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Don't faint guys, another update! That's only four weeks in between updates! I shock even myself! If you didn't get around to reading Chapter 49, you may want to read that one first. Enjoy xx
A reminder of the song Edward sang to Bella at the cabin — cut and paste this into a new browser: tumblr. com (/) xdm1flr8qq — then remove brackets and spaces...
~0~
~~Bella~~
I sat next to Edward's hospital bed and held his hand.
The few short hours that I'd been sitting by his side, felt like an eternity. I couldn't stop staring at him. I was waiting for a sign—a flutter of his eyelids, a lick of his lips—anything to indicate he was going to wake up soon.
Edward's face was so relaxed in repose. His beauty was overwhelming; perfect skin, almost translucent—the subtle hint of regrowth appearing—his long, dark eyelashes, his unruly eyebrows. I studied every freckle, every small scar. I counted the creases in his red lips.
I need you to open your eyes!
My heart hurt, and my throat hurt from trying to hold back the urge to cry uncontrollably. I also registered an uncomfortable ache in my lower spine.
That's when the feeling hit me.
I knew. I knew that my weak, depressed and hysterical urge to cry and fall apart was more than just being upset that Edward had been hurt and was unconscious.
I didn't need to confirm it, but I stood and reluctantly let go of Edward's cool, pale hand before I walked into the bathroom and locked the door.
The streak of bright red on my pantyliner was no surprise.
I tried to determine if I was I relieved or disappointed?
Relieved to know that my melodramatic reaction to hearing Edward was hurt and being here in the hospital had been exacerbated by my monthly condition, and maybe I hadn't permanently reverted back to that pathetic and insecure girl that I thought I'd exorcised.
I was simultaneously disappointed, because I hadn't retained any strength throughout this ordeal; I'd been too caught up in myself.
This isn't about me. I need to be here for Edward.
I hated that I'd met Alice Cullen and inadvertently shown her that I could be a complete basket case.
She must think Edward is a fool to want to be with me!
I couldn't remember if I'd brought my bag and I definitely didn't have my phone. I didn't know if Angela was still here, or if she'd left. I was in a hazy fog of sorrow that seemed in complete contrast to the elation and euphoria I'd felt this morning when Edward had made love to me.
Stupid period hormones!
I washed my hands and looked at my puffy, red eyes in the mirror.
This is not how he will see me when he wakes up!
I splashed my face with water, blotted my cheeks, took in deep calming breaths and rolled my shoulders and stretched to my full height.
Go to him, be there for him. He's the only purpose in my life, right now. My only focus will be to help him recover. Don't be a coward!
When I walked out of the bathroom, Alice was back and talking to a different doctor. He stood with Edward's chart in hand, smiling.
I didn't react when Alice introduced me as Edward's fiancée.
So that's how she convinced the staff to let me be in here?
"Isn't that great, Bella?"
I looked up. "Pardon, Alice?"
Alice grinned. "Doctor Gerandy says Edward's test results were all clear. He has a linear skull fracture, but there's no internal damage. He'll be monitored as standard practice, but he's going to be fine!"
I looked back at Edward and wished Alice's words to be true.
"Well, young lady, tell your father to come up to my office when he arrives," the Doctor said to Alice.
"Thanks, I will," replied Alice.
I heard the door click closed.
"He's really going to be OK?" I asked as I resumed my seat next to Edward's bed and took his hand in mine.
"Yes! He'll wake up soon."
I was awash with relief. I let myself feel a brief sliver of happiness at her words, before I pulled it all back.
I need to focus. I need to be strong and apologize for being so upset and distraught!
I looked purposefully at Edward's sister and tried to keep my voice steady as I spoke. "I'm sorry I reacted so badly when I arrived, Alice. I'm really sorry if I was rude or—"
"Bella, you reacted the way anyone would if their soul mate was injured. I would have been frantic if something happened to Jasper."
"Edward told you that I was his soul mate." I stated.
My mind flashed back to the cabin and his declaration that we were soul mates, twin-souls. I could feel my heart start to beat faster, as I took in Alice's happy facial expression.
I knew he'd told me his family about me, but I also remembered all the times Edward ignored Alice's calls. I was suddenly curious to know what else Edward had told his family about me.
"Yes, of course he did! That's why I came to Vancouver! I just had to meet you, finally."
"You were already here when Edward...fell?" I asked.
Alice grinned at my confused expression.
"I arrived this morning from L.A. Emmett collected me from the airport. That's why I was at the movie set when it happened. To be honest, I think being there probably pissed Rosalie off in the first place, so I feel kind of responsible."
