A/N: Now, the rest of the story picks up one year later. Each chapter will have alternating Edward and Bella POVs- we wanted to try something different.
Thanks to our fabulous betas- Sweet Dulcinea, keepingupwiththekids, and Dolphin2598. You ladies rock and we love ya ;)
Disclaimer: Yup, SM still owns, but I do own a t-shirt that I won from answering a Twilight question correctly last week at the Jimmy Fallon Show waiting for KStew to come on. She's just as beautiful in person, and her legs go on forever. Pauline, however, owns a cold she caught from standing out in the rain at 5am waiting to see Taylor on the Today Show.
*Edward*
Am I dreaming?
So many countless nights I would replay the same movie in my head, where I would come face-to- face with the beautiful woman who captured my soul- the woman with the wavy, mahogany hair and the most striking coffee colored eyes that seemed to beckon me toward her, daring me to solve the mysteries that were nestled deep within. Yes, those eyes were indeed the windows to her very being, and I was done for the moment my eyes met them.
How I had longed to see this stunning woman again and now my dream was becoming a reality.
I was holding this angel's hand in mine- so soft, so warm. I felt the familiar rush of heat course through me, just like it did exactly one year ago. Time and distance hadn't changed what I felt the first time I encountered her body.
I couldn't do anything but smile, thinking that there was a God somewhere who wanted to grant me this one wish. As I was holding my daughter in my arms, I desperately tried to keep my emotions in check. There was so much I longed to say to this woman, but I didn't quite know where to start. It didn't help matters that Alice and two little girls were bearing witness to this surreal reunion. So, I said the only words I could at the moment- I properly introduced myself to her.
Bella. Her name was Bella, and I couldn't think of a more fitting name for my angel. I was so elated to hear her name. For many months, I would sit and ponder over what this woman's name could possibly be. The only pieces of the puzzle I had were the visions, which paid me a visit each night. For a year, I've held onto those dreams, hoping that with each one, a new clue would unravel, so I could try to find her, thinking there must have been something I missed in our casual banter.
I almost broke down six months ago, contemplating telling Jasper of my encounter with this beautiful creature, so stricken with hopelessness that I would never see her again. It was a fleeting moment that passed, and as time dragged on, I never found the opportunity to inquire again. That was until Emmett expressed his desire to move to our home office to Seattle to be close to our family, and to Rosalie, the newfound love of his life. To say that I accepted his offer right away because I missed my parents and Jasper would have been a lie. Of course, I wanted to be surrounded by my loved ones again, but once I heard Seattle, my hope in seeking out my mystery woman, who had never left my mind, was rekindled.
The only obstacle was Kate, and thankfully, since she was only four, she didn't seem to mind being uprooted from the only home she had ever known. She couldn't wait to live in the same place as her Grandma and Grandpa because she knew they were wrapped around her little finger. My family treated her like a little princess. The only person who ever uttered the word, "no," was me.
Surprisingly, Kate's mother, Tanya, didn't object to our relocation, as her photography career brought her out to the west coast for the majority of the year. Seattle was a great meeting place for us. I still couldn't believe that I was friends with my ex-wife, even though it wasn't uncommon for broken up couples to remain on good terms. I had thought when she left me and our daughter for another man two years ago; I would remain a broken, bitter man who would close my heart off to women. However, that was not the case. Tanya's departure from our life together was actually a blessing in disguise, and once I realized that our love was only deep enough for friendship, we were able to move on and become the parents our little Kate deserved to have.
"Daddy, did you hear me?" Kate asked while slapping her tiny hand on my shoulder in an effort to get my attention. Immediately, I was brought out from my reverie, and realized that I was still encasing Bella's hand on mine.
Letting go of her hand abruptly, I turned away from the brown-eyed beauty to face my daughter. "I'm sorry, what was that, Katie-pie?"
"I said, isn't my new teacher, Miss Bella pretty?" Kate huffed while taking her hand to my face and pushing it gently in Bella's direction.
Bella was still locked in place while the cutest blush began to spread to her cheeks, as she looked down toward the ground. God, I missed that endearing blush. My dreams didn't do the real thing any type of justice.
