xxxxxxx
The early morning sun seared her eyelids. Bella opened her eyes and slowly sat up. For the first time in ages, her body didn't ache and she was completely covered by blankets. The wine must have kept the nightmares at bay. She made her way to the bathroom, showered, and emerged, feeling refreshed and ready to face her day, smiling as she anticipated spending time with Seth.
She sat in what became "her chair" and read to the boy.
"This story stinks," Seth exclaimed.
"The best part is coming up. You have to wait till the end," Bella assured him.
"But the boy is so mean to the tree. All he does is take from her. What's the point?"
She continued to read:
" 'I am sorry,' sighed the tree. 'I wish that I could give you something but I have nothing left. I am just an old stump.'
'I don't need very much now,' said the boy. 'Just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired.'
'Well," said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could, "well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, boy, sit down. Sit down and rest.' And the boy did. And the tree was happy."
"Do you see?" she asked. Seth just shrugged. "When you love someone, it doesn't matter what you give up for them...as long as they're happy."
"But what about the tree? Why was she happy if she had nothing left?"
She held his hand in hers and stroked the top with her thumb. "Giving him what he needed made her happy."
Seth started to cough violently and Bella eyed the monitors. She swiftly moved over to the oxygen and altered the flow, making sure the constant IV drip was flowing properly. The boy stared at her, unnerved by her actions. She leaned over him and took off her mask so he could really see her. The mask was unnecessary now and it killed her.
"Seth, are you okay?"
"I'm dying." His voice was calm.
Bella wanted to object but she couldn't. There was a lump in her throat as she nodded and took off his baseball cap. She placed a kiss on his bald head as a tear spilled onto him. "I'm so sorry."
He smiled. "Hey, I'm all wet."
She smiled back at him and wiped her eyes.
"Bella, it's okay. I'm not scared. The angels will bring me to heaven..."
She had to look away, unwilling to lie to him. As she faced the window to the hallway, she saw Carlisle staring at her.
"I have to go but I will be back later. I promise."
Bella started to walk to the door, but Seth's soft voice stopped her in her tracks. "You are my giving tree. You gave me everything I needed so when I'm gone, you should be happy because you made me happy."
She smiled through her tears and gave him a delicate wave before rushing out and slumping on the floor, resting against the door. She silently wept for the boy, muffling her cries into her knees. The smell of coffee assaulted her before she felt him. His hand was on her shoulder and she looked up.
"Do you want to come to my office?"
She nodded and Carlisle helped her stand.
He settled her into the leather couch, gave her a cashmere blanket and brought her a warm cup of tea. She couldn't help but chuckle.
"Although it's wonderful to hear you laugh, what's so funny?" he asked.
"I thought you would have brought me coffee. Whenever you're around, all I smell is coffee. I didn't take you for a tea drinker..."
Carlisle turned away from her to hide his own smirk. She was much more perceptive than he originally thought.
"Are you upset about Seth?"
"It won't be long now." She sniffled and wiped her nose with the kleenex she had shredded to pieces in her hand. "I'm used to this. Believe me, I am. It's just harder than I thought it would be.
"Maybe you're in the wrong line of work," Carlisle suggested. "Don't get me wrong. You are an excellent doctor. I would hate to lose you. But the pain...if you can't let it go, it will eat you alive."
"I came to terms with death a long time ago. When my mother died, it ruined me. No one knew she had cancer. Ovarian...fast moving and inoperable. How do you tell a sixteen year old girl that her mother won't be there for her first date, her first kiss, her prom, her wedding... Well, she didn't. I guess she thought it would be easier for me not to know. And just like that, she was gone."
"We all do our best," Carlisle reassured her. "I'm sure your mother was just trying to protect you. And look at what you've done with your life because of it. You have helped countless children and their families. Without you, those children would never get their first dates or kisses."
She huffed and looked up from her cup. "I became a doctor so I could help people and laugh in God's face every time He tried to take someone's loved one away from them. Do you believe in God, Dr. Cullen?"
He let out a small chuckle. "Do you?" he asked.
"I think you know my answer," she replied stoically. "I believe in medicine. God doesn't fix people, medicine does."
