I would like to thank everyone for the sweet words of encouragement and support after the latest chapter - every review, email or PM is enormously appreciated. I think I answered every single one of them -if not, let me know.

Thanks Shabbyapple and Courtney for the betaing. If I could, I would send Robert P. to each of you but I have only one of him and like to keep him for myself... Sorry ladies.

More A/N at the end...

Chapter 25: Music for Africa

~*~
All the statistics in the world
can't measure the warmth of a smile.
-Chris Hart-
~*~

"Thank you," he whispered in the dark car while Bella drove home. His speech slurred a little; the consumption of sangria was probably to blame for that.

His head rested against the back of his seat and he closed his eyes to listen to the drumming sound of his own heartbeat. It still hadn't sunk in completely -he was going to Africa! -which made his heart rate accelerate to a deafening rhythm.

"You're welcome Edward. Nothing but the best for my birthday-boy," she whispered back, eyeing him from her peripheral vision while driving. Good thing women were multitasking creatures.

She wasn't really sure if he was still awake; she didn't care actually. It was late, he had endured a long day and she sensed that things would get hectic tomorrow as they tried to make Music for Africa a success.

She still remembered the shock on his face when he realized that she was taking him to the Congo. When she informed him about the concert they would be organizing, an unreadable emotion crossed his handsome features. Was it gratitude? Recognition that he had finally found his equal, a woman who saw the world just like he did? Excitement? Anticipation of creatively collating his thousand and one ideas for the concert? It wasn't any one of those emotions, but all of them and even more to be precise.

Edward Cullen was grateful for this wonderful woman to be his, and at that specific moment, he decided that he had a surprise for her as well. She would know nothing about the song he'd sing on the night of the concert. He would write their personal love song and sing it for her. Only for her. And he didn't really care that there would be hundreds of others as well because he would have only one woman in mind while singing. His beloved Bella. The woman he'd collided with a few months ago and although it was only months, he couldn't remember not knowing her.

"You're my life now," he whispered back, taking one of her hands in his and stroking her soft porcelain skin with his fingers.

"Always and forever," he added before he kissed her palm and closed her fingers as if he wanted to lock the kiss inside the hollow of her hand.

"I love you Edward Cullen."

Who wouldn't love this man?

She was enormously grateful that she was the one he loved in return. He didn't need to say those words out loud because his actions communicated more than enough, but that did not stop him from continuing to whisper sweet words expressing his intense love for her the whole ride home.

"Come on, let's get you to bed," Bella suggested when she locked the car, he followed her willingly. He craved sleep although he figured that not much sleep would come since adrenaline raced through his veins, his heart pumping the hormone around his body, awakening his senses even at the tender hour of three in the morning.

~*~

The next day, June 25th

She knew that he was watching her; even with her eyes still closed, she could feel his gaze penetrating her being. She also knew that it was too early to wake up. She hadn't looked at the alarm clock yet, but fatigue still lingered in her body, making her limbs heavy and her mind clouded. And although he had been lovingly staring at her for awhile now, she hadn't spoken yet. Probably because she had silently hoped that he would give up the staring and go back to sleep again. No such luck.

She felt him shift his body slightly, silently; because he didn't want to wake her up -or maybe he did- and hadn't he just taken a string of her locks in between his fingers or had she imagined that?

She kept her breathing even and focused, attempting to detect if the soft pressure on her hair was real or not. When she was sure that he indeed was twirling a tendril, she sighed deeply, realizing that sleep wouldn't come. Not today. Not anymore. Not with this excited man next to her.

"You awake?" he whispered after he'd heard her sigh. Part of him felt guilty -he knew he was probably to blame for that- but the more dominant part was happy that she was finally awake.

"Stop watching me and go back to sleep Edward."

Her voice was still thick with sleep and sounded hoarse. She sounded fiercer with her next words.

"I'm not a doll -go back to sleep," turning her back to him, hoping that the body language said enough. However, Edward was stubborn and could not ignore the adrenaline coursing through his veins, as Bella would soon find out.

"But Bella, we have so much to do today and I really tried to sleep but I have to see the invitations and posters, discuss the music with you and Jazz, call some friends and people I know that can help with this video projection thing I have in mind and..."

