"BELLA!"

I froze in my thoughts as I heard my name.

I strained to open my eyes and my mouth hung, and tears poured faster at what I saw.

Standing before me, was a man with bronze messy hair that was wet against the rain with the most beautiful eyes that held anxiety, anger, pain and love in them.

Edward


Chapter 14: Somewhere Only We Know

Edward

I scanned all the faces that I could see from my car window as I drove around, searching frantically for Bella. The sky was starting to look ominous.

I cringed as I remembered what happened just this morning at Jasper's house.

My heart beat nervously at the sight of Jasper's frantic face filled with worry.

"Guys that was Renee." Bella's mother? My eyes grew in alarm. Something was wrong. Oh please God, no.

"What's wrong Jazz, tell us!" Rosalie demanded - worry covering her words as well.

"She was asking if Bella was still here. She was supposed to arrive there three hours ago. She checked with the airlines and they said Bella wasn't on the plane nor did anyone from the airlines here saw her."

I sunk lower and lower as I heard Jasper talk and froze when he said what I shuddered to hear.

"Bella's missing."


Bella, my Bella was missing…

We all went to the airport and talked to everyone we thought of that could've seen her. Alice, always one step ahead of us, whipped out her platinum card as well as called the right numbers that helped us screen the airport security cameras.

While Alice, Jasper and I reviewed the tapes, Emmett and Rosalie talked to the security guards, the clerks and other airline staff and employees.

"Hey Jasper, how about calling the cab Bella rode? As I recall, you always get the number of all the cabs she took before she could even leave," Rosalie asked Jasper hopefully as she got back from asking around.

Jasper shook his head sadly, "I already called. The driver said that he did drop her off here but that's it. He didn't know if she got on the plane or what or if she even left the waiting area."

Emmett entered, "So there's a good chance that Bella's still here. Do you know where she could've gone? Any favorite place? Anything?"

I thought back and felt a little relieved. Bella couldn't have gone that far… I said nothing as I continued viewing the tapes though I knew this was a pointless pursuit.

"She could've gone to her favorite book store… the studio… a coffee shop…" Jasper trailed off.

"Yeah, she doesn't go out that much," Rosalie agreed.

"Maybe she just wanted time alone and will come home eventually. I'm sure we'll hear from her," Alice mused.

I then looked at Alice and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Alice, you've never been wrong before with this kind of things. Tell me you're sure she'll come home."

Alice looked at me apologetically, "I'm not that sure but…I'm pretty sure. It's Bella. I know she wouldn't want us to worry…"

Jasper nodded, "That does sound like Bella. We'll hear from her soon. I tried calling her at once but all I got was her voicemail… we'll wait a few, then I'll try to call again."

"Can't Edward call her? She might answer," Emmett suggested. I would've… I should've… only I fear that for some reason I might scare her off even more…

"It's best that we let Jasper do it. Remember, she doesn't even know that Edward is with us – or his siblings at that," Rosalie said, shaking her head.

I sighed. "She definitely got a cab and went somewhere from here. I'm sure of it."

Emmett patted my back, "You're probably right, Edward." Then he looked at the others. "Maybe it's time we roll."

"Alice, just in case that Bella decides to go straight home, I think we should go back, wait just in case and let the boys search," Rosalie suggested.

Alice nodded, "Yes. You're right. We'll wait at Bella's, right?"

"Yes. I also have a key."

I sighed and stood up. "I guess we should divide the places then?"


Jasper drove the girls to Bella's house then he said he would check out the studio first. Emmett went to the bookstores that Jasper suggested.

Alice told me to try and go to my apartment, just in case that Bella went there… though that was pretty farfetched.

"You never know, Edward. She must've thought about talking to you."

I took a deep breath but it didn't do much to help eradicate the worry that I felt. I scanned once more to try and get even as much as a glimpse of her mahogany hair in the crowd…

Bella where are you?

Once I saw my building, I slowed down then parked in my reserved space.

"Hello Mr. Cullen," greeted James, the doorman.

"Oh, hello James," I said half-heartedly.

James scrunched up his face in knowing, "Still blue, I see?"

"Yeah."

"I know just what you need," James said brightly, his blue eyes gleaming.

"Thanks for the offer James, but I need to head up now," I said as politely as I could. I knew that Bella couldn't have gone up my room as I didn't have the chance to give her a key. Yet somehow I hoped that she could be there waiting outside… no, I shook my head. Impossible.

