Chapter 2: Edward–Everything Changed

Carlisle and I had spent most of the day at the Black's. When we got there Billy Black and Bella's father, Charlie, as well as most of the pack were waiting for us. It was really crowded.

Most of my existence I have wished that Carlisle hadn't turned me, that saving me from certain death hadn't necessitated turning me into a vampire. Apart from the eternal damnation, since creatures that crave human blood couldn't possible have souls, I have hated what a monster I am under my well-crafted illusion of humanity. Carlisle taught me, and taught me well, how to appear human, to blend in, but at the end of the day I am not human. Rather the truth is that humans are my natural food source.

Everything changed with Isabella Swan. Since Bella came into my life, I began to understand Carlisle, my sire and father, better. Noticing for the first time the price he has paid for being the head of our family, I was able to forgive him. More than that Bella transformed my internal sense of self. I have taken significant steps towards forgiving myself for my past, have become more patient, have stopped trying to force things my way, and have tried to listen to what she says she needs from me. But I can still be petty and jealous like this morning. Well, really it started last night.

Bella and I were camping with Jacob Black, her best friend, who was with us keeping watch. Even though Alice warned me, Bella was shivering due to being inadequately prepared for the freak snowstorm. As my body temperature is colder than a human's I was unable to assist her whereas Jacob's body temperature runs hotter than humans, due to him being a werewolf. He slyly offered to slide into Bella's sleeping roll to warm her up.

Anyone but Jacob sleeping next to Bella might not had been so bad, but Jacob believed he was in love with Bella and had been thus trying to take away from me my reason for existence. Since my return to Bella Jacob had been using my telepathy to project at me lewd mental pictures of Bella and himself or memories of how she was after I left. It had been challenging, but I had gotten better at not allowing Jacob's mental flaunting to goad me.

My patience gone by the morning I had mentioned within Jacob's hearing range that Bella was going to marry me. Jacob did not react well, as expected. Bella, naturally, took Jacob's pain to be her fault. Jacob ran off, and Bella wanted to follow. Afraid Bella would get lost, I went and got Jacob, and gave them some privacy. Jacob basically said he would go and get himself killed in the fight that was coming in less than fifteen minutes unless she kissed him. She took the bait, realized that she loved him, and upon my return begged me to verbally flog her.

My jealousy and petty desire to get back at Jacob was the catalyst that drove my fiancé into kissing another man. That wasn't the kind of man Bella deserved. She deserved the very best–for me to be honourable and a gentleman. She shouldn't be torn in two.

A while back, upon my request, Alice agreed to hold Bella hostage while I hunted. Needless to say it didn't work. Worse, Esme greeted me upon my return.

"Edward Anthony Cullen why on earth did you have Alice attempting to hold Bella against her will?"

Esme asking me this kind of question out loud wasn't a good sign. Esme was rarely upset, but when she was there was usually a really good reason. I probably looked like I had gotten my hand caught in a cookie jar.

"I was worried about her," I attempted to explain.

She looked at me squarely. "Are you planning on becoming a tyrant?" she asked softly.

"No, ma'am," I looked back at her confused both at the question and her asking it out loud.

Did you not see from my human memories how Charles used to hold me captive, tell me what I could or could not do, who I could be friends with, where I could or could not go? I hoped to raise you better.

Esme's comparisons of my actions to her abusive ex-husband along with the pictures they conjured in her drowned me in guilt. "I'm so sorry, mom."

She pulled me into her arms. I know it's hard, son, but to love means to give freedom. Love by any kind of force isn't love. Right now your physical capacity far outstrips hers. You can't use that as an excuse nor her fragile nature. Go to her, talk to her, find a way forward that you can both agree to. Okay?

"Yes, ma'am." I whispered into her ear, "I really am sorry, mom. I thought I was doing the right thing, but I can see that I wasn't."

Going up to my room Bella was sleeping. Determined to change my ways I would tell her so as soon as she woke up.

Given what happened between her and Jacob, it would seem that I still have some room for improvement.

After Jacob got hurt during the fight and everything was said and done, I offered to redeem my poor behaviour and petty desires by accompanying Carlisle to the Blacks to reset Jacob's bones. The advantage of being a werewolf is fast healing, but unfortunately the bones weren't healing correctly, so they had to be rebroken and reset. Carlisle needed a hand.

