XLI. Fate's Middle Finger

It was Carlisle who drove me home, some time before three in the morning.

After doing another check-up, he'd determined I showed only mild symptoms of hypothermia, and the dull pain in my chest was the worst that had resulted from near-drowning. In the case of my stitched up arm, I'd decided we could tell Charlie about the incident with the candle. Everything else was avoidable, and I didn't need Charlie mistakenly thinking I was as disaster prone as Bella. I'd never be allowed to go anywhere.

Once we reached the highway, Carlisle broke the silence and said, "We have privacy at the moment, if there were any other concerns you wished to share with me."

I lowered the thermos of hot chocolate in my hand and glanced towards him. "…Edward said you guys weren't leaving?"

I wanted to believe Edward when he said that he would stay. But in moments like these, it was difficult to separate reality from fiction.

In the dim lighting of the dash, Carlisle smiled gently. "No, Isabella, we're not leaving. I can assure you as much. The decision is not only up to Edward."

I blinked. "It's not?"

"No, not any more," Carlisle said, reaching over and briefly squeezing my hand. "My son is not the only one in our family who has come to cherish you. Edward would have to contend with many of us, if he were to decide that leaving is the safest option for you. Especially, because as things stand, it's not."

"Alice's vision hasn't changed then," I said.

Carlisle frowned. "Not entirely."

I curled both hands around the warm thermos, brow furrowing in concern. "What does that mean?"

"After tonight's incident, and in light of the foreknowledge you've shared with us, Alice checked other possible futures," he explained, voice inexplicably soft. "If we were to depart now, your future would change. You would not become a vampire, nor would you continue your life as a human. You would…die. And we have no idea of the cause. All we know at the moment, is that it is our family which stands between you and certain death."

"…What the hell," I whispered hoarsely.

"I know Edward is upset," Carlisle added, "But don't let that concern you, in regards to our presence here. We have already accepted you as our family. We will not abandon you."

I swallowed thickly and said, voice shaking, "Thank you."

Carlisle smiled. "There is no need to thank us. But you are most welcome, nonetheless."

I nodded, blinking back tears.

And then, I wondered, "…You don't think it's the wolves, do you?"

Carlisle stayed silent for an uncomfortably long moment. "I think that you would know the answer to that, better than I."

I reviewed every bit of information I knew of the wolf pack, and then decided, "No. I don't believe any of them would hurt me, or any human. Not intentionally."

Carlisle hummed in thought. "I'm inclined to agree. I did not know Ephraim well, but he maintained that protecting humankind was their most sacred duty. Even amongst the new wolves, I see no reason as to why that should change."

"So then what? Or who?" I huffed, scowling out into the black of night. "Either, it's some other supernatural creature, who Alice is incapable of seeing. Or…it's someone with the ability to block out other's gifts."

"Yes, we've come to a similar conclusion," he said, as we pulled into my street. "We have been on alert, but we haven't come across any unfamiliar scents within our territory. You are safe. For now."

"For now," I laughed mirthlessly. "Let me know when you discover the identity of my would-be murderer."

Carlisle offered me a bland smile and slowed the car to a halt in front of the house. "I will do my best to keep you informed," he said. "Though I feel the need to ask if there's anything else you wish to share. You once told Rosalie that you knew of other events in our future. That they were based on decisions that had yet to be made."

"Oh," I blinked. "Um, yes. But trust me, those events are no longer relevant. I have less than three months left until I'm either dead, or a vampire. Ultimately, it's mine and Edward's decision to make, but it's not something we have the time for."

Carlisle titled his head, eyes lit with curiosity. "But still, you're unwilling to discuss whatever this choice may be? If it's Edward's decision, as much as it's yours, perhaps it's him you should discuss it with."

I grimaced. "I suppose. But…I think I know him well enough, to know his choice in this. Especially when I'm already decided."

"Perhaps. Though he might surprise you," Carlisle suggested with a small smile.

"Not in this," I assured him as I stepped out of the car.

