A/N: Thanks to all who reviewed/favorited/followed! All mistakes are mine. I hope ya'll like this chapter!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

"Never alone, I'll be in every beat of your heart when you face the unknown. Wherever you fly, this isn't goodbye. My love will follow you stay with you. Baby, you're never alone." – Lady Antebellum

Chapter 8

EPOV

November 2008

Seeing Bella just collapse on the stairs like she did scared the hell out of me. I looked around in hopes of finding someone to tell me what to do, but there is no one in sight. I look back down at the unconscious girl in my arms and try to will her to wake up with my mind.

"Bella! Bella, please wake up. Come on." I beg her. I don't get a response. Suddenly, my phone rings.

"Edward honey, you forgot your lunch when you left this morning. Do you want me to bring it to you?"

Mom! I always knew every mother had a sixth sense in them. They always know when to call.

"Mom! Mom, please you've got to help me! Bella just collapsed at the school and I don't know what to do and she won't wake up and I don't know what to do. Mom, please you have got to help me." I sounded hysterical and I knew it. I was freaking out. I didn't know what the hell to do when someone just collapses.

"Edward calm down. Tell me what happened again. I'll head over to the school right now."

"I don't know what happened, Mom. One minute we're just walking and the next I see her fall. I barely caught her in time. She almost cracked her head on the floor. Mom, I'm scared. It's happening again."

I pause and wait for her to reply. She knows what I mean. This is exactly like what happened with my sister.

"It's going to be alright, son. Just stay calm. Don't think the worst, sweetie. I'm sure Bella is fine. I'll be there in 15 minutes. Can you wait on me until then? I need to call your father, Edward, and tell him what's happened."

Shit, why didn't I think of that first?

"Yeah I can do that, but please hurry."

"I am, son. Don't worry I am sure Bella will be fine." With that, she hangs up.

I look down to the beautiful girl in my arms. What could have happened to make her pass out like she did? It's probably the same reason she couldn't walk to the car when I picked her up from her house. Why the hell did she tell me she was fine if she clearly wasn't then? I mentally scold myself. I should've listened to my instincts and made her tell me what happened right then and there. Damn it. I could've avoided all this! She wouldn't be unconscious right now if I hadn't given up so easily. She can't end up like Alice. I won't let her.

I am so caught up in my thoughts that I don't even hear the footsteps of Mrs. Wilson approaching us.

"Goodness, Edward! What happened? What's wrong?"

"I don't know she just passed out. I don't know what to do. My mom is on her way and my dad may be too. My dad's a doctor so he'll know what to do."

"How long has she been like this for?"

"I don't know, maybe 10 minutes?"

"I don't think that's good, Edward. She needs to get to the hospital. Did you check to see if she's still breathing?"

Shit! Another thing I never thought to do! I'm such an idiot! I quickly put my ear right above her lips and rejoice when I hear the faint sound of her breathing. I sigh in relief and turn back to Mrs. Wilson who is kneeling on the ground beside me.

"She's breathing."

"That's good. I am going to go call and ambulance right now."

I nod my head and watch as she walks away.

"I'm so sorry, Bella." I whisper into her hair. I kiss her forehead and silently beg whoever is listening up there for her to be okay.

**TCWT**

Five hours and a trip to the hospital later, Bella wakes up. I've been at her bedside since she got out of her CAT scan and refused to leave her side until I know she's okay. I can't help the smile on my face when I see her big brown eyes open and meet mine.

"Bella, you're finally awake. Thank God. I thought I had lost you there for a few minutes." I smile sadly at her.

She looks up to me and around the room and her eyes go wide. I hear her heart monitor start accelerating and once again I am at a complete loss at what to do. She is freaking out!

"What's wrong? Bella, please stop. You're safe here. I won't let anything happen to you, I swear." This seems to calm her down fractionally, but it starts again the moment the door opens. I look back to see my dad standing there in alarm.

"Bella, relax. It's just my dad. He's been the one helping you since the three of us got on the ambulance at school."

Her eyes go wide. What's going through her head right now? Why can't she see that she's safe here?

Finally my dad speaks up. "Bella, I am Dr. Cullen, Edward's dad. I need you to calm down or I am going to have to give you something to help you calm down." She visibly tries to calm herself. "That's great, sweetie. You're doing really well."