Werewolves and vampires are natural enemies. Everything about us repels the other species. It is only through Carlisle's immense compassion and self-control that we made the original treaty with the Quileutes. It was only through our mutual desire to protect Bella and the other humans of Forks that led to us cooperating today. Then in another landmark moment, Carlisle was permitted, with me by his side, this exception to the treaty of crossing into their lands in order to aid Jacob because none of the Quileutes were as skilled with medicine as Carlisle. We had an uneasy peace. That neither stopped the snarls and glares Carlisle and I received when we entered the Black's home nor the mental insults my telepathy afforded me. It also didn't stop my own physical reaction that I had to repress.

It was a horrible procedure. Many of the pack asked Billy if we were killing Jacob instead of healing him. Finally though, we had the ribs rebroken and Carlisle affirmed that they were beginning to heal appropriately. He also checked the rest of Jacob ensuring everything else was healing as it should. He gave Jacob a bunch of morphine to help with the pain. Drug induced sleeping Jacob was beside me while Carlisle went to ask Billy about taking some blood. It was a tense discussion, but in the end Carlisle persuaded Billy. It is incredible actually about how Carlisle shapes the world around him to suit his vision doing so with nothing more than compassion and words. Maybe it's his gift.

After taking a couple of vials of blood, Carlisle drove us to the hospital. He requested my assistance to run a battery of tests.

Any thoughts that we need to be concerned about? Carlisle asked on the way.

I riffled through my memory. "It's harder for some than others to be civil towards us, but nothing significant on that front. A lot of them were speculating about the Volturi. The predominant thought was that they are some form of vampire Mafia." I smiled.

Few vampires would agree with that analogy, but it wasn't too far off.

Carlisle shook his head. Speculation is fine. Continue.

"They haven't formally decided if turning Bella violates the treaty. Most of the pack value individual choice and figure that if she chooses it then there's no violation. I think today went a long way to winning allies and perhaps even friends."

The young wolf who fought with you … Seth seems particularly easy with us.

"Yes, he sees me as his champion-in-arms. His opinion and memory of us fighting together is making a dent in old prejudices."

We sat for a number of moments while Carlisle mentally relayed the tests he wanted and their procedures. Then his mind changed directions. Bella sure has changed things between the Quileutes and us.

I smiled broadly. "Yes, she's like Alice in that way–a force to be reckoned with. Did you hear in all the activity that she said yes?"

"Congratulations. I'm incredibly glad for you son." His whole continence radiated joy. So, you'll change her?

Despite my belief that she deserved better, we had reached a compromise. Sighing in dislike of the idea I answered heavily, "Yes."

I'm proud of you. It shows a lot of maturity to listen to what someone we love says they want even if we don't agree. I believe that you will be glad you did it in the long run. There's something potent knowing that your venom flows through her veins even if it is that same venom that caused her pain for three days.

I considered that unwilling to admit that the thought of him biting her and injecting his venom in her nearly undid me with a form of jealousy. Rationally I had no reason to respond in such a way as her asking Carlisle had been my own doing, but it didn't stop my emotional response. I was too ashamed to voice that my body shook with longing to taste her one last time and my desire to keep everyone's teeth except mine away from her. "It's my own doing anyway," I admitted instead. "If I hadn't gone to the Volturi … well … anyway …"

Well, yes, we all wish that hadn't happened, but it's in the past now, Edward. Let it go.

"So, yes. A specific date isn't set, but with them showing up after the fight …"

Yes, indeed.

Arriving at the hospital Carlisle went and did all the paperwork so that he and I could have a lab to ourselves. He had promised Billy that the blood wouldn't get into anyone else's hands, and we couldn't risk their exposure for our own sake anyway. We each focused on our tests occasionally telling the other a result or asking the other to explore a possible quandary. Working with Carlisle in this way was delightful. He seemed more youthful and we easily slid into the roles of peers that we had before Esme.

At 7:17pm Carlisle's phone rang. It was Jasper relaying that Alice had a vision of Bella getting hurt. My immediate thought was to run to her. Carlisle interrupted me before I could leave.

Get my medical bag and meet me in front of the hospital, he commanded while he continued to talk to Jasper.

