Edward Cullen's life is turned upside down when his wife Bella falls victim to a horrific attack. How will he be handle watching the love of his life "fade to black." Companion to A Working Title Series. This is EPOV. Takes place three years after A Working Title Part Three.
Crossfade: This is like a "Fade to black then Fade to next scene." In other words, as one scene fades out, a moment of black interrupts before the next scene fades in. It is not to be confused with DISSOLVE, since CROSSFADE always involves a black or blank screen. – Dan Bronzite
CHAPTER ONE
I laid beside my sleeping angel. Isabella always looked like a perfect angel when she slept. It was rather ironic, all those times I used fight with her on the benefits of napping.
I sighed.
When we first started dating, I convinced her to nap in exchange for working on the set of my film. I used to sneak into her room and think how beautiful she was when she was sleeping. Her chest would rise and fall peacefully, her lips would form the cutest little pout and her hair would fan out all over the pillow. All those times I would watch her sleep and now I laid beside my beautiful wife wishing she would just wake up. Irony, it most certainly could be death to some.
I had gone over it again and again in my head. How could this have happened? How could I have missed the signs? Of course my Bella was famous for keeping things from me throughout our relationship. I was torn at the moment, between wanting her to wake up so I could kiss her once again and be thankful that all the prayers I have been saying finally were answered. And part of me wanted her to wake up so I could just yell at her for keeping something like this from me. If I had only known...I could have stopped it from happening. Couldn't I have?
Her bruises were almost healed.
I stared at the clock waiting for the minute to change. I knew everyone thought I was losing it and I didn't blame them for thinking that. I was losing it. The minute switched over.
"Day forty-one." I whispered into my loves ear. I scrunched up my eyes and fought back the tears. My Bella had been officially comatose for forty-one days. The doctors wanted to move Bella to a special hospice for people like her. People who hadn't woken up but I would never allow that to happen. I would take care of her. I hadn't left this house since she was placed in our bed, I rarely left her side.
Christmas was coming up and all I needed right now was one hell of a Christmas miracle.
"Bella, you need to wake up. Christmas is next week. I know you probably haven't thought of a gift for me. You used to stress out like crazy whenever it was my birthday or Christmas time but I have worked it all out. Just wake up. Please just wake up."
It started again, every night I would lay beside my wife and beg her to wake up. Sometimes I would threaten her with a spanking. I know I promised Bella I would never spank her again after the last time when I lost control. She gave me a second chance and I never broke my promise but right now I would break my promise if it meant she would wake up.
My night would always start with the begging then the threatening, bargaining, pleading and finally end with crying. I know I was a man and there was some irritating rule put forth that men were not supposed to cry but I had cried many times in the past five years and all of them surround Bella.
I ended up gently stroking Bella's cheek and like every night before I would pick out a memory, close my eyes and try to relive that moment.
Our first kiss.
"Oooo man you've got it bad." Emmett roared out in laughter. He seemed to think my current predicament was rather funny. I however failed to see the humor. We were throwing the basketball around and I confessed something rather personal to him and now he stood there laughing at me.
"I'm pouring my heart out over here. You'd think you could be supportive, douche bag." I threw the ball as hard as I could at Emmett's stomach.
"Come on man, don't get all pissy. I know that you want Bella's birthday to be perfect but you know what would have made it perfect?" Emmett asked.
I shook my head wondering what I could do to make up for missing Bella's birthday.
"Tell her. God, Edward you have been infatuated with this girl almost as long as you've known her. Man up and just tell her already."
He was wrong; I hadn't been infatuated with her for as long as I've known her. I think I loved her from the moment I laid eyes on her. Of course my love just kept growing the more time I spent with her.
Last night when we came home and saw the massive birthday present from her mother, I felt like a complete jerk. How could I have not known it was her birthday? I told myself I could make it up by taking her out to a grand dinner tonight but like the coward I was, I invited Emmett, Jasper and Alice so she wouldn't feel uncomfortable having to spend a semi-romantic dinner with me.
"I wish it was that easy Emmett, but with me being her boss, it kind of complicates things." I responded.
"Look, I know you want tonight to be perfect whether Bella knows that or not. You want her gift to be perfect. I'm sure you want to look exceptionally perfect for her but the only way it will be perfect is if you just tell her. I've seen the way she looks at you, even when she's pissed and I know Bella would at least give you a chance."
