HEY GUYS, I'm Back! Thank you all for being so patient and waiting for this next chapter while I got settled into school. I'll be honest with you all, these last few weeks are really kicking my ass. Let me to tell you, there's a reason the people in my program call the summer, "The Semester From Hell". But, throughout the chaos of my classes, I was finally able to write this new chapter and I hope you all enjoy it. Last we left Edward, he had just done something insanely impulsive...let's see what happens.


We all just stood there in silence. No one knowing what to say. I swear, it was the world's longest pause in history. But, while the room stayed still, my mind was racing a hundred miles a second.

Did I seriously just ask Bella and Isaac to move in with me?

Yes. Yes, I did.

What's even crazier is, I didn't think it was crazy.

I looked over at Isaac, who was still playing with the toys on the bed. So happy and content. I then looked over in Bella's direction, her mouth a gape and still so stunned, that she was still in mid-fold of the shirt in her hand. Looking at the both of them in front of me, I just knew that this wasn't a mistake. I wanted them to come stay with me.

"Edward," Bella finally spoke. "Are-are you serious?"

Suddenly everyone's eyes were on me, waiting for me to answer. Which I did, again without hesitation.

"Absolutely," I said affirmatively.

Bella took another long pause again, before responding.

"Edward, I….I don't know what to say. You really want us living with you?" Repeating the same question again.

"Yes, Bella," I told her as I began to approach her. When I felt I was close enough, I stared Bella directly in the eyes, full seriousness on my face. "I would love for you and Isaac and to come stay with me."

She just stood there, taking it all in. Trying to wrap her head around all that had just transpired. As time continued on, and Bella had yet to respond to my offer, I began to feel a little uneasy myself. What if she said no? What if I scared her off? What would happen to her and Isaac if she decided to stay somewhere else?

"Edward, can I see you outside for a second?" Leah asked, breaking me of my overactive mind and walking to the door. Giving one last look at Bella, I followed Leah.

As the door closed behind us and we were both standing in the middle of the hallway, I looked over at Leah, who was giving me a very astonished and frustrated look. Like, when your kid just threw a baseball through your neighbors window. With her arms folded across her chest, her right foot in front of her tapping and her lips pursed out, like she just tasted something sour.

"What?" I asked her. As if I was completely unaware of what had put that look on her face.

"Nothing," she answered, calmly. "But hold still real fast," She told me. Before I could even react, Leah had brought my face down to her level and pulled out her flashlight pen, running the light back and forth across my eyes.

"What are you doing?" I asked her, as her hand squished my face.

"Checking for dilated pupils," She told me.

"Why?" I pulled my face from her grasp.

"Because thinking you're on something is a whole lot better than thinking you've lost your marbles. I'd hate to send a straight-jacket for you, Ed."

"I assure you, Leah, I am completely sane and am one hundred percent sober," I told her.

"I don't think so, Ed," She told me. "Because otherwise what would possess you to be so impulsive and crazy, that you would ask a complete stranger and her son to move in with you."

"Why not?" I questioned. "I have a perfectly suitable guest room that is currently going unused. I have plenty of space and a sizable yard. She needs a place to stay, Leah" I told her.

"I know, but Ed…." She started to say.

"Look Leah, Bella needs to be somewhere safe right now. For her and her son. And, unfortunately a lot of those shelters don't offer security or safety. If Bella wasn't worried about James, she'd be looking over her shoulder to make sure no one was messing with and Isaac's stuff. After the Hell that she just had to endure, she needs to be somewhere she doesn't have to feel like she's always on guard. Where she and Isaac can feel happy and at peace," I explained. "Plus, at least this way, James is even less likely to find them. He has no idea where I live or even who I am. This is the best option to keep Bella and Isaac safe."

"Is that really all it is, though?" Leah asked, extremely vague.

"What do you mean?"

"Oh come on, Edward. I've seen the way you look at her. The slightest move she makes and you look like you're ready to jump to her rescue. The same with Isaac."

"All I'm trying to do is to help a mother and her son. That's all," I said firmly.

And it was true. That's all I did want.

"Alright," Leah said, throwing her arms up in yield. "I think it's crazy and borderline stupid, but, if you're sure about it. I can't stop you."

"I'm absolutely positive," I confirmed.

"Okay, but ultimately, it's Bella's decision," She forewarned

"I know that," I told her.

With that, we both went back into the room. As we reentered the room we found Bella sitting on the bed, with Isaac in her lap. She had such a look of happiness and love spread across her face as she played with her son. However, when she took notice of Leah and myself in the room, the glee on her face seemed to falter a bit.

I started feeling a little uneasy from this.

She sat Isaac on the bed before standing up. Running her fingers together and with a deep breath, Bella looked in my direction. I had no idea what I was prepared to hear.

