Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. Any original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

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Hello *smiles shyly*

I apologize for the inexcusable delay. Thank you to everyone that has checked-in with me to say they have missed 'Episode' Edward and Bella…

My excuses are lame, so rather than take up your time, Chapter 51 is below for your reading pleasure (hugs you all). Episode, the piano music, is now on my Tumblr page: (remove spaces and brackets).

tmblr. co (/) ZXFu9y1PFJf1a (link is also on my Profile page).

Reminder: Edward has woken up from his 'dream-state' in the hospital. His injuries—after Rosalie's attempt to disconnect herself from the safety harness—were a skull fracture and a broken leg. Alice has told Bella about her dream at age sixteen, so Bella knows that she really is Edward's 'soul mate'. The last chapter ended as Edward found out that Bella had made a statement to the media and fans...she is no longer a secret! Also, Dr. Gerandy—who used to work with Carlisle at Forks General hospital—checked on Edward and revealed that the old Cullen family home in Forks is for sale…!

From Chapter 50 -

Bella had basically outed herself to the leeches, and my fans, with Alice's support. Bella loved me and she wasn't going anywhere. She would meet my parents and Jasper when they got here. I'd already told her father that I planned to spend the rest of my life with her. I could wait for it all to fall into place, because now the vision for our future was solid, almost tangible and overwhelmingly closer to being a reality.

I could see forever in Bella's eyes as we stared at each other. We didn't need to speak. Occasionally the intensity of our gaze would ignite our passion, and we'd kiss, languidly and then frenetically, until we both realized where we were, and the kisses slowed to soft lip touches and warm breaths...

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~~Edward~~

Everything is perfect now…

Bella pulled away from kissing me and bit her bottom lip.

"I just need...I'll be back in a minute," she smiled, kissed my cheek softly, took her handbag off the chair and disappeared into the bathroom.

Then Alice and Angela walked back into the room. I could smell the aroma of coffee drifting into the stale hospital air. It made my mouth water.

"I think you need to watch this," said Alice. "It's a video of Bella's statement. It's already posted on YouTube."

I tried to stay calm as I took Alice's iPhone and looked at the screen. The video had over twenty-five thousand views already.

"You'll be so proud, Edward," Alice beamed.

I tapped the play icon and inhaled a calming breath. It took a few seconds for the video to load; I didn't recognize the female newsreader.

"Fans of Edward Cullen were in shock when it was revealed he was rushed to Vancouver General Hospital today. Unconfirmed reports say that Cullen and his co-star, Rosalie Hale, were critically injured in a stunt gone wrong. The actors are currently in Vancouver shooting the sequel to the hugely successful feature film, 'Cliff Diving'.

"No official statement has been made by the production company, Black Wolf Films, or the Hollywood Studio, 'Peak Entertainment'. However, fans were both relieved and surprised when a Hospital spokesperson stated that Edward Cullen's girlfriend, Bella Swan, would make a statement on behalf of Cullen family."

They flashed up still images of me and Rosalie in character.

"We cross live to Martin Wilkinson in Vancouver for this headline story."

"Thanks Anne. The mood is sombre here in the parking lot of Vancouver General Hospital. As you can see behind me, at least three hundred fans of Edward Cullen and Rosalie Hale have arrived since the news was first reported this morning.

"Fans have brought flowers and have been lighting candles, as they wait patiently for any news about the actors. We were told by a hospital representative that Alice Cullen, Edward's twin sister, had confirmed that Edward's girlfriend would make a statement.

"Hearing this information caused confusion amongst the crowd gathered behind me, Anne. It is widely speculated that Edward Cullen is dating his co-star, Rosalie Hale. Although their relationship status has not been confirmed officially by the said couple or their representatives, most of the fans I interviewed earlier are very vocal in their belief that twenty-three-year-old Edward Cullen is currently in a romantic relationship with nineteen-year-old Rosalie Hale.

"No information has been released about Hale's condition. There hasn't been any communication or even an official statement released by 'Peak Entertainment', a subsidiary of the Hollywood movie giant, 'Lionsgate'. Anne?"

