Author's Note:

Hello again. I was feeling good today so I tried to write back to everyone this evening. I also couldn't sleep so while I was feeling well I worked on another chapter too. I had another doctors appointment with a different doctor for. I saw a rheumatoid arthritis doctor and she agrees I am a mess! HA! I have no real answers, however, my doctor is determined to get to business and see what is going on with me. Monday I have to have x rays taken of my feet and my hand/arm (A little back story, three years ago I was in a bad car accident and broke my arm. I was in physical therapy for about six months. I don't think I healed right. My arm is still swelling up and my fingers go numb. My hand gets really hot and red. Nerve tests have come back normal. I have consulted two doctors besides my surgeon and they have been quick to give me a prescription but not to help solve any issues. I almost gave up because I was so frustrated). I also have to have blood work done. She is testing me for twelve (yes 12!) different things plus two different vitamin deficiencies. We'll see what happens. Oh and like every doctor I have seen in the past two months, she disagrees with my diagnoses of my hand/feet thing. Really I feel like I'm starting from the beginning again. So that is what I am up to.

Anyway, sorry if I over shared. I'm just frustrated. I'm too young to have so many issues.

Thank you all again for the reviews and the wishes for good health. I always say I appreciate it which I do, however, I had so many well wishes that I was very touched. Thank you all. It really does mean so much to me.

I'm done talking/venting. I'm going to try and get some sleep now that it is 2:15am! Yikes! I haven't' done this in a while!

Enjoy and thanks again!

-Lisa


Chapter Eight

"Where were you?" Edward asked as Bella came into the house late.

She went out after work and then with friends from work. Jacob was in town just for the evening and he joined her friends. "I had a meeting and then we went out for dinner. What's the big deal?" She asked as she climbed the stairs to their bedroom. She felt like Edward was scolding her like Charlie did a handful of times when she was adolescent.

"Big deal?" Edward screeched. "It's almost two in the morning! That's the big deal! You never called or told me. You could have called you know!"

Bella rolled her eyes as she walked into the closet and started changing into her pajamas. "Welcome to my club! You never do any of those things Edward, so how does it feel?"

"Jessica calls you Bella, that is her job."

"Oh, Jessica," Bella said as she walked out of the closet. "I forgot how reliable she is. Here's the thing Edward, I did text you and email your personal and work accounts. Look," Bella told him as she picked up the phone and showed her from earlier in the week that talked about the meeting husband. She said she was going out for dinner afterwards and Jacob might be joining them. She then showed him the texts she had sent earlier in the day.

Confused, Edward took his phone. "I never got either of those messages. I wonder why."

"I know why. Somehow Jessica intercepted them."

Shaking his head, Edward looked at Bella. "No this is my personal phone not my work phone. I always have it with me. Not everything that goes wrong is her fault. I can be a moron all on my own."

"Oh I know you can be but I still love you and I trust you." Bella said as she got into bed.

Edward looked at her like she had seven heads. "I don't get it."

"You poor baby, let me explain this to you before you hurt that pretty head of yours. I love and trust you. It's Jessica I don't trust. I don't at all."

Signing, Edward looked at Bella. He was tired of this argument. He knew his wife didn't like his assistant. There was nothing he could do. His uncle was in charge of hiring and firing. There were no grounds to dismiss her of her job. Unfortunately Edward was busy at work and needed the help. "Let's talk about people and trust. Jacob Black? Bella you know I don't like him."

"I don't know why. I was literally hanging out with a cop all night who made sure I got home safely. He followed me," Bella told him.

"Oh goody." Edward rolled his eyes. "I really don't like him. This isn't about him even though I brought him up. I was worried about you Bells. You didn't answer my calls or texts. I didn't know where you were."

Bella shrugged her shoulders. "I'm sorry about that but I didn't think I had to check in with you. I didn't know you never got the messages. I had to work late and then I unwound with friends from work and Jacob. I figured you had plans. I didn't know I needed your permission."

