Misunderstanding

This Twilight Fanfiction takes place at the end of Twilight, after James attacked Bella.

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or the characters, Stephenie Meyer does.

Bella's POV:

I lay in the hospital bed with Edward's head next to my pillow.

"Renee's coming", he said with a sigh, "I think I'll take a nap", he said with a grin. I smiled as he went and lay down on the recliner, just as Renee walked in.

"Mum", I said as she came over.

"Bella, you're awake! I've been so worried about you".

"You don't need to worry mum, I'm fine. What about you?" I asked.

"I'm okay, just a bit tired. I've been sleeping in the hospital, not the most comfortable way to sleep", she said, sounding proud of herself.

"Mum, don't lose sleep over me! Go home", I said disapprovingly.

"Well, there's been some trouble in the neighborhood so I was worried about going home to an empty house", she admitted embarrassedly. I didn't need to ask what the trouble had been, I had a pretty good idea it had something to do with the ballet studio.

"Okay, but where's Phil?" I asked

"Oh, Bella, we got the best news! Phil's been signed! We got a lovely little place in Jacksonville. Nice and sunny, only a short walk from the beach, you'll love it!" Mum explained.

"What? No mum, I don't want to go to Jacksonville, I live in Forks!" I said quickly. Edward's frame had gone much too stiff to pass for sleep.

"But I thought you hated Forks?" She said, confused.

"I got used to it. I have a good school, new friends. I'm happy", I said reassuringly.

"Would it have anything to do with this boy?" She asked, looking at Edward.

"Maybe", I lied badly; I had always been a horrible liar.

Renee smiled at me, "Okay, if that's what you want."

I nodded my head in agreement. She looked at her watch.

"Do you have to go?" I asked, trying to keep the relief out of my voice. I just wanted to be alone with Edward.

"Phil's supposed to call, and I didn't know you'd wake up…" she trailed off, torn.

"Its fine mum, you go", I told her.

"Are you sure?" She asked.

"Positive", I assured her.

"Okay, honey, see you later", she said as she kissed my forehead. The minute she was out the door, Edward was at my side again. He looked troubled.

"You don't want to go to Jacksonville? I thought that was what you wanted?" He asked.

"No, if we moved to Jacksonville, you'd have to stay inside all day", I said.

"Bella, if you left, I wouldn't come with you. I'd let you get on with your life, the way you would have if you hadn't met me", he said solemnly.

"What? No! Edward, don't think like that! I could never live without you", I said anxiously.

"No, Bella. What happened with James showed me that you're better off without me. I don't want to keep putting you in danger."

"Edward, all this stuff that happens to me isn't your fault! I'm the danger magnet, remember?" My eyes were starting to fill with tears.

"Shh, Bella. I'm not going anywhere now, don't worry", he murmured.

I just nodded my head, not convinced.

His eyebrows pulled together in concentration.

"I have to go, the nurses are getting suspicious of how a teenage boy can go so long without eating", he sounded annoyed to have to keep up pretenses.

"You go, its not like I'm going anywhere soon", I joked half-heartedly. He chuckled and kissed me on the forehead before leaving.

I was actually glad he left; it gave me time to think. It was not the thought of him leaving that hurt me most-though that hurt a lot-it was the fact that he thought himself responsible. I could not allow him to hurt himself because of what happened to me.

There seemed only one way to stop this; take myself out of the equation. It hurt me just to think it, but my pain didn't matter, as long as Edward was happy. If I had to hurt myself so he wouldn't have to feel this constant guilt, than so be it.

I was determined to fix this.

I meant to get this story up over a week ago, but I've been so busy (I know 'excuses, excuses'). So sorry for that, and thanks for reading! Please review, it is much appreciated