"Thanks Martin. There were some initial reports of a fatality?"

"Yes, Anne. The fans were obviously distraught when their Twitter news-feeds claimed Edward Cullen was dead on arrival at approximately Midday, and that Rosalie Hale suffered traumatic head injuries and was in emergency surgery.

"We have a source inside the hospital that claims that is incorrect, and that Edward Cullen is alive, but currently unconscious. The source also claims that Rosalie Hale is uninjured and is being treated for shock."

The reporter held his fingers to his ears and continued.

"Anne, I have confirmation now that Bella Swan is ready to make a statement."

The camera cut to Bella as she walked out from behind automatic glass doors to hundreds of blinding flashes, and stood in front of a lectern. She adjusted the microphone and momentarily shielded her eyes with her hand.

My heart was racing in my chest as I watched the flashes illuminate her pale skin, but even with the blinding luminescence, I could still notice the pink blush that had crept up her neck and onto her cheeks.

An outwardly calm Alice stood behind Bella's right shoulder.

As the crowd hushed, Bella spoke clearly and confidently...

"Edward Cullen is in a stable condition in Vancouver General Hospital. He suffered a broken leg and fractured skull. His injuries are not considered life-threatening. Doctors will continue to monitor his condition and the hospital will issue another statement when he has regained consciousness. I can't answer any questions or provide further information at this time; however, I can relay a message from Edward's sister, Alice Cullen:

'Please respect the hospital staff and property. Edward will be told you're here as soon as he wakes up, and someone will let you know when he does. Be calm and know that Edward is going to be okay. Don't believe everything you read. If you must stay, be aware that the hospital staff will need to access the building to do their jobs. Please be considerate. Thank you.'

"What's your relationship to Edward Cullen!" yelled a reporter off-screen.

Bella licked her lips and looked down at the piece of paper she was holding. She looked up and smiled.

"My name is Bella Swan. I'm Edward's girlfriend. Thank you. Thanks for...being here, for Edward."

Bella turned quickly away from the cameras and shouting as the media tried to engage her to reveal more.

Then the shouting was almost deafening and I quickly swiped the volume down on Alice's iPhone. I watched the soundless footage of Bella hugging Alice and then they held each other's hands as they walked back through the doors and into the hospital.

I lowered the phone onto my stomach. I didn't need to watch the rest or hear how they interpreted Bella's admission that she was mine. It didn't matter what they thought or how they reported it. I felt a swell of pride at how confident and brave she was in the face of strangers harassing her, and adored that she had already bonded with Alice. It was so obvious to me that they would become fast friends, and that made me euphoric.

I closed my eyes, completely serene.

Everyone knows that Bella and I are together now!

I opened my eyes when I felt Bella's fingers lightly grip my free hand; the buzzing static was like a blissful jolt of pure love.

I openly stared at her, amazed at how much she'd transformed my life in the five weeks that I'd known her.

She looked panicked. I knew her well enough to know she was judging herself; she needed me to tell her it was 'OK'.

"You were… perfect. I love you. I'm so happy that the world knows you're mine, Bella, and I'm yours."

I pulled Bella's hand to my lips and closed my eyes briefly as I kissed her fingers. When I looked back to Alice's phone, the clip had faded to black.

"I knew you'd be proud," said Alice cheerily. She took her phone from my hand. "I'll call Emmett and see when he'll be back."

Angela grinned at me and then followed Alice out of the room.

"You know," I said softly to Bella, her hand still against my lips. "I had a dream—a nightmare really—that the paparazzi hounded and hurt you. I know they'll be following every move you make. I feel sick about it, but I know it won't matter what they think, because it's impossible for them to come between us. They can photograph us and taunt us, but we'll be together, we'll have each other and they can't ruin that. I love you."

She looked so relieved and also...jubilant, as I let go of her hand and touched her neck to guide her face down to my mouth; touching lips in a sensual kiss.

~0~

~~Bella~~

I tried to conceal my elation, but I quickly gave up when I realized it was next to impossible.

The entire world knows that Edward and I are together!

We belong together. He's not hiding me away! He loves me!