My physical body resisted the command. It didn't matter what Carlisle said, it wanted to be running in her direction. To do as Carlisle had requested required great mental fortitude over my body. Reminding myself over and over that he had Bella's best interests at heart and going with Carlisle was what was best for Bella allowed me to put one foot in front in another in a direction my body was resistant to go. He, the man who would choose any path over violence, had just hours before aided in the destruction of an army of newborn vampires because they were determined to kill Bella. His love for his family had trumped everything else. My trust in Carlisle was implicit and complete. It was simply a struggle to get myself to do it.

Assuming he destroyed the samples and sterilized the lab, I waited 1.54 minutes for him each second taking longer than the last. By the time he finally arrived with the car he appeared greatly concerned and worry was evident on my features.

He mentally relayed the rest of his conversation with Jasper. I began to hear Alice's thoughts. The picture of Bella wasn't pretty. The consequence of my earlier decision pummelled me. If I hadn't been so juvenile and jealous then Bella and Jacob would have not kissed this morning and she wouldn't of been driving over to his house at this hour. Bella was hurt and once again it was my fault.

Alice commanded Pull over shortly before the hum of my Volvo's engine could be heard.

"Pull over, Dad."

He did and we ran to Bella. Why they were driving my Volvo was beyond me. Jasper flew into Carlisle's car.

"Edward, up front," Alice ordered.

Despite my desire to be with Bella, I knew she was in better medical hands with Carlisle.

"Is she …" I looked at Alice.

"I don't know, Edward. I didn't have time to look. I just fled the house and came as quick as I could. Jazz was the one to think of the car."

It must have been a bad vision. What she sees didn't usually fluster Alice.

"Carlisle?" I asked trying to modulate my voice.

"I can't tell. I won't know until she wakes up."

"You could change her," Alice suggested.

I stifled a growl. Why was that Alice's go-to? She thought of the same thing when we had tried to keep Bella safe from a horrendous tracker named James.

I tried to explain, "It might start a war with the wolves. She's not dying. Is she, Carlisle?"

"She's unresponsive, but her heart sounds strong. However, if there would be complications her being at the hospital could prove challenging." Carlisle was thinking through all our options as he always did.

"What about Charlie? We went through this when it was James. If Bella just disappears he's likely to call the FBI," I pointed out. "We stick to the plan. We get married and then go away to college."

I hope you're right, Edward. I love her too.

Are you sure Edward, once there's a record it'll be more difficult? Carlisle asked.

Carlisle had a point, but as long as Bella wasn't dying I wanted to do everything in the right order. I wanted to get married first. Right now there were still options. We had been here before. Bella would be in the hospital and get well. The venom would heal any residual effects when it was time. She would be fine. She was tough.

None of my reasonable rational thoughts changed the deadening pain filling my chest. I could not live in a world that didn't have Bella in it. Yet I couldn't make the same choice again and go off to Italy. I was stuck. The less noble part of me wanted to say yes to them. Yes, save her at all cost. Yes, let me change her and we will deal with the consequences later. The pain searing through my body fought my rational thought attempting to push me into taking her now. What stopped me was my promise to Bella that we would try to be physically intimate before I changed her. I couldn't break my promise unless there was no other way.

"Yes, I'm sure," I stated heavily.

Carlisle called ahead explaining the emergency, so when I pulled up to the front door they were ready to take her.

I whispered in her ear, "Love, come back to me," right before she was wheeled away with Carlisle going with them giving instructions to the staff.

The staff would prohibit me from following so I proceeded to distract myself by double-checking the lab we had been using, just in case. Past experience told me that it would be a while before the staff would permit me into her room, and if her hospital visit after James was any indication it would be at least a few days before she woke up. At least by staying on hospital grounds I could keep track of what was happening to Bella through the thoughts of the staff. While heading to the lab a text arrived from Alice letting me know that her and Jasper were heading home.

After cleaning the lab thoroughly I called Charlie.

"Charlie, it's Edward."

Silence.

I stumbled on. "Charlie, Bella was in a car accident on her way to Billy's. Sam originally found her, but Alice and Jasper were driving by and offered to take her to the hospital. They called Carlisle, and Carlisle and I met them on their way. Bella is now here being looked after."

There was an even longer silence.

"Charlie?"

"I'll be right there."

"Okay. Ask for my dad."

Then he hung up.