A proud smile was painted on Bella's sleepy face. The excitement he felt had infected her immediately and the lingering sleepiness simply vanished.

She rolled over so she could face him again and placed one finger on his mouth to silence him.

"First things first," she said cryptically before she kissed the tip of his nose. A frown formed itself in between his eyebrows since he didn't know what those words meant. She left the warmth of their bed, ignored the questions he shot at her, but returned soon with her medical bag in her hand.

"Are we playing doctor-patient?" Edward asked with a wide grin on his face. The warm sound of Bella's chuckles aroused him further.

"No games this morning," she teased, shaking her head amusedly about his non-stop libido. He responded with a sulk. The way he crossed his arms in front of his bare chest and how he pouted his full lips made her heart tighten with desire; this man was too cute for words. But they had priorities and his vaccinations were on top of that list. Without his vaccinations, there would be no trip to Africa.

"First I need to give you a medical check-up Edward, to make sure you're in a good health to join me. But if I remember correctly, your physical condition is quite alright," and she winked at him, memories of their lovemaking on his birthday still fresh and clear.

"And then I have to give you the first of several vaccinations. I hope you don't mind that I called your doctor and reviewed you medical history with him?" she inquired rather matter-of-factly as she listened to his heart and lungs. The cold metal of the stethoscope and the warmth of her fingers on his shoulders when she steadied herself made him shiver. His heart skipped a few beats.

Bella smiled when she registered the disruption in his pulse and quirked an eyebrow while she listened to his heart a little longer.

"Everything okay doc?" Edward asked nonchalantly, trying to wave away the physical reaction she had on him.

"I think so. I feared for a second that your heart was about to stop but that was probably my imagination playing tricks on me, right?"

"Right," he stated and changed the subject to her calling his doctor again. "So, did you tell Doctor Stein that I probably don't need a doctor anymore?" He had his own personal doctor by his side from now on and he didn't plan to let anything change that.

"Inhale," she demanded and focused on the sound of his lungs -clear-.

"Exhale," she added after a few seconds and removed the stethoscope.

"No, I didn't tell Doctor Stein that you have your personal doctor now. Not literally anyway. But I think he can read in between the lines." She smiled warmly. "Ready for that vaccination Mr. Cullen or do I need to tell you a story to distract you?"

"No doc," he said teasingly, "the view in front of me is perfect to distract me from any pain that is going to occur," and he let his eyes openly roam over the smooth contours of her body.

She shook her head, but couldn't ignore the warmth his words evoked inside of her. The amorous way he looked at her made her heart flutter. Her cheeks were colored with a deep red as well, highlighting the physical reaction of his compliment, and his smoldering eyes piercing into her didn't lessen that reaction at all. On the contrary. Good thing he didn't have the stethoscope on her or he would need to call an ambulance!

"You're a good doctor Bella and a good person, you know that?" He asked when Bella put a small, skin colored red aid-band on the spot where she had just injected his first vaccination.

"Thank you Edward" and she blushed, like she did every time he complimented her.

"You're a strong person Bell, never forget that. I believe in you." And he kissed her fully on the lips.

To believe in someone is heartwarming and encouraging. Being believed in is even better.

***

With his mobile pressed in between his ear and shoulder, a bag of Thai food clutched with his keys in his other hand, Edward ran up the stairs of his apartment. He was returning later than he had predicted after leaving Bella this afternoon to meet up with some friends, and he hoped she wouldn't be too worried. He had tried to call her but when he got her voice mail; he'd hung up, planning to call her back later. But he had been on the phone ever since, arranging things non-stop.

Unlocking the door with his hands full wasn't the easiest thing but Bella heard his entrance and ran over to help him. The moment their eyes met, he realized that she had been worried indeed.

He formed an 'I'm sorry' with his lips while the person on the other side of the phone continued to speak.

Relief washed over her features -he could see that- and he cursed himself mentally for making this stunning woman worry. He was soon forgiven though when she placed a soft kiss on his lips and took the bag of food to get dinner ready. She must be starving like he was. And when Ben had answered each of Edward's questions, Edward thanked him and shut off his phone.