Carlisle frowned. Isabella's pain radiated off of her in fierce waves. This woman was so broken and bitter, he was afraid it would consume her. He hoped that Seth would help her open up, break down her walls. His plan had backfired and he needed divine intervention. Lucky for him, he felt it in the room the minute Isabella started to speak.
Edward had known Carlisle Cullen since his first day at the hospital and found him one of a kind. For such a young person—he was in his mid-forties—Carlisle was wise like he carried a weight of ages on his shoulders. That's why it didn't surprise Edward when it was Carlisle who finally managed to make Isabella speak. Edward decided not to follow her, allowing her some privacy after a hard day. He lingered in Carlisle's office, thinking over what he'd just heard when suddenly a voice, resounding in his head, interrupted his reverie.
I can't see you but I know you're there, Carlisle thought, looking at some papers on his desk. You've been hangin' around for a while.
Edward froze to his spot. He deliberated for a second which felt like an eternity, and then curiosity won.
When Carlisle lifted up his eyes, at the faraway end of his office, by the bookshelf, he saw a man in his early twenties, dressed casually in jeans, a t-shirt, Converse sneakers and a hoodie, his hair messy as if he had spend some time in a heavy wind. A typical student, if not for a strange yet familiar tint of gold in his bright green eyes that looked too weary for someone that young.
"Who are you?" the uninvited guest asked.
"I'm Carlisle, though you surely know it," Carlisle said, politely motioning to the chair in front of him. "Nice to finally meet you. What's your name?"
"Edward." He didn't move.
A wide smile plastered across Carlisle's face. "I missed the way your voice sounds. So melodic."
Edward kept staring at him in breathless suspense.
"You look really good, too," Carlisle continued. "I remember how good everyone looked when they gathered together to watch the break of dawn... but what's the point if you can't see colors the sun paints in the sky?"
"But how..." Edward wondered.
"Why are you here? I don't feel like I'm dying."
"You're not dying."
"Who are you after, then?"
"It's the kid," Edward said quietly. "Seth."
Carlisle sighed. "Of course."
"You didn't answer my question."
"When you decide to be seen, your body is a perfect replica of a young man but you have the eyes of an old soul," Carlisle observed casually, "Your heartbeat is always steady and your blood doesn't have a type. You breathe though you don't need air and you have sharp eyes but you can't see colors. You don't feel hunger and if you eat food, you don't taste it. You know no difference between hot and cold..." He paused. "You don't believe in God because you know that some things are true whether you believe in them or not." And right now, you're reading my mind.
Edward couldn't take his eyes from Carlisle's, equally confused and mesmerized. He moved closer and took a seat in the chair, although his body didn't need rest. "How do you know all this?"
"You have no idea how good it feels to finally be able to talk about it after all these years without the risk of being locked up in a mental hospital." Carlisle leaned his head against the smooth, cool leather of his armchair, reveling in the sensation. "I know this because I used to be just like you. An angel who took humans from their lives and guided them to the doors of a place that looks like a church. I wonder...how is Alice doing? I do miss her."
"She's fine." Edward's voice was merely a breath.
"Anyway, I never liked my job. I never understood why He wanted to take those who deserved to live and enjoy life."
"Because He wants to give them something better." There was no more confidence as Edward spoke.
"Yes, or so they say." Carlisle nodded. "I've never been satisfied with that answer. The other thing, however, I've always known for sure: He granted us free will."
"Free will?"
"A choice. You give up your ethereal existence and in return, you get this." He placed his hand flat on his chest. "Flesh and bone."
"A human." Comprehension finally hit Edward.
"It wasn't easy to choose, though," Carlisle admitted. "I always wanted to save human lives, and yet I was reluctant because it wasn't easy to quit, to let go of the possibilities... There were parts of being an angel that I really loved: the wings, the mind reading thing, the music they play at the sunset. But it all became irrelevant when I met her." He reached into his pocket and produced his wallet.
"My wife, Esme." Carlisle took out a small photograph and put it on the desk between them.
Edward held out his hand tentatively, pulling a picture closer to take a look. There was a smiling woman with soft features and caramel-colored hair; the image was familiar after seeing it in Carlisle's head so many times before. "She's beautiful."
