Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, that glory belongs to Stephanie Meyers (yes I almost cried when I saw her on the red carpet!! Sorry she's a effing GODDESS!!), I just obsessed with it.

Okay I did warned you all due to the New Moon madness I wouldn't update but again I have to apologize for the delay. Even camping out with my iphone was dying I was trying to write. It's also when my computer decided to abandon me persay (I HATE YOU DELL!).

The Alice outfit is dedicated to Meg and the Sturridge family, I giggle everytime I look at this picture and thank you for the inspiration!

Thank you to Lilkel for the medical advice and quiet encouragement. Also my Tami Twin who pimps me out to every Twi fan she meets!

Much love and many thank you's to my beta, MsBond01, she whips my ass in shape when i get lazy! And a HUGE thank you to CSI_Kat and my brother (who refuses to read anything Twilight related) for the banners. The links are on my profile!

Okay seriously thank you for reading Awakening, I really appreciate it, if you follow me on Twitter say HI! dammit!

Voices

By: Jasper Hale

Don't tell me its sunny out

Don't tell me about the day

Don't make me shout out

Just don't say a word

Cuz you interfere

With those things

I need to hear

I don't want to hear anything

But the voices in my head

I don't want to hear anything

But the voices in my head.

(say it loud) just the voices in my head

I can see the sky fallin' all around me

I can see the misery in your eyes

I live in denial

I want don't to hear the truth

No more

I don't want to hear anything

But the voices in my head

I don't want to hear anything

But the voices in my head

They tell me

Run and hide

Cuz the boogeyman

Is on the inside

Run and hide

I don't want to hear anything

But the voices in my head

Being in the hospital did not mean rest; you were constantly poked and awakened as they drew blood for some random test. Again the pain came back as the medication started to wear off, but it wasn't as intense as last night. Thankfully I was no longer using the breathing mask and was back to using the tube. I had been drifting back to sleep when the door opened suddenly, I braced, anticipating Jane or James to enter the room but it was Esme.

"Morning, Sweetheart," she said as she gave me a peck on the forehead. Esme looked as though she hadn't slept, her hair disheveled, like she used her fingers instead of a comb, she wore black knit sweater and fitted jeans with knee high boots.

"Hi," I said, it was still difficult to talk, not only was my throat completely raw but my entire mouth was swollen. It seemed to have grown since last night, was that possible?

"I brought you some pajamas; I thought maybe you'd want to be out of that hospital issued gown. I'll ask Carlisle about a shower, I always feel better after a shower," she rambled on, at that very moment she reminded me of Alice. I wanted to smile but my mouth hurt too much.

"Thank you," I said my voice raspier than last night. I watched as Esme pulled toiletries from a bag, the pajamas she told me about, a laptop and an iPhone. I couldn't possibly take all this stuff; I was trying to say something when Alice walked in with that damn basket she favors.

She wasn't in her usual trendy clothes; she was wearing a pair of skinny jeans, a black tank top paired with a lightweight electric blue button down sweater, her hair was a mass of wild curls underneath an off multi-colored knit hat with attached ear flaps. To complete the non-Alice look, she wore black and white Chuck Taylor's; I was so used to her wearing heels of some kind, and to see her in her normal height it made you remember how tiny she really was.

"You're awake," she said with a grin and gave me a peck on the forehead, followed by Jasper, who also planted a kiss in the same spot.

"I charged one of the phones for you in case you need to contact one of us," Jasper said as he scrolled down the iPhone, on the cart.

"Please tell me that's not a new phone," I asked wearily.

"Don't worry Bella, this is Edward's phone. I figured he had enough music to keep you occupied."

"I don't think Edward would want me to use his phone," I said nervously.

"Don't be silly Bella," Alice interrupted. "He wouldn't mind."

"Alice's right, he'd want you to be able to reach us as quickly as possible," Esme chimed in, great three against one.

"And I spoke with Mable; she said we could get you into a shower in a few minutes. I told her I would have Jasper take you in and I'll get in with you so you don't fall. We have to be prepared for Ice Bitch," Alice said.

