AN: Sorry guys, I had wanted to continue publishing the last few chapters quickly, but alas life got in the way again.
It does not seem to be my year :(

Sadly, I learned I have to put my dog down because of illness. So I've been pretty torn up and unable to write much.

Anyway I've mananged another chapter. hope you'll enjoy!

Chapter 53

BPOV

After another uncomfortable night in the hospital, Edward was finally being released. The swelling had finally started to go down late last night at his last check before the night. And this morning it had continued. Carlisle had been pleased, and Edward too. Carlisle deemed it safe for him to be released, he'd gotten through the worst of it. He still couldn't be alone for at least the next 24 hours though, but he didn't have to stay in the hospital anymore.

Edward of course was thrilled. He'd been displeased these last few days about staying in the hospital, and he'd been worried about me getting enough sleep and enough to eat. I'd assured him multiple times I was fine and tha the needed to worry about getting himself better, but that was like asking him to do the impossible. Not that I could really blame him, I would probably have done the same if the situation were reversed.

Carlisle was just finishing explaining everything to him about being released. 'Now, where are you staying?' Carlisle asked finally.

'Home?' Edward asked slightly confused.

'You can't be alone, Edward.'

'I'll take care of him.' I immediately jumped in. Edward gave me a smile and nodded.

'Good.' Carlisle said. 'and no driving either, these painkillers are no joke.'

Edward nodded dutifully.

'Do you have a car here?' Carlisle asked me.

I shook my head. 'Emmett drove me here. I'll call a cab to take us home.'

'I think you should call Emmett to come pick you up. I believe there is quite a bit of press outside, a familiar car and face to help you would be better.'

'how bad?' Edward asked.

'the press?' Carlisle asked. Edward nodded. He sighed. 'They've been having a wild time. the club's been besieged, they've reported every detail that surfaced from the police, which hasn't been very much. And they've been camping outside the entrance here. I believe your apartment building also has an encampment, Bella. '

I sighed. I had been expecting that. 'I'll go call Leah and see if she can give me an update and if she has some ideas how to get us out of here safely.'

Carlisle nodded. Edward frowned but nodded too. I quickly stepped from the room and found a quiet hallway to make the call.

I went to my contacts and dialled Leah.

'Bella.' She answered on the first ring. 'how are you?'

'I'm okay, Leah. Thanks.'

'and Edward?' she inquired.

'He's getting better slowly, he's out of the woods at least. He's getting discharged today.'

She breathed a sigh of relief. 'that's good. I'm glad.'

'Me too.' I exhaled roughly. 'what's been going on in the world?'

It was quiet for a moment on the other side and that worried me more than anything. I had not been keeping up to date, apart from getting a few updates through Kate, Harry and Leah over text. But I hadn't really been pressed to find out what was being reported. I'd avoided the news up until now.

I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth and started gnawing on it nervously.

'It's been quite a shit show, to be honest.' Leah finally said, her voice weary. 'The press was there when James and Laurent were taken out in handcuffs and Edward was loaded in the ambulance. There were lots of articles with speculation about what happened the following morning. I got in contact with the police department and worked with them to put out a statement about what happened. And we put that out there. Harry and Kate did some damage control as well with their initial interview. The statement helped a bit, but the public is really curious. The players have pretty much been stalked by paps.'

I groaned. 'when will these lowlifes stop?'

'never' Leah sighed. 'the statement about your relationship probably also didn't help. That caused quite the stir as well. Though people reacted quite positively, people are searching and reaching to see if there's a connection between what happened at the club and your relationship.'

'What can we do?'

'The good news is that James and Laurent have been formally charged. When the police release finish their investigation it will get better. But I don't think the press will truly back off until you give them an interview in some way.'

'an interview?' dread filled my stomach at the mere idea of having to face the reporters.

'I know you don't like the idea, but getting information from your mouth would quell most of the rumors. It would be a smart move.'

'Can Edward and I do it together?' I asked.

'that would be an even better move.'

'Okay, let's set up a press conference somewhere next week then.' I relunctantly proposed. 'I want to give Edward a bit of time to get better before throwing him before the wolves.'

'Thank you Bella.' Leah said. 'I know how much you hate this, but it will really help.'

'yeah. I hope so. Now do you have some tips how to get me and Edward out of this hospital in one piece?'

