AN: Stephenie Meyer owns twilight. No profit is made or intended.
Hello Everyone!! Thank you once again for all the wonderful reviews, you guys are so inspirational, I truly appreciate the time each of you took to relay your thoughts. You are all the best!
As we are nearing the end of this story, I thought it would be appropriate to thank so people who have been extremely loyal to this story from the very begging.
Jagga-Love, my Beta and sounding board. She gave me the push to write the story and publish it, and has been awesome. You have been missed, please come back soon!!
Mylion Mylamb- Your story Ready Made Family, both moved me and gave me the bravery to post my own. Thank you so much for being there for me and for all of our wonderful conversations.
Katherine Rosalie Hale- You gave me such a large head when you said my story was your top 3 favorite. Thank you so much for all the thoughtful reviews and for inspiring me to keep on writing with your enthusiasm.
Beate73- You have become a god friend and great sounding board. Thank you for being by beta for this chapter, you rock my world!! Please check out her story Magnetism, it's at the beginning stages but it already shows a lot of promise.
Jonshi- My dearest husband. Thank you for reading and supporting my story and for reviewing every single chapter. If you haven't read his reviews, you should, they are all hilarious. I love you baby!!
Ok, now I feel like I'm at the Oscars and it's been twenty minutes since they played my cue to leave the stage.
Enjoy!!
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BPOV
I was floating. My body no longer there, my mind focused on a single purpose, escape. Was this the afterlife? Would I find my love? I floated in a sea of darkness all by myself, for how long? I would never know.
Things had taken a turn for the worse. Mike had come back to the warehouse with the sole intent of killing me, and there was nothing anyone could do at that point. I was going to die. I didn't know if I felt happy, relieved, or terrified. Most likely I felt a combination of all three.
I was sad, very sad. I had so many things I wanted to say. So many milestones I wanted to accomplish. Death was surely bitter and premature and the only consolation I had was the possibility of meeting the true love of my life in the ever after. Was this the fairytale they sold on children's books?
In those final moments I had received a gift. A gift so amazing, so wonderful that if I could have, I would have smiled. I heard his voice.
"Noooooooo," it screamed.
Then I saw him, my fallen Angel. He had come to take me with him. So I left, but could not understand why I was alone. I wanted to find my angel, to smell his scent, caress his hair and bury myself in those strong, steady arms. Where was he?
That's how I ended up floating endlessly in this dark, soothing world. I took comfort in my own thoughts. I replayed every action and every event in my mind, just like an endless movie. I felt great.
However, as it happens with everything, all good things had to come to an end. I started feeling a pull towards a different place and I felt helpless against its strength.
At first I tried to fight it. I simply wanted to stay where I was. I wanted to stay with all my memories, reliving the things that had made me immensely happy, but it was useless. There was no fighting the bright white light.
As if the pull wasn't enough, I started to smell his scent. The wonderful Edward scent. Was this how we would meet? Would we find each other in this endless tunnel?
It was at that point that I grew restless. I wanted to reach the end of the tunnel and enter the brightness. I wanted to find out if Edward was waiting for me on the other side. I needed to see him, feel him this instant.
That's how I slowly made my way towards the light. It was strange. Dido was playing in the background and I could hear someone sobbing next to me. This certainly did not feel like heaven.
Suddenly the weight of my body claimed me and I landed just like an airplane would land on the earth. I was awake.
I could feel every single inch of my body. I could hear him too, my Edward.
I tried to open my eyes, but the felt impossibly heavy. I struggled with myself trying not to go airborne once more, but the fight was hard.
I felt tears start to run down my face, and that's when I felt him. His touch was unforgettable. I knew it was my angel. He was waiting for me.
"Wake up, my baby? I miss you so, so much," Edward whimpered.
More tears ran down my face as I tried my hardest to respond. I wanted to open my eyes and tell him that I could hear him, that I had finally found him again.
I felt his wonderful, soft lips against mine. They lingered against mine for a little, but too soon, the lips were gone. I continued to struggle while it grew quiet. Then I heard a gasp.
"Bella, love, can you hear me?"
I felt his weight shift from what I assumed was a bed. I could suddenly hear the monitors that only a hospital would have. Where was I? I wondered as I continued to struggle, trying to open my eyes. I needed to see for myself that he was here, and that perhaps, he was alive?
