XXXVII. Promise me.

I sat with Edward by my side for a few minutes before my mom returned to the room. She carried a tray with an overload of food. A smile tugged at her lips when she saw I was looking a little better and Edward was awake.

"I brought food for you two." She said with a smile as she placed the tray on the brown overbed hospital table, rolling it over my bed so that it was closer to me and Edward.

"Thank you, mom," I whispered softly, giving her a thankful smile and she leaned forward, placing a kiss on my forehead again.

"I'm going to talk to the doctor about when we can get you released." She told me, giving my arm a gentle squeeze before leaving the room.

I turned to Edward who stared down at the tray of food for a second before meeting my gaze. I offered him a knowing smile. "Don't worry, I'll eat yours too," I assured him. I was absolutely starving as my appetite had returned.

"Thank you." He replied softly as he offered me a small smile in return.

I grabbed a cup of chocolate pudding and a spoon. My eyes returned to the new scar on my right wrist. I pursed my lips before glancing at Edward. "Can you promise me something?" I asked softly as I raised my eyebrows, still concerned Edward was going to leave.

"What?" he asked softly, his head tilting to the side as his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

I dropped my spoon and reached out for his hand, taking it in mine. I took a deep breath as I stared at him with a pleading look in my eyes. "That you won't leave me because of this," I whispered as my eyes pooled with tears once again.

Edward shifted to the edge of his chair, reaching out to cup my cheeks in both hands. He pressed his forehead against mine. "I'm not going anywhere." He assured softly. "Neither are you," he added as his thumb brushed over my skin.

After I had eaten more than half the tray of food, my mother came to inform me I'd be released the following day, Thuesday afternoon. The only reason I got off so easy was because of my mom being a nurse and Carlisle a doctor, who both swore to check on me back in Forks while I healead.

 Charlie came to see me, bringing a brown stuffed bear for me. After a while, the two left for a few minutes again. There was a soft knock at the room door before it pushed open and Alice stepped inside with Jasper following behind her. Alice carried a bouquet of white Tullips and Jasper carried a small brown box in one hand and my bag in the other.

"Ana." Alice greeted me with a soft smile, reaching out to place a gentle hand on my shoulder. "How are you feeling?" She asked as she raised her eyebrows.

"Still breathing," I replied with a teasing smile as I spread my arms out by my side and both Alice and Edward gave me a stern look for joking about it. My arms dropped by my side as I pursed my lips.

"We brought you flowers," Alice said as she carefully placed the flowers down by my bedside table and I smiled at the sentiment.

"And chocolate," Jasper added as he placed the brown box next to the flowers, making my smile grow as I stared down at the side table. Flowers, chocolates, and a stuffed animal sat there, warming my heart.

"Thank you, guys," I whispered as I turned to look at Alice and Jasper, smiling at them with a sincere thankful look.

Alice sat down next to me on the bed, returning my smile. "I met your mom." She told me and I raised my eyebrows in surprise. "She's really nice." She said softly as her smile grew.

Edward let out a soft chuckle as he looked over at his sister. "Yeah, she likes you too." He informed his sister and her smile grew. She turned to look at me, her smile was giddy and excited and it made me chuckle softly.

Of course, my mom liked Alice Cullen. Who couldn't like Alice Cullen? My best friend. One of them at least. I couldn't forget Angela. My human best friend and my vampire best friend. Yeah, I was just living the dream. Best of both worlds.

"I brought your stuff from the hotel," Alice informed me as she took my bag from Jasper, showing it to me before placing it on the floor next to my bed.

"Thank you, Alice," I replied, offering her another smile. I looked between the two of them and my smile slowly slipped. "I'm really sorry for sneaking away from you guys." I apologized as I pursed my lips, giving them an apologetic look.

"It's okay," Alice assured me softly as she reached out to take my hand in hers, giving it a gentle squeeze.

I stared at her, squeezing her hand back. "You saw the video..." I whispered as I tilted my head to the side.