"And Aro will be here to officially meet you, since it's his team that's representing the family," Esme informed me.

Between Esme and Alice all the rambling was making my head spin, but I didn't think I would want them any other way. I had to admit I loved the name Ice Bitch, which Jane was. I never had a 'team' represent me unless you counted Jacob, but Team Jacob couldn't fight James legally. Somehow I just don't see myself as part of Team Cullen, am I really worthy of such an honor?

"Ladies before you move my patient I need to give her a something for her pain," Carlisle said, as he swept into the room and started reviewing my chart. "How do you feel?" he asked me.

"My mouth feels more swollen," I managed to say.

"It just feels that way but it's actually gone down. Once you're out of here you'll have to see someone about replacing the teeth you lost," he stated, still looking at my chart.

"Teeth?" I repeated, "As in more than one tooth?" I was scared to look in the mirror.

"Don't worry about a thing, ok?" he whispered in my ear, I sent him a jerky nod. The nurse arrived with my medication, which was in a liquid form. I sent Carlisle a questioning look.

"Its mild dosage of Oxycodone in liquid form, I thought it would be easier than pills," he explained. "Jasper, in 10 minutes you can carry her to the bathroom for a quick shower."

"Great, thanks Carlisle," I said.

"Anytime Bella, get some rest. It's going to be a long day," he said as he walked out the door.

***

Once I was freshly showered Jasper, Alice and Esme went to go visit Edward. I wished I could have gone with them but I was stuck in my room listening to music on Edward's iPhone. Since we had similar taste it was easy to get lost in the music, I felt oddly closer to him. I wondered how he was doing, but all they would tell me was that he was doing fine. If he was fine then why wasn't he awake?

I was having this great internal debate with myself when Jane and Victoria walked into the room. I was familiar with this determined look from Jane; she swept into the room as if she owned it and I was the servant caught playing in her mistress' clothes.

I fumbled with the iPhone trying to turn it off; instead I accidentally unplugged the ear buds so that the room filled with Marcus Foster's, 'Chase the Blues'. I personally wanted to chase Jane and Victoria out of here, but no such luck. Victoria gave me her usual look of disdain; I often wondered why I received this look, when she was the one fucking my husband. If she wants him, he can go, I don't want him.

"Izzy we don't have a lot of time, what did the Cullen's tell you? What are their plans?" Jane sent a barrage of questions at me.

"Nothing, considering I just woke up," I said, my mouth feeling thick, I began to fiddle with one of the applications on the iPhone.

"I hate it when you lie to me," Jane said softly, reminding me of James. I gave her a stony stare but my heart monitor gave away my bravado. Victoria snickered and Jane looked triumphed, I personally wanted to crawl under the covers and die.

"I'm not lying," I said coldly.

She placed some papers on the cart, it said something about Living Will; I could feel Jane's eyes on my as I read my name but I couldn't remember signing anything, someone had forged my signature.

"Bella you need a living will when you come back, because you will, but I can protect you from James hurting you any further," Dr. Cullen said.

"I will think about it, Dr. Cullen," I said. There was no way I could get something like that. The only lawyers I knew were James cousins and they would never help me.

"Let me know and my brother will take care of it. He owns a law firm in Seattle," he said.

"Thank you. I'll let you know," I said with sincerity.

"Did you really think a Living Will would keep us away, Izzy?" Jane questioned.

"I honestly wasn't thinking about you, I was thinking about me," I said.

"Bit selfish, aren't we?" Victoria asked snidely.

"Yes, she is a selfish one, after all we've done for you….tsk, tsk," Jane said as she continued to stare at me. I felt so uncomfortable under her gaze but I refused to show fear. You can do this Bella! "Bella, haven't you realized your selfish nature is the reason why Edward is hurt. It's really your fault."

"No, that glory belongs to your brother, not me!" I hissed.

Jane walked closer to my bed and leaned in closer to me, "And if you try to run again, I can't guarantee the safety of the Jacob….or the Cullen's," she said with a smirk. Jane knew exactly which buttons to push, knew just how to inflict that fear.

