All my thanks and love to my awesome Beta's, Storypainter and ChocolateMango for tackling my comma addiction. Give them a round of applause because that was-is-and always will be a hugh task.

Chapter 16

Slowly, Edward removed the guitar from his lap. He was no longer interested in playing. He wanted to hear Bella play, now that she had admitted to playing-a little.

"Here, play something for me," he said as he tried to pass his guitar to Bella. She waved her hands "no" at the gesture. "I couldn't."

"Please," Edward said, almost begging. He wanted to hear her. "Anything, something."

After searching his eyes, Bella took the guitar. Edward was sincere and wanted to hear her play. She wasn't very good, but she'd be damned if she passed up the chance.

Edward watched as Bella took the greatest care, placing the Gibson across her knee. She strummed and adjusted a tuning peg and strummed again. Her pitch was spot on and he was even more surprised.

After a few strums and quick adjustments, Bella started to play and after a few more strums, added voice to the melody. Edward already recognized the song.

"On a hill, far away, stood an old rugged cross. The emblem of suffering and shame..." Her voice was rich and fluid. It was as if this person sitting here now was the real Bella Swan, not the timid woman that sat down thirty minutes ago.

Edward pulled out his harmonica. This, he felt natural doing in front of others. When he let the first note pass his lips, Bella's fingers stumbled, but she picked it back up. Edward followed along until Bella ended the song. She had a beautiful voice. She was a color he'd never seen before.

At the close of the song, Bella swallowed, then handed Edward his guitar. She was grateful he had allowed her to play it. Playing someone else's instrument wasn't customary, and she felt privileged to be given the opportunity.

"Thank you," Bella said, suddenly feeling shy again. She had acted boldly, completely out of character.

"My pleasure, Bella," he replied. It had been his pleasure. She shared his love and reverence for music. He breathed deeply as he placed the guitar back in the case. How could he pass up the chance to talk to Bella? Worst case scenario, he'd let her play the guitar again. He'd never let anyone play his Gibson before.

An awkward silence fell on them, and neither knew what to do.

DRABBLEWAR REC'S: Okay, so they are all drabble's and not part of the official war, shoot me. lol. Just thought you'd like the rec's. *snickers behind hand*

Today is Your Lucky Day by twiddler83. Copy and Paste ~~ /s/7890112/1/ ~~ to the end of ffn.

With any Luck by losttwisisters. Copy and Paste ~~ /s/7890004/1/ ~~ to the end of ffn.