Emmett was right in this instance I did want everything to be perfect. I called the restaurant to ensure that we would be given the best table. While in town today I was sure to go off and find her the perfect gift but that proved harder than I thought. I didn't want to get her something too personal, what if she read into it and I embarrassed myself. I didn't want to buy her something so cheap she would think I didn't care at all about her. I was standing there while Emmett bugged the crap out of me telling me to just hurry up. Stupidly I grabbed the first thing I saw. An I-pod. Emmett thought it was the perfect gift but I disagreed, there had to be something more perfect than this.
Bella was currently being kidnapped for what I am sure was a rather extensive grooming session provided by Alice. We were supposed to head to the restaurant at eight pm. I guess I should go up and get ready myself.
"We should go get ready." I told Emmett.
"Okay Mr. Perfect, go and try to make that ugly mug of yours...perfect." Emmett laughed.
"Ugly mug? That sounds like jealousy from the only male in the house that hasn't been named Sexiest Man Alive." I teased.
"Dude, that shits rigged."
I laughed. I couldn't help the dig, it always drove Emmett crazy that Jasper and I were appreciated for our beauty.
I ran upstairs and jumped into the shower after setting out my charcoal suit for the evening. I kept thinking over Emmett's words and tried to pump myself up for telling Bella tonight. I am going to tell Bella. I am going to tell Bella. Fuck, there is no way I can tell Bella.
I got out of the shower and growled my frustrations into the towel. Nothing was safe from me at the moment. I applied deodorant and threw it across the bathroom. Nothing could bring me happiness.
I was sitting downstairs in a chair waiting for the girls.
"What's his problem?" Jasper asked Emmett upon seeing me.
"Girl problems." Emmett huffed.
Jasper just shook his head and smirked.
"You should just tell her." Jasper advised.
"Yeah I know. Would everyone just get off my back already?" I snapped.
It was about to turn ugly when Alice and Bella walked down the stairs. I could barely even think let alone be angry anymore. Oh god how I wanted this moment to last forever. She was breathtaking. I tried to refocus myself and move toward the front door.
We walked into the restaurant and as we sat down I made sure to tell our hostess that it was Bella's birthday. I wanted so badly to give her the perfect birthday. We started to make light dinner talk discussing the progress of our filming. However, Alice gave me a small wink and started asking Bella personal questions. No doubt Jasper told her all about my feelings and thought she was helping me out.
"Bella, tell us about yourself. I feel like I hardly know you." Alice asked.
Bella's eyes locked with mine for a second and I could already see the blush creeping up on her cheeks. She looked slightly embarrassed but answered the question. "Well there's not much to tell, my mom's a teacher my dad's a cop. Filmmaking is my passion. Not so exciting over on this end of the table."
How could she think that?
"What about your love life? What has that been like?"
I didn't know if I wanted to kill Alice or kiss her. Bella looked to me for a second and then quickly refocused on her glass. I was trying to look casual, like the next words out of her mouth wouldn't determine the course of mankind but I was dying.
"Alice, why do you want to know?" she huffed.
It was obvious she was embarrassed and I didn't know what to make of that. Was she embarrassed because she had her fair share of relationships or was it because she was answering a bunch of personal questions in front of her peers?
"Oh come on Bella, it's not that personal of a question, geez it's not like I asked you when the last time you got laid was?"
Bella choked on her wine and my eyes snapped to Jasper. I couldn't believe Alice just said that. I was about to go to Bella to help her with her choking fit when Jasper snapped at Alice.
"Alice, that's enough."
Bella immediately looked up.
"I apologize for Alice's rudeness, Bella." Jasper looked sincerely to her.
"It's ok, but if she really is so interested in my love life, I think she'd be more interested in watching grass grow." Bella laughed a little. That was one thing I quickly learned about Bella. She was loyal.
"So, when was the last time you got laid?" Emmett teased. I wanted nothing more than to smack him upside the head.
"Emmett, that's none of your damn business. I think we should just leave Bella alone, we are supposed to be celebrating her birthday not trying to get her to run for the hills." I said as I gave Emmett a lethal look.
"Thank you, Edward." Bella replied shyly.
I didn't know what to say so I nodded my head slightly. Thankfully the rest of the meal went on without any more embarrassing questions. I made sure to have another glass of wine hoping it would calm me. When our waiter brought out the special cake for Bella, she looked completely adorable sitting behind the cake, the sparklers lighting up her face.
