"Bella, Bella, wake up. Look who's here."
Bella groaned and rolled over on the hard hospital mattress, her brown eyes squinting against the brightness of the overhead lights.
Edward was sitting on the bed next to her, his clothes wrinkled and his hair more disheveled looking than normal. For the first time in the past two days he wore a smile on his face, the worry free from his now bright amber eyes.
"What's going on?" Bella grumbled as she sat up.
"Look," Edward said as he pointed across the room.
Bella shifted her weight so she could see over Edward's shoulder, her eyes growing wide as she looked in the direction he was pointing.
"Emmett!" She exclaimed, "How'd he get in here?"
"Rosalie and I made a compromise with the doctor," Edward beamed. "We figured it would help you both out a little."
"Has he woken up at all?"
Edward shook his head, "Not yet. The doctors say he's stabilized though."
Bella tried to hide her disappointment, wishing that every time she looked over ay her brother she would see him alert and smiling.
"He's going to pull out of it Bella, his body has been through a lot in the past few hours. It just needs a chance to reboot itself."
"I hope you're right."
"It'll happen," he wrapped an arm around shoulders. "Just give it time."
"Ah Ms. Swan, I'm glad to see you're up." Dr. Newton, appeared blue eyed and chipper in the doorway, "How are you feeling?"
"Tired, but OK I suppose." A shrug completed her lack of confidence that her response portrayed.
"Well good news is that officially lifted Emmett's critical status to stable, and we are going to let you go today."
"Is it OK if I stay for a little?"
"Of course," Dr. Newton nodded as he removed the monitors and the IV line from Bella. "we may have to pardon some of your visitors though to accommodate the new arrival."
"New arrival?" Bella inquired.
"A Mr. Charles Swan?"
Oh great.
"It's OK Bella, I should probably go home and shower anyway." Edward tugged at the fabric of the black dress shirt he had been wearing for the past two days. "I'll be back though, don't you worry."
"OK." She answered reluctantly.
"You'll be fine," he whispered and placed a kiss on her forehead. He stopped briefly in the entranceway, taking one last look at her before heading out in the room.
Bella sighed and let her body fall back against the hard pillows, wishing she could just go back to sleep and avoid the awkward conversation that she knew was coming.
A nervous cough echoed in the dimly lit room, causing Bella to look up suddenly. Charlie stood in the doorway, nervously shifting his weight from one foot to the other,
"How are you doing Bells?"
"Better than Emmett," she said with a heavy shrug.
Charlie nodded as he walked over to Emmett's bed, his hands resting on the rails at the foot of Emmett's bed. "Has he been awake at all?"
"No. the doctor says he's going to do it on his own and it could take a little while for him to recover."
"What happened with you?" He eyed her tired frame curiously.
"Stress apparently."
Charlie sighed and walked across the room to Bella's bed, taking a seat in the padded chair that was stationed on the right side of her bed.
"Look Bells, I know things have been kinda crazy for you lately but I still want you to know that your mother and I still care about you greatly."
"I know Dad."
"Are things OK at Emmett's?"
A nervous silence fell over Bella as she looked at her father. She wanted to tell him how thankful she was to have Emmett take her in, but one glance at the somewhat hurt look on Charlie's face stopped her short.
"We're doing pretty good so far," Bella finally managed to get out. "It's definitely a good experience and it's nice to see Emmett more."
"You two always got along well," Charlie said as he looked down at the floor.
"Dad," Bella said causing him to look up. "I don't want you to think I didn't want to move with yo0u. I just ran because…well becayse I felt like I didn't have a choice, and Emmett's…"
"Always been there, I know. I was just concerned Bells, I didn't want this to damage whatever relationship you and I have."
Bella blinked, shock keeping the words from leaving her mouth.
"Have you gotten signed up for school yet?" Charlie asked as he regained his composure and steered the conversation away from his exposed emotions.
"Emmett was supposed to take me this week, but now that's not going to happen. So it'll just depend on when I can get there."
"I can take you." Charlie said, with a look of hope lighting up his face. "Your brother is going to need some rest."
