.33.

Edward

"That will be one-thousand five-hundred and ninety-two dollars please, sir."

I barely heard the price she said, just handed over my card and had her bill me for it. I don't care what price I had to pay for the airline ticket, as long as I got to Bella within the next twenty-four hours that is all I cared about. Fortunately there was a seat spare on the flight tomorrow morning, so I should be at the hospital by half eleven at the latest (fingers crossed.)

I had a feeling the lady didn't know who I was because she acted the same way with all the people in front of me. Either that or she doesn't like treating me any different just because of my status. Oh, whatever, I don't really care, just as long as I have my ticket to Seattle firmly in my hand.

The next morning, at eight-am sharp, an announcement was called to say that flight sixteen-thirty-three was now boarding. I didn't make it on board without a few people noticing me and getting my attention. I put on the best smile I could muster, took the pictures and then ignored the world for the couple of hours that we were flying.

As I had expected, a crowd formed when I was leaving the airport, along with photographers who took pictures of me, head down, eyes covered with Ray-Bans and doing my best to get past the hustle. No doubt, these pictures will end up on some website within the next few hours, telling all the viewers how I arrived at Sea-Tac.

I had been planning my arrival secretly with Alice all week –Bella had no idea I was coming. I couldn't wait to see her reaction; hopefully it'll be the one I'm after. After my plane had touched down and we could use our phones (etc.) again, I messaged Alice and told her where to meet me. She replied saying she'd be there, so, with any luck, I'll walk through these doors and see her waiting in the car.

I silently praised the Lord when her tiny frame was seen leaning against the black Lexus. I wanted to get away from this crowd as quickly as possible. I love my supporters and everything, but my mind was not in the right zone for anything as chaotic as this right now. Alice gave me a small wave before slipping back into the car. She had the engine running and was ready to go as soon as I shoved my bag in the back seat.

"Nice ride." I whistled, staring around the interior. Maybe it's her size, but I had always pictured Alice being the owner of a Mini, or something small like that. Not that Lexus cars are large and bulky, but you get what I mean.

"Thanks, it was a gift from my parents for my twenty-first." We had set off, twisting our way through the airport traffic, heading in the direction of the exit. "Do you want to stop and get something to eat on the way?" We passed the sign for a Starbucks up ahead, and although the idea of one of their muffins right now made my mouth water, I was more interested in getting to Bella.

"No, I'm fine thanks."

Our silence soon became awkward, so I broke the ice with the only conversation-starter I could think of. "How is she?"

Alice looked at me briefly, and then went back to watching the road. "Bella? Yeah, she's – she's doing a lot better. I think the initial shock and realisation of what could have happened has taken its toll, but she's perking up more now, and her period of bed rest finishes soon. We hope to see a great improvement once she's allowed to get back into her usual routine."

I instantly relaxed, knowing that she was doing better and not worse. I still couldn't get that nagging feeling off my mind though. The 'if only's that paraded my mind; if only you had the balls to go through with it; if only you weren't too scared of a rejection; if only you had gotten the question out of the way and over and done with, maybe none of this would have happened.

But I can't be greedy – no-one was harmed physically, and for that, I'll be forever grateful.

It wasn't long before we had arrived in Beacon Avenue, and were driving down the long stretch of houses before parking alongside the sidewalk. The house could only be described as being almost like a giant white, square box with a slanted roof, large windows that seemed to pop out from either side of said roof, and a large open porch with stairs coming down from one side. Thick forest trees separated the house from the other house to the right, and the gas station and shop to the left.

"This is what I now call home," Alice started whilst switching off the engine, "We're lucky Jasper had enough space for Bella to stay here too. I know she's itching to go back home, but I can't see that happening; what with the state it's in. It'll break her heart."

That's where I come in to play…

But she doesn't know that yet…

"Well, of course, if I can help at all, then I will."
"Thanks Edward." We exchanged smiles before leaving the car. "Right, she was fast asleep before I left to get you. Oh I hope she still is – it'll be so much fun to see this surprise!"

I was led through the house quietly. Jasper informed us that Bella was, in fact, still sleeping.

Bingo.

Her room was square, with nothing apart from a double bed and a chair propped up in the corner. It reminded me of a room where they keep the insane, but I didn't say that thought out-loud in case Jasper took offence. Bella looked tiny, curled up in the large, cream bed, with a comforter draped loosely over her ever-growing stomach.

I lowered myself slowly onto the bed, not wanting the moving mattress to wake her. Sitting on the side with one hand on my knee and the other braced on Bella's back, I took in her peaceful looking face. Her brows furrowed often, but not deeply like she was in distress. She made a soft little moan and scratched the side of her face in sleep. That was all, but it was enough; enough to allow me to see what I would be leaving behind when I get my returning flight in four days time; enough to tell me that whatever I do, and whatever I say, I cannot leave without her this time.

So with the plan firmly in my head, I leant forward, placing a delicate kiss just below her eyes.

It was like Prince Charming awaking Sleeping Beauty with the touch of his lips.

A fairy tale Bella dreams of, and a fairy tale I'm more than happy to provide her with.

0-0

I'm currently in bed recovering from an allergic reaction I took from the mushrooms at work (I'm a chef) so I'm sorry if it's a little shabby.