Attack
My eyes opened to see Bella in the bathroom leaning over the toilet.
"Bella, it's okay."
I ran to her and sat next to her, rubbing soothing circles on her back. When she finished she sat back between my legs, leaning her head back on my shoulder.
"You feeling better now baby?"
"Yeah. Just a small headache."
"I want you to stay here today. Don't come to work baby."
"I'm fine honey."
"I can see you're still tired love. Just spend the day resting. I don't want you to overwork yourself when you weren't well yesterday."
"Fine. I'm only agreeing to this because I would like some more sleep."
"Thanks baby. We don't want our baby becoming ill now do we?"
"No. I guess you're right."
"Love you baby. Let's get ready so we can wake Olly up."
"Okay honey."
She stood up and held her hand out to me. Once we were ready for the day, we made our way to the living room where Eliza was reading a book.
"Morning Eliza. You ready for school?"
"Yeah. You feeling better Bella?"
"Yes thanks Eliza. I'm going to stay here today though just to make sure."
"Okay. I hope you feel better soon."
"Thanks Eliza. Do you want to wake Olly up?"
"Yeah."
She sat on the edge of the pull out bed and shook Olly awake.
"Wake up Olly. We need to get ready for school."
When his eyes fluttered open, she kissed his forehead.
"Happy birthday Olly. I love you."
"Love you too Eliza. Thank you."
"Happy birthday Olly."
"Thank you momma. Are you alright now momma?"
"Yeah. I'm alright thanks Olly. You need to get up now Olly? School starts soon."
"Okay, momma."
We both went into the kitchen where the stack of presents sat and started on the breakfast.
"Thanks for buying everything Edward. You've done a good job."
"No problem baby. You don't have to worry about anything. Just keep yourself well and I'll be happy."
"When you're happy, I'm happy honey."
"Then you should always be happy baby."
We put the breakfast on the table and waited for the others to join us. Eliza carried Olly into the room and he looked at the presents.
"Happy birthday Olly."
"Are these for me?"
"Yes Olly; all for you. You've been such a good boy; we needed to get you some new toys."
"Thank you daddy. I love you."
"I love you too Olly. Come on. When you've finished your breakfast and brushed your teeth you can open some presents and open the rest after school."
"Okay."
I picked him up in my arms and deposited him on the chair where his cereal lay. Once the breakfast was cleared and tidied Bella and I waited as Olly brushed his teeth with Eliza.
"If you need anything baby, anything at all, call me and I'll be here. I don't care if it's something small; I want you to call me."
"I'll be fine honey."
"You can't take any chances love. Promise you'll call no matter what."
"I promise."
"Thank you baby. I love you."
"I love you too."
I caught her lips up in a loving kiss, to which she responded. When we ended the kiss Eliza and Olly were standing in the doorway smiling at us.
"Can I have a kiss momma?"
"Of course Olly. You're the birthday boy."
He ran into her arms and she swung him in the air before giving him a big kiss on the cheek.
"Thank you momma."
"Come on Olly, let's open some presents."
He smiled so wide I was surprised his face didn't hurt. After he opened five presents each with a massive smile we put our shoes on and headed to the door.
"Ring me no matter what baby."
"I know Edward. Don't worry."
"It's my job to worry baby. It's not just you I have to worry about now but this little baby as well."
I lay my hands on her stomach, rubbing a small circle with my thumb.
"I'll ring you at lunch so you know I'm okay."
"Thank you love."
"Get going honey, you still need to drop Olly of at school."
"Okay. I love you baby."
"I love you too honey."
I pecked her on the lips and leaned my forehead against hers; breathing in her scent before kissing her lips once more.
"Bye baby."
I walked down the hall and followed Eliza and Olly to the car. After driving Olly to school, I drove to Forks high school ready for work.
"Come to my classroom at the end of the day Eliza. We can then get Olly."
"Okay. Thank you Edward. See you later."
"Have a good day. If you need me you know where to find me."
"Of course."
She climbed from the car and ran into the building, to get out of the rain. I grabbed my bag and rain into the English block to get ready for the day.
"Hey Edward. Where is Bella today?"
"Hey Emmett, Jasper. Bella wasn't very well yesterday so I told her to stay home today, just to be safe."
