omg i'm so sorry about the html errors that is so gross hopefully I fixed it now! thank you for your patience!


"I thought for sure you would get to see them before you left for the summer, bah!" Patty complained, barely managing to juggle the stack of plates Edward handed her. All he could do was watch with his brows creased, worried about the way her usually healthy bones creaked in exertion. "I wanted you to meet her, set a good example."

"I'm sad to have missed her," Edward replied politely, wincing as Patty set the plate on the table with a loud rattle.

"Eh. A handsome young man like you won't have a problem at all finding someone, but Eliza on the other hand…" Patty coughed, hiding a small smile. Edward let out a small laugh. "What about your Aunt's kids? The ones moving in whenever that happens. Think any of them could handle a spitfire who wants to get out of this sleepy town?"

"I don't think she'd like waiting that long," he mused, doing some quick math in his head. If I'm supposed to be 15 when we arrive, that would mean I would be… "The youngest just turned 9, and the eldest is currently 12. I doubt she'd want someone so much younger than her." Patty scowled, mind fluttering between families she knew.

Eliza was one of the new interns in the Society, her family moved from across the country to help her Mom's sister with her complicated pregnancy just a week ago. Coincidentally, around the same time they arrived, Patty's grandson, Stephen, returned from his summer abroad, filled with confidence and an updated appearance from the scrawny, shy boy that had left only three months before. What started out as a friendly gesture quickly turned sour as Eliza and Stephen became a bit too close, something which Patty did not like. Too many strong opinions , she had said, and my grandson's too much of a people pleaser to stand up for himself . And thus began her desperate quest to find a distraction for the girl.

"I'm sure you're right," Patty commented quietly, already too deep in her thoughts. She reached absentmindedly for a small collection of frames, scribbling a number much too high on the donation form. "What about Gunner?"

"You already ruled him out."

"He's a nice boy," she defended, as if she wasn't the one originally nitpicking the poor boy. Edward raised a brow at that, and Patty huffed. "Okay, he's nice enough. But that sister of his is trouble, no matter how much he argues otherwise. Irish twins…they're sneaker than the others."

"It seems you're just as picky with her company as you are for your grandsons."

"If I'm going to go through the trouble of getting the poor girl a distraction, it has to last." With a quick glance into the now empty box, Patty scribbled her signature on the bottom of the form in a flourish before handing it over to Edward. "You headed off to the trails again?"

"You know me too well, ." Patty playfully swatted at him, Edward letting her fingers catch his sleeve to mimic human reflexes. He gave her a smile as he started walking towards the door.

"Stop calling me that!" she shouted, a faux glare on her face. "How many times do I have to tell you? And if you see that rotten grandson of mine, tell him he was supposed to be here 30 minutes ago!" Edward gave her a small nod as he disappeared out the door, mindful of the small crowd of interns littering the courtyard.

His head instantly began swimming with their thoughts, half anxious for the start of the school year, and the other half excited to start their new potential career. As much as he dreaded to admit it, this summer had granted him some good opportunities to practice his hand at playing human. High school is great practice, with high emotions and a million thoughts lending favor to some of his family's more unusual quirks, but oftentimes his family fell flat in the more minor aspects, tipping off their fellow student to be wary of them. Both Jasper and Rosalie liked this, more than happy to keep their distance and their secrets far away from the prying eyes of gossip hounds, but the rest of the family disagreed - what was the point of going to school, of integrating into their pretend human lives, if they weren't going to fully commit? Being just barely on the outside, so close yet so far, was worse than being entirely detached as nomads.

Stephen, usually already helping the teachers with the new students, was nowhere to be seen. An unusual sight, for sure. He was there one morning when Edward arrived to donate some more items, helping Patty fix the printer that had given her more than enough trouble. After watching Patty's memories of him for the past few weeks, and the adoring look she had in her eyes as she fussed over him, there was little introduction needed. Stephen was a nice boy, nearly an identical image to his Grandmother, with matching hooked noses and bright eyes. He made an effort to say hello to Edward if they ever passed each other after that, but his mind was always wandering too far for them to speak beyond pleasantries. Like Edward, Stephen liked to hike the countless trails at the end of the road, though they rarely saw each other as he preferred the deeper mountain terrain to the cozy clearing that Lettie resided in.

