Chapter 25

Edward.

Ben bounces along beside us nearly half an hour later and I keep an eye on him as he grasps Alice's hand, she leans in to say she has something to tell me later and I nod, knowing it's important but Ben can't hear.

''I'm telling you now, I'm fine.'' I hear Bella huff when we get to her room. ''When can I see my family?''

We round the corner then and Bella's pale-paler then usual-face smiles at us. ''Are you okay?'' Ben rushes over, but Alice keeps a hold on his hand so he won't jump onto her.

''Just be careful, I'm in a small bit of pain but I'm fine.'' She smiles at her son, though it doesn't reach her eyes.

''I'll leave you now, but you only have forty five minutes before you have to rest.'' The nurse warns. My heart sinks, only forty-five minutes? I needed longer.

I let Katie hug her, trying to be careful and letting her small body go to the side that wasn't operated on. But she gives her a kiss and a small slap to the face, which only makes Bella laugh.

Thirty five minutes pass quickly, far too quickly if you ask me, but then Alice takes the children so I can have a bit of time alone with her. ''How do you feel, really?'' I question, sitting into the chair beside her bed after kissing her quickly.

''Like genuine death.'' She grimaces. ''I'm so tired and sick and sweaty and sticky and in pain.'' She sighs. ''Ow, no sighing or laughing or, sudden movement.''

''I'm sorry.'' I take her hand, intertwining her fingers with mine. ''I wish I could help.''

''It's okay.'' She smiles. ''They give me drugs.''

''That's good.'' I chuckle. ''I-there's something you need to know, but it's big and I don't know if I should wait until you've had more rest or-''

''Just tell me.'' Her eyes open wider, though they had been previously drooping slightly. ''I'll be fine.''

''Your dad was here, wanted to see you.''

''Charlie,'' She corrects, frowning. ''What did he want?''

''To see you? I didn't give him much of a chance to talk, I finally got him to go but before he could Alice came over with Ben and Katie, I tried to keep him away from them though.'' I shrug.

''Thank you.'' Her eyes well up. ''I'm sorry he was here, thanks for getting rid of him.''

''He gave me his number, in case you wanted to talk. I took it in case, it might be good to say your piece, but I know now's not the right time.''

''I love you.'' She then yawns, turning her head away as I have a hold of her good hand and the other hurts her chest when she moves it.

''Sleep.'' I say, moving to kiss her forehead before she's out for the count. ''Love you too, I'll be here when you wake up.''

I stay there for hours, she eventually wakes up again and we spend another hour talking before I'm forced to leave and go to my parents house. Things still aren't the same with my father as they used to be, but he's said he's sorry and I think he means it. Bella accepts it and I supose I do, but what he said still weighs on me. It's late when I get back and both children are asleep, Alice is waiting for me in the living room with a million pieces of paper skewed out around her.

''I know this is the last thing you may want, but I thought the thought might bring some joy into this day. The wedding's set for just under two months away so Bella will be fully recovered right? I drew out what I plan to do with the house and garden. I booked the honeymoon and didn't tell Bella, two weeks of sun, sand and-'' She raises an eyebrow. ''I do not know why I chose that phrase, ew much. I just wanted to let you know that mom and I have this down and I know what both you and Bella want in this, you, neither of you worry. Bella just has to pick out the dresses but that's no problem. What do you think?''

Thinking of the wedding, well it wasn't on my mind at all today, but it does bring in a certain light to the situation and I'm happy about it. I pick up a sketch and scan it quickly. ''Its great Ali, thank you.''

She bites her lip and suddenly jumps up to hug me, she can barely reach my neck, her feet dangle just under my knees so I have to hold her a bit. ''What's wrong?''

''I just, I love you. Ah there's something that happened today I have to tell you. I'm so sorry, I know you're so stressed and so is Bella but this can't be something I don't tell you.'' She sighs, letting go of me and falling onto a couch. ''Sit down, I think you need to.''

''Is everyone okay?'' I ask quickly. ''Are you-''

''Three boys were kidnapped today.'' She blurts out. ''They were all around the same age-nine or ten. The only thing left is a piece of paper saying. 'Blame him, E.C.' and em, they think it's Aro.'' She swallows.

My wide eyes stare into her's for a long time. ''Three?''

She grimaces. ''There's more. They warned us to be on guard form now on, that's why I was so fricking scared when Charlie was lurking at the hospital staring at Ben. The three boys, their names were Brad, Evan and Nigel, the first letters of their names spell out Ben and they don't think that's coincidental.''

''Oh my god.'' I close my eyes, she puts a hand on my arm in comfort. ''I can't-I feel sick.''

''Me too.'' She whispers out. ''Ben's upstairs, sleeping and safe. I'm just fucking ready to kill Aro, you know? What gives him the right?''

''His own mind.'' I swallow. ''Oh God I feel sick.''

''Go rest, it's been a long day.'' She gives me a sad smile. ''You have a boy up there waiting on you who keeps calling you dad and grinning from ear to ear because you're literally the first and best father figure he's ever had. The whole family is proud of you, now, go be proud in yourself.''

So-Aro strikes again! What do you think about that? You think it was a coincidence? Perhaps not...tell me what you think and if you're still with me! Thank you! ;)xxx

-BATTM