"I hope she feels better soon."
"Why did Eliza get out of your car Edward?"
"That's something I can't tell you yet. It's a personal matter that is not important to you."
"Okay. Are you coming to Mom and Dad's on Thursday?"
"I'm not sure. Bella and I may be busy then; I talked to dad yesterday and he said it was fine."
"Is everything okay Edward?"
"Yeah. Just some complications but everything should be fine. Although, I have this feeling today. I don't know what it means though."
"I'm sure everything will be alright. I'll see you guys later."
"Bye Emmett."
"Is everything sorted with Eliza now?"
"Yeah. Bella explained why she wasn't herself and Eliza understands. She's a good girl. She reminds me a bit like Bella when we were younger."
"I see what you mean. She's a very intelligent and seems to suffer more on the inside. I don't know why though."
"She's a very brave girl."
He looked at me suspiciously before turning to the door.
"I'll see you later Edward."
"Bye Jasper. See you later."
I quickly went to the office to let them know Bella wasn't coming in and went back to my classroom ready for registration. The first two lessons passed quickly as I gave out books for everyone to read in groups. Break came about and I missed my wife.
"Hey baby."
"Hey honey. What's up?"
"Nothing, I just miss you love."
"I miss you too Edward."
"What have you been doing baby?"
"Not much. I'm just lying in bed reading. I wish you were here with me."
"I wish I was too baby."
"How have your lessons been?"
"They were good. Everyone was really interested in reading today."
"That's good honey. What do you want for dinner tonight?"
"I was thinking about going out to the diner round the corner for Olly's birthday. I doubt he's been anywhere nice for a while."
"That's a great idea Edward."
"I have to go now baby. Next period starts in a minute."
"Okay honey. I'll call you at lunch."
"I love you baby."
"Love you too honey. Bye."
"Bye baby."
She hung up and I did the same. The next two lessons went quickly as I distracted myself from thinking about my wife. At lunch Bella rang me and we chatted for half an hour before I hung up after reminding her I had to wait for Eliza to finish school. My last lesson of the day was quick. This was my lesson with Eliza and her class. Their class is very enthusiastic about Shakespeare. Eliza smiled at me as she left the classroom, nodding my way. I nodded back and sat behind my desk, pulling out some books to mark.
When the final bell rang I put everything away and waited for Eliza to arrive.
"Hey Edward."
"Hey Eliza. You ready to go?"
"Yeah."
"Did you have a good day at school?"
"It was alright. Math was boring but English was really fun. You're my favourite teacher."
"Thanks Eliza. You're class is one of my favourites too. You guys really get involved and take an interest."
"We're always in the same class because we were behind everyone else due to us having three different English teachers for a couple of years. You're our first full time English teacher."
We talked a bit more about her class and their English teachers throughout the years until we picked Olly up. He told us all about his day and how his class sang happy birthday to him at lunch. He had a familiar smile on his face that I had come to know as his 'couldn't believe it' face.
My feeling from this morning came back full force as we neared home. It made me anxious not knowing what it was about. I pulled into our regular parking spot in the apartment block parking lot.
"Edward, that's Casper's car."
"What?"
"That car there. It's our stepdad's. His number plate is JNS 249K. I'd recognise it anywhere. What are we going to do Edward? He can't know Olly's here."
She pulled Olly onto her lap, cradling him to her chest as Olly cowered into her.
"Eliza call the station. Tell them you need to speak to Charlie."
"Where are you going Edward?"
"I need to get Bella."
"Okay. Be safe."
"I will. Don't worry."
I climbed out of the car slamming the door behind me. Normally, I would worry about the car, but right now I couldn't care less. I ran up the stairs and down the hall on our floor. I saw the door was wide open and things had been flung everywhere.
"Bella. Bella. Love are you okay?"
There was no reply.
"Bella, where are you?"
I heard floorboards creak from in the living room.
"Bella."
Running into the living room I noticed three things. One, Bella was lying unconscious on the floor. Two, a man- whom I assumed was Casper, was standing over her with a knife. Three, Bella was bleeding from her side.