I couldn't imagine that Edward would ever willingly ask me to go through the process of birthing a hybrid human-vampire baby. If him wanting to force an abortion on Bella in canon was any indication, hell would freeze over before he ever asked that of me.

Which was just as well, because I currently had little interest in it myself. Although I was vaguely disappointed that I would not get to have children of my own, I was alright with skipping out on the pregnancy from hell.

Carlisle met me on the walkway and followed me up the porch steps to the front door, a mass of folded blanket in his arms. Even though it was Esme who had insisted on giving me the heated blanket, it was Carlisle who had enforced this decision under 'doctor's orders.' Apparently, even mild hypothermia needed to be treated, and I would be stuck sleeping inside of the toaster blanket all night.

Inside the front hall, the lights were already on, and I could hear the echoes of Charlie's snores and the muted sound of late night infomercials.

"He must've been waiting for me to return home," I realized.

"It appears so," Carlisle said, gently shutting the door behind him. "He's a good father."

"Yeah, he is," I agreed with a sad smile. "Let me go wake him."

I walked into the living room, where Charlie was sprawled across the cushions, dead asleep.

I reached over the backrest of the couch and gently shook his shoulder. "Hey, chief," I said, "It's time to wake up. You'll get a crick in your neck, sleeping like that."

"Bella?" he slurred, rubbing his eyes and sitting up with a tired groan. As soon as he noticed Carlisle standing at my shoulder, he shot up to his feet. "Dr. Cullen! Is everything alright?"

"Yes, sorry to disturb you so late at night, Chief Swan. But as Isabella's father, I'm sure you would rather be kept informed," Carlisle smiled warmly, and then turned to me, "Isabella, you can go ahead and get some rest, while I speak with your father."

"Yeah, sure thing, doc," I agreed, shifting the thermos to one hand and accepting the blanket from him into my stitches-free arm. "Goodnight," I called, as I thumped up the stairs.

Below, I heard Charlie say, "You said there was an incident?"

"Unfortunately, yes," I heard Carlisle begin to explain, before I shut the door to my room, muting their voices.

I dumped the heated blanket atop my duvet and took another long sip of hot chocolate, thawing the tremors in the marrow of my bones.

As I got ready for bed, the memory of tonight's events bore down on my bruised shoulders with a leaden weight and my heart ached with the pain of it.

The moment that tears began to blur my vision, I popped a sleeping pill. Perhaps tomorrow would be a better day.

The first time I woke up, it was dark and Charlie sat at my bedside. I think he was checking me over, but mostly, I just remember him ordering me to go back to sleep.

The second time it happened was when I turned over and a sharp, burning pain raced across my arm. With a curse, I squinted my eyes open and gingerly sat up.

The sun was out and despite my grogginess, I ran the risk of having nightmares if I tried to sleep in any longer. After everything that had occurred the previous night, I knew better than to chance it.

Before I could force myself to crawl out of bed, my phone began to buzz violently across my nightstand.

I blindly grabbed for it and flipped it open.

"Hello?" I said, voice hoarse with sleep, slowly laying back down, trying not to pull on the bruised skin across my arms and shoulders.

"Isabella," said Edward's voice, sounding relieved. "How are you feeling this morning?"

"Mostly sore," I admitted groggily. "I'll take some pain medication as soon as I find the motivation to get up."

"I guess that's as well as can be expected," he heaved a sigh.

"Yeah," I grimaced. "What did I miss last night? Is everything alright?"

"It's well in hand," Edward said, though he didn't sound convinced. "But Peter and Charlotte are still here. They're with Alice and Jasper."

"Oh."

Admittedly, I wasn't sure how to feel. I knew it was irrational to hold a grudge against the nomadic pair for their actions against me. But…I was no longer willing to be within proximity of them. Not while I was still human.

Reading Edward's violent thoughts in Midnight Sun was incomparable to being assaulted by an actual bloodthirsty vampire.

"I'll be keeping an eye out, until they leave," Edward assured me. "And then I'll pick you up later tonight. Carlisle will need to change your bandages."

"Sounds like a plan," I said, the slightest bit relieved. "I'll just be hanging around my house, resting for the day, so you know where to find me."

