Hello world! Damn, it's been a pretty long time since I've last updated, and for that I am truly sorry. My computer acted up a little bit and I had to find a new software that would allow me to type this. School was terrible thanks to a little class I hate to call Trig/Pre-calc, but It's over, and I surprisingly passed! (: Anyways, there is no excuse to make about why I haven't updated in forever, so I will stop rambling on now and let you get to the chapter. Please, READ AND REVIEWWWW! Thank you! (sorry if there is so much dialogue, but a lot went on in this chapter (: ) haha

All I could do was stare at what had unfortunately crumbled right before my eyes. He looked so fragile, so unaware of what was currently going on inside of his body, that I honestly believed he felt no more pain. They had him on enough drugs that it was hard to decipher which tube led to which IV, and which wire led to which base. The beeping of his heart monitor was something that I was more than grateful of. It let me know that he was still with me, still breathing and still fighting. Each time it made even the slightest noise that wasn't in rhythm with the others, I felt my own heart skip a beat. His levels seems to be slowly making their way back to his normal homeostasis and it was only a matter of time before Carlisle would return to give me the latest results. Although Charlie was obviously his main priority at the moment, he still needed to follow through with the regular procedures, seeing as his actions would be monitored with the hospital, and we certainly didn't need anyone getting even the slightest bit suspicious.

Another tear rolled down my cheek until it was setting precariously on my chin, just waiting to plunge to the polished white floor that was beneath of the chair I was currently occupying. Charlie couldn't hear me sobbing and hyperventilating like a maniac, and for that, I was also thankful. I would do anything to remove the thin, translucent tubes that were carrying the necessary fluids to his body and replant them into my arms, despite my fear of needles. To be honest, I would do anything possible to take his pain and suffering away, anything in this world. There was a jump in his heart monitor and to keep myself from crying out, I bit down on my lower lip and sucked in a breath.

One small change, that's all it was. His monitor went back to normal just as quickly as it had taken a small leap, yet I was still on edge. Just then, there was a timid knock at the wooden door. I turned my full attention to where the sound came from, and watched as a skinny nurse sauntered over to his bedside. Her light blond hair was pulled up into an updo, and her smile was sincere. This wasn't the same nurse that Charlie had earlier, which slightly frustrated me. Can't he keep one steady nurse? One that knows his previous statistics, and his story?

"Having any problems, Miss Swan?" Her high pitched voice called to me. In guiding my eyes to her, I could see that her name tag read 'Juliette'.

I shook my head. "No, just some sporadic heartbeats here and there, but other than that... no."

"I will definitely look into that." she jotted a few things down on her notepad that she was holding, and looked back up to me. "I'm just going to print out a copy of his heartbeats, alright? As soon as I'm done that, all I have to do is check his fluids and then Dr. Cullen will be in to see you."

"Thank you." I barely breathed.

Juliette swiftly paced over to the machine that collected information about Charlie's heart rate, and pushed a button that initiated the results to neatly be printed from the bottom. A wide, yet thin sheet of paper rolled it's way out of the slot, and I tried to catch a glance. The wavy line that took up most of the room looked like a small snake slithering almost evenly over the page. Juliette then neatly folded the results into a bundle and placed them on her clipboard, while walking over to Charlie's IV stand. Her hands made their way to the top of the fluid bag and removed it from the metal pole, before bringing it down to eye level. After cocking her head to the side, she hung the pouch where she had just gotten it from and made her way to me.

"His heartbeats seem to be steadying more, and his IV doesn't need to be replaced at this very moment, so, do you have any questions?" Juliette softly said.

"None, other than when can Dr. Cullen be in? I really must to speak with him."

"I'm sorry ma'am, but Dr. Cullen is a very desirable doctor and is quite busy at the moment. It could be another few minutes, but he will be in shortly. Your father is stable at the moment, nothing needs to be addressed at this time." she smiled.

"Everything needs to be addressed at this time..." I mumbled. "Every. Single. Thing."

She gave me an apologetic look and quietly turned on her toes to make her way out the door. It hit the frame, and I put my heads in my hands, sighing in the process. I was alone again. Just me, and Charlie's clueless body lying on the hospital bed, simply keeping himself alive. Barely keeping him alive.

