Author's Note: I own nothing. I just like to play with the characters that were created by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.

This story is kind of cathartic for me and it's based in real life. Rated M for future lemons.

Chapter 2: The Calm

"We need to talk, Bella," Mike said, not looking me in the eyes. He idly played with the beer bottle in his hands.

"Yes, we do," I said as I sat down. "I don't know what happened to us, but this is not working."

"No, it's not," he said. "I've been sleeping around, Bella. I've been cheating on you for the past year."

"What?" I said in disbelief. "Who?"

"Jessica Stanley," he whispered. "She just left."

"What the fuck? Jessica fucking Stanley," I roared. "You've been fucking Jessica fucking Stanley?" I pushed away from the counter and began pacing. "You're unbelievable. It's one thing to not stay in a marriage, but it's another to fucking cheat."

"Bella…I'm…"

"Get out, Michael," I sneered. "Never come back."

He looked at me and his eyes were filled with resignation and sadness. He placed his key onto the kitchen counter and pushed away from the table. I didn't notice when I walked in that he had several bags packed and they were sitting by the front door. "I'm sorry, Bella. So sorry."

"Too late for that," I snarled. "Get. Out."

He sighed and gathered his things. He quietly left my house and pulled out of the driveway and out of my life, forever.

Two Months Later:

"We want to thank Mrs. Newton. Erm. Ms. Swan for all of her help for our production of Once on this Island, Jr.," Rebecca said in her sweet soprano. "You have made us all such good actors and actresses. We appreciate it. Thank you, Ms. Swan."

Rebecca handed me a large bouquet of flowers and gave me a warm hug. I was numb, but her flub didn't go unnoticed. As soon as Mike left, I changed my name back to Swan. I didn't want to be associated with that weasel. Jessica also announced her immediate resignation when I returned to school. After Mike leaving, I fell apart and didn't leave the house for nearly a week. It took Alice's threats of burning down the house to finally to get me to leave. I immediately put the house on the market and actually found a buyer. I was selling it at a loss, but I needed to be rid of the monstrosity.

"Ms. Swan?" Rebecca asked.

"Oh, sorry, sweetie," I replied, shaking my head. "Thank you for the lovely flowers and the kind words."

"You're welcome," she smiled. She gave me another hug and the cast all threw flowers at my direction, a cast tradition at Cherry Blossom Middle School. I laughed and took the pummeling of flowers in stride. After a quick glance at my sound person, the bows music came on again and the cast broke into their final number a second time. I joined them, in my tone-deafness, enjoying the moment of normalcy. The song ended and the house lights came up. The cast scattered to their families and I walked up to Alice and Jasper. His arm was securely around hers and they were talking to a set of parents.

"There she is," Alice smiled. "Another wonderful show, Ms. Swan."

"Thank you, Ms. Cullen," I answered. The parents gushed their congratulations and I could tell they were impressed. I knew I needed to pour myself into something. It happened to be this show. The kids took to my new fervor quickly and it was the best show to date. I put on a smile and decided to check on the students in the dressing rooms. It was closing night of the show and I wanted to make sure all of the costumes were put away properly and the classrooms we used were not completely trashed. I left Angela in charge of them, but being a type-A personality, I had to do it myself to ensure it was done correctly.

To my surprise, the dressing rooms were in good order when I poked my head in each of them. Angela, though being a novice teacher, was very strict and the kids loved her. Deciding that dressing rooms were okay, I checked on Alice and the sound equipment. It was almost put away and I was excited. I had mentally prepared on staying here at school until at least midnight cleaning up the messes of the kids. However, it looked like we were ready to go and it was only nine.

"We're going out for drinks," Alice declared. "My brother is in town and he's meeting us at Slammers."

"Which brother? I didn't know you had a brother," I said, looking at my elfin co-worker.

"Well, technically, he's my cousin. But, my parents adopted him when he was fifteen after his parents died in a car crash," Alice explained. "You'll love Edward. He's a doctor and he just moved back here from Seattle."

"Are you setting me up, Alice Cullen?" I asked.

"No. Never," Alice said, giving me a wink.

"You better not. I'm going to stay single for the rest of my life. No more men for me," I sighed.

"Awww, Bells. Don't say that darlin'," Jasper drawled. "You'll find the right one."

"No. I won't. Thanks for the name of the lawyer, Jazz," I said. "Seth has been very helpful with this whole nonsense. The divorce should be finalized by the end of the school year."

"I'm glad, Bells," he smiled, nodding his head. "However, you won't be single for long."

