Hey here I am with Chapter 21. Lots of Edward and Bella interaction. Later in the story once they are married the story will mostly be about them but for now we have about 5 chapters until the weddings. To those of you that reviewed you made my day. Thank you. And of course this is fanfiction and I don't own anything created by Stephanie Meyers or JK Rowling.

Previously in Chapter 20 :

Okay… Edward is back from Italy. Bella is toeing the line of a mental breakdown. Maggie was shot in her uterus causing damage beyond repair leaving her barren from having children. Lets move forward…

CHAPTER 21: Fear Of Failing

"Bella."

"Bella. wake up."

"Bella."

Opening her eyes Bella smiled at the sight before her. She lovingly whispered a single word.

"Edward."

Sitting across from the girls in hospital waiting room James and Emmett were seated with amused smiles on their faces.

"You guys look like fallen domino's." Emmett chuckled.

Sure enough Victoria was leaning on the side of the couch Bella was leaning on Victoria and Rosalie was leaning on Bella.

Bella blinked her eyes a few times trying to become more alert. Her eyes quickly found Edward once more.

"You're back. Finally." Although Bella's happiness about having Edward back soon dissolves once she remembers where she is and why she is there.

"Have any of you heard about Maggie? Is she awake?"

"No not yet. I've been keeping in touch with Liam. He's still with her." James said.

"Jamie baby?" Victoria called out sleepily stirring from her sleep.

Emmett, Edward, and Bella all looked at James in question with big smirks on their faces as if to say 'we are about to tease you relentlessly.'

James cheeks colored and his jaw tensed as if to say 'comment and you will die.'

Bella got an evil grin on her face she turned to Victoria and tried to imitate James voice the best she could.

"Yeah… it's me baby. You look so hot right now Vicky."

Victoria sighed happily, "I'm always hot for you baby." She murmured.

Bella tried to keep her laughter from erupting like a volcano. She placed her hand over her mouth trying to hold in every giggle.

"Yeah because I'm…so… hot." Bella said using her James voice.

"Your right you are so hot. I need you right here, right now… Bella." Victoria laughed opening her eyes.

"You really need to work on your dirty talk Bella. Don't worry I'm sure Edward here will be more than happy to help you out." Victoria snickered.

"Rose. Get up you're squishing me." Bella said trying to move from her sandwiched position.

"No. Bella I was comfortable. Stop moving."

"Go lay on Emmett."

"Emmett?" Rosalie's eyes popped open.

Rosalie jumped off the couch and into Emmett's arms. Causing a chuckle from the group.

BPOV BELLA BELLA BELLA BELLA BELLA BELLA BELLA BELLA BPOV

Now that Rose was off of me I was finally able to get up and be in Edwards arms. I stood up on my tip toes and kissed Edwards lips before hugging him tightly.

"I missed you more than I should have." I told Edward.

"More than you should have?" Edward chuckled.

"Yes, I feel like… that maybe, my feelings toward you are more…erm… advanced than they should be at this point in our relationship."

"Non-sense." He laughed out. "Babe whose to say what is normal when it comes to matters of the heart? If it is any consolation… I missed you way WAY more than I should have." Edward said smiling down at me before guiding my mouth to his for another kiss.

"Liam just text me and said Maggie is awake." James said drawing our attention to him. "The doctors have spoken to her, about her injuries… and she has requested that we go home. She doesn't want to be around anyone right now." James said sadly.

"That is ridiculous. We aren't going to leave her at a time like this." Rosalie said.

"No. Let her have her pity party now. And tomorrow we'll stand outside of her room until she let's us in." Victoria said with determination in Herr voice.

"I think Victoria is right. We should come back after she has had time to process everything." I spoke up adding my two cents in. "OH! We can send her a fruit or chocolate arrangement." I added optimistically.

"Why don't we send her flowe…" Emmett asked before being cut off by Victoria and Rose who were dramatically sighing out in frustration throwing their hands in the air.

"Here we go again." Victoria muttered.

"You never send flowers to a sick person. Flowers hold on to bacteria. They have been known to make sick people even more sick. Giving her flowers would be like sending her dirty needles. Why would you want to hurt her Emmett? Why?" I exclaimed. Appalled that he why even suggest sending something that could infect Maggie.

