
And a HUGE THANK YOU to LilKel4 for the medical advice, and she also saved you guys from very unbelievable operating scenes in the front yard....what can I say I watced too much ER.
And to the reviewers...especially those who've been through this...God Bless you for unknowingly keeping me in check.
Enjoy!
Party Up
Y'all gon' make me lose my mind up in HERE, up in here
Y'all gon' make me go all out up in here, up in here
Y'all gon' make me act a FOOL up in HERE, up in here
Y'all gon' make me lose my cool up in here, up in here
-DMX
Announcer:
Rocker Edward Cullen, the lead singer of the band Cullen was rushed to the hospital after an altercation withForks, Washington attorney Alec Ramsey.
Earlier in the evening Edward was all smiles as he and his band played at the Forks Memorial Hospital Benefit concert, but when he returned home he witnessed one of his good friends, Isabella Ramsey being beaten by her husband, James Ramsey.
According to witnesses when Edward intervened he was blinded sided by Ramey's cousin Attorney Alec Ramsey, who struck Edward, over the head with a bat. Edward's brother Emmett Cullen came to his aid but it may have been too late. At this time Edward is in a coma and listed in critical condition.
I reached for the remote turning off the television; it had been the same report for the last 12 hours. I replayed those moments over and over in my mind, and each time I came to the same conclusion.
"They have it wrong, you know?" Aro said watching me closely.
"At the moment they have to wrong, but it could change in a blink of an eye," I replied, I was tired and drained.
"That's not a very positive attitude, Carlisle."
No, positivity walked out my door the moment Edward lost consciousness and Emmett was arrested. I was left feeling shaken and hollow.
"Remember when we were kids, and the bullies would beat up on you?" Aro asked, interrupting the mental argument I was havingwith myself.
"Yeah, you'd go kick their asses for me," I said.
"And I'll do it again, so don't worry," Aro said with a sad smile. "Remember how you tried not to cry in front of dad?"
"Yeah, he hated tears," I said, wearily still trying to hold it together.
"And what did I tell you?" he asked.
I just shook my head, not wanting to remember the constant fights I had to endure as the neighborhood nerd.
"I told you, you're always allowed to break down in front of me. I'd never judge you. I didn't then and I certainly won't now."
I sat theretrying to get my emotions in check, the pain and rage coursing through my body, was no comparisonto the pain I endured as a child. Nothing had prepared me for this, not my father's constant barrage of insults, not the bullies on the playground, not medical school, not even watching another human die.
I had to hold on to the fact that Edward was not dead. But the doctor in me knew he could take a turn for the worst and the father in me was feeling nothing but blinding pain; pain that I may have inflicted on my family for my delayed reactions.
Hearing Edward calling for me took back to when he was 7 yrs old and had broken his arm. He came to our room late one night because of the pain, and didn't want Emmett to see him cry. It was that same heart breaking sound. Not wanting to wake Esme I picked up him, got him some Tylenol for kids and glass of juice, I hated to see my boy in pain.
It was then that I made a promise to myself that I would do everything in my power to ensure they never had to hurt, but when the time arose I froze; I fucking froze on MY SON! If he died it would be my fault.
Just that thought alone made me shake from the inside out. Aro, standing before me with his usually cold blue eyes, held nothing but compassion and they were telling me it was ok. Aro was a very scary man, even as children people sensed something about him and were afraid. There was indifference about him, but when it came to family, he was warm, kind, and I knew I could rely on him. I knew my break down wouldn't make him think less of me, but it was hard. Years of control were shattering all around me; I could feel the tears I was holding back begin to fall. I knew I was in some form of shock, but I couldn't stop them.
It wasn't just Edward I was worried about though, it was Emmett as well. He was sitting in jail and there was nothing I could do for him, I felt so helpless.
"Emmett?" I choked out, not being able to form a question.
"I can't do anything until tomorrow morning, but from what ADA says he's a flight risk."
"My son wouldn't run! And could you please tell me why he's in jail in the first place? For God's sake, he saw his brother being attacked! On my fucking property," I said as I gave into the rage, throwing a crystal vase across the room.
"Don't worry, I got it Carlisle," Aro said in an alarming calm voice. When Aro was in his natural cold persona I knew what to expect, but he was standing here exuding calmness, it was as if we had reversed roles. "I'm worried about the Ramsey girl."