I ran into Casper and he fell to the ground. I punched his across the face several times until he had a bleeding nose. He got an arm free from under himself and grabbed his knife. I tried to hold his hand down and didn't feel the pain as he dug the knife into my side. I gave him a final punch to the nose, causing the back of his head to hit the floor hard and knocking him out. I moved away from him as the sudden pain hit me. Blood seeped through my shirt as I pulled the knife out of my side. The cut wasn't deep; I'd be fine soon enough.
"Bella. Bella, wake up baby."
I shuffled over to her and placed my hand to her side. Putting pressure on her side, I moved her hair out of her face, the tears streaking down my face.
"Come on baby. Wake up. You're gonna be alright. Wake up baby. Please wake up."
She lay still in my arms; her breathing weak. I lowered my lips to her forehead and leaned my forehead to hers. My tears falling onto her face.
"Please baby. Please wake up. I need you baby."
I faintly heard sirens approaching the building. As my tears fell, I continued kissing my wife's lips, whispering for her to wake up. I started feeling dizzy as my blood dripped from my shirt and onto Bella's top.
"Wake up baby. I love you. I need you to wake up for me baby. I want to see those beautiful brown eyes. Show me those amazing eyes baby. Please baby. Please."
I heard footsteps out in the hall but I didn't care. I only wanted my Bella to wake up.
"We're coming in. Put any weapons down and come quietly; no one has to get hurt."
I wiped my tears with my clean hand and wiped Bella's face as the footsteps got closer.
"Edward where are you?"
"Charlie."
"Edward where's Casper?"
"Charlie."
I felt a gust of air as the door was swung open.
"Edward?"
"Charlie please. She won't wake up. Help me."
"Edward, calm down. We need to get you two out of here. John you and Thomas deal with Casper. Take him to the station immediately."
"Got it chief."
"Edward the ambulance will be here in a minute. Bella will be alright. She has to be."
"What if she's not?"
"Edward, don't. She will be. Are you alright Edward?"
"Of course I'm not Charlie. My wife could be dying and you're asking me if I'm alright."
"I didn't mean it like that Edward. It's hard to stand here, when I want to shout at people but I have to do my job. How's your side feeling?"
"It kills."
"You should lie down Edward. You're losing too much blood."
"I'm fine Charlie."
"You're not Edward. Please just lie down and wait for the ambulance. Bella will need you to be as strong as possible when she wakes up."
He was right. Bella would need me. Despite my wishes I lay down next to my wife and pulled her too me carefully, whilst keeping pressure on her side.
"Thank you Edward."
"Chief Swan, where are you?"
"In here. We need two stretchers."
A doctor came in followed by another. They took one look at Bella and me and moved into action. They knelt either side of us, checking Bella's pulse.
"We're going to get you two out of here as soon as possible. Try not to move or you'll lose too much blood. You're eyes have dilated slightly because of the blood you have already lost. We want to limit a further amount of blood loss if possible. Do you feel nauseous or dizzy?"
"I feel a little dizzy."
"Okay. Take deep breaths and lie flat on your back. It will reduce the blood flow to your side."
I did as I was told but held onto Bella's hand.
"Ben, her pulse is steady but she's had a hard blow to the back of the head and a deep cut in her side."
I grasped Bella's hand tighter as what the doctor said sank in.
"How deep is the cut?"
"I'm sorry Edward but it's quite beep. We need to stop the bleeding as soon as we can. The stretchers will be here any second now."
"She's pregnant."
"I'm sure the baby is fine Edward. The wound looks to be on the side of the womb. We'll take her for some x-rays when we get to the hospital and then stitch her side up. She'll be alright Edward."
I just nodded at him, not knowing what to say. Soon two stretchers arrived; Bella was carefully lifted onto one, whilst I scooted onto mine. Charlie held onto Bella's hand as she was carried out. With Bella gone safely, the pain hit me full force. I groaned in pain as the stretcher was lifted.
"Are you okay Edward?"
"Just hurts."
"We'll get you some aesthetic in the ambulance. Hold on."
My head dropped back on the stretcher as they carried me down the stairs. When we got outside, I was hit with the fresh air.
"Edward I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have come to you and Bella. This is all my fault. I'm so sorry."
"Eliza. It's not your fault. Please don't blame yourself. I'm glad you came to us."