"She is. But when I first saw her, in the hospital, she was covered with purple bruises and barely alive. Her husband had almost beaten her to death... And that was the last straw... As I stood there watching this angel suffering, I no longer believed in His justice. What kind of God allowed such things to happen?" Carlisle's voice trembled, straining to contain his anger. "So I made a choice."
Edward looked at him in disbelief. "How did you do it?"
Carlisle chuckled. "I fell. Literally. From the top of Space Needle. You can ask Alice—she suggested it. So I did it, and then I woke up on the ground, overwhelmed by sensations. Pain. Hunger. Colors. Smells. Heat. It was almost too much, but I felt so happy, so excited..."
A thousand thoughts run through Edward's head. The things he couldn't even wish for appeared to be possible and he had no idea how to live with this knowledge. "But you... you had no name, no place to go, no money..."
"Not exactly." Carlisle smiled, shaking his head. "I came into this world fully prepared. Again, not without Alice's help. She told me to find a guy, Jason Jenks, who provided me with an ID, a driver's license, a Harvard Medical School diploma, and some money. I wasn't supposed to ask but I assumed he was one of us and he owed Alice... like we all do."
"So that was it?" Edward asked after a pause. "Just that simple? And you don't regret it?"
Carlisle nodded. "It was a bit awkward at first, took a while to get used to my human body and its constant needs. But no, I have no regret. I think I made the right choice. I can use all the knowledge I have gained through the centuries to help people and that's the most amazing thing to do. I feel so accomplished. You have no idea... Of course you don't," he muttered, taking his wallet again and producing another photo. "My kids, Emmett and Rosalie."
Edward shot a brief glance at the picture, suddenly overfilled with some emotion unbeknownst to him before. Those pictures now had a whole new meaning to him. "You can even reproduce... that's incredible."
"I told you, I have become human. I can reproduce and I can get sick and die, though I've been very careful with this body. And when I die, you'll take me to the threshold of your church."
Edward shifted in his chair. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Like I said, it's such a relief to finally open to someone. I've been sensing your presence and it made me curious. Why are you here, Edward? I know that boy is in bad shape, but you've been here for a while. Did they expand your duties so that you watch your charges beforehand?"
Edward looked away quickly, trying to come up with something but he failed. If he were human, his face would flash red because he couldn't lie.
"I come here often," he admitted with an unnecessary sigh. "The work of you and your colleagues fascinates me. And the patients, especially kids... I like to watch them. You're right—I can read every mind in this hospital. Except one. It's very frustrating."
Carlisle raised his brows. He liked Edward instantly. He blocked this from his thoughts, just in case, because it made him vulnerable but the feeling of compassion overwhelmed him. Edward and his desire for learning humans reminded him of himself. "Who?"
"It's a woman, a new doctor. Her name is Isabella."
Carlisle moved forward and rested his elbows on his desk. Hmmm... Not surprising. There's something about her...I'm wondering, is it just you or she's blocking everyone else as well?
"I have no way of knowing this," Edward snapped, suddenly irritated at the thought.
"I can imagine how it feels," Carlisle said softly. "Like a puzzle that resists being solved."
"Exactly." Edward nodded. Suddenly he felt relief, something close to a catharsis of sharing one's biggest secret with someone else.
A kind smile crossed Carlisle's features. He didn't try to block his mind this time, but his train of thoughts ran too fast for Edward to follow and make any conclusions.
"I can help you," he finally said. "But I will ask you for a favor in return."
Edward was staring at him breathlessly. He didn't trust Carlisle like he didn't trust any of his own kind.
"I can make you an intern here," Carlisle continued. "You will pretend to help with her work. You will be able to talk to her and maybe eventually she will open up to you. And in return, I'm asking you to become her friend. She really needs one—she's very lonely."
Edward felt like something important was missing. It couldn't be that simple. "What's the catch?" he asked.
"There is none." Carlisle smiled wide. "Aren't you too sarcastic for an angel?"
Edward chose not to dwell on that comment. "What is your interest?"
"I really like Isabella. She's a good person and she deserves to have a shoulder to cry on, even if that shoulder belongs to an incorporeal body."
"How do you know I can be a good friend to her?" Edward was watching Carlisle intently, trying to read something behind the deep eyes.
"I just know." Carlisle sighed. "How long does the boy have left?"
