The touch of fingers at my wrist roused me. My sleep had been deep for a short time then fitful as thoughts of Bella ran through my mind. I opened my eyes to find Rosalie at my bedside.
"Sorry, Dr. Masen. I didn't mean to wake you."
"It's all right," I replied, my voice slightly husky. "It's Edward, please."
She gave a quick nod as she passed a cup of water to me. She anticipated my next comment, and before I could ask, she said, "Miss Swan is responding well to the Clindamycin. Fever's down, her lung function is improving, and she seems comfortable."
"Has she been conscious?"
With a smile, she answered, "On and off. She's asked about you several times."
"How long was I asleep?"
"About seven hours. How are you feeling?"
I was sore all over, and my knee was extremely tender. The pain meds had worn off some time ago. "Okay," I finally responded. "A little achy, but not too bad."
"Do you want another dose of Tylenol 3?"
I hoped to see Bella soon, so some pain relief would be helpful. I nodded, and she produced the pills from a small cup on the bedside table. She helped me to the bathroom, where took a few extra moments to wash my face. That simple act left me feeling much more human.
As I emerged from the bathroom, I asked Rosalie when I could visit Bella. She told me that Carlisle planned to come to my room after he checked on Bella, and that we would see what he had to say. I had a distinct feeling that my condition was as much of an issue as Bella's, which seemed rather ridiculous to me.
Carlisle poked his head into the room a few minutes later. When he saw that I was awake and alert, he entered. I was surprised to see Esme come in behind him. Immediately she offered me a warm smile, then her expression changed to one reflecting concern. She moved to the bed to take my hand.
"How are you doing?" she asked.
"I'm all right," I replied. "When did you get here?"
"Carlisle called me as soon as you reached the hospital. He was concerned I'd hear about a rescue in the Park and worry—which I most certainly would have—so he told me what happened. I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that, and that you were hurt." Tears glimmered in her eyes.
"Thank you," I said, touched by her compassion.
Carlisle was glancing at my chart. "How's your pain?" he asked.
"The Tylenol 3's doing its job," I replied. "How's Bella?"
"Better," he said. He repeated the information Rosalie had given me, adding a few additional details that he knew would assuage my worries further.
"When can I see her?"
"She's sleeping now," he responded.
"I won't disturb her. I just want to see her."
He and Rosalie exchanged a glance, then they helped me into a wheelchair. I planned to switch to crutches as soon as possible, but for the moment I was glad for the faster transportation the chair could provide.
As it turned out, I didn't have far to go. Bella's room was just across the hall, only two doors down from mine.
"Shouldn't she be in the ICU?" I asked. My heart rate increased as concern coursed through me.
"This is a small community hospital, Edward," he said. "But we're monitoring her closely. Rose's shift ended three hours ago, but she's still keeping an eye on Bella."
Carlisle pushed open the door and guided me inside. My gaze immediately sought the pale, delicate woman lying in the bed. A nasal cannula delivered supplemental oxygen to her, and a drip continued to push the antibiotics into her system. Her eyes were closed, and her expression appeared peaceful. I was glad that she was resting comfortably.
Carlisle pushed the wheelchair to the bed, and I gave him a grateful nod. Keeping my touch feather light, I rested my hand over Bella's. Her skin was warm and soft, and I felt much of the tension leave my body. The physical contact with her was soothing.
Carlisle took a few long moments to check the monitors and look over her chart again, but I suspected it was just pretext to give me a bit of time with her. I brushed my fingertips over her cheek gently, noting the slight flush of fever across her brow.
"Edward?" she whispered, so softly that I nearly missed it.
"Bella?" I stroked her cheek again.
Her eyes opened, and I was struck by the richness and depth of their color. Her lashes were long and dark. Her eyes were truly beautiful.
Her lips twitched up in a small smile. "Thank you," she murmured sleepily.
"Rest, my sweet girl."
"Stay?" Her request was a mere breath, but I heard it clearly.
"Yes. And I'll be here next time you wake."
