14. IMPROVEMENTS

I woke up a little after dawn the next morning. I'd slept about eleven hours, but it hadn't really been effective or useful. Not at all. Just as I'd feared, the nightmares had tormented me the majority of the time, and even in sleep I could still feel the pain. It wasn't fair. I was supposed to be allowed some temporary relief, wasn't I? Not an endless struggle with no hope of it even lessening, even if infinitesimally? Urrggg…

Edward and Rose stayed by my side the entire time I slept, and then refused to leave once I was awake. I told them they were both idiots for staying in when they could have gone hunting, but Edward just sighed and Rosalie told me that I was the idiot. What if something happened while they were away?

All morning they stood on either side of my bed like statues, only their eyes following the movements of the rest of the family. But once I even twitched a finger or released the tiniest groan, they instantly sprang to life and were fighting for the chance to assist me in any possible way. It was maddening and ridiculous, obviously, but at the same time, I couldn't complain. It was pretty sweet, and as much as I hated to admit it, I needed all the help I could get now. Even the simplest and smallest tasks were outrageously difficult for me, tasks such as moving, and talking, and breathing…and just sitting flat on my back and doing nothing.

Carlisle came by about once every hour to check how I was doing; read the stats on his complicated looking monitor. I didn't feel much different than I had last night, maybe a bit worse, but that was to be expected. He didn't seem pleased with my results, nonetheless. The last time he'd left, he'd walked off shaking his head and muttering medical gibberish. Not an encouraging sign.

Edward had called Jasper over several times, hoping he could alleviate some of my pain with his peculiar gift of emotional manipulation. It worked some, but the full effect couldn't be grasped for unknown reasons. Carlisle had refused to give me morphine today; he was slightly concerned with the amount he'd already injected into my blood the past nine days, worried it could lead to dependence or addiction. Too much medicine is never a good thing to condone, even if it helps at the present moment. I was learning that the hard way.

Around noon, Jake came back. I wanted to say that I was surprised, but I'd always known he'd be back. Because as I'd thought before, neither of us could keep away.

Edward hadn't been thrilled with his arrival, but Rose managed to take it with even less grace. He sent her several dark scowls as her thoughts must have turned noticeably darker and bitter. I sighed and silently willed them to both just drop it and accept that the wolves were going to be around. I wanted them around. And I knew they wouldn't argue with me when I wanted something; they were both eager puppies waiting to please their master. It was almost sad how willing they were to do just about anything I even considered.

Carlisle shot me a brief, tired smile as he crossed the room to step out onto the porch and talk to Jake. I tried to smile back, but the effort was painful. His smile faltered as he disappeared outside.

After a few minutes of tense silence, my curiosity got the best of me and I turned my gaze up to Edward. He looked down immediately, noticing the obvious question in my eyes. His hands were clenched into tight fists around the frame of my hospital bed; I was certain when he removed them the metal would be broken and distorted.

"You want to know what they're talking about."

I nodded.

"Of course she does," Rose sighed, rolling her eyes. "She'll latch onto anything concerning that good-for-nothing mutt."

"Rosalie." Edward's voice was abruptly flat; dead and ice-cold. His eyes were narrowed at her menacingly.

"Edward, just drop it," I told him, too exhausted to argue. "Rose, leave Jake alone."

They both frowned at me, but kept their mouths shut.

"Now," I started, "Yes, Edward, I would like to know what's going on outside, please?"

He nodded, and was silent for a moment, absorbing information. Then he sighed, answering, "They're just talking about your…condition. Carlisle is giving him all the medical stats…telling him everything we know. Trying to figure out what the hell's going on, and how we're going to keep you safe."

"Oh."

He hummed his agreement, and then paused, going silent again.

"Edward?" I asked, furrowing my eyebrows slightly.

He didn't respond, but I watched as he pursed his lips and that familiar crevice of concern reappeared on his forehead. Someone must have said something important.

"Edward?"

He glanced down at me for a second, and then returned his attention to the front. He loosened his hands from the bed frame and bent down to give me a swift kiss on my cheek.

"I'll be right back, Bella," he murmured. "I want to speak with Carlisle for a moment."

I nodded, expecting him to leave, but instead he turned his attention to Rose.

"Actually, Rosalie, would you mind joining me?"

She raised her eyebrows, and I was tempted to, too. His voice sounded suddenly different…lighter. Hopeful. The word stuck in the back of my throat, rendering me speechless.

"What is it, Edward?" I whispered curiously.

"Nothing you need to worry about, love," he assured me. "It will just take a second. Please, Rose?"

