Flight of the Phoenix

Chapter Seven – Future Unknown


She loved me. This beautiful, loving, selfless woman… loved me, the monster. How could this be? I watched her as she fell asleep with me holding her hand, stroking her cheek. But as before, I couldn't read her mind while she slept.

I heard Bella's doctor down the hall, thinking of checking on her. I heard the door open to Bella's room as I kept my eyes on her.

"Hello. How is my patient doing?" Dr. Michaels whispered.

"She had some lunch earlier, and she fell asleep about ten minutes ago, doctor," I whispered back.

After a quick check-up, the doctor indicated that the MRI equipment was going to take at least a couple of weeks to be fixed. So, Bella would need an MRI examination back home. After that, the doctor left to continue his rounds.

Edward, Bella's parents are going to be here soon. Carlisle, Esme and I are coming in.

A few moments later, the others came in.

Can you read her thoughts while she's asleep? Carlisle thought.

I shook my head.

"But we shared a dream or something. It seemed so real. It was like we were really there."

"Interesting… I'm starting to wonder, with her brain capabilities, whether she'll develop other gifts," Carlisle said. "I was thinking of the incident with the MRI equipment. The electrical problem couldn't be a coincidence. She may have caused it," he said, barely audible to anyone but us.

"Regardless, we have a few decisions to make," Esme explained.

"We need to have a family meeting and have a decision about our future in Forks," Carlisle stated.

"Bella's parents will be here in a few minutes. We can find a vacant room and have our discussion. Jasper and the others will be here in five minutes," Alice said.

"Find a room. As soon as Bella's parents are here I'll join you," I said. The others nodded and left.

I held Bella's hand for a while longer as I waited for her parents to arrive. I heard her parents' thoughts before I heard the door open.

He doesn't leave her side. He must really care for her. Renee was pleased that Bella had someone to care for her so much, but at the same time, she was worried that we'd take things too fast.

He's here again… alone.Charlie's thoughts were similar to Renee's.

"Hello, Renee, Charlie… I was waiting for you to arrive. My family is waiting for me outside so I can grab a bite to eat."

At least his parents are here, Charlie thought. "How long has she been asleep?" Charlie asked, taking the seat next to me.

"She fell asleep about twenty minutes ago. I'm going to head out. If she wakes up, can you please tell her I'll be right back?" I asked, looking at both Renee and Charlie and getting up from the chair I was sitting in.

"Sure, Edward. You get some rest. We'll take care of Bella," Renee said, taking the seat I'd just vacated.

I touched Bella's cheek one more time, released her hand and left the hospital room.

I let my mind wander and found my family on the top floor in an area that was being renovated. The others had arrived. I was a little nervous about this meeting. I knew my future, and it was with Bella for as long as she wanted me. But my family was another matter. I knew Alice would come and live in New Hampshire and that Jasper would follow. What I was worried about… was Carlisle. I needed him to move here. If the time came and Bella needed medical help, I needed him close by.

I walked into the room where everybody was sitting in chairs that someone had found in a storage closet. I took my seat beside Carlisle, with Esme on his other side.

"I need to hear from each one of you, your opinion on the idea of moving the entire family to New Hampshire." Carlisle spoke cautiously.

"Before we voice our opinions… if we move, it will take time. We need to look for a home, renovate it, if needed, and look for jobs. And since Bella and Charlie are involved now, we can't in essence start over. We'd have to continue with the charade we currently have, only with a change of location," Esme added.

"Edward," Carlisle said, looking at me.

"I would love for you and the rest of the family to move to New Hampshire, but I will keep and stay in my own home," I answered, a smile playing on my lips. I wanted my privacy and to give them theirs.

"Alice." Carlisle spoke in barely a whisper.

"Bella is going to be my best friend and for that, I need to move here. So, I'm all for it," Alice said, excitement in her eyes.

"Jasper," Carlisle said.

"Wherever Alice goes, I'll follow," Jasper answered, his eyes on Alice.

"Emmett?" Carlisle stated like a question.