For appearances sake, since Charlie would be here soon, I needed finish up. I triple checked the lab. It looked good. With great mental effort I dragged myself to sit in the waiting room still monitoring the thoughts of the staff in charge of Bella when Charlie's thoughts, scattered and fuzzy, but full of images of Bella invaded my mind. If I didn't want Charlie's thoughts to trump other humans, I would have to decrease my monitoring of Charlie. Fortunately Carlisle's mind trumped everyone else's unless I forced it otherwise, so some information about Bella was still being received.

When Charlie came in he marched straight past me.

"What room is Isabella Swan in, please?" he asked the receptionist.

"Let me check," she replied while looking through the records. I wonder if that's his daughter. I sure hope she's all right. I've always liked Chief Swan, the receptionist thought."She hasn't been assigned a room yet; she's just out of the MRI and on her way to X-ray. Please take a seat. The doctor will be with you as soon as possible."

Then Charlie turned around. He spied me and glared.

"Heard anything yet?" he asked when he got near to me.

"No, sir. On the way Carlisle said that she was unconscious, but stable."

"Do you know what happened?"

"It might have been a deer, sir, but honestly Alice was quite shaken and didn't explain it all, so I might have been wrong on some of the details." I hoped that covered our collective stories. Making sense of the images in Alice's mind had been a challenge. Her vision was so mixed up with the night's events, that it felt prudent to hedge my bets.

Charlie started having mental pictures of Jacob hurt. I wondered why he thought about that right now. Perhaps it was because his best friend's son was hurt and now Bella. What were the chances?

"Did you call Billy?" Charlie asked gruffly.

"I didn't, sir. I assumed that since Sam found her, Billy was informed, but I couldn't say for sure, sir."

"Renée?"

"No, sir. I called you and have been sitting here waiting."

"You call Renée and I'll call Billy."

I probably failed in my attempt to hide my grimace because the corner of his mouth turned upward. I swear he likes to make me squirm.

"Yes, sir," I replied. This man would one day soon, I hoped, be my father-in-law. I would do anything to prove myself worthy of his daughter.

I stepped outside with no desire to talk to Bella's mom since she has a tendency to be melodramatic. The phone rang multiple times and then went to voicemail.

"Hi, Renée, Edward here. I wanted to let you know that Bella was in a car accident. She's being seen now. Call me when you get this."

Okay. That wasn't so bad. As I headed back into the waiting room Esme's mental voice entered my range.

I hope Edward's doing okay. I'm sure Carlisle's taking good care of her. They would have changed her and brought her home if it was serious. Alice said she'll wake up. It will be okay.

Charlie was already sitting in the waiting room. He looked at me expectantly.

"Voicemail, sir."

I sat down next to him. "Billy knew. Evidently Alice called him," he volunteered coldly.

"That was thoughtful of her. She must have been trying to reach Jacob to let him know." That must have been how Sam knew to look for Bella.

He nodded his head like that made sense. "Yes, she's a thoughtful girl," he admitted after a bit. "She still here?"

"No, she was very upset. She went home. She'll come visit Bella another time."

Another doctor was mentally looking over Bella's chart and wondering the same things Carlisle had when Bella came in from the van incident seventeen months ago–why Bella had so many fractures.

The test results flashed into Carlisle's mind. Broken collarbone and hand fractured could have been much worse. Son, there was some swelling on the brain, but so far no concern of stroke. We might be in the clear.

I tried to continue to look pensive hoping that Carlisle would come out soon, so I could express my relief. Replaying those moments in the car I kept wondering if I made the right choice. If Bella had been awake what would she have wanted? She would have wanted to be saved no matter the cost, but after that? She had begged and bargained so that we would try. Hopefully Carlisle was right, we were in the clear, and that my choice had been the correct one.

Right then Esme came into the waiting room and following my scent found Charlie and I.

You okay? "How's Bella?" she asked me as she wrapped me in a hug.

I nodded at her. "We haven't heard yet, but Carlisle had said that her heart rate had been steady."

We sat down with her on my right and she wrapped her arm around me while Charlie sat a few chairs away.

"She'll be okay," she whispered at a human level.

"I hope so mom. I don't know how to live without her," I told her solemnly.

"You're not planning on anything dramatic are you?" her tone was worried. You better not be young man. You promised me that you'd never put me through that again. The tone of terror was clear.

"No, Mom," I whispered sincerely. I couldn't do that to them again. "Bella's going to wake up, we'll go away to college, and it'll be fine. She's tough." I wasn't sure who I was trying to convince–her or me.

