Disclaimer:I don't own any of these characters, but I wish I had my own Edward . . .

A/N:The first time I saw this movie, I cried my eyes out. I couldn't figure out if the movie was supposed t be a comedy, tragedy, love story, or just depressing. I finally settled on abstract and sad. It didn't seem happy in the end, but all the characters acted as if it was the best possible solution. I don't think so, thus, I'm writing an alternative ending! Huzzah

oO0 0Oo

"Good bye," he whispered. I looked into his eyes, searching them for any sign of what he meant. All I found was resolution, and I knew he was telling me what I had been trying to avoid. Slowly I turned and left, wiping my face.

I had to keep people from knowing the truth, I owed him that much. So I told them what they wanted to hear, that he was dead. Hesitantly the crowd dwindled away, disappointed there wasn't a dramatic conclusion. I was last to leave, staring through the wrought iron bars of the front gate as it creaked shut. The wind bit at my face, wiping my hair in all directions.

I'm not sure how long I stood there, watching. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't make myself leave. I kept telling myself there was no point in staying, it was over. I had to leave him in peace, alone, he was better off that way. Then he wouldn't be exposed to the cruelties of life, any more than he had been.

Eventually I left, waking home. Without realizing it, I walked all the way home and into my room. I got ready for bed, and slept.

When I woke up, all I could think of for the next few weeks was Edward. He was the type of person who makes an impression on you. Not only because he has scissors for hands. But he has a rare charm and elegance about him you wouldn't expect. His gentle nature is too perfect to be natural, yet I can't imagine him any other way.

I thought of how stupid I was, treating him the way I did. He didn't know how to act, the only company he had had never exposed him to actual civilization, save what he read to him.

Once the school year ended, I decided to leave. I couldn't stay around thinking about Edward for the rest of my life. I realized the only way to forget about him was to go somewhere I wouldn't be reminded of him. So, in my car loaded with clothes, food, and some cash, I left for the South coast. As I drove over the border to the next state, it felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from my mind. I relaxed, watching the road stretch out in front of me, and began the process of forgetting.

oO0 0Oo

Three years, and a couple of jobs later, I found myself heading home. Mom had had a breakthrough in her makeup business. She had created a light weight makeup that could cover up scars, without drying out your face or sticking out in clumpy patches. She was shooting her first commercial and wanted the whole family to be in it. I threw my bag into the trunk, took a last look at my small apartment, and left as easily as I had come.

She was waiting for me when I pulled up. I got our of the car and she ran at me, arms open. We hugged and she started filling me in on everything I had missed since I had left. The town had gone through a lot. Most of the old neighbors got spooked after the "two" death three years ago and skipped town. Needless to say, things were a lot quieter than before.

We went inside and were snatched away by people with blow dryers and blush. They started explaining the commercial to me and what I was supposed to do. Mom would do all the talking, the rest of us were to stand behind her supportively, nodding and smiling. A little too sugary for me, but this was mom's big breakthrough, not mine.

After a few hundred takes on the commercial, we were told we were done, it was a rap. In a half hour all the cameras, people, tucks, wires, makeup, and food tables were gone. Collectivly, we took a deep breath and just stood in silence for a few minutes, enjoying the calm.

"Well, what do we want for dinner?" mom asked, breaking the stillness.

Later that night I lay in bed, thinking about everything. For three years I had lived in Southern Texas, working as a bartender. I hadn't thought much about home, save when mom would call to check in. I had adjusted to Texas life. Made new friends, a decent paycheck, I had even started dating someone. Roy Grell. When I told him I had to go home, he wasn't too happy.

I sighed, rolling over to face the window. I had forgotten how quiet it got at night. I was used to the blaring T.V. and Roy's drunk friends yelling at each other over the poker table.

My eyes blinked heavily as I thought about Texas, how glad I was to leave. I didn't think I'd be that happy, but once I was on the road again, I realized how wrong that place was for me. I deserved a respectable job, friends that didn't spend all their money on crack and whores, a boyfriend I wasn't afraid of. . .

Absentmindedly I started stroking the bare parts of the mattress. My hand ran over a bump, and I stopped, trying to figure out what it was.

I sat up quickly, my mind flashing back. Edward laying on the bad, his metallic hands safely resting on his stomach. A million memories of him filled my head. Got out of bed, backing away from it. Slowly I grazed the wall for the light switch, flicking it on and sitting at my desk. I looked at myself in the mirror. I was a wreck. My hair was short, barely below my chin. It stuck out in a million directions thanks to my pillow. My eyes ran down my figure. I had lost weight, and considering how I had already been underweight, I was now bordering unhealthy. Just below my collarbone, the remains of a brutal bruise peeked through my nightgown. Roy hadn't been happy I was leaving. Lucky for me, he passed out before he could continue.

I shivered, realizing I had left my window open. I went to close it but my eyes were distracted by something else. Something small enough to be mistaken or overlooked, but defiantly there. I watched he house I had been afraid of my entire life. It sat atop the hill, looking down at Suburbia menacingly. It held so many secrets, so much pain.

In one of the lower corners of the house, a small light was lit.

oO0 0Oo

A/N: Well, there you have it. I only meant for this to be a one chapter fic, but I got really into it and decided I want to keep it going. What do you think?