She calms down even further.

"Bella, can you tell me who you got those bruises on your elbow?" Bella's eyes go wide and she frantically tries to move her elbow, which was now in a sling, out of sight. She flinches at the sudden movement.

"It's alright sweetie, no one will judge you here. I just want to know what happened." She doesn't say anything. Instead, she looks to me, her eyes pleading for my help.

"Dad, she doesn't talk. She's not going to tell you what happened. Can I have a moment alone with her?"

Instead of listening to me he does the exact opposite of what I wanted to hear. "Edward, you need to leave the room, please. I need Bella to feel safe around me."

"But dad, I –"

"No buts, Edward. Now go. I'll come find you when I am done here."

I take one last long look at Bella and reluctantly leave. I know better than to try and argue with my dad when he's got his "Dr. Cullen" voice on.

I walk down the hallway and to the waiting room. When I get there I am surprised to find Jacob, Seth, and Emmett sitting in the chairs.

"Is she okay, Edward?" Jacob was the first to ask.

At first, I'm confused. "How did you know –"

It was Emmett who interrupted me. "When you didn't show up for class, I called your phone and you didn't answer. I thought that was really weird because you always answer. And, we kinda have a big game tonight, so I knew you wouldn't stay home. I may have had a little bit of a freak attack." He smiles bashfully.

"A little bit? You were ready to rip the math book into two! You scared Mr. Molina to death!" Seth turned to me and continued to speak. "All Mr. Molina tried to do was ask Emmett about the game tonight. This was at the peak of Emmett's freak attack and Mr. Molina caught him off guard. He snapped at him and stood up so quickly he almost broke the desk in the process!" Seth couldn't stop laughing as he was talking. I couldn't help but laugh too. I could easily see Emmett having a hissy fit and scared little Molina hiding in a corner.

After laughing at Emmett for a while, Seth continued, "When we didn't see you or Bella at lunch, we knew something was up. I eventually called Esme to see if she knew where you were and she said that you refused to go back to school. I guess Bella is a little more than a friend their buddy. For you to miss school on a game day and risk getting in trouble with coach." He smirks at me.

I ignore his comment and tell them what happened."I didn't know what the hell happened! She just fucking collapsed and I freaked out man. I froze. I didn't do anything. My dad's a damn doctor for fuck's sake! I've always been taught what to do in an emergency situation and I froze. I didn't do a damn thing to help her." I feel so guilty and I know it shows on my face when Emmett reaches out to me.

"It's okay, man. The important thing is that she made it here, right? She's okay now." He paused. "She is okay now, right?"

"I guess it depends on your definition of okay. My dad said she had a pretty bad concussion and she dislocated her elbow. They put it back into place while she was unconscious, but they couldn't seem to figure out how she dislocated it." I kept the part about the hand shaped bruise around her elbow to myself. I didn't want to say too much.

"That sucks man." I looked to Jacob and nodded in agreement. It was a few moments before anyone decided to speak again.

"When we found out you were here at the hospital, we told coach." Shit, I completely forgot about him.

Noticing the discomfort on my face, Seth continued, "He was pissed a little at first that you didn't tell him, but he cooled down after a while. He said you have to be back at the school by 5:00 for the game though."

I nodded my head. I was going to stay at the hospital with Bella for as long as I could. "So, uh, why are you guys here?" I was really curious. They didn't spend as much time around Bella as I do, so I don't understand why they would want to come all the way out this way for her.

"I can't help it, but Bella's growing on me, Eddie." Jacob smirked. He knows I hated to be called Eddie.

"Knock it off, Jake. You were just as worried about Bella as I was." Seth said. "She's our friend too, you know Edward. We were worried about her and you."

I didn't say anything. I just smiled at them. I couldn't ask for better friends.

My dad chose this moment to walk in the waiting room. "Son, can I speak with you?"

I turn to look back at my friends. "I'll see you guys at the game, alright?"

"Yeah okay man. Tell Bella that we stopped by." I nodded at Seth and turned to my dad.

I walked over to him. "What's wrong, dad? Did Bella say anything? Is she okay?" I start to head back up the hallway when he puts a restraining hand on my arm.

