NOTE : THIS IS NOT AN AUTHOR'S NOTE SO YOU CAN SKIP THIS AND READ THE STORY BELOW

Gah! I have been locked out of my email and my fanfic for a almost a month now! I misplaced the paper that I kept the passwords on (because I'm always forgetting them I'm such a ditz, it's scary since I have so many) and I just couldn't get in to post the new chapters! I was locked out of a few other things too that I have a membership to, but I won't mention them because then you would know a lot about me, which is creepy D:

And then, to make matters worse, I had a virus develop on my computer because my sister clicked on this email… yeah, well, you can imagine. I'm thankful that my mom (who is a computer wiz) was able to get rid of it within about five days, but I'm really hoping that none of The Holy Gene was damaged(it seems like my other ones were fine, but it was open when my comp crashed, and apparently the past few thousand words I had written were gone, and I think some of the edits I did didn't save It's my fault, I had my recover system turned off). I kept up writing, though, on my sister's computer.

Fortunately, I have been writing, like I said. Not as much as I would have liked, since the past few weeks have been difficult, to say the least. I also had birthday plans that spanned over 4 days, and spent a lot of time with one of my best friends before she left on a month long vacation.

But I had a happy birthday (It was the 15th, five days before Eddie's) and I'm doing fine. No, I'm not dead! I'm really sorry I haven't been updating, but now the updates will come sooner. I've only had a few chapters written for each story, but I hope you guys won't be disappointed. I'll post them at staggered intervals, so I still get decent reviews for each chapter (sorry! I just know people tend to skip reviewing until the last chapter).

I took some time off to start brainstorming for another sad oneshot similar to my first one, Ever the Same, since I've gotten great feedback on that one and I love it!

Anyway, I promised that I would update Little Orphan Bella first, and I'll post the Stand chapter after this, followed by American Girl. In about two to three days, you can expect me to post the next ones. I really hope that I haven't lost any fans because of my absence, but you can count on me to update now (thank goodness, I feel terrible)!

Oh, and if you're wondering where I found the paper, it was in my junk drawer, where I stash all of my old school papers. I must have put it there when I cleaned up my desk.

On the bright side, yet dark, I will be gone for a week in late July. You can expect NO updates then, because even if I have internet access, which I doubt, I won't have my chapters.

Anyway, I doubt any of you guys actually read this random stuff I put at the top, but if you do, I say thanks! I know I ramble a lot, sorry! I just wanted to finish this off by asking each of your for forgiveness and asking how you've all been doing. I'm closing the last poll, by the way. It's finished with 111 votes, and you'll have to read American Girl to see what won (I think, unless I didn't make it a private poll).

Titled Soul Meets Body (by Death Cab for Cutie – yes, I have a wide variety of music tastes)

Onward to the story!

EPOV

I really had meant to be nice to her. I mean, I wasn't in a mood to really care about the new girl, but she must be feeling pretty alone, like I did.

But it was awkward. She looked pretty lost. And then when I saw that blanket… I had to leave. It reminded me of those terrible foster homes. Out of the various blankets in our whole entire house, she had to pick the one that I carried with me from home to home. I thought I had buried it, put it to rest in that damned closet, but apparently not.

It was making me feel guilty, leaving her alone like that. I mean, I must not have exactly made her feel welcome on her first night here. Or day for that matter. I didn't sleep much for the rest of the night, just sat on my bed thinking.

I punched the pillow. I knew Carlisle was disappointed in me. But being detached was just my nature. I had been that way my entire life, and I couldn't really remember a time I wasn't. I knew they all thought how insensitive I was when I was around. I didn't need to be a mind reader to know that.

Yet again, though, I was the child without a problem. Rosalie could be a bitch, Jasper was too shy. Alice was overly friendly, but I still could hear her crying sometimes for her real parents. Emmett was simply abrasive. He didn't think much about other people when he spoke.

I laughed. Actually, he didn't think much sometimes.

I looked around my room, bored. It was painted a deep golden color, the bed black wood with a dark gold comforter, almost brown. It was a bit boring. The only thing I actually paid attention to was the piano off to the side and my stereo system and CDs. (AN: Imagine Edward's usual room, without the girly/romantic bed and with a piano, cause I wanted it there. I probably got something wrong, but whatever.)

