Love in a Bubble

Edward and Bella are in a car accident that renders Bella into a coma. Edward visits her every day, talking to her about anything and everything. While Bella sleeps, she plays out all of Edward's conversations as though they were dates; both falling in love in a bubble.

Beta'd by the lovely and wonderful, Sunflower Fran. Well, Fran edited up to page four. Last minute thoughts, I added more pages.

For you Meli! Big hugs!

Chapter seven:

EPOV

The next few days, Bella and I spend our time talking about everything; from books to music, our business goals, friends, family and hopefully, us. Every time I start in, someone either comes into the room or calls.

Her appetite increases by each meal. Broths, protein drinks and herbal tea don't suppress the hunger. So when Bella gets her first bowl of pudding, I watch her devour it, licking the spoon and the bowl clean.

It seems she's a chocoholic and one serving isn't enough. "I really could eat another."

I reach over with a napkin and wipe the ring around her mouth. "That good, huh?"

"I'm starving. That was a kiddie portion," she complains, and crosses her arms over her chest with as pouty smirk. "I'm usually not this whiny.

"You're not whiny. Your stomach's finally awake," I kid.

She rolls her eyes at me.

"Do you want to call the nurse and ask for something else?"

She sighs. "No, no, it's okay."

"I feel guilty eating my sandwich in front of you."

"It's a good thing I'm not a big fan of brown mustard, because I would have tackled you long time ago for that sandwich." She smiles.

"Maybe I would have let you."

She gets a spark in her eye. "Oh, yeah?"

I grin.

She hesitates. "Um, Edward, why didn't you go home yesterday?"

"What, and leave all of this?" I fan out my arms.

She sighs. "Edward."

"I have a townhouse with steps. And even though Jasper and Alice are staying with me, I don't feel comfortable maneuvering myself around or accepting help."

She tests me. "Well, I don't know, I thought you did quite well on your crutches."

"I was showing off."

She teases, "You just don't want to leave me."

And there is my opening and I seriously stare at her. "Damn straight."

Her eyes widen.

"Bella, I …" I look down.

She softly says, "I know, Edward."

When I look into her eyes, she stares at me.

"I heard everything in my coma limbo. And my dad did a great job answering for me. I just felt you; your eyes on me, the kisses on my hand, your sweet breath when you would kiss my forehead but linger near my mouth. I would try to push forward to brush my lips across yours. And when you started wearing your cologne again, I could detect your scent before I heard you. I looked forward to your cologne."

"I wasn't inappropriate with you." I admit, "The first night I did ogle your body. Hey, I'm a guy. But after our talks, well, my talks and your dad's replies, I saw more than a pretty girl."

She smiles.

"I told your dad that I was consumed by my music, the store and Jasper's coming back. It all faded. The only thing that matters to me is you getting out of that bed and living your life with me in it."

She blushes. "I can't imagine you not being there."

I wheel closer to the bed and take her hand. "Without being too cheesy, may I kiss you?"

She released a breath. "Yes, but I'm going to taste like pudding."

"Did I mention I love pudding?"

I lean forward as Bella nears me. I place my hands over her jaw holding her carefully. She slides her hands over mine and closes her eyes. I tilt my head and lean in.

"Knock. Knock," Jasper sings.

Bella and I turn to see Jasper and Alice in the doorway smiling.

We laugh.

Jasper saves the day. "Oh shit, I forgot the guitars in the car. C'mon, Alice." He winks and pulls Alice away.

Bella smirks. "Now, you wanted to do what?"

I lean over and meet Bella halfway. Our lips touch and there's a spark.

We both back away in shock. She takes her fingers and runs them over my lips. "I'm sorry for the static."

I look at her, wrapping my hands carefully around her head, drawing her near and deepening the kiss.

I pull away and her eyes are still close. She mumbles, "Could you do that again?"

Like I'd hesitate! This time, she leans into me and I awkwardly wrap my arms around her because of the wheelchair.

She sits back with a smile on her face. She hums, "That's a kiss."

I laugh, "That was some good pudding."

BPOV

"Wow." I smile and Edward beams. "I could say your sandwich was yummy, but you haven't taken a bite."

He chuckles, "I could and we can do that again."

We get closer laughing with our foreheads together.

Jasper and Alice stand at the doorway.

Alice sings, "Can we come in, now?"

Jasper croons, "All done spit swapping?"

Edward sighs, "Really? What are you, ten?"

Alice walks in. "Well, it's about time. You guys were about to burst a gut."

Bella blushes and challenges, "How'd you know that was the first time?"

"Because Edward looked tense and you looked like a doe in headlights," Jasper blurts out without a filter. "I've known him since we were toddlers. Edward's a music man. Everything's in the beat."

Alice smiles. "We got the beat."

Jasper pulls out his guitar from the case and rocks, "We got the beat. They got the beat. Kids got the beat."

Edward throws a pillow at Jasper. "What are you Belinda Carlisle?"

"Hey, it's a quiet time and the nurses asked if we would play some tunes," Jasper happily informs.

"Yeah?" Edward wonders.

Jasper smirks. "Apparently, the word around the hospital is the prince woke up his princess." He takes the other guitar out of the case and hands it to Edward.

Alice interjects, "Sleeping Beauty, Jazz."

I lean forward. "You're kidding?"

"No, they're talking about why I haven't gone home, too," Edward says. He looks at me. "Darren told me."

Alice blurts out, "Because he can't be without you."

Jasper strums and softly sings, "Sometimes I don't feel alive."

Edward follows along and sings, "Why do I keep running from the truth"

Alice claps and squeals, "I love this song."