"What does Rosalie have to do with this?" I asked. Her words sparked a recollection of Emmett mentioning Rosalie when he called to tell me what happened. I could feel more anxiety trying to unnerve me, but I was determined to be clear-headed and strong.
I gently squeezed Edward's hand and I focused on the pulsing zap that tingled up my arm.
"Rosalie was being a selfish, attention-seeking, brat! She caused the accident. Edward was connected to the same safety equipment. If she hadn't been so childish, none of this would have happened!"
"Was she hurt?" I asked.
"No, but she's here somewhere." Alice rolled her eyes to the ceiling.
"Did Edward know you were coming today? He didn't say anything to me about it."
Alice smiled. "Edward hasn't told you many things. But you know what? He should have."
I stared at her, and suddenly words that Edward had spoken to me last night came back:
'Everything will make sense to you, tomorrow. All of this, everything will be explained.'
He said everything would be explained? Did he mean because he knew I'd meet Alice today?
My determination to be strong was now being tested. It seemed I didn't have the mental capacity to try and figure out what Alice was trying to tell me, and I didn't want to.
"Alice, you need to tell me. I'm in love with Edward. We've made promises to each other. I plan to be in his life. I can't imagine being apart from him, ever. If you have something to say, please just say it. I can't read minds, and I just need... to know..."
Alice moved one of the vinyl covered chairs closer to mine and sat down.
"When I was fourteen, I dreamt of my soul mate; his face, his voice. It was kind of weird, like a surreal vision of the future, with impressions and light and like, the most amazing feeling of love. I didn't actually meet him until I was nineteen, but I knew it was him instantly. It was Jasper."
I smiled at her. Her face was serene as she spoke about Jasper. But I wasn't sure why she was telling me this story.
"Edward and I have always been connected emotionally. Even though it's not reciprocal, I get the impression of every emotion Edward feels."
I nodded. I recalled Edward telling me about his sister and their 'special bond'. That kind of explained why she seemed so sure that he would wake up, eventually.
"Bella, when I was sixteen, I dreamt of Edward's soul mate. It's you, completely you, every detail...well actually, as much detail as the dream revealed; your eye color, your accent. I have to ask you this; do you feel a kind of static electricity whenever you touch Edward? Almost like an electrical shock that is anything but painful?"
I couldn't comprehend what she was saying; I simply continued to stare at her.
There's no way she could know about that.
"Don't be freaked out. I can't explain it properly. I get the same feeling whenever Jasper touches me. We've been together four years and it doesn't go away."
I closed my eyes and thought about my 'episode' when I wrote the lyrics. I recalled the zapping shock of feeling Edward's skin for the first time when I introduced myself, and spewed-forth rambling word-vomit before I gave him the words, printed on the page. I recalled our intimacy the B&B. Even now, just holding his hand, I feel the connection to him.
"Why didn't he tell me?"
"Only he can answer that, Bella."
I looked to his face and I tried to understand why he wouldn't have told me...but then again, I thought about how emotionally fragile I'd been after the misunderstanding caused by Rosalie barging into his hotel suite...
Would I have listened? Would I have been in a proper mental state to believe something so unbelievable?
Probably not.
"So, Edward told you and the rest of your family that I was…"
"Yes. He was planning on taking you to L.A. this weekend to meet us all, but then something happened yesterday. He was, completely devastated about something. He felt a loss so overwhelming, I could barely stand it! I booked my flight right away, but then you guys must have sorted it out because then everything last night was wonderful and he felt even more determined and blissfully happy."
I thought back to Edward's face when he saw the bags in my room and the unmade bed...
"You felt that?" I asked, although I knew the answer.
Alice took my free hand in hers.
"He loves you, he will love you forever, and I know you love him. There will be no other man that will ever mean as much to you as my brother." Alice looked towards Edward. "Even now, he's so happy. He's dreaming about you."
I looked to Edward's face; some color had reappeared on his cheeks.
"You can tell he's dreaming?"
"He's feeling the same happiness and love that he feels when he's alone with you. Yes, he's totally dreaming of you. I'd bet my Porsche on that fact!" she laughed.
I sat in quiet contemplation. Everything started to fall into place.
Now, Edward's friendship—in the beginning when we met in the Purple Bar—made sense. Sure, he wanted the lyrics, but he also knew I was Australian and that I had planned to go and live with my Dad in Forks when I was sixteen! He must have suspected that I could have been the girl from Alice's dream!
Was he thinking that I could be his soul mate as soon as we met? Was the electric feeling when we touched his proof?
My mind was running wild. Every gesture, every conversation, the way he spoke, his soft casual touches and his eagerness to spend almost every night in the bar just talking to me, just getting to know me.
