Buying Love Update

Buying Love Chapter 72 Update on FicPad

Buying Love Chapter 72 Update on AO3

Buying Love Chapter 72 Update on FFn

Buying Love Chapter 72 Update on TWCS

A week had passed since I woke up from my medically-induced coma. I was antsy, anxious to get out of this God-forsaken hospital. Dr. Monroe was amazing and the therapist that worked with me were awesome, but I was never alone.

Okay, let me rephrase.

I was never alone with Edward.

Whenever he was there, so was my dad. And the looks my father was giving to Edward were downright evil and malicious. I wanted to say something, but I didn’t know the story.

Ruminating on this thing with Edward and my dad helped me forget the pain I felt in my side and the fact that the connection from my brain to my feet was sluggish. I could feel everything, but if I tried to walk, move, anything, my body wouldn’t cooperate. Dr. Monroe explained that it was spinal shock. My condition had improved since I was I brought in on the helicopter. I didn’t have any response to stimuli.

Yes, it had improved, but would I be stuck in a wheelchair for the rest of my life? 

Buying Love Teaser

A week had passed since I woke up from my medically-induced coma. I was antsy, anxious to get out of this God-forsaken hospital. Dr. Monroe was amazing and the therapist that worked with me were awesome, but I was never alone.

Okay, let me rephrase.

I was never alone with Edward.

Whenever he was there, so was my dad. And the looks my father was giving to Edward were downright evil and malicious. I wanted to say something, but I didn’t know the story.

Ruminating on this thing with Edward and my dad helped me forget the pain I felt in my side and the fact that the connection from my brain to my feet was sluggish. I could feel everything, but if I tried to walk, move, anything, my body wouldn’t cooperate. Dr. Monroe explained that it was spinal shock. My condition had improved since I was I brought in on the helicopter. I didn’t have any response to stimuli.

Yes, it had improved, but would I be stuck in a wheelchair for the rest of my life? 

Buying Love Update

Buying Love Chapter 71 Update on FicPad

Buying Love Chapter 71 Update on AO3

Buying Love Chapter 71 Update on FFn

Buying Love Chapter 71 Update on TWCS

I was released from the hospital the day following Charlie’s explosion. I went directly to Bella’s side and I sat next to her for an hour, begging for forgiveness. However, it felt wrong for me to be there. I was not her family. I was this parasite and she didn’t need that. I kissed her temple, murmuring my love for her and I left the hospital. I started walking, ending up at a marina.

“Fancy seeing you here,” said a male voice. I turned around, seeing Peter smoking a cigarette. “Carlisle said that you had been released, but I figured that you’d be with Bella.”

“I’m not family. I have no right to be there,” I said.

“Fucking Charlie,” Peter snapped. “You are as much a part of our family as I am.” He walked toward me, tossing the cigarette onto the ground. “I love my brother, but he tends to talk out of his ass when he’s emotional. He knew what you had endured and yet, he still attacked. I’m so sorry.”

I shrugged. “I need to learn to deal with it,” I whispered. “I’m not good for her.”

“Bullshit,” Peter said. “I remember seeing you two at the opening of Swan Towers. My niece had a light in her eyes that I hadn’t seen in years, since her mother passed away. And there was something about you that seemed linked to her.”

“But, you know what happened to me and what my life was. I was a whore,” I spat. “Women used me, abused me and I got paid for it.”

“Edward, I know why you did it and it wasn’t because you had a choice. Esme, she forced you,” Peter replied. “But, I can say that until I’m blue in the face and it won’t make a lick of difference until you actually believe it, Edward. Do you love my niece?”

“With my entire heart,” I said. “But, I’m not go …”

“You are good enough. You’re a loving, kind man, despite all that happened to you. Yes, you’re dealing with a lot of bullshit right now, but we’re all in your corner. Charlie will come around. If he doesn’t, I’ll kick his ass,” Peter snorted, winking at me.

“Why do all of you believe in me?” I asked. “I can’t even believe in myself.”

“Because you’re still alive and here, Edward. You could have curled up and given up, but you didn’t. You fought your way out, with a little help from a spitfire named Bella,” Peter said. “Now, let’s get you back inside. I only came out here since I wanted a smoke. It’s freezing out here!”

