I told you last chapter to get your listening devices ready, so I hope everyone has a full battery. If you've never taken my advice on listening to the songs before, now is the time. This chapter simply looses so much without the two songs.
After more than 300,000 words on EverClear, this is by far my favorite chapter. It would thrill me beyond words to have a boat load of reviews for this one. We had almost two thousand reads last chapter and just a handful of reviews. Normally, that doesn't bother me, I'm just glad you guys are still with me. But I would love to get the feedback on this one from all you lurkers, as well as my faithful reviewers.
Special thanks to Michelle for her guidance and collaboration on this chapter. I struggled with wanting it perfect and you held my hand and guided me through it. Happy TwiTuesday and have a drink at lunch for me.
Playlist:
Cantico-Andrea Bocelli
You-Evanescence
Both songs are on YouTube, just type in the artist and song. And grab the hankies while you're at it.
Chapter 25-A Night to RememberEsme POV
"Can you please explain to me why it is that we are arriving before the sun even comes up?" Carlisle asked as we drove down the dark expanse of the highway. I glanced over at him and saw an amused grin tugging at the corners of his lips. I took his hand in mine and brought it to my mouth, placing a soft kiss on his knuckles. His patience and understanding had struck me as his greatest trait the very moment I'd opened my eyes to my new life and that still held true all these years later. I would forever be grateful for the gift that sat beside me; husband, lover, friend, father or protector. It didn't matter what label you placed on him, he was the embodiment of the very best of them all.
"Because, we just need to get there early," Alice's voice chimed from the back seat of the car. I twisted in my seat and saw that she had pulled out her laptop once again. She had been checking her email every few minutes since we'd pulled out of the garage several hours ago and had huffed exasperatedly each time whatever she was looking for failed to appear.
"Honey, what are you doing back there," I asked as gently as possible. Her beautiful eyes met mine and she smiled gloriously.
"I'm waiting for an email from Chip. He promised that he would send me videos of last night and I'm dying to see them."
"That's right, the benefit was last night. But Alice, it's so early. Don't you think that…"
"No, he'll send them very soon," she said with a knowing smirk. Her fingers flew over the small keys on the small red computer in her lap for just a moment. I knew, before she even spoke that the message she had been waiting on had arrived, simply by the light that filled her eyes. Her squeal of delight moments later confirmed it as she bounced in her seat slightly.
Carlisle chuckled slightly as she squeezed my hand. He looked back at our daughter in the rearview mirror and shook his head indulgently.
"Well? Are you going to share it with us?" I asked as her head tilted to the right and she sighed happily. She passed the tiny computer through the seats and into my outstretched hand. Almost immediately, she scooted her small body forward until her head, neck and shoulders were wedged between the seats. I angled the small screen so that we could all, Carlisle included, see the message sent from Chip. Alice began to read the written message and I couldn't help but grin.
Alice,
Darling, we missed you terribly last night. I tried my hardest to capture as much of the night as possible but I don't think I did it justice. Last night was simply…magical. If I didn't love Marcus and Bella so much, I might just try to catch Edward for myself. The third clip will kill you. It has to be one of the most impressive things I've ever seen in terms of sheer thoughtfulness. Tell Esme that not only did she raise a daughter with a flawless fashion sense but a son that is a hopeless romantic. Love ya, Doll and I'll see you in a little while.
Chip
P.S. You missed the happy couple's second fight yesterday. Bella wanted her cast off and Edward refused to do it. It was only after she called JP and he showed up with, gasp of horror, a hacksaw that he gave in and took it off himself. She did agree to wear the brace, so tell Carlisle not to worry. I wonder if that had anything to do with them being almost half an hour late last night? Hmm, inquiring minds want to know.
Everyone in the car laughed. I'm sure that Alice and Carlisle were envisioning the same scenario that I was at Chip's post script. It sounded just exactly like both of them and I, too, was sure that their fight was indeed the reason they were late for the benefit.
"She is a devious little shit," Alice smirked as she positioned the mouse on the link for the first video. "Only Bella would call JP of all people to cut off her cast. The girl really does have no sense of self-preservation."
"Don't be absurd, Alice," Carlisle laughed. "She knew when she called him that Edward wouldn't let JP near her with anything with the word 'saw' in it. I am glad she did at least agree to wear the brace. It really is too early for her arm to be out of the cast but I can only imagine the fight she put up."
The screen filled with a very close up image of Chip in his tuxedo. He was standing in what appeared to be a large ball room. Sparkling chandeliers hung every few feet on the high ceiling above him as he twisted and posed for the camera. Behind him were multiple large round tables that were set for an elegant dinner service. Crystal and china peeked out from every table top visible and in the center of each was a large arrangement of fresh flowers. Visible in the distant background was a stage with what appeared to be a small orchestra and directly in front of the stage was a parquet floor that had obviously been laid out for the attendees to dance on. Milling around in the background were officers dressed in their finest uniforms. Polished brass buttons and crisp blue jackets could be seen from every angle.
