Author's Note:

Hi everyone, remember me? I'm sorry I've been MIA. It's been a while. I am still going through whatever my arm has dealt me (it still swells and I still loose feeling in it) however I have been sick since before the 4th of July. I will spare you the details but after four visits with my doctor, three trips to urgent care, three trips to the ER, two trips to the dermatologist and a soon trip to the rheumatoid doctor I think the infection I have is under control and I am on the road to recovery (even though I don't feel like it). I have been misdiagnosed with shingles, a staph infection, a strep infection, cellulitis(I'm pretty sure I might have had this one) and a few other things. I was even tested for syphilis! Needless to say it has been a miserable summer and I'm glad it's over (my treatment is not over however). This was a miserable experience and I hope none of you ever go through what I did.

Enough about me, I hope I still have some readers out there. Here is chapter seven. It's shorter than the last but it's up. I'm hoping to have the next chapter up in two weeks. It all depends on my joints and how well I can type.

Thanks!

Lisa


Chapter Seven

It was late but Bella was hungry. She snuck out of bed quietly not to wake up Edward. The clock on the microwave read two nineteen am. She opened the freezer and saw ice cream staring at her in the face. Edward was considerate enough to buy all natural, organic ice cream. She wanted it but was afraid that it wouldn't be good for the baby especially at this time of morning. She closed the freezer door and opened the refrigerator door. She grabbed the vanilla yogurt and the chopped berries from the container. Edward was kind enough to chop the strawberries for her.

Bella was doing everything by the book with this pregnancy. She and Edward had chatted, and it was decided amongst both that Bella would quit her job. She didn't want to take any chances that stress might take its toll on her and in return cause stress to that baby. She hated being home most days. Some days she'd meet Edward for lunch. Some days when he could he would come home and have lunch with her. Anything she wanted Edward made sure she got. He even refused some cases because they were lengthy.

He was babying her as much as she would let him. They had made it into the second trimester of this pregnancy. It was the farthest Bella had got with any pregnancy. They were almost into the third. They were excited however, Bella didn't want to jinx it. She still refused to paint the nursery or even talk about having a shower. As much as Edward wanted to head to the home improvement store to buy paint and look at infant furniture, he understood his wife's hesitation.

"I rolled over and your side of the bed was cold. How long have you been down here?" Edward asked rubbing his eyes. He looked at Bella sitting at the counter eating her yogurt and berries.

Bella smiled at her husband. His hair was more unruly than usual. He looked like a child standing in front of her. "Not too long. Maybe ten minutes."

"Are you okay? Is there anything wrong?" He asked as he sat next to her at the table.

Leaning into him, Bella smiled. "I'm fine. Just hungry that's all. Also, your child thinks this is the time to be awake and do somersaults on my bladder. Feel," Bella said as she took Edward's hand and placed it on her stomach.

"I never get sick of that. I don't care if it is two thirty in the morning. That amazes me every time." He paused and swept Bella's hair out of her face. He brought his lips to hers. "You are amazing. I love you."

"I love you too. Edward, I have a really good feeling about this pregnancy. I think he is going to stick. I don't think I will lose him."

Edward looked at his wife with a raised brow and grinned. "Him? Did the doctor say anything to you?"

"No, it's a hunch. I told you don't want to know I'll be happy with either, but I feel in my gut it's a boy."

"Funny thing Mrs. Cullen, I too will be happy with either as long as they are healthy and you of course. I want a baby, but I can't lose you," Edward said seriously as he wrapped his arms around Bella.

"Edward you aren't going to lose me. Face it, you are going to be stuck with me for life," Bella told him as she rested her head on his shoulder again.

Edward smiled as he stole a strawberry from Bella. "Then you are going to have to put up with me stealing strawberries and kisses," he told her as he kissed her again.

