Quiet Evening
I'd eaten my turkey sandwich quickly and around three and a half hours had passed making it about 4:15 in the afternoon. We were both lying down; I had my arms wrapped around her fragile body as she slept.
Bella had been moving in her sleep frequently for the past ten minutes. I was hoping it was a good sign.
Moments later her eyes flickered open and then closed again her agitated moan filling the room.
"Bella. You awake? What's wrong baby?"
"Edward?"
Her voice cracked as she spoke, her head moving from my shoulder to my chest. Her weak hands had finally stopped shaking and used what strength she had to place her arm over my chest, pulling herself to me.
"I'm right here baby. Can you open your eyes for me baby?"
Her only response was to turn her head into my chest covering her eyes even more. I reached a hand out to stroke her hair.
"It's okay Bella. Take your time. We have all the time in the world. Just relax and you'll be back to your normal self soon."
She nuzzled her face into my chest further humming in contentment as I ran my fingers through her hair. After a few minutes Bella's head looked up at me but her eyes were still closed.
"Can I have a drink?"
I could hear it in her voice that her throat was raw. Picking up the bottle of orange juice in one hand, I flicked the lights of with the other. Bella's face instantly relaxed and her eyes flickered open again.
"There's those beautiful eyes."
I pecked her forehead quickly wrapping my arm around her waist.
"Can you sit up baby? I have some orange juice for your throat."
Her strength was limited as I sat us both up. I unscrewed the lid on the bottle and held it to her lips. After a few sips she pulled back and I lowered the bottle to the table. A small moan came from Bella as she leaned her head back onto my shoulder.
"You okay now baby?"
She nodded her head slightly.
"Thank you Edward."
"I'll always be here to take care of you baby. I love you."
"I love you too Edward. Can I have something to eat?"
"There's a raspberry muffin if you want it."
"That sounds great."
I turned slightly, picking up the muffin and handing it to Bella. Her hands held the muffin lightly as she tried pulling pieces off. I took it from her hands breaking a chunk off and popping it in her mouth.
"You sure you're okay Bella?"
"Just feel really tired and hungry."
"You'll feel better soon baby. I'll see if we can go home later on this evening. We can watch UP tonight if you want. How does that sound?"
"Amazing. I can't wait."
She opened her mouth as I popped another bit of muffin in. After a piece of muffin I'd put in her mouth I'd kiss her forehead. Once the muffin was gone I pulled a ham sandwich from the bag holding it out to her. She lifted her hands slowly taking hold of the sandwich.
"Thanks Edward."
"No problem baby. No need to starve yourself."
When she finished the sandwich herself she had gained some of her strength back and could move her muscles. She smiled up at me her hand resting on my cheek. I leaned into her hand, pulling her closer to me.
"I'm sorry Edward."
"Why baby?"
"Because you had to live alone for three years, because you've been through so much, because I ruined our first day as fiancés, because I over reacted."
"Stop Bella. You have nothing to be sorry for. It wasn't your fault at all. I should have made sure you were okay before I left this morning. I never want to hear you apologising again. I love you so much and as long as you get better then we can put everything behind us. We can get married and live our lives the way we want, not letting this grief and doubt control us. Just get better baby, please."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't, just don't baby."
She snuggled into my arms, wrapping hers around my waist not saying anything. We held each other for a while before there was a knock on the door.
"Come in."
I said. The door opened revealing Dr Jennings. I kissed Bella on her forehead, reassuring her that I was there for her.
"You don't have to answer anything you don't want to baby."
"I know."
I looked up to see Dr Jennings in the seat with a thick file in hand.
"It's good to see you awake Bella. How are you feeling? Tired? Hungry? Stressed? Scared?"
"Just a bit tired I guess."
"That's good to hear. Are you scared or panicked in any way at the moment?"
"No. I feel safe."
"Why is that?"
"Because I know Edward won't let anything bad happen to me. He'll keep me safe."
"I'm glad you have someone to turn too Bella. Your pulse has gone back to normal. You seem calmer. Signs show that you will be perfectly fine. Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable?"
Bella looked at her sheepishly.
"Actually, I was wondering if I could take Bella home tonight. I think she'd be more comfortable and feel safer there."
"I'm not sure that will be possible Edward. Bella needs to stay under observation for the next twelve hours at least. It's a precaution we have to take."
"What if I took her to my dad's? He could keep an eye on her from there and she'd feel more comfortable. Can you just ask? Please."
"I can see Bella's in good hands. I'll see what I can do."