She sighed, grumbling and pouting, but I knew she would go with him.

"Esme?" she called out a second later. "Can you mind Bella for me?"

I felt like a toddler or a naughty young animal not to be trusted alone. I was so used to being babied by now; I hated it, but it had unfortunately become a main part of my life since meeting Edward and his family.

"Of course," I heard Esme answer from the stairs. I looked over and she was stepping down, and before I could blink she was beside me.

"Thank you," Edward told her, and then he and Rose disappeared out the front door, closing it behind them. I stared at the spot where his hands had been on my bed. Completely twisted and distorted, as expected.

"How are you feeling, Bella?" Esme asked me, smiling as always. The warmth had mostly vanished from her face during the past week, due to the high stress and anxiety levels, but the gesture was still the same. I smiled back half-heartedly.

"About the same as I was this morning," I shrugged, resisting a yawn. I was so exhausted.

"Well…that's all right," she said, nodding. "Better to be constant than digressing."

"Good point."

"Has Carlisle given you your pills yet?"

I nodded. "Yeah, he came by about two hours ago and gave them to me." For the past few days, Carlisle had suggested that I try taking vitamins; since I was unable to eat food or drink anything besides a forced glass of water, he thought a small dissolvable pill would still help deliver some nutrients to my failing body. Edward had quickly agreed to it, and I couldn't see any harm in it, so I'd begun taking two of the red pills every day. No improvement to my health, but at least when I died it wouldn't be from a lack of iron or calcium.

"Good. Do you think they're helping at all?" Her voice rose a little at the end, unable to conceal her hope. I sighed.

"No, Esme. They're not; I'm sorry."

Her careful smile fell for the briefest second, but then she recovered. "Well, I never thought that they would, to tell the truth. But it's still a nice thought."

"Yes," I agreed dryly. "It is."

"Oh look," she exclaimed suddenly, fixing her attention on the front door. "They're coming back in." Her voice confused me slightly; it sounded almost as if she was reluctant to allow them back inside. What had they been talking about?

Edward came in first, quickly darting to my side and taking my numb hand. Rosalie was next, flitting next to him in the span of half a second. I greeted them both with a small smile, which Rose returned enthusiastically. I recognized the familiar new light sparking in her eyes, and it startled me a bit. Edward's expression was intense, and troubled, but Rosalie's smile was so dazzling it was as if someone had just handed her the title of Miss Universe. Not that it would matter much to her; she was already fully aware of the fact that she was the most beautiful creature on two legs, dead or alive. I raised my eyebrows in confusion.

"What's going on?" I asked as Carlisle entered, walking slowly to stand by Esme. Jake followed after him, lumbering through the door with a look that clearly told me he wanted to get the hell out of here and never look back. I frowned as he stopped halfway across the room, staring at me with a dead expression.

"Jacob had an idea that might help you," Carlisle explained quietly. He looked slightly hesitant to continue, but seemed to ignore his moment of doubt as he looked straight into my eyes. "It won't be…pleasant, but-"

"But it will help the baby," Rose shot in suddenly, practically bouncing on her heels. Ah, that would explicate her eagerness. Something for the baby. I could feel my own energy level start to rise as the thought took control of my mind.

"We've thought of a better way to feed him," she elaborated. She paused for a second, and then added, "Maybe."

I smiled at her and coughed a quiet chuckle. "Not pleasant? Gosh, that'll be such a change." I looked to the thick IV attached to my arm, the needle going deep under my skin.

Rosalie laughed at my weak sarcasm and I gave her another tiny smile.

Edward shot her a dark look and started rubbing my hand with his thumb, holding it tightly. His eyes were frantic as they met mine, and my smile quickly disappeared. Something about this wasn't right. If it was going to help the baby, of course I'd do it…but what was it?

"Bella, love," he murmured in a low voice, speaking only for me. He disregarded the others as if they weren't there. "We're going to ask you to do something monstrous." He grimaced, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "Repulsive."

As quickly as it had come, the fresh burst of energy disappeared, leaving me exhausted and worried once again. I pursed my lips, drawing a shaky breath. "How bad?"

Carlisle was the one who answered. "We think the fetus might have an appetite closer to ours than to yours." He paused for the briefest second. "We think it's thirsty."

I blinked. "Oh." Then it really hit me. "Oh."

"Your condition – both of your conditions – are deteriorating rapidly," he continued. "We don't have time to waste, to come up with more palatable ways to do this. The fastest way to test the theory-"

"I've got to drink it," I whispered, understanding. I nodded slightly, quickly deciding that I could handle it. Just don't think about it. "I can do that. Practice for the future, right?"