"Thank you for obeying my wishes about a shower. Maybe we can do one after, but I don't want to ruin the chance. Call it superstition call it whatever but Edward, I'm as far as I have ever been in any of my pregnancies. I-"

He stopped her before she got worked up and emotional. "Hey, shhhhh, don't apologize and I understand. Even Alice understands," Edward said referring to his cousin who loved to throw parties. She was going to throw a shower but understood where Bella was coming from. "I think with everything that we have been through, its fine. You do realize that our family will be spoiling him or her as soon as they get here? And Alice will be throwing a party one way or another, even if she has to wait until after the birth?"

Laughing Bella nodded her head. "I do realize that! Jacob said the same thing when he was here earlier about Alice." Bella paused as she looked at Edward. A forced smile was on his face after mentioning Jacob. IT made Bella laugh harder. "Edward, you have to stop this."

"Stop what?"

"Whatever you think about Jacob. He isn't the bad guy."

Edward shook his head as he stole another strawberry. "Quiet literally he's a good guy, he's a cop."

"Jealousy doesn't look good on you Edward."

Edward stood up. "I'm sorry. You'd feel the same way if someone else was trying to get into my pants. I don't like the way he looks at you Bells."

Sighing, Bella stood up to put her bowl in the dishwasher. This conversation had been ongoing since Bella and Edward started dating. It's true there was a part of her that belonged to Jacob. The part being a child and playing in the dirt but as they grew up, so did their relationship. Jacob was nothing but a good friend to Bella. He always had as far as she was concerned he always would be. "First of all, Jacob doesn't want in my pants." She paused as Edward rolled his eyes. "I'm serious and someone does want in your pants, but you keep her around."

"Who?" Edward asked dumbstruck.

"Umm, hello, Jessica. She's wanted in your pants since we talked about sex in health class back in junior high."

"You sound ridiculous Bella," Edward tried to explain. "Jessica does okay at her job, she's sufficient."

"If she's only sufficient then why keep her. Why don't you let her go and hire someone who is confident?"

"I don't have time to fire and hire her right now. Plus she has no grounds to be fired. She hasn't done anything wrong."

"Except not give you my messages. If she doesn't give you my messages who knows what else she isn't telling you."

Edward looked at his wife and blinked. There was no way he was going to argue about this at this time of morning. "Listen, why don't we go back to bed. You have fed our child and they seem to be calm, for now. We'll talk about this again."

"Oh you bet we will Edward Anthony but you are right, let's go to bed," Bella yawned as she took Edward's hand.


Edward stretched the next morning. He actually felt rested for the first time in weeks after sleeping on his father's office couch. He glanced at the clock and couldn't believe it was after ten am. He quickly went into the bathroom to changed and brushed his teeth. He feared that Bella was awake and by herself, which was the last thing he wanted even though last night she made it pretty clear that was what she wanted. He couldn't imagine how scared she must have felt. He wanted to make all her suffering go away. He still blamed himself for her circumstance even though everyone around him told him not to. He was unable to comfort and care for his wife properly and it hurt him.

As he turned the corner he paused outside Bella's door. He took a deep breath and was about to knock on the door. As he raised his hand to knock, he was greeted with the sound of laughter. He knocked anyway.

"Come in," Bella replied.

Edward slowly and cautiously opened the door. He was surprised to see his mother in the room with Bella. They both looked like they had shed some tears. Edward closed the door and walked towards his mother and wife. He sighed when he saw Bella sitting up in bed and feeding Seth.

"Good morning," Edward said to his mother as he kissed her cheek.

"Good morning honey. You look like you slept well last night. You look the best you have in a while," Esme smiled.

"I actually feel good." Edward paused and placed his hand on Bella's ankle and offered her a bashful grin. "And how did you sleep last night?"

"Really good actually. Your dad checked on me this morning and said I could probably go home in a few days," Bella told Edward as she burped the baby.

"That is wonderful! I'm so happy to hear that. I can't wait to get you back home," Edward beamed as he watched Bella with their son. He hoped that being in their home would help her regain her memory.

