Hello all! So I want to apologize really quickly for the confusion regarding Bella's age. I don't believe I ever really pointed out or hinted at her age in the earlier chapters, but for the sake of the story let's say she was between 4 or 5 years old.

Instead of keeping her age at 7 as I intended, I decided to scrap that and make her 10 years old instead. Sorry for the confusion, I hope that's a little better for you guys too!

The sound of a little boy sniffling made Bella glance to her right. Flynn Thomas was one of her only friends at school and had been since kindergarten. They were inseparable—mainly because Flynn had become attached to her, but also because making friends never came easily for Bella. After today, however, she wasn't so sure if she would walk out of this class with a friend at all.

"I'm sorry, Flynn," Bella said, patting Flynn on the back.

The red-haired boy glanced up at Bella through his teary brown eyes and crooked glasses, "You don't like me? Not even a little?"

Bella snapped her mouth shut, feeling her face warm under his sad gaze.

During recess the boy and his friends had gone and cornered Bella by the swing set, asking her blatantly if she liked him or not. When she said she did, as a friend, he then proceeded to ask if she wanted to be his girlfriend. To which she said—

"No. Sorry."

Flynn wiped his face with the sleeve of his shirt, clearly upset Bella didn't reciprocate his feelings.

She continued patting his back until the teacher called them all out of the class to head to the car line where their parents would pick them up.

"Can we...still be friends?" Flynn asked, his lower lip trembling as he tugged on Bella's sleeve, keeping her from walking away from the front doors of the school. Flynn was always a sensitive kid, often being protected by Bella from all the mean kids in their class. Seeing him sad—known for that she was the cause of that sadness this time—made her feel guilty.

"Sure." Bella smiled, feeling somewhat awkward as she stared at his hand that still didn't let go of her sleeve.

She couldn't explain it, but having him touch her, even just her sleeve, made Bella uncomfortable. It made her feel queasy. She realized it only ever happens when a boy in her class touches her. It always left her feeling...strange. Upset. But why? They weren't being mean or trying to hurt her...

"Bella," the sound of Jasper's deep voice pulled her away from Flynn and like a ray of sunshine, she felt all her worries and feelings of unease disappear. Jasper grinned as he leaned against the black Volvo and waved at her, "Ready to go home?"

She nodded before stepping forward, only to feel Flynn was still holding onto her sleeve. The kids missed the way Jasper's became highly aware of the interaction, however, refrained from walking over. Allowing her to defend herself the way he knew she would, subtly and kindly.

Bella gently took his hand and slid it away, suddenly feeling the need to wash her hand when it tingled. "Friends. See you tomorrow." She said reassuringly to which Flynn smiled and nodded.

After saying her goodbyes, Bella hurried towards Jasper. Her heavy backpack bounced against her small frame as she threw her arms around his long legs. Jasper chuckled and knelt before her, the dark blue hoodie he wore brought out the amber color of his pretty eyes as he gazed at hers.

"Have a good day?"

Bella nodded, forgetting all about Flynn and boys for a day, and burrowed into Jasper's chest as he hugged her. Relieved to know that she didn't have the same queasy feeling swirling in the pit of her stomach when her brother hugged her. When she got home, she went off to hug Edward, Emmett, and Carlisle, just to be sure. The feeling never came back.

Odd.

"What did you want for dinner tonight, Bells? Esme and Carlisle are still in Seattle so it's going to be just us until they get home." Jasper said as he held Bella's hand, browsing through the aisles. A smile crept up on him as he spotted the pasta and immediately plucked up the angel-hair pasta from the shelf. "Hey. Remember this? You used to say pasta was made out of an angel's hair."

When she didn't respond at all, Jasper glanced down with a small frown. A subtle pang of longing finally struck as Jasper followed Bella's blank gaze towards a young couple and their baby who sat in the stroller. The family walked past the aisle, utterly content together, until they disappeared around the corner.

She must still be thinking about Charlie and Renee. Jasper's gaze softened as he knelt beside her, "Darlin'?"

Bella blinked up at him, surprise laced on her expression, "What did you say?"