'Use the emergency entrace as an exit, press isn't allowed there, get an inconspicuous car that isn't linked directly to either of you and make sure someone else is driving so you can both just hop in and get out without issue.'

'thank you, we'll do that.'

It was quiet for a moment. 'Bella, I'm glad you're okay.' Leah said finally. 'I've informed your apartment building of the violation of your privacy and they've launched an investigation too, but I don't know if they'll be able to do much as it seems the photo's were taken from the building across the street.'

'Yeah I figured as much.'

'Can you stay somewhere else until we've made sure everything is secure?'

'I'm staying with Edward for the next day at least, until he's better.'

'Okay, good. We'll talk more later than. Just make sure you're both safe.'

'Thank you.'

We hung up and I dialled Emmett. he answered immediately. 'Bella, is everything okay?'

'Hi Emmett. we're fine. Edward's getting discharged today.'

He let out a big breath. 'that's great! I'm glad.'

'me too. So I was wondering if you could do me a favour?'

'yeah, sure anything.'

'Could you come get us from hospital?'

'Of course. I'll leave right now.'

'Thank you. Just remember to come to the emergency entrance, we'll get in there so we can avoid the press.'

'Are those vultures still there?' He bit out angrily. then he muttered a few things under his breath. 'Okay. I'll be there in about an hour.'

'Thank you Emmett.'

'No problem, Bella.'

With that all sorted I headed back into the room as I started scrolling through many notifications of mentions in articles and news headlines, but also messages from Kate, and Harry, Rose, Jasper, Alice and Esme.

Edward was getting dressed when I walked back into the room. Carlisle was signing some paperwork.

'Getting ready to go?' I asked him, putting my phone away. I'd respond to everyone when we were back home and settled.

Edward nodded, slowly pulling a shirt over his head.

'Emmett will be here in an hour. He'll pick us up at the emergency entrance. It's off limits to press, according to Leah.'

Carlisle nodded. 'I'll go make sure the hospital knows.'

'thank you.'

Carlisle turned to Edward. 'take it easy and try not to talk too much yet. Take a pain killer when needed. I'll go sort your discharge and make sure Emmett can pick you guys up. Esme and I'll be by tomorrow to check in.'

Edward nodded and they embraced. Then Carlisle enveloped me in his arms as well. For a moment I was startled. I hadn't expected it, but then I wrapped my own arms around him and held on for a moment.

'Thank you.' Carlisle whispered in my ear. ' for taking care of him.'

'it's nothing.' I whispered back. 'I love him'

'I know.' He said pulling back. 'and I'm glad.'

We smiled at each other for a moment before he left the room and I quickly set to helping Edward pack his things, and packing my own few things.

We were ready and waiting at the emergency entrance within the hour. And I was glad to note there were no press in sight. We'd be able to make it to Edward's place without anyone seeing us or knowing where we'd gone. That was good. Edward's address was stil a secret for the press. And I'd like to keep it that way.

I hated the fact my own place wasn't safe anymore.

We were walking slowly towards the entrance when we saw Emmett's car pull up. He jumped out of the car and waved as he spotted us heading his way. He quickly jogged over and grabbed Edward's bag from him. pulling him into a hug at the same time.

'Good to see you walking, dude.' He said as he pulled back.

'Good to be walking.' Edward responded roughly with a smile, though it quickly turned to a grimace as talking still hurt and that was the most he'd managed since he'd been brought in.

'Let's get in the car.' Emmett said, hurrying to put the bag into the car and opening the back door for us.

Edward gestured for me to get in first, as he kept a weary eye on our surroundings and I wanted to shake my head at him. Even hurt he still thought about my safety first. It was endearing to say the least. I pressed a kiss to his cheek as I passed him and quickly climbed into the car, scooting over to make room for him to get in after me.

Rosalie was inside the car and I greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. 'thanks for coming to get us.'

'no problem.' She assured us. Edward got in too and Rose reached back grabbed his hand, squeezing it tightly. He smiled at her.

'Mike and Jake have been having a blast these few days.' she started talking, as Emmett got in and started the car.

And just like that everything was back to normal somewhat. She updated us on the dogs' shenanigans and told us she'd cooked a few meals to last us a few days and cleaned Edward's apartment again.

He grinned and thanked her. We easily fell back into the comforting friendship that was always there with Rose and Emmett and I noticed Edward finally relax for the first time since everything started.