Disclaimer: I still own nothing related to Twilight.
Author Note: I send my dearest and deepest apologies for keeping all of you wonderful people waiting so long. I can't believe it's been almost two months since this story was last updated. I feel awful about that fact. Let me just say that from the beginning of August till now has been non stop and on the go, every single day. Plus it doesn't help that school started up the 24th of August and that alone has kept me from ever getting any time on the computer. I hope that I sill have your support for this story, because reviews are so very much needed and appreciated. : D
Author Note # 2: A HUGE thank you to everyone who reviewed last chapter. Your reviews and constant encouragement mean the world to me. I couldn't do this without you guys.
Author Note # 3: Another HUGE THANK YOU to my freakin awesome Beta: Skysong 92. This girl is so amazing…I can't even begin to describe what she has done for me. You have her to thank in why this chapter is even actually out. She took this chapter from "Bad" to "Fantastic".
Now enough of these boring AN on to the story shall we?
Previously…
I jumped as my cell phone started ringing. Edward motioned for me to get it. I nodded in thanks before grabbing it off the table, not bothering to look at the caller-id.
"Bella…Ethan's awake."
I felt my throat constrict in joy. Tears swam in my eyes. When I'm gone, completely out of the hospital then Ethan decides to wake up, it can't be while I'm present. It seemed like a miracle though that I actually had to leave the hospital for Ethan to wake up. The thought of him actually waking up threatened to overwhelm me in emotion. This meant that he was going to be fine, be my healthy little boy again, given some more time to recover at home.
"Thank you Alice."
I hung up and quickly stood. Edward stood behind me, throwing on his coat; he had yet to ask any questions. It was like he already knew and was just allowing me to have the moment to myself. Edward tossed a couple of twenties on the table, paying for the drinks and the food we had yet to receive. My nerves were bunched up as we reached Edward's shiny and silver Volvo. I climbed inside and anxiously awaited the ten minute drive to the hospital.
Now…
I had been expecting Edward to say something - anything - on our way to the hospital. Instead, all I was met with inside the silver Volvo was dead silence. It seemed off to me that not a single word was exchanged between us. Deep down it bothered me, I was so used to having someone tell me that everything was going to be okay - that Ethan was going to be okay. Before I had found the constant assurances somewhat tiresome - because how could they know that any better than I could? - and I had wished for silence. Now that I had gotten the news that Ethan was awake and no one was saying anything to me, I found I didn't like silence very much at all.
Silence could be so calming and comfortable - something people craved in a moment of grief or even happiness. But it could also be downright suffocating. (It could threaten to surround you in a black veil of anger and guilt. I'd heard it said somewhere that sometimes silence could be louder than any noise, and I was now realizing how true that was. The trip to the hospital should have been filled with happy laughter and plans for a future that now seemed so bright. But instead there was nothing but an awkward silence. It puzzled me as to why the silence would be awkward, but I had no energy to persue it.
I shook my head, trying to clear the sudden depressing thoughts that overwhelmed me. Why, couldn't I, for just one moment focus on the fact that my son was going to be okay? The answer was simple - deep down I still had a fear so thick that I would arrive at the hospital and it was all going to be some kind of sick joke. People were going to jump out and yell, "Surprise…sorry we were just kidding, the look on your face was priceless." Realistically, I knew Alice would never allow anyone to hurt me like that - Heck, she was the one who had made the phone call - but I still couldn't help but worry - it had become a habit in the past few weeks.
"We're here."
I looked up as Edward continued to stare straight out the windshield, not once glancing my way. It made me nervous - I almost felt as if I had done something wrong.
"Thank you for driving me out here."
"What did you expect me to do - let you walk back?"
It was supposed to be a joke we both knew that, but neither of us laughed. If this was supposed to be happy occasion, why did it feel more like a funeral?
A silence was again had fallen over us. I was wishing for any type of sound, something that would make the nervous and awkward situation go away. I needed a distraction, but I didn't have one.