"So, I've thought it over and decided that...yes Edward," she said. "I will accept your offer.."

"Really?" I asked, suddenly fully excitement

"Yes," Bella confirmed.

I was so full of joy I wanted to go over and pull Bella into the world's biggest hug. My foot began to move in her direction, but I quickly found my bearings before I could do anything stupid and stepped back in place.

"That's great, Bella," I said, reigning in the overwhelming exhilaration I was feeling. "I'm very happy to hear that."

"Well it's not going to be forever," She clarified. "Just until I can find some work and can get Isaac and I back on our feet. It shouldn't be longer than a few months."

"Bella, don't worry about it," I told her. "You and Isaac are welcomed to stay as long as you need."

"Well, thank you. But, you're already being more than generous to us. I don't want to exceed our welcome ."

You'll always be welcomed, beautiful, said my inner voice.

Quiet you.

"Okay, and on the note." Leah suddenly interjected herself into the conversation. "Bella are you sure this is what you want to do?" she questioned.

She looked over at me, as if waiting to see if I had already changed my mind and was going to resend my invitation. When she did not find any sign of hesitation or doubt from me, Bella responded, "Yes".

"Great," I said "I get off work in the next few hours and then I'll take you two to my house. Leah, can she just hang out here for a little while longer?" I asked her.

"Shouldn't be a problem," Leah agreed.

"Thank you. Bella, just stay put for right now. Jake's still going to be keeping an eye on you until I return. Is that good?"

"That's fine," She said.

"Okay, well I've got to get back to work. I'll see you guys after my shift," I said, not realizing the time, until I looked out my watch. I started making my exit before I was stalled.

"Edward?" Bella called out.

I then turned around to face her.

"Thank you," she said. Her smile was so big and grateful, it brought so much brightness and loveliness to her already angelic face. It was hypnotic, a man could get lost in this woman's face.

"You're welcome, Bella," I said.

There it was again, that encompassing feeling taking over. For another moment, it was just us in the world. I felt as if I was falling. Like I had just stepped off a ledge and was now descending further and further down. But, as terrifying as the feeling should be, I wasn't fearful at all.

"Ahem," Leah cleared her throat; Bringing me back to reality. "Don't you have to get back to work?" She asked me.

Without responding I quickly left the room, Leah following behind me.

"'Only keeping them safe' my left ass cheek" Leah teased me after we left the room. Quoting me from before. I turned to look at her as she gave me another Cheshire grin, then went off in the opposite direction to finish her rounds.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rescue Me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was nearing the end of shift and I was slowly finishing up the last of my paperwork. Since I had worked back to back doubles the last few days, Aro had scheduled me a four day weekend. Paul was coming back tomorrow, so we would be well staffed for the next few days. Which worked out well for me because it gave me time to get Bella and Isaac settled into the house and get a routine down with them.

Aro had already given me the go ahead to clock out and I started collecting my stuff from my locker, when I was approached by Dumb and Dumber. As they got closer, I noticed the look of determination on their faces. They were clearly two men on a mission.

"What's up guys?" I asked once they were in ear shot.

"Not much, Eddie," Emmett responded, but clearly he had more to say. "Leah came and found us just now."

Oh great.

"She did?"

"Yeah," Emmett answered. "She says she was worried about your sanity and I gotta tell ya, man...After hearing what she had to say, I'm questioning it myself."

"I see," I said, completely unmoved.

"Seriously dude. What the Hell are you thinking?" Jasper chimed in.

"I was thinking there is a mother who is in trouble and needs help. I have the space and the means to help her. Not only that, I want to help her," I told them.

"Well, Eddie," Emmett spoke up. "I can't tell if this completely stupid or completely heroic."

"Maybe both," Jasper answered

I simply rolled my eyes at my two idiot best friends.

"With that being said, I gotta tell, Edward," Emmett began. The fact that he was using my actual name, told me he was serious. "This could be very dangerous. I mean, this girl has a target on her back. She has an abusive, psycho husband that is looking for her."

"That's not her fault," I defended.

"Of course it's not. That's not what I'm saying," Emmett explained. "I'm just saying, now that you are getting involved in this girl's life, you've painted the same target on your back. You're putting yourself at risk, not to mention those who you associate with. Don't get me wrong, I understand why you're doing this, man. And I love you like a brother, so I will support you in this, absolutely. But, I have a family to think about now, Eddie. I can't have my wife and unborn child brought into all this. So, as much as I will support you with wanting to help Bella, I'm afraid I will have to distance myself from you. At least while this threat is still very real."

"I get it, Emmett," I told him.

And I did.