"Why, yes, she is." I was still looking at her when she shot her head up once I stated my answer. Bella's eyes captured mine as a slight smile formed on her face.
"Thank you," she replied softly.
The curiosity was absolutely eating at me. Did she recognize me at all? Did she remember our night together? I sure as hell did, but her face wasn't giving too much away. Perhaps she, too, was trying to reign in her composure. I had to find out later on at Jasper and Alice's party.
The thought of being in the same room as her in the next couple of hours was enough to get my mind reeling over what had transpired between us last Halloween. I felt my dick start to harden as I recalled what Bella's creamy smooth skin felt like against mine, how her breasts fit so perfectly in my hand as though they were made just for my pleasure, and how she writhed and pulled my head closer to her while I engulfed her sweet nectar. I had to stop this line of thinking so I wouldn't embarrass myself. Thank God I was holding Kate, a reminder that I needed to keep my thoughts in check for the time being.
"Mommy, will I get to sleep with Kate?" a melodious little voice rang out from Alice's arms. She had the bluest eyes and sandy blonde hair, with springy curls edged along the bottom. Even though this child's hair and eyes were infinitely lighter, I knew that she was Bella's from her features. She had the same almond eyes, heart-shaped face, and cute button nose.
I remembered Bella had a daughter, as that's part of what drew me to her. I recalled the sense of loneliness she exuded while speaking with the child's babysitter, making sure everything was alright. I had left Kate that night, as well, and I knew exactly how Bella felt. I'm not sure why I didn't tell her that I had a daughter of my own, or that I was also a single parent. It was probably due to the fact that Bella wasn't interested in swapping unpleasant stories about our pasts, so I decided not to share too much personal information. Frankly, I wasn't up for telling my life story, either. I just wanted to get to know the beautiful angel who was sitting beside me.
"Of course, sweetheart. You and Kate will be going to Esme and Carlisle's together," Bella spoke lovingly to her daughter, her smile wide and caring. She is truly breathtaking.
"Did you hear that Aunt Alice? I get to sleep with my new best friend!" the child clapped wildly.
"That is very exciting, Elyse. Can you say 'Hi' to Kate's daddy?" Alice pointed in my direction.
"Hello, I'm Elyse and I'm free years old," she said, trying to form her fingers to show that she was three. She was adorable.
"Well, aren't you a big girl," I chuckled. "And who's that you have in your hand?"
"This is Ariel. She's a mermaid and a princess. I love her," Elyse said, as she held the Barbie closer to her chest.
"Hey, I have that at home, right, Daddy?"
"Yes you do, sugar. Maybe when we get to grandma and grandpa's house, you can get your doll out so you and Elyse can play together," I suggested.
"Yay! Can we have Mickey Mouse chicken nuggets, too?" Kate's eyes lit up with excitement at the prospect of eating her favorite meal.
"Well, let's see what Grandma Esme has planned for you two girls, okay?" I gave Kate a loud kiss on her cheek, garnering a squeal from her. She loved my sloppy kisses, as much as I loved hearing her laughter from receiving them.
I caught Bella observing my exchange with Kate. She giggled then walked away, holding out her arms for Elyse to jump into excitedly.
"Okay, it's time to get this show on the road. I do have guests arriving in a couple of hours," Alice informed us, tapping her fingernail against the face of her watch. She handed Elyse over to her mother. "Bella, you can follow us to the Cullen's in your car, then leave it there and drive home with me in my car."
"Yes, ma'am," Bella said sternly and proceeded to salute Alice with her free hand. She then turned her head towards me and winked, cluing me in that she wasn't angry about her friend's orders.
God, I wish that wink was for a different reason. She had winked at me when she wanted me to follow her inside all those months ago.
Alice bolted out of the doors, and I walked ahead so I could hold the door open for Bella and Elyse.
"Thanks," she stated simply.
"Anytime." I returned the wink, eliciting a small smile from Bella, as she breezed past me. The familiar scent of strawberries and lilacs accosted me, causing that needful ache to return. There was so much I wanted to say, but the timing was inconvenient, considering we were each holding our daughters in our arms. I felt so flustered around Bella now and I couldn't think of anything witty to say, so I just made a beeline to Alice's car.
