Chapter 9 — Does She Want Me?

EPOV

When the security guard had approached Bella, I thought for sure something was wrong. However, when she smiled and winked at me before following the guard, my worries seemed insignificant. Something was definitely going on, though.

My jaw dropped when I saw her walking out on the stage with a mic in hand. I had no time to process what was going on, as she immediately started singing. I fumbled for my phone and started recording. The way she moved on stage and how everyone was reacting to her was freaking amazing. Soon she was kneeling right in front of me, and my eyes were instantly glued to hers. It felt like I was staring straight into her soul, and she, mine.

I wanna heal, I wanna feel

Like I'm close to something real

I wanna find something I've wanted all along

Somewhere I belong

I swallowed hard when realization hit me on what she was telling me. She wanted more than just to heal, she wanted to belong again, wanted something real, but more importantly, I felt she wanted, dare I even think it, me. Was that her entire message? I couldn't be sure if it was if she was trying to communicate something through the song or just singing it, but I took it as if she was speaking to me.

As soon as she was out of sight, I sent the video to Mom, Dad, and Charlie. Check this out, was all I typed. I had just put my phone away when I saw Bella approaching. I grabbed her and hugger her to me, lifting her off the ground. I smiled when her giggle reached my ears. I set her back down and when she turned her back to me, I pulled her flush against my chest, whispering in her ear, "I was speechless when you walked out on stage. I didn't know what was going on. But wow! Bella, you were amazing." I squeezed her gently before singing along again.

~~ SIB ~~

"Looking for something?" I asked when she started looking around for her sweater. I pulled it out of the souvenir bag, holding it up.

Her laughter was, once again, music to my ears. She reached and snatched the sweater out of my hands before slipping it on. I was sad that she put it back on, but glad because it would keep the perverts away from her.

I took hold of her hand as we started making our way through the stadium. I didn't want to take a chance of losing her in the crowd. I soon felt her squeeze my hand in appreciation and it was getting tighter. I glanced over at her and the same fear that touched her eyes earlier was back. Crap! I pulled her into an alcove in the corridor across from an exit as I remembered she hated large crowds.

"Bella," I said once we were out of the crowd. "I'm so sorry. I forgot," I whispered in her ear after pulling her against me. I rubbed her back, hoping to ease her fear away.

BPOV

I didn't expected Edward to remember about my fear, he surely hadn't when we left the backstage area, but when he pulled me into the alcove and into his arms, apologizing, I was instantly relieved. Sure the crowd was still near, but I was out of it.

"It's okay, Edward, I don't except you to remember everything," I whispered back. "Plus, I thought I was over my fear."

"We won't leave until you are ready. And I remember so much about you. It just took me some time to remember this small, but big fact," he said, bringing one hand up to cup my face and letting his thumb brush lazily over my cheek.

I shivered at his gentle and caring touch. I looked up at him, and what I saw took my breath away. His eyes were soft and sparkling. He didn't take his eyes off me as he leaned closer. I knew he was looking for any signs that he should retreat. I smiled encouragingly, hoping it reached my eyes before I closed them. I wanted him to kiss me.

Time seemed to stop as I waited in anticipation. I sighed when his lips finally brushed against mine. It was gentle and brief, a mere whisper of a kiss. I kept my eyes closed, relishing in what the fleeting kiss had stirred up within me. I was slowly beginning to open my eyes when his lips brushed mine again, a little firmer this time. I moved my hand against his chest, resting it right above his heart, as I moved my lips returning his kiss. The kiss remained sweet and gentle, and filled with what we couldn't say just yet.

It was in no way heated, but we were both breathless when I pulled away. He rested his forehead against mine, trying to catch his breath. Neither of us said anything, and didn't even need to, the kiss had said it all.

"Move along, folks," someone said. "The concert's over."

I turned my head slightly giving the elderly officer a smile before looking past him. The corridor was nearly empty. I knew I would be fine with those who were lingering. I stepped away from Edward, slipping my hand in his as I did so. I started walking, with him a step behind. He was quick to close the distance between us and freed his hand from mine. He snaked his arm around me, drawing me snuggly to his side.

I couldn't get over our kiss; as innocent as it was, it spoke volumes. My memory of our kiss last evening was nothing compared to the one we had just shared. There was something about the last kiss that was puzzling me, and I couldn't figure what it was exactly. I was still deep in thought when we got to Edward's car, and I didn't realize he was holding the door open for me until he spoke.

"Bella, are you going to get in?" he inquired.

"Huh," I said, snapping out of my thoughts and looked at him.