It wasn't just my desire to be close to the gorgeous Hollywood actor. It wasn't just his excitement that I'd written the perfect lyrics to his composition.
It seemed as clear as glass to me now.
I could feel myself energizing with this realization.
"Alice, is Angela still here? Do you know if she has my bag and my phone?"
"She's right outside. I'll go ask her."
I heard the soft click as the door closed, and then almost immediately Alice came back into the room holding my bag.
"Angela said your phone screen is smashed, but it should still work. My Mom and Dad's flight will land in an hour."
I held my bag to my chest, as I thought about meeting Edward's parents. It still made me feel anxious. This is not how I imagined meeting them, in a hospital room with Edward still unconscious.
I watched Alice as she scrolled through her phone.
"This is really, really bad!" she said. "My Twitter timeline and mentions are... oh my God, Edward's death is a trending topic worldwide!" she gasped, and looked completely horrified. "Why would they believe that?"
Alice eyes were wide and she placed her hand against her chest as if she was in pain.
"Alice, no one has told the fans outside that Edward's going to be OK! When I arrived they were already lighting candles and crying as if he..."
"This is just completely unacceptable! The Studio's P.R. people have instructed no one be told of his condition until they can officially release a statement, but fuck them! Because they haven't made a statement, people have assumed the worst!"
Then all I could feel was mounting anger.
"Is Edward's lawyer aware of that?" I asked.
I knew Edward would not want his fans to suffer any amount of uncertainty when it came to his condition. I didn't want them to suffer it either. I was appalled and incredulous. There was no doubt in my mind that the delay was simply to get even more media attention and turn this unfortunate accident into a global headline to sell more magazines and papers, and even draw attention to the film.
Why don't they possess any morals? What happened to fact checking? I just don't understand!
When I thought of the anguish I had endured over the last few hours I was horrified that any of the girls outside were still suffering through that!
Edward was their Idol. They loved and worshipped him. And it wasn't just the girls outside; he had millions of fans across the globe! How could they bear not knowing how he was, or thinking he was actually dead?
"Bella, I'm technically Edward's next of kin. Why don't you write a statement? I can run it by Harold, Edward's lawyer, before we release it. You're right, we can't let his fans think that he's...that's completely cruel and unnecessary. What do you think?"
I can do this. I can help this way, with words.
"Thank you for letting me do this, Alice. Let me find some paper and then, you need to tell me everything that happened from the moment you saw Edward this morning."
~0~
The statement was written.
Harold Greene had given it the all-clear after he told Alice to delete one paragraph, explaining that the terms of Edward's studio contract were very straightforward; as long as the statement was only about his physical condition and didn't mention anything about the film, the set or the 'incident' itself, the family were free to make a statement on Edward's behalf, without clearing it through the movie studio.
"What happens now?" I asked her.
"Well..." she said with a cheeky smile. "That's really up to you. I think you should be the one to do it."
I stared at Alice as what she was saying sank in.
"You want me to go out there in front of his fans and the television cameras and read this statement?" I asked, my heart started to pound and I felt sweat heat my skin.
"Bella, Harold also told me that Edward's contract has a clause that states he's not allowed to discuss his romantic relationships."
I nodded; Edward had explained this to me at the cabin.
"He also said there was no implication if, say his actual girlfriend made reference to the relationship."
I could feel my face blush. I'd only met Harold once—in Edward's trailer when we signed the copyright documents for Episode.
Was it so obvious to him that Edward and I were in love, or did Edward tell him that I was his girlfriend?
"Bella, Edward's life is...public and complicated. You'll need to be a part of it to some extent. I know Edward; he'll try his damndest to shield you from prying eyes. He'll pretend there's nothing going on between you both to protect you, and also ensure he's not breaking the terms of his contract. He'll be completely conflicted the whole time because all he'll really want to do is shout it out to the World that he's in love with you! Believe me."
"Alice, I can't..."
"This is the best way. Face them Bella. Stand out there and let them see you on your terms. Take them by surprise. I know Edward wants to live in this little bubble where in his mind the press won't ever hound you. We both know the real world doesn't work that way. You'll be spotted eventually and then they'll make up stories and speculate. The more you try to hide, the worse it will be."
The thought horrified me, but Alice's words hit home.
Open and honest...that's what I want with Edward! I want the chance to be open and honest about how I feel for him, how much I love him. I don't want to hide my love for him; I want to openly celebrate it!
I knew Edward wanted to protect me, yet, I was still irrationally anxious about being 'hidden away'.