"I'm sorry for making you worry Bella, but I had this thing in mind for the concert and I was on the phone non-stop trying to arrange everything."

Edward couldn't hide his excitement, which was obvious by the way his upbeat voice filled the loft. His eagerness didn't even go unnoticed by Jona, who barked enthusiastically when he heard his master speak.

"Slow down Edward, I really don't know what you are talking about," Bella replied, confused, placing plates and glasses on the table before she opened the boxes of takeout Thai. Jona weaved between her legs, hoping for a treat from the fragrant bag.

"It smells delicious by the way," she informed him before she sat down and filled her plate with some of the dim sum he had ordered.

"Khan Toke is no doubt the best place in the area for dim sum," and Edward joined her at the table. "About my phone call, I was referring to the video projection I talked about earlier this morning. And I have to confess that it's even better than I had hoped it would be."

Edward could see the puzzlement written on her face and he realized that he was probably talking nonsense. So he slowed down and explained to her all about the video projection he had in mind.

He had called some people and eventually he had connected with a contact in the Congo. They had agreed that he would film the everyday African life for the next twenty four hours and then send the tapes to Ben, who would assemble the video into something fitting for the concert.

He also had contacted Leah and they had agreed that she would give the opening speech for the concert. A live connection had to be set up but Edward knew the exact people to arrange it and everything would work out in the end. It had been pretty close but there was just enough time to arrange all the details.

"How did you convince Leah to do the opening speech?" Bella wanted to know, while chewing a rice noodle roll. "And what about the time difference -it will be the middle of the night in the Congo!"

"Relax love. Leah wasn't able to resist my Cullen charm; no one can by the way" and he flashed his smoldering gaze, dazzling Bella in the process.

"That's not playing fair Cullen and you know it," Bella responded hoarsely, her breath coming in rapid pants due to the accelerating heartbeat she was currently experiencing. She was rewarded with her favorite smile, framed by cute dimples.

"Anyway, she said yes and Leah told me not to worry about the time difference. She will be working during the night anyway next week and she was delighted with the proposal."

A smug smile crossed his features because he knew Bella would ask about the proposal. And she didn't disappoint.

"What proposal?" She almost choked on a dumpling. The word had caught her by surprise although she knew that there was no way he was about to ask her to marry him. To do so would be totally screwing the rules in the How to Have a Perfect Relationship book.

"Well I told her about the trip to Africa we would be taking but she already knew about that. Figures?! And then I told her about this idea I have to play music for the patients while you are working in the clinic again, and she said we had a deal."

"Oh Edward, that is so sweet and generous of you." And she took his hand to squeeze it. "But don't you want to tour the countryside?"

"I would love to, but not the first time we go to Africa. I don't want to waste time and money when we could be helping save kids. Well, you'll be saving them and I'll be making their days maybe a little bit less miserable and monotonous." He squeezed her hand and looked deep into her eyes.

"I love you Edward Cullen. Always have and always will." She bent forward to meet him halfway across the table to kiss him.

"I love you too Bella Swan. Always and forever." As she hoped, he met her halfway and kissed her with all the passion a human being could ever feel.

~*~

July, 3rd

"Relax Bella, everything will be okay." Alice insisted, although she understood her friend's nervous energy completely. She herself was experiencing the same waves of throat-squeezing anxiety and the fact that people shot questions at them non-stop didn't make it any easier.

"Do you really think the technicians are capable of arranging everything in such a short time?" Bella wondered out loud.

The ticket sales had been incredible since the media had interviewed them yesterday. They were all over the news and the tickets were sold out in less than an hour after the interview. It wasn't a reaction they had been expecting but the publicity sure was a welcome surprise. Edward and Jasper had come up with the imaginative and perhaps unrealistic idea to place large video screens all over Port Angeles and Forks, wanting to add some food and beverage vending stands to the plan as well. They wanted to make it a real life experience for everyone, even for those who couldn't attend the benefit concert in the Opera Theater themselves.

