Only a few hours later, I was walking through the parking lot, conscious of the many stares that were warranted by the rumors that were quickly escalating through the small school.

Doesn't anyone in this school have anything better to do? I thought bitterly with a shake of my head.

You can do this. I chanted to myself. VOLT trapped you for years. You were literally tortured. You can handle a little bit of pain... I tried to convince myself in every way possible, subconsciously grabbing onto my upper arm.

As promised, in the middle of the parking lot, Edward stood by his silver Volvo. His attention was preoccupied by his phone. When I approached him, as though he sensed my presence, he looked up with a welcoming grin and slipped his phone into his back pocket.

Though movement clearly still pained him, he opened the car door for me, and waited until I was seated to close it.

His behaviors are so traditional in a modern society. How respectable. I mused. I wonder if he gets it from Carlisle's mannerisms...

Stop analyzing him! The other half of my mind criticized.

"How was the rest of your day, Bella?" Edward asked as he started the car. Today, a soft guitar sounded from his speakers instead of the piano. He must've seen my surprise.

"Ah, this is Jasper's playlist."

"He made you a playlist? Of his favorite songs?" I asked out of curiosity. Edward had an uncanny ability to make me wonder about more.

"No, not this one. This is Jasper playing." My jaw dropped a little.

"Jasper is playing this?"

"Yes, and-" he held up a finger and a second guitar began to play a harmony alongside Jasper's melody. "That's me trying to keep up with him."

"You play guitar too?"

"Oh, we all try each other's craft. You should see Emmett with a guitar though, it's pretty comical. He complains the spacing between the strings are too small for his fat fingers." Edward said with a roll of his eyes. I laughed, though it burned a little to do so.

Edward made small talk about our project as he drove towards his home. As usual, his charm that I noticed was rather calculated--still managed to calm me. The mostly straight drive, showed an abundance of pine trees and grey clouds ahead.

It'll storm soon. I noted. I felt as if the fact were attached to an ominous omen and I gripped my left arm again, with a shiver.

Edward began to drive uphill through a lavish residential area, with large houses and fenced-in walls. I looked out the window in fascination at the many decorated lawns, fountains, bird baths. Did he live behind this expensive row of houses?

I was surprised when the car slowed to a stop in a driveway large enough to fit three cars.

"We're here," He announced as he shifted the car into park and I stared outside. The home we parked in front of was a mansion. Large glass windows adorned the front of the house, and combined with the sloped roof, offered it an inviting look.

"This is where you live?" I asked in disbelief. Edward nodded, unbuckling his seatbelt nonchalantly. He began to stand when he winced again.

"Yup." He said through his teeth.

I got out of the passenger door and circled around to help him exit the car. When I touched him, again I felt the strange magnetism from earlier. Our eyes met--I looked away as I wrapped a hand awkwardly around his hip.

"Are you certain no one is home?" I asked again, looking over my shoulder a few times as I helped carry some of his weight.

"Yes. My dad is working a double shift tonight. My mom is at the school, teaching her after school art lesson." I nodded, as if I was aware of his household's ritual. We carefully went over the two steps leading up to the front door, and I let go of his hip, still feeling the electric currents rush through my fingertips. Edward opened unusually tall and heavy doors. He thanked me and informed me he wouldn't need much help from here.

I barely heard him, my jaw dropped.

The house he lived in looked like an art gallery; the floors were a white marble with flecks of something reflective within them; several oil paintings were hung over the walls; and windows were placed strategically to ensure the most sunlight filtered through the room. The living room opened up to a deck, large windows over looking rolling hills.

People lived here? And all I'd known for 17 years was a metal box? My gut reaction was to feel anger, sheer contempt for the lack of civility I'd experienced and all I'd missed out on. Then I remembered.

I wasn't human.

What rights could I possibly possess?

"Make yourself at home," Edward said, as he traipsed over to a room to the left wing of the home. I was afraid to do so; I followed him instead.

