29/03/2009 04:37:00

Disclaimer: These characters are the sole property of Stephenie Meyer.

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Chapter 17: Laughter heals all wounds. (BPOV)

I awoke to the smell of bacon coming from the kitchen. I stretched out my arms above me while looking at my right arm. My arm cast was finally off and it was nice to be able to use both of my arms again.

I sat up and hopped my way to the end of the bed. I looked outside the window and saw the sun shining in. It was going to be a beautiful day. I smiled to myself when I thought of the last 2 months with Edward.

He was everything that I could ever want in a man. He made me so happy. Of course it bothered me that he wouldn't let me do anything.

He cooked and cleaned. Heck he even bathed me. Wrapping my casts in garbage bags he carried me to the tub every night. On second thought, I don't think that I minded that part very much at all.

But today is the day that my casts come off. While Edward was there with me every moment, I missed connecting with him. Since I had these damn casts I couldn't be intimate with Edward at all and I missed it. Sure he would kiss me and I got to sleep with him every night, but it wasn't the same. I wanted to feel that closeness, I wanted him.

My main worry about the casts coming off was that it meant that Edward would soon be moving out, and I would not get to sleep with him every night. Not to mention the fact that he would be resuming the final 3 months of his residency next week.

I smacked myself in the head for being selfish. He had sacrificed so much for me these past few weeks. While I wanted to be with him every moment for the rest of my life, I knew that reality had to set in. I knew that I had to start teaching and Edward had to return to work.

We had long discussions about what Edward wanted to do once his residency was completed. He wanted to open a small private practice. He loved caring for children, and he definitely wanted to have more time and leave the hectic life of an ER Doctor behind. So for the past month, he and I had been scouting out locations for his Pediactric Office and actually found a couple of locations close to his house.

I had yet to actually see Edwards house, but I could tell from his description that it was large and beautiful.

I grabbed the crutches next to the bed and made my way to the bathroom. I splashed some water on my face and brushed my teeth. I hobbled my way towards the kitchen and turned the corner to see Edward dancing in front of the stove,

"Hmm hmmm" I cleared my throat but he didn't hear me. I stood there watching him for a while. He was sexy as he swayed his hips back and forth. I wondered what he was listening to when all of a sudden he started trying to poplock. I just about fell over laughing and one of my crutches slammed to the floor. Edward jerked around quickly and saw me laughing.

He pulled the headphones out of his ears and began walking toward me.

"Whats so funny Bella?" he asked while picking up my crutch.

"Wow Edward, I never knew you that you knew how to breakdance."

His face turned really red and he looked at me embarrassed, momentarily.

Then he looked at me and a grin spread across his face.

'I used to be pretty good actually; I have some pretty smooth moves you know."

He rubbed his lips across my lips softly and pulled away quickly moving back to the stove.

"Not fair Dr. Cullen, that's hitting below the belt. How can you just leave me hanging like that?" I hobbled to the kitchen table and plopped down.

He turned and placed a plate with bacon, eggs and toast in front of me.

"Eat up Bella, soon those casts come off." Then he walked behind me and pulled my hair to the side and peppered kisses on my neck.

"Once those casts are off Bella, I plan to do a lot of hitting below the belt."

I felt my whole back shiver with anticipation. I swear I was bewitched by him.

We ate quickly and I dressed in one of the loose jogging suits that Alice had bought for me.

We arrived quickly at the hospital and Carlisle was waiting in front with a wheelchair. I hated wheelchairs and most of all having to be pushed around.

As soon as we pulled in front Carlisle opened the door and helped me into the chair. I crossed my arms and pouted.

Carlisle laughed and Edward ran up from the parking lot.

"I see that Bella still doesn't like to be taken care of Edward."

Edward laughed and walked next to Carlisle and I. We soon arrived at Carlisle's office and I was laid on the small bed.

