Thank you for the reviews… so many last chapter! You all love Musicward when he is sweet don't you? Welcome new readers! So pleased you decided to check out my story.

Thank you to my ladies. I adore you.

And so, the longest chapter yet btw….

Bella stirred restlessly in my arms. Neither of us had slept very well. Her unexpected emotional outburst had shaken me last night as had my reaction to it. Feelings I had never experienced before left me reeling. The desire to care for someone else, to put their needs above my own was new to me.

All night she had tossed and murmured softly in her sleep. I heard my name a lot. Once she had sobbed but I was able to soothe her back into sleep. I knew we would have to talk more and that I had to find a way of reassuring her how important she was in my life.

That she had become my life.

The sky was lightening up outside although I knew the forecast was for a rainy, dark day. I decided to text Sebastian that we would not be working this morning. Bella was meeting Esme at the office this morning and then the two of them would be meeting us at the press conference later. I would stay here this morning with Bella until she left. Quietly I got up and watched Bella sigh and burrow deeper under the covers. I softly stroked her head for a minute, then grabbed some clothes, and headed down the hall to find my phone. I sent a text to Sebastian and before I could put the phone down, had an immediate voice mail reply of "Good idea, not in the right mood anyway". I grimaced. Neither of us enjoyed the PR that went along with the territory. And given the hostility we were dealing with concerning James I knew the afternoon would not be a pleasant one.

I went through the connecting door, surprised not to find Carlisle sitting on the couch or pacing around. Normally he was an even earlier riser than I was. I stood for a minute listening. That entire half of the guest house was still. As if it was unoccupied. I didn't even hear Emmett's usual blustery snores. Curious I went down the hall and listened outside his room. Nothing. I knocked and opened the door. The room was empty. I went to Carlisle's door which was open and saw it too was empty.

Where the hell were they? Where would they have gone at this time of the morning?

As I made my way back towards the other side of the house a thought struck me.

Did they not come back last night? Either of them?

I chuckled. This could be fun.

Just as I reached the connecting door I heard someone come in behind me. Turning around I was able to ascertain it was Carlisle.

"Edward! Um…looking for me? I was… ah, outside getting some air. Lovely day out."

I bit back a smile, playing along. "I just came to tell you I was staying here this morning. Sebastian and I decided to forget about trying to work. Neither of us are in the right frame of mind."

"Good decision. Bella still asleep?"

I nodded. "Emmett outside with you?" I asked innocently.

"Uh…no. He was still … sleeping when I went out."

"Ah." I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself from grinning.

Just then the door opened and Emmett walked in. He stopped short seeing both of us standing there.

"Hey," he mumbled.

"You're up early…" I grinned.

"Yeah,…ah couldn't sleep. I was outside…getting some air. Nice morning."

I burst out laughing.

"What?" he demanded crossly.

"To quote Bella, BUSTED!" I snorted.

"First off Carlisle, it's a little hard to believe your story when you're still wearing the same lucky blue shirt from last night that even I can spot, and second if you were both outside getting some fresh air you would have seen each other. And even I can tell it's not lovely outside. It's gonna fucking rain all day! Emmett, we all know you are never up this early unless it's some sort of crisis. Both of you are just getting home! And sneaking in like teenagers afraid of being caught. Oh my God, you are both such …delinquents."

I shook my head. "Seriously, there has to be something in the water here."

We all started laughing. I suddenly felt Bella's arm snake around my waist and I pulled her close.

"What's so funny? She asked sleepily, looking around. Then she gasped.

"Carlisle… are you…are you just getting home? Oh my God you're still wearing…you still have that shirt on!" Her head swung around towards Emmett. "And you as well?"

I leaned over and whispered "busted" into her ear. She clapped a hand over her mouth but the laughter was still easy to hear. She shook her head.

"I really can't handle all this…overload this early. I'm going to make coffee. And I have some calls to make. Seriously both of you? And even Sebastian? And with my friends? It's just too much…" she grumbled walking away only to start laughing again. "This is going to make an interesting wrap up meeting with Esme. I'm not sure how I'll word 'witnessed multiple hook ups' in the report."

"It wasn't a hookup!" Carlisle groaned at the same time Emmett yelled, "I slept on the sofa Shortcake! Honest!"

I laughed. Bella just kept walking.