He walked into a room with a hospital-issued bed, a tray table and dark cherry-wood book shelves with several medical books stacked upon it. The various degrees he'd earned were displayed proudly on the walls.

"My dad's home practice," he explained to me haphazardly, as he graciously let an arm sweep the space.

It was nearly identical to that of a real hospital's only more lavish. The polished wood floors reflected the natural lighting with a soft sheen, the geriatric chair looked comfortable with blankets and pillows strewn over it. This room, too, was tastefully decorated with a large framed Vitruvian Man by da Vinci on the wall across from the chair.

The room was too stylish and cheery for the morbid favor I wanted to ask of him.

"Edward. I have a favor to ask you."

I opened my messenger bag and procured the manilla folder I'd stolen from the E.R while Edward was asleep, yesterday. I pulled the X-rays out of them, carefully handing them to Edward.

"Volt put this into my arm..." Edward scrutinized the X-rays for only a moment, then looked up at me in alarm.

"Oh my god. What is that? Is that a bullet?"

"I think it's a tracking device." I said softly. It took him only half a second to register what I was implying from him, and he took a step away from me, in shock.

"Bella, are you asking me to somehow remove this from you?" I didn't hesitate to confirm.

"You do volunteer at the hospital, right?"

"Bella," he groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose with his fingers. "That doesn't make me qualified to give you a surgery! I'm sorry, but I can't help you."

"Please. You're the only one who can help me." I corrected him, softly. He seemed to scramble for an alternate option.

"Bella, my father works overnight tonight. When he returns in the morning we can schedule--"

"We don't have that kind of time," I pleaded. "You, your family, they'll all be in danger the longer we wait." I pointed out.

"Please, Edward. I'm begging you." We were at such a close proximity again, I could taste the sweetness of his blood from the perfumed air he breathed out. I swallowed back venom. He groaned.

"Bella, this is not an easy surgery. I don't know how I can ask this of you, but if any side effects occur--major scarring, loss of sensation, blood loss, or worse, an infection--"

"It'll be on me. I'll sign whatever I have to." I added, though I realized me signing a fictitious pseudonym onto a sheet of paper holding Edward liable would put things into a complicated position for him at best. I took an instrument from the side table, and placed the blunt end of a scalpel into his hand, covering his hand with mine. The jolting energy mixed between us, and I knew I had his attention.

"I... trust you." I struggled to form the words that tasted so foreign on my tongue. I'd never felt this emotion before, but I wanted to believe in Edward.

I'm trusting you with my life. I silently promised him in my head, our hands were connected only by the scalpel in our hands. I listened to his rapid heartbeat that always seemed to increase in speed whenever I touched him.

Please give me hope to have a normal life one day. And it'd be nice if you could be in it, somehow.

I pulled away and saw a look of defeat on his face.

"Fine." He breathed out. "I'll do it, Bella."

Edward

What the hell did I just agree to do?

Hi I'm Edward I know we've only been on one date, but I'd do anything for you, including a rogue home surgery to remove a tracking device from your body.

I shook my head of the thought of anything implying something could go wrong. I couldn't afford to have those thoughts right now. Not with Bella's life in my hands.

I began with washing my hands as methodically as I saw my father do. I let my thoughts storm over as I did this.

Literally Bella's well-being is in my hands. If I somehow screw this up, Bella can lose sensation, her arm, or worse, her life.

Stop that. You can't think like that.That's not how Carlisle raised you. I argued with myself. You've watched hundreds of surgery. Carlisle has even had you assist surgeries. With handing over instruments, at least. Carlisle has told all of his colleagues about what a great surgeon you'd become one day. Even if he didn't realize it was my passion, he was correct about one thing. I had the ability and the knowledge.

You can do this.

I finally turned the tap water off and slipped on gloves. I put on a mask and eye protection as well. I found a waterproof marker in a cabinet and turned towards Bella. I had her dress in a spare paper hospital gown, in case her clothes were soiled. I tried to look calm, at ease.

"Are you still feeling comfortable with this?" I asked softly. She nodded.

