I don't own the Twilight saga, yada yada.

Sorry – I meant to post sooner but had a rough day yesterday. My cat died yesterday. In case you were wondering, he's been sick for a month and yes that's why I wrote in about Bella's kitty. Anyway, so writing's been tough and I wouldn't be surprised if this chapter's riddled with errors but it's as close to done as it will get.

Therefore, I would like to dedicate this chapter to my beloved Thomas Katt. May he find peace and tons of cat nip up in kitty heaven :)

Ch 7

After a night of fitful sleep, in which every creak or bump caused me to jerk awake in panic thinking Bella was in some form of danger, I finally gave up around 5am.

Since I still have another week before I begin work, I really didn't have much to do to keep me busy. I figured a jog might help release some of the built up tension from the previous night's drama.

It was a good run but I still couldn't shake this feeling of uneasiness. Am I doing the right thing? Will I be able to help her? My insecurities and doubts swam through my mind until I finally returned home. On my way to shower I decided to check in on Bella.

Finding her asleep was no surprise as it was still rather early, but I was a bit taken aback by her current bedmate. Nestled between her arms in a soft embrace was a well-loved stuffed cat. Now if you had asked me a few weeks ago what I thought about a grown woman sleeping with a stuffed toy I'm sure my reaction would be as it is now.

Adorable.

I don't doubt that the cat is a placeholder for her former animal companion. As I made my way to the shower I thought maybe I should get a cat or dog... someone to keep Bella company while I'm away. Imagining the smile on her face at the sight of new furry creature caused a warm sensation in my chest that was all too welcome. Should I ask her first or surprise her? Maybe I could blindfold her and take her to a shelter where she could pick. I was so engrossed in my planning I didn't hear the creak of the door or the padding of feet but when I turned around to rinse the shampoo out of my hair I could clearly see a very shocked, beet-red faced brunette staring at me through the clear shower curtain that separated us.

Thank god I'd only been thinking of animals! However the sight of a scantily clad Bella, despite her state of shock and mouth agape, had my body quickly responding. Trying to remain calm so as to not embarrass either of us further, I turned off the flowing stream of water, grabbed the towel off the closest rack and wrapped in around my waist.

By that point Bella had yet to move a muscle or utter a sound and I was beginning to get worried.

"Hey there, you okay?" I said as I tentatively touched my fingers to her chin and closed her slack jaw. "It was bound to happen at some point. I'll be sure to lock the door when I'm in here from now on." Her eyes darting nervously still remained glazed and I couldn't help smirking just a little at her reaction. "I'm all done so it's all yours." Walking to my bedroom I could hear a string of profanities that would make a sailor blush. I can only hope that's a good sign.

–

"Bella, I'm on my way to pick up some groceries since we're pretty low at the moment. Is there anything I can get for you?"

Since our "shower incident" Bella had been hiding in her room. I decided I'd give her some space and head out to run errands, hoping that upon my return she'd be a bit more sociable.

She shook her head vehemently in response, not daring to look me in the eye. Well that just won't do at all. I took three long strides to where she sat perched on the edge of the bed, lifting her chin so she could look me in the eyes.

"I'm only going to say this once, Bella so listen up. There's no reason to be embarrassed about what happened this morning. With the two of us sharing a bathroom it was bound to happen at some point or another. To be embarrassed would be like saying there's something wrong with your actions and it's simply not true. Do you think we can just move on from this and stay friends?"

This time she nodded softly

"Good, now I'm going to pick up some food. Would you like to write up a list?"

"No, just... could you get some ice cream? Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Cup. I'll pay you back."

"Don't worry about it. Are you sure that's all?"

"Yeah, I brought some food over from Emmett's so I'm good." I not so subtly look in her thin physique wondering if she was getting enough to eat. No matter, I'll cook for her an make sure she eats right. I'm going to need to work up a proper diet regimen taking her health condition into consideration. For now I'll just double up what I normally get and see what foods she likes.

"Okay, well feel free to wander around, this is your home too now. No need to stay cooped up in here."

She smiled genuinely and I melted. "Go Edward, get some food already." And with that she unceremoniously threw a pillow at my head. That's more like it.

"Fine, I know when I'm not wanted!" I fake pouted as I shut her door and headed out to the market.

I returned from the grocery shopping to Bella opening the door before I could reach for the handle.

