I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.
Ch. 25 Cherry Pie (BPOV)
I don't think I have ever been so sick in my life. It has been two days since that golden haired doctor was in my room, when I first woke up. Since then, I have slept on and off. They kept my parents out of the room to prevent them from getting sick. My fever broke early this morning and the nurse who came in had said that my parents should be able to see me when visiting hours started. Surprisingly, it was a sunny day, very rare for Forks.
Both came to me right away, fawning over me. Charlie had to leave for work not long after. Renée chatted on about what she had been up to the last year. Apparently, they were not supposed to tell me what I was up to. They wanted me to remember on my own. Renée was currently getting something to eat at my insistence.
My thoughts turn to the angel that was with the doctor that night. He was too amazing to believe that he could be real. He was breathtakingly handsome. I remember the feel of his hand in mine. It felt right and comforting, my hand felt empty and lost as soon as he let go.
I felt foolish to fantasize over this Edward. He looked liked he could be some type of Greek God. He more than likely had a girlfriend. I knew that it wouldn't be me. Though, when I saw the way he looked at me, like he did care for me and that he was disappointed that I did not remember him. He also did call me 'sweetheart'. I wonder how we knew each other. Apparently, I have been in Forks for year. I had no clue what has happened in that year. I was desperate to find out. Like why in the hell was someone as clumsy as me on a motorcycle.
I pushed my fork around on my plate. I hadn't had my appetite back yet. The door opened and Charlie walked in followed, by a tall boy that looked Native American.
"Hey Ch…Dad" I called out, my voice still rough.
"Hey Bells, I brought someone to visit you." Charlie came over and sat next to my bed. The boy looked at me with a big smile on his face.
"Hey, Bells. Glad to see you awake." He sat at my feet. He seemed a bit too close for comfort.
"I'm sorry. I don't know who you are?" I apologized. He frowned slightly before starting to smile again.
"I'm Jacob Black, my friends call me Jake," he explained. I still must have looked confused.
"The Blacks are old family friends. His father, Billy, and I fish all the time." Charlie explained lightly. I tried to remember fishing with Charlie all those years ago.
"I remember two girls." I shrugged.
"Those were probably my older sisters." Jacob sighed. I tried to remember harder.
"You're not the boy that ate mud, are you," I asked, Charlie started laughing.
"That would be him." Charlie smirked. Jacob blushed.
"Yeah, didn't anyone tell you that it is not nice to make fun of your boyfriend?"
"Jacob," Charlie stopped laughing and said rather sternly.
"Awww, Charlie, I'm sure she would figure it out soon." Jacob apologized, but didn't look sorry.
My boyfriend? The word did not seem right. I felt bad. Here I was fantasizing about Edward when I had a boyfriend.
"Hey, Bells, can I have that cherry pie." Jacob pointed to a slab of cherry pie on my tray. Something about the pie called to me. How come when I looked at the pie, I kept picturing Edward? Only he was wearing clothes from a different decade and he had green eyes.
I heard the door open and Renée walked back in. She frowned at Jacob. It was clear she did not like him.
"Bells, hello! Can I have your pie?" Jacob sounded impatient and rude.
"No, you can not. Esme Cullen had that specifically delivered for Bella. She said it was 'the best in the city'. She must have been talking about Seattle though. Forks or Port Angeles are hardly cities." Renée came to sit in the other chair that Edward had been in that night.
"Chicago." I mumbled without thinking.
"Chicago, doubt it, Bells, that is kind of far away to order a pie." Charlie looked at me with concern, but I wasn't listening anymore. My mind was being flooded with memories from the last year. I saw everything. Edward, his family, James, September, the motorcycle, and going back in time. Did the last part really happen? But then….Oh no…. Edward and Carlisle were here when I woke up. They thought I had the Spanish flu. Edward was here, he came back.
"Bella, you're spacing out, sweetie. Are you feeling alright?" Renée looked concerned as she touched my forehead.