"I trust you." She said again, but bit down on her lower lip.

"What is it?" I asked her quietly. I knew that look.

"In case of anything, can you strap me to the table?" I nearly jumped at her request, my face probably flashed red. "It's not as bad as it used to be," she admitted. "But the scent of your blood is still really potent to me."

"Is everyone else's blood also a trigger for you?"

"No... Just you." She said slowly as if questioning the reasoning, herself. "Anyways. Can you strap me in?"

Ah. So that was why she had avoided me that first day to the extent that she did. To no fault of my own, my scent probably repelled her.

"That generally doesn't happen during surgeries, but I suppose we aren't doing a general surgery." I said dryly. She put her arms down, and I reluctantly strapped her in with the padded restraint attachment on the bottom of the table. I tried to control any immature thoughts I had, but I quickly felt blood leaving my head as I saw Bella strapped into a table.

"Are you comfortable?" If asked her a million times. She nodded, and I uncapped the waterproof marker. After checking with the X-ray what felt like a million times, I marked the exact location of the tracker with an X, on the inside of her bicep.

I almost want to kiss the X for good luck. I shook my head of the thought.

"Have you eaten today?" I asked her, afraid of her answer. She shook her head no.

"Not since last night." It was the ideal answer for a surgery requiring anesthesia, but a pang of guilt hit me for not caring for her enough to ask earlier. I nodded. "We'll change that as soon as we can, but for now, that's a good thing." I tried to sound reassuring though I felt like such a pathetic friend to her on the inside. I measured out the general anesthesia into an IV bag. I added analgesic; I wanted no part of her to be in pain.

I asked her if she was ready before I put the IV a into her arm. I was alarmed to see the many stab marks scars marred the inside of her arms.

Was this how torn Esme felt when she saw my abused body as a child?

I wondered if she had a similar background to me too, and possibly came from an abusive family. Or was sold into sex trafficking. Although we never knew the truth, that was what Carlisle suspected had happened to me.

I sat on a chair beside her and asked her simple questions as I waited for the anesthetic to kick in.

"What was your best memory as a child?"

"We'd have limited hours for video education. But I really enjoyed watching home alone for social education on Christmas." She said softly, with a smile. I didn't understand the references she was making towards her education, but I took the note to heart.

I'll remember that.

"Your favorite food?"

"The cake we had last night." Another bout of penitence washed over me. I quickly changed the subject.

"Sunrise or sunsets?"

I carried on with the questions until she was no longer able to respond, her heavy eyelids closed.

Sleep tight, Bella.

I disinfected her arm and noted the time on the overhead clock. 4:00. I would have exactly an hour and ten minutes until the anesthesia wore off.

Time to make haste.

I slowly took a breath in and out as I cut a careful line down her bicep, attentive of avoiding major arteries. The tracker was placed deep into her arm; I had to cut through her bicep muscle and I sent a silent prayer to her, that she wouldn't feel pain. Each time I added a slit to her body, I checked her face compulsively for any sign of pain, she remained unconscious.

I finally reached her humerus when I saw it. A small black chip device, intertwined behind minor veins. I was bewildered at the positioning of it; it was placed as if it were meant to be hidden. A chill traveled through my spine at the conceptualizationof what this meant.

Who wanted to keep tabs on her so closely that they not only felt a need to implant this tracker, but to also ensure it was intentionally hidden?

How is this legal?

Did she consent to this?

It didn't seem like it.

She did mention that the Volturi experimented with her, but what does that even mean?

Surely they knew she was half vampire. But how exactly was she treated while she was under their care?

I stared at the beautiful, yet broken girl in front of me. I was infatuated with her, yet I didn't even know her. I scrutinized the slender arms dotted with uneven scars, and remembered the constant paranoia that seemed to consume her when we were out in public.

It all added up to trauma, possibly even PTSD.

What the fuck happened to Bella?

I regained my composure.

The veins will only make it harder to remove. Snap out of it. Bella needs you now.