"If I didn't come to you, then this wouldn't have happened."
"Don't Eliza. You're like the daughter Bella and I never had. We wanted to protect you from him and we did. Get Olly and go with Charlie."
"I'm so sorry."
I was loaded into the back of the ambulance next to Bella and the doors closed behind. Wires were hooked into Bella's arms and a heart monitor started beeping. Fewer wires were hooked into my arms, but I felt the immediate effects of the morphine. I relaxed into the stretcher, closing my eyes.
I felt the ambulance stop and the back doors open.
"Son?"
"Hey dad."
"What happened?"
"Dr. Cullen you don't have to take this case. We can get someone else to take it."
"Dad help Bella, please."
"I've got this. Edward, I'll look after Bella."
"Thank you dad."
"I'll see you later son."
"Look after Bella."
My wife was wheeled out of the ambulance on a gurney and disappeared into the hospital. I then followed her into the hospital and was wheeled down the emergency hall to an empty room. Two doctors and a nurse came into the room.
"Edward, on a scale of one to ten how bad is the pain right now?"
"About a six."
"Have you experienced and nausea or dizziness?"
"I was dizzy earlier and still a little now."
"We'll give you some more morphine before we stitch you up. You'll have to stay overnight so we can monitor you."
"What about Bella?"
"When your father has finished with her, we can bring her in here with you. You have to understand that she may not wake up for a day or two."
"I understand. Thank you."
They moved about preparing for the small operation of sorts they'd perform on me, as the nurse injected some more morphine into my system.
"Edward if you feel any pain let me know and I'll give you something. You don't need to be in pain."
I nodded to him letting him know I understood. Both doctors pulled on some of those latex gloves as the nurse pulled a wheelie table from the corner of the room.
"This may hurt a bit Edward."
A stinging pain erupted from my side as the doctors cleaned the gash in my side. As they continued cleaning it, the pain subsided slightly. The surrounding area became numb as they stitched it up. Once they were done, they snapped their gloves of, placing them on the tray. The nurse wheeled the table out of the room as the two doctors washed their hands.
"We're all done Edward. The cuts deeper than I thought at first. Your stitches will be in for just over a week. For the next four days you need to use crutches so as not to break the stitches. I'll get you those in a moment so you can move about if you want."
"Can I go see Bella?"
"When I get your crutches I'll see if she is done."
"Thank you doctor."
They both left, leaving me alone to my thoughts. I tried moving down the bed but my chest was so stiff I couldn't move.
I couldn't stop thinking about my beautiful wife in pain by herself. If I hadn't told her to stay home today she wouldn't be here right now. She should be relaxing at home, curled up on the couch, reading a book. Instead she's lying unconscious somewhere in this place.
"Here you go Edward. You need to use these whenever you go anywhere. I'm sure you can arrange an appointment for some time next week with your father to remove your stitches. If you feel up to it you can make your way to the x-ray room. Bella will be finished any minute now."
"Thank you."
"No problem Edward. Make sure you get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. You may have some dizzy spells at times. If you do make sure to sit down if you can and wait for the spell to end. Take it easy for the next few days."
"Okay."
"You can go and find your wife now Edward. Just make sure you are back here by nine o'clock. Patients aren't allowed to wonder after nine."
"That's fine. Thank you."
"I'll see you tomorrow Edward."
"See you tomorrow Doctor."
He left the room after placing the simple crutches against my bed. I placed my hands through the top of the crutches and swung my legs over the edge of the bed slowly. I leaned some of my weight on my leg so as not to put pressure on my stitches. Carefully, I made my way over to the door and turned the handle. Really slowly, I crutched down the hall, following the signs to the x-ray room. Unfortunately, I had to go through the waiting room to get to Bella. As I pushed the doors open I saw Esme, Charlie, Emmett, Jasper, Rose, Alice, Eliza and Olly. They had all been crying and Eliza still was. All eyes looked up as I made my way into the room.
"Edward?"
"Hey mom."
"Sit down son."
"I'm fine mom. I need to see Bella."
"Okay son. I'm so sorry. I love you."
"I love you too mom. I'll talk to you soon."
"Sure son. I'm glad you seem alright now."