I decided to get out of the house for a bit, to avoid the new girl, Bella. I couldn't see her being too happy to see me right now.

In the end, I wound up just driving around in my Volvo doing nothing. I went driving like this sometimes, when I especially needed to think.

Just then, my phone decided to ring. It was Alice. Sighing, I picked it up.

"Edward!" She screeched into the phone. I held it away from my ear gingerly.

"Yes?" I responded warily.

"Oh, it's terrible! I can't believe it! It's just so awful, and we don't know anything…"

"Alice," I warned. "Can you just get to the point. What is so horrible?"

"She's gone!" She said in a shrill voice.

"Who is gone?" I asked, starting to feel a bit panicked.

"Bella! Carlisle said she was going to go hiking, and apparently she was going to ask you to come along! But we haven't heard from her in hours!"

I had already turned around, my speedometer going higher as I rushed back home. "So that was the last time you heard from her?" I asked, keeping my voice calm.

"Yes! Oh Edward, what if she got eaten by a bear?" I sighed. I knew I had to placate Alice, but I wasn't going to deny the risks. People went missing all the times in the woods. There were wild animals, dangerous rocks, long falls, and people who generally did not have the nicest intent toward young girls.

"She did not get eaten by a bear," I said quickly. "She's probably just out walking and will be home soon."

"Oh, I hope so… Well, get home quickly yourself, okay?" I told her I would, and hung up. In the next minute, I was driving up our driveway.

"Edward!" Alice called, running up to me. I shut the door to my car and turned to her as she hugged me. I patted her back slowly. If anyone had earned the right to be my sibling, it was Alice.

"Come on, now. Does she have a cell phone?" I asked slowly, trying to calm her down. I could tell she was crying. I knew this is how her parents disappeared. No contact for a few hours, until the police told her they were dead.

"No," Alice wailed. "I should have gotten her one!"

I sighed. "Alice, it's not your fault. She got here yesterday, remember?"

"But what if she ran away!" She asked, stepping away from me. I smiled, despite the situation.

"Could you honestly see her running away?" I teased. Though, I could definitely see that.

"No," she mumbled, leading me to the backyard.

Alice had set up a post back there, waiting for Bella to show. I left her for a moment to see that Carlisle was home from work, and he was talking to the local police, asking about any bear trouble the past few weeks. Esme was pacing in the kitchen. Emmett sat by the window, trying to listen to music but he was really just looking out for Bella to show up. I couldn't see Rosalie or Jasper anywhere.

I walked up to Carlisle while he looked like he was on hold. "I'll go out looking." I told him.

He shook his head, but I ignored him. Grabbing a jacket, I walked into the backyard and past Alice. She didn't even seem to notice me as I walked into the woods. I sighed, getting used to the familiar scenery. I used to go out here just to think before I got my car. I still came here sometimes.

After walking for about an hour, my cell rang again. "Hello?" I asked, not bothering to check and see who it was.

"Edward, you should come home now. Alice seemed to brighten up, she thinks Bella will be home soon." It was Carlisle.

"Okay," I said grimly, and ran through the trees to home. I glanced at Alice, who shook her head. But she was usually right about these things, maybe she would be back soon.

I walked into the house. Esme had resigned herself to the couch, next to Emmett. They both had seemed to relax a little. Everyone always did when Alice said it would be okay. Carlisle was behind Esme, stroking her hair.

Just then, there was a shout from the back yard. Emmett ran outside, followed by Esme. Carlisle looked outside, and then walked into the other room to make a phone call.

Jasper walked in from the library to go outside, and I decided to follow.

There was Bella, being hugged by Alice and Esme while Emmett was chuckling in relief. I looked at her, subconsciously looking for something wrong. And my eyes fell on the gash that traveled from her left side of her forehead to ear.

It couldn't be. But when I got closer, I saw. How had she hurt herself so badly? How did she not notice? No one else seemed to either.

"Bella, what did you do to yourself?" I whispered, staring at her in shock. Then everyone looked closer, and gasped.

She panicked, and a pale hand flew to her cheek. "What is it?" She looked at her hand, and saw the blood gathered there.