She drifted off to sleep again. When I looked up, I realized that Carlisle had left the room. I sat at Bella's side for some time. When Carlisle returned, Rose was with him, and so was Chief Swan. I knew that the man needed time with his daughter, so I offered no protest when Rose told me she would take me back to my room. Leaving Bella pained me, but I knew she would be nearby and in very capable and caring hands.
Once we were in the hallway, Rose said, "You have some visitors. Are you up for that?"
My brow furrowed. "Really?" Aside from Esme, I couldn't imagine who would want to see me. "Sure, I guess so."
Instead of returning to my room, she wheeled me to a small lounge at the end of the hallway. I recognized Ranger McCarty's bulk immediately. His face lit up the moment he saw his wife, his blue eyes bright with affection. Then he smiled down at me and extended his huge hand.
"How're you doing?" he asked.
"I'm okay," I replied.
He stepped aside, sliding an arm around Rosalie's waist. Esme smiled at me from the chair where she sat, and the lanky figure of my classmate, Jasper Whitlock, rose from the seat beside her.
I blinked in surprise, asking, "Jasper? What are you doing here?"
He came forward to clasp my hand. "Mrs. Cullen called me and told me what happened. I figured you might like to see a familiar face or two."
My gaze moved to Esme questioningly. She smiled gently and said, "I didn't know how long you'd be here and thought it would be nice for you to have a friend nearby."
For a moment, my throat felt tight. Esme's thoughtfulness touched me deeply, and Jasper's generosity in driving from Seattle to see me was as unexpected as it was kind. We had been on affable terms, but I had never considered him a friend. Perhaps I should have.
He extended his hand toward the chairs. "You remember Alice, my fiancée?" he asked as a very petite, dark-haired woman jumped to her feet.
She hurried forward, taking my hands in hers. "Oh Edward, what you went through—I can't even imagine—but you saved her! I can't wait to meet Bella. From what Dr. Cullen's told us, she sounds like an amazing person."
I had met Alice several times when she had joined a few of the med students for lunch or dinner breaks. I recalled that she was quite ebullient, but today she struck me as nothing short of a whirlwind. She seemed to buzz with energy and enthusiasm—an interesting contrast to Jasper's steady, calm demeanor. Yet somehow they seemed to balance each other perfectly.
"Are you okay? What do you need? We brought you a change of clothes, and we can get you something to eat from the diner down the road. We stopped there, and the food's really good," Alice continued.
"Um, thanks," I responded, needing a moment to process everything. I felt a little overwhelmed by the attention I was receiving.
"Great!" Alice chirped. "What do you like?"
"Anything's fine," I said.
Rose and Esme left with Alice, promising they'd return shortly with food for everyone. Emmett left to speak with Chief Swan while Jasper settled down into a chair.
Jasper shook his head apologetically. "Sorry. Alice can be very enthusiastic at times, but she's got a really good heart and just wants to help."
"I know," I acknowledged. "I appreciate it."
"So," Jasper continued, his expression becoming more serious, "how are you doing, really?"
A few days ago I would never have considered answering him honestly. My response would have been an automatic, perfunctory phrase that revealed nothing of my feelings. Perhaps my lingering exhaustion and anxiety were affecting me, or perhaps my emotions were closer to the surface now. Jasper's gentle prompts and easy empathy encouraged me, as well. At first I simply related the events that had occurred, but soon I found myself describing my fear for Bella's safety, my frustration with my injury, and my outrage at James for his odious intent and heinous actions.
My breathing grew heavier and my skin clammier as I continued to speak. After awhile Jasper leaned forward to press his fingers over my wrist. Concern clouded his expression.
"I'm okay," I assured him then added, "Well, I'm not really okay, but talking about it is helping. I know I'll have to go over it all again in some official capacity. I guess it's good to get it all out now. Maybe it won't be as hard next time."
His voice was quite yet sincere when Jasper said, "James deserved everything he got."
"He would have killed her." My own voice was raspy.
Jasper nodded in agreement. "You kept Bella safe. That's the important thing to remember."
"But he hurt her," I uttered. "I couldn't prevent him from doing that."
