Sorry... not sure what happened, but here is the actual chapter 21! =)

"How much longer do you have to stay?" I stop folding laundry and walk into the hallway so I can hear his answer over the noisy washing machines and dryers going off at once.

"Two more days... They want me to coach five more singers in the company before I leave... then I have to learn both of the operas they're doing by July."

"Wow... they must really like you."

"The artistic director and the conductor were impressed. It was rather hilarious when the season accompanist didn't believe me when I told them I memorized all of the Schirmer aria books. Ha! Bella, you should have heard the shock in the room when I proved him wrong."

"I bet that's what got you the job. Congratulations, honey." My voice sounds excited, but inside my heart is burning. He's been gone for five days, but it feels like five weeks.

"Thank you. There's a lot of opportunity here and connections... I'm positive they would love your voice, Bella. I've seen three sopranos so far and none of them compare to—"

"There's no need for flattery, honey. I get it. I am happy for you, Edward. There was never a doubt in my mind... besides, they would have been fools not to take you."

I'm trying not let the hurt slip into my voice, but my voice cracks near the end. I think Edward catches it when his voice drops low and says sincerely,

"Bella..."

"I need to go upstairs now, honey. I just finished another load for Emmett and Jasper and their things aren't too light."

The sad tone in Edward's voice changes to scolding, "Bella, why are you doing their laundry? You're not their maid!"

"I offered, Edward. They both have been at school at all hours and I had some free time today... I'm not their m—"

"Sweetheart, you don't have to do all these things to make people appreciate you. You're not their mother..." he makes an exasperated sigh and speaks softer, "I didn't mean to go off on you. You're a very kind and generous person, love, and I don't want them or anyone to take advantage of you."

"Edward, they spent all that money on me for my birthday... the least I can do is a load of their laundry."

"Alright. Just don't make a habit of it, Bella." I roll my eyes and tell him I'll see him in a few days.

"English?!" The entire opera studio sounds enraged... myself included, only I'm less verbal about it.

"Yes. You all understand English, correct? So I don't have to repeat myself..."

Ms. March says chastising everyone who is verbally making a fuss. "Hansel and Gretel is performed in multiple languages all over the world so this will still be a wonderful experience either way. It's the director's choice to perform it in English instead of German, those who have a problem with that, can take it up with him."

That shuts everyone up. Apparently, working with James March is a lot like working with my high school director, Eleazar Salzar... scary. He's also made many singers cry and re-question their career choices. Angela says he calls it, 'doing them a favor,' because if they don't have the gumption to take criticism and follow directions, then they shouldn't be on stage.

Oh, yes... I just couldn't wait to work with him.

I remembered his face at my auditions in January seemed unimpressed. Then again at my auditions this weekend for the opera. He was sitting next to his wife, and Ms. Cope, but he was the only one not looking up or paying attention to my performance.

I think I bored him... He never made eye contact with me. Which probably means I'm not getting a role in this opera...

"Bella... what do you think?"

I look up from my desk from talking inside my head and see everyone is waiting for my answer.

"What?"

I hear some chuckles around the room. My head is getting heavy as my eyelids start to droop... I haven't been sleeping well since Edward left, and I've been working non-stop to occupy myself.

Mrs. March rolls her eyes from having to repeat herself,

"I said before you spaced out... many consider opera to be a dying art form and a waste of time to study since the younger generations don't seem to appreciate or wish to understand the music and words. What do you think, Bella!" She holds her hand out to me to answer her promptly.

"I don't agree."

"What part don't you agree with?"

"I don't think opera is a dying art form. I know younger generations recognize opera because it's used in pop culture. For instance, Godiva used "The flower duet" from Lakme in their chocolate commercials. Everyone knows Wagner's "The Ride of the Walküres," because it's used for comedy, and Puccini is always heard in Romantic Comedies every time couples fall in love..."

I take a breath and feel my heavy head with my hand, "I think classical music will always be around thanks to the media and new composers creating good music. I think it's 'the idea of opera' that scares a lot of people; they worry about paying a lot of money to not understand the plot or lyrics. But thanks to Beverly Sills idea of using super titles, American audiences can now understand the plot while listening to a foreign language... it allows them to relax and appreciate the music better without getting lost."

