I DON'T OWN 'EM

CHAPTER 18 EPoV

As she lay there sleeping in my arms, all I could think about was the moster that hurt her.

How can anyone be so cruel. She told me she'd seen monsters, and I wasn't one. I now know what she meant. I felt Bella stir a bit.

"No...n-no! Charlie!"

"Shh...shush my Bella. You're safe. He can't hurt you here" I gently rocked her but it didn't help.

"Please...Charlie stop." She began crying and thrashing about. And then she screamed.

"Bella! BELLA please!" And she was awake, crying in my arms, once again telling me she was sorry.

BPoV

"I'm so sorry I woke you Edward. I didn't mean to."

"Bella love. Vampire! We don't sleep. No worries. Relax. Try to go back to sleep."

I looked at him. Of course he doesn't have to sleep...wait that means..."So you've been laying here watching me sleep?!"

He looked at me adoringly and said "It's the most wonderful thing I've ever seen. You're so beautiful Bella. Always."

God that man knows how to make a girl blush. I tried to move around to give him a kiss but pain shot through me and I winced. He noticed, of course.

"Bella, love. What is it. Did I hurt you?!" He was frantic and started to pull away from me.

"Edward NO! Please, stay with me. You didn't do anything. It was me...I tired to move but it hurt." I bit my lower lip and looked down, not wanting to see the disapointment in his eyes. He settled back in and lifter my face to his. Edward placed a gentle kiss on my lips and told me he'd always be there.

"Bella!!" Alice came bounding in! "Are you okay?! Do you need a pain pill? I've got one. Here" she handed me the pill, not waiting for my response "take it! It'll make you feel better!! You'll go to sleep for about half an hour then wake up and have the day with us!!" She gave me a peck on the cheek, winked and was off.

"Edward, your sister sure is one crazy little pixie!"

"I heard that!" I heard Alice shout from downstairs. Man is she fast!

We both laughed a bit, glad to have the mood lightened. I took the pain pill, grateful for a longer sleep but then it hit me. "School Edward! It's Wednesday! I've got to go or they'll call Charlie and he'll know something's up. He'll go looking for me!"

"Bella...Bella it's okay. Carlisle called. Everyone in the house has the flu. You were here yesterday and got it too. You're staying here so we can take care of you and they think Charlie already knows. Esme is picking up our school work for the rest of the week. You'll be fine, and we'll figure something out for Monday. But it's 5 days away. We have plenty of time. Just relax Bella.."

"But what about Charlie. He'll figure out something when dinner isn't waiting for him. I don't want you guys to get into trouble, or worse yet get hurt, all because of me."

"Bella, need I remind you again VAMPIRES. We can't get hurt. We all love you. You're already like family to Carlisle, Esme, Emmet and Alice. Rose doesn't really like anyone, but she's warming up to you, and Jasper likes you, he's just tryin to be cautious. He's newer to the whole 'don't eat humans' thing. He doesn't want to hurt you, so he's staying away..but we all care for you! We'll keep you safe. Carlisle thinking about confronting Charlie, and telling him to leave you alone. He's got proof...and he'll threaten to release it. You're going to be staying here, with us...me..If that's what you want of course?!"

I was speechless. Why was he being so nice to me. Why were they all so kind. I don't deserve this.

"Why?" was all I could say.

"Bella, do you not understand? You're remarkable. I've known you for a few days, and already I'm in love with you. Alice thinks of you as a sister already. Carlisle and Esme want to adopt you! Emmet is happy to have a little sister that he can protect! You've impacted this family, we need you here. And I think you might need us. I know you could take care of yourself, but let us! We want to help you. Please...let me be there for you?"

I had to be dreaming. The pills probably kicked in and I'm hallucinating! That's what this is! NOW it all makes sense!

"Okay dream Edward...you can take care of me. NO trials...just threaten Charlie. He'll leave me alone. He doesn't want anyone to know...I don't either. The cupcakes will get him if he tries to hurt the pony..." I heard him laugh at something. I guess this really is a dream...