29
I woke up a few hours later when the pain in my stomach exploded. I jumped up out of bed and threw open the door. I stumbled noisily down the hall to the bathroom. I fell to my knees in front of the toilet and started dry heaving.
"Bella?" whispered Tia. I could hear the fear in her voice.
"I need…Edward…please," I cried.
"What room?" she panicked.
"5...0...1," I choked out as I threw up again. I heard her run out. A few minutes later, the door to the bathroom was thrown open again.
"It's ok, Baby," whispered Edward as he started rubbing my back. "Tia, can you get her a cold wash cloth?"
"Sure," whispered Tia.
"Benjamin, can you get her some ice?" whispered Edward.
"Of course," whispered Ben.
"It's ok, Bella,." whispered Edward. I fell into his chest and started sobbing.
"Here's the washcloth," whispered Tia. I felt Edward start cleaning my face with it.
"Here's the ice," said Ben.
"Thanks," whispered Edward. He held an ice cube to my lips. I tried to push it away. "Baby, come on. You have to get some fluids in you."
"I'll just throw it up later," I sobbed.
"You have to, Bella," ordered Edward. I just sighed and took the ice cube from him.
"What's going on?" asked Tia.
"Bella, do you mind if I tell them?" asked Edward.
"No," I whispered.
"Bella has leukemia. She is on chemo and had a treatment this afternoon. She typically spends hours throwing up the night she has a treatment," explained Edward.
"How long has she been sick?" asked Tia.
"Six weeks," I whispered.
"It's been very difficult for us," whispered Edward as he looked down at me. I had my head laying in his lap. "Are you feeling better?"
"Yes," I whispered.
"Are you scared?" asked Benjamin.
"Yes," I whispered. "I'm not ready to die."
We didn't say anything else. Tia and Benjamin stayed with us in the bathroom for another hour before they went back to bed. Edward carried me out to the couches in the common room and laid down on the couch with me. I managed to fall asleep as I saw the sun coming up.
"Bella," whispered Tia shaking my shoulders.
"What time is it?" I grumbled.
"It's just before 9am. You and Edward need to get up and take a shower before brunch," she whispered.
"Thanks," I whispered.
"Your welcome," she whispered. I looked over and saw Edward still asleep.
"Edward, wake up," I whispered.
"To fucking early for sex, Bella," he moaned.
"Edward, Tia is standing right here," I chuckled. He snapped his eyes open and looked up at her.
"Oh," chuckled Edward.
"We need to shower and get ready for brunch," I chuckled.
"Ok. I'll meet you in the lobby in twenty minutes," chuckled Edward before he kissed me. "I love you, wife."
"As I love you, husband," I chuckled. Edward and I got off the couches. He went over to the elevator while I followed Tia back to our room.
"How long have you and Edward been married?" asked Tia.
"Six weeks. We got married the night I found out I was sick," I explained.
"How long have the two of you been a couple?" she asked.
"Six weeks," I chuckled. She gasped and I looked up at her. "It was love at first sight."
"Your parent's are ok with you being married?" asked Tia.
"Yes," I said sadly.
"You don't sound to happy about it," said Tia.
"My father was killed in a car accident two weeks ago," I whispered.
"I'm sorry, Bella. How is your mom handing it?" she asked.
"My mother died from leukemia when my brother, Emmett and I were two," I whispered.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
"It's ok," I whispered. "I'm going to go take a shower."
I grabbed my shower stuff and went down to the bathroom and took a hot shower. My shoulders, back and stomach muscles were sore from throwing up last night. I dried off and put on my robe. I walked out from the shower area and saw the other girls getting ready. All of their eyes popped up to my bald head. I just smiled at them and went back to my room. Tia was just finishing getting dresses when I walked in.
"Feel better?" she asked.
"A little. My muscles are sore," I explained.
"Was it hard to lose your hair?" she asked suddenly.
"Yes, I sobbed like a fucking baby. I never really thought I was a vain person but I had beautiful hair," I said softly as I pulled on my panties and bra.
"When do you have another treatment?" she asked.
"Tomorrow afternoon," I explained.
"Oh," she whispered. I pulled on my jeans and a sweater and looked over at her.
"I bet we can work it out with someone if you want me to get a different room. I'll understand," I said.
