Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight and the characters.


Chapter Twenty-Two

I heard the beeping noise first. It was soft and far away, but persistent and ruining the quiet that I floated in. I wished someone would turn it off. I was so tired, I just wanted to sleep. But now that the sound had penetrated my inky world, I couldn't slip back into that peaceful oblivion. I cracked my eyes open and peaked through my eyelashes. Next to me I saw a screen and watched for a second as the green line bounced up and down, measuring my heartbeat. A beep accompanied every spike of the line. I guess I should be grateful that no one had turned off the sound.

So I was in the hospital. I closed my eyes and tried to remember why I would possibly be in the hospital. I went back in my head, trying to retrace my last steps. I remembered dancing with Bella in my room and walking her out to the car. Where I had to say goodbye to her. In a rush, it came back. James. He had come back for me and wanted to kill me. No, he wanted me to kill myself. I had written suicide notes and cut my arm. Then Bella had appeared like an avenging angel. I struggled to remember more after that, but it was a blur.

I cracked my eyes open again. I saw my left arm was wrapped from the palm of my hand to just above my elbow. I shifted my gaze over and met a sight I thought I would never see again. Bella's hand rested atop mine, her fingers gently curled around mine. Her other arm lay on the bed, cradling her head. Her eyes were closed and I could hear her gently breathing as she slept. Her silky hair was spread around her, falling in her face. Tears filled my eyes. I moved my fingers beneath hers, squeezing gently.

Her eyes flickered and her eyes opened slowly. "Edward," she breathed as her eyes found my mine. She lifted her head. "Oh thank God." She reached up to touch my cheek. "I was so scared."

I lifted my good hand and wrapped my fingers around her wrist. "I'm not going anywhere," I whispered.

She leaned forward and her lips gently brushed against mine. A tear slipped down her cheek as our lips met. "I love you so much."

"I know baby. I love you too." I let go of her wrist and ran my thumb under her eyes. "I didn't want to leave you," I whispered. "But I had to protect you."

"I know. You would do anything to protect me," she smiled gently. "I know the feeling."

"Edward, you're awake." I heard Carlisle's voice as he walked in to the room. Bella backed away from me and reached down to hold my uninjured hand. "How do you feel?"

"Okay," I said. "My head hurts. I can't really feel my arm."

"That's good," Carlisle said as he pulled my charts out of the holder at the foot of the bed. "Good you can't feel your arm, that is."

"What happened?" I asked Carlisle. I still couldn't really believe that I was alive. I remembered the amount of blood flowing from my arm. It didn't really seem possible I could live through that. "I remember being in the car, a little bit."

Bella's hand held mine and she gently ran her thumb over my knuckles.

"When we got to the hospital, you were unconscious," Carlisle said softly. When he looked at me, I could see the remembered torment in his eyes. "The whole drive I kept imagining you dying in my backseat. I'm a doctor and I was so afraid that I wasn't going to be in time to save you." He sat next to me and squeezed the fingertips of my injured arm.

"Once I got you in the ER, we started the blood transfusion right away. You lost so much, I wasn't sure," Carlisle stopped and I saw him struggling for words. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "It was touch and go for a while. I mended your arm while the other doctors took over the transfusion. They had to put 3 full IV bags into you, just to stabilize your blood pressure. It took forty-eight stitches to close up your arm. And lots of prayers to bring you back."

"Lots of prayers," Bella whispered. I looked at her and saw tears sparkling in her eyes again. "It took nearly five hours for you to stabilize," she continued quietly. "And then you were in critical condition for another ten." Her hand tightened over mine.

"I'm so—," a gentle hand pressed on my lips and Bella was shaking her head.

"You are not allowed to even think those words Edward Masen. You have nothing to be sorry for. You came back to me, that's all that matters."

I nodded and she removed her hand.

"Where is James?" I asked, directing my question to Carlisle. My voice shook slightly as I said his name.

"He's back in jail right now," Carlisle said. I could hear the anger just beneath his calm voice. "He was taken to the Clallam County jail right after we left. But he was transferred back to Chicago first thing that morning. You don't have to worry about him again."

"But he got out before," I said quietly. I couldn't help the fear that still shook me when I thought of him. "They let him out."

"I know." The anger was clearer now, barely controlled beneath the surface. "They won't make that mistake again, I promise you that Edward. He won't ever hurt you again." I looked down. I'd heard that before. As much as I hated it, the thought went through my head before I could control it. "Look at me, son," he said in a soft voice, the anger gone now. I lifted my eyes to his. "He won't get out again. His uped the charges when he came here. Now not only is he going to be tried for murder in the first and child abuse, but he added breaking out of his tracking device, kidnapping and attempted murder. There is no way he is getting out now."

I nodded and leaned back against the pillow.

