Esme stood in the doorway of hers and Carlisle's suite quietly. She leaned her head against the door frame, gently breathing although unnecessary. It was a mechanism that felt normal whenever Bella was nearby.
She ran her eyes over the fragile human lying in their bed and couldn't help but smile despite all the pain. She had made sure fresh, soft sheets had been bought for Bella to make her as comfortable as possible. Bella looked so small in the huge bed but at least contented in sleep.
The last few months had been trying for everybody in the Cullen household and the absence of Edward was not unnoticed, especially to Bella. Esme believed Edward was key to Bella's recovery. Carlisle had agreed and sent Alice and Jasper to talk to Edward in the hopes that he would return.
Bella's progress was varied. Her physical health was no longer critical, but Esme feared for her life. Each day Bella was encouraged to try and eat foods instead of the NG tube, but Bella was defiant and reluctant. Carlisle was beginning to fear that Bella would need treatment in an inpatient facility and that in itself may make the satiation worse. Some days, Bella remained positive and determined to overcome her illness and engaged in a range of activities from pamper sessions to play fighting with Rosalie, Alice and Emmett but these were rare.
Esme moved from the doorway now and instead chose to take a seat next to the bed. Bella was still sleeping but her breaths were becoming lighter, signalling she was close to waking. Esme never wanted Bella to feel like she was alone when she woke. Rosalie had been Bella's main caregiver through all of this and held a very permanent spot next to Bella's bed, but she had needed to hunt this morning with Emmett.
On cue, Bella stirred and rolled over, facing Esme. She slowly opened her eyes, not shocked that someone was sitting in the chair.
"Good morning, dear." Esme spoke softly with a warm smile.
Bella smiled back, shifting to sit up in bed and rubbed at her eyes. "Morning, Esme."
"I was thinking of some new foods we could maybe try today," Esme mused, already sensing the negative reaction from Bella. Bella's heartbeat spiked instantly. "I thought it would be better if you came and chose one of them yourself."
Bella sat quietly for a few seconds. A crease appeared between her brows and she subconsciously rubbed at the NG tube.
Esme's cold hand captured Bella's instantly and moved it to her side. "Think of how nice it may be to not have to have that feeding tube."
Bella looked up, meeting Esme's stare quickly before looking away. "Okay," Bella started. "But I want Rosalie."
Esme was only slightly shocked by this. Bella and Rosalie were not very close but before this happened their relationship was improving. It seemed Bella's illness had stricken a connection between them. "That's fine, Rosalie should be back within the hour."
Bella nodded. "Can I have a bath first?"
"Of course," Esme smiled, walking over to the ensuite to run Bella a bath.
By the time Esme had helped Bella wash her hair and body and let her have a soak in the warm water, Emmett and Rosalie had returned from hunting.
Esme and Bella met them in the kitchen. Esme helped to sit Bella at the island as she was still quite unsteady on her feet.
"Looking good this morning Bells!" Emmett bellowed from across the kitchen. He was never able to be quiet. "What are we having for breakfast today?" He grinned and sat down next to Bella at the island, his large frame barely fitting on the stool.
Bella looked down at her hands, her heart rate rising. She looked up and met the gaze of Rosalie across the room. She was stood near the fridge, her hand resting against the countertop. She held the same cautious expression as Esme did who was stood near the sink. "Bella?" Rosalie's voice was soft, almost inaudible to Bella's humans' ears.
Bella swallowed quickly and made her decision before she could change her mind. "Cereal. I'll try cereal."
Rosalie smiled and Esme began to prepare the bowl of cereal for Bella. She set it down in front of Bella quickly and then went over to the sink to wash up – giving Bella some privacy.
"Emmett," Bella started. "I want you to eat it with me."
Emmett looked at Bella, perplexed. "What?"
Rosalie laughed, seemingly enjoying this. She produced another bowl of cereal and handed it to Emmett. "Eat up! Let's give some motivation to Bella."
Emmett was scowling now, shifting uncomfortably on his chair. "Um…okay I suppose so...if it'll make you eat Bella."
Bella cracked a small laugh and nodded, picking up the spoon and waiting for Emmett to join in.
It took half an hour, but Bella managed a few mouthfuls of the cereal before becoming overwhelmed with guilt and started to cry.
Rosalie gently touched Bella on the shoulder and removed the bowl of cereal. This was a huge achievement - Bella hadn't eaten anything by mouth in months. This was progress to recovery.
Emmett quickly excused himself, disgusted by the taste of human food and needing to dispose of it, but he was happy the act had offered Bella some encouragement to eat herself.
"Bella, its okay." Rosalie gave her a quick hug. "Why don't we go and do something to keep your mind off it? It's such a good achievement."
Bella shook her head swiftly, standing up from the island with slightly unsteady legs. "I'm just going to go outside and get some fresh air. I think that may help. I want to be alone."
Rosalie was cautious. Bella shouldn't be alone, but Esme put a hand on her back, preventing her from following Bella as she slowly walked towards the patio doors to the garden. "Give her some time to process." Esme murmured, too quiet for Bella to hear.
Rosalie nodded and got into conversation with Esme about the plans for interior design. Rosalie could hear Emmett upstairs muttering about how disgusting human food was and cracked a smile.
It was 15 minutes later that Rosalie shot up from her seat in the kitchen and moved at vampire speed to the garden. She heard it before she saw it – Bella's heart rate had slowed considerably and there was the sound of heavy, deep breathing.
Rosalie spotted Bella quickly – her small frame was sprawled in the grass near the flower beds. The scent of blood soon filled Rosalie's nose – it was Bella's blood.
"Bella," Rosalie spoke firmly, turning Bella over and picking her up into her arms. She ran to her bedroom and put her down on the bed.
Emmett stood up quickly from the bed, moving near the window. He could handle the smell of blood considering he had just fed. "What is it Rose? What's happened?"
"Bella's ripped her feeding tube out, again." Rosalie rushed, pulling the blood-soaked tube from Bella's hand. "She's caught it when trying to pull it out, that's why she's bleeding. Her heart rate is very slow. I think she's collapsed."