Most of the students in the area were preoccupied, some activity or other taking up most of their attention, but several of the teachers were on high alert, eyes wandering between groups and the streets to see if Stephen was just running late. But, for a boy who was typically there before anyone else, it was completely out of the norm. Edward simply waved off their concern. After spending weeks away, and delving right into another project after getting back, he didn't blame the poor boy for finally crashing and letting himself sleep in.

With the gaggle of teens around, Edward had to be extra careful as he slowly made his way back to nature. There were a few groups scattered along the trail, leaning down to document different types of flora and fauna in their notebooks, but they hadn't made it far into the woods just yet. He made a mental note to himself to keep an extra close eye out while in the clearing today, a rare instance of being able to spend as much time as he liked per Esme's command. They were going to go on one last big hunt before they left, and, per Emmett's wish, they were going to head out several miles to find new prey. They had a long plane ride ahead of them tomorrow.

The woods were the same as they always were around this time, Edward ducking into the shade just as a cloud parted for a speck of sun to peak through. The low hum of activity slowly dimmed the more he walked, but he didn't dare pick up his pace. Just ahead, he could hear the faint heartbeat of a lone hiker.

Edward stopped. A lone hiker? The heartbeat was soft, thumping slowly, much too slowly for a human going on a hike. He tilted his head towards the sky. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves ahead, pushing the woody smell deep into Edward's nose. The smell of the brook, a family of birds above, a deer somewhere nearby. The deer seemed startled for a moment at something, feet kicking up leaves and dirt as it scampered away. When the leaves stopped rustling, he took another inhale.

Edward immediately recoiled, hand flying towards his nose.

Blood. Human blood.

In an instant, Edward had his phone in his other hand, texting a warning to Jasper to keep the family away from the area. He didn't wait for a reply, shoving the phone back into his pocket. He, too, needed to get out of there. He's had years of practice to keep himself somewhat sane and clear-headed around blood, but this was different than a classmate getting a papercut or accidentally scraping their knee. Whoever was bleeding, was bleeding a lot . A head wound, perhaps, or a cut on a sensitive part of their body, something that would flow quickly if not staunched.

There were a few things he needed to worry about on top of giving into his bloodlust. First, Lettie. She was expecting him today, right around the time the morning fog broke. She would be sad, but Edward was sure he could come up with a lie about his whereabouts. Secondly, the group of people who saw him walk out there. If the body was found later, Edward may be implicated in whatever happened. That was easy to cover - the trails crisscrossed and diverted, and he would have no problem lying about not finding anything. Thirdly, the knowledge that Patty had about his daily activity. Though she didn't know exactly where Edward went every time, she knew enough. If the body was on a well-marked trail, she could have her suspicions. He would be gone by tomorrow, however, so there was no need to silence her completely-

"...please….anyone…" Edward paused, ears twitching. The voice was quiet, just the faintest whisper amongst the sounds of nature. He was honestly surprised he could hear it at all. "please, help…"

Lettie.

Without thinking, Edward turned on his heel, feet pushing him forward, towards the very thing he just tried to run away from. Even with his hand over his face, and then completely stopping breathing altogether, it did little to stop his monstrous tendencies from clawing themselves up his throat, demanding to be fed, demanding blood. Edward could practically taste it in the air. But Lettie was calling out, calling to him, the only one who could help her.

What was she even doing out here?

The scent of blood was practically wrapped around him now, coiling around his throat like a snake, whispering to his instincts to breathe, take a good long smell of something delicious. His phone buzzed frantically in his pocket. He dug his fingers into his palm to distract himself as he sped closer.

There. He could see the clearing just up ahead, his feet thumping as they raced down the slope of the hill, greenery tangling his feet as he veered off the marked path. He could see her blue dress like a beacon amongst the brown of the earth, not a smudge on it despite the steep hill she must have had to climb down. Her expression was hopeless, brows drawn together in fear, and face covered in tears as she stared down at the body of a broken boy beneath her. Edward barely spared it a glance, too worried about what he would do if he looked.

"Lettie…" he spoke, barely managing to get the words out without taking any air in. Lettie's face whipped up at Edward's sudden appearance, scrambling to her feet. Edward reached out, cradling her hands as she used him to steady herself.

"Help." Her voice cracked, tears welling up once more. "Please, help him."