Carlisle pulled out a small electric saw and removed the cast from my ribs first. After he made a straight cut down my left, he made another on my right. With a couple of tugs it removed easily. I took a large breath in and out. My torso was pale and clammy. I ran my hands over my ribs feeling them under my skin. No pain. Must be a good sign. My skin had small wrinkles scattered across my torso.

"Eww, I look like a prune."

Carlisle laughed along with Edward. "It will take a couple of days to look like your old self Bella."

He then moved to my leg and the cast was removed quickly. I stretched my leg out and wiggled my toes. I felt around my knee for the screw that had been placed inside of it and I couldn't feel it. The scars were not as bad as I though they were going to be.

I started to move forward and off of the table an Edward was at my side quickly. He grabbed my side and helped me to my feet. My leg was weak but it felt good to put weight on it.

"Are you ready for your rehab Bella?" Edward asked.

"As ready as I'm going to be, let's just get it done."

To my dismay, they put me back into the wheelchair. As we walked through the hospital Carlisle and Edward started talking about Edward's new practice.

"Edward, your mother and I have had many conversations concerning your practice. We both know that it would be pretty hard starting it out on your own, and we were hoping that you would consider possibly adding another doctor to be your partner."

Edward tilted his chin up thinking. "Well Dad, I have thought of it, but I would need to do a lot of interviews to find someone that would fit in well with me. I know that I can be pretty hard to deal with sometimes."

I snickered when he said that. "Tell me about it." I replied

Edward looked down at me and raised his left eyebrow. "Well it's the truth. You won't even let me bathe myself." I cupped my hand over my mouth instantly. I was beet red. Edward laughed and bent down and whispered into my ear.

"That is because I wanted to see you naked Bella, and to touch your soft skin."

I looked up at Carlisle and he was laughing to himself and shaking his head back and forth.

"So Dad as I was saying before I was interrupted, I was thinking of taking on a partner. Did you have someone specific in mind?"

Carlisle rubbed the back of his neck and looked at Edward.

"I was hoping that maybe you wouldn't mind taking on your old man as a partner Edward. Your mother and I really want to start spending more time together and these hospital hours are really taking their toll. I even have my own patients set up. So what do you think?"

Edward's smile was so big that I thought he was going to explode with happiness.

"I think that you and I would make great partners Dad."

Carlisle hugged Edward quickly. "I'd better call your Mother and tell her the good news." He walked away pulling out his cell phone.

We approached the physical therapists ward and Edward pushed open the doors and pulled me inside.

I was greeted by a petite woman.

"Good Morning, I'm Lisa and I will be helping you today Bella. Dr. Cullen will you be staying?"

"Yes I will Lisa. Bella can be stubborn sometimes and I want to make sure she doesn't give you too much trouble." Lisa laughed.

"I have 4 small children at home Dr. Cullen, and trust me when I tell you that 1 patient in here is nothing compared to that."

Edward laughed and I gave him my 'I'm gonna kill you later' look. I looked at Lisa and she was smiling at me.

"Don't worry Bella. It won't be too bad. Besides I know how stubborn Dr. Cullen can be so I know he's really here for his own benefit and not yours."

She winked at me and I smiled. I liked her already.

She pushed me to a table and I stood up and sat on the table.

"Go ahead and lay down Bella." She took my leg and started to bend it at the knee. I felt some pain initially but as she repeated the motion my knee loosened up and the pain subsided.

I felt awkward not speaking so I decided to start up a conversation.

"So you have 4 children?" I asked.

"Oh yes, 2 daughters and 2 sons. My two sons are Jacob, who is 15, and Luke who is 2. My two daughters are Mia, who is 6 and Brooke who is 4. They are a lot of work, but they are so worth it. My husband and I are planning on taking a trip to Disneyworld this year. Now that should be interesting."

Edward had been listening. "How is Jeff doing Lisa?"

She smiled. "He is really good. Did you know that he and Emmett have partnered to rehabilitate some old brick homes in the University District?"

"No I didn't know but that is great. There are some great old houses out there."

