Chapter 13

I woke up to a loud beeping that I immediately recognized as the hospital equipment. I sighed when I saw the drip machine beeping, and a clear bag that used to be full of fluid empty. When I looked to my right, I didn't see Edward, so I assumed he must be finding a nurse to take care of my IV. It was still in my hand, and it was really starting to get annoying.

The clock said 8:04, and even though it was gray outside, I could tell by the lack of pitch blackness that it was the morning.

I pressed the call button for the nurse, hoping she could get Carlisle or Charlie or Edward for me. Soon enough, a tall, slender woman in white nurse scrubs walked in. She looked pretty young, just out of college. For some reason I had a hunch she didn't come from Forks, either, by her tan complexion and frizzy hair. Every native Fork native has learned how to deal with the climate's effect on hair, so our hair didn't often frizz due to our mastery of hair product usage.

"Hmm," the nurse examined my drip. "I don't think you need an IV anymore. But I'll get Dr. Cullen." She hurried off as fast as she came.

"Okay," I answered to no one. Leaning back, I turned on the TV in front of me. It immediately was programmed to Channel 6, Forks' news channel. There wasn't much they were reporting on, just some Port Angeles stuff.

Eventually, Carlisle came in with the same nurse as before. "Hi Bella, how are you feeling?"

I stared down at my bandaged arms. "Great."

Without even checking me over, Carlisle immediately unhooked my IV. He quickly monitored my numbers, and unhooked me from them as well. "I'm pretty sure you can go home today."

"Where's Edward?" I asked pleadingly.

"He's downstairs getting food."

"But… he's…" Something didn't make sense. Vampires drink blood. They don't eat food. Do they? I've seen Edward eat food before, but he never ate a lot. He had been that way ever since I'd known him. I didn't want to say anything in front of the nurse, but I'd imagine Edward told Carlisle that I know now.

"He should be back any minute," Carlisle assured me.

"Who will be picking her up?" the nurse asked.

"I can take her home on my break," Carlisle tucked the pen he was writing with in the breast pocket of his white coat.

"But Dr. Cullen, only a legal guardian can check a minor-"

"I'm taking Bella home during my break," he insisted, looking the nurse in the eye. She nodded and exited the room.

"Carlisle, really, Charlie can take me home," I said.

"Nonsense Bella. Charlie doesn't have to take off work. I'll take you home and Edward can stay with you."

Almost as if on cue, Edward walked through the door. "Bella, how are you feeling?" He immediately came beside me.

"Better." I nodded. "I guess I'm coming home today."

"Would you mind staying with Bella?" Carlisle asked Edward.

"Of course I'll stay with her."

"Okay." Carlisle glanced at the clock. "I suppose I can get you straight home then. Your dad brought you a bag of clothes. It's on the couch. Would you like me to fetch a nurse to help you get dressed?" Carlisle eyed my bandaged arms.

"No, I think I'll be okay." I slid my legs out from under the covers, and my feet grazed the floor. "Are you sure I can go home this early? It says check-out is at ten…"

"Enjoy having friends with benefits, Bella," Edward told me. The teenager in me glanced down and desperately held back a laugh. When Edward understood what he said, he stammered. "I-I… no…" but ended up laughing.

Carlisle shook his head with a smile, and I began feeling at home before I even left the hospital.