Bella nodded as an awkward silence fell over them.
"That would be great," Bella said finally. "Thank you."
"Are the letting you go today?"
"A couple more tests and I should be free to go."
"Do you need a ride?"
"I think my, uh, friend Edward is taking me home. Emmett's girlfriend Rosalie is staying with me, she's really nice dad."
"Edward, huh?" Charlie's thick eyebrows rose in curiosity.
"Just a friend dad," Bella fought the urge to roll her eyes.
""Will I get to meet this Edward?"
Bella nodded, "He'll be back in a little while."
"You sure you're going to be ok with your friends?"
"Aboslutely. Rosalie is amazing and Edward in incredibly sweet."
Not to mention. He's one hell of a kisser.
Charlie only grunted as he stood up, "Mind if I stop by later? You know, just make sure you're ok?"
"OK," Bella said as Charlie gave her a quick hug and started for the door.
"Ill be by after I stop by the police station and drop some things off."
Ah, the new police chief. I forgot.
Bella nodded and managed a smile before Charlie left his children's hospital room.
I don't know if I can take any more of this today.
Tiredness began to creep up on her again, which was surprising given the amount of time she had been sleeping earlier this morning. A feeling of longing welled up inside of her as her thoughts drifted to Edward, to have him by her side and feel the warmth of his body.
"Bella?" Dr Newton appeared in front of her as she began to drift off again, "Ready to go home?"
"Definitely," Bella yawned. "Although I don't think my ride is here yet."
"There's a young lady that came in with your brother waiting out in the waiting room for you."
"Rosalie," Bella smiled.
"Your belongings are in the bathroom there, just sign out with the nurse when you leave OK?"
"Are you still going to take care of my brother?"
"Absolutely," Dr. Newton said confidently as he removed the iv in her arm, "Rest assured Miss Swan. Your brother is in good hands."
I'll rest when he's awake, Bella thought as she climbed off the hospital bed and tiptoed across the cold floor to the bathroom.
The recent conversation she had with Charlie was bothering her. The combination of the tone of urgency in his voice and the stressed look on his face wasn't sitting right. Charlie wasn't usually as emotional, leaving the need to have her in his life unable to be ignored from the conversation. He never pried or showed much emotion when it came to dealing with life, Bella could probably count the amount of times he had smiled on one hand.
Guilt took over Bella as she pulled Alice's t-shirt back on, the amount of worry causing dark circles to form under her eyes.
Charlie was lonely.
God, what am I supposed to do? Her mind screamed as she collected her cell phone and purse before heading into the main part of the room.
"Why aren't you awake Emmett? I need you!" Bella said as she paced back and forth in front of Emmett's bed.
"Bella, are you OK?"
Bella turned around suddenly to see a tired looking Rosalie leaning against the large doorframe.
"I'm fine," Bella sighed. "Just hospital jitters I guess."
"Did the doctor let you go?"
Bella nodded, giving way to the first trace of enthusiasm she had had in days.
"Charlie's coming by the house later.'
"Why do I get the feeling you're not happy about that?'
"I don't know," Bella shrugged. "Something just seemed off when I talked to him earlier and it's bugging me."
"Well that's understandable with everything he's been going through lately." Rosalie's voice faltered as she looked over at Emmett. "Emmett talked to me about it to, he was worried."
Bella stood silent as she watched the happy look on Rosalie's face fade, the sadness filling her eyes yet again.
"Do you want a minute?" Bella asked, already on her way to the door before Rosalie had a chance to nod.
"It's ok," she said when she noticed Rosalie's hesitation. "I need to call Edward anyway."
It wasn't a lie; Edward was probably going to be leaving his house shortly if she didn't catch him and warn him as well.
"You OK?" Edward asked after one ring.
"I'm fine," she smiled at his urgency. "They're letting me go home."
"That's great! I'll come get you," he grunted as a banging noise sounded. "If I can put my shoes on instead of tripping over them that is."
"No need, Rosalie's here. You can meet me at my house though."