"What about Bella?" I asked, suddenly confused.
"ADA confirmed, she's not pressing charges."
"You're fucking kidding me, right? My son is laying in a fucking coma, trying to save her ass and she's not going back to him?!" I would kill her myself. Calm yourself, Carlisle. Common sense told me, paying me a momentary visit, "Bella is still unconscious, and she hasn't even had a chance to talk to anyone, yet."
"Interesting," Aro said.
"What?"
"I would expect Jane to make that statement, but the ADA? I'll look into it," Aro said, more to himself than to me.
Aro started typing into his PDA, probably sending instructions to his associates when I heard the quick tap on the door, as Aro opened the door I moved to stand in front of the window, trying to wipe away all traces of tears as Esme came into the room.
I could feel her standing behind me, but I wasn't ready to face her yet. I couldn't break down in front of her, she needed me strong and I would find a way to be just that. I nearly lost it, when I felt her small arms wrap around me from behind.
"Babe, talk to me," she said, as she squeezed me tighter. I looked down at her hands around my waist and gently caressed them, wanting to take refuge in her arms, but I knew I needed to pull myself together.
"I fucked up," I said, feeling the shakiness returning.
"How?" she asked in a confused voice.
"My reactions were too slow… if anything happens, I'll never forgive myself," I said as I forced myself to step out of her embrace. Running my fingers through my hair, I sat on the edge of my desk; Esme wedged herself between my legs.
"Carlisle, other than rewinding time to stop Alec, what could you have done to change things?" she asked.
"I don't know! In all the years I've been a doctor, I've never hesitated. I've never once froze, but the moment my son needed me I couldn't fucking move!" I exploded, I didn't want to take it out on her, I wasn't angry at her, I was angry at James, Alec and most of all at myself.
"You know, you don't have to be Dr. Cullen all the time. You're allowed to simply be, Carlisle," she said after a few minutes.
"It's all I know how to be," I finally admitted.
"Oh baby….you're allowed to be human," she murmured taking my face into her hands and kissing my lips. "You have always, always been my rock. I depended on you when we first had Emmett, and he cried every chance he got. Anytime I have an insane client you always calm me down, even when you're up to your ears with patients, and when I had to deal with empty nest syndrome, you were right there by my side. It never fails, I could call you for the most minor thing and you talk me off that cliff, you hold me up when I want to melt. So now I'm telling you to hold on to me, I will be your rock through this. You don't have to be Superman. You can depend on me, don't hide. I know you're scared and so am I, but I also know that everything's going to be ok." She stroked my face and continued, "You're allowed to simply be Carlisle Cullen, father of 6, and husband to me," she said as she wiped away my tears.
Pulling her closer I buried my face into her neck, I had never felt so weak. I finally disengaged myself from her arms and I brushed a kiss onto Esme's lips, looking for the strength to walk out the office.
"Babe, why did you say 6 kids, we only have 3," I said questioning her last statement.
"Emmett, Edward, Alice, Rosalie, Jasper and Bella," she said bemusedly.
"So Bella has been officially adopted?"
"Other than Jake we're her only family, so yes, she's one of my babies," she said with an air of authority.
"Ok Es." This beautiful womannever failed to amaze me, I had known she was taken with Bella, but never realized how much. We both worried about her, it was an easier burden to deal with when the family knew, and we all seemed to have to same goal of helping her.
"Speaking of babies, let's go see ours," she said grabbing my hand. I guided her away from the broken glass and made a mental note to contact maintenance.
"Where is everyone?" I asked when I didn't see Jasper, Alice or Rosalie in the waiting room.
"They went to see Emmett, I figured you needed time to compose yourself when I heard the glass shattering," she said.
I noticed some of the nurses and doctors staring in our direction as Esme lead me toward Edward's room. I knew if she hadn't been holding my hand, I wouldn't have been able to walk in.
As a doctor, I knew what to expect when patient had a fractured skull, but all my knowledge seemed to fly out the door having to deal with my own child. Esme and I both froze, I was supposed to be helping her, I glanced over and saw the unshed tears pooling in her eyes, taking a deep breath she went to her son's bed side.
