Chapter One: Separate ways

Bella's Point of View

College.

Something I surprisingly dreaded, because that meant the end of my close to 4 years relationship with Edward Cullen. We both have a different college in mind and although this topic has been discussed multiple times and we even quarrelled over it; the final solution was clear in my mind although I have not suggested it yet.

A break-up.

I was just going to wait for him to speak his mind out, no matter how much it would hurt. Just as I was thinking about the pending break-up, my phone rang.

I looked at the screen and the caller ID was…Edward. Maybe it's time already. I couldn't help but feel a hint of sadness building up in me like piles and piles of heavy bricks.

"Hel…hello?" I stuttered.

"Hey, Bella. Hmm…I was wondering whether it's okay if I come over now? I just have something to tell you," Edward said. I could really dread that "something".

"Sure, I'll be waiting," I replied. We said bye to each other and ended the call. For one moment, I realised that this phone call was not like any others. Our phone calls used to be filled with laughter and love. But this…it was filled with coldness, awkwardness, it was as if we were strangers.

Not long after, he finally arrived. As usual, he looked mesmerizing, a dark blue button-up shirt and a pair of black trousers and his bronze hair looked even more disarrayed than usual. We sat down on my bed and nobody knew whether to start or not.

Finally, he spoke.

"So, Bella. I've thought about the college issue for quite some time now and…I've made a decision," he said. This is it.

"Oh…what decision did you make?" I asked, acting curious though I've already predicted the answer.

"I decided…I'll go wherever you go."

Wait what?

I was bewildered. Why would he give up his dream college for me? Why would he want to follow me? Why? For some reasons, frustration began to consume me. I don't want to rob him of his dreams, I don't want him to ever think that he has to give up everything for me.

"No, Edward. You can't," I said firmly.

His face was filled with shock and disbelief. "Why can't I?"

"Because I don't want you to give up everything for me! I don't want to rob you of your dreams! I don't want to feel like a burden to you!" I shouted as I stood up.

He stood up too and said, "That's not what I meant, I-"

Before he could finish his sentence, I cut him off, slightly calmer now. "It doesn't matter anymore. Let's just break up."

He grabbed my shoulders and turn me around so that I was facing him. "No! I would rather not go to my dream college than break up with you!" He literally shouted furiously.

"Just cut it out, Edward! This is never going to work for us! We are not meant to be!" I shouted back, unaware of what had just come out of my mouth. But once I realised it, it was too late.

"So that's what you thought all this while? Well, I'm sorry then. I'm sorry for appearing in your happy life and ruining everything for you. And if you want a break-up, I have no objections," he said, disappointment and sadness colouring his tone. With that, he turned to leave.

"Edward, I…" I tried holding him back, but he never once looked back. I wasn't even sure what I was going to say anymore, how was I supposed to turn this situation around? Is this really over between us? I collapse onto the floor, tears streaming down my face profusely. Everything was over, he's never coming back.

A few days before leaving for college, I went to his house, hoping to see him one last time. But I was crushed with the news that he left early for college, which means I might not be able to see him ever again. He's in Stanford University now, and I'm going to Yale. We were literally going to be on the opposite sides of America.

With regrets, I left for my college life, in the absence of him.

AN: Hey everyone! Thank you so much for reading! I really hope you guys enjoyed this story and do leave some constructive suggestions on how I should improve my writing! Update coming soon!

-Yours Izzy