I glanced up at Edward and flashed him my best grin. He didn't smile back.

Rose started tapping her toe against the wood floor. I knew she was impatient; like Carlisle had said, there wasn't any time to waste. I took a deep breath.

"So, who's going to catch me a grizzly bear?" I tried to picture Emmett going after one and dragging it back to the house, still alive and wrestling. The visual made me want to laugh.

Everyone went quiet. Rosalie's foot lay flat and unmoving against the ground, and Carlisle and Edward exchanged a brief but meaningful glance. I didn't understand their reactions.

"What?"

"It will be a more effective test if we don't cut corners, Bella," Carlisle murmured.

"If the fetus is craving blood," Edward added unwillingly, "it's not craving animal blood."

My heart skipped a beat. Holy crow, they wanted me to drink human blood?!!

"It won't make a difference to you, Bella," Rose said suddenly, obviously trying to assuage my fear. "Don't think about it."

My eyes widened as I glanced up at her. She smiled down at me and brushed a strand of my hair from my face. I couldn't appreciate her soothing gesture; now I was panicked.

"Who?" I whispered quietly, and suddenly all I could focus on was Jake. Oh no. He was the only human here, in a house full of vampires. I forgot how to breathe.

"I'm not here as a donor, Bells," he grumbled, seemingly understanding my tense expression. I relaxed at his words. Holy crow, thank goodness.

"Sides," he added, "it's human blood that thing's after, and I don't think mine applies-"

"We have blood on hand," Rose interrupted, cutting Jake off. She smiled encouragingly at me again. "For you-just in case. Don't worry about anything at all. It's going to be fine. I have a good feeling about this, Bella. I think the baby will be so much better." And she really sounded like she meant it, hopeful wasn't even the right word for it anymore. It was confidence. She seemed to know that this would help.

I lifted my hand and lightly ran it across my stomach, sighing deeply. "Well, I'm starving, so I'll bet he is, too." I shook my head lightly, a small smile of disbelief tugging at the corners of my lips. "Let's go for it. My first vampire act."

Rose beamed at me, and Carlisle allowed a brief smile of satisfaction. "We'll be right back," he told me, and then the two of them disappeared up the stairs. Edward stayed with me, and Jake still hadn't moved from his stance in the middle of the floor.

I could tell Edward was nervous; I knew he felt horrible for making me do this, but it wasn't his fault. And it was my choice, really. I could refuse the blood if I chose to. I stared back into his eyes and tried to possibly alleviate some of his anxiety and guilt. He brought my hand up and kissed my knuckles softly, never tearing his eyes from mine.

Rosalie suddenly darted past us, racing into the kitchen and throwing open what sounded like cupboard doors. I heard the clang of metal and plastic cups and pans being tossed around, and then silence.

Edward raised his lips from my hand to murmur, "Not clear, Rosalie."

I gave him a puzzled look and he rolled his eyes and chuckled. Before I could blink, she was racing past us again and disappearing back upstairs. Edward sighed.

I turned my attention to Jake, and he gazed back at me numbly. "This was your idea?" I asked him quietly.

He chuckled and walked a bit closer. "Don't blame me for this one. Your vampire was just picking snide comments out of my head."

I gave him a tiny smile. "I didn't expect to see you again." I'd considered it, and in all honestly I hadn't been surprised when he'd returned, but it was still a bit unexpected. But I was so glad that he came back.

He nodded, agreeing. "Yeah, me, either."

I suddenly remembered the conversation I'd had with Edward a few hours ago. When he told me that Jake had left his pack because none of them wanted to save me. I had a sudden urge to jump up and hug him for sacrificing so much for me. If only I could move…

"Edward told me what you had to do. I'm sorry."

"S'okay," he shrugged. "It was probably only a matter of time till I snapped over something Sam wanted me to do."

"And Seth," I added, remembering Edward's words.

Don't fret too much, love. He's not alone. Seth left with him. The two of them are watching each other's backs, hopefully.

"He's actually happy to help," Jake assured me, shrugging again. I could imagine that. Seth was just a happy kid, like a little sun. Almost like Jake had been for me, when I'd most needed light.

I sighed. "I hate causing you trouble."

He laughed once, a short humorless laugh. Yeah, I deserved that.

"I guess that's nothing new, is it?"

He shook his head. "No, not really."

I sighed again. "You don't have to stay and watch this."

He was quiet for a moment, deliberating. I could see the struggle in his eyes as he carefully turned over his options, eventually settling for one. I already knew what it would be.

