DISCLAIMER: Stephenie Meyers owns these characters. We've only borrowed them for this story.

Chapter 19

Edward's POV

The scents and sounds around me started to get more pronounced as I was coming to. I felt tired and weak-sensations that I hadn't felt since I was human. I was surprised I even recognized them. I opened my eyes and Carlisle was there. As I glanced around and noticed Nessie also watching me…but I also recognized a familiar scent lingering in the room. Bella. Was I still unconscious? Was I delirious? Carlisle placed his hand on my arm.

"Edward. Can you hear me? How do you feel?" I started to sit up and decided against it-dizziness took over.

"Car-lisle. Ness-w-what happened?" Nessie walked to my side and took my hand.

"Dad. Are you ok? Oh, dad. Please be ok." I realized there was panic in her voice and I started to feel my strength returning slowly. I sat up finally.

"Carlisle how did you get here? What happened? Nessie are you ok?" Carlisle checked my forehead-for what?

"Dad. You got sick from that ape you fed on. It had some type of virus. Oh god you were so sick…Zafrina called grandfather. He saved you." Carlisle looked at me. His face was drawn, like a man (a human man) who hadn't slept for days.

"Edward. You were gravely ill-you almost died. I wasn't sure we could save you, it was close, but I was finally able to create a serum to counteract the virus. We were very worried. The whole family is here waiting." I couldn't believe what I was hearing—I had been sick?

"I remember feeling very odd. There was a lot of pain but I don't remember anything else. I had strange dreams. I dreamt of Bella..." Renesmee nodded

"No dad, that part was real. Mom was here. She was so worried about you, we all were…" The fog was lifting. Carlisle saved my life, wouldn't be the first time. And where was Bella-did she say "mom was here"?"

"Edward, you should rest now. I will tell the others you are awake. It seems the worst is over and you will make a full recovery. You will not take long to heal now…the virus has completely been eradicated." I was so fortunate to have him in my life.

"Carlisle, this isn't the first time you've saved me. There are no words for my gratitude."

"None are needed my son. I would have given you my own life if necessary. I am glad you are ok now." I felt the surge of love I had always known from my father-my friend. I knew I needed to say no more. That just left one thing.

"Renesmee dear. Can you please tell me why I smell wolf?" My daughter then looked at me with a shot of guilt all over her face. She waited a moment, gathering her thoughts, which I could hear of course. "What is going on? Why is Jacob here? What have I missed?"

"Dad, I'll show you, the story is too long otherwise. But please don't be angry with me. I don't think I can take it if both of you were." Both of us? Did she mean Jacob? She touched my cheek and the visions of the past few days traveled through her mind to mine. The pain she felt when she saw me collapse. Bella, she was here. What?! A misunderstanding? Oh, my love, you have every reason to be angry with her. Wait, why are you leaving?

By the time I was finished with this walk down memory lane, I felt oddly exhausted. Not from my recovery, but from the emotional events of the past few days. How could I have allowed my daughter to influence me like that? How could I have doubted my wife? The one person I knew in my heart would never break my trust? How could I not search for the truth instead of running from it? I knew my daughter was my first priority at first glance. I couldn't let her leave alone. And what if she did something rash? I couldn't take that chance. Bella had to know that!

"Nessie, can you please bring your Aunt Alice in?" She nodded and left the hut. Seconds passed and there was Alice peeking in. Jasper, Emmett, Rose and Esme, close behind.

"Can we come in?" she said with that cute little smile I always gave in to. "Of course. I am so glad to see you all."

"Oh Edward, we're so relieved you're alright." My adoring mother kissed me on the forehead. "You gave us such a scare." I smiled and addressed them all.

"I'm so sorry for any trouble we've caused you. I now know our actions were hasty and we should have never left like that." Emmett stepped in and slapped my shoulder lightly

"No worries Bro. Things happen. Love does crazy things to people. It'll all work out." I wasn't as sure of that as he was.

"Alice, I know you spoke to Bella…please tell me where she is…and don't block me if you know anything. I need to speak to her." Alice came to my side as I started to get out of bed.

"Edward, please. She asked me to tell you she needs some space. Give her some time before flying after her. Besides you still need your rest."

I knew she was right, but I couldn't help but feeling frustrated and tied down. I knew on one had I needed to straighten this out with her, but on the other I needed to fully recover to be sure I would have the strength to fight if necessary. "Alice, I did a terrible thing by doubting her…and Jacob for that matter. She must be feeling so angry, so hurt. I vowed that I'd never hurt her again, and here I am doing that very thing."

"Edward. Just concentrate on getting better and we'll go home soon. Then we can sort it all out." I agreed and got back into bed. Of course, I wouldn't sleep, but at least I could rest. They all kissed me and left quietly.

I couldn't help but replay Renesmee's memories over and over in my head. How could I have been so stupid to believe my wife would run of with my daughter's boyfriend?! It seemed so ridiculous now. But my memories of Jacob and Bella are much clearer that hers. Mine were vampire memories, hers were human. I remember the thoughts of her that ran through his mind years ago. I remember the things she said and did for him. Of course, I know now he's devoted to Renesmee now-I hear his thoughts about her all the time-ugh. I KNOW I was way off base but was I that wrong for giving it just a little bit thought? I just can't keep waiting around. I need to speak to Bella as soon as possible. But where did she go? I jumped out of bed and got changed. I ran out of the hut. The whole family was there by the fire, laughing at something, I'm sure Emmett was at the crux of that. They stopped and looked in my direction.

"I know all of you have come a long way for me. You have saved my life and I'm eternally grateful. But now I must save the rest of my life. I need to find Bella and I need to go now." Carlisle walked toward me and put his hand on my shoulder. Jacob and Nessie also got up and joined him.

"We will go with you son. We know how important this is to you."

"Edward, I'm sorry for everything. I only wanted to be with Ness…"

"Shhh, Jacob. It's ok. I know what your intentions were and I am sorry for thinking anything else." Nessie smiled up at me. I appraised my family and friends situated around that small space and smiled. I realized how very lucky I was.

"Thank you. But I must do this alone. I have some ideas as to where she may be. There is much to be discussed when I find her. I will see you all at home as soon as I am able."