Disclaimer:All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Rated M for strong language.

GIFTS

Chapter 24: It All Comes Crashing Down

"Bella! We did it! On one take, we did it! Your dad would be so proud of you, baby".

She laughed through teary eyes. She may not be a pro in the studio, but she knew they just recorded something special. She yawned and stretched. It had been a really, really long day. Hours had flown by and fatigue was setting in. Maybe it was time to close up shop.

"Sweetheart, I'd like to keep that tape. It's special. Please". He already knew what his intentions were for their recording. He had plans, big plans. He needed to get it mastered and digitized and knew just who to call to get the help he needed. Carlisle would know what to do and Carlisle could help him get it on his favorite fan site. They were loyal and had voted their hearts out for him to win the talent competition. He couldn't do enough for them. This little recording would be a special gift to them, something to hold them till his CD dropped. It would give Bella's voice some exposure also.

She had no objection to him keeping the tape, so they closed up the studio and headed back to her apartment.

"Bella, you're exhausted. Let's get you tucked into bed. I need to return the car I borrowed anyway. Baby, I'm so glad I met you. I think my whole life just changed. I think I'm falling in love, Miss Singing Waitress" he whispered as he sweetly and soulfully kissed her.

Suddenly, they heard sirens, stomping feet on the stairwell, and pounding on Bella's door.

"Edward! Edward Cullen, are you in there"?

NO, NO PLEASE THIS IS NOT HAPPENING RIGHT NOW!

"Edward! Answer me! If you're in there open this door or I'll have the police break it down"!

The voices in the hallway grew louder and louder. Some were calling out to her and some were calling out to Edward. She heard her boss asking the police what the hell was happening. The pounding on her door continued. She grew very frightened. What was all of this about? Why were the police looking for Edward?

"Baby, I can explain, let me explain. Don't open the door yet".

"Edward, what's going on, why are the police here"?

"I wanted to tell you, I really did. The time... The time just never seemed to be right".

POUNDING POUNDING POUNDING on her door.

"Edward! Open up this god dammed door right now"!

"Bella"...

"Edward, I'm scared. The police are here". She walked to her door and opened it. The door was pulled roughly from her grasp from the other side, and a very large, very angry man with a beet red face charged into her apartment and made a bee line for Edward.

"Are you ok? Goddammit, Edward you cannot be pulling this shit, just taking off whenever the hell you want to!. We have a schedule to keep. We were supposed to roll out hours ago. This tour is supposed to run on time. YOU HEAR ME BOY? Now say goodbye to tootsie pie over there. We're leaving".

She stood dumbfounded at the commotion. The red-faced man was glaring at her like she was a common street tramp. Her boss was shaking his head in disapproval that she would have a man in her apartment. The police were chattering up a storm on their walkie-talkies.

"How did you find me"? Edward asked

"Your buddies covered for you as long as they could. I threatened to drop kick their sorry asses off the tour bus if someone didn't tell me where you were. They sang like canaries. NOW LETS GO!We're already behind schedule thanks to your little dalliance". He almost spat the words out.

Edward couldn't look her in the eyes. He was so ashamed of himself. He was despicable and he hated himself.

"I'll be right there. I have to tell the young lady something".

Authors Note: Oh boy...