He motioned to the inside of the car. I felt a blush creep up my face, but the darkness of the parking garage shielded it from his view as I climbed in with a slight smile.

"Where'd you go?" he questioned after he got in.

"I was just thinking," I replied, falling silent again. I was glad he didn't press me. I closed my eyes as he started the car. Even with the nap, I was still tired after shopping with Alice, worrying about what he was going to think about what I was wearing, and from enjoyment of the concert. I was soon asleep.

"Mommy," Carlie said with a giggle, "no tickling."

I continued my assault on her sides, earning me more giggles as she tried to get away from me. I wouldn't let her.

"Mommy, please stop," she pleaded.

"For a kiss," I replied.

She gave me a big kiss on the cheek and a mini-sized bear hug.

"I love you, Mommy."

"And I love you, Carlie. Now it's time to get ready. Grandpa is going to be here soon, and then we are going to take a trip."

She got excited and jumped out of bed. She was a curious child and loved when I took her to new places. I laughed as I watched her throw the clothes I had just folded onto the floor looking for the shirt she wanted. She finally found the top—a yellow Disney princess t-shirt that had Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella and bearing the phrase Once Upon a Princess on it. I walked over to her closet, pulling out a pair of jeans and a light pink long sleeved top. I handed her the rest of her outfit. While she changed, having refused my help, I refolded the tops on the floor. I was just getting out a pair of socks when I heard a thump.

"Carlie," I said, turning around. She was just as much of a klutz as me. I saw her lying on the floor not moving, not even her back was going up and down.

"Carlie," I screamed panicked. I was on the floor and next to her fast, dropping the socks I had gotten out for her. I first checked to see if she was breathing and found she was struggling. I was checking her for other injuries when the doorbell rang. I couldn't leave her, thinking if it was Charlie, he'd use his key when I didn't answer.

"Bella, Carlie," he yelled as he entered the house. I could hear him walking down the hall. "There you two are," he said, coming into Carlie's room. "Are you about—"

He stopped suddenly when I looked up with tears streaming down my face. "What happened?" he asked, taking two huge steps kneeling on the other side of my daughter.

"I don't know. She's barely breathing. I don't know what to do, Dad." I only called Charlie Dad when I was afraid, and, at the moment, I was scared shitless.

He pulled out his cell, dialing. He spoke quickly and concisely, giving the dispatcher the needed information. Why hadn't I thought to call for help?

"An ambulance is on its way, Bells," he said, barely keeping his emotions hidden. He loved Carlie very much, and I knew he was hurting as much as me. "I'll go wait out front." He gave my hand a squeeze. "You haven't moved her, have you?"

"Turned her over, that's all," I croaked out, my voice filled with fear. "Just in case—" I motioned to Carlie as he left the room.

Three minutes later, two paramedics rushed into the room. They were asking me questions left and right. All I could tell them wasI didn't know. Dad left with one paramedic to help him with the gurney, while the other started taking her vitals and put in an IV line.

As soon as she was on the gurney, they put an oxygen mask on her. She looked so fragile at that moment. "Carlie, I love you, honey," I said, tears still streaming down my face as I followed them out of the house.

"Bella," said a voice in my ear gently. I blinked as my vision came into focus. Edward was looking down at me as the back of his hand brushed along my cheek. I could feel moisture on my face.

I threw my arms around Edward, burying my face in the crook of his neck. He lifted me out of the car. I heard the door shut before hearing the double beep as he locked the car. He began walking slowly, carrying me as I silently cried.

I heard him ask someone if they would mind unlocking his front door for him before thanking them. Soon, I was being sat down on a soft surface, and Edward freed himself from my hold. I was too distraught to stop him, allowing him to take off my heels and sweater. He left for a minute before coming back and handing me one of his shirts. "Here," he said, kissing my temple then turned and left the room.

I stood, divesting my jeans and top, before pulling on the top Edward had given me—it was long and brushed my knees. I turned, seeing I was in a bedroom. I pulled back the blanket climbing in bed, not covering up; I just pulled my knees to my chest trying to hold myself together. I closed my eyes, seeing Carlie laying helpless on the gurney again.

I was about to start crying again, when I felt the covers being drawn over me. The bed creaked as Edward sat on the other side before laying down spooning me as best as he could. His hand lightly rubbed up and down my arm. Slowly, I began to uncurl myself. I was glad I wasn't alone tonight. Pulling Edward's hand, I placed it on my stomach, hoping he would be able to keep the nightmares at bay.

A/N: Thanks to Starpower31/Bella and GetDrunkOnVictory for their assistance in editing this chapter.