"It would be so sad if Dr. Cullen wasn't able to help you next time..." Jane said softly.

"What do you mean?" I asked, my mind racing, heart rate accelerating, the heart monitor was going crazy.

"Do think a court room is the only way I know how to make you understand Izzy?" Jane asked as she arched her eyebrow.

"You wouldn't do that?" I was panicking, scary images filtering through my brain.

"Accidents happen all the time" she said with an evil grin.

"So when we return with Officer Peters, you'll tell him you're not pressing charges against James. It was a misunderstanding and the Cullen's over reacted." Victoria said with a smug grin.

"I'll get Alec off with a technicality." Jane finished dryly.

"And Emmett will be released?" I asked, knowing there was no way around it.

"Hmmm, sorry Emmett needs to be the example of why drug crazed celebrities need to pay for their mistakes," Victoria said, while Jane stifled a giggle, she found this whole situation amusing.

"Emmett doesn't do drugs!" I practically yelled, my throat was raw and in pain but that didn't matter.

"Well according to Peters, he had heroin in his truck as well as the house," Jane said happily.

"You're lying," I croaked, they couldn't be this evil; the Cullen's had never done anything to them, why were they trying to hurt them.

"Bella I just need to convince the jury," Victoria said. "And with this being Forks, they trust the Law before some loser guitar player." Fuck! Emmett couldn't go to jail because of me.

"Please Jane....don't do this," I hated to beg but I needed to stop this madness.

"We better go, Cullen usually arrives at eight," Jane said, speaking to Victoria, ignoring my plea as she glanced at her watch.

When I woke up this morning, I thought it was James I would have to battle, but it was the ring leader, Jane I have to go toe to toe with. James, Alec and I were simply puppets, and for what I didn't know, nor did I care. As Jane and Victoria were leaving my room Jake walked in, the expression on his face was stony; he didn't say anything as he sat on the edge of my bed, he just watched me.

"Sorry your trip was cut short," I said trying to break the ice; I knew he and Leah needed that trip.

"No worries. I'll just add it to your babysitting debt," he said with a smirk. I loved when he talked about the family he and Leah were trying to have, it filled me with hope and determination.

"They were here early," he said suddenly. I guess he wanted to discuss the elephant in the room.

"Yeah, I guess, what time is it anyway?" I asked.

"About 6:30."

"Wow, I thought it was later, Alice & Esme have already been here."

"Yeah, they went home for a few hours; Carlisle hasn't left since you two were admitted. I tried to get some sleep at home but I was too restless, so I came back. Good thing I did huh?" he said cryptically.

"Jake you should get some rest," I gently scolded.

Jake didn't say anything else, he simply nodded and then he left the room. I was trying to figure out what he was thinking when he reappeared with a nurse and wheel chair.

"Jake if you get caught it'll be my ass," the nurse said.

"Mable, just tell Carlisle I forced you and he can deal with me," he replied.

Placing her hands on her hips she said, "You know you can't force me to do anything."

"Ok, charmed you with Quileute legends," he said with a grin.

Jake approached the bed, removed the covers, and glanced down at my legs seeing all the bruising and just shook his head. I tensed up as he gently picked me up and placed me in the wheel chair.

As he rolled me down the halls I noticed some of the nurses staring at me, I tried to hide myself with my hair but it was hard to do with the pain coursing through my body from the slightest movement. I was so involved in my own discomfort, I hadn't noticed that Jake had wheeled me into a room; the heart monitor was the only thing I could hear once we entered.

Jake positioned me right in front of Edward's bed; he was paler than usual which made his bruises more pronounced. He was slightly upright, with no crazy tubes, which was comforting, but I wanted him to open his eyes. Even though he looked asleep, knowing I couldn't just shake him awake scared me.

"You can't let them bully you anymore Bells," Jake said quietly, I could feel his gaze on me trying to gauge a reaction.

"I know," I whispered, the tears forming in my eyes. "I just wanted to protect everyone from this."

