House Sitting

Of course like everyone else I don't own any characters you may recognize from Stephanie Meyers' Twilight Series.

EPOV

Alice and I drove to the hospital at our usual speeds and arrived well in advance of the ambulance. Carlisle was waiting in the emergency room and had heard the dispatch from the EMT's treating Bella. She had a compound fracture and was currently unconscious. There were no other visible wounds.

We heard the sirens approaching and moved to a location out of the way where we wouldn't be seen in case Bella was conscious. When the ambulance pulled into the bay and the door opened, I heard her moaning in pain. Thank goodness, she was awake, I wasn't happy she was hurting, but at least she was awake. Carlisle moved in closer to see for himself what her damages were, but not close enough for Bella to see him.

The EMTs moved her quickly into the emergency room towards one of the triage bays while an ER doctor followed receiving all the necessary information in order to begin treatment. We followed her gurney slowly so as not to arouse suspicion. Once they were in the room and the door closed I started pacing and running my hands through my hair. How could this have happened, I was going to kill that boy! Of all the stupid careless things, she could have been killed. Just as I was working myself up into a total frenzy, I felt a wave of calm as Jasper arrived with Esme.

"Carlisle how is she? Shouldn't someone notify Charlie and Renee?" Esme asked.

"No, they cannot know we are here!" I hissed. Continuing my pacing, Carlisle and Alice filled in Jasper and Esme. She had to be okay, of course she was going to be okay…it was only a compound fracture, it could have been worse. We're talking about Bella here; this is a minor accident considering her past!

The ER outer doors opened while I moved my family into one of the other rooms, Bella's friends had arrived and we needed to be out of sight. I heard her friend say, "We're here with Bella Swan; she was just brought in. Can we see her?"

"I'm afraid not, they're treating her now. You can wait in the lounge," the nurse said pointing her finger to the room.

Listening to their thoughts I heard, 'She looked so bad, why wouldn't she wake up. She has to be all right, I hope she didn't hit her head,' her girlfriend worried. 'I have to get Rox to calm down, she's working herself up and we don't need her losing it' this must be the other boy; then I heard him 'Bella oh God, Bella…what have I done. I didn't even help her, I was useless…she's got to be okay'. I felt myself growling. Jasper looked at me with an eyebrow raised and sent a wave of calm in my direction.

Blocking their thoughts I asked Carlisle to check on Bella. He walked out and entered the treatment room. He was gone for 20 minutes or so, meanwhile I kept pacing…I wanted to throw something. When he came back I rushed to him, "Well?"

"They are admitting her, the break is very bad Edward. As soon as she is settled in a room, I'll let you know so you can see her. We've reset the bone and they are applying the cast now. I'd like to get back, you'll feel better if I'm by her side through the process." He left to return to Bella.

Esme came to my side taking my hand, "Sit down dear. You're going to wear a path in the floor. Bella will be fine, you heard Carlisle. We just have to wait for her to get a room and then you can be with her." She walked me out towards the lounge.

"Esme I can't sit in there with them. Their thoughts will tear me apart. I'll just step outside and wait." I said walking towards the doors.

I was standing outside for only a moment before Jasper joined me. "I know you're worried right now, but would you like to give me the information on the boy that may hurt Bella." He said.

"The only information I can provide is he lives in her house and for some reason believes she should be with him. He's dangerous, very dangerous…I've heard sick minds before, this boy is sick. He's 5'7" red hair and freckles, somewhat overweight but not seriously so. I'd prefer you leave him to me though Jasper, perhaps taking care of him will give me a chance to let out my frustrations." I said quietly.

Alice came to tell us Bella had been admitted and was in her room. We entered the doors just as her boyfriend was asking about her progress. They informed him that she was heavily sedated and he should go home. Visiting hours were over and they could return tomorrow. Upon hearing this I smiled, good I had the whole evening with Bella.

When we approached the room, Esme was in the hall. "Carlisle is with her now, why don't Jasper and I wait downstairs." Nodding to Jasper, they went towards the elevator.

As soon as we entered, Alice went to Bella's side asking Carlisle, "What do you think; she'll be all right won't she?