Uncle Peter Swan

Edward Masen

Port Angeles Marina

Buying Love Teaser

I was released from the hospital the day following Charlie’s explosion. I went directly to Bella’s side and I sat next to her for an hour, begging for forgiveness. However, it felt wrong for me to be there. I was not her family. I was this parasite and she didn’t need that. I kissed her temple, murmuring my love for her and I left the hospital. I started walking, ending up at a marina.

“Fancy seeing you here,” said a male voice. I turned around, seeing Peter smoking a cigarette. “Carlisle said that you had been released, but I figured that you’d be with Bella.”

“I’m not family. I have no right to be there,” I said.

“Fucking Charlie,” Peter snapped. “You are as much a part of our family as I am.” He walked toward me, tossing the cigarette onto the ground. “I love my brother, but he tends to talk out of his ass when he’s emotional. He knew what you had endured and yet, he still attacked. I’m so sorry.”

I shrugged. “I need to learn to deal with it,” I whispered. “I’m not good for her.”

“Bullshit,” Peter said. “I remember seeing you two at the opening of Swan Towers. My niece had a light in her eyes that I hadn’t seen in years, since her mother passed away. And there was something about you that seemed linked to her.”

“But, you know what happened to me and what my life was. I was a whore,” I spat. “Women used me, abused me and I got paid for it.”

“Edward, I know why you did it and it wasn’t because you had a choice. Esme, she forced you,” Peter replied. “But, I can say that until I’m blue in the face and it won’t make a lick of difference until you actually believe it, Edward. Do you love my niece?”

“With my entire heart,” I said. “But, I’m not go …”

“You are good enough. You’re a loving, kind man, despite all that happened to you. Yes, you’re dealing with a lot of bullshit right now, but we’re all in your corner. Charlie will come around. If he doesn’t, I’ll kick his ass,” Peter snorted, winking at me.

“Why do all of you believe in me?” I asked. “I can’t even believe in myself.”

“Because you’re still alive and here, Edward. You could have curled up and given up, but you didn’t. You fought your way out, with a little help from a spitfire named Bella,” Peter said. “Now, let’s get you back inside. I only came out here since I wanted a smoke. It’s freezing out here!”

Buying Love Update

First off, before I post the update, I wanted to apologize for the drop off in updates. This weekend marked the one year anniversary of my mother's passing. I wanted to spend the weekend remembering her and celebrating her life. I miss her more than words can express, but focusing my thoughts on her this weekend helped. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Now, with further ado ...

Buying Love Chapter 70 Update on FicPad

Buying Love Chapter 70 Update on AO3

Buying Love Chapter 70 Update on FFn

Buying Love Chapter 70 Update on TWCS

I watched as Edward fell apart. He was curled up in a little ball as Peter screamed at Charlie. And when he slumped onto the ground, his eyes shut and his body trembling in abject fear. Turning to them, I screamed, “Will both of you shut the fuck up! We’re going to get kicked out by security and I need some help.”

Peter smacked Charlie’s head and crouched down to where Edward was in a heap. “I hope you’re happy, Charlie. You know what happened to him. Rose told you in explicit detail what this young man went through. Yet, you still got in his face. You still hurt him. If Bella was awake, she’d tear you a new asshole,” Peter sneered.

“It was because of him that she’s here!” Charlie snapped.

“No, Charlie. It’s not. She made the decision to go after Esme on her own,” I said calmly, placing Edward’s head in my lap. I tenderly ran my fingers through his hair. “If you can’t handle him being here, then you may need to back off, Charlie. She loves him.”

“But, my little girl,” Charlie sniffled. “She’s fighting for her life. I cannot walk away.”

“Neither can he,” I said. “He would do anything for her. He would die for her, but he’s already beating himself up about what went down. However, he faced the monster that tortured him for ten years, Charlie. He went in there so he could help his mom and help Bella. Both of them would have died if he hadn’t gone in there.”

“Take a walk, Chuck,” Peter said coolly. “When you can be in the same room as Edward without screaming at him, we’ll let you back in to see your daughter. For now, we have to preserve his mental health as much as possible. Come on. Let’s go.” Peter grabbed Charlie’s arm and dragged him out of the stairwell. “I’ll get a doctor or a nurse for Edward, Rose.”

“Thank you, Peter,” I said quietly. 

Buying Love Teaser

I watched as Edward fell apart. He was curled up in a little ball as Peter screamed at Charlie. And when he slumped onto the ground, his eyes shut and his body trembling in abject fear. Turning to them, I screamed, “Will both of you shut the fuck up! We’re going to get kicked out by security and I need some help.”

