AN: Well, hello everyone! As you can see I have not dropped dead somewhere and I am in fact alive but a lot has went on since I last left off. First off, I was going back and forth to Arizona from November of last year till about April of this year helping out my mother with my sick grandma but sadly she passed away while we were there. Then I had no computer for a while since ours decided to take a poop so I lost EVERYTHING and we couldn't exactly afford another one so I had to start all my notes from scratch and what I had written so far. We barely got the new computer back in August. But, I had a pretty busy summer. We actually traveled to Washington to visit some fam and guess where we went? FORKS! And we stayed in La Push right on the beach for about a week. If you have any questions about my trip, feel free to ask! And, any free time I got was pretty much spent at Disney California Adventure Park watching the Mad T Party band perform! It's soooo much fun and if you are a fan of Alice in Wonderland, you would love it! Seriously, if you've never heard of it Google it! Hey! I might even have a reader on here who has actually been there. Anyway, I don't want to keep blabbering on so I shall leave you all to it!

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or anything else to do with Twilight although I would so love to own Edward ;)

Ch. 25

"Bella sweetie?" I looked up from the book I was halfway through to find Esme standing in front of my spot on the couch with a glass of orange juice and a plate of something. "I'm sorry to disturb you but I thought you might be thirsty and I brought you a little snack."

"Thank you Esme, you didn't have to do that." I said and smiled as she put the glass of orange juice down on the coffee table along with a plate of sliced apples and oranges. Looking at the glass and plate made me realize I was getting thirsty and a little hungry and I wondered how long I had been engrossed in the book I was reading.

Esme seemed to read my mind because she said, "I know, but you've been sitting here for about an hour and a half and I figured you were probably getting a little parched. And you need to keep yourself hydrated young lady if you want to get better."

"Wow." I said and looked at the antique clock on the wall and saw that it was already going on eleven o' clock. I dog-eared my place in the book and placed it down onto the table. "I hadn't realized I was reading this long."

Esme walked around the table to sit on the opposite side of the couch as I reached for the glass of orange juice and took a long swig. I then reached out and grabbed an apple slice and was happy to see a scoopful of peanut butter on the side of the plate that I could dip the slices into.

"Did you want anything else? I could fix you some lunch right now if you'd prefer that? I wasn't sure if you were hungry enough for it yet." Esme said as she watched me bite into the apple slice with a smile.

After I had finished chewing and swallowing the slice I said, "Oh no, this is perfect right now Esme, thank you."

"No problem." She said with a smile then asked, "So what book were you lost in before I interrupted?"

I reached for the book off of the table and handed it to her, "I've never read this book before and when I saw it in Edward's collection I decided to give it a try. It's really turning out pretty good though."

She looked at the cover and smiled even wider as she nodded her head, "No wonder. The Turn Around, this is one of Edward's favorites. You two really do have a lot in common."

I smiled as she handed the book back to me, "Really? I had no idea it was one of his favorites. But, I can see why. It's certainly keeping my mind occupied and I haven't hit a boring spot yet. I'm surprised I've never heard of it."

"Well, I will let you get back to the book. It looks like you're about halfway through it so it's probably getting to the really good parts. But, before I leave you be, how are you feeling? You seem to have your appetite back at least." She said with a chuckle as I bit into an orange slice and smiled up at her.

"I'm feeling a lot better, thank you. And I no longer feel like I'm on the brink of death. I mostly feel it in my throat and that's about it." I said and place the peel down on the plate in exchange for another slice.

"That's good. I'm glad you are feeling better." She said with a smile and patted my knee.

"Me too." I said, "And I think I should be in the clear to go back to school tomorrow."

"Well, we will see how you do through out the day. If you don't get any fevers and your appetite stays, then I am sure Carlisle will give you the green light to go back. But until then, you take it easy." She said and stood up, "Carlisle called a little while ago and said he will be by after lunch to check in on you. He was hoping to be in and out of his office so he could get you those antibiotics but I guess he had some emergency patients to take care. Have you talked to Charlie today?"

"Okay." I said and then answered, "Yes, I called him earlier and I'll probably call him later too to check in on him."

"Good. I know how much he is worried about you Bella." She said and gave me another smile, "Well, I will be in my office taking care of some phone calls and such. If you need anything, just let me know okay? And if you want another book to read or you want to watch TV, then go on ahead."