"Where in the hell are they?" an obviously irritated Chip asked the camera. "They should have been here almost half an hour ago."
"I bet Bitch is getting freaky in the limo," JP cackled as the camera moved to frame his smiling face. He looked adorable in his dark suit. The dreadlocks that usually obscured at least half of his handsome face were pulled back in a ponytail at the base of his neck. He wore none of the studs or bars that generally adorned his eyebrow or ears. He was standing very casually, a drink in one hand, beside an equally cleaned up and polished Dimitri. They both seemed surprisingly comfortable in the clothes they wore as well as in the setting.
"Oh my God!" Alice shouted as she clasped her hand over her mouth. "He looks great. I wish he would dress up more often," she gasped between soft laughs.
"He does look nice," Carlisle agreed from beside me. "As long as he keeps his mouth shut. He and Emmett are so much alike it's almost scary."
"Really, JP," Chip admonished from off camera. The lens swung again to focus on Chip as he once again looked at his watch. "Surely they didn't…"
"There they are," Marcus' soft voice called from somewhere behind the camera. I guessed that he was the current operator from his absence on the screen.
The camera swung wildly around the room until it landed on the large double doors of the entrance. I gasped as the camera focused in on the stunning couple that stood in the doorway.
I had never seen a more beautiful couple in all my time on the Earth. Each of my children was breath taking in their own way. As I looked at the image on the screen, I couldn't help but think of each of my children and their most outstanding attributes. Emmett exuded an easy presence with his deep dimples and a smile that would melt the heart of any woman. Rosalie was perhaps the most classically beautiful of all my kids. Her flowing hair and perfect figure had stopped men in their tracks even as a human. With her new life, her beauty had only been enhanced and she wore her striking features with a haughtiness that was both intimidating and alluring. Jasper had the soft graceful features of his Southern heritage and his intensity made him seem other worldly sometimes. And my Alice had the exotic features of a fairytale being. Her small angled features and her natural vibrancy drew people to her, even against their natural aversion to our kind.
Alice broke me out of my reverie with a small gasp. "Oh, Esme!" she fluttered as she touched my arm. "Look at them!"
As I stared at the figures on the screen, I was sure that there could be no one in the history of the world that could compare to my two youngest children. Alone, each one of them would have been enough to bring traffic to a stand still. But standing arm in arm and looking at each other with the purest form of love pouring from their eyes, they were almost too much to take in. The sheer perfection of them as a unit was unfathomable.
Edward was dressed in a classic tuxedo. The perfect cut of the jacket emphasized his broad shoulders and his narrow waist. His generally unruly mane of bronze hair was somewhat tamed while it still held a hint of dishevelment. I imagined that he'd run his fingers through it several times, a nervous habit he'd had since I'd first met him. But his smile was what made him look so utterly gorgeous. It was a wide sincere smile that only graced his face when he was near Bella. He looked more relaxed and happier than I'd ever seen him as he stood proudly beside his wife.
And Bella was simply…perfection. She wore an incredibly elegant white gown with wide set straps. The Empire satin bodice flowed effortlessly into a pleated inset waist that accentuated her tiny waist. The gown flowed to the floor like water and had a slight A-line shape to it that created a small train. Her hair had been pulled back in the front and sides but flowed in loose curls down her back. Around her neck was a flawless diamond necklace. Perfectly matched stones hung in a ring just above her collar bone, the length slightly longer than the chokers she wore almost nightly. In the very center was an extremely large pear shaped diamond that lay perfectly in the small dip above her sternum. Adorning her ears were a pair of matched diamond solitaires that anchored two more pear shaped gems. Her arm was tucked delicately into the crook of his arm as they made their way into the room but her eyes were fastened on him.
Every head in the building snapped towards them and people seemed almost spell-bound as they watched the amazing couple enter. Only steps into the room, a gentleman that was obviously a high ranking officer stepped toward them with his arms held wide. Bella kissed him on the cheek and then took his offered arm. The two men at her side escorted her toward the camera as she smiled at a beaming Chip.
Chip hugged her tightly as they reached the group and then he stepped back and held her arms wide. As they spoke sweetly to each other, JP came around behind her and laced one arm around her waist as he kissed her on the cheek. She turned around and squealed loudly as she took in his polished appearance.
"Tell me that's costume jewelry around your neck," Chip praised as he reached a fingertip toward the pendant hanging around her neck. She turned toward Edward and blushed a deep crimson color that gave away the answer before she even spoke.