Dr Jennings left the room quickly. Bella wrapped her arms around my waist tighter now that she had a bit of strength back.
"Thank you Edward. You don't think Carlisle will mind looking after me?"
"He'd love to have us over. I just want you to feel more comfortable baby. We can stay here if you want."
"No, I'd love to see Carlisle and Esme. I just don't want them to feel obligated to look after me."
"Esme loves having people over. She'll love it that we are there. It also means we can watch UP and eat lots of popcorn."
"Ice cream for breakfast and popcorn for dinner. Are you trying to fatten me up? I think it will work."
"Definitely not, I'm just treating my fiancé, to make up for all the years I've missed."
"You don't need to do that Edward."
"Nonsense. Of course I do. What sort of fiancé would I be if I didn't worship my soon-to-be wife?"
"As long as you are you then I'll always love you my soon-to-be husband. There is no need to give me things but if it makes you happy I'll accept whatever you want."
"You better had."
"Whatever Edward."
"Thanks baby. I love you."
"I love you too Edward."
I closed the gap between our lips and gave her a loving kiss. She returned it eagerly. I pulled away when I heard a knock at the door.
"Come in."
I've said that a lot today.
The door swung open revealing Dr Jennings and Carlisle.
"Hey dad."
"Hello Son. Hey Bella. How you doing?"
"Good. I guess. Just tired."
"That's good to hear. Dr Jennings was telling me you'd like to come back to ours tonight."
"If that's alright with you and Esme."
"Bella you're family. We'd love to have you. I'll sort it out with the receptionist and you and Edward can leave when you want. I'll ring Esme to tell her you're coming round. I'll see you two later."
"Thanks Carlisle."
"See you soon dad."
He left the room quickly after giving us both a hug. Dr Jennings turned to walk from the room.
"Thank you Dr Jennings. I know it's against the rules to let Bella go home especially in her condition. Just, thank you for your help. It means a lot."
"No problem Edward. It's my job to make people feel safe and healthy. I can understand that staying here might not be the best idea for someone who's been through what Bella has. As long as she has access to the help and supplies she may need then I can walk away with a clear consciences. If sending Bella away is what will get her better faster, than that's what I'll do. Get well soon Bella. I don't want to see you here anytime soon."
"Thanks Dr Jennings."
She turned and left the room closing the door behind her. I looked down at Bella to see her leaning her head against my shoulder; she was trying to force her eyes to stay open.
"Baby, you can go to sleep if you want. You'll feel better if you do."
"I'm fine."
"Come on Bella. I can see you're tired. Just go to sleep for a bit and I'll wake you up later."
"Promise to wake me up?"
"I promise to wake you up love. Just get some rest. I'll be here when you wake up."
"Thank you Edward."
She gave up the fight and let herself drift into unconsciousness. After ten minutes the door opened slowly, revealing Esme and her hand bag.
"Hey mom. What are you doing here? I thought we were coming to yours."
"How did you think you were going to get there? Did you plan on walking?"
"Sorry. Thanks for coming mom. Could you take us to ours first so I can get some things for tonight?"
"Don't worry about that. Alice went round to yours, she had a feeling you may need some things. You know Alice and her ways. Anyway, all you need is yourself and Bella. Has she been asleep this whole time?"
"No. She woke up a while ago but fell asleep again a few minutes ago. She's exhausted."
"Do you want to wait till Bella wakes up?"
"No, I'll carry her to the car. She'll get more rest in a familiar environment and feel safer there."
"Okay, son. You ready to go?"
"Yeah. Thanks for letting us stay mom."
"You're my son, Edward and I have always seen Bella as a daughter. If either of you ever need help or somewhere to stay don't worry about coming to us. I'll always be there for you."
I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, carefully lifting Bella- so as not to disturb her. I walked over to Esme with Bella in my arms, and kissed her forehead.
"Thanks mom."
"No problem son. I missed you so much Edward. It's so good to have you back."
"It's good to be back mom."
"Come on then. Let's get out of here."
Esme led me down the halls, to the reception desk. I stood by the door as Esme signed Bella's release forms that go on about what she has to do to make sure Bella stays healthy.
"Edward."
My head whipped round to see Eliza sitting on a wooden bench outside. She stood up and made her way over to me.
"Good afternoon Eliza. What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to know if Bella was alright. She's like a big sister to me."
"She'll be back to normal soon enough. After a couple days rest, she'll feel much better. It's nice to know Bella looks after you. Everyone needs help, whether they admit it or not. How long have you been here?"