"Thank you Esme, I definitely will." I said which received one last smile from Esme before she turned and walked out of the living room. I grabbed another apple slice and dipped it into the peanut butter before opening up the book and finishing where I left off.

By the time I finished the book, I was happy to see that another hour or so went by. I grabbed the book and empty glass and plate and walked into the kitchen where I was met by a mouth watering smell that made my stomach growl loudly. Esme was cooking something on the stove and was checking in on something that was in the oven. She must have heard me walk in because she closed the oven and turned around.

"I hope your getting hungry. Carlisle called again and said he is actually able to join us for lunch so I kind of went all out." She said with a smile that looked stuck between excited and nervous. I smiled too, knowing she mainly did it because of her love for Carlisle and with him working so hard at the hospital all the time, who knows how long it's been since these two actually got to sit down and eat lunch together. I felt a pang of guilt realizing that they are stuck with me here when they could probably be having some well needed alone time.

"Whatever it is, it smells delicious." I said as I placed the book down on the counter and walked over to the sink to clean the cup and plate.

"I'm making chicken alfredo with some garlic cheese bread. I'm also making some plain just in case you don't like it and I figured I would make this since it would be pretty mild on your stomach." She said and looked over at me from where she was stirring her sauce over the stove top. "Oh Bella, you don't have to clean those."

She came over and all but took the sponge and glass from my hand. "You go up stairs and wash up. Carlisle should be here any minute and lunch is done as soon as the bread is."

"Are you sure?" I asked, feeling uncomfortable. "I can wash my dishes and then go clean up."

"No, I've got this." She said already putting the clean glass in the strainer and then turned to me and scolded me playfully, "Now go get cleaned up. No arguing with me missy."

"Okay…okay…. I'm going." I said with a fake sigh and walked over to the counter dragging my feet to retrieve Edward's book. Before I walked out of the kitchen I heard Esme give a soft chuckle. I knew I didn't stand a chance of winning the argument from what went on this morning with Edward trying to argue his way into staying home with me.

After putting the book back where I found it, I went back to the room I was currently occupying to wash up in the adjoined bathroom. I had just finished drying my hands when I felt my phone vibrate in my sweat pants pocket. I walked out of the bathroom and plopped onto the bed before grabbing my phone out of my pocket. I looked at the screen and saw I had a new text message and smiled when I realized it was from Edward yet again.

Lunch time! I am sitting here, listening to Alice talk about how ridiculous Tanya's outfit is today. Sad thing is, I actually agree with her. Anyway, only a couple more periods to go and then I get to see you again. Hope you are doing well. What have you been doing to occupy your time?

I laughed and replied back; I can so picture that. Tell Alice to send a picture if she can! And I'm doing well. I just got done reading a book and washed up for lunch. Carlisle is going to join Esme and I. I can tell she is really excited but I feel like I'm intruding on the two. But yes, a couple more hours! I can't wait!

I hit the send button before putting the phone back into my pocket and headed out of the room to go back to the kitchen. When I got to the bottom of the staircase, I felt my phone buzz again. This time, I had two messages. I opened up the first one and saw it was from Alice and it was a picture message. I laughed at the picture of Tanya in a T-shirt that I realized I owned and wore to school before, only this one she had cut a deep slip to show off a huge amount of cleavage and cut about three inches off the bottom to make it shorter than it should be. To top that off and despite the cold and rainy weather we were having, she wore a pair of short shorts and looked like she only added the rain boots to make up for it. I noticed Alice left a little comment with the picture that said: Slutty much? God, she must be really desperate for attention!

I laughed again before opening up the next message which was Edward's reply back: That's good. And don't you dare feel that way. Carlisle and Esme both love having you there so don't feel like you are intruding. Speaking of them, I better let you go so you can get to lunch. I love you and I'll see you soon.

I smiled and replied back: I know I shouldn't, but you know me. And okay, I love you too.

I stood up from the bed before I pocketed my phone and then headed out of the room and down the stairs. As soon as I got to the bottom, I tripped over the last step and clenched my eyes shut, expecting to have a meeting with the tiled floor. But, instead of that happening, I was met by a pair of strong arms which caused me to open my eyes wide with alarm. My eyes followed the pale blue dress shirt sleeve all the way up to the concerned face of Carlisle.

"Are you alright Bella?" He asked as he steadied me into a more standing position.

"Yes thank you. I just tripped over the step is all." I said in embarrassment. Carlisle still held me steady with the same look of concern.