"No, this is Edward's idea of a present," she said bashfully. At that moment, Edward stepped behind her and wrapped both arms around her waist. He leaned down and kissed her neck just above the ring of gems in an endearing display.
"I told you I wanted to get her something. That's why I asked you about her dress," my son teased Chip, who stared wide eyed at him. "These are the only types of teardrops I ever want to see my Bella have," he said sincerely as he kissed her neck again.
"Good Lord, Edward! I had no idea that was what you were talking about," Chip stuttered as he continued to gawk at the exquisite jewelry.
"Doesn't she look beautiful?" he said as he kissed her shoulder.
The uniformed gentleman stepped in the line of site of the camera and obscured my kids as he motioned toward the empty seats in front of them. The camera lens swung wide and then faded to black.
"Do you remember the lectures he used to try and give Emmett every time he tried to bribe his way out of trouble with Rose," Carlisle snickered from the driver's seat. "I never thought I would see the day that Edward did the same thing."
"Oh, now you don't know he was trying to bribe his way out of the fight they had," I said as I lightly smacked my husband's arm. "I think the more likely scenario is that he'd been looking for an excuse to buy her something like that and this was just convenient."
Alice's tinkling laugh cut into the discussion as she opened the second video file. The scene that came to life showed Bella and Edward seated at the table with plates of human food in front of them. Bella was looking at Edward with a slightly annoyed expression as he cut the piece of steak on her plate into tiny portions. He was either oblivious to her expression or chose to ignore it as he pushed the plate back toward her.
"Can I feed myself or would you like to do that as well," she snipped to him. His only response was a quick peck on her lips and a brilliant smile. He leaned in to her and whispered something that made her blush. There were snickers around the table as she picked up her fork and took a dramatic bite.
Edward picked up his own fork and pushed the food in front of him around on his plate. To anyone other than our practiced eye, it would have looked like he was eating. He even went as far as to pick up the crystal goblet in front of him and brought it to his lips, doing a perfect imitation of someone sipping their wine. Alice snickered as she watched him fake his way through the dinner and even I couldn't help but chuckle a little.
"Aw, Eddie, what's the matter? You don't like your steak?" JP's smart-alec voice rang out. Edward's head shot up from his plate and he glared at JP, who sat on Bella's other side. Bella laughed loudly as she looked at Edward, who melted at her amusement. Even I knew that JP would not be deterred so easily, especially if he thought Bella was amused.
"Um, no, it's fine," my son stuttered as he tried to diffuse the uncomfortable scenario. The gentleman that had greeted them as they entered sat on Edward's side and looked at him poignantly. Edward hesitated for just a moment before he speared a large piece of the meat and quickly put it in his mouth. The grimace he tried to conceal as he chewed the food was priceless and Bella laughed even louder as she watched him struggle. He chewed for just a few seconds before he swallowed the meat. JP's barking laugh filled the air as he clapped loudly at the display and I saw that Edward flipped his middle finger toward him under the table, thankfully away from the eyes of the dignitary on his left.
"Ew, can you imagine what that tasted like," Alice said as her nose wrinkled in disgust.
"Worse, can you imagine that coming back out?" I retorted.
"Esme! That's disgusting," Carlisle laughed as he shook his head slightly.
"Well, its true and you know it."
Alice reached impatiently between the seats and clicked on the third attachment to the email. The line of Chip's email referencing this particular video had piqued her interest as well as mine. Knowing Edward and his penchant for the dramatic, I couldn't wait to see what he'd done that so impressed Chip.
When the images came into view again, the camera was at a new angle. Whoever was the operator was standing some distance away from the table so that a clear view of both the stage area and the audience was visible. The man that had joined Bella and Edward for diner was standing on the stage in front of a microphone and the audience was clapping graciously.
"This is not an organization that anyone wants to become a part of," he began soberly. "We are dedicated to easing the loss of our fallen officers' families, although as each of you knows, there are some things that nothing can heal but time."
I watched as Bella's dark eyes saddened at his words as she watched him from her chair. I could only imagine how horrible Charlie's loss had been for her. That time of her life had been so dark, so painful already and his loss must have simply shattered her. My heart ached to reach out and comfort her, even though I knew logically that I could offer no comfort to a video image. Almost as if he'd read my mind, Edward reached out and gently stroked her neck with one of his long fingers. It was a simple gesture but the moment his skin made contact with hers, a discernable change swept over her entire body. She melted back into her chair just as he leaned forward and kissed her temple.
"But as members of this association, it has been our privilege to meet some of the most amazing and strong people. We honor you, as well as our fallen brothers tonight, for your strength, your compassion and your generosity to each other," the officer continued. "It is in that spirit of generosity that I have several announcements and then we will get on with this evenings special performance."