"Carlisle?" I turned my head and saw Esme standing in the door frame. "Edward," she gasped when she saw me looking at her. She rushed to the bed and Carlisle moved out of the way so she could cradle my face in her hands. "Oh my sweet boy," she cried softly. "I was so worried." She gently hugged my face to her chest.

I opened my mouth, but caught Bella's eye. She was shaking her head, knowing exactly what I was about to say. I closed my mouth.

Esme released me and I looked at both her and Carlisle. "I wanted to tell you both," I began. "I was so scared and I knew you would help me, no matter what it took." They nodded. I could tell Carlisle wanted to say something, but he held back until I was finished. "But he was threatening everyone I care about. He was watching me and knew every step I was taking. I didn't know what to do, I couldn't protect everyone at once. And the thought of him hurting one of you terrified me more than anything else."

"You are unbelievably brave," Esme said quietly. "I don't know anyone that would so selflessly risk themselves to save another. But honey, you have to realize you aren't alone anymore. We would fight to protect you, just as you fight to protect us."

"But he would have known if I told you," I protested, hating to argue with her. "He was watching, he knew everything."

"Son, do you truly believe I would let anything happen to my family?" Carlisle asked. My gaze slid to Bella. "She is included in my family," Carlisle added.

"No." I met Carlisle's eyes. "I know you wouldn't, that you would protect them with your life. But he was my monster to fight. I couldn't live with myself if he hurt you. Please don't be mad at me."

"I'm not mad at you. My God Edward, how could I possibly be mad? I am so damn proud of you." I saw Esme nod at Carlisle's words and she squeezed my fingers. "I just want you to understand that you are not alone anymore. People will protect you, I will protect you. As much as it pains you to see us hurt, that is exactly the way we feel about you."

"Honey," Esme added. "We know you spent the last seven years protecting your mom. Even longer than that, because you began watching over her the day your dad died. It's in your very core to protect the people you care about, it's your first instinct. Basically, what Carlisle is saying is that we love you. Unconditionally and forever. And you nearly took yourself from us. That would have been devastating to us."

"I love you too," I said hoarsely, emotions giving my voice a raw edge. Esme's eyes overflowed at my words and for a second I saw Carlisle's glittering as well. "I don't know why you decided to take me in at that hospital in Chicago, but that day saved my life in so many ways."

"You were meant to be in our family," Carlisle said simply. "It took us a little longer to find you, but you were meant to be ours. I knew it the first time I saw you."

Esme leaned over and gently kissed my forehead. My eyes slid closed for a brief minute. When I opened them, they were gone.

"Hello there, my sleeping angel," Bella said tenderly.

"Where did Esme and Carlisle go?" my voice still heavy with sleep.

"They left a few hours ago, when you first fell asleep."

I frowned. "But I only just closed my eyes."

Bella shook her head. "You've been asleep for a while. Carlisle said it's natural, you are exhausted and your body is still recovering from the shock."

"Oh." I felt horrible that I had fallen asleep during such an important conversation.

"Don't worry, baby. After everything you've gone though, no one is going to care if you fall asleep. In fact, sleeping is good. Carlisle and Esme will be back and you can talk to them later."

"I really do think you can read my mind," I told her.

She giggled. "Nah, it's all there in your eyes." She touched my cheek gently.

"Bella?" My voice turned serious again. She looked at me. "Why were you there? How did you know where I was?"

"I didn't," she said softly. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Sweetheart you were acting strange all day. You looked terrified and I knew something was wrong. You told me at the baseball field that you had a nightmare and it made sense. Until we got to your house. And then, just the way you were looking at me, like you were trying to memorize everything about me. I couldn't shake that something was wrong. More wrong than just a nightmare. I didn't want to leave you, but I had to go home. When I left, I just hoped that you would be able to talk to me the next day.

When I got home, the feeling that something was wrong grew and I couldn't shake it. I called Alice, because I wanted to know you were safe, but I didn't want you to know just how worried I was. Alice told me I was being ridiculous and that you were perfectly fine. Then you came in her room and said good night. I figured if you were going to bed, everything would be fine until the morning."

Her hand fisted over mine and she lifted my knuckles to her lips, kissing them gently. I sat silently, listening to her talk. I thought I had fooled her, but obviously I hadn't.

"I went through my normal routine. Showered, brushed my teeth, got ready for bed. But I couldn't shake it. That tickling between my shoulder blades that something was very wrong and that you needed me. I went to bed and fell asleep almost immediately."

She kissed my knuckles again and a shiver ran through her. "I had the single worst nightmare I've ever had." She smiled sadly at me. "I don't know how you do it."

"What happened in your nightmare?" I asked her.

