oOo

The night after Edward's first therapy session, they talked into the morning hours. For the first time since his accident, Bella allowed herself to voice her own feelings. Her shock and feelings of being betrayed upon finding his bottles. Her fear when she returned to find him in hospital.

Her own feelings of guilt at not having noticed what was going on.

"Shh," Edward whispered. He grabbed her hand in both of his larger ones. "Don't think that, love. Don't, ever think that."

Moving closer to her, he placed a tender kiss on her lips.

"I love you so much, Bella. I don't know what I'd do without you. You're the best thing in my life."

"I love you too, Edward. But please let me say this. You've been trying to keep all this from me. I think I'm entitled to my own point of view."

"Sorry." He shook his head. "I'm… I just keep fucking stuff up, I guess."

"You don't," she said. "You're only human."

Edward sighed, hugging her close and burying his face in her hair.

"I'll be there, darling," she whispered. "All the way."

.

They slept in late the following day, the sun beaming in through the windows when Bella opened her eyes. Edward's body was practically moulded around hers, and she was hot, but it felt good. As if he was finally coming back to her.

She revelled in their closeness for another few minutes before deciding to get up and make breakfast.

Her appetite had not really returned – worrying always did this to her – but she was determined to make an effort. She prepared toast and sliced fruit, squeezed some oranges and made tea. She was busy setting the table when she heard Edward shuffle into the kitchen, looking adorably rumpled. Since it was so warm, he was only wearing pyjama pants. His left side was still bruised, but the harsh blue was now becoming purplish.

The cut on his temple was receding, too.

"Hey," he smiled, crossing the small distance between them. He drew her into his arms. "That looks delicious. Thanks."

"Sit," she grinned, bringing over toast and Marmite.

"Did you sleep okay?"

She took a set across from him and poured tea.

Edward nodded thoughtfully, thanking her for tea and smearing an obscene amount of cream cheese on his toast.

"Yes, but I was sweating buckets. I wonder if that's a side effect of the pills as well."

Up to now, he had complained about being tired all the time.

"Well, it's hot outside," Bella shrugged. "I was sweating, too."

He ran his big toe up her shin and Bella smiled. It was wonderful to see his secret, playful side return.

"Let's go swimming today," she suggested. "When I was a kid, we always used to go to Hampstead Heath. The pond is chilly, but it'll be so refreshing."

Edward smiled. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Okay," he replied softly, reaching over the table and taking her hand. Tenderly, he kissed the inside of her wrist, her palm, finally leaning into her hand, his stubble tickling her delightfully.

"Thank you," he said softly, green eyes more alive than she had seen them in months.

oOo

Thank you for the fantastic response to the last chapter. You all seem happy that Edward is finally seeking help. Reading your reviews makes me truly happy.

xoxo

your

harperpitt