"A week."
Carlisle closed his eyes for a moment and his mind went blank. It was harder than he thought it would be.
"I don't know how to be her friend," Edward finally said. "But I really want to try."
Carlisle got up from his chair and approached Edward, reaching out his hand for a handshake. Hesitantly, Edward took it and tried to squeeze.
"Not so rough." Carlisle winced. "Okay, that's fine. So I'll see you tomorrow at eight."
Edward got up and nodded. Before Carlisle could utter another word, he was gone like he'd never stood in that room.
That night he broke his resolve to let Isabella have some privacy. He needed to know something, anything more about her if he wanted to try to be her friend.
When he reached her house, he found her at her desk, in front of her laptop. He took a peek from behind her back to notice she was reading something related to her work. It seemed that whatever was going on in her mind, it always had to do with medicine.
The words started to blur and lose their meaning. It was futile. No matter how much she read and reread, the prognosis wouldn't change. Seth would die within the next couple of days. His body had completely shut down; his lungs struggled to work and his kidneys were failing. All the research she had done over the years, all the medical advancements she made, it would never be enough. Bella quickly snapped her book shut and got up from her desk, slamming her chair.
She scurried into her bedroom, opened her closet door, and threw some items into a canvas bag. Then she draped the bag over her shoulder and made her way out of her house.
The raindrops hit the windshield like the tears rolling down her cheeks. It had only been a short time since Seth came into her life, but she knew there was something special about him. It was the first time she let herself get attached. The way he looked at her like she was his whole world only made things worse. It ate her up inside to know that his own mother couldn't be there and hers was never coming back.
Enchanted, Edward watched as she emerged from the dressing room wearing a black leotard with thin spaghetti straps. Her hair was twisted into a messy bun, exposing her long neck and delicate collarbone. Tights, the palest of pink, almost made her legs look bare. Slowly, she tied her pointe shoes, wrapping the ribbons securely around her ankles. She did a quick warm up of releves and plies before walking over to the stereo and turning it on. The track seemed like it was stripped with delicate piano notes and a girl's haunting voice—perfect for her mood and her dance.
The words coming from the speakers were as devastatingly beautiful as her movements. Her long arms extended like she was reaching for someone. Her turn outs were controlled and balance impeccable. She arched her back, dipping dangerously low, as if a weight was being ripped from her chest. As the song reached a crescendo, she spun and spun, one perfect pirouette after another. She spun so fast and so bright she was unraveling. All her pain falling away, leaving open and vulnerable to life for the first time.
xxxxxxx
At eight the next morning, Edward stood by Carlisle's desk, wearing hospital scrubs.
Carlisle leaned in and pinned a badge onto his lapel. "Your name is Edward Masen. You're a Pediatric Oncology intern."
"Where did I study?"
"John Hopkins. So, are you ready to see your first patient today?"
Edward nodded. For the first time ever, he didn't feel confidence.
"Good luck." Carlisle winked.
After another sleepless night, Isabella trudged into the hospital, dreading and cherishing the moment at the same time. Seth's time was limited but she wanted to spend every last minute with him. She approached his room and stopped as she saw a surprising scene unfold before her eyes. There was someone else in the room. Peering in through the glass window and trying to get a closer look, she could only make out the mess of hair on top of the visitor's head since he was bent over talking to the boy. She reached up on her tip toes and almost lost her footing as the man turned around, green-gold eyes staring right through her.
An audible gasp escaped her just in time for Carlisle to hear as he opened the door to Seth's room.
"Isabella, I knew you'd be here today." He smiled warmly at her. "I wanted to introduce you to your new intern."
He ushered her into the room, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. Her breathing picked up as she walked closer to the mystery man standing so close to a piece of her heart. She unwillingly gave Seth a piece, and she would protect him from anyone or anything until his last breath but her defensive stance slowly subsided the closer she got.
This disarmingly handsome man made her uneasy, not in the uncomfortable, creepy way, but like she had felt him before. It was impossible but there was just something about him. Deciding it was his eyes, she took a closer look. The green reminded her of a dream she had a few weeks ago. She couldn't remember anything about it except for the vivid green that settled behind her eyelids and startled her awake. And his scent... It was slightly different than Carlisle's, but similar enough for her to find comfort. Hospital staff and their coffee, she thought, with all the over-nights it's no wonder we're all addicted. He was definitely a dark roast with hints of chocolate. It was a sweet, strong smell and made him all the more inviting.