"Just a little sore. I'll be fine in a week."
"Take care of yourself son."
"I will mom. See you soon."
"See you soon."
I nodded to the others and gave a gentle hug to Eliza and Olly, reassuring them I was fine. I made my way through the next doors and down the hall. My slow speed began to annoy me, but when I could hear Carlisle I found the determination I needed to speed up. I rounded a corner, to see two doors wide open with Bella lying on a bed in the middle. Wires attached to her wire connected to several machines around her bed. She'd been changed into a hospital gown that was clean of blood. I looked down and saw I still had my bloody shirt yet the blood had dried. Carlisle heard my approach before he saw me. He looked up and gave me a sympathetic smile.
"She'll be fine Edward. The baby too."
I let a breath out I didn't know I had been holding.
"How are you Edward?"
"I'm doing alright. They patched me up, but I have to use these for a week so I don't damage the stitches."
"Make sure you don't damage them; it can cause a lot of unnecessary pain if you do and will take a lot longer to heal."
"I'll be carefully then. How's Bella doing?"
"She took quite a large blow to her head and may experience a couple of dizzy spells a day. Her cut isn't very deep. It hasn't caused any serious damage. The baby hasn't suffered any damage at all. Bella will be moved to your room in about an hour. We want to see if she will wake up before then."
"Would you be concerned if she didn't?"
"No. There is nothing to worry about if she wakes up in five minutes or two days. Everyone is different. She did show a few signs of waking up when I stitched her up but we put her back to sleep so she doesn't feel the pain."
"Thank you dad."
"No problem son. I'll leave you two alone. If Bella wakes up and needs help just press the button and I'll be here immediately."
"Will do Dad."
"Bye son."
He left the room, closing both doors behind him. I lowered myself into the chair next to my sleeping wife. As I gently stroked her hair behind her ear, I noticed a large bruise had formed on the back of her head.
"Hey baby. I'm here. Everything's gonna be ok. I'll be ok; you'll be ok and our baby will ok. I love you baby."
"Love you too Edward."
I leaned over, so my face was above hers as her eyes fluttered open.
"You okay baby? Do you feel any pain?"
"I have a headache, but other than that I'm fine. What happened?"
"What do you remember love?"
"I was tiding up a bit before you got home and I heard the door open. The next thing I knew, Casper was in front of me and smashed me into the floor. My ears started ringing and I felt really faint. I briefly noticed he had stabbed me before I fell unconscious. Oh My God. Edward what about the baby? Is the baby ok? Please tell me the baby's gonna be ok."
"Shh. It's ok love. The baby's just fine. He didn't cut you very deep. You'll be good as new soon enough and the baby wasn't harmed at all. You need to relax baby."
She breathed deeply, wiping the few tears that had fallen off her cheeks.
"There now baby. Everything's gonna be just fine; you'll see."
"Thanks honey. What happened after?"
"I don't know how long you had been there before we arrived home. Eliza recognised his car. I told her to ring the police as I came up to you. I noticed the door was open. I went in and called out to you, but you didn't answer. When I went into the living room I saw you on the floor, and I also saw Casper leaning over you. I pushed him to the ground and punched him several times across the face. He managed to grab his knife and stab me in the side."
"I'm so sorry Edward. Are you alright?"
"I'll be alright baby. No need to worry. I've been stitched up but will be on crutches for a week. Other than that I'm gonna be fine. It's you that I'm worried about baby."
"Why?"
"You have a large bruise on your head baby. Carlisle said you'll have quite a few dizzy spells every day. I'm sorry baby; I should have been there to protect you."
"Edward, look at me."
I didn't move my eyes from the spot on the bed. Her hand cupped my cheek, tilting it upwards. My eyes connected with her watered eyes.
"I don't blame you honey; I could never blame you. You said yourself, everyone will be fine. If dizzy spells are the most severe result of this, then I'd take them any day over losing our baby or you. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you. I love you Edward more than anything."
"I love you too baby."
I gave her one of my crooked smiles I knew she loved. She returned a smile but it turned into a yawn.
"Do you want me to get Carlisle to move you to my room? You'll get better sleep there."
"Yes please, honey."
I carefully stood up and made my way over to the button. After pressing it I sat back down, holding Bella's hand.
