A Fresh Start

The Funeral

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.

Also, thank you for those of who have commented and offered well-wishes in my difficult time. It means a lot to me. Writing these stories has been my strength (as silly as that sounds) and has grounded me.

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. It means so much to me. More than you can imagine. These stories (this one in particular) are my babies and I adore the reviews and comments I receive. Much, much love to ALL of you!

Chapter 15: The Funeral

"Bella! Open your eyes for me, baby," Edward frantic voice permeated my subconscious. "Please, baby."

I felt a rock in the middle of my chest. I grimaced and curled up."Response to painful stimuli, Dr. Masen." Edward growled and he brushed my hair off my face.

"Bella, please. I need to see those beautiful brown eyes. Open your eyes for me," Edward crooned in my ear. My eyelids fluttered. "Come on, sweetheart." I blinked my eyes but then clamped them shut.

"Too bright," I croaked. I heard a shuffle and the warmth I felt on my body disappeared.

"Try now, Bella," Edward whispered. I opened my eyes and it was darker. I relaxed and sighed deeply. "Bella, Dr. Gerandy is going to examine you."

"No, you," I whimpered.

"I can't. You're family. I can't be impartial. I'll stay with you, okay?" Edward said as he kissed my head. Oh my pounding, ringing head.

Wait, did he just call me family?

"I love you, my beautiful girl," Edward whispered in a broken voice.

I looked at Dr. Gerandy. He was an older gentleman with kind hazel eyes and an impish grin. "Hello, Bella. How are you feeling?"

"Tired. Nauseous. Dizzy. My head killing me," I said quietly. Dr. Gerandy shone a pen light in my eyes and made note of something in my chart. He then picked up my hands, instructing me to squeeze. I did. He told me to squeeze harder. I did, minutely. Dr. Gerandy then felt around the back of my head. I winced when he hit a particularly tender spot. Edward's hand reached for mine and laced through my fingers.

"Rhonda, I want a CT scan," Dr. Gerandy said brusquely. "Also, some mild pain killers. Are you allergic to narcotics, Bella?"

"Not allergic. They make me stoned," I answered sleepily.

"Give her darvocet, Rhonda. Thank you," Dr. Gerandy said. Rhonda wrote down his orders on my chart and scurried out of the room after she gave me a reassuring smile. "Will you be alright with Dr. Masen?"

"I think I can manage," I joked lightly. "Thanks."

Dr. Gerandy left after patting my hand. As soon as he left, I looked at Edward. My eyes wild. "What happened?"

"What do you remember?" Edward asked as he took my hands. "Be honest, love."

"Coming home from work and then here," I said, shaking my head, trying to rattle the cobwebs out. "Edward, I'm so confused."

Edward gingerly took me into his arms and held me tightly. "I know, Bella."

"Please, tell me what happened," I wailed into his chest.

"I buzzed up to your place and you didn't answer. I tried again with the same result. I then buzzed Rose and she let me into the condo. She met me at the stairs with a spare set of your keys. We opened your door and I found your ex-husband straddling your waist and pounding your head against the kitchen floor," Edward said, his emerald eyes filling with tears. Then his face turned in a murderous glare. "I was ready to kill him, Bella. It took all of my restraint to not pummel his face with my fists. I held him down until the cops showed up."