Chapter 23: The Fire
Author's Note: I own nothing. I just like to play with the characters that were created by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.
Also, thank you for those of who have commented and offered well-wishes in my difficult time. It means a lot to me. Writing these stories has been my strength (as silly as that sounds) and has grounded me.
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. It means so much to me. More than you can imagine. These stories (this one in particular) are my babies and I adore the reviews and comments I receive. Much, much love to ALL of you!
Chapter 23: The Fire
I got dressed, looking at Edward. His eyes widened and he pulled up his jeans and underwear with one hand. "I'll be there as soon as I can." He closed the phone, looking into my eyes. "There's been a fire."
"Where?"
"Your old condo complex," Edward whispered.
"What? When?"I shrieked.
"I don't know. However, it's a mass casualty situation and I need to go to the hospital," Edward said as he finished getting dressed.
"Rose," I whispered. "What about Rose?"
"Call her," Edward said as he got out of the backseat. I numbly followed, sliding into the passenger side of the car. I took out my phone and dialed Rose's cell phone. It went straight to voicemail. I tried Emmett's phone but it also went to voicemail. Edward started the Vanquish and he tore out of the Lover's Point, racing down the highway to Craven. "Any luck?"
"No," I wailed.
"Bella, they're fine. I'm certain of it," Edward said, lacing his fingers with mine.
"How do you know?" I whispered. "Another birthday goes down in the record books."
"Baby, technically it's not your birthday anymore," Edward said, trying to lighten the mood. "It's the day after."
"Not helping," I muttered.
"Sorry," Edward said dejectedly. He pulled into his parking spot at Craven. "Do you want to come in and see if Rose and Emmett are here?"
I nodded and woodenly got out of Edward's car. We walked briskly to the ER, where Edward was inundated with staff members and nurses. He held up his hands, trying to get his staff to calm down. "Relax, people. Let me change and we'll discuss in five at the nurse's station. Keep your cool." They nodded and scurried off. Edward took my hand and we walked to his office after stopping to get him a pair of scrubs. He pulled me into his office and he quickly changed out of his clothes and he attached a spare ID onto the pocket, grabbing a lab coat from behind the door. He slipped on a pair of sneakers that were hidden behind his desk. "Bella, do you want to wait in here or go back to the house?"
"I don't think I can drive," I said quietly.
He knelt down in front of me and took my trembling hands into his own. His brows furrowed and he kissed my fingertips. "They're fine," he whispered.
"I hope so," I answered, leaning my forehead against his. He kissed my lips chastely and grabbed his Blackberry from his jacket.
"I don't know how long I'll be. If you need to leave, just let the charge nurse know. I'll catch a cab to get home," Edward said as he stood by the door. "If Rose or Emmett are any of the victims, I'll find you. Okay?"
"Yeah," I said.
Edward caressed my cheek and darted out of the door. I grabbed his jacket and I curled up on his couch. Tears filled my eyes and I cried for my friends. I prayed that they were not in Rose's condo and that they were not seriously injured. I listened to the hustle and bustle outside of the office. My heart sank as I heard doctors and nurses yell about third degree burns, smoke inhalation, and crushing injuries. These people who I lived with for a few short months were now homeless and injured. I couldn't help but think that it was my fault. An irrational thought, but I still felt that way. The tears came anew and I bawled for the better part of an hour. I eventually cried myself out and zonked out on the couch in Edward's office.
I felt a gentle push on my shoulder. The office was dark, save for the light on Edward's desk. "Bella?"
"What?" I croaked. I blinked the sleep out of my eyes and looked up to find Edward's worried face looking down at me. "What is it?" He didn't answer, but he grabbed my hand. He led me to one of the trauma rooms. In the room, I saw Rose. Her normally glowing skin was ashen and covered in soot. She was intubated and appeared to be sedated. My heart sank to my feet and it took all of my strength to not collapse. "Will she…?"
"She's under heavy sedation. She inhaled a lot of smoke and she has third degree burns on her legs and feet," Edward said. "You are her emergency contact according to the condo association."
"Emmett? Was Emmett there?" I asked.
"No," Edward answered. "She was found in her bedroom, collapsed on the floor."
"I need to call him," I said. "Is she going to be alright?"
"She'll make a full recovery. However, it will be slow going. Her legs were badly burned," Edward said as he wrapped his arms around my waist. "I'm sorry, Bella."
