A/n: Sighs...So the complete census is that you ALL DEPLORE TANYA:) I have NEVER liked her character and she will always be the evil vixen in my fics. BUT, even I outdid myself with the depths of her depravity in this one...I cannot stand her. Not to give anything away but I PROMISE you will all be happy with how she is taken care of in the end. I hope.

So, let's check in at the hospital...

Ch 24 PRM

BPOV

We all walked into Edward's room. He was hooked up to a myriad of machines. It was certainly spooky to see him lying so still, it made my heart ache to think of the other outcome if he hadn't given in and accepted the help when he did.

All three members of his family burst into tears; Carlisle and Esme clung to one another as Alice turned into my waiting arms. We all touched him and held his hand, each one of us leaned down to whisper our words of love in his ear.

I stood beside Edward's bed and had flashes of another time. A time when I was in almost the exact same position and felt my heart grow infinitely heavier than it already was.

I couldn't let this beautiful man die. I was lead to him for a reason, we were drawn to each other in an unexplained connection. It was fate at work that finally led me to accept Mrs. Cope's offer for a job a month ago.

Just as we were about to exit the room we heard a loud commotion from the hall and then heard Tanya's screechy voice resonate along the sterile hallways as a terrible string of curse words flew from her mouth.

It appeared there was a scuffle going on as we all exited the room to see her being pulled down the corridor by Sam and another guard.

"You? I'll get you, you dumb bitch. He's mine. Mine, I tell you." Her voice reeked of venom as she yelled at me.

Just before they turned at corner she screamed again, "Carlisle, I warned you. You'll all pay for this, I promise if it's the last thing I do you will pay for this."

We all stood there in shock as she was led away from our sight.

"Carlisle, until Jacob tells us different, we must get you and your family a security team. If she does in fact have a hit out on you, then none of you are safe." I said to them as calmly as I could.

"Of course, Bella. However, I don't see any of us leaving the hospital as long as Edward is here." Carlisle spoke softly.

They wheeled Edward out of the room just as Ben came out and asked Carlisle if he was ready to head to the OR to prep for surgery. Carlisle simply nodded, the weight of what he was about to do obviously hung over him. He turned to hug Esme, Alice and then me.

"Thank you, Bella for bringing our son home to us. Even in this condition, he's still our son and we're eternally grateful to you for all that you've done so far."

You are welcome, I just pray that it is enough." I dropped my hand from his shoulder. It truly was my my most fervent prayer.

"Ours, too, Bella, ours, too." He turned on his heel and left the three of us standing there. Our anxious wait for them to emerge from that operating room began.

Esme, Alice and myself got as comfortable as we could in the surgery waiting room. It was a little awkward at first, but after making a little small talk, I felt like I had known them all my life.

"Bella, how did you come to know Edward was being abused?" Esme finally asked and the pink elephant in the room was let out.

"Oh, um, I have first hand experience with victims of abuse. Not only have I made it my life's work but my mother was a victim of domestic violence." I replied and wrought my hands together.

I hated remembering my own memories. It was so much easier when it was a client that I was helping where there was not that complete emotional connection. It never stopped me from getting attached, however.

"Oh no, dear. I'm sorry to hear that. Are your parents divorced, now?" She asked inquisitively.

"My parents are divorced, they have been since I was about three years old. My step-dad, Phil, was my mom's abuser. He's now serving twenty-five to life for murder." I said as I closed my eyes and laid my head back against the wall.

"I didn't mean to pry, Bella. I am sorry for your loss. No child should have to go through that." Esme's soft voice tried to comfort me.

I opened my eyes and nodded to her.

Her eyes held sorrow and she reached over to hug me. It felt really good to have a mother's arms wrapped around me again. I had to hold my own tears back at the comfort I found in this moment.

"Bella, do you think we can really get Edward away from that evil woman?" Alice's voice broke up the embrace that her mother and I shared.

I wiped my eyes and sat up straight, "Yes, I believe that we'll put an end to this once and for all."

I honestly did believe that Jake would come through for Edward. He knew his business and he did it well. He would figure out a way to get Tanya behind bars and Edward to gather whatever evidence she had on him would be destroyed.

"Did you get into Family law because of your mom?" Alice asked quietly.

"Yes. I couldn't stand the thought of others like her, out there being abused with no voice of their own. I tried for years to get my mom to leave Phil, unfortunately, by the time she agreed to leave it was to late. He caught wind of her plans and beat her to death. Her body was found two days later after I was finally able to convince the police that she didn't runaway. My dad is the Police Chief in Forks, even he couldn't help her get out in time." I said as a tear rolled down my cheek at the memory of finding my mom's broken and beaten body.

"What compassion you have for your line of work. You are exactly what Edward has needed in his life. How on earth did you get him to open up to you?" Esme said, as she held my hand.

"I'm not sure, exactly. We just had this...connection. I care about him a lot." I said and leaned into his mother's side.

We all three sat there quietly for what felt like hours. Each of us getting coffee or water for the others at various points in time as the clocked ticked by.

Finally, after what felt like a year we saw Carlisle emerge in his stark white coat, surgical cap and wet eyes.

"He made it through surgery. Now, it's all up to him." He said just before he broke down in Esme's arms.

A/n: I'll try and get another chapter written today. I originally planned on 25 ch's for this fic but it appears there will be at least 3-5 more as I can't get it all wrapped up to quickly or hastily...so...patience, please as I get the last few chapters cranked out.

Kyla