Edward could hear the million thoughts running through her head as she begged. The chance encounter with Stephen in the clearing, randomly finding the necklace as he explored the old house, screaming in terror when he spotted Lettie, falling down the hill as he tried to escape. How she screamed for help, too desperate to remember no one would hear her but him. Her hands shook as he held them, jittering back and forth like she couldn't quite figure out what she wanted to ask him to do. She was desperate for him to help, that much was clear, but the fear of Edward being around blood stopped her from making other requests.

She was terrified. Terrified that she scared the boy to death, terrified that no one would come. Terrified she was asking too much of Edward. Terrified for him, as he stood near a bleeding body to help calm her down.

Edward chanced a look at the body below them. It was hard to recognize him face down like that, but the curly mop of hair on his head was an easy clue. Stephen was barely breathing, heart getting slower and slower as the wound from his head, a nasty jagged cut, continued to bleed. He could tell the boy had other injuries, one to the leg, and a broken arm no doubt, but those would heal with time. If he had time.

Would he even make it to the hospital?

"Please. He's just a boy." Lettie squeezed his hand. "Assist in this as much as you are willing, but, please, he is just a boy. He cannot die today."

"Okay," Edward dared to say, crouching down. This would be a tricky rescue. Moving him now, especially in his arms and not an even surface, could be detrimental to his wounds, but he couldn't just leave him down here. If Stephen had any chance of survival, he needed medical attention immediately. Trying to get them out here would take too much time. Time they didn't have.

His broken arm was twisted at an odd angle behind his back, so Edward carefully reached for it, moving as quickly as he dared to get it out of the way. Stephen groaned slightly, a good sign that he wasn't completely gone yet, body stiffening in pain as Edward moved him. As soon as the jostling stopped, Stephen went silent once more, finger clenching before uncurling. Edward barely stopped himself from sucking in a surprised breath as Lettie's necklace fell into the dirt.

That would have to wait.

In one fluid motion, he pocketed the necklace with one hand, using the other to turn Stephen until he was propped up against his chest. Edward spotted a familiar rectangular object in Stephen's front pocket, swiping Lettie's box before wedging his arm under the boy's knees. Edward gave Lettie a look, trying to gesture to his shoulders, but when she didn't move, confusion on her face, he darted forward, squatting so he could nudge one of her arms up and over his shoulder. With all the hesitance she allowed in the dire moment, she brought her hands together, locking tightly around his chest, though she didn't think to wrap her legs around him as well before Edward took off.

He took them as close to the start of the trail as he dared, stopping just on the edge of the treeline. He could hear voices now, frantic voices, as he turned his run into a human-paced jog. Thoughts were pushing into his mind almost as fast as he could read them, though the same undercurrent united them all; It had been an hour since Stephen was supposed to be there, and a search unit had been called. Edward thanked whatever luck allowed that.

A small group of people were making their way towards him, all adults, all thinking of the same mission to find Stephen. Edward gently shook his shoulders, Lettie's arms falling from them as she lowered herself to the floor. After a moment to steal his nerves, he revealed himself, staggering out of the tree line.

"Help!" he called, using the lack of air in his lungs to sound adequately out of breath. Gasps permeated the air as people caught sight of him. "I need some help!"

"Oh my god, Stephen!" Edward didn't recognize the face, but he had heard the voice plenty as she taught interns how to catalog books. The small group broke into a run as they spotted what he was holding. Two rangers were the first to meet him, taking a sweep over the unconscious boy in his arms.

"Take him and the car and go!" The taller of the two Rangers reached out, arms meeting on either side of Edward's as he transferred the boy's weight. Though there wasn't an ambulance, Edward could make out two patrol cars at the end of the dirt road. With the help of another volunteer, Stephen's head was finally getting pressure, and they were running as quickly as they dared. As soon as the boy was in one of the back seats, propped up by the same woman who cried out, the sirens were turned on, vehicle tearing through the street toward the nearest hospital.

Edward doubled over, finally allowing himself to take a deep breath. The blood on his shirt was a problem, but he tried not to focus on that, instead allowing himself the relief of getting one of his senses returned. He had to stop himself from flinching as the other Ranger set a hand on his back, coaching him through a breathing exercise.

"That's it," the Ranger said, rubbing Edward on the back. Edward scowled to himself as the pitiful thoughts of the Ranger entered his mind. He knew he had to look a sight, a teen boy covered in blood, carrying an injured body for who knows how long, but the deep anger at this stranger's pity still remained. He did, however, calm himself down as Lettie appeared in his peripheral vision, her hand joining the Ranger in rubbing his back. "You did good, kid. He'll be okay."

