DISCLAIMER: I didn't create The Twilight Saga, but please don't tell my heart— she's still waiting on the paycheck. All original characters, stories, plot, and ideas are the sole property of its original author and this author claim no responsibility to any media franchise. No copyright infringement intended; just pure fan fiction satisfaction. Any form of translation or publication of this work is completely prohibited without this author's written consent and permission. April 2011 © Writing4Roses - All Rights Reserved.

A/N: Special thanks, as always, to my pre-reader: DreamsofEdward1 and beta: StAngelS! Thank you, ladies, for taking the time out of your busy lives to help with my story! I appreciate you both so much! J I just wanted to give another special thank you to my readers: Thank you for taking a special interest in this story and for all the reviews, PM's, RT's and tweets. Anyone who has PM'd me, I have replied to by the time this chapter has posted, so if you haven't received a personal reply, it is because you have your PM's disabled! Sorry, I tried! :) Alright, here goes: hang on to your seats, ladies & germs (?) — I am super nervous about it as I'm trying something new with the direction of the story, so I hope you like it... see you at the bottom!

INTERVIEWS & EVALUATIONS - CHAPTER ELEVEN – SHE WILL BE LOVED

Playlist: Maroon 5 – She Will Be Loved

… I've had you so many times but somehow
I want more …

I don't mind spending everyday
Out on your corner in the pouring rain
Look for the girl with the broken smile
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile
And she will be loved
And she will be loved
And she will be loved
And she will be loved

There was no denying it. What was done was done. I couldn't concentrate now even if I tried. God, I tried. My elbows were stacked up in entertainment reviews, press releases, and A/R reports as I was arguably trying to focus on the words that seemed to only come across as gibberish to me.

A bell dinged and I knew the intercom of our phone system was about to come on. I rolled my eyes as I waited for whatever was wrong now.

"Bella." That hideous voice called out from his office. Seriously? I really don't need this right now.

I got up from my desk quickly and went in to Mr. Phillips office, "Yes, sir?"

"I need to see the file for the new act we just signed," he grumbled, as he wrote with his ballpoint pen, the ink scratching against the paper as he hurriedly wrote his notes.

"Of course, let me get it for you." I sprinted off towards my desk, quickly locating the file despite the tornado that was currently taking place. Returning to his office, I quietly laid it on his desk and returned to mine.

"Can we possibly get all these files scanned in digitally?" He called out from his office. I walked back in as he muttered about something about being 'ridiculous.'

"Sure, I don't think that would be a problem, I can work on that right away for you." I replied, motioning towards my desk. He waved his hand off to me as he looked over the file and I went to turn and walk to my desk.

"Great, that way I don't have to wait on you all day long. You're the one who waits on me, remember?"

My stomach dropped. What an ass. "Yes, sir."

Who in the fuck did this man think he was? I wanted to hang him out to dry. I wanted to kill whoever suggested my name as his assistant in the first place. I wanted to-

"Bella."

"Yes, sir?"

"The digital files," he seethed, a bit of annoyance lying on his tongue.

"Yes, I'm working on it now, sir," I called back into the intercom, quickly grabbing several files and scanning them into our network-shared folder. Quickly uploading them to our server, I ensured that his files were online and ready before even thinking of returning to his office.

This day wasn't going to get any easier… and it was only Wednesday. God, help me.

X O X O X O

One of the few things that had me smiling was knowing that later on that evening, I would be meeting Alice for dinner. I was so excited. It felt like forever since we had been able to get together and just hang out, just us girls. Originally, Jasper had planned to join us for dinner, but due to a scheduling conflict at school, he had to back out at the last minute. I couldn't help but giggle a little inside with the news that Alice and I would be left alone for the evening and no doubt getting up to no good!

As soon as we saw each other in the doorway of the restaurant, we ran towards each other and hugged. Alice was waiting for me in the restaurant's lobby so my timing was perfect. I barely had enough time to sit down before we were called to be seated. The hostess lead us to a four-top table covered in white linens, the place settings anchored with goblets that would eventually be filled with water and possibly wine if we wished for it.

Sitting down, we immediately broke into conversation and began an evening of gab.

"Man, I'm absolutely starving!" Alice exclaimed as we looked over the menus.