"It's not that you needed permission Bella, it's just I was scared when you didn't come home and you weren't answering your phone. I almost called the police."

Shaking her head Bella laughed. "Oh Edward. You would have overreacted. I'm fine and I'm not going anywhere."

"Not even with Jacob Black?" Edward teased.

Chuckling again, Bella kissed her husband. "Especially not with Jacob Black. I'm not his type and he isn't mine."

"You're not his type? Is he blind?" Edward said. "Oh he must have a thing for big boobed blondes."

"Something like that Edward."

Adding to the conversation, Edward looked at his wife. "He's not your type either?"

"Do you even know me?" Bella asked. "No, he isn't my type. I do like tall men, slender with a slight build. Nice abs and arms. Beautiful, crazy, wild hair with these great highlights. Green eyes. A bigish nose. Pale, snow white skin. That is my dream man."

Edward burst out in laughter. "Well, I like that description. You don't have to go very far to fulfill any fantasies with that man."

"Nope. You are right here. We may bicker and not agree but Edward, you are it for me and will always be it. I always have loved you and I always will. Your stuck with me."

Kissing the top of her head, Edward pulled her close. "I'm still mad at you for not knowing where you were until two am because you really had me worried, but I love you too. You are my everything Bells."


Edward was pacing the kitchen as Esme fed Seth. "Where the hell is he? Something is wrong with Bella, I can feel it. He should have been home by now."

Jasper shook his head. "Edward calm down. Nothing is wrong. Carlisle would have called if something was wrong."

"Edward you're going to give yourself an aneurysm if you keep walking back and forth stressing out over nothing," Charlie told Edward

Edward ran his hands through his hair and looked at everyone in the room. He zeroed in on Charlie and huffed before he spoke. "How the hell can you say that? My wife, the woman I love more than anything else in this world has no idea who the hell I am or how hard she worked and cared about our son. She has no idea what she put herself through to carry Seth. She doesn't know either one of us. How can you say this is nothing?"

Esme took Seth out of the high chair and cleaned him up from his lunch. "Oh Edward-"

Edward took the baby from his mother's arms. "Don't mom, just don't. I know everyone is hurting but no one knows how I feel. She knows everyone in this room besides me and our son. I-I-I can't do this. We're leaving," Edward said as he left the house with his son.

After watching her son pull out of the driveway, Esme shook her head. "I have no doubt in my mind that Bella will get better, it's Edward I'm worried about. He isn't eating, and he is so angry."

"Was that Edward speeding past me in his car?" Carlisle asked as he walked through the door.

"Yes it was. He is losing his mind Carlisle. Please tell me you have some good news? Good news you can share with Edward and make him calm down," Esme begged.

Carlisle sighed. "I don't know if Edward will like it." Carlisle paused. "I think Bella will be able to be released in a few days."

"Carlisle, that's great," Jasper smiled.

Nodding Carlisle continued. "When she is released I don't think she should come here. I think she might be better off at home with you Charlie."

"Carlisle that's crazy. That's four hours away from here," Esme told her husband.

"I think for a little while it might do her some good. We can have her watch her wedding video and look through pictures. I honestly think she will gradually regain her memory. I know this is frustrating but I'm almost certain her memory will return we just need to be patient." Carlisle explained.

"Is it a good thing that she is remembering little by little instead of all at once?" Charlie asked.

"Yes, its very good actually. She remembers actual events too which is good. I feel good in saying she will get better. I just think a more relaxed atmosphere would do her better. She seems to remember a lot from when she was a teen so I think being in her childhood home will be the best thing for her," Carlisle rationed. He was hesitant about the next bit of information. "We all know what Bella's last actions were right before the accident and what led up to the event. I believe her brain is blocking Edward out on purpose. The brain tends to block things that are not pleasant from the memory. I think that whatever happened is being blocked from Bella's mind and inadvertently is blocking Edward and Seth out."

The room was silent before Sue spoke up in a whisper. "How long will she block Edward out?"

