A Fresh Start

The Storm

Author's Note: I own nothing. I just like to play with the characters that were created by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.

This story is kind of cathartic for me and it's based in real life. Rated M for future lemons.

Chapter 3: The Storm

As soon as I got home from the hospital, I took my Vicodin and crawled into bed. My toe was throbbing and my hand...don't get me started on that. I was out within minutes. I slept through the night and woke up to the most annoying sound, my alarm clock. I picked up my phone and looked at the time.

"Shit," I grumbled, throwing the phone back on the bed. "I'm so not ready for work."

I swung my legs out of the bed and wavered as I walked to my bathroom. I hadn't really eaten yesterday and taking the Vicodin on an empty stomach was not very good for my mind and my body. I rushed through my morning routine, washing my hair with one hand and getting ready for my day. I took a few advil and got some breakfast. As I stuffed my face with a pop tart and a cup of coffee, I threw my lesson plans and computer into my work bag.

I put my dishes into the sink and went into the bathroom to brush my teeth and finish getting dressed. I looked at my appearance and groaned. My eyes were glassy and I had dark circles under my eyes. My hair hung limply around my shoulders and my clothes were huge on my frame. I was so ready to call in sick today, but I didn't have any plans for a substitute. I swiped my work keys and car keys, from my bedside table and darted to my car. I made it to school and was assaulted with congratulations from my administration for a job well done on the musical. I was walking through the main office when my principal, Mrs. Cope, called me into her office.

"Morning," I said sitting down in the large wicker chairs in her homey office. "How are you?"

"I'm alright," Mrs. Cope said with a motherly smile. "I wanted to congratulate you for a wonderful job with the musical this year. My voicemail was filled with compliments for the work you did with the kids."

"Thanks, Mrs. Cope," I said, brushing a wayward hair from my face.

"Oh, Bella. What happened?" Mrs. Cope frowned.

"Oh this? I sprained my wrist. I had to make a stop at the emergency room yesterday. I thought I broke it. However, the doctor said it was just a sprain," I answered, wiggling my fingers in the black brace. "I'm fine."

"You are the clumsiest person, ever," Mrs. Cope giggled.

"Yes. Yes, I am," I snorted. "I have to make copies for my students, Mrs. Cope. I've been in musical oblivion for the past week and I am so far behind."

"Of course," she smiled. "Have a good day and I'll see you later."

I grinned and got up, walking to my classroom. I guffawed when I got to my door. It was decorated with a ton of drama decorations and cards from my cast. I really loved my kids. They were awesome and they could always manage to make me feel good. I unlocked the door and gathered the unattached décor from my door and put it on my desk. I placed my bag on the chair and I gathered my things to copy. I walked to the staff lounge and I ran into Alice. "Hey, Elf."

"Morning, Bella," Alice smiled. "I heard you went to the hospital yesterday. What did you do?"

"Isn't that some kind of HIPAA violation?" I teased.

"No. I guessed. Edward came home from his shift and he had a dreamy look in his eyes," Alice snickered. "I asked him why he was so enamored. He said that he had a patient, with chocolate brown eyes and a snarky attitude come and visit him. I then pressed him asking if he knew said person. His blush gave him away."