Well Alice told me that she saw Bella waking up. You'll get married and then go to college and then change her. After that these types of situations won't be an issue. "That she is son. That she is." She took her right hand and patted my knee while her left hand pulled me in tighter to her. A few moments passed before she spoke again. "Any idea when Carlisle will let us know?"

I cringed at the reality of Esme's thought. Bella really was too breakable as a human. She needed to be changed or for me to leave her. My plan to keep her human as long as possible wasn't sounding like such a great idea at the moment. Maybe this was Bella's urgency. She had said she knew what she wanted and she wanted to get on with it. Perhaps there was some fear that any moment it could be taken away. My belief that I was strong enough to protect her from anything had caused me to dismiss her fears. Suddenly they seemed perfectly reasonable and my objections stupidity incarnate. It wasn't Victoria or Laurent or the newborn army or the werewolves or my family or even me that caused this hospital visit. A deer had gotten to her of all things.

"No, but probably soon," I told Esme as I heard Carlisle's inner voice coming nearer.

Charlie tried sitting, but had ended up pacing. I was just about ready to hogtie him when Carlisle came out. He had the slightest fraction of surprise before he hid it. Then his face lit up as if he'd been holding in his joy of seeing Esme for too long.

You called Charlie?

I nodded slightly.

Carlisle walked towards us and extended his hand when he caught Charlie's eye. "Hi, Charlie, I'm sorry to see you again under such circumstances. Bella seems to be fine considering. Her collarbone is broken and her hand that was already injured is slightly worse now. She did sustain a severe concussion, but so far we can't see any internal bleeding. We're keeping her sedated until all the bruising is down. I imagine it'll be at least 48 hours before we'll consider allowing her to wake up. She should be assigned a room and moved up there shortly."

Relief swelled into Charlie's face and his eyes moistened. "Thank you." His voice was one of professional detachment.

Esme smiled in relief and I allowed this good news to finally be released.

Carlisle watched Charlie attentively. "You're welcome. You're daughter is a lucky girl."

Charlie went to walk away.

Carlisle saw the intended movement before Charlie had put any space between them. "Um, sorry, Charlie, can we talk privately for a moment please."

Charlie's eyebrows creased together and his lines on his forehead become more pronounced. "Okay, sure." He sounded hesitant and concerned.

Carlisle smiled at Esme as he turned as led Charlie into a side private room, which gave them complete privacy from other humans.

Esme looked at me concerned.

I looked at her eyes attempting to reassure her.

Yes, I'm sure it will be fine. Alice would have seen anything untoward.

We relied too much on Alice's gift, me more than anyone. Alice's gift didn't save Bella from being in hospital. Maybe my family had been correct. Perhaps I should have changed her already. I couldn't for the life of me get my mind to remember what had been holding me back. Carlisle had suggested and I had insisted she wait to be changed after graduation. I had refused her being changed until after Victoria and her army was dealt with. For what? For more human moments that she wouldn't have if she died? The fear of losing her was greater than my morals and rationalizations. In that moment I only wanted her alive and well and in my arms. It might not have been what was best for Bella, but my whole being refused to consider anything else.

"A doctor here is concerned about the amount of Bella's injuries in her medical record," Carlisle told Charlie in a subdued tone. "She's legally an adult now, and I've tried to explain to him what you and Renée have told me about how clumsy she was and still is somewhat. I also explained to him how many accidents I've seen your daughter have since I met her. Her punching Jacob just being the most recent. Anyway, I wanted to give you a heads up that this doctor has a real concern. I can't seem to placate him, so he might come asking you some questions."

Esme and I sat back down and exchanged similar looks as we had before. We both knew that news wouldn't be good for us.

"Okay," Charlie acknowledged sounding formal. "I appreciate the warning. What's his name?"

Charlie must be very upset, Esme determined.

I nodded my agreement.

"Dr. Whitaker." When he said the name a mental picture of the doctor appeared.

That would be of great help to me.

"Oh, and Bella has a recent scar on the inside of her elbow joint from something sharp like a rock," Carlisle continued with professional ease. "Know anything about that?" he asked innocently.

I could easily imagine Charlie's face upon hearing that his daughter had one more scar. I flinched and then hung my head knowing exactly how Bella had gotten that scar–she had done it to herself in a ridiculous attempt to protect me during the fight.