"Thank you," Lettie said, voice still wobbly. "Thank you."

"I found him at the bottom of the cliff. I didn't think I would find someone in time." Edward stood, shaking off the Ranger's hand. Lettie kept hers against his back, curling her fingers into the fabric.

Now that he was at his full height, several inches taller than both people beside him, the man was able to get a good look at him. Not dressed for a hike in his casual summer gear, hair still perfectly messy, and an unfamiliar face. The Ranger gave him another look over, before saying, "Surprise you made it up the hill carrying him."

This was a look Edward was familiar with. Despite his superhuman strength, his physical appearance hadn't changed much from the lithe body he had as a human (though, he only knows that from the memories Carlisle has). Occasional slip-ups in gym class can be passed off by some visible muscle, but carrying a human up a hill? The Ranger was looking at him with far too much suspicion to be comfortable, a small lingering of doubt in his head at the truth of Stephen's supposed accident.

"You couldn't be more than a hundred and fifty pounds yourself. Where did you say you found him?"

Edward tensed under his watchful eye.

"Just past the start of the path to the Old House," Edward replied carefully. The Ranger's eyes didn't waver from his, thoughts slowly going a way Edward did not like. Both men straightened their backs, an unintentional but purposeful show of power.

"I don't think I've seen you around these parts. Ranger Thompkins." He stuck his hand out, through the way he clenched his fingers, Edward could tell this was more than a friendly greeting.

Now Edward was on high alert. His shoulders were tense as he turned his body towards the man, reflexively making himself bigger, vampiric instincts rearing to run.

"Reveal your connection to ." In an instant, his shoulders slumped, body leaning back into her hand. Lettie's voice was quiet, the faintest whisper into his ear. "He cares for his community."

"Anthony Platt," he said, reaching out to shake the man's hand in a firm grip. Ranger Thompkins raised a brow. He rocked back on his heels once they let go. "My Aunt just bought the house out on Woodward, and I've been helping her out this summer. I'm sorry, but I need to go. Someone needs to let Stephen's grandmother know." At that, the Ranger raised a brow, surprise evident on his face. In his mind, a flash of Patty's face.

"Sasha should already be there. She ran as soon as we saw you." He eyed Edward once more, but this time, his mind was cleared of suspicion, a friendlier curiosity pushing to the front. "You know Patty then?"

"Yes, she's been helping me donate some of the salvageable things my Aunt doesn't want to just get thrown away."

"That's mighty kind of her."

"She's a patron of the arts," Edward added a sort of shrug, playing coy. Ranger Thompkins finally gave him a smile.

"You know some of the other people working there, then?" When Edward nodded, he added, "I'm Loraine's husband."

"Oh! It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. I'm sorry, I didn't recognize you." Edward made sure to add the correct level of apology in his words. Who Loraine was, he had no clue, but the name had come up a few times in Patty's stories. Ranger Thompkins simply waved him off.

"Stressful time. Besides, I don't stop by as much as I should do anymore." He clapped Edward on the shoulder, and Edward made sure to slump slightly, mimicking a human wince. "You said he fell just at the start of the path? I've been telling my team they need to add some rope barriers on some of those trails for years now. Maybe this will finally give them the kick in the butt they need." He nodded his head towards the car idling at the end of the road. Most of the crowd was gone now, save for a few lingering ears, no doubt trying to get some information as to what happened. "Come on. I'll get you dropped off at the hospital to get looked at."

"Sir, really, it's alright-"

"No ifs, ands, or buts, kid. Protocol."

The ride to the hospital wasn't the worst. Ranger Thompkins didn't force him to sit in the front, and kindly offered one of his shirts to replace the now bloodstained one Edward had been wearing. The morning heat was starting to set in, allowing him to roll down the window without much fuss. Edward had tried to get Lettie to stay behind, nearly getting her necklace dropped in a bush without anyone knowing, but as soon as she caught on, she was pulling on his arm, begging to be brought along. To know firsthand if Stephen was okay. He had little fight in him with her tone so desperate.

He answered Ranger Thompkins's questions with practiced ease, using his ability to answer just enough to ward off any more suspicion. He was a friendly guy, obviously devoted to his job, but had little to say beyond the gossip of the town. Edward made sure to slip in the few tidbits he had learned from Patty. Elena's arrival, and upheaval, was more than enough of a prompt to get him talking for the rest of the journey. Edward happily let him prattle on, letting his attention focus on the woman beside him. Lettie was unusually quiet, mind torn between worrying about Stephen and the completely strange sensation of speeding through the streets faster than she ever had before. Edward felt useless as he watched her shift in her seat, eyes flickering between her hands and the passing trees.