"I remember…" I trailed off suddenly looking at the smiling Jake in front of me. Suddenly I was furious.
"You liar," I hissed. What hell was up with him? He was actually trying to take advantage of me while I had amnesia.
"Bells…" He looked worried and guilty as he looked to Charlie.
"Don't look at me. You made your bed, now you lie in it." Charlie looked away.
"What did he lie about?" Renée looked angry.
"He told me that he is my boyfriend. That's not true. We are, or were, friends, Jake, nothing else. How dare you lie to me and take advantage of me. You can't have this pie, if I was to give it to anyone, it would be Edward," I growled. Jake scowled.
"But the blo...Edward would not eat pie."
What was wrong with him? "What's wrong with you, Jake?" I scrutinized him. He was a lot bigger than I last saw him, plus his hair was cut off. "Oh…Jake, did Sam get to you?" I asked, my anger melted slightly and I started to worry about him.
"What?" Jake's eyes opened in alarm.
"Bells, honey what are you talking about?" Charlie looked at me as if I was the one to be worried about.
"Tell him. Tell him how Sam has been looking at you funny. How he wanted you to join his cult."
"A cult? In La Push?" Charlie looked at me as if I had three heads.
"Yes, tell him, Jake. How they get you in and make you cut your hair then tattoos. That they won't let you talk to anyone outside of the group. How they must be doing steroids or something with the sudden growth and irritability." I rushed out. Jacob was squirming and was now standing.
"I was wrong about them, Bells." Jacob's voice sounded nervous and he was shaking.
"Now, Jake, you don't have to cover for him if something is wrong. I will help you, son." Charlie stood and placed a hand on Jake's trembling body. "Geez, Jake, you are burning up."
"Jake, if you are sick. You need to get checked out." I hoped I didn't start an outbreak here with the Spanish Flu.
"It's nothing," Jake shrugged and started for the door.
"Nothing, my foot." Renée mumbled heatedly. "You, young man, are nothing but constant trouble. Get out of my daughter's room. You're probably why she got sick in the first place. Taking advantage of someone who has lost their memory, shame on you!" Renée stood up angrily and marched in his direction. "Charlie, get him out! Are you happy now?" She chased both of them from the room as a nurse entered, smirking. She was a kindly grandmotherly looking lady.
"Your mother is a force to be reckoned with. That is the second time I have heard her reaming out the Chief. The first was when she defended that young man of yours. That boy has barely left your side. Dr. Cullen had to nearly drag him home each night, but he would be back as soon as possible. Sometimes that pixie of a sister would be with him. That boy must truly love you to put up with your father's evil stares." Edward has been here. I hoped that means he will appear soon, the sky was starting to cloud up.
"Is Dr. Cullen due in?" I asked her as she checked my vitals.
"No, I am not sure if he will be back now that you are awake. He was called in as a consult on your case. He's not officially back, although this hospital could use him." I took a deep breath. I hoped this meant he was not leaving again. What if it was a dream about going into the past and they came out of guilt. Maybe they weren't going to stay and leave again without saying good-bye.
"Can we take the IV out now?" I asked sweetly. The doctor had said this morning that if my fever stayed away after lunch and I ate, it could come out.
"Alright, but it will have to go right back in if your fever comes back." The nurse warned. She moved to my hand and started fiddling with the IV box. She stopped the flow first. I looked away as she pulled the needle out and bandaged my hand. "There you are. I will be back to check on you later." She left as Renée reentered. I had to get rid of her if I wanted to escape.
"Mom, do you think you can get me a magazine to read from the gift shop?" I asked.
