Author's Notes:

Thank you to all of you who take the time to not only read, but also review. I sincerely appreciate your thoughts.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.

Chapter 8: Comfort

I loved Edward. I knew this with the type of certainty with which one knows their own name. Neither Edward nor I may have reached that point where we were ready to declare ourselves to each other, but I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I loved Edward. I loved him like I'd loved no other before. It never ceased to amaze me how life could change so blindingly fast, forever changing who you were. There were clearly two events in my life that had done just that. The accident was of course the first of these two events. And Edward - meeting Edward was the second.

I lay in my bed, firmly encased in the arms of the man I loved. It was late, sometime after midnight. Edward had been tired this evening and we'd ended up going to bed shortly after ten. I couldn't sleep, though. I considered slipping out of bed and into the living room to play my cello, but I knew that as soon as I disentangled myself from Edward's arms he'd be looking for me. He did that, even in his sleep, for if we weren't wrapped up tightly in each other's arms, neither one of us could sleep. Our bodies craved each other's touch and would seek it out if the other shifted in their sleep. It was comforting. And it was beautiful. I had never felt so deeply connected to anything or anyone in my entire life.

It had been a week since the uncomfortable confrontation with Jake and things were more or less back to normal. I'd seen Jake several times since and though he'd been cool, he'd been civil. Neither one of us mentioned what happened in my living room that night. I knew the matter was far from settled, could see this in the way that Jake looked at me, but for now, neither one of us seemed to want to talk about what had happened. And that was just fine with me.

Looking back, it's funny how I tended to remember very little about that fateful evening other than how Edward had kissed me in my bedroom. Edward kissed me like that often now. And each and every time he drew near me, pressing his lips to mine, it was like he was kissing me for the first time all over again. His very presence arrested all of my senses and when we were apart, he was all I longed to see. I was without a doubt, his. The rush of feelings associated with falling in love with Edward was slightly disconcerting, but Alice assured me it was perfectly normal. It was the thrill of new love, she said, though somehow that didn't seem to do justice to what it was Edward and I shared. What we had together honestly felt more like old love than it did new love. Indeed, it felt like I'd loved this man forever.

I thought of this as I lay in bed - thought of how my life was inextricably linked to Edward's now, and found myself shaking my head in pure wonder. I still couldn't quite wrap my head around the fact that I was in love with him. I felt Edward chuckle lightly underneath me, his chest rising and falling softly, and I immediately felt guilty for waking him. Edward's left arm moved from where he held me firmly against his chest and I shivered as he started rubbing it lightly up and down my arm.

"What's going on inside that beautiful head of yours?" He asked sleepily.

"I'm sorry," I sighed. "I didn't mean to wake you." I kissed his chest lightly and felt him shudder. I smiled against his skin. I loved what even my slightest touch could do to him.

"I'm never sorry to awaken to that," he sighed and I laughed, pressing another small kiss to his chest. We lay together quietly for a little while, Edward ghosting his fingers up and down my arm, me tracing small circles on his chest. I loved lying with Edward like this, surrounded by the dark, my sense of sight temporarily silenced. It heightened my other senses, allowing me to experience Edward on a whole other level.

"So are you going to tell me what's keeping you awake?" Edward asked after awhile. I thought he'd fallen back asleep.

"Nothing in particular," I said. "Just thinking of how incredible it is that this is happening to us. Sometimes I still can't believe it," I added softly.

"Why is that?" Edward asked, leaning down to kiss the top of my head. I shrugged.

"I don't think it will ever make sense to me why you chose to be with me," I said honestly. "There are so many women who want to be with you, so many women that you could be with," I mused more to myself than to Edward. Edward didn't say anything. He just lay there, continuing to drag his fingers slowly up and down my arm.

"Alice is right, you know," he murmured softly in the dark a few moments later. "You don't see yourself very clearly." I swallowed hard and sighed against Edward's chest. I started tracing circles around Edward's left nipple and I felt him inhale sharply, his fingers coming to rest by my elbow.

"Mmm," he murmured. "That feels incredible." I smiled and pinched his nipple and he jumped, reaching out with his hand to grab mine by the wrist.
"Play nice," he warned, bringing my hand up to his mouth and placing a kiss on the back of it. I chuckled lightly, bringing my hand back down to his chest where I continued to trace circles.

"You know Bella," Edward said a little while later, "I wasn't looking for love when I met you. In fact, it was the furthest thing from my mind. I was actually very bitter about the whole thing, kind of resigned to the fact that it just wouldn't be possible for me to ever have a normal relationship with a girl. It seemed everyone wanted to date my character in the films. They weren't interested in who I was, really." Edward grew quiet, and he started running his fingers up and down my arm again, this time tracing down further to the tip of my middle finger before dragging them back up my arm again. The sensation caused me to shiver and I nestled in closer to him.

"When you sat down next to me on the plane, Bella, I cringed," Edward continued. "I automatically assumed you'd recognize me and want some silly photograph of us together to show to your friends. But instead, you ignored me, which was, I can assure you, highly unusual in my experience. I have to say I was terrifically relieved, but at the same time, for reasons that were unfathomable to me, I was also insanely curious about you. And when you powered up your laptop and started composing music, I couldn't help but strike up a conversation." I lay with my head on Edward's chest, listening intently to what he was saying. We'd never really talked about our encounter on the plane, other than to acknowledge that both of us had experienced a mysterious exchange of energy with the other. I loved listening to Edward recall our very first moments together - loved knowing how it was that he felt when we'd first met.

"After talking with you for close to an hour, I figured introductions would be appropriate." Edward chuckled softly as he said this, and I laughed with him. "I was nervous about introducing myself, though," he added quietly.

"Nervous?" I asked, surprised by his admission. I lifted my head from his chest and searched the dark for the outline of his face. "Why?" I couldn't see him well, but I stared at his face, anyway. I felt Edward shrug underneath me.

"I was quite enjoying having a normal conversation with a beautiful girl. I felt so at ease with you and I didn't want to ruin that. But I wanted to know your name, so I decided to tell you mine." I laughed then, remembering the moment very clearly. I gently extricated myself from Edward's arms and sat up in bed. I cleared my throat and summoned my most masculine voice.

"I'm Edward," I teased, holding my hand out to him just as he had held his hand out to me on that night not so long ago.

Edward chuckled, shaking his head at my theatrics. "Yeah, I figured I'd play things safe and keep things on a first name basis to begin with."

"Oh please," I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "I knew who you were." Edward chuckled again, sitting up in bed himself. He looked over at me, and I could just make out the beautiful contour of his face.