"If you go out there and state you are Edward's girlfriend, you effectively squash all the rumors of Rosalie Hale and Bree Tanner. If they can use the paparazzi to make people believe lies, you can stand there with the truth. Edward won't be able to discuss your relationship or confirm it officially, but I'll stand with you, Bella."
Now all my mental assurances that I would stay strong seemed to explode out of my skin in a hot flush.
"OK," I said determinedly. "I'll do it...I just, I look frazzled. I don't have any makeup, my hair's a mess, and my eyes are puffy from crying..."
Alice smiled. "Minor details. I'll go and ask the hospital staff to alert the press that a statement will be made by Bella Swan on behalf of the Cullen family, and then I'll come back and make you presentable for your first global television appearance!"
Alice bounded out of the room with obvious determination.
I can't believe I'm really going to do this!
I looked at the statement that I'd handwritten. I re-read it. I knew I had no choice. His fans needed to know that he would be fine.
I took my phone out of my bag. The screen was shattered from when I dropped it on the marble floor in the foyer of the hotel. Then I saw I still had Kate's car key.
I instantly called her.
"Meyer B&B," she said. I could hear sadness and despair in her voice.
"Kate, it's me."
"Oh God Bella. Are you at the hospital? Is it true? Is Edward...?" she sniffled.
"He's still unconscious, but they say he's going to be fine. He's going to be fine..." I chanted it, as I stared at his closed eyelids.
"Oh thank God! I was so worried. They're reporting simply unbelievable things! Can I do anything, do you need anything?"
I took in a deep breath, determined to not let the tears that were welling in my eyes fall.
"Edward's parents are on their way here from L.A. They may need somewhere to stay. Do you have any vacancies for a few days?"
"Yes, absolutely."
"Thank you so much. I'm so sorry, but your car is still at the hotel. Mike moved it into the parking garage for me. I have your keys. I'm so sorry, are youOK? I shouldn't have left you alone without a car. You haven't had any contractions today, have you?"
"Please don't worry about me! I'm fine, no contractions. Just take care of Edward. Send anyone that needs a place to stay to me. Let me know if you need anything and don't even think about the car. Garrett has a key; he can drive my car home tonight."
"Thanks, Kate. You're an amazing friend."
"Stay strong, Bella," she said softly.
"I will!" I said firmly and disconnected to instantly call my Dad and Elaine at the hotel.
It went to the hotel message service.
"Dad, it's me. I'm at Vancouver General Hospital. I'm OK but Edward has a broken leg. I'll call you later. Please don't worry."
I'll call them again when Edward is conscious.
I took in deep calming breaths and stood, I needed to be closer to Edward, so I stepped forward. I leaned over him, my nose touched his cool cheek, and I inhaled and exhaled slowly.
"I love you, so much. Please, Edward I need you. Come back to me." I whispered.
I combed my fingertips through his soft hair, trying hard not to touch the bandage around his head.
I knew Alice was right; there would be no other man for me. I planned to be with him forever. I wanted it all. I wanted Edward, marriage, and our own family. He was going to be OK. There was no way that I would lose him, not now that I'd made a promise; a life with each other. I refused to think of any scenario that didn't have him with me.
We'll be old and grey and we'll look back on our lives with happiness.
"Edward. I love you. I need you to heal, so we can be together. I can almost see our life and I want to start living it."
~0~
Alice and Angela fussed over my appearance for what felt like ages. I simply tried to zone out, and calm myself.
I'd always been the girl in the corner, the shy wallflower. Bookworm Bella.
Now, I was less than five minutes away from standing in front of a few hundred of Edward's inconsolable fans that had gathered outside in the hospital parking lot.
I could feel a fluttering in my tummy when I thought about the global audience from the dozens of television cameras.
I wasn't prepared. I was pretty much petrified.
It wasn't from acknowledging that I was with Edward, no, it was the thought of standing there, with hundreds, thousands, millions of eyes on me.
Scrutiny, I had always shied away from it.
But almost everything had changed in my life when I'd arrived in Vancouver. Actually everything in my life had changed since I won the writing prize. It was kinda surreal—all of it.
Even the fact that these two girls that were here primping me had become amazing friends.
Angela had invited me into her home and out with her friends, she accepted me without any fuss and discussed Edward with me. She included me in her life, freely and with such warmth and friendship. She'd made me feel so welcome.
And Alice; I met her only a handful of hours ago and she basically told me she'd been waiting to meet me for almost eight years!
I'd never felt so unconditionally accepted or appreciated. Even Kate had become such a wonderful friend and confidant in the short time I'd known her.
Why am I worried about what other people think of me? Do I care?
Edward was alive. He wanted to be with me. I needed to be with him. No one else mattered, except my immediate family, my new friends and Edward's family, who were due to arrive at the hospital in less than an hour.