I looked at Alice questioningly but she simply shrugged her shoulders. It was an unusual event for my pixie to be unaware of an event, particularly one that involved her brother and his wife. With an amused smile, I turned my attention back to the screen as the man continued to speak.
"First, I'd like to make an announcement. Many of you in this room know that among our members is the daughter of Police Chief Charles Swan of Forks. His loss, like all of our brothers, was tragic and unexpected. But through such a tragedy, we have been graced with an extraordinary presence. Isabella is a member of the rock band EverClear, who by the way, I am told, currently hold the number one album on the charts…so, congratulations to you all," he said warmly as he nodded toward Bella and JP. "In addition to the donation of a private box and tickets to tomorrow night's show that will be auctioned off in just a little while, I was made aware of another donation the band has made to our fund. EverClear's new album contains a song that was written about Charlie Swan and because of that connection, they have decided to donate five percent of the gross earning of each album sold. I don't have to tell you that this is an exceedingly generous donation and please join me in thanking the band for its continued support."
A loud round of applause, led by Edward, filled the screen. Poor Bella was the color of a stop sign at the attention and even JP looked somewhat bashful. But Edward looked as though he would explode with pride as he stared at her. With a small wave of her hand to the officer, she turned in her chair slightly and leaned forward to kiss JP's cheek.
"That is a generous donation," my husband said from beside me. The pride in his voice was evident as he spoke of our youngest daughter's gesture. I stroked his cheek lovingly as he smiled into the dark highway in front of us before I returned my attention to the screen.
"Second, we have a surprise for you that is truly once in a lifetime. We are being graced with a performance by one of the world's premier singers tonight. He has performed in world renowned theaters from New York's Met to Sydney's Opera House. His presence here tonight is in dedication to two very special people."
A collective muttering could be heard around the room. I noticed that Edward had a look of sheer anticipation on his face and that while everyone else in the room looked to each other in question of which performer it could be, he simply stared at Bella with unabashed love. The orchestra behind the officer began to play softly and the distinct sound of a harpsichord became the dominant instrument discernable in the music. Another officer stepped onto the stage, his arm offered as a guide to a dark haired man that I immediately recognized. The guide led none other than Andrea Bocelli onto the stage as the crowd gasped in realization.
"Mr. Boccelli is here with us tonight to perform a few of his best known works. Truly, we are graced with such a rare performance from such a gifted artist. His performance tonight is in remembrance of Police Chief Charles Swan and in honor of his daughter Isabella Swan Cullen," the first man finished to a round of thunderous applause.
"He did not pull that off," Alice gasped as she watched the tenor step to the microphone. His regal appearance in no way indicated the handicap that would have defined so many other people as his voice flowed effortlessly through the room.
I watched, my voice caught in my throat, as Bella rose silently from her chair and stepped toward the stage a few paces, her eyes wide and fixed on the stage. The hand that was covered in the wrist brace clutched her stomach tightly and her other hand covered her open mouth. Her eyes shone with tears but the look of utter delight on her face was clear. The incredible voice of the unassuming man encased the entire room but I could not watch anything but the reaction of my daughter. Even on the grainy video, it was clear that she was almost gasping for breath as each note touched her.
Edward silently rose from his own chair and joined her in the middle of the room. He slid one arm around her waist and she leaned back into his chest. He inclined his head just slightly so that his lips just brushed her ear. I could see him moving his mouth but he was so quiet that I could not make out the words. As he continued to speak to her, the incredible song continued. As the first chorus ended, the arm that she had covered her mouth in awe latched onto Edward's forearm, almost as if she needed his help to remain standing.
"What do you think he's saying to her," Alice whispered her appreciation with the scene before us apparent.
"If I know Edward, he's whispering a translation of the lyrics into her ear," I responded just as quietly. I could feel my own hands shake as I watched the touching gesture. There was a palpable love that was evident to all that gazed upon the magnificent couple wrapped in each others arm as they were serenaded by the perfection of Bocelli's voice. As the song continued, I could see her visibly shaking from the force of her emotions. I could only imagine what she was feeling in that moment. The power of the aria, the surprise of the serenade coupled with the fierce love for my youngest son that radiated off her would have been overwhelming even to a vampire.
As the second verse came to a close, she wrapped her braced hand around behind her and gripped his neck. The small smile that tugged at his lips was enamoring. He knew, as I did, that the most powerful part of the song was coming. She took several ragged breaths as the note approached, trying and failing to steady herself for the onslaught. As the tenor's voice soared through two octaves, her eyes closed almost unwillingly and the tears she has so valiantly withheld flowed from the edges of her lashes. When the beautiful music had faded and the orchestra played the small interlude that would usher the ending of the song, she turned in his arms and nearly collapsed against him. He held her against him, her feet just barely touching the ground and with one gentle finger lifted her chin.