"I know you did," he said simply a moment later. He was strangely quiet, not saying anything when it felt like he should.

"Did that bother you?" I asked, wishing I could see his face better. Edward sighed, shaking his head ever so slightly back and forth.

"No," he said, "Because you simply placed your hand in mine, gripping it firmly and telling me your name. You have no idea what that meant to me, Bella, just to be able to introduce myself like an average person."

"Just an average boy, introducing himself to an average girl," I mused.

"Precisely," he said. I looked at Edward, and though I couldn't make out the details of his face, I could see that he was brooding. He wasn't smiling, nor was he frowning. He was simply staring at me, and it was disarming.

"Do you realize that it had been over a year since I was able to introduce myself to a stranger without being rudely cut off and hastily informed that the person already knew who I was? There is a certain dignity in being able to introduce oneself properly, Bella." I nodded my head slowly, realizing once again how hard it was for Edward to live a normal life. Little things that we all took for granted, the simple act of introducing oneself to another person, were monumentally important to Edward. I saw he was still brooding, going to that place in his head he went to when he started agonizing over what his life had become. Because believe it or not, being a famous actor was anything but easy. Edward struggled on a daily basis to keep his life as normal as possible but it was a far from simple task. I poked at Edward, wanting to dissipate some of his tension. The atmosphere in the room was quickly becoming oppressive.

"So," I taunted Edward, "if I would have recognized you from the start and asked for a photograph, chances are you wouldn't be sitting here beside me right now, correct?" I couldn't tell, but I thought I saw a small smile tug at his lips. He chuckled softly to himself then turned to face me.

"Well you see, that's the interesting thing," he said, reaching out and tracing down the outline of my face with his forefinger. "The more time I spent with you, the stronger my attraction to you was, so much so that when the plane touched down, all I could think about was seeing you again. I knew I had to ask for your number," Edward paused, and this time I saw it clear as day, a sly smile spreading across his face, "and I never ask a girl for their number," he finished, giving me one of "those" looks. I gulped. Of course he never asked a girl for their number; they always gave their numbers to him.

Edward laughed at my reaction, reaching out and grabbing my hand. I sighed, relishing in the contact. I missed lying in his arms already. "Back to what I was saying," he said and smiled at me. "I knew I had to ask you for your number, Bella, because I knew if I didn't see you again that your face…" he trailed off, reaching out and brushing his fingers across my lips, "that smile would haunt me." I could hear Edward swallow hard. "We're fate, Bella," Edward said very seriously. And I froze. "You say you don't understand why I chose to be with you. Now I could sit here all night and give you a thousand and one reasons why, but ultimately none of them matter because I honestly don't think either one of us had a choice." Edward kept hold of my hand and leaned forward. I felt his warm breath on my skin before I felt the soft touch of his nose as he traced back and forth along my jaw line, stopping right below my ear.

"We're fate, Bella," he whispered again in my ear, his voice husky and laced with lust. "You and I were meant to be. I can't stay away from you. I find myself turning towards you always, looking for you when I know you're not there. I need you in ways I've never needed anyone before, in ways I can't even begin to explain." Edward was breathing heavily now and the sensation of his breath caressing my ear caused me to shudder.

"You do the same thing to me," I whispered in the dark and felt his lips crush against mine. He continued to kiss me as he rolled over so that he was lying on top of me, covering me with the full weight of his body. I loved for him to do this - loved to feel like he was swallowing me whole. I wound my arms around his back, skimming them up to pull at the hair at the nape of his neck. He moaned, pressing himself to me more tightly. I could feel all of him as his body began to shift ever so slightly against mine. The sensation was mind-blowing and I could feel myself growing more and more excited. I pushed my tongue further into Edward's mouth, our tongues tangling and fighting for dominance. And then I gasped, aloud. Edward immediately pulled back.

"Are you okay?" He asked, breathing heavily. I nodded slowly, smiling mischievously. Using the leverage I'd gained from his retreat, I thrust my body towards his, pushing him onto his back with my two hands while I landed squarely on top of him. Edward looked up at me, a wicked twinkle in his eye.

"If you wanted to be on top, why didn't you just say so?" He asked, reaching out and running both his hands along the contour of my backside. He pushed me down onto him, and I gasped.

"Mmm…you'd like that, wouldn't you," I hummed, realizing that we needed to stop what we were doing before things got any further out of hand. I could feel Edward underneath me. He was unfathomably hard, and I found myself rocking against him involuntarily. Edward was staring at me, his eyes focused and hard. He wanted me. But I wasn't ready for this; not yet. I slowly ceased my rocking, backing down off of him.

"We need to stop," I whispered, nearly out of breath. Edward didn't hesitate. He lifted me off of him and rolled me onto my back. We both lay in the dark, side by side, panting heavily.

"Tease," Edward said, reaching over and grabbing my hand. I knew he was kidding, but it still stung.

"I'm sorry," I said quietly, because I was. Edward and I were finding ourselves in this predicament every evening now. But I just wasn't ready. Everything was happening so fast, so fast that I didn't feel as if I had a firm grip on reality most days. It had been less than two weeks since Edward had kissed me for the first time and I needed more time to adjust to the idea of Edward and I being together in an intimate manner. And when we did finally make love, I didn't want for it to just pass us by. I wanted it to be meaningful. I wanted it to be something the both of us would remember, always.

"Don't be," Edward murmured in the dark. His breathing was returning to normal and I could hear him yawn. "I'll wait for you," he said before squeezing my hand and drifting off to sleep.

When I woke up Tuesday morning of that week, I knew something was wrong. My head was throbbing and my body ached all over. I hadn't slept well. I'd felt nauseous for most of the night. It didn't help matters that every time I shifted in my sleep, Edward held me closer. Normally, I loved this. It was especially comforting when my dreams morphed into nightmares. But last night it had actually felt suffocating only I didn't have the heart to tell Edward, so I suffered in silence.

Edward and I had gone to bed somewhat late last night. Alice and Jasper had come over for dinner and Jasper and Edward had ended up holding a jam session with Edward on piano and Jasper on guitar while Alice and I chatted on the couch. Right before Alice and Jasper left, Alice reminded me that this Friday was the annual gala charity event for her organization Dramatic Arts Outreach. She expected me to attend and asked Edward if he would like to attend, too. He immediately accepted her invitation, looking right at me and winking as he did. I was none to thrilled with this idea as this was a very high profile event, but I could see that Edward was excited and didn't have the heart to tell him no.

Edward woke early that morning, gently pulling his arms from around me. I was too tired to get up and have breakfast with him. I mumbled something about having a headache and Edward leaned over, kissing my temple softly.

