Chapter 21:

I sat in the bed, closing my hands around these stupid red balls the nurses gave me to help work my muscles with ease. I released and repeated, thinking about everything that has happened…or at least what I must have been dreaming about while in the coma, although Carlisle doesn't understand how I was even able to dream, after all, he apparently made Edward come in late at night and keep a check on my mind. I squished the balls again, feeling like this was supposed to be helpful, but was just annoying the fuck outta me. I continued my workout, feeling more stressed and frustrated than ever.

I thought about the nights Edward spend cruising around in my mind, probably finding out everything about Emmett and me, maybe even the dreams I had. Clinch the balls again, thinking about the dream and where Emmett told me he didn't want to kill a human and have to leave, saying I was worthless. Acting sweet and protecting me from Rosalie and kissing me with such passion, then causing my body to almost die, I almost died because of him.

Release the grip, I began to think about vampires in general, almost every vampire I've met has either liked me or hated me or tried to kill me. Emmett played games with me, acting as if he doesn't care, then chases after me, then gets passionate with me, almost feeds from me. He was so infuriating the way he acts, like he doesn't know how to be with me, without anyone knowing, as if I was shameful. I gripped the balls harder than ever, feeling my rage at his actions, I deserved to be loved by someone who isn't ashamed of me. I am not a worthless human, I am deserving of Emmett Cullen!

I threw one of the balls at the door, releasing my anger, then watched the door open, saying someone was coming in. I waited for the ball to smack the person, yet a pale arm reached in front and grabbed it with ease. I sighed and waited for his smart-ass comment about me. Emmett held the ball up, examining it as if it was special before smirking at me. "You clearly have no strength." I narrowed my eyes and chucked the other ball at his face, picturing it hitting him because I knew he was going to catch it. He grabbed the other, doing it the same way as the first, then grinned.

"Leave me alone." I snapped and he ignored me, coming over and sitting on the edge of the bed, facing me. "How are you feeling?" his tone was soft and I thought I could actually hear worry in there, I went to answer, but he sped to the window and winked at me, then was gone. The door opened and I turned to see Ari walk in with my dad. "Hey, how are you doing sweetie?" dad asked and I nodded, "I feel a bit better, just wanting to get better and get out of here." "Yeah, school is too boring without you." "How long will I be here now?" I asked and they shared a look before smiling at me.

"Actually, Dr. Cullen says that you can feel everything now, and said as long as you take it really slow and easy, you can go home today." I nearly jumped out of the bed, but held back, knowing Carlisle would be strict with my care, if he saw me jumping around, I would be stuck in this bed for another month. "Thank God!" I said, smiling brightly as the door opened again, this time it was my mom walking in, pulling a machine with her. Three nurses were following her closely, as if they didn't want her to be here with her family.

"Mom?" I called and her face brightened at me, she smiled at me and I felt my heart ache to run into her arms, she looked a lot better than the last time I saw her, she wasn't as pale, as weak looking and I was happy to see her smile again. She made her way over and I slowly climbed out of the bed, allowing her to sit on it as she needed it more than me. "H-how are you?" her voice was weak, but not like last time, I felt the tears flowing down my face as I gently wrapped my arms around her frail body. Her arms held me tight and I felt her warmth filling me with the strength I needed.

"Mama, I'm fine. Are you okay? Should you even be out of bed? How is your…" I trailed off, she never liked to talk about the cancer, she always had a brave face, not wanting us to know at all. "Ariel, I am alright. I heard you get to go home today, I had to see you…" "You aren't coming home too?" I asked, feeling like I was losing her completely if she didn't come with us. I would gladly stay in this place if it meant I was close to her.

"Ariel, I forbid it, you have to get back to school, study hard and catch up. Ari has kept up with your assignments, as have your friends. You have to live your life, I will be there for every moment you need me." I felt safe as she spoke, knowing that I loved her enough to respect what she needed me to do.

*Three Hours later*

Mom had to go back to her room for another treatment and more tests, leaving us to pack Ari and dad's bags from where they were almost always here with us. They thankfully brought me clothes from home so that I didn't have to wear the gown home. I eased into my leggings and slipped my ballet flats on. I pulled the sweater dress over my head and buckled the belt around my true waist. I looked at myself in the mirror, the dress was a deep blue, the belt black as were the leggings.

I almost looked normal, except the dark circles under my eyes, the paleness of my skin and the look in my eyes that told the truth, I almost died. I stared for a few more seconds before the door opened and Carlisle came in with forms. "I just need you to sign these, then you can go home. Your father will be keeping an eye on you, as will I will I can." I was signing the forms, talking to him, "I am fine, please just take care of my mother, I want her to come home soon. I have had my fill of hospitals."