My cheeks hurt from smiling; my lips were wet from the constant soft kisses that Edward pressed to my mouth.

My manic mind was racing with plans for our future together, and my heart was pounding, because I knew that Emmett was going to arrive any moment, with Edward's mum, dad and Alice's boyfriend, Jasper.

"I want to get outta here. I want to go back to the B&B," Edward whispered against my mouth.

I laughed. "You need to recover."

"You're right, 'I need sexual healing,'" he sung in a husky, seductive voice.

I couldn't help but laugh.

Edward guided me back to his lips to kiss me. It was passionate and way too arousing, leaving no doubt of what he wanted to do with me, right there in his hospital bed. The kiss—and remembering what we'd done to each other's bodies on the weekend— left me breathless.

"Edward," I sighed and pulled away slightly, trying in vain to calm the rapid beating of my heart. "You'll have to wait...a few days." I said, internally cursing and simultaneously praising that I was menstruating.

Edward touched my chin to encourage me to look him in the eyes.

"You've…?" he asked, but I wasn't entirely sure of the specific question.

Does he remember we had unprotected sex last night and this morning?

"I...got my period," I whispered. "My cycle is pretty accurate." And now I can finally start that brand new prescription for the pill...

I could feel my face heating up.

Edward's expression suddenly brightened into a glorious grin.

"Bella, I love you," he said with fervour and pulled me back to his lips. His kisses were slow, tasting my mouth. His fingers played with the end of my braid, sending shivers of pleasure all over my scalp.

There was a harsh triple knock on the hospital room door and I pulled away quickly. I was flushed and Edward's lips were pink from me basically sucking on them desperately for what seemed like hours.

I tried to straighten my dress. I could feel my body stiffen with tension and nervousness, even though I desperately wanted to appear calm and composed.

I was failing, miserably.

"They'll love you," Edward said and pulled my hand back to his lips. "Relax."

"I'm sorry," I nodded my head and took in a deep breath.

"Come in!" Edward said loudly.

Emmett opened the door and held it wide. Edward's mother rushed in first—in an obvious state of panic—her eyes on Edward and then her eyes on me.

I could see her worry immediately morph to relief as she rushed to Edward's side and placed her hand on his good leg. Edward's Dad followed. He looked tired and stressed and I was shocked to realize that he looked extremely familiar to me. I couldn't place him though; have I seen pictures of him with Edward? No, his ice-blue eyes and blond hair reminded me of…someone I'd met once?

Alice walked behind her father, holding onto the arm of a striking man; I knew he just had to be Jasper. Emmett stepped forward to close the door. He stood right behind Jasper, just inside the doorway.

No one spoke.

I waited and concentrated on the buzzing of static pleasure that travelled up my arm as Edward squeezed my hand.

"Mom, Dad, Jasper, this is Bella." said Edward.

His mum rushed around the bed to wrap her arms around me in a tight embrace. She was beaming. I returned the hug; she smelled of exotic perfume and violets.

"It's so lovely to meet you, Bella. I'm Esme. Call me Esme!" she said excitedly. She then stepped back and introduced Edward's father.

"This is Carlisle."

"I feel we've already met," he said as he shook my hand.

And then, it all came back to me. We had met.

"Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney. Spinal Care Unit, almost four years ago?" I asked, now completely sure that Carlisle was a consulting doctor when Riley was in hospital.

"Yes." he said, his face reflected my surprise. "Who was the patient?"

I looked briefly at Edward; I could feel my cheeks burning red-hot.

"Riley Biers."

"I seem to recall it was a motorcycle accident. How is he now?" he looked genuinely curious to know.

"Physically, completely recovered." I said.

That was the truth. Riley had recovered, physically.

"Wonderful news; I remember he was extremely lucky and very clearly motivated to recover."

Edward caressed my hand and smiled at me, reassuringly.

I couldn't seem to comprehend how it was that Edward's father had been at RPA in Sydney!

"It's a small world," said Carlisle with a vibrant smile directed at Edward.

"Bella, this is Jasper, my fiancée," said Alice as she stepped forward.

"Pleasure to meet you, Bella." said Jasper with a distinct Southern American accent.