The hospital was nothing extraordinary. A cement building with plenty of parking, and a few ambulances parked outside. He spotted the other patrol car in the parking lot as Ranger Thompkins approached, the other Ranger waiting for them just outside the guest entrance.

"Why don't you head in, kid? I'll get everything squared away on my end."

Edward gave a nod in thanks, letting the Ranger exit first so he could help Lettie out of the car without raising suspicion. Her mind was whirling too fast to think beyond the one thing, eyes darting to every window in hopes of seeing Stephen.

"He'll be fine," he whispered, awkwardly hovering his hand before gently stroking Lettie's shoulder. Well, more like patting, action robotic as he tried to reassure her in small movements.

"Apologies. I will only be sated once I lay eyes upon him myself."

"Of course. Stick close to me, it might be overwhelming in there." He turned on his heel, walking towards the entrance of the building, keeping to the shadows. He nodded politely at both Rangers as he passed, their hushed conversation only pausing for a moment to nod back. Neither was suspicious of Edward anymore, instead, heads leaned in to discuss how to use this to get those safety railings put in as soon as possible, before another well-hiked local, or, god forbid, a tourist takes a tumble to their death. He had barely made it past the entrance, a disgusting yellow paint choice assaulting his eyes, when he felt Lettie's steps falter, her hand reaching out to grab the fabric at his elbow. As discreetly as he could, he reached his hand over, giving Lettie's hold a reassuring squeeze.

The woman at the front counter was typing away at the computer as he approached, her mind whirling with the image of Stephen being wheeled in on a stretcher over and over. There were a few people waiting in the room around her, only a handful of them thinking the same thing. Edward was glad to see the staff's promptness and urgency. Stephen was going to be okay; He was sure of it. Edward gave Lettie's hand another squeeze, an attempt to send that same message along, and whether she realized what he was trying to convey or not, her shoulders relaxed minutely at his comfort.

"Hello," Edward said as he approached. He didn't bother trying to pretend to be getting checked out. "I'm here for Stephen Everette."

"Another? You're going to have to take a seat over there," she gestured with the wave of her hand to the scattered chairs.

"Are there any updates?" The nurse sighed, eyes rolling up in annoyance. The mental image of several nosy gossip hounds played through her head, no doubt trying to get the latest scoop before anyone else. On their journey up, her eyes finally caught his, mouth immediately falling open. Edward had to hide the disgust that shivered up his spine from her blase stare. "I'm a friend of his grandmother." When she continued to stare, he added, "And the one who found him. So I'd appreciate any update you can give me."

"O-oh…! Yes-yes I can…um," her hands shook as she stuttered, but Edward just hit her with a fake smile and she completely swooned. " is still unconscious. His grandmother is with him, but Doctor's said he should wake up soon."

"Great, thanks." Edward flashed her another smile, and turned, leading Lettie to a pair of open chairs. His smile dropped as soon as his back was turned.

"He will be alright?" Lettie asked, grip still firm on his shirt. Edward glanced at her briefly, a small nod of his head, before directing her into a seat. He pulled his phone out of his pocket, ignoring the countless texts and calls that demanded his attention as he put it against his ear. Lettie watched him in confusion.

"This will allow me to talk to you," he said in a low voice, mindful of the people around him. Even though he picked seats farthest from people, he could feel their eyes on him, curious as to who he was and what he was doing there.

"Is Esme calling you once more?"

"There is no one on the other end," he explained, turning his head towards her. She was placed carefully in front of the window. "But no one has to know that."

"You are far more crafty than I give you credit for."

"You flatter me, but I'm not the only one to do this." He gave her a small smile, a real one as opposed to the act he gave the receptionist. "Stephen will be alright. We can wait here until he wakes up." Lettie's eyes glistened with tears.

"Thank you."