*()* *()*

"Are you having anything besides coffee?" I asked softly in between bites of breakfast. "Share with me?" I picked up the other half of my bagel and offered it to Bella.

"No, I'll have something later. Esme and I will probably grab something before coming to the press conference. She paused and shut the lid of her laptop. "Edward, are you sure you want me there? Maybe if I'm not in the room you won't get any questions you don't want to answer about me, or us."

"Do you not want to come Bella?" I asked gently. "I wantyou there. Without a doubt. But not if that's adding to your stress or you simply don't want to."

"I'm not…stressed. I just don't want to do anything that will detract from your project or make you uncomfortable."

I leaned over and clasped her hand tightly. "Knowing you're in the room will make me more comfortable. And Bella, they can ask me about you all they want. I won't divulge information about my private life. If it comes down to that Carlisle will end it. The press conference is about the project, the charitable aspect of it and Sebastian's and my collaboration. Carlisle will be right up there with us and he'll control it."

"That's right kiddo," said Carlisle walking in.

"Is that coffee?" he groaned as he helped himself to a large mug and took a deep swallow. "I needed that. I'll keep the questions flowing towards the right subjects. I'm sure some will try but after they get shut down enough, they'll give up. They'll all want photos after and they piss me off enough I might forget to let them in for that."

He took another sip of coffee and sighed. "If you're worried Bella, you can be in back room so you can hear and even view it on the closed circuit monitor so you know what's going on but not be visible."

"No, as long as my being there isn't going to pose a problem. I don't want to hide."

"Good. You shouldn't. Alright, oh almost forgot here are your car keys. Good as new." I heard the keys jingle as Carlisle handed them to Bella.

"Thank you Carlisle. For taking care of all of it for me. It helped so much not worrying about it. What was it? I just had a tune up and oil change done a few weeks ago. I haven't been having any problems."

"Something about some loose wires. The mechanic said it was uncommon but not unheard of. He also said your tire pressure was low in all the tires which seems strange if you just had it looked at. Keep an eye on them, okay? I'm glad it broke down inside the gates, not when you were further away."

I nodded in agreement thinking of Bella stranded on a road somewhere. Alone. The thought filled me with dread. Suddenly I didn't want her driving.

"Let Emmett take you again today Bella. We'll go with Sebastian." I urged.

She shook her head. "No Edward. My car is fine. I have so much to do today and I don't want to take Emmett away again."

"You're not…" I started.

"I said no," Bella stated firmly.

I knew I'd lost. "Make sure your cell phone is charged then. You keep forgetting."

"I'll plug it in the car. Promise."

I nodded. Despite my worry, I had to be satisfied with that.

Bella gathered up her supplies for the day and leaned down and kissed me softly. "I'll be there later Edward. Promise."

After she left, Carlisle and I sat finishing our coffee.

"Bella okay?" he asked quietly. "She's not…upset about Esme and I, is she?"

I shook my head. "No, I don't think she really has a problem with you and Esme. Or Emmett. Or Sebastian even."

"What's up Edward?"

I told him.

Everything.

He was quiet for a moment. "I'm not really surprised she's feeling a little overwhelmed right now. And scared. Somehow I don't think the events of the past while were something she ever contemplated as being part of her life. And it has all happened rather quickly, for both of you. I'm glad she talked to you about her fears though. And you did well. Taking care of her. She needed that."

"It wasn't much," I sighed. "I drew her a bath and put her to bed. It was all I could think of."

"And you listened to her, reassured her and cared for her. Your actions spoke volumes Edward." Carlisle's voice was firm. He paused and spoke again, this time softly.

"Did you mean that?"

"Mean what?" I asked confused.

"That you would rearrange your entire life for her."

"Instantly," I replied with no hesitation.

"Good. I'm glad to hear that."

"I'm still worried about her," I admitted softly.

"Goes with the territory. You love someone, you worry. Be patient with her. And yourself. It'll all work out."

Leaning forward he clapped me on the shoulder. "Finally getting it Edward. You're finally getting it. Now let's go and have some fun with the press shall we?"

*()* *()*

The room was far too hot. And bright. I felt like I was being hurtled face first into the sun.

"Jesus, Carlisle, can we tone down the wattage?" I hissed quietly.

"I'll take care of it. Relax. Let's go meet up with Sebastian."

As we made our way through to the lounge area, I caught a scent that stopped me in my tracks.