Edward, now, that wasn't your fault. She just wanted to help you. She loves you. It was reckless on her part for sure, but you too have made foolish choices in your attempts to protect her. You both are young and learning. Just talk to her when she wakes up and explain why that wasn't wise on her part.

I nodded appreciating my mother's confidence in Bella and I having a conversation in the future. In reality I had already talked to Bella about how foolish she had been to cut herself like she had, but it hadn't changed the sense of guilt I felt at there being one more scar on her body as a result of me being in her life.

Now stop that Edward. Enough. What is done is done. She needs you to be strong now not consumed with what has already happened.

"Okay, Mom, I'll try," I murmured in our sub-human tone.

Would knowing that when Bella was turned that the scars would all disappear comfort Charlie? I doubted it. The thought brought me no comfort. Knowing Charlie's dislike of me he would probably be repulsed and blame me.

"Hmm … no, but knowing Bella she likely ran into something accidentally," Charlie told Carlisle.

We're in the clear about that injury. If Dr. Whitaker asks, tell him the same answer that Charlie just said unless you can think of something better. "That was my thinking exactly," Carlisle said to Charlie with a camaraderie I rarely witnessed from Carlisle.

"Okay. Thanks again." Charlie's voice was rough, but calmer.

Well at least Charlie's on our side. Him being the chief of police doesn't hurt.

I nodded in agreement.

"Anytime, Charlie. Knowing those two, we'll be related sometime in the future." I could hear the smile on Carlisle's voice as he thought about me becoming married.

"Yeah, probably," Charlie grumbled.

Edward, be careful. Dr. Whitaker is smart and inquisitive.

Carlisle's unique gait indicated that he went back to work while Charlie came back to the waiting room.

I thought over Carlisle's warning. A sense of powerlessness that had overcome me the last time Bella was hospitalized threatened to drown me. At the same time my whole being wanted to sit next to her. Carlisle would need to stay at the hospital. Bella would be fine with Carlisle watching over her. He was the best doctor she could have. I needed to warn my sibling and we would need to address this threat. Warring with myself it took a couple of mental repetitions before my body was willing to obey my request. It was painful to leave.

Esme pulled me in tightly almost holding me together.

"Hey, Charlie, I haven't been home all day," I told him. "I need a shower, and if Bella isn't going to be awake, then I was thinking of heading home. Maybe even getting some shuteye. But I can stay if you need to go home, sir."

I looked over at Esme out of the corner of my eye. She nodded in agreement. Yes, going home and regrouping would be best.

Charlie paused flashes of how I usually wouldn't let Bella out of my sight came through. "Fine. I'm not going anywhere," he barked in response. "How about you Esme?" he asked in a kind tone.

Hopefully me leaving for these few hours would help me win some points with Charlie, especially since if there was any questions raised it would be especially helpful to have the Chief of Police on our side.

"I'm going to drive Edward home," she answered gently and kindly.

He nodded in agreement.

"Okay. I'll be back in the morning during visiting hours," I told him emphatically. He couldn't get rid of me that easily.

Charlie nodded and internally complained about me having to come back. Despite my relentless efforts, I still hadn't come close to winning him over. Good thing Bella loved me as much as she did and it wasn't the era I had been born into, otherwise it was highly doubtful that she would be allowed in my life.

Esme and I exited the building together. Every step away from Bella felt numbing. Was this how she felt when I had left her in the forest after her eighteenth birthday? It was as if my body was preparing for me to walk away from her again. It never felt that way when I went hunting. I wondered why that was. Esme still had her arm around me almost pulling me towards the car.

You're doing the right thing, Edward. I know it's hard. You can do this for our family and for Bella.

I only managed to nod. Every part of my being wanted to go back to Bella and sit by her bedside without Charlie, so I could pretend that she wasn't in the hospital in a coma. But my family needed me. There was a threat. And Bella was being well taken care of I reminded myself over and over. How many times had Carlisle reminded me of my responsibilities to the family since we got back to Forks?

Your love is new, Edward, so it is bound to be all-consuming, but you are a part of this family and cannot forget your obligations. It was always something along those lines.

I repetitively reminded myself that tomorrow wasn't long to wait and that Bella was in good hands as Esme pulled me towards the car at a gingerly human pace and I had to consciously force myself to put one foot in front of the other. Feeling the wind pass over my body at a running pace would have been preferred, however convincing my body to leave her any quicker was doubtful. I wasn't even sure if I could have done it without Esme's gentle assurance and tugging. At the same time, if Carlisle was worried once again because of my choices, then the least I could do was make an extra show of being human.

