A Fresh Start

The Fire

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 23: The Fire

I got dressed, looking at Edward. His eyes widened and he pulled up his jeans and underwear with one hand. "I'll be there as soon as I can." He closed the phone, looking into my eyes. "There's been a fire."

"Where?"

"Your old condo complex," Edward whispered.

"What? When?"I shrieked.

"I don't know. However, it's a mass casualty situation and I need to go to the hospital," Edward said as he finished getting dressed.

"Rose," I whispered. "What about Rose?"

"Call her," Edward said as he got out of the backseat. I numbly followed, sliding into the passenger side of the car. I took out my phone and dialed Rose's cell phone. It went straight to voicemail. I tried Emmett's phone but it also went to voicemail. Edward started the Vanquish and he tore out of the Lover's Point, racing down the highway to Craven. "Any luck?"

"No," I wailed.

"Bella, they're fine. I'm certain of it," Edward said, lacing his fingers with mine.

"How do you know?" I whispered. "Another birthday goes down in the record books."

"Baby, technically it's not your birthday anymore," Edward said, trying to lighten the mood. "It's the day after."

"Not helping," I muttered.

"Sorry," Edward said dejectedly. He pulled into his parking spot at Craven. "Do you want to come in and see if Rose and Emmett are here?"

I nodded and woodenly got out of Edward's car. We walked briskly to the ER, where Edward was inundated with staff members and nurses. He held up his hands, trying to get his staff to calm down. "Relax, people. Let me change and we'll discuss in five at the nurse's station. Keep your cool." They nodded and scurried off. Edward took my hand and we walked to his office after stopping to get him a pair of scrubs. He pulled me into his office and he quickly changed out of his clothes and he attached a spare ID onto the pocket, grabbing a lab coat from behind the door. He slipped on a pair of sneakers that were hidden behind his desk. "Bella, do you want to wait in here or go back to the house?"

"I don't think I can drive," I said quietly.

He knelt down in front of me and took my trembling hands into his own. His brows furrowed and he kissed my fingertips. "They're fine," he whispered.

"I hope so," I answered, leaning my forehead against his. He kissed my lips chastely and grabbed his Blackberry from his jacket.

"I don't know how long I'll be. If you need to leave, just let the charge nurse know. I'll catch a cab to get home," Edward said as he stood by the door. "If Rose or Emmett are any of the victims, I'll find you. Okay?"

"Yeah," I said.

Edward caressed my cheek and darted out of the door. I grabbed his jacket and I curled up on his couch. Tears filled my eyes and I cried for my friends. I prayed that they were not in Rose's condo and that they were not seriously injured. I listened to the hustle and bustle outside of the office. My heart sank as I heard doctors and nurses yell about third degree burns, smoke inhalation, and crushing injuries. These people who I lived with for a few short months were now homeless and injured. I couldn't help but think that it was my fault. An irrational thought, but I still felt that way. The tears came anew and I bawled for the better part of an hour. I eventually cried myself out and zonked out on the couch in Edward's office.