Paige's POV:
As of this morning, it has been a week since the car crash, which means I am free to leave today. I still have several minor cuts and bruises, but nothing compared to Edward. He's still in critical condition, with quite a few broken ribs and bruises covering his face. The same cranky nurse delivers the news that I can go, and of course, that I can see Edward. This time, I rush across the hall to his room and stifle a cry when I realize that he won't be with me.
Sitting at my bedside, I brush my lips against his, longing for his recovery. Edward's eyes flash open and he pulls away, a smile wiped across his mouth.
"What?" I ask.
"You're just…so…beautiful," he answers, stroking my cheek with his thumb.
I kiss Edward's cheek and say, "Don't talk too much."
"I won't." And then he pulls me, and kisses me slowly, until the nurse squawks that it's time for me to go.
"I'll see you tomorrow, I promise," I reassure him. He grins back and closes his eyes for another much-needed nap.
That night, I can't sleep. I toss and turn, and finally let myself just lie there and think. Think about Edward, the competition, anything that's worth pondering about. Edward. He didn't deserve this. I should've been standing where he was. I should still be in critical condition, not him. Not my sweet, innocent Edward. Suddenly, I find myself sobbing into my pillow. I know that this is what I need. At this point, I really don't care if I wake the whole neighborhood, I just keep crying. Letting all my emotions fly free.
I literately lie still for hours until I realize that I won't ever fall asleep. Getting up, I slip on some comfortable clothes and smooth my hair back into a ponytail. This may be one of the stupidest decisions ever, but I need to see Edward. Now.