I carefully inserted an extra long tweezer strategically, coming up from behind her veins and removing the microchip from her arm as slowly as humanly possible. I was so focused on keeping my hand still that I forgot to breathe.

This was in here for a long time, I thought as I meticulously detached it from her body and placed it into a small Petri dish on my table of instruments.

The aftercare went smoother than I thought. I closed the wound up with 5 stitches, and looked up at the clock. 5:00 pm. The anesthetic would wear off soon. I tied off the stitches, sliced the thread with a pair of scissors and waited for Bella to wake.

She did. She slowly began batting her eyes, her eyes focusing on the details of the room around her. She didn't seem to recognize her surroundings and I could sense the unease build up in her along with anxiety. I let her see me now as I stepped into her line of sight to detach the IV from her arm and swabbed disinfectant over the spot. It was also a mere excuse to see her closer.

"Edward?" She relaxed at the sight of me and I felt so proud of that.

"You're all done," I said as cheerfully as I could, but I was exhausted. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine. Hungry." She added after a pause. I chuckled.

"Let's get you some sugar." I had Bella change back into her school uniform and my jacket, since I had the good sense to remember my mom could come home from teaching.

I pulled a cereal bar and a orange juice for her from a fridge. Carlisle always kept it in case of a diabetic emergency. She ate it ravenously, and sipped on her juice with her eyes closed. I noted peculiarities about her facial features as she did.

Her round lips were slightly fuller on the top, her philtrum was distinct and only emphasized the ethereal proportions of her face. Her high cheek bones made me question what ethnic backgrounds ran through her, it was strangely exotic.

I snapped out of it when Bella asked me where to throw away her empty bottle of orange juice and her wrapper. I took them from her and disposed of it in the trash, making a mental note to replenish Carlisle's stock and take out his trash before he returned.

"How do you feel?" I asked her. She nodded, with bright eyes.

"Well." She said, nodding encouragingly.

"I can show you around, if you like?"

Mission accomplished.

Bella

"I can show you around, if you like?" Edward offered, walking towards the hall. I stood and followed him.

"Ladies first," Edward said with a sweep of his arm.

I stepped into the hallway and gasped.

The hallway in this house was no less impressive than the rest of the home. Dark wood floors, high ceilings and framed oil paintings adorned the walls. They were of various flowers, mostly roses, but a large painted portrait caught my eye.

"Wow," I whispered softly to myself.

"Ah, the paintings? My mom did that." I couldn't look away from a portrait of a young Edward. He stared at me from the painting, with eyes too old for his face. His expression was pensive, combative. Even with the softened features of his adolescence, his set jawline and elegant eyebrows made it easy for one to tell he would grow to be handsome.

"The first painting Esme ever made of me." He explained.

"You look... angsty."

"I came with it." Came with it? Why did it sound like a third perspective, an inanimate object?

"What do you mean?" I said suspiciously.

"When Carlisle and Esme adopted me, I came with a slew of behavioral issues, although they didn't let me see an ounce of their struggles. I didn't have any memory of anything before I was 9 though. Some sort of weird amnesia."

I was stunned. Here I, and many others at school thought Edward's life was easy simply because he was priveledged, wealthy. Happy. The envy of everyone else. Yet he began life without much at all.

"Your parents?" I asked weakly. He shrugged.

"No one claimed me, and I had no memory of them."

A 9 year old orphan with amnesia... I couldn't begin to comprehend what internal struggles he must've gone through.

"I-I'm sorry." I managed a little too slowly, not certain of what to say in this instance. He shook his head, with a clear look of gratitude on his face.

"Don't be. Carlisle and Esme are the best thing that's ever happened to me."

I nodded, slowly, realizing that Edward had a past too. He was simply more optimistic about life, and better at hiding it, unlike others. For the first time, Edward was... relatable to me.

Would he somehow not judge me, if I told him I slept on the streets each night? I decided to explore that topic later, but it certainly intrigued me. The thought of finally confiding in someone.