"Yeah, me too." I laughed, putting my napkin into my lap.

The server came over and introduced herself but I didn't catch her name as she took our drink order. She informed us of their vast options of appetizers, we chose their spinach and artichoke dip with their yummy flatbread slices. So good! For our entrées, she ordered the chicken Caesar salad and I ordered their seafood linguini pasta.

As we were served our entrées, we continued to shoot the breeze and catch up with one another. Ever since I had started my new job and had numerous venues to perform at, our chances to hang out had been quite slim. Sure, she had been at several of the gigs but nothing beats some quiet girl time.

The pasta that sat in the art deco bowl before me made my taste buds salivate. I couldn't wait to dive in and taste it. Before our server took off to her station, she grated fresh parmesan cheese over our entrées, the heat from our plates instantly melting it.

We were commenting on how everything looked so tasty and had begun to dig in. I had just swallowed a bit of my food and had barely taken a drink of my water to wash it down when Ali decided to bust out of left field and surprise me with her topic of choice.

"So, uh, you and Edward, huh?" She asked with a wink and poke of her fork in the air towards me. As my brain went blurry at her question, I could have sworn I heard her meow at me. What the hell, Alice?

I choked, putting my goblet of water down, "Wh-what?"

"It's okay; he told me all about it," she replied with a big smile, shrugging her shoulders

Oh, my God, no… no… "What?" I wiped my mouth with my napkin, placing it back in my lap.

"Don't worry; it's not a big deal." She replied nonchalantly, waving her hand in the air, as she was more concerned with the food on her plate than the look of shock on my face. Um, it's a very big deal!

"Oh, my God, Alice, what did he say?" I tried to play it off with a nervous laugh. I was hopeful that she didn't know everything.

Don't get me wrong, it wasn't that I didn't want her to know. Of course, I would tell her… when the time was right, but not now.

I wasn't ashamed; I just hadn't had a chance to figure out what the hell was going on between Edward and I. I didn't want to talk it out with my best friend until I knew better myself. I at least owed that to Edward… Right?

"Oh, don't even worry— he just said he took you home that you were 'quite lit'rally pissed'," she chuckled as she imitated his accent and picked up a forkful of her salad.

"Oh, yeah, that was really nice of him."

"Yeah, he can be nice from time to time."

"Yeah," I nodded my head, hoping my not adding any more would give her the idea to just drop it.

"But that doesn't explain something though…" She trailed off, looking up as she tilted her head to the right and furrowing her eyebrows.

Crap. "What's that?"

"If you were so drunk, how did you drive? That's not a very smart thing to do, Bells."

"I insisted, I actually wasn't that drunk, Ali." I explained, giving her the truth. "So, since I was already insisting, he said he would be okay with that only if he could follow me to make sure I got home safely."

"Oh." She took the information in and her eyes went somewhere, far off and distant. Suddenly, she shrugged, "Okay. That was nice of him."

I laughed, shaking my head and immediately tried to change the subject. She started to tell me about all the exciting things that were happening at the studio and which celebrities she was able to meet that week.

X O X O X O

Something is wrong with me. There has to be. Why hadn't I called him yet? God only knows…

I stared at my iPhone and for some reason, thought that would help me call him.

I still hadn't erased his number off my dry erase board. His message haunting me and teasing me, "Won't you ring me sometime?"

In all honesty, there were several— numerous, failed attempts. I would look through the address book on my iPhone and go to call him but before it would actually ring, I would lose my nerve and hang up.

I tried to occupy my thoughts, just tried to chill out and relax. I listened to some music on my iPod, strummed a little on my guitar, writing down bits of words that came to me but nothing making a clear melody because I couldn't focus my feelings on the music.

What was holding me back? Why was I so scared?

Edward was an incredible person, a beautiful and gorgeous creature— please don't even get me started on this damn, hot man! Holy hell, the man is hot… I couldn't guarantee you'd ever get me to shut up. I couldn't explain what it was about him. I suddenly found myself drawn to him, mesmerized and nervous like a little schoolgirl. In all my good senses, moreover, just because we had fooled around and gone further faster than I have ever gone with anyone else, it doesn't mean anything one way or another.