Peter smacked Charlie’s head and crouched down to where Edward was in a heap. “I hope you’re happy, Charlie. You know what happened to him. Rose told you in explicit detail what this young man went through. Yet, you still got in his face. You still hurt him. If Bella was awake, she’d tear you a new asshole,” Peter sneered.

“It was because of him that she’s here!” Charlie snapped.

“No, Charlie. It’s not. She made the decision to go after Esme on her own,” I said calmly, placing Edward’s head in my lap. I tenderly ran my fingers through his hair. “If you can’t handle him being here, then you may need to back off, Charlie. She loves him.”

“But, my little girl,” Charlie sniffled. “She’s fighting for her life. I cannot walk away.”

“Neither can he,” I said. “He would do anything for her. He would die for her, but he’s already beating himself up about what went down. However, he faced the monster that tortured him for ten years, Charlie. He went in there so he could help his mom and help Bella. Both of them would have died if he hadn’t gone in there.”

“Take a walk, Chuck,” Peter said coolly. “When you can be in the same room as Edward without screaming at him, we’ll let you back in to see your daughter. For now, we have to preserve his mental health as much as possible. Come on. Let’s go.” Peter grabbed Charlie’s arm and dragged him out of the stairwell. “I’ll get a doctor or a nurse for Edward, Rose.”

“Thank you, Peter,” I said quietly. The two of them left and I kept massaging Edward’s scalp. “I’m here, Edward. I know that I’m not Bella, but I’ll do my best to keep you safe.” Sheri and another nurse came into the stairwell. Edward was lifted onto a gurney and rolled out of the ICU. I followed him as they brought him down to the emergency department. They admitted him, giving him an IV and some medication in the IV. His distressed face smoothed out and he settled into the gurney. I told the doctor about his injuries and that he was under the care of Dr. Banner and Dr. Benson. 

Peter Swan

Charlie Swan

Buying Love Update

Buying Love Chapter 69 Update on FicPad

Buying Love Chapter 69 Update on AO3

Buying Love Chapter 69 Update on FFn

Buying Love Chapter 69 Update on TWCS

When I woke up, I felt refreshed, but stiff. I looked over at the digital clock and saw that it was nine. However, I was confused. The sun was shining in my room. I sat up, rubbing my face and stumbling to the window. I had slept all day, missing dinner and the opportunity to go back to Bella. I turned on my heel, going to shower and clean up.

After my shower, I dressed in a pair of jeans that were in the closet and a heavy sweater. Stuffing my feet into some hiking boots, I went downstairs, holding the FBI jacket that Emmett gave me yesterday. Rose was in the dining room, nibbling on some eggs. My mom sitting next to her and Carlisle was in the living room reading a newspaper. Rose blinked up, smiling. “He lives!”

“Stop,” I said, running my hand through my damp hair. “I guess I was more tired than I expected.”

“You slept for nearly two days, Edward. You were exhausted,” Mom said, giving me a shy smile.

“Two days? I slept for two days?” I barked. “How’s Bella? I need to see her!”

“She’s still sedated,” Carlisle said, pushing me into a chair. “Calm down, Edward. You’re going to give yourself a panic attack.”

“Too late,” I said, my heart stammering.

Rose moved to me, giving me some water. She pulled out my prescription, showing it to me. “Here are your anti-anxiety pills, Edward. Do you want one?”

“They make me tired. I have to …” I panted. I closed my eyes, reaching for the bottle and shaking out one pill. I quickly downed it, trying to calm my breathing. A few moments later, I could feel the effects of the meds. Blowing out another breath, I sat back in the chair and closed my eyes. “Sorry.”

Buying Love Teaser

When I woke up, I felt refreshed, but stiff. I looked over at the digital clock and saw that it was nine. However, I was confused. The sun was shining in my room. I sat up, rubbing my face and stumbling to the window. I had slept all day, missing dinner and the opportunity to go back to Bella. I turned on my heel, going to shower and clean up.

After my shower, I dressed in a pair of jeans that were in the closet and a heavy sweater. Stuffing my feet into some hiking boots, I went downstairs, holding the FBI jacket that Emmett gave me yesterday. Rose was in the dining room, nibbling on some eggs. My mom sitting next to her and Carlisle was in the living room reading a newspaper. Rose blinked up, smiling. “He lives!”