"Bella?" Edward asked once again.
I could hear the strain in his voice and I fought harder, successfully opening my eyes this time. I blinked several times trying to focus, and that's when I saw him.
My Angel.
My Love.
My Edward.
"Bella!" he exclaimed excitedly as I tried to gather my thoughts.
Was I dreaming? Was this some sick joke? I couldn't understand how both Edward and I seemed to be alive. I tried to look for any indication that this was some sick, twisted, dream, but was jolted when I received confirmation that we were both alive.
"Yes, Dr. Cullen?" I heard a nurse ask through some sort of intercom. We were definitely alive. At least I hoped we were.
"Please page Dr. Martinez and my father. Bella's awake," I heard Edward say in a nervous, but excited voice.
We stared at each other for a moment while his eyes grew more, and more excited. God, how had I missed those wonderful green orbs.
"Baby? Can you hear me? Do you think you can talk?"
I thought about that for a second before squeezing his strong arms softly. I felt very weak and tired but I didn't want to go to sleep. I was afraid that I would lose him forever if I did.
God, he was alive. Mike didn't kill him, I thought to myself as I started to sob in relief.
"Baby, is alright, you are safe now. Everything is going to be alright," he tried to reassure me as I continued to sob. Of course I was safe now, he was here with me. I was never going to leave his side, ever again.
I swallowed hard, feeling for the first time the scorching of my throat.
"Eh…Eh" I said as I tried to call his name, but it came out in a harsh whisper.
"It's alright, honey, you don't need to talk right now. Everything is fine," he told me as I increased my efforts. I needed to talk now.
"Bella, please calm down, baby. Please take a deep breath for me, and calm down," he said in a calm, soothing voice, but I couldn't do that. This whole thing was not going to be real until I spoke.
I focused my efforts once more and I concentrated on the word I wanted to say.
"You…" I whispered in the same hoarse voice. I sighed in frustration.
"What is it?"
"You are alive," I finally managed to say as a small smile crept on his face.
"Yes baby, and so are you," he whispered before kissing me softly on the lips once more.
"I," I started. "I love you," I said before closing my eyes once again. I could sleep now. Everything was going to be fine.
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I drifted in and out of sleep as time passed. I was able to stay awake for brief moments and talk to my friends and family, but at the end, I was always very exhausted.
All of my friends and family were here. They would visit at least every day, sometimes twice a day. I felt truly lucky to have them.
During my brief periods of consciousness I learned that Gage was alive and in love. He was dating the FBI Agent that had protected him all this time, and he was smitten with her. They really made a good couple.
I also learned the terrible news about Jacob. I felt so guilty about his death. He had died trying to defend me and I knew I would never be able to forgive myself for that. I would miss my friend with all my heart and it was a hole that had been opened in my soul, a hole that would never close.
Luckily, both Mike and James had perished on the rescue attempt. I still didn't know how to feel about the fact that two lives had been wasted, but at the same time it was hard to feel sorry for two individuals so evil, so cruel.
My time with them had been the most terrifying, the most horrifying, the most nerve wrecking time I could have ever imagined. I was sure to have nightmares for the rest of my life. I would never fully comprehend why they did all those things to me, or why they wanted me dead.
Charlie had been staying in Maryland, at my apartment with Edward, since my disappearance. He had fully accepted Edward and our relationship, and had an immense respect for him. I couldn't be happier.
My mother was another story. She had asked me for forgiveness several times, but I wasn't ready to forgive and forget. Unknowingly she had been a key player in all this mess and all because she had never respected me as an individual. She was so set in her greedy ways that she had failed to see me for who I was. It hurt me deeply to think of all the times she sided with Mike.
I knew that I would forgive her at some point, but not until I felt ready. Surprisingly she seemed to understand that, and other than her insistence to apologize, she was making every effort to respect my wishes.
Alice, Rose, and Angela had become the rehab patrol. Angela had taken some vacation time and was staying at Rose's place along with Alice, so she could visit me here as often as possible.
Although I was not strong enough to leave my hospital bed yet, they would come and massage my arms and feet, brush my hair, and put makeup on my face. I tried to complaint about the hair and makeup, but I was quickly dismissed by Alice saying it was good for the soul and health.
Esme and Carlisle would also visit often. Carlisle, of course, was my doctor, and Esme had taken the task of reading to me my favorite romance novels. Her words were kind and soothing as she read the story at times when I needed solace the most, when I had nightmares.