Her face was bright red, but not from her usual blush. No it didn't take a mind reader or an empath to see that she was royally pissed. And by the way she was pointing with one hand so close she was almost touching me I'd take a gander she's mad at me. Great, it took one day of living together for her to hate me.

"You bastard! What the hell, Edward... or should I say Dr. Edward Cullen, Chief of Psychiatry." Her words were dripping with venom, the word Psychiatry was spat out like a curse.

She raised her other, non pointing hand to show a piece of mail that must have just arrived, listing my title in clearly typed font. After her proof was shown to me it was quickly flung behind her much like it burned her hand even to touch it.

"Was this all just some fucked up kind of experiment to you? 'Let's save the depressed girl and study her in her own habitat.' It all makes sense now." She slowly backed away from me and it could not have been a better metaphor for her likewise retreating into herself. "You just wanted me here to study me. I bet you're taking notes in mind right now. 'It seems the subject gets angered when she finds out the man she thought might be her friend is actually just using her as a rat in his pre-conceived cage.'"

"Bella, calm down." No matter what I say right now she won't believe a word of it. I screwed up and the only way I could possibly fix this is to ditch all things related to my training and reach out to her from my heart.

Her response was anything but calm. "WHAT? You want me to calm the fuck down! I find out I'm just freaking science experiment to you and you want me to just grin and take it!" Her face, if possible, darkened in its shade of red, arms flailing why coming close either breaking something or worse, hurting herself. This made me take immediate action. I would NOT allow harm to fall upon her even if she was the one causing it. Well in all honesty it would be my fault but right now I couldn't think of that. Must focus on Bella.

I stepped forward swiftly wrapping my arms around her waist, capturing her arms at her sides. Immediately she began trashing at the restraint.

"Let me go you cretin!"

"No I'm not letting you go, not until I'm certain you won't harm yourself. You need to calm down and please just listen for a moment." Her fiery glare pierced my soul and if they could I'm sure laser beams of death would be shooting from her eyes. "The only reason I kept my specialty a secret was because I expecting a response like this. I know it was wrong and I apologize. If I had told you when we were on that cliff together there's no way you would have listened to me, thinking I was just trying to psycho-babble you down with no real concern for your welfare."

She scoffed and tossed her head to the side but at least she'd stopped thrashing. Meanwhile I had to use every mental trick in the book to keep from reacting to her close proximity.

"Can you let me go now?" Her words sliced through me but I had more to say and I didn't want her leaving until I was finished.

"Do you promise to stay still while I finish explaining this to you?"

"No."

"Then too bad, you're staying put." I watched as she grumbled but finally submitted. "The truth is I really do care for you Bella. You're a bright, witty, -"

"HA! I'm sure that's what you tell all your patients right before you get them to crack and spill all they're dark secrets. Is this the part where I'm supposed to lie on a couch and tell you how my mommy never loved me?" She finished with a fake whine in her voice. Ugh! How am I going to convince her that the way I've treated her is in no way similar to how I act with a patient.

"Bella, how many patients do you think I invite to move in with me? How many have walked in on me in the shower?" At that her cheeks burned red instantly and she ducked her head. "Nothing I have done with you to date has been in any shape or form been a test or an experiment. There's no way I could ever treat you as a patient, because I'm already to wrapped up in your life." I decided to spare the part about how I'll eventually recommend her see one of my colleagues. Probably best if I keep that on the down low for now.

She looked up at me with puffy tear streaked eyes and my heart broke that instant. "Then why, Edward? Why am I here?" In that moment I could see the broken little girl aching for comfort and love. The suffering she's endured would crush most people and I am seriously amazed she's made it this far.

I slowly loosened my grip around her and removed my arms. My hand came up to wipe away her tears. "Because Bella, you may have problems, but so do I, and maybe... just maybe... we can help each other. Not as patient and doctor, but as friends." I stroked her cherry red bottom lip with my thumb as I continued. "And who knows, maybe something more.

"All I know right now is that I don't want – no, I can't lose you." I was so close I could feel her warm breath on my face. Just one more inch and our lips would touch. My internal struggle was alarming. I can't touch this girl, must remain professional. But that's what this is all about isn't it? We're not in a professional relationship.

In the end it was the fear of hurting her that made me draw back.

You can imagine my surprise when it was Bella who stepped forward, reached her arms around my neck and crashed her lips to mine.

AN: Sorry it's so short … I'll post again over the weekend. Thanks in advance for your reviews!

- Bridget