Chapter 56

• The next morning Alice is already prepared and greets me with a large cup of coffee in her hands. I could kiss her, but I simply thank her and drink it quietly the entire way to the hospital. We hardly speak, but when we arrive the caffeine has begun to do its magic. Yet again, things improve once I start working, but the lack of sleep three nights in a row is beginning to take its toll. I'm forgetful and clumsy and I have to ask Alice to takeover during a blood draw because I am unable to find a good vein. I've never had a problem drawing blood before. Today the annoying ache in my chest begins to become a distraction and I feel that it gets worse throughout the day. When Alice finally drops me off, I'm embarrassed by how horribly my work performance has been that day, and I'm constantly rubbing my chest in a poor attempt to ease the pain. Alice notices and asks me about it, but I shrug it off, telling her it's nothing.
• Entering the cottage, I decide that I need to try to distract myself. I find a movie and decide to multitask by baking something while I watch. After a quick look in the pantry, I realize that I have everything I need for a batch of snickerdoodle cookies. I make batch after batch and finally, after a few hours of baking, I feel my shoulders begin to relax and the pain starts to let up. I've put on a new movie, but I'm only watching it with a half eye, focusing most of my attention on the delicious baked goods on my kitchen counter. I've stopped looking at the time, but I know it's late. When my oven buzzes with the final batch of cookies, I can feel my shoulders tense as I try to prepare myself for the ache that undoubtedly will begin to grow.
• A strange scratching noise at my front door causes me to immediately look up from what I'm doing. I move slowly towards the door, and the scratching becomes stronger. I can feel my wolf yelp out in excitement as she wags her tail happily. I recognize the sound and when I open the door and I'm not surprised when I see Edward's large wolf-form seated firmly on my doorstep. I exhale deeply, studying him warily for a moment. I stand in the middle of the doorway, showing him that I'm not willing to allow him to enter the house just yet. The large wolf turns his head sweetly to the side and looks up at me with adorable and innocent eyes. I instantly feel my heart melt at the sight of him, but I cross my arms over my chest and try to look sternly at him.