The Learning Curve: Chapter 96

Edward Cullen's House

Before we left the hospital, I called Charlie and asked if it was okay for me to go to Edward's house, since Carlisle would be there. In the end, it took me passing the phone to Carlisle to convince Charlie, but we worked it out. Edward and I headed straight up the stairs when we got in with strict instructions from Carlisle to keep the door open and our clothes on. As if I needed the warning – there was no way in hell I would attempt sex with Edward when one of his parents was home.

Besides, I was too exhausted to even think about sex, and I think Edward was, too, judging by the massive yawns he let out every few minutes.

As soon as we reached Edward's room, we shed our shoes and jackets and collapsed on the bed. With Edward's arms around me, I was asleep in minutes.

I woke some indefinite time later to the sound of my cell phone ringing. Edward groaned behind me at the noise as I stumbled off the bed toward my jacket, in the pocket of which rested my phone.

"Hello?"

"Bella!" It was Alice.

"Alice, I'm so sorry we left – Dr. Cullen made us. How is everything?"

"My mom is finally out of surgery. She's not awake yet, but she's doing well."

"That's great news. How did it go with your dad?"

"He apologized to me," she said quietly. "He said he didn't know how my dreams worked, but that he should have believed me." She sounded more sad than anything.

"Oh, honey. You did all you could."

"I know," Alice said. "My aunt actually talked to me about that. You told her about my dreams?"

I winced. "I'm sorry, Alice, what did she say? She promised she wouldn't say anything to anyone about it...and she sounded like she kind of already suspected something was going on."

"No, it's okay, Bella. My aunt did suspect – because she has dreams, too."

I took a moment, digesting that. "Really? And your mom didn't know about it?"

"Well, my aunt is seven years younger than my mom, so they weren't super close, and my aunt said she was always too afraid to tell anyone. By the time she came to terms with her dreams, my grandparents were already gone and there was no reason for her to tell my mom. Until now, I guess."

"That's crazy. Was she able to help you?"

"Sort of," Alice said. "She had good advice. I mean, it helps just to know I'm not the only one."

"She seems really nice," I said.

"She is. I'm just...I'm so relieved, I can't even keep my thoughts straight. Aunt Elaine says she'll let me stay at the hospital until I can see my mom, and then she's making me go home to sleep."

"That's probably a good idea," I said gently, knowing Alice had to be more exhausted than any of us.

"Anyway, sorry to bother you," Alice said. "I'm sure you're trying to get some sleep. I just had to share the news with you."

"Don't even think about apologizing," I said. "I'll come up to the hospital tomorrow and visit, okay?"

"Okay. See you then. And Bella?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you for everything. I'd be lost without you."

My throat felt tight. "Me too, Alice."

We said goodbye, and I crawled back into bed with Edward, feeling much lighter at heart.

A/N: Ugh, Tuesdays. I did take that nap tonight. See you tomorrow.

A/N 2.0: Apparently none of you could see this chapter. I'm guessing it's FFN and not me, but I'll try posting it again anyway.