~ * * * Chapter 4 * * * ~

I wonder if these were the shoes I was wearing when – No. Do not go there.

"Where do you think you're going Baby Girl?" Emmett's voice booms from the hallway.

"I'm going to see him Em," I stand up to look at him and he frowns at me.

"Don't even," I raise my hand. "I've been walking around this place for two days now. They took the cast off, and the sling. I'm eating actual food. No more tubes or wires," I wave my hands all around myself. "When's Carlisle going to let me out anyway?"

"Charlie is coming today."

What is everybody's deal?

"Charlie knows where I live. He can come see me there, if I'm not still here," I huff and turn to the window. "What happened to helping me? Why does everybody want to keep me locked up in this freaking hospital?"

"Okay Babe," Em raises his hands in surrender. "Let me see if I can find Dad."

I reach out for him and he wraps me up in a big bear hug.

"Thanks Em," He's so warm and cozy. Safe. "I'm going to throw my stuff together."

"What makes you think he's going to discharge you?" Emmett rubs my back and grin down at me.

"Because you," I poke his chest, "are very convincing. Aaand there's no reason I should still be here."

"I'll be back," he turns on his heal.

"Hey Emmy!"

"Hi Al. I gotta go find Dad."

"Why? What's wrong?"

"Nothing silly girl," I call. "He's gonna bust me out."

"Oh. Are you sure you're ready?"

"Alice," I huff. "No. I'm not ready." I rub my hands over my face. "What else am I supposed to do? I can't stay here."

"Bella," Carlisle comes into the room, with Emmett right behind him. "Everything looks great. As long as you're sure you are ready I can finish your paper work and you're free to go."

"Ready to get out of here," I rock from my heels to my toes.

"Okay then. Give me ten minutes and we'll go."

"Where are we going?" I ask as Carlisle leaves the room.

"Well we're all coming with you," Alice says, somewhat defensively.

"You guys really don't have to do that," I say collecting my toiletries from the bathroom.

I lean on the doorframe.

They look so sad, and hopeful.

They lost their brother.

I lost my husband.

What the fuck am I gonna do?

"Of course we do Bella," Alice grabs a few books off the bedside table and puts them in my backpack.

I drag myself across the room and give her a big squeeze.

"Thanks Ali."

"Sure sweetie," She says.

Then Emmett crushes the two of us into his chest.

"My girls," he says, and squeezes tighter.

"Hmmmm," I'm enjoying this. "Hey, where's Rose?"

"Awww, my babies," Esme tries to fit us all in her embrace. "Rose is waiting in your car Emmett." She answers my question. "I just ran into Carlisle down the hall. He's ready whenever you are Bella."

"Okay then," I zip my bag. "Let's go."