A/n Hello my pretties!! I want to thank everyone who reviewed the last chapter. I never thought I would get 700 reviews for this story but thanks to x TWILIGHT x OBSESSED x, mashimaro401 and xox-Smiley-xox who all brought me that much closer by deciding to read this recently and then reviewing every chapter. Also thanks to all my reviewers, each and every one of you. I don't think we'll make the 800, that's just asking a bit too much but maybe we can manage 750. =]
If You Could See Me Now.
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or Cecelia Ahern's If You Could See Me Now. This is just my version using Twilight characters. I have changed the storyline but some incidents that occur may seem similar to those that happen in the book.
Chapter 25: The Exhibition.
Bpov
This past week had been more than difficult, but I was thankful Alice and Rose were at my side. I told them that Edward had to leave because of his "work" and that there would be no way for us to continue our relationship. I told them that we both weren't looking for something serious, and that I was okay. I didn't fool them. They knew I was really hurting. They knew that his leaving had left an aching hole in my heart that wouldn't be filled anytime soon.
Cue many, many girly sleepovers, tons of ice cream, chocolate, and boxes of tissues. They were also there to help me finalize all plans for the exhibition, which just so happened to be opening today.
"Mom, what time are we leaving for the gallery?" Cormac asked as he entered my bedroom. Tom was trailing shyly behind him. They had made up after their fight. It was over something silly. Apparently, Cormac had wanted to play one game, and Tom had wanted to do something else, and they had fallen out. Fortunately, it was quickly resolved, and they were best buds again.
"We'll be leaving in a few minutes. I'm dropping you and Tom off at Alice's, and then I'll meet you there."
"Why can't we go with you now?" he whined and plopped himself down on my bed. I went over to him and started tickling him.
"Come on Tom, help me," I laughed. He started to giggle and helped me to tickle Cormac. "Because, my little man, it wouldn't be a surprise then." I let him sit up, and he was panting heavily from laughing.
"Okay," he sighed before getting up and walking out the door. He turned to smile at me before running downstairs, Tom following close behind him.
I got up and scrutinized myself in the mirror. Alice and Rose had actually let me get ready by myself for once, and I was surprised by the result. I had lightly curled my hair, and it hung lightly around my face. My make-up was light: a little foundation, eyeliner, and lip balm. My eyelashes were dark and long enough without mascara, so I didn't use it. Alice and Rose had taken me shopping for an outfit. Of course, with them there, I came home with an entire new wardrobe instead of just a few things. I had narrowed it down to three different outfits, and then finally settled on a lilac, strapless, cocktail dress with ruching and a scalloped hem. It had three white flowers at the empire waist, and honestly, I looked great in it. I had chosen a simple pair of lilac flats to match. After searching through my jewelry box, I came across a choker and bracelet to match the dress. I thought they would be proud of me.
I dropped Cormac off at Alice's house and headed to the gallery. I had everything already set up, but I still wanted to go beforehand and make sure all was in check. I was a bundle of nerves, my hands were shaking, and my heart rate was through the roof. I knew that if Edward was here, he would be able to calm me down. He would know exactly what to say.
So, I thought of him. I thought about what he would say. I imagined he was here beside me, rubbing calming circles on my back like he used to do. I imagined him kissing me softly beneath my earlobe and whispering soothing words in my ear. For a moment, I actually thought he was there but when I turned around there was nothing.
I looked at my watch and jumped up. It was almost time for people to be arriving. I had been sitting down for almost an hour thinking of Edward and time had flown by. I ran about fixing things up. I had arranged for a table and a few chairs to be set up for the younger children that would be attending. They would be able to color or play with the few toys that were available.
Ryan, a colleague, entered and stared in awe around him. He turned around and even stared up at the ceiling.
"Wow, Bella. This is amazing," he said softly in his English accent.
"Thanks Ryan. Is there anything you want?"
He shook his head, as if he was waking up from a dream. "Um, yeah. There's a huge crowd outside right now. Should I start letting them in?"
I took a deep breath, straightened my dress and nodded to him. "Yes. It's now or never."
Ryan opened the huge double doors, and the crowd started spilling in. They stared and stared. Some pointed, while many children gasped in awe. After a while, they broke away into little groups and gathered around each of the displays. I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed with the pictures, because he wasn't in them, but it was what I expected. Most of the people couldn't take their eyes of the ceiling, and I was glad, because that was my favorite part. Those photos were the most precious. They held the best memories.
Everyone offered their congratulations while I mingled with the crowd. I was just passing the kids corner when I noticed a small girl sitting on her own. She was only a toddler, about 3 years old. She was gabbling away. I realized she was introducing herself to thin air. I stood still and listened some more. She then started to hum an all too familiar tune. In fact, it was one that I couldn't get out of my mind for the past few months. I smiled to myself and walked on. I knew that he was here. He said he wouldn't miss it, and he wouldn't dream of breaking a promise. Even just knowing he was there helped me relax. I closed my eyes and sighed, listening to the tune.
I whispered, "Thank you," into the air. I just needed him to know that I understood and that I was thankful for everything he had done for me.
I know he would hear.
Epov
Walking into the exhibition hall, I didn't know what to expect. I knew it would be wonderful, but I never expected this. Hundreds of pictures were displayed across the walls but the best part was the ceiling. Bella had the pictures from the Delta Aquarids blown up to cover the ceiling, so now it looked like there was an actual meteor shower happening inside the room. The pictures from our days out were there: Cormac jumping among the butterflies, Bella dancing along with him, a lone candlelit table on the beach with its tablecloth blowing in the breeze. They were all there. All the time we spent together. Each one a moment in time that I would never forget. Of course, I wasn't there. Well, I was, but one just couldn't see me. I mean, if one can't see me in real life, then how can one expect to see me in a photograph?