"It doesn't matter." She replied softly with the smallest smile, shaking her head. Now I realized what Edward meant, that it hasn't helped her. She was better off not knowing than just being left with more questions. She was silent for a second, lowering her head. "That part is not what upsets me." She admitted and Edward flinched from beside me, remembering what he's seen on that camera. Even Jasper looked unsettled.

We flew back to Forks the following day and got home late Thuesday afternoon. I was immediately taken up to bed with the help of my mom and Charlie. I was scared, reasons I couldn't share with my mom, but asked her to sleep with me. She complied and stayed with me that night.

The following day my mom hung out in my room the whole day. While I still had stitches in my thigh and my cast on my leg, she didn't want me moving up and down the stairs too much. I was bedridden and my mom dutifully waited on me.

I was so thankful for her support. I almost died for her, and I didn't regret it. I'd do it all again. I was thankful James had lied. I couldn't imagine if that monster had got his hands on my mother. I was glad she was spared the horror.

He did steal her phone to call me. Emmette had found it on him before they burned his body. They figured he stole it from the house when we were all gathered at the Cullen house. The whole flight home my mom complained about losing her phone and when we got home, Edward had to hide it between couch cushions where Charlie had found it eventually.

Wednesday night it was Edward instead of my mom staying with me in my bed. My mom had long since gone off to sleep and Edward snuck in through my window. I lay against my pillows with my legs stretched out. He sat cross-legged near my legs, facing me.

"How are you feeling?" Edward asked me softly as his eyes roamed over me from top to bottom. It felt like the millionth time he's asked since he arrived half an hour ago.

I silently stared at him, offering a small smile. "You asked me like five minutes ago." I teasingly informed him as my head tilted to the side.

Edward didn't like my amusement. He was concerned and he needed to make sure I was really okay. Even if that meant asking every five to ten minutes. "Ana," he muttered softly as he stared at me, his eyebrows deeply furrowed.

I sighed softly, stretching my arm out and taking his hand into mine. "I'm fine," I assured him softly. He stared into my eyes for an intense second before nodding his head.

He was silent for a bit, staring down at his lap as his eyebrows furrowed. He was thinking deeply about something before looking at me. "I wanted to ask you something." He said and I raised my eyebrows in curiosity. "Will you go to prom with me?" he asked softly.

My heart fluttered inside my chest as I stared at Edward. A big smile spread onto my lips as I lowered my head and closed my eyes. "Of course, I will go to prom with you." I insisted as I shook my head before I tilted it up and opened my eyes to look at him. It was silly to even ask. Of course, I'd go with him.

I stared at him with a big smile, watching as a big smile stretched across his own face. I let out a soft chuckle, feeling immensely happy after a few rough days. He shifted on the bed, moving to sit next to me. Before he could wrap his arm around my waist and pull me against his chest, I cupped his cheek and pressed a kiss to his lips. Edward smiled against my lips before kissing me back. When the kiss broke up I leaned against his chest and he wrapped an arm around me. My eyebrows slightly furrowed. "You know I'm actually confused, isn't prom supposed to be before the break and not after?" I asked softly.

Edward chuckled softly as he nodded in agreement. "It's Forks, does anything make sense around here?" He questioned and I tilted my head back to look up at him, met with his raised eyebrows.

I hummed as I pursed my lips. "Good point," I replied and he chuckled again as he nodded his head.

He remained with me the whole night, once again keeping himself occupied with one of my books as I drifted off to sleep. When I woke up he was there and not a mere few minutes after he left because my mom was awake, did he knock on the door to come visit me.

He left late that afternoon and I was still stuck in my bed. I was bored out of my mind but a call from Angela managed to lift my mood. I've been meaning to call her. I smiled softly as I answered my phone. "Hey Ang." I greeted her.

"Stas, I heard what happened." She said and I could hear the concern in her voice through the line. "Are you okay?" She asked softly.