"I came as soon as school finished. Most of the school came here immediately and left after half an hour of trying to get information because no one told us anything."
"Why didn't you go home Eliza? Won't you're parents be worried you're not home?"
"My mom probably hasn't noticed I'm missing because she'll be too caught up in her new boy-toy."
"What about your dad?"
"He died when I was four."
"I'm sorry Eliza, I didn't know."
"It's okay, I don't remember him much. What I do remember though was that he abused my mom and me."
"I'm sorry. I know what it feels like in a way; I lost both my parents when I was three."
"I'm sorry. Everyone knows you and your siblings are adopted just not why. It must have been hard losing both your parents Edward."
"It was. At first I blamed myself. I realise now that if I wasn't adopted though I'd never had such a great family and I would have never met Bella. I miss my mom and dad, beyond belief, but I understand why they gave me up."
"It's a good way to look at things. If my dad never abused my mom and we never would have moved here and I never would have been taught by Bella. I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I never knew Bella."
"She's an amazing woman."
"That she is."
"Hello dear. What's your name?"
"I'm Eliza. Bella's my English teacher Thursday's and Friday's and I have Edward Monday's."
"It's nice to meet you Eliza. I'm Esme- Edward's mom. What are you doing here dear?"
"I came to see Bella. I can see she'll be alright though. I'd better be going. Can you let me know how Bella's doing Edward?"
"Sure."
I leant down and whispered in her ear.
"If you ever need any help, come to mine and Bella's apartment. We'll do what we can."
"Thanks Edward."
"No problem."
"I'll see you soon Edward. It was nice meeting you Mrs Cullen."
Eliza turned and walked out of the hospital parking lot.
"She's a polite girl Edward. It was nice that she came to see Bella."
I nodded at her. Thinking over what she had told me about her family. How could anyone go through all that and be so kind.
"Come on Edward lets go before Bella gets cold."
I followed her to my old Volvo that looked exactly the same as before I left.
"Why is my Volvo so new looking?"
"Uh… Well we know how precious it is to you, and when you left for the war we didn't drive it. When it was announced that you were missing we've kept it clean, Rose up-graded it every now and then to keep it running. I couldn't bear getting rid of it. It was a memorial of you to me and the family, but now we have you back."
"I'm sorry for putting you through that mom. I'm not going anywhere now though."
"It's okay son. It wasn't your fault that happened to you. Let's go home and take care of Bella."
We got in the car with Bella on my lap, her legs draped across the back seats. Esme turned on the engine and pulled out of the parking lot. We sat in a comfortable silence all the way to my parent's house. At the end of the long, pebbled stone drive, I looked out the window to see our family home looking as amazing as always.
Carefully, I manoeuvred out of the back seat in the car with Bella in my arms. I carried Bella up the steps, behind Esme and into the house.
"The others are coming round later. I told them to give Bella some time to rest and come round for dinner this evening. I'm doing Lasagne tonight for around eight thirty. If Bella's not awake, I'll save some for her. Now take her upstairs to your old room and let her get some rest. If you need anything just shout and I'll be up."
"Thanks mom."
"No need to thank me son. I'm here to look after my family."
I kissed her on the forehead before walking up the stairs to my old bedroom. Nothing had changed. My bed stood in the middle of the room facing the wall of window. The door to my bathroom and walk in closet was still its sky blue colour. My acoustic guitar stood in the corner next to my keyboard, music sheets all over the floor and stuck to the wall. It was warming to see my family remembered me the way I was, the way I still am.
I kicked my shoes off and lay down with Bella on the bed. It was harder removing Bella's shoes because she curled up on my chest, her arms folded under her head. Once her shoes were off I pulled my old comforter over us.
I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew, the room was flooded with a delicious smell. It was a mix of a meaty smell and a chocolate smell. I rolled over, only to notice Bella was gone.
"Bella."
My voice came out raspy from the dryness of my throat.
"Hey Edward."
Her soft voice came from behind me. I rolled onto my other side to see Bella dressed and with wet hair. Signalling for her to come closer, I sat up, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed.
"You alright now baby?"
I asked pulling her into my lap.
"As good as new. I'm sorry for scaring you like that Edward. I couldn't help it. Everything just became too much for me."
"I get it baby. Everyone has their moments, it's part of who we are- we just need to live with it. I don't care if you meant to do it on purpose or not, I'm just glad you're fine now and in my arms."
"I love you Edward."
"I love you too Bella."
She stood from my lap, taking my hand and pulling me up.