I extricated myself from Edward's grasp and I walked stiffly to the nurse's station. I took out my cell phone and dialed Emmett's number. Thankfully it rang. He picked up and he groggily answered. "Hello?"
"Emmett? It's Bella," I said.
"Do you know what time it is, Bella?" he grumbled.
"Yes, I do. However, I'm calling you because you need to come to Craven Memorial," I said, in a robotic tone.
"What? Why?" he roared. "Are you okay? Did Edward hurt you?"
"No! It's Rose," I said quickly. "There was a fire at her condo and she was injured."
"What? NO! I'll be right there," he wailed. The phone call ended abruptly and I was met with dead air. I walked out of the hospital and sat down on one of the benches near the entrance to the ER. I curled my knees up to my chest, resting my head on them. I felt the tears fall onto my cheeks and I never felt so helpless.
"Bella?" Edward's voice soothed. "This is not your fault."
"Why does it feel like it is?" I sobbed. Edward gathered me in his arms and held me tightly, swaying us.
"Shhhh, baby. She's going to be fine," Edward whispered soothingly, caressing my hair. "This is not your fault. Did you start the fire?"
"No, but…"
"Bella," he said, forcing me to look into his eyes. "This. Is. Not. Your. Fault." He crushed me to his chest and I buried my nose against his chest, inhaling his scent. It was masked by the antiseptic smell of the hospital, but it was there.
"Ms. Isabella Swan?"
I sobered quickly and looked toward the direction of this new voice. "Yes?"
"I'm Detective Brian Frederiksen. Did you use to own the condo, B208?" he asked.
"Yeah. I just sold it earlier this week," I replied. "Why?"
"The fire marshal said that was where the fire started," he said sadly. "I'm assuming you don't live there?"
Unable to find my voice, I just shook my head. Edward wrapped his arms around my waist.
"Do you know of anyone who would want to cause you bodily harm?" Detective Frederiksen asked.
I looked at Edward, my eyes filled with fear. "Her ex-husband," Edward answered for me. "Michael Newton. She has a restraining order out against him. He attacked her a little over a month ago."
"And you are?"
"Dr. Edward Masen," Edward replied.
"What's your relationship to Ms. Swan?"
"She's my girlfriend," Edward said, looking the detective in the eyes.
I stared out into space, not really paying attention to what the detective or Edward was saying. My mind was reeling from what he had said. I couldn't stop my thoughts from running away from me. I wanted nothing more than to find the nearest hole and crawl into it. I stood up and started walking back into the ER. My feet were unsteady and I got dizzy. The next thing I knew, the pavement was getting closer.
xx AFS xx
Ow. My head. My wrist. Why am I hurting?
I opened my eyes and found myself in one of the curtain areas. I sat up and I felt my stomach turn. I groaned and fell back on the gurney.
"Bella?" Edward asked. "Don't try to move, love."
"What happened?" I croaked.
"You fainted. You fell onto the ground, hitting your head quite hard and twisting your wrist," Edward explained quietly. "I couldn't get to you in time, to prevent you from hitting the pavement."
"Edward, you're not Superman," I teased. "How's Rose?"
"She's been admitted and is on the burn unit," Edward said. He reached for my hand and I saw that I was wearing the attractive black brace again. "She's still sedated."
"What did the detective say after I kissed the pavement?"
"Bella," Edward warned.
"What?"
"Nothing," he mumbled. "The detective pretty much put an APB on Mike. There's a warrant for his arrest for his possible connection to the fire. I wasn't really paying attention. I scooped you up and grabbed my best resident to treat you."
"I'm certain you verified all of their findings," I winked.
"With the most important person in my life? Hell yes," Edward replied. "After you were treated, the detective informed me that there was an accelerant in the condo, starting in the bedroom. Your bed specifically."
"Do you think that Mike did this?" I muttered.
"I wouldn't be surprised," Edward replied. "How are you feeling?"
"Fine, I guess. My stomach is unsettled and my wrist is killing me," I said.
Edward looked out into the hallway and grabbed a nurse. "Can you get some ginger ale for Ms. Swan?" he asked.
"Of course, Dr. Masen," she tittered. She fluffed her hair and batted her eyelashes at him before she scurried off.