We continued walking down the hallway, and we found a painting of a slightly younger Edward. He was perhaps he was a young teenager, with overgrown hair and the same crooked smile, holding a baby with blue eyes like Carlisle's lovingly in his arms. It was clear she'd grow to be beautiful, her rosy cheeks and blushing lips displayed a classic beauty.

"That's Rosalie, my sister." I nodded, despite not knowing who she was, I felt as if I'd been properly introduced.

Edward took me further down the hall, through an impressively stocked library. I eyed the titles enviously. There was even a lounging chair for two in the back. Edward must've caught my look of longing.

"You're welcome to take any book you like. I'm the only one who comes in here these days, anyway." I nodded, both to his offer and his comment. Something about the way he said that made me wonder why no one else joined him here.

"Are you alone at home, often?" I asked. He nodded.

"Well, no one is home usually. I try to keep busy, both with music lessons and baseball. Or game nights with Jasper and Emmett." He said with a grin.

"My sister is usually in day care, my dad constantly works and my mom is always at school. We all do our own thing, but we're happy here."

As if on cue, the door bell rang and echoed throughout the house.

"That must be my mom," Edward said with a grin. I felt dread, I'm not exactly a welcome sight to her, I'm sure.. We went back down the hall, and Edward opened the door to a beautiful woman with auburn hair and green eyes like Edward's. She stood in the doorframe and my mind scanned her.

5 foot 7, a slender woman in her late thirties, probably 130 pounds, with fair, creamy skin. She wore a paint spattered apron over an elegant white sweater and conservative skirt. Her kitten heels were a soft beige color thst only further elongated her slim figure.

"What a surprise! Such a pleasure to meet you, I'm Esme." She bent over with open arms and gave me a soft feather light hug and I stiffened a little behind her back at the intimate gesture. I'll never be used to this family's mannerisms.

"Uh, nice to meet you, I'm Bella." I managed as she pulled away, with a smile I hoped looked at least uncold.

"Edward, could you help me with Rosie? She's in the car seat," she said as she made her way gracefully down the hall. Edward nodded and set out.

"Uh--" I tried to extend an offer of help to him given his injuries, but he shook his head.

"I'll be fine," he said with a wink. "You can help my mom in the kitchen." I nodded and followed the same path Esme had taken.

She pulled what looked like a casserole out of the refrigerator, pulled off the Saran Wrap and placed it into the oven.

"Edward never brings guests over," she said conversationally. "Would you like to stay for dinner?" My mouth watered at the thought of warm food, two nights in a row now. I opened my mouth to deny the offer, when Edward said from behind me,

"Yeah that'd be great. Thanks mom."

I turned and Edward held the hand of a wobbling toddler, who I recognized as the baby in the portrait from the hall.

She clapped her hands excitedly towards Edward. She stretched her arms out toward him.

"Edward! Pick up!!" She flailed her arms fussily around and Edward shook his head.

"Sorry Rosie, not today." She giggled forgivingly with a charming smile, exposing very small squares of white teeth that were coming in. "Rosie, this is Bella. Can you say hi?"

She suddenly turned bashful, and hid her face behind Edward's leg. She peeped out shyly and I caught a glimpse of her eyes. Her eyes were the lightest blue, like the color of the sky on a white summer day.

"Hi Rosie," I felt a surprising adoration for her, perhaps it was because I'd never seen a child before. She was so delicate, so tiny.

Like a miniature human.

She peeped at me shyly and gave me a wave of her fingers. I offered her one, back.

"Sorry, she can be shy," Edward whispered to me. He began leading her out a door in the kitchen. I watched as he bent down to hold her hand.

What a picturesque family. I thought with a small shake of my head.

Are you... jealous?

Edward tilted his head for me to follow, and he brought me into a dining room with a chandelier. Candles were already set on the table, and a feast was spread before us. My jaw dropped.

This is where he eats every night?!

He pulled back a chair opposite from Rosie's high chair and gestured for me to sit in it. I did so and he pushed my seat in before sitting to my right, wincing a little as he settled in. The mannerisms in this household will never cease to amaze me...