"I do," I could hear the smile in Edward's voice. "Please don't get into any trouble."

I wrinkled my nose. "Don't tell me what to do."

Edward laughed. "My mistake."

"Right. I'll see you later, babe."

"Can't wait."

I ended the call and got ready for the day, taking some painkillers, dressing comfortably, and eating cereal for breakfast.

After some thought, I took a page out of Bella's book. Gathering a blanket, my mp3 player, and one of the books I had borrowed from Edward, I made my way out to the backyard and made camp on the stretch of thick, mossy lawn.

The sun was dim, but a welcomed reprieve from the constant rain.

For a long while, I remained sprawled across the blanket, escaping reality. Music blasted in my ears, and my mind sunk into the frail pages of the old book.

It wasn't until my phone began to ring, that I was hauled back into the present.

I rolled onto my back, pulling out my earbuds and flipping open my phone.

"Isabella, hey," I heard Zee say, "I wanted to check in. It's been a week since I've heard from you."

"Yeah, things have been…hectic around here."

"Is that so?" she hummed. "And how well have you been handling that?"

I cringed. "Not great," I admitted. "…I nearly drowned again last night."

Her voice grew frigid. "What happened?"

"I jumped into a river," I said, ignoring the tears sliding across my face and the blurred sky above me. "My chest hurts, but I avoided the worst of the hypothermia. There was also an exploding candle. I got stitches for that."

There was a long pause on the other side of the line.

"Isabella, I'm beginning to grow concerned," Zee finally said.

I choked on a laugh. "That makes two of us."

"I'm serious."

I sighed. "I know."

"The strangeness is to be expected, but this is even more than I ever had to contend with," Zee huffed. "Why did you jump into a river?"

"It was either that or…well, let's just say that the other option was not great," I settled on.

"…I suppose I'll have to take your word for it," she said. "I'm sorry to hear that. I assume you're not handling it well."

"No, not really," I sniffed. "I think it hasn't fully hit me though. I don't really want it to."

"I know the feeling all too well, but we've talked about this."

"Yeah, I know."

"Where is that boy of yours?"

"He's going to pick me up later," I said. "His father is a doctor, so he'll be replacing my bandages later tonight."

"That's good. You shouldn't be alone."

"No, probably not," I sighed. "It feels like shit."

"Unfortunately, that's how it tends to go. You take two, large steps forward, and then life throws more shit at you, forcing you back a step."

"So is that your advice? Life sucks and then you die?" I laughed, voice wet.

"No, not necessarily," Zee said thoughtfully. "For us, life sucks, you die, and then you wake up and your new life still continues to suck."

I grinned, wiping the tears off with the back of my hand. "Sounds about right. How's Ron?"

"Oh, don't even get me started on that man…"

"Edward is picking you up?"

"Yeah," I said around a bite of breaded chicken. I finished chewing and swallowed. "Dr. Cullen needs to change my bandages," I continued, setting my fork down. "So I shouldn't be gone for too long."

Charlie eyed me with concern from across the table. "Are you sure you don't want to stay home for another day?"

"Nah," I said, shooting him a smile. "I've already got Jessica ringing in with all sorts of questions. I'd rather just go before another strange rumor gets started."

"Hah!" Charlie snorted a laugh. "It's probably too late for that. But let me know if you change your mind."

"Sure thing," I grinned and looked over my shoulder as the doorbell rang. "That'll be Edward. I'll be back in a little bit."

"Leave that," Charlie said, as soon as I moved to pick up my plate. "I can clean up around here. Go, and please, don't hurt yourself again."

I scrunched up my nose in mild offense. "The candle was a freak accident. It wasn't my fault."

"Yeah, sure," he agreed unconvincingly.

I rolled my eyes and stalked to the front hall, sliding on my coat. "Later, chief!" I called and stepped out into the chilly night, slamming the door close behind me. "Hey," I said, my smile becoming the slightest bit subdued at the sight of Edward.

