Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, Stephenie Meyer owns it all (good for her)

Authors Note: Thanks for the all the great reviews. They are most appreciated. The more the merrier.

Chapter 8

It took Bella four gruelling weeks of slow intense exercise to help her develop her original strength and muscle mass. She was nearly back to her original target form and fitness level and she continued to exercise daily. Bella had called the exercises Patterns, Edward watched quietly and intently as she moved with purpose, spinning, kicking, jumping and punching. He thought they looked like strangely complicated energetic dance routines, the movements of her body seemed to mesmerise him.

Early each morning straight after her Patterns training they walked hand in hand to the waterfall. They talked and laughed as they walked, about the world they were on, the flora and fauna and how he recognised some of them.

"I'll teach you to fish if you like? "He said holding her hand

"Yes I'd like that, although I'm not sure if I'll be any good, but I'd like to try" She was still weak and her balance wasn't quite back to normal. She had staggered and stumbled at the start of the walks.

She was never a clumsy person so this was not something she would get used to.

"Patience" she thought.

"If you'd like, I can teach you the names of all the new constellations and stars I've discovered"

"That would be really nice of you, and I can teach you the patterns; if you'd like?" she said smiling happily.

"Yes I'd love that, but I'm not sure how good I'll be" he laughed, the beautiful smile made his face light up.

"I'll be gentle with you" she giggled and winked.

Every morning at the waterfall he would leave her to bathe in privacy.

She had been ordered by Angela to swim each afternoon in the crescent lake; however under no circumstances was she to tire herself too much. So Edward and Jasper were both asked to monitor her swimming activities.

On the first day Angela, Jasper, Emmett and Jacob all sat at the water's edge.

"We're just here for moral support" Angela shouted over, smiling brightly.

"I don't really think I need babysitter, Edward" she mused looking at his swim shorts.

"Are you ready" he said smiling reassuringly.

"I haven't swum in years and it looks awful cold" she squirmed in her new bathing suit.

"Angela said it's the best form of exercise to build up all your muscles and stamina again. She's the Doctor and I'm following orders."

"Ok; ok don't lose your head" she scanned the lake

Suddenly he ran by her and dove headfirst into the black water. He came up splashing and laughing

"Your right its freezing" he said "Hurry up coward "

"I'm not a coward, I'm just unfamiliar with big girls splashing on me!" she smirked.

He froze "Big girls! ...I'm hurt and offended at your assumptions my lady, time to get wet!" He ran out and lifted her over his shoulder laughing.

"You're freezing" she cried

"Your turn" running out into deeper water he let her go with a splash.

Her mouth was full of blue liquid; icy cold water covered her entire body. She found her footing and stood up. Shock ran through her.

"You are so dead, Edward Cullen" she screamed laughing at him.

He was off swimming at a leisurely pace; still laughing, he didn't want to tire her too much.

She was swimming steadily after him," I wish it was warmer" she thought as she glided silently through the waves.

Suddenly something grabbed her ankle; stinging pain shot up through her leg, something was pulling her under. She let out an agonising scream; before the water covered her mouth and head as she was dragged down into the deep black oblivion.

From the beach they all heard her horrific scream; swiftly they were all on their feet. Emmett was the first to reach the water's edge, diving in fully clothed. Jasper was right beside him swimming towards where they had last seen Bella.

Edward heard her desperate scream; he turn round but she had vanished. Dread washed over him. He dove deep trying to see through the black murky waters.

Jasper swam and dove down to where Emmett had just dove in, he was going deeper than he should have; it was easier for Emmett he thought. Then he saw Emmett swimming up into the light with Bella's lifeless body; fear gripped his heart.

Emmett's head broke through the surface holding Bella's head above the waves. Jasper was suddenly beside them. "Here Jasper, take Bella, get her to Angela. I've got something urgent to attend to? " With that he vanished beneath the waves.

Unexpectedly Edward was right beside him "here, let me" he said.

"No Edward, it's ok; I have her. Let's go!"

Angela was waiting patiently as they both lifted Bella onto the pebble beach. Angela started resuscitation, calling Bella's name; trying to bring her back to consciousness.

Jacob stood looking back at the lake, fury shone in his eyes

"That shouldn't have happened;" he whispered to Jasper

Jasper nodded slowly still looking down at Bella's still form.