"You sure you're okay honey?"
"I'm fine baby. Just a little stiff and sore. Don't worry."
"I always worry honey. Ever since I met you, I've worried about you. I can't help it."
"It's in your nature to worry baby, like it is in my nature to worry about you. It's because I love you baby."
"And I love you too honey."
There was a sharp rap on the door and Carlisle entered.
"It's good to see you awake Bella. How are you feeling?"
"I have a massive headache and I'm quiet tired but other than that I'm fine."
"That's to be expected. Before we move you to Edward's room I want to see if you can walk without needing any aid. Do you think you have the strength to try? If not we can get you a wheelchair and take you to the room that way."
"No, I'd like to try."
"Good. Let me take the wires out and you can give it a go."
I watched Carlisle remove all the needles from her arms. Carlisle slowly helped her sit up minding as she winced.
"Sorry Bella."
"It's okay. I'm fine."
"You sure baby?"
"Yeah. I want to try."
"Okay."
I moved my chair out of the way as Bella carefully lowered her legs over the edge of the bed. She grasped Carlisle's forearms as she put her wait on her feet. Her face contorted at first but when she leaned on Carlisle's arms she relaxed slightly.
"You can stop any time you want love."
"I'm fine."
"When you're comfortable, try and take two steps forward. Take your time."
She took a deep breath and leaned her weight onto one side. Her face screwed up in concentration as she lifted her other foot slightly.
"There you go Bella. Walk with me; when it gets too much for you just lean on me and we'll stop. You ready?"
"Yeah."
I stood helpless at the side, watching as Bella gradually made her way across the room. When she got to the other side of the room she leaned her weight onto Carlisle.
"Very good Bella. Just stay still a moment; lean as much weight as you want on me."
Padding over to them I saw the look of pain on her face.
"I'm proud of you baby. Do you want to lean on my crutches so Carlisle can grab a chair?"
"Yeah. Give me a minute."
"Take as much time as you need baby. There's no rush."
I waited as she calmed her breathing, before removing one hand from Carlisle. Moving in front of her, she grasped my crutch and leaned on it. When she had a firm grasp on my crutches, I kissed her forehead.
"There you go baby. You did amazing."
"So walking across a room is amazing is it?"
"When you have a bruised head and stitches in the side, walking across a room is amazing. You'll be walking again in no time."
"I love you honey."
"I love you too baby."
Cautiously, I lowered my lips to Bella's. Carlisle came back through the door with a wheel chair in hand.
"Come on baby. Let's get you too bed."
"Mmmhhhmm."
Carlisle helped Bella become situated in the chair and then wheeled her into the hall. I followed their pursuit down the hall to the waiting room. The others looked up as we entered the waiting room.
"Bella are you okay? Carlisle is she gonna be alright? What about the baby?"
"Esme calm down, they are both gonna be just fine. After some good rest and about a week they will both be fine."
"Thank God. I'm so sorry Bella, Edward."
"It wasn't your fault Esme. It wasn't anyone's."
Bella said looking pointedly at Eliza, who had tear stains on her cheeks.
"It's good to see you awake Bella. Get well soon. We need you at work."
"I'll do my best. Thank you Jasper."
"No problem sis. You gave us all a fright."
"Sorry."
He gently gave Bella a hug and nodded to me, as Alice hugged Bella; whispering in her ear. Rose and Emmett then gently embraced Bella and me before making their way home with Alice and Jasper. Eliza picked Olly up and made their way over to us. Olly had tear stains on his face as well.
"Hey momma. You okay?"
Eliza kissed Olly's forehead and set him on Bella's lap.
"I'm alright Olly. Just a little sore. What about you? I'm sorry your birthday was ruined."
"It doesn't matter momma. It was the best birthday to start with. I don't mind. As long as you get better momma, I'll be happy."
"I'll make it up to you Olly. I promise."
"Just get better, that's all I want."
"Thanks Olly. You're an amazing little boy Olly."
"Love you momma."
"I love you too Olly. I need you to look after your sister for me. She will need your help for the next few days."
"Okay momma."
"Thanks baby."
Eliza smiled at them with her eyes watering.