"The best way for you to protect us, is by sending James to jail," he said. I knew Jake was right, but if I'd gone home, Edward would be ok. "Do you realize this could have been me?"

I felt sick at the thought, it was hard enough to see Edward like this, but to add Jake to the mix, and I felt like I was dying.

"I don't know how to protect you," I whispered shakily as I reached for Jake's hand. I hurt my own personal savior time and time again. I looked at Edward's unconscious form and became disgusted with myself. I knew he cared about my welfare and wanted me to be safe, I didn't deserve his compassion. This was not how you treated the person you loved, he deserved better, and so did Jake. How could I claim to love him and allow him to be hurt?

"By fighting back, but it takes more than just leaving," he said. "I can't tell you how proud I am to hear you didn't go down without a fight, but he needs to pay with jail time, they all do." He gave me a peck on the cheek and quietly left the room.

I don't know how long I sat there crying while I stared at Edward, wanting him to wake up, I ached to see him restlessly strum his guitar, I wanted to see him and Emmett fight over the Fruit Loop cereal, I just needed to see his beautiful green eyes and his cocky grin.

"Isabella?" I instinctively tensed up with I heard the unfamiliar voice call my name. I turned to see a dark hair man in a custom fitted suit; he was tall and lanky, which reminded me of Edward. Except this man had the coldest blue eyes I'd ever seen, which caused a shiver to roll down my back.

He stepped forward with his hand out, "I'm Aro, Carlisle's brother." This is Carlisle's brother? They were polar opposites! Where Carlisle exuded warmth, Aro was completely cold. He showed his humanity by handing me a handkerchief, the unexpected gesture through me for a loop.

After I cleaned up my tears I reintroduced myself, "Sorry I'm a mental mess today," I whispered. The crying had made my already sore vocal cords ache even more.

"That's fine dear," he replied. "It's understandable." Aro stared at his nephew's sleeping form; I was surprised to see his gaze soften, but then again it was his nephew so I shouldn't have been so surprised.

"You're here early," I said.

"I went to the house for a little sleep, but with all this looming today, no one slept. Isabella, I'm going blunt. I don't usually work with spousal abuse victims for the simple fact they usually go back the abuser. I'm telling you this now, if you let James get away with hurting you, which allowed his cousin to hurt my nephew, I will make not only James pay, but you as well," he said coldly.

I could only stare at him in utter shock; this was supposed to be my lawyer?

"What is up with everyone threatening me today? The fucking sun isn't even up," I asked dumbfounded.

"I'm not threatening you, I'm stating a fact," he said not one bit embarrassed.

"You and Jane are so much alike. Are you sure you're Carlisle's brother?" I asked.

"I get that a lot, but yes, we're really brothers," he said with a cocky grin. Aro was technically a good looking man, but his demeanor is what made him not drop dead gorgeous. Danger Stranger! seemed to pop in my head for some reason. "Jane's already been by?" he asked, his gaze suddenly sharper.

"Yes, before Jake brought me in to visit Edward," I answered. "Could you wheel me back to my room?"

"Yes, of course," he said distractedly.

I could practically hear the wheels turning in Aro's head as he wheeled me back to my room. Even though were people were staring again I didn't have to deal with their lingering gaze because Aro was walking so swiftly. Jake was drinking a cup of coffee with Nurse Mable when he noticed we'd arrive. In Aro's haste to get me in the room the door hit my chair, technically it was a small bump but it shock my body again the pain was blinding.

"Sorry not use to these things," Aro muttered.

"No problem," I muttered.

Jake was right behind us, he held the door open as Aro continued to take me into the room. I was about to lift myself out of the chair when I felt Jake gently lift me out of the chair.

"Thanks Jake," I said breathlessly.

"Anytime Bells," Jake replied as he looked between Aro and myself. Aro was looking agitated as I was trying to find a comfortable position.

"Jane was here?" Aro barked the question at me.

"Yeah I saw her and Victoria leaving when I arrived," Jake confirmed before I could answer the question.

