AN: Thank you for the great response I got for the outtake! I laughed my ass off while writing that! Thank you all for reviewing, it means a lot to me! Thanks to everybody who's been behind me all this time. Thanks RRcrew! I'm actually planning on using the outtake later on in this story… so consider the last chapter as a sneak peak whilst waiting for this chapter.
Thanks to everybody who's voted and the decision was not unanimous. However the majority wanted that Bella should have her sight back and she will in a couple of chapters.
Special shout out for macabradoll for sending me the sweet review a couple of hours ago. I was close to stop writing for tonight, but this review encouraged me. Thanks!
Also, this chapter is dedicated to TofuPixie. Get well soon.
Now read and review please! You know you want to!
Chapter 27
Recovery
In this stage, hopefully, a good number of patients will reach recovery. Obviously not all patients reach recovery where they are functioning independently. Functioning independently does not mean that they are perfect. It does not necessarily mean they are doing all the things they could do before coma and this becomes a big problem both in this stage and the retraining stage. The constant comparisons of what he could do before and what he is doing now, is both a problem for the family and the patient. The fact that the patient is functioning independently does not mean he is free from any problems. There may be residual physical or emotional problems that have to be resolved by all concerned. The family members have to deal with the psychological problems that may linger long after the physical problems abate.
(BPOV)
"I said to Mike: "I think we can make you see" his voice was like a whisper, promising something that I've been dreaming about since I met Edward. He squeezed my hands lovingly. I knew he would always be behind me, but would he change if I got my sight back?
"Bella, tell us how you feel about this" Carlisle asked, breaking the deafening silence. I drew a sharp breath, trying to still my erratic-beating heart.
"Honestly? I'm terrified…" I whispered and held my head down. Edward held me close and wrapped his arms around my form. He had always been so protective of me…
"That's totally understandable, honey" he said.
"Is this something you're going to consider?" Dr. Goodman asked.
"No" I answered shortly and Edward tensed behind me.
"Why not, Bella?" he asked.
"It's simple… I've never been able to afford it, and I certainly can't now…" I replied. It was true. I could almost feel the tears starting to form in the corners of my eyes. And it really hurt.
"Love, actually… You can't afford it, but we can" Edward whispered behind me. I quickly turned around.
"No, Edward, you can't and I won't let you do this…"
"Love, this is your chance to finally have what you wanted" he tried.
"Edward and the others arranged an Open Mic-night while you were in the coma. They raised quite a bit" Carlisle said.
I was speechless.
"Wh- why… would you do that?" I stuttered.
Edward hugged me even tighter.
"Bella, you are a part of this family" Carlisle answered in his warm voice.
"You are my life now" Edward whispered in my ear and kissed my temple. I couldn't hold the tears back. I didn't deserve all this…
"Charlie already agreed" Carlisle said.
"How about Renee?" I asked.
Silence. This can't be good.
"She doesn't care does she?" I asked with an indifferent tone.
"She and Phil have a few debts to pay off…" Carlisle trailed off. My head sunk down again. She was never there.
"Please consider it, anyway baby" Edward pleaded behind me. I stiffened up.
"I mean… I think this is your once-in-a-life-time possibility you have here… Don't let this go. You have it in your hands" Dr. Goodman tried to persuade her as well.
"Money won't be a problem, Bella" Carlisle interjected. I sighed in surrender, knowing that these men had no intention of letting this pass by. I, myself, had nothing against having my sight, but I was afraid. What if I was better off blind? Would I ever be able to consider myself normal? Would my long-time desire turn out to be a nightmare? I had so many questions in my poor little head.
"I'll think about it. Can I answer you tomorrow?" I asked. I definitely needed more time to digest this.
"Of course, honey" Carlisle answered and held my shoulder in a firm grip.
"No pressure" he whispered and I guess he was getting up to leave.
"Dr. Goodman?" I called out. Footsteps haltered.
"This Mike… Was he able to see again?" I asked.