"Absolutely," she almost melted at the sound of his voice.
"I have to warn you,, my father's stopping by. He's kind of curious about you."
"Not a problem, I would actually like to meet more of your family."
Oh my god, Bella shivered as butterflies fluttered in her stomach,
"How about in a half an hour? Rosie is in with Emmett right now," Bella said as she plopped into one of the hospital chairs.
"You got it beautiful."
Bella smiled and reluctantly said goodbye and shut her phone, staring down at it wishing Edward was still on the line.
"Ready?" Rosalie said, wiping her eyes as she walked towards Bella.
"As ready as I am, I don't really want to leave Emmett behind."
"He'll be with us before you know it," Rosalie said managing a smile. "Let's get out of here."
Bella couldn't follow Rosalie fast enough as the two women made their way towards the front of the hospital. The ride home was quiet, Rosalie remaining distracted with thoughts of Emmett while Bella remained preoccupied with her own problems.
She couldn't ignore the feeling of guilt that was wielding up inside of her, the feeling that increased every time the memory of Charlie's stressed express would float through her mind. She had been excited to stay with Emmett and rekindling that friendship they had. Never had she thought about the impact this might have on Charlie. She didn't know if it meant anything along the lines she was thinking, yet she still couldn't get her mind to move on from something else.
"What's wrong Bella, besides the obvious?" Rosalie asked, throwing Bella out of the intense thoughts that were flowing through her mind.
"My dad came to visit while you were in the waiting room, e just wasn't himself. I mean he's upset about Emmett sure, but I think he might be just as upset about me living with Emmett."
"I think he's just adjusting to the path life is taking him down right now Bella, give him some time. This might be a good thing for you both to go through this."
"It's just so awkward."
"It will be, but you can handle it. I think you and Charlie will be in a better position after that. I think he's checking to see how you're doing with Emmett too. You both might not be that close, but he still cares Bella."
"How do you know all of this?"
"I talked to Charlie before he came in to visit you," Rosalie grinned.
"Sneaky," Bella chuckled. "You were beginning to sound like my brother there for a minute."
"We think alike, that's why we get along so well."
"Rosie, I am so glad you're here."
"I'm glad I am too honestly, I like have you and your brother in my life. And hey if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have had the guts to ask Emmett out."
"I'm definitely lucky."
"Now is that in reference to me or the young man parked in your driveway?"
Bella's gaze shifted from Rosalie to out beyond the windshield, watching Edward come into view as Rosalie pulled into Emmett's long driveway.
Edward still managed to look amazing, changing from his black dress shirt to a sky blue t-shirt and jeans. His hair still shot out from every possible direction, the bronze highlights shining brightly in the dim sunlight.
"God am I glad to see you!" Bella exclaimed as she ran up the paved driveway, diving into Edward's arms.
"You seem to be feeling better," he chuckled as he swung her around.
"I am," she smiled. "Fully cured thanks to you."
An awkward sounding cough came from behind the entwined couple, causing Edward to set Bella down as they turned to look at Rosalie.
"Sorry Rosie," Bella blushed.
"No its ok, I would have done the same thing if I was you. Does you brother know about all that?"
"Not really," Bella frowned. "I didn't really get a chance to tell him."
"Well I'm sure he'll be nothing but approving of this young man," Rosalie smiled. "I'll make sure I talk to him before all of that too. Just as a little notice ahead of time that's all."
"Can you do that for my dad too?" Bella asked as she lead the group to the front door, searching through her seemingly endless purse for her keys.
"Should I be worried?" Edward asked as Bella managed to find the key ring in her purse and let them into the house.
"He's the chief of police here, but I think they only give him two guns." Rosalie chuckled.
"Besides the ones he already has that is," Bella joined in the laughter as Edward's face grew paler.
"Thanks guys," Edward chuckled nervously as he made his way into the dining room, eye the presents that Rosalie had left for Bella.
"You can take credit for those," Rosalie nodded towards the gift bags. " Might help you out a little."