"I don't really have anywhere else to go," he said in an emotionless tone. Yup, just as I expected. A rush of remorse overcame me.

"The wolf thing is a lot less appealing since Leah joined up."

I felt my mouth drop open. "Leah?"

Jake glanced over at Edward, frowning. "You didn't tell her?"

He just shrugged, never taking his eyes off my face. I felt bad for ignoring him, but the news was shocking. And bad.

"Why?" I demanded. Why the hell would Leah ever join up with Jake? And to protect a family of vampires and a frail little human girl?

Jake pursed his lips. "To keep an eye on Seth."

I didn't believe him. But I didn't press it. "But Leah hates us."

He sighed. "Leah's not going to bug anyone. She's in my pack, so she follows my lead." He didn't look very happy about that. His expression was one of pure annoyance and pain.

I frowned. He noticed.

"You're scared of Leah, but you're best buds with the psychopath blonde?" he snapped.

I faintly heard Rose hiss from upstairs. That had to have pissed her off; I'd never be able to hear her unless she was purposefully loud.

My frown deepened. "Don't," I told him sternly. "Rose…understands."

She was the only one that really understood anything at all. Because she was the only one that felt the same way about the baby as I did. I had the full support of Esme and Emmett and partial support from everyone else, but Rose was really the only one that knew just what to say and do at any given time. I didn't like Jake attacking her; he had no idea how much she'd done for me.

He didn't look like he cared at all. "Yeah," he spat. "She understands that you're gonna die and she doesn't care, s'long as she gets her mutant spawn out of the deal."

I glared at him, narrowing my eyes in an attempt to look threatening. "Stop being a jerk, Jacob."

He looked like he was trying to decide to laugh or scowl, but eventually he smiled and said, "You say that like it's possible."

I didn't want to smile back, I was still angry, but I couldn't help it. My lips twitched and then pulled up into an amused grin. But then it faded and a tight knot formed in the pit of my stomach.

Carlisle and Rose were back, standing across the room from us. He held a white plastic cup in his hand, one with a lid and a straw – something I was very grateful for – and gazed at me with a troubled expression. I gulped, my eyes fixed on the cup. I was scared.

He could tell right away. "We could always try another method," he offered quietly.

"No." I shook my head, despite the fact that my pulse was hammering through the roof by this point. "No, I'll try this first. We don't have time…"

I slowly brushed my hand across my stomach and extended my other hand toward him. He walked up to me and placed it gently in my grasp, being careful not to slosh it too much. I could still hear it though. Blood. Thick, dark, scarlet blood. Human blood. From a body like mine…possibly from someone I knew. I closed my eyes and winced; worried I would throw up if I couldn't control my thoughts. Just have to ignore it…pretend it's a smoothie or something.

I tried to prop myself up on my elbow, but found I was too weak. Before I could open my mouth to ask, Rosalie was behind me, supporting my head and shoulders and helping me sit upright.

I shot her a small, tense smile. "Thanks."

I looked around the room. All eyes were on me, waiting for me to take the first sip. Despite how ridiculous it seemed, the attention still made me self-conscious. I was glad that Alice, Emm, and Jasper were upstairs, but without them it was still unsettling.

Rose must have sensed my worry, because she murmured, "Don't mind them."

Them. She was one of them, at this particular moment. I internally sighed.

Taking her advice, nonetheless, I slowly lifted the heavy cup to my face and sniffed at the thick straw sticking up from the lid. I was surprised by the intoxicating aroma that greeted my nose, and flinched back, a staggered expression on my face. It smelled good.

"Bella," Edward soothed, taking my reaction the wrong way, "sweetheart, we can find an easier way." He reached out to take the cup from me, relief and understanding flooding his eyes.

"Plug your nose," Rosalie suggested before I could answer. She glared at Edward's hand like she wanted to bite it. I would have scolded her for it, but I was too shocked to think straight.

"No, that's not it," I murmured, lightly shaking my head. I held the cup tightly, shifting it minutely closer to me. I took a deep breath, unwilling to admit my frightening discovery. "It's just that it – It smells good."

Edward and Jake looked surprised, and also like they might potentially be sick, if that were possible for the former. Carlisle and Esme's faces didn't change; they were very good at masking things. Rosalie, of course, looked about ready to burst with excitement. Her smile widened even further as she encouraged me to drink. Despite being drawn to it, it was still blood, and I was still hesitant.

"That's a good thing," she told me, noticing my traumatized expression. "That means we're on the right track. Give it a try." She nodded eagerly, tapping the plastic once.

