~Willow's POV~

Getting dressed, I make breakfast for Bella and Dad then immediately head for school. While driving, I wonder why Alice texted me not to eat anything.

Curious as heck, I snap out of my thoughts to pull into my spot at school. Sitting in the seat, I didn't mind waiting. Some people would look at me like I have two heads because of what I wear. While some people hate the cold, I don't mind it at all.

Soon enough, I notice as Rosalie and Alice pull up in their red car as Jasper drove the Jeep into the spot next to them. Emmett jumps out from a height that if I were to, would break my ankle. But he is always showing off. Shaking my head, I am greeted with four hellos and hugs.

After they hug me, Alice presented me with a tub-ware box. Giving her a questioning look, I open it to find it full of prepared strawberries.

"You didn't have to do this. I grow my own-"

"Nonsense. You deserve to have someone else make you breakfast." Alice cuts me off. "Plus, there is enough for you to have at lunch."

"That is very sweet of you, Alice." I reply.

"We were all involved, don't let her tell you otherwise." Emmett playfully adds, faking his insulted tone.

"I would never." Alice fakes an innocent look with a hand over her chest. I could help but chuckle at them.

"Our father has been growing them ever since we moved here. We kind of told him that they are your favorite fruit. He wanted you to taste them and see if you liked them." Jasper says to me.

"Well, tell your father that it was very kind of him. It's very sweet." I reply. "Did you say something?" I ask, wondering if he said something else.

"Nope." He answers, I shrug it off. Not knowing that he did mutter under his breath. "Soon you'll be able to tell him yourself."

Rosalie and I link arms as she held hands with Emmett. Together we all walk to the steps and up to school. I pause when I felt Alice and Jasper slow down behind us.

"Hey, is everything okay?" I ask them. They swiftly turn back around and join us again.

"Yes." Alice answers.

"Everything's fine." Jasper answers after.

Letting it go, the five of us walk inside together until we separate for class.

~Bella's POV~

Leaning against my truck, I feel my stomach gurgle from the amazing breakfast Willow made. I wish she could have made some more but she was already gone when Charlie and I found breakfast already made.

With my earbuds in listening to my iPod, I hold my book in my hands but I'm not really reading it. Glancing back and forth, I await for the Cullens to arrive.

"I planned to confront him and demand to know what his problem was."

I thought as I spotted Rosalie and Alice pull in and park on the right side of... Willow's car? Did they always park together?

I glanced to find Jasper and Emmett pull up on the right side of them. From left to right, Willow, Rosalie and Alice, then Emmett and Jasper.

"But he never showed."

I watched as the four of them hug Willow and hand her some kind of box. When she opened it, she was surprised and looked like she was about to cry. I couldn't tell what it was, but it made her happy.

They all walk together to walk up the steps. When Tyler threw something at me, I used my book as an excuse to not be bothered. Looking over, I saw Alice and Jasper turn to me. But when Willow turns to them looking concerned, they turn her away from seeing me.

I couldn't help but wonder why or how they were so close to Willow when Jessica mentioned that they normally keep to themselves. But then I think back to that day she and Angela told me about them.

flashback~

Jessica just finished telling me who the Cullens were, and what their names were. But what struck me odd, I saw Willow sitting with them.

"You said they keep to themselves. Then how come they sit with Willow?" I ask.

"Alice and Jasper have art with me and Willow first period. It all started when they first moved here. Willow had one of her attacks and accidentally knocked paint on all three of them. I couldn't hear what they were talking about, but they soon became fast friends. When lunch came, Alice practically drags Willow over to their siblings. I first thought that they would get angry by the looks on their faces, but they happily welcomed her to sit with them. And it's been like that every day." Angela explains.

end of flashback~

~Willow's POV~

Patiently waiting, I couldn't help but ask.

"Is Edward, okay?"

The four of them turn their attention to me, it's almost as if the entire lunchroom just went silent. I hate silence, it freaks me out.

"I'm sorry, I didn't want to push you guys by asking. But he didn't pull in after Jasper and Emmett in his Volvo. I was worried if he is sick or something." I explain.

"You have nothing to be sorry for Canopy." Alice says.

"Edward is fine." Jasper replies.

"There was a family matter up in Alaska. Edward volunteered to go up and help out." Emmett says.

