Edward's Adoption and More Visitors

"We already had Jasper, Rose, Emmett and Alice. They all have different personalities yet they are similar in other ways. They had things to talk about; things to argue about but they were missing something. That first day I laid eyes on you. You were sitting by the old, rickety piano at the orphanage. Not playing, just staring at the keys. Then you lifted your stubby little fingers and played. I'd never heard it before, and when I asked one of the ladies who worked there she said that you were the strangest boy she'd ever met. She told me that you would spend five minutes every morning staring at the piano before playing something different- something new. I was amazed that a little boy was so gifted. When you finished your piece a frustrated frown appeared on your face. I knelt down next to you and asked what was wrong. You said 'My mom never taught me the ending.' I was surprised by that. Not only were you only four and had been in the orphanage for just over a year, you had been playing the piano since you were two. You told me your mom taught you simple pieces at first and then gave you harder pieces. We spent the afternoon talking about your biological parents and what you wanted out of your future. You dreamed of changing the world one person at a time. Doing something for others, not yourself. Carlisle found us three hours later sitting in the corner of the room on some cushions. I knew that you were the boy that I wanted as a son. When I told Carlisle all about you he saw how happy you made me and agreed straight away that you were the one. Since that day you've made me so happy."

The tears ran down my face by the dozen. I couldn't remember the day I met Esme. A lot of my memories from when I was younger were blurry images.

"Thank you for telling me that mom. I'm glad you adopted the strangest kid there was."

"I wouldn't have had it any other way son."

Esme wrapped her arms around my neck being careful not to disturb Bella. She pulled away turning to the door.

"I'll go get you some lunch. You must be starving. Should I get Bella something in case she wakes up?"

"Can you get her a muffin? She won't want much and the sugar should give her some energy."

"Of course son. Look after Bella for us. I'll see you soon."

She kissed me on the forehead before leaving the room like a ghost.

The only sound in the room was Bella's gentle breathing. My beautiful Bella. She truly is an amazing woman. My mom would have liked her. There were few things I remembered about my parents. I could remember the love in my dad's eyes every time he looked at my mom. I could remember my dad's tired eyes after he had a hard day at work. I could remember the delicious food my parents would cook. I could remember my mom's messy bun's she'd wear when inside the house. I could remember her comforting words when I was sad. I could remember both their love for me.

I got lost in my thoughts because the next thing I knew the door was being opened slowly and Alice's black, tufty hair peaked round the door. Nodding at her to come in, Alice opened the door further allowing me to see Jasper, Emmett and Rose standing behind her.

"Esme sent us in with lunch. We wanted to see how you both are doing. Esme and Carlisle said Bella was going to be fine but we want your opinion."

"She'll be fine Alice."

I gave her a reassuring smile. They all entered the room; Alice and Rose took the seats on either side of the bed and Emmett and Jasper stood behind them.

"What happened Edward? Carlisle refused to tell us he said it was up to you whether we should know."

I took a deep, shuddering breath to stop the tears that threatened to escape.

"She's stressed herself out so much over the last few years. Ever since we left in 2011 she's had nightmares. When I didn't come home with you guys I think it got worse. From what I know she hasn't told anyone or let on that she's not been sleeping well. She has this doubt in her mind that I'll disappear."

"Why is she still here if she's fine?"

"There's a chance that her condition could change. Something simple could set her off and they don't think they'd be able to do anything to help. Once she's had enough sleep and gets something to eat, they'll be able to determine what to do next."

"Why didn't we notice anything? We're so stupid. We could've done something to help her before this happened."

"Emmett it's not your fault. She's good at hiding things. That's what Bella's done her whole life; hide what she doesn't want people to know."

"We still should have made sure she was alright."

We sat in silence as Bella started to move about in my arms. I rocked her again trying to get her to sleep.

"Shh Bella."

Her mouth trembled as she opened it slightly.

"Edward?"

"I'm right here baby. I got you."

"Edward."

"Go back to sleep Bella. You need to rest. I'll be right here when you wake up."

"Promise?"

"I promise Bella. I'll never leave you."

"Love you Edward."

"I love you too baby."

I gave her forehead a soft kiss on the forehead as she drifted back to sleep. My hand started stroking her hair again, calming her down.

"How are you doing Edward? You've been alone for three years and only came home yesterday. A lot has happened. How are you coping with it all?"

I let out a big breath as I considered my emotions.

"I'm terrified. I nearly lost her once; I can't go through that again. What if she doesn't make it? What will I do without her?"

I stared down at Bella's beautiful face, when I felt two arms wrap around my neck. I looked up to see Rose with tears in her eyes.

"Don't give up on her. She'll make it."

"I'm not giving up. Not ever."

Rose just held onto my neck as Alice held my hand in comfort. After a while Rose pulled back and stood up. Emmett embraced Rose in a hug before turning to me.

"You're an amazing man Edward. I'm proud to be your brother. Look after Bella and look after yourself. We're going to get going now. I'll let the school know you two won't be in for a while. See you soon Edward."

"Look after the family Emmett. I'll see you soon. Take care Rose."

"Bye Edward. Thank you for being my brother."

I watched them leave surprisingly quietly for Emmett and then turned to see Alice and Jasper stood in a hug.

"Edward we'll leave you to your lunch. There's plenty of food for both of you. I'll see you later Edward."

"Bye Alice, Jasper. I'll see you guys soon."

"You are the best brother I could have asked for Edward, just don't tell Emmett."

"Thanks Jasper. Don't worry I won't."

"Take care Edward."

"You too."

Once again it was just me and my sleeping fiancé in the quiet hospital room.