"Get some sleep," he murmured and that's all I remember. I slept like the dead until half past eleven when I was jolted awake by that awful churning feeling you get when you're about to get sick. I jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom, leaning down by the toilet and pulling my hair out of my face just in time to vomit. I hated throwing up, but sometimes you simply had no choice. I felt mildly better afterwards and decided to make my way, half erect, into the living room. I flopped down on the couch, covering myself with my grandmother's afghan. I inhaled deeply, smelling Edward on the blanket. And despite the fact that I felt like hell, I couldn't help but smile.

I fell asleep again, waking to the sound of my cell phone ringing. I wasn't sure what time it was, I only knew I wasn't feeling any better. I sat up, rubbing my eyes with my fists and trying to decide whether or not I was physically capable of walking to the kitchen where my phone lay charging on the countertop. The phone rang six times before my voicemail picked up. The apartment grew quiet, but moments later the phone started to ring again. I knew it was Edward. He always called twice as I never seemed to be able to reach my phone in time the first time around. I took a deep breath and heaved my legs over the side of the couch. Bracing myself with my two hands, I pushed myself outward and up into a standing position. I felt dizzy and sick to my stomach and cursed myself for not retrieving my phone from the kitchen earlier. But I knew I had no choice but to get to my phone now. If I didn't answer the phone, Edward would worry. I glanced at my watch. It was lunchtime. We talked to each other the same time every day. Defying all odds, I managed to get myself to the kitchen. I grabbed my phone on the sixth ring, flipping it open and slumping down to the kitchen floor.

"Hello?" I said weakly.

"Bella?" Edward asked. He was immediately concerned. "What's wrong? You don't sound well," he said anxiously.

"I'm not. I think I have the flu," I replied, thinking to myself that it was a lot of work to sit here and talk to Edward. My stomach was starting to churn again. I heard Edward sigh.

"I thought something might be wrong this morning. Your forehead felt clammy when I kissed it. What can I bring you? I'll try to get out of here early," he said.

I thought about it for a moment, and decided it would be better if Edward didn't come over this afternoon. I felt like shit and I didn't want to give him whatever it was that I had. The charity event was this Friday and I knew it was important to Alice that Edward and I were both there.

"I think it would be better if you didn't come over today, Edward," I said, though I immediately regretted my words. I could hear Edward breathe in deeply.

"Oh," he said sadly, followed quickly by "I understand. I'll just give you a call a little later on to check on you. Gotta run, Bella. Feel better." The line went dead.

"Shit," I cursed out loud, angry with myself. I'd hurt his feelings. I hadn't meant to, but he was so sensitive sometimes and I just wasn't the misery loves company type. When I was sick, I just wanted to be left alone. And as I'd said before, I didn't want Edward to get sick, too. Nonetheless, I felt badly and dialed his number back. If he wanted to suffer along with me, I wouldn't tell him no. It was his choice. His phone rang eleven times before the voicemail picked up. "Damn it," I muttered, knowing full well that Edward was ignoring my call. He could be so petulant sometimes. I called again and left a message, apologizing and telling him he could come over, but I couldn't guarantee his health if he did. That's all I could get out before the urge to vomit overwhelmed me. I dropped the phone to the floor and ran to the bathroom. This time my hair got in the way. I cursed my long locks and the fact that I would be forced to take a shower now.

Thirty minutes later I'd somehow managed to shower without collapsing and was back on the couch, flipping through the channels on the TV. I'd remembered to retrieve my phone from the kitchen floor and it now sat on the coffee table. Edward hadn't called back, but I didn't think he would. In fact, I was fairly certain he'd be walking through the door….and in the middle of that thought, Edward did just that. I heard the key turn in the lock and watched as the door swung open. Edward stood there with that beautiful crooked grin of his, holding up a shopping bag.

"Chicken noodle soup, saltines and Gatorade for the ailing beauty," he grinned.

I managed a small smile. I didn't feel like throwing up any more, but was feeling incredibly weak…and tired.

"Do you have a fever?" Edward asked as he made his way to the kitchen to put the groceries up. I could hear him opening the Gatorade and pouring me a glass.

"No," I answered from the living room. I was sitting up on the couch, trying my best to attempt a conversation with Edward, but nothing was coming out. And sitting up made me feel very dizzy.

Edward walked over to me, glass in hand, a straw peeking out from over the rim of the glass.

"Here," he said softly, offering me the glass. "Drink some of this." I smiled appreciatively, taking a few small sips of the Gatorade before placing the glass down on the coffee table. I felt my head wobble a little bit and closed my eyes, leaning back against the cushions on the couch.

"You feel that bad?" Edward asked sympathetically. I nodded.

"Come here," he said, reaching out and pulling me towards him. I loved Edward, loved his touch. But I wasn't sure that was what I wanted right now. But then his arms encased me so gently, and I felt myself slipping down his side so that my head lay on his thigh. Edward propped his feet up on the coffee table and pulled the afghan snug around my neck.

"It's my turn to tuck you in," he whispered then started raking his fingers across my scalp and down the length of my damp hair to the middle of my back. I felt like hell, but that felt divine, and I felt my eyelids grow heavy with sleep.

I woke up sometime later, the TV playing quietly in the background. Edward was snoring softly, my head rising and falling with the gentle movements of his chest. Somehow or another we'd shifted around and Edward was lying stretched out on the couch with me lying between his legs, my head resting on his chest. I reached up with my free hand - the other was tucked under my head, and felt my forehead - still no fever. That was a good thing. Edward startled with my movement, lifting his head and looking around.

"Are you okay?" He asked. He must have just fallen asleep as he looked disoriented.

"I'm fine," I said, patting his chest. "Just a little weak is all."

"Do you want some soup?" He asked yawning, gently rubbing my back. It was then that I realized something was wrong. Edward was incredibly tense. I could feel it in his touch. I tried to sit up but couldn't, and flopped back down on Edward's chest.

"What's wrong?" I asked, wishing I could look up at his face but not having the strength to do so. I felt Edward's hand that was rubbing my back hesitate ever so slightly before continuing its ministrations.

"Nothing," he said hesitantly. "Why do you ask?"

"You're very tense," I said and Edward sighed.

"I had a run in with a particularly obnoxious reporter today," he mumbled.

"Oh?" I said. "What happened?"

"Nothing specifically," Edward responded slowly. "The reporter was just super aggressive, borderline rude, probing into my private life. I ran out of anything charming or witty to say and honestly, I just wanted to run home to you."

I inhaled sharply.

"Home?" I asked curiously, my heart soaring at his use of the word despite the fact I felt like crap. Edward's hand hesitated on my back once again. He didn't say anything.