"Jeez… I didn't know. Why don't you make a PSA or some shit. Stop yelling at me I was just trying to be thoughtful."

(PSA: Public Service Announcement)

"Sorry. I'm just really worried about her. I didn't mean to yell I just want her to be okay." I said with tears starting to form behind my eyes.

"It's okay munchkin." Emmett said pulling me into a hug. He was so gentle, my brother in law to be that in that moment the flood gates opened and I started pouring tears. "Ed man come get your girl she's leaking." Emmett said pointing at me.

Emmett shifted me from his shoulder to Edwards where I continued to sob. Clinging on the Edwards shirt tightly.

2 weeks later...

3rd POV

"Maggie."

*Knock knock*

"Maggie I know you're in there. Open the door."

Silence.

*Knock knock*

"Please Maggie it's been two weeks. You can't hide in there forever."

Silence.

*bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang*

"Maggie open this door right now or I'll… I'll find the key to open it myself."

"Please stop shutting us out."

Silence.

Bella slid down the wall in the hallway opposite of Maggie's bedroom door.

Bella's attempts at getting Maggie to talk were futile. Bella and the others still had not seen or heard from Maggie since that night at the club before the accident.

The silence was deafening.

Unbearable.

Deciding to take a different approach Bella got off the ground and went back to the door.

"You know what… stay in there for all I care. Maybe it's a good thing you can't have children. What child would want to a mother who gives up the second things get hard?"

Bella knew this was the lowest of low blows. But Bella just wanted to see some fight left in Maggie. Make sure she wasn't going to drown herself in her misery and sorrow. Even if that meant giving Maggie something to hate.

Maggie's door quickly swung open and Bella was shoved into the wall where she had previously been resting her back up against.

"How dare you fucking say that shit to me." Maggie seethed.

"until the doctor tells you you're barren don't come here and act like you have a clue as to what I'm going through."

Maggie raised her hand and slapped Bella across the cheek hard before turning back in her bedroom holding her side from where she had been shot.

Bella followed Maggie into her bedroom before Maggie could lock her out.

"You're right. I don't know what you are dealing with or what you are going through but you won't tell us. You are hurting and we understand, we hurt for you but if you would just talk about it. We are worried about you. What about poor Liam? He's so worried about you." Bella said hoping it would make Maggie feel guilty but it didn't.

Maggie simply rolled her eyes and snorted.

"Liam isn't heartbroken. In fact he's probably with his father discussing if he should still marry me or not." Maggie said. Instantly tears streamed down her face.

"WHAT?!"

"Oh yeah." Maggie rolled her eyes. "Apparently Liam's needs a heir. A blood heir and if I can't provide him with one… basically I get the boot. I'm now damaged goods."

"When did you find this out?"

"The day I came home from the hospital. I had woken up and went to look for Liam in my wheelchair. He had been my rock through this you know? And I over heard him and his father talking downstairs about Liam's responsibilities to his family. His responsibilities to reproduce."

"So I completely shut Liam out. I feel like I'm losing everything Bella. It hurts so much." Maggie said sobbing uncontrollably into Bella's arms.

Bella sat there on the bed with Maggie while rubbing her back remaining mindful of Maggie's bullet wound as Maggie mourned. Mourned for her relationship and her never to be born children.

"Maggie you know you need to talk to Liam about this. Unless he actually said 'I don't want her she's damaged goods' then you don't know enough information to push him away like you have."

"I know but I'm scared. What if he tells me he doesn't want me. What will happen to me? Once people catch wind of my… condition who will want to me as their wife? I'm broken Bella. Broken. It's killing me to know I can't, won't ever be able to give him a child." Maggie said looking truly worn down and defeated by her circumstances. "I wouldn't be shocked if he told me he wanted someone else." She whispered softly.

"Stop this right now. Where is that brave girl I met when we were children?" Bella asked trying to lighten the mood. "I say you stop feeling sorry for yourself and you go talk to Liam. Tell him how scared you are and how upset you are. I'm sure he's feeling upset that you have pushed him away."