Edward looked at me and smiled. "Jeff is a private contractor and he and Lisa moved here from Chicago. He used to restore old Brownstones in Chicago and now restores and remodels homes here in Seattle."

"Oh, you know I just moved here from Chicago Lisa. I graduated from UIC."

"Wow small world huh. So how did you meet the fair Dr. Cullen here?" She asked while pointing at him.

"Actually we met in Chicago; Edward came into a music store I worked at during my going away party."

Edward laughed. "Don't be bashful Bella." Edward began to tell Lisa the story of our meeting. She laughed and smiled as she listened. Especially when he got to the part about Edwards family and Alice keeping the secret that we were there to meet each other.

"That is so sweet. It looks like you two were destined to meet." She smiled.

"Well we are all done Bella." I was surprised.

"That was fast. I didn't even realize that an hour had passed." Lisa handed me a crutch.

"You only need to use the crutch for a week. I don't want you to put your full weight on your leg until we strengthen it. I am going to give you a sheet of exercises that I want you to do at home at night. We are going to be meeting 3 times a week. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I need to go for now, but it was so nice meeting you Bella. Maybe we can all get together for dinner sometime."

Edward replied. "We should. I'll get with Emmett and see what we can set up."

I shook Lisa's hand and shook it. "Thank you so much, it was so nice to meet you."

"Likewise. I'll see you Wednesday Bella."

She walked away and Edward opened the door for me.

"How does it feel to be a free woman Bella?" Edward asked.

"Great, those casts were so confining."

We walked to Edward's office and I sat in one of his leather chairs. I sunk into the chair and started stretching my leg.

"Does it hurt Bella?" Edward asked while going through some papers on his desk.

"A little, but it's not too bad."

"Damn It!" Edward crumbled up a bunch of papers and threw them into the trash.

"What is it, is everything okay?" He looked up me and looked worried for a moment. He walked over to me and knelt down in front of me.

"You know that I'm in love with you Bella Swan, don't you."

"Of course Edward, and I Love you too, but what's wrong?"

He raked his fingers through his hair and sighed. "Well do you remember when I told you about Tanya?"

The memory of her kissing him came rushing to my mind. I could feel the hatred building inside me. He explained what had occurred that day, and later Jenny had informed me of what she saw. I knew that Edward had told her to leave, and about me. Jenny took it upon herself to throw her out. I loved Jenny.

"Yes, but what is it?"

"Well apparently she has been calling here a lot and leaving messages. I don't want you to think that I am talking to her, or that anything is going on. I just don't want her to come between you and me."

I leaned forward and cradled Edwards face in my hands. "I trust you Edward. With all of my heart and soul I trust you. Just so you know though, if I happen to run into her, I cannot guarantee you that she will leave unscathed."

He looked at me surprised. "I didn't know you were so possessive Bella. So you'd fight for me, is that what you're saying?"

I laughed. "I wouldn't provoke a fight Edward, but if it came down to it, I would do what is necessary."

I pulled him closer and placed my lips against his. I licked his bottom lip and sucked on it lightly.

He moaned into my mouth and kissed me harder. He pushed me into the chair and ran his hands through my hair. He pulled my head to one side and kissed my neck. He placed a small kiss on my chin and then one on my lips.

"Your amazing Bella."

"You make me amazing Edward, you make me whole."

He smiled and began to kiss me again.

We heard someone clear their throat next to us and saw Jenny standing there.

"I don't mean to interrupt Dr. Cullen, as I don't want to make Bella unhappy." She looked at me and winked. "But your Father asked me to have you meet him in his office."

"Thank you Jenny. By the way did you enjoy the show?" He chuckled.

She turned and looked at me smiling. "I would have locked the door and done a whole lot more than kissing." She winked again and walked out.

I looked at Edward and we both laughed.

We met with Carlisle in his office. As soon as we had arrived Esme walked in and embraced me.

"I am so happy to see you without all that plaster Bella. Will you and Edward be joining us for lunch today?"