"It's okay Edward," I assured him quickly. I squeezed him with as much strength as I could muster in my sickened state. "I think of this as your home, too."

Edward leaned down and kissed the top of my head.

"Thank you," he whispered, squeezing me back lightly. "You have no idea how long it's been since I've felt like I had a place to come home to," he mused.

I'd thought about that a lot since I met Edward - thought about how hard it must be for Edward to move from one place to another, never really having the chance to establish roots anywhere.

"I honestly don't know how you've done it, Edward, how you move from one hotel to another, living out of a suitcase," I said, my words trailing off as I shook my head against his chest. It had to be miserable for him. I felt Edward shrug.

"It wasn't so bad in the beginning. Before Deep in the Woods was released I hardly spent any time at all in my hotel room while filming movies. Once filming ended for the day, I was generally out and about with my cast mates. I enjoyed a lot of freedom to explore whatever location it was we were filming in. But with the hysteria surrounding the Woods, that all changed. It was so chaotic when I even attempted to go out to dinner that I eventually just stopped. The last film I made I stayed in my room most nights, reading, watching T.V. or playing guitar."

"It must have been lonely," I mused. Edward shook his head up and down.

"It was," he answered simply. "I felt very isolated - trapped even, sometimes."

"Did you ever think of staying in a home with your cast mates, that way you'd at least have some company." Edward chuckled, causing my head to bob up and down. I was feeling slightly dizzy again. Edward apologized, resting his hand on the top of my head to prevent it from jiggling about.

"That would never work, Bella. I'd go mad. Don't get me wrong, I generally enjoy hanging out with my cast mates, but there would be very little personal space if we all shared a house, not to mention the security concerns."

"Oh," I said. I hadn't thought about security. Honestly, I just really didn't know very much about what it meant to be a young, highly sought after Hollywood movie star. In fact, most days it barely registered with me that Edward was in fact just this. We were so…well…domestic. Of course, we'd yet to venture out on another date. Our schedules had been so busy that we hadn't had the time. Alice's charity event on Friday evening would be our town debut, and I must admit I was feeling a little nervous about the entire situation. Edward had been lying low his entire stay in N.Y.C. and there were rumblings in the press that something was amiss. They were desperate for a story and Edward's agent had already made an announcement that Edward would be attending the gala event. This of course pleased Alice to no end. The event was now sold out - thanks to Edward, she assured me.

"I've grown so used to things here. It's going to be difficult for me when I move on to the next location," Edward said out of nowhere a little while later, jolting me from my thoughts. I stiffened.

"Do we have to talk about that now?" I asked. I could feel Edward growing tense again. His breathing deepened and his touch was hesitant.

"No, we don't," he said hesitantly, "but we're going to have to talk about it sooner or later."

"I know," I whispered against his chest. "Just - not now. Not today, okay?" Edward leaned down and kissed the top of my head.

"Okay," he whispered, his lips still pressed to my head. I yawned again. I was feeling sleepy.

"Could we turn off the T.V.? I think I'd like to rest," I said, snuggling closer to him. Edward clicked the television off and started humming softly and I felt my eyes start to flutter closed.

"Are you crying?" Edward questioned me gently a few minutes later. I was on the verge of falling asleep. My eyes felt so heavy.

"What?" I asked, reaching up to run my fingers beneath my eyes. I brushed at the dampness, bewildered by the presence of tears. "I guess I was," I laughed lightly. And then I remembered what it was that had affected me so. It was the humming, Edward's humming. It reminded me of when my mother would hum to me when I was sick when I was a little girl. I'd lay wrapped in her arms, much like I was wrapped in Edward's arms now, while she hummed me to sleep. I wiped at the tears again.

"I'm sorry," I mumbled. 'I didn't realize I was crying…you…you reminded me of my mother," I spoke quietly, my voice choked up with tears. I felt Edward stop breathing. When he began breathing again, he took long, deep breaths.

"Tell me something about her, Bella," Edward gently encouraged.

"Like what?" I asked, hesitantly. I was so tired. And I wasn't sure I wanted to talk about my mother right now, especially not when I was feeling so sick and vulnerable.

"Anything you'd like," he said. I thought about it for a moment before deciding it would be all right to share some memories of my mother with him. It was only fair, really. He shared most everything with me, never hesitating to tell me anything. Edward rarely asked about my mother. He respected my silence, but I knew it bothered him. She was such a large part of who I was and he was missing that part of the picture entirely.

"My mother was a stunning woman - beautiful on the inside and out," I began. "She loved cats," I said, and both Edward and I laughed. "The most we ever had was eight."

"That's a lot of cats," Edward commented.

"Thankfully we lived in a big house," I laughed. "She just couldn't pass up a stray, and my father…well my father was bewitched by her. He could never say no to her," I said, smiling to myself.

"Hmm, I think I know the feeling," Edward mused, his fingers tracing a path up and down my arm. I shivered at his touch.

"My mother was a passionate woman who loved music almost as much as she loved her children," I continued, and felt Edward's fingers pause on my arm.

"Children?" Edward asked very carefully and I froze. I hadn't even realized I'd said that.

"Yes," I whispered a moment later, realizing there could be no excuses. "I had a brother," I said simply, quietly. "His name was Daniel." Edward and I were both silent for a long while. I'd never mentioned Daniel to Edward. In fact, I rarely talked about him with anyone, even Alice. The guilt I felt over his death was just too much to bear most days. Edward returned to tracing his fingers up and down my arm. He didn't ask me anything else about Daniel, although I knew he wouldn't. Just as he respected my silence where my mother was concerned, he'd respect my silence where Daniel was concerned too, letting me tell their stories if and when I was ready.

"She loved pineapple pizza," I said a little while later, breaking the silence, "and the color blue. She hated greeting cards – she thought they were a waste of money, and was terrified of monkeys. She cried whenever she held a newborn baby - she loved babies more than anything. She was the most caring and compassionate person I've ever known," I trailed off, smiling lightly at the memories of my mother. It was always the little things about my mother that made me sentimental, the little details about her that made her who she was. "She was a night owl, just like me," I said, feeling myself growing increasingly sleepier. I covered my mouth as I yawned. Edward leaned forward and kissed my head. He was stroking my hair now, twisting sections of it around his fingers. "Some of my best memories are of sitting around the kitchen table with her late at night, drinking warm milk with nutmeg." My speech was beginning to sound oddly slurred. I wanted to share more with Edward, but felt my eyes start to flutter closed again.

"I'm tired, Edward," I murmured into his chest.

