Okay, so we're going to embark on a journey. A darker journey, one that will be around a different kind of Edward, a snarky, bossy Bella and a new Esme. It will be a drabble-ish type fic. The chapters will be between 1000 to 2000 words. Updates will come on Mondays and Fridays with teasers on Tuesdays and Saturdays on my blog. The link for the blog will be on my profile. The story is planned, but not pre-written.

Chapter Fifty-Three

BPOV

To say I barely slept was an understatement. Edward was curled up on my breast, clinging to me like a limpet. He didn't have any nightmares, thankfully. I was just terrified of doing something that might freak him out, like the cheek kissing thing. I just ran my fingers through his hair and hummed quietly as he slept. I was exhausted, but grateful that he felt comfortable enough to sleep soundly in my arms.

When my alarm went off and kissed Edward's forehead, wriggling out of his vice-like grip. He whimpered when I was up and out of bed, but curled around my pillow. I hopped in the shower, taking a quick one since I wanted to make Edward some breakfast before I left for court to meet with Judge Trask and becoming Elizabeth's legal guardian. When I walked out of the bathroom, Edward was up, rubbing his eyes.

"Hi," he said sleepily. "My pillow disappeared."

"I have to go to court, but I wanted to make you breakfast in bed," I smiled. "Did you sleep well?"

"Like a freaking baby," he chuckled, his face curling up into a timid, bus sweet crooked grin that I loved so much. "You're the best dream catcher."

"I'll add that to my resume. Do you want oatmeal or eggs?" I asked.

"Hmmm, oatmeal. Eggs, they don't sound very appetizing," he replied, wrinkling his nose.

"Then, you're in for a treat," I smiled, sitting down on the bed and ruffling his bed hair. "My oatmeal tastes like a cinnamon roll with apples. It's delicious."

"I can't wait," he said, giving me another timid crooked grin. I moved toward him, looking into his eyes. He licked his lips before sweetly brushing his lips with mine. He was blushing when he was done, appearing very shy and adorable. I caressed my hand down his cheek, feeling the stubble beneath my fingers, not wanting to push him too far. I got up, leaving him in the bedroom. I made enough oatmeal for Edward, Carlisle and me, setting the table in the dining room.

Edward hobbled out to the dining room. His hair was damp and his face not marred with pillow wrinkles. "Did you shower?" I asked. "Your stitches …"

"I used the detachable shower head to wash my hair. If I don't attack it first thing in the morning, it has a mind of its own," he chuckled, blushing. "I also checked on Carlisle. That man could wake the dead with his snoring."

"I'll get him. Do you want some coffee?" I asked.

"I can get it," he replied, walking to the kitchen to make himself a cup.

I nodded, walking to Carlisle's room. He was snoring, sawing logs with the obnoxious sounds coming from his mouth. His chest was bare and I could see the scar from the gunshot wound on his torso and the other near his hip. "That cannot be human," I grumbled, tugging the pillow from underneath Carlisle's head. His snoring faltered, but resumed as he rolled onto his stomach, revealing his naked ass. "Oh, gross!" I wailed. Using the pillow, I smacked his head. "Cullen! Get your naked ass up! Don't you own any pajamas?"

"Up in your dad's suite, you brat," Carlisle said, shooting me a withering glare. "What the fuck are you doing? Waking me up at the crack of dawn?"

"It's seven, Carlisle," I said. "I'm going to court in an hour …"

"Oh, right," he replied, scrubbing his face. He started shuffling to get up. I turned on my heel, not wanting to see Carlisle's junk. The man was like a father figure to me and I'd definitely be scarred for life if I saw Carlisle's family jewels. I sat down at the dining room table, next to Edward.

"Everything okay?" he asked, putting down his coffee mug.

"Carlisle ... Naked ... Saw ... Ass?" I squeaked.

"Carlisle saw your ass?" Edward chuckled.

"No, I saw his," I whimpered. "It was so white and droopy."

"MY ASS IS NOT DROOPY!" Carlisle bellowed from his room. Edward arched a brow, trying to hide his laughter.

"Yes, it is," I yelled back. Edward bit his lip, laughing fully. It was magical to hear him laugh. His face was free of the pains of his injuries and his horrific situation. His nose was wrinkled and his green eyes sparkled like emeralds. I giggled with him, losing it completely when Carlisle stomped out of his room. His hair was a disheveled mess and his shirt was on inside out.

"Not everyone is perfect like you, Isabella Marie Gertrude Swan," Carlisle sneered.

"Gertrude?" Edward snorted.

"My confirmation name," I grumbled, wiping my face. "It was Charlie's grandmother's name. At least my ass isn't droopy."

"Yeah, hi, I got shot. Exercising hurts," Carlisle snapped, pouring himself a cup of coffee. "I have a permanent limp. AND my ass does not droop."