"Oh Rosie! I meant to thank you for those! You are a live safer," Bella exclaimed.
"It's no problem," Rosalie couldn't help but smile as Bella wrapped her in a hug. "We're going to get you taken care of completely."
"I think Charlie is going to bring the rest of my things tonight, so I should be alright."
"You still cant turn down a little shopping therapy. I'm going to need it too!"
"Uhoh," Edward interrupted as he stared out the dining room windows.
A set of headlights lit up the window, slightly illuminating the red and blue lights attached to the top of the car.
"It'll be fine," Bella said as she straightened out her shirt on the way to the door.
Charlie met her at the front door as she pulled it open, muttering a quick 'hello' to everyone before fitting himself and a huge box through the doorway.
"That should just be your clothes I think, should get you going for now." Charlie grunted as he set the box down, "I figure I would let you weed through everything else since Emmett has a lot of stuff here already."
"Thanks Dad," Bella smiled. "You hungry?"
"I was figuring I would just pick up a burger from the diner on the way home," Charlie shrugged as he stuffed his hands in his pocket.
"Why don't you stay?" Rosalie appeared in the doorway, "It would be a good opportunity for everyone to meet each other. Plus, I've heard rumors that Bella is a monster in the kitchen."
"She definitely took care of me and her mother that's for sure, "Charlie's said with an appreciative smile. "I'd love to stay."
"Great," Bella said, feeling her nerves almost calm down completely with the look she received from Charlie. "I'll get started."
The conversation between Rosalie and Charlie barely reached Bella's ears as she left the dining room. Her ears would perk up every now and then at the sound of laughter, goose bumps spreading across her arms as she listened to Edward join in the conversation.
The group almost seemed like an awkwardly formed family in a way, yet them seemed even more out of place with the absence of Emmett's boisterous laughter.
A frown crossed Bella's face as she pulled a box of pasta out of the cabinet, finding it feeling more and more wrong as she began preparing a meal in her brother's house without her brother being there.
"It's going to be OK," She told herself as she pulled a jar of tomato sauce and a package of ground beef out of the fridge,
Spaghetti with meat sauce it is.
She stood in silence, letting minutes pass by as the sauce and pasta came to a boil.
"That smells incredible Bells," Charlie sniffed as he made his way into the kitchen.
"Thanks," Bella managed a smile. "I think it's about ready."
"Oh, let me help you with that." Charlie's scrambled to reach for the heavy pot full of pasta as Bella struggled to lift it.
"Thanks dad," Bella said as she poured the sauce into a serving bowl.
"Bells, are you going to be around tomorrow?"
"Nothing besides going with Rosalie to visit Emmett in the morning, why?"
"Well I was thinking I could take you to campus tomorrow and get your classes set, I know the deadline is coming up soon and I just wanted to make sure you're ready to go."
"That would be great Dad," Bella said as they walked into the dining room, immediately attracting the attention of the room.
"Damn that smells good," Edward licked his lips as Bella set the sauce bowl down in front of him.
You smell incredibly, she thought a she walked by him.
Bella found herself distracted through dinner, even with Edward in the conversation she still couldn't focus. She managed to pick up bits and pieces of the conversation as it drifted from Emmett and Rosalie to Edward's school career. The meal in front of her changed quickly from the spaghetti to cheesecake and coffee.
The awkward look on Edward's face went unnoticed by Bella, even as it grew as the group dispersed from the table.
"Tomorrow morning Bells?" Charlie asked as he grabbed his jacket off of the coat rack by the front door.
"Tomorrow," Bella said with a nod as Charlie pulled the front door open.
"Are you OK?" Edward asked as Charlie left.
"Yeah." Bella shrugged, unsure if she had even managed to convince herself.
"Well I will let you get some sleep then," Edward said as he wrapped her in a hug. "I keep forgetting they let you out of the hospital today."
"Why don't you stay?" Bella pouted as Edward wrapped his arms around her waist.
"I can't, from what I heard your father is going to be here in the morning tomorrow." Edward grinned as Bella wrapped her arms around his waist, "Although I do want to stay."