"Sleep, love," was all I heard him whisper before I succumbed to sleep.

Tuesday and Wednesday came and went with Thursday finding me feeling much better. I was still weak, but no longer ill. Edward stayed with me all of Tuesday and partway through Wednesday. He had to return to the set Wednesday afternoon, but by then I was at least able to prepare myself something to eat without feeling as if I'd pass out in the process. I'd definitively decided now that misery does love company. Having Edward around to comfort and nurse me back to health had been wonderful. It was the first time in a very long time that someone had taken care of me when I was sick. After my mother died, my father had struggled with what to do with me when I was sick, often just asking our housekeeper to look after me. It was okay. I understood. My mother had handled those types of things and nine years later my father wasn't going to start trying to fill that particular role. Still, I didn't think it really mattered how old you were, when you didn't feel well there was something soothing about having someone there to stroke your hair and sing to you and cook you soup. I'd all but forgotten that, but Edward had reminded me. Edward had done all of those things for me over the past few days, and I was grateful. And yes, I fell in love with him even more because of it.

Friday was the day after Thursday. This was an unavoidable fact. Friday evening was the gala charity event. I was nervous – no, I was completely terrified of stepping out with Edward in such an obvious fashion. I realized that this was it, that his would be a defining moment in our relationship. There would without a doubt be press - hundreds of them, as this event tended to be heavily covered to begin with. The Dramatic Arts Outreach Program had been in existence for twenty years now, and had, over time, morphed into a huge foundation serving literally thousands of underprivileged children in New York City with after school programs in dance, music and theater. They had recently opened their first School for the Performing Arts for the most gifted of the children. Alice was heavily involved with the foundation, volunteering countless hours of her time in the after school programs as well as organizing the foundation's biggest fundraiser, the annual gala charity event.

I'd attended the charity event with Alice for three years now, and was always amazed at how Alice managed to carry off the event. It was a massive commitment of time on her part and required superior organizational skills. Each year the event had grown in size and in notoriety. Many of New York State's wealthiest families attended this event, and Alice's poignant speeches always found these same families opening their checkbooks and penning checks in the tens of thousands of dollars. It was truly inspiring what Alice was able to accomplish, and I was endlessly proud of her efforts and achievements. Even if she weren't my best fried, I would still find her to be one of the most inspiring people I'd ever met. And it was because this outreach program was so near and dear to her heart that I attended the gala event each year - to show my undivided support for her and her mission.

Of course, this year would be different from all the rest. Edward would be at my side, and already the press was anxiously anticipating his attendance. There hadn't been much to report on Edward Cullen's presence in New York City over the last six weeks and New Yorkers were honored that Edward would take the time to attend an event in support their city. Edward was thrilled he could be involved and had already stroked a check to Alice for an undisclosed amount of money in support of the foundation. I had no idea how much money Edward had donated, but from the look of unadulterated shock on Alice's face when he handed her the check, it was no small sum. Alice had tried to properly thank Edward, but could only manage to stutter and laugh. Edward had smiled broadly at her and thanked her for her dedication to such a worthy cause. Edward would also be donating five autographed photos of himself with personalized messages for the recipient. He was actually quite embarrassed to be asked by Alice to do this. He didn't mind - it was his pleasure, though he couldn't fathom how the pictures could bring much money at auction. He was ever the humble gentleman, continually shaking his head incredulously at his own fame. He didn't get it, and I honestly didn't think he ever would. It was one of his most endearing qualities.

Friday evening I found myself racing around my apartment in a total panic. I had decided it would be better if Edward got prepared for the event at his hotel. I was certain it would be all but impossible for me to get ready with him hovering. And he would hover. He loved to stand behind me in the bathroom in the morning while I washed my face and brushed my hair. He found it fascinating, or at least that's what he said. He'd watch as I carefully ran the brush through my hair, removing all the tangles from the night before. I wasn't much of a sight to behold in the morning, but that didn't seem to matter to Edward. He was constantly leaning down and kissing my neck, distracting me and making it nearly impossible for me to get out of the bathroom. It would be the most ridiculous and unbelievable of lies if I said that the sexual tension between the two of us wasn't mounting. And never did I feel this more than in the mornings when we stood together in the bathroom. It may sound silly, but the fact that he could stand there and gaze at me as he did with such obvious adoration – despite the fact that I looked like total hell – well… it turned me on. I'd venture to say this man loved me almost as much as I knew I loved him.

Alice arrived at six o'clock sharp. She had exactly one hour to work with me before she had to dash. Edward was due to pick me up at 7:30 with the event set to commence at eight. I didn't hear Alice let herself into the apartment, just heard her gasp when she came into my room and saw me standing there in my bra and underwear with my hair soaking wet.

"What the hell, Bella!" Alice shrieked angrily. I cringed. "I told you to dry your hair before I arrived! I don't have time to blow dry that wild mane of yours!" She huffed, frustrated.

I muttered a lame apology while searching for a pair of sweats and a t-shirt to throw on while Alice beautified me. Alice just shook her head then set to work laying out the massive rollers she intended to place in my hair and the make-up she would paint my face with.

"Go easy, Alice," I cautioned. "Edward's never seen me made-up, you know. I don't want him to flip out," I laughed.

"Oh he'll flip out all right," Alice teased. "That man won't be able to keep his hands off of you! Speaking of which…." Alice raised her eyebrows in silent question as a wicked grin spread across her face. I knew immediately what she was thinking.

"No, we haven't," I laughed. "Believe me, I know better than to hold back that type of information from you. You'll be the first to know when it happens, other than Edward of course," I laughed. Alice laughed with me.

"So you think it will happen?" Alice asked as she placed my hair dryer on a low setting and began brushing through my long mahogany locks.

"I think so," I whispered, blushing at the thought of being with Edward in that way. Alice turned the hair dryer off, resting it on the bed and placed her hands on my shoulders.

"Look at you," she whispered, the tenderest of smiles gracing her face. I was sitting in a chair in front of my stand-up oval mirror and Alice was standing behind me, our faces reflected back at us in the mirror. "You're positively radiant, Bella. I've never seen you so happy." Alice reached up and wiped away a single tear that had dropped from her left eye. I reached my hand up, placing it on top of Alice's and giving it a gentle squeeze. I met her gaze in the mirror.

"I'm still scared," I said honestly. It was perhaps the primary reason why I hadn't yet been able to take that next step with Edward, why I hadn't yet been able to give myself to him completely. We were obviously deeply attracted to one another in a physical as well as emotional way. And I felt Edward becoming frustrated with me at times, though he would never tell me as much. Like I said, he was a perfect gentleman, always. But I knew Edward wanted to make love to me, and I wanted it too – desperately so. But the timing just hadn't been right yet.