C'mon, Bella! Put your big girl panties on and call the man… You can do him. Uhhh, do this, totally meant, DO THIS. Yeah…

I took a deep breath and dialed his number, the line ringing immediately.

Seconds later a voice came on the line, "Hello?"

"Edward?" Duh.

"Isabella," he breathed my name, "is that you?"

"Hi." Yeah, that's all I've got…

"Hello." His voice was soft and warm to my heart. He let out what sounded like a sigh of relief, "How are you, love?"

I gushed internally just hearing his voice, "I'm good— great, and um, how are you doing?"

"I'm quite fine, thank you."

It was so good to hear his voice; I began to feel butterflies fluttering around in my stomach. I hadn't felt this way since— well, forever. I felt like a schoolgirl with an adolescent crush, so carefree and light-hearted.

We each took turns talking about our day, how our week had been so far. We had both gotten carried away in conversation when I was suddenly brought out of that glowing daze with a knock at the door.

I hated to interrupt him, but I had to make whomever it was go away so I could continue talking to him. As I told him to hold on for a moment, I placed my cellphone on the coffee table and got up to answer the door.

I looked out the peephole and didn't recognize the person on the other side, asking them to state who they were.

"I have a delivery for… Isabella Swan from Greene's Floral."

Flowers? For me?

I opened the door, to discover the clean-cut man in khaki pants and an embroidered neon green polo shirt. He carried in his arms a long, stark white box, which was secured closed with a red satin bow.

"Um, I'm Bella Swan."

"Alright, ma'am, this is for you." He handed over the heavy box and waited for me to turn around after placing it on the console table behind me.

"Wow," I said aloud, almost stunned, before turning around to find him, motioning his clipboard at me.

"Yeah, if you could just sign here."

"Sure," I replied, taking the clipboard and pen from him and scribbling my signature down. I handed him back his clipboard, which he replied with a half-smile, "You have a good one."

I picked up the box, moved it to my café table, and quickly pulled the ribbon away. When I removed the lid, I gasped at the sight of the gorgeous flowers inside, their beautiful fragrance wafting through the room and taking over my senses.

Lying next to the flowers was a small and simple white card, picking it up and flipping it over, discovering the perfect black penmanship, a flowing script. I held it in my hands as I read it carefully:

Dearest Isabella:

I hope you won't mind terribly my sending you these. I wanted to give you something special to show you how much I care.

I would love to see you again, please say you will join me this evening.

Edward xx

Pulling the flowers from the box, I was able to look over them more closely. They were stunning and bright, a colorful array of orange lilies, hot pink, orange and yellow roses, miniature red carnations and one red amaryllis.

Flowers.

I couldn't even think of the last time someone had sent me flowers. Not only that but also these flowers were from Edward Fucking Masen, M.D. Holy crap…

Placing them in the vase, I snapped back to reality realizing I had went off and left Edward on the phone.

I ran back to the coffee table, picking up my cell phone.

"Oh, my God! Edward, are you still there? I'm so sorry!"

He chuckled lightly, "Yes, I'm still here, no worries. Is everything alright?"

"Yes, everything's great, I just had to answer the door and—"

"You know, Isabella, I'm sorry to cut you off but there's something I need to ask you."

My stomach dropped and felt like it was going to reach down and grab my ankles.

"Oh. Okay." I took a deep breath before asking, "Um, sure, what is it?"

X O X O X O

EPOV

It had been a day from Hell. I had been up all morning.

Oh, the joys of being an obstetrician-slash-gynaecologist. Those beloved phone calls that shriek at you and wake you in your sleep at two o'clock in the morning. These are the days…

Mrs. Stewart had finally dilated enough that she was ready to deliver. Ten hours later and sweaty limbs attached to the body that was screaming profanities at her poor git of a husband, their twins, a boy and a girl, were delivered. The information I learned regarding my patients and their relationships was more than I cared to know.

In this particular instance, Mrs. Stewart informed everyone in the delivery room that poor Mr. Stewart was to blame for her 'situation' and she was going to cause harm to that "one little body part of his in particular." Of course, she went into a bit more detail but just thinking of it, I cringe and want to hold onto myself for dear life.

