CHAPTER 19

Edward and I were downstairs in the living room with the rest of the family.

Everyone knew a little, and filled in the rest with their imagination. Carlisle had called a family meeting and would be here from the hospital in a few minutes, so we were just waiting.

"So if this is a family meeting, why am I here?" I asked Edward quietly.

Not quietly enough because Alice answered for him. "Bella! You are family!"

"Thanks Alice."

Everyone looked up at me and smiled, then they resumed their previous positions. The whole family looked sad and uncomfortable, everyone except Emmet. He was grinning like a kid in a candy store. Wonder why?

"So Bella...the cupcakes will get him if he tries to hurt the pony huh?" Rosealie slapped him in the back of the head and looked at me appoloetically.

"What are you talking about Emmet. Did you take some of my medicine or something!?"

"No love, it's the last thing you said before you went to sleep. Emmet must've heard you. What were you talking about?" Edward's face was curious, and slightly amused.

"...I have no idead. Sorry!" I was blushing. Why do I have to talk in my sleep?!

Emmet laughed and Rosalie hit him again, in the arm this time. Just then Carlisle's Mercedes pulled up and I heard him walk towards the door.

"Well we might as well get right down to business." He gave Esme a quick hug and kiss before sitting down. "I had a discussion with Charlie. He didn't believe me at first, then I showed him the pictures and some test results. I swear he turned whiter than me. I think he'll leave us alone, and let Bella stay here with us. I told him he's not to speak with you or be near you unless one of us is present." He paused and looked my way, to make sure he wasn't overstepping. I merely nodded and gave him a smile, although I'm sure it looked more like a grimace, but he continued. "No one in the town will know you're living here. They'll all just assume Edward is giving you a ride to school everyday. Charlie and Renee won't tell anyone, and I think it will all work out. We want this to go as smoothly as possible. Bella, anything you need or want, just tell someone and we'll get it for you. We're not quite used to humans, so please forgive us if we overlook something. You live here now, so feel free to go wherever you wish. I do ask that you not go into the woods alone. We wouldn't want you to get hurt or lost. I'm sure Edward would accompany you, should the need arise." Edward nodded and whispered he'd love to in my ear. "Everyone is stating home until Monday. You've all got the flu. It's going to be sunnny tomorrow, so it's all for the best. Bella, welcome to the family!" He got up to give me a gentle hug and whisper into my ear "I'd like to speak with you alone if that's alright?" I nodded and everyone else came to hug me. Well Jasper smiled at me from a few feet away. He's so sweet. He's trying.

They all left, except Edward, and I asked him to come with me. "Is that alright Carlisle?"

"Of course my dear. I wasn't sure if you'd want him there or not. It's your decision."

I was still sore so Edward carried me upstairs. I think he would've made up an excuse to do it anyway, but I didn't share my thoughts. He's so wonderful.

Carlisle checked out my stitches and told me I didn't have to wear the sling on my arm anymore. He told me he'd give me some sleepig pills to help me adjust to the change, and that anything else I needed, they'd be happy to get.

"I don't need anything else Carlisle. You're all so wonderful. I don't think I could ask for a better family!"

Edward kissed the side of my head and Carlisle patted my shoulder when I called them family. It just seemed right to me.

He had to get back to the hospital, but made me promise to call if I needed anything. Edward took me back downstairs and told me he was going hunting. "Alice will be with you all day today. They're all going tomorrow, but I wanted to show you something special. If I go now, I can be back before you go to sleep. Then we'll spend the day together tomorrow.Just us. No vampires around with super hearing. We'll have some privacy!"

I hugged and kissed him. This time I remembered to breathe, but I still got dizzy. He has such a strong effect on me! Just as I was about to kiss him again, Alice came bouncing through the front door.

"Bella!...Edward, leave! Bella and I need girl time! I'm gonna make her all pretty for tomorrow!!"

"She's already beautiful. I don't think there's much more you could do!" He leaned down and quickly kissed me again before running out the door laughing his muscial laugh.

Alice flew me upstairs and into her enormous room. She sat me down on a chair and just looked at me.

"Okay, first: shower. Then hair, nails and make-up!"

Showering was a bit difficult, but I managed without her help, although Alice did offer.

I sat down in Alice's room for 2 1/2 hours of torture I know call 'Bella Barbie'. Rosalie helped her with my hair and makeup too. Never again! When they were done Alice brought out some really nice clothes for me to put on. I was afraid to look at the price tags, so I closed my eyes while I removed them. When everything was done, I think I looked kind of nice. I had on dark jeans and a lons sleeved button up shirt with nice wavy hair, french manicured nails and some ballet flats. Alice tried to put me in heels, but I reminded her of my klutziness, and she conceeded. She ran some things into the guest room..my room...and said it was pj's and some other stuff. Whatever crazy fairy!

After all the torture and dress-up, all we were doing was watching a movie. Esme had a sandwich and some chips waiting for me. I said thatnk you, even though I don't know where she was, I know she heard me.

Edward came home, just as I was dozing off and he carried me to bed. Alice came in and helped me change my clothes while Edward, such a gentleman, waited outside. He brought me some sleeping pills and climbed in bed next to me. I fell asleep in his arms, wondering what he had in store for tomorrow.