I looked at Edward and he smiled while nodding his head. "Of course Esme, we would love to."

We walked back to the car; well I hobbled back since I refused to be taxied in a wheelchair.

"Mind telling me what you were smiling for in there?"

He looked at me momentarily and shook his head. "I was thinking that it was nice that my Mother likes you so much. It just makes me feel good to know that my family loves you as much as I do."

Edward helped me get into the car and then walked around and got in.

I blushed, again.

"You really need to stop doing that, you know."

"Doing what Bella?"

"Dazzling me Edward. You already have me, all of me, so you don't need to keep dazzling me."

"So I dazzle you?"

"As if you didn't know."

He looked at me and laughed. "I wasn't trying to dazzle you Bella. When I am around you I am just me. But if being me dazzles you, then you had better get used to it because I am in this for the long haul."

Wait did Edward Cullen just say that he was in it for the long haul.

"See you did it again."

He looked at me and shook his head. "Bella, Bella, Bella. When will you get that when I am around you there are no walls. It's just me. When I am with you I can't help but relax and be myself. You make me this way Bella Swan, you and only you. That's one of the many reasons I love you."

"I know you do Edward and I Love you too. I am just worried that one day you are going to wake up and realize that I'm not all that I'm cracked up to be. That I am pretty damn clumsy, not as intelligent as you, and not as beautiful as you think. Besides all you have done is take care of me for the last 2 months. You must think that I'm not capable of taking care of myself. What kind of man wants a woman that can't even take care of herself?"

Edward pulled the car into a parking spot. We had apparently arrived where we were supposed to meet up with Carlisle and Esme.

"Bella, Love. I took care of you because I wanted to. I loved every minute of it because I got to be with you. I know you're a little clumsy, but I love it. You are much more intelligent than I am, and I don't even feel guilty for saying it. And beautiful, well let me tell you something Bella. I have never, and I mean never, met any woman that has captivated me the way that you do. You are everything that you think you're not. I will make you see yourself the way I see you Bella."

He pulled my face closer to his and he kissed me. He licked my bottom lip and I opened my mouth to allow his tongue entry. He pulled me close until our bodies were flush. He did not pull away until we both needed to breathe.

"Shall we join my partner and his wife for lunch my dear?"

I chuckled and shook my head. "We better cause a few more minutes of that and we won't make it out of this car."

He pulled closer to me. "On second thought."

"Move it Cullen." I got out between breaths.

We heard a knock on the window and I immediately jumped back. Edward however did not move and laughed at my response.

We looked out and saw Emmett staring into the car with a devious smile on his face.

Edward opened the door to get out and Emmett started in on him.

"Nice peep show bro. So how far were you going to take that? Not that I would have watched the whole time. Well maybe I would have."

Edward punched him in the arm and quickly came to my door to assist me.

"Why are you here anyway Em?" Edward asked while helping me get settled with the crutch.

"Don't know. Mom and Dad said they had some big news and that we all had to meet here for lunch. Rosie is on her way too. Alice and Jazz are already inside. Do you know what's going on Eddie?"

Edward cringed, he hated being called Eddie.

"Maybe but I'll let Dad tell."

"Don't leave me hangin bro. Spill the beans."

"Sorry Em."

I hobbled towards the entrance and Emmett scooped me up and I dropped my crutch.

"Emmett put me down. Now that I am fully capable of walking I intend on doing so."

"Yeah well I'd like to eat sometime today and your hobbling ass takes too damn long."

I looked back at Edward begging for some assistance but he just laughed picked up my crutch and shrugged his shoulders.

We strolled right past the restaurants host. He flashed us a quick smile.

Emmett brought me right up to the table where everyone else, besides Rosalie, was seated.

Alice jumped up and down and ran to me.

"I'm so glad those horrible casts are off Bella. Wait why are you still wearing those horrible sweats?"

I laughed as she took in my outfit with a frown.