All that aside, it is in that moment, when the father cuts the umbilical cord and I place the baby on their mum's stomach that makes all that tension worth the trouble in the world. Seeing the happiness in their eyes as they share that moment together, it is completely surreal and never gets old for me. Softly, I whisper my congratulations to the sentimental couple as the room is filled with healthy cries. My job here was satisfactory.

After a quick post-delivery evaluation, I asses that both my patient and the babies are doing very well and this pleases me, I cannot help but smile. As soon as I check the babies into the care of the obstetric team, I sign off the charts and begin to clean up. The delivery nurse smiles at me, letting me know what a wonderful job I have done. I could have sworn she gave me a wink in the same breath. Simply flattered that she is obviously trying to make a move on me, I thank her with a smile and continue on my way.

Before exiting the delivery room, I pulled off my gloves, threw them into the dark red bio-hazard bag, and pulled my surgical gown off, tossing it in as well. I immediately went to the sink and scrubbed my hands, washing away any evidence of what I had just done.

Unfortunately, as general circumstances allow, I find myself limited on time this early in the morning, I have absolutely no time for a quick snooze or a traditional English breakfast. I am hopeful that I can stop off for a quick cup of coffee, something that would energize me to get through my full schedule of patients today.

It is barely eight o'clock in the morning and I believe my clinic starts at nine today. I check my iPhone and thankfully, Jessica has synchronized my schedule and it confirms this for me. Making a quick stop off at the Physicians' Lounge, I grab a takeaway coffee, a scone and head on my way.

While I walked towards the physicians' parking garage, I finished off my scone. As I reached for my keys, I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. Picking it up, I had a feeling of who it was before I even had a chance to look at the caller ID. Alice.

"Hello, Alice," I smiled as I answered my phone.

"Hey, cousin, still out there populating the world?"

"Um, so to speak." I heartily laughed, shaking my head. Oddly, I knew what she meant although her question was slightly incorrect, I answered regardless. "What can I do for you?"

"I was just calling to check on you."

"I'm fine." I answered before really thinking about my response. Taking a sip of my takeaway coffee, I began to contemplate my response. Was I… fine?

"Are you sure? You sounded kind of out of it when we talked on Saturday."

Bullocks, I had totally forgotten about that.

She had caught me on my way to do rounds Saturday morning; I was in the middle of processing everything that had happened after spending a fantastic evening with Isabella. All the while, I was higher than a kite and feeling right about the whole situation, I was still wondering where this left us exactly. Alice just happened to have caught me when I was a little out of it, just as she said.

Before the end of our call, I had agreed to a dinner invitation her and Jasper at their home. Unfortunately, not thinking it through that my actions and attitude would be cause for great discussion at the dinner table.

Rx

Every morning, my clinic begins like clockwork; it is my preferred protocol to review my daily schedule. I like to be fully prepared as I can see who is coming for consultation and what their current predicament is. I feel it helps me plan accordingly to their care.

It is quite comparative as to how some people read the morning paper and drink their coffee; I do this in addition to my morning ritual, sometimes alternating with tea instead. My morning is incomplete if this were not to happen like standard routine.

There was a knock on my door as I skimmed over my schedule, reviewing my iPad per each patient's record.

Without even looking up, I recognized who it was immediately. I would know the familiar sound of designer Manilo's from anywhere as they made contact across the hardwood floor of my office.

A bit perturbed she entered without asking, I responded dryly, "Yes, please do come in."

I looked up shortly with a sigh, finding my Physician's Assistant, Rosalie, leaning against one of my bookcases.

Sometime between my making myself busy and actually noticing her arrival, she had closed the door behind her and taken a perch against my shelves. When we made eye contact, she took that as another invitation and crossed over towards my desk, her heels clicking melodiously with each step as they tried to draw me in. I immediately find myself trying to ignore her enticingly glamorized features of designer clothing and exquisite perfume; she was absolutely devious and willing to make every effort to impress.

"Hello, Rosalie. What can I do for you, dear?"

"Hi there, Edward." She grinned with a sly wave of her hand in the air. I could have sworn she had batted her eyelashes at me as well, but I wasn't really paying her any mind.

"Good morning," I replied, looking up momentarily only to look back down and continue to make myself busy.

This has to stop. I cannot do this any more.