"Come on Edward. You need to get ready so we can go down to dinner in a few minutes. Esme said the others will arrive in 5 minutes. Carlisle's already here."
"So you spoke to Esme? What did you talk about?"
"Not much. I woke up just under an hour ago and was thirsty. You looked really tired so I left you to sleep and went to the kitchen to see Esme making dinner. She asked how I was feeling and made sure I was okay. I came up here had a shower and now I'm talking to you."
"You make talking to me sound like a bad thing."
I leaned my forehead against hers, smirking down at her. Her smile grew wider as she let out a soft laugh and looked me in the eye.
"How can talking to you ever be a bad thing? You're too amazing for anyone not to like you."
My lips connected with hers in a slow, passionate kiss. A loud bang caused us to break apart bashing foreheads.
"Sorry baby. I didn't mean to."
She kissed my forehead silencing me.
"It's okay Edward. It wasn't your fault. Change your shirt and we can go see what that was about."
"You don't like my shirt?"
"I do it's just it has lots of tear stains on it."
I looked down to see that she was right. My grey button down shirt had streaks where either my tears or Bella's had hit it.
"Come on then. I need a new shirt."
Throwing my walk in closet open, I took Bella's hand and pulled her in with me. I stood behind her with my arms wrapped around her waist.
"What shirt do you want me to wear tonight baby?"
She looked thoughtful for a moment before walking over to the nearest rack and picked one of my favourite tops.
"This one."
"Nice choice love. Why this one?"
She walked over to me and stood right up close, leaning up to me.
"It's white that signifies purity."
She undid the first two buttons on my shirt.
"It has a silhouetted image of a soldier standing proud and tall, ready to fight for what's right."
She undid the rest of the buttons and pulled my shirt of my shoulders. Her hands ran over my chest, caressing my skin. My arms wrapped around her as I kissed her lips chastely. Her fingers traced my scar as she looked at it sadly.
"I want you to tell me, to tell your family the truth. What happened to you out there?"
"Not tonight Bella. You've had a long day. I don't want you to go through any more stress today."
"I'll be fine with whatever you have to tell me Edward. What's stressful is not knowing what happened to you Edward. Please tell us Edward. No one will judge you if you aren't proud of what happened. We'll all support you no matter what."
"I know. It's not that I'm embarrassed by what happened, it's just that it's not a pleasant story."
"I don't care Edward, I just want to know and your family will too."
"Do I have too?"
"Yes. Tonight or you will be sleeping on the couch for a week."
"Tonight it is then."
She pecked me on the lips before pulling the new shirt over my head. I pushed my arms through the sleeves and wrapped my arms around her waist again.
"Let's go for dinner then baby."
Dinner was quiet because no one wanted to give Bella a headache or set her off. After the table was cleared Esme brought out a freshly baked brownie and a tub of vanilla ice cream. Everyone thanked Esme for the amazing food before clearing the table and sitting in the living room. Bella snuggled up into my side as she looked up at me.
"Tell us."
Everyone looked at us curiously.
"It's time you told us Edward."
"What's he got to tell us Bella?"
"How he got his scar?"
"What scar Edward?"
"Show them."
"Do I have too?"
"Yes. Remember what I said earlier?"
"Fine."
I stood from the couch and pulled my shirt over my head. They all gasped as their eyes landed on my scar. Bella stood next to me, her hand gently placed over the scar.
"Tell us what happened."
Her voice was soft as she pleaded me with her eyes. I looked round the room to see them all looking at me expectantly.
"I was shot."
The only sound was Esme's, Alice's and Rose's gasps. Bella's eyes watered and a small, sad smile graced her lips. She nodded once before pulling me onto the couch next to her.
"Tell us."
I knew this was inevitable. I would have to tell them everything at some point.
"We weren't on patrol or anything so weren't armed. We were attacked. No one expected it. I told everyone to run back to the base. Jasper's foot got stuck in a small hole. It wasn't his fault. While everyone took off running I pulled Jasper from the hole. We ran after them. Jasper was falling behind and I couldn't leave him there. I slowed down so that he was in front of me. There was a small patch of grass here and there. As I was running my foot hit a patch of grass. There was a rock hidden in the grass. I tripped and twisted my ankle. Jasper hadn't noticed and I let him get away. I could feel the ground shaking as men of the ISIL approached. If I was going down I wasn't going to be the one to drag him down with me. I watched as Jasper disappeared into the distance, glad he had gotten away."
"You knew you were going to die and you didn't try and get me to help you? I would have given my life for you Edward. You should have called me."
