April:
As always, I was late. The taxi pulled up to the curb and in one swift motion I threw the driver the money, thanked him and jumped out the door. My mind raced with all the possibilities I would find once the plane landed. Ticket and ID in hand, I took off towards the security check point. Pushing through the crowds of people, I jumped in the experienced traveler line. Pulling my shoes off, I tapped my foot impatiently. What if I was too late? What if he wasn't there? Shaking my head I pushed those thoughts away. Of course my plane was leaving from the gate at the very end of the terminal. It was set to leave at ten after; looking down at my watch, it read eleven after. Shit.
When I finally made it through the line I darted down the hall, balling my hands in fists as I fought through the crowds of passengers. Everyone around me seemed to stop in front of me, as though they all knew I was in a hurry and would do anything to slow me down. Pushing roughly through a family, I looked ahead, finally able to make out the glass windows at the far end. Almost there, I told myself over and over.
I pushed as fast as my legs would take me. Harder and harder I ran, clinging tightly to my purse, the only item I was taking with me. Outside the sun was beating down, casting a glare off the windows. Inside the air condition was blasting, blowing freezing air at my body. My eyes stung between a mixture of the two and the tears of defeat.
If I didn't make it…that was it. He'd be gone. The loud speaker came on, putting out a last call for my flight and searching for one passenger: me. When I made it to the counter I was out of breath, panting and sweating.
"Can I help you?" the blonde asked, looking me over with blatant disgust.
"I'm," stopping, I swallowed, working to calm my breathing. "I'm Isabella Swan, they just called my name for Flight 1120."
"Ah, Ms. Swan, so nice of you to join us. You may board through gate C9, it is just to the left. And have a wonderful flight."
Boarding the plane I all but threw myself into my seat, tucking my bag quickly away and fastening my seatbelt. Staring out the window I tried to relax, knowing that I had a long flight ahead of me. Just then, the announcement was made that we would be leaving in a few minutes. I could feel my nails breaking as I dug them harder and harder into the armrests.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for flying Southwest. Flight number 1120 with service from Jacksonville, Florida, to Columbus, Ohio, is now ready for departure."
After that I blocked out the words, instead thinking about him, remembering his face, his voice, anything that would let me know he was real, let me know I hadn't imagined the whole thing. As the plane took off, I remembered the day we met, which seemed like years ago, but couldn't have been. Even with the tears streaming down my cheeks, I could see him.
There was his face, the face of the man I loved.
There was Edward Cullen.
*****
A/N
Here we go, delving into another story. I know what you are all thinking, "AoF isn't done yet, why start a new one?" And here is why: I had this idea two weeks ago while watching Across the Universe, except I was Bella, and Jim Sturgess was Edward. So I wrote it down, and kept writing, and it turned from a one shot into a full on story.
Sadly life has caught up with me, as next week is finals, and I have family visiting, so AoF is just not ready. Instead of leaving you all with nothing, I decided to add this story.
I really hope you all enjoy it, and don't worry, next week AoF will be back like normal. It is of course almost done, but when it's gone this one will be there to take it's place.
I adore each and every one of you, well most of you =]