I felt my entire body lock down and I stood frozen.

"Edward?"

I shook my head.

Carlisle grabbed my arm. "What is it?"

"Who's in this room?" I could hear the panic in my voice.

"Just some staff finishing the set up and putting out the refreshments. Why?"

I inhaled, but there was nothing. Yet I felt uncomfortable. And not only with the scent. It felt as if I was being observed.

"Edward, what the fuck is going on? You're as white as a sheet."

"I thought…I thought I could…"

I couldn't say it out loud. It wasn't possible anyway.

I shook my head. "Nothing Carlisle. I'm fine. Let's go."

As soon as we made it to the lounge I sat down heavily on the closest chair. I felt a bottle of water being pressed into my hand and I drank it trying to relieve the sudden dryness in my throat.

Carlisle's voice was quiet and concerned as he stood close to me. "We still doing this, Edward?"

I nodded.

"Is Bella here?"

"Not yet. I know when I spoke with Esme the meeting that they were at ran late. She'll be here soon. Want me to call her?"

I shook my head.

"Okay. I'm going to go sort out those lights and the fucking temperature. I don't remember asking for them to have a fucking heat wave for us. You okay here? Emmett will be here as soon as he parks the car. Sebastian is doing an interview in the other room. I don't think James has arrived yet. Big surprise."

"I'm fine."

I sat back and tried a few deep breaths. I concentrated on the slow inhaling and exhaling of my chest and felt better.

Fuck.

My nerves must be worse than I thought.

I drained the last of the water and stood up to toss the bottle. And felt the hairs on the back of my neck prickle. Someone was watching me.

And then again, there it was. That...fragrance. The one that still filled me with intense loathing when I caught the scent of it.

I shook my head. This was not possible.

I moved towards the door, just as Emmett strode in. I grabbed his arm.

"Em, do you smell that?"

I heard him sniff the air. "Um, I smell coffee?"

'No, a woman's perfume- can you smell it?" My voice was rising.

"No Edward. I can't. What's wrong?"

"Who was by the door when you came in?" I demanded.

"No one. Carlisle is out there with some maintenance guy and some of the press and staff are milling around- that's it. What's going on?"

I couldn't answer. I struggled to remain calm repeating to myself over and over again it was just my nerves. It wasn't possible.

I needed to remain composed.

Bella. I needed Bella.

Emmett shook my arm. "Fuck Edward," he hissed. "You're freaking me out. Talk to me."

My voice was rough. "Find out where Bella is. Please. And Emmett, don't leave me alone. Please."

"I'm right here Edward. Not leaving."

I nodded and sat down before my legs gave out on me.

The room became busier. Sebastian joined me on the sofa but was equally quiet. James came in shortly after and other than saying something quietly to Sebastian, he ignored me and then left the room again. Emmett came over to let me know Bella was almost here. When I heard Carlisle enter the room a few moments later and then heard Esme's voice talking to him, I relaxed, knowing Bella would be beside me any second. Rose joined Emmett briefly and said a quiet hello before moving away.

Carlisle came over and sat beside me. He spoke quietly. "I can stop this – just say the word my friend."

I shook my head. "Bella?"

"She's parking the car. She'll be here any moment. We start in five. Are you sure Edward? Obviously something is wrong. Tell me."

"Later. I just need Bella."

"She's coming."

I waited. A few minutes passed. I repeatedly ran my hands through my hair.

Fuck. I needed her.

Where was she?

"How far away was the parking lot Esme?" I snarled.

"She was going to the one right here in the hotel, I don't understand. She should be here by now. I just tried her cell, but it went straight to voicemail."

My stomach lurched.

She should be here by now.

Was she okay?

Carlisle stood up. "I'll delay the start Edward. Emmett go find her. Maybe she's lost downstairs. Keep trying her cellphone. Esme, would you stay with Edward please?"

"Yes, of course." She sat down beside me. "I'm sure she's fine Edward. Maybe she ran into someone she knew or got a phone call which is why it's going to voicemail."

I nodded knowing she was trying to help. Another five minutes went by. I could hear the impatient level of the noise in the other room rising. By now my hands were clenched so tightly they were aching.

Where could she be?

Carlisle came back. "Emmett is still looking for her, but we need to start. Are you in or out Edward?"

I took a deep breath. I knew what I needed to do, even though I had no desire to do so.

I turned to Carlisle. "Let's go."