No sooner than that, there was another knock at the door. At first I thought it would be the dainty little nurse back for something she may have forgotten, but when the pale white skin and blond hair poked through a crack, I knew I was mistaken.

"Carlisle." I gasped and ran to him. He opened his arms to me and I graciously leaned into his embrace.

"Bella," He said into my hair, "Your father will be alright. We ran some tests, as you know, and I can clearly see that his prognosis looks positive."

"He can come home?" I asked hopefully, truly thinking the answer may be yes.

"Eventually..." He said sympathetically. "You see, your father suffered from something that although is not always fatal, must be monitored extremely closely. Before he is able to go home, we must be sure that another attack isn't going to make it's way into the picture.

My heart dropped and all I could do was nod. I felt my mouth start to taste like metal and my chest tighten as the tears made their way to just behind my eyelids.

"Now, now, don't get all worked up, dear." He soothed me. "Charlie is going to be okay, and he will be able to come home, just not at this time. You do want us to watch him and make sure he is stable enough to live his life normally after this, right?" Carlisle smiled.

"Of course I do, it's just... hard." I sighed. "He's always been the strong one, and he's always been the one who could handle things... but look at him! He's sitting in a hospital bed, hooked up to God only knows how many wires and tubes, and he's unconscious How exactly is he.. uhm, doing?"

"Well, as you know, he has suffered a heart attack. I believe the reason is simply his age, his lifestyle, and his diet. Your father is inching towards his fifties, and that is the prime age for this to happen to a man. He enjoys food that isn't necessarily good for him, and that also can contribute to what happened. All in all, I see no medical reason behind what happened to Charlie, which is always a good thing. Once he is released from the hospital, I'll refer him to a specialist for some cardiac rehabilitation, but I want to work with him a little on what to eat, and things to, and not to do."

I nodded, thankful that Carlisle was putting this into terms that I could easily comprehend. "How long will he have to stay here? I... I want him home."

"Judging by his condition and progress, I'll say a two days, just to be safe." He said gently.

"Okay." I whispered. To me, two days with Charlie in a hospital would seem like an eternity, but it is better than him never returning home... "Thank yo-"

I was cut off by my cell phone beginning to vibrate in my pocket. I retracted it, and noticed that it was Edward calling.

"Excuse me for just one moment, Carlisle. It's Edward calling, and he has Evan, I need to make sure everything is going smoothly." I informed him.

He quickly nodded and said "Of course, do what you need to do."

I flipped the phone open and pressed it to my ear.

"Hello?" I said calmly, expecting to hear Edward on the other line.

"Mommy, when are you coming back?" Evan was the one behind the little voice.

I smiled, simply hearing him brightened my outlook. "I'll be home soon, sweetheart, are you okay? Do you need anything?"

"No." He paused. "I just miss you lots."

"Baby, Mommy misses you too. It's just that she's here right now with Grandpa Charlie, because he's... sick." Evan wouldn't understand what a heart attack is and there's no need to frighten him.

"I know, Uncle Emmett told me that's why he left. Is he okay? When are you gonna bring him back?" He perked up a bit.

"Uhm, actually Turtle, Grandpa Charlie is going to stay the night here at the hospital... but he will be home very soon, okay? Carlisle is going to look after him, and he should be good to go." I tried to sound positive.

"Okay, Mommy, I miss him too." He yawned.

I looked up at the clock on the wall and was shocked to see that it was already almost ten o'clock. I had been here much longer than I had thought. "Turtle, can you put Edward on the phone for me?"

I heard some rustling and then there was a throat clearing. A beautiful velvet voice was the next thing I heard. "Bella, you wanted to speak with me?"

"Edward, I hate to ask you of this, but seeing as I'm still here, could you maybe put Evan to bed? He should have some pajamas there and his toothbrush is in the upstairs bathroom. I didn't realize it was this late, I'm sorry." I said apologetically.

"Bella, love, don't worry about anything, he is already in his pajamas, and as of now he is eating a snack in the living room with Emmett. They're watching 'Cars'." He chuckled.