"Relax, son. Bella's fine, well mostly I guess. I couldn't get a single thing out of her. I am worried about her son. I know you saw the bruises on her elbow and jaw. They were hand – shaped bruises, Edward. Please, if you can get her to open up to you about anything, do it. I called her foster parents, and her foster mom is on her way. Now, go talk to Bella."

I nod my head and grab the notebook and pen from my dad's overcoat pocket. He looks at me suspiciously, but doesn't say anything. I head back up to Bella's room and smile when I see her. I walk in and her face brightens when she sees that it is me. I walk over to the side of her bed and said, "You scared the hell out of me today, Bella. I was terrified when you fell. I – I didn't know what to do. I am so sorry, Bella, I panicked when you need me." I couldn't help but think of Alice when I saw her in that hospital bed. That was my last memory of her, my sister, my baby sister. I quickly get rid of those thoughts and focus back on Bella.

She smiles sadly and reaches out to place her hand on mine. I smile softly at the notion. Maybe she's not mad at me. I show her the pen and notebook in my hand and ask, "Do you feel like talking to me?" She nods her head yes and takes the notebook. She stares at me expectantly and I decide not to interrogate her about the bruises just yet.

"How are you feeling?"

I have a little headache, but nothing too bad. Thank you for helping me today.

"It's no problem, Bella. I'd do it again in a heartbeat." She smiles at this. "My dad told me you have a concussion and you dislocated your elbow. Do you remember what happened?"

She freezes for a split second before she responds.

No, I don't remember. I woke up with the headache and I don't know what I did to my elbow. Maybe I landed on it when I fell at the school?

She's lying to me and she knows I know it.

"Bella, I can't help you if you don't tell me what happened." She doesn't look convinced. "Bella, please it's me." I cup my hand around her cheek. "I'd do anything for you and you know it. I just want to help you." She doesn't flinch from my touch. Much to my surprise, she leans into it.

I know, Edward, but I honestly don't know what happened.

I look at her and sigh. She's not going to tell me the truth. I lean down to her face and kiss her forehead. "Maybe one day you'll trust me enough to tell me." She looks ashamed and her eyes look away from mine.

I can't stand her looking like that so I quickly change the subject. "You know Emmett, Seth, and Jacob came by here a few minutes ago. They were worried about us – me and you. If we didn't have a game tonight, I'm sure they would've fought their way in here to check on you. They care about you too. You have friends that want to help you and be here for you, Bella. You just have to let us in. I –" Before I could finish the door opens.

We both look to the sound of the door opening at the same time. No knocking, whatsoever, whoever was at the door just barged in.

"Oh Bella, my sweet baby girl! What happened to you? I got a call from the hospital about an hour ago and had to wait until my lunch break to come over here."

It is Renee. I stare at her incredulously. Is this the same woman who I had to beg to let Bella come tutor me? The same lady who referred to her daughter as a worthless, stupid bitch? There is no way.

Bella seems to be just as shocked as I am, so I respond for her. "Hi Renee, remember me? I'm Edward Cullen. I was with Bella when she collapsed at school. My dad is the main doctor here and has been taking care of Bella since we got on the ambulance."

Renee didn't seem to notice my presence until I spoke. "So you're the boy who saved my precious angle's life? Oh thank you, thank you!" She reaches over to hug me and I automatically stiffen at the impact. She lets go of me and turns to Bella. "Sweetie what did you do this time?"

When Bella doesn't answer her, I take it upon myself to answer for her. "She has a concussion and she dislocated her right elbow. My dad was able to put her elbow back in place while she was unconscious, but from the severity of the concussion, my dad said she is going to be in a great deal of pain for a few weeks."

She looks angry for a split second then another emotion comes across her face. "You always did know how to find yourself in trouble, didn't you?"

I don't like the tone of her voice when she says this. I look down to Bella and notice her squirming away from Renee's penetrating gaze. I grab Bella's hand and try to get Renee's focus back on me. "Do you know how Bella got her injuries, Mrs. Swan?"

Her eyes dart to mine and replies a little too quickly. "I have no idea how she got hurt, boy, and I don't care for your tone very much either." She's lying; I can tell.

