Chapter 3

BPOV

I wretched the door open, praying with all my heart that Edward was all right. I darted across the hallway, remembering Edward saying that he lived on the other side of the hallway on the same floor. I tried to shun the stench from my senses, but with little avail.

There it was the Knight's suite. I tried the door knob foolishly and immediately, I pounded on the door, counting the seconds that passed in dread. Over a minute and a half later, my mind was swirling as I slumped to the floor weakly due to the toxic overwhelming scent of blood.

"Bella!" Alice called me as she lightly smacked me, literally materializing out of thin air. "Are you okay?"

"Edward…" I mumbled blindly. She towed me into an unknown room.

"Jasper and Emmett are looking for him now." I breathed through my mouth, blood currently still evident in the air even in the spacious King's Suite. "Dad! How is the body? Bella this is my dad, Carlisle." A man entered the room stiffly and his body was quivering.

Carlisle was like a model, and I knew instantly where Edward got his looks. Carlisle was a blonde-haired man unlike Edward, but with the same bone structure. His skin was pale and his lips were as full as Edward's. His face was stricken; body hunched. "The body was murdered with a knife through the heart. They wouldn't let me see the entire body."

My heart stopped. "Edward?" My voice a faint murmur.

"No it might not be it. It could be male or female. Alice do you feel anything?" Carlisle seemed desperate.

"No, for some weird reason, I don't feel anything." She seemed to analyzing my state, "Bella, I think we need to stay close." I nodded, but my mind was somewhere else. "Don't worry Bella, he's alive, I can't be sure, but I trust he's not stupid." My head drooped to the pillow, and I slept dreamlessly and frightfully that night.

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The sun shone on me, waking me up that morning. I numbly climbed out of bed, seeing Alice was already dressed. "Bella, are you okay?" Her eyebrows laced with concern for my mental status

"Yeah, is Edward?" I could hear sleepiness thick in my morning tone. My mind however, was feverishly attempting to organize my thoughts.

"They didn't find Edward, but I the man who was murdered wasn't Edward. His name was Peter." She smiled to reassure me as I felt my mouth curve upwards, sick with relief. I frowned. I shouldn't be happy that someone had died, but I couldn't help buit be grateful that it wasn't someone I knew. "Thank god, let's go get breakfast." She threw me a change of clothes that I didn't bother to pay attention to. I changed just as Rosalie leaped to my side. Her hair in a gold ponytail, and her scarlet shirt making my insides churn. I settled with staring at her jet-black flats.

"Bella, are you okay?" She felt my forehead as if she was expecting me to go into shock. It was the third time someone asked me that since the incident.

"I'm fine." I sighed, "But why did someone die? I made sure that no one with a criminal record get here. I made the list with my dad. Speaking of Dad, I need to see him. Emmett come with me?" I asked this just as he was walking into the room. My teddy bear nodded stiffly, kissing Rose softly before walking me with him to the Captain's room.

"Dad, did you hear about the incident?" My dad was talking to a police chief as Emmett and I made entry.

"Yeah, turns out that one of the passengers was a former serial killer on deck. The killer impersonated himself or herself to be one of our passengers. Turns out that he or she kept their records clean until now." He rambled on.

"A serial killer?" I exchanged a worried glance at Emmett, "How do you know that?"

"We don't, that was a hypothesis to what might have happened." My dad cleared his throat. "Don't worry Bella, I won't let anything happen to you or Emmett or any of your new friends. Speaking of new friends how was your 'date' with Edward?" I should have seen it coming. I edited… a lot.

"It was fun. We ate, we danced, and we said goodnight. Nothing special," I shrugged, Emmett raised his eyebrows, "Unlike somebody here, you didn't see me in my room with a man that I didn't know, naked." I hinted sourly.

"It wasn't planned, and you weren't in your room." Emmett glared at me. His thick brows furrowed at the possibility that there might be danger to Rose or to his baby sis. I noticed his muscles were flexing under his skin. "I'd like to see them try to hurt my wife-to-be and my sis." He snarled, punching the handmade oak table. It creaked noisily due to the force, and I could've sworn that a crack was visible in the sleek design.