"You know me. Wherever the action is, I'm there, and it's going to be anywhere Bella is," Emmett said, his booming laughter filling the room. He was thinking of fighting me. I'd never been at a disadvantage before. This should be interesting.

"Rosalie." Carlisle said her name cautiously. She had expressed her displeasure on risking our lives for Bella's. I also knew that she hated being what we were the most.

"A change of scenery would be nice. Besides, New York is close enough for shopping." Rosalie shrugged her shoulders.

"Yay! Shopping! I could just see it now. Damn it! No, I can't. Bella seems to be blocking it, which means she's coming with me! YAY!" Alice squealed, bouncing in her chair.

I rolled my eyes, making a mental note to warn Bella about Alice and her shopping trips. Alice stuck out her tongue out at me when I made that decision.

"Well, since that has been decided, Esme and I will start making arrangements," Carlisle said. Then he thought of something else, something that had him worried.

"The wolves are going to be a problem?" I asked Carlisle.

"The pack leader, Sam, was quick to remind us of the finer points of the treaty, including that we are not allowed to bite another human. That may become a problem, if or when we need to turn Bella," Carlisle stated firmly.

"I'm sure Charlie will tell his friend of my relationship with Bella, which may cause them to pay a visit later. Until then, leave it as it is," I said, shrugging. Bella had mentioned her friend Jacob, and I was sure he was the reason for the sudden interest in Bella's personal life.

"There may be another problem," Jasper said cautiously. "Bella knows about our existence. If any other vampire finds out about what she does know, the Volturi may pay her a visit. I know Aro will take an interest in her because of her gifts."

"You may be right about that, regrettably. Hopefully, Alice can warn us if anyone else comes around, or if the Volturi pay us a visit," Carlisle indicated to us all. "That's the only thing we can do, for now."

"So, now for immediate plans, we need to discuss. It was already established that Jasper and Alice will be staying here to help you and Bella settle in. The rest of us will go back home and keep an eye out for James." Carlisle asked to double-check that this was still acceptable. Everyone nodded in agreement.

"We'll let Bella's parents know that we are leaving and say goodbye to Bella." Esme smiled. She was happy… happy that I had finally found someone.

Edward, where are you? Bella's thoughts interrupted my own.

"Bella's awake and she's looking for me. I have to go." I got up from my chair.

"We'll join you." Carlisle also rose from his chair, the others following closely behind me.

We made it to Bella's room swiftly. Charlie's thoughts were chaotic at best and full of fear, as were Renee's.

Get them out of here. I'm having trouble controlling myself, Bella pleaded, communicating with all of us through her thoughts. I looked at Jasper, and he nodded. He sent a calming wave towards Bella and her parents. Bella's parents' bodies relaxed immediately.

Esme and Rosalie stepped in, asking if they'd like to grab a cup of coffee downstairs in the cafeteria. Bella's parents' confusion was still written on their faces, but they seemed relieved to leave.

After they had left, I went to Bella's side immediately. "What is it, Bella?"

"I started answering their thoughts instead of what they were really asking. Then all of sudden, I was scared when they realized what I seemed to be doing, so they got scared. Then I was angry with myself, and they got angry. Do you see the pattern here?" Bella sighed. "What a mess! I think I'm broken."

"Bella, you'll be fine. It's just a little overwhelming at first." I tried to reassure her.

"Yeah, but when you started reading minds, you were a vampire. Your mind was able to handle it better. But I'm a human… and I can't seem to master it." Bella's lower lip jutted out further in a pout begging to be kissed.

"Edward, that's not helping." Bella blushed.

"Oops." I smirked. Bella rolled her eyes. Jasper and Alice snickered behind me.

"There are way too many emotions and thoughts in this room. It was hard enough with just two humans. But five vampire minds that can think of many things at once… are going to drive me insane," Bella said, rubbing her temples.

"Can't you block everything, like you did before?" Jasper said, sending another calming wave towards Bella.

"I've been trying since I started arguing with my parents, but I can't do it. Their thoughts kept screaming into my head." Bella reached out for my hand, and when she found it, she sighed.

"Why were you arguing with your parents?" I asked, looking in her eyes.