"He won't be back for awhile sadly." Rosalie replies, hiding her frustration and replacing it with sadness.

"Family matter? Did something happen?" I ask, trying not to push.

"Nothing really. It's just some personal matter between our cousins." Alice answers.

"Well, I'm glad to know that Edward is okay. I hope everything goes well with your cousins." I say to her.

"Thanks Willow. We appreciate your kind heart." Jasper replies. His accent came out a bit and made me blush. I liked his accent, but disliked that he hid it.

Thankful to know that Edward was okay, I made a mental note to myself. The fondness towards my best friends was starting to turn me into a mother-bear. I would constantly worry about them, and always treat them like family. I could feel that they were more than just family to me.

~Carlisle's POV~

Sitting in my office going over some paperwork for the hospital, I sigh and remember what Alice has told me for the past couple of years.

"Your mate is here. When the time is right, you two will meet. Trust me."

I do trust her, but I worry about her having visions. Since they are not set in stone due to them being subjective premonitions, I worry that if she has one of my mate, it will end up changing or something bad happening to her.

Hating the thought of something happening to her, I sigh again when reality struck.

"How can I worry about someone so deeply when I haven't even met her?" I thought, scolding myself for my fatherly traits.

Feeling my phone vibrate, I set my pen down and find a notification from Emmett.

|texting|
Emmett C.
I know Alice will end up beating me for sending you this, but I happily used a Snapchat filter, so she looks different. So, you'll still be awestruck when you see her for the first time.
P.S. She enjoyed the strawberries!
2:41 p.m.
Added pic

Curious, I tap the pic icon to find out what Emmett sent me. It was of a girl sitting at my children's lunch table. She was wearing very exposing clothing, but then I remember Alice and Rosalie mentioning that she didn't mind the cold that much. Her top was loose, a horizontal light blue and white stripe shirt with a knot design on the front. It was slightly tucked into her black jean shorts.

I couldn't take my eyes off her face. Her face was hidden by a filter that Emmett used. Fluffy black cat ears were on her head, and a red sparkle was in her irises, and her face was covered by a face mask. It had a cute red line design of a kitten mouth to match the ears.

As adorable as it was on her, I was praying to the heavens I could finally see her face.

~Willow's POV~

After school, I hugged the Cullens bye then drove home. When I put my bag up in my room, I grabbed my gloves and walked out back to my garden. While removing some weeds and then watering the soil, I hear Bella's truck pull in.

Coming to a stop, I brush my gloves off and walk back inside. Washing my hands in the kitchen, Bella had come back downstairs, muttering to herself.

"Everything ok?" I ask, before grabbing some juice from the fridge.

"Yeah." She answers, but pauses. "Did your friends say anything to you about Edward?"

Freezing, I'm glad my back was turned to her. Knowing how I hate to talk about people like this, I knew better than to be Jessica. Taking a breath, I come up with a lie.

"No. I haven't." I answer, putting the juice away and grab some food out of the fridge.

"But you did notice that Edward wasn't here today?" Bella asks, I didn't think she'd be this pushy.

"I noticed." I answer deadpanned.

"But you didn't wonder why?" Bella asks upset, like it offended her or something.

"Bella, of course I wondered, but that doesn't give me the right to be pushy and bombard them with questions." I answer, trying to sound rational instead of upset.

"Jeez, sorry. I was just curious. I wanted to talk to him, but I couldn't when he didn't show up. I figured since your friends with him and his siblings, you'd know." She said, in a rude tone.

"Seriously?! You thought just because I was friends with them that means you try to question me to see if I'll spill. Who do you take me for? Jessica?" I ask, still trying not to snap.

"No. I just wanted some answers. That's all." She answers.

"Then just be patient and wait for him to come back. Don't force other people to give you answers when they don't have any." I tell her off.

"Whoa, girls." Charlie said coming through the door and heard me. "Everything alright? How come you were shouting, Willow?"

"I'm fine." I answer, calming down. "Dinner will be ready in a bit. I have some homework I need to get done first."

Nodding his head, Charlie rubs my back as I rushed upstairs. Closing and locking my door, I sit in front of my bed and rub my face in exhaustion. Pulling out my notebook, I open my textbook and answer the questions in the cliff-note boxes.