"Are you sure? Because Victoria and I –

I cut him off. I felt bad for doing so, but I was getting impatient. I just wanted to go up, satisfy Alice's recommendation that I check if Bella was there then go on and continue my search for her.

"Listen, I'm really grateful James. Truly, I am. But there is something very important that I need to attend to. Forgive me for my rudeness."

He sighed then nodded, "Yes sir."

I gave an apologetic smile then went up my room. Once I was inside, my heart broke from knowing. Of course, she wasn't here. Damn it Cullen.

I kicked the coffee table in frustration and pieces of composition sheet flew all around the place and onto the floor.

I groaned then bent to pick them up.

"Bella's Lullaby"

I felt a wrenching pain in my chest. I completely forgot that I was supposed to finish this – finish Bella's song. I sighed as I picked up the papers and sank down the sofa. My place never seemed so lonely now that it got a taste of what it was like when Bella was here.

I shut my eyes tight and pinched the bridge of my nose with my forefinger and thumb. Then I felt a cool draft whip my face that I shuddered.

Opening my eyes, I traced where the wind came and saw that I had left my window open. I walked over to the window to close it when I had an epiphany.

But I was immediately broken off the thought at the sound of my phone ringing.

I answered it immediately.

"Edward."

"Jasper! Any news?" I asked anxiously.

"Yes. I just heard from Bella." I sighed in relief.

"She sent a text message. She said that she's fine and that she just needed some time alone and would go home soon, then she turned her phone off."

Text message? I was such a fool! Why didn't I think of that before? I guess I was too mesmerized by her presence that I forgot that we could use another means of communication… we could also e-mail or chat… then I shook it all off. Where was the romance in all of that?

But still…

"Hey Jasper…" I started.

"I already forwarded the message to you," Jasper said, a hint of smirk on his voice.

"Thanks. Go home Jazz. I think I know where Bella is."

"Oh? Then bring her home then!"

"I'll try. Thanks Jasper."

"No, thank you, Romeo. Now get out of here and bring my best bud's butt here!"

So after the call I dashed down and went out the door of my building when –

"In a rush, Mr. Cullen?"

I stopped dead in my tracks and looked back and saw James smirking.

"James! Have you seen –

He cut me off this time, "If you meant if I saw a brunette with chocolate brown eyes come here, and yes I did. Vicky was here too and she saw her."

I flailed my arms in the air, "Then why didn't you say so?!"

He looked at me accusingly, "Sir, let me remind you that it was you who didn't let me." then he smiled.

I rolled my eyes at him, "Okay so when was she here? Do you know where she went now?"

He thought back, "Well, she came by a few minutes after you left. She kind of just stood in front of the building. Staring up, then walking away, then back again then away then decided on just standing near this doorway. I must say sir, she's hot."

"James…" I said warningly.

He held out his hands in mock surrender, "Okay, okay I get it. Anyway, I walked up to her, recognizing that she was the one who was with you the other day and asked her, 'Miss, can I help you with something?' Then she looked at me a little startled, smiled, then shook her head. I was about to tell her that if she was looking for you that you just went out but she started to walk away.

"I must say, Mr. Cullen. I know you guys are busy but if you gave me time I would've given you the information you needed."

He was right. If only I let him a while ago, I would've realized sooner that Bella was here and if Bella let him talk to her more too then she would've known that I had left. Damn James.

"Thanks James, though I think I have an idea where she is."

He smiled then winked, "Good luck Mr. Cullen."

So I half walked, half ran to the place that meant a lot to Bella and me. I'm positive that's where she went. I fought the urge to smile at such a time from the newfound knowledge that Bella was there in front my building… contemplating…

There was hope yet.

I walked across an empty land
I knew the pathway like the back of my hand
I felt the earth beneath my feet
Sat by the river and it made me complete

Trudging down the path, I was slightly panicking because the sky looked so heavy. I had to get to Bella fast before it starts to rain. It was getting hard to see as a slight fog and icy wind blew in all directions.

Wait for me Bella. I'm coming.

Oh simple thing where have you gone
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin

But I was facing another problem. Sure I would find Bella… but would she let me in? My heart felt heavy once more.

I came across a fallen tree
I felt the branches of it looking at me
Is this the place we used to love?
Is this the place that I've been dreaming of?

I looked around. There was almost no one left in the park and that made me worry even more. The thought of Bella being alone with impending storm…

Bella, love, I'm coming.