They took the cake away to be cut and Alice began dumping gifts at Bella's place.
"No guys, I'm sorry I can't accept. This dinner with you all was present enough." Of course she would try to deny the gifts.
"Bella accept the damn gifts." I shook my head at her protests. I laughed knowing that Alice would never stand for it either.
Alice gave her their gift and I wasn't paying attention. I was starting to second guess my gift. Should I just tell her that I'm having it shipped? I could go home right now and order something to make my story plausible. Emmett kicked me under the table. I looked over to him and he gave me the signal that it was my turn.
I sighed as I handed Bella the box, embarrassed but what was I going to do? I had no choice but to pray that it would be good enough. If I ever managed to tell Bella my feelings and we ended happily ever after then this would be a funny story I could tell our children.
Yes, I know. I was already thinking of our future children. One boy and one girl was definite and then however many more she wanted.
Bella opened the I-pod box and she sat there staring at it. Oh great she probably hates it. Say something you idiot. Defend your gift.
"I saw your banged up music player sitting out and thought I could help you with an upgrade. If you don't like it..."
Bella interrupted me, "I love it. Thank you, this means so much to me."
She stared into my eyes and I believed her sincerity. She loved it. It meant a lot to her. Our little moment was interrupted by Emmett of course.
"Here's a gift card for iTunes, to help you with loading that sucker up."
"Thank you guys, this has been the best birthday in so long." Bella replied breaking her gaze from me.
"Let's all raise a glass, to Bella." Jasper said.
"To Bella!" We all cheered.
We drove home and I was left alone with my thoughts for the ride. When we entered the house Jasper pulled Alice upstairs after another Happy Birthday to Bella. I could see Bella walk toward the kitchen and I was about to go upstairs as well but Emmett stopped me.
He gestured at me to go to the kitchen.
I adamantly shook my head and Emmett whispered, "Get your ass down there."
He stood there, blocking my way with his arms crossed. I shook my fist violently at him and he pointed once again toward the kitchen.
I huffed and walked toward the kitchen I turned once more to see Emmett making vulgar gestures.
"Late night snack?" I joked.
"Are you kidding me? We just ate; I'm so full I may not eat till my next birthday." Bella laughed.
"I know I was just kidding." I said lamely.
"Thank you again for tonight, Edward. Even though I didn't want my birthday celebrated, it felt nice. So thank you for that." Bella sat down at the bar upon a stool.
I was drawn toward her. Unable to stop myself, I gravitated toward her. A couple of inches away I managed to stop myself. Ever so slightly I raised my finger to push a lock of her hair out of her face. I'm sure it was a cliché but I was an actor, play to your strengths.
"Bella, you deserve so much more. I wish I could make you see what I see."
Her lips were succulent and formed a small pout. I took a small breath and like jumping off of a bridge my lips landed on hers. Oh god it was even better than I could ever imagine. Forget fireworks, the whole house could have collapsed around us and I wouldn't have moved from that spot. I was about to pull myself closer to me when I felt the bond break.
"Oh, Oh my god, Oh my god, I am so so sorry. I don't know what happened. Oh god, oh god, please don't fire me."
Bella pushed herself back and jumped off the bar stool and started raving like a maniac. She looked like any moment she could have nervous breakdown. Did she really think that she kissed me? I needed to take hold of the situation.
I grabbed onto her shoulders and held her in place. I needed her to look at me and see the sincerity in my eyes. I needed to tell Bella. I had no choice now. My feelings needed to become clear.
"Bella calm down. I kissed you! I kissed you and I've wanted to kiss you for so long. I have been having these feelings for you for so so long. I like you, like really like you."
Well, love you is more like it but if I told you that you would probably think I was some kind of lunatic.
Bella stared at me for ten long seconds, her expression was vacant. What was going on in that head of hers? All the sudden she seemed to snap out of whatever thought she was having.
Bella started full on laughing; maybe I wasn't the lunatic after all. "I get it, oh that's a good one, Edward." She pulled away from me and turned to walk back over to the refrigerator. "Wow you almost had me going, where's Emmett? Emmett you can come out now, the joke is over. Ugh way over."
Huh?