Ping

Snapping out of my homework trance, I pick up my phone and find a text.

|texting|
Eddie:
Hey, Willow. I know you were worried about me not showing up for school, and I wish to apologize for that. I had a personal matter to take care of.
6:58 p.m.

Spirit Swan:
Edward! So glad to hear from you. Sort of. LOL
Yeah, Alice and the others told me. I was sad when I didn't see you, but I wasn't going to push them.
6:59 p.m.

Eddie:
I'm sorry I made you sad. I wish I could have been there with my siblings. I understand, Willow. We all know that you are nothing compared to Jessica. That's one of the many reasons we love you.
7:00 p.m.

Spirit Swan:
Please don't feel bad. Once you're done with 'personal matters', you will be back to hug me just like your siblings in the morning.
Wait, what are the other reasons?
7:01 p.m.

Eddie:
Now that, would be telling. LMAO.
I won't be long. Just, please don't tell your sister about this. Texting me, or knowing about why I was gone.
7:02 p.m.

Spirit Swan:
LOL.
Okay, don't rush. I won't. Your secret is safe with me. I have to go make dinner now. I'll text you guys before going to sleep.
7:03 p.m.
|end of texting|

Putting my phone in my back pocket, I scold myself for losing track of time. Walking into the kitchen, I listen to the game as Charlie relaxed into his recliner. Using the stove and the air-fryer that Uncle Harry gifted me for Christmas, I quickly cook some grill chicken breasts with mashed potatoes as the side.

After dinner, I wash the dishes then put them up to dry. Saying goodnight to Charlie, I swiftly went back to my room to see all my finished homework except for my art assignment.

While working on the moon part of my sketch, I didn't expect myself to fall asleep so soon.

~Alice's POV~

Once 9:50 p.m. struck, Jasper, Emmett and I went to hunt. Around 10:30 p.m., I checked to see if Canopy had texted us like Edward said she would. But, she hadn't.

Feeling my sadness disappear, I glance at my mate.

"Thank you, Jasper." I say down as I lean onto his shoulder.

"What's got you down, Alice?" Emmett asks, using his thumb to wipe the mountain lion blood from his lip.

"Edward sent a text that Canopy would text us after she made dinner. That was hours ago." I explain, trying not to be depressed.

"You didn't have a vision?" Jasper asks.

"No." I answer. "I'm really worried. Could we stop by on our way back?"

"I don't mind." Jasper answers.

"I'm pretty much finished. Let's go." Emmett answers after.

Feeling better, the three of us sped off in the direction of Canopy's house. Hiding in the shadows, Willow's guardian just turned out the light in his room while Bella's was still on. Sneaking around, I saw that Canopy's window was open. Nodding to Emmett and Jasper, we used our agility and speed to climb in through the window. I went first, followed by Jasper then Emmett.

Being as quiet as possible to make sure Bella doesn't hear us, I lightly touch Emmett's then Jasper's shoulder then points to see Canopy on the floor, her head laying in her arms as they laid on her bed.

Hating to find out she slept on the floor, I carefully took her sketchpad out from under her arms as Jasper collected her pencils. Emmett carefully lifts her up and places her on the bed. Jasper took the blanket and drapes it over.

"You're quiet. That's not like you." Emmett says lowly, so only we can hear each other.

"Is something wrong?" Jasper asks, moving his hands to my waist from behind as his chin leans to my shoulder.

"Her sketch." I answer as they both looked at what I was staring at. "The woman's hair is longer, but she's wearing the same necklace as Willow."

"Maybe it's a self-portrait?" Emmett asks.

"Do you feel anything, Jasper?" I ask, not knowing how to answer Emmett.

"I can only feel her sleeping. She only feels peace when she sleeps." Jasper answers. "I'm glad it's different from around the time we came into her life."

"What does that mean?" Emmett asks.

"I thought you knew?" I say turning to him. "Willow used to have pretty bad nightmares. She could barely sleep."

"I didn't know." Emmett replies. "What changed?"

"We did." I gently pull away from Jasper and hug my brother. "We came into her lives, just as she will soon come into ours."

"You've seen something?" Jasper asks.

"Not yet. But I am keeping my eyes open." I answer.

"As much as I hate to leave her. We should head back, in case she wakes up." Emmett says.