Oh simple thing where have you gone
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin

Drip.

I felt something wet drip on my face. Oh shit it was starting to drizzle! I had to hurry… I scanned my eyes at every empty bench that I saw, counting… I knew that if I'm right, Bella would be only a little farther off…

And if you have a minute why don't we go
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go
Somewhere only we know?

Bella, why did you come here alone? If I find out that you came here to... to - wait for me I would never forgive myself. On any other day, it would've been great but not today… not when a storm was breaking.

I haven't been here not since the day she left… I know it seems that I was so sure of myself into thinking that she was waiting for me but based on what James saw when she came over… I knew she was at least contemplating… thinking things through here…

Oh simple thing where have you gone
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin

Bella, please let me love you… please… I love you with all my being. You are everything to me and I swear I would strive to give you everything you deserve and more… just please… let me in…

I thought about what Jasper and the others said that I put her on the pedestal. Could I have pressured her without knowing? The thought that she pondered if she wasn't enough for me sickened me. she was perfect. Damn perfect.

So if you have a minute why don't we go
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go
So why don't we go

This could be the end of everything. If I do see her in time, we would be standing at the crossroads. If she decides that she doesn't want me in her life, then I would let her go. I love her enough to do that but only if she really honestly doesn't want an 'us' to happen.

I stopped dead when I heard a deafening crack. Oh no! Then at lightning fast speed, I ran as fast as I could.

Then...

Then I saw her.

This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go
Somewhere only we know?

She was behind a bench – our bench... the place where we first met... she was here...all along... looking so terrified that if it was possible, my heart broke even more at the sight of her looking like that.

I couldn't will my feet to move and my face showed an expression of sheer shock.

But then, I saw something glistening on her cheeks. My eyes grew wider in fury of what's happening to her. She was crying, my Bella was crying again!

More than anything, I hated seeing Bella cry.

She was too good to deserve tears.

"BELLA!" I shouted then poised to run to her when she lifted her head and I saw her beautiful brown eyes red and brimming with fear, anguish, and surprise.

I was caught momentarily at the sight of her sad face but then after another rumble in the sky where she ducked down and sobbed – at once I was at her side, taking her into my arms.

"Bella, shh… it's okay, I'm here, I'm here. Don't be scared. I won't leave you," I soothed while rubbing her back, kissing her hair. God, I missed this. I missed the smell of her soft hair and how it felt when she was in my arms.

Then she moved her face to look up at me and my gut wrenched as I saw pain in her eyes mixed with fright.

"Bella…"

Then she did something I didn't expect. She pulled herself away from me then started backing away.

I reached for her. It was raining so hard and her safety is my first priority.

"Bella, come on…" I said softly as I touched her arm. She flinched then backed away even more, shaking her head.

"Bella please, we can talk later. Right now we need to get you out of here."

She shook her head even more.

"Please, now is not the time to be stubborn Bella. Just please let me get you out of here…" I pleaded.

She stood her ground.

I was about to protest when thunder came crushing down. Bella closed her eyes and I saw that she shivered from the cold and fear.

I dared move closer to her and wrapped my arms around her. She didn't fight back.

"Bella, let's go."

In an instant, she was struggling again in my arms but I held her there.

"Bella, stop fighting!" I said loud and firm that she looked at me in shock, halting her movements.

"Please." I added.

Then she fainted.

It was a good thing that I was still holding her but now it was my turn to get shocked. I swung her arm around my neck then carried her as I ran.

Where should I take her? My mind stated matter-of-factly, "your place of course" but seeing her reaction to me... She didn't want to see me. She... didn't want me.

So I placed her gently in my car and decided on driving her to her house.

I placed her on the back so she could lie down then covered her with a blanket that I kept. I couldn't help but stroke her soft cheek that was tear-strained and give her a light kiss on her lips before driving.

As I drove, I decided on calling Jasper. Alice was right in telling me that to go home. If I hadn't then I don't know what could happen to Bella…

He answered on the first ring, "Edward! It's raining cats and dogs! Have you found Bella yet? She's deathly afraid of storms!" He said frantically.

"Relax Jasper."

"How can I? She's probably freaking out right now!"

"I found her."

Silence on the other end.

"She's here with me and we're driving over there as we speak," I added.

"Oh. Where'd you find her? Is she okay?"