“Stop,” I said, running my hand through my damp hair. “I guess I was more tired than I expected.”

“You slept for nearly two days, Edward. You were exhausted,” Mom said, giving me a shy smile.

“Two days? I slept for two days?” I barked. “How’s Bella? I need to see her!”

“She’s still sedated,” Carlisle said, pushing me into a chair. “Calm down, Edward. You’re going to give yourself a panic attack.”

“Too late,” I said, my heart stammering.

Rose moved to me, giving me some water. She pulled out my prescription, showing it to me. “Here are your anti-anxiety pills, Edward. Do you want one?”

“They make me tired. I have to …” I panted. I closed my eyes, reaching for the bottle and shaking out one pill. I quickly downed it, trying to calm my breathing. A few moments later, I could feel the effects of the meds. Blowing out another breath, I sat back in the chair and closed my eyes. “Sorry.”

Buying Love Update

Buying Love Chapter 68 Update on FicPad

Buying Love Chapter 68 Update on AO3

Buying Love Chapter 68 Update on FFn

Buying Love Chapter 68 Update on TWCS

I sat on the stool, praying to a God that I didn’t know if he would listen to me. Bella was sedated, but all I wanted was to see her gorgeous, espresso-colored eyes. I wanted to hear her beautiful voice, see her smile, hold her in my arms. I had to settle for holding her hand and watching her, seeing her chest rise and fall with each mechanical breath of the ventilator.

“Edward, the police are here,” said Sheri from the doorway. “They need to speak with you.”

“I don’t want to leave her,” I whispered.

“It won’t take long, Edward,” Sheri murmured, putting her hand on my shoulder. I jumped, uncomfortable with her touch. She quickly recoiled. “I’m sorry. Carlisle mentioned that you were injured.”

“It’s okay,” replied. “I just don’t like to be touched.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. I am very sorry for startling you,” she said sincerely. “I’ll stay next to her, keep her company.”

“Okay,” I sighed. I got up, stumbling a little bit since I was hungry and exhausted. I gave one longing look at my Bella. I bent down, kissing her temple. “I love you, bellisima. I’ll be back soon.” I ran my fingers down her cheek and left the room. Walking out into the waiting room, I saw Carlisle speaking to Agent Dean and Emmett. Rose was still gone, presumably still sleeping in the hotel room she mentioned. “The nurse, Sheri, said you needed to speak with me? Is Esme in custody?”

“She is. She had a flesh wound and was cared for at Forks Hospital. Agent Williamson and Chief Black are holding her in the Forks Police Department,” Agent Dean explained.

“What do you need from me?” I asked.

“Esme has completely gone off the rails,” Emmett growled. “She’s muttering in Portuguese and kept repeating a word, ‘Eleazar.’ Does that mean anything to you?”

Buying Love Teaser

I sat on the stool, praying to a God that I didn’t know if he would listen to me. Bella was sedated, but all I wanted was to see her gorgeous, espresso-colored eyes. I wanted to hear her beautiful voice, see her smile, hold her in my arms. I had to settle for holding her hand and watching her, seeing her chest rise and fall with each mechanical breath of the ventilator.

“Edward, the police are here,” said Sheri from the doorway. “They need to speak with you.”

“I don’t want to leave her,” I whispered.

“It won’t take long, Edward,” Sheri murmured, putting her hand on my shoulder. I jumped, uncomfortable with her touch. She quickly recoiled. “I’m sorry. Carlisle mentioned that you were injured.”

“It’s okay,” replied. “I just don’t like to be touched.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. I am very sorry for startling you,” she said sincerely. “I’ll stay next to her, keep her company.”

“Okay,” I sighed. I got up, stumbling a little bit since I was hungry and exhausted. I gave one longing look at my Bella. I bent down, kissing her temple. “I love you, bellisima. I’ll be back soon.” I ran my fingers down her cheek and left the room. Walking out into the waiting room, I saw Carlisle speaking to Agent Dean and Emmett. Rose was still gone, presumably still sleeping in the hotel room she mentioned. “The nurse, Sheri, said you needed to speak with me? Is Esme in custody?”

“She is. She had a flesh wound and was cared for at Forks Hospital. Agent Williamson and Chief Black are holding her in the Forks Police Department,” Agent Dean explained.

“What do you need from me?” I asked.