I learned that Edward had refused to leave my side for a single second since the moment they found me. While I thought it was really sweet, I started to grow concerned about his mental state, and I ordered him to take a days rest and sleep before coming back to see me.
He was extremely reluctant, but at the end relented. I regretted it the moment he left. I was missing him terribly.
Albeit everything that we had both gone through, our love for each other had only grown stronger. The few moments that I had for myself were spent in deep thoughts about our future. I wanted so much more from him, and from life in general. It was a conversation I was saving from when I felt better.
As time passed, I started to regain my strength. I was able to stay awake for a longer time each day. I was starting to feel better and I was excited at the prospect of leaving the hospital and going to our home, the home I shared with the love of my life.
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EPOV
I was the happiest man on earth. Bella was recuperating at an impressive pace and today was the day that we would take her home.
Of course, she would have to continue her physical therapy for several months, along with visits to a Psychiatrist, but together we would overcome all of that as we had done the rest.
I stepped out of Bella's hospital room to call Alice. We had planned a surprise welcome home get together with all of our friends and family, and I wanted to make sure everything was in place.
"Hello?" Alice asked as she answered her phone.
"Hi, Alice. Is everything ready?" I asked.
"Of course everything's ready. Who do you think you're talking to, huh?" she asked in mock anger.
"The great Ali, of course," I said trying to earn some brownie points from my sister.
"When are you guys leaving the hospital?" she asked with impatience.
"We are leaving in a few minutes, so we should be there in twenty minutes."
"Great, I can't wait," she said before hanging the phone on me, muttering something about flowers and balloons.
I felt giddy as I entered Bella's room and I smiled brightly at her as I saw her struggling to get her gown off.
"In a hurry?" I asked as I wiggled my eyebrows, causing her to scowl at me.
"Definitely," she said in a serious tone before winking at me.
"Then let me help you with that so we can get out of here," I said as I started to approach her.
"No," she said with determination, successfully stopping me in my tracks.
"I don't want you to see how ugly I have become," she whimpered as tears started to run down her face.
"Oh, baby," I said as I moved to where she was and embraced her.
"You are the most beautiful woman in the world. To me, there is no other beauty in this earth that can compare," I said truthfully as I removed her hospital gown, leaving her to stand in her underwear.
Instinctively, she moved her arms towards her chest so that she could cover her front torso, but I stopped her.
"These scars here," I said as I pointed to the two pronounced scars on her chest and abdomen, "are proof of how strong you are. They are witness of all that you have had to overcome, and all that you have survived. These scars make you even more beautiful, they are the true testament of our love, just like my scar," I finished as I lifted my own shirt and showed her a similar scar to hers on my chest.
"We are survivors, and we should be proud of that. Please, baby, never forget that," I said as I cleaned the tears from her face with the corner of my shirt.
"I… love… you… Edward," Bella managed to say between sobs.
"I know, baby. I love you too. More than words can ever express," I whispered against her ear before nibbling on it, and placing a small kiss.
She sighed as she wrapped her arms around my neck and crashed her lips against my own. It was the first time since she had woken up from her coma that she had initiated a kiss, and it gave me hope.
"How about we get you dressed and take you home, baby?" I asked as I grabbed her t-shirt from the bed and helped her with it.
"Home," she sighed in contentment.
I gave my own sigh as I realized that we had a long road ahead of us. Bella was going to need a lot of reassuring, a lot of patience, a lot of love, and a lot of understanding in order to start to heal the wounds that her soul, her core, had suffered. The physical wounds were a miniscule reminder of all that she had been through.
We made it to our apartment twenty minutes later and I couldn't help the smile that escaped me as I thought of the surprise we had prepared for Bella. I wrapped my arm around her shoulder, my other hand holding her bag, as I knocked on our own door.
"Why are you knocking," Bella asked as we heard fast approaching footsteps. We had decided that given all she had been through it would not be a good idea to jump from behind the couch and yell surprise. Instead, everyone would be seating in the living room, waiting quietly for her to get inside.
Alice opened the door before I could answer Bella's question.
"Bella!" she exclaimed. "You're finally here!" she continued as she kissed her cheek and pulled her in for a hug.
"Alice," I warned as she stepped back and gave me a sheepish look.