He tapped her chin playfully, "Where'd you go?"

"Sorry, I'm here," she said what she always did whenever Jasper asked where her thoughts took her. It was a habit of theirs.

"What's been bothering you? Want to talk about it?"

Jasper didn't want to force her to talk to him, but he didn't feel right telling her that he knew everything about her past either. Over the years as Bella's gotten older, he's noticed a change in her. Where she used to tell him everything that was in her mind, now she rarely wished to do so. As if afraid to speak up. To reach out when she needs it the most.

He couldn't m wait for the day when Bella would be ready to know the truth about their family. It was hard hiding who you truly were and more so from a someone you care about.

A sentiment they all shared whenever they came up with reasons why each member was gone for an entire day or two—on "hiking trips" or work. Whenever they had to lie to her time and time again, it didn't sit well with him. However, to protect her from the truth, it was necessary.

How much longer? When will she be ready? He constantly found himself asking those questions lately, more so as she continued growing up.

"Not really," Bella said, shrugging. "I'm just not feeling good."

Jasper knew she was partially lying now, trying to skirt the topic he knew she wanted to talk about since her nightmare. But he merely nodded and said, "I'm here if you need me, kiddo. You know that right?"

"I know." Bella nodded and allowed him to pull her into a quick hug before standing up and turning to find Emmett skirting into the aisle with the cart overflowing with food. Food Bella could not eat even if she wanted to...

"Really?" Jasper asked with a questioning frown before tossing a box of angel-hair pasta into the cart.

"You never know what she wants to eat! Have you seen her? Kid's a twig! Gotta put some meat on those bones," Emmett winked at Bella as she gaped at the cart.

"That looks like too much meat, Emmett. I'm going to get a heart attack or something," she murmured. Jasper grinned, relieved to feel a small ounce of amusement sweeping past him. His hand closed around Bella's a little tighter, hoping that with time, life will get a little easier.

Except he was completely unaware of what was to come...

"Here you go! A good ole' hearty burger for my princess." Emmett announced as he slid the plate across the island and towards her. Bella stared at the juicy burger that had at least two slices of cheddar cheese on top and below the patty, ketchup, and a whole lot of mustard.

If Esme or Carlisle were here, they'd have a fit, Bella knew that better than anyone. Her adoptive parents were so dedicated to cooking healthy, delicious meals for her every day. Something she was incredibly grateful towards as she stared wide-eyed at the behemoth burger before her.

Bella chewed on her lip, glancing up at Emmett's expectant smile as he plated up another burger for himself. She knew it would remain untouched until she finished her food. Emmett had a strange habit of rarely eating around Bella. Always wanting to feed her instead, and waiting patiently before digging into his food—occasionally grimacing until he declared he was full. What a weirdo.

Not wanting to be rude or hurt his feelings after pouring so much of his hard work into cooking, Bella took a cautious bite out of the burger.

"Well? How is it?" Emmett asked, nodding his head excitedly.

She would have smiled at the sight of him—a large, muscular man with a pink apron wrapped around his waist and the look of a little kid with a dimply grin on his face. She would have laughed, had the taste of charred meat not overwhelmed her completely.

Bella placed the burger back down on the plate and swallowed thickly. A hoarse sound replaced her voice, "Water..."

A velvety chuckle took her away from Emmett's disappointed expression to find Edward leaning against the doorframe, shaking his head at their brother, "Trying to poison Bella again, Em?"

The bronze-haired teenager walked around the island and plucked an empty glass from the cupboard before returning with the water Bella desperately needed. He sat next to her on one of the stools and gave her a crooked grin, "Better?"

"Much. Thanks." Bella murmured after drinking the whole glass.

"So what's this I hear about a boyfriend?" Edward questioned, quirking a brow when a blush spread across her face almost instantly.

Bella groaned then whined, "Jasper told you?"

"Just looking out for our little sister, Bells." Emmett winked before growing serious, "Now, do you have a boyfriend? Because he better watch his back, if he is. I'll be paying the school a visit tomorrow."