"What are you scared of?" Alice asked as she went back to grooming my hair.

"Of waking up one morning to find he's vanished," I answered. It was the truth. I was terrified of being abandoned again. Alice didn't miss a beat.

"Bella, I don't think that man could walk away from you even if he wanted to," she said very seriously. "In fact, I think if either of you were to walk away, you would be the one doing it, not Edward."

This comment surprised me, though I didn't hesitate with my reply.

"Never," I whispered. "That would never happen."

"Well then, what is it you have to be worried about?" Alice pulled me back towards her chest giving me a gentle squeeze. "Relax Bella. Let yourself enjoy the ride…literally," she laughed, and I blushed, rolling my eyes at her. Alice certainly had a dirty mind.

It seemed like hours later that Alice announced she was through. I had not been allowed to see myself for the last twenty minutes of her primping and grooming, which left me feeling a little nervous. Alice clearly understood that she and I were different people and generally respected that I preferred a more natural and toned down look to her outrageously flamboyant one. But Alice had applied a lot of make-up to my face this evening and my head felt like the Leaning Tower of Pisa with all the curlers that clung for dear life to my hair. Alice instructed me to sit on the edge of my bed while she retrieved my gown from the living room. I bit down nervously on my lower lip. This was it. Edward would be here in a little less than an hour to pick me up. I was suddenly stricken with the irrational fear that Edward wouldn't be pleased with the way I looked. I mean it was fine for me to look ordinary when we just hung out around my apartment in the evenings, but this…this was a gala event, and we would most certainly be photographed together…for the first time. I wanted him to be proud to carry me on his arm, but try as I might, I could not fathom how I could possibly compare to someone like Daniella Martinez or any of the other beautiful women I'd seen him pictured with in that magazine not so long ago.

"Bella," I heard Alice call my name. "Bella," she said more forcefully. "Snap out of it." I blinked twice and looked up at Alice, and what I saw took my breath away.

"Alice," I gasped. "It's…it's…oh my God, it's absolutely stunning. Where did you…" I meant to ask Alice where she'd found this most beautiful of gowns, but her retiring smile instantly gave her away.

"You made this?" I struggled to ask. She nodded slowly. The gown was a deep, royal blue - my mother's favorite color. It was a simple piece, yet unquestionably elegant.

"I just knew it would suit you," she said, smiling at me. I nodded slowly, quite simply in awe of my best friend.

"Do you think Edward will like it?" I asked sheepishly, averting my gaze from hers. Alice laughed aloud.

"If he doesn't, he's an idiot!" And I laughed, too.

Alice helped me get dressed then quickly released my hair from the curlers, each section springing free and cascading over my shoulders and down my back.

"Up or down?" Alice asked. I was shocked I was being given a choice.

"Down," I answered confidently. Edward loved when I wore my hair down. Alice agreed, and placed a few simple clips in my hair to keep it from falling forward into my face.

"Are you ready?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. I closed my eyes as Alice took my hand and led me over to the mirror. I felt her lean in close to me and whisper in my ear.

"Open your eyes."

I did.

And I was stunned.

Alice had outdone herself. I really did consider myself to be the most ordinary looking of girls - but not tonight. Tonight I was beautiful, more beautiful than I think I'd ever been.

"Thank you, Alice," I choked on my words.

"Don't you dare, Swan. No tears. Period," she warned sternly before squeezing my shoulders.

"I have to go," she whispered. I nodded and turned to give her a hug before she skipped out of my room.

As soon as Alice left, I felt my self-confidence waning. Without Alice there to distract me, my mind started to race. I wasn't sure I was ready for this, wasn't sure I was ready to put myself out there with Edward. This night could change everything, I thought. I loved what I had with Edward and was terrified of anything that might threaten that. But we had to move forward. We'd already been moving forward. Right. This was the next logical step, but then again, ours was a relationship where logic didn't necessarily seem to apply. I was slightly annoyed at myself and with Edward that we hadn't taken the time to discuss what this evening might mean for our relationship. But it had come up suddenly, and I'd been sick for most of the week. So there really hadn't been much time. I wondered if Edward was this nervous about tonight, then quickly reasoned he wouldn't be. He had been the one to suggest sightseeing in New York City for our first date, after all. No, Edward was more than likely secretly thrilled we'd be heading out in such a high profile fashion. I got the feeling he just wanted to get it over with, letting the pieces fall where they may.

I heard a soft rap at the door and my heat plunged into my stomach. Edward was there. I gathered my purse and shawl and made my way tentatively to the door. I realized my hand was trembling when I placed it on the door handle. I took a deep breath, willing myself to relax. Edward knocked again, three firm knocks. I turned the handle and my eyes opened wide.

I couldn't say anything. I couldn't say anything at all. Edward was standing before me in a black tuxedo looking more handsome than I'd ever seen him. My breath hitched in my throat at the same time that Edward inhaled sharply.

"My God, you're exquisite," he murmured, his eyes locking with mine.

"You know," he drawled, taking a step closer to me. His delectable scent washed over me and I felt myself go weak at the knees. "We don't have to attend this event if you don't want to." Edward leaned his face in towards mine, gently, every so gently running his nose up my jaw line. If I was trembling before, I was outright shaking now. I wanted this man, and I wanted him now. I could feel short bursts of Edward's breath bathing my face and I sighed, a deep, satisfied sigh as his lips brushed against mine. He immediately moved to deepen the kiss, his hands winding their way up my back and into my hair. I responded instinctively, thrusting my tongue forward, frantic to taste him and to hold him close to me. I could feel both of our hearts thundering in our chests as we stood pressed against one another in my doorway.

"Edward," I gasped, cursing myself for what I was about to do. "We can't do this." I attempted to speak, but Edward continued to assault my lips. His kisses were growing more desperate and sloppy. I could feel all of him as he pressed himself flush against my body. There was no doubt. He wanted me as much as I wanted him.

"Edward," I said firmly, pushing him back. "Alice will hunt us both down if we don't show up at this event," I managed to say. "And believe me, it won't be pretty." Edward's breathing was ragged, his chest puffing outward with each short breath. He looked at me and smiled the most wicked of smiles.

"Can't a man kiss the woman….," Edward paused before finishing his thought, the most curious expression dancing across his face.

"What?" I asked, suddenly worried. "What is it?" Edward just shook his head and smiled at me.