It was crazy and unrealistic but Rose, Alice and Bella were up for the challenge. The result was a short night with a lack of sleep and stressed phone calls between the three females. Finding food vendors had been the easy part; finding the technicians and digital equipment had been something else. They had almost given up when they received the lifesaving phone call from EML Sound & Light; a firm specialized in great events like this one. They had heard about the charity event and had offered a special price for it, even before Alice had dared to ask, afraid to push their luck any further. They had only a few hours to install everything and Bella, Alice and Rose hoped that a few hours was enough time.

"I hope they can do it," Rose answered Bella's previous question, silently begging God for a bit more luck.

"Come on; let's see how our stars are doing!" Alice told them, trying to flee away from the storm of questions that was surely about to come. They needed to relax for a few minutes first.

They soon discovered that Jasper and Edward were nervous as well but when Emmett came around with little Liam on his arm, all their nerves mysteriously faded away. The soothing effect Liam had on everyone was unique and just what they all needed before the concert really started.

***

The applause she received when the curtains opened was overwhelming and it didn't help one bit to kill the nerves that currently raced through her veins; neither did the view of all the people in the audience make her feel more at ease. It was only when she heard the sweet whispering voice of Edward behind the scenes -telling her she looked stunning in her white suit- that a smile pulled the corners of her mouth upwards and made her feel a little bit more at ease.

She was suddenly in the spotlight, literally; the brightness shining at her indicating that the time had come to take the microphone and welcome the guests. Taking a deep breath of fresh air and cursing herself for allowing Alice and Rose to talk her into being the hostess, she calmed down when the first words left her mouth, feeling a surge of confidence and strength. Music for Africa would be a huge success.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I would like to welcome all of you in the theater, as well as those of you viewing the concert outside on the big screens we placed all over Port Angeles and Fork, to the first edition of Music for Africa!"

Cheers and applause resounded throughout the auditorium.

"We are so blessed and grateful for your attendance and support. Now I will turn the mike over to my dear friend doctor Leah Clearwater, who is diligently working in the Congo for Doctors Without Borders as we speak. Good evening Leah." Bella's voice was excited and the audience enforced her enthusiasm with warm applause.

"Good evening Bella," Leah spoke when the applause died down. "It's long past midnight here in the Congo but as you can see behind me, a lot of people have gathered around to follow the concert live through the satellite connection. I think I speak in the name of many Africans when I say out of the bottom of my heart thank you for this great initiative. Without your help and money, we could not save lives over here. Thank you."

Bella could hear her friend's honest gratitude and deep down she realized that those words were meant for Rose, Alice, Edward, Emmett, Jasper and herself for organizing this benefit concert. Her friend was proud and Bella was as well. They would save lives; they would give children and adults their futures back, and that was what mattered. That was the reason why Music for Africa had to be a success.

Both friends smiled at each other and with a small nod, Leah officially opened the concert.

"I think it's time for some music, don't you? So I would like your warm applause for both Edward Cullen and Jasper Hale on the grand piano, performing Van Morrison's Gypsy Soul!"

Leah clapped her hands as well and was immediately joined by Bella and the entire audience both in and outside the Opera Theater.

When Edward and Jasper walked onto the stage, they got a standing ovation even before they played one note. This ritual repeated itself regularly throughout the show, before and after the two short breaks that gave everyone the opportunity to let their red, tired hands relax for a few. The choice of music was perfect; classical music was varied with more upbeat songs which give everyone in the house something to like.

The video projection that Edward had arranged was more than superb; it provided an extra dimension to the concert. If the music didn't move the audience, the beautiful views did; views of the sun going down in Africa or the more painful images of suffering kids-walking down the streets with a fully loaded amphora on their head, barely dressed, or laying in the hospital with a pale, gray look on their faces. Bella often noticed handkerchiefs appear; sometimes from joy, and sometimes from the cold realization that not everyone was so lucky to be born with wealth and opportunity.

The concert proceeded smoothly and everything was going according to the plan. Bella was sad that the night had almost come to an end.

The two stars of the night -Jasper and Edward- were playing the last notes of the final song and Alice, Rose and Bella couldn't help but take their handkerchiefs to dry the tears that had suddenly decided to roll down their cheeks.