"Yeah, um… so, I believe your first few patients are here already. I heard Jessica up front checking them in."

"Excellent, if Jessica will let me know when they're ready."

"Sounds perfect," she said as she annunciated her T' and smiled brightly.

I cleared my throat, looking up at her. That, obviously, cannot be all that she wanted. There has to be a reason. With Rosalie, there is always a reason. "Is there something else you needed, Rosalie?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact, there is." She smiled with a twinkle in her eye; she came around my desk to where I was sitting and took a seat on my desk, crossing her legs.

Think 'Basic Instinct'.

No, wait… Do not think 'Basic Instinct'. Damn you, Masen!

Her legs had crossed in cadence with her arms and a soft hum erupting from her lips. I felt like I was served to her on a platter with the possibility of her salivating over me as she sat so closely.

I closed my eyes briefly before taking a deep breath, looking up at her as I waited for her request.

"Well, I was just wondering if you'd like to join me for some drinks tonight. You know, nothing too serious, just two great friends grabbing some drinks. Maybe dinner?" she asked as she delicately rubbed her fingertips over her knees, brushing past the hem of her skirt. My eyes carefully watched her hands as she tried to work her magic on me.

I cleared my throat and shot my eyes quickly back up to her and gave her a stern look, "Rosalie."

"Yes, Edward?"

I let out a sigh before continuing, "I have no problem with us drinking together, but you must be on your best behaviour."

"But, Edward, I'm always on my best behaviour." She held her hands out in defence.

Liar.

"Rosalie." I cocked my head to the side and looked at her dead in the eyes, raising my eyebrows at her.

"Edward." She starred back as me just as stone cold, almost as if in a challenge.

I let my bloody guard down for two seconds and then she did that damn giggle that gets me every time.

Rx

There was knock on my door. I was in the middle of dictation when I heard the door crack open. I looked up to find Jessica peeking her head from the other side of the door; I waved her in as I spoke into the digital device.

She waved as she pulled herself inside and waited patiently. Not taking a seat, she stood in front of my desk simply waiting her turn.

"… and I will refill her prescription for three more times which she is advised to continue as previously directed. She will follow-up with me in 6-weeks time where we will discuss her progress and further evaluate her predicament. End."

With an audible click, I pressed the 'stop' button on my digital recorder and placed it down on my desk.

"Yes, Jessica?"

"Your next patient is here and the room was ready, so I went ahead and put her in room one for you."

"Wonderful, thank you." I stood up and walked over to my coat closet, pulling my lab coat off its hook and slipped it back on. Standing in front of the sink, I washed my hands, dried them, and pulled my stethoscope out of my jacket pocket, placing it around my neck.

I walked out of my office and crossed the hall to Exam Room One. Knocking gently, I announced my arrival and proceeded to enter the room.

"Come on in," the female's voice called out. Her voice was not the usual American accent I had become accustom to since making the grand move 'across the pond,' but I was quite sure who was on the other side of the door when I heard her voice. Entering the exam room, I smiled as I discovered one of my favourite patient's had returned for her four-week follow-up.

"Good morning, Mrs. St. Angeles." I warmly greeted her as I tapped into her patient profile on my iPad app. Setting my digital device on the counter, I rubbed my hands together, warming them up and reached out to shake her hand in welcome. "How are Mum and baby today?"

"Good morning, Dr. Masen, it's so good to see you," she replied with smile, "We're doing just fine…" She trailed off, her eyes diverted to the far corner of the room with a gentle nod of her head.

I turned around, looking over my shoulder to see what she looking at. I saw a little blonde haired girl with pigtails playing quietly in the corner with her toys. My eyes immediately lit up, "And who do we have here?"

I crouched down to the little girl's level and she looked up at me with big brown eyes, like rich pools of chocolate. "Hi!" She had to have been about two or three years old.

"This is my daughter."

"Well, hello there, young lady, and what is your name?" I asked her as she played with a plastic doll and a pony. She looked up at her mother, almost as if she was asking for permission and she nodded at her.

"Ahh-knee!" She giggled as she waved her toys in the air; I looked over to Mrs. St. Angeles who softly whispered with a chuckle, "She means Annie."