As I was settling Kate in her car seat, I could hear Bella's conversation with Elyse. She was walking toward her car and Elyse's arms were wrapped around Bella's neck.
"Mommy, Kate's daddy looks like Prince Philip from Sleeping Beauty. He has pretty hair."
"Her daddy is very handsome. And guess what? His hair is really soft, too," Bella smiled and unlocked her car door with her keys.
Upon hearing those words, I knew that Bella had indeed remembered me and our night together, causing my heartbeat to accelerate. Now I definitely had to make sure that I spoke to Bella alone tonight. I couldn't wait.
Once Kate was buckled in, I jumped in the front passenger side of Alice's car. It was when I was clicked my seatbelt into place I saw Alice facing me giving me what can only be described as a "shit eating grin."
"What?" I laughed nervously.
"Oh, nothing." She shrugged. "Don't think I didn't notice how you eyed my best friend like she was your last meal on earth." She glanced at me and drove out of the parking lot.
Little did this tiny woman know…
"Well, I give you my blessing, by the way. And I am sure Jasper will approve, as well."
"Alice, what the hell are you talking about?"
"Come on, Edward. Just admit that you think Bella is a little hottie, because she is. And to top it off, she's single," Alice winked at me.
I mentally gave myself a high-five at the newfound knowledge that Bella was available. Last year, she had told me there wasn't anyone in the picture and my heart would grow heavy every time in these past twelve months I would think of my mystery woman being intimate with someone else. Sure, I had dated, but it was nothing serious; no other woman came close in comparison to Bella. I hadn't even gotten laid in…well, in a fucking long ass time.
"So, what is her deal?" I nonchalantly asked. I needed as much information I could get if I was going to try to reconnect with Bella.
"Um, let's see," Alice began. "She and Elyse live over by the waterfront, which is about fifteen minutes away from my house. She has been single ever since she divorced around two years ago."
"Interesting. How long was she married for?"
"For a little over a year," she sighed. "It's complicated and I'm not sure how much I should tell you."
Alice sounded so apologetic like she was afraid to offend me, but I wasn't. I understood she was protecting her friend, and all I could do was respect that. However, Alice piqued my curiosity even more by not spilling anything else, so I decided to ask what I deemed were "safe" questions.
"How old is Bella?"
"She turned twenty-four this past September. We grew up around the corner from each other in a little town called Forks north from here. We became fast friends and when we were in high school, we vowed to go to college with each other. So, we ended up at UW, where I met Jasper and she met James, her ex."
"Did she plan on getting married so young while still going to school?" I wasn't criticizing. Hell, I married Tanya at twenty-three, barely out of college.
"Of course not. Okay, the long and short of it is Bella is fiercely independent, but when she met James, it was as if she fell under his spell or something. Jasper and I were never too keen on James, but Bella seemed to be happy, so we let her be. Six months into their relationship, she became pregnant with Elyse. That's when James' attitude went south and he became more of an asshole than he already was. They married, thinking things would work out, but instead, they got worse for Bella. James basically ignored her and when Elyse was born, he wasn't what you would call a hands-on dad."
I turned away from Alice and looked out the window, clenching my fists in anger. To think that fucking asshole was lucky enough to be married to Bella and didn't even give a shit enough to man up to his responsibilities made my blood boil.
I was intrigued by Bella even more. I gathered she was a strong, confident woman from conversing with her in the gazebo that night. I wondered what else she had to endure and what obstacles had stood in her way. I craved anything I could learn about her, but I wasn't sure if I should tell Alice about our steamy night last year. I hadn't a clue as to whether Bella told anyone or if she was pissed that I up and vanished in the middle of the night without so much as a simple goodbye.
"So, she hasn't had any boyfriends since her divorce?"
Alice shook her head and sighed. "Nope. She closed herself off romantically, focusing on raising Elyse and teaching pre-K at the daycare center. Don't get me wrong, Rose and I relentlessly tried setting her up with guys, but nothing clicked with them." Her face scrunched up in deep thought before she went on speaking. "There was this one guy who had extreme potential to break down Bella's emotional armor, but nothing ever panned out with him."
