Stepping out of the elevator, I had to take several deep breaths. I could not, for the life of me, imagine I would get in this deep trouble that I am in now. I don't know if I should trust Adrian, but there were others there looking for me. Clearly, I was not safe on my own.
What started out as a great getaway was turning into a whole web of questions and no answers for me. My vacation had now taken on a dangerous route. Wiping away stray tears, I took steps towards room 1109, all the time pondering if I should continue to enter or not.
I straightened up right in front of the door. Edward, please warn me now. Please.
Since my Edward was silent, I gave up doubting and slid the keycard inside and heard the automatic click. Holding my breath, I opened the door slowly. Silently.
I entered the room, and left the door slightly ajar, in case I needed to run back. I walked into the receiving area of a suite. I could tell by the ample hall that gave a slight view of the dining area that this was for long-staying guests. Long-staying rich guests. Did I just walk into more vampires? What was I? Special delivery? I shuddered but urged on.
Edward. Please. Talk, Edward. Warn me now.
I heard an open TV, with sounds of CNN streaming. Someone is here. Mustering enough courage, I walked silently down the hall, and to its left was an adjacent living room that had the open TV. I held my breath before peeking… finding no one in that room. The dining area to my right was also empty. It had a table that could sit down 6 guests at any given time, all the china was neatly stacked up behind it, and a low chandelier hung right in the middle of the adequate area.
It would be easier to shout "anybody home?" in most cases but this was not just any other case. I still wouldn't dare shout out my question and I was also cautious enough not to make loud noises, having surprised myself so far that I haven't tripped on any of the carpets in this suite. I took bold steps into the dining area. Everything was neat and proper… like it has never been used.
Vampires?
This is insane. I moved back to the door, forming a plan to wait for Adrian in the lobby. There should be a crowd there so I don't think I can be cornered easily. I cannot, for the life of me, stay here and wait.
It took about two steps when I heard a muted thud to my left. Since there was no one in the dining area, I thought I was just dreaming it up… until my eyes found a closed door behind the dining area.
The bedroom. I froze. I didn't notice this earlier.
Edward. Please. Talk to me. Warn me now.
Suddenly, I felt my fear with more force. If earlier I had some slight hope that I would be alone in this suite, it vanished along with another slight sound that obviously came from the other side of the bedroom door. I was more aware of my fragile human self more than ever.
I wanted to make a run for it but I heard something… else. I heard a muffled cry from behind the bedroom door and immediately, surprised curiosity overwhelmed me. My hands were shaking but my feet led me to the door. Get a grip Bella. I almost couldn't touch the handle as I heard more hurtful sounds from the other side.
Edward. Please. Talk to me.
But he remained silent… as the cry from the bedroom seemed to bear some anguish in them. Somehow, I needed to help it. It sounded miserable. It sounded... human.
My trembling hands turned the doorknob and I silently pushed it open.
The room was filled with fading sunlight, but I could distinctively see someone bathed in its last rays. Where the sun kissed the skin, it sparkled like diamonds with a million facets. It was rolled up into one corner, and had its hand wrapped around its knees, while its head was buried in it. Its shoulders moved as it sobbed continually, staggered breaths escaping from it. It was beautiful vulnerability. Seeing this made my damaged heart ache further watching it silently weep over the unknown.
The airconditioning's draft came from behind me, blowing towards the room. Its head snapped up unexpectantly. I gasped.
"Edward…"
All of a sudden my heart pounded like it was finally alive. He looked at me with wide eyes and wiped invisible tears suddenly. "Bella…" he said, shaken. He looked at me with shock, relief and tenderness, I broke down.
And the months that have passed between us were forgotten as I ran to his suddenly open arms. We were both crying at the same time and held each other's faces as if rememorizing each feature. I couldn't find the words to say to him and I figured it didn't matter. I was in his arms and I felt safe. I was home.