"I don't mind. I just don't know how you do it," she whispered.
"I don't have a choice," I said softly. I sat down on my bed and started putting on my socks and boots. "I thought I had it all before I got sick. I will admit I was a bit of snob. I liked everyone, I was nice to everyone but I didn't really know them all. When I found out that I was sick, I thought I to myself, this is it? This is the end of my life. I have so many dreams. Edward promised that he will make sure I get to do as many as I can before I die. If I die before I can do them, he promised he will do it."
"What's on your list?" asked Tia as we made our way down to the elevator.
"Playing in Carnegie Hall is one of them. I want to walk in the ocean. I want to go to Disneyland. I want to have babies," I whispered as we approached the other girls.
I had tied a red scarf on my head but they were still eyeing me. We all stepped into the elevator but nobody said anything. We rode down to the first floor. The doors opened and I saw Edward waiting with Peter and Charlotte. I stepped out and went over to them.
"Bella, you feeling better?" asked Charlotte.
"A little but my stomach is still upset," I whispered. "I'm exhausted."
"Maybe you can get a nap in the afternoon," said Peter.
"Edward and I are going to look at the apartment Charlie left me here in the city," I explained. "Would the two of you like to come?"
"Sure, if you don't mind," said Charlotte.
"I don't mind," I said softly.
We followed everyone over to the music building. We were told to go into the conference room on the left. We walked in and I saw three older men in the room. The first two both had long black hair that was pulled into a ponytails. They had black eyes and pale skin. The third man had long silver hair and bright blue eyes. They motioned for us to come in and sit down. I was hit by the smell from the breakfast and took off running to the bathroom. Charlotte and Tia came running after me. I dry heaved for a few minutes before I was able to get control. I cleaned my face and rinsed my mouth out. We made our way back down to the conference room. Edward was immediately at my side.
"You ok?" he whispered.
"Yeah. The smell just hit me," I whispered.
"Miss, are you ok?" asked the silver haired man. I turned and saw everyone staring at me.
"I'm ok," I said softly.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Yes, sir," I whispered.
Edward and I took our seats at the table. Everyone fixed their plates and I struggled not to get sick again. Everyone was talking among themselves but I noticed they kept looking at me. I could feel the tears building in my eyes from their stares. I picked at my food
"Are you not going to eat?" asked the silver haired man.
"No, sir. My stomach is still upset," I said softly.
"I understand you were sick yesterday afternoon and last night also," he said.
"Yes, sir," I said.
"Are you sure you are ok?" he asked.
"Yes, sir. I'm used to it," I said softly.
"Well, let's get this meeting started," said one of the black-haired men. "I am Aro Volutri. These are my brothers, Cauis and Marcus. Let's go around and introduce ourselves. Tell us your name and where you are from."
"I'm Jane Alexander. I'm from Rochester, NY," said a small girl.
"I'm Felix Sanchez. South Carolina," said a big muscled boy.
"I'm Demetri Romanoff. I'm from Philadelphia," said another muscled boy.
"I'm Heidi Cobb. I'm from Houston Texas," said the tall blond.
"I'm Maggie Cason. I'm from LA," said a small red headed girl.
"I'm Benjamin Smith. I'm from Chicago," said Benjamin.
"I'm Tia Amun. I'm also from Chicago," said Tia.
"I'm Liam James. I am from LA," said a blond haired man.
"I'm Isabella Cullen. I'm from Forks, Washington," I said softly.
"I'm Edward Cullen. I'm from Forks, Washington also," said Edward.
"It's lovely to have all of you here with us. You will have the rest of the day to spend as you choose. We will start with our interviews tomorrow. Here is a schedule with your time. Please be on time," said Aro. They passed me a schedule and I saw that my interview was at 2pm. The same time as my chemo appointment.
"Excuse me, sir?" I said softly.
"Yes, Isabella," said Aro.
"I can't do my interview at 2 p.m. I have an appointment that I can't miss," I said softly.
"What is so important that you can't meet us at 2 p.m.?" snapped Cauis.
"I have chemotherapy at the hospital," I said softly. I heard several gasps.
"Why do you have to go to chemo?" asked Felix.
"She has leukemia," said Edward, pulling me into his arms.
"Is there anyone who would be willing to let Isabella have their morning spot?" asked Aro.