"I want you guys to be with at least another person when you move anywhere." Charlie warned us. The buddy system never failed, now did it? "I'm going to check if there is any damage so far in the ship." He dismissed himself to his quarters. The speaker blared, "Notice, we would like for every adult to have another adult with them at all times. Children must be under close eyes. There is nothing to worry about just a minute set back. Our staff will catch that man and bring him to justice." I heard someone snort to my left, and I shifted my head a fraction to see a group of navigators assembling some kind of technique. "I hope everyone will remain calm. Thank you for your cooperation and enjoy this wonderful cruise." Click.

"Let's go get breakfast; I'm sure Edward will be there." I was pretty sure that Emmett already didn't like to say things about Edward. He must be pretty worked up about this shocker too. I nodded as we made it to the breakfast buffet line, and surprisingly he was right.

Edward was there.

"Edward." I dived into his arms, feeling whole again. "I'm so glad you're okay. Where were you yesterday?" I inhaled his addictive smell through the thin fabric of his black shirt. His chest vibrated, tickling me slightly as he chuckled lowly.

"I was at another room playing poker." It seemed so casual. "I'm relieved to see you, and good morning love." He kissed me lightly; I heard Emmett growl behind me. "Morning Emmett, Rose." He pretended to be oblivious to my brother's hostility.

"Morning Edward." Rose winked at me, "C'mon Emmett, Jasper says you can't eat fifteen pancakes in five minutes." She thankfully pulled my brother to her circle of friends. I took a mental note to thank Rose many, many times when we get home.

"Well, I was hoping that you would be here, so I already got you breakfast." I gave Edward a grateful look. He led me to the table that was decorated with platters of fruits, pancakes, biscuits, and cereal.

"Edward," I said playfully, smiling a little as I sat down, "You're going to fatten me up."

"Can I eat you after that?" He joked, handing me a syrup-coated hotcake. I munched on it hungrily. "You seem happier."

"Especially when I'm near you." I confessed, blushing again, trying to forget the matter at hand. He beamed, "Dad says there might be a serial killer on the loose, but don't worry." I reassured him as he tensed under my fingers. "They have it under control." I popped a grape in his mouth. He took it willingly. "So what do you want to do?"

"Would you like to listen to me play the piano?" I noticed the slight reluctance in his voice, as if he regretted bringing it up. "Esme loves it, and I'm working on another piece." I nodded, taking an abrupt interest in piano songs.

"But there isn't a piano here." He seemed relieved. My face fell then it lightened up, "There's one at the main dining area." He seemed hesitant, "Please Edward? For me?" I leaned in cautiously and lightly brushed my lips to his back and forth. I saw his eyes grow a shade darker as I placed a hand on his chest.

"Alright, fine, I give," he kissed me fully, "I'll give a show to the guests, but you should know I'm only doing this for you. " I blushed at that. "I have four so far, and one half done."

"I'll arrange it with my dad." I straightened up, hopping away excitedly.

EPOV

I watched my angel walk off and to her brother. Seeing her face glow and hearing her voice was the highlight of this trip. My brow furrowed; my music wasn't really that good. I only play from boredom, for my mom, and because I found it interesting.

"I heard you're playing for Bella at the main dining room. I'll make sure everyone is there." I groaned at Esme's enthusiasm. Her brown eyes gleaming more than the garnet necklace she wore around her neck.

"Mom, this is for Bella and for Bella only. I can't clear the room, but I will have her beside me listening." I murmured gazing at Bella's face as she spoke with her father.

"Well, whatever you say I'm going to be there for you, and listening for my song?" She grinned. I caught some hope in her voice. I smiled as she hugged me. "Thank you, Edward. You know, I think you love this girl." I gawked at her. She was usually very sharp with things such as this. "Have you seen the way you look at her? Oh wait, I have a camera." She shifted the button and there seemed to be fifty pictures from yesterday's date and this morning.

"Someone stalk-ish these days?" I teased her as she laughed lightly.