"Are you sure? You're not feeling faint or dizzy?" He asked with a skeptical look.

"I'm sure." I said with a smile and joked, "I'm just a little shaken right now because I thought I was going to have a long awaited meeting with the floor. It's actually been a while and I'm surprised we've waited this long to almost meet. But, thank you for catching me because I'm sure it would have been quiet painful."

Carlisle chuckled and smiled when he realized that I was fine and all traces of worry left his face, "Well, I'm happy that I was there to catch you. I don't think Edward would have forgiven us if he would have come home to you with broken bones. I was just coming up to tell you that lunch was ready. Shall I lead the way?"

I laughed and took his arm that he held out for me to take, "Yes, I do believe you should."

As we made our way to the dinning room Carlisle went back into doctor mode, "So, am I safe to say that you are feeling better? How is your throat doing?"

"Yes, I'm feeling much better and my throat is just a little scratchy now." I said as he led me to a chair and pulled it out for me to sit.

"That's good. I still want you to take the antibiotics though just in case." He said and walked over to the head of the table. Esme walked out of the kitchen holding a basket of bread and sat it down in front of the pasta dish that was centered in the middle.

"Bella wanted to know if it was alright for her to go back to school tomorrow." Esme said as she sat across from me and began to dish out the delicious looking pasta onto my plate.

"I wouldn't see why not. As long as she doesn't run any fever today or tomorrow morning, then I think it shouldn't be a problem for you to go back." He said and took the pasta dish from Esme after she was done to put some onto his own plate.

I smiled and took a piece of bread from the basket that Esme held out to me, "Thank you. I actually can't wait to go back."

Lunch was spent mostly with a little chatter hear and there. I know Edward told me not to feel like I was imposing on the two but watching there little smiles and touches that were pointed at one another, I couldn't help but to feel like I was imposing. But, I still enjoyed it and as usually Esme's cooking was phenomenal.

When we were finished, Carlisle handed me a bottle that had about ten antibiotics and told me to take one after each meal until they were gone. He then gave Esme a kiss on the cheek and told her he would be back around four. He had some more appointments with patients so he wanted to get to the office and study their charts more before he met with them.

After he left, Esme and I had a little argument about me helping out with the dishes and after I told her it would at least give me something to do and keep me occupied, she finally agreed and I was surprised I had actually won the argument. Just wait until I tell Edward.

We had just gotten done with cleaning up that last of the dishes when my phone began to buzz in my pocket. It kept on buzzing which meant I was getting a phone call so I pulled it out of my pocket and looked at the caller ID. I groaned when I saw the picture of Renee. My groaning caused Esme to peek over my shoulder and she smiled before saying, "I think you better take that call. As a mother, I can only imagine how worried she is."

I sighed, "I know. You don't mind if I go up stairs to take this do you?"

Esme chuckled, "Of course not! Now go answer it before you start to make her worry even more."

I smiled my thanks before walking out of the kitchen and to the staircase. Once I was halfway, I finally hit the answer button, "Hello?"

"Bella?! Oh my God, I'm so sorry I just got your dads message. We have been out on the rode for the past couple of weeks and I left my cell phone at home and I called the house first but got no answer and then I called Charlie at the sheriffs department to see what was going on and he finally told me that you were staying at a friend's house until you got better since he didn't want to leave you at home alone and I'm so.." I cut off Renee's rambling before she could continue with more.

"Mom… I'm fine. In fact I'm feeling much better now and I'm probably going back to school tomorrow. As for what Charlie told you, I am sure he explained what has been going on and right now there are doing everything they possibly can. But, right now I'm fine and I'm safe so there is no need for you to worry." I said with a heavy sigh as I reached the bedroom and fell dramatically onto the bed.

"Oh Bella, how can you tell me not to worry? Some mad woman is out there tormenting you! Of course I'm going to worry! But, you know what? I think you need to come back and live with us. That way that bitch can't do anything and you will be safer here because I won't be too busy working!" She yelled panicky.

"Mom! I am not moving back! Yes, Charlie is busy working but he is also busy working on trying to catch this woman. Me moving back with you guys is not going to help this situation out any. In fact, it might make things worse! What if she followed me there mom and caught me off guard? I'd have to find a whole new batch of friends and in the mean time, then what? I am much safer here as long as I surround myself with people and I have the friends here to do that with. Besides, you know I can't leave Edward." I said and sat up rubbing the pain that started to throb between my eyes, "Look, I know you are worried but nothing is going to happen to me. We have Forks Police and the Port Angeles Police Department looking for her and they have been patrolling around the house to make sure she stays away."

