Design For Life

Chapter 7

A/N: I can't think you all enough for reading and reviewing this little story (which will be around 34 chapters or so), so thank you!

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 "Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers." ~Charles W. Eliot

….

EPOV

Bella and I had a thing. I wasn't sure what it was, but it was something. We spent four nights a week together, cooking, eating, laughing. It was almost like we were dating, but we weren't. Or at least, I didn't think we were. She'd kissed me on the side of my lips a few times and always gave me hugs. It left me confused. I would have asked Jasper his opinion on it, but I was afraid that he'd make fun of me, so I did the next best thing. I called my dad.

"Hey, son."

"Hey, Dad."

"What's up?"

I let out a sigh. I hated feeling stupid. I explained my situation to him and asked him what he thought.

"Why don't you ask Bella?"

"Uh ... because I already feel like an idiot and asking her if we're dating would make me sound like one."

"Just talk to her. That's the best advice I can give you."

I hung up with him and made the decision to talk to Bella. It was Bella's night to cook, so I decided to stop at the florist on the way home and pick up more flowers for her. It had become a tradition. She cooked, and I brought her flowers. Different ones every week. I was now on a first name basis with Lydia, the owner of Blooming Buds.

At six I left the library, frowning at the weather. Snow was coming down, and I was worried about Bella driving in it. I made a quick stop at Blooming Buds and picked up a bouquet that was all zen-like. It had purple dendrobium orchids, green carnations, dark pink Sweet William, an emerald palm leaf, and other tropical greens, arranged in a square kiwi-colored container. It was something that Bella would appreciate.

I got home, changed clothes, and looked out the window, noting that Bella's truck wasn't in the drive. That was odd. I called her cell, leaving a message when I got her voice mail. Twenty minutes passed and there was still no call from Bella. I was doing my best not to freak out but it was hard. I told myself that she was driving slow and would call me once she got the chance.

Forty-minutes later, I was a frantic mess. Remembering that Bella had given me both Jake and Seth's number in case of an emergency, I quickly dialed Jake. Frantically, I asked him if he'd heard from Bella. He hadn't and was as worried as I was. Finally, my phone rang. It was Bella. Fingers trembling, I answered the phone.

"Bella! Where are you? Are you okay?" I blurted out, my voice full of panic.

"I hit a tree," I heard her say.

Oh, God. Please let her be okay.

"Where are you?"

"On the 101, about fifteen miles outside of Forks, I think. I hit a patch of ice. I hurt," she whimpered.

"Hang on, Bella. I'll call the police and ambulance. Dad and I will be there in a few. Just stay on the line with me, okay?"

Grabbing my house phone, I dialed 911 and reported Bella's accident, then I hung up and called Dad. I explained the situation to him, and he told me he'd be right over. I called out Bella's name to make sure she was still on the cell with me, but I got no response. For the first time in my life, I let the swear words fly.