"Bella I'm being serious." Did this woman not know me at all? Did she really think I would do something so low as to make a joke on my affections? I might actually be offended right now if I didn't love her so.
"Yeah, sure you are and next week I'm having tea with the queen." She said in a rather poor British accent.
Damn this woman and her constant stubbornness.
"I'm serious Bella, and this isn't a joke. This isn't a prank. I like you. I want to date you. I want to get to know you and I want you to get to know me too." Please tell me I didn't need to break it down any further. Pretty soon I would have to resort to charades.
Bella turned to me, her eyes were watering and she looked extremely pissed. Oh crap, I made her cry. Dammit Edward.
"Why are you doing this? This isn't funny anymore, Edward. Please stop." Her voice pleaded.
I took a hold of her again, "Why don't you believe me?"
"You like me?" She spit. "Why would someone like you ever like me? Your Edward fucking Cullen, you could have anyone in the world both men and women would fall at your feet and you could take your pick."
It wasn't my intention to engage in a yelling match but if raising my voice made her understand, I could be quite impressive, my dear.
"Who gives a shit if I am Edward fucking Cullen; you said I could have my pick. Well I pick you. Why is that so hard for you to believe? Why do you always have to be so goddamn stubborn?"
I calmed myself down and tried to start again more civilly.
"Look, you hold all the cards here. Technically what I'm doing is crossing the line and you could sue me for sexual harassment. All I'm asking for is one date, just one. Please give me a chance." I was practically begging. Hell I was begging.
Just when I thought Bella couldn't be any more absurd that night she let out a small giggle. Really Bella, I'm pouring my heart out over here and you feel the need to laugh at me?
"Sorry it's just that Angel told Emmett that I could have charged him with sexual harassment because he hugged me the first time he met me. You had to be there." She apologized.
"So are you going to give me a chance?" I waited for my fate to be determined.
This had to be the longest moment of silence ever experienced.
"Okay." She cringed.
Touchdown!
My smile started to rise, "Okay?" I repeated for confirmation. She nodded her head. That's okay I don't need verbal reply.
"All right. Great! Uh...how about tomorrow night? Too soon? I just figure why wait, you know." God I sounded like some freshman.
"No...I guess that would be okay." Bella slowly said every word like she had to think on it. She still seemed unconvinced. I would give her the best date and she would never question the sincerity of my feelings for her again.
"Well, you probably should get to bed. I know we have a long day tomorrow and I wouldn't want to be the cause of your exhaustion."
Yet.
Stop it Edward!
She turned from me awkwardly, man I didn't want her to go to bed feeling awkward. Knowing her she would just think on this too much and by tomorrow morning she would have conjured up a thousand reasons why to not go on our date.
"Bella." I quickly grabbed her hand. "Thank you for the honor of taking you to dinner tomorrow night. I want you to feel comfortable so I hope you won't mind if I cook for you tomorrow evening. So we could just have a nice relaxed evening."
She nodded her head and I brought her hand to my lips one last time and wished her a good night.
As soon as she left the room, I practically fell to the floor. I swear my back must have been wet from sweat.
If I was going to make tomorrow magical, then I needed to talk to Alice in the morning. There was no way I was going to be able to find all the supplies I needed and put it all together by tomorrow evening.
Bella Swan.
Isabella Swan.
There was a loud banging noise.
"Uncle Edward."
I shot up out of bed from the dream of Bella's and my first kiss. My Bella still lying beside me unresponsive. I must have fallen asleep because the room was now filled with light.
"Uncle Edward." It was Gracie and she was getting rather impatient.
I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. "Yes Gracie, come in."
Gracie opened the bedroom door and walked in carrying her book. She had been coming here for the past couple of weeks always reading to Bella from the same book.
Two Moons
The sequel that Bella had been working on before the attack. She had finally directed her first feature film based off a wildly popular book series. Gracie loved this book too and she thought it was her duty to read to Bella everyday knowing how much Bella poured over the book during the filming.
"It's my turn. Uncle Jacob asked to speak to you. So I will watch Mommy." Gracie said.
"Okay sweetheart. I have the monitor with me if you should need anything." I reminded her.
If I did leave the bedroom for any length of time I would carry the baby monitor around with me just I case she woke up.
As soon as I left the bedroom, I because nervous. I hated leaving Bella's side.
Whatever Jacob wanted to talk about, it better be good.