Carlisle shrugged with his hands in his pockets. "I don't know. It could come back tomorrow or it may never come back. Time will tell. If I could make one more suggestion, I think it is best if we don't speak of this to Bella or Edward. Bella would just put guilt on herself and we all ready know she is doing the best she can. Edward is so stressed to the max that I don't know what he would do with this. It's best for at least now we keep this to ourselves."

Mumbles and head nods in agreement followed Carlisle. Silence once again filled the room until Esme shot up.

"Carlisle, did you rent our old house next to Charlie's?" Esme asked. When Carlisle transferred to a hospital in Seattle years ago they decided to rent their house instead of selling it. They figured it would be a nice place to retire when they were ready.

"No, the family just moved out. The painters came and touched up the rooms and the rugs have been washed. Just this week I think. Why? What are you thinking?" Carlisle asked with a smile on his face. He knew what Esme was up to.

"Good. I'm going up there. I know that Charlie and Sue both need to go back to work. I'll stay with Bella and watch her. I'll make food for you guys too. You're going to need help with her. I know Emily said she would help but it'll be nice to be up there to help you guys out in anyway." Esme paused before she placed her hand on top of Charlie's and smiled. "The truth is Charlie I have loved her since she was six years old and missing her front tooth. I feel grateful that you have shared her with us. I feel like she is one of my own children. I love her as if she were my daughter. You too Jasper. We love you as much as much as we love Bella. You've eaten enough of my food over the years and talked Emmett out of only god knows what. You are like my boy too. "

Jasper laughed. "Thanks Esme."

"Esme," Charlie started. "If you are sure you want to relocate for who knows how long, I appreciate it. I'll make sure Emily stocks your shelves. If you have any requests let her know. I have her email around here somewhere."

With a smile and a tap on Charlie's arm, Esme looked up. "Thank you Charlie and it is my pleasure to help you out. Carlisle, when are you planning on releasing her?"

Carlisle looked up as he poured a cup of coffee. "In a day or two. Three at the absolute latest."

"I can work with that. Tonight, I will look through my cook books and email Emily that list. I'll make sure Edward and Seth are all packed and ready to go. We will all have each other, and we will get through this with each other. Bella will remember, I know she will."

"Emily mentioned about coming up too. She is on break from school and said she wants to help," Charlie added.

Sipping his coffee, Carlisle looked around the room. "We'll figure out arrangements later. We don't want to overwhelm Bella either. I know Edward is completely stressed. I cannot imagine what he is going through, but I need to talk with him. He cannot have any more outbursts like the one he did today. Bella spoke with me after he left and she told me she felt ambushed. She is all ready confused and isn't completely herself. Honestly, I don't know if she will regain her memory of Edward. I want to believe from a medical and family stand point she will regain all of that but I just don't know. I don't want to make any promises."

Charlie stood up and patted Carlisle's shoulders. "I want to say thank you. You all have been like a second family since we moved here all of those years ago. I know that you Carlisle are a good doctor and just as important, you are a good man. You usually pour one hundred percent of yourself into your patients but with Bella I feel like you are pouring over two hundred percent into it. Thanks buddy."

"Charlie, we all love her and want the best for her. I'm trying to make it better for her," Carlisle responded.

"I appreciate that. Thank you for treating her like your own."

Chuckling, Carlisle looked at Charlie. "Well she is like our adopted daughter. We love her as if she were our own. You heard Esme. We both feel like that about Bella and Jasper."

Esme looked at both Charlie and Carlisle with a smile as she walked over to wipe the table and began to wipe it off. "Not that plans are set into place, we need to talk to Edward, but I don't know where he is."

"He pulled into the drive way about twenty minutes ago, but I haven't seen him," Jasper said.

"Maybe he just took Seth for a walk?" Esme questioned out loud.

Carlisle sat his mug on the counter. A thought popped into his head. "I know where he is. I'll go get him."

"No Carlisle, you have to rest," Esme began to say.