"We just left the hospital Alice, what was I supposed to do go home and change, just for lunch."

"Well duh, earth to Bella, YES!"

Edward stepped behind me and pulled out my chair for me. Emmett placed me in the chair and Edward pushed it in.

"What's wrong with the way Bella looks Alice?" He asked while giving me a quick peck on the cheek as he continued.

"I think she looks just fine."

I laughed and then I heard Rosalie behind me laughing.

"Give it up Alice; Edward would think that Bella looked good in a garbage bag."

Edward looked at Rosalie and smiled. "Yeah you're right."

He looked at me and winked. I knew he was remembering me naked in the tub with the trash bags wrapped around my casts.

I was so happy to see Rosalie. Since she began shooting I barely got to see her at all. She left for the set before Edward and I were up and came back after we went to bed.

She smiled and hugged me. "Miss you Bells." She whispered in my ear and I smiled. "Same here Rose"

She sat on my left next to Emmett.

I looked up at Carlisle and Esme and they were both smiling.

I looked around the table at the people that surrounded me. Jasper was whispering in Alice's ear and she was smiling. Emmett gave Rose a quick peck on the cheek and wrapped his hand around hers. I looked at Edward and he was looking at me smiling. I smiled back. Being here with all them made me happy.

Jasper was the first to speak.

"Alright Dad we are all officially here so what's the good news?"

Everyone around the table shook their heads in agreement except for Edward and I.

"Well I wanted my whole family here for this news." He looked at Esme and she nodded. "I have decided to leave the hospital to pursue other avenues."

Everyone looked surprised. Carlisle raised his hand as she spoke.

"As you all know I have been at the hospital for 20 years and you're Mother and I have decided that we want to start spending more time together. So I spoke with Edward today and he and I have agreed to open the pediatric practice together."

Everyone spoke at once congratulating both Edward and Carlisle.

I heard someone snicker behind me and turned around to see who it was.

It was Tanya. I would recognize her anywhere.

"What is so great Edward? Care to share your good news?"

Edward turned quickly and I saw his face turn red with anger.

"What the hell are you doing here Tanya?"

"Oh, well I was in the neighborhood and saw your car and I figured that I would stop in here and grab a bite with you. Apparently I came just in time to hear the good news."

She walked up behind him and playfully twisted some the hair on the back of his head.

Now I was red with anger. I wanted to slap her hand away.

She looked at me and I saw recognition in her eyes.

"So I see that you brought your maid with you to lunch Edward, how thoughtful."

"You do not refer to MY Bella as a maid Tanya. I WILL NOT allow you to insult her."

Tanya retorted. "Oh, you actually associate yourself with this thing. Look at her. She can't even dress appropriately for a restaurant as high caliber as this. She looks pathetic."

My hands were closed into fists at this point. I reacted and spoke up.

"If you have something to say about me Tanya, why don't you just say it to my face?" I stood up, ignoring the pain in my leg.

"Oh I will, Bella. Do you actually think that you are good enough for Edward? Do you actually think that you fit into his world, hell in my world? Well, you don't. Besides I know what it takes to make Edward happy and satisfied. Don't I Edward?"

She began running her hand across his face. Edward kept shoving her hand away.

"I. Don't. Want. You. Tanya. Bella is the only woman that I want. The ONLY woman that I need. Your right about one thing, she doesn't belong in my world. She is TOO good for me by far and by the grace of God she wants me and loves me. You don't even compare, you could never compare!"

What happened next was a surprise even to me.

I jumped up and smacked her hand away from Edwards face. She looked at me surprised by my reaction.

"Keep your damn hands off of him." I grunted.

She laughed. "Oh he likes it when I touch him, don't you Edward. Just like a couple of months ago, in your office. Tell her Edward. Tell her she isn't worth your time. Look, your parents are disgusted by her. Just look at yourself Bella. You don't deserve Edward."

My eyes went red with anger. The next thing I knew my fist was flying and it landed on Tanya's nose. She fell to the ground crying. Blood was spilling out onto her yellow dress.