Without allowing myself the chance to really think about what I was doing, I shoved the straw between my lips and squeezed my eyes shut. The smell was stronger, warm and inviting, and I wrinkled my nose against my animalistic response. My hand was shaking, and I could hear the blood swish back and forth against its plastic confines as I deliberately sucked in. A light flood of the liquid traveled up the straw and flowed into my mouth. It was warm and silky, slightly colder than room-temperature, but the burning sensation it created heated my skin. It streamed over my tongue and slipped down my throat like smooth glass when I swallowed. An involuntary moan escaped my lips. I wanted more.

I felt a cold hand on my face, stroking my cheek. Edward.

"Bella, love-" he began.

"I'm okay," I whispered, opening my eyes. And I was okay. Physically. No pain, just thirst for more blood. Disgusting. I looked up at him guiltily, mortified by my uncontrollable desire. And scared, I was so scared by it. What did this mean?

I chewed my lip softly. I didn't want to tell him, but I needed him to forgive me for it. I touched the straw, running my finger around the edge. "It tastes good, too."

Jacob's teeth ground together with a loud snap. I glanced at him for a brief second, and it looked like his hands were clenched behind his back. Poor Jake. He really shouldn't be here.

"That's good," Rose said, filling in when Edward didn't respond. "A good sign."

I didn't bother to spare her a glance. I focused on the careful way Edward was pressing his hand against my face, delicately curling his fingers around the shape of my cheekbones and skin. I figured this was his way of telling me that it was all right. I had nothing to feel sorry for.

I sighed as I brought the cup back to my lips, really taking a deep long sip this time. I didn't know where the sudden strength came from; it was almost like I couldn't control how much I took, and how much I just wanted it more and more. Maybe this was working.

"How's your stomach?" Carlisle asked when I stopped for a second. "Do you feel nauseated?"

I shook my head, slightly surprised. "No, I don't feel sick." That was a new thought. It made me happy. "That's a first, eh?"

Rose clapped her hands together. "Excellent."

"I think it's a bit early for that, Rose," Carlisle murmured, giving her a meaningful look. She disregarded his negativity and silently pleaded for me to continue.

I complied, taking another deep gulp. I smiled blissfully at the feeling of content that filled me, the first time I'd truly felt relaxed in ages. But then I remembered a crucial fact. I glanced up at Edward with a worried expression. "Does this screw my total?" I asked him. "Or do we start counting after I'm a vampire?"

He gave me a small smile in return, instantly easing the frantic direction my thoughts were headed. It didn't touch his eyes though, something that probably should have concerned me. "No one is counting, Bella," he assured me gently. "In any case, no one died for this. Your record is still clean."

I nodded once. Good; I hadn't ruined my chances before they even began.

I heard him murmur something else, but it was so low that I couldn't understand.

"What?"

His lips twitched. "Just talking to myself."

I frowned, but went back to drinking. My mind began to wander as I unconsciously swallowed ounce after ounce of blood. My eyes drifted to the large window in the front, producing the only light in the room. It was the middle of the day so all the electric lights were off – not that the Cullens needed them anyway – and the pure glass wall behind me had been covered during the night to provide me extra protection.

Edward snickered suddenly, instantly drawing my attention back to him. I hadn't heard him laugh in days. He gave me smiles and chuckles, but never with any lightness or humor. I could hear the amusement in his tone now. It made me smile.

"Something funny?" I asked.

"Jacob," he answered.

I looked over at the wolf still standing the furthest from me, a patient expression on his face. I smiled wearily at him. "Jake's a crack-up."

He rolled his eyes. "Bada bing."

I smiled again and took another sip. There was nothing left; cold air rushed through the straw and greeted me, surprising me. Had I already drank the whole thing? I remembered how heavy it had been when Carlisle had first handed it to me.

I looked up at him, pleased by my success. "I did it." I grinned and Rose returned the smile, and Carlisle's lips turned up slightly at the edges. "If I keep this down, Carlisle, will you take the needles out of me?" Please say yes.

He nodded once. "As soon as possible. Honestly, they aren't doing that much good where they are."

Rose placed her hand on my forehead, patting it lightly. I glanced up at her with hopeful eyes, and she smiled.

I wondered if I looked any better; I could already feel the difference. The blood had given me strength, and I didn't feel so cold anymore. My voice was a bit evener when I spoke, still just a pathetic whisper, but not a cracked one. Everything accelerated.

I caught Edward's eye and he smiled. This time it reached his eyes, and I could see the pure hope in them, just like everyone else's. He never allowed himself to hope unless he knew there was a chance. This was a big step.