"Yes, and you'll be able to see pictures of him when I'm done with you. After some time you'll be able to read his biography as well" what a sweet promise. Dared I hope for that much? I nodded my thanks and he left. Edward hugged me again and buried his nose in my hair.
"I better go too, love" Edward said regretfully as he squeezed me one last time. My hands tried to hold him here with me.
"No, don't go" I pleaded with my biggest Swan-pout ever. He chuckled and kissed my nose.
"Love, tonight I'll be gone, but tomorrow you'll be mine" he promised with such insensitivity that I shivered. I liked the way he said it.
"Okay…" I said reluctantly and let him go.
"Goodnight love. Tomorrow afternoon will be here soon and I'll pick you up" he said before he got up.
(EPOV)
I felt bad for leaving Bella like that. She looked lost, fragile and vulnerable alone by herself in that large bed.
"Lie down, love and relax" I whispered and she slowly lied back, vertebrate by vertebrate. I went over to her closet and got my stuff. I even packed her belongings, just as an excuse to watch her a little bit longer. I loved her. It felt good saying that – no, thinking…
"I love you, Bella" I said and yes, it definitely sounded good out loud as well. She smiled.
"Back at ya" she giggled. God, she was cute. Get a grip, Cullen! It's late!
I'd better get home and prepare for tomorrow. I had to make sure everything was… Not idiot proof, no… Bella-friendly. I stole one last glance at Bella's sleepy form and closed the door after me. I strolled down the hallway in good moods, I finally had a reason to smile and Bella was that reason. As I made my way out of the hospital, I decided to stop by the reception desk. Yes, she was there!
"Noelani?" I asked and she looked up from her computer. She didn't look too well.
"Oh, hi Edward" she smiled sleepily.
"Are you feeling well?" I asked, she did look a little ill.
"Nope, I'm miserable and according to my mom, "on fire". Ibuprofen is my friend today. Being sick sucks" she muttered as she took a sip from her coffee. I sent her a sympathetic smile.
"Yeah, being sick sucks. Get well soon! I just wanted to thank you for being such a great help" I said and she smiled.
"You're welcome. That's the least I could do" she smiled.
"It's great to see that good people still exist" I said truthfully.
"Likewise. The love you and Bella share is one of a kind, and I intend on seeing it continue to blossom" she said. She was actually serious. I nodded.
"Now go home and get some sleep. You'll need it if you're going to watch every single move she makes" she suggested and I sent her a smile before I dashed away. Yes I would need some sleep. I strolled across the parking lot to my Volvo and got in. I actually began singing in the car. Nobody could hear me, so I just hollered like my life depended on it. I rolled the windows down and began shouting.
"WOOOOOHOOOO! I love Isabella Marie Cull- Whoops! I MEANT SWAN!" I yelled and received several honks from other cars.
I came home in high spirits.
"Stop skipping, it's scary" Alice greeted me as I entered the front door. Nothing could bring me down.
"EDDIEKINS!" – oh, hold that thought. No scratch that! A shrill brought me out of my reverie and I found myself tackled to the floor.
"Hey… Tanya" I said as I fought to get back up again.
"I missed you! It's good to have you home again! I only have one day left here in Forks, so you'd better spend that day with me tomorrow" she said while pouting. Dang, why couldn't she leave tonight?! I went to the kitchen and found Esme warming something up.
"Hey, honey" she smiled as I entered.
"I have labeled the boxes with food in the fridge for you and Bella" she said and handed me a dish of lasagna. I slowly ate and tried to relax a bit.
"Your dad and I will be leaving tomorrow after he's discharged Bella. Then we're picking Charlie up and the house is yours" she smiled. God, I had the greatest mother in the world.
"How about Alice and Tanya?" I asked, completely oblivious to their presence. Bella had been filling my mind for a long time now.
"Alice's going to sleep over at Rosalie, but she's spending some quality time with Tanya before she leaves for Alaska" she winked me closer and continued in a whisper.