"He told his dad he didn't want to leave me but I don't know." Maggie said keeping her eyes down and fiddling with a piece of thread that had come off the bedspread. She sighed deeply and continued. "Part of me thinks that maybe he should just go. I don't want him to end up resenting me and the fact that we will be childless. Soon his brother and cousins will start having children and I know it can't be helped but it will be like salt in my wound every time we hear and see one of you pregnant. I don't know how much I can take Bella. I don't think I'm strong enough to survive it."

"So what are you going to do just stay in a bedroom for the rest of your life, avoiding the outside world? You're going to see pregnant women. It's unavoidable. And if you choose to remain childless that is your decision. What about adoption? Or maybe a surrogate mother? And he told his dad he didn't want to leave you! That's great! Why are you still here? You should go to Liam."

"Adoption isn't an option. The children have to be his by blood. And I don't want some stranger carrying my baby. But your right Bella. I should just talk to Liam and lay everything out. Good communication between us and our spouse was something we were taught. It's… it's just hard."

"I know. The question you need to ask yourself is if it's worth it."

Maggie and Bella finally made eye contact. So much emotion and unspoken words between the friends were conveyed in their eyes. Bella's eyes were filled with sympathy and encouragement, and Maggie's eyes relished the support she was getting from her best friend. With no more words left to be said Maggie gathered her self off the bed and gave a small smile and a firm nod of her head toward Bella as she left the confines of her bedroom for the first time in two weeks, searching for Liam.

One week later…

3rd POV

"Edward honey you are starting to sound like a broken record." Bella said combing through her hair with her fingers.

"I was simply asking what had happened that night at when Maggie and Alice were in that accident. I'm thankful you weren't in that car but I just want to know what you three did after leaving Draco's club." Bella's heart started beating faster but her face remained stoic. Edward had been casually bringing up that night for the last few weeks.

"And I simply have answered this question a hundred times. We left the club and decided to walk home. It was a nice evening and our driver hadn't come back because he was in an accident with Maggie and Alice. Is there anything you want to inform me of about that night? Something I should know?" Bella asked trying to turn the tables in his direction. She watched his eyes carefully to see if he might be lying.

"No. Nothing to report from my end. Unless you have something you want to tell me?"

Bella was starting to think he knew what she had done. But in Bella's head she was thinking that it was Impossible, if Edward knew surely he would of said something by now.

"I want to tell you that I think you look extra sexy in that suit." Bella said as she pulled Edward down for a kiss. Edward knew she was hiding something but he still eagerly returned Bella's kiss.

Pulling away Bella smiled up at Edward and adjusted his tie. She glanced at Edward in approval and took his hand.

"I just want this dinner to go over smoothly. I mean its not just any dinner its our engagement dinner. Maggie and Liam are finally in a good place and I want the rest of your family to like me. I just need everything to be perfect."

"Babe don't sweat it. They will love you. Your sweet, smart, and funny. You will blow them away. You blow me away. Everyday." Edward said with a lopsided grin.

"Cheesy. But it did make me feel better. Thank you. This dress looks good doesn't it or should I go chan…"

"Baby your dress looks perfect. Please for the love of God don't change your outfit. The color of your dress won't change my family's opinion of you."

"But I want to send the right message."

"You're stalling Bella. Your dress makes you look like a well respected lady. It's not too short or too long and I like that it hangs off your shoulders. I get to stare at your bare neck all night and when I make you blush I get wonder how far down that blush goes." Edward smirked making Bella's body flush as he planted kisses along her exposed neck and shoulders.

"mmm… there's that blush." Placing one last kiss to Bella's cheek he grabbed her clutch and ushered her out the door of the apartment Bella and Rose share.

"I can't wait until we are married and living together." Bella said holding on to Edwards arm as they walked from the apartment to the connected parking deck.

"Me either. I have to tell you waiting until we are married to have sex is getting harder every day that I'm with you. So trust me I'm ready for you to be Mrs. Edward Cullen."

"That better not be the only reason you are ready to marry me." Bella said giving Edward a stern look as he helped her into the passenger side of the car. Edward just laughed and shut Bella's door while he ran around a slid in the drivers seat.