The only comfort I had was hearing his heart monitor, it was strong and steady, it relieved some of the ache; this helped me walk forward, even if it was with slow steps. Esme looked at me as she hesitantly touched Edward's hands.
"Can I hold his hand?" she asked anxiously.
"Yes, of course you can."Esme caressed our son's hand and placed a kiss on them. She used to do that with each child when she rocked them to sleep, I was pretty certain she wasn't even aware that she did it.
While we were lost in our own thoughts Dr. Banner, who was treating Edward, walked into the room.
"Carlisle, I have an update about Edward," he said to me. My heart started to race, oh crap, what if there was a tear? Esme came to my rescue.
"Dr. Banner why don't you and I talk outside?" she said to him, heading toward the door.
"Wouldn't it be better if I relayed this to Carlisle, he'd understand it better," Banner said in a condescending voice. Did he just call my wife stupid?
"Banner, talk to Esme outside. You don't have to worry about her ability to understand, she knows more about medicine than you at this moment," I said harshly. I needed to calm down; otherwise I might go into cardiac arrest.
The bruises on Edward's face were more pronounced along his jaw area, his bronze coppery hair on the top was sticking up every which way, they had shaved the back of his headin order to put in the required stitches, and he was elevated to avoid leaking.
The heart monitor that was attached to his finger looked like it was slipping off, so I went over to secure it; I stared at the bruises on his hands. I grinned, thinking it was Edward's first bare knuckle fight in 10 years; he had constantly tried to protect his fingers. As I examined them I noticed minimal swelling, so nothing was broken. It was then that I noticed something on Edwards's left ring finger; I grabbed my flash light out of my coat pocket to get a better look. I was shocked to see a small tattoo.
E+B
Edward had a tattoo?! He usually wore a ring he inherited from Esme's father on his left middle finger and a band aid on his ring finger because he said it itched. I never questioned it because everyone had different reactions. I recalled discussions we had about tattoos over the years, but Edward could never decide, he said he was too picky.
The tattoo made everything fit; he more than dated Bella, he really did love her, just as he told Esme he did. The angry songs and the way he avoided relationships had worried both Esme and I. I knew he took the news of Bella's violent marriage hard, but I thought it was because she was just a friend…she was so much more than that. In his own way, he was trying to take care of her.
"I'll take care of her until you're able," I said softly, as I gently squeezed his hand. I was about to make my exit when I decided to bite the bullet and check his chart, so far no meningeal tears, that was good. So far so good, Edward keep it up, I mentally chanted. If he could last like this another 36 hours, I knew he would be ok. With my heart racing from fear of the unknown, I took a deep breath and went to search for Esme.
I found her in the waiting room with Leah and a distraught Jacob. As I neared them I realized they were trying to comfort Jake. Aro ended his phone conversation as he watched me approach.
"What happened?" I asked suddenly panicked, someone would have paged me if something had happened to Bella.
"They won't let Jake in to see Bella," Esme answered.
"What?" I asked.
"The nurse said 'family only', and that bitch Jane threaten to sue the hospital if they allowed him in," Leah said looking thoroughly pissed.
"Come with me," I said and turned walking toward the nurses' station near Bella's room. My anger had returned, stronger than ever.
"I've never seen Carlisle pissed," I heard Leah whisper.
"Neither have I," Esme replied.
"Actually, he's holding it in ratherwell my dear," Aro said sarcastically.
When I approached the nurses' station, I saw Jane hovering. "It's come to my attention, that Jacob Black was denied access to Isabella Ramsey's room. May I ask why?" I directed my attention to the nurse in charge; she was visibly shocked at my demeanor. I made it a practice to never talk down to a nurse, but no one went against my orders.
"Sir, you know as well I do that this is a 'family only' environment, and Mr. Black isn't family," she said loudly. Then she leaned over to me, "Plus, little Ms. Ice Queen threaten to sue the hospital."
"Oh she did, did she?" I said. "Well I'm telling you to disregard anything Jane Ramsey says. Isabella signed a living will stating: if she ended up here by the hands of her husband, that Jacob Black had power of attorney."
"That's bullshit! Izzy would never sign something like that," Jane exploded.