As the last verse of the song began, they stared into each other's eyes as if they were alone in the room. Neither spoke but it was apparent that they were communicating with one another. I'd never in almost one hundred years seen anything as pure as the all consuming love that seemed to shield them from the outside world. She laid her head against his chest and he rested his cheek atop her head as they watched the song come to its end. As the deep rumble of the bass drums ushered the final dramatic finish to the song, they turned in a synchronized act and kissed passionately. When they pulled apart, they joined the other patrons in a fervent round of applause for the painfully beautiful song, never fully letting go of each other.
The camera swung wide to show Dimitri, JP and Chip all on their feet applauding with the crowd. JP had an unfamiliar look of longing on his face as he watched Bella and Edward while Chip cried openly. I was startled to see Dimitri swipe his long finger underneath his eye as he turned away from the camera for just a moment. As the next song began, the image on the screen went black.
I could feel my own eyes pricking with tears as I turned to look at my daughter. Her face reflected the same emotions that I felt as she let out a shaky laugh. Neither of us, it seemed, had the words to describe what we'd just witnessed. I felt the comforting warmth of Carlisle's hand as he slipped his fingers around my palm and lifted my hand to his mouth. The soft caress of his lips calmed me in a way that nothing else ever could. His mere presence brought with me a tranquility that I'd never known as a mortal and I was forever grateful that he was eternally mine.
"You taught him well, "Alice said shakily as she reached for the small computer. It was so touching to see her so moved by her brother's happiness and I couldn't help but grasp her hand and place a small kiss on the smooth skin. She smiled dazzlingly at me before she released my hand.
"He didn't learn that from me, Alice honey. That is your father's doing," I said honestly. Carlisle had long been taunted by our children for his grand gestures but it was evident that while Edward had been one of the loudest voices of ridicule, he was also his father's most astute observer.
The rest of the drive passed in a peaceful calm. We made small talk but it was clear that we were all anxious to arrive in the city. As the deep ebony of night began to give way to the muted colors of dawn, the city's skyline came into view. With each passing minute and each step of the instructions we'd been given, the excitement that only a family reunited could bring began to fill the interior of the car. Alice was nearly vibrating in her seat as we made the final turn onto the narrow road that lead us to the eight story building in front of us.
Carlisle let out a low whistle as the incredible architecture of the building came into focus. The building recalled an older time and sentiment with its pale brick façade and rows of windows. The dim blues and reds of the changing sky behind the structure only added to its impressiveness.
"Chip told me it used to be a hotel. He and Marcus found it abandoned and bought it for next to nothing," Alice narrated from behind me. "They spent years renovating it and when it was done, they couldn't bear to part with it. So they renovated it a little more and turned it into apartments."
We pulled into the narrow drive that lead us into an underground garage. Just fewer than two dozen vehicles lined the sides of the building and I couldn't contain the laugh that escaped when I spied the familiar dull red paint of the monstrosity that was Bella's truck. I hadn't seen the vehicle in such a long time but the second my eyes found it, I was transported back more than five years to a summer when it graced the driveway of our home on most afternoons. The echoing laughter of my husband told me that he had the same memories and was just as delighted at seeing a relic of our past.
"I wonder how long it will take him to kill the truck?" Alice giggled as we passed the ancient pile of steel.
Just as we pulled into one of only three vacant spaces, a man in a dark blue coat stepped out of a small office next to a set of elevator doors. He didn't seem startled at our arrival so early in the morning and I guessed that housing occupants with a rather odd profession, he'd become used to visitors at all hours of the day and night. I was somewhat shocked when he addressed us by name as we stepped from the car.
"Mr. and Mrs. Cullen, Chip told me to expect your arrival. If you'll follow me, I'll take you to the lobby. The top three floors of the building are only accessible from the internal lift, as I'm sure you understand."
"Yes, of course," Carlisle said as we all stepped into the small cart that gave a slight jerk before it rose quickly into the air. We all glanced at each other as the man stood with his chest puffed out a little more than was natural. He was obviously trying to make a good impression and it was amusing to watch his display of protectiveness.
The doors opened and we were ushered into a stately lobby complete with marble floors and a gleaming wall of mirrored elevators. The room held all the grandeur of the posh inn that it had once been and I could absolutely see Chip's influence on the elegant décor. The security guard walked briskly across the floor as he pulled a card key from his pocket and slipped it into the electronic coder on the wall.