"Sure, sweetie. I will be right back." She left the room again. As soon as she was gone I bolted out of bed. Well tried to. My legs were not use to standing. I stumbled a bit and my legs felt weak and rubbery. I took a glance out the window and saw the back parking lot. My truck was also there. Good, if Jake left the keys in it, I was all set. I looked under the bed and glanced around quickly, no shoes or clothes. I glanced down at the gown I was wearing. It was going to be thin. I think I had a sweatshirt in the truck. I grabbed the hospital provided slippers and slipped them on as well as a thin hospital robe. I glanced out the door. The nurse's station was empty and no one was in sight. I slipped quickly to the stairs luck was on my side as it was the next door from my room. I hurried down the stairs as fast as my legs would let me, stumbling slightly, feeling winded at the bottom. After I finished coughing, I peered out the exit. Again, I was lucky. Empty. I walked quickly to my truck and hopped in the cab. I tried the visor first and the keys fell in my lap. Of course, no one in Forks would try to steal my truck. Before I started it up I reached in the back for my sweatshirt. I slipped it on over the gown.
It wouldn't be the best thing to be wearing when I see Edward, but I was too desperate to see him, then to go home first, where I could be stopped. If Alice saw me coming, I am sure; she will have something else for me before I walk through the door.
I turned the keys and the truck roared to life. I glanced around. The coast was still clear. I had to leave now. I am sure my mother was almost back in the room. I peeled out of the spot and hurried out to the highway. I pushed the truck to its limits as I sped to the Cullen's house. I had to get there before I was found missing and Charlie came after me in the cruiser. .
"Please, be there." I mumbled. I needed answers. I was near their driveway when the truck started sputtering. "No, please make it." I begged as it died right there. Great, now I will have to walk. I stumbled out of the car. I could feel the hard cold ground under my feet. The slippers did nothing to protect me from the pain of the gravel. I took at step away from the truck; that is when the sky opened up and started to pour.
"Wonderful," I muttered as I pulled the hood up over my head. The rain soaked me fast and I started to hurry towards the driveway. Just as I reached the driveway the Volvo pulled up to a stop. My heart clenched in my throat.
The window pulled down and a head popped out. Just that quickly my heart sank.
"Bella, what are you waiting for, get in?" Alice called. Still, it was Alice, even if it wasn't Edward, it meant that I haven't missed them, they were still here. I stumbled forward and she pushed open the door. I slipped into the seat, closing the door behind me. I started shivering and had a coughing fit, Alice blasted the heat.
"Bella, what were you thinking? You're still sick. I need to bring you back to the hospital." Alice demanded.
"The nurse said she didn't think you would be coming back. You all left before without saying good-bye." Tears came to my eyes. I saw recognition dawn on Alice's face. "I had to see him, or any of you. I had to know…what is true. What is a lie? What might have just been a dream, what is real?" I whispered with tears streaming down my face.
"Bella, we aren't leaving, yet." Alice said quietly, pulling out of the driveway.
"Well, forgive me for not knowing that. I am not the mind reader or the psychic," I snapped, then I saw her wince and look sad. I slumped in my seat losing my energy.
"I am sorry, Alice. I shouldn't be taking my frustration out on you." I apologized.
"That is okay. You have every right to be upset. I do not have to be the empath to know that. You've been through so much the last few months, we should have realized that you may be less then thrilled with us," Alice said as she wrung the steering wheel. "I am sorry I didn't say good-bye. Things were crazy after Edward dropped you off. Jasper was beside himself with guilt for almost hurting you. I felt guilty for not seeing it. I fought at first, but in the end I was the only one fighting because Carlisle agreed with Edward, so everyone was listened to him. We now understand better why he did agree." Alice sighed. "I wish I could have said good-bye, but I do not think I would have been strong enough."
"I missed you, Alice," I whispered.
"I missed you too, Bella." She gave my hand a squeeze; her hand felt ice cold in mine. "You are freezing. Edward is going to kill me for not getting you out of those wet clothes." She started to speed up. "He's here then?" I asked looking out the window hoping to spot him.
"He was out hunting with Jasper and Emmett. They had to drag him. He spent the last week and a half refusing to leave your side. Even if anyone managed to get him out of the room, he wouldn't leave the hospital until very early this morning, because of the sun. Right, now he is at the hospital. He was going to visit you." Alice smirked. Figures, I should have waited.