"Hey," he said just as softly, wrapping my hand in his and drawing my close. He pressed a cold kiss to the top of my brow, where my baby hairs curled against my forehead. "How are you?"

"I'm alright, all things considered," I smiled.

"Really?" He appeared doubtful.

I tugged on his hand, until he followed me down the porch steps and across the driveway. "I had a good crying jag over the phone with Zee earlier, so yes, I'm doing relatively better."

Edward grimaced.

"Come on," I nudged him. "Don't you have a doctor's appointment to drive me to? I wouldn't want to be late."

"You can't be late to our own house," he muttered, but opened the car door for me all the same.

The drive to Edward's house was quiet.

I wasn't sure what to say. Mostly, because he was right to be skeptical.

We were still on the highway, when I finally asked, "Which is the part that bothers you the most?"

Edward blew out a small sigh, fingers flexing against the steering wheel. "It's…knowing that I can't truly protect you. Not when fate itself is working against us. Against you."

"Oh. Yeah," I agreed with a humorless laugh. "Yeah. That's been difficult to swallow."

"…Do you regret it? Do you regret me?"

"What?" I shot him a startled look. "No, of course not. Do you?"

Edward's features twisted into a strange expression. "Don't be absurd."

"You started it," I teased. "But believe me, I don't regret you, any of you. And I don't truly believe that fate is against us. I suppose that messing with the order of things has its consequences."

"What? Like the world is trying to hit the reset button every time you divert from its intended path?"

"Something like that," I shrugged helplessly. "I don't know much about this any more than you do."

"No, no, I agree," Edward said. "Alice has had a similar experience."

"How so?"

"As you know, her gift allows her to see flashes of possible futures. Every vision she sees is dependent upon one decision, and because of that, her sight is generally limited to the immediate future," he explained. "But, she saw Jasper, she saw us, decades ahead of time. Being with Jasper, being a Cullen, that was always set into stone. It was a future that was always meant to happen."

"Yes," I said, vaguely recalling the details. "That makes sense. Like, the small, in-between choices are negligible, because they will all inevitably lead to the same future."

"Yes, exactly that," he agreed.

I huffed. "Well, that certainly doesn't fill me with much confidence. I was trying to avoid most of the shit the future had in store for me. Not change it, just to turn around and get the middle finger."

"I expect none of us could have foreseen that," Edward smiled. And then, he wondered, "Do you regret it? Going off script?"

I thought about Leah, and how she was taking charge of her future, becoming friends with the boys years before they would split off into their own pack. I thought about Irina, carefree and happy, knowing that Laurent would never be a stain in her memory. I thought about how Jasper had maintained control, how he'd protected me against his own brother and sister.

"No," I said. "I don't."

Finally, we turned into the hidden, unpaved road that would take us to the white mansion.

Inside the house, Edward lead me up to the second floor landing, and down the hall to Carlisle's office.

"Isabella," he greeted me, as soon as we entered, rising from the leather chair behind his desk and making his way around, towards us. "How are you feeling?"

"Better than yesterday," I assured him.

"I'm so glad," Carlisle smiled gently, and gestured for us to follow him. "Come, I've set up everything we need, in here."

We walked through an arched entryway that lead into a much larger, adjoining room, similar to his office. Bookshelves, reaching all the way to the crown molding, were embedded across every wall, leaving room in between for only a couple of ceiling-to-floor length windows.

Across from the fireplace was a low table and brown leather sofa. On the table, a pile of books had been pushed aside to make space for the medical supplies neatly spread across it.

"Take a seat," Carlisle said, gesturing towards the chesterfield couch.

Once I removed my coat and sat as directed, Carlisle kneeled beside me on my right side, snapping on a pair of gloves, before using one hand to elevate my arm.

I made the mistake of watching as he pulled off the tape and peeled away the gauze underneath.

It was a gruesome image.

It wasn't a single cut that had severed my forearm, like I had assumed, but multiple, long cuts had been stitched up across my skin. And in between, the skin shone bright red, blistering grossly in some areas.