Many of my classmates agree with me, while others feel commercialism has destroyed 'the opera singer image' by making all singers appear fat with golden helmets and tridents. I'd have to concur with that, but I still feel opera will never die while there are students like us to keep it alive.

After the discussion, Mrs. March posts the cast list up for the opera scenes and Hansel and Gretel. Alice, Tanya and I wait for the massive crowd to disperse before checking to see if we got cast.

I see the list and it says:

Hansel: Senna Walter/ Mary Neil

Gretel: Alice Brandon/ Jessica Stanley

Father: Tyler Crawly/ Mike Newton

Mother: Isabella Swan/ Lauren Mallory

Witch: Ben Cheney/ Riley Biers

Sandman: Zafrina Nero/ Angela Webber

Dew Fairy: Tanya Denali/ Tia Molina

Emmett will be happy his little nickname for me as 'Momma Bear' will stand true... sigh... I will never live this down.

"Congratulations guys!" I say giving Tanya and Alice a squeeze on the shoulder.

Tanya throws her hands in the air, "I knew it! I am always a fairy! Which means I get another big poofy dress and a crummy English aria. Yay, me. Good job though Ali, Bells... I need to run. See ya tomorrow!"

Tanya gives us fake kisses then catches the elevator before it closes. Alice puts her hand over her mouth.

"Oh God, I can't believe it! Bella, you're my MOM!" She gives me a death grip for a hug.

"No... I'm playing your mom. Your real mom is an angel sent from above."

"Bella, when will you get over that? It was an accident! They don't care about the vase... my mom has dozens more."

"I still felt bad. I was doing so well, too. I was much less clumsier when I danced..." We start walking down the stairs and toward Carlisle's studio.

"Are you going straight home after your voice lesson, Bells?"

"I think so. I already when to the library so I have all the books I need to research the opera. Why?"

"I just needed to know if we should wait for you on dinner. If not don't worry about it. We could always order take out."

"Don't be silly. We have tons of food... I'm sure you all can think of something if I don't get home soon enough."

"We'll see. Call me when you're on the train! See ya girl! I'll order our scores when I get home! Later!"

I watch as she skips her way toward the T-station at Hynes Convention Center... she's so happy... it makes me smile. I realize then I haven't smiled very much this past week since Edward's been gone.

One more day, then he'll be home... less than 24 hours and—God, I'm acting pathetic! Since when do I get withdrawals from not seeing someone... I need therapy.

"No Bella, no. I said 'a nine tone scale.' Like this."

He shows the me the scale I'm supposed to sing on the sound "z," by demonstrating with his beautiful baritone voice which echos inside his studio.

"I want to hear you sound even and full throughout the scale. Don't back off in the middle and crescendo on the top. Lets try again, from E flat."

I sing for him the right scale, which satisfies him, then we continue warming up until I reach a high F. I sing the same scales descending, and notice my voice is becoming more hoarse before we take a breather...

Carlisle is demonstrating the correct 'neutral stance' he wishes me to practice, while I'm barely able to keep my eyes open and standup straight.

My work load over the past week has increased and my late nights have longer. I suddenly feel it grabbing a hold of me, while Carlisle finishes congratulating me on my opera role.

"I think we should get to work right away on your role for Hansel and Gretel... what do you think?"

"Sure, I'll go get it." I go to my bag to get my opera score in a daze.

"You have a score already?" He sounds puzzled since the cast list just went up today.

"Oh... no. I don't... sorry, I forgot." Carlisle laughs and says we'll start working on my German repertoire while Jane is at our disposal to play for us.

Jane agreed to fill in for Edward as my accompanist until he returns and she plays very well. I can see why Edward would be initially attracted to her since I know he fancy's talent... she just makes me uncomfortable with her glaring at me while Carlisle isn't looking. Just her being here makes me miss Edward more... even if that does sound a little strange because she's his ex-girlfriend.