"Yeah." Jasper and I reply sad, knowing he's right.

Looking at Willow one last time, we carefully climb out the window. With our speed, we made it home in under 5 minutes.

~Willow's POV~

Waking up to the second day that Edward wasn't going to be here, I stretch my well rested muscles as I climb out of bed. Walking towards me closet, I-

Turning my head, I saw that my pencils were back in my case, my sketchpad open but it was sitting on my desk and I woke up in my bed.

"Weird. I don't remember climbing into bed last night. I must have done it in my sleep." I thought to myself as I got dressed, made breakfast and ate, then headed off for school.

I was right, sadly. Edward wasn't here. I ignored my sadness and tried to remember to be happy, I had finished another sketch for art. It was a black silhouette of a girl with her hair up, she was in the ocean near a beach as the sun sets.

~The next day~

Sitting with the Cullens, I happily text Edward as he tells me that Alaska has great ice rinks. Thinking maybe I'd check it out sometime in my future. Glancing to my left, I see Bella was staring at us.

On cue, Jasper draped his arm around my shoulder, comforting. Leaning into his embrace, Alice smiles at me as I ate my lunch.

~Time skip~

More days passed, it was clear that Edward was missed. Bella would normally stare at our table. She did try to ask me again and again if I knew anything, but Jasper and Emmett would thankfully pull me away and Rosalie would glare so heavily at her that Bella turned around and ran away scared.

At home, I snuck Rosalie and Alice up to my room as we did our homework. As awesome as I am, I managed to sneak them out right before dinner, before Charlie or Bella could see them.

Even though I was having fun, I wished Edward would come back. Little did I know, my wish was granted.

~Morning~

Once I was dressed, I made some pancakes. After I ate, I put my fruit in a tub to take with me. Gripping my bag, I walk down the steps followed by Bella. As I look in the yard, I saw Charlie's cruiser, but my car and the truck was gone.

About to freak out, I release the harsh grip on my phone when I see Charlie and someone pulling into the grass. Charlie got out of my car and readjusts my seat as his partner climbs out of Bella's truck and walks over to the cruiser.

Walking down the steps, I didn't notice how close Bella was to me. As I was trying to step over the ice, I felt my arm being grabbed as I fell down on my ass. I suddenly felt pain on my left hand as I bit my lip and grunt.

When I tried to force myself up, I was almost startled when Charlie suddenly appeared next to me and helped me up. Once I was on my feet, he helps Bella.

"You two alright?" He asks.

"I'm fine." I answer, not knowing the real truth.

"Yeah, I'm good." Bella grunts. "Ice doesn't really help the uncoordinated."

"It never does." I spat out, venom within my words as I brushed the wet off my bottom.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to grab you. It was an accident." She replied, but it really didn't sound sincere.

"Just forget it." I say while exhaling as I pick up my bag. "How come you took my car?"

"I put new tires on it. Same with the truck. They looked like they were getting a little bald. Better safe than sorry cause of the weather." Charlie explains.

"Thanks." I tell him. "I'd hate to get in an accident, and you find me in the hospital."

"That's not remotely funny." He says deadpanned, before getting half serious half laughing. "Well, probably be late for dinner. I gotta head down to Mason County. Security guard at the Grisham Mill got killed by some kind of animal." He finishes before walking towards the cruiser.

"An animal?" Bella repeats.

"Killed a man." I whisper to myself, fearing what kind of creature could do such a thing.

"You're not in Phoenix anymore, Bells. Anyway, I figured I'd lend a hand." Charlie says.

"Be careful." I tell him, a lot of emotion found in my voice, I was worried about him getting hurt.

"Always am." He says, about to get in his cruiser but he pauses. "I'll be fine, Willow. I'll call if anything happens. Just stay home tonight and order a pizza if you feel up for it."

"Okay. Drive safe. And thanks for the tires." I reply before getting in and closing my door.

My phones syncs to my dashboard as I put on my playlist. Pulling out of the driveway, I listen to Cruise by Florida Georgia Line. The rain hits on the roof of my car as I drive through puddles. I love hearing the splash, especially when I pull into the parking lot.

On cue, I was soon greeted by Alice, Jasper, Rosalie and Emmett after they park next to me and get out of their cars. But as we approach the doors, Alice says they had a surprise for me.

