AN: I'm so sorry this took so long to write! Mild writer's block. Enjoy!
The next morning, I woke up surprisingly well rested. I stretched lazily, and attempted to open bleary eyes slowly whilst the events of the previous day ran through my mind. With sudden clarity, I remembered the most important part of my day, Edward had returned to me.
I suddenly sat ruler-straight up in bed, jumped out and rushed to my closet, while nearly tripping over yesterdays trainers, in order to quickly find appropriate clothing so I could confront Edward. I needed to know why he returned. Was it just to save me from dying? Is he about to leave again? If he does just leave, it will tear me apart; the hole in my chest is already a gaping wound with tender edges, if he leaves-
My sometimes optimistic mind is failing me today. I rush downstairs, nearly falling down the last couple of stairs thanks to my klutziness; it can't be helped, for me only to crash into a cool wall on my way into the kitchen. Before I inevitably landed on the floor, a pair of cool, hard arms had wrapped around me, catching me.
"Oh!"
Looking up, I'm met with my angel, my saviour: Edward.
"In a bit of a rush are we? I hope it's not for my benefit." He said slightly teasingly, I was not going to be distracted by his talking.
"No talking!"
"Oh, really? Then what would you ha-"
I couldn't let him continue, I just jumped. Quickly grasping his marble lips with my own in a fervent kiss, desperately passionate. It was amazing, I know I would never get tired of this amazing unity we have in these moments, fireworks are not enough to describe this experience with. I finally pulled away when breathing became essential otherwise passing out would have came next, I need to keep the amount of times I faint in Edward's arms at a minimum, it was beyond ridiculous.
"I was going to be unhappy about you interrupting me, but I think you've earned your repentance." He said slowly, with my favourite crooked smile.
"Even though I love the reuniting experience, I think we need to talk about what happened." I reply lowly, washing away the light-hearted atmosphere he created.
I pulled him towards the sofa in the living room and still with a tight-hold on his hand; I pulled him down to sit with me. So close, we were touching at elbows and knees as well as clasped hands.
We sat there, together in silence for what seemed like hours but was actually only a minute or so. I couldn't think of a way to discuss this without the conversation being very painful, he was probably in the same boat as me, unsure of how to start.
"You left me." I finally managed to blurt out, pain edging my voice. I couldn't help but shoot a quick glance up to his face to see what my comment may have done to him. I was not far off with my thoughts; a look of pain had crossed his face whilst he stared at his long fingers.
"I know." He answered me quietly, "I'm sorry. So, so sorry for what I made you go through Bella. To drive you that far, where you would not want to live on this Earth anymore, I can never redeem myself for making you want that." His voice was full of sorrow, but his words confused me.
"You think I jumped off the cliff to try and kill myself? I'm not suicidal Edward!" I spoke loudly, almost slightly hysterically. How could he think that?
Now he was also confused, "You, didn't?"
"No! It was for recreational purposes. I had seen some of the La Push boys doing it a few weeks ago and it seemed fun?"
"Recreational? You did that for a rush of adrenaline? Thrill-seeking?" He was starting to get mad, I could tell.
"Yes. Um, it was something I wanted to do. I didn't realise how bad the water was before I jumped." I was talking quieter now, more hesitant and sheepish. He only saved me because he thought I was trying to kill myself and couldn't live with the guilt. I started to hurt, he isn't staying.
"Bella, I can't believe this! What if I had not been there? You would have died! How would that be for Charlie? Or for Renee? Did you not think what that would do to me?" He was angry, it was very obvious.
"I wouldn't have wanted you to feel guilty over my death."
"Guilty! Is that what you think this is about? You think that's why I saved you. Don't you know me at all Bella?" He cried furiously. I didn't want to fight with him; I hate it when we fight. But now he was forcing me to bring up what I wanted to not have to speak about ever again, in case my wallowing hole in my chest swallowed me up.
"You don't. You don't want me." I whispered. I clenched my eyes closed trying to keep myself together. I couldn't fall apart now, not when he's so close to me.
Is answer was also whispered. "Is that what you think? I didn't realise you believed me so much that day. This is entirely my fault." He sounded so self-conceding, I didn't like it.
"I had to be a good liar that day Bella; I couldn't let you go with me." He pleaded to me, but its okay. I understand why he had to.
"It's alright. You couldn't have led me on any further." I said, looking away from his figure.
"You don't understand Bella! The only reason why I did this, why I put us both through this is I couldn't stand to put you in anymore danger! I want you to have a normal life, a fulfilling life. You can't have that with me." He raised his voice, building momentum. But I was completely lost now, what was he saying?
"I'm. Confused." I told him honestly.
"Bella. My sweet, sweet angel. I love you." He spoke reverently.
I'm pretty sure I stopped breathing, my mind started racing. He, loved me? Still? But he left.
"But, you left me!" I spoke my thoughts out loud for him.
"I had to, for your safety. I didn't want to. I've been downright awful whilst being away from you. I couldn't bear it."
It was like a dream, this is what I had secretly been wishing for whilst asleep for months now. I had to say it, he had to know.
"I still love you too." I spoke loudly whilst gazing straight into the depths of his large, golden eyes.
"Are you sure Bella? After everything I put you through? Put us through?" He said sadly, I had to show him how certain of this I was, had to make him see.
"Yes."
One simple word was all it took for our hearts to align themselves back to each other. It was suddenly easier to breathe again; my heart grew, strengthened and basked in the glory of being one with Edward again. I leaned in for another heart-warming kiss and he quickly caught on to what I wanted and so reciprocated by also leaning in towards me. It was the most beautiful kiss I've ever experienced with Edward, renewed love.
He suddenly pulled away from me, earlier than I wanted him to, with a frown on his face.
"What's wrong?" I asked, still giddy over our latest kiss.
"Charlie's home."
AN: Oooh, cliff hanger! Some very nice reviewers asked for Charlie's reaction to Edward being back but I felt like they had to have their reunion first.
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