Chapter Fifty Seven
Bella
Now my memory was back I was scared,
"Jasper we have to find Edward and Alice before they try again. My body's taken about as much as it can. I need you to change me so I can look after myself. I look forward to ripping Edward to pieces and watching them burn."
He looked at me a little sadly,
"It's not quite as simple as that Bella. Have you forgotten the new-born rage and thirst? It might be a year or two before you could concentrate enough to go after anyone in particular."
"OK then, just point me in his direction."
"No Bella. I'm quite willing to change you but we have to sort this problem out first. Until we find Edward and Alice you'll be guarded at all times and Charlie will be safe because the wolves are now on high alert for his safety."
I leaned back and groaned, "Jazz I'm sick of being hurt and in pain." I started to cry, "Sorry I'm just feeling really down".
He picked me up gently, avoiding the wires and put me on his lap,
"Let me help you Bella and we'll get Carlisle to come and see if you could be discharged into his care". I leaned my head against his shoulder and cried myself to sleep, helped by his calming influence."
Jasper
It was killing me to see Bella so hurt and depressed and I knew we needed to get this mess sorted out. As I cuddled her The Nurse came over.
"I think you should put her back to bed. She needs her rest".
I looked at her, "She's asleep now and calm. If I put her down do you think she'll rest any better?"
"Young man she belongs in bed and you need to leave her to rest."
"Ring Dr Cullen please. I think he needs to see her."
She shot me a glare before going to the phone. I closed my eyes and relaxed with her, Bella always made me feel relaxed and happy and it was a feeling I could never get enough of. A while later I heard Carlisle's voice. The Nurse was complaining about my behaviour and he quieted her by saying he would deal with it. He walked over and I opened my eyes.
"What's the matter Jasper?"
Carlisle
I sighed when I heard the Nurses complaint about Jaspers' behaviour and normally I would have backed her but I knew there was more to it.
"Bella's had enough Carlisle. We need to get her out of here so I can look after her."
I shook my head, "Jasper she's been very ill, I'm not sure she's ready to leave hospital yet."
"Are you saying you couldn't look after her as well as they can in here?" He had me there, I had all the equipment I would need at the house in Forks.
"No I'm not saying that Jasper, but don't forget you have to persuade Charlie, it's ultimately his decision."
"What's my decision?" Charlie had come in while we were talking and the Nurse came bustling over to complain to him. "Jasper thinks Bella would be better off and safer if I looked after her at home Charlie"
"She needs rest and nursing. She's been very ill and I don't think sleeping on his lap is appropriate" she snapped.
Charlie looked at Bella asleep on Jasper's lap with her hand in his,
"Oh I don't know, she seems comfortable enough and there aren't any alarms going off. Maybe Jaspers right Carlisle. I know you would look after her. Is there any particular reason she needs to be in the hospital rather than privately nursed?" he asked. "Not really Charlie. Not now we stopped the bleeding into her skull. Her other injuries just need time and some pain relief and I am able to do all that."
He turned to the nurse, "If you could get the discharge papers ready in the morning I'd like Dr Cullen to take charge of my daughter."
The nurse took him to one side and tried to persuade him to change his mind but Charlie stood firm. It was good that he trusted us after all he had learned.
Charlie
Bella looked so peaceful in Jasper's arms that I was loath to have her moved. When Carlisle explained Jaspers suggestion I realized he was right, also she would be better protected in a house full of Vampires than in here where anyone might get access.
"I want to see her while she's with you" Carlisle smiled,
"You are welcome any time Charlie. You can stay with us if you'd like. She will be well looked after I promise you"
I nodded, "I know that and I can see she's better when she's with Jasper and he's obviously very fond of her"
Carlisle nodded, "It's a bit more than that Charlie. I'll explain when we get her home."
I agreed to be there in the morning to sign the paperwork and follow Bella back to the house. Carlisle was going to arrange for a private ambulance and I offered to pay any bills but he just shook his head,
"Lets not worry about money Charlie, it's not a problem for us and she's family as I said before. Now come with me and leave her rest."
I went out with him, relieved that Bella was being so well looked after.
Carlisle
I took Charlie down to the restaurant which was almost empty and got him a coffee.
"Thank you for trusting us Charlie. I appreciate it."
He took a sip of the hot coffee before replying,
"I know I should be worried about my daughter having a vampire for a boyfriend but he's very attached and he seems to have her best interests at heart."
I thought I'd better explain things to him as Jasper would be sticking to Bella like glue.
"Charlie its a bit more than an attachment. Jasper is deeply in love with your daughter and I think she feels the same way about him. We form an attachment which is stronger than human love. I guess the closest explanation would be a mate". "What?" he didn't react well to that.
"It's not how it sounds Charlie. It means he can't leave her or let any harm come to her if he can stop it. You couldn't wish for any more commitment for Bella."
"I guess not, but what are you going to do about Edward and Alice?"
"Jaspers friends are looking for them already and they are very good at what they do Charlie as he already told you."
"Yes but if Alice can see the future she can see where they'll be."
"Not exactly, she only sees when someone makes a decision and they can't do that until she does something they can make a decision about. So you see she's caught in her own net, and Edward can only hear them if they get close enough. We just need to know roughly where they are."