"Isabella Swan." She put out her hand, waiting for him to grab it.
Edward looked at her hand and then back to Carlisle and then back to her questioning eyes. He slowly took it and shook awkwardly. "Edward Masen."
And in that one split second, his world collapsed, breaking into a thousand smithereens.
He had never felt anything like that before. Well, he never felt anything at all before... Before their hands touched and all the things he used to see in people's minds came crushing down on him. Her hand was warm, her skin smooth and as her fingers lightly squeezed his own, the molecules of his artificial blood increased their motion. He couldn't comprehend how he knew what all these sensations were, but he just knew. His heart suddenly sank and then started beating incredibly fast, making it hard for him to breathe.
He had never felt so...human.
A ridiculous impossibility, but then again, Edward wasn't sure about the definition of impossible anymore. The limits were becoming more and more obscure.
So for the first time ever, he just let it go.
Isabella squeezed his hand as he shook hers and stared into his eyes. As he stared back, she felt as if he was digging deep into the depths of her soul. It wasn't unpleasant. She felt a warmth start to radiate from inside and abruptly pulled her hand back. Things were becoming too intense for her liking. She was here for Seth and no one else, not even herself.
When she withdrew her hand, the magic was gone, leaving strange prickle to his skin, and he already missed it. He'd never been more grateful for the lack of temper which allowed him to keep the facade. He quickly switched his attention to Seth, catching the traces of the boy's thoughts with amusement. Seth thought that Edward definitely needed to make a pass at Bella.
Bella.
Edward liked the sound of this name. He really wanted to be allowed to call her that. He really wanted to become her friend.
But she wouldn't let him. Between Seth and Edward, Seattle was quickly becoming a home and it scared her. She knew she would have to deal with the loss of Seth, but Edward wasn't part of the equation. And yet, since their first encounter, she found it hard not to think about him. She vowed to never let herself become dependent on another person, but she felt the need to be near him, to feel what she felt that first day they shook hands, to see his eyes search hers with reverence and mystery.
Edward's universe had narrowed to the size of Seth's ward. Every now and then, he tried to feel her touch again, accidentally brushing his fingers against hers when he took a book from her hands or helped her fix the monitors. He quickly became aware of how kind and caring she was; he didn't miss a single tear she blinked away. Sometimes he caught her looking at him in such strange way, like she knew him, like she could read his mind... But once outside the room, Bella covered herself with an invisible shield, unwilling to communicate any longer.
One day he was helping her to sort out the test results in the lab. She was bending over a microscope, and suddenly caught him staring.
"What?" she asked.
He shook his head. "Nothing. It's just you're looking at it so intensely, like there's something really exciting."
She smiled and she pushed the microscope to him. "It is exciting. Take a look."
He looked through the eyepiece curiously, then raised his eyes back to her.
"That was the blood of a patient with leukemia that I've treated with my serum," she explained, removing the slide, and reached for his hand. "Now let's compare the affect it has on that healthy blood of yours."
He jerked his hand away, panicked. "No."
She rolled her eyes. "Men." Then she took a lancet and quickly pricked her own finger, letting a drop of blood fall into a clean slide. She didn't mind the pain; it only made her feel alive for a second. "Here. Take a look."
Every day he followed her home and every day she took her canvas bag and went to the ballet studio. And even though he couldn't read her mind, he was getting to know her better as he watched her fly across the room as if she had her own wings spread behind her back. So beautiful. He could see how vulnerable and yet passionate she was; her energy was like a magnetic pull, hitting him like a gust of invisible heat. Her reflection in the mirrors surrounding the studio walls was surreal like she belonged to another world.
xxxxxxx
It was a little before lunch and Bella was in the middle of an intense game of checkers with Seth when Edward walked in. She briefly looked up from the board and smiled, rose flushing her cheeks when she took in his attire: an open, unbuttoned navy dress shirt over a white fitted t-shirt, jeans, and a pair of black Converse sneakers. Her blush deepened when she saw how good he looked outside of the hospital scrubs.