She pulled into the parking lot and found a space close to the door I came out of.
"Luckily, no one knows that you are missing yet. Edward, Esme and Carlisle arrived just after you left. Esme is distracting your mom, while Carlisle told her he was going to check in on you to see if you could go home today. For the time being, it is best if Edward doesn't leave your mother's sight, so he doesn't raise suspicion." She jumped out and rushed to my side before I could open the door. She pulled me into her arms and headed to the door I ran out of not long ago. She pulled open the door and sped up to my room, then placed me down in the room.
"I could've walked." I felt dizzy and nauseous, fighting the urge to cough again.
"My way was faster, so we did not get detected," Alice told me pushing me toward the bathroom. "Take a shower to warm up. I have things in the bag for you to shower with, then change into. Carlisle is going to release you so get dressed." I entered the bathroom and jumped into the shower quickly to get warmed up. I took a fast shower, jumped out and got dressed in jeans and a soft blue sweater that Alice packed me. Wearing jeans again felt both good, but odd. I stepped out of the bathroom brushing my hair to see Carlisle standing by the bed with his arms crossed. I blushed upon seeing him. He shook his head and smirked a bit.
"Into bed, I would like to make sure your fever did not come back." He gestured to the bed. I did as I was told. He did a quick check with a thermometer. "High, but not a fever. So has all your memory returned?" he asked. I thought so, but I was still not completely sure if going into 1918 was a dream.
"I think so. But I am unsure about some events." I bit my lip.
"What would that be?" Carlisle asked while he checked my glands.
"If I said it feels like I have not seen you in eighty-eight years, what would you say?" I asked hesitantly. Carlisle started to chuckle.
"That sounds about right, cousin," he answered with a smirk.
"So, it really happened then? I traveled back in time?" I asked, reality dawning on me. How? Was all that I could think.
"Yes, but don't ask me how. I still can't explain it. It certainly surprised Edward. I wasn't expecting this to jog his memory as well." Carlisle reached over and squeezed my hand. So Edward didn't know before and knew now.
"Is he mad?" I asked looking down at the sheet.
"He is here, that should be answer enough." Carlisle patted my hand. Not really if you asked me. He might feel obligated to since we are married. Married. How could I forget? How do I explain that to Renée and Charlie?
"Your mom is on her way in to say good-bye. I'm going to let you leave the hospital today, on the condition that you need to stay with us and in bed until I know that you are completely well. Charlie is busy with work, so we thought it would be better for you," Carlisle explained. When he mentioned Charlie I thought about Jacob, again.
"Jacob was in here earlier and he was burning up. I didn't get him sick did I?" I asked.
"I saw Jacob. He is fine." Carlisle assured me, but something seemed off. "I'm going to send your mother in now, and I say in about hour, you will be at our house. Just don't go running away on us this time." He winked and headed out of the room.
He was barley out of the room before Renée entered. She hurried to my side.
"I am sorry, sweetie. I ran into to Esme, and got to talking. She is such a wonderful woman. They are offering for you to stay with them for your recovery, since she is always at home. I hope that is okay with you. I need to get back and Charlie can't take any more time of work either." Renée looked apologetic and a bit nervous as she placed a fashion magazine on the bed beside me.
"I understand, mom. I will be fine at the Cullen's. When do you leave?"
"My flight leaves late this afternoon. The Cullens will take you back and get you settled." She sat on the edge of the chair. "I wanted to talk to you about Edward, before I leave."
"What about him?" I asked, remember last time we had a conversation about Edward while in the hospital. She was nervous about our connection.
"I don't know what you plan on doing about him. I know he hurt you, but I know you still love him. I also can see how much that boy loves you. Once again, he has barely left your side. I just hope you are still willing to give the boy another chance. I don't want to see you hurting anymore." She reached over and squeezed my hand. "Although, making the boy beg a bit before taking him back wouldn't be a bad thing. He needs to learn he can't do a stunt like this again." I heard some laughter in the hall and realized that we were overheard.