"Why? What happened?"
"Bella really didn't go into detail- just that she met this incredible guy whom she had lots in common with. They ended up hanging out the whole night, falling asleep with him and everything. She awoke the next morning to find him gone, not a trace of him to be found. The jerk didn't even leave a note or anything."
Shit. That jerk was me.
I knew that vanishing the way I did would bite me in the ass in more ways than one. Well, at least I know now that Bella had shared the story of our night together to someone. If Alice thought I was a jackass, then that had to have meant that Bella felt the same way and…oh god, Jasper. If Alice knew about Bella's mystery guy, then Jasper knew, as well. Those two were so attuned to one another to the point that they finished each other's thoughts. I wondered briefly what Jasper would do if he knew that guy was me. Bella was their dear friend…family, even. Who's to say that Japer wouldn't try to kick my ass for not bothering to contact Bella the next day?
As we pulled into my parent's driveway, a plan started to formulate in my head. I would try to get Bella alone and talk to her, test the waters a bit to see if she was willing to talk to me. Then, I would explain why I left her so abruptly in the middle of the night. Hopefully she would understand and then I could move on with my plan in making her mine.
Now that I found Bella, I had no intentions of letting her go again.
*~*~*~*
*Bella*
He was here. He was really here. What were the chances that my beautiful stranger was Kate's father and Jasper's brother? More importantly, I finally found out his name.
Edward. Such an old-fashioned name for a guy, but appropriate, nonetheless. I was reeling over the fact that this was the same Edward whom I've heard Jasper and Alice speak of occasionally. I can recall not thinking anything about his name, but knowing my Phantom's name was Edward, I became intrigued. I remember his elegant prose, feeling like he stepped out of a nineteenth century novel. Of course, that was a stark contrast to the dirty talking I was lucky enough to bear witness to when we were together that night. That voice…oh that smooth, silky voice that was such sweet music to my ears. Hell, he could probably read the obituary section in the newspaper and make it sound seductive.
My stomach swirled with butterflies at his confession that he thought I was pretty. I felt my face flush instantly at the way he stared intently into my eyes. It took all the willpower I had not to pull him toward me so I could envelop him and never let him get away from me again.
To say that I was shocked that he was a father was an understatement. However, I should have known from the questions he was asking me last Halloween about what it was like raising a daughter. I now wished that we did share more of our personal information, so that we could've swapped war stories about our daughters. Certainly, it would have been a breath of fresh air to talk to someone about raising a child, considering my friends couldn't really empathize. I gripped the steering wheel tighter at the thought of how we could have been at least e-mailing one another for the past year. I would have been able to contact him and stay connected that way.
I had to cut out that train of thought right now, as it was useless to dwell on what would have been. The important point was that Edward had entered my life again and I was going to try to reconnect with him in any way so I could get to know him. Being that Edward was Kate's father, I was optimistic that my goal would be reached, seeing that he would be dropping off and picking up his daughter on a daily basis. Not to mention our girls bonded instantly. This left me wondering about future play dates. Oh yes, I would be able to see him.
After we arrived at Alice and Jasper's place, Alice became a whirlwind of energy, barking out orders to Jasper and Emmett, making sure everything was prepared for their guests.
Once again, Alice and Rosalie fussed over helping me get ready. This year, Alice had the three of us dress as Greek goddesses. We were donned in short, white, sleeveless, frilly dresses, with gold roping snaking around us, right underneath our breasts. Our shoes were gold, flat sandals that tied up to the middle of our calves. Rose had done our hair the same way- hair down with wavy curls, with gold leaves intertwined in, making it a headpiece of sorts.
When Alice had informed me that Edward was asking about me on the car ride over to the Cullen's, I had to exude calm, masking my sheer elation that he obviously remembered our time together and wanted to know more about me. Sure, I was puzzled that morning when I awoke to a cold right side of the bed, but I tried not to be very bitter, chalking it up to my beautiful stranger being "too good to be true."