Instead of asking what it was, I was then pointed out... it was a who. My head was looking inside my art class. He was there. Edward.
He was sitting in my seat for dramatic effect. He stood up and opens his arms for me. I drop my bag and rush into his arms. Wrapping our arms around each other, I take in his smell. He smelt just like the rain from outside.

"You're back." I say into his chest. "Finally."

He chuckles. "Sorry I took so long." He pulls away.

"I'm glad you're back. They probably won't admit it, but they missed you as well." I tell him, motioning his siblings.

~Third POV~

But before Edward glances up, he heard Jasper's thoughts.

"Her wrist."

Gently taking Willow's wrist, he immediately noticed the slight hitch in Willow's breath as she held back her grunt.

"What's wrong?" Edward asks.

"I don't-" Willow froze when she looks down, noticing her wrist. "Know." She was gazing straight at her wrist, and saw the scrape and bruise.

"What happened?" Alice asks frantic as she and the others came closer to see Willow's wound.

"I fell." Willow managed to say, as she felt stuck, frozen. Without saying anything else, she started to feel the pain.

"Let's get her to the nurse." Emmett suggests.

"But, what about class?" Willow says, in a whisper.

"As much as we want to be with you, Jasper and I will stay behind and inform the teacher that you were in the nurse's office." Alice replies.

Willow nods as Rosalie draped her arm around her shoulder as they walked down the hall and to the office. The nurse was shocked to see them there, but then noticed Willow with them. Edward explains to the nurse about her scraped wrist.

Rosalie rubbed Willow's back as Emmett and Edward stood back out of the way. After the nurse disinfected the scrape, she wraps the wrist with a wrap to support it.

Walking Willow back to art, Alice and Jasper use their vampire hearing to listen while making it look like they were working.

"Thanks." Willow says to the three of them. "I needed that."

"Needed what?" Emmett asks.

"What you guys did. You stayed with me. I don't think anyone would have stayed." Willow answers.

"Well, we are not just anyone. We care about you." Rosalie replies.

"And I care about you. All of you." Willow says. "And thankfully Edward is back. I missed him. We all did."

Edward glances over at his two siblings, then remembered the other two behind the door. Using his gift, he heard their thoughts at the same time.

"We really did."

"Well, I'm back so you don't have to worry, Willow." Edward says sweetly. "Also, I'm sorry for the annoying persistence Bella has been. I owe her an explanation."

"You sure do. I swear to god if she stares at me one more time or if she even thinks of asking me questions again, I will smack her so hard her great grandkids will feel it." Willow replied, her voice was strong, the Cullens knew she wasn't kidding.

"She became that annoying?" Edward asks, curious.

"Yes." Willow exclaims a bit dramatic. The Cullens knew she was half serious, half not.

As much as they would love to stand and chat with her, the Cullens had to get to their classes.

"Sorry. But we have to get to class." Edward said.

"I know." Willow replies.

"But we'll be together for lunch." Rosalie says, honestly. Which made Willow smile as she then walked into her class and sat by her partners, Jasper and Alice.

Halfway done with their sketches, lunch came remarkably fast which made Willow happy. Sitting with all five Cullens made her heart fill complete. Like it was meant to be, but she didn't know it yet.

~Willow's POV~

"Thank God, school is finally over. Just a little longer till Emmett, Rosalie and I graduate. Then it's off to college. I hope I can visit them often enough that we won't miss each other so much. I hate being away from them." I thought as I put my bag into my car.

Looking over across the lot, I saw Bella looking our way. Well, not my way, but Edward's. She is so crushing on him, but for some reason I can't help but feel that they wouldn't be good together. Call it a gut instinct or whatever, I just had a bad feeling.

"I'm gonna say something to Bella before I go. Wait here?" I ask. They nod, yes, as I started to jog my way over.

Keeping a nice steady pace to avoid the ice, I heard a screech of skid marks before I could get over to Bella. What I saw horrified me. Tyler's van was skidding out of control, and worse, headed right for Bella.

Running as fast as I could, I could feel my power stirring inside of me, making me run faster. Making it to Bella, I push her aside and hold my hand out. My hand soon had a red glow as my power slowed the van down.