Bella flailed her arms around, "No, no boyfriend! Boys are gross and mean. Besides, I don't like Flynn like that. He's my friend."

"Good answer!" Emmett declared, making her begrudgingly give him a high five.

Edward simply watched Bella for a long moment, grinning when she unconsciously took another bite of the awful burger and grimaced.

"Why are boys gross, Bella? What do they do?"

She finished gulping down another glass of water before sliding the plate away, before she accidentally took another bite.

She glanced at Edward and contemplated her answer. "Not sure. I just don't like how I feel when they touch me or get too close, I guess." Fiddling with the napkin beside her, she missed the way the boys glanced at one another. An unspoken communication passed between them until she continued, grasping their attention once again,

"Am I weird? Should I have said yes, even if I didn't like him like that?"

Edward took Bella's hand in his own and cupped it with the other, "No, love. You should never agree to something you're not comfortable with, no matter who it is. Nor should you be forced into feeling a certain way. It's okay to say no. Follow your instincts and your heart." He tapped her chest before gently flicking her nose.

Bella stared into his dark eyes and cracked a smile grateful for hear his words reassuring her, "Okay. Thanks, Edward."

Edward hugged her and then proceeded to pour her a bowl of cereal despite Emmett's protest.

Bella was quick to reassure him by saying she'd try to give his cooking another chance if he learned the recipe. Which that was a big if indeed. Thank goodness...

It was half-past midnight when Bella stirred awake from a dreamless sleep. Her entire body felt strangely achy—heavy and sweaty. She released a whimper as she sat up, feeling slightly disoriented while her head began pounding. Something wasn't right.

The moment she managed to push away the damp sheets off her legs, a sharp pain shot through her stomach. She stumbled forward, rushing to the bathroom in a dazed state until she sank to the floor, her knees hitting the tiles hard. The girl barely felt any pain from the impact while she purged everything in her stomach a second later. Bella continued throwing up until her body began to shake with chills and she realized she'd started crying as tears rolled down her cheeks.

A cold hand cupped her forehead as she released another whimper. Her hands clutched the edge of the toilet seat as the hand moved away from her face—instantly cooling feeling she felt when it was gone and a stifling heat swept over her.

"Oh sweetheart," Carlisle murmured beside her. Funny, she didn't recall hearing him or Esme get home before she went to bed, she must have been in a deep sleep. Why was she thinking about that now? Her thoughts were all over the place.

Bella heaved into the toilet bowl once more as he said, "Looks like you have a fever. I'm going to get my bag from the car. Jasper, will you stay with her?"

Jasper? He's here?

"I'm here, darlin'," Jasper said, placing a comforting hand on her back as she threw up again. "I'm here."

Something isn't right.

"Carlisle's going to take care of you, okay? He's coming back now." He responded as if having heard her thoughts, unless she said it out loud. Something wasn't right. Her mind was...off.

"My head...hurts." She grimaced as he helped her stand on shaky legs, ignoring his suggestion for her to stay still until Carlisle returned. Jasper steadied her, trying to help guide her back to the room only to stop short when she began to sway.

"Bella? Bella, look at me." He spoke, sounding strangely alarmed. Why? What was wrong?

Her eyes were out of focus as she tried to do as he said but all she could see was a blurry version of Jasper. She was vaguely aware of Rosalie and Esme's voices filtering into the room however, she couldn't react to them the way she wanted.

Something was wrong. Very, very wrong.

The last thing Bella remembered was feeling the world around her close in before her head lulled backwards and her eyes shuttered closed.

"Bella!" Jasper caught his little sister before her head could hit the hard tiles of the bathroom. He gingerly placed her down, a feeling of dread flooding him when her arms started to twitch and then her entire body began convulsing. He whirled back to see Esme rushing towards them, frantically trying to call to Bella. His fearful gaze met Rosalie's shocked one and he yelled, "Carlisle! She needs you!"

Carlisle was beside them in an instant, his black bag all but forgotten as he knelt beside his son and daughter. Bella continued convulsing in the floor, her eyes shut tight. He noticed her oddly pale complexion had now become flushed. A muffled whimper escaped her and his gift went into overdrive only to find...nothing. No pain to soothe. No fear either. As if, her mind and emotions were completely shut down. And Jasper was at a loss.