Rosalie and Alice didn't think as kindly as I did. Yes, they thought my experience was intense and romantic, but they couldn't understand why my Phantom just vanished into thin air, as though he were only an apparition. Even Jasper chimed in with his two cents, stating no one worth my time and attention would ever think of leaving without so much as a phone number or a simple note.
I cannot even count how many times I resisted telling Alice and Rose that Edward was my beautiful stranger- I wanted to shout it to anyone that would hear, but I was afraid of what they would say or do to him. As it was, I wasn't even sure if Edward was just as happy to see me as I was of him. I loved my friends, but they were so protective of me, they wouldn't bat an eyelash pummeling someone, making sure I wasn't being taken advantage of. I embraced it, though, considering they were my family; my daughter and I didn't have anyone else.
As usual, the party was a success, everyone dancing and drinking. This year, I vowed not to get so buzzed like the last time, so I kept my alcohol intake light, opting to drink white wine. However, Emmett managed to get me to down two shots with him and Rosalie. Shortly after, Jasper and Alice joined us, bringing a friend along. He was cute, but he wasn't who I wanted to be following Jasper.
"Hey everyone, I would like you to meet my friend, Mike. He works with me at the office. We're working on a big case together," Jasper said, slapping his hand on Mike's shoulder. He went down the line, stating our names, and when he came to me, Mike stepped in, took my hand in his, and placed a chaste kiss against my knuckles.
"So nice to meet you, Bella," Mike droned, although I think he was trying to sound sexy. His hand was clammy, too…yuck!
"Likewise," I offered as I gently escaped his grasp. I discretely rubbed the palm of my hand on the back of dress, wiping away Mike's balminess. That caught Rose's attention, as she smirked at me, cocking an eyebrow. I rolled my eyes in response.
"I'll be right back, guys, I need a little refresher," I stated, making a quick escape to the makeshift bar on the other side of the room. The anticipation of bumping into Edward was killing me. Once again, that man was among the missing. Where the hell was he?
A couple who looked rather cozy together was blocking my way at the bar, not even noticing I was waiting to put in my drink order. Their heads were leaned in toward one another, while the girl was absently stirring her drink with a thin, red straw, looking up at the doctor smiling.
I tapped the guy dressed as a doctor on his shoulder. "Um, excuse me. Can I get through?"
"Oh, sure. Sorry about that," the now familiar velvety voice said, turning around, his crystal green eyes meeting mine. "Bella?"
"Hey, Edward." My stomach sank down to my toes. I should've known someone else had snatched him up. Maybe he started talking to her? Ugh, my mind was reeling now. Edward stepped out of the way so I could order my drink. I made eye contact with the bartender and said, "Glass of Pinot Grigio please."
"Have you met Lauren? She works with Rosalie," Edward asked rather awkwardly. Is he embarrassed? "Lauren, this is Bella, Rose's best friend," Edward pointed to me.
"Oh, hi! It's so nice to meet you. Rosalie talks about you and Alice all the time at work," Lauren sang, looking very pretty dressed as Tinkerbell, with her blonde hair wrapped up in a tight little bun. I felt the jealousy begin to burn through me, as my face grew hot. She reached her hand out to me and I had no choice but to return the shake.
"Well, I hope it's all good things," I laughed nervously. Where the hell is my drink?
Edward glanced at me, an odd expression played on his face. I wanted so badly to brush my hand along his forehead, erasing the tension that was clearly etched there. However, it seemed that he was with Lauren, so I kept my hands at my side.
What seemed like an eternity later, I was handed my wine. I opted to get the hell out from where I was, needing to get some fresh air. "Well, I'm going to go find Alice. It was great to meet you, Lauren," I managed to say without clenching my teeth. I didn't bother to look in Edward's direction…I couldn't.
I weaved through the crowd and made my way to the back door. I decided to take this opportunity to regroup and call Esme to see how Elyse was doing. I punched the number on my cell phone, when I heard the door opening. I moved out of the way to let the person through and looked up, my widening a bit when I saw who it was.
"I already spoke to my mom about a half hour ago. The girls were sound asleep in bed," Edward said, reaching in his white lab coat pocket, pulling out his pack of cigarettes.
