Rating/Warning(s)/Note(s): T, Shadows
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Prompt: Desk
Dialogue Flex: "So, what's your story?" he asked.

"Actually you kind of are an experiment. Nobody has ever changed someone into a vampire when they were expecting it, that we know of. It'll be interesting to see if it's different for you," Alice said while zipping up my suitcase. Apparently she didn't need any input from me on what to pack.

Edward took the suitcase from her and ushered us out of the room while I asked, "Different, how?"

"Carlisle thinks he can give you morphine to stop the pain," Edward said. The pain wasn't the only thing that stopped. My feet froze in place, and I almost fell over from Edward tugging on my hand.

"Pain? I'm not a big fan of pain."

Edward turned back to me, giving my fingers a gentle squeeze. "That's why we're hoping the morphine works for you."

"For me? As in it hasn't for someone else?" I asked. My heart rate was increasing. I expected the bite to hurt, what bites don't? But, pain? At the level where they hope morphine works?

"It was for Emmett," he said, "but the bite came first, then the morphine. His veins changed faster than his heart could pump the morphine, making it ineffective. We'll give you the morphine first. It should work."

"Should, as in might not." My tone sounded hollow in my ears and I could see Edward flinch from it.

"Should, as in should," he emphasized. A smile broke out on his face. "Like I said, an experiment." I shook my head, trying not to smile in return, and failing miserably. "Come on, we have a plane to catch."

We met Carlisle and Esme at the airport. I was surprised at how young they both looked, and at how warmly they greeted me. "It's such a pleasure to finally meet you," Esme said as she embraced me. "We're thrilled to have you join our family."

"Bella," Carlisle said in greeting, reaching out to shake my hand in a more restrained manner. It was as if he was afraid of frightening me. Admittedly I was nervous, so rejoiced when they called our flight just a few minutes later.

It was a long flight back across the country, especially having to make three transfers. I was dead on my feet when we landed in Port Angeles, but not too tired to be embarrassed when Edward swept me off my feet and carried me from the gate to baggage claim where Charlie was waiting.

When he saw us I could tell he wasn't amused. His moustache dipped at the corners and his eyes narrowed as he took in the sight of me in Edward's arms. "Don't drop her," he said before turning to meet Carlisle and Esme.

"You have nothing to worry about," Carlisle assured him after making introductions. "Edward is plenty strong."

"Put me down," I asked, wanting to greet my father and not wanting to be in trouble with him. As soon as I was on my feet I stumbled a bit, but Edward caught and steadied me, being the ever attentive boyfriend. I could see the battle in my father's eyes between over-protection and appreciation.

"Hey, Bell," Charlie said, giving me a small hug and surprising me by leaving his arm around me and holding me close. Edward gave a small smirk and nod to my father, and I suddenly knew why my dad was acting this way. With a roll of my eyes I stepped away from both of them and walked to where the luggage carousel was starting to move. Edward stepped up beside me, twining his pinky finger with mine as we waited for the luggage to arrive. It was a good thing he was there to keep me from swaying too much.

I rode in the cruiser with Charlie for the ride to Forks. Alice and Jasper were in Carlisle and Esme's rental car, following us. Edward was in Charlie's back seat, something my father seemed to take pleasure in, judging by the smirks on Edward's face every time Charlie looked at him. "So, what's your story?" he said when he caught Edward's eye about halfway home.

"I'm in my first year in Dartmouth Medical School," Edward said, getting a look of surprise from Charlie. "I know I look young, but I'm twenty-two."

"Medical school? That's quite a bit of work. Your father doesn't help you, does he?"

"No, sir. In fact I can't take any of his classes. The other students tease me that I've actually got it harder because of who my father is. Not everyone is a brilliant surgeon." I could see Charlie was starting to gain some respect for Edward. Things were quiet in the car for a while, but the next time their eyes met nods were exchanged. I supposed that meant they were good.

It was only ten in the evening in Forks when we arrived home, but that was one in the morning my time. If I had been exhausted in the airport it was nothing compared to how I now felt. Charlie shook my shoulder and called my name to try to wake me, but through the haze of sleep I felt Edward pick me up and carry me into the house.

"Where to?" he asked, getting directions from my dad.

"Just put her suitcase on the desk," Charlie directed, and I heard Jasper acknowledge him.

"You guys leave, and I'll get her jeans and shoes off," Alice offered as I felt the mattress underneath me. There was some fussing from Charlie, but Alice shooed them all out. My shoes were slipped off and I reached down to unbutton my jeans. "Need help?" Alice asked, and I barely shook my head as I shimmied the jeans over my hips. She grabbed the bottoms and pulled, and then threw a blanket over me. "I'll be at the hotel with the others. Edward will sneak in after your dad has gone to bed."

I'm sure I mumbled something, but all I heard was a tinkling laugh and a closing door.

That last line is art imitating life. My eyes are being held open with toothpicks. Goodnight, lovelies!