Chapter 2: The Beginning

"So, how did it start?"

"She moved to town to live with her father."

"Why?"

"Her mother was getting married. She wanted to be out of the way."

"Hmm. She come home to look after her father?"

"In a manner of speaking, I suppose. She had her place in the home, she did the cooking, the cleaning. The man couldn't look after himself, to be honest."

"Hm. Maybe she should have had a therapist of her own."

"Don't-"

"-Speak ill of the twice-dead? Continue."

"She moved into town, and she caught everyone's attention. She was something special. She didn't know it, but she was beautiful, even before she turned. And she was new, which was a bit unusual in our part of town. Every guy wanted her, and I kept my distance."

"But that didn't last long?"

"I couldn't stay away."

"Why not?"

"She- she was so unhappy. So was I."

"That's no way to begin a relationship." Angel shook his head.

"Are you helping or commentating? How is this even supposed to work?" Edward asked angrily, banging his fist on a table. It promptly collapsed in pieces. He sat back, running his hand over his face.

"Forgive me, I suppose we should have gone over the ground rules." Angel clicked his clicky pen, focussing on Edward's wrinkled brow. "I'm here to listen to you, to help you work through your grief and your anger. I am not here to judge, although with the stipulation that I am occasionally sarcastic and I have unresolved anger issues of my own. Not my words, I promise. Once we get through your issues and resolve your family's concerns, you will be free to go."

"How long will that take?"

"You never were a very patient man, were you, Mr. Cullen?"

"Why are you the one talking to me, and not someone, I don't know, certified?"

"I was personally requested for this case."

"But why?"

"My case was similar to yours, they thought that it would be good for you to talk to someone like . . ." Angel cleared his throat, as if the words were hard to choke out. "Like you."

"We are nothing alike. They couldn't find some other vampire to do the job?"

"I'm pretty unique."

"Really?"

"I have a soul."

"Yeah, so?"

"There are only two known ensouled vampires in existence. Ever. In the history of this world. And the other one smells like bleach."

"You want a cookie?"

"Now who's being sarcastic? Mr. Cullen, you need to focus on yourself. Beginning with how Isabella Cullen, Nee Swan, died. The first time."

"Fine, whatever it takes to end this. Whatever this is."