Chapter Nineteen: Staying In The Present

Edward's POV

I tried to get a hold on myself as Carlisle took blood samples from Bella and hooked her up to an IV drip. I had to admit, I was going a little crazy worrying about her. That is why I am the only one besides Carlisle that was allowed to stay in the room with Bella. I probably would have torn someone's arm off if they tried to separate me from her. I couldn't leave her and no one could or would dare to force me to. The others were waiting just outside the door. They were all on edge and extremely worried. I paced anxiously as Carlisle worked on Bella. I was trying to focus on his thoughts but I couldn't.

Just before Carlisle was done running tests on Bella, Alice had a vision of Bella waking up in two minutes. I had to be alone with her when she did. There were some answers that I desperately needed from her. Also, I needed to be able to kiss her and tell her I love her without witnesses. Bella would want it that way, too.

"Bella will be awake in a minute." I murmured. "Carlisle, will you step outside so I can have a moment alone with Bella." I requested of him. I knew he understood. He was thinking of my ill-fated proposal to Bella. He felt bad for me but I would be ok. He needed to focus on Bella and forget about me. If Bella survived, then so would I.

"Of course, son. The others are probably waiting for an update and I need to go to the Lab." He told me. I could hear the thoughts of the others outside.

'My daughter, my beloved daughter. Dearest Bella, she has to live. For Edward, for all of us.' Esme was wailing in her head.

'When will we hear anything? This is driving me nuts, waiting to hear about our sister!' Emmett shouted in his head.

"Yes they are. Don't worry about me, dad. Just worry about Bella. She's the one who needs you to take care of her. Thank you very much for keeping her alive." No need to say that I owe him my very existence to him because he kept her alive. I owed him so much.

"She is my daughter. I love her and would do anything in my power to save her life. I'll leave you two alone now." His words were sincere. Carlisle meant every word he spoke. We all love Bella like family. I was pleased that the girl I love fit so easily into my family. He patted my shoulder as he walked past me and out of the room.

I turned back to face the bed, to see her. She looked better than she did before. The green undertone of her flawless pale skin was gone, her breathing and heartbeat regular again. What would I say to her? I needed to know if she was really ready. What if it was just hormones that made her say yes to me? I would give almost anything to hear her thoughts right now! I could still hear Alice outside searching the future. The wedding was still on.

I could see so clearly the perfect, small wedding. Bella, in a gorgeous white dress, looking more beautiful and happy than I had ever seen her. We were surrounded by a small group of family and close friends. She was finally my wife and soon would be indestructible so I would never lose her.

I had never wanted anything so much in my entire existence. It was there within my reach. I just had to grab it and hold on.

Focus, Edward! I shouted in my head. What mattered now was Bella. I had to live in the present. It did me no good to dwell on the past or wish for that vision of the future. Bella would be awake very soon and that was all that mattered.

I went to sit in the chair beside Bella's bed. Ever so lightly, I touched her face. I couldn't help thinking about what her face will feel like when she's a vampire. She has always been the most beautiful thing to me but she would be even more beautiful after her change…

No, stop it, Edward! Focus, be in the present! Bella is waiting.

"Bella, love, can you hear me?" I whispered into her ear. "Bella, please."

She groaned and moved her head toward me. I could feel the heat from her body and I longed to kiss her. Damn it, Edward! Don't let yourself be distracted!

"Bella, can you hear me, sweetheart?" I tried again.

"Edward?" she mumbled. Her eyes were still closed but she was conscious.

A/N: sorry it took so long to update this story. I got writers block and then I had to write a paper for English. Bella is awake in the next chapter. Thanks for reading. Review if you feel like it.

emeralda violeta