Esme interrupted their moment and looked at Edward. "Bella was just saying she had a craving for homemade lasagna."

Edward looked at his mother as if his eyes were going to leap out of their sockets. He then looked at Bella and smiled. "That was the first thing mom taught you how to make."

Feeling confused Bella nodded her head. "I think I remember that. We used to roll the noodles out by hand, right?"

Esme nodded. "That's right. We always did that until-"

Bella interrupted Esme by continuing the memory. "Until that one Christmas dad bought you the Kitchen Aid mixer with the pasta attachment."

Tears formed in Esme's eyes. Bella was remembering things from the past. She had already identified Esme when she walked through the door earlier that morning. "That's right sweetheart, that's right," Esme told her Bella as she kissed her cheek. "We never rolled pasta out again!"

Edward was lost for words for a few seconds. He reached down for Bella's hand and kissed it before looking at his mother. "That's good, right?"

"I think so."

"I remembered mom when she came in," Bella told Edward.

"As soon as I came in she called me mom and cried," Esme confirmed.

"What else do you remember?" Edward inquired.

Bella sat up and took a breath. She placed the empty bottle on her tray and sat Seth up in between her legs. "Well, I remember growing up I would talk to mom about boys and she took me shopping with Alice."

"And who is Alice?" Edward quizzed her.

"She's your cousin."

Edward couldn't help but contain his excitement. "That's right baby, that's right!"

Bella smiled as she continued. "I remember even though I had Sue and she was always there for me, mom was the one to talk to me about girl things." Bella paused and looked bashful as she continued. "I remember I was thirteen and I got my period for the first time and I had no idea what to do. Dad and Sue weren't home because they were at Emily's school. I called mom as soon as I got it. She hugged me and took me to Target. She explained all of the differences between the tampon and pads. We bought both. She also bought me my first razor because my legs and under my arms were starting to get a little hairy."

Edward and Esme exchanged looks. They were shocked with the detail that Bella remembered. Esme looked at Edward. "That is how it happened."

"Do-do you, I mean do you remember anything else? Maybe about me?" Edward hopefully asked.

Shaking her head, Bella looked down at Seth and spoke softly. "I-I don't. I'm sorry."

Holding back tears, Edward just nodded. He grew frustrated and spoke quietly. "How can that be that you remember something about everyone but me?"

Bella fought back her own tears. She felt bad that she didn't have the faintest idea about Edward. "I don't know. I'm sorry. I'm not sure how this works."

Esme interrupted both of them. She offered a hopeful smile. "None of that sorry stuff. This isn't your fault. Some things have come back. This is just going to take some time."

Edward was speechless. He looked at his smiling son in his mother's arms and tried not to let his tears of frustration and defeat show. It bothered him that Bella had successfully remembered almost everyone, except for him and their son. He felt discouragement.

Bella saw Edward eyeing their son. She offered a small smile. "He is such a good baby."

Edward nodded slowly trying to hold back his tears. "Yes, he is. We wanted him so badly."

"Emmett, I think mentioned that yesterday. Did we have a hard time getting pregnant?" Bella asked trying to break up the tension. She wanted to learn about her past.

Edward nodded as he still focused on his son. "We did. You had several miscarriages. Seth is our miracle baby. You really took care of yourself down to a t with him. You ate absolutely everything you were supposed to. You only had ice cream after you spoke to your doctor because you were worried about the possibility of exposing Seth to something he shouldn't have been exposed to. You measured it out each time exactly too. You never indulged in anything food wise. You stayed away from cheese and sea food too, even though you craved blue cheese and shrimp."

"Shrimp and blue cheese? Sounds gross," Bella giggled.

Edward loved hearing the sound of laughter escape Bella's mouth. He smiled back as he continued. "Your favorite everyday indulgence was strawberries with a dollop of whipped cream on it, which you made yourself. You ate organically and didn't want any chemicals in your food because they could have been harmful for the baby. You were always so calm and gentle with him. When he was in your belly you always rubbed it. You always talked to him. He'd sometimes think that two am was play time and you never complained about him waking you up. You'd get up and rock in his chair and sing to him. If that didn't settle him down, you'd take a bath, sometimes with me. We both loved those times. I loved sitting back in the tub with my arms around you. I'd stroke your belly gently. I'd sing with you. I loved talking to him too. God, we were so happy."