Instantly everyone, except Jasper, focused his or her gaze at Alice. They all appeared to be confused.

"Edward found his soul mate!'" she exclaimed. "Do you think I would wait any longer than necessary to marry this man?"

Alice wrapped her arms around Jasper's waist.

All attention was now directed at Alice and Jasper, and I was so relieved.

Hugs and congratulations were flying around and everyone was smiling and happy and accepting; accepting of Edward, and me and of Alice's long overdue news.

I heard Emmett cough. We all looked over to see the nurse at the doorway looking extremely stern.

"I'm afraid we only allow two visitors at one time. Hospital policy." she said curtly, but with the hint of a smile.

Edward's grip on my hand tightened when I bent down to kiss his lips.

"I'll just be outside. You maybe want some time with your mum and dad, alone," I said softly.

Edward's hand tugged gently on my braid. "I just need ten minutes. Kiss me again."

I didn't hesitate. Our lips brushed, and then I very slowly pulled away, like I was high on some illicit drug.

I smiled at Edward's parents, and then Alice, Jasper, Emmett and I filed out of the room and into the hall.

~0~

~~Edward~~

"She's so pretty. No, she's beautiful, Edward. She has Charlie Swan's eyes!" Mom said as she tried to neaten the fold in the hospital blanket that covered me.

I sensed she wanted to say more, but what could she say? She'd just met Bella for a few minutes. I wasn't surprised that all she could comment on was Bella's appearance.

"I need a huge favor, Mom."

I needed this small window of opportunity to put some plans in motion without Bella overhearing. My focus was now directed at my mother's enquiring eyes.

"Our old house in Forks is for sale, according to Dr. Gerandy. He came to see me, Dad," I said as my dad placed his arm around Mom's waist. "He wants to see you both while you're here. Anyway, I need you to buy it for me, the house I mean. Buy our old house back, for me; whatever the cost. Just contact my lawyer and make it happen. I need to own that house, and Mom, I want you to furnish it as close to possible to how it was when we lived there. Spare no expense," I said without hiding my enthusiasm.

I could almost visualize it. Chiefly because every detail of that house was fresh in my mind from the dream-state I'd been in, and because I could actually picture Bella in every room.

I recalled our conversation from last night. I asked Bella if she could be anywhere, where would she be...she wanted an island that was warm and tropical. I couldn't offer her that...yet. What I could give her was home in the forest, close to her father, inviting and warm, and as far away from my Hollywood life that we could possibly get!

The house in Forks would be our sanctuary away from the world.

She would never be spied on, or hounded there. I was certain.

"Are you sure? Forks is...an interesting choice when you're based out of L.A. now," questioned my mother.

"For me and Bella when we're married. She'll be close to Chief Swan, and that house is perfect, for privacy and for children and—"

The fresh smell of Shalamar perfume, wafted into my nose as my mom hugged me tightly.

"You proposed, already? Before the accident?" she questioned.

"No. I want to propose to Bella in Forks. Thanksgiving, Mom. Bella's the one, but I don't want to take the limelight away from Alice and Jasper's engagement."

Everyone knows Bella's my girlfriend now. I can wait. If the house is mine, I can wait.

"We're so very happy for you," said my dad.

"There's so much to do! Thanksgiving is only two months away!" Mom exclaimed.

I closed my eyes and tried to ignore the throbbing pain shooting up my leg. The fact was that I'd be in possession of Grandma Platt's ring for eight long weeks before I would propose to Bella. It seemed way too long.

"What's happening with the film? Can you come back to L.A. for a week or two?" my mom asked.

"I need to talk to Emmett. He'll need to find out from Marc about rescheduling my scenes."

"OK, I'll get Emmett, and then we'll find Dr. Gerandy and I'll check your chart."

"Thanks, Dad," I yawned. I was now feeling a heavy exhaustion and I wanted Bella by my side.

My parents exited the room and when Emmett walked in, he was alone.

"I've heard from Heidi," he said. "She's releasing a statement. Marcus said production will continue, and he'll improvise until the Doctors give you the all clear to be back on set. They can't halt production, the budget will blow out too much and Marcus has another movie he needs to commence in December. They'll use your body-double for any action scenes. You've probably got a few days off, that's it."

