B POV

We broke apart but not because we needed to catch our breath but because the door was starting to open. Carlisle came in mouthed Charlie! And I was out of the window before he could say anything else. I couldn't let Charlie see me yet. Not with red eyes. Not while I was still thirsty. Edward landed silently next to me and we both peered in the ground floor room through the broken window. Oh dear, broken window. Before Charlie could blink, I grabbed hold of the cord for the blind and let the different slats fall and cover the broken glass. Edward and I crouched outside the window and listened.

"Charlie, I think she's still in recovery. You'll be able to see her soon I promise." Carlisle's voice floated towards me.

"Carlisle, I appreciate your help with her but I really need to see her now." I heard Charlie's persistence.

"She won't even be awake yet, I promise you can see her when she comes round." Carlisle reasoned.

"I'm sorry but, to me, it doesn't really matter anymore. I just want to see my daughter. You tell me she's been hit by a car, has gone into surgery and whatever else, yet I can't see her? I just…" Charlie sighed deeply, "She's my only little girl. I need to see her Doctor Cullen." Charlie had reverted back into formalities. He didn't want to argue.

I whispered lower than any human ear could pick up but loud enough for Carlisle to hear, "Take him to my recovery room, the one you had waiting for me before, I'll be ready." I peeked through the slats to see Carlisle turn sharply towards the window,

"But your thirst," He muttered inaudibly to Charlie, but clear to me,

"Is under control." I finished for him. He turned slowly back to Charlie. He saw the deep worry marked in his eyes, the worry for the only thing precious to him. I knew Carlisle would feel the same about any of his children, though he didn't have to worry as much, as they before now, they were much tougher than I was.

I grabbed Edward's hand and we ran to a fire door. We quickly and quietly darted through the corridors like shadows avoiding passing a nurse or visitor. I was still in a hospital gown. Before going to my room, Edward quickly ducked into Carlisle's office and emerged seconds later without explaining but took off again. Hurriedly, I let Edward show me the room I was supposed to be going to after my operation. I slipped into the bed and closed my eyes and relaxed my body. To anybody who just walked in, I would look peacefully unconscious. I felt Edward sorting out my blankets. However after a few seconds he kissed my lips, whispered "I'll be back later." and left like a breath of wind and I heard the door click shut. I felt for where his hand had brushed mine and opened my eyes again. A small box containing contact lenses was next to me. I smiled.

I lay in wait. I let my chest move up and down but I didn't dare breathe. I couldn't afford to get any tiny whiff of Charlie. A couple of minutes later I heard two pairs of footsteps. One pair heavy and urgent the other light, swift and graceful. The owners of the footsteps were not talking. Now I put the contact lenses in, hoping that they would stay long enough. Finally the footsteps got nearer as they strode the length of the corridor. The door opened and I heard him take only two long strides to my bed side.

"Oh Bells." I felt hot fingers touch my forearm but immediately they recoiled as if I had burnt them. "She's so cold! Is she ok? Does she need more blankets?" I heard Charlie ask. Instantly I heard him shuffle to collect another blanket from the end of my bed where Edward had left it, obviously anticipating Charlie's reaction if he touched my skin. Then the creek of a chair being pulled up met my ears. I heard Charlie sit down heavily, exhausted. He puts his hand back on top of mine, prepared for the cold temperature this time. I decided it best to give him some relief after all he had been through and "came around".

"Dad?"

"It's me Bella." I felt him try to squeeze my hand but the attempt felt feeble to my new skin. He looked down at my hand as he said it. "Your skin seems so hard." It sounded more of a question than a statement. But he didn't seem to be looking for an answer because he continued, "Are you in any pain? You don't have anything here." I also looked round and saw that I lacked an IV.

"No I'm fine Dad. Honestly, I feel like a new person." I smiled and he peered properly into my face for the first time and I could see he was almost dazzled.

"To tell you the truth Bells, you look like a new one too. You look very good," He smiled, "For someone that just got hit by a car."

"To be fair Dad, it was a few days ago."

I saw Carlisle shuffle a bit behind Charlie. Charlie seemed to only just remember him too.

"Oh yes, Doctor Cullen,"

"Carlisle, please." Carlisle asked,

"Yes, Carlisle, you said her back was broken. Is that going to leave any damage?" I heard the slight break in his voice on the last word.

Carlisle looked at me, "Well you could ask Bella for herself." Charlie also turned back to me expectantly. I smiled and pointed at my feet,

"I'm fine Dad, see?" and he followed my point to my feet where I wriggled them slightly. I saw in the corner of my eye, Charlie sighing in relief. Carlisle coughed slightly and we both turned to him,

"Everything is absolutely fine Charlie. We'll keep her overnight to monitor her but she's free to leave tomorrow." He headed for the door, "Now please excuse me but I have other patients to see. I hope you don't mind if I let Edward in, he's been dying to see Bella." Charlie nodded and Carlisle smiled and left the room.

Charlie turned back to me. "Are you sure you're ok?"

"I'm fine. It wasn't even a major op; I promise you, barely took five minutes." I reassured him. Then there was a timid knock on the door. "Come in!" I called softly, not wanting Charlie to hear the full effect of my new voice. Edward peered around the door and stepped in.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, completely straight faced.

"Do I have to keep telling everybody? I'm fine." I looked slightly irritated but Edward smiled,

"Always the little accident-prone trooper." His grin widened as he spoke.

"Cadet Klutz, that's me." I smiled back. A look passed between us that only soul mates can give and I think that Charlie must have seen it as he looked between us then down in his lap, a small smile subtle on his features.

Edward left shortly after that, to go home for the evening and Charlie suggested he get something to eat. Edward flashed me a small grin after the comment and promptly left. Charlie stayed for as long as he could but I told him eventually to go home and get some rest. "There should be a casserole in the freezer. If you don't want to do vegetables at least have some rice with it or something." I told him going into complete Miss Responsible mode. He said he'd be fine and would pick me up tomorrow morning if Carlisle gave the all clear. I smiled and gave a quick wave good bye. He kissed my forehead and walked to the door, gave me one last final long look before he left. As his footsteps disappeared, so did my contacts, I felt the venom destroy them finally as I blinked. As soon as Charlie's footsteps had completely left the ward and darted through the second storey window and landed right beside Edward, who was waiting for me.

"Let's go get something to drink." He offered, holding out his arm in a gentlemanly manner. I took it.

"Oh yes please." I sighed finally breathing out. I felt my eyes darken in that moment and Edward and I set off for our first hunt together.