"Well… Mark, a deputy, his wife is getting ready to give birth in a few days, so my dad needs to go back. But he doesn't want to. Then my mom is starting her first day of school in a few days, also… but she won't leave. They're being rather stubborn," Bella complained.

"They just want to make sure you'll be fine, Bella," Alice stated, taking a cup of water and handing it to her.

"You can see my future again, can't you?" Bella asked, taking a long sip of her water.

"Yes, for the last few minutes, but not very far into the future." Alice shrugged.

Sorry, Alice thought so I could read.

"I thought I was a freak before… but now, I know I am," Bella grumbled.

"You're not a freak, Bella. You're talking to a room full of vampires, and you think you're the freak?" I asked, cupping her cheek with my hands, her eyes searching mine.

"She has a point though, Edward. For humans, she is a freak. Even for vampires, she's a freak," Emmett stated matter-of-factly. I shot him a glare, a growl rumbling in my chest.

"He's right," Bella said, rolling her eyes when I tried to argue with her. "I am a freak, any way you put it. Okay, I'm going to try to relax and see if I can control myself," Bella stated, closing her eyes.

"Your parents are coming back. Everybody relax," Alice said cheerfully, taking a chair beside Bella.

"Sure, Bella. I would love to help you finish getting your house ready for you, while you're here," Alice said with a big grin on her face, just as Renee walked in. I gave her glare and rolled my eyes.

"Bella, Alice, that's a great idea. I know Bella was worried about trying to do all that on her own." Renee smiled, putting a hand on Alice's shoulder. "That's really kind of you, Alice."

"Yeah, Alice, that is really kind of you. I just need you to unpack my stuff, nothing else," Bella said through gritted teeth.

Alice, you'd better not even think of making your last vision coming true.

I stifled a laugh, listening to the thought she'd sent to Alice. Bella shot me a glare.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure everything is ready when you get there. I have to help Edward too, since he's staying here," Alice said just as Charlie and my parents came in.

"You're staying, Edward?" Charlie asked, looking at me and then and Bella.

"Yes, Dad. He's staying to keep me company, while you and Mom go home for a while. So is Esme. Once the doctor gives me the green light to go home, you and Mom can come back," Bella stated, her chin held a high and her arms folded across her chest. Kitten-like anger and defiance. She glared at me for a moment before returning her gaze to her parents.

"I guess you're right, sweetie. I need to finish my class and see if I can find a sub for when you can go home," Renee said a little too easily. I watched Bella and could see she was using her gift to influence them.

Charlie sighed. "Fine, you win. I'll go home, but I'll be here when you fly to New Hampshire."

"Umm… I have no intention of flying, at least not for a while. Edward and Esme… can you drive me home, please?" Bella pleaded, her doe-like eyes wide and filling with tears.

"Bella, I know you're scared of flying, but that's a long drive when you're still healing," Renee said calmly, rubbing circles on Bella's hand.

"I'm not really scared of flying. I'm scared of bringing down another plane full of people because of my bad luck," Bella stated, like it was obvious.

Emmett stifled a laugh as I shot him a glare. A nurse came into the room and looked at all of us.

"No way. There are way too many of you in here. Come on, get out. Miss Swan has to get cleaned up. Your mom can stay. The rest, out!" the nurse said firmly and pointed to the door.

Rosalie came up to Bella and leaned, and whispered in her ear. "You're good for him. Sorry if I seem a little cold." Rosalie stood up. "We'll see you soon, Bella. Emmett, Dad and I are flying out today."

Emmett was wavering on whether or not he should try giving Bella a hug. He shuffled toward Bella, and his big hand wrapped around Bella's tiny one. "We'll see you soon. I want to hold you to your word, soon." Bella laughed and shook her head.

"We'll see you soon, Bella. You should be up and about in now time," Carlisle said as he, Rosalie and Emmett left the room.

Charlie walked out behind them, to talk to Carlisle, it seemed like. Jasper kept his distance but looked at Bella. "I'll see you soon, Bella," he said as he left.

