Chapter 2:
I sat on a blanket near the bon fire watching the flames dance in the darkness of the night, lighting up the sand that trickled down over my toes as I moved my feet around in the sand. I felt so peaceful here on this beach surrounded by my closest, only friends. I smiled as I watched Edward and Jasper wrestle in the sand as Jacob ran to jump in on the fun. Kristen plopped down beside me amused too by their silly game.
"Enjoying yourself yet?" Kristen asked. I just smiled and let my gaze fall upon Edward who broke away from the game and came over to sit across the fire from plenty of food and Jacobs attempt at telling scary stories the evening came to a quiet end. Everyone retired off to their rooms to rest up for the day ahead. I settled down on the patio steps overlooking the ocean as the moon created light that danced across the waves.
I glanced over my shoulder to find Edward standing inside the house peering out the sliding glass door at me. I abruptly turned around keeping my back to him, my cheeks turning red and feeling warm to the touch. I heard the sliding glass door glide open and his footsteps on the patio. Everything became extremely quiet then, as my attention focused only on him. My whole body went tense as I waited for him to move forward. Edward was right beside me now, as he lowered himself to sit down, his arm brushed against mine sending goose bumps all over my body.
"You look lonely," he spoke, scooting closer to me. My heart rate increased drastically as I hesitantly looked over to see our faces so close.
"I don't mind being alone, it's never bothered me before." I whispered averting his gaze. I always felt so stupid talking to him; my words never came out as fluidly as his. Just then he scooted away from me giving me space. Was I that obvious of always being a nervous train wreck when he was in my presence?
"Do I make you uncomfortable?" Edward asked in a light hearted tone." I guess it was that obvious.
"No you don't. I'm just enjoying the evening, a little out of my element though, but I'll adjust." I gave him a weak smile which he in return flash me his crooked smile that sent butterflies swarming through my stomach. He always left me spell bound with that expression, leaving me speechless and again feeling dumb. I quickly jumped up, grabbing the railing to keep my balance. My head was spinning and it wasn't from standing up too fast.
"I...should probably get to bed, it's been a long day…and I'm exhausted." I quickly muttered as I turned away from him. I headed up the steps and tripped over my feet only to be saved by still holding onto the railing. I drew in a deep breath without turning around and marched towards the sliding glass door.
"We should hang out…tomorrow." Edward called out, he always sounded so confident when he spoke. I kept my back towards him as I forced myself to answer him back, my mouth went dry.
"Sure, I'd like that." I managed to say without stumbling over my words. Without waiting for a response I raced inside the house and up to the safety of my bedroom.
That night I dreamt of Edward, how perfect he always seemed, not a single flaw ever found. My amazing dream was abruptly interrupted by a pillow being thrown at my face. I sat up quickly in bed startled, looking around frantically. Edward stood in the door way dressed in khaki shorts and a gray faded graphic t-shirt.
"What are you doing?" I grumbled throwing the pillow back at him. He caught it in his right hand with no problem at all.
"Well let's see, it's ten o`clock in the morning and you're still sleeping and we're supposed to hang out today remember?" I rolled my eyes, falling back down sinking into my pillow, grabbing up the blankets and throwing them over my face.
"Go away! I'm on vacation which usually implies sleeping in." Edward stepped towards the edge of the bed and with one swift movement yanked the blankets away from me. After being interrupted from my slumber I ate breakfast and dressed quickly, joining Edward outside the beach house. He was leaning against his jeep, looking more perfect than humanly possible. As he spotted me, he pushed himself away from the jeep and walked around to the passenger side opening the door for me.
"After you madam." He laughed, then headed around and climbed in the driver's side, roaring the engine to life. We drove away from the small town soon turning onto a dirt road lined with trees.
"Where are we going?" I asked looking over at him. He turned towards me smiling.
"I'm taking you to Qualms Island. Where all the wild horses roam. It's quiet and tucked away from all the people. I thought maybe you would enjoy it. Kristen's constantly talking about your childhood and how you both spent your summers at your grandparent's ranch with horses." I was at a loss for words and the butterflies began fluttering furiously again. At that moment I felt completely at ease with Edward, as if we'd always gotten along this well, but at the same time I felt terrified, like there was something I had yet to discover about him. He always had this edginess that kept me wondering.