*()* *()*

The room was still hot, but the lights were slightly dimmer. My head was beginning to ache from the stress of the day and I knew it would only get worse as the afternoon wore one. As we took our places and introductions were made, I willed myself to be calm. I had to get through this.

I half listened as Carlisle spoke about the collaboration between Sebastian and myself. He talked about the charitable aspect and the various reasons for the project. My mind was too busy thinking about what the fuck was going on around me. Why did I smell that horrid scent? Where could Bella be? What could possibly have delayed her from the time she left her car to coming up to the auditorium? Was she hurt somewhere? God, what if she needed me? Just the thought of her hurt made me cringe. The ache in my head intensified.

A sudden smack on my leg from Carlisle broke my inner tumultuous thoughts. Questions were starting and I had to pay attention. Pushing aside every other emotion I slipped into the role of Edward Masen, professional musician. For the next few moments Sebastian and I took turns answering questions about the project and our thoughts on what we were doing and why it was so important to us. I wasn't prepared or happy with the number of flashes going off all around us. Photos were supposed to be taken after and not during the press conference as the constant lights were so disturbing to me. Carlisle always arranged it.

As Sebastian was talking I leaned over to Carlisle and asked what the hell was going on. "James authorized it apparently. There's nothing I can do at this point. Close your eyes." His abrupt voice let me know he too was not happy with the situation.

His phone vibrated between us, he grabbed it, studied the screen briefly and sighed. He leaned back towards me. "Emmett has Bella. She's fine. They're in the back."

I felt my body sag in relief. She was here. She was okay. But where has she been?

A loud, grating, high pitched voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Mr. Masen, is one of the reasons you are doing this project because of your failing eyesight?"

My head snapped up. I felt Carlisle nudge my leg in warning. His answer was smooth. "Edward's eye condition has not changed. He has photophobia, and it's well documented. Check your facts.

"Next question."

The voice continued on loudly.

"I have it on good authority that your eyesight is worsening. And that the reason you have stopped appearing in public is to hide this fact. Is there a reason you're ashamed to admit you're blind?"

I tensed even further in my chair and growled under my breath. Carlisle again denied the statement stating firmly that "Mr. Masen is not blind, now I will ask again that we move on." He went on to say the line of questioning had nothing to do with the project we were working on. That was the reason we were here. Beside me I could feel Sebastian shift uncomfortably.

"Is it true you hired Ms. Swan as a caregiver? That she is posing as your girlfriend to cover up the fact you are almost helpless now? Also that you are given to bursts of violent, uncontrollable anger? Is that the reason your wife left you?"

The noise level suddenly exploded with voices all trying to ask questions about my sight and relationship with Bella. The flashbulbs were constant no doubt trying to capture whatever expression was on my face or those around me at the line of questioning. The entire purpose behind the press conference was being ignored and had now turned into a circus.

"Shut it down," I hissed to Carlisle. "Now."

Both Sebastian and I stood up. We left the table as Carlisle informed the press it was over. The questions were still being thrown at us as we made our way to the lounge. I heard Carlisle announce there would be no pictures taken after. That seemed to spark even more accusations being shouted my way. As we entered the room and closed the door behind us, I shook my head.

What the fuck was that?

Carlisle walked in and I turned on him.

"What the fuck just happened out there? Who the hell was that woman? Where is she getting this?" I spat out angrily.

"I don't know Edward, but I'm going to find out."

I pulled my hands through my hair. "It was like a fucking frenzy out there suddenly! How could you lose control of it so quickly?" I shouted.

"Calm down." Carlisle snapped. "Getting pissy with me is not going to help. I can't control what they ask. I tried to defuse it. It didn't work. And I was dealing with other things besides the press conference I might add."

"Making sure your new girlfriend had a good seat for the show?" I hissed.

He grabbed my arm.

"No, making sure we found your girlfriend. I know you're upset. So I'm going to let that uncalled for remark pass. But you are acting like an ass. Stop it."

I shook him off. The door opened and James walked in.

"Well done. That was an enjoyable little spectacle. Considering how low key you insisted this be, that was quite the show you just put on. "

"Go fuck yourself James," I snarled.

"Actually I think you just did that to yourself, rather well I might add."

I felt my hands curl into fists. I wanted to hit him. Hard. Now.

Carlisle brushed past me and I saw James step back.