"So lovely to meet you, Annie." I smiled at the little girl, crouching down to her level, "Are you excited about becoming a big sister?"

"Ahh-knee! Big sissy!"

"Yes, indeed!" I exclaimed amidst the chuckles of little Annie, her laughter completely infectious that even her mum joined in. It was about that time there was a knock on the door as Barbara Jean, one of the nurses had come to assist me with the check-up. "How old are you, Annie?"

She slightly blushed as she held up two fingers proving in fact her age and I could not help but chuckle, she was simply adorable. I turned to Mrs. St. Angeles and shook my head, "She's quite a lovely child."

"Thank you." She smiled, rubbing her stomach as she spoke. "I don't know what has come over her. She must be showing off for you, you seem to have dazzled her."

I dazed out for a second and pulled my thoughts together again, "All right then." I stood up and walked back over to the counter. Barbara Jean had set up the exam tray and we were ready to proceed. "So, do you have any questions or any issues that need discussing?"

"No issues really, just having issues sleeping. Between this one," she replied, pointing to her round stomach and then to her little girl playing quietly on the floor, "and that one over there, I'm lucky I sleep at all."

"Well, make sure Mr. St. Angeles is helping in any way he can. You should try to get as much sleep as you can for now. You won't have much option when your new little one arrives," I replied with a wink and was rewarded with a laugh from her.

I proceeded with her check-up and everything was acceptable and accurately on track. I was pleased her stats as well as the baby's were quite satisfactory, both heart rates were happily beating, and Mrs. St. Angeles had the blood pressure reading of a prized patient. She had no soreness, tenderness, swelling, or abnormalities during her abdominal or pelvic exams and her baby showed steady kicking activity. This reassured me that she would deliver with no issues whatsoever, "Just wonderful." I stood up from the rolling stool, removing my gloves, tossing them off into the bio-hazard waste bin and headed to towards the basin to wash my hands.

Barbara Jean proceeded to help Mrs. St. Angeles straighten herself while I made notes regarding the exam on my iPad's medical software app and agreed I would see her once a week until the big day.

"Please see Jessica on your way out, yes?" I asked her as I went to open the door; she nodded her head in agreement. "She will arrange your appointment for you. See you soon."

Rx

"Edward, it's good to see you, man. I'm glad you could make it." Jasper shook my hand as I walked in their front door.

"Yeah, thanks for the invitation." I tried to smile as best I could. Alice had been persistent on my coming over to visit the Whitlock Château for dinner that Tuesday night.

"So, what's got you all… wound up?"

I turned and looked at Alice with her question, her eyebrows raised as she waited impatiently on my answers.

"Alice." I looked at her dead in the eye. "I'm not wound up. What exactly are you going on about?"

"I'm not 'going on about' anything, Edward, there's something different about you. You just seem… different, I don't know."

"Exactly. You don't know. I'm fine. There's not a thing different about me at all."

I looked up to see Jasper with a look of confusion spread across his face as he watched us go back and forth, as if we were in a hardcore game of ping-pong. I shook my head and laughed at the situation.

As we sat at their kitchen table eating the delicious dinner they had prepared, I decided to let the cat out of the bag. There was no way to let this go on any further.

"So, I thought I should let you both know that I have officially ended things with Rosalie."

"What?" Jasper actually looked shocked as he stopped mid-bite hearing my statement. "No kidding?"

"Yes," I nodded my head as I went on to explain my reasoning, "I decided it was time. I can only imagine how unhealthy and unfair it was for the both of us. It is time for us both to move on."

"Wow." They replied in cadence. I looked up and took in their shocked faces; I guess they figured the two of us would have gone on forever that way? I know I most certainly did not hold that in our cards.

Alice shot out of her seat, "I almost forgot! I made bread!" She hopped over to the counter, grabbed the basket, and brought it back to the table.

"This is so wonderful, Alice, thank you both for having me." I thanked them both as I continued to dig in.

"Well, of course, it's nothing like our feast from Saturday but I think it's pretty good." Alice beamed, earning a kiss on the forehead from Jasper as he leaned into her closely.

They were so in love with each other, so harmonized with one another in their movements around each other it was fascinating.

"Yes, it was a lovely time. I think everyone enjoyed themselves." I agreed.

