Chapter Four: Growing Bonds

Sárika arrived at the hospital, once again being greeted by familiar smiles.

She walked into the room where the copper hair was; He in bed at slight upright position with a book in his hand. And as though someone had whispered in his ear, he looked up and their eyes locked.

"Hello," He seemed to be taken aback by her presence and a slight pinkish color appeared on his pale cheeks.

Sárika smiled as she saw him gulp, "H-Hi," he said as she sat down in the chair beside his bed. "How are you feeling today?" He smiled softly, "Better."

He paused and stared into her golden eyes, "What is your name?" She smiled "Sárika Cullen."

"You're Dr. Cullen's daughter?" She nodded, "Yes. And you are?"

"Edward Mason."

If Sárika had blood left in her body, it would be rushing to her cheeks "Nice to meet you Edward."

Carlisle came around the corner and heard his daughters laugh. He looked into the room and saw her there with Edward. Both were smiling and laughing, and Carlisle couldn't help but smile at the sight, "Sárika I." She cut him off "Call me Sara, it's much easier." Edward smiled "Sara, I um…" He eyed the white rose on his bed side table. "Thank you…for the flower I mean." She smiled at Edward.

Edward's eyes locked with her golden ones. The beautiful deep honey gold pools shined back at him, making him feel as though he was light as a feather. Sárika smiled when she saw Edward's cheeks show a ting of pink in them. He turned away when he heard her soft giggle. He had to turn away for his cheeks were now a heft red.

Sárika placed her hand over her mouth trying to prevent another giggle from escaping. Her giggle made a smile appear on his face as he looked at her; Sárika looked very cute trying to hide her giggles, "How are you doing today Edward?" Carlisle asked as he walked into the room.

"I am doing well today Dr. Cullen."

Carlisle smiled "well let us do a check up any way." He placed the stethoscope against Edward's chest and asked him to breathe. He did, coughing a few times but other than that he breathed just fine. But Sárika watched her father's face; he held that look that he had when he knew that someone was in bad condition. This usually made her sad, but this time, she was scared.

"Well Edward your lungs seem to be doing well today. But your temperature hasn't gone down, but perhaps a nice stroll outside will do you some good."

"I could take him," Sárika said with a smile and this made Edward very happy. She got up and got the wheel chair from the corner of the room along with his warm robe. Once Edward was in the wheel chair she placed a blanket over his lap.

"Only for an hour Sara." She nodded understanding as she escorted Edward out to the garden. Thankfully, as always, the Chicago sky was cloudy.

Sárika found a nice spot by the willow tree with a white marble bench. They were among the few that were out today, and despite the clouded sky to Edward it was bright and happy.

"Edward," her tone was saddened and low. He looked up at her; he frowned at the sadness in her beautiful golden eyes. "What is it you are sick with?" she took a hold of his hand as he looked away from her, "Please, tell me."

He sighed "I have Spanish Influenza." Sárika's grip on Edward's hand tightened slightly "I'm sorry," she spoke in a softer more delicate tone. She was about to pull her hand away from his, but he stopped her. Taking her hand in his and squeezing it, she noticed that he was crying.

"I'm scared Sara," she moved closer to him and held him, his head rested upon her shoulder. The sweet scent of her perfume invaded his senses, calming him. "Everything will be alright Edward." She said as she placed a gentle kiss upon his head.

Sárika looked back at the hospital and saw her father in his office watching them. He had seen the sadness in his daughter's eyes, for she knew that she may very well loose him.

Over the course of several weeks Sárika and Edward became closer. More often she stayed with him at the hospital till night had fallen. Edward would often ask for her to read to him, and she did, such as Charles Dickens, Emily Bronte, and other classics.

Edward enjoyed the sound of Sárika's voice; it was so calming to him. He loved to hear her read to him, the way she read made the story seem to come to life. He could actually picture being on the sands of that distant island with Mr. Silver in Treasure Island.

She stayed with Edward till he fell asleep, and was right there again when he woke up.

Today was a special day, well in Edward's mind; today he had realized that he loved Sárika. He had asked one of his friends to buy something for him, a gift for Sárika. He grew more and more nervous as he waited for her to come to the hospital. Dr. Cullen had told him that she was running some errands for him and would be there as soon as she had finished them.

An hour or two passed and he saw the familiar form of Sárika, he felt happiness flood through his body. He sat up in bed as she entered his room; the familiar smell of her perfume came to him. "Hello Edward," he smiled at her, "Hi." Was all he could say at the moment, he felt all jittery inside every time she smiled at him, looked at him…touched him.

Hi? Is that the best you can do? Edward you idiot!

"Sara," he said as she sat down upon the edge of the bed. His weak and pale hand reached and grabbed a little black velvet box from his bedside table. "This is for you," he said softly as he placed it in her hand. She looked at him confused "Edward," he smiled, encouraging her to open it.

Sárika gasped as she saw what was inside, a silver ring with a deep sapphire set in the middle. (A/N: for a better image link is located on my profile) "Edward," she said in awe at the gift. "Merry Christmas, Sárika." He said softly as he held her hand "But, I didn't get you anything." She looked as though she would cry, and if she held any tears, they would be falling like rain.

"Do you like it" he asked rather fast with a smile on his face "yes, yes I love it but. This must have cost you a fortune." He pulled the ring out and placed it upon her finger, on her right hand. "And you got me the best, Christmas present in the world Sárika." She looked into his blue eyes, "You," he held her hand tight "You are my Christmas present." She smiled and kissed his cheek, before gently rubbing his hand.