I feel dizzy... I need to sit down.

"Bella, have you made copies of the—" Carlisle looks up and see me sitting with my head between my legs trying to slow my breathing down. "Bella, what's wrong?" He walks over and puts his hand on my face to feel my forehead.

"I just need a moment... the room is spinning a little."

"Have you eaten today?"

"Yes..." Breathe... in... out...

"Jane, would you get Bella some water please? Oh, and call Edward... he should be home by now."

"Sure, Dr. Cullen." Jane exits the room and takes out her phone.

"No! Don't call him. He's not returning until tomorrow, don't worry him needlessly."

"He text me this morning saying he and Garrett were retuning this evening. Look at me Bella... can you focus on me?"

I look up at him and see the concern in his eyes. "You're not sleeping are you?"

I shrug my shoulders.

"How much sleep do you normally get?"

It seems like he's going into doctor mode... only it's funny because he's a doctor of music, not medicine.

"Four to five hours... but that's only been this past week. I've had a lot to do and..."

"And you're making yourself sick. Bella, I've taught many students here for a while; I know the work load involved with this degree. You need to make time for yourself...and—I'm sorry, but I have to ask... did you stay up late talking to Edward at all while he was away?"

"Three or four times... we normally spoke during my lunch breaks between classes."

Carlisle stands up and offers me his hand, and leads me to sit in the chair behind his desk. He walks around his desk to sit, and looks at me like I'm a delinquent child.

"I'm going to give you a little advice... the same speech I gave to Edward when he did his undergrad here. I also don't wish for you to take it personally. Edward is my son... but I'm your teacher, which makes it my duty to direct you on the right path to success. Bella... I think you need to get your priorities straight."

I furrow my brow and look down at the table for moment then, back up to his eyes when he continues, "You chose this degree for a reason... because you're talented and can make it far in this industry. That means your health and degree have to come first."

I attempt to speak up, but Carlisle cuts me off. "What is most important to you, Bella?"

It feels like this is a trick question... as if there's only one answer he wishes to hear.

If I say 'my career is most important,' it would seem like I'm work obsessed... with no plans for family or a social life. Except I know for a fact, music will never be more important to me than my family, friends, and now Edward. I'm just afraid if I tell Carlisle right now that his son is more important to me than my career, he will greatly disapprove.

"It's not a difficult question, Bella... you're complicating it more than it needs to be."

"It's feels like you're expecting me to answer according to what you think I should value most... but I don't know if I agree with you."

"Perhaps you're misreading my priorities. Bella... what I value most in my entire life is my family. Without them, I would feel incomplete... and nothing would be able to fill the void if I were to ever lose them. Is that what you thought I was going to say?"

I shake my head honestly, because his answer shocks me, but doesn't surprise me, "I thought you wanted me to say my career, and if I didn't say it, then I shouldn't be here."

"The truth is, Bella... priorities change. When I was in school, I was distracted and not focused. It took me a while to understand if I wanted to become a better student, I needed to set everything else a side and take care of my body as well. Now, I understand you also have a tendency to be a 'caretaker.' You cook and clean for your roommates... But you're not your roommate's mother, Bella."

"I don't always..."

"You need to take care of yourself before you take care of others. I know you... and you put others before yourself. Not anymore. Bella, why are you here? For your parents? Your friends? Edward?"

I shake my head, unable to answer him because I ashamed to admit it.

"You're here for yourself... to become a better singer, performer... whatever your choose to do with your degree. You're not here to be a maid and wear yourself down staying up late doing other people's work. And you need to set a curfew for going to sleep. If you are unable to speak or see Edward for awhile... he won't go to pieces. Edward will have his work cut out for him too for his last two semesters... so you both need to look out for yourselves... and of course each other."

"I can't not see him, Carlisle. We're trying to cope with him going to Chicago this summer as it is. I may not have much time left with him if he decides to stay there."

"Bella, I think you're great for my son... but don't sacrifice everything to be with him. You're too gifted to throw your career away. Talk to him, and if you're relationship is strong... it will withstand the distance and temporary separation."