"Make him beg, got it," I smirked trying to fight my amusement too. I couldn't exactly see Edward begging me.
"Come visit me soon. Maybe spring break? You can bring Edward. That boy looks like he could use some sun, he is so pale." She got up to hug me. "I'll miss you, take care of yourself."
"I'll miss you too. Say hi to Phil for me." I hugged her back. She left the room and I felt nervous again.
The door opened and I instinctively looked up. Edward stood in the doorway. My breath caught as I looked at him: my vampire that I have been missing all this time. He stood there, looking more handsome than ever. His vampire chiseled features were back and his golden eyes instead of the emerald ones that I have gotten use to. In one hand were red roses, the other hand he nervously ran through his hair. Our eyes locked and I felt my heart swell with love. He didn't look mad to me. I was too nervous to speak. Edward walked slowly towards me, not take his eyes off of me. When he got to my bedside he paused, then took a deep breath.
"Hi," he said shyly. I felt a small smile form on my face.
"Hi," I said shyly back. Edward smiled at me now and I let out the breath I didn't realize I was holding. So far he didn't seem mad or upset with me. He handed me the red roses.
"For you, love," he spoke softly still. I thrilled that he was still calling me, love. I took them and breathed in the delicate sent.
"Thank you, sweet knight." I watched for his reaction. His smile became bigger, but there was hesitancy in his eyes. I hoping he would kiss me, but maybe it was too soon.
"You got you memory back, I hear." Edward reached for my hand and I placed it in his, instantly I felt the electricity between us. His touch felt cool like marble, but it was anything but uncomfortable.
"I have. Jacob tried to steal your 'best in the city' cherry pie." I smirked. Edward cocked an eyebrow, looking intrigued. "I know technically you would not have eaten it, but it is what triggered everything to come back."
"Sounds like we need to thank Alice and Esme for that." Edward squeezed my hand.
"We have a lot to talk about." I looked away, down at my flowers. I wanted the air cleared before I got my hopes up.
"We do, but not here," Edward answered sounding slightly nervous.
Before either of us could say anything more, the door banged open and Alice skipped into the room with Esme and Carlisle behind her.
"Bella, I'm so glad to see that you are awake and okay." Esme wrapped me up into a hug.
"I'm sorry for worrying you," feeling bad that I made her worry.
"Hush no need for apologizes. Are you ready to leave this place?" She pulled back, then brushed the hair away from my face motherly like.
"The right way?" Alice added giggling. I scowled at her as everyone, but Edward laughed.
"I'm ready to go." I nodded then slid to the edge of the bed to find the shoes from Alice's bag. Sneakers. Oh, how I have missed them. I slid them on quickly and stood up so quickly I became wobbly. Edward grabbed my arm to steady me. I took steps towards the door and Carlisle called me back.
"Chair, dear. Hospital policy." I frowned and sat in the seat with a huff.
I laid the roses across my lap. I started to get pushed and I turned to find Edward. I did not want to lose sight of him in case he disappeared, again. I noticed he was the one pushing the chair.
"I'm not going anywhere. I promise." I flinched slightly at the word 'promise' which caused Edward to frown slightly as he continued to push the chair towards the elevators.
A/N:
Her memory is back. But their big talk is still to come.
Anyone reading both stories, this chapter is exactly the same. Chapter 26 will be exactly the same too. It will get different again in 27 and 28. In chapter 29 the story will break completely away from one another.
Thank You For All Your Reviews!
Preview:
"So does that mean…" I hesitated to say what I wanted to next. Why would he be here if he hated me for taking his soul and everyone else's' or did he feel guilty?
"That we are married?' Edward suggested. I looked up in surprise not quite what I was going to ask but I still wondered; was our marriage even valid? I took a deep breath.
"I was going to ask if you hated me." I whispered.