Edward grumbled and ran his fingers through his hair. "She is going to be the death of me," he sighed.
"Why?" I asked, holding back a smile.
"Every day she flirts. She finds some way to touch me and she gives me googly eyes," he shuddered.
"Edward, you are incredibly handsome," I said.
"I want to be handsome for you. Not Trixie," he replied.
"That's her name?"
"Yep. I nearly laughed in her face when she told me, but stopped, thankfully," he said. He sat down on the edge of the bed, caressing my face. "You're the only one for me, love." I leaned into his touch and sighed.
"Dr. Masen, here's the ginger ale for Ms. Swan," Trixie said as she skipped to his side. She handed him the can of soda and batted her eyelashes again. They were caked with mascara and looked like spider legs. "Do you want to get some coffee, Dr. Masen? You look tired."
"I'm fine. Thanks," he said tersely.
"Are you sure?" she pressed.
"Honey, in case you haven't noticed. He's not interested. He's your boss and I'm his girlfriend. Back. The. Fuck. Off," I snarled. Trixie's eyes widened and she blushed furiously. She muttered her apologies and ran out of the room.
Edward turned and looked at me. His eyes wide and a triumphant smirk spreading over his handsome features. "Remind me to never get on your bad side. Thank you!" he cried as he kissed my lips with excitement. "I. Love. You," he said, punctuating each word with a passionate kiss. He pulled away and his eyes sparkled. He handed me the can of ginger ale and got a glass with some ice. I opened it and poured it into the glass, sipping the semi-bitter soda. It settled my stomach slightly. "Better?"
I wiggled my hand, indicated that it was so-so. He frowned and took out his pen light, checking my eyes and neurological function. "I'm fine, Edward. I think the stomach issue is nerves," I said. "Can I go see Rose?"
"Yeah," Edward sighed. "I'll get Dr. Suni to release you. I'll be right back."
"Thank you. I love you, Edward," I smiled weakly.
"I love you too, beautiful girl," he said as he grinned crookedly. He kissed my lips and darted out of the room to find Dr. Suni. A young Indian woman came in and she signed off on my release, having Edward sign off as her attending. She explained my care for my wrist and I didn't really pay attention. I thanked Dr. Suni. I put on my shoes and Edward led me to the burn unit. Emmett was sitting outside in the waiting area, holding his head in his hands. "Any change, Em?" Edward asked.
"No. And they won't let me in since I'm not family," he spat angrily.
"Let me take care of that," Edward said as he walked to the entrance of the burn unit. He punched the security code and strode into the ward. I sat down next to Emmett, taking his hands in mine.
"I can't lose her, Bells. I love her," Emmett said, his eyes brimming with tears.
"I know, Emmett," I whispered.
"What the hell happened to you?" he asked as he brushed a tender spot on my forehead and looking at my wrist.
"I had a date with the pavement," I chuckled darkly. "I fainted and sprained my wrist."
"Why did you faint? You're not pregnant are you?"
"No! I was in emotional overload. I was taking the fire as being my fault. In a way, it is," I sighed. "The fire started in my condo."
"Could Mike have done it?" Emmett growled.
"The cops think so," I said.
The doors to the burn unit opened up and Edward came out. "Emmett? You can go in now," he smiled.
"How did you?" he squeaked.
"I have friends in high places. However, only one at a time," Edward said. "I know how worried you are, Em."
"Thanks, Edward," Emmett replied, shaking Edward's hand before walking into the burn ward.
Edward sat down next to me and laced his fingers with mine, lightly rubbing his thumb over my ring that he got me for my birthday. "I'm sorry, Bella. I feel terribly about what happened," he whispered.
"Why should you feel bad?" I asked. "You did nothing wrong."
"I know," he whispered. "However, I know how you feel about your birthday and to have this happen during the vicinity of your special day is almost tragic."
"Up until you got that phone call, it was the best birthday ever," I said, leaning my head on his shoulder. He kissed my head and put his cheek against my hair. "What will Rose's recovery be like?"
"She'll probably have to have some skin grafts on her legs, specifically her calves. She'll have scarring and will need to relearn how to walk. However, it will be a complete recovery, just time consuming," Edward explained. "She'll probably have to be off for the rest of the school year on medical leave."
"Why is she sedated?" I asked.