"You look very presentable," Alice said happily.
She turned my shoulders towards the mirror.
Angela had styled my hair into a fishtail braid that hung stylishly messy over my left shoulder.
Alice had touched up my face just with a little mascara, and pale pink lipstick. It looked natural and not overdone.
"Thank you both. I don't know how I could have coped without you."
We shared a group hug. The energy I felt by being close to these wonderful women, and the shared love that we all felt for Edward, seemed to give me an inhuman strength.
"Whenever you're ready, Bella. I'll just be there standing next to you. You read the statement, and then we come back inside. The media representative from the hospital will take over after that," said Alice.
"I just need to see Edward first. Angela, will you stay with him, while we're gone? I would hate for him to wake up with no one by his side."
"Of course, Bella. I won't leave him alone," assured Angela.
I walked quickly from the bathroom back to Edward's bedside.
I kissed his lips and brushed my fingers lightly down his neck.
"Your parents are on their way here," I whispered. "I want to be introduced to them, officially. But I want you to be the one to do it..." I smiled as I repeated Alice's phrase.
I placed my lips on his, ever so gently. The love we shared rippled over my skin like a million tiny goosebumps. I could feel the air pass between his lips in a shallow breath; his mouth was warm, soft and sweet, and I was so overwhelmed with relief.
Life's too short; recognize what you want and run with it. He's alive. We're going to make a life together.
Everything else seemed so unimportant.
I really didn't care what the tabloids and gossip sites wrote about me, or whether Jessica freaked out. All I needed to know was that Edward would recover, and that I would get the chance to be in his life. To love him, support him and know that he loves and wants me.
"Please, Edward…come back to me. Please..."
"We can't be apart."
~0~
~~Edward~~
I could hear my heartbeat echoing back to me as if amplified by an electronic device.
The pain in my leg was throbbing now, almost like a metronome in time with the beep. The black nauseating fog still swirled around in my minds eye, as I tried to force my eyes to open.
My heart rate seemed to increase and I was more conscious of the hard mattress underneath me. Something sharp was stuck in the back of my hand and a sterile scent wafted through the air—that could only mean that I was in a hospital.
When I cracked my eyes open, the sting of the light was too much. I couldn't focus, and then someone stood over me, blocking the bright fluorescence overhead. My nose twitched; I could feel tubes. I blinked a few times to try and clear my blurred vision.
"Bella." I tried to say, but it sounded like a groan instead.
Long dark hair, pale skin.
But when my eyes focused on the girl standing over me that looked panicked and yet smiling, I was torn in two.
"Angela?"
"Edward, thank goodness… I'll call the nurse," she said quickly and reached for something out of my line of vision.
"We've been so worried! Everyone is going to be so relieved."
Bella's not here. Was that a dream, or did I...have I even met her? Was she just an illusion?
"Bella," I croaked in lament. My eyes watered, and tears streamed out.
"Edward, Bella's been here for hours. She just left less than a few minutes ago with Alice. They'll be back before you know it," Angela reassured me.
She's here? She wasn't just a dream?
Angela stepped forward and held my hand. She lightly dabbed my tear-streaked cheeks with a Kleenex.
"She's here? She's with Alice?"
"Yes, she was—"
Angela stopped speaking when a nurse quickly entered the room.
"Mr. Cullen, you've caused quite a stir! How are you feeling?" she said cheerily and checked my pulse.
"My leg..." I croaked. My mouth was dry.
"You have a broken leg and a minor skull fracture. Do you feel dizzy? Do you have a headache or feel nauseous?"
"Yes, I feel sick," I said.
The nurse busied herself swapping the bag on my I.V.
"If you need more meds for the pain, please just call me," she winked suggestively then removed the tubes from my nose and offered me a cup full of crushed ice. The overhead light dimmed.
"I'll let the Doctor know you're conscious," she said with a smile and then left the room.
"Where is she? Where's Bella?" I asked.
I needed to see her, to know she was real, and assure myself that the surreal dream was just that—a dream.
"Bella and Alice are making a statement to the press. You've been unconscious for hours. There are more than a hundred of your fans outside. Bella wanted them to know that you were going to be fine. Alice spoke to your lawyer to make sure it was OK. They'll be back in a few minutes."
I took in a huge breath. My ribs hurt.
Bella is with Alice, in front of the media?
"Your Mom, Dad and Jasper are on a flight. They should land soon. Emmett's going to pick them up from the airport. I need to text him to tell him you're awake. I don't think he's left the hospital yet."
Angela still held my hand as she stared at her phone and texted with one hand.