"Jane, because your cousin has almost killed my client on numerous occasions, we made sure a living will was set up for times like this. I can have a copy faxed to your office if you'd like," Aro said from behind.
"You're lying," she seethed.
"Jane, I don't lie," I said sweetly. "There is a living will."
I opened Bella's door for Jake to enter and everyone followed, when Jane tried to join us, I stopped her. "Sorry, but you're not on the list. Guard, please make sure Ms. Ramsey does not enter my patient's room."
"I will have your license Carlisle," she screamed.
"Please Jane, please come after me. I dare you," I said in a low and threatening voice. The Ramsey's shouldn't have fucked with the Cullen's.
"If not you, then your kids," she said smugly. I heard Esme gasp, but I kept my attention focused on Jane, I taught my boys never to hit a woman but I swear I could see myself punching her in the face.
"Don't fuck with my kids Jane, and never mistake me for just another hick town doctor," I said lowly.
"Face it Cullen, Bella won't press charges against James. But you can bet your ass that Alec will make sure Emmett is swept under the jail after we're done with you," she said trying to sound menacing.
"Fine, James goes free, but Alec will pay for he did to my son," I said leaning in to get closer to her ear, so she was the only one who could hear me. "My dearest Jane, you think Aro is bad? I can be much worse if you push me. So go ahead, push me."
"I love games Carlisle, but you and I both know you can't keep up," she said.
"Yeah, right," I retorted with a fake chuckle.
After I closed the door on Jane I took a few deep breathes, Esme stood next to me her hand rubbing my back softly offering her quiet support.
"That was scary and sexy at the same time. I'm going to have to remember that for future reference," she whispered in my ear, I could feel the blush hit my cheeks.
Since I was still Bella's acting physician, I took her vitals. Her breathing was becoming labored, she would need an oxygen mask to help her breath until she woke up, I made the necessary notations on her chart.
The bruises on her face were more vibrant than Edward's, but the worst had to be around her neck where James had strangled her. Not only was it bruised, but it was also visibly swollen. I ordered a soft tissue x-ray to be done while she was still unconscious.
In her gown, the bruising on her arms was more visible, greenish, yellow bruises as well as some newly red and purple ones marked her skin. I knew she had bruising on her chest as well as her back, and her back was also puckered from strap marks. I could see Esme and Leah mentally taking in the bruising; Jake looked like he was on the verge of tears.
Even though this had to have been her worst fight, I couldn't have been more proud of her as I found the skin she had stuck underneath her fingernails, the fractured finger and swollen knuckles that were tell tale signs that she fought back.
"Living Will? Carlisle, that was very inventive," Leah said with a wicked smile, trying to lighten the mood.
"Yes, Leah there's a will…..somewhere," I replied dryly.
"We'll have one within the hour," Aro said as he typed on his PDA.
"When will she wake up?" Jacob asked moments later, his gaze never leaving Bella's sleeping form.
"In a few hours, the pain medication is quite strong. She needed the rest before dealing with everything," I said.
"Can someone explain what happened last night?" Leah asked.
"After the Benefit, Bella called Edward and told him she was coming to the house. She was afraid to go home. Edward called me and told me she was on her way," I said trying to stay composed. "We were still on the phone when Edward turned onto the lane, he saw Bella's car abandoned, heard her screaming, and told me to call 911, by the time I got out there she wasn't breathing. Edward went after James."
"She left?" Jake asked his dark gaze finding mine.
"Yeah, she finally made the move to leave."
"She set her date," he murmured to himself.
"Excuse me?" I asked.
"She told me she was leaving soon, but she wasn't staying in Forks," he explained. "So I guess the benefit was the date."
"No, I don't think she planned it that way, she was on her way home. Alice wanted her to stay the night but she insisted she had to get home," I said.
"If it was a sudden decision then how did James know where to go?" Leah asked.
"GPS," Aro said quietly from the corner. "Felix just confirmed it."
"Fuck! He was tracking her?" Jake roared.
"Looks that way," Aro replied quietly. "But it was more like he was waiting, just in case."
"Edward told me we needed more security around the house," Esme muttered.
"Now it makes total sense when he'd asked her if she was home. If she lied, I wouldn't see her for days," Jake ranted, pacing the room as his agitation grew.