“Esme has completely gone off the rails,” Emmett growled. “She’s muttering in Portuguese and kept repeating a word, ‘Eleazar.’ Does that mean anything to you?”

Buying Love Update

Buying Love Chapter 67 Update on FicPad

Buying Love Chapter 67 Update on AO3

Buying Love Chapter 67 Update on FFn

Buying Love Chapter 67 Update on TWCS

I journaled until my eyes felt like sand paper and my head was throbbing from exhaustion. It wasn’t until Ellie took the journal from my hand and pushed me onto the couch with a pillow, a tiny blanket and an eye mask that I stopped. I slept hard until Carlisle shook me awake. It was dim in the waiting room, the sun just peaking over the horizon.

“Bella?” I asked, my voice scratchy and sore.

“The doctors are here. They want to speak to you and Rose,” Carlisle said.

“And my mom?”

“She’s speaking with Dr. Benson and Dr. Banner. They came up here after I called them. Agent Dean sent the helicopter for them,” Carlisle explained. “Your mom is being observed under their care. But, talk to the doctors about Bella.”

“Will you come?” I asked, gripping his arm. “If she’s …”

“She’s not,” Carlisle whispered, hugging me. “But, I’ll go with you, son. Come on.”

I stiffly got up, following him into a small conference room off the waiting area. Rose was in there, looking disheveled and exhausted. I sat down next to her. She took my hand, threading our fingers together. Ellie was also in the room, speaking quietly on the phone. Turning, she said, “The doctor is on her way.”

“Thank you,” Rose said.

Ellie left the room, leaving the door open. Slipping inside, the small doctor who had spoken to me in the hallway sat down. She looked weary. “My name is Dr. Monroe and I was one of the doctors working on Isabella.”

“Bella,” I piped in. “She prefers to be called Bella.”

“Bella,” Dr. Monroe repeated. “Right. Bella is out of surgery and in recovery. She’s in a medically induced coma at this point. The bullet caused severe trauma to her lung, ribs and ended up just to the right of her spinal column.”

“You mentioned something about her heart,” I said, tightening my hand around Rose’s.

“Her heart is fine. Strong,” Dr. Monroe said, smiling. “With the x-rays and CT scans, the location was suspect, but thankfully, it didn’t cause any damage to her heart or pericardium. We will monitor that, but she’s in the clear for that.”

Buying Love Teaser

I journaled until my eyes felt like sand paper and my head was throbbing from exhaustion. It wasn’t until Ellie took the journal from my hand and pushed me onto the couch with a pillow, a tiny blanket and an eye mask that I stopped. I slept hard until Carlisle shook me awake. It was dim in the waiting room, the sun just peaking over the horizon.

“Bella?” I asked, my voice scratchy and sore.

“The doctors are here. They want to speak to you and Rose,” Carlisle said.

“And my mom?”

“She’s speaking with Dr. Benson and Dr. Banner. They came up here after I called them. Agent Dean sent the helicopter for them,” Carlisle explained. “Your mom is being observed under their care. But, talk to the doctors about Bella.”

“Will you come?” I asked, gripping his arm. “If she’s …”

“She’s not,” Carlisle whispered, hugging me. “But, I’ll go with you, son. Come on.”

I stiffly got up, following him into a small conference room off the waiting area. Rose was in there, looking disheveled and exhausted. I sat down next to her. She took my hand, threading our fingers together. Ellie was also in the room, speaking quietly on the phone. Turning, she said, “The doctor is on her way.”

“Thank you,” Rose said.

Ellie left the room, leaving the door open. Slipping inside, the small doctor who had spoken to me in the hallway sat down. She looked weary. “My name is Dr. Monroe and I was one of the doctors working on Isabella.”

“Bella,” I piped in. “She prefers to be called Bella.”

“Bella,” Dr. Monroe repeated. “Right. Bella is out of surgery and in recovery. She’s in a medically induced coma at this point. The bullet caused severe trauma to her lung, ribs and ended up just to the right of her spinal column.”

“You mentioned something about her heart,” I said, tightening my hand around Rose’s.

“Her heart is fine. Strong,” Dr. Monroe said, smiling. “With the x-rays and CT scans, the location was suspect, but thankfully, it didn’t cause any damage to her heart or pericardium. We will monitor that, but she’s in the clear for that.”