"Yeah, no I'm fine," I assured, nodding my head even though she couldn't see me. "Just a few cuts and bruises," I replied with a shrug of my shoulders, brushing off the extent of my injuries. Before she could ask further questions about what happened, I spoke again. "Listen, I want to ask you a favor," I informed her.

"Yeah, of course, anything." She replied.

I pursed my lips as I shifted in my bed. "Will you come dress shopping with me?" I asked her as I raised my eyebrows. Prom was only two weeks after school starts and there was only a week of Spring break left, so my time was running out. Jessica was going to kill me for not asking her, but she was only getting back on the last day of Spring break.

Angela was silent for a second before she spoke. "Oh please tell me you're coming to Prom." She squealed excitedly.

"I am," I confirmed, chuckling as another excited squeal slipped from her lips. "Edward asked me last night," I informed her.

"I'll be there in five minutes to pick you up." She informed me and my eyes widened for a second as my lips parted. I didn't expect the dress shopping to happen so soon. But nevertheless, I agreed before saying goodbye.

Convincing my mom to let me go with Angela was a little hard. She was concerned for my stitches but I assured her to not be on my feet for too long or be erratic with my movements. She reluctantly agreed and helped me get ready. At this stage, I was still using crutches to move around on my own and that's how I answered the door when Angela arrived. Two crutches and a cast on my leg.

Angela's eyes widened as she stared down at my cast, her lips parting in shock "Stas, that looks like a lot more than a few cuts and bruises." She muttered as her eyes drifted up to my face and she shot a glance at the stitches across my forehead. "What the hell happened?"

"Hiking accident," I said with a shrug of my shoulders, not giving any more information on the lie. Angela seemed content with that answer but still worried by my state. "I'm hoping we can find a dress to hide.... all of this," I muttered as I pointed my hand down at my cast.

She offered me a small smile. "Don't worry, we'll find something perfect." She assured me.

And she was right. I found the perfect dress. It was a sparkling black ball gown, with thin straps and a corset waist. It had a slit up the left side, perfectly hiding the cast on my right leg. It was simple and elegant. The top was a sweetheart shape, showing a tiny bit of cleavage. I took it and bought a pair of black stiletto heels. Even if I was just going to use one of the heels.

The following morning, I was visited by another friend. My mom was off to work, leaving me alone for the day so I was stuck downstairs where I had access to the living room, kitchen, and bathroom if I needed anything.

There was a knock on the door and I got up from the couch with a grunt, leaning on my crutches as I made my way to the door. I opened it, a smile spreading onto my lips I saw the long-haired boy standing in front of me. "Hey, Jake." I greeted.

Jake returned my smile for a second before he let his eyes roam me. "Look at you." He said with a low whistle as he raised his eyebrows. "Someone needs to wrap you in bubble wrap." He insisted.

I rolled my eyes as a small smile spread onto my lips. "Thanks, Jake," I said sarcastically as I nodded my head and he chuckled softly. "Want to come in?" I asked as I stepped aside and nodded my head to the inside.

"Well, I wouldn't want to upset your boyfriend," Jacob muttered as he shoved his hands into his jeans pockets, pursing his lips as he stared at me.

"I'm sure he wouldn't mind, I'm inviting you into my house, not my bed," I replied as I shook my head at him, my smile and amusement quickly slipping as I stared at him. I was quickly growing tired of every boy in my life, having a problem with Edward. Except for Eric, he actually liked him.

"You know, I don't really like that guy," Jacob muttered and I hummed, nodding my head, having figured that out a long time ago.

I pushed my tongue against the inside of my cheek and tilted my head up, scratching my chin. "That's good because I'd hate to fight you for him." I sarcastically replied as my head tilted to the side, shifting my crutches underneath my armpits.