He nodded, "Yes, she'll be fine she's just resting we have her on a strong dose of painkillers. She'll be in a cast for a while though she has a compound fracture. She was awake when she came in…the pain was too intense for her to handle so we had to sedate her." He looked to me and thought 'Edward, you need to relax she'll be fine.'

"She looks so peaceful. When will she be released?" I didn't acknowledge his remark to relax, as if relaxing were possible. I reached down and brushed the hair from her face, stroking her cheeks lightly.

"Today, we just needed to keep her sedated enough to reset the arm. We kept her overnight because of the dosage and to monitor her pain level." He said while staring intently at me. 'Edward you need to hunt, you shouldn't be here.'

Dr. Cullen to the ER. He was paged; good I wouldn't have to face his scrutiny. There was no need to tell me what I already knew; the monster inside me was stirring. Her scent was still making the venom pool in my mouth, but my concern for her was more powerful.

"Will you be staying with her?" he asked.

Yes, until morning." I said without removing my eyes from her face.

"Let her rest, she needs to recuperate." 'You really should hunt Edward if you plan on staying all night. I'll get you the clearance you need to stay, but take Alice and feed. This is not a request Edward, it's for your benefit as well as Bella's.'

'Edward, now that you've seen her let's go hunt. We'll go to the park right across the street. We should talk anyway' Alice sent her thoughts to me.

Nodding I acknowledging her, and bent down, kissed Bella on the forehead before turning to leave. We stepped outside and ran to the park, I quickly located a pair of deer and fed. Alice came up beside me as I was disposing of the carcasses.

'Edward, we need to discuss what happened tonight. How do you plan on spending enough time with her to get used to her scent, if you have no intention of letting her know you are around?' she asked.

"I will not leave her side, that's how. She will not know it; I will be by her side night and day. We're vampires Alice, what is the sense of being one if I don't use my special skills to my advantage." I said as I stared at the hospital.

"Fine Edward, but now that I've been re-introduced to Bella, I'll be able to see her in my visions clearly. I'll be watching you, I was serious earlier, and you will not kill her." She said persistently.

I turned on her, "Alice, I have no intention of causing Bella any harm. She is my life and I will not allow our instincts to take anything from her. You have nothing to worry about, she will be safer with me than that boy!" I spat adamantly while glaring at her.

"Fine, we're clear then. I'll let you return to her." She stomped away.

Running back to the hospital, I quickly made my way to her room. She was still sleeping peacefully; I stood watching her chest move up and down with each breath she took as her heart beat a wonderful pattern. Bending over, I moved my face to her neck to get the wonderful scent. It was like being in heaven again; I felt at peace…it was if a part of me that had been missing was now rejoined.

Longing to lay by her side again, I gently lifted her so I could hold her all night. As soon as my arms wrapped around her frame, she moved her head into my chest and mumbled briefly. Holding completely still as a statue I let her settle, hearing her mumble again. The sedatives had made her groggy and even I couldn't understand what she was saying. Waiting and laying completely still I heard it again and listened intently, 'Edward'. I smiled, I wanted to jump from the bed with joy, she still thought of me. She was calling out my name while she was here in my arms.

The emotions this awakened in me were more than I could resist. I pulled her closer to me stroking her hair and kissing her head. She was my angel, my one and only and still called out for me in her sleep. It didn't mean she loved me, but just this little bit was enough, it was ecstasy. Watching her sleep was one of the things I missed most from our time together. Having her in my arms, hearing her heart beat, listening to her breathing, inhaling her scent, and feeling her warmth…I sobbed and kept sobbing for hours.

Around seven a.m. Bella began stirring. Knowing she'd be waking soon, I released her from my arms, positioned her properly in the bed and sat in the chair watching until the very moment when her eyes would open. She was always very slow at waking, as if her dreams wanted to keep her as much as everyone who came in contact with her. Her breathing became more rapid as her heartbeat quickened, I knew any moment her eyes would flutter open. Shifting closer to her face I inhaled her wonderful scent before it was too late. One, two, three…I was in the bathroom before she saw me.

