Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or its characters

November 12, 1941

Bella

"I need a nurse!" A familiar voice shouted.

Angela and I looked up from our charts and saw Mr. Cullen hauling in a young man. The poor man was holding onto his left forearm that was wrapped with a towel, but even the towel could not stop the blood from dripping onto the floor. We quickly rose to our feet at the sight of the blood and I ran to them.

"What happened?" I asked.

"He slipped from the roof of one of the aircrafts we were working on and landed wrong," Mr. Cullen said, guiding the boy who couldn't be any older than eighteen to one of the beds. "His arm is broken."

The boy groaned, throwing his head back. He was pale and sweat coated his forehead and dripped on the side of his face. That wasn't good.

"Angela, go get Dr. Harmon," I said over my shoulder. Angela nodded quickly and ran out to find the doctor. I rounded the bed, Mr. Cullen stepped back as I walked past him, and stood in front of the boy. They were both in the usual military green, so he had to be enlisted. "Okay, let me take a look."

I unwrapped the towel as gently as I could and took a look at his forearm. Just as I feared, he'd broken it and his bone was out. I wrapped it again and looked at the boy who still hadn't opened his eyes.

"What's your name?" I asked.

The boy groaned again.

"His name is Seth," Mr. Cullen said, stepping closer. He was fidgeting with his thumbs. "He's nineteen."

"Okay, Seth. Dr. Harmon will help you, okay? He's going to fix this."

"I can't…" Seth swallowed, swaying slightly. "I can't…"

"Can't what?"

"I can't…"

"He can't handle blood," Mr. Cullen said, shaking his head slightly. "He gets sick at the sight of it."

Well, that explained it.

"Can't handle blood and in the military? Now, I don't think that was a smart idea," I joked, trying to distract him a bit.

The edges of his lips twitched slightly and he swallowed hard.

"That's… that's what my cousin said… called me an idiot…"

"That's because you are," Mr. Cullen remarked, bitterly.

"Cousin?"

Mr. Cullen's emerald eyes met mine and that bitterness that was there before washed away, softening his features.

"He's my young cousin."

Oh, so he was a Cullen as well. I had no idea Mr. Cullen had family on the island. Then again, I didn't know much about him other than the terrible things he did to poor Jacob.

I shook those thoughts away. There was a time and a place, and I had a job to do. I couldn't let my prejudice cloud my judgment, especially at work.

So instead of responding to Mr. Cullen, I focused on his cousin.

"Seth, I'll go get something for your pain, okay? Dr. Harmon will be here shortly."

"Thank… thank… you…"

I'd given Seth medicine for his pain and secured his wound enough to stop the bleeding by the time Dr. Harmon made it back with Angela. After he examined Seth and his broken arm, he got to work. Mr. Cullen sat by his cousin's side the whole time. He wouldn't speak, only kept a firm hand on his cousin's shoulder as the doctor talked them through the process. He was going to be okay, he'll have his arm in a cast for a few weeks and should be able to go back to work without a problem once it was off.

Hours later, after his arm was in a cast and he was high on medicine, we moved him to one of the bedrooms. I was in the middle of adjusting his arm so it was elevated when he started coming to his senses. Mr. Cullen was sitting next to his bed, his chin resting on his clenched fists when Seth started mumbling.

Mr. Cullen sat up, leaning close to his cousin.

"What? Did you say something, Seth?"

"The nurse," Seth said, his voice hoarse.

I looked up from my chart and raised a brow. Mr. Cullen shot me a nervous look before looking back at his cousin.

"What about her?" He asked.

"She's… cute…"

I tried my best to hold back my laugh but it came out in a snort. Mr. Cullen chuckled and shook his head, the smile brightening up an otherwise frowning face.

"Seth, she's right behind you," Mr. Cullen said, tilting his head in my direction.

Seth slowly turned his head, his eyes widening at the sight of me and I gave him a small wave, unable to hold back my amusement.

"Feeling better?" I asked.

"I think I might've died and gone to heaven if an angel like you is taking care of me," he said. "But I know that can't be true with the likes of my cousin also being here."

"Careful, Seth," Mr. Cullen said, but there was an edge of amusement in his tone. It sounded weird coming from him, but it still suited him.

"You're quite the flirt when you're not passing out at the sight of blood," I teased, placing a hand on my hip. "How's the pain, Seth?"

"With you here? Almost healed."

I laughed again and Mr. Cullen shook his head as well, but that smile was still there.

"I'm afraid I can't take the credit, but I appreciate the compliment. Your cousin ought to learn from you," I said, and almost immediately regretted it.

Not the time, Izzy. Not the time.

Mr. Cullen's smile vanished and I was hit with a hint of regret that pinched my chest. The man rarely smiled and here I was making him feel bad in front of his cousin.

He's done far worse to Jacob and it wasn't like I was lying. He could handle a bit of truth thrown his way.

"I'll go let the doctor know you're awake," I said and scurried out of the room.