I closed my eyes. All I wanted was Bella. I couldn't even imagine that she could be standing in front of my fans and the leeches right now. But a huge part of me was relieved. I didn't want her to be a secret. I loved her, and I wanted everyone to know.
I need to propose to her right away! I'm not going to let anything else happen to delay making it known that she is the only one!
I felt the sudden gust of air and I opened my eyes to see Emmett striding into the room.
"Thank fuck you're awake! Rose has made herself sick with worry," he stated.
"Um, I'll go and make sure Alice and Bella know you're conscious, OK, Edward?" said Angela as she squeezed my hand and then hurried out of the room.
I stared at Emmett. "Rosalie is the reason I'm in here."
Emmett looked behind him, I assume to ensure that the door was closed.
"I know, but I've spoken to her. She told me some things, and well, there's no excuse for what she did, but I'm starting to understand why she is...the way she is."
I was done with Rosalie Hale. At that point in time, I couldn't give a damn about her, and I sure as hell didn't care what lies she told Emmett to make him feel sorry for her. I couldn't even think about what it would be like to actually have to get back to the set and eventually finish the film. The thought was making me feel sick in my stomach, and I wondered how long it would take for the meds to take effect.
"I just want Bella. I need her here, as soon as she's finished...I just can't..."
I was out of breath. It felt like I had some pretty bad bruising across my chest.
The pain in my leg surged as I tried to shift my weight and move to a more comfortable position on the hard mattress.
"Edward, Rosalie told me what you argued about before she fell," he said.
"You mean before she unlatched her harness and decided to risk both our lives?" I corrected him.
I watched as his face wrinkled with distress. "Yeah, she's really sorry about that."
"I'm sureshe's extremely contrite," I said without eliminating my sarcasm.
"OK, it's a bad time to talk about this, but we'll have to, eventually." he stated.
I didn't acknowledge his words. I couldn't talk to him about Rosalie. It seemed like everything was about her. It was incomprehensible to me that Emmett—my friend and bodyguard—was standing next to my hospital bed trying to justify her actions. If it weren't so ludicrous, I would have started laughing. Rosalie was still manipulating people and only thinking about herself. She didn't care who she hurt in the process. I didn't want to even think about her now, or acknowledge that she'd basically been rewarded for her behavior! She'd finally hooked Emmett into her clutches!
I can't fucking believe it!
I just needed to see Bella.
"I'm gonna go and get your parents and Jasper. We can talk about Rose later. I'm glad you're OK."
He walked forward and placed his hand on my arm. I knew Emmett well enough to know he meant it, and I couldn't stay angry with him.
"Thanks."
He smiled before he turned and left, and I immediately felt exhausted.
I need Bella.
~0~
~~Bella~~
"Edward!" I whispered as I walked into the room.
Edward's eyes flashed open and he blinked in the dimmed light, searching my eyes, frantic.
"Bella, you're here? Angela, thank you." he croaked.
"Bella," he reached out his hand for me. I rushed to take it; the thin thread that was holding my emotions together snapped and I started crying. I grabbed his hand bringing up to my face, I kissed his fingers and I dragged his clammy hand across my jaw and back over my lips, savoring the feel of him.
His hands cupped my face, his fingers danced in my hair.
"I was so scared..." I tried to lower my face, but he wouldn't let me. He was staring into my eyes. I couldn't focus on his features, the tears were blurring my vision, and I could still see the ghost of the hundreds of strobing camera flashes that had practically blinded me when I gave the statement.
"Bella, please, I love you," he sighed and closed his eyes.
Edward pulled me down, his lips gently brushing against mine. "I'll tell you everyday. I love you. I'm in love with you and I only want to be with you," he whispered.
Edward kept kissing me. Slowly and gently, soft kisses on my mouth. It was sublime. I swear I could feel the emotion of love pass between our lips. Everything was right again; everything was going to be OK.
I eventually forced myself to pull away from his mouth, when I heard Alice cough, in a very unsubtle way.
Edward smiled and let me retreat.
"Alice, I need it now. Right now." he said.
"No way. Not here. I won't let you, it's not...the right atmosphere."
"Alice!" he said forcefully.
"Nope. You'll thank me one day. Trust me."
I watched Edward close his eyes. His nostrils flared, he looked frustrated. I had no idea what they were talking about.
"What is it? What's wrong?" I said in a panic. "Are you still in pain? Shall I call the nurse?"
I touched Edward's brow softly. When he opened his eyes, the tension in his expression relaxed.
He sighed and shook his head minutely.
"Alice, Angela, I need to be alone with Bella."