"She's having a seizure. Let's turn her over," Carlisle and Esme rolled Bella onto her side as she continued convulsing on the floor. Carlisle's demeanor changed completely into the father figure they all knew, to the well respected Dr. Cullen as he looked towards Rosalie and said, "Rosalie, bring the car around to the front right now. Jasper, bring one of the pillows over for her head. I don't want her injuring herself."

He couldn't do anything for her. There was nothing to do to ease what was happening. All he could do was stare at Bella's face as she continued fighting through the seizure while Esme cupped Bella's head, softly sobbing as she watched the girl suffer in silence.

"Bella, we're here sweetheart. It's okay."

"Jasper!" Carlisle snapped, bringing him out of his trance and making him shake away the vulnerable look on his face.

Jasper rose and rushed out of the bathroom to retrieve a pillow. He quickly handed it to Carlisle and they slid it under Bella's head. He took his place beside her again and started to reach for her before stopping short. This wasn't the first time he'd witnessed a human experiencing a seizure but...but this was Bella. His little Bella.

Edward, Alice, and Emmett were behind them, watching with grief-stricken expressions. All three were at a loss for what was happening to her, just as Jasper was right now though he paid them no mind.

There hadn't been any indication that she'd been feeling strange today. Jasper tried to think it over until he remember, she had said she didn't feel well in the grocery store. Oh god, had he disregarded her completely? How could he—

After another excruciating minute, Bella's seizure slowly abated with the exception of a few spasms. Carlisle leaned forward and cupped her cheek, watching intently as Bella's glassy eyes fluttered open slightly and then closed. She looked utterly exhausted and smaller than ever.

Now Jasper could feel just how spent she was and it broke him, finally feeling able to soothe her discomfort as he took her limp hand in his, "Bella."

The sound of worry in Carlisle's voice made Jasper shut his eyes when his father's voice wavered, "Okay. You're okay, sweetheart. You got through."

"Carlisle," Esme sounded worse than he did, clearly disturbed and laced with worry.

"She's alright," he tried to reassure her, placing a comforting arm around her. "We have to get her to the hospital. Jasper, can you carry her?"

"I..." What was wrong with him? Why was he so shaken up? Why couldn't he form a sentence or snap out of this shock that coursed through him?

Carlisle frowned slightly, but was too worried about Bella's state to dally. Edward stepped into the room then, taking control of the situation when his brother and father were too trapped in their own daze.

"I got her." Jasper watched as Edward gently scooped Bella up in his arms, feeling his brother's heartache as he gazed down at her unconscious form. Edward clenched his jaw, "Rosalie's waiting in the car. Esme, it's too cold outside for her to go out like this." He motioned towards the damp clothes she'd been sweating into most of the night.

Esme nodded, hurrying behind them to fetch a jacket for the little girl before they disappeared downstairs. Leaving Carlisle, Jasper, and Emmett in the bathroom.

Carlisle sighed, placing a hand on Jasper's shoulder as he rose, "It'll be alright, son. We just have to get her to the hospital and figure out what happened."

Jasper nodded, but felt numb as Carlisle exited the bathroom. Alice was beside him then, placing her hand on his cheek to turn his head to look at her shining eyes, "It's okay, Jasper. It's not your fault. She's okay."

"She told me she wasn't feeling well, Alice..." he swallowed thickly, "How could I..."

"You had no way of knowing! It's not your fault," Alice breathed out, placing a kiss on his lips before pulling him up from the floor. Emmett's hard gaze softened as she spoke, "You two should go to the hospital, be there for her when she wakes up. I'll clean up here and join you after. Go, Jasper."

Jasper nodded, forcing himself to regain his composure before placing a chaste kiss on his wife's lips, thanking her with his shared love.

When he turned, Emmett's own eyes were shining with unshed tears and it was then that Jasper realized, if he were human and could do such a mundane thing like crying—he'd be doing it the moment Bella's seizure started.