Sorry for the long wait but my life has been all about work these days. Unfortunately I havent been able to fully focus but like you who are reading, I NEED to know where this is going.
SO….
Chapter 14: Apologies
The rain that had begun to fall covered the roads leading back to the mansion but I returned within minutes.
My clothes were still soaked from diving into the pool with Bella, and the showers from above didn't help. I wanted a change of clothing before making my way to Bella's home. I knew she would eventually seek refuge there and I would be there waiting as well.
I needed to explain my actions, ALL my actions and beg her for forgiveness. I couldn't fathom what her response would be but all I could concentrate on was seeing Bella again. Her heart was beating and she was the center of my universe, now and forever.
Rushing up the stairs to my bedroom, I heard the familiar buzzing noise coming from one of the rooms downstairs. I answered the abandoned cell phone after the first several buzzes, not allowing the phone call to head to voice mail.
"Don't bother changing or heading to her house. She's on her way and she's understandably confused, angry, pensive and just generally erratic. It would be best if you stayed put", Alice's solemn voice answered.
"Why is she headed over here", I asked myself aloud, now suddenly unsure of my thoughts, actions, or responses. Bella arriving here changed things for some reason.
"Can you blame her? Edward-you've been gone for almost a year, leaving her an emotional wreak. She ALMOST dies and suddenly you show up, save her life and leave yet again. She's demanding answers to questions that I even have myself", she answered, exasperated.
"How long", I whispered, still confused, unaware that I was headed towards the family room that housed my piano. I refused to take it with me when I left and Esme assured me that it was solely mine to decide what to do with.
"10 minutes, maybe less. She seriously pushing the Chevy and all she has on her mind is getting there. Don't try to cut her off, either. The mansion is the best place to have it out. Charlie's at home and there's no point in arguing in the rain--yet", Alice responded.
"Alice….what should I say or what is SHE going to say and do once she sees me", I asked. I didn't seriously want to consider the possibility of Bella telling me she didn't love me. What made matters worse was the fact that this was entirely possible and understandable on all accounts.
"Edward, I wish I had a definite answer for you. She's having so many thoughts and hasn't come to a decision yet. Her body's still in shock, not from the drowning but your return. She wont let herself commit to one thing or another. I'm sorry".
"Thank you Alice. It's better that way. I have to face whatever consequences that lie before me and I don't deserve any preparations for whatever may come."
"Edward, We love you and PLEASE call me. WHATEVER occurs, please don't shut me out. I love you Brother", Alice emotionally said into the phone.
"Goodbye Alice", I said, snapping the phone shut, being sure to remove the battery as I did. I didn't need any more distractions or premonitions for tonight.
I looked around at my surroundings and realized that the entire home was pitch black. I didn't require light but Bella would. Rather than turn on the house's power box, I quickly lit all the candles that adorned the entryway, the stairway and the room I currently occupied.
Once I knew there was enough light for Bella to navigate through the house, I automatically sat at the piano and placed my fingers on the keys.
I had not played since I left Forks, what was the purpose. The most beautiful music I ever played or created was inspired by Bella. Without my muse, the music, notes and lyrics disappeared. Shutting my eyes, I began to think of the love Bella brought into my world. Love I had never experienced in my life, both as man and monster, pure love. These thoughts made my fingers mindlessly move across the piano as music poured into the room.
BELLA
The trucks engine protested as I pushed my foot roughly against the gas pedal. I was close now, maybe a couple minutes from the house.
I had never been back to the Cullen home since Edward left. It was too painful to return and get a glimpse at a life I couldn't never have back. A life with a loving family and a wonderful man.
The home came into view as the wind-shield wipers violently slapped against the window. The rain had finally came and was now pouring down on the town of Forks and it's citizens.
I couldn't help but gasp at the sight of the magnificent structure. It had not changed one bit since I last visited. There it stood in all its alluring beauty.
Putting the truck into park, I took a deep breathe and tried to mentally prepare myself for what was to come. I looked at my reflection into the rearview mirror, sighed sadly and looked back at the perfect mansion. No lights could be seen from the driveway but a small fuzz of orange and yellow could almost be recognized from one of the outer windows.
Slowly jumping down from the truck, I took my time walking up the steps to the Cullen door. The rain was drenching my entire body but I didn't care and really didn't notice. My eyes were transfixed to the door that was slightly ajar, as if someone was expecting my arrival and didn't want me to bother knocking.
Completely soaked now, my sneakers made a squeaking noise as I pushed the heavy door open and stepped into the huge entryway. Though the house was covered in darkness, candles lit up the doorway casting shadows throughout the downstairs rooms. All the furniture was covered in white sheets but this couldn't disguise the home's gorgeous look.
Breathing heavy now, dripping water as I walked, I heard the music. Not just any music, MY music. Edward's lovely lullaby could be heard coming from the family room, along with equally sweet music that I had never had the pleasure of hearing. I followed the music, candles and rose petals, which I had just noticed littered the entire floor, to the room that held what I wanted most.
Entering the room, I saw him and was once again knocked breathless by his perfection.
His back was towards me as he played the piano but this could not obstruct the view of his statuesque form. His cooper colored hair was wet and glistened whenever the flicker of the candles caught its attention. All his clothing appeared to be as wet as mine but this allowed for better viewing of his muscular body. His broad shoulders moving ever so slightly as his hands danced along the piano keys.
Standing there watching him play, I had no control of my actions or thoughts and didn't realize I was speaking until I heard my tiny voice whisper "Why".
The music came to a halt then as he slowly lowered his head and turned to face me.
Yeah! Finally some Bella and Edward convo. Not sure if it will be Edwards POV or alittle of both but one thing I do HOPE for is that you guys enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it!
UPDATE SOON!!