Alice huffed. "Edward, Bella just stood in front of twenty television cameras, about fifty paps and almost three hundred fans to read the statement that she'd written. People are googling her name right now wondering who she is and why she's suddenly materialized as your girlfriend... just let her absorb that, OK?"
"You did that?" he asked me.
"Harold said it was OK for me to call myself your girlfriend. You're just not allowed to confirm it, you know, because of your contract," I said.
Edward looked at me in awe. I could feel my cheeks blushing.
"Alice, Angela, thank you. I really need some privacy with Bella." He said.
I tried to calm myself. He didn't look upset, but now I started to feel anxious that I'd done the wrong thing by revealing myself.
Alice walked up to us. "You're so lucky I'm your twin right now!" she said to Edward in mock admonishment.
She kissed his cheek and then wiped off the pink lipstick mark she'd left there. "Don't ever scare Bella like that again!" she said curtly. Then she turned to me and gave me a huge hug.
"Come on Angela, I think we need some strong Canadian coffee!"
As soon as they left the room and the door closed, Edward pulled me towards him.
"You're amazing. Kiss me before I do something stupid, like, try to run after Alice to inflict grievous bodily harm." he said jokingly and then his hand curled around the back of my neck as he gently guided my lips to his.
I was dizzy from Edward's adoration.
I wanted to crawl onto the high hospital bed and lie down with him. Instead I leaned awkwardly over his upper body, trying not to kiss him too forcefully. He still looked tired and weak, and I just knew he was in pain; I could see it in his eyes.
"Do you need more drugs? Does it hurt?" I whispered against his lips. I didn't pull away from him; our faces intimately close.
"No, it doesn't hurt when you're kissing me."
"Edward..."
"Shhh... I need this. I need you. You're my happy drug. Didn't you know?"
His hand touched the messy braid that fell over my shoulder. He twirled it over his long fingers and sighed.
"You're sort of beautiful," he smiled and licked his lips.
"You hit your head, you don't know what you're saying," I replied. I tried to keep a straight face, but it cracked almost instantly and then we were both laughing in between soft kisses.
Our closeness meant the world to me then. It wasn't like I'd forgotten that I'd just read a statement to so many anxious people outside, but in that moment when it was just me and Edward, those people didn't exist in my head. They were irrelevant. They were on the periphery of our life, and I wasn't going to invite them in.
The jovial atmosphere between us suddenly turned heavy and this time when Edward kissed me, it was passionate, needy and determined. His tongue pushed into my mouth and he moaned.
All my nervousness and anxiety melted away. Just the taste of his breath and his warm, inviting tongue gave me everything I needed.
I was completely breathless when he eventually pulled away.
"I dreamed about you; about what our life would have been like if we met when we were sixteen. I wanna go back to Forks as soon as we can get away!" he said excitedly.
"We will. Have you forgotten that my dad popped the question to Elaine? November. It's only a couple of months away." I said softly.
Edward caressed my hair and stared into my eyes.
"There's something I have to tell you," he said.
I guessed it was about what Alice had already revealed; her gift, the dream she had when she was sixteen. I hoped it was, but he looked so apprehensive, as if he was unsure about how I would react.
"I already know what you want to tell me," I smiled in reassurance and my forefinger traced lightly over his bottom lip. "Alice beat you to it."
"What did she say, exactly?"
He sounded panicked.
"She told me...about your special twin emotional bond. She told me about how she had a dream about Jasper before she met him, and how she dreamed about your soul mate; the girl that was made to be with you." I paused to take in his reaction to the knowledge I held. He looked relieved but still anxious.
"I know it's me," I whispered. "You are mine, I am yours," I sang, hoping he recognized the lyrics.
My kiss was soft on his lips. I kept my eyes on his.
"Let's not fuck around," he sang back, and kissed me again.
I was elated that he remembered the song from my playlist; the one he'd learned to play on the guitar and that he'd sung to me at the cabin.
"You believe it. You haven't run away, screaming." he sighed softly but without humor; he wanted to be serious.
I nodded my head 'Yes'.
"I wanted to tell you at the cabin, but you said you didn't believe in destiny. I didn't want to risk that you'd pull away from me. I'd fucked up so much—even just serenading you with that song was idiotic—I didn't want to scare you off."
I briefly closed my eyes as I recalled that conversation at the cabin—lying on the bed, dismissing his plea to believe him, to believe that he loved me. The confusion I'd felt back then was so debilitating; Rosalie, Riley, the movie script, Edward kissing me after singing that song to me, all of it.
"Singing to me wasn't idiotic. It's just that I was so confused back then. I'm glad you didn't try to explain Alice's dream. I wasn't emotionally ready to hear it. I wouldn't have understood or believed." I opened my eyes and took in a deep breath.