"This way," the man said with a slight bow in the direction of the new car. Once we had all filed in, he stepped in and pressed a series of numbers. A green light clicked on and the doors shut, leaving us once again enclosed and rising.
"Why all the security?" Alice asked with an amused tone.
"Well, the band has its fair share of admirers that routinely try to gain access to their homes. But after the incident in Texas, we decided that additional security was necessary."
"I see," she said quietly as we all recalled that horrific night that felt like a lifetime ago. The man's casual mention of the event that nearly took both of my children from me sent a small shiver down my spine. Noticing my discomfort, Carlisle placed his hand on the small of my back and stroked up and down very slowly. The gesture was both welcomed and appreciated.
"The Cullens are on the seventh floor and Mr. Chip is on the eighth. Do you have a preference to which one you go to first?" the man asked in a polite tone. I smiled widely at the mention of "the Cullens".
"The seventh floor please," Alice answered with a quick wink in my direction.
The doors chimed as the car came to an abrupt halt before the reflective doors opened once again. As soon as they did, the sound of a piano filled the air. A startling melody drifted loudly down the corridor and wrapped itself around us all as we took our first steps into the long hallway. I was shocked to see Chip and Marcus sitting in the floor outside of a doorway on the left, both dressed in their bathrobes and very wide awake. Standing in open doorway on the right was a visibly groggy JP, clad only in a pair of boxers, a thin bathrobe that hung open and a pair of ridiculously large grizzly bear slippers. In his hand was a steaming cup of coffee. His hair, so neat and tamed in the video of the night before hung in wild strands around his face as he spoke quietly to the two men in the floor.
At our approach, all three smiled widely and Chip and Marcus both struggled to rise to their feet.
"What in the world are you doing in the hallway?" I asked as Marcus leaned forward to kiss my cheek. The notes from inside the apartment came to an abrupt halt and I could hear a distinct scratching sound. The soft sounds of Bella's sweet laugh made me smile as I faced Chip. "She's already awake?"
"Awake? She's never gone to sleep. That's why we are all camped out in the hallway," Marcus grumbled good-naturedly. The melody began once again and I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Alice was positively rabid as she looked toward the door.
"What?" a startled Carlisle asked as he gave JP a sideways hug. "You can't be serious. They've been playing all night?"
JP snickered suggestively and even Chip seemed to catch my husband's unintentional double meaning. Carlisle looked from face to face for a moment before he caught the inside joke.
"I didn't mean it like that," he said with the most embarrassed look on his face I could remember ever seeing.
"I did," JP piped up as the piano stuttered to a halt once more. Soft voices from inside murmured quietly to each other, unaware of the crowd of people outside the door.
"You ready?" Edward asked and I could hear the smile in his voice. There was a subtle shifting noise, as if someone had changed their position before she whispered "yes" to whatever his request was.
The music began for a third time but there was something slightly different about it that I couldn't place. There seemed to be an easy flowing quality that had been missing from the previous two versions I'd heard in the last few minutes. I was on the verge of asking if we were going to stand in the hallway all day when I heard the familiar supple sound of Bella's voice through the thick wooden door.
The words have been drained from this pencil
There was a collective gasp from all of us as we looked to each other. It had been so long since I'd heard the angelic voice of my daughter. The smooth power of her voice drew me in without hesitation as I strained to hear her.
"Open it, open it!" Alice said in a flutter as she motioned to Chip. He was fumbling with a ring of keys that he'd pulled from the pocket of his house coat and my exuberant daughter was no longer trying to contain her enthusiasm as she bounced on the balls of her feet anxiously.
Sweet words that I want to give you
Much more quietly than I thought him capable of Chip eased the metal into the lock and turned it quickly. The large door squeaked just slightly as he pushed it wide to reveal the inside of Bella's apartment. We all filed into a small entrance way with a single table and lap to the right. White-washed hardwood floors accented the soft eggshell color of the walls and led to a short hallway, only nine steps that brought us into a very modern kitchen. The marble counters of the square kitchen flowed with the same warmth as the flooring and rested above antiqued cabinets. Stainless steel appliances gleamed in the dim light coming from the living room. With a sweep of his hand, Chip motioned for us to gather in the kitchen and I was pleased to see an opening that gave a perfect view from the kitchen into the large room beyond.