"It's nothing," he murmured as he ducked his head down to kiss my neck. Without thinking, I leaned my head to the side, allowing him full access to the entire length of my neck. Edward took advantage, littering my skin with soft kisses. We were both starting to breathe heavily again, and I knew what little self control either one of us was exhibiting would soon snap. We had to get out of there. Now.

"Edward," I cautioned him, gently pushing him away from me. He didn't resist, and instead just shot me a small, wistful smile before taking my hand in his. He pulled me out into the hall and I turned to lock the door. When I turned back around, Edward drew our clasped hands up to his mouth, placing an incredibly sensual kiss to the back of my own.

"I just want you to know how mind numbingly gorgeous you are this evening," he said very seriously, commanding me to hold his gaze. I swallowed hard and managed a small smile.

"You're dazzling me," I teased. The sexual tension in the air was borderline ridiculous and I was desperate for it to dissipate, otherwise I'd be having Edward in this hall, right here and right now.

"Oh no," he whispered, "I'm doing nothing of the sort. I'm quite serious, Bella. I don't think I've ever been in awe of a woman, but standing here before you this evening I'm quite literally in complete awe of you. You're stunning," he said shaking his head back and forth, "simply stunning." I felt the blush as is washed over my entire face and down my chest.

"Ahh, and a deep crimson to accent the royal blue," he whispered, tracing a finger along my collarbone. "Do you have any idea what you're doing to me right now?" He asked. His voice was heady and heavy with lust. He took a step towards me and I put out my hand to stop him.

"Right," he chuckled, winking at me. "Come on, let's do this," he said and we walked down the hall and into the elevator.

Ronald and two other people I didn't recognize were waiting around the back of my apartment building with a stretch black limo. Edward and I walked to the side of the limo and slid inside the car. One of the men that I didn't recognize shut the door behind us.

"Who are they?" I asked, motioning to the two men that I didn't recognize. They were still standing outside the vehicle.

"That's Patrick and Paul, twins actually," Edward said. "They're additional members of my security team, just to be on the safe side." I nodded my head slowly and Edward watched me closely. "Bella," he began slowly, "we probably should have talked about this earlier, but I want to you know that there will be press at this event tonight." Edward paused for a moment before continuing. "I'll be expected to give interviews," he added hesitantly, as if he weren't sure how I would react to this.

"It's fine, Edward," I said, though not as confidently as I would have liked. I felt Edward reach over and grab my hand and begin rubbing small circles.

"It will be a controlled environment, Bella. Ronald and the twins will be with us while we're outside and Ronald will escort us indoors." I nodded my head. Edward shifted nervously in his seat.

"There will be a lot of cameras, Bella," Edward noted, continuing to look at me and study my responses. "It can be a little overwhelming when you're not used to it. Just stay by my side and keep hold of my hand and we'll be through it before you know it." Edward must have sensed my nervousness because he let go of my hand then, placing his arm around me and pulling me close to his side. He leaned down to kiss the top of my head. "Relax" he whispered as he ran his hand up and down my arm. And I tried. I tried to relax, but the closer we got to the hotel where the event would be held, the more anxious I became. I was very nervous about the cameras, but for reasons unknown to Edward.

There was a line of limos outside of the hotel where the event was to be held and Edward and I had to wait close to ten minutes to exit the car. When it was our turn, Edward turned to me, flashing me a reassuring smile before exiting through the open door. I could hear his name being called before I even stepped out of the limo, but Edward waited patiently for me, taking my hand in his as soon as my feet were on the ground.

Edward's arrival had incited a paparazzi feeding frenzy. Edward had given them so little to talk about over the last few weeks that they were now desperate for anything to print. The fact that Edward was now standing before them with an unidentified woman at his side just served to fan the flames of the fire. I registered the click of each camera as the photographers snapped their pictures, trying my best to ignore the little flashes of light that illuminated the night.

"Edward Cullen!" A particularly insistent reporter pushed his way through a crowd of others until he was standing a few feet away from me and Edward. "Edward Cullen!" He yelled again, and Edward turned around.

"Ben," Edward greeted the man by name, extending his right hand forward in a shake. "So good to see you again Edward, it's been awhile," Ben said. Edward and Ben exchanged a few pleasantries while I tried my best not to fidget at Edward's side. Thankfully, Edward continued to hold fast to my hand.

"We haven't seen much of you here in NYC lately," Ben commented and Edward just shrugged him off. "Long days on the set, Ben, you know the routine." Ben cast a glance in my direction. "And who might this lovely lady be that's accompanying you this evening?" This reporter didn't waste any time. I froze, gripping Edward's hand tightly. We hadn't discussed how exactly he would address this question. Really, we hadn't discussed what to label our relationship at all. I wasn't exactly sure what Edward considered me to be, or for that matter what I considered him to be. I glanced up at Edward worriedly, only to find him completely relaxed and grinning from ear to ear.

"This is Isabella Swan, a cellist studying music at the Julliard School," Edward said before adding "and a phenomenal one at that." I gulped, feeling the blush creep across my skin. I tried to bring my shawl closer around myself, but it was no use.

"Well, it seems you've embarrassed the lady with your praise Edward, would you look at that beautiful blush." My eyes opened wide. Had that man really just said that? I looked up at Edward desperately trying to figure out what was going on when he said it.

"It is, isn't it?"

It wasn't necessarily what Edward had said rather it was the way that he'd said it. He'd spoken the words as if in a trance, his eyes raking over my body, his deeply intense stare commanding my own gaze. This wasn't lost on me, and it sure as hell wasn't lost on Ben. His photographer was snapping pictures of the two of us like crazy. I felt my head start to spin and I closed my eyes tightly, shutting out all the little flashes of light.

"So what's up next for you after you finish work on A Fated Love, Edward?" Ben asked after a moment, and Edward froze, his hand gripping mine tightly. His reaction startled me and I looked up at him. He was looking away from me now, nervously shifting from one foot to the other. When his right hand moved up and into his hair, I knew something was wrong.

"I've …I've actually just signed a contract for an as yet untitled film to be shot in Paris starting in mid January," Edward said, and I felt as if I'd just been punched in the stomach. This revelation was entirely unexpected. I'd had no idea Edward had agreed to do another film so soon after filming of A Fated Love had wrapped. Of course I knew he would eventually star in other films, knew that he would eventually leave New York. But January seemed so soon. It was too soon. I stared at Edward, a false smile spread across my face when all I really wanted to do was get the hell out of there and cry. But I knew I couldn't do that, knew that I couldn't let my emotions get the best of me. Not here, not now. Edward chanced a quick glance in my direction and his eyes were melancholy, pleading and deeply apologetic. He squeezed my hand tighter and started rubbing circles again. I looked away. I couldn't bear to look at him then. It was just too much. Ben finished up his interview with Edward and he and I made our way forward, stopping to give three more interviews before Ronald shuffled us through the entrance to the hotel towards the large banquet room in the back. Edward stopped Ronald partway there, asking him to give us a moment before pulling me towards a small alcove off to the side. I followed along limply.