"I didn't think you were working today," she said.
"I'm not. I have a surprise for Seth..." Edward looked down at his feet and then into her eyes again. "And you."
He reached into the back pocket of his jeans and pulled out three tickets. Bella gave him a questioning look and then he motioned to Seth with his eyes. She looked at the boy and her heart lurched; he was smiling so wide his cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk. She couldn't deny him. This very well could be the last time he would smile.
"No way!" Seth exclaimed. "Is this...is this for today's game against the Angels?" Edward nodded as he looked at Bella for reassurance. Although the boy was extremely weak, his spirit remained unwavering.
"Well, if we're going to make it, you will have to eat lunch at the game. How do you feel about corn dogs and chili fries?" she asked with a sincere grin.
The stadium wasn't too far from the hospital so they took a cab. Edward removed Seth's wheelchair from the trunk as Bella gladly handed over her money to the driver. She walked over to Edward and Seth, standing at the entrance way, both in awe of the structure in front of them.
"It's just a big field. Not too exciting." She laughed.
"I've only seen them on TV," Seth explained.
She stole a sideways glance at Edward and was shocked to see he was still staring.
"And what about you, mister?" she asked.
"Um... same." Edward blinked. He was trying so hard to block the noise of the thousands of thoughts buzzing in the stadium background.
Bella pushed Seth down the handicap ramp and found their seats which were directly behind home plate.
"For someone who's never been to a game, you certainly splurged on the seats." She chuckled.
Edward shrugged. He spent the morning in Carlisle's office; they both knew what day it was and just sat across from each other, not speaking but sharing the same thoughts. It was Carlisle who gave him the tickets and the chief's approval to sneak the boy out of the hospital.
Seth was already screaming his head off at the bogus call an umpire made. Edward leaned forward, a look of pure joy on his face. He couldn't care less about the game, but the boy's excitement was infectious and at some point he found himself sucked into it. But it was how relaxed and happy Bella finally looked that really mattered to him now, making his heart swell.
She watched him in wonder. His perfect lips turned up into a smirk and his eyes were brighter than the grass on the field. The bases were loaded and one good hit would bring them all home. The crack of the baseball bat against the ball was almost as loud as their cheering and laughter. Almost. She got up and placed a hand on Edward's shoulder and he instinctively placed his hand on top of hers, as if willing to keep her there. Instead of pulling it away, she lingered, enjoying the feeling. It was still unlike anything she had ever felt, cool to the touch but igniting electricity within her. It was like a grande jeté, being mid-air, exposed but powerful and alive.
"I'm going to get some food. I'll be right back."
He smiled at her before turning back to the game.
She walked up the steps to the concession stand, turning around every so often and watching Seth and Edward. It had been a really good day and she was happy they disregarded the rules and snuck Seth out of the hospital. He needed this day. They all did.
"How much for the Angels hat?" she asked the man.
"You want a hat for the opposing team. You know you're in Seattle, right?" The man laughed at her.
"I don't care. I'm an Angels kind of girl." Bella paid for three hats, two hot dogs, a corn dog, and a large bowl of chili fries.
She carefully followed the path back to the seats and Seth's eyes lit up when he saw the corn dog. "Here you go, bud. I got it extra greasy for you."
Then she handed a hot dog to Edward and he quirked an eyebrow at it.
"Don't even tell me you don't like hot dogs," she warned.
Edward inspected the odd piece of food. "I don't know if I like them."
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"I've never had one," Edward replied honestly.
"Are you even human?" Bella laughed as he slowly took a bite. He chewed precisely and then went back for more, not wanting to make her suspicious. He didn't feel the taste and the thought of having to regurgitate the food back later made him cringe internally, but he gave no sign. He caught himself enjoying pretending to be human and it confused him.
As they finished their food and the game was winding down, Bella pulled out the hats. "I got you both a present." She passed the baseball cap down to Seth and he quickly took off his Orioles hat and put on the new one.
"Nice! Thank you, Bella," Seth exclaimed.
She still held onto the hat she bought for Edward and hesitantly reached over him to put it on his head, refusing to admit to herself that the close proximity excited her. She was still within inches of him and had no intentions of moving away.
"Thank you," Edward said, breaking the silence.