"She can have mine," said Tia. I gave her a grateful smile.
"That would be good. Thank you, Tia," said Aro.
"We will get you your rehearsal times at your interviews tomorrow. Are there any questions?" asked Marcus. Nobody said anything. I could feel all their eyes on me.
"I have one," I whispered. "Will we rehearse here or at Carnegie Hall?"
"Here until Saturday morning. We will have a rehearsal Saturday morning at Carnegie Hall," explained Marcus.
"Any other questions?" asked Aro. Nobody said anything. "Then you are free to go. Just please be careful in the city."
"Yes, sir," we all muttered together. Edward and I got up to follow the rest out when Aro stopped us.
"Edward, Isabella?" said Aro. We turned back to him and his brothers. "Is there anything you need?"
"No, sir," I said softly. "But thank you."
"Just let us know," said Marcus.
"We will," said Edward.
We turned and left. Peter and Charlotte were waiting for us. We went out and loaded into a cab. I gave them the address for the apartment. A few minutes later, we pulled up in front of a very nice building across from central park. The doorman opened the cab for us and we stepped out.
"Can I help you?" asked the doorman.
"Yes, my parents left me an apartment in this building. Where do I go to get the key?" I asked.
"Go to the security desk. They should be able to help you," said the doorman.
"Thank you," I said softly. He opened the door for us and we made our way over to the security desk.
"May I help you?" asked the woman behind the counter.
"Yes, my parent's left me an apartment in this building. We would like to see it," I said.
"Of course. Your name, dear?" she asked.
"Isabella Cullen. It was Swan," I said. She gave me a soft smile.
"You're Charlie and Renee Swan's daughter?" she asked.
"Yes," I said.
"I was sadden to hear about your father's death. Your parents were great people," she said softly.
"Thank you," I whispered.
"My name is Elizabeth Mason. I would be honored to show you the apartment," said Elizabeth.
"That would be nice. Thank you," I said softly.
We followed Elizabeth over to the elevator. She put a key in the button marked P and we made our way up. The doors opened and we stepped out. I felt my mouth fall open when we walked into the penthouse apartment. It was incredibly beautiful. The furniture was all covered with white sheets. Elizabeth pulled off a few of them to show us what was underneath. The penthouse had five bedrooms with their own bathrooms, a large living room, dining room, a gourmet kitchen with a laundry room. There was a balcony over looking the park. I turned back to Elizabeth.
"Are you sure this is the right apartment?" I asked. She just chuckled.
"Yes, I am," she chuckled. "Your mother was very successful, Isabella. When she got pregnant with you and Emmett, she and your father decided they wanted to raise the two of you in his home town. The music world was shook to it core when she passed away."
"I never knew about any of this," I said softly.
"She didn't use Renee Swan as her stage name. She used Alexia Dwyer," said Elizabeth. Edward, Peter and I all gasp.
"Are you saying that my mother was the Alexia Dwyer?" I asked. "The queen of classical music?"
"Yes. She was an amazing musician," said Elizabeth. She went over to the stereo and put on a CD. The apartment was filled with the sound of the piano. "She was truly gifted."
"It's beautiful," I whispered through my tears. Edward pulled me into his arms and held me.
"Are you musical, Isabella?" asked Elizabeth.
"Yes," I whispered.
"What do you play?" she asked.
"I play the piano, the cello, the drums and the guitar. Edward and I are finalist in the NYU Young Musician Search," I explained.
"I have tickets to that. I look forward to hearing you play," said Elizabeth. "What are your plan for the apartment?"
"Edward and I are both planning on coming to school here at NYU in the fall. I think we plan on living here," I said softly.
"Sounds like a good plan," said Elizabeth. "Let me know when you plan to move in and I will get the place cleaned for you."
"Thank you," I whispered. "Edward, we need to go. I'm not feeling very good."
"Ok, Bella," whispered Edward.
"Bella?" said Elizabeth. I turned and looked at her. "I hope you get better soon."
"Thank you. I do too," I whispered.
We followed her back down the elevator. The doorman hailed us a cab and we made our way back down to the dorms. Peter and Charlotte were going to go do some sight seeing. Edward and I made our way up to my room. I threw up a couple times before I fell into bed. Edward wrapped his arms around me and held me as I fell into a deep sleep.