"You know what I mean," Jacob replied with a roll of his eyes. "I mean no one on the rez likes any of the Cullen's for some reason." He informed me. That I was also aware of and I knew why, I just didn't know how the elders on the rez knew of the Cullen's. Whenever I asked, they all clamped up.

"And you decided to jump on the bandwagon without even giving him a chance?" I asked Jacob as I raised my eyebrows at him, pursing my lips.

He huffed at my question, crossing his arms over his chest. "Well if that many people dislike them, I just figured there was probably a reason," he replied as he shrugged his shoulders.

I hummed and nodded again before turning around and going into the house. "Do you want some lemonade?" I called out after Jacob as I made my way into the kitchen.

There was a second of silence. "Sure," he called out eventually and I heard him come into the house, closing the door behind him. He kept me company for the rest of the day while my mom was at work and after she had gone to bed, Edward kept me company. He knew Jacob had been here but he didn't ask any questions. He just accepted my friendship with the younger boy, even if he didn't like him.

School started and my friends and boyfriend took excellent care of me while I was confined to my crutches. But even after I lost the crutches, managing to get around with my cast, they still took care of me.

Two weeks passed and prom night arrived. I was in my room, getting read on my own. I curled my hair and did it in a messy updo with a black, flowery claw clip with tiny diamonds on it. I got into my dress and my one shoe before doing my makeup. Luckily the heel of my shoe was the same height as my cast and I didn't have trouble walking.

I came downstairs where my mom and Charlie were waiting for me. My mom gasped as she turned to look at me come down the stairs, placing both her hands over her mouth."Oh...sweetheart, you look beautiful." She said softly.

Charlie came over to me, offering his arm and I took it, leaning on him for support as I made my way down the rest of the stairs. "She's right." He agreed with my mom as he patted my hand and I gave him a soft smile.

When I got to the last step my mom approached me, carefully cupping my cheeks in her hands. I stared at her, noting her eyes gloss over. "No tears mom." I insisted as I shook my head. "You're going to make me cry," I whispered as my lips pouted out.

"Don't worry, I come with tissues," Charlie called out as he grabbed a box of tissues from the table near the door. He held it out to my mom and she silently took one, patting the corners of her eyes. Charlie turned to me, smiling fondly. "You look beautiful, Anastasia."

I sighed, tilting my head back as I waved my hands over my eyes as they pooled with tears. The moment felt emotional, knowing it was one of the last steps before I was finishing school. I just had my SATs and graduation left now. "Okay, you guys have to stop." I insisted as I let out a soft and awkward chuckle.

There was a soft knock on the door and Charlie turned towards it. "Oh that must be Edward, I'll let him in." He told us before going over to the door.

I felt nervous as Charlie opened the door and Edward stepped inside, carrying a small box with a white, Tullip, corsage inside. He paused midstep when his eyes landed on me and I heard him inhale sharply. "Ana...." He whispered as his eyes roamed over me from top to bottom. He looked awe-struck and it made a blush coat my cheeks. He walked closer to me. "You look so beautiful." He whispered as he smiled down at me. "You look perfect," he added as he took a soft breath. "Just perfect."

A smile spread onto my lips as I stared up at him, feeling giddy inside that I could leave someone as beautiful as him, awe-struck. And Edward did look beautiful tonight. He wore an expensive-looking black suit and a tie. It made me realize he looked extremely handsome in suits.

"Stand for a foto you two." My mom called out as she grabbed a camera. Edward took the corsage out of its box and helped me put it on my wrist before we stood in front of my mother, arms wrapped around each other.

I slightly turned my head towards Edward. "You will show up on the photo...right?" I asked him in a soft whisper.

"Yes," Edward replied softly as he nodded his head before letting out a chuckle. I laughed as well, still finding his laughter contagious at times. That was the first picture my mom took. Of us, arms wrapped around each other, not looking at the camera as we laughed together.

Many more pictures followed and my mom almost made us late, but we indulged her with every picture she wanted to take.

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Ana's dress inspiration⬇⬇