A Fresh Start

The Accident

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 27: The Accident

EPOV

My phone rang from its charger on the kitchen counter. I was getting a bottle of water and trying to relax after a long day at Craven. Meeting after meeting after meeting. I picked up the phone and saw the caller ID. Alice.

"Hi, Alice. How did the concert go?" I asked.

"It went very well. Smooth, like always," she chirped. "Bella was invaluable."

"She usually is," I smirked. "When did you leave school?"

"I left about fifteen minutes ago. Bella sent me a text saying she had to do a final walk-through and then she was heading out. That was about ten minutes ago," Alice said.

"Okay. Thanks, Elf," I said. "Congrats on your concert. I'm proud of you."

"Thanks, Edward. Talk to you later," Alice said as she hung up her phone. I sat back and put my feet up on the table in the family room. I was watching a basketball game, not really paying attention. I desperately wanted to talk to Bella. I wanted to take her someplace over her winter break. Someplace warm and tropical. We both deserved a vacation and it seemed like the right time to do it.

I put my water bottle down and lightly fingered the box that I kept in my pocket. After the fire on her birthday, I knew she was the one for me and I got her an engagement ring. It was a very simple, but elegant engagement ring. Platinum band with two round stones on either side of the three carat round diamond. It was large, but Bella deserved the best. I was planning on how I was going to pop the question when a knock on my door broke me from my reverie. I furrowed my brow and walked to the door. I opened it and saw a police officer standing on my doorstep.

No. Not again. I can't lose her.

My stomach dropped to my toes and I gripped the door frame.

"Mr. Edward Masen?"

"Dr. Edward Masen," I corrected. "Can I help you?"

"We need you to come to Craven Memorial Hospital," he said in a professional, yet detached tone. "There's been an accident involving Ms. Isabella Swan. Her driver's license indicated that she lived here and you are listed as her emergency contact."

"Let me grab my coat and I'll follow you," I said woodenly.

"Of course, Dr. Masen."

I pulled on my winter jacket and slipped on my sneakers. I walked to the garage and got into my Volvo. I needed to keep it together. I had to keep it together. I sent a quick text to Alice and Carlisle.

There's been an accident. Bella's at Craven – Edward

I drove carefully, mindful of the horrendous road conditions. I pulled into my spot and followed the police officer into the ER. Dr. Gerandy greeted me with a sad smile and led me to one of the trauma rooms. Don't freak out. She's fine. Don't freak out. Don't freak out.