Bella swallowed. Her mind and heart were filled with regret. She was puzzled why she couldn't remember Edward. "We sound it." She paused and looked at Edward again. "Was the labor bad?"

Smiling, Edward answered his wife's question. "No. It lasted just over four hours, which is quick for a first-time mother. You refused any drugs. You did threaten to kill me a few times and swore off sex for the rest of our lives."

"How'd that go?" Bella chuckled.

Edward grew serious. "We actually haven't been together like that since before he was born."

"Really?"

"Yes. I, well, I was working on a huge case and wasn't home very often. When I was home and ready to go, you weren't. Your days were filled with taking care of him and you were tired, which I understood. We were trying to get on the same page but my uncle gave me this really big case because the family asked for me."

Bella looked up with doe eyes. She placed her hand on his. "I really want to remember you, want to remember what we had but I just can't right now and I don't know why."

Esme interjected once she realized they were both about to cry. "You will remember Edward darling. You will. We will all help you remember him."

Just as Esme as finishing her sentence, the door opened and in walked Carlisle. He placed a kiss on his wife's cheek before placing his hand on Edward's back. "How are we all this morning?"

"We are all well honey. How about you?" Esme asked.

"I'm good. Apparently, I'm being forced to go home for the next three days. I got spoken to about being here for three days straight. I actually used an on-call room to nap in last night because my couch was taken," Carlisle smiled looking at Edward.

"I'm sorry dad."

"Don't be Edward! I'm just teasing you."

"Why were you here that long?" Bella asked.

"Because I wanted to watch my favorite and most important patient myself once she woke up. I was supposed to leave last night but couldn't leave you here alone. I was here in case something happened, or you needed me. I wanted to make sure you got the best care I could give you."

"Thank you," Bella simply stated as she held Seth close to her.

Carlisle sat down in the chair next to her bed. "How was your first night?"

"It went well. I feel good."

"That's what I want to hear."

Esme perked up. "She remembered me Carlisle. This morning when I came in she called me mom and remembered things that we used to do."

"Mom used to take me shopping with Alice," Bella added with a proud smile.

"She remembered she has been calling me mom for a while."

"Since I was in sixth grade I think."

Overwhelmed with emotion, Carlisle chocked. "That's right. You are right."

Edward looked at his father with frustration and pain. "When is she going to remember me?"

Carlisle swallowed hard. He understood Edward's frustrations, but he also understood Bella's confusion. He wanted to have this conversation without Bella sitting next to him. He chose to make his answer brief. "Well, sometimes the mind can't be explained. She is remembering more today than she did when she woke up. So please remain positive and patient with her. She is making progress Edward."

Edward leaned against the wall as he murmured, "Yea, right."

Bella saw the look on Edward's face. She began to feel stressed. "Mom, can you put Seth in his carrier? He's asleep and I don't want to drop him. Plus, I would like some time by myself. So please could you all leave?"

Esme took the baby from Bella's hands and kissed her forehead. "Of course, honey. You need to rest. I'll bring Seth by later this afternoon or evening. If you need or want anything before then call me. I'll write down my number."

"Thank you," Bella responded quietly.

Edward looked around at his parents packing up. He and Bella made eye contact. "What? You mean me too?"

"Yes."

Shaking his head, Edward protested. "No, no. I don't want to leave you. I want to stay."

Carlisle looked at his son and then took Bella's hand. "Edward, Bella needs her rest and-"

Suddenly Bella squeezed Carlisle's hand back. She looked him in the eye and spoke. "When I was fourteen I twisted my ankle in soccer. It was the beginning and the end of my sports career. You fixed me. That is when we started to get close. That is when I started calling you dad. You stayed with me over night when visiting hours were over. My father had to go back to work and Sue had to stay home with Emily. You stayed until I fell asleep and you came in as soon as I woke up. You brought me home in the morning. You didn't want me to be afraid."