"That's why she always felt he'd find her," Leah added, watching Jake pace.
"What I don't understand is why Emmett is in jail and not James and Alec," Jake looked between Aro and me for answers.
"That's something that I've been asking myself all night," Aro admitted, sounding frustrated.
"I miss the guys that Charlie used to work with; you knew you could trust those men. Nowadays, they're all corrupt," Leah said.
Leah voiced the same concerns I'd had over the last few years, especially when I started treating Bella. The few men who worked with her dad had suddenly retired, or moved away from Forks. Even if they received a call about James beating her they rarely did anything, Bella never pressed charges, so I was never sure.
"Yeah, that doesn't surprise me," Jake said as he continued to pace. "The only person I would trust is Mark Webber."
"Why?" Aro asked.
"He's the only one who has openly told the Sweet Valley twins and the beady eyed beast to fuck off."
"Aro, can I see you in my office?" I asked not waiting for an answer as I walked out of Bella's room and toward my office. Just as I approached my door I saw Rosalie, Alice and Jasper.
"Daddy!" Alice said as she threw herself into my arms.
"It's going to be ok baby," I said, I could feel her body shaking as she cried. She was terrified and I didn't know how to comfort her.
"How's Edward?" Jasper asked.
"So far, so good."
"The news is reporting he's critical, but he was stable when we left. Did something change?" Alice's eyes locked with mine as she rambled on.
"He's stable right now, as long as there are no complications," I said desperately wanting to escape her penetrating stare.
"How's Emmett?" I asked.
"He's ok, just worried about Edward. He said they're charging him with attempted murder," Alice said tearfully.
"Ace, it's going to be ok. I'm all over this," Aro said, trying to comfort her. "Your Dad and I were about to discuss some things. Why don't you go visit Edward and Bella?"
Aro and I entered my office; thankfully maintenance had come in and removed the glass. I went to sit behind my desk, wishing I had a secret stash here in the office, just a shot of Jameson, to get me through the next two days.
"Ok, what are we up against?" I asked.
"Very stupid people," he said with a grin.
I had to smile at that.
"Jane has this town snowed; yes, there is corruption in the police department and in the DA office, and that's going to be handled in a most embarrassing way. How Jane and Alec ever passed the bar is beyond me. As for her getting these charges dropped, she's out of her damn mind."
"So you think you can get Emmett out?"
"Yeah I called the State Attorney, he's a friend, and before you ask, yes it's legit. He's going to make sure the DA's office proceeds properly. And IA will also start an investigation with the FPD," Aro finished.
"Aro, I don't care if it's legal or not, I just want my son out and I want Alec and James behind bars," I said vehemently.
"With or without Bella we have Alec," he said. "Tomorrow I'm filing charges against him. And I'm sure Emmett will be released since it was pretty much self defense. Listen, I will do whatever it takes to make sure Emmett gets out, I love that kid like he's my own."
"I know you will, and your help is greatly appreciated," I told him sincerely, knowing that Emmett's legal issues were being taken care of eased my troubled mind.
"That's what family is for." I could see Aro was eager to deal with the Ramsey clan. Aro loved a good fight, legal or not.
"Do you think Bella is going to let James walk?" I asked curiously.
"I don't know Bella so I can't really say. But when it comes to domestic violence, I always expect the victim to go back to the abuser. You know this as well I do Carlisle, just because they run once doesn't make them free."
He was right; I'd seen it over and over. I've been treating Bella for a couple of years and she continued to go back time after time. It never failed, whether he broke an arm or had given her concussions, she continued to go back. Will that be the case when she wakes up?
My cell phone started to ring, interrupting my conversation with Aro. I didn't recognize the number but it was a Forks area code, so I answered it anyway.
"Dr. Cullen."
"Dad?"
"Emmett! My God it's great to hear your voice. How are you holding up, son?" I asked, feeling like shit because I didn't make it over to see him.
"Don't worry about me. How's Edward? The news keeps saying he's near death and Alice didn't know much," he said anxiously.
"He's stable."
"Is he really in a coma?" he asked, quietly.
"Yes."
"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" Emmett exclaimed. "Dad I tried to get to him as quick as I could."
"Emmett you pulled Alec off of him, if you hadn't gotten there when you did who knows what Alec would have done."