I nod my head, trying to not shed tears in front of Carlisle. The inevitable separation from Edward looms over my head and threatens to swallow me whole. Jane enters the room with her phone in hand,

"He wants to speak to you." She grudgingly hands me the phone and I talk low into the receiver.

"Bella?"

He sounds panicked... shit.

"Hey. Don't worry... everything is fine."

"What's going on? Why did she say you collapsed?"

"I didn't... it just felt dizzy. It's no big deal. I'm just finishing up with your dad here, then I'm going to head home."

"Wait for me. I'm only 40 minutes away."

I look at Carlisle and I see he's shaking his head at me, saying I should probably go home and rest. I know if I see Edward right now, the last thing I'm going to want to do is rest.

"It's been a really long day and I just want to go home and sleep. Could I see you tomorrow when I feel better and rested?"

"Wait for me. We'll drive you home."

Carlisle signals for me to give him the phone, so I do. Carlisle speaks to Edward calmly and rationally while I hear Edward's voice rising on the other end. He doesn't sound to happy at Carlisle for convincing me not to see him tonight. Eventually, Carlisle puts his foot down and tells Edward he will drive me home himself so I don't have to take the T. I hear Edward finally back down, and Carlisle hands me the phone again.

"I came home early to see you but it seems that I am overruled."

"I'm sorry, Edward. I wish—"

"It's alright, love. Just tell me you'll go straight to bed and feel better. Will you call me in the morning?"

"Sure... first thing."

"Goodnight, love. I miss you."

"I miss you too."

We hang up and I return the phone to a grumpy looking Jane. Carlisle cuts the rest of the lesson short, and drops me off at home, telling me to get lots of rest this weekend so I don't get sick.

I wake up on Saturday morning, and low and behold... I'm sick.

ARUGH!

"AAAAACHHOOO!"

"Jesus! You scared the crap out of me, Momma!" Emmett says while handing me some soup and giving me a cold compress for my forehead.

"Bella, Edward is on the phone. He says he wants to come over to see you."

I shake my head vigorously, unable to speak because the soar throat attacking my glands is making it difficult to swallow.

Alice holds the phone to her ear again, "She can't speak but she's signing to me to tell you, 'she looks like some kind of monster.' No you don't, Bella!"

"She kinda does..." Emmett says, which makes me throw my pillow at him.

Alice slaps his shoulder, "Get out, Emmett! Thanks very much, but I got it from here!" Emmett exits the room saying he was only joking, then gives me a big smile before he goes to the next room.

"Edward says 'he can't see you anyway, so he doesn't care if you look like a monster.' Awe... how sweet is that!"

I roll my eyes and shake my head. I point to my throat and sign that I don't wish to make him sick too, and I'll call him when I feel better. Alice recites what I'm acting out from bed to the best of my ability, and she marvels,

"You know Bella, you would be amazing at charades."

I point two fingers to my eyes then point to her telling her to 'focus.' She nods and speaks to Edward again.

I wish I could agree to have him here, but I don't want the next time he sees me to be lying on my ass with a fever and cold putting him at risk to get sick.

"AAACHHOOO! Uuuggghh!" My body aches all over, and I have a blaring headache pulsating in my forehead.

"I think she just needs some rest for a few days and she should be on her feet. I will... uh huh... okay. See ya, Ed." Alice hangs up the phone and sits on my bed.

"Edward says 'we better take good care of you because if you're not better by Monday, he's defying your orders to stay away and will be your nursemaid himself.'"

I smile a little and nod my head, picturing what a handsome nurse Edward would make dressed in scrubs...

I fall asleep dreaming of the next time when he sees me and holds me close to kiss me again.

Monday morning... I feel better.

My fever and sore throat is gone, my runny nose is dried up, but I developed a cough overnight. It's still not as bad as it was, which I'm grateful for. My friends took good care of me this weekend. I would have been lost without them. The best part about having my roommates is we help each other. I know if I do something for them... they give it right back to me in return, and nothing ever goes unappreciated.

Despite my ugly cough... I'm very excited.

