Edward stood erect, mourning in the shadows that caressed his god-like figure. His eyes were shut as he waited for the bell to toll, telling him to take only three steps forward, then his misery would end.
How could you have left her? Lied to her face, torn her heart to shreds, then spat on them and left her standing alone? One half of his mind berated. His throat tightened at the memory of the call from Rosalie, then the mere push of a button that had confirmed his worst fears.
I was trying to protect her! I would never have left if I'd known . . . but she promised, nothing reckless. The other side argued.
But the first voice wouldn't be outdone. Did you honestly believe she would go on, happy with life? She told you herself, you were the best thing that had happened to her. You thought she'd move on, forget. Edward shook his head, trying to quiet the voices. He heard the quarter till chime and a patient smile touched his lips for an instant.
Only another fifteen minutes of agony, then I can end my pathetic excuse for an existence. Then, I can atone for my sins. Oh, Bella . . .
Edward wrenched his thoughts away from that line of thought. If Carlisle was right, then he had a chance at seeing her again. Yet, he highly doubted it. What had he ever done to deserve heaven? He'd committed all the de adly sins but one, and not for Bella trying her hardest. He wished he'd given in once, now. If all the others were going to keep him from eternal happiness, what was one more sin on top of it all?
His brow furrowed in concentration; it was making his head hurt for his thoughts to go around in circles. A growl vibrated his chest, frustration building, impatient for noon.
The crowd was growing exceedingly restless, he could hear faint cries of distress. He tuned them out, not caring to listen to their voices or their thoughts.
The bell tolled.
Relief filled Edward. He wouldn't have to live in misery, in torment, knowing he'd caused his soul mate's . He took a deep breath -
And something slammed into him. His arms automatically encircled whatever it was as his eyes snapped open. That scent was familiar . . .
"Amazing. Carlisle was right,"
Suddenly, everything was perfect, because in front of him, arms gripping him, was his love. There was Isabella Swan, Bella, in all her frail human perfection. Edward smiled, Looks like heaven does exist.