He placed a napkin in his lap and I copied him. I suddenly felt extremely dirty for the table, not to mention underdressed in the sumptuous room.

Edward seemed unaffected, at ease here. He removed his collared uniform shirt and casually hung it on the back of his seat.

Beneath his button down, he wore a black, fitted shirt that exposed his forearms. Again, I couldn't help but notice his developed musculature. He looked unusually strong, even considering he was a baseball player.

I caught a glimpse of a small, black tattoo in his left bicep, I noted to check that out later. I was relieved to see the majority of his wrist injuries were covered by a leather band.

Good call, thank you, Edward.

"Ah, I see we have a guest!" A familiar and cheerful voice sounded. I turned my heads towards the sound of the musical voice--Carlisle.

"I'm so glad to see you Bella, and so soon," he said with twinkling eyes.

"You too, sir." I said as politely as I could, holding his gaze despite how uncomfortable the attention made me.

Esme came in, setting down a casserole onto the table with large oven mittens covering her hands. The sound surprised me, and I jumped, startled. Carlisle eyed me from across the table and I instantly felt on edge. Esme didn't notice, turned to me cheerfully.

"I hope you don't have any food allergies, Bella."

I shook my head, trying to calm myself.

Esme is not a threat. You should be ashamed.

"No ma'am." I reassured her.

"What is it with you and Edward calling everyone 'ma'am and sir'?" She pouted a lip almost childishly. I almost wanted to laugh, if I didn't feel so tense around so many strangers. Nonetheless, she was so animated, it was charming.

Edward must've sensed how highly strung I was. From under the table, he touched my hand. The galvanic sensation that should've startled me actually soothed me, instead. I felt myself sigh in relief at it. My shoulders even relaxed a little. I felt his eyes on me, and looked to Edward. His smile was subtle, but it was reassuring, and kind.

Don't worry. I could practically hear him say to me. I took in a deep breath and let it out, even cracked a smile at me.

"I would've cooked more food, had I known you'd be coming, Bella!" Esme said. I cracked a small smile.

This was more food than I imagined at an American thanksgiving feast. What an absurd thing to say.

"It all looks great Esme, don't worry." I attempted a smile.

We sat at the table and began eating, all of us serving ourselves. I helped myself to a rather large portion, but not so much so that I would stand out. I thanked Esme before I dug in. Melted cheese met my taste buds and I was euphoric. Wow. This is what I've been missing out on?

Even though I had food in front of me, and was actively consuming it, I couldn't help but stare at the abundance of left over food before me.

Is this a standard practice? To take as much food as you wantin one sitting?

My eyes kept wandering to the abundance of food, wishing I could take it with me for the next time I went hungry.

Stop that. You're fed now. You need to be more vigilant of the entry and exit points. If Volt found you right now, would you know how to escape? How to protect Edward?

My eyes immediately began to scan the perimeter, checking for any movement. I saw none, but I refused to let my guard down. The front door offered access to the cars and the road, but the exit past the south deck proved better for hiding, with the hills.

Do not let your guard down. You were trained better than that. Trust no one.

"How did you and Edward meet?" Esme's question was pointed to me, and I turned my attention to her. I felt my face warm at that question and instantly felt nervous. Did they assume we had some kind of a relationship established?

Thankfully, Edward stepped in, smoothly.

"She was new to the school, I was just showing you around." I looked down at my plate, hoping no more questions would be asked to me.

Of course more questions were asked.

"Ah, I see. And where are you from?" I cleared my throat, trying to find my voice, but I felt so ashamed around these people.

We clearly were from different plains.

"Oh, here and there. It's be a bore for you to hear all of that." I said, but my voice sounded nervous.

"Not at all, Bella," Carlisle said charmingly. "What brought you all the way up to Forks?" I twisted the napkin in my lap nervously.

"I uh, wish I had a better story." At least that was honest. "But I came here for a better life." I said softly, for the first time, speaking truthfully.

Esme nodded understandingly.