"Oh, but I will," I snickered.

As I walked back to my classroom, I knew that I didn't want to be in a relationship. I had always been in some sort of relationship since I was fifteen. I met Mike in college and we dated our senior of college. We broke up for a bit and then reconnected, saying that we were it for each other. He was the typical 'All-American' boy. Blond hair, blue eyes, athletic build, tan, and pearly white teeth. I was the envy of all of my friends for nailing such a hot guy. Compared to me, Mike had the looks in the relationship. I was the brains. I was attractive. However, being married, I had let myself go a bit. From when we got married until now, I gained about fifty pounds and I never tried to look good anymore. I looked professional at work, but I didn't do anything with makeup and my hair was always pulled back in a ponytail. In all honesty, I was very plain. I had pale skin, dark brown eyes and mousy brown hair. My breasts were flabby and I had cellulite. What guy would find me attractive? No one, I tell you. I'm destined to live by myself with 42 cats and a small dog named Percy.

"Bella! Come on, girl!" Angela said as she stood by my door. "We gotta go. Slammers and Jaeger bombs are calling!"

"Ugh, I hate that shit," I grumbled. "Tastes nasty."

"When you drink ten of 'em, they don't" Angela giggled. "Alice and Jasper are waiting. Ben is meeting us at the bar and apparently Alice's hot younger brother is going to be there. Perhaps you can smack that."

"You so did NOT say that," I said, rolling my eyes.

"Yes, I did. You need to get laid, Swan," Angela smirked, arching a brow.

"That's why God invented vibrators, Angela," I said sweetly. "Let's get drunk."

She let out a guffaw and shut off the lights to my classroom. I pulled the door shut and we walked out to our cars. Alice and Jasper were leaning against her yellow Beetle. It was cute and totally her. Angela skipped to her car, a very loved Honda Civic in bright red. It had many dings and scratches, but Angela would not get rid of it. I slipped into my large SUV, my Honda Pilot and we headed to Slammers. It was a local sports bar and it was fun. Every Friday, the staff of Cherry Blossom went there to commiserate and we got nice discounts.

We parked our cars. I grabbed my purse, pulling out my cell phone, license and credit card, slipping them into my pocket of my black dress pants. I reapplied some lip gloss (my only make up that I wore) and steeled myself for the joys of Slammers. Alice linked arms with me and dragged me to the tables that we were meeting Ben and her brother, Edward. Jasper went to the bar and returned with several drinks for us. He ordered Alice and I a Cosmo and got a beer for Angela and himself. I sipped my drink, enjoying the numbness that washed over me. Numb was good. Numb meant that there was no pain. I was so transfixed on my numbness, I didn't feel Alice jump off the stool and run into the arms of tall, red-haired man. Though red is not the right word for it, as I looked at him. Bronze is closer. I shook it off and checked my phone. I made a mental note to leave by no later than eleven. It was a little after ten.

"Bella, I'd like to introduce you to my brother, Edward Masen," Alice smiled. "Edward, this is Bella Swan."

"Nice to you meet you," Edward said quietly. His voice was soft and smooth. It sounded like velvet, wrapped in silk, wrapped in rabbit fur.

He held out his hand and I shook it briefly. "Nice to meet you, too," I said curtly. Alice kicked me under the table, her blue eyes wide with disbelief.

"Edward, let's get another round of drinks," Jasper suggested. "What do you ladies want?"

"The same," I answered, swirling my Cosmo.

"Me too," Alice smiled. As soon as the guys left, Angela and Alice snarled at me. "Why are you being so rude, Bella?"

"I'm sorry," I grumbled. "You know what, I can't stay. Angela, you have my drink. I'll see you on Monday."

"Bella, don't go," Angela said. "Have fun. You're too young to be resigned to the permanent single life."

"Who would want me?" I said sadly. "I really need to get out of here." I hopped off the stool and grabbed my car keys. I turned and walked away, tears falling down my cheeks. I was not ready for any of this. I was almost to my car when I heard my name being called. It wasn't Jasper, but whoever it was, was male. I turned around and saw Alice's brother/cousin running toward me. "What?" I snapped.

"Whoa, relax," Edward said, holding up his hands defensively. "You left your phone on the table. I needed to get my wallet and I offered to bring it out for you. I'm sorry I disturbed you."

"No, I should apologize. You're being nice and I'm being this colossal bitch," I said scrubbing my face. "Thanks for bringing out my phone." Edward handed me my phone and when our hands touched a spark traveled through my body. It was nothing that I had ever felt before.