"Of course." Now that they were sitting, a moment of privacy that he had been craving since this morning, Edward could finally see the way Lettie's hands shook, eyebrows pressed together in worry, her heel tapping softly against the linoleum floor. Her thoughts were quiet, or rather, everyone else's thoughts were incredibly loud in comparison, practically drowning her out. If he really concentrated, harder than he normally had to, he could faintly hear her sporadic thoughts, moving from one thing to the next faster than he could keep up. Stephen's condition, the bright synthetic lights, the car ride, Stephen's horrified face, the rattling of the air conditioner, the strange furniture, Stephen falling down the hill, Edward's concerned face, Stephen dying. Edward set his arm against the armrest, using the motion to gently stroke Lettie's arm. She met his eyes. "Are you alright?"

"I…I am…," she started, his question not helping the steady stream of things floating through her mind. "I am overwhelmed with worry."

"For Stephen?"

"For ," she confirmed, shaking her head. "Among other things. I feel…worried about his wellbeing."

"He'll be okay."

"I am reassured by your confidence." She gave him a small smile, but it quickly fell from her lips. Her eyes drifted to her hands, clenched in her lap. "I am not only worried for him, selfishly."

"No?"

"No. I fear…you."

"Me?" At this Edward rose in his seat, voice raising a touch too loud. The people near him gave him a look, one that sent him back into his seat. He adjusted himself obviously, making sure the phone to his ear was clear to everyone around him. "Me?" he repeated, quieter.

"I fear you will not want to be near me, once I reveal what had occurred."

"I can…guess." Lettie whipped her head over, eyes wide. "He found your necklace, was frightened by your sudden appearance, and ran. He fell. It was an accident ."

"This was no accident." Her hair fell over her shoulder as she shook her head, blocking her eyes from his once more. "He was cursed, when he looked upon my person, my true self. A curse too horrible to bear on the human mind. He fled, fled in terror, and would not, could not, listen to my explanation. He was so frightened he could not remain on his feet, and I could do nothing to stop him from tumbling down the cliff." She let out a weak chuckle. "I am disgusted with myself for being happy that he is unconscious so he would not have to look upon me again with such frightened eyes."

"Lettie…" It had been a long time since he had to comfort someone. His family was his rock, as selfishly as he knew it was, picking him up and giving him a shoulder to cry on when he was willing. Time and space, were their go-to methods to comfort him. But this was different. Lettie looked ready to cave in on herself, her mind flittering between the events of today and that of a memory of a distant past. Both men, young and old, gave her the same horrified look as they touched the necklace, scrambling to get away. There was only so much time and space Edward could give now, with his family leaving tomorrow, and not to return for several months. Would Lettie survive on her own for that long? "You did everything you could."

"There is little I can do anymore, it seems, other than cursing anyone who lays their eyes upon me."

"You'll always have me," Edward said before he could think, finger continuing to caress her arm. "I have not, and will never, run from you."

"No, you have not." She gave him the smallest smile, reaching her hand out to give his arm a comforting squeeze. "I do not know who to thank, God or whatever creature created you, for treating me kindly besides my visage. I find myself wondering if I ever frighten you, the way I appear."

"The way you-?" But he couldn't finish his question, a commotion starting behind him. Lettie was on her feet in an instant, eyes wide, as they watched Patty walk into the waiting room.

She was instantly bombarded by people, questions filling the once silent room, all pushing for answers they didn't have any right to know. She tried to reassure them as much as possible, thanking them for waiting, even going as far as comforting a few who were a little hysterical, but her mind was set on one thing. One person.

"Anthony!" she called as soon as she spotted Edward, still sitting in the chair furthest from her. He rose, eyes flickering to Lettie to signal his move, pocketing his phone as casually as he could. Patty's smile was watery, nose red from the snot that gathered at the end. As soon as he was close enough, she threw herself into his arms. "I don't know how I'll ever thank you enough!"

"It was nothing, really." Edward awkwardly pat her on the back, keeping his nose as far from her as possible.

"You saved his life!" She immediately cut him off before he could deny it. "He's awake now, wanted to say thank you personally as soon as the nurses said you were out here waiting for him."

Under normal circumstances, Edward would stay far, far away from this side of the hospital without Carlisle nearby. His father figure was usually more than enough of a deterrent to give in to his bloodlust, and his shifts usually started with a small hunt to satiate any thirst, but without him, and with his latest exposure to blood being unquenched, he could practically feel the monster inside him begging to give in.

"If it's not too much trouble," he managed instead, a small smile oozing charm. "I just want to make sure he's okay after I moved him so suddenly."

Patty led him, and subsequently, Lettie down the hall and to an elevator that groaned so loudly that he was worried for its structural integrity.