"Pretty much what was actually happening. He was back and hurting you. I woke up shaking and sweating. I knew something was wrong and I couldn't ignore it any longer. I knew if I waited until morning to find out, you wouldn't be there. I knew that to the core of my being. So I called the Cullens. Carlisle answered." She smiled slightly. "I was pretty hysterical, demanding he go in your room and check on you. But he did, right away. He didn't even question me. I think he ran too, because he got to your room really quickly."

"That's because I knew he was acting strange as well." Carlisle's voice came from the doorway and we both turned to see him leaning against the door frame. "I'm sorry to eaves drop."

"It's okay," Bella and I said the same time.

"When you called Bella, I was having my own feelings that something was wrong. I could tell you were fighting something that night, Edward. It was there in your eyes and the way you jumped at every sound. When Bella called, it didn't even occur to me to wonder why she wanted me to check your room. I found it empty, except for two notes."

"I didn't wait to see what they said," Bella continued. "I just threw on shoes and a sweatshirt and raced to my car. I was going to go the Cullens. But when I drove past the high school, I saw your car in the parking lot." She closed her eyes again and when they opened, I saw the shadows of terror she must have felt at that moment.

"Bella," I whispered, lifting her hand and rubbing in along my cheek. "I never meant for you to be in danger or scared."

"I know sweetheart. I know." She smiled at me. "But I love you too much. I parked my car next to yours, but I had no idea where you were. I ran around the school like a crazy person, screaming your name and pulling on every door. I was about to go to the baseball field, but I tried the gym door first. I don't know what made me go to the gym before the field, but I won't ever question my instincts again."

"When you walked into the gym, I thought two things," I said gently.

"What were they?"

I ran her knuckles on my lips. "First was that you had never looked more beautiful to me. Ever." She snorted a bit. "And second, what the hell were you doing here? I don't think I've ever been more scared in my life. I knew I was dying and I didn't know how I was going to save you."

"Edward," she whispered. "I was scared too. But I wasn't scared of him, not for a second. Only scared for you. There was so much blood, everywhere."

We sat for a second, just looking at each other. I couldn't believe that she was really there, in front of me. That I was really here. It still seemed impossible. Yesterday, I had said good bye to her forever and now I held her fingers against my lips.

"After Bella hung up," Carlisle said after a few minutes, "I ran into Alice and Emmett's rooms. I needed to know if they had seen anything strange or out of the ordinary that day. Emmett mentioned that you got a note in Spanish. We ran to your backpack and tore it apart until we found the two notes from your stepfather," he sneered the last word. "We knew then where you were. Esme was awake by this time and we all raced down to the car. I didn't really want Alice and Esme to be there, but there was no time to argue. Besides, they love you too."

I looked at them, but honestly had no idea what to say. Thank you just didn't seem appropriate. Nothing I could think of could come even remotely close to expressing what I felt. I let out a shaky breath. "James told me," I began slowly, hoping I could say this right. "That he was going to make it look like suicide and then he had me write those letters to you. I kept thinking that I didn't want you to read the lies, because I didn't want you to think, even for a second that I would have done this. And then, when the letters were done and he made me hold that knife to my arm, all I wanted was to go home. I wanted him to let me go home. To you and Esme and Alice and Emmett," I said looking at Carlisle. "And you," I said to Bella. "And I hated that he was taking that all away from me." I let out another shaky breath. "So thank you, for coming to bring me home."

Bella wrapped her arms around my neck and began to cry softly against my neck. I wrapped my good arm around her and held her tight against me. Carlisle put his hand on my shoulder and I saw tears making there way down his cheeks. It was the first time I had ever seen him cry. "Anytime, Edward. Everytime."

I smiled at him, a genuine, holding nothing back kind of smile that came from the deepest part of my soul. Then I turned my head and kissed Bella's hair. "Bella, love," I whispered. "It's okay." I could feel her tears hot on my neck.

"I know," she cried softly. "I know." But I felt her hands fisted in my hospital gown. "I know," she said again.

"Then why are you crying?" I asked gently, kissing her again. I ran my hand over her hair. From the corner of my eye, I saw Carlisle sneak out of the room.

She lifted her tear streak face off my shoulder and shook her head, sending her brown curls sweeping over my arm. "I know you are safe, now. But you weren't. That-that monster hurt you again. And you must have been so damn scared. I can't stand that." She shook her head again. "I can't."

"I know, baby I understand what you are saying. Hey," I put my finger under chin when she tried to look away. "Listen to me. Yeah, I was scared. I'm can't lie to you and say that I wasn't. But because of you, I'm safe. Do you get that? Everyone played a part in saving my life, but Bella it's because of you and only you that I am alive right now." I tucked a piece of her hair out of her face. "I love you so much."

"I love you too," she murmured as she pressed her lips to mine. "You know, it was more selfish on my part than anything else," she said softly, her lips only a breath from mine.

"Why's that?"