Buying Love Update

Buying Love Chapter 66 Update on FicPad

Buying Love Chapter 66 Update on AO3

Buying Love Chapter 66 Update on FFn

Buying Love Chapter 66 Update on TWCS

We sat in the chilly waiting room. I was fidgety. Carlisle was uncomfortable. Rose was on the phone with someone from Swan Towers or something and my mom was just staring at me. Thankfully, Ellie was successful in finding me a hoodie. However, despite the hoodie I was shivering. My teeth were clattering and my stomach was churning. There was no word about Bella’s status. I was getting more and more anxious with each passing moment not knowing any news about Bella.

“Edward, come with me,” Mom said softly, standing in front of me. She was still wobbly, but standing on her own. “Let’s get some hot chocolate.”

“I need to be here if something changes,” I whispered, settling back onto one of the stiff chairs.

“Edward, take my cell phone,” Rose said, handing me her slick iPhone after ending her phone call. “We’ll call you if the doctors come out, okay? Take a few moments. Eat something. You haven’t had anything to eat since yesterday. Bella would kick my ass if something happens to you.”

“Okay,” I said, eyeing her dubiously. Reluctantly, I took the phone and offered my mom an arm. She latched on and we walked toward the cafeteria.

Buying Love Update

Buying Love Chapter 65 Update on FicPad

Buying Love Chapter 65 Update on AO3

Buying Love Chapter 65 Update on FFn

Buying Love Chapter 65 Update on TWCS

“Bella, please!” I sobbed, pressing my hands harder on her chest, trying to stop the bleeding. Chief Black ran in with Emmett, holding a med kit. “She just passed out. We have to save her!” Her pale skin was turning a sickly grey. She was losing too much blood.

“Son, you need to step back,” Chief Black said softly. “We’ll take care of your girl.” He slid his hand under my hand and kept the pressure on it while Emmett cut open Bella’s shirt. I fell back, leaning against the cot my mom was resting on, tears running down my cheeks as my reason for living lay bleeding out on the floor of this God-forsaken cabin.

“My sweet boy, don’t cry,” Mom whispered, her fingers running through my hair. “She is an angel and will be alright.”

“How do you know?” I asked, turning to look at her. “Mom, she saved me. Saved us.”

“That’s why she’ll be okay,” Mom said, cupping my cheek. Her eyes were bright and clear; just like I’d remembered as a child before my father’s death. “It’s always darkest before dawn, my sweet child. I’m sorry that I was gone for so long.”

“Mom?” I questioned, blinking at her. She looked like the woman that I remembered growing up. She smiled crookedly, reaching for me and enveloping me into an awkward hug. I clung to her, apologizing for my stupidity. She didn’t say anything, just held me as I lost it all.

“Edward, we’ve got to go,” Carlisle said. I turned and looked up at him. Behind him, Sam and Agent Dean were standing with a gurney chair for my mom. “Bella needs immediate surgery. We’re driving back to the station and then taking the helicopter to Port Angeles.”

Buying Love Teaser

“Bella, please!” I sobbed, pressing my hands harder on her chest, trying to stop the bleeding. Chief Black ran in with Emmett, holding a med kit. “She just passed out. We have to save her!” Her pale skin was turning a sickly grey. She was losing too much blood.

“Son, you need to step back,” Chief Black said softly. “We’ll take care of your girl.” He slid his hand under my hand and kept the pressure on it while Emmett cut open Bella’s shirt. I fell back, leaning against the cot my mom was resting on, tears running down my cheeks as my reason for living lay bleeding out on the floor of this God-forsaken cabin.

“My sweet boy, don’t cry,” Mom whispered, her fingers running through my hair. “She is an angel and will be alright.”

“How do you know?” I asked, turning to look at her. “Mom, she saved me. Saved us.”

“That’s why she’ll be okay,” Mom said, cupping my cheek. Her eyes were bright and clear; just like I’d remembered as a child before my father’s death. “It’s always darkest before dawn, my sweet child. I’m sorry that I was gone for so long.”

“Mom?” I questioned, blinking at her. She looked like the woman that I remembered growing up. She smiled crookedly, reaching for me and enveloping me into an awkward hug. I clung to her, apologizing for my stupidity. She didn’t say anything, just held me as I lost it all.

“Edward, we’ve got to go,” Carlisle said. I turned and looked up at him. Behind him, Sam and Agent Dean were standing with a gurney chair for my mom. “Bella needs immediate surgery. We’re driving back to the station and then taking the helicopter to Port Angeles.”