"You did nothing wrong Eliza. You can't blame yourself."
"But if I didn't come to you in the first place you'd be fine. Bella would be well and healthy. Instead you are both here with cuts in your sides. I shouldn't have come to you. I should have stayed at home and done as he said."
"Eliza stop right there. Don't ever think that way. No one should be made to live in the house you have. You did the right thing leaving. Bella's always seen you as a sister and now a daughter. You are one of the hardest students I've ever seen. Both Bella and I would take a bullet for you and Olly any day. This is not your fault."
"I love you dad."
"I love you too Eliza."
She apprehensively wrapped her arms around me waist, leaning her head on my chest.
"You're safe now Eliza. Casper can't get you."
"Thank you."
Her fresh tears sank into my shirt.
"Son, not that this isn't a bad thing, but what's going on?"
"Uhh. If you remember, mom, Eliza is one of Bella and my students. Her brother and her have been staying with us since Thursday. It wasn't safe for them to stay at home with their mom. Their mom's fiancé, Casper, has abused Eliza for a while now. We have been looking after them. Casper is the one that attacked our apartment today."
"Oh my God. I'm so sorry Eliza. You shouldn't have to go through that. You and your brother are welcome to stay with Carlisle and I tonight whilst Bella and Edward are here."
"Thank you Mrs Cullen. You don't have to do that. I can take care of Olly myself."
"Nonsense dear. I can't let you go off after all that has happened. And call me Esme."
"Thank you Esme. I'd appreciate somewhere to stay and I promise we won't make a mess."
"Don't worry about making a mess. We have Emmett round often, so are used to it."
Eliza nodded her head.
"Get a good night's sleep tonight Eliza. If you want, come and see us tomorrow after school."
"Definitely. Take care of yourself dad and make sure Bella gets enough sleep."
"I will. I'll see you tomorrow Eliza."
"See you tomorrow Edward."
She crouched down next to Bella as I picked Olly up out of her lap.
"I'm sorry daddy."
"It wasn't your fault Olly. You don't need to be sorry."
"But, Casper always said that because I was a bad boy, bad things would happen. I've been bad daddy and now this has happened."
"Olly you aren't bad boy. You have done nothing wrong; you'll always be the best boy I know. This will never be your fault."
"Thank you daddy."
"That's okay Olly."
I looked up at the clock on the wall and saw it was nearing nine o'clock.
"It's time you got to bed Olly. You and Eliza are gonna stay with my mom tonight. Is that alright with you?"
"Like an adventure?"
"Yes. This is your next adventure, but remember, you have to go to school tomorrow so don't stay up to late."
"I won't daddy. I'll miss you and momma."
"You can come and see us tomorrow after school though."
"But I like you picking me up from school."
"I'm sorry Olly. I wish I could, but it won't be long before I can pick you up."
"Thanks daddy."
After handing Olly over to Esme and agreeing a time to meet them tomorrow, Eliza, Olly and Esme left the hospital. Carlisle wheeled Bella to my room and helped her into the bed.
"Here's a bag of clothes. Alice left some clothes for the both of you."
"Thanks dad."
"No problem son. I'll leave you two to get some rest. I'll check on you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow dad. Thank you."
"See you tomorrow son."
He left a bag down on the chair before walking from the room, locking the door behind him. I turned to see an almost sleeping Bella.
"I'm just gonna get changed baby."
"Mmhhmmm."
I found some yoga pants and an old white top and precariously changed so as not to disturb the stitches. Once changed I made my way back to the bed and lowered myself onto the edge.
"Love you Edward."
"I love you too baby. You comfy?"
"Lie down and I will be."
Lowering myself slowly, Bella carefully curled up on my side.
"Is this alright for you honey?"
"Perfectly fine baby. You comfy now?"
"Mmmhhmm. I love you Edward."
"I love you so much baby. Get some sleep."
Her breathing evened out as I held her in my arms. Soon after I followed her and let the dreams consume me. At some point I was awoken by Bella's shaking head.
"Stop. Stop. Stop!"
Her hands grasped her heart as she begged for something to stop. I tried prying her fingers from herself as I pulled her to me.
"Bella, wake up. Come on baby. It's just a dream. Wake up."