I wasn't even a foot away from his door when I heard him ask, "What was that about?"

I stopped, waiting for Mr. Cullen's response. Would he lie? Paint me as an unreasonable, crazy woman? What was he going to feed this kid? I knew eavesdropping was wrong, but I wanted to know how he would defend himself.

"Let's just say she might not be my biggest fan," Mr. Cullen answered.

That's putting it lightly.

"What did you do, Edward?"

His cousin didn't respond.

"Come on, tell me."

"If I told you that I've been a complete idiot, would you believe me?"

"Trust me, cousin, it won't take that much convincing," Seth said and then sighed. "Knowing you, I believe you have been an idiot, but perhaps get your head out of your ass and get your shit together? Dad has said that ever since Uncle Edward died, you've-"

I walked away. No, I ran away from the door and the conversation. As curious as I was, I could not listen to his personal matters. Especially about his father. That was a line I was not about to cross.

But at least he didn't lie. Sure, he didn't tell his cousin what he had done for me not to like him, but at least he could admit he'd been an idiot. I'll give him credit there.

I kept myself busy, checking in on my other patients and updating some charts that needed updating. I was back at the reception desk with Angela when Mr. Cullen came out, his hands buried in his pockets.

"Edward, how's your cousin?" Angela asked.

He looked over at us, his eyes hovering over me for a second too long before looking at Angela as he walked to our desk.

"He's fine. Dr. Harmon gave him some more medicine for his pain and now he's asleep," he said.

"I'm happy to hear he's okay. We'll take good care of him, don't you worry about that. Ain't that right, Izzy?"

I nodded, keeping my eyes on the chart.

There was a beat of silence.

"Isabella…"

Mr. Cullen was standing in front of me, the desk being the only thing between us, when I looked up.

"Yes?"

He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He opened it again, but no words were said. He did that a couple of times, swaying over his feet. Angela and I shared a look of confusion as he fought to get the words out. Eventually, he stopped and took a breath, closing his eyes and furrowing his brows.

There was a look of defeat in his eyes when he opened them again.

"Thank you… for taking care of my cousin," he said, finally. His voice was hoarse and defeated.

"No need to thank me, Mr. Cullen. I'm just doing my job," I said and gave him a shrug.

"Right… right…" he looked down at his hands and nodded. "Right… I…" words failed again and he cursed under his breath, turning over his heel and walked away as fast as he could.

Angela and I were both left stunned.

She rose to her feet once he crossed the front door and disappeared from our view and slapped her hands on the counter, looking at me with her mouth open.

"What on earth have you done to poor Edward?"

"I… I have no idea," I said, dumbfounded myself. "I didn't do anything to him."

Angela shook her head, a smile creeping on her lips and she said, "Izzy, he has feelings for you."

"Oh, Angela, you're being ridiculous!"

"Ridiculous? Me? You're the blind one who cannot see what is clearly in front of you." She sat down again and took my hands in hers. "My friend, you forget I have read many love stories, and as someone who has read just as much as I, you would think you would have seen it as well. That man is in love with you, there is no doubt in my mind."

"I think you're seeing things that are not there, Angela. Mr. Cullen does not like me. He never has since day one. You remember what he said about me that day!"

"Perhaps you judged him too fast. Sure, what he said wasn't nice, but he has apologized-"

"Not sincerely," I argued.

"Izzy," she scolded, folding her arms over her chest.

I huffed out a breath, refusing to believe it. Even when the thought of it made my heart race, and for what reason? I had no idea. Was it fear? Was it something else?

"I have never seen that man fight so hard to talk and for words to fail him so miserably," she added, looking at the door he just walked out of. "Why do you dislike him so much?"

"Angela, I have my reasons. Reasons I cannot share with you because I made a promise to someone not to talk about it, but trust me, it is well earned."

"Did he harm someone?" She asked.

"No! No, at least not physically. In other ways," I clarified, not wanting to spread false rumors about him.

"Have you addressed these allegations with him? Heard his side of it?"

"If they are false, then he will prove it himself."

"I don't know, Izzy. I cannot imagine Edward doing anything to harm another person."

"Oh, Angela, do you ever think ill of anyone?"

"No, because I do not jump to conclusions. At least not without giving the other party a chance to defend themselves." With that, Angela gave me a pointed look before picking up her charts and went to check on her patients.

If only she knew what I knew, then she would understand why I dislike Mr. Cullen so much. She wouldn't be defending him like she is.

I shake away the unwanted guilt that pinched me in the chest. Was I jumping to conclusions? Should I have gone to Mr. Cullen with Jacob's accusations? Would he even tell me the truth?

But then, why would Jacob lie to me? There wasn't anything between Mr. Cullen and I, not even a friendship that Jacob could damage with what he told me. It only served to fuel the animosity I felt toward him.

I groaned, rubbing my temple as I could feel a migraine coming. I wanted nothing more than for my day to end.