Before I get to respond, my dad walks in. Perfect timing.

"Ahh, Mrs. Swan, I am so glad you finally got here."

"Yes I came as soon as I could and I immediately got interrogated from this boy over here!" Renee starts to cry hysterically. "I just found out that my baby girl is in the hospital with a severe concussion and the first thing anyone says is "do you know what happened?" This boy over here has been accusing me the entire time I've been here!"

Carlisle gives me a questioning look. Good. He doesn't believe her story. He knows I wouldn't do that. He turns back to Renee.

"'That boy' is my son and I will apologize for his behavior on his behalf. Nobody is accusing you of anything. We are a little curious as to how Bella go hurt. If you look around her elbow –" He moves to the side of the bed where Bella's elbow rests. Her eyes go wide, but calms down quickly when I squeeze her hand. Dad shifts the sling slightly to show where her hand- shaped bruise around her elbow is visible. "We can see bruising around the area of impact. It almost looks as if she had been grabbed and slung around hard enough for her humerus to become detached."

Immediately Renee looks angry. "I have no idea how she got hurt, damn it! Stop accusing me! All I want is to be able to take my baby girl home with me so I can take care of her!"

Dad tried to soothe her. "Ma'am no one is accusing you of anything. We just want to know what happened to poor Bella here."

Dad glances at Bella, hopeful look in his eye. Renee glares at Bella at the same time, daring her to speak. Bella shifts uncomfortably from underneath all the stares when I pipe in, "She told me she didn't remember anything and if she did, she would've told me, right Bella?" I say, trying to give her a reprieve. Between Renee's reaction to Bella being in the hospital and Bella's reluctance to tell me what happened, I know that Renee knows what happened to Bella. She is bullying her into not saying anything.

Bella nods at my statement and looks nervously at Renee. Renee seems pleased by my answer and drops the conversation.

"So, when can I take her home? I know how much my baby hates hospitals and I know she would much rather be safe at home with her mommy than anything else in the world. I want to get her out of here as soon as possible, Dr. Cullen. When might that be?"

"Well I would prefer it if she stayed overnight for observation, but I don't see any harm in discharging her in a few hours."

"Great! It's settled then! I'll be back to pick her up when I get off of work. I need to leave now, my lunch break is only so long you know. Bye Bella. I will see you later."

She bends down to whisper something in her ears and Bella goes white. All the color leaves her face. Renee doesn't seem to notice this and walks out of the room like nothing happened. I look to my dad and then back to Bella. Something is off about the way Bella acts around Renee. I just don't know what yet, but I will find out.

"I will need to see you back here in three weeks to check your head again and to get your elbow out of that sling, Bella. Until then, I need you to keep that sling on and take these pain medications. If you ever need to talk to someone about anything, I am here for you Bella. I don't have to be a doctor if you don't need me to. I can just be the dad of this little turd right here if you need me to be." He grabs me and puts me into a headlock. I quickly get out of it and laugh along with him. He looks back at Bella and says "Anything, just call." He writes his number on a piece of paper and slides it under the bottle of pain pills and then leaves.

I glance at the time. It's already 4:30. Damn, I need to get going. "I have to go to my game Bella. I am so sorry I have to leave. I wouldn't if I didn't have to." She smiles softly at me and grabs the pen and paper again.

It's okay, Edward, I get it. Go win your football game for me, okay?

How she can think about me winning a football game at a time like this is beyond me. I smile at her and nod. "I'll pick you up Monday morning 6:30, okay?" She nods. I lean down to kiss her forehead and sigh. I turn and head for the door. I don't leave right then, instead I turn back to Bella and say, "If you need anything, I don't care how small or big it is, call that number." I point to the piece of paper that my dad had written his number on. "I'm just a phone call away. Stay safe, Bella." With that I turn around and leave.

A/N: So. What did ya'll think? What do you think is going to happen to Bella next? What do you think Renee said to her? Do you think she'll call Carlisle if something happens? I know in real life, Carlisle would never be able to ask Edward to do those things to Bella because of the doctor – patient confidentiality, but for the sake of the story he needed to. Please let me know what ya'll think in a review! See you next week.