Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.

Bella POV

I stepped out into the hall, side stepping a nurse before making my way towards the exit. I tucked my head down as I walked by the crowded staff desk, doing my best to blend into the motley crowd that always seemed to be milling around the ER. I had just made it to the security door to slip out of this hellscape when I heard him call my name.

"Bella?"

I would know the cool, clipped tone of my name rolling off his tongue anywhere.

I pressed on the button, harder, demanding my escape, but it wasn't working until finally it was. The door sprang open and I found myself practically sprinting out of the secured area out into the lobby.

"Bella?"

He must have followed me as I hurried out of the area and toward the large glass doors. They opened slowly, allowing me to leave as I felt him following me. I made my way to my car, refusing to look behind me.

"Bella?" he called again, this time louder and so much closer.

I had my car door open, ready to slip inside when he appeared before me.

Dr Carlisle Cullen.

Looking at him was like looking directly at the sun with his piercing blue eyes and uncomfortably handsome face.

I met his gaze with an emotionless one of my own. I hid the smirk that threatened to spill across m my lips as I noticed his immediate discomfort.

"Uhm…how have you been?" he asked as I watched him ring his hands together in a nervous fashion.

My silence was the only answer he was worthy of receiving.

He looked down at the pavement that separated us as the silence continued to loom loudly.

"Listen…" he began slowly as he continued to look away from me. His words were slow and sluggish, almost as if it pained him to speak.

"I wanted to… to thank you," he continued on slowly.

"Thank you for…. Edward," he finally said as he looked up to meet my gaze.

"Without your decision…." He continued on as I shook my head in defiance at home. He had no idea about my decision to leave Edward or what it cost me.

"It wasn't for your benefit," I finally spoke. My voice sounded odd to my own my ears.

"I'm sure it wasn't, but I appreciate it. I'm sure Edward does as well," he said with a grin that was supposed to smooth over years of hurt and bitterness of moment.

His words were like a knife to my heart.

I'm sure Edward does as well…

I slipped into my car and closed the door hoping that was the end of my time with Dr Cullen.

"He's getting married," he said as if I would be happy by such a thing.

"He probably should confirm he's divorced first," I shot back, and then watched his face twist in confusion.

"I thought…" he began trailing off as I started my car with the hollow victory of knowing that Edward was still mine despite Dr Cullen's efforts and myself sabotage. I drove off, looking at him as he remained rooted to the spot in the parking lot. The image of confusion on his far too perfect face was just enough to make me laugh instead of cry as I drove away.

AN:

Thanks for reading!

Sorry for the short length of this one, but I thought it was best to shorten this one before a long flash back… and for those that guess right. yes, it was Bella.

Soooo…. I am looking for some beta readers for the re doing of The Lost as well as some of my original erotica… & yes, most are centered around cheating. Sorry, I write that well and it appears there are some people who really enjoy it lol. Any takers on this?

Hope this finds you healthy & safe! Wear your mask, fight to save democracy & avoid Iowa at all cost. The pace is full of plague rats lol…

XOXO

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