Carlisle held his wife's hand and kissed her cheek. "And I will rest after I get Edward. I promise it won't take too long."

After taking off his dress shoes, Carlisle quickly put on his sneakers. He left the front door and walked behind the house. He followed a dirt path for about ten minutes. It led deep into the woods. He then veered off the path and walked through the grass and climbed a small hill. On top of the hill he saw what he expected. He saw Edward's silver Rav 4 parked on the side of the road. Edward was sitting with his back towards Carlisle. He held Seth between his legs and he was crying.

Without saying a word, Carlisle walked over to Edward and took Seth form him. He placed him on a blanket in front of them with his toys. Carlisle looked at his son and hugged him. Edward wrapped his arms around his father and completely broke down in tears. His body shook because he was so emotional and upset.

"This is all my fault dad. Everything is my fault. I knew Bella wasn't okay with Jessica working for me. I knew it. I should have been more forceful with Uncle Marcus to let her go. We wouldn't be here if I just did it." Edward stopped to calm down he removed himself from his father and wiped his face. "I told Uncle Marcus I'm not going back there. He told me he all ready let Jessica go but it doesn't matter. I spent too many long hours away from my wife and son. I don't know what I will do but I'm not going back there again. I quit. There are other things that are more important to me. I just want my wife back," Edward concluded as he began to sob again.

"Edward," Carlisle said gently as he hugged his son again. "This isn't your fault. None of this is your fault."

"Dad, what do I do? I'm so afraid. I'm so scared that my wife will never know who I am or our son."

Carlisle took his own advice and didn't mention what he thought Bella's brain was doing. He took a breath of air and began to explain what was going on. "Well, Bella will be released in a day or so. I've talked to Charlie and since she seems to remember Forks the most we are bringing her up there."

"You can't. This is her home here with me and our son," Edward tried to reason.

"You're right, it is her home, but she seems to remember most about Forks and her life there. We are all going home. I actually have to double check to make sure the realtor hasn't rented the house. I don't know how long it will be but we'll all be there. I'm going to talk about getting transferred to Forks General for a little while. Your mom can do a lot of her work from home and only come back to the city occasionally."

Edward nodded and swallowed hard. He didn't speak up as he spoke to his father. "Level with me dad. Do you think she'll ever remember me again?"

Sighing, Carlisle sat back. He had to think logically what he could tell Edward. "I am telling you this as both a doctor and your father. Edward, I have no idea if she will. I just don't know. I don't want to give you false hope Edward and I'm not going to lie to you. No two cases are ever the same. They might have similarities, but they aren't the same."

Edward nodded. "Otherwise she's good? I mean healthy? Nothing to worry about?"

"She is extremely healthy. A lot better than I was anticipating. When she was in the coma, her body had time to heal without being interrupted." Carlisle paused as he watched his son pick a piece of grass and then throw it back onto the ground. "There is one thing I need to talk to you about though that concerns Bella."

Concerned, Edward looked up at his father. "What is it?"

"Well, it was your behavior at the hospital."

Edward shook his head violently. "I know I was wrong. I was so wrong. I shouldn't have gotten angry but dad, I don't know what I'm doing and I'm so frustrated. She remembered everyone but Seth and I. I'm not sleeping well. Hell, mom has been pretty much raising Seth. I don't know what I am doing and I am not handling it well."

"I understand Edward and I respect you for saying that, you are in an extremely tough situation, but you have to think about where she is coming from. You're scared and I understand that. I have no idea how I would be reacting if I were in your shoes, however, Bella can't have the added stress. Imagine how scared you are and you know Bella. You know your son. Bella had to remember people and events all over again. As you know she is still remembering new things everyday. Imagine how she is feeling right now."

"She probably feels worse than I could ever imagine."

"You're right, she does. Edward, you have to listen to me. After she is released, she will be the first priority. From here on out it is about Bella and her recovery. I'm not saying you can't break down or be upset, you certainly have the right to feel that way, but you can't do that in front of her. This is about her. If there is a repeat of what happened in the hospital today I will not hesitate to throw you in the car myself and escort you back to Seattle, do you understand? Am I making myself clear?"

