Oh my God guys! I am so sorry! Gah- I forgot I said that I would update yesterday! I woke up and I suddenly realised that today was Thursday! Sorry again! Thanks for all your reviews and I hope that this chapter can make up my lack of updating.

Chapter 27

Bella POV

My mind went blank. Did Carlisle seriously just offer to take me in? I sat in shock while the Cullens' hopeful expression became nervous.
"Of course, we could take a step back and you could just stay with us while the social services look for other alternatives." Carlisle backtracked.
"No! Sorry, no- that's not what I meant. I'm- I'm just surprised I guess." After hat, I lapsed back into silence.

Did I want to live with the Cullens? Yes, that's easy. Did I want to be adopted? No. I know this wasn't logical, but my last adoption ended terribly. Okay, technically it wasn't a real adoption since it was my biological father, but the principle remains the same; I do not like adoption. It was irrational for me to be scared, but I had never considered myself as rational, or normal for that matter.

"I'm not ready for adoption." I whispered, knowing they would hear me clearly and hoping that they would understand.
"Of course." Esme said kindly with a small, knowing smile. I was relieved to find that all their faces held understanding and acceptance. They were always so generous, so loving. They had never given me any reason to fear them and yet, I was still doubtful. I decided that it was finally time that I took some initiative,
"But I would love to stay with you if the offer still stands." They answered with blinding smiles.
"I take that as a yes." I chuckled, suddenly gaining confidence.
"You can take that as a hell yes!" Emmett boomed and even though I was startled, I didn't flinch. This was a promising start.

"Bella, there is another thing I have been meaning to talk to you about. I know this might not seem as a very helpful thing right now, but if you came out with your abuse, this is the time where the police would do a full investigation. They will research what he said about his change of name and the murder of your mother. I know it will be hard, but now is the time." I gulped, could I really do this? What Carlisle said was true and Charlie couldn't hurt me anymore. My mother deserves justice. That fact made up my mind, but before I could answer, Carlisle added,
"But you must understand that if you go ahead, it will be a thorough search and you might not like what they find." He said gravely. The warming held no importance to my decision as I had already considered it.
"I know. My mom deserves the truth." I said confidently.
"I'm so proud of you." Esme murmured with emotion. I acknowledged her by squeezing her hand. I didn't want to linger on this conversation any longer as I wanted no opportunity for me to change my mind. So I changed the conversation- something I was now good at.

"So, when do I get to leave the hospital?"
"When do you get to go home." Alice corrected me and I smiled.
"Yes."
"Well, since you accepted to come home with us, I might be able to discharge you early, under the strict rule that you need to stay in bed at our house. I have access to full medical supplies and I can guarantee that the bed will be more comfortable." Carlisle said jokingly.
"Really?" I asked excited. Jasper chuckled, probably feeling how happy this made me.
"Yes, really." Carlisle confirmed. My stomach chose that time to grumble and I couldn't help but blush. Everybody laughed.

"Hey! The human has to eat." I said sarcastically.
"Oh Bellsy, you take after me." Emmett joked while patting his stomach.
"No and thank God for that! If she did, she would be fat and have no good sense of humour." Alice said smugly.
" I have a sense of humour! Besides, this is not fat! I am one hundred percent muscle baby!"
"Yup, no percent brain." Jasper muttered.
"HEY! I heard that!"
"Of course you did, you're a vampire!" Edward said and I laughed at the scene unfolding before me as they all started bickering like children. Esme and Carlisle watched amused for a few minutes before excusing themselves quietly to go get me some 'edible' food. I smiled at how considerate they were. Once Edward realised that Esme had left- it took him at least five minutes- he flashed to my side and took my hand before continuing the argument. I wasn't bored, it was very entertaining…

After about twenty minutes, the fight was still in full power and Carlisle and Esme had just returned.
"Okay children, I think that was long enough. Now think of Bella and be quiet." Esme said sternly. They all stopped abruptly for a second before the chaos started again, but this time, it was directed towards me.
"Oh my god" I am so sorry Bella!" Alice gushed.
"Man! I'm sorry Bellsy, I forgot that-" Emmett droned on.
"Bella honey, are you okay? I am terribly sorry!" Jasper exclaimed.
"I'm sorry, we didn't mean to…" Rosalie mumbled. I thought it was rather ridiculous how guilty they were feeling, however, the person who looked the guiltiest was Edward.
"I am so incredibly sorry! I just thought- I mean, I forgot, I mean- I'm sorry! Forgive me?" I just laughed- they really were acting like idiots.
"Guys, guys- stop! It's fine, I'm fine… I found you very entertaining actually. And Edward, this is ridiculous but of course I 'forgive' you." I said but he still looked a bit upset for having ignored me for a thirty minutes.
"Look, if you don't believe me, ask Jasper. I was enjoying the whole thing." Everybody looked expectantly at Jasper while a look of awe crossed his face.
"Wow, I did feel amusement."
"Idiot." I grumbled and finally, they seemed to return to normal as they laughed. I could really get used to this; hearing them laugh. It was beautiful, especially Edward's tinkling laugh.