"What did she want?" Aro asked me.

"They wanted me not to press charges against James," I said quietly. "And they plan to charge Emmett with drug possession."

Jake looked at me with a stunned expression, while Aro just stared at me with a smile.

"It's going to be your word against theirs. Are you willing to testify to that?" Aro asked me.

"Yeah, I'll testify, but this might help your case," I said as I grabbed Edward's phone. "They made me nervous and accidentally started recording on his video cam."

Aro played the video, even though the video quality wasn't great the sound was just right; with each threat Jane and Victoria issued, Aro's smile grew, he looked like a kid in a candy store by the time the video ended. Jake on the other hand looked to be in a state shock with each threat.

"I owe you an apology Isabella," he said with a grin. "I love a woman scorned."

"Not scorned, just tired of people bullying me around," I replied dryly.

"Either way, I stand corrected. Now, I need to make some phone calls, I have a feeling court is going to be fun!" Aro said with a twinkle in his eyes, he looked so giddy, it was kinda adorable.

"Well Bells that was spectacular, I can't believe they didn't catch on you were recording!" Jake said excitedly.

"Yeah, I kinda winged that," I said with a small smile.

"Good job!" Jake said still laughing. I loved seeing Jake carefree; he was so serious most of the time. Jake was still grinning by the time Esme, Alice and Jasper returned to the room. Aro informed them about the recording so they came over to congratulate me.

"Seriously, I got nervous and hit the record button," I said sleepily.

"Best klutzy move ever! Emmett is going to go to laugh his ass off when he hears this," Jasper said.

"One point for Brave Bella," I murmured to myself.

"What's the scoring for?" Jasper asked inquisitively, I didn't realize I said it loud enough for anyone to hear me.

"I uh…I keep score on who's winning," I said, turning red when I felt all eyes on me.

"Winning what?" Alice asked.

"This is going to sound insane, but it's a battle of who's in control. Brave Bella or Scared Izzy," I explained, it sounded like I was losing my mind but it was how I saw things when I dealt with James lately. "I'm just tired of being scared."

"It's not insane, you're just processing things, there's nothing to be ashamed of," Jasper said understandably. "So, who's sitting here right now?"

"Just Bella….trying to not give into the fear," I said feeling more like myself then I had for the first time in years. I looked around the room realizing I hadn't seen Rose.

"Where's Rose?" I asked.

"She's over at the jail with Emmett, we're about to head over there now," Alice explained. "I brought the appropriate clothes, can't show up looking like a slob."

"No, we can't have that," Esme said dryly, grinning at her daughter as Carlisle walked in, he greeted everyone as he reviewed my chart and did another examination.

"You've been fighting sleep I see," he stated.

"I've been sleep a long time, Carlisle." I wasn't just talking about my stay in the hospital; I meant my life in general.

"And as much as I'm enjoying the fact you're awake, I need you to be healthy," he said softly.

"Carlisle I-," I started to say but was interrupted by Esme.

"Bella, if Carlisle thinks you need sleep, then sleep. Okay?" she said, being the voice of reason. She leaned in so only I could hear her say, "Don't worry we'll still be around when you wake up."

Only Esme would catch onto the fact I was afraid to be alone, I clutched her hand with what little strength I had left. She gave me a peck on the forehead and murmured for me to get some sleep. I eventually relaxed and let the sleep take over.

***

Reporter: Well the aftermath from the Edward Cullen attack has turned out to be bigger than anyone expected. We join Heidi Hamilton who is in Forks, Washington with an update.

Heidi: Good Evening, I'm Heidi Hamilton live from the Forks Memorial hospital where lead singer Edward Cullen lays in a coma, while the world around him has exploded. Today his older brother Emmett Cullen was released from jail after being arrested on Saturday evening after his brother was attacked. Evidence was presented to the Internal Affairs that Assistant District Attorney Victoria Anderson and Forks Police Chief Daniel Peters planned to plant drugs on the guitarist. Currently all cases Anderson and Peters have worked on will be reviewed and some retried if evidence tampering is found, there's all new knowledge of Anderson is currently having an affair with suspect James Ramsey.