Jasper rested his hand over mine. "You kept James from hurting her any further, and you saved her life with that needle decompression. My God, Edward, I couldn't have done that—"
"If it had been Alice, you would have," I said.
He shook his head. "Maybe…I don't know. But you did what needed to be done. You were able to use your knowledge and skill in a horrible situation, and you saved her."
"I was so afraid that I'd done it wrong, that I was going to lose her," I admitted.
A slow grin began to spread over Jasper's face. "She's not just a patient to you, is she?"
The man's perspicacity continued to impress me, as well as encourage me to reflect on my own feelings honestly. "No, I suppose she's not. I know the time we spent together was due to terrible circumstances, but even in that desperate situation, her warmth, concern, and intelligence shone through."
"You really care about her."
"It's probably ridiculous; I've only known her for a couple of days—"
Jasper chuckled lightly. "Do you know how long it took for me to fall in love with Alice?"
I shook my head.
"One hour. I realize that sounds impossible, but the moment I met her I felt an instant attraction—and it wasn't just physical. We connect emotionally and intellectually on this level I can't even describe. Alice says we were destined for each other." He shrugged. "I don't know if I believe in predetermination, but when I met her I just knew we'd be together for the rest of our lives. Sounds really corny, but it's true."
"You're lucky to have found each other."
"We are. And maybe Bella's just as lucky that you found her."
"Don't mean to interrupt," Emmett said from the doorway, "but the girls are back with the food. You hungry?" he asked me.
Surprisingly, I was. "Yes," I replied.
He grinned. "Good to hear."
The next hour was filled with hearty food and amiable conversation. Carlisle joined us, bringing encouraging news about Bella, which increased my appetite even more. Fortified both physically and emotionally, I managed to speak with two State Police officers, relating the events once more.
Emmett remained with me while I explained what had happened and what Bella had told me about James's actions. When I had finished and had answered the officers' questions, they assured me that I would not be prosecuted for James's death. Chief Swan had begun an investigation into the bastard's past as soon as he'd realized that Bella was alone in the Park with him. Deputies had found that James had provided false information to the school; a more thorough background check revealed that he had been tried but somehow acquitted for battery and sexual assault. This information left me chilled and shaken.
By the time the interview was finished, a deep fatigue had seeped through me. Emmett slipped out to find Rosalie, and the moment she saw me she told the officers that I needed to return to my room immediately. However, as she wheeled me down the hall, she paused outside of Bella's room and asked if I'd like to wish her good night.
Grateful for the kind gesture, I thanked Rosalie. I held Bella's hand in mine for several minutes. She was sleeping, but her color was a little better, her fever was down several tenths of a degree, and her respiration had improved. I fell asleep quickly, my palm still warm from Bella's small hand.
I remained hospitalized for several more days. Aside from my knee, I wasn't seriously injured, and even the torn ACL didn't require hospitalization. However, Carlisle recommended that I remain at Forks Community until he could arrange for an MRI of my knee. I had no objections to this plan; it allowed me to spend increasing amounts of time with Bella each day.
She was recovering slowly but steadily. She was awake for slightly longer stretches of time every day, and I had begun to read to her. She seemed to enjoy this, and I was happy to do it. As she grew stronger, we talked more, too. But even when I simply sat quietly at her side, her hand clasped gently in mine, she appeared content. I knew I was.
Carlisle and Esme had found a small B & B that she described as "charming." They spent nights there, but both were at the hospital during the day. Jasper and Alice were also staying at the B & B; they both said they loved the area and were enjoying time away from the city. I was grateful for their presence. Jasper's calm demeanor and empathetic manner were welcome when I felt the need to talk. Alice's verve provided entertainment and diversion. Esme's gentle, nurturing personality gave me support I had never realized I needed, and Carlisle's compassion and professionalism brought me comfort and reassurance. Rosalie was a constant presence, never hovering but always available if Bella or I required anything. And Emmett stopped by each day, bringing geniality and humor to every visit.