I knew this. I accepted it. I was under contract, and I wanted to get this damn movie finished so Bella and I could go to L.A. and then Forks for Thanksgiving.

Emmett suddenly looked uncomfortable and a pained look crossed his features.

"And?" I asked, feeling very uneasy about what he was going to tell me.

"I need to talk to you about Rosalie."

Is that all? I don't want to even think about her right now.

"That can wait—"

"No, it can't." he cut me off, and I was intrigued because he looked really serious.

"Go on." I said, reluctantly.

"Royce King got her pregnant and then made her abort the baby because it conflicted with her film schedule. This was twelve months ago, when she was eighteen. He's threatened her before. He's got intimate pictures of her that he said he'd make public. He's a friend of her parents, and she's too scared to tell them. He said if she ever left him, he'd destroy her career. He's so well connected in Hollywood, she believes him."

Emmett's words made no sense, and yet, they were completely believable.

I knew that douche was steering Rosalie's career under some twisted agenda. He made her do the sexy photo shoots and he made her participate in his plot to get paparazzi photographs of her kissing me to use as 'publicity'.

Hearing details of his emotional manipulation of Rosalie made me feel physically sick.

"That bastard," I whispered.

This information didn't completely eradicate my feelings of disdain for Rosalie's prior behavior, or my anger at the spiteful words she'd said and her recklessness on set this morning, but I did feel some compassion for her. Royce King was bad news and what he'd put Rosalie through was unthinkable.

I'd be murderous if anyone tried to manipulate Bella like that.

"I don't know what to say. I think she should just fire him, get representation elsewhere. She should be upfront with her parents."

"But he has a video and pictures of her, intimate pictures."

"That's not going to ruin her career. Be realistic, Emmett. If there's a sex-tape starring Rosalie Hale that that goes viral, she'll probably get even more movie offers and instantly forge a whole new male fan base."

He rolled his eyes at me. "Yeah; but for all the wrong reasons, Edward!"

"The douche will eventually release the video and pictures anyway and she knows it. He'll do it regardless of whether or not she keeps him as her manager. He shows no guilt that he made her have an abortion! It's all about power and money for him, he's obviously lacking morals!" I stated.

"I need to help her. I want to take some time, now while you're on a break from filming. Do you think if I approached John, he'd take over as her manager?"

I felt acute anxiety sitting heavy in my stomach, but was conscious that I needed to stay level headed. I couldn't tell Emmett that I hated that he was planning to get involved, and that I thought nothing good would come from it. It was so obvious to me that Emmett was determined to help Rosalie and nothing I said would change his mind.

"You'll need to check her contract terms with Royce. Can she terminate without notice? You know that asshole will get her on breach of contract if he can, and he's probably a litigious bastard. She'll need to plan this out completely and take him by surprise."

"Yeah, she wants to get another Manager for Zafrina Yolanda as well; she thinks Royce is gonna to do the same thing to her. Rosalie said he's a sweet talker with alluring promises. Zafrina will fall into his trap."

I pictured Zafrina. Now Rosalie's interest in the young actress took on a whole new meaning.

"I shouldn't get involved, but I mean yes, if you need something. Whatever I can do to help her break free of that douche."

"What would you do if Bella was in this situation?"

Then I saw it; it was a fierce protective determination in his eyes.

"You have feelings for Rose." I stated, and now I completely understood. I tried not to react. I was internally cringing that he'd fallen for her. I also felt conflicted, because I knew she wasn't a lost cause and if anyone could bring her back from this, it was Emmett.

"Yeah, man, she's pretty messed up, and she may come across as an absolute bitch, but now I know she's been alone in this, and she didn't think she could ever get out of it. He's poisoned her self-esteem. I mean she can build her career after this. I want to help her. I can't, no, I won't stand by and let him hurt her."

This is the reason Rosalie's been hounding me to fire Emmett. She saw him as her only hope to get out of a bad business and personal relationship with Royce King. Why in the fuck was I so blind to this?