As you know Ramsey is a known spousal abuser and was beating his wife Isabella Ramsey in the Cullen front yard, has been charged with 2 counts of Assault and Battery. Ramsey claims Isabella and Edward was having an affair for more than four years, which sent him over the edge. He hopes he and Isabella could sit and talk out their problems.

Isabella's attorney dismissed that charge, "That's insane, yes they're friends and were friends before Edward's career took off, but they hadn't seen each other in years. When Edward found out Isabella was being abused he was devastated but they are not having an affair. He and the rest of the family have simply been supporting her in this difficult time," Aro said as he walked into the courthouse.

James cousin Jane Ramsey of Ramsey & Ramsey, LLP, was also charged with witness tampering while her brother and law partner Alec was charged with 3 counts of Aggravated Assault for hitting Edward over the head with a bat.

After his release Emmett Cullen was driven straight to the hospital to see his brother. He was asked if he regrets interfering in the argument and the visible upset guitarist had this to say "My brother was attacked from behind, do I regret it? Are you insane? No I don't regret it, I'd do it again."

Now this mess is far from over. Fans have been coming by the hospital waiting for updates, since Edward was brought in. The latest update came from Edward's father, Carlisle "I want to thank everyone who have been sending endless support during the difficult time. Edward condition has been upgraded from critical to stable. At this time he's resting comfortably. Again, thank you for your support."

So now fans simply wait. I'm Heidi Hamilton reporting live from Forks, Washington, back to you in the studio.

I awoke suddenly when I felt the weight of someone sitting on my bed; thankfully it was Emmett gazing down at me. I reached up and hugged him, momentarily forgetting about my broken ribs. I sucked in a breath as the pain hit me; Emmett being the gentle giant eased me back into the bed.

"Listen Scrappy, I don't need you causing anymore damage, ya hear?" he said, I chuckled but it hurt to laugh at this point.

"Yeah I hear ya," I mumbled, my mouth started to throb; between my ribs, hands, and mouth I was a pulsating mess. I placed a hand over my mouth hoping it would ease the ache. Emmett easily lifted up the swollen lip.

"Don't worry, I'll have my guy fix you right up when you get out of here," he commented as he examined my swollen mouth, he could probably see the missing teeth, which was embarrassing. I could feel my face grow hot.

"You have a guy?" I asked.

"Hey, you can't escape the NFL this pretty without some missing teeth," he said, sending me a dimpled smile. "Thank you." He said it so quietly I almost missed it, but he had it so backwards, it was I who owed him the thanks.

"Why are you thanking me? I'm the one that caused this mess," I mumbled.

"Yeah you are," he said with a chuckle. "But you didn't back down, I was worried you'd give into Jane's threats."

"I was going to, but I saw Edward and I knew what I had to do," I admitted. "And I couldn't let you go to jail because they were angry at me."

"Bella, when are you going to get it through your thick skull you are a part of this family. If you hurt, we all hurt," he said. "I don't know any other way to put it."

"Em…," was all I could manage before the tears started.

"Bella listen, I don't know the full story with you and my brother and I hope that gets settled one day. But for me, the day I found out about what James was doing to you…I knew I'd do anything to protect you. I don't like many people, don't get me wrong I'm cool and all, but there are very few people I honestly like. And I like you, you remind me of Alice in some ways, and no one fucks with my sister," Emmett finished his words had me dumbfounded. "Do you understand what I'm saying?" All I could do was nod.

"You Cullen's…." I tried to say through the tears.

"Yeah, not only are we extremely good looking, but we have big hearts. So hard to be me some days," he said with a booming laugh, I joined in but the laughing proved to be a difficult feat. Even though Emmett tried to lighten the mood I could tell he was wanted to get back to Edward.

"Emmett go back and be with Edward," I told him sleepily.

"Are you sure you're going to be ok? I can get Rose or Alice to come sit with you," he said.

"No, you guys visit with Edward. I'll be ok," I said.