"What are you doing… what is everyone doing here?" Bella asked as she entered the living room.
"Welcome home sweetheart," my mother said as she stood up from her place in the couch and walked towards Bella.
"I'm so glad to see you here again," she whispered softly before giving Bella a kiss on her cheek and patting her head.
"Welcome home!" everyone else said as one by one, they all gave Bella hugs and whispered sweet things in her ears.
"Thank you, you guys are too much," Bella said her eyes filled with tears.
"I don't know if I could have made it without you, all of you," she sobbed.
We spent the afternoon talking about non-sense, just enjoying each other's company. It was nice to have the entire family home, but even nicer to finally have Bella were she belonged.
Slowly, one by one, all of our friends and family started to depart until only Bella, Charlie, and I were left.
"Well kids, I am sorry to say, but I think it's time I headed back to Forks," Charlie said.
"Oh daddy, thanks so much for being here for me. I love you so much. I'm going to miss you a lot," Bella said with sadness.
"I love you too squirt. You have no idea how proud I am of you. You are much better than I can ever strive to be," Charlie said as his eyes welled with unshed tears.
"Please take good care of my little girl, Edward," he said turning to look at me as I nodded.
"With my life," I said.
"I know it," he responded before giving Bella a peck on her forehead and retreating for the night.
"Are you tired?" I asked Bella as I noticed her yawn.
"It's been a very long day," she said.
"Would you like to take a bath with me before bed?" I asked in a hopeful tone.
"Yes, she whispered in a shy voice as I led her to our master suite.
Bella sat on the bed as I started the bath water and pulled out my favorite bubble bath bottle. Once I was satisfied with the water temperature and the depth of the bath water, I made it back into the bedroom.
She was still on the bed, a faraway look on her face.
"Are you ready?" I asked her, bringing her back from her thoughts.
"I hurt you so much," she whispered.
"Right here, in this room. I said horrible things that I didn't mean and I regret them all," she sobbed.
"Bella, baby, please look at me," I said as I stroked her cheek and cupped her chin, moving her face so that she could meet my gaze.
"I'm not going to lie and tell you that it didn't hurt, but I want you to be clear about something. There wasn't a single word you said that night that I believed. I knew you were lying, now I know because you were trying to protect me, but I wasn't buying anything that came out of your mouth," I explained.
"But, how can you be here with me, in this same room, if I can't even begin to forgive myself?" she asked as she cast her eyes downward.
"Because there is nothing to forgive, love. Please understand that I love you, and there is nothing you can say or do to change that. You need to stop blaming yourself. This was not your fault. Please let go of all that guilt, baby. It's the only way you can start to heal," I said.
"Oh Edward," she sobbed. "You deserve so much better than me. I'm scarred, broken, and I broke your heart."
"NO, Bella, please listen to me. I couldn't live without you, you are far more than I deserve, and I truly feel lucky and blessed to have you in my life," I said sternly.
"But…" she tried to say before I interrupted her.
"Please hear me out," I begged.
"All those torturous days that you spent locked away by Mike, I felt as if a part of me was dying slowly. I felt empty, broken, and guilty. I never want to feel that way again, ever," I continued.
"You are my life now, and I want to make sure I show you how much I mean that," I said before moving towards our dresser, and pulling out the small box that contained something I had bought months ago, in hopes of taking things further with Bella.
Her eyes went wide as she caught sight of the box.
"Edward…" she said but I placed my finger on her lips in an attempt to silence her.
"Bella, my love," I said as I bended down on one knee and too hold of her hand.
"You are my other half, the part of my puzzle that was missing for so long. I want to give you the world. I want to make you happy, and erase all of those bad moments from your head. I want to make babies with you, and parade you proudly as my wife. Would you marry me, Bella?"
She gasped.
Then she started to shake as I open the teal color box and took out the delicate Tiffany ring.
"Would you do me the honor of being my wife?" I asked.
"Yes, Edward, yes," she exclaimed as I stood up and wrapped my arms around her waist and kissed her, trying to convey all the love that I held for her.
As soon as we broke out for air, I took her left arm in mine and kissed her wedding finger before sliding the band in it. It was a perfect fit.
"I love you so much, baby," I whispered against her ear as she stared at her now ring clad finger.
"I love you too, Edward, with my entire being," she said as she crashed her lips against mine once more.