"I've been putting Rosalie off for weeks. I thought she was just being a brat that had a bodyguard fantasy. I'm sorry. I should've seen it."

"There's no way we could have known. I didn't know until she told me. We can't change the past, but I'll be damned if that fucker doesn't get what's coming to him."

"You can't touch him, Emmett. That would be—"

"I'll never lay a hand on him. You know that's not my style. Ridiculing him and shaming him on a global scale, however…Yeah, he's gonna wish he'd never laid eyes on me or Rose once I'm done with him."

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~~Bella~~

I called my dad and reassured him that everything was fine, that Edward was OK, but that I wanted to stay at the hospital.

I spoke to Edward's mum. She was so lovely. I suggested that they all stay at Kate's B&B, and Esme was thankful that I could arrange it all with one quick phone call. I could tell Kate was more than happy to help, and I was also happy for the distraction; staying focused on organizing other people kept me busy.

I didn't look at the time, but the day had been a long and exhausting one. I refused to leave the hospital. I'm sure Edward's dad pulled some strings, because one minute I was sitting on the uncomfortable vinyl covered chair next to Edward's bed, and then an orderly had pushed through the door with an upholstered chair and converted it into a single bed.

"You don't need to sleep on that," Edward whispered. "Sleep here, with me," he spread his arms wide.

My whole body just wanted to curl up on his bed or on top of him. I was so thankful that he was OK.

"I can't do that. The nurse that has the hots for you will kill me," I smiled and winked at him. Then exhaustion seemed to make me woozy and I stepped forward to lay my head on his shoulder.

"Bella, I think your cell is ringing."

I reluctantly lifted my head and pulled my bag from the floor beside the chair.

I missed the call.

Jessica.

"Looks like my friends at home have seen me on TV," I said softly. My shattered phone felt too heavy in my hand.

I didn't want to have to think about it. I knew I'd have to answer their questions. I could almost hear Jessica's whiney voice berating me for keeping Edward a secret from her.

"Hey," Edward's whisper interrupted my thoughts. "I want everyone to know that I'm in love with you. You know everything will work out for us. I love you, Bella Swan."

"I love you, Edward, so much. You should sleep. Remember, the Doctor said no stimuli…" I whispered.

Edward smiled and licked his lips. Then we kissed, and I forced all negativity out of my mind. I let myself acknowledge that, even for a split second, thinking that I'd lost Edward forever was the most harrowing experience of my life, but that was behind us now.

Edward is OK, and he loves me and I've met his parents. The world knows that we're together. I won't ever be an unacknowledged secret!

I was so clear in my focus now.

My thoughts were interrupted when the nurse came into the room.

I quickly pulled away from Edward for fear of being chastised, but she just smiled at me.

"This," she said, "is how you lower the side rails."

I watched how she lowered the rail on Edward's hospital bed; the side opposite Edward's injured leg.

"Here's a blanket. I'm finishing my shift in four hours. I won't disturb you. Jeremy will take over from me and he'll need to check to make sure the I.V. is still attached. If you both look comfortable, I doubt he'd wake you, even if you're sharing the bed. A happy patient recovers faster!" She smiled and adjusted the control to recline Edward's bed and then flicked off the overhead light. "Sleep well."

She pulled the curtain across and I heard the door click closed softly.

I stood by the bed, holding the white hospital blanket and staring at Edward's face in the dim light. He smirked at me and spread his arms wide again; it was the most alluring invitation.

I removed my bra, slowly and awkwardly through the thin straps of my dress. Edward's eyes were burning bright. I kicked off my shoes, shoved my bra into my handbag and slowly lifted my knee on the edge of the bed.

As soon as I was horizontal in Edward's embrace, I felt so warm, peaceful and loved.

"I love you, Bella," he whispered into my hair.

Edward loves me, he wants to be with me, and the world knows it. I have nothing to lose. There's nothing I wouldn't give up to be with him. I've made stupid mistakes, and let my negative self-talk confuse my feelings and interrupt my happiness. Not anymore. I'm going to spend the rest of my life with Edward Cullen, my twin soul.

"I love you, too."

~0~