Listening to her movements, I knew she was looking around trying to ascertain her whereabouts. I heard her trying to sit up, and then lay back again. Then hearing her reach for the call button I waited for the nurse to enter, this would give me the opportunity to leave the room. I had no intention to leave for long; I just couldn't chance that the nurse or Bella would find me hiding in the room.

After seeing the nurse leave, I waited a few moments longer listening to her move about in the room before settling back in the bed. Knowing my sweet Bella so well, it was just a matter of minutes before she would be back to sleep. Cautiously opening the door I heard her breathing the deep breaths of sleep. Walking quietly to her side, I sat in the chair and stroked her right hand humming her lullaby. She was smiling in her sleep and soon was murmuring my name again. I held my breath watching her; this was more than I could ever ask for. She would always be mine; nothing would change that. My decision was clear, I just needed to find the proper path to take in order for it to become reality. Leaning in once again, I stroked her cheeks lightly and gently brushed my lips on hers, whispering her name as I kissed her cheeks.

She remained sleeping another three hours before waking again. This time I hid in the closet; it wasn't long before her friends came into the room. Listening to their thoughts, I discerned that they were truly good friends to Bella. They loved her with all their hearts; I was pleased she had such good friends surrounding her. Typical Bella she wasn't concerned about her injury she was only concerned that she may have ruined their evening.

This friend Roxanne was one of the truest friends anyone could ask for. Her thoughts and words were nothing but interest and compassion. I was particularly interested to hear what her boyfriend thought; they conveyed his anxiety about last evening's debacle. Apparently he had spent the evening torn with thoughts of Bella's safety and his lack of action in helping her. Even the other boy was caring, although his thoughts were a little lighter; it seemed he preferred using humor to mask his feelings.

Panic struck for a moment while they discussed Bella's attire for her release; please don't let them come to the closet. Roxanne had provided the solution by bringing clothes for her. I felt myself growl as I heard them discussing Bella's hospital gown. Admittedly, her boyfriend was a gentleman with his thoughts quelling the growls.

I listened as Roxanne and Bella discussed her inappropriate concerns for everyone's feelings. My breath caught as I heard Roxanne declare that Ian loved Bella. No, he couldn't…then I heard Bella's response. She didn't love him; she declared her love for me. I was joyous; she did love me! What was this, she was speaking of me as if she had discussed our relationship with this girl before. I needed to find out more, exactly what had Bella told this girl. They had decided to discuss this later at their home…I would find a way to hear that conversation.

They worked together getting her dressed as I remained in the closet; Bella went to use the bathroom while Roxanne left the room. Someone else had entered; his thoughts came to me, 'she must hate me. I blew it. If she doesn't want to see me anymore I'll understand, it will kill me but…'

Bella entered the room before he finished. His thoughts conveying his wish to discuss last night, he apologized and explained. His words were similar as ones spoken from my own lips; he had a great deal of shame and was torturing himself. Bella declared her understanding and said something that stunned me. She thought he wanted to stop seeing her, why would she think this…she's an angel anyone would want her. What was wrong with me, I wanted him out of her life…why was I questioning her actions?

He was going to be an obstacle, this was a man who knew the value of Bella and would be good for her. Unfortunately for him, Bella and I belonged together and he would have to be dealt with somehow. I heard the door opening and before it closed completely took this as my opportunity to once again leave the room. Knowing she would be safe with her friends, I wanted to visit her home to review entry points and possibly gain access to her room.

I called Alice while driving, "Alice, have you had any visions?"

"Good Morning Edward, did you have a nice evening," she asked giggling. That answered my question; she knew exactly what I did last night as well as this morning. Even if her sight was sometimes annoying, I found myself smiling. Nothing could ruin my mood; Bella still loved me.

"Yes Alice, it was rewarding, her friends are there and I'm on my way to her home. I need to examine entry points to gain access without alerting anyone to my presence." I said while parking my car several blocks from Bella's home.

"She'll be fine, I haven't seen anything to be concerned about. You may want to try one of the basement windows and her bedroom is the upstairs third door on the left." Her voice was bubbling with enthusiasm.

"Your sight seems to have improved. The time spent with her last evening was worthwhile for you as well, I see." I stated as I made my way to the back of the house. "See you later, Alice. Thank you." I said as I hung up my phone putting it in my pocket.

