I do not own any of these characters, the only thing that's mine is the plot.
Bella was so relaxed from her girls day with Alice over the weekend that she woke up before her alarm on Monday morning. Her morning routine was a breeze and when she arrived at work she had such a big smile on her face she was practically glowing.
"Thanks so much for suggesting that girls day Alice," she told her with a happy sigh, "I can't remember the last time I felt this good. After the past couple of weeks I needed that. I feel so renewed, like I could take on anything"
"Oh I know," Alice mirrored her sigh, "Jane could throw a cup of orange juice at me right now and I wouldn't even care. It would feel like a nice little waterfall trickling down my back. And I hope I look half as good as you do. You're positively radiant"
Bella blushed, "Well thanks Ally. Although I doubt it. I never look as good as you do. You're always so put together and I'm just, well, me"
Alice rolled her eyes, "I'm not even going to dignify that with a response. Anyway we need to get to morning meeting. Monday mornings always take longer"
"And today I'm okay with that," Bella grinned, "Let's see how long this lasts"
That afternoon Bella got onto the unit and was pleasantly surprised to see Edward sitting with some of the other patients, actually laughing. She didn't approach them any further and just leaned against the wall to observe. Emmet was becoming quite animated, sharing some story with the group. They all began laughing at him again. Edward looked up, happiness evident in the creases of his face, and his eyes met Bella's. He smiled at her and began to stand up. Bella put her hand up to stop him, and featured at Emmet. She mouthed 'Enjoy' at him. He looked back and forth between Bella and Emmet for a moment. It looked as though he were about to further respond to Bella but she was interrupted by Bree. Edward settled back into his seat and continued to pretend to be engaged by Emmet's antics while keeping Bella focused in his peripheral vision.
"Sorry to break up the fun gentlemen," she said, tossing her hair over her shoulder as she strolled towards them, "But managing symptoms group is starting soon if any of you would like to join"
"Bel-la," Emmet whined, "How am I ever supposed to become president if you won't let me mingle with my people?"
Jasper snorted, "You're in a psych ward, no one is voting for you for president"
"You're supposed to be my bodyguard," Emmet said with a frown.
Bella intervened before it could escalate further, "Emmet you are perfectly safe here, you don't need a bodyguard. Do you know where you are today?"
He looked around with a sullen face, "I'm in the hospital"
"And how are you feeling?"
"I…..," he hesitated, "I don't know. Not very good I guess"
"Well why don't you take a little break and relax a bit," she suggested, "Maybe spend some time with Alice"
He nodded his head and sat down on a chair behind him. He was looking down and some of his tossed brown curls tumbling onto his forehead. He cupped his face with his hands, elbows on his knees. It broke Bella's heart to see him so dejected. She would have to let Carlisle and Alice know that his delusions were creeping back. She turned her focus back to the group, trying to give Emmet some privacy.
""Symptoms group?" She posed the question.
Walking with the group past the nurses station, Bella stopped for a moment to check in with Jacob.
"Hey Jake," she said, waiting for him to look up, "Could you let Alice know that she should check in with Mr . McCarthy?"
She gestured over to Emmet, and Jake liked over at him and nodded, "Sure thing Bells"
"Thank you," she said, patting the counter before catching up with the rest of the group.
Edward participated in the group, which went very smoothly. Bella's relaxation streak seemed to be able to continue. She smiled at Edward after the group and told him that she had been glad to see him participating. If he could maintain making progress head be earning some privileges.
"Actually Bella," he said before she began walking away, "I was wondering if you could help me with something"
"Depending on what it is, I'd be happy to help"
"I was actually hoping to be able to listen to some music. I have this CD but I haven't been able to listen to it. I don't have radio privileges yet"
"Hmm, I'll tell you what. I'll have to check in with the team to make sure but I can probably meet you this afternoon with a stereo in your room for a little while, but until you get full privileges you can't keep it in there"
"That sounds fair enough"
"Great! I will check in with you in a bit after I get to talk to the team"
Edward smiled at her, flashing a toothy grin. As it turned out Bella was successful and he found himself virtually alone with her in his room.
"I'm sorry that you don't get to do this privately. It's just a safety concern for the time being"
"Oh no worries, I understand, "Edward said with a shrug of his shoulders, "I'm just grateful to be able to listen to it. Besides, I like sharing music with other people"
"Oh really?" Bella raised a single eyebrow, "I find music to be very personal. I won't share music with just anyone"
Edward then raised his eyebrow, "Do you make your own music?"
"Oh no, nothing like that, " Bella chuckled, "I'm not that talented. Music just had such significant meaning to me. It gets tied into my emotions and relationships. Certain songs remind me of certain people or events. So even though I'm the only one who knows about that, it just makes me feel vulnerable. I mean music that's not so significant to me, no big deal; but when I'm sharing music with someone it's my way of creating a new memory with someone"
"Wow," Edward said, running his hand through his hair, "That is some deep thinking. I never considered that, but I guess it makes sense. I've always just kind of thought about sharing music as making the world a bit of a better place. Music can make people so happy and break down barriers. It's easy to share a bond with someone over a good song"
"That is also a good point," Bella noted, "I agreed that music is meant to be shared, but I'm anxious that if a relationship turns sour it may taint that music for me. I suppose it's a good thing I'm not musically gifted. I would never want to share with anyone"
Edward laughed, "Well I guess we'll never know"
Bella stayed with him until the CD ended. They were able to chat comfortably, and Bella was happy to see the turnaround in her 'vampire'. Once again her dreams turned to Edward that night. This time however they were both dressed up. Edward had on a tuxedo and was playing a baby grand piano. Bella wore a floor length, sleeveless, white dress with beading. She stood next to him while he played,completely captivated. She couldn't help but notice how sexy he looked and the way his green eyes sparkled in the light. Although they never spoke, she found herself blushing. When she awoke, she had a smile on her face.