"Speaking of lovely times, you took Bella home that night?" Jasper asked before taking a bite of food.

"That's true; I followed her home to make sure she arrived safely."

"Well, that's nice of you and that was just because?"

"Well, she had a bit much to drink, so I offered to follow her."

"Aren't you just a knight in shining armour?" Alice chuckled and Jasper nudged her.

I rolled my eyes at her statement as we continued to tuck in and devour the delicious meal she had prepared for us.

Rx

"You know, Isabella, I'm sorry to cut you off but there's something I need to ask you." Somehow, I had managed to muster the courage to continue speaking but I was nervous as hell.

Her voice was shaky when she replied, "Oh. Okay." She took a deep breath, "Um, sure, what is it?"

"Can you come and open your door, please?" I asked her, trying not to chuckle.

I heard her switch the lock and the door opened, her eyes were wide and full of light. Her face had shown something of pure delight as she lurched towards me. Her arms immediately wrapping around me as she pulled me into a hug, bringing me further into her flat.

"Edward," she murmured my name into my chest, it sounded like honey; I wrapped my arms around her.

"Hello, Isabella," I hummed, as I rested my chin against the top of her head; her arms were wrapped around my waist, pulling me in close to her body.

She started to pull away and I immediately began to feel a loss and watched her. She leaned back as she looked up at me. I couldn't help but smile down at her, "Hello, there."

X O X O X O

A/N: Well, I hope that was worth the wait! What do you think? Drop me a line and let me know! And sheesh, what's up with that girl Bella, huh? Oh and who wants to hear more from Edward? Oh, and for the record, as far as I know a Greene's Floral company doesn't actually exist but if it does, I hope they enjoy the business I just gave them! LOL What did you think of the new character Mrs. St. Angeles? Some of you might have already guessed that she is loosely based on my beta (who at the time of writing this chapter was due any day then). Thanks to her for allowing me to put her & her daughter "Annie"* (* Yes, I changed her name for personal reasons, cause that's just… weird… otherwise! LOL) in the story! Since the completion of this chapter, she and her family have welcomed an adorable baby boy! So, on that note, who's voting for a return appearance from Mrs. St. Angeles? LOL Hmm… something tells me, StAngelS wouldn't have any problem with it! LOL All that being said, I still want to hear from you, too! Thanks as always for reading and especially for reviewing! Feel free to check out my profile for my blog/Twitter/Facebook info— there are always updates from me there regarding my writing status. Thanks for waiting patiently and reading! And of course, hang in there because the lemons are coming! The lemons are coming! LOL So are the British… LOL

Also, another reason this post took too darn long for your liking, I have contributed to three (3) charities that are benefiting some great causes (Note from StAngelS: And I had to go and pop out a baby, putting a delay on this chapter. Sorry, everyone! :P) (LOL!):

Foxy Fics - http:/foxyfics(dot)blogspot(dot)com

Suited-Up & Leather Bound (OS)

Edward Cullen is cocky bastard. He believes because of his family's wealth, his devilish good looks, and his ridiculous book smarts it makes him God's gift to women. Between his repetitive schedule, his 3-piece suits, and over-confident attitude, Bella Swan seeks the chance with great delight to put him in his place and enjoys every minute of it. Oh my… E & B - M-Rating – Drama/Angst

Fandoms Fight The Floods - http:/fandomsfightthefloods(dot)blogspot(dot)com

Semi-Charmed Life (OS)

Bella Swan is a sucker for a guy dressed all in black and that guy is Edward Masen. Whether Bella knows it or not, he's going to change her outlook on life, love, and everything in between as she goes from a young girl to a grown woman. – E & B – Eventually M-Rating when/if continued – Drama/Romance

The Fandom Gives Back (Spotlight on Autism) - http:/www(dot)thefandomgivesback(dot)com

Interviews & Evaluations (Future-take) "In Print"

I wrote a small snippet on where this story is headed— Are Bella and Alice still close friends? How are things going between her and Edward? Moreover, what about Bella's career? Will it finally take off? All this and more in the new future-take!

Please do whatever you can to help donate and get a hold of these awesome works by various authors, which include my two (2) new one-shots and the future-take for Interviews & Evaluations!