It was past sunset when Angela and I made it home. The lights in our house were on, but the porch light was off even when Alice and Jasper were sitting on the porch swing.

"Hi Jasper," Angela and I greeted him as we climbed the stairs.

We couldn't fully see his face in the dark. Jasper rose from his spot next to my sister and approached us. He looked somber in the moonlight. There was a sadness to him I'd never seen before.

"Izzy, Angela." With a curt nod, he walked down the porch steps and walked away.

Angela and I shared a confused look before turning to my sister, who was still sitting on the porch swing.

"Alice?"

A sob escaped her.

Angela gave my arm a small squeeze, nodding her head toward the front door, letting me know she was giving us space. I walked to my sister, sitting next to her on the porch swing. Alice sobbed harder and fell into my lap, hugging me.

"Oh, Alice, what happened?"

"He's leaving, Izzy. Jasper is leaving Pearl Harbor!" She cried.

"What? Why? What happened?"

"He's requested to be moved to a different base, something about his father wanting him out of the harbor. He came here to break up with me. Told me it was for the best for us to have a clean break before he left. Oh, Izzy, what am I going to do?"

Alice cried harder and I was at a loss for words. Why would Jasper request a transfer to a different base? And for his father? He hardly ever spoke about his father. I didn't think they had a close relationship. And to break up with Alice?

"Oh, sweet girl." I stroked her hair, pulling it away from her tear streaked face. "It's okay, Alice. You'll meet someone else."

"But I don't want to meet someone else! I love Jasper!"

"Do you?"

Alice sat up, wiping away her tears and glared at me. "What is that supposed to mean?"

I shrugged, cursing at myself for speaking out loud. But there was no point, she heard me so might as well clear the air.

"Do you truly love him? Or the opportunity he would have granted you?"

Alice gasped. "How could you ask such a thing?"

"Forgive me, Alice, but weren't you the one who said all you wanted was a husband to escape whatever future our father had planned for us? I have no doubt in my mind that you care for Jasper, but is this sadness you feel truly love? Or a loss of an opportunity?"

"I cannot believe…" Alice stood. "Look, Izzy, am I terrified of letting my father take control of my life? Yes, I am. And I know what I said when we came to the harbor months ago. I know it, but it was never that way with Jasper. I never saw him as my ticket to freedom, I saw him. I fell in love with him. I wanted everything with him and I just lost it. I thought myself lucky! Lucky because I found him so easy. I didn't have to wait for him, I found him on my first day here and I fell in love with him effortlessly. I love him, Izzy. Please, believe me, I love him!"

"I believe you." I stood, grasping her hands with mine. "I believe you, Alice. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have assumed that your feelings for him weren't true."

Alice scoffed, shaking her head. "You have a bad habit of assuming the worst of people."

Her words hurt, but they were the truth as much as it pained me.

"Trust me, this isn't the first time I've been told today."

Alice sighed and sat back down on the porch swing, wrapping her arms around herself.

"I don't blame you. It's not like I didn't give you a reason to doubt my feelings for him," she said, her voice cracking. "Perhaps it's my karma for saying such awful things. Who thinks like that? Seeing marriage as a way out? To think of using someone like that? Perhaps it is for the best."

"When does he leave?" I asked.

"January 3rd."

"Then you have time." I sat next to her again. "You have time to show him that your love is worth staying for. You can change his mind. Hell, you can leave with him. It doesn't have to end now."

"You wouldn't hate me for leaving with him?"

"I could never hate you for being with the person you love."

"Oh, Izzy. Sometimes I forget you're my little sister. You speak like you're the oldest."

I laughed and kissed the side of her face. "Well, one of us ought to act as the adult, Alice."

Alice was calmer when we walked back inside, even more optimistic. If she could convince Jasper to not give up on them, to fight for their love, he could stay or she could leave with him. They loved each other, of that much I was sure and I knew they would make it.

It was my day off the next day, so I decided to go for a stroll in the early morning and stopped at my favorite coffeehouse for a cup of coffee. It was a gray morning. The sky was covered in thick, dark gray clouds. Surely it will rain. I just hoped it rained after I made it home.

I walked out of the coffeehouse, a fresh cup of coffee in hand, and took a breath, enjoying that small hint of rain in the air.

"Bella?"

I turned and found Jacob standing a couple feet from me.

"Jacob! Fancy meeting you here."

He stepped close to me, his face somber as he said, "We need to talk."

Author's Note:

I'm back! Sorry for the delay. I had family over for two weeks so I had literally no time to write. But I should be back on schedule for posting Mondays and Fridays!

What are we thinking about what Angela told Izzy? What does Jacob want to talk about?

Chapter Eight Preview -

"My heart hammered violently at his proximity. Our faces inches apart, our soaked clothing pressed together as we stared at each other, willing the other to back down. But neither of us moved. Not even after his intoxicating smell mixed with the rain invaded my senses and my fingers itched with the urge to reach for him."