I didn't bother to press the green send button, and hung up the phone. "Oh, thanks. You just saved me a call, I guess," I shrugged. Edward held out a cigarette to me. "No, thanks. I'm good." I didn't feel like smoking with him right now, as it was way too reminiscent of last year. Seeing him talk to Laruen changed the way I wanted this night to go.
"Esme also told me to pass on to you that Elyse has been nothing but a little darling and that she and Kate were getting along famously."
I breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh good. I was worried she wouldn't be on her best behavior. She can be quite sassy when she wants to be," I laughed, shaking my head.
Edward looked at me, a crooked grin flashed across his face. "What?" I asked softly.
"Nothing. It's just that this is how our conversation began last year. We spoke about your daughter, remember?" he hedged.
"Of course I remember. I guess it's safe to say that you remembered who I was when you introduced yourself at the daycare earlier?"
Edward took a long drag of his cigarette, tilting his head back, and blowing the smoke out in one billowy stream before lowered his head and answered. "Bella, I could never forget you." His gaze penetrated through me.
"Oh…I…I never forgot you, either," I stammered, my blush creeping up my neck to my face.
"You look really beautiful tonight, Bella."
"Thank you, Edward." I think we liked saying each other's names, since we were never able to last year.
"Listen, I hate to ask you this, but do you think you can hold off in telling the others that we have already met, if you haven't informed them already?" Edward took one last drag and dropped the cigarette in an empty beer bottle on the ground.
"Um…sure. Why?" I was curious at his request.
"I don't feel right in how I just up and left the way I did, never getting your information so I could talk to you after that night. And I'm not sure how my brother would take it if he knew I was that guy who was with you."
"Don't worry about it, Edward. It will be our little secret."
I took a sip of wine, looking away from him, not wanting Edward to see the hurt that would surely be expressed in my eyes. I did understand where he was coming from, but I also couldn't help but think he had some ulterior motive for not wanting to expose the fact that we knew each other very well.
"Bella, I wanted to explain…"
"Edward! There you are!" Lauren interrupted, flying out of the back door, a bright smile on her face. I wanted to punch that look right off her face. Damn! I think Edward was about to go into detail about that night and Miss Smiley Face over here had to ruin it by barging through the door.
"What's up, Lauren?" Edward asked with an edge to his voice.
"Well, Emmett's looking for you, and I volunteered to go and hunt you down," she sidled up to Edward, snaking an arm around his waist. "Plus, the DJ started to play some slow songs and I was wondering if you wanted to dance with me." Lauren batted her eyelashes up at Edward.
"Yeah…uh…ok, sure. Just give me a minute here and I'll meet you inside I guess."
I wanted to curl up into a ball and roll away. My insides were twisting as he accepted her offer. He should be dancing with me, I foolishly thought to myself.
The moment Lauren closed the door; Edward faced me, a pained expression on his beautiful face.
"Sorry about that. Where were we?"
"How do you know Lauren?" I spat, not meaning to sound harsh, but the words just immediately spilled out.
He sighed, "I met her last week when Emmett and I met Rosalie out for dinner. We were working late and he was supposed to take Rose out. Since she was stuck working on a project with Lauren, she suggested that we all meet up for dinner."
"Oh…" I paused, unable to meet him in the eyes, not knowing what the hell to say. I felt so dejected, so defeated. I wondered briefly if they went out after that or if they had even kissed. I shook my head to break myself out of this pain-inducing fog I was rapidly getting caught in.
"Bella, I really want to talk with you about that night, but…"
"Hey, don't worry about it. It's all good," I abruptly interjected, too scared now to hear what he had to say. "In fact, there's no need to talk about anything. I mean, it's in the past, right? What matters is the present and right now, you have a pretty girl waiting to dance with you."
"Right. Some other time, then," Edward replied, shoving his hands in his pocket, looking toward the ground. I couldn't help but think that he looked just as disappointed as I felt, but I could have imagined it.
"Have a nice night, Edward."
"You, too, Bella." With that, Edward pulled the door open and waltzed back to the party, as I stared at his retreating form.