I tried to keep my thoughts from going there, but it was hard. Emmett stopped Alec from striking again, that's what I needed to focus on.
"Dad, just make sure Edward and Bella are ok and I'll see you tomorrow," Emmett said quickly, I could tell he was trying to compose himself.
"I Love you Em," I said.
"Love you too, Dad," he said quietly and hung up.
***
Bella
I tried to hit the snooze button on the alarm clock; I didn't know why James hasn't stopped it yet. I knew I had to get up to make him breakfast, but I my body wouldn't move. The beeping still didn't stop; it was consistent, like a heart beat…..my heartbeat. I could also hear voices, they were muffled, I thought I heard Leah chuckle but that's couldn't be possible. Leah and Jake were in Vancouver for a weekend getaway.
"I'm going to go sit with Edward for a while," I heard someone say, was that Esme?
Where's Edward? I went on alert, is he hurt? I couldn't breathe.
"Shit, she's jerking." That was definitely Jake, I tried to reach for him but my body wouldn't move. I couldn't even open my mouth.
Suddenly the body aches seem to hit me all at once; my throat felt like something was squeezing it and I tried to open my eyes but nothing happened. I was getting anxious and needed to see, I was determined to get them opened. The image of James on top of me flitted through my mind, his hands around my neck; he said I was going to die. I could feel his hands on me, this time when I tried to open my eyes, it actually worked.
The room was fuzzy but I was definitely in a hospital, I closed and reopened my eyes but my vision was still blurred. Alice was standing in front of me, she was still a bit hazy, and I was trying to put her in focus when I heard Jake again.
"Bells are you in pain?" he asked anxiously.
I wanted to scream yes, but I felt like I was suffocating, why couldn't I breathe?
"It's like she's struggling with her breathing," Alice yelled. "It's ok Bella help is on its way." She never came into focus and then, she started to fade again.
The light jerked me away, I saw stars, but I could hear Dr. Cullen yelling.
"Not only did I tell Joanna to start the damn oxygen mask but I left it in the notes! I will not deal with incompetent people, is that understood? Get Joanna off my damn floor!" he roared as he placed a mask over my face. I'd never heard him yell, he'd barked orders before, but it was still friendly.
"Bella, you're going to feel some pressure as the oxygen starts, but it will get easier in a few minutes ok?" he said in a soothing voice.
When the air hit I gulped it in a couple of time before I was able to breathe normally. When I opened my eyes again, the room was still fuzzy, but Jacob was easier to make out. He looked so worried and I hated when I stressed him out. I tried to take off the mask so I could talk to him, but he stopped me.
"No Bells, you keep that on. We'll talk later," he said gently. I tried to shift and sucked in a deep breath as a sharp pain shot through my body. Between my neck and my stomach I was paralyzed with pain, and I couldn't even tell anyone.
"Bella? I'm giving you something for the pain," Dr. Cullen told me. I wanted to acknowledge what he just said, but moving was not an option. I closed my eyes and waited to the pain to go away.
When I opened my eyes again I was alone, I must have fallen asleep. I was able to move my arms without flinching so I reached up to take off the mask. I hated those things. Breathing was a little difficult, but not as painful. My lips were swollen and dry, I was thirsty; the call button was too far away.
As I was lyingthere dreaming of ice water, Dr. Cullen walked into the room with a nurse. She took my vitals as Dr. Cullen barked more orders. Normally he was warm and comforting, but this side of him frightened me and I started to tense up, and upsetmy stomach. When the nurse was finally done, Dr. Cullen took the seat next to my bed.
"What do you remember?" he asked quietly.
"I," holy fuck my throat was tight and gravelly, like sand paper.
"Shit. I'm sorry Bella," Dr. Cullen said as he walked out the room only to return a moment later with water and a straw. I took a sip and immediately start to choke.
"Slowly, sweetheart," he said as he wiped water from my chin. I tried again finally getting the water down. The dryness started to ease. "You're going to have some difficulty speaking for a few days, so take your time." This sounded like the Dr. Cullen I knew.
"Ok," I said, I speaking in a low whisper. "How long will this last?"
"A few days, maybe a week," he said. I finished the water but was still thirsty. Dr. Cullen poured me another cup.