Bella fought to control herself; she would soon have to appear onstage again to thank everyone for their attendance and inform them about making donations in the large box in the entrance hall.

A warm, long, and euphoric applause was what they got in return and Bella was about to walk to stage center again when she heard the soft voice of Edward echoing in the theater, louder than she had expected.

She turned around to face him and she saw that he was walking towards her with a microphone close to his lips. She gave him a puzzled look -this wasn't part of the plan and this was definitely not how they had rehearsed things- but when she saw the smile on his lips, she knew that this had always been the plan, she just hadn't known about it.

Before she could say or do anything -she stood there, frozen, in the middle of the theater, with a bright white light putting her in the center of attention again- Edward resumed speaking, this time explaining both to Bella and the audience what was going on.

"My dear Bella and all people that are gathered here and in Africa tonight to attend this benefit concert. I know that this wasn't part of the plan but I would love to use this opportunity to let the world know what a great woman you are."

He was now right beside her and he could already see the tears glistening in her eyes, ready to roll down again, because she was moved. And probably a little bit embarrassed as well because she wasn't very fond of being the center of attention. But he knew he would be soon forgiven when he would sing the song he had written for her.

"If it wasn't for you going to the Congo in the first place, a few months ago, we wouldn't be standing here. Both you, Rose, Emmett, Jasper and Alice organized the best birthday party for me a few weeks ago and when I was informed about the concert you wanted to organize for Africa, I was more than willing to participate and help. If it wasn't for the collision that made our paths cross almost ten months ago, we wouldn't be standing here either. I want to share with everyone what wonderful things can come from crashing into this beautiful pedestrian with my bike."

The audience chuckled and Bella moved her hands to cover her mouth -her handkerchief pressed in between her fingers- and she was fighting the waves of emotions that were washing over her. She was shocked and thankful, happy and proud and so much more. She was a star as well tonight, and she knew it.

"I would like to end this concert with a song I've written only days ago, for you Bella, because you are amazing. It's called Bella's lullaby" And before she could protest, he took her hands, gently removing them from her mouth, and kissed her softly on the lips.

She was still too stunned to say or do anything, so when he guided her to sit beside him on the piano bench, she joined him automatically. She hid the little handkerchief back in the pockets of her pants but would soon need it again when the tunes of the song filled the theater.

He flashed her a warm smile before he let his fingers connect with the black and white keys of his grand piano, and started the song he already knew by heart.

Edward hadn't even finished the song when thunderous applause once again filled the large room, soon followed by a standing ovation. He bowed his head to show his appreciation but when the song was finished, he looked over to the gorgeous woman sitting motionless -except for the soft shaking movements due to the crying- beside him and pulled her in a warm embrace, kissing the top of her head when she nestled into the crook of his neck.

"Thank you Edward, it's beautiful," he heard her whisper before Rosalie and Alice thanked the audience for their attendance. They informed the audience about the possibility of making a donation as they left and was rewarded with another round of applause that never seemed to end.

Edward told her he loved her and only she could hear it. Tonight had been perfect.

Their love bubble was soon broken though when they were forced to greet the audience, receiving flowers and bowing over and over again until the only thing that spoke was the silence.

Music for Africa had been a huge success, better than they ever had dared to hope. They had already made a change -bringing so many people together for a good cause- in a time where individuality and personal success were the most common motives. They had replaced it -maybe only for the night- with solidarity and warmth, and that certainly meant something.

Everyone -the audience, the organizers and all the volunteers behind the screens- left the theater with smiles on their faces because of the success this concert. There were also hopeful smiles adorning those watching in the Congo, and that benefit could not be measured by all the statistics in the world.

End notes:

3 more chapters and an epilogue left. More soon, promise. Sexual Healings chapter two will be up next though.

My father is being operated at the end of the month, the good news is there are not metastases, the bad news is the type of cancer isn't very good. Keep your fingers and other limbs crossed okay?

In the mean time, let me some feedback and if you're done with that: go read Constant in the darkness (on fanfic) and Hydraulic Level 5 (both on Twilighted and fanfic) because those fics are more than amazing!

Oh and in case someone wondered: I don't own anything, I just play around. I do own the cd box of the Beatles and I love it!