And she looked pale. Pale and sick. I noticed the signs quickly, and rushed to her. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head as she collapsed, but I caught her before she could hurt herself more.

Everyone ran up to her, and Alice tried to wake her.

"Bella? Bella?"

"Someone go get Carlisle," I demanded, pulling Bella up into my arms more securely so she wouldn't fall. I walked into the house after Emmett, who ran to get him. I laid her down on the couch.

I looked at Alice, who was hovering nearby. "Go get a towel." I told her. I need to stem the bleeding a bit.

She returned quickly, and I pressed the towel to her head, looking her over for other injuries. From what I could tell, she was pretty banged up. There were cuts all over her, and what looked like bruises forming. What the hell had happened to her?

Carlisle rushed into the living room with a medical kit in his hand. I removed the bloody towel, and he started putting antiseptic on the wound.

"I think I should be able to handle this in my own private office," He said, referring to his own practical hospital room upstairs. She'll need stitches, but I don't think this is too serious." He looked at me. "Why did she pass out? It doesn't look like it's from blood loss."

I smiled wryly. "I think it was shock from seeing blood, actually. Well, that's what it looked like."

He nodded, packing up his tools while Alice threw away the used antiseptic wipes and Esme took the bloody towel to clean it. Emmett and Jasper had already backed away, looking nervous. I picked Bella up, and carried her upstairs to Carlisle's room. He followed me a moment later.

I sat there while he worked. Alice stood at the doorway, unsure of what to do. I just kept staring at Bella, wincing when Carlisle did the stitches.

She looked pretty frail. A lot worse than last night, and I wasn't sure if it was due to the blood loss or not. She looked too thin, too. Almost unhealthy.

Carlisle finished the stitches and told me to help him clean all of her cuts and check her bruises. He knew I was the second best doctor in the house, I had paid attention the past few years and it was almost guaranteed that I would be a doctor like him.

It seemed like she had millions, but we finally finished. He cleaned up everything and left to talk to the rest of the family. Alice walked in and sat beside me.

"Is she going to die?" She asked in a trembling voice.

I knew better than laugh. This was all too real to Alice. "No, she will be fine," I told her gently, putting an arm around her.

Alice's tiny face took on a look of determination. "I will be giving that girl a cell phone. Two, if I must." She said stiffly.

I laughed then, trying to lighten the mood. "Whatever you say, Alice."

She sighed then, relaxing into the chair. I looked at her, amused. She just smiled at me. "Oh, don't look at me like that. You know you were worried too. Who went off to look in the woods for her? Who helped clean her up? Who is sitting here right now, waiting for her to wake up?"

It was my turn to be sheepish. "It's not like that," I mumbled. Alice just patted my shoulder.

"Whatever you say, Edward," she mimicked me. And then her voice turned serious. "I think our family will need her as much as she needs us," She said in her voice. The one that was always right.

I glanced away from Bella for a moment. "What do you mean?"

It was her turn to look away. "I'm not really sure. I just have a feeling." Alice studied Bella's face more closely. "She's lonely. I think she is hurting pretty badly, inside. She does a good job of hiding it, I'll give her that."

I couldn't help but agree, looking down at Bella. "Oh, and Edward," I turned to my sister. "Be nice to her, okay? She needs someone who will be patient." I opened my mouth to answer, but I had no idea what to say. I didn't even know what Alice was getting at. But she just gave me a knowing smile and turned back to Bella.

Who, just then, happened to open her eyes. I helped her sit up, since she seemed woozy. "What happened?" She asked in a quiet voice.

I exchanged a glance with Alice. "I'm not sure. We were hoping you could tell us."

She looked at us both for a moment. "I was walking in the woods. I started reading, lost track of time. I ran back, and when I got there… I remember nothing after that."

I sighed. "Well, do you happen to know how you got that nasty gash on your face? Or how you managed to scrape or bruise nearly every bit of you?"

She looked down, examining the Band-Aids running up and down her arms and legs. "I was in a hurry to get back. I fell down a few times, got caught in a few thorn bushes. Wait, a gash on my face?" She cried, touching the bandage there.

I grabbed her wrist, setting it back down. "It's not too serious. It should heal perfectly." She looked skeptical, but didn't say anything else.