"I know it's true, now. This feeling..." I touched his cheek and absorbed the blissful buzz that seemed to pulse under my skin, "it only happens with you. I'm sorry I've been so emotionally fragile. I think that maybe it happened for a reason. Does that sound stupid?"
"No Bella, it's not stupid. Definitely not stupid. I think..."
He tried to sit up; the pain on his features made me panic.
"Edward, please let me call the nurse."
"Bella, I love you. I know it's not the most romantic place, or the ideal time, but I can't risk something else going wrong before—"
The door opened and the Doctor walked in. Edward's face twisted into a scowl and his nostrils flared again, he looked so angry at the interruption. I quickly pulled away to stand beside the bed, but I simply couldn't let go of his hand.
"It's good to see you're awake!"
I could see Edward's eyes widen as recognition set in.
"Doctor Gerandy?"
"Well, seems as though you're not suffering from memory loss!" the Doctor bellowed as he checked Edward's chart. "And congratulations on your engagement!" he added.
I watched Edward's face turn from recognition into utter confusion. I was mortified. I shook my head at him, as if to communicate that he should play along. I could feel my face flame up in a heated blush, as I remembered Alice's white lie; her introducing me as Edward's fiancée, so I could be by his side.
The Doctor didn't notice me freaking out.
Edward slowly closed his eyes. He looked so upset.
"Thank you," he said. Then he opened his eyes and looked at me and mouthed 'I'm sorry', as if it was his fault that people thought we were already engaged.
"Your C.T. scan came back clear," said the Doctor, still reading the chart. "Your leg has been properly set, you'll be able to walk with the assistance of crutches. That cast will need to stay on for three to four weeks. You'll need a few sessions of physio, maybe a soft cast, we'll see. You appear to be fit and healthy, so recovery time should be minimal. Nurse VanDale gave you some anti-nausea meds, so you should start to feel better."
"Thank you." Edward said again.
"I hear your father will be here soon."
I looked at Edward and he smiled at me.
"Dr. Gerandy used to be the chief surgeon at Forks General, when I lived there." he said to me in explanation.
I smiled and nodded.
"You know, Edward, your old house in Forks is up for sale. We had some amazing dinner parties there, back in the day. Esme knows how to spoil an old man like me with wonderful food," he chuckled. "Lottie would be delighted if your parents have time to come to dinner with us, while they're here in Vancouver."
Edward gripped my hand tightly at the Doctors words, but didn't say anything in response.
"Now, my advice is to rest, sleep if you can. We'll keep your room darkened. No excessive stimuli. You should stay for a couple of days, unless your father thinks you'll have suitable care elsewhere and can be discharged. Nice to see you again, Edward."
"Thanks Sir," Edward replied and the Doctor left the room.
Edward's eyes lit up as if energized by something. I figured that the pain medication, or whatever the nurse had done, was starting to work.
"We have some time before my parents arrive," he whispered as he pulled me back down to his lips. "Kiss me, Bella. You make me the happiest man alive."
~0~
~~Edward~~
I wanted to propose. I didn't want to wait, because I just knew something could go wrong.
Then Dr. Gerandy walked into my hospital room. I couldn't believe it! I had just woken from a dream-state, in which I had basically revisited my life in Forks at age sixteen, and when I woke up, the same man that had been one of my father's closest confidants and mentors was standing in my hospital room.
Dr. Gerandy was one of the main people that had encouraged my father to travel to Sydney, back when I was nineteen. He suggested my father find out first hand what it was like to live and work in Sydney before he made a decision to accept the job he'd been offered there.
He also seemed to think that Bella and I were already engaged, and then he had stated that my old house in Forks was for sale!
The coincidence was not lost on me.
Everything fell into place. Everything.
"You seem better. Are the drugs working?" Bella whispered and kissed me again.
I knew Alice was right. Bella deserved a romantic proposal, with me on bended knee, not broken and in pain in a hospital ward. I kept kissing her softly, drinking in all her love and affection while the plan mapped itself out in my head.
Bella had basically outed herself to the leeches, and my fans. And she'd done it with Alice's support. She loved me and she wasn't going anywhere. She would meet my parents and Jasper when they got here. I'd already told her father that I planned to spend the rest of my life with her. I could wait for it all to fall into place, because now the vision for our future was solid, almost tangible and overwhelmingly closer to being a reality.
I could see forever in Bella's eyes as we stared at each other. We didn't need to speak. Occasionally the intensity of our gaze would ignite our passion, and we'd kiss, languidly and then frenetically, until we both realized where we were, and the kisses slowed to soft lip touches and warm breaths.
Everything is perfect now.
~0~