"You sure Scrappy?" he said sincerely. I was enjoying my new nickname; it meant I was part of the family.

"Yeah, really, I'm good," I assured him; he gave me a peck on the cheek and I watched him leave the room to go sit with his brother. To occupy my time I turned on iTunes, put the player on shuffle and listened to some music. Alice had also given me Edward's computer and it had his entire music collection on it, it was out of this world. It ranged from classical music to honky tonk country, that just made him hotter in my eyes.

I purposely didn't ask Emmett for details about what took place in court. I would ask Aro when I was ready to face it. I think if I knew the details, I would give in and run back to James. I felt the invisible leash latch itself around my neck, fearful of the out come, but I had to remind myself not to allow the fear to get to me.

I continued to have the internal battle with Scare Izzy and Brave Bella. Izzy wanted to just do what Jane said, she afraid of the aftermath and wanted to hide like she normally did, but Brave Bella was ready to open a can of whoop ass. It was actually exhausting.

I was officially done with that shit, I was scared as hell but it's what I'd wanted since the first time James hit me. I wanted out; I wanted to be done with this hellish path I had taken. The poem 'The Road Not Traveled' by Robert Frost popped in my head….

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

If I could turn back the hands of time, I would have dealt with my father's death by facing the memories. Being with the Blacks was so painful, I thought being with the Ramsey's would be easier and I was wrong.

I hopped on a path I thought was simple and it was the deadliest path, it led me straight to the lions den. And instead of walking away I stayed on that path, hoping I could get past the danger point. There was a new fork in the road now, I knew it wouldn't be easy, but it would be freeing.

I would have to have to find a job, a place to live; I was going to be responsible for me. One day I would be able to walk into my home knowing there wasn't someone there who will beat me just because they were having a bad day. Simply, no fear.

***

Today I was going home, well, technically I didn't have a home, but the Cullen's were nice enough to take me in. My other option was the Domestic Violence recovery center Aro suggested, part of me felt like I needed to go there to clear my head, but the bigger part of me was afraid once there I would give in and go back to James.

"Ready, Bells?" Jake asked as he picked up my overnight bag and went to stand by the waiting wheel chair.

"Yeah," I said quietly, I walked over to take my place in the chair. I'd have to live with the pain from the broken ribs until I healed; Carlisle warned me that I would have to get plenty of rest and I had a feeling between him, Esme & Alice I'd get tons of it.

As we strode down the corridor, I knew there was one place I needed to go before I went to the Cullen's.

"Jake, could you take me to Edward's room?" I asked.

"Sure Bella, no problem," he answered, I was still receiving stares from the staff, but not as bad as when I first woke up. "Hey Edward, how's it goin' man?"

Jake positioned me in front of Edward's sleeping form, since Jake was informed coma patients responds to normal conversations he speaks to Edward as if he was still awake.

"I'll give you some time alone," Jake said to me. "I'll be back later for the Mariner's game Edward."

"Thanks Jake," I said softly, my throat was feeling better now, not as raw. I watched Jake leave the room. This was the first time I'd been alone with Edward since we had been admitted.

"Hi Edward, I've been released, but it doesn't feel right to leave without you. We should be walking out of this place together, as a big 'Fuck You' to the Ramsey's. But you're still asleep….I hate being needy but…I need you. I'm going to be fucked up for awhile, but I would be less fucked up with you around. I know I'm asking for a lot and I don't deserve it, but please wake up," I begged, I cradled his hand in mine as the tears flowed down my cheeks.

"I'll try to come back in a couple of days," I told him, thinking about bring my books of poetry to read to him. I wished I could touch his crazy bronze hair, instead, I placed a kiss on his hand and gave him a final squeeze when suddenly, I felt him squeeze my hand back. I was stunned, I squeezed again and he squeezed back.

"Hey," he said softly, as I looked up into his green eyes, gazing at me.

A/N: Okay so I really need you to review, tell me what you love, what you hate. I might cry but that's just because I'm emolicious! Until next time....xoxo Tammy