And I can't sleep
I really need to tell you
Goodnight
The living room was incredible. Exposed brick of the same muted color as the outside of the building covered three walls while the fourth held an expanse of floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the Seattle skyline gave the entire place a warm inviting feel. On one wall sat a massive fireplace that crackled with the flames of a fire left to die out. Surrounding the fireplace was a mantle that perfectly complimented the hardwood floors that carried into the room. The furniture made my stomach tighten as I took in the room. The pale color pallet of the sofa and chairs could have been taken directly from the family room of my home in Forks. The same peaceful tranquil environment that I had worked so hard to make for my family had been painstakingly recreated in my daughter's home. The one exception was a rocking chair that sat in the far corner of the room. Draped over the back of the wooden slats was a quilt that simply oozed familiarity and love. I knew instinctively what these were. These pieces had come from Bella's home in Forks. I was sure, as I recalled the stories of Edward sitting in that very rocker the first night he'd stayed with her after they had declared their feelings for each other, that the quilt was the same one that had been on her tiny bed back in Charlie's house. The significance of the room and the two sentimental pieces nearly overwhelmed me as the emotional melody continued to play.
Centered in the wall of windows in a position of honor was a gleaming black piano. And seated at the bench was Edward. He was dressed in the black slacks of his tuxedo and his sleeveless undershirt. His bare feet moved gracefully over the pedals of the instrument as he moved his fingers seemingly without conscious thought. Sitting on her knees with her bottom resting on her heel atop the piano was my daughter. Her hair still held the remnants of the curls from earlier in the evening but the sides had been freed and her luxurious mane flowed freely over her shoulders. She wore his starched dress shirt, the dreamlike gown tossed unceremoniously onto the arm of the nearest couch. Crumpled at the foot of the piano bench was a small piece of lace that I realized with embarrassment had to be her undergarment. The necklace I'd so admired as we watched the clips in the car was still secured safely around her neck.
There were multiple sheets of paper scattered haphazardly on the lid of the piano as well and I noticed, with a small chuckle, a small tray of half eaten fruit and various types of crackers. Two empty soda cans lie on their side at the very end of the piano and an open bottle of water sat less than a foot behind her.
And they were completely oblivious to anyone except each other.
They both stared into the face of their mate with more love and longing than I'd ever seen. The high ceilings of the room gave the acoustics of the room a tone that couldn't be matched anywhere. The absolute certainty of his every stroke against the keys coupled with her crystal clear voice made the scene seem like some imagined dream and I almost felt as if we were intruding upon a moment so private that I should be turning my head.
When we're together
I feel perfect
Even as she sang, she smiled at him. The words that flowed were genuine and sincere as she sang to him and him alone.
When I'm away from you
I fall apart
I felt my husband's strong arms encircle me from behind, much in the same fashion as I'd watched Edward do for his wife a thousand different times. The love and strength I felt from his presence only added to the beauty of the scene before me. I felt his chest rise and fall heavily as he watched our children silently and I knew that he too was overwhelmed with the emotions that flowed between them.All you say is sacred to me Your eyes are so blue I can't look awayEdward smiled his unique lopsided grin at her words and I could see her cheeks rise as she smiled back at him in an almost teasing manner. Every note he touched, every chord he played was the perfect compliment to her soaring voice.
As we lay in the stillness
You whisper to meAs she sang the words, she sat up a little straighter and his face took on a look of reverence. The shift was subtle but meaningful and I held my breath as I waited for the next line of the song that could have been spoken by either one of them to the other.
Baby
Marry me
Promise you'll stay with meMy eyes filled with tears as I watched him mouth the words to her as she sang. It was clear that they had both poured themselves into the song and that they were equally affected by its feelings. In the widow behind them, the sun had just begun to peak its way above the horizon, casting a dim glow across them. The auburn highlights of her hair shimmered in the light and I noticed for the first time that they were almost an identical shade to the wisps of red in his hair.
Oh, you don't have to ask me You know you're all that I live forThe force of her voice as she continued to sing was staggering. I watched breathlessly as he leaned his body forward and pressed his forehead against her legs. She looked down at him and very gently stroked her hand through his hair as her voice rose in strength and pitch.
You know I'd dieJust to hold you
Stay with youHe placed a kiss on her knee before straightening up and continuing the song. I felt my hand grip Carlisle's arm as I saw the same glimmer of tears in his eyes as I felt in my own. I looked quickly over to Alice on my right and sighed as I saw her and JP hugging each other.
Somehow, I'll show youBoth of their shoulders shook with amusement as they faltered for the briefest of seconds with the timing of his playing against her singing. I heard a small chuckle escape from Chip, who leaned sweetly into the arms of Marcus beside him.
That you are myNight sky
The intensity of her voice returned in a sharp gust and the enormity of their words once again blanketed all of us. His gaze was exaltation as he watched his wife sway slightly with the fervor of her words.
I've always been right behind you Now I'll always be right beside youThe last line she sang reminded us all of the power her tiny body possessed. As she held the note longer than any other of the song, her head rolled to the right just a bit, a habit I'd noticed she had when she pushed her voice into the higher ranges. The sheer force of her voice rattled the panes of the window behind them, not enough that human eyes would have detected it but more than enough for vampiric ones to notice.
