unconsciousness would be an undesirable outcome

[self_composed]

On Sunday, Bella drives to the movie theater with Angela in tow, and her car breaks on the way home from Angela's house. She calls a tow truck, and calls her dad, and she goes home in the cop car and her station wagon goes on vacation to the mechanic.

On Monday, Charlie drives Bella to school.

As she's been discharged from the car and Charlie pulls away, a van driven by a panicking teenager screams out of nowhere towards Bella.

Making wishes is easy.

It is not automatic. It is not instantaneous.

The van creams Bella, good and proper.

Comments

[self_composed]

"I should call Angela about getting my assignments," Bella says. "She's probably home."

And she pulls out her phone and dials.

[edgeofyourseat]

In which case, Alice sits himself down at the foot of her bed again.

[self_composed]

Bella absently cards her fingers through his hair with her spare hand while she holds the phone. "Hi, Mr. Weber. This is Bella Swan -" Pause. "Yes. I was hit by a car. But I'm awake, and - thank you, Mr. Weber, but leading your congregation in a prayer for me isn't necessary, I'm going to be fine in a few weeks. Well, if it makes you feel better. Mm-hm. Can I talk to Angela, please?"

[edgeofyourseat]

He giggles softly, leaning into her hand.

[self_composed]

"Thank you, Mr. Weber." Pause. "Hi, Ange-" Pause. "Aw, thank you. If you still want to give me the card you can bring it by my house if you want. I'm recuperating at home. I also need my assignments until I'm ready to go back to school. Can I ask you to get them for me?" Pause. "Thanks, Angela, you're the best. I'll see you tomorrow afternoon."

[edgeofyourseat]

Awwww.

In fact: "Awwww."

[self_composed]

Bella hangs up. "Awwww?"

[edgeofyourseat]

"She got you a card! That's cute. Ain't that cute?"

[self_composed]

"She got me a card and got like forty people to sign it," Bella laughs. "I think that's relatively customary when one is hospitalized."

[edgeofyourseat]

"Well, I still think it's cute."

[self_composed]

Bella shrugs. "Why's it cute?"

[edgeofyourseat]

"...I guess 'cause I think she actually cares."

[self_composed]

"Actually caring about people is cute in general?" Bella asks, cocking her head. "Or displaying actual care by means of a card is?"

[edgeofyourseat]

"...yes," he says. "Those."

[self_composed]

Bella laughs again. She seems kind of giggly overall.

"Tonight, chicken. Tomorrow, plans. The day after, more plans - to take over the world!"

[edgeofyourseat]

"I like the sound of that," he says, beaming up at her.

[self_composed]

She pats him on the head.

"I think my brain has decided that you are my pet," she says, pausing with her hand still on his head. "I'm genuinely uncertain if that would bother you or not."

[edgeofyourseat]

"Purr purr," he says, butting his head up against her hand. "I'm a kitty."

[self_composed]

"Well," she says. "I'm still not sure if you're just playing along because you think it's funny, or wholeheartedly agreeing to be my pet human." Pause. "If I wanted a cat, I would have one. Renée reacts to Humane Society advertisements so intensely that I have to change the channel for her when they come on. Had to, I mean. I hope Phil figures that out before she adopts a one-legged dog or something."

[edgeofyourseat]

"If being your pet means you keep petting me, then hell yes, I will be your pet."

[self_composed]

Bella snickers.

She keeps petting him. He's soft!

[edgeofyourseat]

"Purr purr," he murmurs, closing his eyes.

"I mean, what's it mean to be your pet, anyway?"

[self_composed]

"Good question. Pet humans aren't common so there's not a template. What I was summarizing was something like - I can just reach out and pat you on the head whenever I want, and you follow me around, and periodically you bring me presents. Which are overwhelmingly more useful than dead mice." She hefts her necklace. He can't hear it, but she can; it jingles.

[edgeofyourseat]

"Then yeah, I am absolutely your pet human," he says happily.

[self_composed]

Bella grins. "Cool." And she grins wider, snaps her fingers, and says, "Heel!" and proceeds down the stairs to check on the chicken in the oven.