Rosalie flew to my side and Edward jumped up. I felt my chest heaving up and down. The rage I felt was taking over.

"Get the hell out of here Tanya; you are the one that isn't wanted here. You are demented to even think that Edward would even want you anymore. Apparently you don't know how to take NO for an answer. Well let me spell it out for you. N.O. And if I ever, EVER hear you talk about me or any of my family again I won't hesitate to hurt you. And this…"

I grabbed Edward by his shirt and pulled him to me and I cupped his crotch. I heard him yelp in response.

"This is all mines!"

I heard quiet giggles come from my family. The host then walked up and grabbed some napkins and handed them to Tanya.

Esme walked forward. "Tanya dear."

Tanya looked up as she held a bunch of napkins around her nose.

"Esme, Thank you! I knew that you would agree with me. Tell him to snap out of it. Tell him that he's too good for her." She stood back up glaring at me.

Esme walked up to Tanya. She smiled and slapped her across her face. The sound reverberated in the room.

Tanya jumped back rubbing her cheek.

"Tanya you are an evil woman. Don't you dare ever come near any of my family again? Edward is too good for you Tanya, he always has been. And my daughter Bella, not only is she too good for you but she IS Edward's whole world and there is no room for you. You will never be as good as she is. And if you ever try and hit on my husband again you will have more than a bloody nose. Now get the hell out of my restaurant before I call the damn Police."

We all watched Esme with dropped jaws as she walked back her seat.

"Franz, get that piece of trash out of my restaurant now!" Esme waved her hand to the door.

The host walked up and guided Tanya out of the restaurant.

When the door closed behind Tanya we all erupted in giggles.

"Umm, Bella?" I looked up at Edward. "While I enjoy the fact that you are groping me, do you think that you can let go now?"

I looked down at my hand and I turned bright red.

"Oh Edward I am so sorry. I didn't mean to. God I am an idiot."

He laughed as he pulled me into a hug. "I love you Bella Swan. Thank you for fighting for me." He pulled me up and pressed his lips against mine. I suddenly forgot that we were surrounded by family. That was until we heard Carlisle clear his throat.

"Bella let Edward look at your hand. It looks pretty swollen."

Edward pulled away and sat me down in my chair.

"Does it hurt Bella?" He asked while gingerly taking my hand and inspecting my knuckles."

"No, not at all. I can bend my fingers, see."

I opened and closed my hand to show Edward that I had not broken it. He grabbed a napkin and filled it with ice and held it on my hand.

"Let's get the swelling down and then we'll look at it again."

"Is your leg okay Bella. You jumped up pretty quickly."

I moved my leg stretching it under the table to see if I had done any damage in my rampage.

"No, I don't think so. It feels the same."

Rosalie bent over and hugged me. "I am so proud of you Bella. I didn't know you had it in you."

Emmett started laughing. "Maybe you should go into the UFC Bells. We'll make T-Shirts. I got my ass kicked by Bella Swan. Oooh or how about. 'I like Cat Fights'."

"Ha. Ha. Em, I don't think so. Someone had to put her in her place."

"Yeah that's for sure. But you have a mean right hook there Bells. Remind me not to get on your bad side."

I shook my head smiling. Mentally I was jumping up and down.

"This is your restaurant Esme?" I asked

"Oh yes. I am part owner actually. The head chef Janie is an old college friend of mine. I decorate and she cooks. What do you think?"

I looked around at my surroundings. It had a modern Mediterranean feel.

"It's absolutely lovely Esme."

"Thank you Bella. Oh and thank you for standing up to Tanya. I have been dying to do that to her for ages."

I smiled. I don't know if anyone else caught Esme's line "My daughter Bella" in the conversation but I knew that I did. To be honest I liked the idea.

Everyone at the table was laughing. I looked at Edward and I felt warm and happy.

Yes, I would fight for him. I loved him and he was mine.