Both Jasper and Edward play and sing together, "I can see it in my eyes

Where's the happiness that I once knew

I'm so tired of this place

I wanna hear your voice

I wanna see your face

I can't escape the way I feel about you."

Three nurses and a few patients stand near the doorway and listen.

Alice joins in, "I don't wanna know another day without you

Won't you call my name

'Cause I can't be without you

I keep my head to the sky

Waiting for the day that you'll come through

I am free within my mind"

And I whisper, " Cause I know that it is coming soon."

Everyone in the hallways claps and cheers. Edward and Jasper repeat their 'thank you' and Alice beams.

I don't take my eyes off Edward and he turns to me and smiles.

3 LIAB 3

It's quiet once again. Edward and I sit behind a closed door, watching a British baking show that he critiques all the desserts with great approval. It appears the man has a huge sweet tooth. But then again, Jasper has inside info that Edward melts for a chocolate, salted caramel cheesecake and I have just the recipe for one, too.

I like Jasper and I know Alice and I will be great friends. And Edward … sigh.

He whispers, "Why are you smiling out the window?"

I smirk, "I'm daydreaming about you."

"Why dream when I'm right here?" he questions.

"Why not have the best of both worlds?"

He takes my hand in his. "So, what were you dreaming about?"

I hesitate.

He kisses my palm. "You can tell me anything."

The door opens and a Nurse Mabel hurries in. Edward hangs his head and sighs.

"Well, young lady, it looks like tomorrow is the start of p.t. Dr. Rhinella will be here in the morning to explain everything, and check out your mobility. So, you two need to get some sleep, because that doctor is up before the rooster!"

"Also, you can start solid, solid foods. I ordered you up a fine breakfast," she chirps.

"That would be great. I'm starving." I smile.

"Well, good, I'm going to take your lines out and bring you both something to eat."

A few minutes later, I am IV-free.

"Give me a minute." She rushes out of the room and comes back with two wrapped sandwiches, a bag of chips, and two cans of Coke. "Here you go. Also, your daddy called tonight and won't be up, but he'll see you in the morning."

She looks at Edward. "Oh, I'm sorry, I spoiled a mood moment." She laughs walking towards the door. "Well, you both go right ahead." She turns to Bella. "He's the best medicine you have, Missy."

We hear her giggle as the door closes.

"So, what were you dreaming about?"

I shyly smile. "About making you a chocolate, salted caramel cheesecake." I ramble, " Well, the cooking show and I remembered Jasper mentioning that and how very grateful you would be," I trail off.

He smirks, "Grateful?"

I smile and play with his hand. "Grateful."

Edward leans toward me. "Yeah, I would be very grateful."

He kisses me … a lot …

3 LIAB 3

The early morning sun brightens the room as rays peek through the shades, and I hear a soft snore over my head. I look up to find myself draped over Edward. He sleeps fully clothed on his back. I guess Nurse Mabel left us peacefully alone.

His mouth is slightly open and I carefully close it with my finger. He breathes in heavily and slowly opens his eyes, he smiles and whispers, "Now, this is a sight I could get used to every morning."

I cover my mouth and mumble, "Not with overnight breath."

There's a slight knock and Dr. Rinnella pokes his head in. "Is it all right to come in?"

I giggle. "You're the doctor."

"Well, young lady, you are quite the miracle here. All your tests came back with good results. We're going to test your leg strength later this morning, and should you do what I think you will do, you'll be able to go home by the end of the week. He laughs and points toward Edward. "Then, we can get rid of this guy."

3 LIAB 3

My father excitedly walks into the room with a box of doughnuts, a tray with three coffees, and a skip to his stride. "Well, I'd say you're a miracle."

He sits in the chair by the bed, looks around and frowns. "Where's Edward?"

"Shower." I take a bite of a vanilla-filled with powdered sugar. "Oh, Dad, thank you. This is what I needed."

"They still have you on a strict diet?" Dad mumbles through his chewing and takes a gulp of his coffee.

"No, Nurse Mabel arranged for eggs, bacon and toast, but this beats it by far." I reach for another.

Edward walks out from the bathroom with damp, wayward hair, gray sweats and a black T-shirt sporting a pair of crutches. "Hey, Chief."

"Come sit, I brought coffee and doughnuts."

Edward smiles. "Aw, you're the man!"

"Two sugars and cream, all right?" Dad asks.

"That's great." Edward sits next to dad.

He hands him a coffee." "Chocolate or vanilla?"

"Chocolate."

Dad hands him a doughnut and a napkin.

"So, you're both getting sprung out of here soon." He reaches for another. "We're going to have to find someone to stay with you while I'm at work, Bella."

"I don't think that will be necessary. I'm sure an aid can come in if I need any help."

"Chief, I can be there for Bella. Jasper and Alice can drive me over," He happily offer.

I smile. "Won't that be too much for you?"

"No."

"But eventually, you'll have your physical therapy."

"Bella, the cast doesn't come off for weeks."

Charlie banters, "Bells, cut the guy some slack. He doesn't want to be without you."

I scold, "Dad!"

Edward looks at me. "He's right."

I smile.

Dad rises. "Besides, I have this case that is taking me down the Rez. I won't be home and I may have overnights."

Edward reassures, "Oh, I wouldn't leave her alone, Chief."

Dad smiles. He really smiles … a big smile. "Oh, I know you won't. Okay, gotta go." He kisses me on the head and squeezes Edward's shoulder. "Edward."

I watch the dust fly, as he walks through the door.

My mouth is wide open. Edward leans over and shuts it.

3 LIAB 3

Song: Lenny Kravitz - I Can't Be Without You

Looks like Charlie doesn't have a problem with Edward watching over Bella; day or night.

3 LIAB 3