Here we go again … the plot bunny just couldn't stay away. Persistent little fucker. Originally, this began as a dream. When I woke up, I wrote down as much as I could, but it's morphed into something different.

So, they made love. First time since the earthquake. And to put a date on this, we're in mid to late March-ish. Up next will be Bella finally moving into her apartment, christening of her bed and starting in the OHSU PICU. And as I said earlier, we're getting closer to the end. I don't know how many chapters are left, but the end is in sight.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

The next morning, Edward and Bella slept in late. They'd made love several more times during the night, desperate to feel each other and reconnect as a couple. When the alarm went off, they both grumbled, but were thrilled when just a few moments later that the delivery guys, scheduled to deliver Bella's bedroom set and mattress, were delayed by some traffic accident and wouldn't make it to Bella's apartment by early afternoon. So, Edward reset his alarm and they fell back asleep, snuggled in each other's arms.

After they woke up, Edward took Bella out to breakfast and they went grocery shopping. She had some groceries, mainly snacks for her friends who had helped her, but not everything. When that was done, they unloaded the groceries and Edward helped organizing Bella's bedroom and bathroom. While they were working, Rose sent a text saying that she was called back to Olympia to fill in for a sick coworker. Alice and Jasper left with Rose and Emmett, driving back up toward Seattle. The bedroom set arrived a couple hours later and they made the bed together. "I can't wait to mess up these sheets with you, Dr. Swan," Edward growled.

"Me neither, Dr. Masen," she said. "But, dinner isn't going to make itself."

"I'd rather feast on you," he said, tossing the pillow onto the bed and pulling her onto the bed. She shrieked, giggling as he kissed her neck. "I'm sorry, baby. I had my taste of you and now I can't get enough. Making love and seeing your naked body … it's fucking tempting."

"As tempting as you are, Edward, my body is sore. You and your super cock," she said, brushing his hair back. "I've used muscles I haven't used in almost six months, baby. I want to mess up these sheets with you. I really do, but my hips, legs and pussy are killing me."

"I'm sorry, gorgeous," he frowned. "How about a massage after dinner?"

"That sounds absolutely heavenly," she smiled. "Now, come use your surgical skills to help me cut up the veggies for the salad. Let's dissect a cucumber."

"I'd rather show you my cucumber," he laughed, shooting her a wry look.

"You can show me your cucumber after you massage my legs. I promise you a hell of a blowjob, baby," Bella sang. She slinked out of the bed and hid a grimace as she left him in the bedroom. She pulled out makings for gluten-free chicken fajitas. Chopping the onions and peppers, Edward ambled out and kissed Bella's neck. He took out the salad ingredients and began making the salad.

While they worked, Bella asked about the hospital and the newest schedule that Edward was piloting in the emergency department. It was something that had worked when he was doing his medical school training at Johns Hopkins. If it worked in the emergency department, it would be spread to other departments, such as the ICU, PICU, SICU and NICU. It was a two-week rotation of twelve-hour shifts. Two weeks would be on day shifts, with the following two weeks would be night shifts. With those shifts, everyone would be working three days a week with four days off. The productivity in the ED was improving and it led to sharper doctors, nurses and nurse's aides.

After dinner, Edward did the dishes and massaged his girlfriend's back, shoulders and hips. She repaid him in kind with one hell of a blowjob, as promised, making him explode with pleasure. Edward stayed the rest of the weekend, going to work from Bella's apartment.

After Edward went to work, she went to physical therapy, spending the morning strengthening her leg. In the afternoon, she met up with Carlisle and did some swimming, to work on her endurance. Things continued along that line for the next two months, enjoying adult sleepovers with Edward until she started at OHSU at the beginning of June, nearly seven months after the earthquake. She was dressed in a pair of black dress pants, a bright pink cardigan and a coordinating floral blouse. She wrinkled her nose as she put on her black sneakers and leg brace. She would rather just wear a pair of flats or some wedges, but due to her still healing muscles, they were a necessary, though ugly evil. As she was getting ready, drinking some coffee and nibbling on her breakfast, there was a quiet knock on the door. Putting her mug down, she slightly hobbled to the door. Her leg was usually stiffer in the morning. Opening the door, she blinked when she saw Edward standing on her doorstep. He was bedraggled, covered in two-day's worth of stubble and looking exhausted. "Edward! What? You look … Oh, my God!"

"I look like shit, I know. But, I wanted to wish you luck before your first day," he said, his voice rough. He pulled out a bouquet of flowers from behind his back. They were bright and beautiful, matching her blouse and sweater. "I'm so happy for you. I wish I could be there for you. I was covering for Peterson and Esme, both of whom were still at that car accident just outside of Eugene."

"I heard about that on the news," Bella said. "Fifteen cars pile up? All because of fog?"

"Fog is deadly, especially in some of the low-lying areas," Edward grimaced. "Anyway, Mira came in and relieved me since I was already working a double. One of the bummers about being a boss, you know?"

"Poor baby," she said, kissing his lips sweetly. "You look like you're about to collapse."

"I am," he replied, chuckling deeply.

