"I told her about Freddie; she said she had much the same reaction to Pat Benatar."

Bella snickers. "Okay. I'm not gonna count Charlie out yet, if that's all."

"Yeah, that's fair."

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

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?"

He giggles softly, leaning into her hand.

"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."

Bella hangs up. "Awwww?"

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

"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."

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

Bella shrugs. "Why's it cute?"

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

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

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

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

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

"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."

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