My first attempt at writing a Twilight piece. Stephenie Meyer owns everything, of course.

* * *

It wasn't like that, I reminded myself.

I was so close I could have taken one step--just one--and closed the gap between us.

But it wasn't like that. At all. Not anymore.

Unfortunately.

So I remained where I stood, a smile plastered upon my lips, and held out my hand.

"Congratulations," I told the couple before me, my voice deceptively even. "I'm sure you're going to be very happy."

The young man held out his own hand and grasped mine firmly, perhaps with a bit more strength than was necessary. He was being territorial, that much was obvious. There was no need for him to be. I knew where I stood.

"Thanks," he replied, eyeing me warily, still unsure of my intentions. He doubted my well wishes, though I had truly meant to convey sincere congratulations. Sincerity, however, could be tricky, especially when one's head and one's heart are at odds with each other. What I had intended to convey and what had come across might have been two different things entirely.

Abruptly, we both dropped our hands back down to our sides, neither really having anything more to say. I looked to the woman to his right, willing her to fill the silence. She didn't even look up.

"Well, I'll…" I paused. I didn't know how to close the conversation, if that's what it was. I didn't want to "see them around" or "talk to them later." At least, not both of them together.

"'Bye," I finished lamely. I nodded politely to the young man. He nodded back. My eyes shifted to her and lingered, probably longer than they should have. Not for the first time, I wished I knew what she was thinking.

Just as I was about to turn and walk as fast as a normal gait would allow in the opposite direction, she lifted her chocolate brown eyes to meet mine. There was a hardness to them that radiated outward to the rest of her face and her body, stiffening her posture. She was willing herself to be tough. Not because of any lingering emotional attachment, I was sure, but as a show of finality. She had made a choice, a commitment, and wanted to reinforce the declaration she had made only minutes before: "We're getting married," followed by a hastily added "We thought you should know."

I gave her the same nod her partner had received, willing myself to continue my façade of indifference for a few more moments. My eyes lingered on her beautiful face--I couldn't help it--for only a second longer before I turned on my heel.

I heard her speak as I walked away, raising her voice ever so slightly to ensure her words reached me. "Goodbye, Edward."

I bit my lower lip, a habit I'd picked up from her and, despite my best efforts, hadn't been able to break. "So long, Bella," I attempted casually, glad I wasn't looking in her direction as I spoke.

I didn't slow my stride.

And I didn't look back.

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I honestly have no idea where this is going. Thoughts/comments concerning this short little prologue here would be appreciated. I promise to have Chapter 1 up soon (as soon as I, erm, figure it out), but a little encouragement never hurts.