"Sorry, but I can't help it. You were at the restaurant next door, and we followed you at the dance floor. We gave you some privacy when you to said 'goodbye'" She eyed me. "Ok, so first picture is when we found you and that pesky waitress." She showed me when she stooped down to get her pen, and there I was, googley eyed, looking only at Bella. "And the next." I saw myself squinting at her like she was the sun shining. "Here, you keep watching yourself." She handed me the camera. "I want that back this afternoon."

I sped through all the pictures and saw all my faces and hers. She seemed to have a great time too. My face was always scrunched up or making goo-goo eyes at her as if she was my diamond, my diamond.

"Hey Edward," I hid the machinery from Bella. "So you're on at noon, and you have a twenty minute shift with cash and tips." I smiled.

"No cash, but I'll take a tip." I kissed her softly. "But you don't need to pay me. I'm okay, I just want you to hear me play. So we have two hours, what do you want to do?"

She pursed her lips. "How about a movie at the cinema on the ship?"

"Sure." She pulled me across the cafeteria, through the main room to the cinema.. "What movie are we watching?" I asked curiously.

"Um, A Walk to Remember." I grinned, "Is that okay?"

"Of course." She led me to a small private theater. "Wow, this is nice." I rubbed the seats," Are we the only ones?"

"Having your dad running the ship has its perks, you know," She said coyly with her hands behind her back. Bella sat down in a line of seats near the middle. "Are you watching or not?" The movie slowly started as I seated myself next to her.

"Popcorn miss?" A man came around with a bucket of popcorn and drinks. Bella smiled gratefully, and I felt a wave of jealousy and possessiveness the way his eyes were touring at her.

"Thank you," I glanced at his nametag, "Eric." He looked up and grinned sheepishly, ambling away cautiously. I grabbed a handful of fluffy little puffs and stuffed them in my mouth to stop from saying anything else.

For the rest of the movie, Bella laid her head on my shoulder, and my cheek against her soft hair. Our plastic bottles were empty and popcorn eaten when the film seemed to run out. "Oh!" She jumped suddenly after the movie, "You're on in ten minutes," Peeking at me, "do you need to change?" I glanced at my watch, sighing. Why did the time fly by?

"Nope, come on." I gently took her hand and took her to the main dining room. The white walls and fancy carvings resembling the similarity between Breaking Dawn and the Titanic. Tables of all sizes packed with people and food. The doors minutely ajar and a few more individuals positioned at the windows of the mass ship. The three miniature chandeliers sparkling like gems in the hearty atmosphere. Curtains shielded people from the full glare of the sun.. The velvet carpet covered the floors and the small steps to a small stage where a grand piano was planted. I positioned myself, placing her to my side.

"If you will, I'm Edward Cullen. I'm supposed to play here for half an hour." The host grinned. His eyes appraising Bella, boiling the blood within my veins. What is wrong with people these days?

"All right ladies and gentleman, today we have something special at Miss Swan's request. An unknown pianist, his name is Edward Cullen, now give it up!" Applause sounded throughout the room. I swallowed my nervousness.

"I'm here." Bella put her hand on my knee. I took a deep breath and my fingers flowed freely across the ivory keys. Thinking of only the beauty that was seated next to me, letting the music and emotions spill into unspoken words.

BPOV

I stared in awe as I heard the soft tune bend the space in the room. Dancing in an invisible staff, full of life and happiness. It soared through the clouds in my head, erasing any discomfort or negativity stored in my bones. It was amazing that Edward had this skill. I noticed a woman with caramel hair beaming up at Edward before averting her gaze to look adoringly at me. Tears beading her eyes, trickling down her angel face like a narrow stream. All too soon, I heard the tune go deeper into the end. Everyone stood up and clapped like there was no tomorrow. Edward took the microphone and spoke in his million-dollar voice.

"That was my Mother's favorite, so that was for her." My heart warmed at that. "I wrote this when I was fourteen," He said through the mike, murmurs of approval erupted from the crowd, but silenced when Edward started to play another melody.