"That's a part of her punishment for the jail incident, but don't tell her… Shush" she said. I was this close to falling off the chair, laughing my arse off.
"Now, get up and go to bed" she ushered and I finished the lasagna.
"Yes mother, thanks for the food!" I said and kissed her cheek before I ran upstairs. I stripped to my boxers and threw myself onto the bed. I sighed as I rested my head on my pillow. I wish I had Bella here now, though. Maybe I should go brush my teeth… I got out of the bed and walked to my bathroom. I took a look at myself. Hmm… I flexed my arm muscles. Maybe I should begin working out. Yup, definitely a project of mine I should consider.
I finished and splashed water on my face. I looked tired. Sleep would be welcome now. I got back to my bedroom and jumped into my king size bed. I hugged my pillow and drifted off to dreamland.
"Edward, I'm all yours" a sultry voice said in my ear. It was Bella, there was no doubt. She stood there in front of me, dressed in my t-shirt. She was fucking hot, delectable and I was ready to ravish her. Have her in my bed and have my own wicked way with her. She held out her arms for me to take her.
"Love me" she pleaded with her big brown eyes. I rushed over to her and picked her up in my arms. She kissed me fiercely and I responded with equal eagerness. Somehow we managed to find a wall. I pressed my own body against her. She had a nice body. Her eager hands roamed my body and my tongue was busy dancing to the music coming from her. She jumped wrapped her long, slender legs around my waist. Somehow our clothes had disappeared. But hey, no complaints from me. I could feel how wet she was and I noticed how hard I was. She rubbed her lower body against my now prominent, but painful erection. God she was good. Where had my innocent Bella gone – again no complaints from me?
"Eddie?" hmm? I continued kissing Bella.
"EDDIE!" What the fuck?! Bella never called me Eddie?!
I opened my eyes and found Tanya standing by the side of my bed. WTF?! I bolted up.
"What are you doing here, Tanya?" I asked perplexed.
"I heard noises from my bedroom and I was wondering if I could sleep with you?" she asked and enlarged her eyes while pouting. She turned on the lamp on my nightstand and – oh bugger. My hard-on was still hard?!
"Eddie what is that?!" she asked as she pointed to the bulge under my blanket.
"Uhm…" Fuck! What to say, what to say?!
"Is that the squirrel I found this morning?" she asked eagerly. Bingo!
"Yes!" I answered.
"Aww!" she cooed and reached her hand out toward it. NO!
"No!" I stopped her and she looked surprised.
"It's… Shy, so let it alone for a while" I said.
"Let's give it a name!" she suggested and eyed my well-hidden cock. A fucking name? It'd better be a good one then.
"I'd say… Fiona! Like in Shrek! Princess Fiona!" she squealed. I BEG YOUR FUCKING PARDON?! No way in hell would my cock be named after a green ogre princess?!
I coughed.
"Uhm… No, Tanya… I think it's a boy" I said as calmly as I could.
"How do you know? Let me take a look" she said and I beat her hands away.
"Shh! He's sleeping" I said.
"Maybe you have a better name?" she said almost insulted.
"… let's just say Eduardo" I muttered and lied down again and faced the ceiling. God, have mercy with me.
"That sounds exotic!" she said. I glanced at my alarm clock. 2.34 a.m. I still had ten hours before I could see Bella again.
"Would you mind if I played wii in your room?" she asked. I shook my head. Everything to make her shut up.
She rushed down to her guestroom. She was gone for five minutes and I appreciated the five minutes of pure silence.
"Hey, where did Eduardo go?" she asked as she saw my boner had disappeared.
"He went down" I answered. This was going to be a long night.
AN:
Thanks for reading! Hope you liked it.
Please leave a review with some feedback. I would appreciate it!
I may update the day after tomorrow, we'll see. It depends on the response for this chapter :p Seriously reviews make me update faster!
Love you all,
Anne