"Would you like more?" Rose asked me, eyeing my empty cup.

Automatically, my shoulders slumped. I did want it. I felt as if I could just drink it for hours and I would never be fully satisfied. Huh. I guess I was already becoming a vampire; a premature vampire, at that.

Edward glared at her, the hope momentarily dashed by a spark of anger. He frowned before turning back to me, his expression instantly lightening. "You don't have to drink anymore right away."

"Yeah, I know," I said glumly. "But…I want to."

Rosalie ran her fingers through my hair, pulling gently at the roots in a soothing manner. "You don't need to be embarrassed about that, Bella," she assured me. "Your body has cravings. We all understand that." Her voice suddenly dropped, and it was full of spite as she added, "Anyone who doesn't understand shouldn't be here."

I saw her eyes flicker to Jake, and I sighed. Why couldn't she just leave him alone? I'd told him he could stay if he wanted to.

Carlisle came forward and gently pried the cup from my fingers. "I'll be right back," he promised, before disappearing up the staircase. My eyes never moved from Jake. He looked absolutely exhausted; like he hadn't slept in days. There were dark heavy circles under his eyes, similar to the ones currently marring Edward's eyes, but for a different reason. I wouldn't have been surprised if he'd suddenly keeled over and passed out from sleep deprivation.

He noticed my worried expression and frowned, swaying a bit.

"Jake, you look awful," I told him, frowning myself.

He rolled his eyes. "Look who's talking."

I disregarded his comment. "Seriously - when's the last time you slept?"

He opened his mouth to answer, but then hesitated and pursed his lips. I waited a minute while he thought. "Huh. I'm not actually sure."

He couldn't even remember?! "Aw, Jake," I moaned, instantly overwhelmed with fresh guilt. "Now I'm messing with your health, too. Don't be stupid."

He gritted his teeth, narrowing his eyes at my statement. Don't be stupid. That's what he'd been telling me over and over.

"Get some sleep, please," I continued, ignoring his irritation. "There's a few beds upstairs – you're welcome to any of them."

His gaze flashed to Rosalie, and his frown grew more pronounced. I didn't want to think about the look she must be giving him; probably a warning. I realized that she wouldn't want him anywhere near her bedroom, or any of the beds for that matter. He seemed to catch on, too.

"Thanks, Bells, but I'd rather sleep on the ground," he shrugged. "Away from the stench, you know."

I grimaced. "Right." Forgot about that part.

Carlisle returned then, and I stretched out my hand to take the cup from him. He handed it to me carefully, and I started absentmindedly sucking the fresh blood down. Just as smooth and silky as before. Alarming, but good.

I tried to raise myself back to a sitting position, and was surprised to find I could do it without any help. Rose kept her hands right behind me, ready to catch me if I fell, but I didn't. I smiled as I continued to drink, and soon I'd finished the entire cup. Ready for a third.

"How do you feel now?" Carlisle asked me gently, taking the empty cup from my hand.

"Not sick." I smiled again, pleased by the mere thought. "Sort of hungry…only I'm not sure if I'm hungry or thirsty, you know?"

"Carlisle, just look at her," Rose murmured smugly, a pronounced smirk curving her lips. I had no idea what I looked like, but from her reaction, I seemed to look better…healthier. What a thought. "This is obviously what her body wants. She should drink more."

"She's still human, Rosalie," he calmly explained to her. "She needs food, too. Let's give her a little while to see how this affects her, and then maybe we can try some food again. Does anything sound particularly good to you, Bella?"

"Eggs." The answer was automatic; I didn't even have to think about it. I glanced up at Edward and grinned, and he gave me a small smile in return.

His attention suddenly switched to Jake, who looked about ready to collapse.

"Jacob," he murmured. "You really should sleep. As Bella said, you're certainly welcome to the accommodations here, though you'd probably be more comfortable outside. Don't worry about anything – I promise I'll find you if there's a need."

Jake looked relieved, though I could see he tried to hide it. "Sure, sure," he mumbled.

Edward nodded once, a knowing look crossing his face. "I do."

I blinked, momentarily confused, but then I realized he was probably just responding to something in Jake's mind. I sighed as he turned back to me with a subdued grimace.

Jake came up to me and placed his hand on mine. His felt like a warm fire, comforting and cordial. Mine had to feel like pure ice.

"Feel better," he ordered softly.

I squeezed his hand. "Thanks, Jacob."

He held my gaze for another moment before turning and heading for the door. He cast Edward a final glance and muttered, "Get her a blanket or something."

