As the black Mercedes pulled out of view, Alice elbowed me in the chest – hard.

"Ow, what was that for?"

She smirked and mouthed "slow" to me. I glared but relaxed at once. I guess I really was falling for Bella…


Chapter 9: Across the Universe

I decided to pay Bella and Carlisle a visit so I drove to the hospital and felt relieved that is was cloudy. Carlisle was busy and said that Bella was at the cancer ward, visiting some patients.

It wasn't that hard to find her as her scent lingered in the air. I spotted her taking the blood pressure of an old wrinkly man who was papery thin, pale and sickly. He looked about over fifty years old. I decided to wait for her outside to give them some privacy.

"Well, Mr. Biggs, you're stable. But I wonder how you're feeling today?" her musical voice sent a tingle down my spine.

"I've been better," the old man grunted and wheezed. It won't be long now. He thought.

She laughed, "Oh come on Mr. Biggs, think positive."

"I'll tell you what – he coughed – I'll consider thinking positive if you sing me a Beatles song." Sly old goose.

"Would that be all?"

Yes, I thought. I get to hear this angel sing!

Mr. Biggs grunted in agreement. Bella sat on the chair beside his bed and I heard her take his hand and I froze when I heard the most beautiful voice I have ever heard.

Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup,
They slither while they pass, they slip away across the universe
Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my open mind,
Possessing and caressing me.
Jai guru de va om
Nothing's gonna change my world,
Nothing's gonna change my world.

Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes,
That call me on and on across the universe,
Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box they
Tumble blindly as they make their way
Across the universe
Jai guru de va om
Nothing's gonna change my world,
Nothing's gonna change my world.

Sounds of laughter shades of earth are ringing
Through my open views inviting and inciting me
Limitless undying love which shines around me like a
million suns, it calls me on and on
Across the universe
Jai guru de va om
Nothing's gonna change my world,
Nothing's gonna change my world.

I closed my eyes and listened. She was like a siren. Her voice was so melodic and smooth as silk – flawless but slightly husky from making an effort to sing in hushed tones which was… in a word… sexy. Wow… when the song ended, I could sense the old man was already fast asleep. I heard Bella adjust the blanket around the man – oh shoot, I only have a second to move! Oops, too late, she was already in front of me looking so abashed.

"E-Edward…" she stammered.

"H-Hi Bella," I murmured back, "I uh, just dropped by and I saw you here but I decided to wait for you outside. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop…" I explained hastily.

"N-No, it's alright! It was nice of you to drop by but – but, how long have you been standing there?" she asked nervously.

"I can't lie, I heard you sing," I admitted.

She cringed, "That was so embarrassing! Oh my stars!"

I waved my hands in front of her, "Don't be embarrassed, you were pristine!"

She bit her lip, "You're just saying that."

I shook my head, "I'm not."

She took a deep breath, "Thank you. I'm sorry though Edward, I uh, need to tend to other patients…" she said apologetically.

"It's okay, I was going home anyway so – catch you later?"

She smiled, "Of course. Take care."

I watched her slide in another room and I went straight home remembering the sound of her voice over and over in my head.

Yes, just what I need, another reason to fall in love with her.

AN: The song was Across the Universe by the Beatles, but I suggest you search for Fiona Apple's cover of the song. Yes, Mr. Biggs is a Beatles fan. Stay tuned.

Margaux