Twelve

The floor was dark save for the nurses' station. Edward lay in his bed lost in thoughts of Bella.

It wasn't a dream. The cottage was as real as this hospital. His heart burned with homesickness for the cottage, for the girl he loved. The thought of those sweet memories never having a future crushed him.

Was the girl down the hall his Bella?

Would she remember the cottage, remember him?

Was she missing him?

Dr. James walked past the nurses' station, rapping twice on the desk without breaking stride. A moment later, Nurse Lauren was scurrying in the same direction. The nurse working on charts never looked up.

Edward slid into his wheelchair. He rolled quietly past the nurses' station, down the hall and stopped at room 213.

The need for answers pushed him through the door.

He stopped just inside the room. In the dim light she lay asleep with her head bandaged. He rolled closer for a better look. With his heart pounding, he placed his hand on the bed.

Her eyes fluttered sleepily, "Edward, where have you been?"

A wave a relief washed over him. She knew him.

He smiled softly, "Sorry I'm late, love."