Chapter Twenty-Four: Unexpected Decision

Bella's POV

My family came to surround my bed. Charlie and Carlisle stood at the foot together. Charlie's eyes were darting from face to face like he was looking for something there. Emmett, Rose, Alice, and Esme were staring at me with affectionate eyes. Edward, Jasper, and I were staring at Carlisle, who was examining my charts.

"How are you feeling, Bella?" Carlisle asked as he looked up at me. Under the professional's exterior, I could see a father-like concern for me.

"Tired and a little sore but other than that, I feel fine. Is there something wrong with me?" I felt ok but what did I know. He was the doctor, not me.

"Well, you are entirely over stimulated. You're suffering from mild malnutrition and are borderline anemic." Carlisle told me.

"So what does that mean?" I asked. Was that serious? Would I have to be hospitalized?

"Anemia means that there is an iron deficiency in your blood. You haven't been getting the nutrients you need. Bella, I'm going to prescribe you iron and vitamin supplements. I want you to take it easy for a while. Stay in bed and relax for a while. Let someone else get your food. As soon as I'm done with the papers, you don't have to be here any longer, though." Carlisle in formed me. I was ready to leave but cringed at the idea of being home alone.

"So I'm confined to my bed at home? That sucks!" I wailed. Apparently, I still had the over-emotional stuff.

Charlie shook his head. "No, Bella. You wont be at home. I can't stay home to take care of you. I'm a cop not a doctor. You need a house with a doctor in it."

My eyebrows came together. "I don't understand, dad. What are you saying?" it sounded like he wanted me live with the Cullens but I couldn't see him being ok with that.

" You can't be taken care of properly at home. As much as I hate to admit it, I think you would be better off at the Cullen's place. They can take care of you better than I can. It's obvious you have seven other people in this room who love you." Charlie explained grudgingly.

"So, what? I'm moving in with the Cullens?" I eyed my father suspiciously. Was he really serious?

"Temporarily. You will be staying with them until you are healthy enough to take care of yourself again. There are conditions that Carlisle has agreed to." Charlie said gruffly. I couldn't believe he was really letting me go live in my boyfriend's house. Then I remembered his conditions.

"Really? What conditions?" I asked warily. This was too good to be true.

"First, Edward sleeps in a separate room. Second, I'll be over to see you every day for dinner." Charlie waited to let me think it over.

I saw no harm in him visiting me. Dinner would be trickier. There was no way the Cullens could get around eating every night with Charlie there. I felt bad that every night, they would have to couch everything back up. I thought about the first condition. There was an easy way around that since Edward doesn't sleep.

"Ok, that's fine. I agree with both conditions. Anything else?" I nodded.

"Just get better, bells. Just do that for me and I'll be fine." Charlie's voice was gruff with worry for me.

"I will, dad. Now, can we get out of here? I hate hospitals." I complained. My voice sounded whiney. They all chuckled at that.

"We'll take you home in about twenty minutes. Alice, why don't you go with Charlie to grab some more clothes for Bella." Carlisle suggested when it was quiet.

"Carlisle, you Edward and Jasper can take Bella home in Edward's car. Rose, Emmett and I need to go get something for dinner. Will you join us for dinner, Charlie? Are you all ok with pizza?" Esme asked sweetly. We all nodded.

"Until Bella is back at my house, I'm your dinner guest. Hope you don't mind." Charlie said sheepishly.

" No, that's alright, Charlie. You are always welcome at our home. If you'll excuse us, Emmett, Rosalie, let's go." Esme waved goodbye to the others and kissed me on the cheek. Emmett and Rosalie hugged me carefully. The three left the room shortly after.

"Well, I guess we should go get your things, Bella. See you at the Cullen's place. This way, Alice." Charlie left the room with her.

"I should go, too. I need to secure your release and get you a wheel chair so you don't have to walk." Carlisle smiled and turned to the door. Jasper left with him, not saying a word.

Edward and I were alone again. He smiled crookedly at me. I was getting out of here soon. I was going to live with the Cullens. My father seemed to be taking things well. I guess Charlie's plan was what Edward had gasped at. Who would have thought Charlie could be so reasonable.

I smiled at Edward and felt at peace for the moment.