Bella coughed violently she turned and was vomiting lake water everywhere. Groaning she lay back on the cold hard stones.

"Right Edward; get her back to the cabin; warm clothes and plenty of warm drinks. She'll be fine. She just needs rest now... So much for recuperating slowly" Angela shook her head, suddenly exasperated.

Edward lifted Bella up into his arms and started to run through the forest to the cabin.

She had passed out again as he ran through the bright green forest. Once inside he towelled her dry; changed her clothes and put her gently into the hammock and pulled fur covers over her still sleeping frame.

Putting the kettle on, he sat down slowly. He was furious; how could this have happened? He was supposed to be looking after her. "Incompetent fool !" he mumbled

He'd been having fun, "Fun! That's a word I've not used in years. I even laughed; couldn't believe how funny she was when she said she was going to kill me "he said shaking his head slowly. Then this -something else to burst his bubble, sending him back to reality with an infuriating bump.

After seeing Bella in a coma he had decided he would take care of her until she'd recovered .Once she could remember who she was, Bella could decide what she was going to do next. He would happily relinquish his control. "You thought it would be easy "he told himself sarcastically." More fool you; you don't deserve her". He thought sadly, shaking his head.

Edward prepared her delicious a meal of red meat, fish; fresh fruit and vegetables, hoping this could help her recover more quickly.

"Wake up, Bella time to eat" he gently shook her with care.

"What happened." she groaned "Every inch of my body's aching; my throats killing me and I've a terrible headache?"

"Here's some water "he said lifting her up to sit.

"Water: yes... I was swimming; then something pulled my leg and dragged me under" she shivered. He tenderly rubbed the tops of her arms then gently pulling her in to hug.

"You're ok now. Emmett reached you fast and brought you back safely to the surface"

"What in hell was that thing?" trembling, fear radiated from her.

"I'm not sure; but Emmett and Jacob are going to find out…..Bella it won't happen again I swear to you".

"Ok... please may I have some more water, my throats really sore?"

"Sure, Sure I'll get it, sit down here and I'll get your supper" he smiled back at her.

"Goodness Edward, this looks fantastic. But there's too much here for one, can share it with you?"

"I've eaten already…. while you were asleep Bella. So it's all for you" he smiled sweetly.

Once she had eaten her fill, she listened to Edward explain astronomy and the new constellations he had named, she heard the excitement in his voice as he spoke softly, his voice enchanting. Bella fell asleep at the table her head resting softly on the table top.

"This is becoming a habit" he said softly smiling as he picked her up and gently put her in her hammock, he smoothly tucked the furs around her tired body, tenderly he kissed the top of her head then made his way outside.

She did sleep more soundly, and to her relief the nightmares had stopped.

There was now a set routine, get up, bathe, eat, exercise, eat, swim (both Jasper and Edward swam beside her now); explore, visit the others within this strange community, then hammock and finally sleep.

Bella started to recover steadily, her complexion grew brighter although she was still quite pale, the dark circles under the eyes were fading and she didn't look so underweight anymore. She was quieter than before and more contemplative. Edward didn't want to push her recovery, but he knew she should remember who she was by now.

"She would tell him in her own time" he thought, no need to pry.

.

Six weeks into her recovery Jasper came over after dinner.

"Hi Edward… Bella." He nodded and smiled.

"You're looking better, more like your old self, how are you feeling?"

"Much better, thanks" she replied" Edward's been such a good soul, I don't know how to repay him" she mused

"Don't be daft; you have nothing to repay me for "Edward said with surprised candour.

"Bella, I don't mean to pry but do you remember anything yet? Jasper glance at her curiously his eyes moved to Edward.

" Ehmm… Yes, Yes I do...but it's not exactly exciting "

Edward and Jasper both turned to look at Bella with new interest and curiosity

"Well, I remember, I'm twenty" Both Edward and Jasper looked surprise and shocked.