"Her lungs were injured because of all of the smoke. We need her to be intubated and her sedation allows the doctors to control her breathing and medication," Edward said. "They'll probably lower the dosage of her sedation tomorrow or the day after."
"And she'll wake up?"
"Yeah," Edward said as he wrapped his arms around me. "Call me selfish, but I'm so happy that you weren't there. I could have lost your," he cried into my shoulder. "I can't. I can't ever lose you."
"I'm not going anywhere," I said as I sat down in Edward's lap, putting my head in the crook of his neck. "I can't lose you, either. I love you too much."
"Rest assured I love you more," he snorted, looking into my eyes. He leaned in to kiss me when Emmett came through the burn unit doors, looking as white as a sheet. "Emmett?"
"Edward," he wailed as he fell to his knees. I got up off Edward's lap and we both helped Emmett to the waiting room chairs. He clutched at Edward as he bawled into his chest. I'd never seen Emmett like this. So broken. In so much pain. "She's…she's…oh GOD! My Rosie," he bawled.
"Emmett, what happened in there?" Edward asked in calm, soothing voice.
"The doctor came in and he checked her legs. They were charred, Edward. CHARRED! No skin. Just black shit," he said frantically. "She's going to be so pissed."
"Emmett, she has third degree burns on her legs. However, she's young and strong. She will recover. It's going to be long and tedious, but she will be fine. Trust me," Edward said fervently.
"Will she have scars?"
"Yes. However, having scars is better than not having legs. The burns were only a few layers deep. Anything deeper and they would have had to amputate," Edward explained. "Infection is a possibility, but she will be fine. We have her on antibiotics and strong pain killers."
"But she'll walk?"
"Yes," Edward said, clapping his hand on Emmett's shoulder. "If no infection takes hold on her legs. She will make a full recovery."
"What are the possibilities of an infection?" I asked.
"Slim to none, but it is a possibility," Edward said.
"I'm going to head in so you can talk to Emmett, okay?" I whispered. Edward got up and punched in the security code for the burn unit. The doors opened and he pointed to a shelving unit filled with gowns. I slipped one on and walked to Rose's room. She was laying on her bed. Her skin was cleaned of the soot, but still had an ashen tone to it. Her normally bright blonde hair even looked duller. I felt so badly for her. I pulled up a chair and sat down next to her. "I'm so sorry, Rose. So sorry. I'm going to be here for you. I promise you. I'll be your friend. I'll take care of you. Please be okay," I cried quietly. I took her small hand into mine and prayed for her. I begged and pleaded with God to make her be alright.
I heard a quiet rustling behind me and I saw Edward, wearing one of the gowns over his scrubs leaning against the door jamb. "I'm free to go if you're ready," he said quietly. "I'm sorry, love."
"It's not your fault," I whispered. I leaned down and kissed Rose on her cheek. "I'll be back tomorrow or rather later today." I got up and walked to the exit of the ward, putting my gown into the bin near the exit, following Edward's example. "How's Emmett?"
"A mess. He's calling Rose's family and going to wait for them," Edward explained as we rode down the elevator. "I tried to convince him to go home, but he refuses to leave. He's stubborn just like someone else I know."
"I'm not that bad," I joked, then yawned. "Fuck, I'm exhausted. What time is it?"
"Nearly six in the morning. I get to sleep for a few hours before coming back in," he said with mock enthusiasm.
"Edward, just stay here. I'll catch a cab home," I said.
"Hell no. I sleep better with you. I'd rather spend a few hours curled up with you than in my office," he said as he walked out of the elevator to his office. He picked up his clothes and handed them to me. I took them and we walked out to his car. We drove back to his, erm, our home in silence. We climbed the stairs and into bed, not bothering to change. Edward opened his arms and I nestled into them falling into deep sleep.
xx AFS xx
"I'm heading back to the hospital, my love," Edward whispered against my hair. "I should be home by eleven or so."
I grunted in response and waved my hand in acknowledgement. "Love you, Edward," I mumbled into my pillow.
"I love you, too, beautiful girl," he said, kissing my cheek. "Call me if you need anything."