"Of course not babe. That's just a huge bonus."

"Your such a man. Sex is not a big deal. It's the mental connection that makes a marriage last."

"Wait until you get your first orgasm and then come talk to me. You also seem to be an expert in marriage when you've never been married. No, no don't give me that look just listen. During sex it fully connects you with your partner if there is a connection to be made. So don't dispute the power of sex. While I agree a marriage shouldn't be based off sex, I do feel sex is an important part of a marriage for it to be successful." Edward hit the ignition to his vanquish and the car roared to life. While Edward was enjoying the speed of his beloved car, Bella's thoughts were much deeper. 'he's experienced with sex. Why had I not thought of this until now. He's been with other women. What if I'm not what he's used too? What if I don't do it right? What if I'm horrible and he starts thinking of other women while he's with me?'

Poor Bella.

"Whatcha thinkin' bout?" Edward asked as he looked over to his fiancée. She really did look beautiful tonight. He wasn't ready to admit it but Edward was falling in love with her with each passing day. That was the true reason he was so anxious to wed her.

"Oh bullocks. I'm just going to lay it out there. I'm worried I won't be what you expect me to be on our wedding night. I'm not experienced with sex and I don't want to disappoint you."

"Ha." Edward chuckled in amusement. While Bella started to feel rage.

"Bullocks? You've been hanging out with Hermione too much. And I'm glad you've never been with another man." Edward said pulling up to a red light. He looked over at Bella and grabbed her hand in his.

"If I had known about you I would of waited for you. I'm sorry you couldn't be my first but you will be my last. And don't worry about me being disappointed I'm not worried about that at all and you shouldn't be either." Edward said kissing Bella's hand. The moment was so tender it was like only Edward and Bella existed on the planet. Well until the man in the taxi behind them honked his horn motioning for Edward to go at the now green light.

"Alright jackass. I'm going." Edward said taking off.

The moment was over but Bella felt a whole lot better about their impending wedding night.

"Fucking prick." Edward muttered.

"Darling he can't hear you. Don't let him ruin our night. Please?"

Edward looked over to Bella and smiled.

"Consider him forgotten."

Although Edward continued to look in his rear view mirror and glare at the taxi driver until the driver turned onto another street.

Bella and Edward sat in a comfortable silence. Bella rested her hand on Edwards thigh while he drove to his uncles house. Many social gatherings were held at Marcus's house. Tonight was a celebration feast for all the engaged couples.

"We're here babe." Edward said and Bella's eyes widened at the large estate. The house looked like a small castle with two towers, one on each side. It was breath taking.

"Wow."

"My aunt has a thing for the medieval era and designed the house and the inside. Every year she throws a king and queens ball and everyone has to dress up. She normally host the ball in October."

"Sounds like it would be most pleasurable my lord." Bella said smirking.

Cars upon cars were lined up and valet drivers were waiting outside to take Edwards car and park it.

A valet driver opened Bella's door and helped her get out of the low seated car gracefully Bella gave the man her thanks and waited on Edward as he threatened the valet with his life if anything were to happen to his car. The driver didn't even flinch at Edwards threats, he just gave a curt nod, said yes sir, and climbed in the car.

"Was that really necessary? To threaten the driver?" Bella asked as she smoothed out her dress.

"Yes. It was. Are you ready?" Edward looked at Bella as she nodded her head in response. She wrapped her small hand around his firm bicep. Together they walked toward the large wooden doors to enter the grand house.

"Bella, Edward." Upon hearing her name called Bella looked around and saw Hermione and Draco walking up toward them.

"I'm so glad you both could make it to our engagement dinner. Draco, I know you are a very busy man so thank you for coming." Bella said hugging Hermione and shaking Draco's hand. Edward likewise shook Draco's hand in a friendly non business like way and gave Hermione a side hug. Edward and Draco were smiling but their eyes looked like they were having a secret meeting. Luckily for the guys the girls didn't seem to notice.

"My lovely ladies would you care for a glass of champagne?" Draco asked.

"Oh, thank you. Champagne sounds wonderful."

"Yes darling, thank you."