"Don't. Don't. Don't hurt him. Please leave him alone. Hurt me. Hurt me not him."
So she's scared for someone getting hurt. Not her.
"Baby, please wake up. It's just a dream; everyone is going to be alright. Wake up baby."
Her eyes shot open, panicked.
"It's okay baby. You're safe. I got you baby; I got you."
"I'm so sorry Edward. I'm so sorry."
"What happened baby? What has you so upset?"
"Casper had you tied up in a dark, barren room and he was hurting you."
"It's okay baby. I'm fine. No one's gonna hurt me. I'm sorry you had that dream but I'm perfectly fine. I love you baby."
"I love you too Edward. Thank you."
"Come here baby."
She crawled up so her face was next to mine on the pillow, my arms wrapped around her waist. I dipped my head to hers, kissing her lips gently, making sure she wasn't in pain. When she went to deepen the kiss I deepened it myself. Her hands wound into my hair as she tried to pull herself closer to me.
"We can't do this here baby."
I said between kisses.
"I know."
Instead of pulling back, she traced her lip over my bottom lip. I let her tongue enter my mouth, knowing she needed this after everything. Her taste exploded into my mouth as she caressed my tongue with hers. A small moan came from me, causing my amazing wife to pull herself closer.
"Baby."
She continued kissing me.
"Baby, please."
Her lips moved along my jaw and down my neck. She sucked and nibbled on the soft flesh there as I tried to hold back a moan- unsuccessfully, if I do say so.
"I can't take it baby. Please stop."
The kisses stopped, but she nuzzled her face into my neck further. My shoulder started to become wet.
"I didn't mean it like that baby. Please don't cry. I love you, baby. I love you so much. I can't stand to see you cry."
She continued to cry into my shoulder as my hand stroked her hair.
"Baby will you look at me? I need to see your beautiful face baby. I'm really sorry, baby. Please look at me."
She buried her head further into my shoulder, the tears continuously falling.
"Come on baby. Please, I love you. I didn't mean it like that baby. Look at me baby, please look at me and I'll show you. Just show me your beautiful face my Bella."
As her tears continued to fall, she turned her head, just enough so I could see half her face.
"I'm sorry baby. You're my life and I never want to see you cry. To know that it was me that has caused you to cry hurts me. I love you baby, more than you'll ever know. I only needed you to stop because I wouldn't be able to stop. If we were at home I wouldn't have stopped you baby. I really wouldn't have, but we can't do that here baby. That's all. It was nothing to do with you. I will always want you baby, no matter what. I love you baby. I will never stop loving you. Ever since that first moment you ran into me, you've been a part of my life. You have always owned my heart and always will, no one will matter as much as you do to me baby. You are my life baby. Never forget that because as long as my heart is beating you will be the only person to occupy my thoughts."
A crooked smile made its way onto my face.
"Well, that is until, we have our beautiful baby. I will give my life to make sure both you and our baby will be safe and healthy. You're my life. I love you baby."
"I love you too Edward."
I pulled her lips back to mine and kissed her with all my love for her. When she needed to breathe, I kissed away the tears that were slowly running down her cheeks, before dipping my head into the crook of her neck. I sucked and nibbled on her neck, until I was just inhaling her scent. Bella's hand had wound into my hair again and she was gently pulling the strands.
"You should get some more sleep baby. You need your strength to get better love."
"Mmhhmm."
"I love you baby."
"Love you too honey."
She laid her head onto my shoulder, careful as not to put too much weight on the back of her head. I started humming the lullaby I'd composed for her all those years ago, as I lightly massaged the bruise on the back of her head. A small moan came from her lips as I massaged behind her ear, where the bruise was most prominent.
"Does that hurt baby?"
She minutely shook her head.
"You sure baby? I don't want to hurt you."
"Helps."
"What helps baby?"
"You."
"Does this help baby?"
I asked as I massaged behind her ear again. Another little moan came from her lips as she leaned her head into my fingers. I kissed her forehead and continued massaging her head as her breathing evened out once more.
"I love you baby."
The corners of her lips turned up and her head leaned further into my fingers. I lay there for the next few hours, gently massaging my amazing wife's injured head and holding her to me, until I drifted to sleep myself.