I was about to protest when two sharp howls suddenly pierced the air outside. My breath caught as I heard the warning and urgency in them, and my heart started thrumming at a rapid pace. What was happening?

"Dammit," Jake snarled, disappearing through the door in a flash. I heard the familiar sound of his clothes tearing as he morphed, and the heavy pounding of long powerful limbs as he ran into the trees and chased down Seth and Leah. I bit my lip and looked up at Edward with a panicked expression.

He returned it calmly, and ran a smooth hand through my hair, trying to relax me.

"Don't worry, Bella," he murmured. "Jacob will take care of everything, or as much as he can. We don't know what's happened, so you shouldn't worry until we have confident reason to. Hmm?"

I nodded once, still tense. He leaned down at kissed my forehead, smoothing the infamous crevice with his thumb. I sighed.

"Did you hear anything?" I asked him.

He shook his head. "Seth and Leah are too far away, and Jacob was too far by the time whatever information they had would have reached him."

"Oh."

Rose glanced down at me, and then turned back to Carlisle. "Carlisle, are you sure that-"

"Rosalie, leave her alone," Edward snapped. "Bella doesn't need any more blood right now. Accept that and stop complaining like a child."

She glared at him, pouting her full lips and abruptly turning her back to him. He rolled his eyes and chuckled quietly.

"I'll be right back," he murmured to me, giving my hand a gentle squeeze before he let it go and began walking toward the stairs.

"Where are you going?" I asked.

"Jacob," he said simply. "He'll need some clothes when he gets back."

"Oh." I felt my face redden slightly. "Right."

He chuckled again and disappeared. I looked at Carlisle meaningfully, and he sighed.

"Right now, Bella?"

"Please?"

He gave another exhausted sigh but couldn't refrain from laughing lightly. I smiled as he walked to my side and began fiddling with the monitor controlling several of my tubes, eventually reaching the point where he could stop them. "All right," he murmured. "Give me your arm."

I extended it out to him, and he unwrapped the heavy tape securing the needles to my flesh, and then proceeded to pull the needles themselves out. He took all but the IV out, and when I asked, he told me that that one had to stay. Of course; the one that I minded the most. But I wasn't complaining. The less needles, the better.

"I think we can move you back to the couch, too," Carlisle mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Would that be all right with you, Bella?"

I nodded. "Yes, please."

He grinned. "Sorry for all the readjustments. It has to be getting irksome."

I smiled back. "It's fine. Anything that means I'm better; I'm not complaining."

Esme spoke quietly from behind me, where she had settled herself in a chair. "I'm going to go upstairs and see if Edward needs help. And I'm curious about the discussion upstairs; Alice is making some interesting points."

He nodded. "Very well."

She touched his arm lightly as she passed by, and gave me a small smile. "I'm glad you're feeling better, sweetheart. Hopefully we can keep it that way."

"We'll see," I answered.

"But I have a good feeling about this," Rose smiled, coming up and twisting her fingers through my hair. "Don't be so negative."

I rolled my eyes. "Sure, sure." I knew I'd started picking that phrase up from Jake, but this was one of the first times I'd noticed using it. My smile widened a bit.

A few minutes after Esme left, Jasper and Emmett came downstairs. They both smiled at me as they stopped in front of Carlisle.

"Edward and Alice sent us down to help with the bed," Emm told him. "Now they and Esme are engaged in a deep and imperative conversation." He shook his head, laughing heartily.

"Good," Rosalie said coolly, her smile turning icy. "That means that Edward won't be coming back down to bother us."

There was a loud growl from upstairs; of course he'd heard her. I sighed. Their arguments were about as true and malicious to a brother and sister's as possible. It was starting to become quite annoying.

"Are we pulling the couch back out?" Jasper asked, changing the subject back to its original purpose. I shot him a grateful smile.

Carlisle nodded. "Yes. I believe Bella's strong enough for it, and I know she's probably dying to get out of the hospital trap."

I shrugged. "Not dying, per se. Whatever works."

"I'll do it," Emmett grinned.

Rose rolled her eyes. "Of course you would. Any chance to show off your muscles, macho."

He winked at her. "Yeah, but you love me for it. Don't ya, babe?"

She smiled. "Yes."

"Okay, then, get moving," Jasper said, giving him a light shove. "You'll have all eternity to talk."

"Touchy," Emm teased, but complied with his command. He sauntered over to my side and grinned down at me. "Hey Bella, how're you doing?"

I smiled back. "Good."

"We heard you from upstairs. Like blood now, do you?"

My smile turned withering. "Yes, very much so."

He laughed. "Well then let's get you out of here so you can drink some more."