"So, why were you in the woods alone?"

She blushed, her pale cheeks lighting on fire. "I didn't want to bother anyone." Alice let out an exasperated whimper before letting her head fall into her hands.

I just started laughing.

"Isabella Marie Swan," Alice surprised Bella with her entire name. "I am getting you the best phone out there and I want you to keep it with you at all times." She demanded, standing up with her hands on her hips and stomping out of the room.

Bella looked at a loss for words, turning to me for an explanation.

"Alice is a major drama queen, don't worry," I said, soothing her.

Bella fell back into the pillows, and scrutinized me for a long moment. "So, why are you here?"

I blushed slightly, unable to hide it. She didn't want me here? "Um, well, you see…"

I was cut off by Carlisle coming into the room. "Bella, Edward, the others wanted to go out for dinner. Are you two going to come along?"

Bella looked a bit frightened, so I answered for her. "I think we'll stay behind this time, Carlisle."

He nodded, understanding, before he walked away. Bella looked relieved.

"Is that okay?" I asked, "I didn't think you were really up for going anywhere."

She smiled a bit. "No, I wasn't really. Thanks for that. But you didn't have to stay behind."

I laughed. She was so absurd sometimes. "You think I want to spend my night with my loud family right now? Nah, I'd much rather just have some peace and quiet in the house for the next few hours."

Her eyes took on a questioning look again. "I take you're the family introvert, then?"

I felt like she had taken one glance at me and knew all about me. It was unnerving, but she wasn't exactly wrong. "I guess you could say that about me." I looked for something to change the subject from me. "What about you?"

She laughed bitterly then. "Me? I'm never in one place long enough to fit a stereotype." I blanched. That wasn't the best thing to ask, apparently. She saw my expression and her face softened. "Don't feel bad. I'm a foster home hopper. It's been that way my entire life." She sighed.

I reached out and took her hand, trying to comfort her. I had no idea what was wrong with me. I barely touched anyone, even Alice. Especially not strangers. "I know what you mean. Story of my life up until about five years ago. That's when I met Alice. We stayed at a foster home for two years and then we were adopted by Carlisle and Esme."

She looked sad. "I'm sorry."

I smiled. "Don't be. It's over now."

The phone rang next to me, and I picked it up, my hand still unconsciously wrapped around her hand.

"Hello?"

A woman's voice on the other line answered. "Is Dr. Cullen there at the moment?" She asked in a bored voice.

"No, I'm sorry. May I take a message?" Bella looked at me, curiously.

"Yes, it's just the foster care services of Chicago, checking up on Isabella Swan."

I looked at Bella, suspiciously. "May I ask why?"

The woman laughed. "It's a routine for us to do that for our runaways." I wasn't sure what to say for a moment.

"Thank you, I will pass the message on to Dr. Cullen."

I hung up, and looked at Bella.

"Care to tell me why the city called, asking how you were?" My eyes narrowed.

Her expression froze. "No, I don't really care to." She said, her face set in a stubborn scowl.

I sighed, rubbing my thumb across the back of her hand. Her eyes darted down there, looking confused. "You know," I said, "You're not the first one who tried to run away."

Her face took on a blank look. "I tried to run away when I was seven. I didn't get past the front door before my foster parents grabbed me and my pack."

She looked surprised, and then she looked out the window.

"I was – well…" She broke off, unable to finish.

"It's okay if you can't tell me," I told her gently. "You're the first person I've ever told."

She looked frustrated. "I'm just… not ready." She finished, looking at me. I guess I never really realized what was really wrong with this new girl, Bella. It seemed like she brought more pain with her than any other foster child in this house, and it seemed like it wouldn't be as easy to fix as everyone else.

"It's okay. How about you tell me what you can?"

Well, that's almost three thousand in just the story. It's not my best, sorry! I'll release the next chapter in two to three days, like I said.

However, I think the next chapter for the next story may take an hour or two (I think the order was Stand then American Girl). I think I'll edit it again, and check for grammar one more time, plus I need to eat lunch, haha.

Seems like Edward and Bella might just be getting a bit closer, and maybe Bella will open up more.

What are your thoughts?

Oh, and please review? I can't believe I'm past 100 reviews for just four chapters!