"Come on, Edward. Stay here," Bella chuckled. "It'll be nice to come home to a sexy house boyfriend."

"That's my goal in life. Perhaps I'll greet you wearing nothing but my scrub bottoms," he quipped. "And I'd love if I could crash."

"Help yourself to anything in the fridge and if you feel ambitious, you can vacuum the living room, clean the bathroom or …" Bella teased.

"I'm sleeping, in your bed, surrounded by your sweet scent, gorgeous," he said, sliding his arms around her waist. "Kick some ass, Dr. Swan. I'm so proud of you and I love you."

"I love you, too. Thank you for coming even though you've been working all weekend. I really appreciate it. I'm really nervous. I … I don't want …" she whispered. Edward kissed her and cupped her face. "What if something happens like … another earthquake?"

"Things have settled down. There hasn't even been a slight tremor," he said, kissing her forehead. "And you'll be okay. I can go with you. I don't want you to be alone …"

"I'm sorry. I'm just panicking. Irrational fear, Edward," she said.

"It'll be a long time before those irrational fears will go away. I still have nightmares about not finding you. Losing you. I'm with you. Every step of the way," he murmured. "Now, kick ass, take names and I'll be here. And I promise to be more awake. Do you have your pain medication?"

"I have some prescription-strength ibuprofen but nothing stronger than that," she nodded. She turned him gently, prodding him to the bedroom. "Go to sleep." She smacked his ass and he growled playfully. She laughed and put the flowers he'd given her into a vase. She finished her coffee, putting on her jacket and work bag. She checked on Edward and he was sprawled out on her bed, snoring deeply. She kissed his forehead before leaving and driving to the hospital. She parked in the garage, blowing out a breath. "I can do this. Nothing bad will happen." She slipped out of the car, tossing her work bag over her shoulder and walking to the entrance.

As she was waiting for the elevator, Carlisle sprinted to catch up with her. "Dr. Swan," he said, a bright smile spreading over his face. "Welcome to OHSU!"

"You look a bit harried, Dr. Cullen," Bella teased.

"Meeting my wife on the roof. Critical patient," he answered. "Mind if I hitch a ride?" The doors opened and Bella giggled, following a very anxious Carlisle. They rode up to the peds floor. Carlisle hugged her as she stepped off the lift, almost running into Dr. Daniels.

"Oh!" she gasped. Dr. Daniels caught her. "Sorry, Dr. Daniels."

"No, I'm sorry. I was waiting for you and I damned near knocked you down," he laughed. "You okay?"

"I'm fine," she chuckled. "Anxious to get started today."

"I'm glad, but you will be mainly observing and learning expectations for the nurses, residents and attending physicians. You'll be introduced to the patients on the floor," Dr. Daniels explained. "Along with that, you'll get some time to get settled into your office." He stopped and put his hand on her shoulder. "And, please tell me if your leg is in pain. I know that you've been working on your stamina."

"I have, but I don't want preferential treatment," Bella frowned.

"You're not getting preferential treatment. I'm concerned about my newest PICU fellow. This is your first day back," Dr. Daniels said, giving Bella a comforting smile. "I know you're anxious to get back into the swing of things, but we do things differently than Harborview. Don't hesitate to ask questions if you're lost or if you're unsure about procedures. You're an excellent doctor. I know this. I've heard nothing but amazing things, but allow yourself this respite. In time, you'll come to hate me."

"Doubtful, Dr. Daniels," she snickered.

"Really?" he smirked.

"Esme said your bark is worse than your bite," she retorted, arching a brow.

"Guilty," he laughed. "My secrets are never safe from that woman!" He checked his watch. "You have twenty minutes to get settled, pick up your tablet and meet the residents and attending physicians at the nurse's station. We'll round from there."

Bella nodded, unlocking her office. She put her bag down, placing her computer on her desk, next to the sleek tablet. It was charging on her desk. She powered it up, logging in. She smiled, putting it back down and slipping on her white doctor's coat. She ran her finger over the blue embroidered name. Dr. I. Swan. "You can do this," she whispered. Bella put on her stethoscope, and ID card. She put a couple of pens into her pocket along with her prescription pad, though most of the scripts were sent electronically now. But, it was a rite of passage to have that prescription pad, along with owning a stethoscope. Bella frowned, though. Her stethoscope, her father's first stethoscope, was lost in the rubble of Harborview. Charlie had given her another one, engraved with her name, but it wasn't the same.

"Knock, knock," came a chirpy voice.

"Yes?" Bella replied, shaking off her momentary sadness. "Sorry, I was just … I'm Dr. Isabella Swan."

"Audrey Geraghty," she answered, walking toward her and extending her hand. "I'm one of the attending physicians and the unofficial associate chief of the pediatrics unit. I fill in for Ollie when he's not here."

"It's nice to meet you," Bella said.

"Welcome to OHSU," she replied. "I've heard nothing but great things."

"I hope I live up to all of the hype," Bella quipped. "I really can't wait to get back to work. I've missed it. Any tips on how to navigate my way through the PICU?"

"Listen to the nurses, especially the charge nurses. They're protective of our kids," Audrey explained. "Be calm, especially when dealing with a scared child, and have fun."