It was the bottom of the ninth, and the Angels were far enough ahead that there was no way they could lose. The air was getting chilly and Bella thought it would be a good idea to head back to the hospital, but watching Seth, she wouldn't dream of taking these last few minutes away from him. He was so happy. He was always in a good mood, but something about being outside and doing something healthy boys did was very freeing. He stood up and started to clap loudly, waiting for the last pitch. One more strike and the game was over. His tiny frame started to sway; he was coughing and gasping for air but his cries were muffled by the cheers around them. Suddenly he fell to the ground in front of his wheelchair and Bella screamed.
"SETH!"
Edward didn't hesitate for a second as he quickly scooped the boy into his arms and started towards the exit. His thoughts were racing; he knew it wasn't his time yet, but the boy was in agony and the need to help him, to do something, anything was overwhelming. Never in his lifetime had he felt so powerless. He assumed someone of his kind was involved with the way the crowd parted to let them pass; within minutes, they were outside and in the cab.
"Sweetie, I need you to take slow, deep breaths," Bella explained. She was rubbing small, soothing circles on the boy's back. "That's it. In and out...in and out..."
Seth was breathing heavily. He regained consciousness and tried to manage a smile, but Edward could hear the echoes of the searing pain he was in. "That was..." he coughed hard "...hands down, the best day of my life," he said in a weak voice. "Thank you."
"Shhh," Bella hushed him. "You need to try to rest now. Okay?"
"I don't feel tired."
She shook her head but didn't object, turning her face to the window to hide her tears.
Finally, they made it back to the hospital. They connected the monitors and a nurse came in to give Seth an IV. Bella put an oxygen mask on the boy's face; she knew the pain would increase over night, so she gave him a dose of morphine.
"You should try to get some sleep now," she said softly. "Do you want me to read to you?"
Seth nodded, so she took a book from the nightstand, sat in "her" chair, and slowly began to read.
Edward came up to the head of the bed and tucked the blanket in. For a second, his eyes met Seth's and he saw the boy's growing alarm. Slowly, he leaned in and lightly pressed his lips to Seth's forehead.
The fear in the boy's eyes quickly dissipated; his lids grew heavy and soon he was in a deep slumber. Edward quietly came around the bed and stopped by Bella's side. "He's asleep," he whispered. "You're tired. Go home. I'll watch him."
She shut the book and rubbed her weary eyes. "Thank you." She got up, her look darting from the sleeping boy to Edward. "I'll see you tomorrow?"
He nodded. She grabbed her purse and made her way out of the room, feeling emotionally drained. It wasn't so much Seth's relapse but the fact that she went from incredibly happy to completely devastated in such a short period of time. It had been so long since she felt pure joy and it was quickly and cruelly ripped away from her.
xxxxxxx
For the first time in many months, Seth was sleeping peacefully. The pain subsided and he finally relaxed when he suddenly felt someone's presence in his room and opened his eyes. The moon shone brightly through the window, leaving the path of light on the floor. He noticed a figure in the darkened corner, but for some reason he wasn't afraid of this night visitor. He couldn't see him in the dark but he knew who it was.
"Have you come for me?" he asked.
Edward took a step forward and gave a slight nod.
"Wow," Seth said, taking in Edward's celestial look, his white cloak with the gleam of silver, the fluttering of feathers on the edges of the wide wings folded behind his back. "You look so cool... I knew it. I knew angels existed."
Edward smiled, coming closer to the boy's bed, and reached out for him.
"I'm glad it's you," Seth said quietly, taking his hand. "Where are we going?"
"Home."
"Can Wolf come too? He's a good dog, I swear."
"I'm sorry." Edward shook his head.
"Will you watch over him?"
"I will. I promise." He would think about it later, but now he decided he would keep that promise no matter what.
"Okay. I'm ready to go then."
So they went together along the moonlit path, the angel and the boy. It was a quiet night and thousands of stars dotted the dark sky, reflecting the silver of Edward's clothes. Seth was basking in the warmth of that glow.
"May I ask you something?" Edward turned to the boy when they reached the tall gates of the church that stood at the end of their way.
"Shoot."
"What was the one thing you loved the most?"
Seth looked at him and grinned. "Bella."