"Would I be able to talk you into at least staying for a movie?"
"I suppose," Edward faked a sigh. "If you really, and I mean REALLY want me to."
"You know I do," Bella said as she leaned up to kiss him.
"You better knock that out too or I'll never leave."
"Maybe that's the plan," Bella winked at him as she lead him into the living room.
"Bella, do you have any idea what you are doing to me?" Edward whispered as Bella's lips found their way to his neck, placing gentle kisses along his warm skin.
"Maybe," Bella whispered as she nibbled lightly on the skin of his neck.
"Get a room," Rosalie hollered as she walked by the living room. "Well, maybe as your brothers girlfriend I shouldn't be saying that…so…knock it off."
Damn.
"So movie it is?" Edward grinned.
"Fine" Bella tried not to pout as she broke theirt embrace and started digging through Emmett's movie collection.
Edward couldn't help but smile as he collapsed onto the plush couch, letting his head fall back against the back of the couch. His eyes drifting shut as the phone on the end table started to ring along with the others that had been placed around the house.
"Bella!!" Rosalie's screams echoed down the stairwell and into the downstairs hallway.
\
"Rosie!" Bella stumbled as she quickly stood up from her crouched position, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing! Nothing at all!" Rosalie's body could barely keep up with her feet as she ran down the stairs, the house phone from Emmett's bedroom still tightly clutched in the palm of her hand. 'It's Emmett! Charlie called and said he's awake!!"
"Oh my god Rosalie, that's amazing!" Bella squeeled as the two women hugged each other tightly. "Can we see him?"
"Charlie is going to let us know, he said there is a chance if Emmett is stable enough that they could let him go tonight or tomorrow morning."
"I cant wait! I want to see him now!"
"That will come all in due time grasshopper!" Rosalie said making them all laugh.
"God, now what?"
"I say we stick with the movie plan," Edward said from the couch. "And Rosalie would dogpile on the couch with us of course."
"Popcorn?" Rosalie wiggled her eyebrows at them.
"Damn right," Bella chuckled.
'Alright, you guys find something good and we'll get this thing started."
Bella couldn't help but notice Edward's gaze as she walked across the room to the large dvd rack, thanking herself that her face was away from him so he couldn't see her blush.
"Bella," he said making her turn around quickly. "You're beautiful."
Bella couldn't help but smile, finding it hard to believe that the attractive man on her couch was so infatuated with her. the look on his face was so genuine, his eyes seeing only her.
"And you amaze me," she said as she grabbed a dvd box from the rack and hopped onto the couch with Edward.
"Princess Bride?" Edward groaned, "Really?"
"Hey don't knock that movie," Rosalie waved her finger at him as she came back in the room with a bowl of popcorn. "That is a classic."
"It's a chick flick," Edward said, picking out a piece of popcorn as soon as Rosalie set the bowl down on the coffee table.
"Are you not man enough to handle it?" Bella nudged him.
"You know, I'm not sure if I like the two of you together like this. You guys gang up on me a lot."
"Deal," Rosalie threw a piece of popcorn at him as she plopped onto the couch on the opposite side of Bella.
Edward sighed and wrapped his arm around Bella, scooting farther down the couch cushion as Bella rested herself against him. Rosalie leaned her back against the arm of the couch and let her long legs stretch across the length of the couch.
"Don't think I'm not getting in on this," she said as she received confused looks from Bella and Edward.
Bella laughed and shook her head, allowing her arm to drape over Rosalie's legs as the movie started and the group fell quiet. Yawns began spreading through the group, followed by tired eyes and heavy eyelids.
Hours later Rosalie felt a nudge against her shoulder, causing a moan to escape from her lips.
"Bella, stop it." She muttered.
"It's not Bella."
Rosalie's eye shot open quickly at the sound of the all too familiar voice, tilting her head to look above her.
"Emmett!" She couldn't help but scream, "Oh my god!"
Emmett towered over her, his face tired yet his signature smile still stood.
"Emmett," Bella grumbled as she sat up, waking Edward up in the process.
