For Your Eyes Only

Chapter Nineteen - When Everything Changed

Edward's eyes were wide open with shock, something that probably mirrored the expression on my own face. I couldn't believe that had just happened, mainly because it was so out of my normal character. I was usually very tentative about things, never making spontaneous decisions or acting recklessly.

I tried very hard not to regret what I'd done; at least it had actually happened now... even if he hated me, I'd kissed him. Surely that meant something?

It was a struggle to convince myself.

From what I could see of him, though, he actually looked as though he was leaning closer towards me, maybe anticipating more...

No, no. You're imagining things now... You're most definitely imagining things. Wishful thinking to the extreme.

He swallowed heavily and shook his head. "Bella..." His voice was rough and I waited in anxiety for what he would say next.

"That... that came out of nowhere," he continued, clearing his throat halfway through. Brand new understatement of the century.

"I'm sorry," I sighed, shaking my own head. "I... just... the news was a bit exciting and I don't know what came over me... I-"

"No, Bella," he interrupted, holding up a hand. "I..." He rolled his eyes. "God, I sound like an idiot. What I'm trying to say is... is that I'd like you to do it again."

The sound of my heart hammering was audible even to me and I wondered if he could hear it too. "S-sorry?" I stammered. "What do you m-mean?"

A small and oddly timid smile crept onto his face. "I meant that I'd like you to kiss me again."

I thought that maybe I was hearing things, but I wasn't going to let this opportunity pass. Without another moment's hesitation, I leant slowly forwards and once again pressed my lips carefully against his, this time feeling a whole new sensation as he kissed forcibly back.

I was lost in a daze, but a strange heat seemed to move from my lips through to my chest and then in my stomach. I'd never really kissed anybody before and Edward seemed to be an expert. He made emotions rise in me that I hadn't even known existed before and I found myself wanting more.

He tasted amazing too.

I ran my hands through his hair - it was a little messy and unkempt because of the environment, but it was still long and brilliant to feel my fingers running along. His hand was pressed gently to the back of my own head, forcing me closer to him.

Oh no... was this another of those dreams? Was I still asleep and in that hospital chair? It'd be pretty heartbreaking if that was the case.

I removed my hand reluctantly from his hair and pinched my arm, yelping in the process at the sharp pain. Edward pulled back, his expression a mixture of confusion and concern.

"What's wrong?" he asked, sounding a little breathless.

"Oh... sorry," I stuttered, embarrassed by my body's reaction. "I... um, I was just pinching myself."

He frowned. "Why?"

"This is gonna sound lame."

He seemed to be losing the battle to fight a smile because the corners of his lips twitched. "Why?"

"I was checking this wasn't a dream," I mumbled quickly, making him laugh. "Yes, thank you," I sighed. "As if I don't feel stupid enough already."

He just smiled.

I chewed on my lip anxiously. "You didn't just do that out of pity, did you? Kiss me, I mean."

"Bella, that's ridiculous."

"Is it?" I countered. "I can't really be sure." I met his eyes, then glanced at my hands. "Maybe I'm being paranoid."

"Believe me when I say this, that really was something I've wanted to do for a long time." He paused, looking as though he was wondering whether he'd said the right or wrong thing. "I didn't mean to make that sound like an obsession or anything. It's just I... We..." He let out a long sigh. "I'm going to stop talking now."

To my surprise, I laughed. "Okay. So it really happened then, and it wasn't out of pity?"

"Yes and yes," he replied, smiling crookedly at me.

I relaxed back onto the chair and he suddenly shifted over so that he was on the edge of the bed. He patted the empty space. "Lie down here if you like. It'd be easier to talk."

"Are you sure? I don't want to mess up your wires or anything."

"Just be careful," he said and I slowly placed myself beside him, lying down on the bed. "Hmm, this is quite comfy," I commented, wiggling around and turning to face him.

"I could get used to this," he smiled, but his eyes quickly widened. "Not that I was implying that we would be lying together like this in the future... Uh, not that I wouldn't want to, I just..." He shook his head. "Gee, I'm really making an idiot out of myself this afternoon."

I couldn't help laughing again - to me it was actually quite adorable seeing him so flustered.

We were silent for a brief moment, before Edward suddenly sighed. "This is such a weight off my mind."

I met his eyes again, waiting for an explanation.

"Well, I've just been thinking about it for a while, that's all," he shrugged, clearly trying to sound nonchalant and dismissive about it all. "I was a bit worried about what would happen when I came out of hospital, and if we'd keep in touch or not, but Carlisle seems to have sorted that out for us."

"That's quite spooky," I said quietly. "'Cause... well, I was kind of worrying about the exact same thing too. That's probably why I looked sad earlier, as you commented."

He shook his head and smiled wryly. "It would have been so much easier if we'd both just been more clear with each other."

"But we couldn't, really," I countered. "It's a difficult situation. I was scared that, if you didn't feel the same, then maybe our friendship would be over."

"When you say feel, what do you mean by that?" He seemed to be trying not to smirk again.

"That's a secret."

"Will I ever find out how you feel?" he said breathily, edging closer towards me. A smile danced on his lips and his green eyes seemed to twinkle.

"Well, there may be some ways that you can get me to answer," I teased.

"And how could I do that?"

I raised my eyebrows. "Find out for yourself."