"I live with my mum Rennie, dad Charlie, brother Rocky and sister Sasha in Scotland. Both my mum and dad are Doctors. They met while researching Bio molecular engineering, and genomics technologies. Both are specialists in their field. I don't actually know a great deal about it, but we do travel all over the world. My older brothers a musician and my younger sisters at University studying chemistry and physics she wants to be just like mum and dad." she said thoughtfully

I'm an Artist; I paint, sculpt and exhibit my Art to galleries all over the world. I'm a Black Belt in the ancient martial art of Tae Kwon Do….Oh and I can't cook. And the very last thing I remember was attending the Forks Clinic for a standard health check-up. I certainly haven't a clue why I'm here… Oh and I'm a Virgo!" She blushed and chuckled as she said the last part.

Jasper smiled and gave Edward a gentle push. Edward rolled his eyes and laughed.

"That's interesting; we all thought you were some hardened criminal. Not that it bothers us" He shook his head, pretending concern.

It's nice to know were all safe in our beds at night, now" Edward chuckled.

"Yes….., Edward was scared to have you staying with him, he's thought you could have been some knife welding maniac..." Jasper laughed and Edward pushed him back.

"Really!" she said in mock indignation , laughing at them both.

"Oh yes, I forgot to ask you .What did you discover when you investigated that landing site Edward? "Jasper said changing the subject suddenly.

"It's strange "worry shone in his gold eyes" There was evidence a ship had landed. There were traces of fuel at the site. But not a soul was there. I think three men were dropped off by the ship. But they didn't hang around; they split up. It's like they were searching for something. But I'm not sure ...anyway its bizarre... I'm not sure but I have a strange feeling about it. It's not like when you lot arrived here; something's different….. something's off" he said concerned

"I just can't put my finger on it"

"Do you want me to go back out with you" Jasper said with trepidation

"No ... I've been so caught up with Bella's recovery I've not had time to concentrate on this at all" he smiled at her taking her hand gently, worry shone in his eyes.

"You look tired, Bella" Edward shook his head; "time for bed" he said

"Night Bella" said Jasper walking Edward to the door.

They stepped outside, but Bella couldn't hear their conversation.

Bella didn't hear Edward get into his hammock either, one minute he wasn't there the next he was.

"Thank you for looking after me Edward" she said wearily.

"Jasper seems to like you?"

"I like him too, he's very nice" she said suspiciously.

"Oh, that's nice"

"What's nice?" keeping her voice low.

"That you like him too"

"Ok Edward, I'm tired, get to the point. It's been a long day"

"He's just mentioned how surprised he was that you were… so young. He really likes you. And as you didn't mention anyone in your story...he thought that maybe you were unattached?"

"Oh did he now" She was quiet for a moment.

"And did he ask you what you thought? She looked intently into his sparkling golden eyes

"Yes, he did..." he said sounding surprised

"And..."

"And what?" he replied looking away from her.

"Well do you like me too? " She tried to look into his eyes which were still downcast.

"Yes, but what does that matter?"

"It matters to me" she smiled shyly

"Well there's... complication's, so you should get to know Jasper more"

"Why? I'm not some prize you can pass around ….not that I'm much of a prize anyway" she grumbled, surprised at his candour.

"Bella, I do find you very attractive and extremely fascinating. But…. I'm not the man I once was. And I'm lost at what to do about it. I've been here so very long, that I don't think I can change"

"Who asked you to change?" she quizzed

"Eh….. no one. It's just better if you get to know Jasper"

"You don't want me here?" she cried, his rejection stung

"No, I didn't say that. I like you being here, honestly. It just more complicated than you think"

"I really don't know what you mean

"I'm sorry Bella, just try to go to sleep, forget I mentioned it" he whispered

"No... No I can't...I do really care for you Edward; I can see that you like me too. I think Jasper's a really great guy and he's help me so much too. But I can't accept that you want me to get to know Jasper better. I'm sure you have your reasons but please don't make this about me. I'm happy with the way things are just now. I still don't know why I'm here, but I will find out. However if there is information you aren't sharing with me then I'm not going to be happy."

"Oh you won't be?" he laughed with disdain.

"No I won't, and I'm glad you find it amusing"

"No I'm not amused Bella, it makes me miserable, I'm heartbroken that I can't be the man I want to be" he stared into her deep brown eyes.

"Why" she whispered trying to understand.

"It's complicated" he sighed. "Night Bella" and rolled over in his hammock..

"Night Edward" she said contemplating what had just happened and how she was going to find out what this 'complicated' meant.