I sighed. "Thank you, so much Edward, really. You're making this a lot easier on me, and I truly am appreciative for it. I should probably get off the phone though, so I can say goodbye to Charlie and make my home.. I mean, to your home." I blushed, immediately regretting the slip up.

"I'll see you when you get home." He emphasized the word, and continued. "And don't eat anything on the way here... that's taken care of."

"Thanks again" I said, and hung up the phone. I stuck it back in my pocket and looked up to Carlisle who was already smiling at me.

He simply nodded and said "I'm going to leave you two alone so you can say goodbye, and I shall see you here tomorrow, correct?"

"Of course you will." I smiled. "Bright and early."

Carlisle walked to me and wrapped me in a fatherly hug, which is exactly what I needed right now. I always seen him as a second father to me, especially now. "Okay, Dear. I'll be here through the night with him, and I shall call you if anything changed... But don't worry, he should be perfectly stable."

"Thank you Carlisle, so very much." I whispered as he walked out of the room and closed the door quietly and gently.

I slowly shuffled to Charlie's bedside, trying hard not to make any additional noise. Although I know he couldn't hear me, I still felt like I needed to keep things as peaceful and calm as humanly possible. I looked over his frail body and tried to keep my breath from shaking. He's going to be alright, I kept repeating to myself. No matter how many times I ran over those few words, I still was doubtful, despite what Carlisle had said. I carefully placed my hand on his left arm, the one with the least amount of tubing leading out of it and gently moved my thumb back and forth, just as he used to do for me when I was younger.

Again, I knew he couldn't hear me, yet I just thought it was necessary to tell him goodbye.

"Dad?" I whispered softly. "I'm so sorry this had to happen to you... you don't deserve this, you didn't deserve any of it. I know you're unconscious right now, but don't worry, Carlisle said you will be waking up soon. I hate seeing you like this... asleep, almost... but at least you aren't comprehending all of this craziness. Things will get better, I promise. With Carlisle as your doctor, you are in the best hands you could possibly be in..."

There was a sudden and single beep that came from one of his monitors, yet it faded away just as fast as it appeared. My heart began tor race and in that moment, I was contemplating just staying the night in the hospital, but then my thoughts changed to my little boy's face. No matter how much I wanted to stay here and look after Charlie, there was another man that had my heart. He is 3'4'' and has a smile that I would travel to the ends of the earth to see. Charlie is my father, and I love him more than I could ever explain, but Evan is my son, and nothing in this world would keep my from him. He needs me.

"Dad, Evan is with the Cullen's as of right now, but... I need to be with him. I promise you, I'll be back tomorrow, and I'll stay the whole day, alright? As soon as they get some of these... wires... out of you, I'll bring your little man in to see you, I know he would love that." I smiled. "I love you, Dad. Don't forget it..."


I walked into the Cullen's home, and slipped my shoes off by the door. In hanging my jacket on the rack, I noticed that the house was quiet... too quiet for Emmett to be anywhere near it. I walked through the entryway and around the corner into the living room to find Alice and Jasper sitting on the couch looking at a laptop.

"Hey, uhm, where's Ev?" I said quietly.

Alice was the one to answer me, and she did so with a smile I might add. "The little guy fell asleep about fifteen or twenty minutes ago. Emmett tired him out, and they watched Cars until he drifted to sleep." she giggled. "Edward took him upstairs and put him to bed just a few minutes ago, actually."

"Great, thanks for keeping an eyes on him, all of you. I really appreciate it."

"Bella, you don't have to apologize. You and Evan are a part of this family. You always have been, and we love him. It was our pleasure to watch him, especially Esme."

I nodded. "Which room is he in? I want to check on him really quick, you know, tell him goodnight."

"As far as I know, he's in Edward's room. Emmett wanted to put him in his bed, but Edward simply refused. It was kind of cute actually... Like... like Edward was acting almost like a..." She stopped, but I knew what she was going to say.

She was going to say he was acting like a father, and while most women would loathe the idea of a man other than the father of her child acting as his Dad, I was almost pleased. Evan's father was a horrible man, and quite nonexistent... Edward was here, and Edward was... Edward.

"I understand." I told her. "If you'd excuse me, I think a little boy needs a kiss from his mommy." I smiled.

