A/N: Unbeta'd
Chapter 32
EPOV
Bella was taken to be looked at privately. She needed scans done due to her blackout when she had called me, stitches to the cuts on her neck, and to stay for observation. I'd been an anxious mess and called my mom. She was so concerned, her love for Bella showing, and hung up on me after saying her and dad were on their way. What I didn't expect was the rest of my family – even Rose and baby Sophia – showing up to wait with me. I took the liberty of calling Angela as well, who showed up shortly after.
After hours, the doctor finally came out and let me see her. They let Angela and me in together the first time, but after that, only one person at a time as to not overwhelm her brain. She'd sustained a concussion; the worst, in comparison, of her injuries, and it was going to take some time to be back to normal. Her head and throat had been bandaged and she was on some heavy pain meds that made her a little loopy. We'd only been able to talk with her for about five minutes before she was asleep. Everyone went home after the assurance that she would be fine, but I stayed.
That was 6 months ago. Since then, Bella moved out of the house and in with me; she had to once she left the hospital. Her house had still been a crime scene and it was recommended that she not be alone so soon after the concussion; apparently, it's easier to get another once you've had one. Not to mention, she was having nightmares again, some even paralyzing. They've gotten better since, but she still has them occasionally; at least the paralyzing factor was gone after about a month.
A few weeks after the nightmares began, I was at a loss. There was only so much I could do to help in the moments. It was then that remembered a gift I hadn't decided on before the event. The family Christmas, although late, had passed and so had New Year's, but I hadn't made up my mind on getting her a dog…until then. A seller in Seattle who trained dogs to be support animals had a buyer fall through, and the dog was perfect. A white and grey, Alaskan Malamute-Husky mix with one blue eye and one brown, simply house trained and obedient, and ready for a home. The seller said it was rare to have a malamute breed with two eye colors, so it had to be mixed.
Out of curiosity, I'd done some research after I'd signed for ownership. I felt I needed a closer in case it appeared the gift was going downhill. According to Native American myth, dogs with two, different colored eyes can see both heaven and earth. While I felt he was the right dog, that further assured me I'd decided right. I was given a chance to go home without him, so I could get things ready for him and to prepare for Bella.
My mom knew what I was doing and offered to take Bella out for a girl's day with Rose. I had just enough time and had gotten home just as my mom said they were done. Her surprise was everything I hoped for, and while I didn't need that eye color theory, I told her anyway.
"That's so beautiful," she'd said through her teary smile.
"His name is Chinook; it's an Inuit name meaning 'warm wind,' and the guy only started calling him that a few months ago; said he's so fluffy and loving that he thought it fit. We can change the name if you want. He's just turned a year-old last week." I rambled.
Bella cuddles the dog with a smile. "No. I think Chinook is perfect." She looks at me then and I can see she truly is happy…with Chinook and me.
"I love him, and I love you. Thank you."
"I love you, too, Bella."
A/N: There's still a little more, but the end is near.