It was soft, yet hard at the same time. It sang like the wind carefree, strong, and wild. I noticed the touch of adolescence at the tune. As it rang to the middle, it was rough and reckless. Then at the end, sorrow was evident in the air. I glanced over his shoulder to the people. Most eyes were closed as some had tears flowing down their cheeks. I noticed one girl who was glaring venomously at me.

A face that would slam into your ego and shrivel it up.

A strawberry blonde that had a long elegant neck. The face an angular heart. Her blue eyes were narrowed into slits with a twisted mouth. Her large lips and petite nose were perfect even in horrid, obvious fury. Lips that were glistening with pearly teeth trapped behind them. She was clothed in a plaid short skirt, flaunting her almost-but-not-quite Rosalie body. Her waist was tiny and her chest was practically bursting out of her shirt that was plunging dangerously low, showing plenty of cleavage, most likely from plastic surgery. I cringed into Edward's shoulder, but I could feel her penetrating gaze even through Edward's protection.

"Now this is the one I wrote when I was seventeen when I was diagnosed with Spanish Influenza and until I healed thanks to my wonderful dad, friend, and mentor." He set the mike down on the stand and started to play another one.

It started with chagrin as he explained his pain and suffering through his music, his notes. I imagined in my head what Edward was like pale, his eyes bloodshot, and his lips cracked when his skin was withered. I could almost taste the pain. Powerful notes storming around in the lighted room. It could have been a clattering of random notes if not his other hand was keeping beat. Then it got warmer and softer until it drifted to the last notes.

"Shh, Bella,, it's alright." Edward wiped the tears away. I couldn't get the image out of my head- Edward lying on his death bed. "Okay, so that is so far of my collection." I heard groans and "encores" lift from the lips of the passengers. "I'm sorry, I haven't written more, but actually, I'm writing a song right now. It's half done though. Would you want to hear what I have so far anyway?" I heard the crowd cheer.

The song was gentle and kind in the high note section. A piece of heaven it was. It went up and down the ladder in a swift pace. I felt love bubble up in me when I saw that it was exactly the way I felt about him. Then it struck me. How did Edward write this song if he didn't feel it like I did? But was it for me…or someone else? My mind floated to the strawberry blond.

The song stopped abruptly. "I'm sorry, this was all I have so far, and it's for a special someone in my life." Whoops and whistles bombarded us. "It's for the girl beside me, Isabella Swan. She is also the one who put me up here, so I applause too." He lifted me to my feet as the sound of hands slapping hands lightened my day, burning my cheeks with blush.

"Let's get out of here," He whispered in my ear. I nodded eagerly.

I followed him to his suite, closing the door behind him and locking it securely. I turned around to see Edward only inches from my face. Without warning, he wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer. I put my arms around his neck as he gently swayed us back and forth, our breathing the only sound in the room. I inhaled is sweet scent, letting my eyes close. I could have stayed in that moment forever. I realized in shock that it wasn't the time or place I wanted to stay with. It was Edward. I could be with him forever and never have enough time in the world.

"Bella?" I opened my eyes to see his emerald eyes staring straight into mine, seeming to glow with comprehension. Knowing what I was thinking, reading my every thought. He slowly leaned in and kissed me so softly, so tenderly, my knees went weak, but his strong arms only held me tighter as I kissed him back. He pulled back, loosening his grip on me to look me straight in the eyes, taking my hand.

"Isabella Swan, I love you. In this short time since I've known you, I've only craved so much more each time I see your face, hear your voice. In such a short, I feel like I've known you for centuries." His voice was no more than a love-saturated whisper, but it didn't make any difference if he shouted to the stars. More tears escaped my eyes when I realized that he felt the same way I did.

"I love you too, Edward. I really do." He pulled me closer then, and I buried my head in his shoulder, letting the happy tears fall. He started to kiss me in a way he had never kissed me before.

I caved, but 9 out of 10 is good enough for me. Well, sorry if this is late a day, but anyway, okay, I hope you like this chapter, and review me please. I enjoyed writing it because I felt like it was Edward enough. Did I surprise you? Don't you people tell me that I'm not brave enough to make Edward die though. The serial killer was my personal twist, and I hoped you liked it. Now try to break the 9-review record for this chapter and I'll post. =D