Surveying the backyard and neighbor viewpoints, I cautiously opened the window in the basement. Alice was right, this entry point was the least noticeable during the day. Once inside I looked around, a pool table, some chairs, laundry room, furnace, storage spaces, good this position provided plenty of hiding areas. Standing and listening, offered the ability to hear anything within the house easily.

During my wait for Bella's return I began constructing my plans for revealing myself. This would be critical that it was planned properly in order to persuade Bella that I still loved her. I would need to depend on my family for this to work properly.

Attentive to the activities upstairs, I could hear people playing video games, while others studied. Still others were in the kitchen, preparing meals and socializing. There were very few people on the second floor, those that were, were studying or sleeping. I used this time to acclimate my senses to the surroundings as well as beginning the process of matching thoughts with voices.

Soon, I could hear the return of Bella and her friends. Most everyone was happy for her return and well being. Listening attentively to their thoughts, I found that most people in the house were sincere in their well wishes, it seemed that even the threatening boy had kind thoughts although he was still repeating his ownership of her. I would deal with him soon enough.

Bella decided she would be more comfortable in her room and extended an invitation for Roxanne to join her. This must be the continuation of their discussion from earlier at the hospital. The conversation was certainly one I wanted to hear clearly. Not wanting to miss anything I rushed out the window and scaled the back of the house landing on the roof. Remaining on the backside of the roof and laying flat, I shimmied over to the edge hoping to find the vantage point closest to her room's window.

My positioning wasn't the most comfortable as I was facing the ground with my feet pointed towards the peak of the roof. But if I wanted to hear what was being said without all the buzz of other people in my mind, this was my only choice. Hearing music coming from one window I edged closer to the perimeter, the first voice was from her friend Roxanne asking why she thought she didn't love Ian. I held my breath waiting for her answer.

Hearing Bella sigh tugged at my emotions, I listened intently as she explained to Roxanne her feelings, comparing the love for Ian against her love for me. She explained how she loved him, but our love was stronger, my heart was jubilant. Wait, who's Jake, could there be someone else? Needing to focus, I pushed this thought away for inspection later. She clearly stated she didn't love him as much as she loved Ian so he posed no threat. My stomach clenched as I heard her tears.

Roxanne was worried about her; the thoughts conveyed expressed worries for Bella's mental stability. She began consoling Bella explaining her interpretation of love. I didn't like the course this conversation was headed; she was providing her with compelling viewpoints in Ian's favor. I had to chuckle at her remark that the love with Ian was healthy; implying that her love for me was not, she had no idea!

Bella being the most stubborn human I had ever encountered, resisted Roxanne's persuasive efforts. Hearing her approach the window I shifted back slightly so as not to cast a shadow. I couldn't have heard that properly, she just admitted I was a mind reader! How much information did she share with this new friend, I would need to find out how much Roxanne knew of my family and me.

Bella continued explaining that her emotions were raging due to the lose of our love. My own emotions matched hers as she explained how I left her feeling empty. I wanted to sob for being the cause of the destruction of Bella's feelings. This needed to be resolved; she had to know that I was as much in love with her as she was with me. Even after one year's time, our feelings for one another were still as strong as ever. Eternity with her would only make our love grow.

Their discussion continued as Roxanne tried to convince her she needed to move on, while Bella held true to her heart. Smiling, I heard her recount how she felt me holding and kissing her. Roxanne's concerns centered on depression, she felt Bella had grown accustomed to depression. I couldn't bare the thought of Bella being anything but happy, my actions a year ago were too far reaching and the need to change this was critical. There were too many people who were being impacted by my bull-headed choice. Bella admitted to Roxanne her anger towards me, this concerned me somewhat making me realize that future actions needed to be planned properly.

The conversation was over, leaving both Bella and myself reeling. Fortunately, she had painkillers to ease her back into sleep. When I heard Roxanne leave, I climbed off the roof and headed towards home. I would need Alice's help to begin the planning. Reaching for my phone, I called Alice to request that someone come and monitor Bella while I worked out the details of my plans.