But unfortunately it still hit me, knocking me into Bella's truck. Hitting my shoulder instead of my head, thankfully, I felt a pair of hands wrap around my torso, preventing me from falling to the cold ground. Struggling to hold my eyes open, I managed to get a glimpse at my savior.

Edward.

"How did he get to me so... fast...?" I thought curious as I felt tired.

~Edward's POV~

I made it to catch Mo- I mean Willow in time. As I held her, I began to hate myself. She still got hurt protecting Bella. It's weird how the van is still at a great distance from Willow as if something was slowing it down.

"How did he get to me so... fast...?" I hear Willow's thought before she closed her eyes. She must be tired, I can hear her thoughts murmur inside her head. It's not a concussion since she didn't hit her head.

Hearing my siblings run as fast as humanly possible, Emmett and Jasper take initiative and get some guys to help Tyler. Rosalie used her beauty and stern voice to get people to back off.

Adjusting Willow in my arms, I was careful of her right shoulder. She is gonna be pissed when she wakes up. Alice just finished calling for an EMT as I look through my peripheral vision to see Bella surrounded by everyone else as they worry dramatically over her instead of Willow.

The EMT's arrived and I lifted Willow up and into the gurney for them. Informing them that Carlisle is our father and a doctor, they didn't mind my siblings and I to follow them.

~Willow's POV~

Feeling tired and cold, I shiver. I open my eyes when my vision adjusts to see Charlie covering me up with a thin blanket.

"Dad." I croak, my voice hoarse.

"Willow. You're awake." Charlie says, relieved.

"I'm cold." I shiver, but froze when I felt pain in my shoulder. Turning my head, I saw my right art in a sling. "What happened?"

"You saved Bella from being hit by Tyler's van. It knocked you into her truck and bruised your shoulder. The docs just finished the x-ray scan. It was so close to being dislocated, but by luck it wasn't." Charlie explains. "You had me so worried baby girl."

"I'm sorry. I saw Bella just froze and I couldn't just stand there and let her get hit. My instincts just took over." I reply, trying to sit up with Charlie's help as I let my legs fall down the side of the bed.

"Well, I'm just glad you didn't hit your head." Charlie says brushing my hair out of my face. "How do you feel now?"

"Just really tired. How long was I asleep?" I ask him.

"The EMT's say when Edward helped you into the ambulance, you just fell asleep. They were worried about you having a concussion, but Edward vouched saying you didn't." Charlie answers.

"Is Bella ok?" I ask.

"She's just about to get checked, they wanted to make sure you were alright first." He answers.

"Please don't tell me that they played favorites?" I joke which made him chuckle. "What happened to Tyler?" I ask.

"He's got a bandage on his head, luckily to not have a bullet hole." Charlie teases, "But he's getting his license provoked."

"What?! Charlie, it wasn't his fault." I exclaim softly.

"What are you taking about? He was the driver, he nearly killed you and Bella." He replied, frustrated.

"He didn't see the ice patch, he was trying to avoid another car pulling out. That's why he skidded out of control." I explain.

"Really?" Charlie asks. I nod my head. "I'll talk to the school district about some 'deicing policy' to make sure that this kind of thing never happens again." He side hugs me without hurting me.

"Willow? You're awake?" I hear Bella's voice. Turning my head, Charlie walks over and pulled the curtain to reveal Bella with a nurse.

"Bella? You ok?" I ask.

"Yeah. They were finally able to check on me." Bella answers tired.

"I'm so sorry, Willow, Bella." Turning my gaze, Tyler was right behind her.

"Tyler, you were trying to avoid another car and hit the ice, not your fault. You didn't put the ice there, or know that car would pull out." I reply, which made him smile.

"I heard the Chief's daughters was here." I hear a voice call out, but I felt too tired to move.

"Dr. Cullen." Charlie greeted.

"Charlie." Dr. Cullen, I guess, greets back. "I got them, Jackie."

"Isabella." He says, flipping through papers.

"Bella." She corrects.

"Bella. Well, it looks like you were lucky to avoid this kind of spill. You are very lucky." He says before I hear him walking towards me. "I conclude she might experience some post-traumatic stress, some disorientation but she has no wounds or is harmed in any way. I think you will be just fine."