Not being able to hold back his tears, Carlisle sobbed. He kissed Bella's head and smiled at her. "Yes, yes you are right."

The moment was short lived. Edward got angry and kicked the wall. He stared at his father before speaking. "Why the fuck doesn't she remember me?"

"Edward Anthony watch your language around your wife!" Esme scolded him.

"Edward, the fact that she is remembering more and more is a good sign. This is good. Now we just need to have patients and faith."

Sobbing was heard in the room. All three sets of eyes were now on Bella who spoke hastily. "I'm sorry. I'm just sorry I can't remember. Please don't get angry with me, just don't, please? Do you think I like sitting in this bed not really knowing who I am or the people around me? Do you think that I enjoy talking to you, my husband and the father of my son and not have a clue to who either one of you are? Do you think I like having you feel like a stranger to me? It sounds like we have had a lot of wonderful experiences together, a life time's worth." Bella paused to let cries escape her mouth. The sounds of her sobbing were the only thing heard in the room until she spoke through her tears. "We created a life together! It sounds like we created an amazing life with each other. I really wish I could remember you and our precious baby. I really-" Emotion over took Bella's voice and she was unable to finish her sentience.

Carlisle shook his head at his son. "Esme why don't you and Edward take Seth and head home. I'm going to leave shortly and I'll meet you at home."

Edward's eyes flashed with remorse as he looked at Bella. "No, I want to stay. I'm sorry. I'm just so confused. I really do want to stay."

Bella looked away from Edward's eyes. Esme picked up on Bella's motion. "Come on Edward, grab your son and lets go home for a while."

"No, I'm staying damn it!" Edward shouted.

"Enough! Edward take your son and go home with your mother, now. We'll talk when I get home. Bella said she wants to rest so respect your wife's wishes and let her rest! I'll talk to you when I get home. Chill out for a while and if you are calm then come back at dinner time."

Angry, Edward walked over to the car seat and lifted it. Seth was still fast asleep. As he walked out the door, he turned around and walked back at Bella's bed. After placing the car seat on the floor, he reached for Bella's hand and kissed it. Tears erupted from his eyes as he gently laid her hand back down. He picked the car seat back up and stormed out of the room.

Seeing that Bella was upset, Esme walked next to her bed. "Honey, don't worry about anyone other than yourself. You need to do that if you want to get better," she smiled motherly. She kissed Bella's head and once again smiled at her. "I promise we'll be back later honey."

Bella nodded her head. "Okay. Thank you."

Esme looked her daughter in law in the eye and continued. "Isabella, you are a strong woman, I know you are. You will get better."

"I hope so. I feel like I'm letting Edward down. Is he always so intense?"

Esme couldn't help but laugh. "Yes he is. He's a little anal and emotional, he always has been, but he means well. He has a good heart and really does love you. I'll see you later and I'll bring your baby boy back with me."

"Thanks mom."

Feeling herself tear up, Esme squeezed Bella's hand. "You have no idea how it warms my heart to hear you say that to me. Rest now sweetie, we'll see you later." She paused before letting go of Bella's hand. She turned to her husband and kissed him. "I'll see you back home for lunch, right sweetheart?"

"Yes, I'll be there after I let Bella rest and finish a few things up in my office," Carlisle promised as he smiled at his wife and watched her walk out the door. "As for you kiddo, I will see you later. Rest, doctor's orders, okay?"

"I will," Bella said as she stared at Carlisle. He was about to turn to leave when she called out to him. "Dad? Could, could you stay with me like you did when I was younger? Just until I'm asleep?"

Carlisle smiled as he situated himself in a chair. "Of course I will. I promise to come back later tonight. Just rest now sweetie."