Previously…

"In time Bella, in time. Your lungs got smoke in them and I need you to rest and allow them to heal. You will need to stay over night for observation and we will see how you are tomorrow ok?"

I felt a sudden weight come over me and it was making me sleepy.

"Stay with her Edward, we'll have her in a room soon. She doesn't need to be alone." I heard him agree but then I closed my eyes feeling only his cool hand drift to my head for a minute and then it all disappeared.

I awoke to the sun shining in my window. It took me a minute to remember where I was and the terrible events of the night. "Daddy." I said quietly feeling pain overwhelm me.

"Bella?" I jumped hearing the male voice beside me. I turned to see his beautiful face looking at me.

"How do you feel?" He asked calmly. I shrugged, "I feel ok. My head hurts a little." He nodded acknowledging my answer and sat back, "Your mom is on her way."

"My mom? No, no you can't have her come. She will make a scene and turn it all on her. This place will be a circus." My face was probably full of panic. I was suddenly dreading this day more than I had. His hand slipped onto mine, "We had to call her sweetheart, it was unavoidable."

"I'm actually surprised she can take time out of her busy schedule to come but then again she wants the exposure." I said angry. I could see the confusion in his face.

"Renee Gail." I offered. He shook his head, "The actress what about her?"

"Renee Gail Swan." I filled in sadly. She hid me for years while she made herself a household name. I refused to live that life; Charlie loved me and helped me keep my head on straight. She on the other hand didn't have time for me."

"I'm sorry." A sad expression crossed his face and I actually believed he meant it.

"Why are you here?" I asked finally. "Why are you pretending to care when you didn't want me around." He sat silent for a long moment then cleared his throat. "I never stopped caring, I just thought it was best. I thought Alice could…it doesn't matter what I thought. I knew you needed me and I am here now. You'll have to excuse my behavior before it wasn't appropriate. I apologize."

"You ignored me."

"I know, I am sorry. I was trying to do what was best for you. I am not what you needed to be around. I am not the best at this kind of thing." He said flustered. "I am not the nicest guy."

"Shouldn't I be able to make that determination?" I asked. He grinned at that. "I suppose you should, again I am sorry."

"Well, I guess I'll think about forgiving you. If you bring me Starbucks I am likely to forgive you sooner." I smiled back at him. He smirked, "That easy huh? Well I guess I should head to Starbucks, maybe I'll even get a hug out of it."

"I will give you a hug now, I owe you one."

"You owe me nothing." He stood leaning over me, "Now, about that hug." I laughed pulling him close. I could hear him sigh contently before he leaned back to meet my eyes. I had not realized his face was so close. He smelt wonderful. His breath caressed my face lightly as he spoke. "I'll get you that Starbucks now, any particular requests?"

I couldn't think of anything except him when he was this close, not that I minded. I noticed when his eyes fell to my lips and he leaned closer. I thought he would kiss me and suddenly a look of realization crossed his face and he stood faster than I have seen anyone stand.

"I would like a caramel frappuccino."

"Sounds wonderful, I'll be back soon." He said obviously wanting to get out of the room as quick as possible. I smiled as he left. He really is kind of cute, ok he is beyond cute but he's real standoffish. I thought a moment ok so he's not standoffish but he's distant, maybe that is the word I am searching for.

The door slammed open and I tried not to get an upset stomach when my mom happily walked into the room. Her assistant trailing behind like an obedient puppy.

"Bella Darling! Are you ok? I was so worried, I came as quick as I finished filming." You see where her priorities lie right? She kissed my cheek and took my hand in hers. I groaned inwardly at all of the sparkly diamonds adorning her fingers. It didn't look elegant to me which I am sure was the desired effect. In fact it looked gaudy.

"I have made the funeral arrangements for my poor Charlie. You will love it, flowers galore. I brought him the perfect Armani suit. I also brought you something dear, you will look spectacular." I would not let her make a mockery of him. I had heard quite enough.

"He will not wear an Armani suit Renee it is not something he would have bought and I am not wearing some designer crap you got me. You are acting like this is a style show. My father died, you know the man you left to be this crappy star with no emotions for."

How dare you act like this, I am your mother." She cried angrily. She acted like I owed her something, but then she thought everyone did.

"You haven't been my mother in a long time." I replied.

She looked at me funny but didn't argue. She turned to her assistant, "Kate could you wait outside a moment." Kate left quietly and my mom turned to me. "I know what you must think but Bella, I did love your father. He simply could not take me where I wanted to go, we outgrew each other. I still love you even if you think I don't."

"Your career was more important and you know it."

"Well yes at the time I needed to get noticed. I am a household name now, I can spend time with you."

"Great! I am thrilled you suddenly have time for me." I wailed loudly. "You are not welcome here!"

Her eyes filled with tears and she turned her back, "I did this didn't I? I made you hate me." I could kick myself, great. I hesitated, "Mom I don't hate you but I don't feel it's right for you to be here pretending you care about him. Pay for the service, whatever makes you feel better but don't come in here with all of the media and try to gain sympathy from the public. It's pathetic. He deserved better and you know it."