"I'll be inside in a few minutes. Wait for me in the waiting room and I'll take you to Carlisle's office."
Did he think I didn't know where Carlisle's office was? I had been in that office so many times throughout the last three or so years I could find it with my eyes duck taped shut. I opened the door and got out, nodding quickly to let Edward know I heard him. I watched as the flashy silver Volvo took off, until a light rain began to fall and I broke out of my reverie.
***~***
I sat in the hard plastic chair of the waiting room. The puke green of the tiled floor made me nervous. My palms were slightly sweaty and I all too often found the loose thread on my shirt very interesting. I was a habit I had picked up long ago and it had never left me. I wrapped the thread around my finger before uncoiling it and noticed how it had curled slightly.
By the time Edward had returned it had taken ten minutes. Thank goodness the thread had provided me with a distraction, because otherwise I most likely would have been pacing. Edward's face was apologetic once he got to me. His hair was slightly damp and made it stick up in all different directions…
"I'm so sorry, all the spots were full and I had to park a little ways away."
"It's alright, but I'd really like to talk to Carlisle so if you would so kindly show me the way…"
"Of course, follow me."
Edward seemed different, more formal than he usually was. It left me to wonder if something was bothering him.
"Edward, is everything alright? I know I've been a bit rude since leaving the café and I'm sorry for that, I don't know what's gotten into me."
"Don't worry about it, I understand."
"Do you really understand what it's like?"
"To have and take care of a child? No I don't. Do I understand what's it like to have someone you love dearly in a life or death situation? Yes, I do understand that. We both have different circumstances, but they are kind of alike. My mother is healing and now so is your son, as far as I can tell we're all on the right track."
The words were spoken gently and for a minute I forgot that Edward was a millionaire who had the world at his feet. He seemed so serious, but in these moments of vulnerability when talking about his family, it was nice to see he cared. He cared about other things but his work, it was nice to see.
"Yeah, I guess-"
I was cut off at the sudden ring of Edward's cell phone. We had stopped as he dug his phone out of his pocket. He hit a few buttons and nodded toward the elevator.
"I thought we were going to Carlisle's office?"
"We were, but Alice just let me know that he's waiting for us in front of Ethan's room."
I nodded to let Edward know I heard him. The elevator door chimed open; I hadn't even realized the button had been pushed. I was ushered in with a gentle hand on the low of my back. The elevator jolted and I gripped the metal bar tightly, elevators just weren't my cup of tea. I was thankful when the elevator stopped only seconds later and we were allowed to exit. I walked ahead of Edward, thankful it didn't take long to reach Ethan's room. Carlisle stood just outside the door, patiently waiting for us.
"Carlisle, it's good to see you."
"You make it seem as if you haven't seen me in a few hours."
I couldn't help but chuckle. It was true, Carlisle had been on my case to get out of the hospital, even for an hour, but my stubbornness refused to let me leave.
"Edward, I'm glad you brought her back."
"I'm not really into the whole kidnapping thing."
All three of us chuckled lightly, before the mood once again turned sober.
"Carlisle I need you to be upfront and honest with me. How is Ethan?"
"He's awake and seems alert. This is a very good sign. He is still on pain medication, but we were lucky enough to get some apple juice down him."
I chuckled lightly. I looked at Edward, forgetting he was there.
"Ethan love apple juice, I swear sometimes he loves it more than me."
Edward chuckled lightly and I couldn't help but smile.
"Carlisle, he's gonna be fine right. I don't mean today or tomorrow. In the long run will there be any lasting affects?"
Carlisle sighed heavily and I watched as his brows creased together.
"I truly feel there will be no lasting affects. Ethan is a very young and strong patient so that helps. The fact that he's recovering quickly shows his immune system is fighting hard to keep infection at bay and that's what we like to see. I will want him doing some physical therapy, it's not decided how long yet, but once that's complete and with a little TLC Ethan will be back to driving you nuts in no time."