I splattered the rest of my wine in the bushes, not feeling up to drinking now. My heart was heavy, and I knew that nothing good would come if I drank my sorrows into oblivion. I went back inside, needing to find solace with my friends, and hoping to avoid the dance area at all costs.
Of course, by the time I found them, Alice and Rosalie were wrapped up in their boyfriend's arms, lazily swaying to the rhythm of the song that was currently playing. I certainly didn't want to disturb them, so I quickly turned away, heading back outside.
I didn't get very far, as I collided with a tall figure dressed as a cop.
"Hi, Bella," Mike smiled down at me. "Would you like to dance?"
Ugh, this is so not how I imagined this night to go a few hours ago. Why couldn't he be Edward asking me to dance?
"Sure, why not?" I answered, while Mike reached for my hand and pulled me back to the direction I had just come from. I was trying really hard not to take my frustrations out on Mike. It wasn't his fault that Lauren had taken Edward from me…yes, it felt as though someone was trying to tear a piece of me apart.
As soon as Mike found us a spot on the dance floor, Mazzy Star's Fade Into You floated out from the huge speakers. He pulled me flush against his chest, wrapped his arms around my waist, as I robotically lifted my arms to place them around his neck. I couldn't shake the eerie feeling that I was being watched when I looked up over Mike's shoulder to find Edward gazing in my direction. Mike's back was facing him and I had a lovely view of Lauren's ass, observing how Edward's hands were delicately placed on each of her hips. I balled my hands into fists, my nails digging into my skin as a reminder not to lose control.
Our eyes locked and it was as though my legs refused to move with Mike's. I actually had to concentrate on making sure I swayed along with him. We stayed transfixed with one another as the song continued.
I want to hold the hand inside you
I want to take a breath that's true
I look to you and I see nothing
I look to you to see the truth
You live your life
You go in shadows
You'll come apart and you'll go black
Some kind of night into your darkness
Colors your eyes with what's not there
My body went numb, and I couldn't see anything around me but Edward. Everything else was a hazy fog, Edward my beacon of light, as if we were encased in our own little bubble. Gliding our partners from side to side, Edward and I were really dancing with each other, our feet scraping the floor in harmony. I desperately yearned for him to come over and ask to cut in.
Fade into you
Strange you never knew
Fade into you
I think it's strange you never knew
Tears began to creep up in the corners of my eyes, threatening to blur the beautiful vision of Edward, making it seem as though I were dreaming. These lyrics were hitting me hard as I thought back to last year and how appropriate this song was now. Edward never knew how much he affected me that night, and I never let on to my friends just how much he reached into the pores of my soul. I couldn't ever explain this feeling with the right amount of words, and I was saddened at the possibility of how Edward might never know just how deep he crept into the armor I had so diligently built after James.
I blinked rapidly, willing the tears to retreat from where they came. Fortunately, they listened, as I painfully turned my head away from Edward's stare. It was all too much right now. It should be me in his arms, dancing, sharing a happy reunion- not this disjointed situation we were currently faced with.
When I peeked over at Edward, I expected him to have turned away, as well.
He didn't.
Instead, he offered a small smile, not the sexy lopsided one that I remembered, but a smile nonetheless. I returned the sentiment with a slight smile of my own, masking the pain I was trying to swallow down, along with the huge lump in my throat.
As the song ended, Mike pulled back a bit to look at me. "Hey, are you okay?" Mike's voice was dripping with concern, his eyebrows furrowed.
"I'm fine, really. I just love this song, that's all." I plastered a smile on my face.
I stole one last glance at Edward, who had an indescribable expression on his face…worried, maybe?
"Thank you for the dance, Mike." I mean, Edward.
"Anytime, Bella," Mike whispered as brought my hand to his lips, brushing them against my fingers.
I pulled away from Mike's hold, turning to find my friends. I needed Alice and Rosalie more than ever.
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What's the deal with Edward? Why did Bella concede so easily? Guess you'll have to wait to find out! The answers will come in time…don't fret.
Happy Thanksgiving for those who celebrate it :) If you are traveling- Be Safe!