I heard his quiet footsteps leave the bedroom and down the stairs. The garage door opened and then closed. I rolled over and stared at the ceiling fan. I couldn't stay in bed anymore. I got out of bed and padded to the bathroom, wanting to take a cursory shower. When I stripped out of my clothes from last night, I was reminded at what happened before the phone call. I had no panties on. I don't know why I started sobbing, but I did. I went into the shower and bawled. I'm talking all out sobbing, screaming at the top of my lungs crying. I was crying so much that my throat was raw and painful when I got out of the shower, exhausted. I went through the motions of getting dressed and I walked to the kitchen, making a simple lunch. I ate it without really tasting it. As I was trying to force my food down my throat, my phone shrilled from my purse on the counter. I picked it up and saw Alice's number. "Hello?"
"What happened? Tell me everything!" she shrieked.
"Be more specific," I said.
"Rose," she nearly whispered.
"There was a fire at my old condo complex and she was caught in her condo. She has third degree burns on her legs and she has some minor smoke inhalation. She's been admitted to Craven and is in medically induced coma," I explained, detaching my emotions. It was the only way I could get through explaining Rose's injuries. My friend who was in the hospital because of me.
"Will she be okay?" Alice asked.
"Edward thinks she'll make a full recovery," I whispered.
"Bella, what's wrong? You seem off," Alice said perceptively.
"It's nothing, Alice," I replied. "No big deal."
"Bull shit," she spat. "What's wrong?"
"It's my fault," I said, barely raising my voice.
"What? I didn't hear you."
"It's my fault. My fucking fault. It was my condo that was on fire that caused it," I yelled.
"Bella, where you in your condo when the fire started?" Alice asked. I answered no. "Then how can this be YOUR fault."
"I just have this overwhelming feeling of guilt," I sobbed. "I don't know what to do."
"Stop feeling sorry for yourself and letting the guilt consume you," Alice said. "I get it, Bells. I really do. However, it was a coincidence that it happened in your condo."
"Really? I have a feeling that my ex is involved somehow," I said. "The police have a warrant out for his arrest for the possible connection. The detective who talked to me last night said that there was accelerant in my condo, focused on my bed."
"Bella, this is NOT your fault. It's Mike's fault. He's the delusional psychopath who will not let you go. I'm surprised he went along with the whole divorce thing," Alice said.
"Shouldn't you be on a beach or something?" I asked. "You're on your honeymoon."
"We're coming home. We're on a layover in San Francisco. I had a sinking feeling last night and we got the next flight out," Alice explained. "I'm certain Mrs. Cope will be pleased when I come back early."
"Shit! Mrs. Cope! I have to call her and tell her about Rose's situation," I said as I slapped my forehead, forgetting my wrist brace. "Ow."
"What did you do, Bella?"
"Nothing. I'll talk to you later. Do you need me to pick up from the airport?" I asked.
"No, Carlisle is doing it. Love you, Bells," Alice said.
"Love you, too," I said as I ended the call. I took a few deep breaths and called Mrs. Cope. I explained what happened and Rose's situation. She said she would arrange for a long term sub. I would need to help with the plans, but I was more than willing. After the phone call with Mrs. Cope, I sent a text to my therapist. I needed to schedule an appointment with her to try to relax me from the craziness of the weekend. She responded immediately and told me to come in on Monday at four.
I decided to head the hospital after making my phone calls and see if there was any improvement with Rose. I went up to the burn ward and found Emmett sitting in the waiting room. He was still wearing his clothes from this morning. "Hey, Emmett. How is she?"
"No change. The doctor's talking to her parents now," he answered. "Her mom is a trip. Very hoity toity."
"Why don't you go back to your place and go shower and change, Emmett?" I suggested. "You look like hell."
"I feel like hell. I am at a loss as to what to do," Emmett said sadly. "I love her so much, Bells. She's my soul mate."
"She's going to be fine. Edward said she will make a full recovery," I said comfortingly.
"She spiked a fever about an hour ago. There's an infection somewhere," Emmett said, looking into my eyes. "I'm so afraid they're going to take her legs."
"If they do, it's not the worst thing," I tried to rationalize. "She'll still be alive."
The door to the burn ward opened up and a two people came out. The woman looked exactly Rosalie, only older. The man had a refineness to him, even in his sorrow. They both were crying. Emmett hopped up and walked to the couple. "What happened?" he asked.
"We're just overwhelmed, Mr. McCarty," the woman sobbed. "Our baby."
"Is she still running a fever?"
"Yes," the man answered. "Who's your friend?"