"What are your plans?" She asked looking out the window.

"I don't know." I answered honestly. She nodded, "I can help you if you want. I know you won't come with me. I have sent Charlie money for years. I know he put it in an account for you so you would have something when you were older."

I had no idea she did this or that he had it. He never told me. She smiled sadly, "I'll take care of college when you go or a car, whatever. I can't make up for what I did but I can at least help you. If you will let me, that way you can save what Charlie stored for you until you are ready."

"I guess that sound reasonable. I would appreciate the help with college."

"A new car Bella, that truck isn't safe for a young lady. Pick one out, I'll take care of it." She said watching my face. I shook my head deciding I would test that theory. If I knew mom she wouldn't spend more than necessary after all she wasn't the one who would be seen in it.

"You know I've always wanted a Bugatti. I heard a friend at school talking about it and he was saying it was the most beautiful car." I was being sarcastic mainly because I knew she wouldn't get it, I mean it's expensive and I have no idea what it looks like. I just wanted to be a pain. My anger with her still lingered. It's not like I am that knowledgeable about cars. "A silver one with a white interior is what I've always imagined getting when I bought a car. It is suppose to be the perfect sports car."

She shrugged and moved closer to me. "Who is this Dr. Cullen, he called me and asked if I minded you staying with them until you made further plans. How do you know him?"

"He's the father of a few friends. He seems nice." I didn't mention I had only met him once. I figured the whole thing was Alice's idea. We both turned as the door opened. Edward looked from me to her and extended his hand, "Edward Cullen."

She raised an eyebrow to me and shook his hand, "Renee, I am Bella's mother. How do you know her? If you don't mind me asking."

He handed me my drink and smiled politely, "She is a friend, I actually met her through my sister Alice. We've taken her skiing. She's like an adopted member of our family." I couldn't believe he had said that, it's not like I really knew them. I figured he was playing into her too.

"I see."

Dr Cullen walked in with my chart smiling, "Hello Ms. Gail. I'm Dr. Cullen. It is so nice to meet Bella's mom finally." She gave him the once over and I knew what she was thinking by her smile, "Nice to meet you."

He turned focusing his attention on me. "How are you feeling Bella?"

"Ok, I am ready to get out of here."

He laughed, "I can imagine you are. My wife and Alice have already gotten you a room decorated if your mom decides to let you stay with us." He glanced at her expectantly. She nodded, "If that is what she want's I won't stand in the way. She's almost an adult and my life doesn't seem to be right for her."

"Bella?" He questioned turning back to me. I looked at Edward, he and I in the same house? Talk about tension. He patted my hand, "I would really like it if you would, Alice is excited to have you around more often."

"Really?" I asked confused. He chuckled, "You know she loves your company. Besides, you can finish school here and make plans from there. You can ride with us to school and we'll try to make the adjustment as easy as possible." I wasn't sure about living with them but then I was not going to live with my mom and at least they expressed an interest in me. I never even told anyone about my mom. I was ashamed and I didn't want anyone asking me questions or hounding me.

"Bella?" Dr. Cullen asked questioning. I nodded yes. He smiled, "Good, so it's settled. Edward will take you home after you are discharged."

"Ok." I said nervously. When he left my mom sat beside me watching Edward curiously, "So Edward what do you think about Bugatti?"

He raised an eyebrow, "The car?"

"Yes, I assume you are a car man." She said boldly. He smirked, "I am so to speak. I have a few, I think they are very nice cars. The veyron is the newest I think. It's a beautiful piece of machinery. I hear it drives like a dream, my brother Jasper looked at one. I personally wouldn't know."

"Hmmm." She said turning back to me. "I'll let you pick out your fathers suit since that's what you want."

"I think he would want something simple."

"That's fine. You take care of it and what you want to wear. I'll get the information for Charlie's account for you by the end of the day ok?"

"Ok."

"I won't make a scene, you are right about what you said earlier. I won't do that to you. I owe you this much." I didn't disagree, she was right after all. She stood, "I will call you later, feel free to call me if you need anything. I will be flying out as soon as you are taken care of."

"It was good seeing you Renee."

She smiled, "Anything you need Bella, now or whenever call me. Let me know about the college thing."

"I will."

She nodded to Edward and walked out. He turned to me touching my hand, "You two aren't that close are you?"

"No."

He exhaled softly, "Why was she asking me about the car? She looking?"

I laughed, "Actually she said she would buy me one and I told her that's what I wanted."

His jaw dropped and he leaned on my bed, "Do you have any idea how much the car costs?" I shrugged, "No, don't care she won't get it. She'll get me whatever she wants anyway. Is it expensive? I just heard Mark at school talking about it."

"It's one of the most expensive cars in the world love."

I swallowed hard then laughed, "Well, hey it was worth a shot right? She'll probably look into it and pass out." I looked at him funny, "Why do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Call me love?"