"It's not a problem," Edward sputtered. I looked up at him and I was amazed at his beauty. He was tall, over six feet. His hair was a mess, like he ran his hands through it a million times. It was a combination of bronze and copper, a very unique color combination. However, it suited his face. He had a strong jaw line, straight nose and a smattering of freckles across his cheeks. What really startled me was his eyes. They were a deep jade green with brown flecks. They looked wise and loving. However, they held a sadness behind them that I couldn't pinpoint. But what's the point. He wouldn't want to be with me any way. He probably has a supermodel girlfriend with looks like those. "Drive safe, Bella."

"Thanks," I said with a small smile. I could feel my cheeks heat up and a blush spread over my face. But I couldn't let him see my attraction to him. I refused to let myself get hurt again. I opened my car and hopped in. I gave him a wave and nearly peeled out of the parking lot of the bar. I couldn't get home fast enough. I needed to be in my bed, surrounded by my pillows and away from meddling elfin choral directors. As I sped home, tears fell down my cheeks. For the first time since my separation from Mike, I felt alone.

xx AFS xx

I apparently fell asleep with my clothes on. I woke up the next morning and I was still in my dress clothes from last night's performance. I ran my hands through my hair and padded to the bathroom, stubbing my toe on one of the boxes near the doorway.

"Mother fucker!" I yelled as I hopped on my foot. "Damn it!" I hobbled to the bathroom and inspected the damage to my toe. I could already see it swell and some discoloration. Just what I needed, another broken bone. I'm such a fucking klutz. I grumbled and got into the shower. I hastily washed my hair and body. I needed to do some planning for my classes tomorrow. We were finishing our narrative unit and I had to have another unit in place. I was thinking I would do something with plays or poetry.

I ate my breakfast and brainstormed some ideas for my next unit. I flipped through some of my old plan books for some ideas and finally decided to a poetry unit, culminating in a poetry slam during class. That should take us until the end of the school year. Well, at least until the last week. That was a total loss to begin with. I worked on my lessons until I heard my phone ring. I darted into the bedroom and picked it up. It was Mike.

"What do you want?" I barked.

"Hello to you, too, Bella," he sneered. "I got your paperwork for our divorce. I can't believe you sold the house at such a loss."

"I can't afford to stay here, Michael. I don't make enough to pay this mortgage. I refuse to ask for alimony. So, I sold it. Just sign the papers and you can be rid of me," I grumbled.

"Why should I sign the papers? I got some pictures from last night, Bella. Are you dating?"

"What? No! I went out to Slammers after the show and I left my phone in the bar. Alice's brother brought it out to me. I'm not ready to date. Why do you have pictures? Are you having me followed? Seriously? You cheated on me. You have no right to have me tailed," I said, getting hot.

"You looked awfully friendly with him," Mike snarled.

"Whatever, Michael. I barely know him. If you are calling to insinuate something that didn't happen, then you must have a screw loose. Don't call me. Ever."

"Fine," he snapped and he ended the call.

I screamed at the top of my lungs and punched the countertop. I felt and heard a sickening crunch. "Son of a bitch! First a broken toe and now possibly a broken hand. Fabulous. I hate you Michael Walton Newton." I slipped on my flip flops and grabbed some ice. My left hand was already swelling up and it hurt like a mother. "Fuck it. I'm going to the hospital." I got my keys and started the car, driving the short distance to the hospital. I checked into the hospital, Craven Memorial and waited patiently for my name to be called.

"Isabella Swan," a pudgy nurse called. I raised my hand and she led me back into the ER. I cradled my hand as she took my vitals. She asked how I injured myself and muttered something about my own stupidity. She snorted but ignored my comment. She told me that the doctor would be right in. I sat back on the gurney, watching the bad television that was in the sterile room.

I was waiting for about a half hour when the door opened up. "Isabella Swan," came a velvety voice. "I'm Dr. Masen and I'll be…damned."

"Hi," I grumbled. "Fancy seeing you here."

"Did I really piss you off that much that you punched a counter?" he teased.

"No. My soon-to-be ex-husband did," I muttered.

"What happened?" Edward asked as he pulled a rolling stool up to the gurney. His hand reached for mine and he began probing it with sensitive and gentle fingers.

"My ex-hubby called me to give me shit. He is having me trailed like I'm some sort of criminal. He accused me of dating," I seethed. "That's rich since the end of our marriage was a result of him fucking a colleague of mine. Asshat. I got so pissed; I punched the granite counter top."