I shook my head as he motioned Jasper over, Rose still behind me to help me up.

"I'll take her, Rosalie," Jasper told her, and she scowled, but nodded. His hands replaced hers, and he gave me a shy smile as he pressed them gently to my back. "Hey, Bella."

"Hi Jasper." I instantly felt relaxed and drowsy, a living ragdoll under his touch.

"Sorry, do you mind?"

"Not at all," I assured him.

He smiled again as he leaned forward and I wrapped my arms around his neck so he could lift me easily.

He adjusted his hands to support me firmly, and slowly raised me from the bed, backing up to allow Emmett space. He and Rose quickly collapsed the metal sides and folded it up, and she pushed it off to the side as he grabbed the couch with one hand and centered it back on the floor. I held tighter to Jasper as they threw additional pillows and blankets on the cushions, fluffing them up like a second, and much more comfortable bed.

When it was ready, he laid me down on the center and started bundling me up as Carlisle reattached my IV. He'd had to disconnect it momentarily to allow me to leave the bed and be transported, and I sighed as it was tied back into place.

"Lift your feet, please," Jasper instructed, and I obeyed, still perfectly relaxed as he wrapped me up like a burrito under a heavy layer of blankets. When he was satisfied with his work, he stepped back to survey me carefully. I raised my eyebrows at his serious expression.

He grinned. "Edward asked me to take care of you for the moment."

"Ah."

He shrugged meekly. "Sorry."

I laughed lightly. "No worries. And thanks; you really didn't need to."

"That's what family is for."

I gave him a wide smile. "And I'm definitely the luckiest girl in the world when it comes to family."

"We're just happy to help," he told me softly. "We love you, Bella. You gave Edward life. You rekindled his broken spirit and heart; that's more than enough to earn you our highest regards."

"Yeah, Bella," Emmett said, coming up and throwing his arm over Jasper's shoulder. "What he said. We're really glad to have you as a little sister."

I blushed slightly, still not recovered enough to full-on flush. "Well, thanks. I'm glad to have you guys, too. I've always wanted siblings."

"Yeah, how can you have lived your whole life as an only child?!" Emm exclaimed. "I would have never survived. Even as a human I had two brothers and a sister."

I shrugged. "You just learn to work with what you're given."

"Still…" he muttered, shaking his head. "I still pity you for that. But not anymore!"

Rose rolled her eyes and reached over to smack him in the arm.

"Ouch, babe! You got a strong arm," he laughed, pretending to clutch his arm like it hurt terribly.

She growled and plopped down on the couch next to me, crossing her arms.

"You're the one that chose him," I reminded her.

She nodded once and gave me a dry smile. "That's true."

"Ouch," he said, making a wounded face. "Now that really hurt."

"Nothing like a hit to the ego to remind you where you stand, eh?"

We all looked up as Edward walked down the stairs, smiling. He darted over to me and took the unoccupied spot on my left, collapsing back into the cushions. I laughed as he leaned over and kissed my forehead, beginning to laugh himself.

"My wife is tough, Emm," he said, winking. "Remember that."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," he mumbled.

Jasper laughed softly. "Well, this has been nice, but I'm going to go back upstairs. I don't want to leave Alice."

"Good idea," Emmett followed. "Er…Esme might need something."

Edward grinned. "Just get out of here then, if you want to. Leave us in peace."

"Can do," he answered. "Ciao!"

We watched as they both ran for the stairs, wrestling each other to get to the top. Rose ignored them, and as they crashed into a wall on the second floor, I heard Esme sharply scold, "Be careful, and stop wrestling in the house!"

We all laughed at that. And even though the motion caused me pain, I tried to ignore it. We were in a celebratory mood. I was improving; a miracle. As I'd thought, we'd see how long it lasted. But for now, I was content to just lie on the couch and smile, surrounded by my loving family.

(A/N:) Long overdue...as usual. Sorry 'bout that. Just been busy lately with the school year wrapping up, and my cat had her kittens last week [5!] so my hands are a bit full with them, too =] Two weeks until summer break!!! Haha you have no idea how happy that makes me.

I don't know if I overdid the bubbliness on the end of this one, but I just felt there was too much tension and everyone deserved a break, you know? As we all know, things just continue to get worse...but then again, as we all know, everything works out in the end. I tried to incorporate all the Cullens into this one, because I know a few people felt that Emm and Jazz's presence was sorely lacking. Sorry 'bout that. But I worked them in to this one!!! Please tell me what you think!!! Reviews make my day so much happier! Thanks! =]

--Steph