"I am so, so sorry, Bella," Edward whispered urgently once we were out of earshot of any passers-by. He was standing in front of me and I stood with my back pushed up against a wall. He sighed heavily, dragging his right hand through his hair.

"How long have you known?" I asked quietly, staring blankly at the floor.

"I just found out this week," he said, his voice tight with stress. "I wanted to tell you, but the time was never right." Edward reached toward me, cupping my face with his left hand. He ran his thumb across my cheek and I shivered. My eyes closed involuntarily at the sensation. When I opened them again, I felt the tears pooling. I fought hard not to let them spill over. This was not the time, nor was it the place. And Alice would absolutely kill me if I ruined my make-up. At that thought, I laughed and Edward visibly relaxed.

"You're laughing," he half stated, half asked, clearly bewildered by my behavior.

"Only to keep from crying," I laughed lightly again, covering his hand on my face with my own. I leaned towards his touch, kissing the palm of his hand as one tiny tear managed to escape my right eye. Edward reached up with his free hand, brushing it from my face.

"Alice will kill you if you ruin your make-up," Edward said, and I laughed a loud again.

"That's precisely what I thought," I said, taking a deep breath and concentrating hard on relaxing.

"I know we need to talk about this Bella, and we will," Edward said. "But not tonight, okay? Can we please just try and enjoy our evening and we'll deal with this tomorrow?" He implored. I nodded, sniffling at the same time. What choice did we have, anyway? We were here at this gala event that Alice had worked tirelessly to put together. I owed it to Alice to keep it together and to show her my support. Edward leaned in and kissed me briefly before taking my hand and leading me off to the banquet room. As we walked away, I wondered absently if any of the photographers standing outside had managed to capture Edward's kiss on film. I might have cared an hour ago, but I didn't really give a damn now. I had much more important things to worry about. Edward would be leaving me all too soon and that fact overrode everything else.

Alice carried the gala event off without a hitch, and Edward never left my side the entire evening. While seated for dinner, his hand rested comfortingly on my thigh. Every now and then he'd give it a quick squeeze and shoot me a sympathetic look. I tried to smile and look happy, but inside I was rapidly falling to pieces. It was hard not to brood. Try as I might, I couldn't think of much else other than the fact that Edward would be leaving me in what really amounted to only a few short weeks. When dinner was over, Edward and I danced a few dances together before taking our seats to watch the various performances lined up for the evening. Alice appeared on stage partway through, delivering a deeply moving speech that brought tears to the eyes of many in the crowd. The auction was held at the end of the evening, with Edward's photographs bringing in a total of $15,000. Edward was floored and highly embarrassed by the exuberant response to his offer to add a personalized note to an autographed picture of himself. As the event drew to a close, Edward made his way around to each of the individuals who had won an autographed photo in order to personalize the photos before we left.

"So what did you think?" Alice trilled as she skipped to my side. Edward was still off making small talk with some of the guests. I put on my best smile, but I couldn't fool Alice.

"It was great," I said, trying hard to sound enthusiastic, but failing miserably.

"What's happened?" Alice demanded immediately, pulling me off to the side.

"Can we talk about it later?" I asked, biting down on my lip. I was tired, and emotionally spent. And I knew if I talked about what was bothering me now I would lose it. Really, all I wanted to do was to go home with Edward and fall asleep wrapped up tight in his arms. At that thought, Edward approached me from behind, winding his arms around my waist. He squeezed me to him, kissing the top of my head.

"You did a fantastic job, Alice," Edward gushed, resting his chin atop my head. Alice eyed him suspiciously and I shot her a warning glance.

"Thanks," she replied curtly a moment later while eying me warily.

"I'm really tired," I said, leaning back further into Edward and shutting my eyes. "I think I'd like to go home now." I turned my head to the side to look up at Edward. He nodded. Alice looked from me to Edward then back at me, clearly frustrated by my refusal to detail what was bothering me. Once Alice realized I wasn't going to be forthcoming with any information, she told Edward and me she would walk us out and offered me her arm. I reluctantly broke free from Edward's embrace, stepping forward and linking my arm with Alice's. Edward followed close behind as we walked through the lobby towards the front door.

It was silly really, in hindsight. I should have known the paparazzi would still be there, waiting for another chance to photograph Edward. I should have been prepared for all the screaming and the flashing lights. But I wasn't. I was lost in my own private thoughts. And when the three of us walked through that door and were assaulted by aggressive photographers, I froze. I registered an extremely bright light out of the corner of my left eye before everything went black. I felt myself sway to the side and if my arm hadn't been linked with Alice's, I would have fallen over. Alice recognized immediately what was happening. I felt her struggle to hold up my weight, and heard the desperation in her voice as she turned towards Edward.

"Get her out of here, now," Alice said emphatically. I felt Edward shift forward, grabbing hold of me firmly around my waist. My eyes fluttered open. Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion. I felt myself shaking violently and was vaguely aware of the fact that Edward was shaking, too. He moved us quickly through the crowd, ushering me into the limo and instructing the driver to pull away immediately.

"Bella?" Edward called my name. "Bella, are you all right?" He beseeched. We were seated in the back seat of the limo. I'd crawled across the seat to the furthest side of the car, my body pressed tightly against the door. I felt Edward move closer to me, reaching out tentatively to touch me. His fingers ghosted across my cheek and I shuddered, trembling uncontrollably. I turned towards Edward, collapsing against his chest, sobbing uncontrollably. His arms moved quickly to surround me, pulling me close.

"Jesus, what's wrong? Please, Bella, please tell me what's wrong!" He pleaded. But I couldn't. My head was spinning, flashes of light exploding in front of my eyes. I shuddered again, burying my head deeper into Edward's chest.

"Shush…it's all right…you're okay," Edward soothed me over and over again as we made our way home. I barely registered getting out of the limo, barely registered as Ronald helped Edward half drag, half carry me up to my apartment and barely registered as Edward stripped me of my gown and helped dress me in my sweatpants and t-shirt. Eventually my deep, mournful sobs subsided and the overwhelming feeling of panic and fear that had consumed me for the better part of an hour began receding into the recesses of my memories. And when this happened I found that I was sitting on my bed with Edward right by my side. I felt him reach out in the dark and grab hold of my hand.

"We need to talk," was all he said.