"Oh, this is Bella Swan. We work with Rose," Emmett said. "Bella, this is Daniel and Roberta Hale. Rosalie's parents."
"Nice to meet you. I'm sorry it wasn't under better circumstances," I said with a sad grin.
"Rose has mentioned you. She thinks very highly of you," Roberta said.
"I feel the same way," I answered. "She's a remarkable woman and I'm honored to call her my friend."
"We're going to head back to our hotel for a little bit. This is all so much," Daniel said. "We'll be back later tonight. It was nice to meet you, Bella. Thank you for calling us, Emmett."
Daniel and Roberta left the hospital, their hearts incredibly heavy. I felt badly for them. "I'm going to check on Rose. Go shower and change, McCarty. You smell," I commanded.
"Sheesh, Swan!" he laughed. "I'm going. I'm going." He grabbed his jacket and keys and left the ward.
I rang the bell for entrance to the burn unit and it was opened. I walked in and grabbed one of the gowns. The charge nurse on the floor gave me a dirty look but didn't say anything as I went to Rose's room. Like before, there was no change in her outward appearance. She was still intubated and sedated. Her chest moving slowly up and down in conjunction with the machinery that was assisting her breathe. I took her hand in mine, gently caressing it; offering what comfort I could. I said my prayers for Rose. I wanted her to be happy and healthy.
"It's family only," the nurse sneered. "You are not family, so you have to leave."
"I've been given permission to be here," I answered politely, looking at the irritated nurse.
"By whom?"
"Dr. Masen, head of emergency medicine," I retorted.
"I know who you are. You're his whore. He'll get bored with you and then he'll come to one of us," she said, snarling at me.
"Who are you?" I asked. "What right do you have to speak to me that way?"
"I'm Tracy Middleton, Trixie's sister," she seethed. "But I have every right to speak to you like that. Dr. Masen is not worthy of a mouse like you."
"Well, Tracy, I suggest you leave before I kick your ass. And I will be speaking with Dr. Masen and Dr. Cullen about your behavior and your sister's behavior," I said coolly.
"Who are they going to believe? Me or you?" she threatened before she left the room, slamming the door shut. I cowered and tried to calm my erratically beating heart. I spoke with Rosalie, trying to work out what I was going to say to Edward and Carlisle about the Middleton sisters. Evil trolls. After a half hour, I kissed her cheek and left the burn ward. Tracy's eyes were burning a hole in my head as I left. I rode the elevator and walked to the nurse's station. Rhonda was there, doing some charting.
"Hi, Ms. Bella," she said solemnly.
"Hi, Rhonda. How are you doing?" I responded.
"Better than you, it seems," she smiled. "I heard about your friend. I'm sorry, sweetheart."
"Thank you, Rhonda. Is Edward around? Is he busy?" I asked.
"No. He's in his office. Go right on in," Rhonda answered.
I nodded and walked to Edward's office. I knocked on the door and he beckoned me in. "Hi, beautiful girl."
"Hey, handsome," I said, sitting wearily on his couch. "Can we talk?"
"Uh oh, this doesn't sound good," he said as he got up and sat by me. "You're not dumping my pale white ass, are you?"
"Hell no! I can't imagine being without you, Edward. I just can't," I said fervently. "It's about a situation that happened up in the burn unit."
"What happened?"
"Tracy Middleton called me your whore and threatened me," I said meekly.
Edward's face went red and his nostrils flared. "What?" he fumed. "This just happened?" I nodded and before I knew it, Edward was on the phone. "Carlisle, call Aro. We need discuss a nursing issue. Now. Thank you." He took out a piece of paper and asked me to write down what happened. I did so and handed the account back to Edward. He read it over and his face grew more red. He tossed the notepad on the desk and he pulled me into his lap. "I'm sorry, love. They're actions will be dealt with efficiently and harshly."
"Are they getting fired?" I squeaked.
"Most likely," Edward answered. "I warned Trixie of her advances and Tracy is a shrew. They've both had letters put in their files about fraternization with other staff members."
"So, a doctor can't date a nurse," I said.
"No. They can be equals. Like, if I dated another department head. However, that won't happen since I have you," he said, kissing my nose. "But that is the only way two staff members can see each other romantically."
A sharp knock resonated through Edward's office and Edward called out to the person at the door. Carlisle and a short, weasly little man came into his office. "Dr. Masen, Carlisle told me that there is an issue with some of the nurses," the weasel said in a nasal tone.