I'm seeing Edward today for the first time since he left after my birthday. I'm not contagious anymore, and all my roommates had high doses of Airborne all weekend just in case I had spread my flu onto them... but for now, everyone is healthy.

I know everything Carlisle told me is true... I should lighten up my work load...since right after I got scolded, I became overwhelmed with exhaustion and got sick the next morning.

It's like a lighting bolt from God trying to tell me something. Well, message has been received.

I will start taking better care of myself and focus more on my studies... even if it means less time with Edward. We're going to have to speak about it when I see him today, but I'll wait for the right time. I won't be able to just blurt it out.

I check my phone as I get off the T stop, walking up the stairs onto the street level and see a text from Edward.

I hope you're feeling better, baby. I'll meet you outside before your French class. I'm too anxious to see you.

My French class starts in half an hour and I still have some books to return before class. I reply that I will see him in fifteen minutes as I walk down the street toward the corner of Boylston and Mass Ave. to wait at the cross walk.

When I look up from my phone I see Edward crossing the street from the direction of the Prudential center toward BoCo with Harry on a leash. I realize he won't be able to hear me over the loud traffic, so I wait until I can cross to call his name asking him to wait for me.

As he's crossing the street, I see it all happen... but still cannot believe my eyes.

A huge man with large with a giant sized black dog, bumps into Edward's shoulder while walking in the same direction. His knocks Edward off balance causing him to stagger sideways knocking into the man's dog. The mutt aggressively bares his teeth barking and snapping at Edward, which causes Harry to take a defensive stance, growling and barking loudly in return to protect Edward.

The crosswalk sign flashing on Edward's street says 'five seconds left' before the light change.

By now, the grumpy owner of the black dog is yelling at Edward to 'watch where the fuck he's going' as he steps toward Edward with his pissed off dog.

Edward yells back, trying to pull Harry off the street. He is three-quarters across the crosswalk when the angry asshole goes to confront him for stepping on his dog. Just then the black dog breaks loose from his collar, and goes after Harry.

Harry is fighting the black dog, trying to bite his neck in the street, while Edward is telling the man to get his dog off Harry. The man curses when both dogs knock Edward down to his knees on the street. The owner grabs his black dog by the scruff of the neck, pulling him away from Harry and off the road.

Edward is still on the crosswalk standing up calling for Harry. No one is going to help him, and Harry who is standing by Starbucks, is unable to hear Edward calling him.

The crosswalk sign changes to a 'stop sign', while Edward stands up trying to find where the side of the road is.

There are no cars passing on Boylston where I am, so I jaywalk, running across the street to get to Edward faster, in case he needs my help.

I see the red light change as a car in the distance speeds down on Mass Ave. but isn't slowing down. I think Edward hears the car and picks a direction away from me, holding his hand up for the car to slow down, but it doesn't see him!

The car is almost at the intersection coming at full speed while other cars are stopped waiting for Edward to cross,

"EDWARD, MOVE!" Edward turns his head to the direction of my voice looking panicked.

No... not him!

I make my choice... I run across the street while the car horns are honking telling me to stop, and I see in my peripheral vision the white sedan that was speeding, now slams on its brakes hard, causing a loud screeching noise while skidding forward.

I push Edward forward and see him fall face down with his hands out onto the curb. Suddenly, I feel a large object crash into my legs, sweeping me off my feet, throwing my body behind it, then hit my head while landing somewhere on the street.

I close my eyes to stop the pounding in my skull, and stay still because my legs are throbbing too much to move.

I hear a frantic and scared voice calling my name... asking where I am over, and over.

A warm body finds me and holds me tight...

Something wet is falling on my checks...

People's voices are getting louder, crowding around me...

I hear sirens in the distance...

The last voice I hear sobbing before I fall asleep is,

"Bella... please... don't leave me!"

We're about half way there folks (if my estimations are correct.)

Everything up to now was leading to this moment... I hope you continue to follow, and let me know your thoughts. I'm obviously not a perfect author, this being my first fanfic, but I take every critique with a grain of salt and will do my best to improve!

Thanks again for reading!