"Nurses are our friends," Bella nodded. "Thanks, Dr. Geraghty."

"Call me Dr. Audrey on the floor. The kids have a hard time with Geraghty," she said. "Shall we round? You're going to be partnered up with me today."

"Can't wait." They walked to the center of the PICU, at the nurse's station. Dr. Daniels shared information about the new admits and the current patients. Assignments were distributed and they began their rounds, checking on their little patients, sick and fighting for their lives. Audrey was a patient teacher and she was understanding when it came to Bella's need to sit frequently. However, it was Audrey that was impressed with Bella's expertise and comfort with the kids in the PICU. They took to her immediately and Bella seemed to put them at ease. She had a very warm, loving way about her, motherly but funny and quick. They were not kids who had cancer or recovering from surgery or fighting for their lives, but special little people who just wanted to forget, just for a moment, that they weren't sick.

At the end of the shift, was exhilarating and exhausting, Audrey was extremely complimentary. "You definitely lived up to the hype, Dr. Swan," Audrey beamed.

"I passed the test?" Bella asked, sitting down at her desk and slipping off her shoes. "Oooh, swollen and not pretty."

"Let me see," Audrey said, crouching down next to Bella. "Does it hurt?"

"If I say no, would you believe me?" Bella quipped.

"Swan," Audrey chided. "I know you want to be back at work, but …"

"But nothing," Bella sighed. "I want to be here. Yes, it hurts, but it felt so good to be working again!"

"Okay, compromise?" Audrey suggested. "One day on, two days off. Kind of like the firefighters and EMTs? You'll still get your days in, but spread out over time."

Bella bit her lip, feeling the throbbing pain in her leg. Could she do this again, tomorrow? For another twelve hours? She shifted uncomfortably. She doubted she'd be able to get her shoe back on. "You're right, Audrey. I just don't want favoritism or preferential treatment."

"This isn't preferential treatment. This is a medical condition," Audrey argued, gesturing to Bella's swollen leg and foot.

They spoke briefly for a few more moments and Bella worked on completing her paperwork before forcing her shoe back on. When she was done, she hobbled out to the parking garage. She drove back to her apartment, her exhaustion settling around her. She didn't remember her walk to her door. She barely had the keys in the door when it was wrenched open. Edward saw her, a smile on his face, but caught her as she collapsed into his arms. He picked her up, carrying her to the bedroom. He filled the bathtub and stripped Bella of her dress clothes. Settling her in the tub, with him sitting behind her, he gently held her. She was asleep, curled up on his chest.

He carried her from the bathroom, drying her body and massaging her legs and hips. Carefully dressing her, he tucked her into bed and lay down next to her. She sighed, snuggling against his shoulder. A few hours later, Bella woke up and her entire lower body was on fire, pain from using muscles that hadn't been used in months. She cried, her leg clenching in spasms. Edward, who had been dozing, used some lotion to massage her leg until her cries turned to sniffling whimpers. "Better, gorgeous?"

"No," she grumbled petulantly. "I knew I'd be in pain, but not this much."

"Do you want a pain pill?" he asked.

"I need to eat," she said, sitting up stiffly. "How did I get inside? And changed?"

"You were really out of it, love," he chuckled, kissing her forehead. "I'll get you something to eat and a pain pill."

"One of the heavy-duty ones, Edward," she said, her voice tiny. Edward nodded, padding to the kitchen. She listened to him putter and he returned with some cheese, salami and nuts, along with a protein shake and one of her horse pills that would knock her out for a good twelve hours. She nibbled on her meal and took her medication with a grimace. Edward put the dishes back into the kitchen and he lay down next to her. "Thank you, Edward."

"You're welcome, love," he said. "How was your first day?"

"Amazing," she breathed, draping her arm across his belly. "I've missed it so much. Being able to work with the kids, the nurses and the staff?"

"And the pain?"

"It wasn't bad until I sat down," she shrugged. "I'm working a modified shift schedule. One day on, two days off."

"I think you're going to need that modified schedule for a while, Bella," he said.

"I hate this," she grumped. "Being gimpy."

"I know, Bella."

"And I worked with Megan so hard to regain my stamina, but my first day back? I'm barely remember coming home?" she scoffed. "Maybe I should just work in an office."

"Don't give up yet, Bella," Edward soothed. "It's your first day back." She nodded, tears welling in her eyes for the pain she was still enduring and frustration for her body not healing as quickly as she'd wanted. He held her as she cried herself to sleep, whispering words of encouragement and promises of love. Her body eventually grew heavy on him and he looked down, seeing her asleep on his chest. He kissed her tenderly, laying back and turning off the lights.

A/N: Bella's back at work, but on a modified schedule. I can attest that going back to work after a significant injury is tough. I broke both feet about ten years ago. One was a scheduled break (microfracture surgery) and the other was unintentional. I was off of work for a month. The first day back, I was like Bella … crying and downright miserable, only to go back again the next day. So, yeah, it sucked. I can only imagine what she's feeling. Anyhow, we're getting closer to the end. We're going to have a jump in time and get our two lovebirds some alone time, too.

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