"Come on, eat your food before it gets cold." Rosalie said while handing me a plate of stir fried rice. My mouth was watering at the smell- delicious. I was put under scrutiny as I ate since they all stared at me intently. It was a bit awkward eating with one arm, but I managed. As they watched me, I noticed something that made my heart sink a little.
They're eyes were black.
"You need to hunt." I stated. They immediately started to deny it, but I kept my ground- they had once told me that it could get painful for them.
"No. You will hunt. I am in the hospital, surrounded by doctors who give me so many pain killers that I wouldn't feel anything even if you cut my leg off. I am fine. Go." They hesitated a while longer before Carlisle took my side.
"We need to hunt. She will be in good hands and we wont go far." Edward then looked at me anxiously.
"We will be back early tomorrow morning." He assured me with intensity.
"And I will probably be sleeping." I tried to joke, the truth was; I really wanted them to stay. I quickly shot a warning glance at Jasper so he wouldn't tell them and just go. They were going to leave straight away so they could be back early in the morning. They all said their goodbye's and Jasper added,
"You're safe here honey. See you tomorrow." And with those parting words, they all left, making sure I had my favourite books by my bedside to entertain myself.

As they left, I didn't feel anything. Just me, in a blank hospital room. I stared at the doorway until the feeling of emptiness became unnerving and I decided to read. I tried to get my into my book, but it seemed impossible to concentrate as my eyes kept flickering to the door. I knew I was being stupid- they would only be back tomorrow, not earlier.

I gave up reading with an exasperated huff after about thirty minutes of effort. I finally realised that is was hopeless for me to even think that I could distract myself while they were away; that was their job. The situation became slightly easier once I accepted the fact that I would be miserable for a few hours, but only marginally.

To improve my already soaring mood –note the sarcasm- I think the morphine was wearing off causing my body to throb painfully; this was going to be a long recovery… As soon as I thought of my injuries, my right hand automatically reached for the back of my neck to feel my brand. I quickly tried to think of something else as I didn't want to have a panic attack when I was alone. Instead, I dropped my hand and my eyes shifted to my left arm which was currently encased in plaster. I didn't think of how my arm was ruthlessly twisted behind my back, but rather of all the messages the Cullens had written on the cast. This did distract me momentarily before it just reminded me of how much I miss them.

I missed Emmett's childish personality and Alice's never-ending energy, Rose's motherly concern, Jasper's soothing calm, Esme's love and Carlisle's patience and understanding. With a little jolt, I realised that who I missed the most was Edward. Not only one thing in his personality, but everything. I missed him.

I had never fully accepted how attached I had grown to Edward. His presence calmed me more than Jasper's power and it was his voice and his touch that helped the most during the awful flashbacks. Now that I was thinking logically, I realised that I was the most comfortable with him even though usually, I would prefer to company of women; we even had to replace my male nurse! Obviously, I was learning to trust Emmett, Jasper and Carlisle, but I trusted Edward above them all, even Alice, Rose and Esme.

My mind was utterly taken my surprise, but there was no more denying it; I was in love with Edward Cullen. It seemed painfully obvious now. My epiphany was quickly overshadowed with a pang of desperation; he could never love me back. I scolded myself for falling in love with him. I always had to do something stupid when things were finally going my way. I was setting myself up for heartbreak; either I face rejection or I live the rest of my life with a secret love. I am positive that this will last for the rest of my life; there was no moving on. I may have been blind to my feelings, but I recognized it; it has been here all along. All the sparks of energy at his touch, or the veil of calm when he spoke, all of it was love.

When I finally found the strength to return my mind to the real world, I was shocked to find that it was already nine in the evening. I had seriously lost myself… I knew it was still early, but the sooner I went to bed, the sooner I would see Edward. I was actually pretty tired as I fell into an uncomfortable sleep.

"You call this food?! Even pigs would spit this out!" Marc roared while slamming his plate to the ground.
"What have I told you about my food?"
"On t-time and p-perfectly c-cooked." My eight year old self stammered.
"So you speak now! Do you think that this is perfectly cooked?" He asked while pointing at the chicken now on the ground.
"I'm s-sorry, I thought you l-liked c-chick-"
"What? Speak up. You thought I liked what? Trash?!" I shook my head frantically.
"No. Sorry Daddy." I whispered.
"And what have I said about that? You are jus useless aren't you?! Never call me 'daddy'. I'm ashamed to be your father." He grabbed my arm and dragged me to the stove. He turned it on.
"Now, I am going to show you what 'well-cooked' is." He sneered while lifting my arm-

"Bella, Bella wake up. It's okay, you're okay. I'm here." I recognized Edward's voice and my scream mingled together- I immediately shut my mouth.
"Open you eyes Bella." I hesitantly opened them to see Edward leaning over me- his proximity made me tense, but I refused to shy away. Once I got my breathing under control and some-what recovered, I gave him a small smile.
"You're early." I looked intently into his eyes, and sure enough, they we're topaz.
"Alice saw the nurses forgetting to give you your sleeping pills and having a nightmare." He smiled sadly.
"So you came back."
"Yes." Having him here, next to me was perfect. I would take whatever I could from him and if it was only sisterly love, then so be it- it was better than nothing.
"Sleep Bella. I'll stay here with you." He soothed and he's words meant more than he could possible imagine.

He took my hand in his as I fell asleep, feeling complete.
Thank you guys for reading! I truly enjoyed writing this chapter so I hoped you enjoyed reading it!