She nodded and I headed up the stairs and followed the right hallways until I reached the door that led into Edward's room. I slowly let the door creak open, and I tiptoed inside, trying to keep quiet while doing so. I made my way to the bed that was now facing the wall made of windows and spotted a little boy curled up under the covers.

I ran my fingers through his beautiful brown hair and marveled over how adorable he was when he slept. His little body falling slightly each time he exhaled, the way his eyelids fluttered. This tiny creature was extraordinary and he was my world.

"Goodnight, Turtle. Mommy loves you, oh so much." I kissed his forehead and right when I was about to turn to leave the room, there was a hand on my shoulder.

For once, I didn't shutter or shiver. I leaned right into, knowing exactly who it was. I was comfortable with this now, I yearned for it. Edward's touch was something I didn't want to live without again, ever again.

"He told me that you let him have soda before bed..." Edward quietly chuckled.

I sighed. "That boy.. so ornery." I smirked.

Edward's hand slowly slid down from my shoulder blades, trailing swirl patterns down my arm. My breath got caught in my throat and I loved every second of it. He made his fingertips dip into mine and intertwined each one between the spaces above my palm.

"Are you hungry?" He whispered directly into my ear, receiving a small shiver in response.

I nodded and we made our way out of the bedroom, and down the stairs. Our hands were still locked together, and I didn't want that to change. I enjoyed the feeling of his skin touching mine. He led me past the dimly lit kitchen, and into the dining room that was illuminated by at least thirty glowing candles. I inhaled and I was at ease. My favorite scent was wafting gently around the room. On the table, there was a plate full of what appeared to be fettuccine Alfredo. Edward really knew how to impress a person...

He pulled my chair out for me, and I sat down, blushing the whole time.

"I don't understand why you shy away from it, to be honest. It is the most beautiful thing I have yet to see on this earth, Bella." He softly caressed my cheek, running the tip of his thumb over my blush.

My face got even redder, and the smile he flashed was even bigger.

"You can always do that to me, you know. There's just... something about you." I admitted. "Your dazzling effect seems to be quite strong tonight."

There was no hiding anything. The way I felt about Edward hadn't changed since the first day I met him, it was just pushed to the back of my mind. But... he's here, and I'm here, and I simply can't stand another heartbreak

"Is that so?" He purred smoothly.

All I could do was stare at his features. His high cheek bones, his golden, glassy eyes, the way he grinned, his phenomenal skin... He was perfect, that was obvious. When you stand the two of us beside each other, there is no comparison. Edward is pure beauty, while I'm just... average.

I picked up the fork that was beside my plate and began to twirl the pasta around the spokes before putting it into my mouth. Of course the taste was exquisite, but I didn't expect anything less. Edward was a top chef on his own, let alone the fact that I'd hardly eaten anything all day.

"Good?" He asked

"Edward, that Is a silly question." I rolled my eyes. "You know I love your cooking."

He gently smiled. Not his normal smile, but one that was filled with insecurities. I let it slide, not wanting to get into anything too deep.

"So, tell me. How's he doing?"

I swallowed the food that was in my mouth, and dabbed the corner of my lips with the napkin. "Well, Carlisle ran some tests, he should be okay... eventually. They're keeping him in the hospital for a couple of days just to make sure everything checks out alright, but Carlisle promised me he would be okay..."

Edward reaches his hand under the table and set it on my knee. I silently gasped, and not because I was surprised. "Bella, he is going to be perfectly fine once this is all over and done with, I solemnly swear to you."

"I just worry about him, he's so... Charlie." I admitted. "He downplays everything, you know? He would never admit to being in pain, or being worried. He doesn't like to show his emotions, and it kills me because how am I supposed to know when he needs me? Huh? How am I supposed to know when I need to intervene and get him some sort of help?"

I was getting worked up and it was clear that Edward could see that. "Love, Charlie is a strong man. A very, very, very strong man. It... gets in the way of his pride when he admits to things like that. Now, don't go off of my word here, but I think he's actually looking out for you by doing this."

"How?" I protested.

"Well, look at it this way. Would you ever want Evan to see you upset?"

I was silent and took another bite of my dinner.