"Thanks, Mom," I finally said once we were enough out of town that the clutter in my head had calmed down.

"Sure. Anytime." We need to tell the family. Concern was written on her face. What did Carlisle say to you?

I nodded in agreement making sure my tone was even. "Mom, it's been a long day. Can we talk bout this at home?"

"Of course." Then she put her hand on my knee and patted it.

Her thoughts were consumed with worry about Bella and my cryptic behaviour as she drove home.

As we got close Rosalie was musing about why we were back already and had concluded that something was wrong. I hope Edward didn't screw up something else.

Emmett was mentally going through the battle with the newborns, analyzing every move he made, how the rest of the family fought, particularly Jasper and Rosalie, and how he could improve for next time.

I hoped to God there wasn't a next time.

Alice and Jasper were both worried about Bella and strategizing in their own ways.

Esme pulled the car into the garage.

"Mom, I know it's a lot to ask, but could you lock up the house tonight?" I asked as I got out of the car.

"Sure, Edward," she answered terse worry written on her face.

Everyone heard me and knew what that meant.

Esme went and pushed in the key code. Metal shutters came down over all the glass.

Rosalie and Emmett were already in the living room by the time I walked in. Rosalie stared at me with a look of, what have you done now, while her thoughts were still trying to figure out what it could be this time.

Alice was heading down.

Jasper grabbed his equipment and began scanning for listening devices starting with my bedroom.

While he did this we all sat still listening for anything within our hearing range. Alice was checking the future while I checked within my telepathic range. No one seemed to pick up anything unusual.

Clear, Jasper reported.

"I hope I'm overreacting," I began apologetically, "but Dad said there was doctor suspicious of Bella's injuries. Dad warned Charlie and then me. We came straight home."

Both Alice and Emmett asked me, What about Bella? at almost the same time.

Rosalie mentally shuddered at the idea of another threat and thought, Not again.

Emmett's next thought was Bring it!

Thank you for leaving Bella to come tell us, Jasper conveyed.

He had probably picked up what a mess I was emotionally, but I tried to keep it contained for my sake and Jasper's. I nodded at Jasper.

"Bella has a severe concussion, so will be sedated for at least the next 48 hours, but so far so good," I reported.

"Could it be the Volturi?" asked Rosalie.

"Unlikely since they just left," Jasper answered.

"FBI?" Emmett asked.

"They have no cause as far as I can tell," Jasper answered again.

"So, maybe I overreacted." My shoulder's slumped. My body craved to run back to the hospital. "Just, the last time we had something suspicious happen we ended up fighting eighteen newborns," I explained.

I was appreciative of my family's reactions. Considering all that we'd gone through they were handling my possible screw-up well. Everyone was grateful that this time we might be over prepared than under prepared.

I looked at the television remembering the moment when Jasper let us in on his suspicion that a newborn army might have been the cause for all the unexplained deaths and disappearances in Seattle. Although it did unite us with the wolves, it was the first time that every family member had needed to physically defend ourselves as a family.

Everyone thought over the last 24 hours and looked at each other. We were all here, and apart from Jasper getting bit none of us were hurt. It was something to be grateful for, but it had been mentally and probably emotionally difficult for them each in their own way. Esme particularly was trying to reconcile killing our own kind with her normal gentle loving way of being. The memory also created an odd reaction in Jasper. His thoughts were simultaneously proud of how we fought together, how we stood together as the Volturi came, how disappointed they were, while also struggling with how ruthless he had been. He had never fought so desperately before and he hadn't mentally reconciled all those pieces yet.

"Charlie?" Jasper asked.

"Grateful I called him, worried about Bella, and cooperative with Carlisle. I have a feeling that he's not going to be leaving the hospital anytime soon, which changes things in terms of visitation in comparison to when Bella was injured in Phoenix."

Jasper, Alice, and Esme nodded.

I began to hear Carlisle's thoughts. As usual he was summarizing and sorting through his cases, making mental inquires, diagnosing, and mentally hypothesising treatments.

Carlisle's car was on the driveway, then him parking it in the garage, and eventually his gait as he moved towards the house until he asked me, Going to let me in, son?

"Sorry, Dad."

I went in and punched in the code. The shutters went back into hiding and Carlisle walked in.