"Second degree burns," Carlisle said, briefly meeting my perturbed gaze. "I imagine you might not have noticed them, when I first treated you. They'll take a smidge longer to heal than the lacerations, unfortunately."

"How much longer?" I asked, wincing as he began to gently wipe down my arm with some sort of antibacterial solution.

"Going by the damage, I predict they'll heal in about two weeks," he said.

Edward squeezed my left hand in assurance, from where he sat on my other side.

"That's not too bad," I said, trying to remain optimistic. I'd never even broken so much as a finger, let alone been victim to so many grotesque lacerations. I wasn't totally sure what the right attitude was, but assuming I would face something much worse down the line, I figured this would be a walk in the park. "Will you need to change my bandages every night?"

"Yes, it's important to prevent an infection from setting in," Carlisle explained, spreading a cool, antibiotic cream along my scalded red skin. "But it's a quick process."

He then pressed fresh gauze across the length of my forearm, before taping it firmly in place. "There. All done," he smiled.

"Thank you," I said, as Edward helped pull me to my feet.

"I'll take you home," Edward said, slinging my coat across one arm.

"Wait," I said, ignoring his tug on my hand and remaining in place.

"Is everything alright?" Carlisle asked, rising to his feet alongside me as he peeled off his gloves.

"Yes. I wanted to know if the Denali's had already made their departure?"

"They left earlier today, after Peter and Charlotte. You don't have to worry about that," Edward reassured me.

"That's not why I'm asking," I said, flashing him a quick smile, before turning back to Carlisle. "If you were still curious about my past, I'm open to discussing it, whenever you'd like."

Carlisle's expression visibly brightened. "If you're comfortable with it, I would love to know more."

I ignored any trepidation I felt in my chest. I was on a countdown. There wouldn't be another chance. Whether that was on account of my potential death or memory loss due to the venom, was still up for debate.

And Zee was right. I couldn't heal from this on my own. I needed to talk about this, no matter the pain.

"Just say when."

"I'll be sure to," Carlisle agreed. "In the meantime, return home and get some rest. You have school in the morning."

"Yes, doc. Goodnight!" I called, following behind Edward as he tugged me along.

"Goodnight, Isabella."

It was as we were descending the last few steps of the staircase, that we saw Esme enter the house, decked out in business attire.

"Esme!" I called, with a wave of my hand.

"I was hoping to run into you," Esme said sweetly, gently drawing me into a hug at the foot of the staircase.

"Where've you been?" I asked, pulling back.

"Oh, I've been in Calgary all day," she explained, as Edward pulled her into another, short embrace. "I was overseeing the construction for our new home. It's coming along spectacularly," she said, gesturing for us to follow her into the kitchen.

"That's amazing," I grinned. "How long will it be, before it's done?"

"At the rate we're going, it should be about another two months."

The peculiar timing of completion for the house was not lost on me.

"Are those for me?" I grinned, when my eyes landed on the vase that sat on the kitchen island, bursting with familiar red, white, and gold flowers.

"From Alice," Edward said. "You're lucky I persuaded her not to flood your room with a million more flower arrangements."

I laughed. "That would be just like her."

"And this, of course."

From behind the vase, Edward lifted Kate's white flower wreath, and gently placed it on my crown.

"Of course," I repeated, cheeks flushing pink.

"And this," Esme added, returning with a glass tray balanced on a pedestal, upon which lay a freshly frosted cake. "The one from the wedding did not make it, unfortunately. But I baked you another one."

My eyes lit up. "Thank you, Esme! You didn't have to."

"I wanted to," she said, setting the cake stand beside the flowers, and pressing a brief kiss to my brow. "And let me know if you need anything else, sweetheart."

"I will," I smiled, and then met Edward's soft gaze. "Time to go?"

He gently swiped his thumb across the apple of my cheek. "Yes," he said reluctantly. "It's time to go."

A/N: Hopefully this chapter was a nice breather from the drama :)

Also, I wanted to thank everyone who is still supporting this story! I would've lost interest long ago if it weren't for all the lovely reviews from readers who continue to support me. I appreciate you all so much! :)

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Let me know your thoughts!