"I can't live without you." And then her lips descended again, moving gently against mine. I groaned and pulled her closer with my good arm. She broke away and fluttered kisses over my cheeks, along my jaw and over my closed eyes. "I love you," she breathed between kisses. Her mouth found mine again and I lost myself in the sweetness of her mouth.

She pulled away again and then her fingers were gently tracing my face. I sighed and enjoyed the feel of her soothing touch. Her fingers seemed to linger on my cheek longer than anywhere else, but I was asleep before I could think why.

When I opened my eyes again, Carlisle, Esme and Bella were sitting around my bed. "Sorry," I said a bit sheepishly.

"You need sleep," Carlisle said. "You need to eat too, I'll call up a tray of food."

I grimaced, thinking about hospital food.

"I know, it's not the best," Carlisle said. "In a few days you will be eating Esme's cooking again, I promise."

I beamed at her. My smile faded as a new memory surfaced. "I need to tell you guys something."

"What is it?" Carlisle asked and I saw concern on his face. I sighed. Someday, I was going to make up for all the worry I had caused them.

"Before James--," I stopped and cleared my throat. "Before he had me write the letters and stuff, he told me something about my mom."

"Oh no. Honey, I'm sure whatever he said was a lie," Esme said, expecting the worse.

"I don't think it is," I shook my head. "I don't want it to be. I mean, it doesn't change the fact that she dead. But, um," I paused and looked at them. "He lost his job that day. The day he killed her I mean. And they let him go at lunch time." I waited for them to connect the dots. All three of them continued to look at me, waiting for me to continue. "He went home at lunchtime," I repeated. Still nothing. "Mom was there and she made him mad. That's when he killed her. At lunchtime," I said yet again. I huffed. I had to spell it out for them. "I was at school, in class. It wouldn't have mattered if I had gotten home at 3:30 or when I did at 5. It wasn't my fault."

I don't know what I expected, but the silence wasn't it. Maybe excitement and joy that my mother's murder wasn't my fault.

"Edward," Carlisle sighed. "While I will say I'm glad you realize it wasn't your fault, it was never your fault, no matter what time he killed her."

"Yeah, but I thought--,"

Esme smiled as she cut me off. "We know what you though, sweet boy. But it still wasn't your fault. Like Carlisle said, I'm glad you know it now. I hope more than anything that it will bring you peace."

I nodded. I felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

"Hey, can we come in?"

All three of us turned towards the doorway and I saw Alice and Emmett standing there. Alice held a stuffed teddy bear and Emmett a Get Well Soon balloon.

"Of course," Esme said. Her children came in quietly. Emmett tied the balloon to the foot of my bed and Alice came to stand next to me. She held the bear out and I took it.

"Thank you," I said quietly.

"Thanks for the opportunity to kick some real butt," Emmett said, laughter in his voice.

I looked at him, confusion written on my face, I'm sure.

"I got to beat some stepdaddy ass," he said. "Carlisle told me to take over. He may have been down, but I got some good shots in anyway."

I smiled at him and remembered how I'd wished he could beat up my monsters like he did the ones on the video games. "Thanks big brother," I said.

"No one picks on my little brother and gets away with it." He stuck his fist out at me. I detangled my fingers from Bella's and knocked his fist with mine. "I got your back bro."

I nodded.

"Well," Alice said. "I may not have been able to 'beat some stepdaddy ass'--,"

"Alice," Esme warned. "Language."

"What? Emmett said it. Don't you dare tell me he can say it because he's a guy."

Esme rolled her eyes. "Continue dear."

"Like I was saying. I didn't get to kick any butt," she looked pointedly at Esme. "But I did call the cops and get them there. And I remembered to bring the notes from James, so we can prove it was premeditated."

"Thank you Alice," I said grinning at her.

She leaned over and kissed my cheek. Against her ear, she whispered, "I love you."

I turned my head so my lips were next to her ear. "I love you too."

She beamed and stepped back. I looked around and felt my eyes getting heavy again. "I think I'm going to fall asleep again," I sighed.

"That's fine, we will be here when you wake up," Carlisle said.

"I know." I did know and it was the best feeling in the world.

A/N: Hello my wonderful readers. So, we've almost reached the end. I really hope you enjoyed this chapter and it met your expectations. I have to admit that the last week of writing the climax and seeing your reactions has been so incredible. I do have a question for you because I don't want to wear out my welcome and drag this story out too long. Would you like to see one more chapter and then the epilogue, or should I go straight to the epilogue? And if you would like to see another chapter (I'm sure I can think of something, I adore my Bella and Edward and I have a million ideas) but I'll throw it out to you...is there anything you would like to see? Let me know. Thank you again for all of your amazing reviews.

And a huge shoutout to Stoney Angel for helping me remember where I wanted to go and not letting me do something that probably would have broken everyone's heart, including mine. Thank you!