"Would you ever want Evan to see you weak, in pain, or hurt?" He continued, and when I didn't speak again, he went on. "See, it's a parental instinct. You don't want you child to see you when you are hurt in any way."

Did he always have to know everything? Did he seriously always have to be right? Of course he did, he's Edward Cullen.

I shook it off and went back to eating the pasta that was in front of me. With each bite, I could feel Edward staring at me more and more, but I was used to this. When I ate, he was usually quiet, waiting on me to finish. Most people would feel intimidated by having someone stare at them while they ate, but I didn't mind. It was nice to know that he was there and that he was observing me.

The silence gave me a chance to collect my jumbled up thoughts. Today was chaotic, disastrous, and hectic, but I can't even imagine what it would have been like if I hadn't had the help of the Cullens. I'm really starting to feel like part of the family again, and that's another one of those feelings that I hope to never fade.

"Edward, I know I said it earlier, but really, thank you. Today could have been... terrible. I could have... lost... him. But, thanks to Carlisle, he's safe inside a hospital getting the treatment that he needs. And I know it's his job and all, but I just feel like he's gone above and beyond with Charlie and-"

He cut me off. "Bella, love, you don't have to thank us for anything, you do realize this don't you?"

"Edward, let me finish." I told him. He ruefully nodded. "As I was saying, thank you. Carlisle had the medical part of this day all on his own, but that leaves a heap of thanks to you, Esme, Alice, Emmett and Jazz. Ever since that day at the doctor's office with Evan, when I needed someone to look after him, your family has been more than kind with welcoming him into your home. I appreciate that more than you could ever imagine. Turtle may be feisty, stubborn, and loud, but he doesn't take to too many people, especially not the way he took to your family. I mean, he calls you... Dad." I took a breath. "I guess I sound like a big idiot right now, but I just want you to know how much you guys being in our lives means to me. He loves you guys, I love you guys, and I think..."

I didn't know what was coming over me, but I kept talking. "I think I love..."

Edward's eyes grew to new sizes and in no time at all he had pulled me from my seat and was standing dangerously close to me. His large hands were resting gently on my arms and his breath was in my face. It was pure heaven. His sculpted chest was touching mine, and I knew he could hear my deep breathing.

"Bella, say it..." He coaxed me. "If you really want to, and you really mean it... tell me..."

Now I had no idea what I was doing, what I was saying, nothing. But I did know what I felt. I wanted him to know what I felt.

"Edward, you can't leave me again... you can't just... go away when you get scared, or angry with me. It's not just me anymore. Evan... he's part of me, we're a package deal. And I'm not having his second father walk out on him, do you hear me?" My whispered words were just as shaky as my body was.

He inched his face closer to mine and I could now smell his scent stronger than before. It was enough to make me go weak at the knees and just collapse into him, but I held my ground.

"Please, I need to hear you say it. I'll get on my hands and knees right now and beg you to say it, but please, only do if you mean it." His voice was a whisper as well.

I looked into his eyes, and I saw it. I saw all that I wanted, and all that we had before. It was still there, I knew it was. "Edward, I love you. I never stopped..."

That's all it took.

His soft lips were on mine once again and I didn't try to stop them. I had no intention of backing away, or being afraid. This is where I wanted to be with him. I hadn't had this type of touch in so long that it was almost foreign to me, yet I knew exactly what I was doing. Our mouths moved in synchronization, like the perfect puzzle that fit together just right. He moved his hands down to my waist and used his thumb to rub a small circle on my hip. My heart was beating into his chest, I could feel it. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling myself that much closer to him.

I could feel my lips coming detached from his, so I immediately rested my head on his chest. I felt safe. I felt loved.

He kissed the top of my head like he had done so many times before. "I love you too, I hope you know that. I'll rebuild my promise to you, Bella..."

Again, sorry it took so long to update. Microsoft stopped working on my computer, school, and just... life took over for a little while, and for that I'm sorry. But, I'm back, and I hope you're still following me. Please, as always, READ AND REVIEW! (: It would make my day, I promise. (: Blah, blah, blah, you know the drill. If you review for me, i promise to review back! (:

Thank you!

Review review review review review (: