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Beep Beep Beep

Edward sighed as his alarm clock buzzed loudly in his ear. He had been awake for about an hour already. He just hadn't gotten up yet. This is how most of his days started. He would wake and look at the clock, always reading 7 am. He would then stare at the photograph on his nightstand for half an hour before snuggling back into bed, trying to fall back asleep, but sleep never came for him. He still wasn't used to sleeping alone.

As Edward showered and got ready for the day, he wondered what kind of child he would get this time. This would be the fifth foster child he had taken in. Many wondered how and why someone so young would take on such a responsibility, and he usually would just tell them about his love for kids. He never told anyone the real reason, and he was sure that he never would. Edward finished getting ready and walked outside. He was promptly greeted by his next door neighbor's daughter, Lauren.

"Hey, Eddie!" she cooed. Edward sighed.

"It's Edward," he muttered. Ever since he moved here 3 years ago, Lauren had always been trying to get his attention. She was younger than him by about 6 years. Though Edward agreed that age was just a number when it came to love, he could never....ew. Not with Lauren. She was no doubt attractive, but she didn't interest Edward. No one did.

"Are you heading out?" Lauren asked, her voice cotton candy sweet.

"Yes, actually," Edward responded. "I'm taking in another kid."

"Aw, that's so sweet. It's so great of you to do that, especially when you're so young. I mean, you could be dating some of the kids in that home. They're my age."

Edward shrugged and forced a smile, inwardly grimacing at her subtle suggestion. "I've really got to get going, Lauren." Her face immediately fell.

"Okay. I guess I'll see you later." She smiled brightly and ran off to some of her friends hanging out across the street at the Stanley's household.

Edward watched her go. Not because he was checking her out or anything. No, that wasn't the case. He was jealous.

When you're young, you think you're perfect

Indestructible and strong

Well, let me tell you that you're wrong

She was still so young, mentally. Nothing horrible had ever happened to her. She lived in a perfect little house with perfect little parents. She went to a perfect little school with her perfect little friends. And, Edward was sure, she thought that everything would always be perfect. She had no idea about what was out there. Cancer, multiple sclerosis, Huntington's. Being a second year medical student, Edward read about everything out there. Things that ruined lives. Things that took lives. Edward could only wish to go back to the days when he was still oblivious to the cruelties of life.

Edward let out another sigh as he pulled up to the home. He sympathized with the children. They had nothing. They had no one, just like him. No, he scolded himself. You have family. It was true. He had two wonderful parents, an older brother, and a younger sister, plus their significant others. He had a family, yes, but it wasn't complete. Not anymore.

'Cause I have watched lives come and go

My God, I've seen my children die

Respect and glory are just talk

As Edward walked in, his eyes immediately connected with a young lady walking toward the bedrooms. Her chocolate eyes bore into his emerald, making his breath hasten. He realized he was staring and gave her a small smile before continuing on to the office. As he sat down to wait for the last parents' appointment to be over, he couldn't help but to look back at the young girl. The first thing he noticed was her astounding beauty. She had just the right amount of curves, and those eyes, oh, those eyes. He could spend forever staring into them. Her hair was a wonderful shade of brunette, which he personally preferred. Everything about her was beautiful; her luscious lips, the slight blush that had crept up when their eyes locked, even the way she walked. The second thing he noticed was the way her shoulders were weighed down. She's too young, Edward thought. She's too young to have the weight of the world on her. He couldn't help but to wonder why she was in foster care. Edward felt a small tug at his heart as he thought of what could have happened to her, of what she had gone through. She must be getting out soon, he mustered. She's at least 16.

"Mr. Cullen?"

Edward looked up as the owner of the home called his name. He gave a polite smile and walked into her office. He knew she was talking to him about things he had heard five times now, but he didn't hear a word she said. He couldn't stop thinking about those eyes.

Once again, short due to the content. Review, pleeeeeease? It would mean a lot, and would definitely help the next chapter along. :)