"It was me or both of us, Jasper. I chose me. If I got you to come back I would have basically put a bullet to your head. I couldn't do that to anyone. I couldn't do that to a brother Jasper."
Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought about what would've happened if I called for Jasper. Bella's arms wrapped around my body as she pulled herself into my lap. Her head rested against my chest as I wrapped my arms around her.
"What happened when I was gone?"
"The ISIL found me on the floor. I tried to communicate with them but they didn't understand. Two of them pulled me to my feet, ignoring my twisted ankle. Another raised his gun and pointed into the distance the way Jasper had disappeared. I was pushed in the direction. I knew what they wanted. I ran. I ran faster than I'd ever run. I ran for my unit, I ran for Jasper, for Emmett, for Alice and Rose, I ran for Carlisle and Esme, I ran for my mom and dad, I ran for the country, I ran for Bella. I didn't care if my ankle was killing from the inside. A shot bounced off the ground next to me. I realised that I'd never get away. If I was to die I'd die proudly, not running like a coward. I stopped and turned. I prepared myself for what was to come. I watched the ISIL in the distance. A gun was raised. The shot rang out and I fell to the ground. I lay there motionless for what seemed like minutes but ended up hours. The sun had gone down by the time I felt I could move. I pulled myself to a hole in the ground. It was big enough to slide through and I found a series of tunnels. I could feel the life draining from me and I let the darkness take me."
Bella's shoulders shook as I she held onto me. The couch sank next to me as Jasper sat next to me. He put one arm around my shoulder pulling close to me.
"I'm sorry Edward. I should have been there."
"It wasn't your fault Jasper. Don't blame yourself."
"What happened next Edward?"
"The next few weeks are a little blurry. I remembered waking up in a small room. A woman came in and was shocked to see me awake. She spoke a bit of English and told me that the bullet had been removed but I lost a lot of blood. I spent a three months lying in bed regaining my strength. I got to know everyone that lived in the village. They were very kind people and looked after me. When ISIL soldiers came to the village they hid me in the tunnels with some of the children. After four days they came and got us out. Thankfully no one was harmed. When I got my strength back I started helping out in the village. I worked on the farm in the mornings; I helped teach them all bits of English in the afternoon and cooked food for dinner. I spent just over a year there whilst I developed a plan of what to do next and helped fix up the huts they lived in. One day, I packed up a small bag of money, clothes, water and bits of food and left. I didn't know where I was going because no one ever left there village. After three days of walking I ran out of food. On the sixth day I finished my water. I was starving and dehydrated by the time I came across the next village. I bought some food and water before setting off again. I spent five months just walking through the deserts until I came across a village that was half burnt to the ground. There were starving men, women and children. I shared what food I had to them. I stayed to help fix up whatever shelters I could. It took three months to build basic shelters for all the families. The men helped with the main construction of the homes, whilst the woman worked in the fields growing crops and the children would walk three miles to fill buckets with water from a river and three miles back. When I could I'd go with them to make sure they were okay. Some would collapse from exhaustion on the way back and I'd carry them and their water the rest of the way. It was amazing to see this small village working together to make the best of life. After three months though I left. I'd walk day in and day out only resting when I had too. Another month passed and it was after a long day of walking that I saw something amazing. I had been walking for about eleven hours with little to drink when I saw a big concrete wall with barbed wire running over the top. There were soldiers patrolling the wall. One saw me and shouted for the others. With their guns raised they came over to me. They asked me who I was and what I was doing there. I told them my name and that I'd gone missing from my unit. They took me into the base and gave me some food and water. An officer came and questioned me. When he heard my name he became shocked. He told me that I had been classified as dead almost two years ago. After everything had been sorted out I got given a room for two weeks. It was a weird two weeks because many soldiers came and spoke to me; they were interested in my story. At the end of the two weeks my story had spread throughout the entire base. I got on the helicopter with a unit of soldiers going home on leave. I imagined what it must be like for those who weren't getting a visit home. Those who had lost friends, family or lovers. I thought about all of you and how I thought you'd have reacted when I didn't return with Emmett and Jasper. Soldiers kept asking me questions about how long I'd been gone, how I had become a Major so young or if I had anyone at home waiting for me. After a few years they quieted down and left me to my thoughts. We landed in England and Prince William was there. I exited the plane and he saluted me. I was stunned at first. The prince of England was saluting me. I saluted him back before he led me into the airport. He introduced me to some of the highest officers in the British army. We were sat in a conference room when he asked me to relay my story to everyone. Apparently, the officer I told at the base was a high up officer that worked with Prince William and had told him my story. Once I had finished my story he said I had honoured my country and my family as well as the good people in the world. He asked if there was anything he could do to help. I asked if he could send units into help the villages I had been too. They were good people who just lived in the wrong place. He agreed that something should be done to help the people. He asked if there was anything he could help me if there was anything I wanted. I asked if he could arrange a flight for me too Seattle as soon as possible and if there were any online teacher degrees I could complete in a month. He told me he'd see what he could find. I stayed at Kensington Palace for week and met his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, before getting on a private jet and flying to Seattle. I spent the last month working all hours of the day completing a teaching degree. Yesterday, I got a cab down here in the morning and met Principal Greene for the first time. I'd gotten the job as the new English teacher a week and a half ago. I hid in his office until the assembly."