As much as it hurt me to no longer be able to hang out with one of my closest friends, I understood why. If, God forbid, James got too close and Rosalie somehow got caught in the cross hairs it would destroy Emmett. I understood that as a concerned husband, and father-to-be, he had to do what's best for his family. While it made me sad, I respected it.

"What about you Jasper?" I asked, turning to my blonde, curly haired friend.

"Well, I understand too, why you're doing this Edward," He responded. "And I also love you like a brother. But, I know better than to think I have any say in this. I know once your sister gets wind of this, she's gonna insert herself into the situation entirely. So, I know the target is already placed on my back."

"I don't have to tell Alice," I suggested. Jasper just rolled his eyes at this idea. Following a light snort.

"Now you know that would be pointless," Jasper told me. "With your sister's special power, she will find out sooner or later. If she hasn't already figured it out already."

He was right. Ever since she was kid, Alice has had this uncanny ability to predict when something will happen. The girl even knew when she was going to meet Jasper. That night, she practically begged me to bring her along with me because she said she had a feeling she had to go to the bar with me. Seriously, my sister could make a career at palm readings and fortune telling.

"That's true," I said. "Speaking of Bella, it is the end of my shift and I told her that I'd be by to pick her and Isaac up. So, Jasper, I'll talk to you later. Give Alice my love. Emmett, I guess I'll see you around?" I asked

Emmett simply nodded and I headed upstairs.

When I entered the room, Bella was shoving the last few things into a backpack and Isaac was watching T.V.

"You got everything?" I asked, making my entrance into the room apparent.

"Oh, hey," Bella said, looking up. "Yeah, we've got a few days worth of clothes in here for me and Isaac and Leah was able to secure a car seat for Isaac. I hope you don't mind?"

"Of course not," I said, picking up the car seat. "Are you ready to go?"

"Absolutely," Bella said, putting the backpack on.

She then went over to the bed to pick up Isaac. "You ready, bud?" she asked him.

He nodded exceedingly.

"Go Eddie's?" He asked.

"That's right dude," I said to him as Bella had him wrapped in her arms. "You and mamma are gonna come stay with me. Are you excited?"

"Yay!" the toddler cheered.

With that outburst of encouragement, the three of us walked out of the room. As we entered the hallway, Leah was standing by the door, waiting for us.

"Hey Leah," I greeted.

"I was hoping to catch you guys before you left. I just wanted to say, goodbye," Leah said, her eyes full of emotion.

"Leah," Bella began to say as she placed Isaac down on the ground by her feet. She encircled her arms around Leah in a very tight and loving embrace. I simply stood there, trying to hide the tinge of jealousy I was harboring towards Leah at this moment. How I wanted to be able to hug Bella like that, but I think a man's touch is the last thing Bella needs right now. Even if it's a friendly manor.

"I can never thank you enough for all you've done for us," Bella said once she let go of Leah. "There is no way I will ever be able to repay you for your kindness."

Leah returned the hug. "Oh Bella, it was truly my pleasure. I just hope you two will be happy and if you ever need anything, do not hesitate to call me. You have my number right?"

Bella pulled a card from her back pocket that contained Leah's office number, along with her personal number she had written on the back.

"Great," said Leah in a relieved sigh. "But, I hope that you will call, even if it's just to chat. Although you are no longer my patient, I hope we can still remain friends," With hope in her voice.

"That's a given," Bella said and the two embraced each other for one last hug, unintentionally twisting the knife of envy that currently lodged in my stomach. Isaac pulled on Bella's leg, trying to get her attention. With a genuine smile, Bella picked Isaac up and placed him on her hip.

"Bye-bye Isaac. You be a good boy for mommy and Eddie, okay?" Leah said, bending down to look at Isaac.

"Bye-bye Lee," Isaac said, waving his little hand.

When Leah stood back up, was when she finally acknowledged me.

"See ya, Ed. Take good care of them"

With that, Leah gave a quick wave to the three of us before taking her leave back down the hallway.

"Let's go home, Bella," I said to her, reaching my hand out to her. Hoping she would take it.

Although seeming a little taken back by the words, Bella shyly placed her hand in mine.

"Yeah, let's go," she agreed, refusing you to show recognition to the word "home".

With Bella's hand in mine, and Isaac on her hip, we took the elevator down to the main floor. Walking through the sliding doors and heading to my car. I don't know why, but for the first time since I can even remember, going home brought more joy to me than being at the hospital


I hope you all liked this new chapter. What did you guys think of it? Do you think Emmett was wrong for wanting to keep his distance from Edward with Bella living under his roof? Let me know your guys' thoughts and opinions and what you think will happen next...you may end up being right. It probably will be another few weeks until my next update, but I will try my best to give you guys more chapters as this semester continues. I appreciate all the patients and support that you are giving to me and this story and I hope you guys have a wonderful rest of week and a terrific summer!

Until Next Time...