Edward never faltered but slowed his playing just slightly to allow her voice to ring above everything else. His hands stilled briefly and he nodded his head toward his own lap. With a slightly wicked smile, Bella slid herself sinuously off the top of the piano and into his lap facing him. She sat fully on his lap, her legs dangling over the edge of the bench and her arms draped over his shoulders.
Another one of his crooked grins spread widely across his lips as he changed the tempo of the song. The notes he played, while still beautiful, had a less serious, more playful sound to them. She threw her head back with a laugh, her hair falling across the keys as he continued to play. The joy in her voice and eyes pulled him toward her and he kissed her exposed throat as he continued to play. But as she looked back at him, their mood shifted back into the solemn tone that had begun the song, as did his playing.
Her left hand left his neck and caressed his cheek as the tone of the song once again ensconced us all. They stared hard into each others eyes, speaking without words all that their hearts had to say to each other. Her hand gently traced his cheekbone as she sang the final verse.
So many nightsI cried myself to sleep
Now that you love me
I love myself
Beside me, Chip's emotions got the better of him at her words. He struggled to catch his breath as the tears flowed with an uncontrollable speed. I also realized that JP stood stoically, still clutching Alice to his side, as silent tears leaked from the corners of his eyes. The sun broke over the horizon just as she began the final lines of the song, casting them both in a brilliant light that seemed to divinely stationed. Edward's skin reflected the light in a dazzling array of color that blended seamlessly with the stones around her neck, creating an effect that made them both appear to be sparkling in the new born sun.
I never thought I would say thatI never thought there'd be you
Edward brought the melody to an obvious close as she held the last note. As soon as she released it, they moved toward each other and claimed each other's lips. His hand buried itself into her hair, clutching her to him tightly and she mimicked his action by tugging at the hair on the back of his neck. So consumed with each other and their emotions were they, that they paid no attention to the steadily growing sounds of each of us trying to regain our composure.
They were still locked tightly together when JP shifted his weight and spoke into the cool air of the morning.
"She's leaving us soon, isn't she?" he whispered so quietly that it could have easily been missed. But Chip's astute hearing caught his words and the sorrow behind them.
"Yeah, I think she is. But…"
"But she has to. She should be with him, not us. She was always supposed to be with him," he said with finality.
"How long have you been there?" Edward asked as he looked to us all standing in the confines of their kitchen. Bella's head was resting just below his chin and she smiled at each of us gloriously.
"Long enough to know that was the most incredible song I've ever heard," JP answered for all of us. With a quick kiss to the top of Alice's head, he stepped out of her arms and quickly crossed the room to the piano bench.
He knelt down, his large furry bear feet pointing in our direction, eliciting a chuckle from both Marcus and Carlisle. He showed no signs of hearing the laughter or noticing the humor as he grasped hands with both of them. I could only see him from the back but his posture was filled with determination as he looked at each of them.
"When you leave, will you do something for me?" he said in a clear voice. Only the salty smell of his tears gave away the emotions in his voice. Bella nodded her head, giving him the assurance to continue. "Will you do it Buddy Holly style? No goodbyes, no warnings. I don't think I can say goodbye to either of you. Be happy and love each other and know that I'll always love you both."
Bella's trickle of tears turned to outright sobs as she released his hand and pulled her against them forcefully. She wrapped her arms around his shoulder, as did Edward. The three of them shook with their emotions as they hugged almost violently. Bella had buried her head into her bass player's shoulder, her body heaving from the force of her cries. Edward's eyes were closed tightly as he too let himself show his true feelings.
I felt a tug on my hand and turned to see Carlisle pulling me toward the doorway. Alice was already in the hallway outside with Chip and Marcus, both red eyed and sniffling.
"Why don't we give them a few minutes," my husband said quietly as we pulled the door shut. We stood in the small area unsteadily for a moment before Chip began to make his way toward the elevator. Just before the door closed, I heard Bella's voice float down the hallway.
"We'll always love you too."
"Asshole," Edward and Bella said together at precisely the same moment. The last sound we heard before the doors closed on us was the brilliant mixture of all three of them laughing together.
Chapter Notes:
It was brought to my attention that some of you might be curious about Bella's dress and necklace. I have changed the Avatar of my profile to a picture of the necklace Edward gave her (the link kept redirecting it to a nonsense sight). I'll leave it up for a couple of days. As for her dress, from MSN, type in "Nordstrom gowns". Click the first link and then go to page 5. On the second row at the far right is a picture of a Calvin Klein Empire Satin Gown. That's what I envision.
Leave me some love and I'll see you soon.