Edward was back.
Bella finally felt whole, like there was reason to go on and keep living. She could see how much it was hurting Edward to see her like this, and her heart ached, but it was so hard for her to overcome her disorder.
She had started therapy which was helping get to the root of why she was ill, but it was a long road to being healthy again.
The Cullen's were amazing with Bella's recovery. She was never left alone – there was always someone there to help settle her to sleep, to help prepare food, to offer an activity as a distraction. Bella was very grateful for all they did for her considering they didn't eat themselves and probably didn't know too much about eating disorders.
Bella had grown very close to Rosalie over the past year and it was very rare that you wouldn't see them together. Bella looked over at her sitting next to her on the couch. Rosalie was flicking very quickly through the tv channels, not really paying much attention but trying to pass the time. "Rose?" Bella pressed quietly.
Rosalie instantly put the remote down and looked to Bella. "You okay? Need anything?"
Bella smiled weakly. Rosalie was the only Cullen at home today whilst everyone else went hunting. "No," Bella shook her head. "I'm okay. I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me."
"That's alright," Rosalie took Bella's small hand in hers. "I'm just glad you're getting better. You'll have that feeding tube out in no time."
Bella nodded. She really didn't want to rely on the feeding tube any longer. She had started eating some food again but wasn't quite yet there with eating solids or full meals. She had tried yogurt, mashed potato, a small amount of ice cream. It was hard to overcome fear foods and get back into a normal eating pattern when she had been ill for so long, but she was determined to try because the Cullen's cared so much and worked so hard to help her become well.
By the time lunch time had rolled around, Alice and Edward were back from hunting. The others were only a few hours behind.
Edward had kissed Bella on the forehead and then headed to the kitchen to prepare a meal. Bella knew it was time to start trying solid foods and opted for a grilled chicken salad. Edward smiled approvingly but needed help from Rosalie to be able to cook the meal effectively.
Bella and Alice shared a knowing look and chuckle from that. Bella still found it amusing that after so many decades on Earth Edward was quite limited in the kitchen.
Alice put on the music channel – much better at making a decision with TV channels than Rosalie ever would – and then entertained Bella by talking about a recent shopping trip.
By the time Alice had finished talking, Edward placed the meal down on the dining room table and Rosalie encouraged Bella to sit.
Everyone sat with Bella. They had figured it was best to normalise eating meals with everyone rather than ignoring Bella because it seemed to help make it less daunting.
They all joined in with conversation in the hopes that it would take focus off of the meal sitting in front of Bella. It did usually work.
Bella ate slowly. She spent a lot of time moving the salad around the plate and cutting the chicken into very small pieces. It was only when Rosalie's hand came to rest over hers that she realised what she was doing and stopped. She stabbed a piece of the chicken with the salad and placed it into her mouth before she could think more of it.
She chewed vaguely, her hands fiddling in her lap with anxiety. It felt strange to finally chew something when for so long she had avoided doing so. Quickly she swallowed and went for another piece. She would do this, she would recover. She had to.
The day went surprisingly quick after that. Bella had to have a lie down and a nap not long after lunch because she was still fairly weak and couldn't move around very much. Her body was still under a lot of strain and trying to physically recover.
She then went for a long drive with Rosalie and Alice and they stopped off at a few shops so they could buy some clothing and so that Bella could pick up some books.
It felt nice – for days to finally be filled focusing on positive activities instead of constantly worrying about food. It gave Bella even more time to get to know the Cullen's properly and see behind the walls they often put up for humans.
Bella finally felt like there was hope at the end of the journey. She knew she would relapse; she knew that her body may have bumps along the road, but she was determined to overcome her eating disorder and live the life set out for her.
She knew without the Cullen's help she would not have made it – she wouldn't have had the chance to love and be loved. She had to fight, if not for herself, but for her family.
Her next goal was to move away from the feeding tube and begin to get back into a 'normal' pattern of eating.
One step at a time.