"How wonderful. I'm so glad you pursued the opportunity." I nodded and purposefully shoveled a helping of potatoes into my mouth so the questions that were fired at me would hopefully stop.

Carlisle asked Edward about baseball practices, and the conversation abruptly turned toward that end. We were nearing the end of dinner, and Volt hadn't busted through the doors, and I hadn't touched any silver or said anything too revealing. I was almost relived.

No one caught onto anything. I can excuse myself now and be on my way. I opened my mouth to bid my goodbyes, when Esme turned to Edward with a rather pointed look.

"Edward will you help us with the dishes?" Edward raised an eyebrow but reluctantly agreed, setting down his napkin on his plate.

"Excuse me, Bella." He murmured before disappearing through the door that led into the kitchen. Carlisle followed suit, and I felt my worst fears come alive.

I let the tremors flow through me just slightly. Just enough for my ears to become more sensitive, to overhear the conversation on the other side of the wall.

"Edward, is Bella alright?" The hushed tones of Esme's concerned voice could barely be heard through the walls.

What did Esme pick up on? Dr. Cullen spoke with a grim tone.

"Esme, I'm afraid I did notice there is something wrong." My blood went to ice, my knuckles in my fists turned white from the anticipation. "Her behavior exhibits signs of abuse." Esme gasped.

"Abuse? What do you mean? Should we call child protection services?" Edward chimed in with a groan.

"Mom, that is absolutely none of your business." He snapped. "She's not close with her parents... I know that much. Can we invite her to stay for the night? She had a bad fall today, I'd really like to watch over her if I can," he continued smoothly. I felt my heart pound. He was inviting me to stay the evening?! What did that even imply??

"Of course I'm alright with that," Carlisle agreed. "If she was concussed, it'd probably be best to watch over her sleep pattern-" Esme cut him off.

"Carlisle, shouldn't we inform her parents?"

"She's 18." I heard Edward fabricate on my behalf. Thank goodness.

"If she's 18, Esme, she can inform them herself if she deems it necessary. We cannot force that upon her. Let her stay as long as she needs to." Carlisle said smoothly. The amount of trust he has in me... Esme sounded stern when she turned to Edward.

"Edward, young man, I expect you to be gentlemanly with her—"

"Mom!" Edward groaned. I could practically feel his blush from over here. My throat even itched. Esme continued, not sparing her son.

"Bella is a young girl going through a tough time, and if I hear you took advantage of her feelings, whether that be with intercourse or otherwise, I will—"

"MOM!" Edward exclaimed. I felt my face turn red and I wasn't present in the same room. I imagined his hand combing nervously through his hair. "I-I have no intention of that." I had never heard him stutter before, and I coughed a laugh. Rosie cocked her head curiously at me. I heard Esme sigh.

"I'm sorry son, I had to say it. It's quite obvious you care for her, that she means a lot to you."

At that Edward hushed something else but it was interrupted by Carlisle walking through the kitchen doors holding an elaborately decorated white cake. "Who wants cake?" He grinned. Rosie squealed.

Edward exited the kitchen, and he looked towards me, giving me a wink, as if he knew I'd been listening. I wondered if he fought for me to stay because he already knew my sleeping situation? I nodded my thanks at him, knowing I'd reiterate it again vocally the first chance I got.

Thank you, Edward.

Esme brought out saucers, and passed them out as if nothing had been discussed in the kitchen.

"It is getting late, but you're more than welcome to stay the night, Bella." Esme offered warmly.

I nodded, simply relieved at the turn of events.

Just a minute ago I thought I'd be handed back over to Volt or would be shunned from the Cullen home, at the very least. But none of the Cullens seemed to harbor any ill will towards me. On the contrary, they seemed to care about me just as much as Edward did.

Though I'll never understand their formalities, they seemed to genuinely want to help me.

Perhaps my days of survival won't last as long as I thought.

Maybe now, I'll have a chance to live the life I want to.

Perhaps I was being too hopeful, but for the first time, I felt...

Excited.