"What the fuck James? Who gave you permission to change the no picture policy? And who the fuck was that reporter at the end? It wasn't anyone on my list."

"I thought some candid shots would be good. I guess I forgot to mention that. I have no idea who that reporter was…probably a last minute add on."

Carlisle' voice was low and threatening. "I had better not find you had anything to do with that James. I'm warning you. I will end you."

James laughed. "You'll end me? Your boy here can't handle a few tough questions so you're gonna end me? Seriously get over yourself."

"Enough." Sebastian spat out, stepping forward. "I have no idea what's going on. Or what just fucking happened. But it not only embarrassed Edward, it embarrassed me as well. You better not have had anything to do with it. It was disgraceful and the questions were uncalled for. I don't care where this hostility is coming from but it needs to stop...it ends now."

"Or else?" snarled James

"You know what else," Sebastian stated quietly. "I made myself clear already."

The room was silent for a minute as Sebastian's implied threat lay heavy in the air.

The door opened suddenly and Emmett strode in followed by a small cluster of people. Immediately I recognized Bella's form. She made her way quickly over to me.

"Edward I'm so sorry…"

"Where were you?" I hissed angrily.

She stepped back at my tone.

"I ran into a problem."

"And you didn't think to call? To let me know? To let anyone know?"

"I... I couldn't," she whispered.

"Why?"

"I forgot to plug my cellphone in and it was dead," she admitted quietly.

Anger exploded through me. Without thinking I grasped her arm tightly and pulled her closer. She gasped softly but I ignored it.

"I told you this morning to plug it in. I reminded you. Specifically."

"I know…I forgot."

"You forgot? And what kind of problem was it that was so huge you couldn't go to a payphone and just let one of us know where the fuck you were? We were all worried. We delayed the start waiting for you. Just one phone call Bella. It would have saved us all a lot of trouble."

She pushed my hand off her arm and stood back, anger evident in her stance. "First off the parking garage was full so I had to park a few blocks away. I ran all the way back in the rain. And secondly, your numbers are programmed into my cell. I don't know them off by heart yet. And yes, I made a mistake. I forgot. It happens to us mere mortals," she paused briefly.

"And the problem was my name was not on the fucking list so they wouldn't let me upstairs! I argued and argued with him but he refused to even help me. He even threatened me with having security escort me out of the building. I went to a payphone and called Alice and got Sebastian's number, but it went straight to voicemail. I was just about to give up when Emmett found me and brought me up."

"I was trying Edward," she added softly.

I turned back to Carlisle. "She wasn't on the fucking list? Of all people you forgot to put her on the list?"

"Of course she was, Edward. I'm going to go get to the bottom of this. Let's go Emmett," he growled before storming out the door.

I turned back to Bella but she had moved over to where Esme was sitting with Rose. She was sitting in between them, no doubt for protection.

Sebastian came over and spoke quietly. "There is a message from her on my phone Edward. She's very upset on the voicemail. I think we should all leave and give you some privacy as soon as we know what happened. You need to clear this up."

I sat down. What a fucking disaster today was. I leaned forward with my painfully aching head in my hands. All my anger was gone leaving only the bitter taste of regret behind. I had done it again. Reacted and lashed out instead of thinking. I had insulted Carlisle. And hurt Bella. Again. Like a never ending fucking cycle. Sebastian sat beside me quietly offering his silent support. The atmosphere in the room was stifling. Even James was silent.

The door opened and I raised my head wearily. Sebastian stood up. "Did you find out anything Carlisle?"

Carlisle didn't answer right away. I could see his head was bent over a piece of paper he held in his hands.

"This is a different list," he murmured. "Bella's name was on the original, but not on this one. A few other names are missing as well." He looked down again. "Mike says he was given this new list…by my assistant." He sounded as confused as I felt.

I looked up. "What fucking assistant?"

"He says her name was Jane. Can't remember her last name. All he remembers was she had proper credentials, seemed to know what she was talking about and told him not to allow anyone to get past him or she would make sure Ihad him fired." Carlisle paused. "And that she had red hair."

My blood ran cold.

Uh oh. WTF ? Not only is he confused and upset he reacted again… badly.

We all knew this was bound to happen. He is still new at this. And let's face it – what an awful afternoon.

And in case you were interested… Coffeeward has a story to tell you… look for him in the next few days. Make sure I'm on alert…