He seemed confused by the question but shrugged, "I don't know, it's a term of affection. If it bothers you I will stop." I smiled, "No, it's kind of nice actually. I just didn't know why you did it."

"Well if you like it I'll do it more often."

"Probably not a good idea." I replied softly. His head tilted, "Why?"

"People will assume we're together. Might hurt your reputation."

He frowned then, "I don't have a reputation and you wouldn't ruin anything. If they thought anything it would be how lucky I was. You have no idea the boys who are interested in you."

"Really?"

"You have a low opinion of yourself, I have no idea why. You really are quite striking." I turned red and then I looked down at my feet. How embarassing. He laughed softly, "You look beautiful when you blush Bella."

"Enough with the compliments already." I said not looking up.

"As you wish. I'll go check on your paperwork and we'll go home ok?"

"Ok."

He left and I closed my eyes. I know he was trying to make me feel better but his comments are too much, he is such a charmer and I really would perfer not to get hurt. He returned shortly with a smile and a wheelchair, "Get dressed. There are some clothes in the bag that Alice sent. I set it in the closet and when you are ready call me."

"I will."

I changed into the black tights and cute top Alice sent. She is extremely good with sizes. The shoes even fit perfect. I took the brush she sent and brushed my hair opening the package of ponytail holders and putting my hair up. I brushed my teeth and sat back on the bed calling Edward. He came in flanked by a nurse.

"You ready honey?" She asked sweetly. I nodded and she came to my side, "I'll remove this catheter from your arm and then your escort here insists on taking you out."

"He is kind of demanding isn't he." I teased. She smiled, "I think it's sweet."

He smirked at me. When she was finished I got in the wheelchair and Edward grabbed the bag slipping it onto his shoulder. "See you later Mabel."

"Ok Edward, take care of her."

"Will do." He responded as he pushed me out. It didn't take long until we were at his house. I had heard they had a beautiful house but this was beyond what I had imagined. I know he saw my look because he had a certain lopsided grin.

I followed him inside and glanced around getting familiar with my new home. It felt strange to be here. I knew nothing about their family really and here I was moving in. Esme walked out from a room and smiled, "Bella honey." She came forward and hugged me lightly. "How are you?"

"I'm ok. Everyone keeps asking me that."

"I know dear, they are worried about you." I noticed her eyes looked worried as well. "Thanks but really, I'll be ok. Thank you for allowing me to stay with you."

"You are most welcome Bella. Truly, I enjoy having a full house." She smiled and I had to smile back. It was so genuine. Edward grabbed my hand, "Come on and I'll show you to your room. I know Alice is waiting."

I let him pull me slowly upstairs and almost to the end of the hall. Passing a room I stopped, the entire wall was made of windows and I had never such a beautiful view. He smiled, "Go in and look." I released his hand and walked to the window looking out.

"You can see forever from here." I said finally. I felt him behind me, "Yes, it is quite lovely."

"Is this your parent's room?"

He laughed, "No, mine." I turned surprised, "It's nice." He headed to the door, "Wait 'til you see yours." I followed him to the room next door. It had hard wood flooring and the same wall made of windows though not quite so many. The view was still amazing. The walls were a tan color that blended really nicely with the modern bed they had chosen. There were multiple pillows and a light blue pattern on the comforter. It looked like something you see in a magazine that was some stars bedroom.

I smiled, "It's beautiful." I heard a squeal and turned to see Alice walking from another door inside the room. She hugged me tightly, "I am so glad you are here, come and look what I got you." Pulling me into what I found out was a huge walk in closet she showed me a ton of clothes and a medium sized wall of shoes. I don't know how they managed to find all of this in such a short time but they did.

She pointed to a skinny set of drawers that lined the wall. "That is your socks, sleep wear and female things. If you don't like anthing I can take it back."

I leaned on the wall, it was so overwhelming that they had done all of this for me. I was special enough for them to take time out just to make me happy.

"Bella?"

Edward walked in looking to Alice, "I think we've shown her enough, let's let her relax this is overwhelming."

She nodded and took my hand leading me out. "It's ok Bella, we can always look later you relax. Are you hungry?"

"No, just tired. It's been a long day."

"Ok well if you need anything just call. I'll leave you for a while."

"Alice thank you so much for all of this." I said realizing she must be tired herself from all of this decorating. She grinned, "It is nothing I love shopping and decorating. I should thank you for giving me a reason to." She kissed my cheek and was happily out the door. I noticed Edward was leaning on the wall with his arms crossed. I didn't comment as I walked across the room and shut the door.

I crawled into the inviting bed and before I could pull the sheets up he was doing it for me.

"I don't want to be alone." I said bravely. I had no idea what he would say, what he would think. He continued to adjust the covers then looked at me, "I know."

"Will you stay?"

He kissed my head softly. "I will, I'll be on the couch."

"Thanks." I said watching the way his lips moved when he spoke.

"You are welcome love, sleep. I'll be close."

He sat on the couch with a book that I am guessing was on the nearby table and began to read. I smiled watching him for only a moment before closing my eyes and giving in to sleep.