"There's no bitterness between the two of you," Edward said, raising a brow over his glasses.

"No. None," I answered simply. Edward moved my pinky and it hurt. "Mother!"

"Sorry," he said, furrowing his brow. "From what I feel, it's broken. But I want to get some films first. Come on, Mike Tyson."

"Don't make me hurt you with my other hand," I said, arching my brows.

"Seriously, let's go," he said, offering me help off the gurney. We walked to the x-ray suite, his hand hovering over the small of my back. "Could you be pregnant?"

"One needs to have sex in order to be pregnant," I muttered snidely. "I've been celibate for quite some time."

"Have you considered therapy for these anger issues?" he joked, holding back a laugh. I shot him a look and he led me to the x-ray machine. He put a lead blanket over my body and took several shots of my jacked up hand. Afterward, we walked back to my sterile hospital room and he helped me back onto the gurney. "I'm going to take a look at your x-rays. Do you want anything for the pain?"

"A shotgun. So I can shoot the pain in the ass that made me punch the counter," I quipped.

"I was thinking more along the lines of Vicodin or Codeine," Edward said slowly.

"Um, neither. Just advil, please," I answered. "I drove myself and I get too loopy to drive if I take any of those."

"Bella, why did you drive yourself?" Edward admonished.

"Because, I'm all alone," I said sadly, turning away from him. "I'll be fine."

Edward furrowed his brow and he looked unhappy. Why should he care? I'm just the bitch who snapped at him and abruptly left last night. I'm no one special. He stared at me until I looked him in the eyes. "I can drive you home, if you are in too much pain. I'm off as soon as I'm done with you."

"That's not necessary. If I could get a pill for when I do get home, that would fantastic," I suggested. He nodded and left the room. As soon as he was gone, I relaxed against the bed, cradling my hand. Edward, Dr. Masen, returned a few minutes later carrying my x-rays and some supplies. "So, what's the verdict?"

"No break," he said. "You did do some damage to the tendons in your fingers and wrist. So the good news is that you don't have to wear a cast. The bad news is that you get to wear this fashionable black brace for six weeks."

"Alice will be overjoyed with that," I snorted. "That girl is always trying to dress me and make me look like a fashionista."

"It's an illness for her," Edward laughed. "Almost an addiction."

"The first step is to admit you have a problem, right?" I said.

"Yep. She needs an intervention," he said, reaching for my hand. He put the brace around my wrist and fastened it securely. "This needs to stay on during the day. You can only take it off to shower. Also, here's a script for Vicodin. I have two pills for you in this envelope to take when you get home. I don't want you getting into a car crash on your way home from Craven. If it hurts or bothers you in anyway, call me. Here's my card. This is my work number and on the back is my cell phone. Okay?"

"Yeah, thanks," I said, taking the card from him. I slipped it into the pocket of my hoodie and he helped me off the gurney. I picked up my car keys and he handed me my prescription, Vicodin and an icepack. "Okay, random question."

"Burnt sienna," Edward said.

"Excuse me?" I asked.

"You were about to ask a random question. I just gave you a random answer," he snickered.

"Yeah, you are bizarre," I chuckled. "I totally forgot what I was going to ask. Thanks."

"Sorry," he said with a crooked smile. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine. Thanks again," I said as I turned toward the exit. He leaned against the door frame, watching me as I walked out of the ER. He was the picture of casual ease, wrapped up in a set of green doctor's scrubs and white lab coat. With the hottest pair of glasses, ever. "I cannot fall for Dr. McSteamy, McDreamy or McFuckme. Ignore the hotness that is Dr. Masen," I said quietly as I walked to my car. I reached into my pocket and took out the card from Edward.

Dr. Edward Anthony Masen

Senior Attending, Head of the Emergency Department

Craven Memorial Hospital

609-555-1901 ext. 1979

I flipped the card over and looked at this his elegant handwriting, giving me his cell phone number.

Bella,

It appears we may have gotten off on the wrong foot. If you need to talk or hit something that is not a kitchen counter (my stomach is a tad softer), call me. I'm new in town and could use a friend or two, other than Alice.

Edward

609-555-2008, Cell

Is Dr. McFuckme hitting on me? No. He's looking for a friend. I can be a friend. Right?

"I'm so screwed," I grumbled into my arms.

A/N: And so they've met. Not the most explosive meeting, but the spark has been kindled. Leave me love or something, please :)