"Crystal," Edward replied as he picked up his son. Seth smiled vibrantly at his father. "I understand, I really do." He stopped and smiled back at his son before looking at his father. "Mom said that Bella remembered Rose and that they are cousins. Mom showed her some family pictures and Bella picked Rose out on her own. It really is just Seth and I now she doesn't remember. She has no idea about our history or about this little one. It kills me dad, it really really does. I have spent all of my time with her in the hospital and it's like it doesn't matter. The last twenty three years just don't matter or didn't happen."

Carlisle nodded. "I know it is upsetting, but you have to remain positive Edward. Break down and cry in your own space, not in hers. Also, don't get upset or frustrated with her. She feels worse."

"I know. I feel like a terrible person."

"Don't Edward. This isn't your fault and it isn't about you."

Edward inhaled and took a moment before he spoke. "It scares the hell out of me that she may never remember me and before you say it, I have been giving it time. I know she has only been awake for a few days but dad, I've been by her side for six weeks. I've been worried about her. I have had nightmares of losing her and she can't remember who I am. I've had nightmares that she has walked out on me and Seth because she doesn't remember us and she wants to start a new life without us. To me that is scarier than anything else. She acts like a stranger around me." Edward paused before he lifted his sleepy son to his arms and cradled him. "There is a possibility that she will never remember me, us. What happens if she wants a divorce? What if she would want to move on with her life and just forget us? What would we do then? I have never in all of my life loved another woman like I love her. There will never be another out there for me. I don't care about the other women, I love my wife and just want her to be with me."

Carlisle placed an arm on Edward's shoulder. "I think it is a little premature to be thinking that way Edward. The only thing you can do is give her more time. She will come around I'm sure of it."

Edward nodded not really believing his father. "Right, time." Edward looked from his son to his father. "How did you know I was here? I didn't think anyone, but Bella knew about this place."

Carlisle laughed. "Edward, I know more than I let on. I went for a walk after we bought the place and you and Bella were here making out. I never said anything because I never wanted to embarrass either one of you. It wasn't the last time I saw you either. I like walking the trails and off the path."

Finally, a smile came to Edward's mouth. He and Bella often slipped away when they visited Edward's parents to the very spot he was sitting on at that moment. He also knew that Emmett and Rose knew of it as well. "Thanks for not saying anything to her. I think she would be mortified." He paused and looked at his father again. "You should get some rest. You've been up for a while."

"You sound like your mother now."

Chuckling, Edward held his sleeping son tight. He kissed his head. "Well I can't have my wife's best doctor being tired. I'll drive us all back."

Carlisle stood up and then helped Edward. He gathered the blanket and toys on the ground and held them. "I'd like that. Come on kids, let's go back home."


Author's Note 2:

Some of you had guessed it. Bella's brain is blocking Edward out due to drama with him. This part is based a little off of my experience. Not that I was in a coma because I wasn't, but as I mentioned I was in a car accident. I was pulled over on the side of the road and someone hit me and my mother head on going sixty miles an hour (it was a thirty miles an hour zone) while she was texting (the woman was also sixty and not a teenager). I was driving. I have no recollection of the actual crash and the point of impact. I remember pulling over because I couldn't get passed her. The first thing I remember is that my head was resting on the airbag. I then thought i needed to turn on my hazard lights and they wouldn't go on (she hit me hard enough that she whacked the battery out of place. I lost a Josh Groban Cd in that car!). I remember I was hazy. It was a weird experience. When I followed up with my primary doctor a few days later she explained to me the brain does stuff that we don't understand. In this instance it blocked out the trauma and the pain of the point of impact. It's weird though. My mother remembers the point of impact perfectly. I as I said do not. It's interesting how it works. Okay, now it's almost two thirty. I'm off to bed now for real but I wanted to explain about this part of the story.