"Yes, Aro. My girlfriend was visiting a friend up in the burn unit when Tracy Middleton threatened her and verbally assaulted her," Edward snarled. He got up and handed him my account. "This was in retaliation of a situation that happened earlier this morning with Tracy's sister, Trixie."
"Is that in the account?" Aro asked.
"Yes," I answered. "Edward also explained the fraternization policy of the hospital."
"I see," Aro said, narrowing his little, beady black eyes. "We'll have to perform an investigation. Tracy and Trixie will be placed on administrative leave. Can you provide me with your phone number in case I need to call you…Ms.?"
"Swan. Isabella Swan," I answered as I jotted down my cell phone and email address on the paper.
"Ah, yes. I've heard about you," Aro smiled, making his tiny eyes appear smaller. He clapped his hands and rubbed them together. "I'll be in touch with you, Ms. Swan."
"Thank you," I said, feeling uncomfortable under his scrutinizing stare. He held my gaze a few moments longer and he snuck out of Edward's office. I shuddered. I felt dirty after dealing with that man. "Is he always like that?"
"Seedy? Yes," Edward replied. "I really don't like him. Is there any way to get rid of him?"
"We've been trying for years but to no avail," Carlisle sighed. "We'd need something scandalous to get him ousted."
"And he's very careful about everything," Edward grumbled. "However, enough about Aro, the weasel boy. How's Rose?"
"She has a fever. Some sort of infection?" I said, raising my brows. "Other than that, no change."
"How high was the fever?" Edward asked, slipping into doctor mode.
"I'm not sure," I answered honestly. Edward got up and went to his computer, pulling up Rose's chart.
"Shit," he spat. "103 degrees and the antibiotics aren't working. She's got some sort of infection that may be resistant to antibiotics. I should call…"
"Edward, let the doctors in the burn unit handle Rose's case," Carlisle said.
"She wouldn't want to lose her legs because they couldn't kill the infection," Edward said, holding the phone.
"I know. They'll figure it out. If the fever is still there and that high when I leave, I'll step in, okay?" Carlisle pleaded. Edward huffed a sigh and nodded. "I'm going to go back to my office and finish the charting that is growing and having babies on my desk. I'll see you later."
"Carlisle, are you picking Alice from the airport?" I blurted.
"As soon as I leave here, I get to go there," he said with a wry grin. "I'm too old for this shit."
"We can pick up the elf," Edward said.
"No. It's okay. I'm off for the next three days and I'll be enjoying them thoroughly," Carlisle said with a waggle of his brows.
"Oh, gross, old man!" Edward said, wrinkling his nose.
"Edward, you are no virgin, so hush!" Carlisle chided. "Good night."
Edward's jaw gaped and he watched his uncle leave the office. When the door shut, he rubbed his hands through his hair roughly. "Gah! I'm scarred for life."
"Um, I hate to burst your bubble, Dr. Masen, but babies come from sex. You were not conceived from immaculate conception, unless you're not telling me something," I said, arching a brow.
"I know babies come from sex and I want to have a gaggle of them, but it's still gross to think of people that age getting it on," he squeaked. "Imagine your parents doing the nasty."
"I don't have to imagine. I saw, multiple times," I said, giggling. "It took them four times before they invested in a lock. However, a gaggle? How many children are in a gaggle? Because if you want kids with me, you may get two, tops."
"If you are willing, I'd be happy with any children, Bella," he said. "One, nineteen, a gaggle…"
"Two. Hopefully twins," I said, poking him in the sides.
"Then why are you on birth control?" he asked.
"Because, we're not ready for children yet. I want to get to know you. And be further along in our relationship before we add children into the mix."
"But do you want to have children with me?" Edward asked in a small voice. His jade eyes glistened.
"I would love to have perfect little bronze haired babies with green eyes with you," I blushed. "I love you, Edward."
"I love you, too, Bella. Let's practice," he said, a wicked grin spreading over his face.
"Practice what?"
"Making babies…"
And we did, all over his office.
Edward Masen is a sex addict, but I'm not complaining.
A/N: We found out more about the fire and met Rose's parents. Edward and Bella decided that they want to have children together after being accosted by the bitch sisters. And Aro is a weasel. Leave me lots of love! ;-)