I finished my story and looked up to see my family looking at me shocked. I looked down at Bella to see her eyes gleaming with pride and a few tears escape her eyes. She leaned up and kissed me hard. Her hand wound into my hair as she deepened the kiss before pulling back, leaning her forehead against mine.
"You are amazing Edward. I'm so proud of you. You've changed so many people's lives and made everyone so proud. It's an honour to be a part of your life."
"You are my life Bella. I love you."
"I love you too. Never doubt that."
"Son, I'm so, so proud of you. What you've done is a miracle."
"Thanks mom. I did it all for you guys. Everyday I'd wake up and think about what each of you would say and go from there. I thought about how I'd feel if it was us who didn't have food, if we didn't have a home. Some of the things I saw were really sad and depressing. Many children died of starvation because their family weren't well enough to work in the fields to earn their share of the food. I did what I could for those who needed that extra bit of help but sometimes it wasn't enough."
"What you did, Edward is more than anyone ever asks for. You saved so many lives just by giving small bits of food or building some simple shelters. No one asked you to do any of that, you just did. I'm proud to be your brother even if it's only through adoption."
"You'll always be my brother Jasper, adopted or otherwise."
He gave me a quick hug before going to sit back over with Alice again. Bella yawned widely, showing how tired she really was, no matter how much she tried hiding it.
"You ready for some sleep love?"
"Not yet. Don't forget, you promised me we would watch UP tonight."
"That I did. Why don't you get some popcorn and we'll go up to my room and watch it in there?"
"Be back in a minute."
She pecked me on the lips before jumping out of my lap and going into the kitchen. I stood up and stretched and then walked over to the couch Carlisle and Esme were seated on. I pulled them both into a hug.
"Thank you mom, dad. I love you."
"We love you too son. You are an amazing man. Your parents would be so proud."
"I know you are."
"Thanks son."
I pulled back smiling at them, kissed Esme on the head and turned to Alice and Jasper. I enveloped them in a hug as Alice let out a few tears.
"Thank you Jasper, Alice. You accepted me into your family."
"You'll always be our brother Edward."
"Thank you for saving Jasper, Edward. I love you brother."
"Love you too Alice."
I pulled back from them and kissed Alice on her forehead. I went over to Emmett and Rose who were standing in a hug.
"Thank you guys. You were there for me when we were growing up."
"Thanks for protecting the family Edward. You've helped so many people."
"We are proud to be a part of your family Major."
I took them both into a hug thanking them. When I pulled back I saw Bella leaning on the kitchen doorway with a bowl of popcorn in her arms. I walked over to her wrapping my arms around her waist.
"You ready to watch the story of a flying house love."
"Yeah."
"Come on then."
I kissed her forehead, picked up her hand and turned towards the family.
"Bella and I are going up stairs to watch a movie in my room."
"Have a good night Edward, Bella. Get plenty of rest Bella."
"Night everyone."
"Good night Bella, Edward."
We made our way up the stairs with an arm wrapped around her waist. I opened the door to my room before scooping Bella up in my arms and walking into the room. I placed her on the bed and went over to the TV and put UP into it. I turned around to see Bella leaning against a pile of cushions.
"You comfy there baby?"
"Nearly, just waiting for you."
"Let me just turn the light off."
Once the lights were off I made my way over to our bed and snuggled up with Bella.
We had a great time watching the movie together. Bella thought it'd be funny if she threw popcorn at me every time the word no was said. Let me tell you there was a lot of popcorn around us at the end.
As soon as the movie ended Bella was out for the count. I followed her soon after satisfied with the knowledge that she still loved me even though I had been foolish enough to be shot.