He pauses, and I felt someone standing in front of me. Opening my eyes again, I blink a few times to wake myself up. And there he stood. A man so handsome, it was almost like he was a God. His eyes were as golden as his children. The way his lab coat fit on him made it seem he has quite the muscle...

"What the actual hell am I thinking that for?" I mentally scold myself before he gently placed his hand on my shoulder. What I didn't realize was my eyes had flashed my signature red glow.

~Carlisle's POV~

When I walked through those doors, I felt my non-beating heart pump three times in my chest. I knew it, my mate was here.

After examining Isa- I mean, Bella, I walk around the other bed to find... her. She was blinking her eyes, she must be tired. When our eyes locked, I had to snap myself out if my trance before anyone noticed, especially her father.

"So, Willow, your scans showed you have a nasty bruise on your shoulder from impact? How do you feel?" I ask, only to find that she was frozen.

I gently place my hand on her shoulder, only to make me freeze. Her eyes... they glowed red for a second. But then the glow quickly disappeared.

"What the heck was that?" I thought.

"Hmm?" She asks.

~Willow's POV~

"Hmm?" I ask, not hearing him.

"Your shoulder? I was just asking how you were feeling." Dr. Cullen repeats.

"Oh. Uh, it feels numb. I didn't feel the pain during the accident. Guess the adrenaline made me forget my pain." I explain, leaving out some major details.

"Well. Your scans show that it didn't dislocate, so that is very good. But I'm afraid you have a major bruise. Would you like me to show you?" Dr. Cullen asks. I nod my head.

Carefully taking off the sling, I ignore the butterflies that appear in my stomach. Setting the sling in my lap, he helps me move my tank strap down a bit to show my bruise.

"Oh, dang. I guess adrenaline was on my side." I say, thankful it was numb.

"Why does my elbow hurt though?" I ask, gently rubbing it.

"Apologies. Jackie gave you a few CCs of morphine to ease your pain." Dr. Cullen explains.

"Oh, okay. I'm grateful for that." I reply.

"Is he smiling?" I thought curious, when I caught his facial expression before he ducked his head a bit.

"When can she be discharged?" Charlie asks, I nearly forgot he was here. How? I will never know.

"Right now, if that works. But you have to sign the paperwork at the desk." Dr. Cullen answers.

Trying to put the sling back on, I felt a pair of hands graze my skin. Turning my head, I see Dr. Cullen helping me put the sling back over my shoulder. Holding back my blush, no idea why I want to, I adjust the strap before trying to stand. As I get back on my feet, I nearly swayed if Dr. Cullen hadn't helped steady me.

"Thank you, Dr. Cullen." I say as I felt my legs ready to hold me.

"You're very welcome, Willow." He replies. "You can call me Carlisle."

"Thank you," I paused, sweetly. "Carlisle."

Slowly walking towards Charlie, I noticed he had my bag over his shoulder. Bella tried to give me a hand walking out, but I repeatedly told her I didn't need her help.

"I'll sign the paperwork." Charlie says. "You might want to call your moms."

I snap my head at him. "You told them?" I asked, as his silence gave me my answer.

"Great. She's probably freaking out." Bella replies. Charlie just shrugs her shoulders.

"Thanks, Dad." I say with sarcasm, which just made him chuckle embarrassed.

Shaking my head, I lean against the wall as Bella walked to nearly turn the corner. I tilt my head confused at her, before I heard voices.

"--fifteen kids saw what happened. Do you have any idea what this means for us? For Willow?" I hear, Rosalie say. She sounds upset.

"What was I supposed to do? My instincts kicked in. You and the others would have done the same." Edward replied. He was here to?

"I know we would have. Willow is very important to us. But what if she gets curious? You said it yourself, she saw you before she passed out." Rosalie says.

"Why don't we take this to my office?" I hear Dr. Cul- Carlisle try to mediate.

Bella then turns her head around the corner, they went silent.

"Can I talk to you?" She asked.

By accident, I took a step towards her, and when she moved they saw me there as well.

"Shoot!" I mentally scold myself.

"Willow. You're okay." Rosalie said, relieved.

"Yes. I am." I replied, then saw Dr.- Carlisle behind her. "Could I talk to you for a second, Dr. - I mean, Carlisle." I ask, correcting myself.

"Of course. We can step into my office." He answers, holding his hand out for me.