"You keep telling yourself that, Carlisle," I snickered. "Now, dig in. My special cinnamon roll oatmeal."

"This shit is the best," Carlisle beamed, plopping down across from Edward and helping himself to an overflowing bowl. Edward did the same, but not filling his bowl completely. He nibbled at the meal. His stomach was obviously not ready for full meals yet.

"Do you want a protein shake, too?" I asked, making my own bowl.

"Not right now. Dr. Banner said that I need to eat smaller meals," he said, putting the spoon down. "Though, this tastes like a Cinnabon."

"Only, not as fattening," I giggled. "I'm glad you like it." He gave me a genuine smile, reaching for my hand.

"I'm going to head to Charlie's suite to shower and grab my shit. I'll stay down here for the time being," Carlisle said after he had practically licked the bowl. "I don't want to freak out Gertrude with my white, droopy ass."

"Call me Gertrude again and I'll change the locks, Carlisle," I growled.

"Your dad may be in Phuket, but I can still use his access codes to get in," he sang, limping out of my suite.

"Phuket? What's that?" Edward asked.

"It's a city in Thailand," I answered. I turned to him, weaving our fingers together. "Will you be okay with Carlisle while I'm at court?"

"I should be. He said that Dr. Benson, the psychiatrist that Dr. Banner mentioned, will be coming by," Edward explained. "And I know I have to talk to Detective McCarty, too."

"Do you want me there?" I asked, squeezing his hands.

"When I talk to the detective, yes," he whispered. "For Dr. Benson, I don't think so." He gulped, closing his eyes and blowing out a shaky breath. "I want to talk Dr. Benson about getting better for you, for us. I don't know if I can do that with you in the room."

"Edward, you have to want to get better for you. I love you and always will. In regards to the 'us,' we will cross that bridge when you're ready," I whispered, cupping his cheek. "There is no rush. I'm not going anywhere. I promise you. I just don't want to do something that might hurt you. I know that kissing your cheeks is a big no."

"Other than that, I can't tell you," he choked out. "You saw my body and what she did to me. The only thing she refused to do is kiss me. That's why I'm okay with kissing. I love kissing. I love cuddling …"

"And I'll do that as much as you need me to," I smiled.

He gave me a tiny grin, leaning forward to caress his lips against mine. I sighed, running my fingers through his thick hair. His arms snaked around my waist as he angled his head, sliding his tongue between my lips. Too quickly, he pulled back, his cheeks flushed and his chest heaving. He sets the pace, Swan. "Kissing you is like a dream. I'm afraid that at any moment, I'm going to wake up and still be there," he said, his voice pained. "Esme is never going to give up."

"You're safe, love," I soothed, running my fingers through his hair. "Esme will pay for all that she did to you."

He leaned forward, his forehead touching mine. His eyes fluttered shut and he nodded. Though, it would be a long time until he felt truly safe. He took me in his arms, burying his nose into my neck. I could feel him tremble as he held me. He was terrified that this was all a dream. When Carlisle came back, he arched a brow. I just kept Edward in my arms as long as I could before I got ready for my court appearance with Judge Trask.

Dressing in a demure pant suit, I wore my mom's engagement ring along with a simple white gold band. Carlisle and Edward were talking in the living room and from what I heard, they were not having a pleasant conversation.

" … but, what if something happens to her?" Edward hissed.

"Bella's a tough cookie," Carlisle answered. "I trained her. She knows how to handle an assailant and she has a concealed weapons permit."

I walked into the living room. "What are you talking about?"

"Edward …" Carlisle sighed. "He's concerned that Esme is going to retaliate against you."

"She could kill you," Edward choked out. "Call that Detective or someone to go with you, Bella. I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you. Please?"

"Okay, love," I said, pulling out my phone and dialing Rose. After speaking briefly, she had had the same concern and Emmett was already on his way to Swan Towers to pick me up. "We're all good, Edward. Emmett is on his way to bring me to the courthouse."

Ten minutes later, Emmett arrived, but remained outside. I hugged Edward, kissing him tenderly. He didn't want me to go, but he eventually loosened his grip. Carlisle wrapped his arm around Edward's shoulders, whispering in his ear. I just prayed that Judge Trask would relinquish Esme's guardianship, granting it to me. The sick feeling I felt in my stomach told me otherwise.

Keep the faith, Bella. You have to keep the faith.

A/N: Do you think that Bella will get Elizabeth's care transferred over to her? And what about Edward? How do you think he's handling everything?

I hope you all didn't mind that added that somewhat humorous scene with Carlisle's droopy ass. Too much seriousness. We needed some silliness. All at the expense of dear, droopy-assed Carlisle.

Anyhow, we're going back to Edward so we can hear his conversation with Dr. Benson. We'll come back to Bella. Also, I'm thinking of changing where I'm going with this. The climax will be the same, but what happens is going to be slightly different in regards to the characters involved. Leave me some!