"Edward mate, would you mind coming to help with the drinks?" Edward nodded his head and took off to assist Draco with 'the drinks'.

"So how have you been? Ready to finally be a blissful married lady?"

"Oh yes. I can't wait to be Mrs. Edward Cullen. I think I may love him." Bella said with a slight frown.

"Your marrying him and you think you love him? Bella you shouldn't marry him unless you know you love him. Although who am I too judge? I married Draco within three weeks of knowing him."

"Three weeks?!" Bella asked shocked.

"I never told you how Draco and I met?" Bella shook her head no and waited for what she knew was bound to be a good story.

"When I first met Draco I worked as a librarian in the British Library at Kings Cross in London. I loved working at the library. Books, they have always been a passion of mine. Well Draco's handsome self came strutting in to see about some floor plans in our archives. He acted like the biggest tosser really, demanding I accompany him to dinner that night. I kept telling him no but it was like adding fuel to a fire. Everyday for a week he would come into the library and ask me out. Then one night I was leaving the library and a group of men followed me as I walked home. I was so scared Bella. The men cornered me and I don't remember much because it was such a rush. But what I do remember is Draco. He came in out of no where and laid the men out like he was a bloody soddin' ninja. Draco, always so calm and debonair picked up my purse the men had taken from me and walked over to where I had fallen on the ground. He offered me his hand, I remember looking up at him like he was a knight in shining armor. You know, the gallant ones you read about in fairytales. He saved me from what I can only assume would have been a cruel fate. And I've been his princess ever since."

"Wow. How romantic."

"Of course every relationship has bumps and we hit quite a few. Including when I had to leave my job and London behind. That lead to a few screaming matches." Hermione giggled.

"Wow. Edwards and I don't have quite the romantic story to tell. I come from a community that raises their women with the sole purpose of being proper housewives."

"That sounds bloody barbaric."

"It's not as bad as it sounds. I promise. I mean if you don't want to get married or have children or you want to have a career in the business world you can always leave the community. It's frowned upon but it has happened. I've always wanted my career to be a care giver and house wife fits that bill perfectly."

"But you won't ever know what it's like to make your own money."

"While that is true. A woman who works will have to leave her children and may miss out on some of the big milestones in their life. I don't want to miss anything. To me, being there with them is worth more than any amount of money I could ever make."

"I have never thought about it like that. You're very wise for a teenager Bella."

"Thanks. You know, the guys have been gone for a long time to get champagne but servers are carrying trays of it everywhere." Bella asked looking around to see if she could spot Edward.

"You know how men are when they get together. They can be just as bad as women. They're probably just catching up." Hermione told Bella in hopes that she would stop looking. Hermione knew Draco had business to discuss. They still had no leads on who shot at the car Maggie and Alice were in but Draco was helping them discover who it was behind it. The shooting was a wake up call for the men that their women were to easily accessible. If a man can't protect his wife how can he protect his empire?

"Bella love, are you ready to meet some people?" Edward asked as he and Draco made it back to the table where Bella and Hermione had sat down.

"Oh, yes I am." Bella said standing up. "Edward honey? You forgot the drinks?" Bella asked upon seeing his empty hands.

"Oh. Yeah umm…one second." Edward said holding up his pointer finger. Quickly spotting a server Edward grabbed four flutes of champagne off his silver tray. He handed two to Draco and one to Bella and kissed her cheek.

"Alright babe, Let's circulate. Draco, Hermione always a pleasure. If we don't see you again tonight, I hope you enjoy yourselves this evening."

Bella gave her goodbyes to Hermione and Draco with a plan to meet Hermione for brunch next week.

Round, and round the room they went. It felt like Bella met every person the Cullen's have ever known. So many faces and names had given Bella a headache.

Rubbing the temples of her head Bella noticed Marcus with a beautiful young woman. She tugged on Edwards arm and pointed to the woman. "Who is that?"

"Shit."

"what? who is it?"

"That is Astoria Greengrass… Liam's ex fiancée."

Oh no... poor Maggie. Is there a reason to this madness? Stay tuned. ;)

This is by far my longest chapter 4,586 words.

REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW it motivates me to pop out more chapters.