I felt the tears well in my eyes and I quickly pulled Carlisle into an embrace. The hug was warm and fatherly, it gave me a great sense of comfort. All I could do was whisper in his ear.
"Thank you for saving my baby."
He pulled gently away from me and his eyes were filled with warmth. He didn't need to say anything because I knew the only thanks he needed was the fact that Ethan would be okay.
***~***
I watched Ethan sleep, a gently smile pulling at my face. It had been so long since I'd felt relief. Ethan still had bruises and was still in quite a bit of pain, but he was alright and that was all that mattered. Of course everyone had been in too see him. Ethan loved the attention and caused great bouts of laughter to come from everyone. It was amazing how a child's innocence could light up a whole room.
"Knock, knock."
I looked up to see Edward standing in the doorway. He had run home and changed, not wanting to be stuck at the hospital in wet clothes. Now that Ethan was fine I let my eyes fully wonder over Edward. The light grey sweater hugged his shoulders and chest in just the right way. The dark jeans clung to his hips and made his long legs look even longer. His green eyes were vibrant and full of warmth and kindness. The only thing that was askew was his hair, but I had a distinct feeling that his hair could never be tamed.
"Uh, come on in."
He smiled at my invitation before making his way to sit on the couch. Edward provided a strange sense of something; something that wasn't bad, but was definitely there. It was a comfort that I didn't want to try and fight, but didn't want to fully explore either.
"He looks like you."
"I get that a lot."
"You think he's gonna be a heartbreaker?"
"If he's anything father then yes."
I glanced at Edward to see his brows pulled together. He look a lot like Carlisle when he pulled that face.
"Where is Ethan's father?"
"Not in the picture."
I was expecting more questions, something, anything but the response I got next.
"That's a shame. Ethan would make an amazing son that any guy would be lucky to have and you're one lucky mother."
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For not pushing, not prying. It means a lot, whether you realize it or not."
There was gentleness in Edward's face. It was as if the awkwardness that had been there previously was know gone and all we were left with was a comfortable silence.
"Wow."
"What?"
"Come here."
I walked over to where Edward was currently standing by the window. I hadn't realized he had even gotten up, much less moved to look out the window. There was a content look on his face.
"It was a shooting star."
Edward's voice was relaxed, but a small smile was settled on his lips.
"Really? I haven't seen one of those in ages."
"Me neither. I used to wish on them when I was little; I was convinced they were magical."
"I think we all think that one time or another. Did your wishes ever come true?"
"One time."
A sadness had fallen over Edward's face and I found myself not liking it. If wishes were supposed to bring happiness then why did Edward look so defeated?
"What about you?"
I tried to think of a time whenever something was going perfect in my life. I couldn't find a specific time; so suddenly found myself wondering if that's why I was always so hard pressed for my wishes to come true, and yet they never did, not once."
"No, none of my wishes ever came true."
A silence descended over us. It wasn't awkward or uncomfortable; it just made me feel at ease. As I turned to head back to my chair I found myself smack dab in front of Edward. When he had moved behind me or so close was a question I had yet to figure out. My hands went to his chest and rested on the solid muscle below the thin fabric. I couldn't help but sniff in his scent and it smelled slightly like cinnamon. I couldn't help but find my eyes traveling to meet his. The green orbs were filled with curiosity and a slight amount of indecision. Before my brain could shout and stop me, I was standing on my tippie-toes and pressing my lips to Edwards.
Author Note: Okay so there it is. Did it make up for the long wait? We got a sweet, gentle, and slightly romantic BxE moment in the end. Now is when the story can begin to take off. I truly hope to have the next chapter out sometime next week, I still have to tweak it before I hand it off to my Beta.
Please Review; give me your thoughts in a sentence. Hence I left out give your thought in a couple of words. Lol.
Lots of Love,
Kaylee