"At the park. She's… well, she's unconscious at the moment – but before you freak out again, she just fainted… she looks exhausted."

"Why didn't you just take her to your place? It's closer."

"I would've… I should've… but her reaction to me…"

"Oh. That bad. Okay, we'll just prepare her room for her."

"Thanks."

When we arrived, I noticed that Bella was breathing evenly. She was sleeping now. Very carefully, I lifted her then carried her to her house where the door was already opened by Emmett and Jasper coming at once to our side, doting on Bella.

I carried her to her room and left her with Alice and Rosalie to change her clothes.

I was about to walk away and drive home when Jasper stopped me.

"Where are you going?" he demanded.

I sighed tiredly, "She doesn't want me here Jasper. I'm just happy that she's safe now."

"Do you really believe that?" he said, raising a brow skeptically.

I couldn't answer.

"That's it, I'm dragging Bella down here so you could finally talk," he said as he started marching upstairs.

I grabbed his arm. "She should be resting right now!"

He pulled his arm from my grip and glared at me, "The rain's gone and she'll be fine. Why wait 'til she's fully better? She's hurt the moment she left you and when she wakes up, she'll still be hurt. She's stronger than you think, Edward."

I grabbed his arm again, "No."

Emmett broke us up, "Boys, stop it. Look!"

Jasper and I glared at each other then saw Bella in dry clothes now, looking surprised.

I managed a smile, "Hope you're feeling better Bella. I'll go now."

Then I started walking away. If I didn't, I might not be able to later.

But I felt her small hands on my arm.

I turned around immediately and embraced her. She hugged me back.

We pulled away a little then I looked into her eyes and saw confusion.

"Bella… what does this mean?"

She looked down and frowned.

"Bella… what am I to you?"

She looked away.

"Bella, I know."

She snapped her head at me then at everyone else and a look of betrayal shot through her face.

"Bella he deserved to know." Jasper stated.

I saw tears well up in Bella's eyes.

I attempted to wipe them but she brushed me off.

"Bella, I know but it doesn't matter. I love you, that's all that matters to me."

She shook her head.

The others started to leave the room.

"What Bella? Why are you so opposed to us? What are you fighting? What are you so afraid of?"

She glared at me and continued to shake her head.

"Bella..." I said softly, you know I love you. You know what I want from you. You know that I would do anything for you – give you everything you deserve and more – give the whole world to you."

I saw her face soften but she was still looking away.

I sighed.

"But Bella... I need an answer. Because it does hurt, you know. If you really don't want me, tell me. Tell me now and I'll go." I said. I love her too much to force myself to let her go if she didn't want me. I would wait an eternity for her but right now I wanted to know where I stand. We can't keep doing this.

I watched as she averted her eyes and saw that she was crying again. I wanted to wipe the tears away but I don't think that she would want me.

So I waited.

I waited some more for her response.

This time the silence was nerve wracking instead of the usual peace I had grown accustomed to.

After what seemed like an eternity, I closed my eyes and sighed.

I then turned my back to her. I then started to walk away.

"I guess that's my answer. Good-bye, Isabella." I called over my shoulder.

She couldn't answer me now so I had to leave.

I had to.

But then, I felt a hand grab my arm – I turned around.

"Bella..."

AN: I'm sorry it took a long time but our professor suddenly announced last tue that we had to present a report as well as case studies on psychoanalysis on the thu of that week. Me and my groupmates literally begged him to let us present the following tue (yesterday at our time) He told us he'd give us at least a week and half to prepare, not freaking five days! Damn it. So we had to rush on research and video shoots, editing, the whole kit and caboodle!

Song: somewhere only we know by Keane

Oh and this chapter is expectedly shorter than the last because Bella was done with the recollections. Sorry for leaving you hanging but I had to cut somewhere. A lot of you guys didn't want me to finish this story with this chapter, ergo this. Peace!

Oh and my dears, thanks for the whopping reviews! I'll update as soon as I can and if I could get the same amount of responses. :) I have tons to do starting tomorrow. Tonight's my only free time. Show some love! I got 54 reviews for the last chapter. Hope we could beat that. If we could then I'll update reeaal soon!!!

I also have an original story that's posted on Fiction Press (wrote it last week after updating this fic). It's "Wednesdays with Midnight Breeze" my pen name there is "Margaux Incarnate" (supposedly an entry to a literary award of our university, ah well,)

Until then my darlings,

Margaux