Bella's father spent a great deal of time with her, too. He and I were becoming acquainted, but he was a quiet man, and idle chat wasn't in his nature. Still, we had a comfortable cordiality, and more than once he told me how grateful he was for all I had done for his daughter.
Carlisle had arranged for me to have an MRI at the hospital in Port Angeles. It was the nearest facility with imaging equipment. He drove me to the hospital, where I met with an orthopedic surgeon after I'd had the MRI. The news was somewhat better than I had hoped. My ACL was torn, but there were no other injuries. The orthopedist didn't recommend surgery, and Carlisle was inclined to agree with him, as was I. However, Carlisle still wanted his colleague in Seattle to provide an opinion. I would still require physical therapy, but I was certainly agreeable to that.
As we drove back to Forks, Carlisle said, "I think you can be released today."
I was more than ready physically, but it was difficult to leave Bella.
With a quick glance at me, he added, "I'm not sure you're ready for the drive back to Seattle just yet, though. I'd like you to remain in Forks for awhile longer. Esme arranged for a room at the B & B for you, and we can get you started on your therapy at the hospital here. They have a pretty good PT."
"That sounds good," I agreed. "How much longer are you staying?"
"Esme's really enjoying the B & B; she hasn't had a vacation in a long time. And she loves the historic buildings here. We plan to stay for another week."
I knew she had been involved in a major work project; indeed, I'd been surprised that she had remained in Forks for more than a day. "Doesn't she need to get back to Seattle for that big hotel project?"
"Actually, no." He paused, looking over at me again. His expression was difficult to read.
"What's going on, Carlisle?"
"Her boss wasn't very pleased when she told him she needed to come to Forks. She explained that it was a family emergency, but he was less than supportive—"
"I'm sorry."
"It was something of a wake-up call for her," he continued. "The week she'd spent working on the project was one of the worst of her life. She didn't enjoy it at all and felt it affected her creativity. And she was uncomfortable taking the lead—not that she doesn't have the skill for it. Her boss expected her to delegate, but she's always been a very collaborative person. When he suggested that her trip here was unnecessary, she realized that she was with the wrong firm."
"Has she resigned?"
"She sent the letter yesterday."
"I had no idea… She's seemed happy whenever I've seen her."
"That's the thing, Edward: She is. She grew up on a farm, and while she's grown to enjoy the city, she loves the open space and small town friendliness that a place like this provides. She's happier and less stressed than I've seen her in a long time."
"I'm glad. Is she planning to look for a job at another firm?"
"I'm not sure… She's intrigued by the historical architecture here and thinks she might like to try her hand at renovating older structures."
"I bet she'd be good at that."
"I think so, too. I'm encouraging her to take all the time she needs to figure out just what she wants to do."
"Let me know if I can help," I offered. "If she wants to start her own firm, I could be a silent partner. My parents' estate left me pretty comfortable."
Carlisle smiled. "That's very generous of you, but Esme and I are fairly well set financially, too. My grandfather was a wealthy man, and he set up a trust fund for me."
"Oh… I didn't know."
He chuckled. "Well, neither Esme nor I have extravagant tastes—although I am considering a Mercedes for my next car. Those lines, and that engine…"
"I think you should go for it." I grinned conspiratorially. "I've had my eye on a Vanquish for awhile."
"An Aston Martin?" He whistled. "Your parents did leave you well off."
"Hey, every guy has his dream car. I may hold off on that, though. Now I'm thinking about an Audi or maybe a Volvo."
He arched an eyebrow at me. "A Volvo?" he asked.
"They're safe and comfortable, and there are a couple of fairly sporty models. I hope to be doing a lot of driving in the coming months."
"That's a nice passenger car," he said, emphasizing the word passenger.
"It is," I agreed.
But I wondered: After Bella recovered, would she want to spend time with me? Perhaps our connection had been one of circumstance. She had been injured, traumatized, and frightened. I had offered her some measure of comfort and safety, and I acknowledged that her fondness for me might be little more than gratitude. I knew how I felt, but I could not presume that her sentiments were the same.
To be continued...