"Surprise."
"My brother is home!" Bella shook the barely conscious Edward out of sheer excitement before hoping off of the couch.
"Careful Bells," Emmett groaned as Bella wrapped her arms around him."
"Sorry," Bella grinned sheepishly. "Just excited that's all. Why didn't you tell us you were coming home?"
"He made me promise not to say anything," Charlie said from the entranceway to the living room. "He's home but he has to take it easy, no heavy lifting or strenuous activity."
"We'll make sure he obeys the law," Rosalie smiled as Emmett wrapped an arm around her narrow waist and pulled her close.
Charlies only grunted, his eyes darting from Emmett to Bella to Edward who still looked barely awake on the couch.
"Thank you Charlie," Emmett rested a strong hand on his father's shoulder. "Did you want to stay for breakfast?"
"Nah that's ok," Charlie shook his head. "I've have to get to the station after I take Bella to get her classes lined up."
"Forgot about that," Bella sighed. "Guess that's my cue."
"I guess I should be going as well," Edward yawned. "My parents are probably worried anyway."
"I'll walk you out," Charlie patted his shoulder and led him towards the door.
"That's not good," Emmett chuckled as he and Rosalie watched a panicked looking Edward walk out the front door with Charlie right behind him.
"It'll be fine, Bella and I have been toughening him up." Rosalie smiled and nuzzled against his chest.
"I don't know what that means, and part of me wishes for it to remain that way."
A content sigh escaped Rosalie's lips as Emmett placed a kiss on the top of her head, his embrace strengthening around you.
"I missed you," he whispered.
"I'm just glad you're OK," she said quietly.
"Oh now you get a room!" Bella hollered as she made her way down the stairwell, her eyes searching the nearby rooms for Charlie. "Where's my father?"
"Probably giving Edward a lecture in the front yard," Emmett grinned, causing Bella's eyes to grow wide before she darted out the front door.
"I'll mention it to my father Charlie, thank you." Edward shook Charlie's hand as Bella burst through the front door, "And I will call you later."
Bella remained silent, only a nod confirmed that she heard Edward before he climbed into the car.
"Just helping his dad get a case into the court house a little quicker," Charlie shrugged as he unlocked the patrol car doors. "You coming?"
What is going on?
Charlie gave no clue as to what happened during his conversation with Edward as they made their way towards Washington State University, silence falling between them until they reached the parking lot.
"You need me to come in with you?" Charlie asked as he unbuckled his seatbelt.
"You can if you want," Bella shrugged. "I'm probably going to have to go in to see a councilor anyway."
Charlie nodded and got out of the car without another word, standing next to the car before Bella decided to get out.
An overwhelming feeling of dread overcame Bella as they pushed their way through the big glass doors. Students were everywhere, standing in line for books while others congregated near the entrance.
"I'll be back I guess," Bella frowned and started to push her way through the crowds.
"Good luck," Charlie chuckled.
"Excuse me," Bella huffed as two girls stood in front of the administration office.
The tall perky blonde in front of her rolled her eyes, saying nothing as she moved out of the way.
Nice, glad to see everyone is so friendly.
A groan escaped her lips as she came to a stop at the rear of the long line in front of the administration desk, the students looking bored out of their minds. An elderly woman stood behind the desk, arguing with a long haired blonde male.
"God, this is going to take forever." The blonde that Bella encountered outside of the office came up behind her, popping her gum as she talked.
"Whatever, it'll be worth it once we get into that music class. I heard the Teachers Assistant is so hot," the short brunette gushed.
"Like we'd have a chance with him anyway Angela," Bella could practically hear her roll her eyes.
"And why not?" the brunette grew hostile.
"TA's can't date students Ang, it's like against their rules or whatever,"
"I don't think that'll be a problem Jess, Edward Cullen is so hot . I think I could overlook the rules, and convince him as well."
What? Bella felt her heart rate increase so quickly she felt like she was going to pass out. Edward a teachers assistant? When did that happen? And rules…she gulped. What rules?