"Don't worry, Bella. I'll have everything ready when you get there," Alice chirped, jumping out of her chair and giving Bella a kiss on her cheek. Bella glared at her as Alice's thoughts were of Bella's empty closet and everything she planned to buy to fill it in. Alice just grinned then left with Jasper.

"I'll be right outside in the waiting area. I'll see you in a bit." I leaned in and kissed her cheek. Bella's heart thumped wildly for a few seconds as she blushed. I left, looking back as the nurse and Renee closed in on her.

I walked in slowly from the hall to the waiting area where Carlisle and Esme were speaking with Charlie. I was walking into a conversation.

"… not that I don't trust him, Carlisle. It's just strange. That's all. You have to understand, I've never had to deal with this. Bells never dated while she stayed with me or when she was living with her mother. They seem to be so intense already, and they've just met. I don't want to see her get hurt. She has nobody over there," Charlie whispered, his back to me. My father looked over Charlie's shoulder at me before he spoke.

"My son is a good person, Charlie. He'd have to be, to get your daughter's attention. He's an adult and smart enough to understand that Bella is one of a kind, and I know he won't hurt her," Carlisle stated with so much conviction that Charlie's stance softened and he smiled.

"I know, but I'm still glad Esme is staying." Charlie chuckled. I walked slowly toward them as Charlie turned towards me. His smile at least didn't leave his face. I returned it with a small smile.

I'd ever had to deal with the whole pleasing and impressing "the parent" issue before. I was still new to it.

"I think I'm going to head to the hotel and make arrangements for my flight and one for Renee."

"Just call the number that the airline left. They'll take care of everything for you and Renee," Esme said, smiling and walking Charlie outside.

She'll be fine, Edward. She's a human; the powers are just a little hard for her to control. It will take time. Just let her know that she should take it easy while she's still healing. Carlisle thoughts indicated as he walked behind Esme and Charlie.

I waited in the waiting area for over twenty minutes. Renee walked out of Bella's room with a smile on her face as she walked over to me.

"Edward, she's asking for you. I'm going to head to the hotel to get ready to leave. Charlie just called Bella's room. My flight leaves in a few hours. I'll be back to say goodbye, and so will Charlie. I'll see you later, my cab should be here. Thanks for being there for her," Renee said with a smile.

"I'll always be there for her," I said, a smile playing on my lips. Renee nodded in response and left.

I made my way to Bella's room to find her sitting in the bed, waiting for me. A smile formed on her perfect lips as she scooted more to the left side of her bed. She patted the bed beside her. She was inviting me to lie beside her. My breath hitched, which did not go unnoticed.

Relax, I don't see you biting.Bella smirked and patted the spot beside her again. I moved swiftly across the room and took a deep breath. Bella watched me as I slowly lay down beside her. I took several deep breaths, her scent magnified from her wet hair. She smelled amazing. It was mouth-watering.

Like flowers? It's not everyday that I'm told I smell edible. Bella chuckled as I rolled my eyes.

"Carlisle thinks you should refrain from using your powers while you're still healing," I whispered, facing her, my hand stroking her cheek.

"Really? I was hoping we could try sharing a daydream again," Bella whispered, her fingers of her right hand touching along my jaw.

"Maybe later. I want to try something." I pulled her closer gently, as I leaned in. My lips grazed against her nose, her soft, warm cheek and her forehead. Bella was holding her breath, and then she exhaled, intoxicating my senses. I leaned in further, her body emanating warm heat and her heart beating like a humming bird as I brought my lips to hers.

The feelings that this kiss was stirring within me were brought to the surface and starting to boil over. I pressed my body closer, feeling every plane of her body against mine. Bella's heart was beating erratically as I remembered she had to breathe. I started to pull away, but she seemed to get over-excited as she tried to bring her left hand over to hold me in place.

That was when everything went wrong. Bella winced in pain, and her body stilled as we both realized that she had pulled out her IV from her hand. Blood was dripping out of the tiny wound.

A growl rumbled deep within my chest. "Bella." The lights went out as Bella screamed in the darkness.


AN: Thanks lisa89, you are the bomb. :)