I give Bella a reassuring look as I slowly but still, walked around the corner and towards him. Waving his hand, motioning the hallway, he places his hand against my middle back as he led me down the hall. We reached a door that had his name on it. He opens the door, letting me in.

"What is it you'd like to talk about, Willow?" Carlisle asks.

"I'd just like to say thanks, again, for making me feel comfortable while I was in the ER." I answer.

"You don't like hospitals that much, do you?" He asks, sitting down in his chair.

"Not really." I answer. "Whenever I get hurt, hospitals or medical bays just freak me out. No idea why. But my best friend would always be there by my side when her dad would check me out."

"Your best friend's father is a doctor?" He asks.

"Well, not really. He is smart, but not technically degreed as a doctor but does have the knowledge." I answer.

"I'm surprised. Does he not want a degree?" He asks.

"He's... more into inventing. He'd rather be in his workshop building and welding than be surrounded by the smell of a hospital." I answer, trying not to expose my BFF's dad.

"Really? Does he have a bad history with hospitals, too?" Carlisle asks.

"You could say that. A few years ago, he was hurt. And he was healed, not properly in the way of a medical study." I explain the best I could.

"Well, I just hope he is alright." Carlisle says.

"Trust me. He is. He's been better for 4 years." I reply.

"Well. I am glad that you are alright. My children talk about you nonstop. They really care about you." Carlisle says.

"Oh, I think I have a clue." I reply, then chuckle. I see Carlisle smile, again, but he turns his head. Does he not want me to see him smile?

"Well, I better get back. Charlie and Bella are properly waiting for me." I say before turning around. But my foot got caught on the chair, I was about to fall.

Before I hit the ground, I heard a whoosh as I was in a pair of arms. I blink to see Carlisle helping me back on my feet.

"Are you alright?" He asks.

I nod. "H-how d-did you?" I stutter, a little afraid to find my words.

"I believe I have a few things to explain." He says, pained.

"You think." I reply, holding back my surprise and anger.

"I understand if you are afraid. But just know, Willow, I mean you no harm." Carlisle says, calmly. For some reason, I believe him.

The door opens, startling me. I blink and saw it was Alice.

"Sorry to interrupt. Willow, since it's Friday, I was wondering if you'd like to come over tomorrow. We just want to talk." She said.

"Good thing, no school tomorrow. Right?" I reply, but my questionable tone cause them to chuckle a bit, which was what I was going for.

"We know you have questions. And you will get answers, I promise, but you have to come over to our house to get them." Alice explained.

I was silent for a sec, collecting my options and thoughts. I knew what I wanted to do.

"Okay." Is all I say.

"Okay?" Carlisle repeats, surprised.

"Okay." I say, understanding. "I will come over. I will tell Charlie that Alice, Jasper and I have a group project to work on and he will be okay with me being out of the house."

"Are you sure?" Carlisle asks.

"Yeah. Charlie's impressed with my determination for my studies. He won't question it as long as I don't make it look suspicious. He also knows my love for art, so he probably won't mind me staying for the weekend. As long as I could go back sometime Sunday." I answer.

"That will be okay with us." Alice replies. "Your father's wondering where you are."

I nod my head as I walk towards the door. Gazing at Carlisle one last time, I give him a soft smile before disappearing behind the doorway.

Charlie and Bella spot my as I walk past the front desk, we walk outside as I get in the front of his cruiser. When he pulls in front of the house, I take notice of Bella's truck and my car parked on the grass and in the driveway.

Instructed to take it easy, Charlie soon left since he had to finish his shift before returning home. Promising not to move around too much, Bella offers to help me with some snacks. As I be careful with my left wrist, not using my right arm, Bella happily listened to my instructions as we made fruit smoothies, got the meat ready and defrosting and some mashed potatoes.

Finished with dinner, thanks to some assistance, Charlie made a meal without burning it. I lay in my bed upstairs with a full stomach. Carefully laying on my left side to avoid my right, I turn my tv on and put on a random DC movie from my list of HBO Max.

As I let sleep take over, my curiosity couldn't help but think back to how Edward got to my side so quickly, and how Carlisle caught me within a second when he was 4 steps away sitting in his chair. I should feel afraid, I didn't feel it as I only felt loved.

"Why do I feel so connected to them?"

(Edited and proofread)