He chuckled, his eyes crinkling around the edges. "Would this help?" He leaned closer and gently placed his lips on mine, once again igniting some wild emotions and feelings deep inside of me. My lips tingled under his and, as he slowly trailed his fingers up my arms, he seemed to leave a trail of goosebumps behind, making me shiver.

After a few wonderful moments, he pulled away and looked at me innocently like a little child, waiting for my answer.

"Y-Yes," I stammered, taking a deep breath to control myself. "That would probably help."

He laughed, kissing me quickly once more. "I'm so glad I met you, Bella. It sounds really pathetic, but it's true."

"Yes," I smiled, feeling trapped inside some strange, blissful bubble. "Thank you for haunting me."

"I wouldn't have said it was haunting," he replied, frowning a little. "More like..."

"Stalking?" I suggested, much to his horror. "Joking! I'm joking. And, I know. I'm glad I met you too."

"Oh, sorry to interupt... I, er, I did knock..."

We both jumped a mile after hearing a new voice and I sat up, seeing Carlisle standing there a little awkwardly in the doorway. I instantly felt awful; considering what he'd told me just yesterday, this must have looked like I was rubbing salt into his wounds.

"Sorry, Carlisle... I-"

He cut me off. "Don't worry, Bella. It's fine."

I could feel Edward looking at me, almost as though he suspected something was going on, but I hoped he'd just let it go. I wasn't going to tell him about it, mainly because Carlisle probably didn't want that to happen, and it would just make things worse. I personally wanted Edward and Carlisle to have a good relationship, and it had only just started. It couldn't be destroyed by something silly.

"So, feeling any better now?"

Carlisle's question made Edward snap out of his trance and he smiled. "If I had a dollar for everytime someone asked that..."

"I know it's a little irritating, but I'm just concerned. It's my job," he chuckled.

"Yeah, I guess," Edward said softly. "I feel great, actually." He met my eyes and I could practically see the question in them, wondering if we should tell him. I shook my head, knowing it would cause a few problems, but he seemed to understand and nodded.

"Do you know when I'll be getting out of here?" he asked, clearly wanting to steer away from the other topic.

"Soon, I should think. I'll have a definite date for you in a few days. Sorry, I know it's frustrating, but there are rules. It's for your own safety."

"I understand," he said quietly.

"I couldn't help noticing earlier that two women visited you," Carlisle continued, taking a seat beside us. "Sorry, tell me to mind my own business if you like, but I asked DI Adams about what was happening and they said something about an investigation?"

"Yeah," Edward replied. "It was about the people who hit me over and caused all this. I'm not sure if Bella told you, but they stole some belongings from me which I really would like back. The police think they've arrested the right people now and that's why they were here."

His eyes widened. "I never realised it was that serious." He remained silent for a few moments, clearly thinking things through. "Well, at least they've caught them."

I nodded. "We might have to identify them whenever Edward comes out of hospital."

Carlisle seemed a little distracted as he nodded at what I'd said.

"DI Adams has been very helpful, though," I murmured, trying to keep the conversation going. "She's a nice lady."

Carlisle hummed in agreement and I tried to identify the sudden strange expression on his face.

"Anyway," I said after a moment, checking my watch, "I'd better go and see my Dad now, so I'll be back later, okay?"

They both smiled at me. "I hope he's well, Bella," Edward said.

"Thanks. Bye, Carlisle."

"Give him my best wishes."

I slipped on my coat and headed towards the door, waving to them both. When I did so, though, Edward gave me a funny look and I left with the anxious feeling that he might be having an important conversation with Carlisle...

About half an hour later, I walked through the doors and into the familiar rehabilitation centre - it was the same as ever, but this time I felt different. Normally it was a sad experience, but this time it all felt incredibly positive, and I stepped into the room to meet my father with a new found confidence.

As soon as he met my eyes, I knew he was better. A large smile spread on his face and he held out his arms, waiting for me to hug him. I hurried over and did so, cherishing the feel of him against me. It had felt like such a long time since I'd last seen him, probably because so much had happened.

But he looked so well. Almost normal, like he had been before.

"Dad, you look great," I smiled, sitting down beside him. A shy smile crept onto his own face and he looked down at his fingers.

"I feel great." I thought of Edward's earlier words and how they seemed to echo each other. My thoughts naturally wandered to whether they'd like each other... "And I've got some really great news," he beamed, regaining my attention. I waited nervously. "They've said I can come out next week!"

It was actually unbelievable considering the amount of good news I'd had today. This time yesterday, everything seemed a little doomed. Well, perhaps that was a tiny bit over the top, but that was genuinely how I felt.

Now, everything seemed almost perfect. I say almost; I still had the tiny fear of what Carlisle and Edward were doing.

Surprisingly, I brushed my fingers across my cheek in an unconscious gesture and felt something wet there; after a moment of confusion, I found that I was actually crying.

"Oh, Bells," Dad said, holding me in his arms again. I leant my chin on his shoulder, laughing at myself. It was strangely comforting feeling the soft fabric of his jumper.

"Sorry," I sniffed. "I'm just so h-happy right now and I'm a right wimp."

He pulled away, wiping at my tears with his fingers. "Everything is gonna be good from now on, Bells. I'm gonna do you proud."

I nodded, unable to speak very clearly. "I know you will, Dad. I know you will."