"I know Bella, but us mother's will always worry about their children no matter what. I know Charlie can protect you but I just wish you were closer so I could to." She said with a slight sniffle. There goes that damn guilt again. If anyone out there could make me feel guiltier about things then it's definitely her.

I sighed, "I wish I was too mom. But, like I said before, everything's going to be fine. So, how was your trip with Phill?"

She sighed playfully before answering, "Always changing the subject on me. Well, Phil's team lost and we were going to come back home a week ago but we decided to take our time coming back home and stopped at various places in the cities and states we passed through. I already found the perfect Christmas present for you."

"Oh really?" I asked with a slight smile, "I suppose you can't give me any hints as to what it could be?"

That made her laugh, "No! Every time I do that you always guess what it is so I'm not even going to attempt that again."

"Awe, come on!" I said with a giggle, "I love playing that game and you know how much I hate surprises so if I guess what it is I won't hate it because it will no longer be a surprise."

"Oh Bella…" She said with a tired sigh, "I can even tell you how much I have missed you. So, other than all this other business, how are other things going? And how's Edward?"

"I miss you too mom." I said sadly before answering, "Well, things are going okay. I just got over the flu and things were going kind of sucky with the friends but things are starting to turn around and are almost back to normal. Well, as normal as it could get with a mad woman trying to come after you. And Edward is doing well. He's as sweet as he always is."

"Hmm… by the tone in your voice it sounds like you don't want to talk about the whole friend thing?" She said and I could here her doing things in the background.

"No. Not really." I said as I continued to listen to the background noise. "Things with that like I said, are starting to get back to normal so it's pretty much almost resolved. What on earth are you doing?"

"Well, as long as things are doing better. And I'm unpacking some stuff from the car." She said, "As soon as I got home and heard the message I called Charlie and you. Phill has a meeting to go to and I'm starting a new aerobics class tonight so we are trying to get all this stuff unpacked before we have to leave."

"Oh, well I'm going to let you go then." I said even though she was the one that called me, "I should go make sure that Esme doesn't need help with anything."

"Yeah, I should go so I can get this done. But, I hate to hang up. I miss talking to you Bella." She said sadly.

"Me too Mom. But I promise I will call you again soon and keep you updated with what's been going on." I said with a heavy sigh. I really did miss talking to her too. No matter what, she will always be my mother and I will always miss her.

"You better. I told Charlie the same thing so there's no excuse if I don't here a thing from either of you. I also might be going up there in a couple of weeks or so but I won't know for sure until Phill's next schedule comes up. But once I do, I will either call or email you." She said and I could tell she was smiling.

"I will. And Okay, that would be nice." I said and then asked, "Only you are coming right?"

"I don't know. Phill might want to come but if he isn't going to be touring then he will probably be too busy with office work. So, more than likely it will just be me." She said and I sighed in relief.

"Okay, sounds good." I said and answered, "Well, I love you mom and I'll talk to you soon."

"Alright Bella, I love you too. Bye." She said. I replied "Bye" back before hitting the end button. I sighed dramatically before plopping backwards back onto the bed. Well, that phone call went a little better than I thought. I was expecting to be on that phone for at least an hour trying to convince her that everything was fine. But, maybe Charlie told her to take it easy on me.

I opened my eyes and brought my phone up to see the time. It was already going on one thirty which meant that Edward and everyone would be back in less than two hours. I couldn't believe that they were almost going to be home. I thought the day was going to drag without having Edward here with me, but my wait to see him again was almost over.

I placed the phone on the bed next to me as I stared up at the spotless ceiling. In all honesty, I really didn't know if everything was going to be alright. What does one say to someone when they ask that question and some crazed woman is out there trying to kill you? Oh, everything is just fine and dandy. I just got to make sure that I'm never alone again or else she could probably kill me.

I sighed and closed my eyes again. Well, at least Edward and almost everyone are back in my life once again. But, if anything happens to them because of me, then I will never be able to forgive myself. That was my last thought before my world was suddenly surrounded by a haze of darkness.

AN: Well, there you have it. Hope y'all enjoyed it! I know there were probably a bazillion mistakes and errors but I wanted to get this out to you all as quick as possible and I shall hopefully have your next installment up soon! PS: I haven't been on this in so long, I nearly forgot how to upload! XD