"Stephen was moved to the second floor once he was given the okay," Patty explained, gesturing to follow her down the hall. "He'll be a little woozy for a while, but the Doctor's didn't want him to fall back asleep so they could monitor his concussion."

And he was. Stephen was propped up lightly against some pillows, casted arm resting across his chest, a lump under his blankets indicating his leg had also been cast. The windows were open to let some fresh air in, bird songs adding an off beat to the heart rate monitor that beeped continuously. Stephen's thoughts were far too dreamy to be of sound mind, fluttering between the image of the birds outside his window, and those same birds suddenly being dug up in an archeological dig. If there was one thing that brought him comfort, at least, it was that his love for digging didn't suddenly disappear.

"Stephen," Patty called out softly, sitting in the unoccupied chair beside his bed. Stephen's head lulled slightly, bringing his focus to his grandmother instead of the blue sky outside. "Anthony is here to see you."

"Anthony…" Stephen said softly, his mind flooding with the image of Edward standing on the other side of the Historical Society's front counter. "He's very handsome."

"Thank you," Edward said softly, walking further into the room. He came all the way up to the end of the bed, stopping at the foot so Stephen didn't have to turn his head too much. He didn't seem off put by his words, or the fact that Edward heard him, so Edward moved past it. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"Oh, yeah…" He struggled to sit up, giving up easily as his aunt gently pushed him back against the pillows. "Broken arm, broken leg, broken head. Feel fine though."

"Thanks to all the painkillers they gave you," Patty retorted. Stephen didn't seem to care for her snark, frowning gently at her. He was only placated as Patty ran a hand over his face, her voice gentle as she added, "My brave, brave boy."

"Not brave," he muttered, lips pulling into a frown. "Ran from the monster, and it got me." Edward's entire body stiffened at that. Behind him, he could hear Lettie's quick intake of breath.

He should have known that Stephen would still be able to see her. After all, it wasn't like he lost the ability as soon as Lettie was out of his sight. Both he and Stephen quickly turned to look at Lettie still standing at the door, her face welling up in tears. Edward whipped his head back to Stephen, body moving to stand between him and Lettie, but the damage was already done.

In an instant, Stephen's whole body seized up, eyes widening as he made eye contact with the very reason he was injured in the first place. The heart rate monitor spiked rapidly, the steady beat now sounding louder than a fire alarm. His injured hand raised, finger pointing at Lettie, despite the pain Edward knew it was causing him.

"Mo-mo-mo-" his breath was catching in his throat. "Monster!"

"Stephen-" Patty was barely able to get out of the way as Stephen started to crawl back. His injured hand was not even a second thought as he put too much pressure on it in his attempt to get away. Edward winced as the once minor fracture cracked under the pressure. Edward was just able to catch him as he fell from the bed, but not without knocking Patty away, Stephen's leg swinging out to catch her in the hip. Stephen was screaming bloody murder, shaking and screaming to get him away, to get Patty away, from the monster in the doorway. Nurses and Doctors flooded the room, taking the boy from Edward's arms to get him back on the bed. One of the nurses had a syringe in her hand, already injecting a sedative into the IV. He and Patty were quickly ushered out of the room, the nurse barely giving them a sympathetic wince as she shut the door in their face.

"Are you alright?" Edward asked, turning to Patty, who was still staring at the now-closed door. Her hand was pressing tightly against her hip.

"What?" She shook her head, turning to look at Edward as if she just remembered he was there. "Oh, Anthony. I'm so sorry you had to see that. I don't know what came over him."

"I'm sure it was just the negative effects of the concussion," he tried to reassure, eyeing the way Patty shifted her weight. "Come on. You need to get that hip checked out."

"If this is another attempt to call me old…" Patty tried to joke, but her tone fell flat. She did allow herself to use Edward's arm as a prop to hobble down the hall to the nurses' station to get her injury checked out.

Edward chanced a glance over his shoulder. Lettie was standing in the doorway, hand pressed gently against the wood, fighting against the pull that kept her tethered to the necklace, just so she could spend another moment listening to the conversation within. Psychotic break , a doctor inside commented, a nurse at his side scribbling something on a clipboard. Keep him sedated for now, we'll talk to about possible options . Lettie's face dropped in despair.

It was then that Edward decided, whether she liked it or not, Lettie was not going to stay here alone. No, she was coming with them to Forks.