"How long have I been out?"
"Just a day, what do you remember?"
Images of the benefit flashed through my head, calling Edward, and then James chasing me.
"I was scared to go home; James had been calling me nonstop all evening. Edward and I talked about me leaving….more, Edward talked and I listened. He told me to go to the house," I said, talking was hard, but remembering that brought joy.
"Take your time."
"I was so happy to finally leave, then he was right in the middle of the road," I stopped my throat going dry again, so I took a few more sips. "I honestly didn't think I was going to live, he was so angry. I tried to fight back but he was so much stronger than me…..he hates me Dr. Cullen. He was happy to see me struggle. Did they arrest him?"
"No."
"What?!" I exclaimed, hurting my throat. I raised the straw back up to my lips to drink more water. Dr. Cullen then filled me in on what happened after I passed out. I started shaking as he told me Edward was hurt.
"Is he at home?" I asked hopefully.
"No Bella, he's here at the hospital."
"Is he in the waiting room?"
"Bella, he's in coma," he said softly.
The tears came so fast I couldn't see through them, it was my fault he was hurt. "And Alec isn't in jail?" I could barely get the words out.
"No, we should have Emmett out tomorrow."
"So James and Alec went home but Emmett went to jail and Edward is in a coma?"
"As strange as it sounds, yes that's correct," he said sounding tired, his hair looked as though he'd been running his fingers through it and his eyes were red, so tired. I felt horrible, one son was in a coma and the other was sitting in jail.
"Carlisle, I'm sorry I've caused you so much pain," I whispered.
"Bella, you didn't do anything wrong," he said.
"It's because of me that Edward's in a coma, if I'd just gone home he'd be ok."
"And you might be dead. My sons helped you because they wanted you safe, don't you dare think for a second that you did anything wrong."
I knew he was saying this to be nice, but I hurt his family, I felt like some bad virus, everything I touched somehow how got sick and died. It was like the Ramsey's gave me this horrible infection that kept me their prisoner. I loved the Cullen's, they'd been so good to me and this is how I repaid them?
"Will Edward be ok soon?"
"He's almost out of the danger point, after tomorrow evening we'll know more. He's already had an MRI to monitor his brain activity. I personally won't be better until he's out of the danger zone," he said softly.
"Can I see him?"
"Not yet, with your broke rib I don't want you moving too much. Tomorrow…well this morning, is going to be a very stressful. Aro is here to represent you legally, so if you feel overwhelmed direct them to him and he will handle it," he explained.
"Why are you helping me after all the problems I've caused you and your family?"
"Bella do you love Jake?"
"Of course," I replied, that was stupid question, of course I loved Jake.
"Well that's how we feel about you, I know I'm not Charlie, but if you need anything I'm there for you. And Esme has already claimed you, so you're kind of stuck with us," he said with a small grin.
I was dumbfounded, after everything I'd put them through they were still willing to help me. I was trying to keep the tears away; I was so tired of falling apart. Edward would be ok and Emmett would be out tomorrow.
If my dad was alive Emmett wouldn't have been in jail, if my dad was alive I wouldn't have married James. I wished he was here to tell me it would be ok, the dam broke when Carlisle gently embraced me.
"We're here for you, ok?" All I could do was nod.
"Jane thinks I'm not going to press charges, huh?" I asked once I regained composure.
"She and ADA have stated you were not,"
"You mean James's girlfriend, Victoria Richardson?" I asked harshly.
Carlisle looked shocked, "Richardson and James are having an affair?"
"Yeah for years, that's how Jake stayed in jail. That bitch locked her jowls on him and wouldn't let go."
"Ok, I will let Aro know about the Richardson connection. In the mean time I want you to get some rest," he said.
"Thank you Carlisle," I murmured.
"Good Night Sweetheart," he replied, giving me a peck on the forehead before leaving my room.
I closed my eyes slipping into sleep, in a few hours I'd have to deal with James again, and this time I wasn't going to let him bully me.
So please tell me your thoughts, so that means REVIEW!! LOL
I wanted to warn you I might not update next week, due to the New Moon Madness with the Twilight Sisterhood. ( (.)blogspot (.)com
And I hope to have a banner by the next update so you can see my Edward & Bella....!!