Bella had barely stepped through the front door when Rachel rushed into the living room, her hair slightly messy from pacing, her eyes swollen from crying yet bright with the tiniest spark of hope.
"Bella?" Rachel whispered, voice trembling. "Did you… did you see him? How is he? How did he look? What did he say? Did he say anything? Did he ask about me?" she asked excessively.
Bella dropped her bag gently and took a breath. "Rachel," she said softly, "he wants to see you."
Rachel froze, as if the world paused so she could absorb those words.
"Really?" Rachel's voice cracked. She covered her mouth with one hand, tears filling her eyes instantly, her chest rising and falling as though she'd forgotten how to breathe. "Did he really tell you he wants to see me?"
Bella stepped closer and cupped her cheek gently. "Yes, Rach. He said he would see you. Today. He's waiting."