Bella was there, looking as beautiful as ever. Her dress was beautiful. It accented her curves beautifully. Her hair shone in the light coming in from the windows. She looked happy, but uncomfortable in this surrounding. I wanted her to know I was here, supporting her. I could still support her even if she couldn't see me, right?
My entire family came today to see Bella and support me. They knew I wanted to be here. There was a little girl sitting beside herself on the floor. Kim went down to sit beside her on the floor. They started to talk to each other, and Kim started to hum my tune which in turn the little girl copied. I saw Bella pass by the little girl. I was sure she had paused to listen to the girl talking to Kim. When they started humming the tune, Bella had moved on, but I was nearly sure she had smiled to herself. Did that mean she understood? Did that mean that Bella knew I was here to support her? I had to find out. I followed her closely around the room. She seemed much more relaxed than when I first saw her. She stopped by a window and stood by herself, watching the crowd. I saw her sigh and whisper, "Thank you," into the air.
I knew then that she understood. She was letting me know that she understood everything. She wasn't angry. She wasn't going to hold it against me.
Life is all about meetings, greetings, and goodbyes. You meet people, greet them and you say goodbye to them all but sometimes there are people who you meet and they make a mark on your life, on your soul. I knew Bella had certainly done that. In my line of work, one wasn't supposed to have favorites, but Bella… Well, Bella was better than coloring. Bella was better than football. She was better than chicken sandwiches.
Out of everything, she was by far my favorite.
After heading back to HQ that day, Carlisle called me into his office. On his desk were piles of large books, most of them laying open.
"Please, sit," he said, pointing to the seat in front of his desk. He sat himself down in his large leather chair, and rested his head in his hands.
"Edward," he started. "This is very difficult for me. I don't know where to start, to be honest."
"What is it, Carlisle?" He was starting to worry me.
"I'm afraid that I lied to you, Edward. I lied to you about something extremely important."
"What exactly did you lie about?" I was confused. What reason would he have to lie to me?
"If you could be with Bella, for real, what would you do to get that?" he said warily, as if he was scared of my reaction.
"Anything. Anything that it takes. I would do it," I said confidently. There was no question about it. Bella was my life. She always would be.
"I thought you would say that, but I had to be sure. I don't want you throwing away this chance for you only to regret it later."
"What chance?" My voice held some hope. He couldn't really be about to say what I thought he was. Could there really be a chance for me to be with Bella? If so, then why hadn't he told me earlier?
"There is a way for you to be with Bella and Cormac."
"What? How?"
"You become a human."
"But, how? Why didn't you tell me this before?" There were so many questions to be asked, and it was all so confusing.
"I didn't tell you this before because I wanted to make absolutely sure that you really and truly loved Bella. I wanted to be sure that you would have no regrets."
"B-but, you said that there was no way for you and Sarah to be together so why now is there a way for Bella and I?"
"I lied." He shrugged his shoulders. "Sarah and I did discover this. It's written in these books. I wanted to be human and stay with her, but she told me not to. She knew that there were so many other people I could help. I would also be separated with my family, and she couldn't bear me hurting because of her. So she made the decision for me."
"She chose for you to stay here," I stated.
Carlisle nodded his head and sighed heavily.
"I wouldn't be able to see you or Esme or any of the gang anymore. I wouldn't be able to see my family."
Carlisle nodded his head again. "I'm afraid that yes, that is true." We were both silent for a while. "Look at it this way, Edward, you can make a new family with Bella and Cormac, and we'll always be there, just to keep an eye on you."
I smiled lightly and looked at him. There were tears in his eyes. "So, Edward, what will it be? Do you want to stay here with us or be human with Bella? Although I think I know the answer already."
"Yes, Carlisle, I want to be with Bella."
"Right, well, I'll get I.T. to make you a history, birth certificate, licenses etc. I suppose you'll want to say goodbye to everybody before leaving."
I went over to him and hugged him. "I'm going to miss you, son," he whispered.
"Thank you, for everything."
Joy filled me, filled every nook and cranny of my being. I couldn't believe this is happening. I was actually going to get the chance to live my life with Bella and Cormac.
A/n Hey guys! I know it's not the greatest chapter and I don't know if the thing with the ceiling at the exhibition is practical but I thought it sounded cool. lol The next chapter is of course the last one. I just want to say that I had so much fun writing this story and I don't think I'd ever have gotten it finished without all the support you guys offered me by reviewing. This has definitely been one of my best stories and I never even dreamt that I would ever get as many reviews that I have gotten for this. So thanks guys. It is much appreciated.
This week as been pretty awesome. My school was holding a variety show on Friday and I was singing in it with my friend. I sang Angel by Sarah McLaughlin, First Cut is the Deepest by Sheryl Crowe and the I sang Wherever you will go by The Calling with my friend Liz. Our friend Jason played the guitar and I must say he did an amazing job. When I went on stage to sing my first song, the backing track never came on for ages so I was standin there looking like a freak. Then a few people started to wolf whistle and that set the crowd to giggle a little bit which made me laugh. All in all I was not amused but then the music came on and all was okay. I thought it was funny at the time, it was only later that I thought it was embarassing. lol
Okay guys you know the score by now. Review and all that. The quicker you review the quicker I'll post the last chapter but is that a good thing or a bad thing. Hahaha!!!
Helen =]
